These summer days I am practicing my balance. I am developing strength in my core.Hmmmm. You might wonder, “What does that mean?” Well, honestly, the activity of walking the curb started out as a physical challenge and game we play while walking our dogs. You see, we’ve moved from a rather hilly geographical location and … Continue reading Practicing balance.
A number of years ago as painful upheaval seemed to become the overarching theme of our lives, I cried out to Jesus for an anchor. I was emotionally reeling - seasick on the storm tossed waves of normal life. God heard my cries for help. Jesus appeared walking on the waves reaching out to take … Continue reading Anchors up!
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. Psalm 118:8-9 ~~~ Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the king's horses and all the king's men Could not put Humpty together again. ~~~ … Continue reading It is Better
But those who are hurting tug at my heart in a deep way. Often they come to mind. And I find myself asking God “to do something”. At some point in my pleading, I hear myself asking God to be who He already is in His sovereign nature. Sometimes I recognize that I am asking God to do what He naturally does because He is who He is.
It usually doesn’t. Our first chair. We were hooked! In true dad fashion, he said, “Let’s just try it. If it doesn’t work out… no big deal!” Now at that particular time in life, that was an offer I couldn’t refuse. He was encouraging. I could wrap my brain around these simple teachings I had … Continue reading It didn’t happen overnight
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”Jeremiah 29:11 NIV God’s promises are true. And it’s important to remember that this was the promise God made through His prophet Jeremiah to the remnant of … Continue reading Context Matters.
Renew.That’s my job.I renew chairs.The work of removing the old and applying the new is for me very rewarding. I enjoy the challenges, and the variety of materials chosen to complete each transformation. However, it’s the stories - the family history - behind the furniture that is my absolute favorite. It’s such an honor to … Continue reading The process of renewal
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.Ephesians 4:2 34 years ago I chose this scripture to be engraved on my husband's wedding ring. I chose it for us and he agreed. We naively chose it for our scriptural marital mantra. And we didn't have a clue of the depth … Continue reading We didn’t know…
By Gary Milford Lessons Learned. Lessons re-learned. Do your best, forget the rest! You know there is a lot of potentially depressing stuff in the news now days. Of course you know that. It’s like the Bible verses in Isaiah were faxed to the news rooms around the country and then reported word for word … Continue reading Lessons Re- learned
And then there were just two.There's always a dull ache in my heart. A small lump in my throat. A stinging behind my eyes...When it's time to say goodbye to the seeds and their families. My hugs are tighter than necessary because I am trying to make an imprint of them on my heart. The … Continue reading And then…
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,Hebrews 12:28 NIV Each year for the last approximately ten years, I've asked Holy Spirit to highlight a word or phrase for the upcoming year. I ask Him for it, and then … Continue reading Expectant for 22
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.Philippians 4:6 NLT Correct. Absolutely. Don't worry. Truth. Instead, pray. Tell God. Right on. He's the best! And be thankful. Yes, of course. What's wrong with me? I have so much for which to be … Continue reading Simple, but not so easy.
Have you ever had hope well up big inside? You dared to dream big and you believed to your core that God winked at you with approval.You just knew (without seeing how) that this BIG Hopeful scenario was going to be a part of your life story. Did you let yourself get excited? Did you … Continue reading Please don’t let my hope become shame.
Advent.Advent is the first part of the word adventure. I don't think I have ever recognized that word connection before today.Cue word nerds... ( Let me know what you find out) But here's what hit me today. The thought popped right into my pondering... Advent is the period of anticipating an arrival. Significantly to the … Continue reading Adventure in the Advent.
It's Monday! How are you feeling? There's an answer for that... His name is Jesus and He's listening.
I can't wait ( standing on tiptoes of anticipation ) to hear the Saul to Paul conversion stories. To hear of praise and worship that shook prison walls and caused the lost to ask you how to know your God. I can't wait to hear how chains holding innocent captives were snapped in two, and you walked out free under the cover of the wing of the Almighty.
