Trek With Tammie

Animal Farm?

2012-01-20T16:21:00.000-05:00

Growing up I always wanted to live on a farm with lots of animals to tend and love. Now, I have a more realistic understanding of how demanding a farm can be so I have settled, contently satisfied with my sweet little furkids: Baby Kitty, Sasha, and my foster cat, Pepper.

Some mornings when I meander down the hall, barely awake, I am passed up by a romping furry critter or two, whom then begs me to feed them before any such bathroom stop or coffee is put on, or when they wake me up in the wee hours of the morning, demanding that their food dish be filled to the brim, or when my foster kitty thinks she has full rights to my bed or I wake and hear the soothing snoring of Pepper who is nestled right between my legs, I wonder, do I live on an animal farm? Even so, I love the sweet tangible love an animal can give, the companionship, the need to be needed; they make me smile and sometimes laugh at how much they seem to "run" my moments. They can't be ignored.

We are all Sunshine lovers here... it's a race to find the sunny spot.
(This would be Baby Kitty)

...And she isn't movin' for anybody, especially another four-legged critter...

"It's MY spot, ALL mine..."
(Baby Kitty in forefront, Pepper behind)

"Please can I come in? Pretty please... cause I know you all are having so much fun in there and I don't want to be left out!"
~Sasha~

"I just want to remind you, that was my spot before you came along."
(B.K. on window sill; Pepper, in her spot, on my bed)

"Yep, before I came along..." ~Pepper

"Mom, we need more windows in this house..." ~B.K.

Ah, the lovely peace and tranquility we have around here. Who said having an animal farm wasn't fun!

Kristian Stanfill: Always - Official Lyric Video

2012-01-15T08:49:00.000-05:00

After spending a few minutes reviewing past January posts from the few years I have been blogging, January does not seem to be the brightest time of the year! And as I was musing over the post i wanted to write, it was not the brightest topic as I am in a season of testing. I know my heart, mind, and faith are being refined in the fires of life. I rejoice in the Work He is doing as it is very good, even if it is very HOT and uncomfortable.

Instead of a "life is hard" post, I was blessed to hear this song this morning after hopping onto Facebook to see what was happening. A friend had posted this song. Wow.

MY GOD IS MY HELP! HE WILL NOT DELAY! I WILL STAND MY GROUND!

HE IS ALWAYS WITH ME.

Maybe you are not a fan of January's winter gray either or facing your own varied and sundry trials. BE ENCOURAGED! Look Up to the Lord, He will not delay, He is Your Very Present Help in Times of Trouble. He is our provider, our sustainer, our redeemer, our comforter, our shepherd, our rock; By Him, through Him and in Him we are overcomers! May we walk with Him in Triumph today!

It had to come down

2012-01-10T10:48:00.000-05:00

I had a dead tree in my yard. A tall, old, pine tree. It had to come down before the wind brought it down on top of something that could be damaged, like my house, or my neighbor's house. God blessed in helping me find a good price and a great guy to take care of it. Here are a few fun pictures of the process of it coming down!

UP he goes...

Limb by limb it comes down...

Looks like fun...

He made it look quite easy...

A better perspective here... on how tall it is!

From the backyard...

Coming down....

Ground crew!

Isn't that sky gorgeous!?

One of my favorite pictures...

Tops off!

Another of my favorite takes, "Nice!"

Piece by piece...

....It came down!

After about an hour or so...

Bit by bit...

"Hey! Can you get me a drink up here??!"

The final step....

TIMBER!!!

THUNK!!!

Wow...

And it all came tumbling down....
The End!

He Stinketh

2012-01-08T21:09:00.004-05:00

Church was good today. (Italicized words are from the notes I scribbled down during the service.)

Before the message I was blessed by words in a worship song written by one of the guys on stage

"...do what you will do LORD, for your glory, not for my comfort. Move LORD, for your glory..."

My heart prayed those words to the LORD as I eagerly entered the service with a desire to hear from Him today. How often we come to a church service aching inside for a crumb from the Master's table. No one really sees our insides, but He does. He heard my cry and knew my deep need: He met me so gently, so graciously and so powerfully.

The message was in John 11: Lazarus. We know the story.

Lazarus was sick, Jesus waited two extra days, Lazarus died. He told Martha, "Your brother will rise again." She knew this was true, in the future, at the resurrection. But why did you wait? What about now? Where were you?

God was in charge. He was there. This is my work, to amaze you.

"Teach me LORD, to number my days, so I may gain a heart of wisdom..."

Lately I have been greatly affected by the deaths of friends or people connected to people I care about and love. Our days are numbered... we are not promised tomorrow.

Jesus Wept.

Our teacher today reasoned that as we see in Jesus weeping, he was most likely experiencing more than a sad emotion, can we assume maybe a sense of anger? When we understand grief and how its process effects us, anger is a good assumption.

See, this wasn't meant to be this way: You were created for LIFE, not death. This is the effect of the fall. He wept over the depth of the separation this causes with God.

He could have kept him from dying... but then you would not have been amazed!

After 4 days, he "stinketh," Nothing good had happened in that tomb.

John 11:40 "I am about to blow you away!!" (paraphrased from my pastor)

Like You, Lazarus is released, raised to Life! Jesus, our savior, went looking for a dead man. YOU and ME: when you begin to see how deep God went to rescue you, You will love Him!

"And when you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive with Him and forgave us all our trespasses."

Three Words

2012-01-01T21:43:00.000-05:00

My first Post for 2012 has to do with reflecting upon 2011. Three Words to capsulate the year behind:

Different. It definitely ended differently, held some very unexpected turns and twists that both delighted and disappointed. All of which were covered with God's love and grace. He gives More grace each day to process both the blessings and the burdens.

Growth. Growing does not mean physically(thankfully!) but mentally, emotionally, spiritually. I hope to grow everyday of my life; this means transformation. This also means I am still ALIVE! This year, this happened because of the afore mentioned blessings and burdens. Through some unexpected turns, disappointments and mishaps, I realized, sometimes in a painful way that God was using some trials to purify and mature me. By His goodness and grace (again! Thank You Lord!), He continues to gently, patiently grow me up.

Favor. I rejoice in the lavish Favor of my Lord! He spoke this to me last January, it continued all year through - even when the hard things came around - I felt a steady hand upon me. He is NEAR in all seasons of life, He walks with us, never leaving us alone, through each one! As we hold His hand, and are comforted by His Staff and Rod, we discover His Table set for us in some of the most odd places. I love what He is shown me in 2011. His Goodness and Mercy followed me all the way through... and will never leave. He knows what I need, He understands when I do not. His wisdom is far greater, His Ways far Higher, His thoughts not mine but I love it when He shares them with me.

Bethel Music - Come to Me ft. Jenn Johnson

2011-12-30T20:48:00.000-05:00

Christmas This Year

2011-12-30T20:38:00.000-05:00

God has given us so much.

Christmas being the pinnacle of His Giving of His Son, Jesus Christ, "in the fullness of time..." to come live here on earth, fully man and fully God.

The Lord Jesus Christ, the object of our...

The substance of our ....

The example of perfect...

He is the Reason we celebrate with food, family, friends....

And the reason that the Enemy of our Souls, the temporary ruler of this world tries with all his defeated power to distract, destroy, steal and kill from God's Glory. This 2011 Christmas season brought great loss in a dear friends family. Such a horrific loss that it felt like the very breath was taken out of me upon hearing the news. As I processed this loss, I found myself getting angry at the evil intent of the Enemy. I know God, through Christ has overcome death and its sting, and Believers don't grieve as the world grieves: we still grieve, with Hope.

I felt angry that in this time, this "Christmas" season, because it seems that the enemy will do everything and anything to take our gaze, our hearts, our minds and our focus off of God's Amazing Gift of Christ - where Salvation and Life are authored and perfected. Whether that be through traditions of men or horrific acts which snuff out precious life: physical, emotional or mental or all of the above.

It's the first time I have ever felt angry at Christmas. I believe it was a good anger, a righteous anger. I don't want to ever miss God. I don't want anything, no matter how good, or shiny, or promising, or personally gratifying or disappointing, to take away, belittle, distract, or destroy God in my life, nor in the lives of others. We are in a battle, whether we want to admit it or not and we are KEY players on this earth. He has already WON the Victory; He leads us in Triumph. In the mean time, gloriously inspite of us, He works GOOD, Miraculously, through the stuff that leaves me shaken, ashamed, guilty, and unworthy. Only the God of Heaven and Earth, the Lord Almighty, can do that!

"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

Behind & Before

2011-12-27T13:22:00.000-05:00

Over the last several weeks I have been looking for work as I finish my school. I knew I would be without work for a while and had a confidence from the LORD that it was a time to focus on finishing well. I was sailing through this pretty well until my weeks became a bit too "loose" and scantily scheduled.

When I lack structure to my days, everything seems kind of mushy, undefined, heavy. I do enjoy having extra time to have long times with the LORD, go on walks, get house projects done, and spend leisurely time with friends over coffee. Also, it helps to remind myself that 99% of our days I am TOO BUSY so seize the day!

Yet with too much extra time on my hands some predictable emotions and thoughts rise up; boredom, impatience with God's timing, questions of my significance and purpose. It's when things get quiet, dark, long... that the fruit of buried doubts and fears poke its head up through the soil of my heart.

A few weeks back I noticed I was slipping into an impatient attitude, "Poor me, I need a job, what am I to do..." I was weary of hearing myself carry on in such a manner! One particular morning I was assisting with some babysitting. I was sitting in my friend's kitchen, alone, as the baby was asleep, when I felt the Lord whisper something to me. It was not really audible, but a clarity came to my mind and heart that threw off the complaining cloak I was wearing. It was as if the Lord opened my eyes to see what was going on.

He knows where I am, He sees me.

He knows my circumstances, intimately.

He is over it all. I am in His loving hands.

I am here, doing what I am doing by His appointment, for His glory, to be a blessing to others: BE ALL THERE.

Each and every day has been designed by Him; He knows my needs.

He has gone before me, and behind me. Rest in his sovereign love and care.

It was as if He gave me new eyes, eyes of faith. Instead of having a victim mentality, He showed me this was all part of His forward moving good plan. I have no need to fear. He is over it all. The weight of my worry immediately fell off, and the lightness of His Yoke filled me with joy!

Talk about an instant transformation!

He has continued to do this over the past few weeks. My mind and heart get entangled with some fashion of momentary complexity, then His Spirit sweetly, softly whispers something to my soul. I know it is HIM because it is so clear, so right, so truthful. It sets me free. My feet feel the rock rise up beneath me and my soul is wrapped in a heavenly peace.

I am VERY thankful for these whispers.
I am VERY thankful for His patience with me.
I am VERY thankful for His steady hand upon me.

I am VERY thankful for the continual word from Psalm 139,

You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

Thoughts on Mary

2011-12-21T17:51:00.004-05:00

It's Christmas time: a season of joy. A time to be with family and loved ones, to celebrate with lights, a beautiful tree, presents and so much food you once again consider a new year's resolution to get back into shape.

Yet Christmas... or rather the REAL STORY for why we celebrate Christmas had some awkward, painful, confusing and difficult beginnings. I ran across this verse a few days ago...

"But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. ³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Mary most likely knew a divine joy upon learning she would be the one bringing the Messiah into the world, the Son of God, no less!? I would suspect that she did know joy, yet I would also suspect that there was a reason the Angel said to her, "Do not be afraid..." (besides the obvious fact that one of God's powerful angels was standing in front of her...)

I wonder how often she pulled out that 3x5 card that said, "do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God..." to remind herself not to be afraid, shrink back, or get angry from the hurtful judgements, comments and merciless community who did not experience the angel's visit or message. She had a pretty tough crowd to face.

We know Joseph almost opted out. Thankfully he knew Mary well enough and loved her enough to not publicly defame her (she may have been stoned to death) by considering divorcing her privately (engagement in those days was pretty serious, it was more than a light decision to break it off). We must not overlook the step of faith he took as well; it did not bode well for his name to wrap his arms around this so-you-claim-you-are-still-pure preggo girl. There goes his reputation. God took care of Joseph through a convincing dream. (Go God!)

What Mary went through was most likely pretty brutal. A situation not-so-easy to explain. Did she try? Somehow, I don't think she did... why? I don't have any solid proof to say she did not try but she found favor with God which means she hoped in Him. This speaks strongly to the strength in her faith. A woman of God hopes in Him (a recent message by John Piper reminded me of this). She believed God would come through, be true to His Word, His nature was loving and good: she was covered with His Favor.

Therefore, I believe she let the pieces fall as they would and trusted God to cover her. Her reputation was not so important as her obedience; God would take care of her name. He did.

Favor, God's favor: this has been the key Word I felt God gave me back in January for this year. His favor is on me! His table is full of delightful blessings because of His favor. Living in His favor does not take away that fact that this table is found at times in a valley of the shadow of death. A place where pain is experienced, anguish taunts, fear threatens yet where joy can exist because His presence is Near!

