Hope

Romans 8:24-25 " For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."

 God's word is nourishment to our spirit, like food is to our physical body. What we put in affects how we feel. We must eat daily and study God's word to show ourselves approved and to be able to stand during our trials. God is doing His part and His word promises to never leave us or forsake us. It's then up to us to discipline ourselves and to eat right so that we know God's promises and trust in His sovereignty. 8:37 " Nay in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us".

Lord Empty Me

This song is on my heart. Listen to the words and let it speak to yours. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrvSnQ77Mvc

Leaning On The Everlasting Arms

This song runs through my head as encouragement and hope. Dependence on a loving heavenly Father is more precious than silver or gold. The words read like this, "What a fellowship, what a joy divine, what a blessedness, what a peace is mine, leaning on the everlasting arms. Oh how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, oh how bright the path grows from day to day, what have I to dread, what have I to fear, I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, leaning on the everlasting arms". 

May God's peace that passes understanding keep our hearts and minds fixed on Him today, the author and finisher of our faith.

More Than Conquerors

Many times we're faced with adversity and called to keep the faith and trust God. As we learn to pray, not my will but yours be done we become pliable to God's leading. I must confess there are things that happen in this life that defy explanation, but I have learned and believe the scriptures that say we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. So when adversity hits, I've learned to stop, look and listen to the still small voice. Is God trying to tell me something? Am I headed in the wrong direction, or is Satan just trying to trip me up. God promises to never leave or forsake us, so when things don't make sense or it would seem you're being attacked, stand on God's word and His promises as His children and you will not be moved. Psalm 62:6  A song from childhood that comes to mind. "I Shall Not Be Moved."

In Christ Alone

A fitting song by the  Newsboys this holy week. Listen to the words and be strengthened today in your stance for Christ. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENtL_li4GbE&feature=related

Spring Break

Tulip about to bud


Front porch and flower bed


Just in time for Easter.....

I will be traveling with my daughter to visit family and friends for her spring break, but before I leave I thought I'd share a few pictures from my spring flower bed. May God's blessings and favor be with you and your family this spring season!

Gratitude....

A dictionary definition of grace, according to Christian belief. "Unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings."

Grace for today, is all I need. Wow, can it really be that simple? One day my husband had the privilege of offering a ride to an elderly, poor lady leaving a thrift store and though his intent was to assist her in her travels, I dare say he came out blessed and humbled by her grateful attitude.

Apparently she had nothing or very little. By her own admission her total dependence was on Christ, and her sweet, grateful, appreciative outlook was amazing given her obvious circumstances. As he started in the direction of her home he mentioned going downtown next at which she asked if he could bring her there instead. Certainly he replied, "Where would you like to go"? Well apparently not far from where he worked, there was a food kitchen that she wanted to stop by so she could get something to eat. Another humble moment.

She said she was appalled at all the drunk people who were there with little appreciation for what people were doing for them and asked God if he would please not let those drunks be there the next time she came.

She proclaimed very proudly that last week when she went, not a drunkard around! She was very grateful and thankful to God for hearing her prayer. Needless to say it was hard to keep a dry eye upon hearing her story. Such grateful, loving dependence on God for supplying all her needs, each day.

Another Wow! Yes folks, we are spoiled rotten! Help us to have that loving, sweet spirit and not be too busy to reach out to those in need in our path.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoOPsGDZdnM

Compassion Internatonal

As most are feeling the pinch at home, those who are in poverty are feeling it even more. As we are tightening our belts and perhaps cutting back on eating out and forgoing some of our luxuries, children around the world are going hungry. As a Christian and parent I can't ignore this. Please lift them up in prayer and donate whenever possible to one of these outstanding programs that are financially responsible and being an advocate for children.

Compassion International @ http://www.compassion.com and World Vision @ http://www.worldvision.org are two outstanding organizations that help meet the needs of children here and around the world.

Matthew 10:42 "Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward." 25:45 "Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me." 

He Reigns......

A beautiful song and tribute to all God's people, by the Newsboys.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMT_kAD6cOg&feature=related

How Deep the Father's Love for Us

From the movie "The Passion". Well worth remembering this Lenten season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3em-0J1ePYU

Draw Me Close to You....