Before you begin to feel discouraged about your own detour, let me just add that we are slow learners. Our detour onto the sailboat was more than five years ago. Along the way, we've each had our roller coaster moments. I think my dear man would agree we've each experienced the full spectrum of emotions. Gratefully, one of us is usually on the upside when the other is sliding down. We're definitely riding the crazy learning curve. Welcome aboard!
{The Beatitudes of Jesus} Matthew 5:1 - 12 Jesus hands us the keys. Will we try them out to unlock doors to the abundant life? Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, Blessed am I, enriched in my life, when I recognize … Continue reading Chapter 2: Abundant Life
Peaceful assurance was not out of reach for me if I had been willing to accept that I was concerned without cause. I could have listened to my husband who insisted these two young lads were quite normal. I could have listened to our family doctor, who was not concerned with our sons' development. I could have chosen a number of other wise paths, which would have ultimately led me to throw worry out the window.
Are you feeling shaken? I imagine most people are feeling a bit rattled and undone at some level. If 2020 was the earthquake, 2021 is the aftershock. Although I think we could all agree that we'd like to put the fear and anguish of the past year behind us, the reverbations seem to jolt us … Continue reading I Rather be Stirred, and Not Shaken.
The process of consecration is hard, not pleasant and generally not my idea of a fun time to schedule on my calendar. However, I have submitted to the process enough to now realize the amazingly, glorious benefits.
My focus is on Jesus in these awkward days of 2020. Eyes on Him. Psalm 34:5 holds a key to the purpose I feel the Lord has given me for my life ministry. Those who keep their eyes on Jesus will be radiant and their faces will not be covered with shame. Eyes on Jesus … Continue reading Radiance
I'm sharing this very small platform with my parents because they matter, and their voices are important. We have somewhat lost the wisdom of learning from our elders, and our society is the worse for it.
One of the things I appreciate most in life is an honest conversation. Unfortunately, these are rare in today's world. Rare things only increase in value, so there's the silver lining, I guess.
There's not one current human issue that has not been covered in the Bible. Not one! God is not shy about discussing every topic under the sun. RELEVANT: Upon invitation from a dear neighbor couple, I linked my desire for God's word with a local Healing Strong group, and we corporately began our journey from … Continue reading God Breathed
I was tired of being fearful. A good friend and co-worker recommended that I memorize this scripture. This friend encouraged me to turn God's word into a prayer - into a conversation with God.
Peace, unfortunately, has not been consistent over the many months of this strange year. Just in our tiny corner of the world we've experienced some of the most bizarre situations, which have threatened to pit neighbor against neighbor. However, the doves keep showing up to remind me to pray, and to remind me that my Prince of Peace is here.
First, if you are hurting, but can't identify the source, please reach out. Call/text someone to come sit with you. Ask for help. If someone close to you is just not who you know them to be, stick your nose in their emotional business. An inkling that "something's not right" is enough to start a conversation or take action.
Today, I'm sharing a moment with Nahum. He is not a popular read; however, what I know about Nahum is that he was born specifically for his time on Earth. Nahum is a shining part of the great cloud of witnesses, I feel sure of it. {Hebrews 12:1} Nahum, a man considered a minor prophet, … Continue reading Born for This
As I am smack dab in the middle of two beautiful clients and not wanting to disappoint them. As I am giving my very best to serve those who have entrusted memories to me. As my good workhorse sewing machine is broken again because I just keep pushing it's limits.
"Where are you?" It seems to be one of God's favorite questions. "Where are you right now?"
I'm still learning... I'm a slow learner. However, I'm learning. My walk is not perfected, yet I see my Father smiling. I see His delight in my willingness to keep trying. He encourages me... "You're getting the hang of it, girl!"
Could I encourage you? I know you really don't want any fluff right now. I get it. But, just in case you are here... and you are willing to give yourself a reset moment... and you're still reading...
