It's a New Year! (almost)

"We will open the book. It's pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and it's first chapter is New Year's Day."

Edith Lovejoy Pierce

It is Christmas every time

you let God love others

through you. . .

Mother Theresa

Only Two More Days~

This is a reminder to myself that if and when I feel over stressed this holiday season,

I promise to stop, take a deep breath, and say to myself the words, "everything in love". If love is my focus, it brings a peace to my heart and things seem to come into focus. (at least it's worked before!)

Look to the LORD and his strength,

seek his face always.

Psalm 105:4

May the Lord bless your families this Christmas season.

May He hold you in the palm of His hand.

the Christmas spirit... are you lacking?

The Christmas spirit. . . .


I've been thinking alot on this lately, what it is exactly, is it the same for all? When I was young, I always waited for it.  I waited on that warm, fuzzy feeling brought on by Christmas lights and cookies baking in the oven and decorating the tree. I didn't give it alot of thought back then. I always knew it would arrive just in time to go out and buy presents. Some years it was Christmas Eve before I felt moved to go buy presents for my family. No worries...life was simpler then. 


Christmas can be a hard time for those who are lacking. Lacking in anything really~ family, friends, time, money . . .As I've grown older, a panic sets in at times, realizing I'm responsible for my family's Christmas and feeling inadequate.


Just a couple of weeks ago, I was watching the commercials on tv with increased cynicism. I found myself wondering who was behind all of this commercialism anyway. The baby Jesus was born in a simple barn, with hay for his bed. How does buying the latest gadget for our loved ones celebrate his birth? I felt no Christmas spirit. In fact with $4.49 in the bank to last another 4 days until payday I was seriously considering celebrating Christmas with no gifts.  I was reading up about others who had accomplished this successfully and I was trying to come up with creative ideas for other things we could do. I felt peace in God's provision, but for the most part I was feeling very lacking. Lacking financially, and most of all, lacking in the Christmas spirit.


I'm sharing this only because maybe you have felt the same.  I woke up the next morning and I had a message that one of my photos had sold. That was my first little encouragement that God hadn't forgotten about me! Then a couple of days later came more totally unexpected blessings that only God could have sent. I then had to reconcile my latest blessings with my recent thinking. The Christmas spirit was beginning to take over! I entered into that crazy crowd of people looking for just the right gift for their most special people. I didn't feel cynical, or hypocritical. I felt joy! Warm and fuzzy joy! It's Christmas!


"Where did this come from?", I analyzed. I felt God's love and His presence in my everyday doings. I felt peace and began to see things a little differently. Remember how we as children watched our parents prepare for Christmas and experienced the joy of opening our presents on Christmas morning. We in turn tried to imitate this gift giving in our small ways. Making gifts with paper, scissors, glue and glitter or going to the store and buying small gifts that felt like treasures in our small hands.


Well, isn't that what we're all doing at this wonderful season of the year? God gave us His son, His most precious gift. What were the wise men and the shepherd's reaction? They showered Him with gifts somehow sensing the treasure they had been given.


Yes, we will get caught up in a little bit of materialism, watching for the best prices and driving all over town for just the right color or size. We're merely children, giving to those we love, imitating our Father, who showers us with gifts. God sees us as we see our children. Running around trying to give back just as we have been given to.


So, give yourself the gift of Christmas. It's Ok! You don't have to spend a fortune that you don't have. Enter into the joy. The Christmas spirit will sneak up on you.  Remember that what we're lacking at this time of the year seems magnified, but also the blessings ~ the simple gifts  take on new and a greater meaning. Homemade goodies, hand made gifts, time with friends or your children. Take time for the simple things. Remember what a difference one day can make. Open your heart.

It occurrs to me, as I finish this, that all that I have and all that I am is because of that baby sleeping in the hay. Isn't that all that really matters?

Merry Christmas!


"God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it,


He throws caution to the winds,
giving to the needy in reckless abandon.


His right-living, right-giving ways
never run out, never wear out.


This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God. "


2 Corinthians 9:8-11
 
(Now go read my friend's The Bus Stop. I guess great minds think alike!)

December

It's December!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!! We'll be headed to Oklahoma this afternoon. I've been enjoying getting my house in order and baking lots of banana bread.

I always wonder how the days know how to "look" just like Thanksgiving time. The air is crisp, the sun is shining brightly, the leaves and pecans are on the ground. . .

Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother's house we go!

Love to all!

today

I'm at home today with a "code in my dose". The sun is shining beautifully outside. I've been wishing for a whole day to spend at home to catch up on laundry and clutter but now that I'm home for a day I don't feel like doin' nuthin'!

~

Oh well. I guess we all need "nothing" days now and then. Maybe I'll go try to read a book and take a nap.

~

Hope you all are enjoying this November day!

A..a...a...a...Chooo!

Devotional

Here we go again! (I like to repost this from time to time as a reminder of where I've been and where I am going).

If you are a single mom, regardless of the path that brought you here, this is for you..so you can know that you do not have to walk alone.

