Trust In The Affliction & Praise In The Pleasantry...

November 1st.

Time doesn't speed up.
Time doesn't slow down.
Time is time.

60 seconds in every minute.
60 minutes in every hour.
24 hours in every day.
Seven days in every week.

Time.
Time. Is. Time.

Yet when I visit the blog, I realize that May was my last post. And I wonder, how did that happen? How did I allow that to happen?

Time.

Time with people.
Time with the Lord.
Time doing what He has instructed me to do.

Time loving.
Time investing.
Time contemplating.

Time healing.
Time learning.
Time considering.

Time searching.
Time seeking.
Time listening.

In order to understand.

Although time has passed, the time in between has been fruitful, beneficial & life-changing.
Truly.

Not without pain, difficulty & testing yet all-the-same, fruitful, beneficial & life-changing.

Isn't that God?

Helping Grandma move & settle.
Storing summer's bounty for winter's provision.
Walking with those I love through one of life's hardest trials.

And this morning as I contrast & compare, I wonder how one day life can be pleasant & peace-filled, while the next is laden with struggle, frustration & at a loss as to how I should process the events therein. Am I bi-polar? Am I fickle? Do I lack stability? Laughable but true.

Satan would like to convince me of such...

Yet as I seek the Lord through study, prayer & communion, He reminds me that days are diverse. He reminds me that the diversity of days intensify my dependence upon Him & keep me prayerful, expectant & vulnerable...to Him.

I had about two weeks straight where life was absolutely restful, contented & filled with pleasantries, and then BAM, I had a day that, from start-to-finish, was outlined, shaded & filled in with irritations, frustrations & testings. Externally, I did my best to conceal the grossness of my heart but internally, both God & I (Mal, Kyle & one other individual) knew the poison that permeated.

The poison that permeated my thoughts, feelings & emotions.

Since that day a week ago today it's been a day-to-day reality. Pleasant. Not-so-pleasant. Positive. Negative. Empowered. Defeated. Restful. Tormenting.

And my heart has wondered why...

Why on again, off again?
Is it me?
Is it a wavering of faith?
Is it selfishness?
Is it weakness?

One day I concluded it was hormones...
Another day, it was due to how I awoke...
And yet another dependent upon what I ate.

All valid options.

When the alarm alerted me yesterday morning signalling a new day, a new week, reminding me of what lie ahead for my Monday, my heart stirred & wrestled. I knew the day was steeped with the potential for struggle, strain & difficulty however the type that I had envisioned wasn't the pedigree that resulted. An intermittent convo with Mal & then a quick chat with Kyle, followed by a brief visit with MaKayla left my heart assured of prayer yet still unresolved. In the midst, Marci dropped me a quick, unexpected phone call & her pleasant voice, brightened my countenance. We didn't talk about specifics of the situation I was dealing with but our momentary exchange of life happenings, helped me move forward in my day. Without her even knowing. ♥

The events of my day changed & took on a different shape & form, leaving me in a position of completely trusting God. Uncertainty loomed. Apprehension lingered. The steeped potential for struggle, strain & difficulty remained. Yet I purposed to proceed in full-on trust that the One who knew what lie ahead would go before me & prepare the way. He would provide grace for the circumstances. He would protect the sensitivity of the situation. He would shelter the hearts involved.

And He did.

Struggle? Yes.
Strain? Yes.
Difficulty? Yes.

Yet in the midst He was faithful.

This morning as I continued to pray over yesterday's situation & anticipated a quiet, contented Tuesday at home with Mal, my heart went back to the question of "why"?

Why on again, off again? 

Is it me? 

Is it a wavering of faith? 

Is it selfishness? 

Is it weakness?

Yet as I sought the Lord through study, prayer & communion, He reminded me that days are diverse. He reminded me that the diversity of days intensifies my dependence upon Him & keeps me prayerful, expectant & vulnerable...

to Him.

On those days where the potential for difficulty is there...
And the brimming reality of struggle is possible...
And the steeped likelihood for strain is at a high percentage...
TRUST.

