Psalm 63

The Psalm of David when he was in the wild country of Judah. 

Psalm Ch 63: 1-3. "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land where no water is. 2. To see thy power and thy glory so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. 3. Because thy loving kindness is better than life my lips shall praise thee".

Lifted High

Lyrics to the song by Jars of Clay. "If I Had Two Hands".

I’ve been living out of sanity 
I’ve been splitting hairs and blurring lines 
I am a house that is divided 
In my heart and in my mind 

I use one hand to pull closer 
The other to push you away 
If I had two hands doing the same thing 
Lifted high, lifted high 

I have a broken disposition 
I’m a liar who thirsts for the truth 
And while I ache for faith to hold me 
I need to feel the scars and see the proof 

And if we just keep digging we can reach the foundation 
Of our souls 
And if we just keep cutting all the chains from our hearts 
We’ll lose control 

And it feels like giving in 
It feels like starting over 
It feels like waking up, and you know it’s coming 
It feels like a brand new day Open your eyes

Wisdom and Understanding

 Proverbs is a great chapter that talks about parenting. Guidance and consequences for choices made. I love when it says choose wisely. A good parent knows that to teach a child to choose wisely is health to his bones, consequences follow every action whether they be good or bad. 

Mother's Day is set aside to bless and honor Mothers everywhere. As all good mothers desire good things for their children, it comes with a lot of hard work, training, love and patience. I pray all the moms out there enjoy this special day and many more throughout the year, receiving blessing and honor from their children and keep up the good work! Our families, churches, communities and country depend on you! God Bless Moms!!!!!!!

God Makes All Things New

Revelation 21:5. Gives the title to this song, though it's full of a lot of encouraging scripture as well, by Steven Curtis Chapman. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_Q3NrB_eHM

Psalm 119

Verse 105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path". 114 " Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word." Desperately, dependent on God! He will never leave or forsake us. During our toughest times, when we are totally dependent on Him, our faith is bound to grow the most because there is no other way out and He has never left or forsaken His children. 

When was the last time we had no way out, but for God to show up? Is He allowing us to go through tough times to grow in our faith and learn to trust Him more? Are we wowed and encouraged in our victories that only God could perform? Are we living on the edge challenging ourselves and trusting in Him totally, or are we holding back? Are we willing to let go of our perceived control and allow Him to guide us? 

 Whether circumstances force us or we let go willingly, God loves us too much to let us waste away. He has plans to prosper us, to give us a hope, a future. Sometimes pruning is in order for our own good. Molding by the Potter may be painful initially, but the end result is a beautiful creation.  Are we like the horse that has to be trained with a bit or are we pliable in God's hands, trusting in His promises? Hardships and struggles have the potential to grow us stronger in our faith. What is God trying to teach us today? Help us to have ears to hear and hearts that are open to His leading so that we might become all He desires for us.

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/