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!

Looking Forward to New Beginnings

"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning."

Louis L'Amour

"The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.

Great is his faithfulness

his mercies begin afresh each morning.

I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance

therefore, I will hope in him!”

Lamentations 3:22-24

After celebrating two Christmases, and two birthdays this past week, I'm enjoying the freshness and freedom we feel when we look to the new year. This morning as I've been contemplating the close of the year 2008, I've enjoyed reading your posts and have been inspired by your words. I'm ready for new beginnings. . . new hope. . . new accomplishments. . . new ways of looking at the same things. . .new strength to face each day. . . new friends. . .new opportunities. . .new joy. . .

This is what I wish for you!

Merry Christmas!

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house. . .
Watching "It's a Wonderful Life"
Lighting candles
Reading the Christmas Story

And wishing all of you a wonderful, peaceful Christmas!

Christmastime Thoughts

Ice Day! Woohoo! The schools were closed here on Tuesday because of icy roads so we had an unexpected day at home together! It was so warm and cozy inside and freeeeeeeeezing outside. Yep, ice is kind of a big deal here in Texas and I'll take any version of "white" I can get at this time of the year!

Beautiful surprises in the mail from friends bring joy and remind me of the gift of thoughtfulness and time that make a difference.

I feel really behind on getting ready for Christmas this year as far as shopping goes, even knowing what I need to be shopping for, but I've been blessed with the small gifts of Christmas. I'm reminded that it's the small things and the simple moments that I enjoy most about the Christmas season. Somehow the rest will happen and Christmas Day will arrive as it does every year, full of presents, food, and family, and a feeling of awe as I realize what the day means. How the whole world is changed for a day. . . as ours is changed for eternity, because of the birth of Christ.

Baking and decorating Christmas cookies. . .with the same cookie cutters we used when I was a little girl! This was a yearly event in my childhood and it brings back lots of memories. I'll admit I've skipped a few years in carrying out this tradition, but it's never too late to begin again!

Morning Praise

I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

Psalm 9:2

O my strength, I will sing praises to You;For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness.

Psalm 59:17

I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

Psalm 104:33

Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; His love endures forever.

Psalm 106:1

Beautiful Words

It seems when I'm busiest, my blog posts become reflections of random ideas or words that have reached me through the busyness, not always having the time to explain my reasons. Every moment of my days are filled with prayers for my friend and his family. Lifting them up to God for His healing and strength. In the midst of these days, I'm aware of a loving Presence with me.

Sometimes beautiful words catch our attention unexpectedly whether through movies or books, reaching that part of us that needs to hear and believe them. While watching the movie "Prancer" the other night, I heard the quote "there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding." For some reason, those words broke through and gave me encouragement to BELIEVE. That truth lies underneath and over and beyond everything we see in this world.

I just finished reading my second book by Harold Bell Wright, called "The Calling of Dan Matthews". The book was full of gentle words and strong truths. I need these moments of quiet reflection, of being wrapped in another world, drawing some of the beauty into my own world. One of the quotes that was a gift to me is this, " ...do you think that anyone could ever replace the mountains, the ocean or the stars, or any of these wonderful things in the great universe, if they were to be destroyed? ...And do you think that anything in all this beautiful world is of greater importance- of more value to the world-than a human life, with all its marvelous power to think and feel and love and hate and so leave its mark on all life, for all time? ...Then don't you see how impossible it is that anyone should ever take your place? Don't you see that you have a place in the world-a place that is yours because God put you in it, just as truly as he put the mountains, the seas, the stars in their places? And don't you see why you must feel that you have a right to your own life-place, and that you must hold it, no matter what others say, or do, or think, because of its great value to God and to the world? And...do you think that anything in all the universe is dearer to the Father than a human life, that is so wonderful and so eternal in its power? So life should be the dearest thing in all the world to us. Not just the life of each to himself, but every life-any life, the dearest thing to all. I think this was true of Christ; I think it should be true of all Christians. I believe this with all my heart."