For all of the women who share the role of single mom, including me, we belong to a very large group of women who share the same heart, the same struggles and the same needs.

In learning how to be single, sometimes we attempt to attach ourselves to another human being, hoping they will be able to meet our deepest needs and heal our hurts. We miss the feeling that we are part of a whole. In our “neediness” we think another human being might hold the answer. So we reach out to relationships that only pull us farther away from where we need to be and bring more hurt into our lives.

The most important truth I can share with you is this. . .

There is someone who I have fallen in love with. I am committed to Him and love Him with all my heart. I am not alone anymore. He meets every need I could ever have. He never leaves my side. He is faithful. He is strong enough to protect and provide for my children and myself. Spending time with Him every day has become my greatest joy. I have learned that I can trust Him in any situation. Regardless of how impossible the world may see my plight, He can bring blessing from it. He has shown me that the greatest blessings in my life have come from my greatest difficulties.

He is my God and my Savior Jesus Christ. He loves me. He loves you. There is nothing we have done or will do that can change that love. We have made mistakes, we have made wrong choices. Those we loved have made mistakes and wrong choices. These do not limit God and His power to restore. His grace and mercy are greater than our weakness. For it is in our greatest struggles that we see Christ. Only His pain on the cross is enough to save us from our greatest pain.

When we get to the place in our lives when there is no one else, no place else to go, nothing left to believe, Jesus is there waiting. His arms are stretched out to us in love and forgiveness. We can find Jesus in His Word, in the books we read, in the music we listen to, and always in our heart. I found that after years of wondering if I could ever be welcomed back into God's arms, I was the one who had looked away. All I had to do was look to Him. My eyes met His and He was right there with me. No human being could ever be as close.

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Romans 8:1

We Do Need People

Hi all,

Everytime I read my devotional for single moms (devotion of a single mom) I feel like something is missing. When I say that we don't need another human being, I mean that we can't look to another person to fix us and I'm referring to romantic relationships. Because the truth is, God created us to need other people. We need to be around strong women who depend on their faith daily and who have been through what we're going through. We need our families. We need to spend time talking with women who need our help in facing the struggles they're in.

We do need each other. So don't isolate yourself as you live life as a single mom. We were never meant to live in isolation. It's easier to be strong when we have people to hold us accountable. Find a Bible Study for women or single parents and you'll find out you aren't alone out there. Find a singles class who like to do fun things together and include the kids.

Life as a single parent does have it's difficulties, but it has it's joys and triumphs too. Remember the definition of courage: doing something in spite of being afraid. It's not the absence of fear, but acting through your fear. When you get to the other side you'll be a stronger, more courageous person! It's really rather exhilarating!

(and then maybe someday . . . a long way down the road. . .or maybe not. . .whatever God has in mind.)

Back to Nature

~ We did have a great camping trip. Complete with tree climbing, swimming in the river, hiking, all the things a boy needs from time to time. For Mom, sitting back, listening to the locusts and crickets and birds, sleeping in a tent, just being surrounded by the healing power of nature. It's always surprising how a little time soaking up God's creation can calm and help to erase the little daily stresses and even the big ones. We had a little more warmth and sunshine than expected but overall we had a great time.

~

The evening we returned home, we watched the PBS special about our National Parks. My camping confidence renewed, we made plans to camp more often and see more of the natural beauty both nearby and far away someday. The show talked about how real God's presence is felt and the healing to our mind and spirit we experience when surrounded by nature. I had to agree!

~

We came home with a second walking stick so I now have my own for our next hike. Those things come in handy!

It's the Weekend!

We're getting packed up to go camping tomorrow morning early. My son is bringing a friend he's known for 10 years and we're meeting my class from church. We'll be sleeping in tents and cooking outside and fishing and hiking. I'm looking forward to the quietness of nature. We're going to Dinosaur Valley State Park. There's a Creation Evidence Museum next door that I've always wanted to visit, so maybe we'll get to this time.

They have a river you can cross on foot. First you have to take off your shoes and socks and step over the rocks through the cool water. It's lots of fun! This photo was taken a few years ago. I'll share new pictures when we get back home.

I hope you all have a great weekend. I plan to enjoy my two days off! Yippee!

My heart this morning

As the deer pants for streams of water,

so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

Psalm 42:1-2

This is my heart this morning. I've got to run and get ready for work.

Blessings to all who stop by!

Trust in the Lord

Trust God from the bottom of your heart,

don't try to figure out everything on your own.

Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go

He's the one who will keep you on track.

~

Proverbs 3:5-6

~

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding
in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.

~

You know, sometimes life doesn't make sense. Sometimes we feel a burden we can't carry on our own. Sometimes we feel that we're being asked to do something that is more than we are capable of. Even when we can't see what God is doing, we trust. We won't try to understand, we will simply look to God and listen for Him everywhere we go and in everything we do.

~

My heart trusts in you, Lord. I'm listening.

I wanna be good!

The sweet children in my classroom are already teaching me lessons in faith and in life.