I knew yesterday was a day drenched with vulnerability on my part & my only option was to pray, depend & trust. That's it. Nothing within me could fix, change or prepare... Everything was out of my control. Beyond my dominion. Far surpassing my determining. I was bare-faced & vulnerable & believe it or not, as crazy as it may sound, there was a deep-seated comfort in my uncertain spirit. A reassurance of assurance. A reminder of faithfulness. A guarantee of Presence.

You don't have this...

But I do.

I Am.

A day saturated with trust.

Today...a contented day. A quiet day. A spiritually restful day. A day where God says,
"Praise. Just embrace & praise. Give thanks. Simply embrace & give thanks."

What He is showing me is that time is time...always the same. The same minutes. The same hours. They hold the same expanse with each that comes & goes, yet those minutes & hours turn into days. And those days are diverse. One day filled to capacity with pleasantries... Days that change us. The next overflowing with immeasurable affliction. Days that transform us. And instead of analyzing the why (yeah, that's my default...I'm always on a quest to understand), trust in the affliction & praise in the pleasantry. Time never changes yet we change through time. We change over time.

Days intensify my dependence upon Him & keep me prayerful, expectant & vulnerable...

to Him.

As Mal & I drove to fill the truck up with gasoline this morning, I found myself acknowledging how deeply grateful I am that, because of Jesus, regardless of the day & what it holds, I can trust and I can praise. And that as seconds turn to minutes & minutes turn to hours & hours turn to days, God is drawing me closer to Him through each & every situation He orchestrates.

Let go of the 'why' & simply rest in His presence. Rest in the trusting. Rejoice in the praising.

But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.

My times are in thy hand...

~Psalm 31:14-15

But In The End...It's Of Our Choosing...

It's a quiet morning here...
Cinnamon Vanilla Nut coffee lingers in my favorite rooster mug...
Bone broth simmers in the crock pot...
Laundry tosses to-and-fro in the humming dryer...
Soothing melodies waft through the air waves of our home.

The girls are still slumbering & Kyle is busy at work. He is on his umpteenth Saturday & simply put, I've forgotten what an actual "weekend" is like. :) I've just come to automatically fill in the Saturday boxes on our calendar, "Kyle work"... This too shall pass yet I am grateful for his positive attitude of determination while things are beyond busy at his place of employment.

It hasn't always been this way...
God has changed his heart...
And his attitude...

Although home is always where he would prefer to be, he doesn't complain or dread or resist working the extra hours that are requested & required of him through this busy season...and neither do I.

It hasn't always been this way...

God showed me some time back that grumbling & complaining & having an adverse attitude only makes it harder on this one who holds my heart, therefore I've turned the "ugliness" into encouragement & support. Looking beyond myself & what I want, to what makes the taxing routine of life easier on him. ♥ It means saying, "No" to things we would enjoy doing & taking rain checks on outings/activities that simply can't fit into life right now.

It's finding contentment in Christ where we're at...

I am not saying this because I am in need, 

for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 

I know what it is to be in need, 

and I know what it is to have plenty. 

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, 

whether well fed or hungry, 

whether living in plenty or in want. 

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

~Philippians 4:11-13

A lesson God has been instilling in our hearts for several months now...

~ contentment ~

internal satisfaction which does not demand changes in external circumstances

Easy to grasp?

Rarely.

Simple to execute?

Not hardly.

It takes discipline...

Realigning the mind...

And the heart.

It takes surrender...

Relinquishment of control...

And absolute submission.

It takes abandoning the heart to Jesus & genuinely saying, "Have your way..."

"Whatever it is..."

"Whatever it isn't..."

"Have your way..."

And sometimes...

We say it...

And we mean it...

But before one realizes it...

We've reclaimed ownership...

And control...

And then instantly the contented heart is lost... 

And turmoil is once again the reality.

All of this is fresh in my mind as Kyle, the girls & I take another journey through the pages of the Old Testament. The Israelites were infamous...

For grumbling...

Complaining...

Discontentment...

They wanted more...

Different...

Better.

Satisfied one minute...

Whining & angry the next.

It was a burden to Moses...