And so, I pray this could be my gift to you today, these words to take with you. I guess it's time to get on with my day, of sweeping the floor, washing dishes, shopping for and preparing some food, hearing about my kids' day at at school, having a new crown put on my tooth, and heading off to work this evening. Through it all, I'll remember these things I have pondered and carry them with me.

Love to all

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus

Dear Editor, I am 8 years old."Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus."Papa says, 'If you see it in The Sun, it's so.'"Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O'Hanlon
115 West Ninety-fifth Street

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no child-like faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood. Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.
Calvin Coolidge

Silent Night

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "

Finances . . . The Final Frontier

I discovered a new website this morning http://www.ourprayer.org/. I couldn't resist clicking on the title Financial Worries! My ends lack a long way to meet these days, and just this morning I was reminded when I checked my bank statement online. Don't you just hate the way banks switch the order of our purchases and deposits, depending on the amount? I know we don't usually discuss our finances openly, but after reading Suze Orman's story, A Matter of Perspective,I decided maybe I should. It really is one of the last frontiers in my life that needs to be explored, tamed and settled.

If you are challenged in this area, like I am, I encourage you to read these stories. I hope this can be an encouragement to you and me, especially as we begin this season of giving.

A Matter of Perspective Read Suze Orman's 7 steps to financial health.

A Spiritual Approach to Financial Worries
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale's tips to find strength over financial problems.

How to Find Yourself After Losing a Job Getting laid-off was a blessing in disguise.

The Truth About Money How we all invest a little of ourselves in our finances.

One thing I believe God has given me the idea to do, is to be open with my kids about money. Maybe even to the extent of working up a budget, letting them see what we spend money on and when the bills are due, and what and when my paychecks are. It would give me accountability as well as give them a clear picture of just how this thing called "money" works.

My son just called me to brainstorm about how I could get my photography business going. Talk about timing! He's driving back to Houston after spending Thanksgiving at home. We came up with some great ideas and I'm excited about getting started!

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

Philippians 4:19

Whole

Hope to the hurting heart,

"run to ME,

I'll hold you close

curing your heart's ache

with My tender

knowing touch

I'll sew up every break

memories. . .

scars, they fade

like the end of day

when My love

is planted there

the pain is washed away

I AM your

Prince of Peace

the Lover of your soul

Let ME in

I'll mend your heart

My love will make

you Whole"

Luke 4:18

I was in Jefferson, Texas one day a couple of weeks ago during a camping trip to Caddo Lake. We stopped in a gift shop called "Blessings". While there I bought a bookmark with this poem on it. I wanted to share it with you.

He is Alive

Awake this morning at 2:30, I listened to the wind. . . the thunder. . . the rain, I saw the lightning flash. There's a channel in my area that plays Creation Scapes and Worship Videos around this time in the morning. It's so peaceful sitting in my dark house, listening to peaceful music and reading scripture. This happens quite often, and this morning, for the first time, I realized maybe God wants my company! There are no distractions, no demands, other than sleep, what a gift to spend this time with my Lord.




. . . this song blessed me tonight, this morning, as I sit here in the quiet darkness. We talked about Christ's resurrection on Sunday, about how He is alive today. He is alive with our Father and He is alive on this earth through His Holy Spirit. He is with us, through it all, every moment. He is alive. He is my. . . our. . . precious Jesus. And because of this, we can be truly alive.

I came across a new blog, A Woman's Worth and she speaks of "Trash to Treasure Because of Christ".

Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Proverbs 30:5

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.

Psalms 42:1

Cottage Garden

    At the Cottage Door

In the Garden

Cottage Garden at Sunset

t

When I was in Europe, I bought postcards of my favorite paintings from the many museums we visited. One of my very favorites, I framed, and is still sitting on my dresser. It's by David Woodlock, 1842-1929, and is called "Upper Bushey Village". I couldn't find it to share on my blog, but I found similar watercolors by the same artist. They're so pretty and peaceful. I still dream of living in a cottage in England, well, maybe just a little visit.