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

Psalm 90

Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Relent, O LORD! How long will it be?
Have compassion on your servants.
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble.
May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90:12-17

These words are my prayer tonight. I've missed Your word Lord. My days have been filled to overflowing and I need your peace. I see answers to my unspoken prayers and I thank you that you know my heart. I do pray for my work, the work of my hands to be Yours, to be established and planned by You. I commit my days to you. I commit my life to serving you. Your plans for me are all I need. My trust is in You.

Houston, Texas Spring Break!

We drove down to Houston to see where my son is living and working and while we were there we did some sightseeing!

On our second day we visited The Johnson Space Center. We took a tram tour through Nasa and we saw some of the actual spacecraft that flew to the moon and some real space rocks!

The historic Mission Control happened in this building and the present day Mission Control is happening currently in this same building! A Space Shuttle launched 3 days before we were there.

You are looking at the Mission Control room for all of the Apollo Missions to the moon. "Houston, we've had a problem" was called into this very room. Pretty cool to think of all the history that happened right here.

This was incredible. This rocket was built for the Apollo 18 mission, however it never went to the moon because of a lack of funding for the space program in the 1970's. It's taller than the Statue of Liberty!

We left in awe of what man has accomplished in actually exploring space and landing on the moon and wondering where the next step will be. Oh, and guess what song was playing on the radio as we drove away? Rocket Man by Elton John!

The last stop on our trip home was to see this statue of Sam Houston.

Our first adventure is a trip to the Houston Zoo. I was always stopping to take one more picture and hurrying to catch up with my boys.

Azaleas were everywhere!


I loved the giraffes. They're so beautiful and elegant.

The lions were enjoying the warm sunshine after all of the cold and rainy weather we've had here lately. I know exactly how they feel!

Funny, little meerkats just sat there staring at...something?

The best part was getting to hang out with my two favorite guys. It was just me and "My Two Sons" for a few days. So much fun!

Little Oscar

I would like to introduce you to the newest member of our family! He officially belongs to my daughter, but he has found his way into all of our hearts. It's funny how a puppy can fill up all the empty places and give so much joy! He's about an 8 week old teacup poodle/chihuahua. He's so little and sweet. We love him!

Pear Blossoms

Pear Blossoms

I glanced out at my backyard today, ready to get the rake and continue cleaning up all of the leaves and twigs left over from last year. I saw the pear tree beginning to bloom. I worked out in the yard yesterday and sure didn't notice it. We've lived in this house for 10 years. There were many of those years when I was so busy treading the water of life that I was unable to see what was right before me. Today, as I walked out to the tree with my camera, I prayed a prayer of thankfulness for these quiet moments, a chance to see.

Dear Lord, thank you for the warmth of the sunshine, the beauty of this pear tree right in my own backyard, the strength that I find in you. I pray that you will restore our hearts and the lost years. Let the joy we find in you be our strength. Give us hope for the future, for our hope is in you.

"for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Nehemiah 8:10

Isaiah 43

Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Isaiah 43:1-3

Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. I've called your name. You're mine.When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end—Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior.

Isaiah 43:1-3

Signs of Spring!

The first thing to bloom in my yard each year is this Flowering Quince, transferred years ago from my mom's garden in Oklahoma.

Miniature Daffodils (I wish they smelled as pretty as they look!

A brand new bud on my pear tree

Henbit is just a weed, but it even has it's own beauty, until it takes over my yard!Dandelions, amazing how this changes . . .to this!

You can visit the Brenda Photo Challenge Blog to see all of the other participants. Joy at Shuttershy is our host this month.

Flowers appear on the earth, the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. Song of Solomon 2:12

I love how God renews my life each day, in each situation, when I seek Him. Spring reflects that joy we feel in the renewal of life. I wish you many beautiful springtimes!

Stormy

He was a wonderful dog!

One day about 6 years ago, my son presented me with a dog. Not just any dog. A very large, tall, two year old Doberman Pinscher. As my son and I drove in his car listening to the thunder and watching the rain outside the windows, I asked him what the dog's name was, "Stormy" was his answer. The coincidence of his name, with the stormy day on which he became a member of our family, helped to put to rest my doubts. Storm, or Stormy, became such a beloved pet. He taught me so much about love, sacrifice, gentleness, loyalty...the list could go on.