"The Lord is Near. Be anxious for nothing..."

He is still in the business of covering us when we cannot necessarily explain decisions made through prayer, turns we follow as He leads, circumstances that painfully unfold or simply living a life of faith, but He calls those who "live by faith to walk by faith" - that means trusting one step at a time. He invites us to trust in Him, steadfastly hope in Him to do more than we can ask or imagine. He is good and He is with us: THAT is what makes Christmas a season of Joy.

Happiness is...

2011-12-17T21:53:00.000-05:00

I have this old hymn running through my head tonight. I remember singing it LOUDLY in my Sunday school classes as a child:

Happiness is to know the Savior
Living a life within His favor,
I love His Favor: "Year of the LORD's Favor" was the Word He gave me in January. It has been drenched with it.

Having a change in my behavior
Happinesss is the Lord
He has definitely challenged me in some areas that have brought about transformation. I love this! His Favor means He never takes His eyes off of me, His heart towards me is ALWAYS GOOD, He never gives up on me and He never fails!

Happiness is a new creation
Jesus in me in close relation
Having a part in His salvation
What a wonderful truth to know more and more that I am made in my Creator's Image! He designed me to LIVE in, through, and by Him - "close relation!" - I am never alone. He has made me new in every way, and every day He draws me closer to Him. AND He invites me to be apart of His Work... How exciting is THAT!!!

Happiness is the Lord
Real joy is mine
No matter if teardrops start,
Oh Yes, REAL LASTING JOY IS MINE! I have experienced different types of joy this year; in the last few weeks I have felt a sustaining joy carry me in the form of peace. He is my peace and my Rock: what a joy to know I am held in His hands, guided by His Love and enveloped by His care.

I've found the secret --
It's Jesus in my heart!
I hope it is NOT a secret: Jesus lives in me! He is the Mystery that SETS ME FREE!

Happiness is to be forgiven
Can I get an AMEN?!! How sweet to be washed clean, and have all our sins forgiven. We no longer walk in condemnation but are covered, LAVISHED by His Grace. How I love Him for this inexpressible gift!

Living the Life that's worth the living
"May we live a life WORTHY OF OUR CALLING!!" This is a phrase that has been ringing in my soul lately: He calls us HIGHER, to rise UP and Walk with Him, gloriously!

Taking a trip that leads to heaven
This TREK leads into Eternity with Him!!

Happiness is the Lord, Happiness is the Lord
Happiness is the Lord!

I believe I can hear you singing!!! :-)

Tires

2011-12-11T21:19:00.002-05:00

It's an adventure being a single woman, especially when it involves car maintenance and mechanic shops: not my favorite hang out. G.R.O.S.S.

I prefer the local Sears automotive shop connected to the mall. Starbucks and I have at least an hour long date. It is great. Until my phone rings and I hear the inevitable.

"Hello, This is Tammie."

"Ah, yes, Miss Hull, we have not finished rotating your tires because we wanted to let you know that the insides of your wheels are in bad shape because they are not aligned properly. We recommend new tires and alignment."

"What!?"

"Ah, yes, ma'am. Do you want us to go ahead and put new tires on?"

"What!? ..."

So, the conversation digressed until they knew I was about to have a heart attack, they better NOT change my tires, just do what I came in for - a FREE service and give me a quote! Please and thank you.

When they handed me the quote, I honestly felt nauseous as I read something around the 700's behind the dollar sign. NO THANK YOU. But they present the case in such a way that it leaves a single gal's knees wobbly as she drives down the highway, praying her wheels don't go flying off and she ends up in a ditch or worse. Dead because her tires are bad. What is a gal to do!!?

The LORD knows. :-) He takes care of His Girls.

He sends trustworthy mechanics her way who reassure her they will help her, give her a good price on wheels if that is what is needed and send her on her way feeling much more secure.

First step: get wheels aligned and a second opinion.

At a local recommended and trusted tire place I was sweetly reassured my tires were in good enough shape to last another 15,000 to 20,000 more miles and they set me up straight for only $35.00.

Needless to say, I was singing with Joy to the LORD as I drove home. I was VERY THANKFUL for God's loving care for me. My car felt safer too. Not sure if that is all a mental thing but it did seem tighter and ready for the road.

Just a little testimony of How God Takes Care Of Me! :-)

To Save A Life

2011-12-07T22:37:00.001-05:00

I don't think I have ever done this: I want to recommend a movie. It is powerful.
For the families I know who read this blog, watch it before you show your kids.

To Save A Life

"Life is a journey, not so much to a destination, but to transformation."

My New Life Motto.

Known by Audrey Assad

2011-11-28T20:01:00.001-05:00

I love this song. I love the Words.

As the dew falls on the blade
You have touched all this fragile frame
And as a mother knows her baby's face
You know me, You know me

And as the summer air within my chest
I have breathed You deep down into my breast
And as You know the hairs upon my head
Every thought and every word I've said
Every thought and every word I've said

Savior, You have known me as I am
Healer, You have known me as I was
As I will be in the morning, in the evening
You have known me, yeah, You know me

Oh, and as the exhilaration of autumn's bite
Oh, You have brought these tired bones to brilliant life
And as the swallow knows, she knows the sky
This is how it is with You and I
Oh, this is how it is with You and I

Savior, You have known me as I am
Healer, You have known me as I was
As I will be in the morning, in the evening
You have known me, yeah, You know

From the fall of my heart to the resurrection of my soul
You know me, God, and You know my ways
In my rising and my sitting down
You see me as I am, oh, see me as I am

And as a lover knows his beloved's heart
All the shapes and curves of her even in the dark
Oh, You have formed one in my inward parts
And You know me, You know me, yeah

Savior, You, You have known me as I am
Oh, healer, You have known me as I was
As I will be in the morning, in the evening
You have known

You have known me, in the morning, in the evening
You've known me, God
In the morning, in the evening You have known me
Yeah, You've know me

You have always known me
You know me, God, You have known me
You have always known my heart

Thankful for...

2011-11-25T09:35:00.001-05:00

1. Family. They made this holiday beautiful in many ways.

2. A place setting especially for me :-)

3. A grand display of God's Love and Beauty...

4. Peace in my heart, because of His Mercy and Grace.

5. A visit with a dear friend from my youth.

6. Lots of FOOD.

7. A toasty fire and perfect FL weather :-)

8. Coming Home - enjoyed my travel time starting with a starbucks stop, a discounted chic-fi-la sandwich (thanks for a coupon!), praise music, time to talk with the Lord, some great podcasts that encouraged my heart and mind, and warm welcomes from my kitties and puppy who missed me. I can tell by their "meeee-ooooows" and excited tail wagging...

9. Christmas time... is here. I may get a miniature real tree this year. Inspired by my sis-in-love.

10. Energy to unpack my bags as soon as I unloaded my car. :-) Exhaustion is setting in as i type...

Pain

2011-11-19T17:46:00.001-05:00

In the last few days I have rubbed raw some places on my skin, how acutely painful they are right now. Interestingly, my heart is a bit raw right now too.

"He is close to the brokenhearted..." Yes, He is.

I think of a few dear friends I know right now, who are raw on the inside. One couple lost a son in the past few months, one man is in a storm, another is in a time of testing. God is in each of these situations, working, answering, acting through the pain.

I was struck as I was listening to a song on my nano, based on the verse found in Jeremiah 33,
‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

I wrote this verse in my journal several weeks ago. I was pressing into the LORD; my heart longed for him to answer me in a certain way. As I listened to the song, I mused:

God has answered me. He is showing me great and mighty things. Things I did not know. Not necessarily the way I had hoped or dreamed or even what I had anticipated, but He has and is answering.

So when He does answer us, and yet His answer is not exactly what I wanted it to be, how do I respond? I was taken back with my own pouty, child-like response. Oh Lord, this hurts!

It is hard when things go awry. I know pain is not the enemy, yet rather than asking Him to take away the pain, I am learning to pray He transforms me, changes my heart and matures me. (James 1:2-4) I am trusting Him to do this in me, for His glory.

God has answered, through His answer good things come, a harvest of righteousness, where hope springs eternal. Pain is not the enemy; pain often has something good to teach us.

"He who has ears, let him listen."

Lyrics to Carry Me By Audrey Assad

2011-11-17T12:57:00.001-05:00

Pain is a forest we all get lost in
Between the branches hope can be so hard to see
And in the darkness we've all got questions
We're all just trying to make sense out of suffering but

You say I am blessed because of this
So, I choose to believe
As I carry this cross, You'll carry me
Help me believe it

Fear is a current we all get caught in
And in its motion faith can be so hard to find
And we all falter 'cause we're all broken
We're all just trying to turn the shadows into light but

You get glory in the midst of this
And You're walking with me
And you say I am blessed because of this
So, I choose to believe
As I carry this cross, You'll carry me

And I know Your promises are faithful
And God, I've seen Your goodness in my life
And oh, I've found Your mercy is a river
Your love is an ocean wide

You say I am blessed because of this
You get glory in the midst of this
And You're walking with me

And You say I am blessed because of this
So, I choose to believe
As I carry this cross, as I carry this cross
'Cause as I carry this cross, You'll carry me

You'll carry me, God
You'll carry me
And Your love is an ocean wide

Credits :
songwriters: assad, audrey; larue, phillip
© deeper still music publishing;my maxx songs;river oaks music company;songs of razor and tie

Jason Gray - Remind Me Who I Am

2011-11-13T07:18:00.000-05:00

Northern (for a FL Gal) Exposure

2011-11-12T21:43:00.001-05:00

To me life is a journey, thus "trek with Tammie." I like to share the great views, the amazing discoveries, the vibrant springs and delicious green valleys I traverse upon. Yet most of us know that the journey of life is often dealing with the commonalities of the daily hum-drum and more often than not characterized by painful precipices or unexpected turns and dark shadows that are confusing, painful, and scary.

This is the place Romans and James calls out for patient perseverance, for counting it joy in the trials of life. This is when Faith calls us to look up and hold onto the Hope of our Calling. This is the work of our sanctification. There is purpose in the pain. He has higher, better, purposes for us than we have for ourselves. The LORD does not waver or change like shifting shadows; He is always, always good. (James 1:17)

"Every generous act and perfect gift is from the Father of Lights, with Him there is no variation or shadow of turning."

Life is hard, He forewarned us of this. We still carry around a fleshy body that is prone to sin. He often uses these times to show us our great need of Him. His grace allows us to be exposed for the imperfect person we are -- not sure how I forget that one .

Number one fear on my list: exposure of my imperfections. *smirk* I see the pride of even thinking I could pretend I was perfect! How, like Eve, I attempt to make my own covering, to shift the blame and say, "I was deceived... " He lovingly sees through my own deception. He uses a gentle barb at times, a strong nudge at others, to point out that I can only be healed as sin is brought into the Light.

"....who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame,..."

How often we freak out because we are so fearful of being exposed, and being "shamed." Gripping tightly to our self made covering to hopefully avoid the exposure. This is pride. "I can't let them know how bad I really am!" Many times the deception is even over our own eyes; we can't believe we are really that bad. With exposure, we get the opportunity to confess our pride, releasing our covers, so we can be covered in Him. (And a by produce, experience FREEDOM FROM FEAR now having nothing to hide!) Hopefully an even greater blessing is received when we can also experience love, forgiveness, and acceptance from the Body of Christ. It's glorious! Being exposed is then quite a gift of grace.

I can't overlook this point in the above quoted Scripture. "...despising the shame..." the very thing that drives us into hiding, HE despised. Think of it, He was literally exposed, naked before everyone. "Why were you hiding? We were afraid because we were naked..." He clothed himself with our humanity, humbling Himself... Phil. 2, he became a man, faced our shame. He understands what it feels like to be uncovered for every judging, unforgiving, unloving, wrathful eye. Woah... connect those dots for a bit. He has conquered every enemy that separates us from the Father! We have nothing to fear, what can man do to us!?

Exposure by His Loving Light: It is a generous act that leaves me in awe of the LORD. He is a pursuing God; He wants to replace our tattered, dirty, clothes with His rich robes of righteousness so we may know complete forgiveness, precious mercy, complete acceptance, total freedom, perfect love and sweet relationship with the Father.

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2

Britt Nicole Feel The Light with Lyrics

2011-10-21T12:02:00.000-04:00

God is doing a new deep transforming work in me. I feel like Eustace in the Narnia series, "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader"... when Eustace turned into a dragon. When he met Aslan, he began trying to rip off the scales of his skin... yet he could not do it completely through his own efforts. He had to lay down and allow Aslan do what seem deathly cruel, rip apart the scaly skin that was his flesh. In that gruesome process, a New Eustace emerged with beautiful fresh skin, and a fresh, vibrant heart. He had a fresh new start... because of the dying process. I am thankful for God's work in me, even though it can be confusing, painful, and even deadly, I know it is His hand that is working in me to transform and renew my heart and mind into His Image.

