Melodies From A Mountaintop Nest

Embracing the Beautiful Things

2012-01-27T23:21:00.002-05:00

He hath made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11

Winter has been drab and dreary here in the mountain this year. Warmer than normal temperatures, rain, mud, and overcast skies have taken the place of sunlight falling over glistening white, snow-covered branches and hills. While I don't mind the warmer temperatures, I long to see the woods dressed in dazzling ice-frosted trees. I miss how the snow illuminates dark January nights. I miss the quietness that falls over the mountain when the ground is blanketed with a covering of soft snow. It's hard to see beauty when everything appears so drab. Then today, I woke up to the sight of a male and female cardinal sitting quietly amidst the dreary brown background. Their beauty stood out even more because of their dismal surroundings.

It made me wonder, do I shine brighter in the ugly seasons of life? Christians are supposed to represent Christ's light in a dark world. I hate to admit it, but often I don't shine very bright when times get tough. I grumble and complain. I get stressed and lose my temper. I think thoughts I shouldn't, and I allow discouragement to obscure my vision of the beautiful things that surround me each day.

A lot of ugly stuff has crept into my life recently; the near death and illness of my father, my pending divorce signaling the end of three decades of marriage, issues with grown children making poor choices, flare ups with my own health, and the reality that my job will be ending due to modern technology.

It can be difficult to see anything beautiful during the messy times in life, but there's always beauty around us if we look for it. Some of the lovely things I've experienced recently in this present bleak season are: A grandchild's sweet smile and tiny hand grasping mine, a warm and inviting house to come home to after being cooped up in an office all day, a rainbow following a rain storm, an elderly couple walking across the street holding hands, the warmth of a cup of tea in my hands, an act of kindness from a sister in Christ who I didn't know, laughing with my best friend until we cried over something only the two of us would find humorous, deer in my back yard, a moonlit sky, an unexpected letter from an old friend, the pleasure of reading a good book, and of course the bright cardinals in the tree outside my kitchen window this morning.

Focusing on the lovely things will help us get through the rough spots and those messy seasons when life really doesn't make sense.Just like the cardinals brought brightness to the dull-looking mountain landscape, we can illuminate the darkness when we look beyond the bleakness. Our positive attitude and joy can inspire others to embrace the beautiful things in life.

A Calm and Quiet Soul

2011-10-22T16:21:00.000-04:00

But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. (Psalm 131: 2)

Who doesn't desire to feel calm, quiet, and content? The above verse of scripture creates a beautiful image of one who is peaceful and content. An infant becomes distressed and restless when hungry, and is instantly quieted when placed to the breast for nourishment. Once a baby is weaned, he trusts that his mother will continue to feed him as she always has. He is content just to be near her without desiring the breast for sustenance.

As we journey through life, many things will bring distress and restlessness to our souls--bad news from the test results at the doctors, a spouse who walks away unexpectedly, a rebellious child, chronic illness, job loss, or financial problems. In each of these situations, we can be like a weaned child--contented, trusting, assured that all will be well.

Our Heavenly Father is right there by our side when we are faced with circumstances that shake our souls and fill us with fear and trembling. He will provide our needs. With childlike faith, we can rest in the One who never leaves our side.

No Excuse

2011-10-10T18:34:00.000-04:00

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Romans 1: 20 (NLT)

Each time I look out over the mountains, I'm reminded of the God who created all things. It brings to mind Romans 1: 20. How can one not believe in God when they look at creation? Scripture says we have no excuse for not knowing God. From the majestic mountains to the vast oceans, we clearly see Him in the things He has made. Life itself is a miracle, and the complexity of the human body and how it works certainly did not happen by accident. All creation shouts the existence of a Divine Creator.

Autumn has arrived in all it's glory here in the mountains. What a treat it is! Each day when I look outside, the woods are bursting with marvelous colors. The orange, red, and yellow-hued leaves brighten even the dreariest rainy day. The drive down the mountainside is breathtaking. Again, it serves as a reminder of the God of the universe. It just makes sense. All the theories that science has come up with to explain creation just don't make sense. Life is too intricate and fascinating to be accidental. It's mind boggling to think about how a baby forms into a beautiful human life practically from nothing. Again, we clearly see God at work. He is visible in the wildlife, plants, and flowers. We see His workmanship in the sun, moon, and stars. The skies proclaim His glory.

As the beauty of the autumn season unfolds, I pray you will pause from the busyness of daily life and all the distractions it brings, and reflect on the marvelous creation outside your window. Take some time to be still and remember God, the Divine Creator, who made all things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small.

The Flowers of the Field

2011-06-21T18:14:00.001-04:00

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." (Matthew 6: 28-29)

Remaining in the Vine

2011-06-06T14:31:00.000-04:00

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15: 5)

I decided the housework and other things could wait this morning, and I savored a time of prayer, Bible reading, and Bible study here at home by the pond, my favorite place in the world to be. A delicate breeze was blowing the sweet smell of honeysuckle through the air. As always, I was in awe of the beauty of the mountains, the warmth of the sunshine, the birds singing, and the sound of the creek trickling behind me. It never gets old, no matter how many times I experience it and I never get enough of it. It's about as close to heaven one can get here on earth.

