He Gives a Song . . .

Inventory Time

2012-02-17T23:07:00.002-06:00

I know it's just birds, and I realize the quality of the pic is not good (it was taken at a distance and through a window).

But it gave me something to think about: What is my attitude when someone different invades MY space?

Lord, help me to see others through your eyes.
Give me a compassionate heart and a gracious spirit.
Help me to love as You love.
Forgive me when I haven't.
Amen.

In Process

2012-02-15T19:28:00.001-06:00

Being transformed

into His likeness

not what we once were

not what we will be.

Growing

raising our eyes

opening our hearts

to the Light.

The Bridge

2012-02-13T18:30:00.000-06:00

Love built a bridge

indestructibly strong

accessible to all

spanning the ages

from His holiness

to our humanity.

Love stretched out His hands

hammers pounding

nails piercing

blood flowing

until He pronounced

the bridge finished.

Love built a bridge . . .

Get a Grip!

2012-02-12T21:27:00.000-06:00

~~ Sometimes we just need to get a new grip on grace. ~~

Promise

2012-02-08T09:59:00.000-06:00

A tiny bud

so full of promise

hardly visible to the eye.

A tiny spark of faith

so full of promise

never overlooked by His all-seeing eye.

He Sees . . . He Cares!

2012-02-06T11:11:00.000-06:00

Watching the flurry of birds outside my windows is a blessing to me . . . a simple pleasure that never gets old! As I watch them, I think of Someone else who's watching them and who sees every one that falls. (Matt. 10:29) And more importantly, I'm reminded that He's watching over me. . . that He sees every detail of my life, every need, every tiny step of faith. He sees . . . and He responds in unconditional love! I like the comforting words of the following old hymn written by Civilla Martin and published in 1905. No one can sing it like Ethel Waters did when she sang with the Billy Graham Crusades around the world!

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,

Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home,

When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,

For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,

And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;

Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,

For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,

When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,

I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,

For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

EDIT 2:30 p.m : I just added a beautiful version of the song by Selah to my playlist (bottom right sidebar) , so turn up your volume if you'd like to hear it.

Sunrise

2012-02-03T13:52:00.003-06:00

Each new sunrise

wrapped in light

and tied with promise

offers

new opportunities

to love

to grow

to serve

and to move closer

to the Son.

Color Your World!

2012-01-31T11:14:00.000-06:00

May we step out of the shadows

and into His light.

May the brightness of His presence

shine through us

bringing cheer

and adding color

to the drabness around us.

And may we never forget

that even when we are not aware

someone is watching us!

May what they see

add richness

and smiles

and beauty

to their lives.

(Note: I snapped this shot through the window as I sat quietly watching
the flurry of birds feeding outside.)

2012-01-28T20:19:00.002-06:00

Happiness is looking in the mirror and liking what you see.

~copied~

So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down.
I will cling to the old rugged Cross

and exchange it someday for a crown.

Edit: I am not referring to seeing myself but the Cross in this mirror :)

Rust Prevention

2012-01-26T15:40:00.000-06:00

Someone has said, "Anxiety is the rust of life,

destroying its brightness and weakening its power."

A wise man said, "An anxious heart weighs a man down."

(Proverbs 12:25)

Jesus said, "Do not worry about your life . . .

Do not worry about tomorrow. . . "

(Matt. 6: 25,34)

Over and over God, our Father, says, "Fear not."

I say, "Why do I forget so quickly?

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me.

I don't want to get rusty, dull, weighed down and powerless.

I trust You."

Test Time

2012-01-17T21:51:00.001-06:00

When you're going through something hard

and you wonder where God is,

remember the teacher is always quiet

during a test.

~ quote copied from Trust in the Lord's Facebook page ~

Did Someone Push the Pause Button?

2012-01-12T14:15:00.002-06:00

Pauses in life, interruptions, unexpected circumstances come to all of us. We don't get to choose the timing, do we? And often we wonder how they fit into the good plans God has for us. For now, we can trust that God knows best and that He is never caught off guard by anything that happens to us. One day we'll see the big picture and understand how all the pieces of our lives fit.

John David and I would never have chosen to have Christmas with part of the family and a week with our grandchildren postponed, nor would we have requested to spend New Years in the hospital. Just wasn't in our plans. But it happened. John David became very sick and spent a week in the hospital recovering from pancreatitis, gall bladder surgery and other health issues. We are so thankful for God's healing touch and His very real presence with us in room 815 - especially in some very frightening moments.

On New Year's Eve the nurse remarked that we had the best view in the house for the fireworks that would soon fill the night sky over the Red River. So after John David's pain was eased with strong medicine and he rested, I turned off all the lights in the room, sat at the big window and enjoyed the colors that exploded along the skyline. I watched the lines of traffic below move along, carrying those whose lives were not on "pause." Was it where I wanted to be? Of course not! But I'll always remember that night and the unexpected enjoyment that I experienced in that quiet room. Even in the dark times, His Light bursts into our night!

We had just celebrated the birth of our Emmanuel, God with us. And He certainly was. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us . . . so He understands our pain, our interruptions, our disappointments. He truly is the God of the pauses!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks to those who have expressed concern for my blogging absence. I appreciate you! Hopefully, I'll get rested up and be back reading your blogs and posting on mine. But before I do that, we're going to finish celebrating Christmas with family!

J - O - Y!!

2011-12-20T22:13:00.000-06:00

Our four grandchildren - Christmas '08
One of my favorite Christmas pics

Christmas is not about what we want.
It's about what we have.
~from Josie's Gift - a favorite children's book, which I just read again~

HOPE

2011-12-09T10:50:00.000-06:00

Hope really floats this time of year!

Children hope for certain gifts under the tree. Parents hope all the family can enjoy Christmas together. The lonely just hope for a smile, an encouraging word, a phone call. Some hope for a white Christmas, while others hope they have the means to keep their home and children warm. Shoppers hope that the recipients of their gifts are pleased, yet those who cannot buy for others hope for a better year next year. Cooks hope that each dish they prepare turns out just perfect. The hungry hope for a miracle that will keep them from starving. And the list goes on and on . . . hoping, hoping, hoping.

All of these scenarios are realities, but in this Advent season we are reminded of a much greater reality. Over 2000 years ago in an humble setting, Hope Himself was born. Because He came, we can experience hope - no matter our circumstances. A relationship with Him gives us hope for today . . . for all our tomorrows . . . for eternity.

I hope that each of you hears the beautiful, life-giving whispers of Hope during this Christmas season. And may we all share His hope with the hurting world around us.

Soft as the voice of an angel,
Breathing a lesson unheard,
Hope with a gentle persuasion
Whispers her comforting word:
Wait till the darkness is over,
Wait till the tempest is done,
Hope for the sunshine tomorrow,
After the shower is gone

Whispering hope, oh, how welcome thy voice,

Making my heart in its sorrow rejoice.

~Lyrics - Whispering Hope~

Love Came

2011-12-05T17:55:00.000-06:00

Love came down
all the way
D
O
W

to the muck and mire and messiness

right where we were . . .

and forever changed history.

And He still comes

to where we are

no matter how messy

or how deep we're stuck in the muck and mire . . .

and His coming

forever changes our lives.