Romans 8:28-32

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

Ice cream, chai... and all things comforting - or at least some

2011-10-17T14:19:00.001-04:00

At this very moment, I am reclining on my bed, in the middle of the day, the sun is shining in my open window, a breeze is flowing through the house, as Pepper is all sprawled out and snoring under the natural light. I hear birds singing in the trees... a delicious quiet stillness envelopes my house, my room...

Sometimes, we just need to listen to the cry of our hearts... the little child inside of us... and allow them to tell us what to do.

Reading homework on the swing in the back yard...

Getting a soft-serve ice cream cone at McDonalds, eat it as slow as you possibly can with the sunroof open... letting the wind be your orchestra.

Drinking a chai... savoring it's warm spicy calming complexities, as you walk through Lowes shopping with your favorite person.

Enjoying a warm affectionate hug with your sweetie... in the middle of the pasta section at Publix... just because.

Play... laugh, sing and dance.

Matthew 18:3 Jesus said, "What I'm about to tell you is true. You need to change and become like little children. If you don't, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

A Domestic Day

2011-10-06T09:22:00.001-04:00

Because I am in need of a little extra fiber...

Because I am in a domestic mood today...

Because it is an amazingly beautiful October day...

Because I promised a fresh loaf of bread to a friend who is having a baby and isn't particularly comfortable in these pregnancy months...

Because I wanted my house to smell like fresh bread today...

I am baking bread and want to give a few loaves away - they are the smallish size version - like I usually eat a whole little loaf myself seconds after extracting the cute little mouth-watering buns from the oven...

The first 3 people who leave a comment on this post... will get a fresh loaf of bread delivered to them today! (DISCLAIMER: YOU HAVE TO LIVE IN COLUMBIA, SC TO WIN)

Unmasking

2011-10-03T18:24:00.001-04:00

Yesterday while I was sitting in church drinking in a profoundly challenging message from John 6, something about it revealed to me the deep need we have to see our need for Jesus. We so desperately try to hide, cover up, mask our depravity, our imperfections.

Jesus was revealing what salvation, what truth, what relationship with God requires. You must unmask yourself, in a sense, to know your need of Him.

Unmasking is scary. It is revealing! (profound huh!?) Yet, only in unmasking ourselves can we enter into true intimacy. This is a deep, very personal lesson I am experiencing. I did not even realize how hard I have tried to hold a mask over myself especially in regards to human relationships. The problem with a mask is it keeps people out... it blocks intimacy. Love. Relationship....

The things that we were created for....

God longs for this with us... He created us for His glory: for relationship with Him. Sin, a stubborn stance in independent pride, a covering mask of sorts, keeps us separated. He bridged the gap; we have to let the mask down.

I consider myself a very transparent person. Personal, friendly, warm, welcoming... yet I have struggled with deep loneliness. We all know this to some degree. I am discovering I am my own worst enemy.... isolation seems safe; yet it is cold and deadly.

In order to have satisfying relationship... we have to let down a guard, we have to unmask ... and let ourselves be seen. Overcoming the fear of exposure, knowing our own imperfections and allowing them to be seen... is a risk, but love will not grow without said risk.

Oh how beautiful it is to get on the other side... to find God loves us in our mess, accepting and even making us something of worth and significant, (a repeated theme in my posts) and then, beautifully glorifies Himself through them.

He leaves me speechless again.

On a human level... it works the same way, it is a bit scarier, as humans are not perfect, we have a tendency to not be as gracious or accepting. We are human. Yet when we begin to trust God to be our protector (laying down the instinct to do this ourselves) knowing our acceptance, worth and significance rest in Him, we can be vulnerable. Then a wonderful thing begins to happen: love, intimacy, freedom... acceptance.

God empowers us to experience something He designed us for -- authentic relationships: it is simply lovely. I am learning to "unmask" myself a lot lately. It is a risky thing but I am delightfully discovering it is a very rewarding thing too, being loved in your imperfections... is transforming!

Deuteronomy 33:27

2011-09-27T09:22:00.002-04:00

The eternal God is your refuge,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
He will drive out your enemies before you,
saying, ‘Destroy them!’ Deut. 33:27

I love that God is my refuge... a very present help, a strong, solid rock. I love that His arms are under me... holding me, assuring me, giving me strength. I love that it is HE that drives our enemies out... destroying them.

I love you Lord, You are my strength!

Intimacy

2011-09-08T09:26:00.002-04:00

About a year ago I had the privilege of coordinating a wedding for some dear friends. Something very significant happened in that event.

After the hub-bub of getting the wedding party all in line, checking that all the details were in place, the main ceremony unfolded. I stood in the back of the room near the audio booth, and took a deep satisfying breath. As I watched the couple taking their vows, a light of invitation was flashed up in my heart, an invitation to intimate vulnerability. My heart shivered at the incredible possibility.

He was inviting me deeper.

Was I brave enough to go there? I know I wanted to... He whispered into my being that He was good and strong, I can trust Him because He loves me.

Over the past year He has been showing me little by little, proving to me His unfailing love for me; strengthening my heart.

Funny how I imagined intimacy before - I don't even know how I imagined it - something more along the lines of *puff* it's HERE! When, in reality, it is more beautiful than that; it's more graceful, more flowing, more like a gentle process of growth: a sweet discovery, little by little. This has been my journey into deeper intimacy with the Lord; a place where I am known and deeply loved.

No longer fearful, I accepted the invitation, embracing the unknown process. He is drawing me in to a place where I am known and deeply loved... by Him and others. What a precious precious gift. His favor continues to unfold this year!

Daily, I discover He is the Delight of my Soul!

But you, LORD, sit enthroned forever;
   your renown endures through all generations.
You will arise and have compassion on Zion,
   for it is time to show favor to her;
   the appointed time has come.
For her stones are dear to your servants;
   her very dust moves them to pity.
The nations will fear the name of the LORD,
   all the kings of the earth will revere your glory.

Psalm 102:12-15

Isaiah 12:1-3

2011-09-02T11:00:00.003-04:00

"In that day you will say:
"I will praise you, O LORD.
Although you were angry with me (how often we feel He is angry with us...)
your anger has turned away (How great is His compassion towards us!)
and you have comforted me. (oh, His sweet comfort... Psalm 23 reminder... his Rod & Staff Comfort!)
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and NOT be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song;
He has become my salvation. (I love how we grow into understanding Him as Savior.... day by day, little by little and sometimes by huge leaps and bounds!)
With JOY you will draw water from the wells of salvation! (I LOVE THAT PART!)

Isaiah 12:1-3 with some afterthoughts from me. :-)

Isaiah 41:18-20

2011-08-15T07:18:00.000-04:00

"I will make rivers flow on barren heights,

and springs within the valleys.

I will turn the desert into pools of water,

and the parched ground into springs.

I will put in the desert

the cedar and acacia, the myrtle and the olive.

I will set junipers in the wasteland,

the fir and the cypress together,

so that people may see and know,

may consider and understand,

that the hand of the LORD has done this,

that the Holy One of Israel has created it."

What A Year!

2011-08-14T08:50:00.001-04:00

What a great year this has been... I like milestones. I enjoy making a milestone. Stopping, looking behind a bit, observing... listening, rejoicing over what God has done and is doing. Last year I posted the 36 Top Memories post. The year before that I was at the beach with a dear friend. (I think I liked that Birthday location the most!) It is fun and good for my heart to do this. So... bare with me. Here we go again!

I love birthdays! I don't necessarily need a big party or lots of attention... though I LOVE little surprises and thoughtful notes and beautiful flowers, but for me it comes down to simply celebrating God's gift of Life. We are all significant to Him... to the God of the Universe, the One who calls the stars by name... He knows us intimately and wants us to know His love and walk with Him.

I guess that that is what has been driven home this past year more than anything. God is with me. It is a small, sometimes trite little phrase, but when we grasp that tightly, deeply... it changes us. It has changed me and given me a firm place to stand.

As this Truth unfolds in me, He keeps taking me deeper... to know His Favor... it is my joy and privilege in Proclaiming it! To pull up to His Table and Feast upon His Goodness and Love; the abundance of His presense!

So much has been revealed to me this past year. My cup truly runs over with delight!

And just in the last few weeks He has been uprooting fears that have been embedded into my hard drive. Truly, we have nothing to fear but fear itself. I paralyzes us. He, the Good Shepherd, guides us and gently comforts us with His rod and staff. His rod and staff are not to beat us, or harshly correct us. Psalm 23 says, "His rod and staff, they comfort us!"... I love that! I just saw that last Sunday as I was driving home after a weekend ministering to some brothers and sisters.

I love how He loves me.... "We love Him because He first loved us."

So No long list this year of 37 things... here I go, moving onward to 38. God is Good... I want to grasp His great love more and more in this next year... and I can't wait to share how He does that!!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Aaron Shust- My Hope Is In You Official Music Video- YouTube.mp4

2011-08-13T14:18:00.002-04:00

I know Aaron... he and his family would visit over the summers of my growing up years. He is so gifted, his heart is true blue. I love his whole family... God Bless You Aaron!!

I love this song; Hope has always been a "favorite" word of mine... something me and the Lord know... like, He would put the word in front of me and wink in His heavenly presence me... so this song... sings what my heart has been singing for years and years and it is more alive today than ever!!! I love Him... He is My confidence and My Joy and LIFE.

Enjoy, and May your Hope be in Him, the unshakeable ROCK!

1st August Scripture Memory Verse

2011-08-02T07:23:00.001-04:00

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36

Bring it On Lord Jesus!!

Nehemiah 4:14

2011-07-26T19:33:00.001-04:00

I am a little behind this month in posting my Scripture memory verse. My computer dying was the main culprit. My posts are beginning to be few and far between; this does not mean I have nothing to write about, but that I have not had many precious hours to sit, marinate and digest all that is going on.... so much!

This last weekend I went to FL. I have much to share on that but for this post, I will post my memory verse... before I do that I have to explain why I chose it.

I was so blessed to hear my younger brother preach this past Sunday. Something he shared spawned the significance of my new verse challenge.

Romans 6 tells us "Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness."

To borrow some of my brother's words, "... the way to freedom is through death..." Yet the biggest challenge is to realize we are deeply deceived at times... most of us can't see the lies in our own life. The Enemy's goal is to make us passive; to passively allow strongholds to remain in our life. We do this by believing... even passively... that God is not good. The lie of the Garden; if this is where we live from, we are not living in freedom. We must ask the Lord to shine His light into the dark places where seeds of misbelief, or disbelief and doubt are planted. They will (DO) produce a harvest! Doing things God's way requires us to take off the old dying man...the dead flesh and put On the New Risen Life of Christ. "(God's) not going to dress up our flesh!"

It is a process of taking off and putting on... it is a process of healing, daily. It is a process of inviting Christ into EVERY Area, Corner, Dimension, of our being. And... it is an birthing by the Spirit... and a Growing process by the Spirit. Man cannot do it; only God can... we must turn and believe.

So... my verse speaks to the passivity... and the desire to uproot each and every lie within myself...and those I love... and to let faith rise up and overcome! Nehemiah 4:14b:

“Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”

Super Cool

2011-07-20T21:51:00.003-04:00

Good News

I have a New Computer... well, kind of.

Bad News... my MAC died, literally... it bit the dust. I did not think MAC's could do that... but I guess nothing is invincible. Remember, The Titanic: never forget it. Nothing is invincible. Except Jesus!

So, I have to share... I feel so completely covered by Him. You see... I believe it was a God-thing that my computer died. I had been feeling this growing guilt in my soul over how I was using my computer too much for... nothing. Wasting time, energy... His Time, His Stuff. I was feeling a serious... addiction! I could not make myself stop! So... I asked Him to help me. July 4, my computer died. At first, I felt a little anxiety... I had been working on school stuff! But then, I believe His Spirit moved over my mind and heart and I heard a thought rise. "I am not going to waste emotional energy over this, God's is over it. I will rest in His Care and believe it will be alright." That was that. I was not even upset! Of course, I pursued some avenues to find a resolution, to fix it. But there was nothing but peace in my soul. I even knew it may cost me ... but again I had peace. I saw it clearly as God intervening, to help me pull away from depending on my computer antics to meet my emotional hunger. He is good; I found peace.

My Mac went to the Mac Hospital - a techie store in town. I went home, enjoyed more time to be still, read, and see how much time I actually had available to listen. It was good.

I did loose all my data... or rather, it is tightly held in the old harddrive and could not be retrieved... even in this... i find a peace. For one, it cost me less. For two, though I lost a lot of stuff - papers, reports, pictures, and personal journals (which are the most precious loss to me), it does not feel devastating. For this I am thankful.

I did get a BRAND new hard drive that is twice as big and powerful as my original one AND it is updated so it feels like a brand new computer! It is clean too... as they replaced my old cracking keyboard... it's like a Fresh Start! I think that is super cool!