A walk in the woods. Signal Mountain, TN

"You're all I want, you're all I've ever needed, you're all I want, help me know you are near." Chorus to a song that's on my heart. Listen and may God speak to your heart too.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=qEHsrgDCaeo&feature=related

Rejoice in the Lord

Philippians 4:4 " Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice." Many times we look at our circumstances and forget to be thankful for what we have and how God has blessed us.

Ch.4:12-13 Paul says, "I know both how to be abased and I know how to be abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed to be both full and to be hungry, both to abound and suffer need. 13. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."

Philippians is a short book with only 4 chapters, but full of a lot of practical instruction for guidance, behavior and hope that as Christians we can find encouragement in all our circumstances.

A Time To Reflect.....

This morning we celebrate and or recognize the beginning of the Lent Season. When I was a teacher in the Episcopal school system it was a common practice to have a time of silence each morning to reflect, read or draw for about 15 minutes prior to starting class during this time of of the year. It was during this practice that I started a journal of words and pictures that I have expanded to my current journaling today. I look forward to this time as being special, a time to contemplate and slow down if only for a few extra minutes each day. It is an amazing practice that to be so simple has had a profound impact on my life.

Whatever your views, beliefs or practices are regarding this time of the year, I pray we all draw closer to the one who sacrificed so much for us and come to know him in a more personal way this holiday season.

Enclosed is a Wikipedia link to the origin and details of Ash Wednesday.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Wednesday

Headed Home......

Many times we grow weary and question what life is all about. We lose loved ones and see heartaches and question again, why? Then we remember......

This is a song that's on my heart. I pray it speaks to yours.

"Home Where I Belong " by the Gaithers. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP6QG_pJuSM

Ready To Live!

This is a song that I identify with change and letting go. Risking the unknown and truly trusting God in action, not just in word or good intentions. Listen to the words and be encouraged in your dreams today, this week, this year. Song: "For The First Time" by Mark Harris. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ADEjnVh0d

Trusting God!

A great book I highly recommend if you're looking to grow is "If You Wanna Walk On Water You Have To Get Out Of The Boat"by John Ortberg. This book has been pivotal in my life in helping me to let go of the known and move beyond my comfort zone.

A few excerpts from the book about what walking on water means:

"Walking on water means facing your fears and choosing not to let fear have the last word."

"Walking on water means discovering and embracing the unique calling of God on your life."

"Walking on water means experiencing the power of God in your life to do something you would not be capable of doing on your own."

Is Christ calling you today to step out into the unknown and trust him to do something extraordinary? Fear is a natural reaction to such a request, but that is exactly where we will experience the power of God in our lives.

I will trust in You! 

Amazed!

"Today is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it", is a chorus to a song that's on my heart. Listen to the words by Lincoln Brewster and be encouraged today! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEBO17uDw30

Another awesome song by him, "Amazed." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qVkzdK6N20&feature=related.

May God's words in song touch our hearts today.

Hold Me

Many times we question our existence and our reason for living, or at least I hope we do, for that shows intentional and purposeful living. Upon reflection we may pause and check our course to make sure we're on the right path. With that often brings questions and sometimes we don't have the answers. However, in the midst of our uncertainty we've learned to hold on to what we do know, Jesus and His promises to His children. Psalm 18:18-30.

A song by Paul Coleman that sums it up for me. " The One Thing".http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dgrigf-Ca48

Voice of Truth

During our good times and bad, God is there for us speaking to our hearts. Are we listening, stepping out in faith, trusting Him? Listen and be encouraged today......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwsvqVmFV6Y

Why Me, Lord

Wonderful you are so wonderful, I will sing through all eternity. As christians we are blessed with a beautiful heritage everyday of our lives. So unworthy of God's unfailing love, forgiveness, provision, protection and guidance in our worst storms and in our divine provisions. Here is a beautiful song by the Gaither's that marvels at the wonder of our mighty God, His creation and his unfailing love to us sinners, He calls His children.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3iy7NcZCEo&feature=related

Power of God's Love

This song leaves nothing to my hearts cry. May it be our prayer today corporately as well as personally. Listen and be inspired......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA4narr2wyE&feature=related

A Hunger and Thirst For Righteousness

A beautiful song that I loved as child that still has a special place in my heart. May it speak to yours as well. Taken from scripture Psalm 42:1 "As the Deer Panteth"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZv3jzOTE70&NR=1

Not By Might Nor By Power

Throughout scripture God is using the simple things to confound the wise. David and Golliath is a prime example of a young man trusting in God's provision and direction. Not looking to the circumstances, but trusting in God's word. David was confident that God would see him through because of his past experiences and successes.