It was a lovely time of quiet reflection on what matters most in my life. I cherish times of peace and serenity, because they are so few and far between. When I make time to be still, it keeps me focused and gives me the strength to keep going.

God gives us what we need most exactly when we need it. It was no accident that my First Place 4 Health Bible study lesson today contained the following quote:

"The branch of the vine does not worry, and toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, or there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine; and at the right time, in the right way, is the right fruit found on it. Let us so abide in the Lord Jesus." ~J. Hudson Taylor.

Such a profound truth in a simple quote! I hope I never forget it. I often find myself worrying, working, rushing around trying to fix situations, trying to find answers to life's problems, and stressing myself out. It's usually during the times when I'm worrying and hurrying that I neglect my Bible reading and prayer time the most.

I need to remain in the vine, connected to Christ, who will provide all the nourishment I need to bear fruit in His perfect timing. I'm so thankful he is the Vine. Being a branch, I can abide peacefully in Him and wait; knowing and trusting that He will supply every need in every circumstance.

Flowers Appear on the Earth

2011-04-25T17:28:00.000-04:00

"Arise my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in the land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me." (Song of Songs 2: 10-13)

The new leaves are forming on the trees and the flowers are blooming in abundance here in the mountain. Beauty, joy, and life seem to be bursting forth everywhere I look. On Easter morning I was greeted by the arrival of six new goslings by the pond. Life feels new and fresh again after the long cold Winter season.

The verses above from Song of Songs are some of my favorite passages of scripture. Life is hard and often filled with stress, pain, and suffering. My heart waits in expectation when I sense my Heavenly Father calling me to come away with him for a time of much-needed refreshment and renewal. I'm filled with delight as I step away from the busyness of daily life to marvel at the beautiful things He has created. As I breathe in the fragrance of the flowers, I feel the stress melt away. I sense His presence so clearly when I take time to be still before Him and bask in the wonder of His creation.

Our Heavenly Father desires us to seek Him and to love Him. He is there waiting. All we have to do is pray. We can talk to Him like we would a friend and simply tell him our struggles and our burdens. He will forgive our sins. We just need to ask Him for forgiveness.

If we accept His invitation, He will infuse our exhausted and weary souls with tranquility, peace, and joy. He desires an intimate relationship with each of us, but we have to respond to His call to "come away" from the crazy pace of life and spend time with Him.

Is He calling you today to "come away" and leave your worries behind? How will you respond?

My Help

2011-03-08T17:03:00.002-05:00

I will lift my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121: 1-2

It's been a rough couple of weeks. I was hit hard by a nasty flu bug and was down for about 2 weeks. Winter has been long and I've often felt isolated and alone here in the mountains. It doesn't take long for discouragement to set in when you are sick and spending a lot of time by yourself.

I was listening to music one night while I was laying in bed unable to sleep and Bebo Norman's song, I Will Lift my Eyes, came on. I love that song! It was just what I needed. It reminded me that my help is in the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. I thought about how each time I look out my window I see hills and more hills. From that night on when depression loomed over me while I was sick, I would look out the window and look to the hills. I felt encouraged as I remembered where my help came from.

I love living in the mountains. What a blessing to have a visual reminder each time I look outside and see the hills that God is my help. Life is hard and it's so easy to grow discouraged, but often just a simple verse of scripture is all we need to get our minds focused on God, the source of all our comfort and help.

A December Walk

2010-12-27T13:35:00.001-05:00

He restores my soul...Psalm 23: 3

I was awake most of the night listening to the wind howling, thankful for a cozy comforter to wrap up in and a warm house. The older I get the less I like the winter months. I find myself staying inside most of the time, not brave enough to venture out in the harsh temperatures. I was grateful to have the day off of work and to snuggle under the covers a bit longer for some much-needed rest and relaxation following a busy couple of months filled with holiday preparations and activities, which left me feeling anxious and worn out.

When I finally coaxed myself out of bed, I looked out the window and the birds were already busy flitting about in a fury from tree branch to bird feeder. I look forward to the arrival of the winter birds. They make the bitter harshness more bearable. Red-bellied woodpeckers were furiously pecking away at the new suet cake I had put out a few days ago. Several cardinals brightened up the barren trees with their colorful attire. I paused and sat down to enjoy the birds. I've missed watching them at my feeders.

Since I had to return to the work force last spring, I don't have time to enjoy a lot of the simple pleasures in life. Last month, I realized fall had passed and I missed it. I was rushing back and forth to work, rarely pausing long enough to see what was going on outside my window. When I leave the house at 4:30 AM it's still dark, so I only see the deer that cross the road in front of my car as I drive down the mountain on my way to work.