And disheartening to God.

The Lord showed me several things very clearly this week...

One being that He NEVER wills any of His children to bondage.

Of any degree...

~bondage~

slavery

captivity

anything that prevents one from freedom of movement

The counterpart of that is this...

It is our personal choices that most often put us into bondage (there are exceptions)...

And it is our personal choices that most often keep us there (there are exceptions).

Period.

Many times discontentment is a reality because we are in bondage to some-one or some-thing...

Almost always chosen...

Occasionally not...

And facing that reality is what brings freedom.

Acknowledging that something isn't "right"...

Our attitude...

Our actions...

Our choices...

Our situation...

Our friends...

Our lifestyle...

Acknowledging that our heart isn't "settled"...

At peace...

Content.

A "knowing" directly from the Holy Spirit, Himself.

Acknowledging it for what it is & seeking God for wisdom in finding liberation.

He never fails to have the avenue to deliverance.

Sometimes that means repenting of rebellion for choosing to be unhappy where He has us...

Sometimes that means agreeing with Him that we aren't where He wants us.

One requires a change in attitude (of the mental/spiritual/emotional kind)...

One requires a change of situation/placement (of the physical kind)...

Most often we already know in the depths of our spirit which it is.

The key to deliverance, freedom & liberation is obedience.

Yet so many times we choose the convenient path of ignoring...

Suppressing...

Denying... 

A perverted sense that some-how, some-way things will just magically resolve.

We try...

We work...

We attempt...

And they don't...

And we're still stuck...

And it's our choice.

Believe me, I've learned the vast difference between "ignoring" & "ignorance"...

One is intentional...

One is innocent blindness...

One is unseeing...

One is blatant clarity.

One is lined with purity...

One is laced with rebellion.

One is destined to wrath...

One is covered with grace.

When God shows us that the unsettled spirit within us is clearly bondage...

He will be faithful to show us the way out.

But in the end...

It's of our choosing.

What we do...

Whether we resolve.

And thankfully, the deliverance is readily available...

But frankly, the choosing doesn't come without a fight...

A fight from the one who desires our hearts, our minds, our bodies, our spirits...

To remain in slavery...

Captivity...

Bondage.

Yet God says, "I Am..."

"I Am capable..."

"I Am able..."

"I Am more than enough..."

"I Am mighty..."

"I Am powerful..."

"I Am Sovereign..."

"And I will deliver you..."

We must choose to what voice we listen...

What voice we follow...

What voice we obey.

Are you in bondage?

Is your heart discontent?

Is your spirit unsettled?

Is it because you are unhappy where God has strategically placed you?

Or does He want you somewhere else & you refuse to move?

*Marriage...

*Career...

*Ministry...

*Home...

Is it because He is calling your heart to an area of service & you are unwilling?

Or is it because He has asked you to give something up & you oppose?

*Witnessing...

*Extending...

*Forgiving...

*Impure relationships...

*Habits...

*Fear...

Is it because He is speaking & you are ignoring?

Or is it because He has spoken & you are disobedient?

"Let go..."

"Give it up..."

"Take another road..."

Speaking from experience...

Surrender...

Abandonment...

Relinquishment...

Submission...

And obedience...

Are so worth the reward of deliverance.

Even though the "giving up" entails withdrawal...

And detoxification of the most uncomfortable kind.

The price merits the Prize.

God faithfully delivered the Israelites out the physical realm of bondage from the Egyptians only for them to launch themselves right back into slavery of the spiritual kind.

Candidly...

We're capable of repeating the same occurrence.

In this home, we're finding freedom of the most beautiful kind...

Not without a fight, yet...

It is an extraordinary thing.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, 

and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

~Galatians 5:1

The Power of Praise...

As I was standing at the kitchen sink earlier this morning doing last night's supper & late night snack dishes, I took the opportunity to pray for some things that are heavy on my heart right now. It was quiet. Kyle was gone to work. MaKayla is away. Mal was still sleeping. It was just me & Jesus doing the dishes! ;) Our family has some things going on at the present time that are beyond our control. That never leave our mind. That only God can change, heal & restore. Some of those things fall into the physical realm... Some the spiritual... Some the emotional... Some the relational... All of which we cannot fix... Only God.