~gt~

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

Circle That!

2011-11-28T14:24:00.000-06:00

A circle
reminds me of
days when I go round and round
and accomplish little.

A circle
reminds me of
my family
and the love we share.

A circle
reminds me of
lines that are drawn
leaving some on the outside.

A circle
reminds me of
God's love -
never-ending, all-inclusive.

You can circle that in red.
He did.

Thanksgiving Roses

2011-11-22T12:09:00.000-06:00

Praise the Lord; praise the Lord.

Let the earth hear His voice.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord; let the people rejoice!

O come to the Father thro' Jesus the Son,

And give Him the glory -

GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE.

~ Words to hymn written by Fanny Crosby ~

~ Roses - blooming now in my yard ~

November Reflections

2011-11-19T20:27:00.002-06:00

Psalm 103:1-5

(NIV)

Praise the LORD, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
² Praise the LORD, my soul,
   and forget not all his benefits—
³ who forgives all your sins
   and heals all your diseases,
⁴ who redeems your life from the pit
   and crowns you with love and compassion,
⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things
   so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

As Thanksgiving approaches, these verses have come to mind several times. I am so, so grateful for all his benefits: forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, compassion, good things . . . . . but . . . I'm not so sure I get the part about my youth being renewed like an eagle's!

And then He reminds me of so many occasions during the past two weeks when I knew those words to be true! You see, I have been able to spend time with each of our four grandchildren, and if you're a grandparent, you know exactly what I mean! There's just something about being with children and teens that brings out the kid in me - and you, too, I'm sure. Inhibitions are lost -- to a safe and somewhat-sane degree -- and it's so easy to laugh, be silly, sing, play crazy games, dance, dream . . . . . And then my not-so-young body reminds me that I can't keep up with the grands for very long. But for those priceless moments my youth is renewed like an eagles. . . and memories are made that last a lifetime, even as birthdays just keep rolling by.

And I am thankful.

Resting Place

2011-11-07T21:03:00.001-06:00

If I forget, yet God remembers.
If these hands of mine cease from their clinging,
yet the hands divine hold me so firmly
I cannot fall.
And if sometimes I am too tired to call for Him to help me,
then He reads the prayer unspoken in my heart
and lifts my care.
~Robert Browning~

2011-11-02T20:44:00.002-05:00

Click on pic to enlarge.

Slow Traffic Ahead!

2011-10-26T16:58:00.001-05:00

Narrow roads, blind curves,

Speed limit 5 mph -

Sounds like our journey through life sometimes.

We need a Guide who has gone before us.

We need Jesus.

Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us,

For we need you to help us find our way.

~Gaither~

Spectacular Beauty

2011-10-24T13:23:00.002-05:00

The older I get, the more I am in awe of God's spectacular creation! Words don't exist to describe the beauty He has created. For a few days, John David and I enjoyed a minute part of His beautiful world, and of course, I took hundreds of pics. I'll share just a few of my favorites today.

The snow pics are in the Smoky Mountains near Clingman's Dome, the highest point in Tennessee.

North Carolina

Northern Georgia

On the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina

Near Cherokee, North Carolina

Cades Cove - Tennessee

Near Cades Cove

Roaring Forks Falls near Gatlinburg

One of my favorite photos . . . in Cades Cove after a rain. I couldn't get my camera aimed fast enough when we drove upon this scene . . . turkeys and deer crossing the road at the same time!

Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.

Praise ye the Lord.

Psalm 150:1

Autumn Flower

2011-10-15T17:26:00.000-05:00

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.

~Albert Camus~

This beautiful "flower" floated in the breeze and landed and stuck on our windshield on a rainy day this past week. I took the pic from inside the car, but it looks as if the leaf is suspended in the air.

Flower Power

2011-10-10T16:42:00.000-05:00

First bloom of the season -

Late but worth waiting for.

A gentle reminder of a special brother

Who took the time to root clippings for us.

He's been gone from us six years now,

But today he seems near.

A lone beautiful flower facing my window

Can say so much.

2011-10-07T11:44:00.000-05:00

All lined up -

arranged by size -

in a neat, predictable row.

Life is not like that.

Our days that we so carefully plan

are rearranged in the blink of an eye.

Knowing that, it pays to be flexible.
And it pays to remember that in life there is a constant:
Our Heavenly Father is in control and He is not affected by change.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not; Thy compassions they fail not.
As Thou hast been Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness;
Great is Thy faithfulness.
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.
~ lyrics by Thomas O. Chisholm~

Secret Place

2011-10-04T16:42:00.000-05:00

There is a secret place

where I'm overtaken by grace . . .

I heard these words for the first time this week as I listened to XM Enlighten radio. Then I was so blessed as I watched this video by the Browders:

http://youtu.be/zWKEpHgJCXk

Hope it touches you, too!

Overtaken by grace . . . love those words!

Late Bloomer

2011-09-30T13:55:00.001-05:00

Late bloomer -

no less beautiful

no less admired

no less a rose.

2011-09-27T12:35:00.000-05:00

The sun was sinking low in the west

as I walked the trail near the house.

Bursting through the thick growth of trees,

its rays painted their golden hues across my path.

Light transformed the ordinary 4-wheeler trail -

with its dead limbs and leaves amidst the greenery -

into a place of shining beauty.

I'm thinking a greater Light -

The Light of the World -

whose golden rays of love

burst through the darkness and the deadness

and the ordinary-ness of our lives,

bringing beauty

and lighting our paths.

The Creator of Light Himself

bringing light into my life!

It's an incredible gift!

It's a life-giving gift

that just keeps

giving

and

giving.

Lord, help me never take your light for granted.

Help me to walk in it and live in it. I realize it's my choice.

I can't think of a better place to be -

close to You,

basking in the warmth of your love.

But your light is not to be kept to myself,
so help me to share it in our world
that seems to be growing darker and darker.

Amen.

Focus

2011-09-23T10:07:00.000-05:00

Perspective makes all the difference . . .

and often needs a reality check.

~~~~~~~~~~~

With eternity's values in view, Lord;

With eternity's values in view -

May I do each day's work for Jesus

With eternity's values in view.

~Lyrics by Al Smith~

(Click on pic to enlarge.)

Just a drop . . .

2011-09-21T11:03:00.000-05:00

Just a drop . . .

brings beauty

refreshes

reflects the sun's light.

Just a drop of love and kindness . . .

brings sunshine

encouragement

reflects the Son's light.

Just a drop . . .

a smile

a pat on the back

"Can I help you?"

a note

a call

a prayer

a hand to hold

a shoulder to lean on -

just little things

that mean so much.

Maybe a drop or two

of His blood would have been enough.

But He gave all.

He gave every drop

for me

for you.

Show me, Lord, where I need to sprinkle your love.

Open my eyes to the opportunities and needs around me.

Help me to "drip Jesus."

Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Note: One pastor I know, Pastor M. Perkins, closes his written messages with those words: Drip Jesus - thus the quotation marks.

Always faithful . . .

2011-09-18T19:50:00.000-05:00

(click on pic to enlarge)

Though the lake level is extremely low,

and the heat and drought have broken records day after day,

the sun in all its glory rises and sets

day in and day out.

Always faithful, it never fails.

Above the slowly receding lake,

the sun in all its splendor shines,

adding breath-taking beauty to an otherwise depressing sight.

I can focus on the dead trees rising out of the lake,

or I can enjoy the majesty of the sunset.

No matter how low we may feel

or how scorching the situations that threaten to shrivel our souls,

the Son shines

in all His glory

day in and day out.

Always faithful, He never fails.