We had him for two months, when he was hit by a car. We all helped nurse him back to health and I think this time solidified his place in our home. There's something about the look a dog gives you, looking you straight in the eye, communicating love and joy. Alot of people were afraid of him. I just had to laugh, knowing what a wimp he really was. When someone would walk up the sidewalk to the house, he would stick his face out of the curtains. Because he had been woken up from a long nap, his eyes would squint, his nose would scrunch up, which showed his pointy teeth. I have to admit, I would have been scared too, but he always made me think of Jerry Lewis.

On the other hand, he was a beautiful, strong, muscular dog with a gleaming coat and color and drew admiration wherever we went. He was tall enough that he could actually "sit down" on the couch. He would just sit his rear end down and hold his head high and smile. He was so funny! He wasn't perfect, by any means. He would get so excited when someone walked in the door, that you couldn't have a conversation for about 5 minutes. I can also think of several favorite blankies and stuffed animals that were destroyed or disappeared. He loved walks, and he loved even more sneaking (or pushing) his way out the door and running FREE for awhile. He was a great guard dog and always gentle with my kids and their friends. I've heard this kind of dog referred to as a gentle giant. I have to agree.

My dog hasn't been well for about a year, and during the past two weeks we knew it was time. He struggled with breathing and even sleeping. He would look at me as if to ask for help and I felt so helpless. He spent time at the vets but had come back home Monday. He wouldn't eat, and it seemed he had lost his "spirit". He didn't have the energy to look me in the eye anymore. He passed away at home yesterday evening. We buried him in our backyard this morning, early. As I climbed into bed last night, I realized I wouldn't be listening for his footsteps or requests to go outside. I started wondering about his spirit. Where is he now? So, today I googled the subject. There seem to be alot of other people wondering the same thing. I even found bible verses which communicate God's love for His animals, something I never even thought of while my dog was alive.

And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever."

Revelations 5:13

"For every beast of the forest is Mine, The cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird of the mountains, And everything that moves in the field is Mine.

Psalm 50:10-11

A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal.

Proverbs 12:10

From now on, when I form a cloud over the Earth and the rainbow appears in the cloud, I'll remember my covenant between me and you and everything living, that never again will floodwaters destroy all life. When the rainbow appears in the cloud, I'll see it and remember the eternal covenant between God and everything living, every last living creature on Earth."

Genesis 9:8-16

LET EVERYTHING THAT HAS BREATH PRAISE THE LORD!

Psalm 150:6

"If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than most humans." ~ James Herriot

Sanctuary

a place of refuge and protection



a consecrated place



I've noticed lately how, in the midst of worship, my mind clears, my heart quiets, my worries flee, and God speaks. It's where my moments of greatest inspiration are found.



A clear mind. . .

(Webster's definitions of the word clear)

bright , luminous cloudless ,free from mist, haze, or dust . . .oh

untroubled , serene, clean , pure easily seen through . . .that's why

transparent easily heard easily visible . . .it's starting to make sense now

plain free from obscurity or ambiguity, easily understood. . .of course

unmistakable , capable of sharp discernment . . .I can see

keen free from doubt . . . I believe

sure , free from guile or guilt . . .I am saved

innocent ,unhampered by restriction or limitation, unencumbered by debts . . .I am free

absolute free from obstruction ,emptied of contents or cargo , free from entanglement . . . I've laid down my burdens, set down my load

lucid capacity to perceive the truth directly and instantaneously. . . Now, it's all clear to me

I love words and their meanings. They never fail to amaze me.

Textures and Patterns

Everywhere you look in San Antonio, you see textures and patterns. Maybe that's why I love visiting there.

Mission San Jose

Mission Espada

The Rose Window at Mission San Jose in San Antonio.

I love old doors and windows for their texture. This is an old doorway in Jefferson, Texas.

I love this stained glass window in the atrium of our new church building.

I love the texture of old books!

I love the pattern that the sunlight and shadows make

on this old church in East Texas The Brenda Photo Challenge is on Textures and Patterns. It's being hosted this time by Donna at Cottage Days and Journeys. I can't wait to see everyone's photos! Can you believe I'm actually sitting here with my back door open listening to birds singing? Very lovely.