I pray one day I will be able to work from home again and get back to my quiet mornings enjoying the beauty of God's creation. There's nothing like working in the comfort of your own home and being able to take a break and go for a walk in the woods. I am blessed though! Even though I work in an office building now, my desk sits in front of a window with a bush outside. I'm often treated to busy sparrows darting in and out of it while I work, and occasionally a blue jay or cardinal will make an appearance to brighten my day. It sure beats a stuffy cubicle, so I always try to remember that things could be much worse.

As I watched the birds outside this morning, I felt the urge to go outside and take a walk by the pond. Though I don't venture out too often in the winter months, I bundled up and braved the wind and cold. The frozen ground crunched under my feet and the wind was strangely refreshing as it stung my face. I noticed deer tracks on the frozen surface of the pond. The echo of crows squawking in the distance was carried along with the wind. Left-over fall leaves danced across the ground before they were caught up in the breeze and carried away. Squirrels scampered up and down trees. The sun sparkled like millions of diamonds across the icy pond, and the deep blue sky could be seen in all it's glory through the leafless trees. And, I didn't have to watch for snakes while I was walking. That is one thing I love about winter...no snakes!

Though winter is my least favorite season of the year, it still has a beauty of its own, and a short December walk was just what I needed for restoration and renewal today. It eased my weariness and replaced my anxious thoughts with peace, preparing me to cope with the start of another busy work week tomorrow.

Lord,

Thank you for the blessing of a quiet morning walk to enjoy the beauty of Your creation. Thank You for refreshing my spirit and giving me renewed strength for another week. When I get busy and distracted by everyday life, remind me to be still and know You, for You are the One who restores my soul and refreshes my weary spirit.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

When the Journey is too Much

2010-06-04T16:20:00.001-04:00

Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. I Kings 19:4

Do you ever feel as if you have had enough? In the passage of scripture above the prophet Elijah had grown weary on his journey to the point he asked the Lord to take his life, then he laid down under a broom tree in the dessert and slept. He was awakened by an angel whom the Lord had sent to feed him and strengthen him. Elijah ate the food the Lord prepared to nourish his body and then he laid back down under the tree and rested some more.

He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. I Kings 19:6

When we grow weary on our journey through life we usually don't think about resting and nourishing our bodies. We are often encouraged to rush off to our doctor who quickly writes out a prescription for anti-anxiety drugs or anti-depressants. Resting is seen as a sign of weakness in a performance-driven world where we are encouraged to keep pushing ourselves. Often what we need most is rest and nourishing food. It's okay to rest when we grow tired, weary, anxious, or depressed.

Then the angel of the LORD came again and touched him and said, "Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you." I Kings 19:7

I'm finding extra rest and eating healthy to be helpful to me as I go through a "wilderness" experience in my personal life. I was feeling quite anxious and discouraged in recent weeks. I was pleasantly surprised that after just a few days of getting to bed earlier and taking a short nap after work how different I felt. The anxiety has lessened tremendously, and I feel as if I can cope much better with things. I've also let some things go. I'm not stressing myself out about the housework and yard work. When I feel up to it, it will get done. For now I need to curl up under the broom tree like Elijah did and rest and nourish my physical body so that I have the strength needed to continue on.

I type medical reports for my job, and the most common complaints people see their doctors for are exhaustion and depression. Even children are experiencing this at alarming rates. The outcome is always the same; usually a medication for depression and another for anxiety. Oddly, many of these patients return still exhausted and depressed, and the doctors add yet another medication on. I often wonder why these medications fail to help. Could it be possible that what is really lacking is rest combined with healthy nourishing food?

When your walk through the wilderness seems long and tiring, and it feels as if the journey is too much to bear, remember it is okay to feel discouraged and in despair. These are normal emotions that all human beings experience at one time or another. Your journey through the wilderness won't last forever. It will pass. In the meantime, why not rest and nourish your weary body? Think about Elijah under the broom tree and let it be a reminder that when the journey becomes too much that God provides strengthening for our physical bodies through rest and nourishment. Rest is a God-given prescription that strengthens and refreshes weary travelers.

Only One Thing is Needed

2010-05-24T10:19:00.001-04:00

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. Luke 10: 41-42.

The story of Martha and Mary was one I desperately needed to be reminded of during my morning devotional time. Too often I find myself rushing about worried and upset over many things. I'm not alone. Most of the women I know have Martha personalities.

Martha had opened her home to Jesus and his disciples. She obviously had a servant's heart and the gift of hospitality, but she became so busy and distracted by all the preparations that had to be made that she grew irritable and resentful of her sister, Mary, who instead of helping her was sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to what he was saying. We see this clearly in the following passage of scripture:

"But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" Luke 10: 40.