~~~~~~~~~

Turn your eyes upon Jesus;

Look full in His wonderful face.

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.

~Lyrics by Helen Lemmel and Ken Bible~

Inside Job

2011-09-14T12:09:00.001-05:00

I thought it was dead.

Completely destroyed by the record-breaking heat and drought.

That's what I thought.

That's the way it looked.

But who am I to judge any of God's creations -

a bush . . . circumstances . . . a person?

He is the master of "inside jobs" -

creating hope and newness,

giving life,

even when we can't see it.

Even when we've given up.

He is not willing that any perish.

That's what I think.

That's what I know.

~~~~~~~

In His time, in His time;

He makes all things beautiful

In His time.

~Lyrics by Diane Ball~

Share the Trail

2011-09-12T18:48:00.001-05:00

(Click on pic to enlarge.)

Share the trail.

Walk slowly.

Stop along the way.

Enjoy the scenery.

Learn from each other.

Savor the moments.

Trails diverge.

Time moves on.

Memories last a lifetime.

(Pic - John David and grandson Aiden 9-10-11)

2011-09-11T15:27:00.000-05:00

God bless America,

Land that I love.

Stand beside her

And guide her

Through the night

With the light

From above.

2011-09-07T19:01:00.002-05:00

God's words to Moses in Exodus 3:7-8:

I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them . . .

He still sees
and hears
and is concerned
about His people
today.

He still comes down to rescue.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In 1714, Isaac Watts penned these timeless words:
O, God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.

Blessed Assurance

2011-09-06T20:33:00.000-05:00

Unlike the dandelion, which is at the mercy of the wind, the committed Christian finds purpose and stability and security in God's unique plan for his/her life. God is in the details, and His all-seeing eyes and His infinite wisdom leave nothing to chance. Winds, both the cooling breezes and the stormy gales are part of life, but even they obey His voice. He rules the universe, but He's also concerned about the "little" things in my life! That's blessed assurance!

The following prayer/praise written by Ruth Meyers in her book 31 Days of Praise is one that I return to again and again:

I praise You for Your sovereignty over the details. With You, nothing is accidental, nothing is incidental, and no experience is wasted. You hold in Your power my breath of life and all my destiny. And every trial that You allow to happen is a platform on which You reveal Yourself, showing Your love and power, both to me and to others looking on. Thank you that I can move into the future nondefensively, with hands outstretched to whatever lies ahead, for You hold the future and You will always be with me, even to my old age . . . and through all eternity.

Rest . . .

2011-09-05T13:55:00.009-05:00

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

(Mt. 11:28 KJV)

Can't Touch This!

2011-08-30T19:43:00.003-05:00

Time can tarnish
chip away
erode
rust
decay
weaken
wrinkle
destroy.

But Time cannot
touch
The Truth.

The truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise ye the the Lord.
Psalm 117:2

"His truth is marching on . . . "

There Is a Fountain

2011-08-26T15:44:00.005-05:00

Remember the old hymn "There Is a Fountain"? It was written in the 1700's by William Cowper, who suffered from deep depression and was institutionalized in an asylum. There he found Christ while reading his Bible, and in spite of his emotional and mental turmoil - and maybe because of it - he wrote literature with amazing insight. He is still known as one of England's greatest poets. "There Is a Fountain" is based on Zechariah 13:1: On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David . . . to cleanse them from sin and impurity. (NIV)

There is a fountain filled with blood
Drawn from Emmanuel's veins.
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stain.

These words written so many years ago are still true . . . for the fountain never runs dry! And that's amazing good news!

(Info on William Cowper is from the book The Complete Book of Hymns by William J. and Ardythe Peterson, and I snapped the photo of the unique fountain in Basin Park, Eureka Springs, AR.)

Room Available

2011-08-23T14:27:00.010-05:00

Plenty of room in the family . . .

Room for the young and the old . . .

Plenty of happiness . . .

Plenty of love . . .

Plenty of room in the fold.

There's room at the cross for you;
There's room at the cross for you.
Though millions have come,
There's still room for one.
Yes, there's room at the cross for you.
~Ira Stanphill - Room at the Cross lyrics~
~Gaither - Plenty of Room lyrics~

For whosoever shall do the will of God,
the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.
Mark 3:35

Go to the Rock

2011-08-19T21:05:00.003-05:00

I go to the rock of my salvation;

I go to the stone that the builders rejected.
I run to the mountain and the mountain stands by me.
When the earth all around me is sinking sand,
On Christ the solid rock I stand.
When I need a shelter -

When I need a friend, I go to the rock.

~Lyrics - I Go to the Rock - Dottie Rambo~

Support System

2011-08-16T18:32:00.004-05:00

Family and friends
Providing support and love
Keep us standing tall.

Always holding us
His unseen arms provide strength
And cause us to stand.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"He holdeth me up
And I shall not be moved.
He giveth me strength as my day."
~Fanny Crosby - Lyrics from He Hideth My Soul~

Buoyancy

2011-08-14T21:15:00.003-05:00

Waves crash.
Thunder deafens.

I am no match for the fury.

But in the midst of the tumult,
I hear a Voice -
A Voice mightier than the sound of many waters.

But now this is what the Lord says -
He who created you, O Jacob,
He who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you my name.
You are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you.
When you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you."

And when the Master of the winds and waves speaks,
I can trust Him.
Always.

(Bold print from Isaiah 43:1-2)

No pool . . . no problem!

2011-08-10T10:17:00.002-05:00

2011-08-02T21:28:00.002-05:00

When you run out of fantastic . . . persevere!
~Reuben Welch~

Life Lessons 101

2011-07-29T12:44:00.001-05:00

Click on pic to enlarge.

Never Too Old . . .

2011-07-27T10:29:00.004-05:00

I'll never outgrow Vacation Bible School!!

This week the boys and girls of our church/community are visiting Nazareth where Jesus grew up. And it has been so much fun! Along with the fun and because of the fun, God's Word has come alive - through the songs, which you see on the screen above; through drama, games and crafts; through amazing decorations and props. His Word has been the focus of it all . . . simple yet profound words . . . timeless truths that children of all ages can grasp and hide away in their hearts . . . words to live by.

My heart has been touched and encouraged each night as these key verses have been highlighted:

For nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)
I have called you by name; you are mine. (Isaiah 43:1)
There is more than enough room in my Father's house. (John 14:2)

I sometimes wonder why we big kids make living for Jesus so complicated. I think that's one reason I love VBS so much! For a few hours each night I see firsthand simple, child-like faith . . . eyes filled with wonder . . . ears open to hear more . . . expectant excitement. I don't want to ever get too old for that kind of experience and lifestyle!

VBS . . . a Very Bright Spot in my summer - one that I don't plan to outgrow!!

2011-07-23T16:46:00.002-05:00

In spite of the storms . . .
In spite of the extreme heat . . .

It blooms . . . beautifully!

The Other Side

2011-07-21T12:02:00.014-05:00

I opened my Bible this morning and turned to the passage for today's devotional, but instead my eyes fell on these verses . . . and not "by accident," I'm sure!

²³And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.

²⁴And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