~

There is a little boy who when he realizes he's gotten off track and said or done something impulsively, something he knows he shouldn't have, he looks up at me with big eyes and says " was that mean?" "I don't wanna be bad", " I be good", " I wanna be good!", or some variation of that. I look him in the eyes and tell him "you are good" and get back to the lesson at hand. Sometimes it takes reassuring him more than once.

~

Last night I found myself praying about a situation and my heart was yearning, speaking to God with the same words, realizing my own foolishness, "I wanna be good, I wanna do right and listen to you, Lord" and in the silence I heard it. My own words echoing back to me. I heard God saying back to me "you are good. You are loved."

~

Thank you Lord for being there always.

~

"Never will I leave you

never will I forsake you."

Hebrews 13:5

Little Willow

Bend, little willow

Wind's gonna blow you

Hard and cold tonight

Life, as it happens

Nobody warns you

Willow, hold on tight

.Nothing's gonna shake your love

Take your love away

No one's out to break your heart

It only seems that way...hey

Sleep little willow

Peace gonna follow

Time will heal your wounds

Grow to the heavens

Now and forever

Always came too soon.

Little willow

Nothing's gonna shake your love

Take your love away

No one's out to break your heart

It only seems that way...hey

Bend, little willow

Wind's gonna blow you

Hard and cold tonight

Life, as it happens

Nobody warns you

Willow, hold on tight

.Ahhh, little willow

New days and blessings

Gee, it's been a long time since I have written! I've been missing all of you out there in blogland! It's been a busy time around here, moving my daughter off to college, getting my son ready to start 7th grade, beginning my new job, getting used to an emptier nest, enjoying my daughter's first visit back home for the weekend, and the start of school.



I love the sweet children in my class at the middle school. I'm a teacher's assistant in a classroom of 9 children with varied disabilities. The challenge right now is to discover what each child is capable of learning and what they already know. They are all such characters and completely unpredictable.



While I'm so thankful for God's provision for my daughter to go away to college, (for me that part is a pure miracle) I find myself asking Him to give her the strength to face feeling homesick at times and that she will find friendship that she is missing right now.



I'm thankful for my two jobs and for that regular paycheck that will start arriving September 15. I'm counting the days!



I'm thankful for my 25 year old son who is now living and working in Denver, Colorado. He is in the perfect job for a young man who loves adventure and is great working with people. He sells roofs to homeowners who live in areas damaged by severe storms. So in the past few years he's had the opportunity to live in in Orlando Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Austin and now Denver. I'm so proud of him and his success.



I'm thankful for my 23 year old daughter who lives nearby and is patiently waiting for that marriage proposal. (Pray with me on that one) I won't be surprised if one day she just up and goes to law school and advances in politics. I'm very proud of the gracious young lady she is becoming.



I'm even thankful for my puppy who finds a new shoe to destroy every day!

Love you all! Have a great week!

Whirlwind

Wow, what a week we've had and it's not over yet! I've seen God's hand at work in so many ways, just in the working together of the details and providing what was needed at the time. One week ago today, I sent Chad off to church camp for a week. Because Shannon had to be at Oklahoma State on Monday morning for sorority recruitment week, he went to stay at his older sister Suzannah's house on Sunday. He got to go fishing and swimming and then on Monday morning she drove him to church to catch the bus to camp!

In the meantime, we drove up to Stillwater, Oklahoma so that Shannon could be there bright and early Monday morning. The girls are staying in the dorm she will be in permanently so she actually got her permanent room assignment for this week too. Then I drove back home in time to celebrate Suzannah's 23rd birthday Tuesday. I then had a few days of empty nesting and working. I received a few heart wrenching phone calls from my homesick daughter but she made it through the week and had alot of fun.

Friday, the buses arrived with the church camp kids. My son had a wonderful week and couldn't wait to introduce me to the new friends he made. He can't wait until Sunday now. That's cool! Answered prayers there!

We drove back up to Stillwater yesterday, and after dropping Chad and our little dog Oscar off at Grandma and Grandpa's, I met up with Shannon to see her new sorority house and celebrate with her. I wasn't in one in college so this is all new to me. Since she's going off to another state without any of her friends from home, I'm praying this will give her a good place to belong. Because the week wasn't an easy one for her and the decisions were really difficult, this was a faith building time for her. She prayed that God would put her in the sorority that He wanted her in, that she was supposed to be in. When she received her invitation it was obvious to her and all who had been praying with her, that her prayers were answered. The house even has a beautiful little prayer room in it. Her aunt and cousin shared in the day with us and it just felt like a blessed day all around.

We left Chad with his grandparents for a few days and drove back home late last night. Today, I had the special treat of spending the afternoon with BOTH of my girls. We went antique shopping and just looking and had wonderful, rare girl time. It was especially special since Shannon is leaving this week to move into her dorm and get settled in for school to start next week on Monday.

Life is full of changes and new beginnings. I've seen God's hand rescue me and just give me the strength I needed for the moment many times this week. I've seen Him work in my kids lives. I've seen Him stretch time and money to get us where we needed to be.

Trust in the LORD and do good.

Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.

Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart

Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.

He will bring forth your righteousness as the light

And your judgment as the noonday.

Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him.

Psalm 37:3-7

Thank you, Lord. Our days are in your hands.

In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice,

in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

Psalm 5:3

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone,

my hope comes from Him.

Psalm 62:5

My Grandma's House

My Grandma loved her church.


She loved welcoming us into her home in the country, standing at her blue painted front door, graciously giving out hugs and "I wuv u's" to all of us grandkids. I haven't stepped inside her home for several years. When she moved into the nursing home, my mom and uncle were able to sell her house to eight members of my Grandma's church. They rented it to various tenants.

My Grandma's house was situated on acres of Oklahoma farmland. It was beautiful to this Oklahoma girl's eyes. There were chicken coops, hay barns, water troughs, a windmill, bird houses, red clay creekbeds winding for miles it seemed, leading to treasure troves of antique finds, acres of pastureland to explore. . . heaven on earth for this city girl and her little brother. Breakfasts of musk melon and toast with sorghum molasses, long summer walks with my Grandma through pastures to find treasures, old glass bottles or tools, we never knew what we might happen upon. Climbing down the steps into the damp basement to help with weighing eggs, or canning. Dinners of fried okra, sleeping upstairs with the windows open, watching and listening for the birds as the sun came up.

One of her bibles, with her name inscribed on the front, has been my treasure since she passed away several years ago. I'm always finding words she had written alongside and verses underlined. The embroidered birds I shared with you in a previous post were lovingly stitched by her hands.

We were in Oklahoma for a family reunion yesterday. On the way home, I decided to drive by my Grandma's house. I knew she gave some of her land to her church. I didn't realize they had already completed their new building across the pasture from her home. All of the creek beds were leveled and the trees were gone. The barns and windmill had disappeared as if some hand had brushed over the surface of the land. On a whim, I turned into her driveway. There was a man there removing the garage door. "They're tearing the house down tomorrow, so they wanted me to remove the door today", he says as we approach. Evidently black mold has made the home unlivable and so the church has decided to tear it down to build a parking lot.

It was like stepping into a moment in time that was meant to be. Walking into her home still filled with memories and love, tears filled my eyes as I ran my hand over the walls and doorways, remembering days and moments, sights and smells. I watched my own kids look around with awe, the realization of the history and meaning our memories held shining in their eyes. Members of the church had already removed all of the glass doorknobs. Dust and cobwebs filled the window sills and corners. Upstairs we found sloppily painted purple walls, and a poem painted into the closet where as children, we had played with the same antique toys enjoyed by my mom and uncle, left for a new generation of kids to discover.

Wanting to take something of these long lost memories with us to hold and keep, we were able to remove some handles from her cabinets, a window from the front door, and two beautiful solid wood doors. I know my Grandma would love the fact that people from miles around are worshiping God on her land. I know she isn't holding onto her home any longer. It's not needed where she is, but my heart still aches a little as I let go of it today.

My grandma loved her church. I hope the church treasures her gift for generations to come. (They'd better. I wonder how long this parking lot has been planned? Sorry, just the cynic coming out in me.)

p.s. Can you believe I forgot to take a picture? When I find an old one to scan I'll add it here!

Sunday Rain

We arrived home from church today just in time to enjoy a little rain and thunder. Very refreshing, perfect for a Sunday afternoon.

A Walk in July

The quiet morning drew me outside to spend some time walking and contemplating. There was enough of a breeze to breathe coolness into the start of the day!

Beautiful Texas Bluebonnets, right in my own flowerbed!

We bought the seeds as souvineers on a trip in the spring and they finally bloomed~

This little guy scampered along with me for awhile~

I was finally able to capture him with my close up setting. He's found a nut of some kind~


He scampered up a tree and is enjoying his find~



Bright eyed and bushy tailed~!

Beautiful Sunflowers this morning along the way!

And another. . .

Wow! What a Sunflower!

My huge Cottonwood tree towers over my rooftop. Even though some people think it doesn't count because it's just a Cottonwood, I love my tree!

Moss roses in my flower pot. I'm still enjoying this macro photography thing!

Have a wonderful Saturday!

Rest and Trust

I'll be heading off to work here in a little while. I've watered my flowers and enjoyed my coffee. Just wanted to wish you all a happy day and that God will be with you in all you do. I found myself caught up in striving and stressing over my job situation or lack of, yesterday, exhausted mentally and emotionally from looking for a second job. (I have a part time job this summer, and a job lined up for fall, but that's a month away). Until I saw myself and realized how silly I was being. God is in control, no matter what it looks like to us. Trust. That's my word for today. Rest and trust.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him

Psalm 37:7

Shadows

Today is my son's 13th birthday! But, since he and his friends are still sleeping, I thought I'd sneak in a quick post. The Brenda Photo Challenge this time is on Shadows.

Watch for the Unexpected Miracles!