I can only say, Thank You Lord for taking care of me, giving me a helpful discipline to shut down and get myself in better shape, and providing me exactly what I needed.

"In Everything Give Thanks!"

Fourth Fun

2011-07-04T12:31:00.002-04:00

Happy Fourth of July!

I believe this day is one of my favorites; over the past few years, it has distinguished itself in my memories. Sailing is one part of the weekend, as well as watermelon, blueberries, some group activities like Contra dancing or hometown festival... and this year it is no different - more or less. :-)

This year, this weekend has included a bit of sailing, a bit of hanging with friends, but mostly I have enjoyed a quieter holiday setting my house in order, keeping Sasha company and calm during the exploding flares and bottle rockets in my neighborhood. I do plan on joining my community group tonight for a firework show and traditional fourth food!

Kitty is all about the celebrating too...

"I think we should shoot some off in the house tonight. Sasha would totally love it.....you know, like good therapy, make her face her fears. I am just thinking of what would be good for her..."

"Mom, I am not going to smile, I don't care if it is the Fourth of July."
She loves it when I whip out the camera....

Inconsequential Happenings

2011-07-02T11:20:00.002-04:00

Good Saturday Morning!

"You have me in the house, what more do you want?"

I love that one of my precious nieces thinks I have the idealistic life: I have a cat and a dog and get to play with them all the time. What a wonderful life in her eyes. :-) I am glad she thinks so.... I can remember thinking something like that when I was her age... no homework, do what I want to do when I want to do it... have as many animals as I want... climb trees until I am ninety and eat mac'n cheese every meal. That is the life!

Well, I don't eat mac'n cheese nearly as much as I did as when I was 10... though I do consume a box or two on rare occasions, I do enjoy my animals, I still like a good climbing tree, and adventure calls me to explore, travel, and be spontaneous as much as possible. Ah... but I am not 10 anymore.... *sigh*

My house is evidence of a full-time, not-10-any-more, working gal. I am realizing, part of taking care of yourself means providing yourself with a peaceful, orderly mind - my personal list of things that create this includes a clean house, paid bills, laundry done, finished homework, food in the refrigerator, trimmed & mowed lawn, a clean car, communicating with loved ones and happy, contented, fed animals. I think it is kind of interesting that a nagging feeling rises in me when one of these have been ignored for a bit. I am beginning to think this is the nature of a woman. Just my suspicion, can anyone else confirm this?

So this sweet quiet Saturday morning began with the afore mentioned nagging anxiety. So much so I had to make a list to get them off my head so to allow myself the pure enjoyment of an undistracted time with the Lord. Saturdays were made for long Quiet Times with Jesus.

Not sure where this post is going... i wanted to open a window into my day - that is what I have been pondering this morning as I walked Sasha in the cool beauty of the early morning.

To update you on happenings this summer, my house has been the temporary home of an cat-guest for the past few weeks. Pepper is the very much loved feline of a family who just moved to Columbia to work at CIU. They are househunting and unable to keep their kitty in their temporary dwelling. So, Pepper has moved in here. I accidently call her "him" because her stature is so much bigger than Baby Kitty. Pepper is a bit on the anxious side of cat personalities. She has reason to be a little on edge, being that she is 12, unceremoniously uprooted from her familiar surroundings and plopped down in a strange place, with another feline and a black mongrel who comes inside every night or so.

Ever so slowly she is letting go of her anxiety. She has fully adopted my bed as her favorite lounging place, even sleeping with me at night. I have to remind her it is my bed and shove her over in the middle of the night! Anyhow, Pepper and Kitty have their rounds of stare downs; Kitty can't quite get that this guest can't chill and be nice. We are getting there....

After spending some time in the Word - 2 Chronicles 15-19 was particularly rich as well as Psalm 77 - verse 19 especially:

"Your path led through the sea,
your way through the mighty waters,
though your footprints were not seen."

: talking with the Lord and blogging, I am ready to find the path through my sea of mighty waters ... i.e. my list! :-)

Have a Blessed Saturday!!
...I have to brag on God... I was feeling a wee bit on the lonely side and I felt i was to make a little extra coffee this morning for any surprise visitors. (What Lord? Ok...) Would you believe... one of my sweetest friends "popped in" while I was blogging away. :-) She had some coffee and we caught up.... and my heart was so thrilled over His Love for me. Thanks for stopping by Friend!!

2 Chronicles 15:7

2011-07-01T08:08:00.000-04:00

I read this chapter this morning in my quiet time, and I had a *star* and a date(08/20/08) beside this verse:

"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."

How timely to read it again, today, as just last night I went to bed with some futile thoughts - knowing they were not the Truth, I laid them down at His feet and went to sleep, also knowing, I was very physically spent and that can often contribute to futile thinking.

I Love that He is Faithful, He does not, will not fail, and He is my Strength! This is the perfect verse for me to memorize this next two weeks. Want to join me?

Contra Dancing

2011-06-26T17:48:00.001-04:00

Several of you have inquired, "what is contra dancing?" I can refer to you the wikipedia explanation of Contra Dancing. It is a whole lot of fun - last night I felt excited as a little girl as the caller started organizing us and the band started tuning up their strings. It was a full night as the band (i found out later) was quite a popular one. I would say there was a crowd numbering around 300?? It was packed... it made the do-si-do's and the "swing your partner" a little more bumpy and touchy than normal.

One of the first things to acquaint yourself with upon arriving at a contra dance is the calls. There are a few words that may be new to your vocabulary, like: "allemande" and "hey for four" (still not quite sure what that one means) and "gypsy"... the beginner's practice is very beneficial to attend! You get to see you are not the only one who may not know your left from your right. :-) Here are a list of steps/calls you will hear:

You will have a new appreciation for who your neighbor is and who your partner is... and for those who know more than you do so when you miss a step or two or get all turned around and not sure which way to go... a good partner/neighbor will pull you back in a wink and before you know it, it looks like you know what you are doing!

The girl with the cross back dress in the center of the picture is my friend, Sarah. She danced every dance... I think... it is about the most aerobic work out ever.

There she is again!

I was dripping sweat so badly it was dripping into my eyes and down my legs. Lovely...

Here is Faith keepin' in step with the music :-)

As you can see... it is a great time! Both sets of cheeks are hurting before the night is through... ;-)

And a few toes are hurting too.... i got a nice blister on my pinky toe.

It was so worth it!

Sundry Things

2011-06-21T20:22:00.000-04:00

So Summer Begins.

About an hour ago I opened my front door and it felt like a furnace outside. It's hot. I am very thankful for air conditioning. This summer I won't be sailing two days a week as I did two summers ago. I won't be catching every random babysitting opportunity. I won't be sweating under a canopy at the Sand Hills Farmers Market selling beautiful veggies and fruit. I won't be renovating anything in my house, no summer projects this year.

This summer I will be...

... working in an office, being part of a healing process to young and old, men and women, people of all sorts. It fills me with a deep level of satisfaction. I come home quite tired, ready to embrace an evening on my couch and a hot meal. I totally embrace that when it happens!

... involved in other's lives, with a desire to spur them on in Christ Jesus. What a JOY...

...enjoying Sunday afternoons on the sail boat, contra dancing, baking, reading, resting, and watching movies ordered on Netflix.

...attending my 20 year high school reunion. (!!) I am in serious numbness over that fact: that went by fast! Truthfully, it causes the insecure, ill-at-ease emotions to rise. I am realizing this is a chance to face deep fears I held as a teenager/young girl and see what God wants to do in me and for others. My security is found in the Lord; I have grown up... haven't I? What an opportunity for healing and growth. I love how God doesn't let any rock go unturned, He is about softening up those dark, hard places... every single one!!

...growing more in love with an amazing Body of Believers. It is so hard to miss even one Sunday! I hate being gone on a weekend. :-)

...celebrating what God has done in the past 12 months. Last year this time I was just beginning to come into a fresh knowledge of God's closeness to me. It has been a wonderful year of transformation, of fresh understanding of who I am in Christ and that my significance comes from Him alone. I know there was a definite turning point, a new beginning last summer, with the Lord. I am continuing to know the thrill of Joy, Outrageous Estatic Emotion over HIM!

So... Yes, Summer has begun.

Isaiah 58:13-14

2011-06-15T20:35:00.002-04:00

Isaiah 58:13-14
You must observe the Sabbath
rather than doing anything you please on my holy day.
You must look forward to the Sabbath
and treat the Lord’s holy day with respect.
You must treat it with respect by refraining from your normal activities,
and by refraining from your selfish pursuits and from making business deals.
Then you will find joy in your relationship to the Lord,
and I will give you great prosperity,
and cause crops to grow on the land I gave to your ancestor Jacob.”
Know for certain that the Lord has spoken.

One Thing I Did This Weekend

2011-06-12T21:26:00.001-04:00

My close neighbors had a little baby girl last Saturday. I thought I would put a bun in the oven for them to enjoy while they enjoyed their New Bun. So...

I started with some whole grains....

Ground the grain in my mill...

Put some basic ingredients in my universal mixer...

One scoop at a time....

Sprinkled my cutting board with flour....

Got it just the right consistency.... rolled it, patted it...

.... into a nice little raw bun...

Let them rise for about 45 minutes...

Put them in the oven for 22 minutes...

Hand delivered a hot, steamy fresh loaf of bread to the Bun Makers up the road... came home and ate almost a whole mini-bun myself. Yum.

Yeah, that is what I did Friday Night between watching four episodes of 24.

It was great.
:-)

Your Domestic Diva, checkin' out.

Hold Me

2011-06-11T10:02:00.000-04:00

Hold Me

Because it is Saturday. Because I feel Great. Because this is totally a fun song: one you gotta roll the windows down, open the sunroof, and sing loud along with as you drive down the road... hair blow'in so it gets all knotty... oh. so. fun.
Because... this is so perfectly full of Joy of the Love from The Lord to You. To Me. and I want to Love Him back with as much Joy and Passion as He loves me...
Because. Just cuz'
:-)
Have a Happy Saturday!!!

Luke 1:78-79

2011-06-02T07:35:00.000-04:00

Because of the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,
TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.” NASB

in the last 8 days

2011-05-23T21:50:00.005-04:00

^{I have seen the span of celebration, congratulations, waves, cheers, and tears this week. It started with a wedding... a friend had a baby... I said good bye to my dear from Tracy this morning, and just minutes ago I walked in from attending a funeral. All within 8 days. I am a little emotionally tired. Emotions are such a gift, an imprint of our Creator... emotions show us so much of who we are and who God is in us.}

At this moment I am "oatmealing" - just sitting here doing nothin' - letting my brain go where it may, feeling these sober thoughts deeply... listening to the stillness around me, breathing slowly and consciously. It's a nice thing to do.

Kitty even seems to notice when I do this... she has joined me... she is good at this.

"What do we have that we have not received."
I like that quote; Robertson McQuilken used that as his main point in the memorial message tonight. It is still ruminating in my head. How true...

^{"What do I have that I have not received..." Nothing.}

"God is great because He is good." Another gem that was placed before me tonight.... oh yes, so good... so great.

^{"Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification." Romans 15:2 ...the verse of the day on Gateway.}

^{This week... I have asked myself... "why am I doing this?" (Whatever I am doing... saying... thinking.) Is it out of my need... or for their need, their good... a good way to test my actions, words... and thoughts.}

^{I had a hard time reading through 2 Samuel this past week. David had fallen... repented... and become weak... He was no longer walking, living, fighting as a warrior. He was slulking around... I found it interesting... the contrast of his actions/reactions when he was challenged by evil in his prime... and when evil stepped into his house as an aged man. I wondered: he changed (and i know there was consequences to his sin he would see and experience) yet God was still the same God... who helped him defeat Goliath... He spoke confidently then... "who is this... defying the God of Israel!?".... how sad to forget that the God of Israel had not lost His Glorious strength and Might... it was David who lost his strength... and might. Was he forgetting his significance came from His God... not his own name and strength? Now that his name and strength were fading... could he have still stood confidently against evil...because he was confident in His God even when he had failed?}

^{Just some of my thoughts... it was hard pushing through 2 Samuel.}

^{Amazing to notice God kept coming after Man... over, and over and over... Then in Christ, God rescued us and came face to face to us so we could know Him... even in our sin. Amazing.....}

^{Random I know... a little of my thoughts this week.}

^{"What do I have that I have not received..." Not One Thing. Thank You Lord jesus, thank you.}

What happens in May

2011-05-20T23:02:00.005-04:00

May in my neighborhood is beginning to not be my favorite. Even though I drink in the sights, sounds, smells of the dewy mornings, the lush greens, the honey suckle blooms, the morning songs of the birds from my open windows and the perfect sailing days - May is a bitter-sweet month.