I'm Not Perfect!

One of my favorite memories happened on a day when nothing had seemed to go right. I just couldn't do what I thought I had to do. There weren't enough minutes in the day to be the mom I wanted to be. The house wasn't clean, the dishes were in the sink, the laundry wasn't done and who knows what else.

But I stood there in the middle of this mess of a house and said loudly, as if making an announcement to the world," YOU KNOW WHAT? I'M NOT PERFECT!! I CAN'T BE PERFECT! NO MATTER WHAT I DO, MY HOUSE WILL NEVER BE PERFECT, LIFE WILL NEVER BE PERFECT AND YOU KNOW WHAT? IT'S OK!! I DON'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT." My daughter looked at me and said "Mom, I'm so glad you said that! I'm so glad you said that." We hugged and laughed and understood each other completely at that moment. In some way, I was giving my daughter permission to not have to be perfect, and she had given me the best gift she could ever give.

I remember that day every once in awhile. Probably not often enough. Yesterday while pondering this, I came up with some amusing thoughts that pretty well define the person that I am. I am consistently inconsistent, I am perfectly imperfect, I am a conservative non-conformist, I am a sentimental cynic, I am a quiet extrovert, I am an outgoing introvert, I am neatly messy, I am a lazy hard worker, I am a determined scatterbrain, I am a dichotomy: something with seemingly contradictory qualities. Which would explain my frustration at times, when I'm trying my best to be consistent, perfect, to conform, to be outgoing, to work hard, to be determined in my focus. Whew! Life will never be what we desire. How can it be with what I have to work with!

“If I discover within myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world” C.S. Lewis

I'm not sure how well that quote fits into what I've been writing about, but I really love C.S. Lewis quotes and this one speaks to me about the desire to be more than we can be, and the desire to accomplish something that is always just beyond reach. Maybe someday we'll understand.

"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. Now faith, hope, love, abide these three, but the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:12-13

The gift my daughter gave to me that day was love. Unconditional love. The greatest gift of all.

Sunshine

You guys are soooo awesome! What fun encouraging comments you sent regarding my "winter doldrums". Even from as far away as Florida and Australia where it's really warm right now. I love you all. Your comments are enough to brighten any day!

I wish for you sunshine in your hearts even if your skies are gray. How's that for a poetic thought this morning? See you soon!

Winter Doldroms. . . Blah Blah Blah

Well, I think I have wandered aimlessly into the land of the winter doldroms. Aaaggghhh! Everything seems so boring and gray. I remember feeling this way every other year at this same time so I know it's normal, it's just so. . . so. . . boring. Maybe I'm just tired, I think! Coffee always helps! Actually, we are driving up to Oklahoma where it's even colder, to celebrate my Dad's 82 birthday! I'm excited about a change of scenery and to spend time with my parents. They still live in the home we moved into when I was 5 years old. I always enjoy going back home.

About a week ago, I decided my blog needed something new to brighten it up! I decided to put on some plaid flannel, that's always been a favorite of mine in the winter, but now even that seems boring. I'm determined to enjoy the snowflakes as long as it's cold outside, since I live in Texas, I don't get to enjoy them in real life.

I've had some new writing ideas, just haven't had the time to put them down on paper, or hmm, the virtual paper of my blog, I guess you could say. I've had the need lately to try and live in the real world, without my computer as much. But then, I find I've missed important emails from friends and interesting and inspiring blogs from you guys. Let's face it! The computer has become a part of our real world! It's kind of futuristic when you think about it. It's neat how God uses all of this new technology to bring His people together and accomplish His purposes too.

Got to go! Maybe I'll come back from my trip with a renewed perspective and energy! Just writing this has helped! Have a great weekend!

Tagged

I've been tagged by Annie to post the 4th photo in my 4th file in My Pictures. So here it is! It's my son playing Inline Hockey. My older son played for several years and now my younger son is playing. This was his first season about 2 years ago now. It's a really fun game to watch. The town we live in built a skate park a few years ago with two rinks built just for hockey! My older son had to play on tennis courts!