I find being distracted to be a huge problem for many women today, myself included. We get distracted by what seems so urgent but really isn't, and it's those things that keep us from doing what truly is important. We are admired if our days are full and busy. We are seen as strong women if we can multitask and juggle many roles. We tend to take on much more than we can handle, and then find ourselves stressed out and irritable. Like Martha, we become resentful when we feel overwhelmed and nobody is helping us. Often what we are stressed out about is the chaos that we created by taking on more than we can handle, and never allowing ourselves any time to rest and sit and listen to what Jesus is saying to us.

Schedules that are overflowing allow no time for what is truly important. We must remember that Jesus said only one thing is needed. What is that one thing? Time spent with Him. Time listening to Him speak to us through His word. Time to seek Him. When our life comes to an end here on this earth the only thing that will matter is our relationship with Jesus. Do we truly know Him? Are we taking time to listen to what He is teaching us? Do we apply His teaching to our everyday lives? Do our daily schedules reflect that He is first in our life, or do our schedules reveal days running over with a flurry of activity with no mention of Jesus? Are we allowing ourselves time to rest in His presence? When we find ourselves rushing about, distracted by many preparations, upset, and worried, I pray we will all remember clearly the words of Jesus: "only one thing is needed."

Shifting Seasons

2010-05-12T21:42:00.003-04:00

God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalms 46: 1-3

How quickly seasons shift and change. It seems like yesterday I was surrounded by snow drifts wondering if Spring would ever arrive. Just weeks later I was greeted by the welcome sight of tulips poking their colorful heads out from the snow drenched ground. Soon the tranquil quietness of Winter's landscape was replaced with the sound of honking and squawking resounding through the woods as the geese arrived at the pond and once again began their seasonal ritual of mating and preparing nesting sites. The transition was abrupt as Winter faded away and Spring slipped in to take its place.

As Spring arrived on the scene to replace Winter, a new season in my personal life slipped in to replace the previous season when I was least expecting it. I had finally grown accustomed to the empty nest when I was forced into yet another new season; my husband of 34 years has left and wants a divorce. I did not choose this season, but nonetheless it is one I must endure. I've also started a new job working outside the home. This is a huge change also since I've spent most of my married life raising the four children and working from home. I am thankful that God supplied the perfect job for me in His perfect timing, exactly when I needed it and with great health benefits to go with it. I'm truly blessed. I do not know what the future holds but I know who holds it. I have absolutely no doubt that God will supply every need that I have. I will trust in his promises and provision.

As I grow older I realize that one should never grow too comfortable in any season we are in, because we can be sure of one thing...seasons always change. In many ways this new season will be by far the most challenging one I have faced so far in my life, but I am thankful for my faith in God which has never once failed to sustain me through the storms of life. He is faithful. He will always be with me.

Just as certainly as Spring will soon fade away ushering in the sweltering days of the Summer season, I know my personal life will be filled with new seasons as well and that some seasons will be more welcome than others. Life truly is ever changing. In an uncertain world, we can rest assured that while seasons will continue to shift and change God will always be with us, and He never changes.

Longing for Spring

2010-02-21T11:39:00.000-05:00

He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Job 8: 21

Winter has been long and harsh here in the mountains. Frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall have been unrelenting. I find myself longing for Spring, which seems like a distant dream when I look out the window and see nothing but huge mounds of snow and ice. Yet I know the promise of Spring awaits. The winter will pass and the earth will come alive with flowers, green grass, and budding trees, but it's hard to imagine the nearness of Spring when I look outside and see nothing but Winter.

Life is a lot like that. When going through a difficult "winter" season it can be hard to grasp the reality that "spring" will ever arrive again. Our trials and troubles won't last forever, but when we look at our situation we see nothing but the difficult winter season we are currently facing. It can be hard to see beyond it. The enemy of our souls would like us to feel hopeless in what feels like a never-ending season of sickness, financial woes, relationship issues, job stress, or depression. Perhaps we struggle with some form of addiction that seems to have taken over our life and we can't seem to break free no matter how hard we try. We begin to feel as if our situation is hopeless and that it will never change, but we can rest assured that our earthly problems will not last forever when we are followers of Jesus Christ. Spring is just around the corner, even though we may not see it now.We can trust in God's promises because not one of them has ever failed. We need not lose hope, for we know Spring always follows Winter, and for that we can rejoice and be glad!

Ode to Winter

2010-02-10T01:04:00.001-05:00

Ode to Winter

Winter's breath harsh and shrill,

blankets the mountain with a blustery chill,

as snow cloaked trees dance to and fro,

their branches laden with heavy snow,

and moonlight glisten's on a February night,

sprinkling the woods with snowy light.

Outside my window I see once more,

Winter's attire serene and pure.

Beautiful Birds

2009-12-23T00:56:00.000-05:00

Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth. Psalm 108: 5

I woke up to a lovely view outside my kitchen window this morning. This Cardinal and Tufted Titmouse were sitting together peacefully on the tree branch. Aren't they beautiful?