You see, a good part of my circle of friends attend CIU, a wonderful college, seminary and graduate school. I live less than a mile away, and a lot of my ties somehow connect there. It is a rich community of people who are moving, growing, intensely in love, with Jesus. It truly is a unique environment - like living in a human greenhouse - you receive rich teaching, rich fellowship, and intense transformation. It is kind of a shock when you leave such a protected bubble and enter the real world. It is a great place to build a solid foundation.

When May rolls around though - celebration brings cheers and tears of accomplishment and good-byes. Goodbyes really stink. This is my third year living here, and it doesn't get any easier. I am so thrilled for my friends who cross the finish line, completing an amazing program of study, rightly rewarded for their hard studies. Yet it is hard to ignore a knot that begins to form in my throat over the fact that they are moving away, into a new reality, onward and upward.

This year, two of my dearest friends both wore the cap and gown, moved the tassel from one side to the other, and shook the hand of the CIU President as they walked across the stage of the packed auditorium. My friends, Tracy and Jamison, both finished their courses here.

Over many, many meals, excursions to the grocery, playing with dogs and cats, prayer times, hours of good, diverse conversations (what was that about...? ;-0 I can't believe some of the topics we covered!!! I am completely educated on... many sundry topics - that's what girlfriends are for!) and side splitting laughter, God has met me through these two precious gems. He has made my life richer, my heart stronger, through this friendship: for this season together, my heart is full of thanks. I have been truly blessed by these two amazing women - they have been gifts from the Lord, beyond words. Life will take us in different directions, into new seasons: unknown opportunities will meet us and He will continue to transform us. My prayer as we move onward is that we will grow ever closer to the One who always invites us into deeper intimacy and Light: Jesus Christ - our One and Only Unchanging, ever-Living Love.

“Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Romans 15:5-6

Scripture Memory - Psalm 36:7-9

2011-05-15T21:41:00.000-04:00

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!
         And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.
    They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house;
         And You give them to drink of the river of Your delights.
    ⁹For with You is the fountain of life;
         In Your light we see light.

(I have an old song rolling through my head right now..."The Stedfast love of the Lord never faileth... la-la-la... it's new every morning, new every morning... Great is Your Faithfulness, Oh Lord... Great is your faithfulness")

An Evening List

2011-05-04T22:38:00.000-04:00

My heart is very grateful tonight. God has given me so much.

1. Each day is designed by God, somedays we actually notice it. Today was one of those days. I am grateful to see His Loving Fingerprints over each minute of this day.

2. I am grateful for some wise mentors God has placed in my life. God has put two amazingly gentle, loving, grace-filled and wisdom-filled ladies to walk by my side as I experience my internship phase of my program of study. Seriously, as I prayed for "supervisors" - I did not want someone who would simply help me check off a list, but women who I could be mentored and trained through - by their LIVES and not just their words. God has done that and I am truly grateful for these women: He has blessed me abundantly more than I even dreamed.

3. I love my new job. Oh, I guess I had not shared that little change in my life. It was a process getting to where I am working, a scary process because it pushed me to step into a place i felt uncomfortable because it was very unknown. It seemed daunting because it called for skills and qualities I felt I did not have - or at least they were not my strongest talents - in fact, I had very little confidence and pretty much shook in my skin at the thought of failing or being exposed for the complete idiot I feel I am in certain areas. Who wants a job like that? Well, God opened to the door slowly so I could get use to the idea... and let myself be willing to do it. It has been a real lesson to realize my tendency to run when I feel insecure, instead of trusting God. It is bringing me more to the point of utter dependance upon Him: God wants to empower and strengthen me, as He leads me to press through... delight is found where I never imagined! Believe me... it is a real good lesson for me... and I think He may be repeating it until I get it: don't run, stand still, trust Him... press forward through fear and insecurity... Delight awaits on the other side! "For the Joy set before Him...."

4. I am thrilled to have one of my favorite fast-food restaurants open in close proximity to me!! If you have never experienced Chipotle's; do it SOON! Seriously... my mouth is salivating right now as I think about it. Yes, that must be on this list!

5. It was a busy day, but a peaceful day. Psalm 29:11 - The LORD will give strength to His people;The LORD will bless His people with peace.

And to all I say, Good Night!

A Rainy Morning

2011-05-04T07:28:00.002-04:00

I was up before dawn this morning to hit the gym. I was a bit more motivated today since I have been noticing some shrink-age in my clothes lately. Don't ya just hate that...

I was ready to go, my running shoes on, dressed... then I realized my exercise partner did not reply to my typical morning text: a sign she was opting out today. Then I realized my roommate parked her car behind mine.. then I noticed it was pretty dark out, darker than normal... so I decided I would wait until it was a bit lighter and go for a bike ride with Sasha... then I realized, it's raining!

Seems that God wanted me to stay put this morning. I settled down to embrace the morning hour with Him and a cup of PG. What a gift this rainy morning is...

As I flipped through my Bible... my eyes caught this:

"So let us know, let us press on to know the LORD
         His going forth is as certain as the dawn;
         And He will come to us like the rain,
         Like the spring rain watering the earth." Hosea 6:3

Scripture Memory - Psalm 27:14

2011-05-02T09:21:00.001-04:00

“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible

I have so much to say about this... i will refrain for now... just know, if you read my blog, pray for me as i begin a new season of ministry ... or living out God's purpose and calling for my life. I begin my internship this summer (it has already begun) and I know I can do nothing in or of myself... unless HE DOES it through me!

Amen, and Amen!

Caught My Breath

2011-04-29T13:25:00.001-04:00

I am about to throw some clothes in my suitcase and head out the door to land in NC tonight. I whipped open my Apple to quickly check emails and the ADORABLE BLUE EYED WONDER was staring at me from my screen.

I had to stop and drink in the darling thing... he literally took my breath away. This is my new little Nephew, Micah Troy. I had fun snapping pictures of this hunk-a-chunk over Easter Weekend. I showed this picture to a friend this morning... and snapped my MAC shut and ran out without closing the picture down.

What a beautiful delicious baby. :-)

Soon he will be 4 months old... 4 years old... 14 years old... 44 years old... gulp.

So... i am capturing him now... to remember always.

:-)

Scripture Memory - Psalm 18:28-29

2011-04-16T10:19:00.000-04:00

Psalm 18 is one of my very favorite special personal passages, as through it God has encouraged me in very specific personal struggles. One time was when I was pushing through my undergrad and counting down the semesters to the finish line. He gave me strength though verse 29, "...with Him you can scale a wall!" (NIV) Another very tender piece is verse 19, of which brought me to tears as I received His Word, "I rescued you because I delight in you!" Oh He is so good to me!

So for the last half of April, I want to sit on verses 28-29 from the HCSB:

"Lord, You light my lamp; My God illuminates my darkness.

With You I can attack a barrier, and with my God I can leap over a wall."

Not My Way

2011-04-15T17:03:00.000-04:00

It's a beautiful day here in Columbia, South Carolina. I feel very refreshed; God blessed me with a few very good nights rest, time to enjoy Him and His creation and now I am sipping on His Beauty in my yard from my front porch...

This would be my New porch "swing" notice... the swing part isn't really happening but it was given to me. The chains are waiting for my dad or some other male who knows how to construct a frame to hang a swing. It needs a little TLC too, so before it is hung I hope to sand it down and apply a coat or two of paint/stain.

As you see... it is a gorgeous day to enjoy my new seat.

This morning I was reading about Gideon. I have been talking to God about a few challenges lately, things that are pressing for some attention yet I don't exactly know what I am to do about them, if anything.

As I read Gideon, I thought of other familiar Bible stories and characters. God's plans are usually played out a lot differently than what we imagine they could. Think of the Israelites exiting Egypt: God could have allowed Moses to have great favor with Pharoah, Pharoah could have been in a good mood the day Moses stepped into his court, it could have been easy for Pharoah to simply say, "you have my blessing to leave!" But... God had a different agenda; He actually hardened Pharoah's heart so that His GLORY would be seen, not one Israelite could doubt God was delivering them, not Moses, not Pharoah: The LORD their God! The Almighty One they did not really know.... God was coming closer and introducing Himself, "Hello, My name is Yahweh, the Lord Your God!"

Or think of the Jericho: surely there could have been a different way. But God said walk around the city for a week, blow the trumpets then do it seven times the seventh day and SHOUT for I will give you the city.

God is a jealous God. He wants us to Look at Him Alone: He will not share His glory.

So, recently, as I have been facing my own personal quiet challenges. I have sensed God whispering to my soul, "Stand still and see what the Lord will do for you!" (And don't worry! Enjoy the day I made for you!)

Stand Still?! Be Quiet?! Do Nothing!??! What!!?

Okay. So I did. Am doing.

He is Working. Amazingly so, like blow my socks off and make me roll on the floor laughingly so!

So ya know; my "challenges" are being taken care of but not My Way. But God's. His Way, His Time, His Work... is perfect. Even when it seems silly. Imagine being in Gideon's troops when he said, "okay guys, we are going to battle. Leave your swords, shields, and armor at home. Bring a horn, a torch, and an empty jar." What? okay....

I was seriously challenged and encouraged yesterday as I read about God's command of keeping a Sabbath. What an amazing gift: rest. It is truly a statement of faith - resting because He has done the Work, will provide, will restore.... if we Rest In Him, honor Him in giving Him time in our days, weeks and years to pull away just for Him. Laying down our stuff... to enjoy Him. It doesn't make since to the world.... but it is a beautiful picture of trusting God to take care of us.

I love it. His Way is Perfect. And you know what is the most wonderful part about it? How close I feel His presence, His pleasure and peace in ME, as well as Joy: it truly is a fruitful season. It's all Him.

Glory To His Name!! Not My Way, Jesus, Only Yours!

River of Delights

2011-04-13T08:07:00.000-04:00

How He Delights My Soul!

Last night a dear friend and I went for a walk down on the Riverwalk. It is one of my favorite places here in Columbia. If I have not said it already, Spring is beautiful here!! This Spring seems to be extra beautiful for the Lord has been pouring His Love over me in such a tangible way. Truly Joy inexpressible! So much joyful juice is upon me that when I spill it over on a status quote on Facebook I am receiving funny questioning comments such as, "are you getting married?" or "Tammie, do we need to talk??" I love my friends.

No I am not getting married; I am simply growing into deeper Delight of My Husband for 34 years. Jesus Christ has faithfully loved me through valleys and seasons and depths. He has been tenderly showing me this walk truly has been a living relationship, a marriage, in spite of my complaining, my lack of understanding and seeing(believing!) or mis-belief, my stubborn dig-my-heels in moments, pouting: He has never given up on me.

In a new fresh way, my eyes are seeing His Love for me; my heart is receiving as never before. Several weeks back as I was sitting before Him, My heart bubbled up, "You Delight Me!" Instantly I remembered one of my favorite verses:

"They feast on the abundance of your house, you give them drink from your river of delights!" Ps. 36:8

So last night as we were walking by the river, sharing our hearts and lives, the Lord blessed us with the beauty of His creation: the air was sweet with floral fragrances, brilliant greens, blues, yellow hues of the sky, the river, the grasses, leaves and flowers dressed our pathway, the sunset settled gently and slowly to reveal splashes of light on the tops of the trees and city skyline, gentle breezes fluffed our hair and kissed our skin - as if His Spirit was lovingly caressing us. It was almost as if we were stepping on Heaven's edges....

This was actually taken on our walk last night. It doesn't seem to do the beauty of the evening justice but it is a start. It was a refreshing reprieve to be in His Creation for a few hours, to slow down, to not think to hard, to hear and feel His closeness. Can you imagine what Heaven, more than that, what His Presence will be like...?

Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens,

your faithfulness to the skies.

Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,

your justice like the great deep.

You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!

People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

They feast on the abundance of your house;

you give them drink from your river of delights.

For with you is the fountain of life;

in your light we see light.

Defining Good

2011-04-10T20:58:00.000-04:00

The theme of the retreat I went on a few weeks ago was on His Goodness. I was pretty happy as God has been magnifying his Goodness to me over and over and over again in the recent months. It kind of ties into "His Favor"... the phrase I felt He gave me in January.

With this goodness theme, Psalm 23 has burst open for me. This psalm has long been a favorite to me bringing me much comfort. In the recent months He has brought my eyes to the last few verses. (these are Tammie's paraphrased version)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear, you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me... You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, you anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows... surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life..

If you put these verses together - picture them as you read them.... where is this table He has prepared? In the valley! In the presence of the things you feared at one point. Now you no longer are in the dark valley (yet you are, as you are brought low, in brokenness that valley caused) yet in that very place.... you find a Feast. Out of that... goodness and mercy and joy and peace and love flow, grow, become yours. He is the Light that dispells the darkness... yet only through that place of death can His Love and Life meet you.

So the theme passage of that weekend....

Psalm 27:13-14

Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness

while I am here in the land of the living.

Wait patiently for the Lord.

   Be brave and courageous.
   Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Because we know He is with us, we grow to know... He is good, He is strong, He is for us... all the lies begin to break apart... as we learn to know Him.