I need to tag two people now so who will it be? How about . . . Kylie at A Bite of Country Cupcakes and . . . I've got to go to work! I'll finish posting later! Ok, Kimberly at Walk the Beach, you've been tagged too!

Have a great day!

Philippians 4:6-7

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

New Living

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

NASB

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

The Message

Just thought you might be comforted by the same words that are comforting me this morning! I remember memorizing this verse as a teenager. It's amazing when we focus on God's words and turn our worries into prayers, He really does give us His peace.

May you have a day filled with peace, in spite of what is going on around you!

Anything New Photo Challenge

My boys went out on Thanksgiving afternoon and bought me some new Christmas lights and two new wreaths. They even climbed up on the roof to put them up for me! They looked so beautiful and really gave me a headstart getting ready for Christmas. Now I'll have new lights and wreaths to enjoy next Christmas season.

These are my new shower curtain and towels that my girls got me for Christmas! I love them!

Aren't they gorgeous? (see the bird?)

Some fun new birthday presents!

This is the school entrance for my new (three week) job beginning on Monday! The school does have alot of Hispanic children, but I didn't realize I took a picture of the Spanish side of the sign. I met with the teacher I will be substituting for this morning. I'll be in a resource classroom with 2nd and 4th grade kids helping them with reading and math. I'm really excited.

Anything New

It's such a glorious new year and so recently after Christmas it should be easy to find something new to photograph. Hmmmm. . . let me put my thinking cap on. I'll be back with a few photos!
Brenda's Photo Challenge this time is Anything New and is hosted by Laura Belle at Laura's - I Spy Weekly Photos . You can check out everyone else's photos while I go find some new things!

Contentment

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have, for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,"
so that we confidently say,

"THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?"

Hebrews 13:5-6

I heard this verse about a week before Christmas in a sermon. I marked it in my bible and began reading it over and over at home, before going to sleep at night or during the day, just to be reminded of its' truth. For some reason, I had never connected the different thoughts expressed in these verses together.

If I am not to love money, which I didn't think I did, however, I carried an awful lot of concern around in my heart for something I didn't love. What is money, after all? It is various pieces of paper, with numbers and designs on them. It is round pieces of metal, minerals imprinted with numbers and designs. Placing this fact in front of me, looking at it as simply a thing, gives me a healthier perspective. It can just be numbers on a page. It doesn't give value to me, or to my life.

Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

Colossians 3:2-4

Living my life in gratitude daily for what I have been given, learning contentment, has been one of the most rewarding journeys I have taken. To connect the words of Christ with this, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you", gives me a reason for being content. It's not based on denial of the facts of my situation, but based on something much greater.

What a gift, to read the words, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can (mere) man do to me?" We all face many different struggles and worries, but the same truth can calm each of our hearts.

I awoke in the night many times during the week of Christmas, and I leaned heavily on these verses, letting them dwell in my heart and mind. This past week, the concerns I had then are no longer. The things I was worrying about never came to pass. The arrival of two different checks, two days earlier than expected, and of course God's grace, has carried me through to a place today of no worries! Maybe I should whisper those words, but I woke up this morning with the realization that there is nothing hanging over me, no darkness threatening to cast a shadow over my day. I was so surprised by this that I started searching my memory for anything that I might have forgotten about!

I'm writing this because I felt I needed to share the GOODNESS OF GOD and HIS FAITHFULNESS in my life. Whether it's impossible financial situations we are facing or health concerns for loved ones, or impossible people in our lives, the Lord's words ring true and will sustain us through this new year, 2009.

God bless you richly!

Happy New Year!

"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

I found this quote last year on New Year's Day 2008. I included it in my first blog post, written on January 7, 2008. Writing and sharing with all of you has been lifechanging and has given me a creative outlet I needed. Reading your thoughts and insights, sharing in your lives has been a gift.

I'm realizing new places of healing taking place in my heart these days, making room for more beauty, for more openness to life. I'm beginning to love birds! I see them everywhere, in art and fabric, on plates and even on my new shower curtain! I see them differently somehow. Could they represent my heart's flight to freedom? May be. . .

“It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.” C.S. Lewis

“Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without words, and never stops at all.” Emily Dickinson

My prayer for us all, is a new year full of opportunities to fly!