Be Still

2009-12-21T23:21:00.000-05:00

Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46: 10

A crippling snowstorm arrived this past weekend announcing the arrival of winter with a fury, right in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. It's almost as if God was saying it was time to be still and focus on the true meaning of the season. As I looked outside wondering how much deeper the snow was going to get, I saw a Tufted Titmouse just sitting on the post. I felt a sense of calmness wash over me as I watched the snow falling. It had been quite some time since I just sat and watched the birds at the feeders. I had become too busy lately to focus on God's beautiful creation.

With Christmas only three days away, I realized I had once again allowed myself to get caught up in the busyness. Each year I think it's going to be different. I'm not going to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. I'm going to take time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, and yet every year it happens. Somewhere between my good intentions and Christmas day, I once again get swept away into the vicious cycle of preparing for Christmas. And it's not just me. It seems as if every woman I know has the same problem. Rather than being a time of true celebration, the Christmas season has become of time of stress and exhaustion. It's also the time when what we should be reflecting on the most seems to be what is thought about the least. I was deeply saddened today when I realized Christmas was so close and I have yet to simply be still and reflect on the true meaning of it. How did celebrating the birth of Jesus become such a stressful and busy time?

It seems many have even grown to dislike Christmas. I've heard several women say they can't wait until it's over. Others say how much they dread this time of the year. How sad that the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior has become a time that's dreaded. How things have changed since the time when that sweet baby was placed in a manger! It seems now that Christmas is about bright lights, decorations, cookie baking, and buying gifts we can't afford. We attend church events that do focus on the true meaning of the season, but often we are too tired to enjoy them. Instead of reflecting on Jesus, we rush right out the church door and off to the next event. How many of us truly keep Jesus at the center of our celebrations? If we figured up how much time we spent focusing on Him and serving him compared to how much time we spend on worldly traditions that have little spiritual significance, I think we would be surprised.

I'm thankful for the weekend snowstorm and being snowed in for several days. It has forced me to slow down and look at the beauty around me. The beauty that is all too easily taken for granted. In the midst of preparing for Christmas, we need to take time to be still and know Him. We need to rejoice and celebrate the baby who was laid in a manager wrapped in swaddling clothes. May we never forget the most precious and wonderful gift of all, Jesus Christ!

Prelude to Winter

2009-12-08T11:46:00.001-05:00

Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51: 7

It's been nearly a month since the curtain closed on the spectacular performance of autumn here in the woods, and I knew it would only be a matter of time before frigid temperatures, long dark nights, and bitter winds appeared on the scene. One gets rather spoiled by the fall season and the colorful show of the leaves as they shower the mountains with extraordinary color. In comparison, winter often can seem drab and dreary, and I have to admit that it is my least favorite time of the year.

Over the weekend, we woke up to our first snowfall of the season. The drab brown trees were beautifully dressed in coats of sparkling snow, and that which had become barren and lifeless once again became beautiful. This prelude to the soon coming winter months was a reminder that winter truly does have a beauty of its own. God certainly takes that which is common and turns it into something beautiful!

This made me ponder how we often experience "winter" seasons in our life and how long, depressing, and hopeless they can seem when in the midst of them. The trials we face often seem as daunting as the frigid temperatures and as unwelcome as the howling bitter winds that are part of the winter season. These seasons of difficulty can seem very dark indeed. Yet, it is often during these seasons of "winter" that God makes us more beautiful, as we draw nearer to Him and cling to His promises.

Like the brilliant snow falling softly over the mountains, God's love and grace falls upon us, making us beautiful! And just like the once dreary woods draws attention to its beauty when covered with freshly fallen snow, others will see the beauty of Christ in our lives, as we draw closer to Him and are covered abundantly with His grace and love.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T10:58:00.003-05:00

Shout with joy to the Lord, O earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.Psalm 100: 1-5

Life has been busy here in my mountain nest in recent months. I thought I would have more free time since I became an empty nester this past summer, but the spaces previously filled with motherhood quickly became filled with new adventures that God has placed in my path. God never allows us to sit around twiddling our thumbs wondering what to do, and for that I am so very thankful. Please accept my apology for not spending as much time writing for this blog recently, and I want to thank those of you who sent e-mails. I'm seriously going to try to write for the blog on a regular basis again. I've been co-authoring a book with Nancy, who is a very dear friend of mine, and whom God has brought into my life as an answer to prayer. God has placed a book and women's ministry on our hearts, and it has become quite time consuming. Prayers would be appreciated as we continue to follow God's leading for our book and ministry:"A New Song in my Heart." We are excited about the things God is revealing to us as we write and where he is leading us with our ministry to women. It truly is God's project, as he has directed it every step of the way and things have fallen into place in His perfect timing.