I am more and more realizing that the tactics of the enemy have not changed since the garden. The deceiver wants us to doubt God, and to try to manage, control, manipulate our lives, our wants, our needs... ourselves. Somehow believing we can do it better, or we are strong enough to be what only God can be... the enemy fools us into thinking... now is better, God is not good... this will bring me happiness, joy, peace... love.  These things are from God; anything else is only counterfeit. We really are not even able to define what good is....

“What is it that we really want?” Do we want simply to live well and experience love, joy, peace, patience, etc…? Or, do we want to conquer life on our own and define love, joy, peace, patience, etc…?" Quote by Brad Hambrick

In reading "Emotionally Healthy Spirituality" today, I ran across a story of a wise man. To summarize, he kept asking a young man who had good and bad experiences: upon receiving some bad circumstance he would ask "are you sure this isn't a blessing?" and upon receiving some good circumstance, "are you sure this isn't a curse?"

That brought me back to Psalm 23; in the valley's... in our dark moments and places and pits... where we struggle, cry, get confused and hurt and offended and broken... may our eyes keep focused on Who is With us... and rejoice, as in that place He is preparing a Table loaded down with the richest of fare because He loves us and yes, is so very Good!

Spring Shots

2011-04-03T18:16:00.000-04:00

My Little tree in my back yard: I love it.

My favorite trail in Columbia... with some of my favorite peeps.

The Local Natives are so nice too.

Fun in the Columbia Sun

I went to take a nap today (Sunday) and noticed a few weeds.... I ran for my camera after I began snatching a few of these annoying, but wispy beauties up.

Ever think of having a Dandelion garden?

Another flowering bush in my yard; the previous owners really loved flowers... I am enjoying the fruit of their labor, AND my dad's labor too....

My beautiful roommate :-)

Goodness From His Table

2011-04-02T11:12:00.002-04:00

Ever play that hide-and-seek game as a child, or with your children? Something is hidden, as they search for it, you gently give them hints:

"you are close, getting warmer, warmer... you are getting HOT..." which means, "you are RIGHT THERE! OPEN YOUR EYES!"

I think that God does that in the Word.

God has given me a few wonderful life-giving Words, some "rhema" over the past few year. He is always speaking if we listen. Last weekend, as I said, He tied a few strings together that connected several concepts I was getting close to: He Lit it Up for me!

One concept He opened was how He has revealed Himself in Scripture.

This actually started several weeks ago. This little house I live in is the home of two very early risers. My roommate gets up in the wee hours of the morning, sprawls our her Bible, her notes, her pens and pours over His Word. By the time I fall out of bed, she has been up at least half an hour or so... and this is all before 6AM. My brain is not ready to read much before 6AM, so I usually head off to do something mindless and that makes me burn off calories for an hour.... then I am ready for coffee and the Word.

Well, several weeks ago, as i was slumbering down the hall to grab my water bottle and head out the door, my roommate was bursting with something she had just discovered in the Word. (Now that is something GREAT to wake up to, though i was not quite able to meet her in her enthusiasm.)

She had been studying in Exodus....

"And God said to Moses, “I am Yahweh—‘the Lord.’I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty’—but I did not reveal my name, Yahweh, to them."

She pointed out how significant it was that, here, God, was making Himself known more and more - bringing His people to know Him not only as, God Almighty, but LORD; their Lord.

He Is The Lord.

When she shared this, I was like, "cool, that is great... see ya in an hour!" I think I could still hear her bouncing up and down as I ran down the steps of my front porch.

Okay, so that seed kind of sat in my head, sure, it was pretty cool.

Then last weekend, our speaker took us to Romans.

It was the tail end of her talk, she was taking us down the Roman road: 3:23 - for all of have sinned... (separated themselves from God); 6:23 - the wages of sin is death.... someone has to pay for them, me or someone else; 10:9-10 - "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved."

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is LORD..."

BAM!

"I am the LORD."

Did I not hear that before...??!!!

I saw it! This is all part of His beautiful, incredible... merciful plan: to make Himself know to us PERSONALLY! To come close to us... His beloved Creation! And, He covers us through Himself to make this happen!!

The resurrection is SO significant! In that very act, God is showing us that He has accepted the sacrifice of His Son, to cover us... (remember Genesis 3?, He made skins for Adam and Eve... yet they still had to leave His Presence!)

We can now be covered with Christ, and accepted back into His Presence to Know Him Personally - no barriers!

Christ is the LORD! He is also the initiator here... notice, we were not really the ones looking to get back with Him. He made us for Himself... and we don't even know it!!

He has made us acceptable; even I cannot separate myself from His Love.

I am acceptable to Him, in Christ! The Lord, Oh Lord, is My Lord!

That just makes me smile.... and dance and sing and laugh!

I Peter 4:8

2011-04-02T11:01:00.000-04:00

My Memory Verse, from the New Living Translation, for the next two weeks:

Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. I Peter 4:8

Drenched in His Goodness

2011-03-28T08:30:00.000-04:00

God amazes me over and over and over!!!! My Cup Overflows!! (yes, i am excited and MUST use those exclamation points!)

This would be me... on Myrtle Beach; it was MUCH COLDER than I anticipated.... note the few layers of clothing I am sporting. I was extremely thankful my wool footies made it in my suitcase... when your feet are warm and dry, it makes the dreadful cold bearable. :-)

I attended a retreat this weekend and it wasn't so much that it was a power-packed event but that I saw His hand pulling pieces of Words, Truth, glimpses of treasures of Himself, in His Word together. Almost as if all the things He has been bringing to my heart and mind over the last year culminated this weekend into a blast of understanding and eye-opening revelation!

Saturday was the main day for me; Friday, God was whispering to me, "prepare your heart." (Note previous blog post!) As I looked down into my soul, my heart was gripping something that was out of my control and causing me anxiety. I knew what I had to do as the first few notes of worship began Friday: surrender and ask God to have His way in the things I could not control. My heart immediately released it's grip and was open and ready. It was then I felt Him whisper... "pull up to the table..." He had been preparing a Table of Truth, Goodness, Richness for me... for over a YEAR ... even longer than that... it was time for a Feast.

The banquet began! It was RICH, it was Delicious... my soul was AWAKE, HUNGRY and Receptive to take it in. By Saturday evening my soul felt like firecrackers of Light was going off!!! I got back to my room, found some solitude and went over all the notes I had taken. I literally felt a gurgling of thanksgiving, delight, laughter and wonder filling my heart!! GOD IS SOOO GOOD!

I will share more about the Pieces of Truth He tied together for me in the next few days... and hopefully splash some of this Delight upon you! What delicacies!!

For now... it will have to wait.

To top off my weekend, I came home and met a friend for dinner who graciously gave me a wonderful new toy... as my phone died last week. Can you guess what it is!!? I feel like a kid in a candy shop, I am so ecstatic over it!! It even has a cool pink cover over it! :-)

Random Mental Meanderings

2011-03-25T04:28:00.001-04:00

It's way too early. Can't go back to sleep. Kitty discovered I was awake so she thought it would be good to have some food in her bowl: i complied. How can you resist this love muffin?

I have no spiritual thoughts right now, well, I am praying about some things.

It is very quiet, still, the fan is circulating cool air, the neighborhood is asleep, you can feel Heaven's breezes... Things are not so foggy, the Whisper in my heart and head is easier to recognize.

I am heading to a retreat this weekend. God opened the opportunity for me to go, I am looking forward to what He wants to give, maybe this early hour is to prepare me to receive. I am also looking forward to some sand and surf between my toes, a sunrise... on Myrtle Beach.

Anyhow, early thoughts... my alarm goes off in an hour. If I actually make my bed, my room will look like this when i leave... I miss my bed when i go away. I love my bed. Bye bed... see you Sunday.

Some Favorites

2011-03-23T09:52:00.001-04:00

These are starting to pop out all over now... I have a tree in my backyard, I think it is a late bloomer as the ones surrounding my house are all opened up, but my tree is kind of on the shy side. Do you like the bug action on that one petal?

These are some of my absolute favorites. Wisteria: it is growing wild in the woods close to my road. It not only is beautiful but it smells wonderful!! I picked some and put them on my kitchen window sill.

Are they not just lovely??? The look too perfect...
What an amazing God we have, who created such things!!!

I want my Mommy

2011-03-21T11:48:00.003-04:00

Today is one of those days I would have liked to have stayed home, to pick my toes or something. Not sure why I am dragging... maybe it has to do with the yellow stuff coating everything like snow, maybe it has to do with the fact that I am feeling a little in need to hibernate, maybe it is just one of those times when our body's needs override our mental capacity to keep running in high gear. It demands us to STOP. I hear myself saying, "I am just tired..." a lot. To everyone. Even myself. Then I get mad at myself for being so weak and whining....

Maybe it is just part of being.... HUMAN. I was going to say, part of being a woman... but hey... may as well make it completely general and include you men too.

All I could think of this morning was, "I want my mommy." Please come take care of me, bring me hot tea in bed and make me feel cared for and loved. I told her so on the phone this morning as I drove to work. She told me she wished she could be here to mommy me.

Flesh is weak. It is not invincible, we have needs - created by our Maker. We need Him.

So, I am eating a bagel with cream cheese and jelly. I am drinking a much later coffee. With whipped cream. I did not go to the gym. And yes, these lovely baby seeds I so gently planted this weekend...

will most likely sprout up in my grass now. Sasha had the nerve to destroy two of my newly planted seedlings.

Anyone want a dog? Going once.. going twice...??

Hello?

anyone there?

I think one reason I feel a bit off balance is I had a marvelous time the last half of last week. I had some lovely peeps stay with me:

I love having guests in my home that I get to spoil. It is so much more fun to make a FULL 12 cups of coffee in the morning than the normal 3-4 cups I make for myself. It is so fun to fire up the oven and bake fresh muffins, filling the house with a warm, cozy aroma.... yes. It was a joy having them in my home. :-) Saying good bye is such a downer!!

Person And Place

2011-03-20T13:21:00.004-04:00

I had a little revelation this week. A whisper from the Spirit, from the Father, and it delighted my heart:

Yes, my soul, find rest in God:
My hope comes from him.
Truly He is my rock and my salvation
He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
He is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in Him at all time, you people;
Pour out your hearts to him,
For God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:5-8

Christ is both a Person AND a Place. See!? "He is my fortress... He is ... my refuge."

You see, sometimes we don't have a peaceful haven to escape to - a physical place. I think of the story of The Hiding Place when they were taken prisoners into the Nazi prisons, or if you are a young mother who can't even take a shower without a little one calling or crying your name. (yes, i know those are two extremes) Your quiet times are few and far between. Even when there is no earthly, physical place we can go and shut the door, He is our place of Refuge.

God amazes me ~~sometimes~~ ALL the time.

Look At This!!

2011-03-19T11:04:00.002-04:00

I am practicing with my camera and my photo skills... thanks to The Pioneer Woman's Photography tips, my confidence is growing. My camera and I are still more or less new friends but I like what I was able to do this morning!!

This one REALLY surprised me! I could not see my camera screen very well so i clicked a few shots of this at differing angles... and this ONE came out magnificent!! Waaa-laaa!

The yellow in this truly captures the LIGHT of the sun. This is pretty fun!!

This is one of the many azalea plants in my yard: they are about to BURST :-) I have several differing colors to - from magenta, to light pink to white... I love Spring in Columbia!!

I tried capturing some wisteria - which is one of my favorites but they are not quite out yet, a few early blossoms are trying to get a head start but I will wait a few days to capture some of those beauties. can't wait to share!

Happy Spring!!

Meet Tigger

2011-03-12T08:54:00.001-05:00

Isn't that fun!! I am crack'in myself up and I haven't even gotten out of bed yet... well, i did get out of bed to get some coffee brew'in but i crawled back in as i wait...

In my journey of life, one of the things we learn along the way is to know ourselves. The more we know about ourselves, and allow others to know too, the more healthy we are - some wise man said one time, "Know Thyself" - that has to be wise because he used "thy" instead of something like "Know Yourself"... gotta be smart.

Anyhow... I love Winnie the Pooh - i have often thought if I ever had a baby, I would use the classic pooh stuff to do my baby room. When I was a kid, I had a worn out bean-bag "Pooh" that I loved. As an adult I have learned more about the Winnie the Pooh characters: they exemplify four distinct temperaments. Each of us carry one of these temperaments stronger than the others - most of us have a combination of these so it is not accurate to say, "I am a complete sanguine!"

I am a combination of sanguine and melancholy - more or less. When I am doing well, firing on all cylinders, I am very much a "Tigger"... when I get a little off balance or low on something ... or I just need to "fuel up" - time alone, to quietly process and ponder life - I can pull into a melancholic temperament. It's not bad to be that way, but if I don't watch myself carefully, those episodes can become dark and dreary.