²⁵And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

²⁶And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

²⁷But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

²⁸And when he was come to the other side. . .

Matthew 8:23-28b (KJV)

We can be sure we'll get to the "other side" if Jesus is in the boat with us. No matter how violent the storm. No matter how terrified we may be . . . and even when it seems that He's asleep or unconcerned. Sometimes we have no idea where the other side is. But if He says, "Let's go to the other side," as is recorded in Luke 8:22, in His time we'll step out of the boat and onto the shore. Not just sometimes . . . but every time.

And one day, after we've safely crossed our last storm-tossed lake, we'll be Home - on the other side!!

This old song that we sang in years past comes to my mind:

Master, the tempest is raging; the billows are tossing high.
The sky is o'er shadowed with blackness; no shelter or help is nigh.
Carest Thou not that we perish?
How canst Thou lie asleep, when each moment so madly is threatening
a grave in the angry deep?

Chorus:
The winds and the waves shall obey my will.
Peace be still; peace be still.
Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea
or demons, or men, or whatever it be.
No water can swallow the ship where lies
the Master of ocean and earth and skies.
They shall sweetly obey my will.
Peace be still, peace be still.
They all shall sweetly obey my will.
Peace, peace be still.

Master, the terror is over, the elements sweetly rest.
Earth's sun in the calm lake is mirrored, and heaven's within my breast.
Linger, O blessed Redeemer; leave me alone no more.
And with joy I shall make the blest harbor
and rest on the blissful shore.
~Mary Baker~

Sing Along . . .

2011-07-14T19:56:00.006-05:00

Today John David hung this reminder over the door of the new portable building . . . the one that replaces the one the storm demolished. It was His amazing grace that protected our house - and us - as the tornado raged around us a few months ago. And that's just one of countless times His grace has protected and kept and guided. Even in the bad times . . . when our lives seem to be turned upside down, His grace has been sufficient. He said it would be. It is. Not that we've deserved it or earned it or been "good" enough. He's poured His grace on us - and you - because He loves us . . . unconditionally. I can't wrap my mind around that kind of love, but I'm so glad He wraps His everlasting arms around me! That's what makes it so amazing! Add to that the fact that His supply of grace never runs out; it's always enough! Well . . . the old hymn says it best! Sing along!

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come.
Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

~John Newton~

Grace, grace, God's grace -
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe . . .
~Julia M. Johnston~

Hang On!

2011-07-10T16:51:00.003-05:00

Sometimes life gets a little complicated - or a lot complicated . . .
and requires us to sacrifice ease and comfort.
Some solutions demand that we think outside the box . . .
and forget how everybody else is doing it.
But if we keep our eyes on The Prize . . .
no matter how far we must strain our necks -
we'll be rewarded.

Persevere . . . hang on!

(I took this pic of the beautiful red-headed woodpecker through my window looking at the feeder that hangs a few feet away on the front porch.)

Tangles

2011-07-06T11:39:00.004-05:00

Ever watched a child try to get a knot untangled in his or her shoelaces . . . and give up? Then without a second thought, pull the tied shoe on and run off to play until Mama or Daddy - or someone who can - gets the shoelace untangled.

I thought of that this morning as I read these words in Streams in the Desert: Much of the life of faith consists of letting things alone. . . . It is such a comfort to drop the tangles of life into God's hands and leave them there.

Why would I want to resist that comfort?

I hear the answer and I don't like it.

Lord, help my unbelief.

God will make a way
where there seems to be no way.
He works in ways we cannot see;
He will make a way for me.
~Lyrics by Don Moen~

Lead Me, Lord . . .

2011-07-05T10:22:00.004-05:00

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

~Robert Frost~

Your plans for me are perfect;
I never need to fear,
For though at times I feel alone
I know that you are near.
My heart just longs to follow;
I'm willing to obey.
Take my hand and lead me;
I will follow all the way.
~Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir~

Blessed

2011-06-30T20:32:00.003-05:00

Sitting on my couch, I can look out the window across the room and see the American flag blowing in the breeze . . . and I realize again how blessed I am! Old Glory still evokes in me feelings of patriotism and love of my country.

On the table beside the window lies John David's Bible . . . one of many copies we own. How blessed we are to live in America where we can have as many Bibles as we wish, we can openly display them, and more importantly, we can read His Word without fear.

I know these freedoms and countless others were bought with a great price. Freedom is never free! And so as we approach the birthday of our great country, I say "Thank you! Thank you!" to the brave men and women who have paid the price for my freedom - both in the past and those who are defending my freedom this very moment.

God bless America . . . and God bless those serving in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy and Marines!

Detours

2011-06-25T10:51:00.006-05:00

Detours . . . we don't like them!

Not when we're traveling the highways and interstates . . . and not in our life journeys. But friend Roz reminds us of the road God's children are traveling: It's the Highway of Holiness; the road is marked for us!

We can be sure as His obedient children that every detour takes us closer to the SON - even when it doesn't look that way through our earthly eyes!

When God has another plan - walk on and just say yes.
When God has another plan - be assured that He knows best.
~Lyrics by Taranda Greene~

When it pours . . .

2011-06-23T12:12:00.006-05:00

When it rains, it pours!

No, I'm not talking about the wonderful rain we've received and are so thankful for. I'm thinking of the troubles, difficulties, illnesses and tragedy that have "rained" down on the families of our church and community within the last few months. With each phone call or text or message relaying more bad news, it seems that a little more breath is knocked out of me.

It's at these moments I must be still and be reminded that He is still God and is in control. I CAN trust Him - always - even when I don't understand. I like the words of the song that say:

God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
So when you don’t understand,
When you don’t see His plan,
When you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.

Easy to do? I never said that!

Did you notice in the above pic of the salt box that the timeless little girl is spilling out her salt in the pouring rain? I see a lesson in that for us - for me . . . and it's not one that most of us ace on the first test! Do you think God says to us, when a deluge of troubles almost sweeps us off our feet, "Someone is watching. Don't give up your faith! Be the salt of the earth in the midst of your trials. I can use you - in spite of your feelings of weakness - to touch those around you. I can be glorified. Carry the umbrella of my promises - but let your salt pour!"

(Edit: Words to song by Babbie Mason and Eddie Carswell)

Wonder-full!

2011-06-21T20:10:00.005-05:00

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child.
There are seven million.

~Walt Streightiff~

I love watching kids play . . . and I love their creativity! Yes, they enjoy all the tech toys that are available to them, but they can also create a wonderland from almost nothing.