Today, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, I pray we will all take time to stop amidst the busyness and reflect on our blessings. We have so much to be grateful for. God's free gift of salvation is what I am most thankful for. To know that I belong to Him just thrills my heart! And to think that he saved a wretch like me is overwhelming. He is so merciful, and His wonderful gift of salvation is available to all who accept it. All we need to do is admit we are sinners, believe that He died for our sins, and ask him to come into our hearts. It really is that simple!

Though we celebrate Thanksgiving only once a year, we should live each day giving thanks for the blessings in our life. Regardless of our circumstances, if we belong to God, we have much to celebrate daily. He is enough. If we have nothing else but Him, we are indeed very blessed. I've seen some miraculous answers to prayer in my own family in recent months, and I'm so thankful that God takes that which seems impossible to us and turns it into a miracle. I've found that when God answers prayers, he never just gives us what we prayed for. He goes all out! He gives us above and beyond what we desired. Nothing is impossible for God. I pray we will all remember that He is the God who still performs miracles, and that we will ponder his greatness as we celebrate Thanksgiving today with family and friends.

Another one of the blessings I'm thankful for is the wildlife I see on a daily basis here in the mountains. The two little deer in the photo above were drinking water in the creek by our house. I ran to get my camera. When I came back, they had made their way to the road in front of the house with their backs to me. I figured I had missed out on getting a picture of them, because they scare so easily. I opened the front door and said, "Hello, little deer." I was pleasantly surprised when, instead of running, they stopped and looked straight at me! Isn't God's creation beautiful?

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving day!

The Blessing of Autumn

2009-10-24T10:43:00.001-04:00

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

I love fall! It never fails to bring about a "nesting" instinct within me. After enjoying the sultry days of summer and time spent outdoors, autumn brings the refreshing arrival of cooler temperatures. The rapidly falling leaves foretell the near arrival of the next season to come, and remind me to savor the beauty of fall, because it will only be here for a brief time.

Since I was a young child, autumn was always a special time, and I can still vividly recall the scents of the old farmhouse kitchen where I grew up. It instilled in me a desire to cook and bake at the first sign of changing leaves. This year I've been blessed by a bounty of apples and pumpkins from the abundant gardens of friends and family. There is applesauce to be made and pumpkins to be pureed and frozen. It's the season of fat juicy apple dumplings, cinnamon laden apple pies, moist pumpkin bread, and spicy sweet pumpkin pies. It's the time of the year when pots of homemade soups show up on the menu more often along with freshly baked loaves of bread or rolls. I had to fire up the old black wood stove a few days ago, and although that is my least favorite thing about fall, I am thankful for a warm home to live in as the crisp fall wind splatters rain against my windows.

It's also the time of the year when I start to think about pulling out my latest quilting project that was sorely neglected over the busy summer months. Darkness settles in a little earlier each day, and longer evenings allow more time for sewing projects. Fall brings with it a longing to curl up in a cozy blanket with a good book and a steaming mug of hot chocolate or tea.

I've been thinking about how blessed I am to live in an area where we experience a noticeable change of seasons. They each have a unique beauty of their own, and I'm so thankful for the change each one brings with it. Here in the mountains, autumn is indeed a beautiful season, a season filled with the rich abundance of God's blessings!

Lessons From The Leaves

2009-10-02T22:00:00.000-04:00

I was delighted to read this quote in our monthly church newsletter:

"The time of the falling leaves has come again...How beautifully the leaves grow old! How full of light and color are their last days!" ~John Burroughs

In recent days my mountain nest has come alive with new colors, and even on the most dreary and rainy days the woods are illuminated with sun-like splashes of yellow and orange. How beautifully the leaves do grow old! Perhaps we could take some lessons from the leaves.

We live in a culture that is very youth-oriented. Numerous products appear almost daily on the market claiming to make us look younger. Advertisements abound for anti-wrinkle creams, vitamin supplements, and pills that boast about their ability to prevent aging. Lets face it, we are growing older each day. That's a fact of life, and no matter how hard we try to avoid the aging process, it's going to happen. No lotion or cream can stop it.

What a blessing it is to know God will sustain us even as we age! While our youth-focused culture may look past older people in favor of youth and physical attractiveness, God is always with us even as our gray hairs become more noticeable each day. He sees our inward beauty, not our outward appearance. And unlike the physical aging process, when we age spiritually, we only grow more beautiful in our faith. When we cultivate inward beauty, our faces will glow with the peace and contentment that comes only through having a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father. When we adorn ourselves with quiet and gentle spirits, that are of great worth to Him, we will be much more beautiful than any cream or lotion could make us at any season of life, and even more so as we grow older.

As we enter the fall season of our lives and beyond, our faces will be radiant with His love, and our true beauty will shine as bright as the changing leaves in Autumn.

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46: 4

The Old Quilt

2009-08-29T01:12:00.007-04:00

While going through some things in my parent's old farmhouse last week, we came across this unfinished quilt top. We aren't sure who it belonged to or how old it is. It inspired me to write this poem.