One of the not-so-great things about being a "Tigger" is we do exactly what he does in this cartoon clip to folks. We forget that they may be scared, caught off guard, or not exactly "with" us in our energy and we plow right over them. I am learning to soften up my energy explosions... cause this really doesn't help build a safe environment to build quality relationships.

BUT, it is so very fun when one "tigger" meets another "tigger"... we can bounce around for a long time and enjoy anything together. I have at least one friend like that... and he is one of my favorite peeps.

God made us so uniquely; not one of us can truly "fit" tightly into these prescribed molds but it does help to understand ourselves and others. With understanding, grace towards ourselves and others grows.

Anyhow, my coffee is brewed... AND IT IS DUNK'IN DONUT COFFEE!!! I have FRESH Blueberries to pop in my mouth, and beautiful sunshine to soak up on this Saturday.... the woods are calling, maybe a stop by Home Depot to buy some flowers... my bathroom to clean... Fun, Fun, Fun, Fun, Fun!!

TTFN!!!

Repeat: Today's Golden List

2011-03-10T12:51:00.001-05:00

1. Rain to make my grass grow and the flowers bloom

2. Ham & Swiss Omelette for breakfast

3. I've lost a few lbs!!

4. My cozy bed: did not want to get out of it this rainy morning....

5. My roommate: I love how God grows two very different people into friends :-)

6. The gals in my church - "The Spice Gals" :-) You guys make my week!!

7. A really good book to enjoy called June Bug.

8. Hearing from an old friend!

9. Health - I never want to take that for granted!

10. Knowledge that God is OVER all things.... Big and Little. That means I don't have to worry, I can rest and live in Freedom!

What are you thankful for today?

Upside Down

2011-03-05T10:30:00.004-05:00

In the last few months I have been reading a few Ted Dekker books, namely, The Martyr's Song Series. Dekker is a breathtaking, heart-pounding thrill writer, so hold on if you begin reading his stuff. Sometimes I just had to put the book down to catch my breath!

Definitely a great read, but what I like more than the fast pace, intriguing story lines is what he does with the Unseen. Dekker, in a very unique and powerful way, pulls back the earthly veil and reveals the Spiritual realm. I found my vision sharpen and my heart quicken as I saw the Spiritual, the Unseen, the "things above" through his writing. This is making a difference in my real life. Basically, seeing the reality of God in my daily walk.

Paul says in Colossians 3:2, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." and in 2 Corinthians 4, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." In a wonderful, refreshing way, Dekker's style elevates this through his novels.

In this way of seeing, this seemingly upside down view, he is helping turn right side up. Even with death: the gruesome, stinging of our mortality is made... beautiful. Not in a morbid way, but in realizing that through death, through the cross, and only through this... comes true life. Life beyond what we could ever imagine!

"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Galatians 6:14

In a chapter A.W. Tozer's book, The Pursuit of Man, "Victory through Defeat," these difficult yet timeless concepts are expanded:

"The experiences of men who walked with God in olden times agree to teach that the LORD cannot fully bless a man until He has first conquered him."

Tozer goes onto expound the mystery of victory through defeat, beginning with the man Jacob, who became Israel. That little wrestling match was after Jacob had learned he was a pretty smart guy on his own, yet God defeated him in the night.

On and on the mystery of the cross is transcribed in God's Word: dependence upon God, to be conquered by Him, coming to victory through death. It is a hard truth to teach, a teaching that is mishandled, mostly neglected. It reminds me of what happened when Christ began teaching about being the Bread of Life. Many left, turning away from the hard teaching.

"They that are in the flesh cannot please God... The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be... To be carnally minded is death." (Romans 8:8,7,6)

As God does in His typical fashion, this lesson or insight is fanning out into my own life. It's been a beautiful painful lesson. Beautiful because I sense a strong and deep thankfulness in my being for the "love-impelled invasion" of God's light and truth. Through Dekker's books, my eyes are keenly aware of the unseen eternal value of the turn in my journey, the terrain of my path, and the vision of myself, ... and my utter neediness of Him.

I am finding deep satisfaction in seeing... upside down.

Just Like Kids

2011-03-04T15:59:00.001-05:00

My furkids amuse me. Whoever thinks animals don't have a personality, come over to my house for a day or so and I can prove you wrong. Or rather, my Baby Kitty will prove you wrong.

Sasha could too, though I am still learning her personality. She is a dog, a bit less complex than Baby-Kitty but still something I am discovering. She is happy about everything, except maybe taking a bath under the hose or ...being alone, but who likes that all the time?

Take for instance... the rare occasion I allow her to sleep inside, in my room, on the floor. Not sure why, but i guess i start feeling a little sympathetic as we may have not gone on any walks or tossed any balls in a few days. I start feeling I am neglecting my poor child.

So, I let her in. She thinks she's died and gone to heaven.

She cracked me up this week as she received the high honor one night. I spread a towel on the floor as I don't necessarily enjoy having evidence of a black smelly dog, inside. She has learned that this is definitely a privilege, so she puts on her best behavior, staying on the towel.

The funny thing comes in the morning as i distinctly know there is movement in my room, confirmed when I hear her tags jingle. Time to put her outside... even if it is 5AM.

As soon as I move, barely down off of my bed... she quickly finds her submissive, docile, darling place on the towel and looks at me as if to say, "I wasn't up! I won't move! I don't want to go outside yet....Mom, please!"

She did this about three times, each time looking at me with those brown eyes, beggin' to stay inside just a few more minutes. She looks just like a kid.... and even though it was 5:30AM, she had me laughing. Finally, to her regret, i gently tugged on her collar to move her towards the back door.

Not a hint of a grudge is upon her, with a tail wagging, smiling big, and off we go to the her favorite playground of the 100 acre woods.

This would be that happy dog:

Kitty of course can't be left out... she begins reminding me that her dish is empty, her water isn't fresh, preferring drops of water in the tub (of course that means i have to turn on the shower for half a second) ... the rest of the day she totes a 'tude, as if to remind me she is mad that the mutt outside got to come in for the night. Guess who got a swat on her behind?

Perfect Pose

2011-03-03T13:28:00.003-05:00

I had a little fun this morning on my walk. I was dying to get out in the woods and take my clippers to cut back some vines so when spring REALLY springs I will still be able to find my way through the 100 acre woods. I took my camera this morning... here are a few shots I got... I did not edit any of these either!!

This was fun.... then guess who popped up on the other side of a big pile of railroad ties...

Sasha!
"Hi Mom! What a cool place to climb!"

"How is this pose, Mom?"
:-)
I could not have gotten her to pose more perfectly...

A few flowers are peeking out... the neighborhood is blossoming more, but this is back in the untouched area...

We did see a LIVE doe, she was a good size too.... this is remains from a buck... Not sure what happen to him.

Not Guilty Anymore - Aaron Keyes

2011-03-02T21:09:00.000-05:00

Grace is so beautiful: Mercy... is the beams of Joy RADIATING FROM Grace.

Amazing to know... this is how God sees us: blameless, pardoned, righteous and loved. Not Broken, Not captive...

Mercy is Yours. Mercy is Mine.

We are not guilty anymore

Psalm 68:7-11

2011-03-01T08:04:00.003-05:00

⁷ When You, God, went out before your people,

when You marched through the wilderness,

⁸ the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain,

before God, the One of Sinai,

before God, the God of Israel.

⁹ You gave abundant showers, O God;

You refreshed Your weary inheritance.

¹⁰ Your people settled in it,

and from Your bounty, God, You provided for the poor.

¹¹ The Lord announces the word,

and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng.

Psalm 62 - Find Rest, My Soul, in God Alone

2011-02-27T08:15:00.003-05:00

My soul finds rest in God alone,

My Rock and my salvation,

A fortress strong against my foes,

And I will not be shaken.

Though lips may bless and hearts may curse,

And lies like arrows pierce me,

I’ll fix my heart on righteousness,

I’ll look to Him who hears me.

O praise Him, hallelujah,

My Delight and my Reward;

Everlasting, never failing,

My Redeemer, my God.

Find rest, my soul, in God alone

Amid the world’s temptations;

When evil seeks to take a hold

I’ll cling to my salvation.

Though riches come and riches go,

Don’t set your heart upon them;

The fields of hope in which I sow

Are harvested in heaven.

O praise Him, hallelujah,

My Delight and my Reward;

Everlasting, never failing,

My Redeemer, my God.

I’ll set my gaze on God alone,

And trust in Him completely;

With every day pour out my soul,

And He will prove His mercy.

Though life is but a fleeting breath,

A sigh too brief to measure,

My King has crushed the curse of death

And I am His forever.

O praise Him, hallelujah,

My Delight and my Reward;

Everlasting, never failing,

My Redeemer, my God.

O praise Him, hallelujah,

My Delight and my Reward;

Everlasting, never failing,

My Redeemer, my God.

O praise Him, O praise Him, hallelujah, hallelujah,

O praise Him, O praise Him, hallelujah! hallelujah!

O praise Him, hallelujah,

My Delight and my Reward;

Everlasting, never failing,

My Redeemer, my God.

O praise Him, hallelujah,

My Delight and my Reward;

Everlasting, never failing,

My Redeemer, my God.

(instrumental)

O praise Him, O praise Him, hallelujah, hallelujah,

O praise Him, O praise Him, hallelujah! hallelujah!

By Aaron Keyes

(Click on this link to hear the Song)

Be Blessed

:-)

Glorious Day (Living He loved me) ~Casting Crowns

2011-02-24T08:16:00.000-05:00

To Remember

2011-02-24T08:15:00.000-05:00

What a delightful morning. God has met me in His Word. Period.

Following my Bible reading guide, I had to finish up yesterday's assignment: Mark 14-16. His Crucifixion.

They hated Him because He was not who they thought God would be... they had their own version of what God was like, would be like, how He would come and save... Jesus was not him.

So... they mocked Him, they beat Him.... they killed Him.

Because He was not what they expected.... that could have been me. Oh Father forgive me...

"Oh God, Oh God... why have you forsaken me?" Jesus Christ, God came into that darkness... for me.

Even when I walk through desert, dry, dead places... HE is with Me, with a prepared table full of goodness and love, anointing my head and filling my cup!! Oh How Good He is to me!

All from Mark 14-16; Psalms 21-23.

Oh How I love Him. My Cup Overflows.

Somehow the song of the birds even seem more joyous this morning... Oh Glorious God!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXp6xcY5IqU

Life & Peace

2011-02-23T12:02:00.000-05:00

I enjoyed my mini-vacation. The first day offered a sweet quiet morning: I almost felt guilty for it.

No schedule, no time table, no tv, no internet, nothing calling me to rush to be somewhere, no phone to answer... just a few hours in an empty house, sunshine to sit in, clear skies to run under, my Bible & journal and a few books to edify my mind and heart in Him.

Tozer's book, The Pursuit of Man, offered me a good hearty meal. The first chapter held delicious morsels of truth. One phrase in particular: "The man who would know God must give time to Him." This one phrase of the many rich things in the chapter, was meant for me, from Him.

Oh, how I want to experience Him. That won't happen if I don't make time for Him. He is here... I never want to loose that awareness. That is what gives Life.... Him: He gives me Life in Himself. Romans 8 -- "how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?" In Him, I have All.

Life can get crazy at times. Good stuff, People stuff, just... life stuff... but does that bring us Life? does that bring me Life and Peace? Does that stuff... help me experience Him?

Too Much Stuff - stifles life.

Yet, how do we find that balance... in this rat race? That was my prayer this morning. I have a packed schedule. Something has to go, but what? I have to say "No" to something... somethings, rather.

I know, I am belaboring the point... i am just feeling it. Like a deep thirst inside of me... I feel like my schedule is so messy. The first night home, after several hours in the plane, racing through ALT's packed and multiple concourses, my body was tired, my head full of "what if..." over things that I have been praying about and restfully, joyfully waiting... all of a sudden started to stir up a pot of worry and anxiety.

Then... I remembered His Words from Romans 8.

"The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace."

Oh, sweet Life and Peace. The whole chapter is worth re-visiting...

Where the Spirit of the Lord is... there is peace. May I keep in step with Him, day by day, moment by moment... That is where I want to live, breath... and have my Being. In Him.

Amen.

So, this little "vacation" was water to a parched soul. I am very thankful...

Holy Moments at Stop Lights

2011-02-16T11:29:00.000-05:00

Happy Wednesday!

Tomorrow I get to get on a PLANE!! I am a little excited. Now..., to get a few loads of laundry done, install my new oven, clean my room, plan for my pets care.... the list continues but I will stop there. I am looking forward to a few days with my dear sister (in heart), Sue and disengaging from "my world" here. Not that "my world" is bad, I have just been running on overdrive and going away will offer a nice reprieve. :-) I may not even take my computer... maybe....we'll see.

I wanted to blog about something God did last week. He is so incredibly amazing. :-)

You know how it goes, you find yourself in a season of joy, happiness, strength. Or at least that was what I have been experiencing since December-ish. It's as if God opened up a joy window in heaven and deposited some on my heart/head: it's glorious!

