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.