That's what Aiden, Isaac, and Abby did when they were here last week . . . and what they always do during their visits. Just give them a few quilts to hang over the bunk bed and a chair or two, and suddenly the "kids' room" is transformed into a fort. Tie a flashlight to the slats of the bunk bed, and play begins. Well . . . actually building the fort was as much fun for them as playing inside it, I think!

Years from now, I hope they look back on these days and remember the joys of creating . . . and play that cost nothing . . . and working as a team . . . and finding pleasure in the simple things. And I hope they can still picture the amazing creativity of the MawMaw, the great-grandmother they never knew. She made the beautiful quilts that form the walls of their fort, so it was almost as if her creative hands encircled them as they played inside their hideaway.

Creativity comes in so many forms and is expressed in so many ways - and is no respecter of age. But seeing the world through the wonder-filled eyes of a child is priceless!

But I can think of one thing more special . . . and that's seeing the world and people through the eyes of The Creator, who looked at the works of His hands and said, "It is good."

And I look back on the fun-filled, kids-at-play days of last week, and I, too, can say, "It is good."

Appreciating Beauty . . . in People and Sunsets

2011-06-20T13:26:00.009-05:00

One of the most satisfying experiences I know is fully to appreciate
an individual in the same way I appreciate a sunset. When I look
at a sunset...I don't find myself saying,
'Soften the orange a little more
on the right hand corner, and put a bit more purple along the base,
and use a little more pink in the cloud color...'
I don't try to control a sunset.
I watch it with awe as it unfolds.
~Carl Rogers~

Fun Times

2011-06-17T11:58:00.001-05:00

All four grands are here!! Busy times . . . fun times . . . memory-making time!

I'll cross that bridge when I get to it . . .

2011-06-10T09:30:00.007-05:00

I often find myself trying to cross bridges that are out ahead of me.

I have an idea some of you know what I'm talking about . . . and so you know how draining that is - emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Too late I realize that all my stewing and worrying and planning and trying to figure things out "sensibly" never move me ahead one inch! Sometimes I simply get ahead of God. And that means I'm not letting Him BE God in my life.

But He's teaching . . . and I'm trying to be a better student, a better listener, a better follower. Life is just too short and precious to wrap myself up in a blanket of worry and fear! Why should I even want to do that when He offers me His hand to hold and His loving arms around me? Lord, help me . . .

Tomorrow's bridge is a dangerous thing;
I dare not cross it now.
I can see its timbers sway and swing,
And its arches reel and bow.
O heart, you must hope alway;
You must sing and trust and say:
"I'll bear the sorrow that comes tomorrow,
But I'll borrow none today."
~copied from Streams in the Desert~

Jesus will walk with me; He will talk with me.
In joy or in sorrow, today and tomorrow,
I know He will walk with me.
~Lyrics by Haldor Lillenas~

2011-06-07T09:36:00.001-05:00

If love says anything . . .

2011-06-03T20:20:00.005-05:00

Love covers a multitude of sins. I Peter 4:8

That Bible verse can easily be misinterpreted. We know that we can't forgive or remove sins. Only the blood of Jesus does that! So what does it mean? I like what Max Lucado says about it:

Have you ever heard anyone gossip about someone you know? . . .
What do you have to say?
Here is what love says: Love says nothing. Love stays silent. “Love covers a multitude of sins.” Love doesn’t expose. It doesn’t gossip. If love says anything, love speaks words of defense. Words of kindness. Words of protection.

Words to live by . . . words that get right down where we live . . . words that I need to be reminded of often!

They will know we are Christians by our love . . . by our love.
Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.
~Lyrics by Peter Scholtes~

Shipment Received!

2011-06-02T17:08:00.005-05:00

In all states of dilemma or of difficulty, prayer is an available source.
The ship of prayer may sail through all temptations, doubts and fears, straight up to the throne of God; and though she may be outward bound with only griefs, and groans, and sighs, she shall return freighted with a wealth of blessings!

~C. H. Spurgeon~

Today the ship of prayer returned to our friends, church and community loaded with a miracle! Surgery was scheduled this morning for a dear friend - a surgery that would have taken her leg. But God heard our prayers - individual prayers, small group prayers, and corporate prayers - and she still has her leg! The doctor was amazed at what he saw when he began the surgery this morning; the damage was not nearly as extensive as he expected! Nothing short of a miracle!

Our hearts are full and running over! We give HIM all the praise! We needed a miracle. God honored our sincere, believing prayers and sent us that miracle - one that has touched and will touch our friend, her family, and our church and community. I believe it is the spark that will set our hearts aflame with hope and faith and will be a constant, very real reminder that our God can do anything! Our God IS an awesome God!

This song I sang as a child came to my mind today:

God can do anything,
anything,
anything.
God can do anything
but fail!

(Note: I took the photo on St. Simon's Island - GA.)

Ode of Remembrance

2011-05-27T10:34:00.003-05:00

(Monument - Friendship Cemetery)

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.; Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.
: They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,; They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them

~ Excerpt from For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon - 1914~

2011-05-24T21:38:00.008-05:00

Our God, the Creator of the universe, is also God of the little details.
He grows the mighty oak tree . . . but the tiniest blooms are His handiwork, too.
It's just that our eyes don't always see the almost-hidden beauty all around us.

I'm thankful His eyes and ears and big heart never miss any detail in our lives.
He's concerned about the big, overwhelming problems,
but the little things matter to Him, too.

And He never fails to see the "little things" we do . . . those acts of kindness that no one else knows about . . . the prayers we pray . . . the behind-the-scenes
service to others. In fact, I think these are the very things He sees as most beautiful in our lives.

I agree with the songwriter: Little is much if God is in it!
And if God is in it, He'll make something beautiful of it!
That's the way His amazing one-size-fits-all Love works!

Refreshing!!

2011-05-20T12:15:00.003-05:00

If you've ever stepped into the cold, clear water of a creek like the one above, you know just how refreshing it feels. If you haven't . . . you've missed a simple country pleasure!

If you've ever felt the Living Water seep into your dry soul and wash over your weary body and mind, you know how refreshing it feels. If you haven't . . . you've missed a free, life-changing gift! A gift that ANYONE can accept!

In shady green pastures so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along.
Where the water's cool flow bathes the weary one's feet,
God leads His dear children along.
~Lyrics by G.A. Young~

Life Songs

2011-05-16T22:31:00.004-05:00

(Three generations)

In our daily living, we sing our own songs of kindness and faith.
Then, touched by those songs, others will whistle kindness and faith
in their own lives. If that's the case, then all our remembering
is not about aging or nostalgia. Instead, it's about being part of a great procession
stretched across the years.
~Michael - via Holiness Today Facebook~

New Heights

2011-05-10T12:14:00.006-05:00

We have to be braver than we think we can be,
because God is constantly calling us
to be more than we are.
~Madeline L'Engle~

I don't like heights!
Especially heights over water!
And especially a looonnnnggg, high cable-stayed bridge like this one in Georgia!