Yet, if you have been trekkin' with me here, this hasn't just "happened" - He has been doing some work in me over the last few years and I am tasting the fruit of His Truth in a big sweet way. It's delicious: I am so free!

So, last week, I sensed a little heavy cloud over my head. I did not really have a reason to feel down so I chalked it up to hormones, or just being human. Even so, by the 4th or 5th morning of this heavy cloud, I face-planted myself on my carpet and called out to the Lord to help me. I fought to keep Truth in my head and my eyes set on things above.

That was Thursday, and I had an appointment to see my dear friend across town. The heaviness stayed over me as I drove to see her. She is one of my memorizing buddies this year and I wanted to be able to say my memory verse to her when I arrived. I pulled out my little memory verse spiral thing, and flipped to my last verse: Romans 8:28-32.

Thankfully, I was driving through downtown, and at each stop light, I focused on a phrase of the verse and started reciting them out loud. About the third or fourth light, the Holy Spirit showed up and I did not even have the sunroof open!!!

He started opening those familiar verses up to me like never before!

Here is the bottom line: those precious lines from God's Word tell me ...

HE SEES ME JUST LIKE HE SEES CHRIST!

Nothing new to you? Well, yes, I must say, I have heard that phrase before. It sounded great, I liked it, but THIS was HIS WORD giving this phrase a Powerful Punch, a Foundation, a Force that lifted my head and dispelled that stupid dark cloud of heaviness that was hanging over me!

I started shouting His Praises: the other cars around me, for sure, thought I was drunk or driving under the influence. It was GREAT! By the time I knocked on my dear friends door, I was busting at the seams to tell her What God just did!!

Okay, incase you missed it:

If You are in Christ, the Father as Called You... and planned to form you in Christ's image...

He has actually already Done it, so, right now...as He is lookin' at you... (and He IS!)

You are as beautiful and as precious to Him as His Son,

Jesus Christ.

Praise the Lord for Stop Lights!!

Memory Verse #4

2011-02-15T08:37:00.001-05:00

Last Valentine's day, God opened my eyes to see Love. What Loving HIM, looks like... and how much I had not been loving Him. It broke my heart, I wept with tears of repentance that I had not held Him in the highest regard in my thoughts and allows dark doubts to question His character. Loving Him, Believing that He IS who He says He is really, all He asks of me - to Love Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.

That revelation was the point of transformation last year. God, revealing to me, HE is so Good, He is Worth Patiently waiting, He is KIND beyond Words, He gives generous gifts, perfect gifts, delightful whispers of love, every single day. He is too big for me to grasp but His Heart I can trust with complete and utter wild abandonment! He gives New Mercies Every Morning, He leads me in glorious, life-giving, TRUTH: His is my protector, my Hope, my sustainer - I WILL PRAISE HIS NAME ALL OF MY DAYS and Proclaim His Good Favor to all!

HE. NEVER. FAILS.

And, HE is My King and Saviour and Love.

"Increase my Love, O My God, today and eternity!!"

Amen, Amen, and AMEN.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. I Corithians 13:4-8

Thanks Shelby!

2011-02-11T13:02:00.002-05:00

I love that I was chosen for a Blog Award :-) From Shelby, my Birthday Twin.

Receiving an award brings to mind a memory from my high school years when I would intentionally avoid receiving awards... because if you received a reward, you would have to walk the long, horrible, highly-visible walk up the auditorium stage where the principle would hand you a piece of paper, in front of all my classmates. OH HORRORS! The only reward I usually received was perfect attendance... and well, I knew how to take care of that....

Thanks and link back to the blogger who passed this award onto you
Share 7 things about yourself
Award 15 (or however many you want) other recently discovered great bloggers
Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award

7 Things about Me ...hmmmm

1. Someone complimented me on my hands and feet... and it has thoroughly gone to my head. Someday I may model them. Well, ya know... it would be a nice way to earn a little extra income.

2. Shelby and I share more than birthdays, we share similar personalities - a unique blend of sanguine and melancholy: the line between is very fine. I thrive while I am with people, yet must have quality amount of alone time or one on one time... I am still trying to figure myself out :-P

3. I would like to create a six love language - to add to the notorious "five love languages" - that of thoughtfulness. It speaks VOLUMES to my heart, mind and soul to know someone even thought of me... even if you never send me a card, or call, or buy me a present - if you merely had a passing thought of me... and let me know in some little fashion: my heart is blessed. :-) My second love language is words of affirmation... with a close runner up of affection... thus, I have a cat and a dog to pour lovey-dovey words on and kiss and hug... hanging out with kids helps keep that tank full too.

4. History is sooooo cool. Yep, I love learning about history... what and the why's of who and where we are today. I can get lost in exploring old stuff - for example... a few weeks ago I watched Braveheart: the following days all I wanted to do was study up on that time in history. I blew off the dust on my Medieval Europe History book and read it over the next few days. Feudalism is one of the key building blocks of civilization and government today! It's just so cool! I am such a nerd.

5. I really really reallllllly want a road bike so that I can ride long, long races or fundraisers or just enjoy a long afternoon with the breeze blowing my hair. A great way to get exercise and enjoy the lay of the land, up close and personal. I have been wanting a road bike for several years, once I realized this was a serious longing of my heart... my financial situation had shifted and i could not justify buying a bike that would help this desire be fulfilled. So... it remains on the wish list. Someday....

6. Rowing is another desire of my heart. I have learned from rowing friends that this particular sport isn't as romantic as it looks: it's brutal. I want to try it anyways - Bring It On!

7. Someday I want to design and build my own home, on a few acres of land... and use it for blessing others and building up the Body of Christ. With that house... a home grown garden full of wonderful herbs, veggies and flowers with a little pond... and some animals... to make it feel like a little farm... would be so sweet. :-) I would like to offer my guests whole fresh milk with their organic meal.... and fresh flowers to adorn their rooms. Ah, it is fun to dream :-)

I nominate....

Rebecca's Blog: I have only just met Rebecca: she was such a delight that I followed her to her blog. She is an amazing writer and I look forward to hearing more of her adventures in England. Keep shining Jesus in England my new friend!

Heather at Greg + Heather + Maelee = Grether - Heather and I met through a mutual friend. My first memory of Heather and her hubby, Greg, was when we all stuffed into their little mini-car after enjoying a lovely progressive meal adventure together. I was instantly drawn to them because of their hilarious sense of humor and North-Midwestern accents. I love both!

Melissa at The Von Herrman Ventures. Missy and I met eons ago working at Lake Swan Camp. She has a wonderful love for the Lord, a vivid walk with Him and a sparkly sunshiney personality. I wish we were neighbors... Missy it has been too long. I still have a note in my Bible in which you scrawled... "I Love You :-)"... on a gum wrapper!

I could nominate MORE... but i don't have time!! So I will stick to a good solid three. Thanks Guys!

Purrrrr-ty Good

2011-02-10T08:15:00.003-05:00

So it's a rainy, cold February day today.

This Kitty has opened my door at least three times this morning... starting at 6 something. It's nice to sleep in on such rainy mornings... but around here, no shut eye after 7AM. Thursday's I like to try... She would not have it. Nope.

She is purring now, curled up on my tummy, my child of 10 plus years... i should skin her alive, but somehow... she feels more like a best friend. She is God's tangible love gift to me somedays... and I would not trade that for "all the tea in china."

Cleaning Corners

2011-02-05T09:47:00.000-05:00

A pile of stuff to give away sits on the bed in my guest room.

A pile of baskets, containers, bags, and other odd things sits on the floor in my room.

My head is working through ideas of where to move this and that to make room, space, and organize to use my shelves and closets more wisely. I know I have gone through my "stuff" several times over the years. More de-cluttering, throwing out, re-using, and giving away. It seems like a filter... I have to use a tighter screen each time... to truly block out what is clutter and unuseful. I admit... i tend to hold onto things that only take up space, waste time and energy and block out light.

How very very very reflective of His Work in the heart. I love how God uses everyday things to work His Truth and Love and Character. He desires us to walk in holiness. This means... Holy. Pure. Clean.

"In Living we die; In Dying we live."

I love His Ways. So opposite of mine, the worlds... so incredibly life-giving.
His Software For The Heart is amazing. (Click on that and see what I mean...)

Midnight Musings

2011-02-02T00:51:00.000-05:00

Rain is dribbling down outside; i am awake and it is past midnight. This is very unusual, I like my sleep, i love to sleep while it is raining... so why am I awake?

Sometimes I feel like I am my own worst enemy. That is how i feel right now. My Soul is stirred, I hear myself saying things to myself that I can't possibly DO anything about - especially right now, in the middle of the night. Plus, I think, maybe the Lord has something to say in the matter.

"Lord... Teach me to Know Your Voice."

I just turned over to my favorite Bible Link, and found this as the verse for the day:

“However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him—” - 1 Corinthians 2:9

Very fitting; I have been so "happy" lately - seriously filled to overflowing with joy and hope and anticipation for what God is doing, will do, and has done. Tonight, after proclaiming my needs and my hope to fellow believers, my soul is rattled with anxiety. What? Hello! So... are you telling me to move on something here Lord? Maybe....

May my steps be sure and steady. It's time for me to move on some ideas, knock on some doors....

So my #3 Memory verse comes into play. I have some friends doing the memorizing thing with me this year, and one of them brought up a familiar one: Romans 8:28-30. Tonight my small group chewed on Romans 8 together: it was good stuff. I believe my soul is in need for 8:29-32. So, that is it for me for the next two weeks.

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. ³⁰ And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

100 Acre Woods

2011-01-29T12:22:00.001-05:00

One of the many blessings of living here, and even one of the blessings of winter (winter means the snakes are hiding deep, and I can SEE clearly through the woods) is that I live on the edge of a "100 acre wood" area. I don't really know if it is exactly 100 acres, but it is a beautiful untouched wooded area that makes me feel like I am stepping over into a deep dark forest, miles away from civilization... and let Sasha romp and run crazy. There really isn't anything as pleasing to my heart than to escape into God's gloriously beautiful creation for a walk, hike, trek... you know what I mean. So, though I quite literally live in a "hood".... in about 20 steps I can step over into a magical 100 acre wood!

These are a few snapshots I took with my camera phone this morning...

I think it is pretty cool how my camera caught the sunbeams...

Sasha loves loves loves our 100 acre wood...

I found a new road this morning...

I love these "white" bark trees.... not sure what kind they are but I love them!

Okay, this is not the best ... but if you look closely, there is a man (or woman?) rowing on the river... this is a sport I am dying to try. Maybe this year??

Well, I know these pictures are kind of blurry... I hope to take my good camera out soon... and take some better quality pics. For now... I just wanted to share my lovely morning walk. Thanks for your company :-)

Whisper

2011-01-26T22:11:00.000-05:00

I have come to a new understanding why being still is imperative to hearing from the LORD.

Enter Jake and Owen and their momma, Faith, and Eric, the dad. I have the blessing of caring for Jake and Owen a few hours every week. Jake is a special needs little guy, with autism and Owen is too much for words: how these little guys have captured my heart.

Faith with Jake :-)
*Melts my heart*

Over the past few months I have grown to admire and respect Faith and Eric both in their beautiful marriage and in their parenting. Faith and Eric exemplify to me some very rare and very noteworthy parenting skills. A few weeks ago as I observed Faith correcting one of the boys, I noted how gentle, yet firmly and quietly she disciplined her little boy; I also noted how quickly he yielded - and he is only two!

Afterwards I commented upon her actions with O; she shared with me she had learned whispering from her gentle husband, Eric. She said it worked a lot better than raising her voice, with a loud scolding or rebuke. The quieter she spoke, the more intently they listened: I took note! I even got to use it the very next day as I volunteered in our church's nursery; a two-year-old showed me he had a sin nature. I gently, but firmly whispered into his ear and he yielded and obeyed! I felt so brilliant!!

Then, I got to thinking... God met one of His Prophets in a still quiet whisper. He asks us to "be still and know that I am God"... Maybe our being still positions us to Hear His whisper...

I am realizing more and more how much "noise" there is around me. From the billboards yelling at me as I drive down the interstate to the tv/radio blaring out it's messages to the busy calendar on my desktop: there isn't much room to be quiet and still to Hear Him. It is a battle to find it, it is a discipline to create it. Even then, the practice of being still and quiet is more than just sitting in a quiet corner of my house; it is getting my mind and soul to be still too.

I think the more I realize how desperately I need to Know His Voice, the more I notice the loudness around me. In not being still, I am becoming like that comfortable frog in a pot of water on the stove... that doesn't notice it is being cooked as the water slowly heats up! I don't want to become dull to the Spirit, I don't want to be blinded by the darkness of the World: I want to be alert!

I Peter 5:8 says, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

Noise (this is more than just sound) is a tactic of the Enemy.

Let us be still and know so that we may Hear His Voice, His Whisper... today and everyday.