The Old Quilt

As I admire the old quilt top I hold in my hands,

I wonder whose fingers stitched such intricate strands,

did it belong to my mother, grandmother, or to someone else,

this treasure unearthed in the old farmhouse,

These old worn fabrics from days gone by,

cause me to ponder and wonder why…

this quilt was never finished, why it lies undone,

did the cares of life take over the fun,

was this lady like me with projects galore,

too numerous to finish, yet always starting one more,

Was her life fraught with problems that I also share,

like me, did she stitch to forget her cares,

did she quietly reflect upon God’s amazing grace,

as she guided her needle at a steady pace,

Was this quilt pieced together to cover a bed,

or for the couch was it supposed to be a spread,

perhaps it was intended for a brand new bride,

or to keep legs warm on a winter's carriage ride,

Did her hands grow tired and weary with age,

did health issues afflict her and take center stage,

Did her life on earth end while in the midst of the task,

so many questions I wish I could ask…

of this unknown lady of generations past.

In Every Season

2009-07-28T18:27:00.008-04:00

I officially became an empty nester last weekend when our youngest daughter got married, and I’m finding it much more difficult than I had anticipated. I feel as if I’ve been dropped in the middle of an island far away; a place where I don’t speak the language and don’t know the culture. An eerie quietness has settled over the house, and I find myself feeling empty and lost at times. Being a mother to four children over the past thirty-two years was my life. It was what took up most of my time and was the only lifestyle I’d known for over three decades.

I find myself wishing this summer could be like previous summers when days spent with my daughter seemed so carefree! Days when we would jump in the car and go to the store together, laugh about everyday things, and look at the fall dance catalog deciding what new dance apparel to order for the upcoming dance year. Now all that seems to lie ahead is loneliness and an empty calender. I find myself praying daily for God’s direction. I keep asking, “What now, Lord?”

As always, God’s perfect word spoke to my heart at just the right time. I was reading scripture this morning and came to this verse about Anna the prophetess:

Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. Luke 2: 36-37

Here was a woman who had been a widow for a very long time. She didn’t allow the circumstances of her life to get her down. She gave her life over to serving God day and night. What a beautiful example for all of us women regardless of the season of life we find ourselves in! We need to praise and worship God, accepting each new season with a heart dedicated to Him. Our life isn’t over just because the last child leaves home or we find ourselves alone. God still has a plan and a purpose for our life. Like Anna, we too can worship God day and night by devoting our lives to His service and joyfully accepting the calling He has for us in every new season.

I pray as I embark on this new season of life that I will have a heart like Anna. A heart fully devoted to worshiping and serving the God I love; the God who sustained me through thirty-two years of motherhood; the God who was there with me as I held each new baby for the first time; the same God who gave me courage to face each sleepless night; the God who sustained my strength through each challenging day while raising toddlers and teenagers; the God who never once failed to provide the strength I needed to carry on.

That same God is right here by my side in the empty nest. I need not fear; for just as He watched over me as a young new mother filled with fears and insecurities over three decades ago, He is watching over me now as a much older woman with new fears and insecurities, as I begin yet another new journey in life. Life is ever changing, but God is never changing! What a blessing it is to know He is by our side in all seasons!

Lessons From Nature

2009-06-26T14:25:00.006-04:00

Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. Psalm 96: 1-3

The sun peeking through my bedroom window lured me outside early this morning. I quickly got dressed, grabbed a bottle of water, and headed out the door. I made my way over to the pond and sat down on the pier overlooking the water. It was a perfect morning! A gentle breeze caressed my face as I inhaled deeply of the fresh mountain air. A woodpecker could be heard busily drilling away on a tree nearby. Crows seemed to be carrying on a noisy conversation in the distance. The reflection of the trees danced on the surface of the rippling water. The sky was a brilliant deep blue with just a few cotton-like clouds drifting across from time to time. Once again, I was amused by the lessons we learn just by observing the world around us.

As I gazed at the trees towering above me, I was reminded of God’s power and that we never need to fear we will be too weak to accomplish anything when we depend on him to help us. Every ounce of strength we need will be supplied by his hands. As the gentle morning breeze kissed my face, I was reassured that God is with us. Even though we can’t see him, we can feel his presence surrounding us. The reflection of the trees in the rippling water was a reminder that Jesus is to be reflected in our lives, so that others might come to know him. The song of the birds was a reminder that we have a reason to sing, for he died on the cross to set us free! And like the birds, we too must sing our Heavenly Father’s praise boldly, so that those around us will hear the joy resounding through our lives; the joy that comes only from knowing him.

Wedding Preparations

2009-06-08T15:57:00.022-04:00

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roaring of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." Revelation 19: 6-8

As my youngest daughter prepares for her wedding next month, I've been reminded of what great detail and planning goes into a wedding. Of course we had to find the most beautiful dress. The flowers for the bouquet have to be exactly right to match the dress. Great care is taken in selecting the music and decorations, and the excitement in the air is contagious. Nothing shines brighter than a young girls eyes when she talks about her fiance, and nothing compares to her excitement as the wedding day approaches. Being a hopeless romantic, I'm enjoying every minute of it! There is just something special about preparing for a wedding that makes the cares of everyday life seem to fade away. When the wedding date is weeks away, nearly everything you think about or do is centered around that much- anticipated event.