But to reach our destination, it was our only route.
So, trusting that the cables would hold - and that the architects and engineers knew what they were doing - we drove onto the arching span, going higher and higher before beginning the descent. It surely was comforting to see land on the other side!

I think our journey as Christians is like that. God is always calling us to greater heights . . . in our relationship with Him and others. He calls us to new heights in our commitment . . . in trusting Him . . . in sacrificial service . . . in growing more like Him.

And it's often scary because the heights take us out of our comfort zones. But He never calls us anywhere that He doesn't go with us. We just forget that in the midst of the climb sometimes. And then He reminds us to be strong and courageous and to trust Him, the Architect and Engineer of our lives. Bravery isn't the absence of fear; it's obeying and moving on in spite of it. It's trusting that the cables will hold!

Growing . . . reaching new heights . . . it's the only route to victorious living. Staying on course with our focus on our Guide will eventually lead us to a place that's out of this world!

And it'll surely be comforting to see the other side!

Lord, lift me up and let me stand
By faith on Heaven's table land.
A higher plane than I have found -
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
~Johnson Oatman, Jr.~

2011-05-07T10:52:00.001-05:00

Added note: The quote is by Art Urban . . . thought I had that on the pic!

Shaken but Not Moved

2011-05-04T18:26:00.004-05:00

Storm descends.
Thunder rumbles.
Lightning explodes.
Rain floods.
Wind topples.
Shelter shakes.
Fear grips.
Faith clings.

Anchor holds!

(Note: From earlier posts you know that this big oak tree, among others, was splintered and blown down on a storage shed. The next morning it was amazing to find these two bird feeders firmly in place amidst all the storm damage.)

A Work in Progress

2011-04-29T18:22:00.006-05:00

This pic, which I snapped from my front porch, says so much about the activity here (in Louisiana, Ginny). Workers from several states are in our area trying to get power on for so many of us. We still don't have power, but we are OK. Slowly, progress is being made, and many homes do now have electricity.

We are continuing to work in our yard, and John David was able to replace the shingles that were blown off. It will take quite a while to clean up everything, but that's OK! We're alive and our house is standing. No lives were lost; we've not heard of any injuries! AMAZING . . . when you see mangled trees strewn across yards, the woods, and across many roads.

I want to thank all of my blogger friends for your kind and caring words - and for your prayers. I won't be able to thank each of you personally, but I really appreciate every comment. Please continue to pray for those in Alabama who've lost so much.

God is good . . . in the good times and in the bad times . . . when things are calm and everything is in its place . . . and when "normal" is suddenly swept away. It's comforting to know that His eyes never leave us . . . and our Rock never moves!

The Lord's our Rock; in Him we hide -
A shelter in the time of storm.
Secure whatever ill betide,
A shelter in the time of storm.

The raging storms may round us beat -
A shelter in the time of storm.
We'll never leave our safe retreat,
A shelter in the time of storm.
~Lyrics by Ira Sankey~

"Stuff" is so temporary . . .

2011-04-28T20:08:00.003-05:00

You've seen my roses, which we planted in front of a portable storage shed.

At one end of the bed, I placed potted plants around an old well to hide its ugliness. I was enjoying the beauty of it all . . .
Until this happened early Wednesday morning about 1:00 . . .
A tornado hasn't been confirmed here, but I'm sure that's what we experienced. It was so very scary! We hovered in a tiny closet and prayed . . . I prayed right out loud as unbelievable winds roared and things hit the house. But God was with us in a miraculous way. John David and I are safe, and the only damage to our house is missing shingles. The portable buildings didn't fare so well, as you can see. My crushed rose bushes are now under the mangled aluminum building, and trees and limbs and debris cover most of our yard. Of course, we lost power, which won't be recovered for some time.

We are so thankful for family and friends who came to our rescue in many ways. Progress is slow, but as you can see below, things are looking better. I know losing the big old oak is trivial compared to what's happened in Alabama - I DO realize that - but it's kinda' like losing an old friend. And it was the only shade on that side of the house. It stood tall just a few feet from our back door, so it was a miracle that it fell away from our house.

My heart goes out to those in Alabama - and other places - who've lost loved ones and all their earthly possessions. Aren't you glad that if we know Him, we can have hope in the midst of unspeakable tragedy?

I realize more than ever that "stuff" is so temporary and can be destroyed in the blink of an eye. I don't want to be too attached to my "stuff"! With God's help I want to keep my focus on the goal . . . on things that are eternal.

Morning Comes

2011-04-25T11:46:00.006-05:00

(Photo taken in 2010)

Our Easter morning began early - 5:00 to be exact. We had coffee and drove a few miles down the road to a hilltop farm/ranch where I spent many happy hours growing up. Uncle Younger and Aunt Rena Mae were like second parents to me, and I miss them. If they were looking down on us yesterday, I'm sure they were pleased at what they saw and heard.

Arriving in the dark moments before morning, we carried our lawn chairs into the pasture and joined others who had come to celebrate His resurrection. Our chairs facing the eastern skies, we prayed, we sang, and we remembered that first Easter morning - when morning came and mourning departed. Then Came the Morning, a song that means so very much to me, played on a battery-operated boom box and we sang along . . . and we watched as morning light replaced the darkness. A tinge of pink began to color the eastern sky. A cool breeze blew across the pasture, and the presence of our Risen Saviour swept across our hearts . . . the perfect beginning for an Easter morning!

That was enough encouragement and promise and hope, but God, who knows exactly where we are, added more assurance. It was an amazing "God moment"! As we pulled onto the highway, I turned up the radio - which I always have tuned to XM Enlighten. You wanna' guess what song was playing? You got it . . . and I GOT it:

Then came the morning; night turned into day.
The stone was rolled away; hope rose with the dawn.
Then came the morning; shadows vanished before the sun.
Death had lost and Life had won, for morning had come.

It is a morning I'll always remember and revisit when I'm tempted to give up in the dark times. Morning always follows the night, no matter how long that night may seem. The Risen Jesus is a God of mornings! He's not a God of coincidences, so it didn't "just happen" that I read these words from Our Daily Bread this morning:

"If you believe that the Son of God died and rose again," writes George MacDonald, "your whole future is full of the dawn of eternal morning, coming up beyond the hills of life, and full of such hope as the highest imagination for the poet has not a glimmer yet." . . . Since we have this life and the next, we don't have to "have it all" now. We can live in broken and ruined bodies for a time; we can endure poverty and hardship for a while; we can face loneliness , heartache and pain for a season. Why? There is a second birth -- life in heaven forever.
~David Roper~

Bed of Roses

2011-04-24T22:41:00.004-05:00

Life is like a rose garden.

Watch for the thorns and keep the pest dust handy.

~copied~

(This pic shows my roses with their first blooms this year.)

Lest I forget . . .

2011-04-21T12:52:00.008-05:00

Something to think about . . . from the pen of Max Lucado:

When God entered time and became a man, he who was boundless became bound. Imprisoned in flesh. Restricted by weary-prone muscles and eyelids. For more than three decades, his once limitless reach would be limited to the stretch of an arm, his speed checked to the pace of human feet. . .

Stop and think about this. Not once did Christ use his supernatural powers for personal comfort. With one word he could’ve transformed the hard earth into a soft bed, but he didn’t. With a wave of his hand, he could’ve boomeranged the spit of his accusers back into their faces, but he didn’t. With an arch of his brow, he could’ve paralyzed the hand of the soldier as he braided the crown of thorns. But he didn’t. . .

Want to know the coolest thing about the One who gave up the crown of heaven for a crown of thorns?

He did it for you. Just for you.

~Excerpt from Max Lucado in his book His Name Is Jesus~

King of my life, I crown Thee now;
Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow,
Lead me to Calvary.
Lest I forget Gethsemane; lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me,
Lead me to Calvary.
~Lead Me to Calvary - Jennie Evelyn Hussey 1874-1958~

2011-04-19T09:34:00.003-05:00

Imperfection is not synonymous with ugliness . . . nor does it imply worthlessness.
Not in God's eyes. I like the words Paul penned in II Corinthians 4, as found in The Message:

If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness.
We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us.
As it is, there's not much chance of that.
You know for yourselves that we're not much to look at.
We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized;
we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do;
we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side;
we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken.

Even if our pots are cracked, His light can shine through those imperfections, and His beauty can be seen in our ordinary lives.

Unfolding Grace

2011-04-15T19:16:00.009-05:00

. . . not a day goes by without his unfolding grace . . .
~II Cor. 4:16 The Message~

. . . and it's a beautiful thing!

Life Goes On

2011-04-10T20:17:00.006-05:00

This is a purple finch resting atop a bird box . . .

that was meant for the bluebird family . . .

but was seized and claimed by this feisty chickadee and mate.

Sometimes things aren't what they appear to be . . .
or what they are supposed to be . . .

But life goes on!

For the child of God, everything will turn out just fine in the end.
And life will go on forever . . . . . . . . . . . . . and ever!
Just sayin' . . .

Farther along we'll know all about it;
Farther along we'll understand why.
Cheer up, my brother; live in the sunshine.
We'll understand it all bye and bye.
~Lyrics - Farther Along by J.R. Baxter~

Out on a Limb

2011-04-05T20:28:00.005-05:00

Sometimes . . .

you have to . . .

go out on a limb.

Scary?
Sometimes.

But it helps to remember that
underneath
are the everlasting arms.

And it helps to remember that
our Perfect Example
went

out on a limb . . .

way out on a limb. . .
and hung there
and died.

For me.
For you.

Heavenly Sunlight

2011-04-02T22:14:00.007-05:00

Our plum tree is loaded with small plums like the one you see above. I took this pic just as the sun was going down, and it was breathtaking . . . heavenly! Slowly sinking out of sight behind the trees, its glowing orange color was extraordinary. I placed myself and the camera in a rather uncomfortable position in an attempt to capture the plum in the center of the sun. Not exactly dead center, but I like the way it turned out!

Just as the plum tree needs the sun to produce its fruit, so do I need the Son to produce fruits of righteousness in my life . . . love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self -control. I can't do it own my own no matter how hard I try; I must place myself in His Light - dead center - letting Him shine down in my heart daily and cleanse that which would produce bad fruit. And I can tell you for sure . . . He's still working on me - and will do so until I stand in His presence! I'm so thankful He doesn't just sever me from the Vine because my patience fruit hasn't matured as it should!

And, oh yes . . . I must accept the painful pruning process, too! But the gentle Gardener knows exactly what I need to grow and mature - even when the pruning seems so harsh to me, and I groan with each touch of the pruning tool. He'll do whatever it takes to keep me in the center of His will so that I can reflect His light.

I like this verse of the old hymn Heavenly Sunlight, which expresses where I want to be:

Shadows around me, shadows above me,
Never conceal my Savior and Guide;
He is the Light; in Him is no darkness.
Ever I'm walking close to His side.

~Henry J. Zelley~

Yesterday's sunset . . . no words nor edits needed . . .

2011-03-29T17:12:00.001-05:00

Plunge right in . . .

2011-03-26T17:12:00.005-05:00

He [Abraham] plunged into the promise and came up strong,
ready for God, sure that God would make good on what He had said.
That's why it is said, "Abraham was declared fit before God by trusting God to set him right." But it's not just Abraham; it's also us!
The same thing gets said about us when we embrace and believe the One who brought Jesus to life when the conditions were equally hopeless.
The sacrificed Jesus made us fit for God, set us right with God.
~Romans 4:19 The Message~

What promise have you "plunged into and came up strong"?

Dew Drops

2011-03-23T21:55:00.010-05:00

Strong March winds and lack of rain dry out young growth,
sucking the moisture right out of the leaves and the soil.
Then the morning dew falls
and gently refreshes every leaf it touches.
Each droplet is like a tiny jewel sparkling in the Spring sunlight,
making the rose bushes look like they've been sprinkled with diamonds.

If God so faithfully cares for the rose bushes,
how much more will he refresh the souls of His children?
When the winds of life bring dryness
and the swirling grit gets in our eyes and clouds our vision,
He hears our weak cries
and sends the dew.
Just in time it falls.
Refreshing, moisturizing mercy drops . . .
More precious than jewels . . .
Bringing healing and renewal and life!

And if that isn't love,
then the ocean is dry.
There's no stars in the sky
and the sparrow can't fly.
If that isn't love,
then heaven's a myth.
There's no feeling like this -
If that isn't love.
~If That Isn't Love lyrics - Dottie Rambo~

Sheltered

2011-03-21T08:52:00.005-05:00

Thou art my hiding place . . .
Psalm 32:7

Thou hast been a shelter for me . . .
Psalm 61:3

I'm thankful for His shelter . . . His umbrella of love and grace . . . in every storm.

A long time ago we sang this little song:
Safe am I; safe am I,
In the shelter of His arms.
Sheltered o'er; sheltered o'er,
With His love forevermore.

The little statue pictured above sits in a little nook of our house in a sheltered, green spot. I took the pic looking through this azalea bush bursting with the color of Spring.

Bubbles and Wheelbarrows

2011-03-12T18:39:00.004-06:00

Given the opportunity, kids still enjoy simple, outdoor activities.
At least our grandchildren do!

I must admit I enjoyed watching the bubbles of all sizes float in the breeze -
as well as watching Isaac and Abby chasing them.

Creating their own fun isn't a lost art, and it doesn't take much to make them smile.

Might be a little scary with your brother driving . . . but fun nevertheless!

I'm so thankful for all four of our grandchildren who brighten our days
and give us a fresh look at the world around us!

Thank God for kids; there's magic in a smile . . .

Living Sanctuary

2011-03-10T21:00:00.005-06:00

True worship
allows The Light to search
our open, obedient hearts,
so that His likeness can bloom there
and His Light can shine
through these earthen sanctuaries.

"Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary,
pure and holy, tried and true;
with thanksgiving, I'll be a living
sanctuary for You."
~Lyrics by John Thompson and Randy Scruggs~

Expectancy

2011-03-07T14:23:00.002-06:00

The soft, sweet summer was warm and glowing;