The point is that nearness, awareness, and devotion are key to my desire to replicate my Beloved's character. It is my responsibility to make sure I am rightly positioned with my eyes on Jesus, my ears tuned to His voice, watching for His movement and waiting for direction. If I'm reading God's word, taking Him at His word and putting my feet in His footprints, I will be rightly positioned for success. I am much more likely to love God first and then love my neighbor as Jesus loves me.
Day 130. Focus - Jesus. Eyes on Him. How else can I live in peace? Unless my heart be tethered to my Lord, I will lose heart. Unless my feet remain within my Good Shepherd's pasture, I will lose my way. Unless my eyes remain trained on His eyes of love, I will stray for … Continue reading Tethered
It is the diligent, caring and responsible farmer who allows the tearing up of the soil. He desires the best production from his seed and works tirelessly to make sure that the good harvest will come to fruition. He tends, he waits and waters and watches over the miracle of death becoming life!
Look up. See Him as life, love, defender, protector and security beyond this short life. As I walk and live and visit with people all around me I feel as if I am living out a role in a 60's Twilight Zone episode.
Maybe you left your car behind and planned to rent mopeds once you arrived on the island by fairy only to learn that the moped workers union was currently on strike. {That was our honeymoon experience on Martha's Island} Perhaps, the rental car company took your reservation, but forgot to hold the car for you. {Seinfeld reference}
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galatians 6:7 This scripture popped up recently as a 'verse of the day' and it reveals a truth that I keep hearing from the Lord. He's been speaking this truth to me with an urgency since last year 2019. At various times … Continue reading Pondering {release}
As I watched this amazing move of love in my mind's eye, I asked the Lord, "What do You want me to do with this vision?" His answer was the simple response of a loving Father to His little daughter, "Ask Me to do this in your land."
2020, I believe will go down in history as one of the most difficult years of a lifetime. Hopefully, in the future, many people will also remember that 2020 was the year of their greatest growth. Much good can arise out of painful and unwelcome circumstances. I know because I've witnessed this truth in my … Continue reading 2. A boat divided will sink
This season of {pay attention} has increasingly reminded me of my excitement as an engaged bride counting down the days eagerly anticipating the arrival of my groom just days before our wedding. As May 21st drew closer, my heart longed for and my eyes watched for the sight of my love walking through the door. I could hardly contain myself. I was focused.
Keep going. Keep breathing. Keep reading the psalms until you see Jesus reading them with you. He's there. He'll never leave you.
Maybe I just don’t remember a Thanksgiving celebration quite so impactful, but this one certainly goes to the top of my favorites list. As I surveyed the faces, I recognized the presence of countless miracles gathered in one room. In particular, God used the miracle of Uncle Jim to teach me perhaps one of the … Continue reading Uncle Jim’s Thanksgiving
No one has it easy. This world is rock hard and dimly lit. We're all struggling individually and as couples to keep our eyes focused on Jesus. Yet, when we come together the light of Jesus in each of the ten of us makes the room bright.
Just recently, even though our circumstances have not changed, a door stands illuminated at the edge of our waiting room. I don't think I've ever noticed it there. I imagine Jesus, who embodies light, has placed a spotlight on the door of acceptance. As I ponder life with Him, I realize it's time. He is beckoning us to walk through this door.
God has much to say to me about the way I speak, my tone and the appropriate use of speech for love and blessing. Very early in my discipleship a friend directed me to the book of James. Knowing how much I love the gift of gab, my heart was pricked, and I began to take seriously the many reproofs regarding an uncontrolled tongue.
The thing is we know it's a lie. We know it's stinkin' thinkin'. Yet even when we agree that the wheel isn't making us stronger, we find it difficult to step off. We want to BE STRONG!
Fretting might be the easiest "go to" activity in a waiting room. However, God says don't fret - don't worry. Then He offers all of these other activities to take the place of worrying about circumstances we can't control anyway.
We sat together, a group of women ranging in age from young mommy to less young with grown children (like me), around several tables pushed in to make one. The chatter was bountiful as we brightened our doodle sheets with many colors. The word LOVE was sketched vertically down the black and white page our … Continue reading O Lord, I’m tired…
Eyes on Jesus & Shine 
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