As I prayed & cried out to Him, interceding specifically for each burden, He reminded me of the power in PRAISE! And since PRAISE is my word for 2012, I have been disciplining myself to trade my worries, my sadness, my anger, my frustrations, my burdens, my anxiety, my uncertainty, my doubt, my fear...into PRAISE! I am learning to recognize when these thoughts, feelings & emotions are taking up residency in my heart, mind & spirit & immediately counteract them with PRAISE! I would humbly admit that it isn't always easy...

Yet as I stood there this morning, looking out at the newly fallen snow, seeing the shadows being formed by the rising sun, I was reminded to PRAISE & as I surrendered those heavy burdens over to the Lord & began to focus on PRAISING Him, my heart, mind & spirit were filled with instant & unexplainable peace.

As I finished washing the last dish, waited for my kettle to get hot & listened to Jim Brickman's hymns playing on my CD player, through an intent of PRAISE, I was reminded of how good & faithful & trustworthy God is. How amazing it is to serve an awesome & wonderful Creator....

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

The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang:

“He is good;
his love endures forever.”

Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God.

2 Chronicles 5:13~14

I'm So Thankful...

It's a new day & each day prior to this I have felt the compelling urge to get a blog post done...
Time has been slipping away...
The days ever so swiftly pass by...
I, myself, am slowing down...
Making sure to savor each moment...

Today, it feels good to write...
To share...

School is in full swing here and so far each day has been a tremendous blessing. Both MaKayla & Mal are very much enjoying the curriculum that we are using, apart from one subject, that one girl, very much dislikes!?! We've talked about it and discussed it yet it has been concluded that in regard to this particular subject, "it must be done," therefore we move forward. So far, so good! :) I'm so thankful for this one I love so much who attempts to complete her daily assignments without grumbling and complaining!

Wrapping our brains around the fact that MaKayla is now a senior has been and continues to be something so very hard to fathom! Where have the years gone anyway??? Rather than go to a professional photographer, she wanted me to take her senior pictures which I was hesitant of, but agreed to. The opportunity proved to be such a fun experience! We spent the afternoon/evening hopping from place-to-place, shooting pictures here-and-there, laughing, talking and just enjoying time as a family! I think we ended up with over 800 shots to choose from! I'm so thankful for the simplicity & contentment of our children.

This week completed our third week of dog obedience training with Zeke. He has a very strong willed personality therefore when we saw the class being offered at a minimal cost, at a location near us, we decided it would be a beneficial investment. The first class Kyle & MaKayla attended alone yet Mal & I have joined them since then. We are all definitely learning how to teach Zeke and at the same time some neat acquaintances have been formed. I'm so thankful for activities we can do as a family & that Kyle chooses to invest in us, his family, rather than choosing to be "independent" of us as so many husbands and fathers do.

My very close friend that was diagnosed with cancer a little over a month ago, underwent surgery three weeks ago today. After fervent, diligent prayer, belief in a God who is all powerful, the work of a precise, skilled doctor's hands, care from daughters who love their mom and much rest for recovery, this one that I love was declared, "CANCER FREE"! I'm thankful for Jehovah Rapha, the Lord who heals!

As the weather begins to turn much cooler, jeans, sweatshirts and fleece jammies emerge from summer hibernation. The garden is silent and bare. Trees are changing. Farmers are harvesting grain from their fields. Dew is heavy on the grass each morning. Football is a frequent conversation. A morning chill greets us as we climb out of bed. We find ourselves in the kitchen more frequently...preparing soup, roast, potatoes, carrots, homemade noodles, freshly baked homemade rolls, pumpkin pie, warm cookies and many pots of "good" coffee. I'm thankful for changing seasons.

We've had the opportunity lately to spend frequent, special time with family, friends & brothers-and-sisters-in-Christ. Some we've known our whole lives... Some throughout several years... Some meeting for the first time only recently. Times of celebration... Times of prayer... Times of praise... Times of fellowship... Times of laughter... Times of tears... Times of singing... Times of breaking bread together... Times of making memories... Times of rejoicing... I'm so thankful for those who God allows us to love & those who choose to love us in return.