Bright were the blooms on every bough.
I trusted Him when the roses were blooming;

I'll trust Him now . . .

~From "The Song of a Bird in a Winter Storm"~

Hind Feet

2011-03-03T21:16:00.006-06:00

Psalm 18:33 (NIV): He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he enables me to stand on the heights.

Surefooted and confident, the hind (KJV) or female red deer scales the rugged mountains. Without error, she jumps from rock to rock
until she reaches her destination.

I don't know about you, but I need that analogy as I stand at the bottom of a looming mountain from time to time. I need to know that He will keep my feet from slipping and that reaching the top is possible in spite of all obstacles and uncertainties.

I like the word picture created by the last line . . . standing on the heights.
But I can never get there on my own. I need His enabling grace.
Grace . . . His amazing grace . . . is my security!

His love has no limit; His grace has no measure.
His power has no boundary known unto to men.
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
~Annie Johnson Flint - He Giveth More Grace~

2011-03-01T19:47:00.005-06:00

Click on pics to enlarge.

If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul
by a flower in spring bloom,
maybe your soul has never been in bloom.
~Terri Guillemets~

(The blooms are peach, redbud, Japanese magnolia, and plum - in our yard.)

We Bow Down

2011-02-25T19:22:00.004-06:00

We bow down and we worship You, Lord . . .
Lord of all Lords You will be.
We bow down and we crown You the King . . .
King of all Kings You will be.
~Twila Paris~

I bow before You, Lord, bringing my praise . . . and my cares.
You want to hear both.
You use both to draw me close to You - which is where I want to be.

Sprigs of Hope

2011-02-20T13:04:00.003-06:00

Tender, green shoots push through the cold, hard sod
Where the bulbs have been buried all winter.
Spring can't be too far away!

Easter lilies . . . bursting through the clutches of winter -
Remind us of The Source of rebirth and all things new.
The Giver of hope and life is never too far away!

A tender sprig of hope pushes through the cold, barren soul
Where it's been buried beneath the rubble of a shattered life.
Wholeness and healing can't be too far away!

Foggy Weather

2011-02-15T17:23:00.011-06:00

Dense fog engulfed my FIL's place this morning,
and the air was heavy, chilly and damp.
One of the cats crouched on the carport wall, his dark fur taking on a misty gray color.

When I looked at the this pic, I was reminded of Carl Sanburg's famous poem:
The fog comes on little cat feet . . .

I like that word picture.
But in our lives, the fog doesn't always come so gently.
Sometimes it comes on the feet of pain . . . or disappointment . . .
or loss . . . or confusion.
Our world is engulfed, and our visibility is near zero.

But even when we can't see the next step, we can be assured
that there is One beside us to guide us and to bring us safely into the light.
The Son shines and the fog is lifted . . . in His time.

Fogs are a painful, often scary, always faith-testing part of life, but one day we'll become eternal residents of a fog-free, see-things-clearly place!

We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing Him directly just as He knows us!
~I Corinthians 13:12 The Message~

They'll know . . .

2011-02-11T19:10:00.008-06:00

(near Tybee Island, GA)

We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won't need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don't fire cannons to call attention to their shining - they just shine.

~Dwight L. Moody~

Lighthouses and Christ-followers . . . they just shine!

. . . and they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.
~Lyrics by Peter Scholtes~

Bold Living

2011-02-09T16:36:00.006-06:00

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

~Hebrews 4:16~

. . . and we can BOLDLY leave that sacred place
to obey
to grow
to serve
to love
BOLDLY.

Mirrored Reflections

2011-02-06T19:28:00.003-06:00

A glowing, warming fire crackled and popped in the living room fireplace.
As I walked past the mirror in the dining room, its reflection caught my attention.
It was just that . . . a reflection . . . but the drawing kind that invites one
to go sit by the fire and be warmed.

Lord, make my life like that reflection . . . drawing others to sit at the feet of The One who warms our souls and sets our hearts aflame with His love.

As we gaze on Your kingly brightness,
So our faces display Your likeness.
Ever changing from glory to glory;
Mirrored here, may our lives tell your story;
Shine on me. Shine on me.
~Lyrics by Graham Kendrick - Shine, Jesus, Shine~

2011-02-04T21:02:00.003-06:00

Old Glory: she's worth our pause!

Just for You

2011-01-30T21:21:00.004-06:00

(Sunrise - Picayune, MS)

Next time a sunrise steals your breath or a meadow of flowers leave you speechless, remain that way. Say nothing, and listen as heaven whispers,
"Do you like it? I did it just for you."

~Max Lucado~

2011-01-24T18:03:00.004-06:00

Now and then we just need somebody else to do the pedaling!

Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am He; I am He who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
~Isaiah 46:5~

Courage Doesn't Roar

2011-01-19T17:45:00.003-06:00

Courage does not always roar.

Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying,
"I will try again tomorrow."
~Mary Anne Radmacher~

I will try again tomorrow . . .
because He promised to never leave me alone . . .
because He promised that His grace is sufficient.

Wings

2011-01-18T21:59:00.003-06:00

A whispered prayer,
a simple child-like faith
that clings to His promises
can put a song in our hearts
and give us wings to rise above shaky circumstances.

And no matter where our flight takes us,
He's always there
holding us close
under His wings.

He Gives a Song . . .

Inventory Time

In Process

The Bridge

Get a Grip!

Promise

He Sees . . . He Cares!

Sunrise

Color Your World!

Rust Prevention

Someone has said, "Anxiety is the rust of life,

destroying its brightness and weakening its power."

A wise man said, "An anxious heart weighs a man down."

(Proverbs 12:25)

Jesus said, "Do not worry about your life . . .

Do not worry about tomorrow. . . "

(Matt. 6: 25,34)

Over and over God, our Father, says, "Fear not."

I say, "Why do I forget so quickly?

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me.

I don't want to get rusty, dull, weighed down and powerless.

I trust You."

Test Time

Did Someone Push the Pause Button?

J - O - Y!!

HOPE

Love Came

Circle That!

Thanksgiving Roses

November Reflections

Resting Place

If I forget, yet God remembers. If these hands of mine cease from their clinging, yet the hands divine hold me so firmly I cannot fall. And if sometimes I am too tired to call for Him to help me, then He reads the prayer unspoken in my heart and lifts my care. ~Robert Browning~

Slow Traffic Ahead!

Spectacular Beauty

Autumn Flower

Flower Power

Secret Place

Late Bloomer

Focus

Just a drop . . .

Always faithful . . .

Inside Job

Share the Trail

Blessed Assurance

Rest . . .

Can't Touch This!

There Is a Fountain

Room Available

Go to the Rock

Support System

Buoyancy

No pool . . . no problem!

Life Lessons 101

Never Too Old . . .

The Other Side

Sing Along . . .

Hang On!

Tangles

Lead Me, Lord . . .

Blessed

Detours

When it pours . . .

Wonder-full!

Appreciating Beauty . . . in People and Sunsets

Fun Times

I'll cross that bridge when I get to it . . .

If love says anything . . .

Shipment Received!

Ode of Remembrance

Refreshing!!

Life Songs

New Heights

Shaken but Not Moved

A Work in Progress

"Stuff" is so temporary . . .

Morning Comes

Bed of Roses

Life is like a rose garden.

Watch for the thorns and keep the pest dust handy.

~copied~

If I forget, yet God remembers.
If these hands of mine cease from their clinging,
yet the hands divine hold me so firmly
I cannot fall.
And if sometimes I am too tired to call for Him to help me,
then He reads the prayer unspoken in my heart
and lifts my care.
~Robert Browning~