Though the fig tree should not blossom

And there be no fruit on the vines,

Though the yield of the olive should fail

And the fields produce no food,

Though the flock should be cut off from the fold

And there be no cattle in the stalls,

Yet I will exult in the LORD,

I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord GOD is my strength,

And He has made my feet like hinds' feet,

And makes me walk on my high places.

Habakkuk 3:17-20

The steps of a man are established by the LORD,

And He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong,

Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand.

I have been young and now I am old,

Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken

Or his descendants begging bread.

All day long he is gracious and lends,

And his descendants are a blessing.

Psalm 37:23-26

These days have been filled with joys and blessings, God showing me His answers to my long sought after prayers, and moments of pure panic. When I'm reacting to a situation with worry and fear, then I'm not trusting in God's provision and presence. Regardless of how things may appear, I can know with confidence that God holds my hand. Even though there is no fruit on the vines, and no blossom on the fig tree, God will be my strength. He will give me the ability to walk and climb in the steep places.

God's answers are not always, or usually, what we expect. But they fit into God's picture He is creating in our lives. Sometimes I'm so busy looking for what I was expecting that I miss the miracles God is providing!

"The African impala can jump to a height of over 10 feet and cover a distance of greater than 30 feet. Yet these magnificent creatures can be kept in an enclosure in any zoo with a 3-foot wall. The reason is these animals will not jump if they cannot see where their feet will fall. Faith is the ability to trust what we cannot see". . .(God's Plan for My Life, Living by Faith by Cooper Abrams)

If I didnt' have times of need in my life, I wouldn't have moments of realization and reflection like this. God wants me to draw near to Him and when I do, He comforts me and gives me the strength and faith to take the next step (or leap!)

As for us, we will walk

In the name of the Lord our God forever and ever.

Micah 3:9

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High,

Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1

If I remain for a time in a position of being covered and protected by God, the Most High, then, I will continue in the place of His reflected image. Just my own late night attempt at paraphrasing. I started out my day memorizing and repeating this verse in my head, over and over. So, I guess it's right that I end my day thinking on the same words. I looked up the definitions of the words in Webster's, trying to find a way of making them more clear, more alive.

I like this one too.

I will lie down and sleep in peace,

for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8

Goodnight All!

new growth

One of the perks of not working full time at the moment, is I have ttttiiiiimmmmeeee to read and reflect that I didn't always have before. In reading the post about pruning on The Master's Artist blog, I remembered my old rose bush that I trimmed way back earlier in the spring. It was here when we moved into this house a little over 10 years ago. It had grown to be as tall as the house itself and was looking very woody and dead in some places. So, I trimmed it back, as far as my clippers would allow and sort of forgot about it since it's towards the back, on the side of my house.

*

The amazing thing about it is, new green growth is growing out of what looked to be dead, and the roses are a bright pink color instead of the deep, dark red they were before! Even they are expressing the newness of new life.

*

Maybe that's what I'm experiencing in this in between time. Maybe this is a time to be open to newness, new color, new growth, new ideas. . . For some reason, worry about money hasn't hit me yet. I'm just more aware of God being in the details, details I see in the beauty of creation around me, details in creating and accepting what I have been given to create, and the joy in all of that. I think it's a kind of healing for me. I can certainly use all of that I can get!

*

Well, my dogs can't decide whether to play or take a nap. I think they've decided on the nap. I just put my tea bags in for some fresh brewed iced tea for today, my daughter's still asleep, my son's not home yet from his sleepover, I've emptied the dishwasher, and I'm soaking up the quietness of the morning. Love to you all.

Sweet Lamb of God

Lamb of God

Your only Son, no sin to hide

but you have sent Him from your side

to walk upon this guilty sod

and to become the Lamb of God.

~

Your gift of love they crucified

they laughed and scorned Him

as He died

the Humble King

they named a fraud

and sacrificed the Lamb of God.

~

O Lamb of God sweet Lamb of God

I love the holy Lamb of God

O wash me in your precious blood

my Jesus Christ the Lamb of God.

~

I was so lost I should have died

but you have brought me to your side

to be lead by your staff and rod

and to be called a lamb of God.

~

O Lamb of God sweet Lamb of God

I love the holy Lamb of God

O wash me in your precious blood

'til I am just a lamb of God.

I woke up in the night singing this song over and over. When I woke up this morning, I was still singing this song. I'm not sure where it came from, well, yes I do. It's very comforting. I didn't know all of the words, so I was just sort of humming the tune in my head. I've been searching for a beautiful version of it to share, and this is the best I've found. I love being able to read all of the words too. Karen over at Loved and Engraved gave me the idea. Maybe we could have a classic hymn sharing blog theme. (or something like that). Anyway, sit back, close your eyes and enjoy.

(*A beautiful arrangement of the Christian hymn "Lamb of God" played on my Abell D Irish Whistle, the same one that Sir James Galway plays on The Lord of the Rings. Accompaniment CD is from a book available online. Flutemark)

No Fear in Love

There is no fear in love,

but perfect love casts out fear.

1 John 4:18

God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we're free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ's. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.
We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.

1 John 4:17-19

Do everything in love.