Although life has been busy and full, I'm purposing to mentally & emotionally slow down and savor the richest & most precious blessings that God has been affording not only myself but our family as a whole. Blessings that don't fade away. Blessings that money can't buy. Blessings that only God Himself could lavish upon us.



I'm so thankful...

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before Him with thanksgiving
and extol Him with music and song.
For the Lord is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
In His hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to Him.
The sea is His, for He made it,
and His hands formed the dry land.
Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
for He is our God
and we are the people of His pasture,
the flock under His care.
Psalm 95:1~7

Encountering God...

Growing up, I can recall distinct moments in which I "encountered God"... You know, those moments in which you knew He was real... You knew what you were experiencing was going beyond what was typical... A different feel... A different presence... Deeper... More intimate... Unexplainable...

For me, those moments happened in the church our family attended when I was a very young girl and then again at youth camp. I distinctly remember... The first time when I was probably four years old and then again when I was a teenager. Of course I am certain that there were times in between... I know there were...

One of my greatest aspirations in life, is together with Kyle, raise MaKayla & Mallary in a way that they KNOW God, they DESIRE God and they ENCOUNTER God...not just through us but most importantly in a real & personal way. The Holy Spirit is our Counselor, our Comforter, our Teacher and our Guide. For us, it is imperative that they know the reality of who He is!

For Father's Day the girls and I ordered Kyle a CD/DVD of one of his most favorite worship artists that he was honored to sit under at a Seminars4Worship conference several years back. After Kyle took in his teaching and then we attended a concert of his in the evening, we were immediately hooked and have been ever since, therefore I knew Kyle would love it!. Brian doesn't entertain, he compels and draws you into the presence of the Most Holy One... We as a family sat through nearly half of the DVD Sunday evening and then finished it last night. One word sums it up...AMAZING!!! Both MaKayla & Mal were captivated and enthralled.

The more we watched, the more our hearts were opened.
The more we watched, the more the Holy Spirit penetrated our home.
The more we watched, the more we encountered God.

It was a live, raw and diverse video shoot. It was simple, pure, free & amazing worship. It included various people... People praying... People playing musical instruments... People painting an abstract piece of art... People dancing... People sharing testimonies of deliverance... People using flags... People singing... People standing... People kneeling... People sitting... People encountering God...

I can't even begin to explain what happened...it was surreal...it was moving...it was wonderful...it was life-transforming...

We as a family, encountered God!

After the DVD was over, we visited together about how the Holy Spirit was speaking to us...individually and as a family... We talked together, cried together, prayed together and then ended our evening with a song of praise!

It was amazing...

It was an encounter that none of us will forget...

We encountered God!

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:1~4

You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence. Acts 2:28

Zeke...

Life has continued to be "different" around our place. I'm not sure if it is due to the fact that we still haven't found a good schedule since the time change which means we are still getting up & starting our day at the same time but we are unfortunately falling into bed much later than normal which means we feel like left-field zombies most all the time. It could be that we have had several non-typical things going on which means that our afternoons & evenings have been sprinkled with outside activities here and there which means that things that typically get done on a regular basis have kind of fallen by the wayside. It might be that we have had numerous decisions to make lately and making decisions seems to be a weakness of mine which means that when decisions are weighing on my shoulders...they are continually mulling through my brain...which tends to wear me down and make me extra tired. You know...that survival mode... Or, it could be this little guy who joined our family almost a week ago...


This is Ezekiel Roman rather known as "Zeke"...


It amazes me how much having a new puppy is so much like having a baby to take care of. This little man is a very busy guy and we are constantly having to keep an eye on him. He loves to chew... He loves to roam... He doesn't sleep well... He's mischievous... He's ornery... He's FULL of energy... He's potty training... All those baby things aside... We love, love, love him!!!