May we all be encourage today as well when facing our giants and remember when God has provided for us, when there seemed no way out. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Here I Am

May this song be our hearts cry for today and 2009.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=BsUpSjYpr10

Guidance for Today

In Matthew Ch.6, we are give an example of how to pray,"The Lord's Prayer". We are then instructed not to build up treasures on earth, vs. 21 "For where your treasure is there your heart will be also."

It then goes on to instruct in vs. 25, "Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, drink etc." For your heavenly Father knows what you have need of, Vs.33 says it all. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."

I pray this New Year brings us all closer to God with an enlightenment of how we are to live our lives more fully for Him, building up treasures in heaven.

May God richly bless and keep each of you and your families, as we continue our journey on in this life into the New Year, Lord willing.        http://thelordsprayer.net/

Don't Quit!

"Don't Quit" is a favorite poem of mine I've used when teaching  students and athletes as well as a personal motto I try to model myself, that I'd like to share.

   "When things go wrong , as they sometimes will,

    When the road you're on seems all uphill,

   When funds are low and debts are high,

   And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

  When care is pressing you down a bit,

  Rest if you must, but DON'T QUIT!

  Life is queer with its twist and turns,

  As every one of us sometimes learns,

  And many a failure turns about,

  When he might of won had he stuck it out;

  Don't give p though the pace seems slow-

  You may succeed with another blow.

  Often the goal is nearer than,

  It seems to a faint and faltering man,

  Often the struggler has given up,

  When he might have captured the victor's cup,

   And he learned too late when the night slipped down,

   How close he was to the golden crown.

  Success is failure turned inside out-

  The silver lining to the clouds of doubt.

  And you never know how close you are,

  It may be near when it seems so far,

 So stick to the fight when hardest hit-

 IT'S WHEN THINGS SEEM WORST THAT YOU MUST NOT QUIT!"

 Though this is often used as a secular poem that can refer to many aspects of life, I think it applies to our Christian walk as well. I Chronicles Ch. 28 vs. 20 Speaks to Solomon, David's son, in regards to building the temple. "Be strong and of good courage and do it: FEAR not nor be dismayed, for the Lord God will be with thee. He will not fail thee, until thou has finished."

 For more encouragement read Hebrews Ch. 12 and 13. Ch. 12:1-2, paraphrased like this says,"Run with patience the race that is set before you laying aside every weight that easily besets us. Vs. 2 Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith". 

"May the God of peace make us perfect in every good work to do His will, working in us that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ to whom be the glory for ever and ever, Amen". Hebrews. Ch.13 vs.20-21.

Your Grace is Enough

Remember your children oh God is a verse to a song reminding us what a loving father we all have, and indeed His grace is enough for us all. Bless your children this day. Speak to our hearts and strengthen us on our journey,and help us too never forget how much you love us! Thank you for your unfailing grace. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9yrlYk-Bao

Who Am I?

A song with beautiful words and pictures to speak to your soul, by Casting Crowns.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VU_TX23V7Q&feature=related

Give Me Eyes that I Might See

Ecclesiastes is a tough book for me to swallow. Though it's short with only 12 chapters it has a lot of punch with very little fluff. I have a tendency to see the good and ignore the bad. Unfortunately for me Ecclesiastes is consistently giving both. A book of reality that thankfully is summed up with hope and guidance. The final Ch.12 vs. 13-14, concludes the whole matter for us."Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Vs.14, for God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil." 

God calls us to be His humble servants, loving others as He loves and forgives us. Help us to have His eyes that we might see.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OihvG607W-c

Psalm 24-34

" I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me. The poor man cried and the Lord heard him. Keep thy tongue from evil and thy lips from speaking guile." Psalms 24-34 is full of hope, encouragement and direction for those seeking to serve God and follow His ways. Read and be encouraged. A song I heard recently that brought a smile to my face. "If I was Jesus", by Toby Keith.

Have a blessed day in Christ.....