1 Corinthians 16:14

So, it occurrs to me, that if I am living my days in the presence of God, who is love, that my fears will diminish, and love will increase. I'm reading a book by Jan Karon called " Home to Holly Springs". It fills me with the sense that God is in the details of my life. If that is true, then the details take on new meaning. I have tended to skip over the details, because the big picture is what matters. However, the big picture is made up of all of the details. If I take care of the details, then the big picture will take care of itself. (I think). I guess what I'm trying to say, is that I'm learning to trust that God will help me with the details that I'm afraid of, and if He cares about the details, then they aren't so overwhelming to me. The big picture is too big for me to take care of, anyway. I think I'll trust Him with that. Jan Karon's books are precious. Her characters often refer to "praying the prayer that never fails". And that is my prayer today, for your day and mine.

Sing Out Loud

"It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can do only a little. Do what you can."

***

Anyway

* * *

You can spend your whole life buildin'

Somethin' from nothin'

One storm can come and blow it all away

Build it anyway

*

You can chase a dream

That seems so out of reach

And you know it might not ever come your way

Dream it anyway

*

God is great, but sometimes life ain't good

When I pray it doesn't always turn out like I think it should

But I do it anywayI do it anyway

*

This world's gone crazy and it's hard to believe

That tomorrow will be better than today

Believe it anyway

You can love someone with all your heart

For all the right reasons

And in a moment they can choose to walk away

Love 'em anyway

*

(Repeat Chorus)

You can pour your soul out singin'

A song you believe in

That tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang

Sing it anyway

Yeah sing it anyway

*

I sing

I dream

I love anyway

*

Martina McBride/Brad Warren/Brett Warren

*Sydney Smith

To Know This Love

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

Ephesians 3:16-21

This is my prayer for you today!~and for me, for all of us!

Do Re Mi

This video is so much fun. I just found it on facebook. Maybe you've already seen it, but if not I hope you enjoy it! It made me smile :)

Sunshine on My Shoulders

There are songs that are so woven into our memories and days that they become a part of us. This is one of those songs. Written in the early 1970's, it was one that I learned to play on my acoustic Yamaha guitar. (I even had a dream once that I married John Denver).

I'm enjoying a quiet, peaceful afternoon. Mowing my yard, thinking back over this past week, planning my flower beds in my mind, thanking God for His wonderful blessings, of sitting beside my daughter in church this morning, taking communion, of friends and fellowship, and knowing that my God is greater than can be imagined.

The sunshine is shining on my shoulders today as I work outside and I wish you the warmth of sunshine on your shoulders today, too!

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

I love this subject for our new Brenda Photo Challenge hosted by Karen at Loved and Engraved. This has been a busy week, but I like the fact that God is reminding me to remember the beauty of what He is accomplishing around me.

This is a beautiful sight to all proud parents who only have

eyes for one of the 1200 high school graduates. My eyes were glued on the 19th row, 7th student in from the right side. Her expression says it all! The day finally arrived! Yeah!

My amazing 12 year old son graduated from 6th grade and my wonderful parents were able to be here to share the excitement of both graduations and the beauty of new beginnings and looking to the future!

"I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."

Jeremiah 29:11

Seek Him

Seek the Lord and His strength,

Seek His face continually.

Psalm 105:4

I'm doing a little house cleaning and painting my bathroom tonight while listening to a really good oldies station. Boy, every song has been so fun to listen to. So, I thought I'd share a little "blast from the past" with you guys.









Ok. . . EVERY song sung by Cat Stevens is so poignant and beautiful. It's very difficult to only include three, but I've got work to do! How many hundreds of times did we listen to these songs and how did they shape our hearts when we were so young?

Praying this Morning

Today is the last day of my beautiful eighteen year old daughter's senior year in high school. She has one test left to take today, a portfolio to finish up, and a checklist to get signed by the principal to ensure she has everything needed to graduate. She's exempt from her finals so she doesn't have to go to class next week. Graduation is June 2. While celebrating with her and feeling her joy in this time, it's been a time of stress as well, as we all know.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul,
He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for Thou art with me,
Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies,
Thou hast anointed my head with oil,
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I know summer will soon be here, full of relaxing, sunny days.
I pray that God will be with all of you too, as you go about your lives and days!

Born Free

Who remembers this movie? Isn't it funny how the movies and books and music we love as children stay with us? We rented this movie on Sunday and so far I'm the only one who has watched it all the way through. My old paperback copy of the book is missing its front cover, but still on my bookshelf. That's amazing. I remember what a powerful effect it had on me as a young girl and whatever pull it had on me then is still there. I love the song. I remember the cover of the sheet music, so I must have learned to play it on the piano. I'll have to look for it and see if I can still find the notes on my out of tune piano!

I will soon be moving to Africa and raising lions. I'll continue blogging from there. My heart is full!