Although the girls were excited about getting a new puppy, they were also quite hesitant as they felt like they were replacing Fletch. We reassured them that no one would ever take Fletcher's place (although we daily catch ourselves, calling Zeke, Fletcher) and that it would be a good thing for us to do with spring approaching.


Do you notice the Hawkeye collar around his neck? Kyle says he's also going to get a Mizzou one as well so that he can alternate every other week!?! When we took him in for his well vet check on Tuesday, Dr. Powell said he looked really good all except what was around his neck... :o) He said we needed to replace the Hawkeye black and gold for Mizzou black and gold. Kyle reassured him that we were working on the situation! :o)


Spring is finally arriving here and I would have to say that it seems as though with every turning of season, I spiritually, mentally and emotionally go through a turning of seasons as well. A time of of reflection and evaluation which many times results in the feeling of heaviness. It's not always the most enjoyable of experiences, yet for me, one that is necessary. It's a time for me to intently look at my life and acknowledge that which isn't fruitful or edifying to the Lord. It's a time to relinquish the old, withering and dying branches present in my life so that they can be pruned, in order for the new shoots that God has purposed for my life, to graft and grow. If I'm not careful to guard my heart through these times, discouragement, doubt and despair begin to visit and take up residency. As I look to the Lord for encouragement, He reminds me that pruning produces healthy, abundant life! The truth of that promise interspersed with unexpected phone calls from two of my closest friends, running into one of those friends only for a brief moment a few days ago, a heartfelt e-mail from another of my closest, long-distance friends and then a long visit with another precious friend/sister-in-Christ, my week has been brightened and my heart has been warmed.

I find myself so thankful today for God's presence in my life and that He chooses to love me. I am thankful for an amazingly awesome husband, MaKayla's silliness, Mallary's laugh, special friends, my Bible, fresh spring air and Zeke. I am thankful that my family is healthy, I get to spend all day, every day with our girls, My Man is on his way home to me, all my needs are provided for and that my children can learn. I am thankful for coffee, instrumental music, internet that works efficiently and pictures of those that I love strewn throughout our home.

I am thankful that because of Jesus the blessings that are mine to hold, are all the more richer because of Him!

Spring has sprung...new shoots are being grafted!

Journal Entry - November 3, 2010

Thank you Lord for the wonder and anticipation of this new day! For the opposite start to this day rather than yesterday. For the miracle of Your presence and the treasure of Your love. For special moments with Kyle in Your Word and the sharing of what You are doing in our lives as individuals, as a marital team, as a family. Thank you for life, health and provision. Thank you for wisdom, direction and grace. Thank You for You!

Satisfied...

The best way to describe how I am feeling today is...satisfied! Not satisfied because life is "perfect"...because it isn't. Not satisfied because I have a bank full of money...because I don't. Not satisfied because I'm leaving on a week-long island vacation...because I'm not. I'm just satisfied...

*Satisfied where Jesus has me...

*Satisfied with what He has me doing...

*Satisfied with those He's given me to love...
*Satisfied with the provision He's afforded...
*Satisfied with the love He's lavished upon me...
*Satisfied with Him...
*Satisfied with Jesus....

Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness,
and for His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He satisfieth the longing soul,
and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Psalm 107:8~9

A True Picture...

Today's been a pruning day for me in some profound and intense ways. As with any pruning, the process is painful yet exciting. Painful for it means/demands change.
Exciting because fruit is promised upon completion.
Not fruit to benefit me,
fruit to benefit my Saviour!

I've been in tears to the point of weeping more than once already in the past eight hours, so when the Lord drew my attention to this outside my kitchen window as I was doing dishes this afternoon,






my heart was abundantly blessed.

A true picture of love, adoration and friendship!

A true picture that brings me joy!

Love it...

Love it...
Love it...

For This Child We Prayed...

For this child we believed...

For this child we waited on God for...
For this child we prayed...


I would have to say that he is one of the most beautiful babies I have ever laid my eyes upon...
I'm not just saying that because he is my blood family or because I love him so deeply...
or because I love his daddy, momma and siblings...

He...is...beautiful!


My heart is humbly thankful to the Lord for safely bringing Baby Noah into our hearts and
into our lives.