Looking through the backyard of my life
Time to sweep the fallen leaves away

Paul McCartney

Love this song

It's time for healing time to move on
It's time to fix what's been broken too long
Time to make right what has been wrong
It's time to find my way to where I belong
There's a wave that's crashing over me
All I can do is surrender

Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
but I'm giving in to something heavenly

Time for a milestone
Time to begin again
Revaluate who I really am
Am I doing everything to follow your will
or just climbing aimlessly over these hills
So show me what it is you want from me
I give everything I surrender...To...

Time to face up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out
That I've wanted to say for so many years
Time to to release all my held back tears

Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but I believe
You're up to something bigger than me
Larger than life something heavenly

Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but now I can see
This something bigger than me
Larger than life something heavenly
Something heavenly

It's time to face up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out

Thoughts for the Day!

Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles, it empties today of its strength.

Corrie Ten Boom

Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.

Abraham Lincoln

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Luke 11:9-10

I've been thinking lately about beauty and wisdom. I know we will see what we look for, whether it is in our own lives or in the lives of others, or in the world around us. If we seek beauty, we will find beauty. If we ask for wisdom, we will be given wisdom. I for one, intend to start seeking and asking! I hope to make my blog a place of inspiration, where both can be found. Who wants to walk with me up to the door and knock?

Today

Dear God, I'm sitting here looking out at the deep green of the trees, the rain drops on blades of grass, the gray of the sky. Focusing on your power, your love, your strength. So many details to take care of. So many obstacles to go around, looking for the smooth way through this time. This should be a joyous time really! My daughter is graduating from high school in less than one month! I think I'm feeling a mixture of sadness, the stress of getting everything done by the deadlines, and trying to enjoy this time for her.

upcoming events

• pick up prom ticket
• daughter takes college entrance test
• Call the school to excuse her from classes
• Pick up prom dress
• order boutonniere
• pick up senior pictures
• pay for senior pictures
• rent carpet cleaner
• clean house
• pick up repaired trombone
• work
• drive to Oklahoma to pick up grandparents
• son's band concert
• work
• work
• Prom
• church
• Mother's Day
• work
• work (got sick, so I didn't have to work!)
• work "
• work "
• work "
• work
• drive grandparents back to Oklahoma
• squeeze in another college visit or two
• amiably discuss and agree with her dad on school choice and finances
• accept financial aid package for chosen school
• find a summer job for myself
• find a full time job with school district for next year
• Band field trip
• register son for summer camp
• take English, Language Arts and Reading test for grades 4-8
• daughter's graduation June 2

I look back over this list, and in addition to being weights on my shoulders, each and everyone of these is also a privilege, and a gift. Lord, thank you for the jobs you've provided for me so far. Thank you for the job you will provide for me this summer. Thank you for meeting our needs. Thank you for the financial aid for my daughter to attend college. Thank you for my wonderful kids and their full and wonderful lives. I pray for your protection for them as they make their way in the world. Be with my daughter today as she takes her test. Please don't let her add my stress to her own. I lay all of these things at your feet. I know I'm trying to carry too many things at one time. You are able to carry all of us and our burdens!

My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

Post Post!

I apologize, because this list could just as easily have been placed on a piece of paper on my desk or kitchen counter, but since it's here, I have highlighted all of the items accomplished so far in this purple color! How about that! Somehow the days have a way of taking care of themselves. I think I've read that somewhere. . .

Have a great day!

Hope

Hope~ to desire with expectation of obtainment
~ to expect with confidence

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect

1 Peter 3:15

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 25:5

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him

Lamentations 3:25

Lord, let my hope be only in you.

OSU!

Guess what we did this weekend? My 18 year old daughter and I visited my old college campus (well, one of three) and attended their open house. It was so fun! Everything was orange! We walked along the same sidewalks that I walked as a freshman and saw all of the classroom buildings I remember. My old dorm had been torn down even though it was new when we moved in some 35 years ago. The Italian restaurant I worked in was closed up and empty. It's still a friendly school with great spirit and attitude. It makes me wish I could go back to college days again and take advantage of all of the fun things to do! My daughter is still deciding on a school. But it was such a treasure for this mom to get to spend a day with her and relive alot of fun memories as well. Go Cowboys!

On My Front Porch

On my front porch are two chairs. I bought them a few years ago. I was looking for something inexpensive but nice looking. I really like them, they are blue and green striped fabric on a wood frame with a little wooden table to match sitting in the middle. Usually when I sit outside I don't notice the empty chair sitting beside me. However, the other morning as I sat trying to capture a sense of peace and quiet, all I could hear was the constant roar of the nearby highway, with an occasional bird's singing, and my mind was full of thoughts refusing to be quiet.



All of a sudden, the emptiness of the chair seemed to have a presence all its' own. I began to imagine, what if Jesus were sitting in that chair. What would I say to Him if given the chance? What would He say to me?



We all have things in our lives that seem to keep reoccurring. People or situations . . . something that we just haven't been able to make sense out of. So I asked. I asked what am I supposed to do and how am I supposed to feel and respond in "my" situation. His answer to me, brought me peace. He said that there are words that people say and things they do that destroy, that are meant to cause destruction in some way. Remember when this happens, that these words are not from me. Remember My Truth, that you are loved.


Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1.


This morning, I was reminded of this verse as I sat on my front porch.


The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.


Psalm 34:18


Now, if you read this and think I've lost my marbles, let me assure you I haven't. I didn't hear a voice or see a vision. But His words spoke to my heart and for the first time I realize that some things don't have to make sense. I don't have to make them make sense, when I know that I am loved.

God's Amazing Grace

There is no limit to the things God has in store for us. His love holds the most unexpected gifts, just waiting for His moment to give them to us.

I just spoke to my sister in law (ex), who I had not spoken to in at least 10 years. The sound of her voice and laughter brought healing to a place in my heart that I didn't even know was there, but God knew. We just had a casual conversation, but the acceptance and love were still there as if no time at all had gone by. Isn't it amazing. . . God's grace. The grace we have known, we hold in our hands to give to others.

GOD, YOU'RE AMAZING!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,

God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

Ephesians 3:20

Encouragement for the Day

We all need encouragement, some days more than others. There is an enemy of our soul, watching and waiting for loneliness, fatigue, fear, worry, anything that distracts us from the path we're walking with Christ, the journey that God has set before us. God has made me aware lately, as if watching from a distance, the spiritual battle going on around us. We begin to feel alone, then tiredness sets in, and then when fear over any small (or big)circumstance enters our mind, we start to worry. When we worry we can't trust. Then the enemy has us where he wants us.

We become disoriented from the direction we were headed. It happens to all of us, at one time or another. I guess I wanted to write about this today because about a week or so ago, God began to show me new things. I was given a glimpse into a new realm of awareness of God working. And then this week, I am aware of fighting an invisible enemy. It's a pattern I can see scattered throughout my Christian life. Can you see it in yours as well?

It really began when I chose trust over worry. Sometimes I think that by worrying, I'm protecting my family, simply being cautious. But sometimes, God asks us to trust Him, to allow Him to give us a gift. Sometimes He wants to answer a prayer we have never prayed with words. He wants to answer the yearnings of our hearts that we don't even know how to express.

Two things happened actually, simultaneously. My son was given the opportunity to attend a father/son retreat on being a man of integrity. It was for his age group of boys getting ready to enter 7'th grade. Three men in our church volunteered to go as a"foster dads" so that the sons of single moms could also take part. I believe it will be a blessing for years to come in my son's life. The look in his eyes with the anticipation of going and the look in his eyes when he got home, I'll never forget. It was as if he knew this was a gift he was being given, something of great importance.

At the same time, there was a woman speaking Saturday morning to the women at my church. Her talk was called "Ministering to the Wounded Heart"*. While I was driving to hear her speak that morning, my heart felt as if I was "running" to Jesus. I knew I would meet Him there and hear Him in her words somehow. Her words helped me to understand myself and my past. God also gave me a new vision for my future. A joyful vision of ministering to other wounded hearts.

She shared how her plan was to minister to others through her strength. God's plan was for her to minister through her weakness*. God is so good. His grace is always right there, right where you are. He can turn our suffering into a treasure to be used by Him*. I guess that's what I mean in my heading, about God turning the greatest struggles in our lives into blessings. For me, I have found that when I struggle, then I draw closer to God. The closer I am to God, the more peace, hope and joy I am given, deep in my spirit, regardless of circumstances. Without suffering, without struggle, where would I be?

I pray that these verses are an encouragement and strength to you as you persevere and fight the battle.

Psalm 37: 39-40
The spacious, free life is from God, it's also protected and safe. God-strengthened, we're delivered from evil— when we run to him, he saves us.

Galations 5:1
Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.

Romans 12: 9-10
Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

Ephesians 6: 10-18
God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
13-18 Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Philippians 1:6
There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.


* Alisa A. Hale
East-West Ministries

Happy Easter

There is a peaceful rain falling and birds are singing. A beautiful Easter morning!

Happy Easter from my house to yours!

John 20

1Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" 3So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. 8Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9(They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10Then the disciples went back to their homes, 11but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. 13They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?" "They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." 14At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. 15"Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him." 16Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). 17Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' " 18Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her. Jesus Appears to His Disciples 19On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." 22And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." Jesus Appears to Thomas 24Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." 26A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." 28Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" 29Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." 30Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers.Take these words along with the image when you post your award.

Just when I feel I've been neglectful of my own blog and my blog friends, I get a sweet message from Joni at Morning Coffee to encourage my heart and my writing! I've been really busy lately as well, hurrying to read what you've written, and not having the time to let you know that I've stopped by and that your words gave me inspiration for the day. Busyness means there's more work, which is good, however there's not as much time left over to nurture the soul. God has been busy though, allowing me a small glimpse into a new realm of awareness. Isn't it cool how that happens? So, I will be writing more soon.

Now, if I just had a few more hours to devote to blogland today! I'm passing this on to

The Perfect Walk

She has had to take a break from blogging and I want her to know she is missed. Her words always touched my heart for their honesty. Pray for Leigh in the Philippines.

Whispering Hope

Morning Coffee

A Woman's Worth