His daddy and momma have endured much and have trusted much in order for his precious little life to be here with us this day.


They've laid aside fears...
Swallowed uncertainty...
Dug deep for knowledge...
Trusted without reserve...

(I don't just love him...
I love his momma in unspeakable ways as well!)

He is loved...
He is beautiful...
He has the fingerprints of God all over him...
(He smells so yummy sweet too...just like a baby should!)


For this child we prayed!

His...

Today I find myself grateful for the unexpected blessings that the Lord showers on my life...

Things I don't anticipate...

Things I'm not looking for...

Things that are just HIM...

*A quick visit with a friend...
*An opportunity to pray with someone I love...
*The privilege to embrace my child...
*A breath of fresh fall air...
*Warm breezes blowing curtains where I sit...
*The sight of beautiful flowers that Kyle surprised me with...
*A precious child with a willing heart...
*A text message that simply says, "You are close to my heart..."
*A checkbook that balances on the first try...
*A vibrant daisy in my silver pail...
*Two bluejays frolicking under a tree...
*The promise that God has a will and a plan for my life...

As I spent time with the Lord this morning, He reminded me that His will should always supersede my will...not just in the big things/decisions but ALWAYS! I should daily enter the Holy of Holies seeking what His desire is for every moment of my day ahead, being willing to lay aside my own agenda in order to receive what His plan is for me and those that I affect, touch and influence. Making His will a reality takes surrender and discipline...something I have to remind myself of constantly. My spirit is oh so willing, but the weakened state of my flesh all~too~often gets in the way. May I be more diligent and determined to incline my ear to the voice of the Lord as He instructs me according to His plan, His will, His desire and His purpose for my life. Not just sometimes, but ALWAYS!

God, I am forever thankful that I am Yours!

Pressure and Pruning...

The Principle of Christian Character...

"Character" literally means" to stamp and engrave through pressure." This sums up nicely what God is doing in our lives.

God's plan is to make each person like Him. Romans 8:29 tells us that God has predestined that we are to be conformed into the image of Christ. He is building His character within us, or you might say, He is stamping and engraving upon us His image. In so doing, He often uses pressure.

The fifteenth chapter of the gospel of John tells us that Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches, and the Father is the vine-dresser. What happens to every branch that does not bear fruit? It is cut away, then dries up and is finally burned. What happens to every branch that bears fruit? He prunes it. Therefore, no matter what we do we are going to get cut.

Why are branches pruned? To produce fruit of greater quantity and quality. While much of God's pruning hurts, we should greatly rejoice in the pruning process as we understand He is building His character within us.

Character has been defined as a convictional belief that results in consistent behavior. We can see that character begins internally (a convictional belief) and is expressed externally (consistent behavior). Our internal character will be seen in our external lifestyle.

God is stamping His image upon us so that we might be examples of Him to the world, and be able to fulfill His purpose for our lives.


This is an excerpt from one of the History books we have studied so far this year and I was simply and blessedly amazed at the truth and depth the above words contained. Sitting around our school table, a free and fruitful discussion between our girls and I emerged as we tore apart and dissected the reality and meaning of what we were reading. Being a Christian (Christ-follower) isn't always comfortable, easy or desirable. God always sees the big picture and we of the flesh can only see one small piece, the piece we are currently living in. He sees where we need pruned in order to produce fruit. He sees where pressure needs applied so that His image will be visible upon our lives. Lately we've been experiencing alot of pruning and pressure and at times I've been tempted to pitch a fit and scream, "What are you doing God? Isn't enough enough? Lay off a little (or a lot)! Can we have some breathing room?" Yet in it all and through it all, He lovingly, patiently, gently, continually and faithfully reminds me that He is working out a purpose I have yet to see. A purpose that through pruning and pressure will bear Him much fruit and glory. As I ponder the reality of that, I let go of all control and trust Him completely.

I'm so thankful that I have a hope that reaches far beyond what I can see. A hope that is rooted and grounded in the Creator and Giver of all life...all time...all reason!

I am a blessed branch!