While preparing for my daughters wedding day, I've been thinking about what will be the greatest wedding celebration of all time; the day Christ, the bridegroom, comes for the church, his bride. We do not know when that day will come, but it certainly could happen at any time. It will be the ultimate wedding celebration! Scripture tells us to be ready, yet it seems as if few Christians today are even thinking about it.

We must get ready! When the bridegroom arrives for the wedding, what will he find us doing? Will he find us well-prepared and longing for his arrival or will he find us caught up in selfish pursuits scarcely thinking about him at all? Are we beautifully dressed spiritually or is our wedding gown stained with pride, selfishness, and ungratefulness? Can others see the love sparkling in our eyes when we talk about our bridegroom? Are we exuding excitement that is contagious? Are we so focused on our heavenly wedding that our earthly cares and worries just seem to fade away?

Just as my daughter's special day draws near, our heavenly wedding celebration draws nearer and nearer with each passing day. What a glorious day it will be! I want my bridegroom to find me prepared when he arrives. I want to be beautifully dressed in my finest spiritual attire, eyes sparkling with love for him, and my heart longing with anticipation to see his face. I want my excitement to be contagious. It could happen at any moment. It's time for the bride to get ready!

Like the Feet of a Deer

2009-06-03T13:39:00.011-04:00

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. Habakkuk 3: 19

Being a lover of the outdoors and nature, I'm always thrilled when I read scripture. The Bible is rich with details about God's beautiful creation, and it's always exciting to dig deeper into the verses and reflect on them. In Habakkuk 3: 19 we are reminded that God makes our feet like the feet of a deer and enables us to go on the heights. When studying this passage, I learned that the deer referred to here is a female red deer called a hind. This deer is very surefooted. It's hind feet land precisely in the same spot where the front feet stepped. It can run across rocky mountainous terrain with gracefulness and agility. Its powerful legs allow it to ascend steep hills with ease and leap over obstacles in the way. It's able to run securely and not get off track.

Way too often we settle for the lower ground rather than the heights. Our legs and feet feel weak and weary. We become complacent in our spiritual walk, allowing the cares of life to creep in and lure us away to the land of mediocrity. We forget that we have the feet of a deer! We forget that God intended for us to have an abundant life brimming with His blessings! Rather than being surefooted, we stumble along on the pathway of life just going through the motions of daily living.

God has so much more for us than mediocrity and just going through the motions of life. If we have accepted Him as our Lord and Savior, we have everything we need to be surefooted. He is our strength. He enables us to leap across life's obstacles. He refreshes our weary souls and gives us rest. He fills us with peace in the midst of difficulties. Our hearts overflow with joy in His presence.

Are you ready to ascend to the high places? Then inhale deeply and breathe in the pristine air. Stop and smell the wildflowers on the journey. Bask in the beauty of nature. Life on the heights is breathtaking!

A Writers Prayer

2009-05-27T16:06:00.005-04:00

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your masters happiness!' Matthew 25: 21

A Writers Prayer

Lord, I praise you and thank you for blessing me with the gift of writing. I know that in my own strength I can do nothing, but with you all things are possible. It is only by your grace that I am your child, and only by your grace that my writing will ever be used for your glory.

Lord, help me never to forget that I need to make time to sit at your feet daily. At your feet and in your presence is where I will find the greatest inspiration for writing. There is no substitute for studying your word and seeking your truth. While books on writing, writing courses, and classes can be helpful, nothing will ever compare to the time I spend alone with you. In the midst of daily distractions and busy seasons of life, teach me to be still and know you. Only when I spend time in your presence will others be able to see your reflection shining through the words I write.

I pray I will never forget that the ability to write is a gift to be used for your glory, not my own. It is not for the purpose of seeing my name on the cover of a book or listed in a magazine, but for the purpose of seeing you lifted up, exalted, and glorified. Help me never to become prideful or draw attention to myself. I pray that through my writing others will be drawn to you and desire to know you.

Help me to overcome my fears and doubts and to step out of my comfort zone. Remind me that I have nothing to fear and that you already know the plans and the purpose you have for the words I write. I simply need to trust in you, step out in faith, and write. Help me to use this gift of writing wisely. Remind me not to put it off until tomorrow, for I am not guaranteed how long I have here on this earth to do your work.

Help me to take seriously the stewardship of this gift you have entrusted into my care. Remind me that being a writer is a calling and a ministry, and that I need to pursue my calling with diligence. Lord, help me to by your faithful servant; then when my life here on this earth is over and I am welcomed into your presence, I will hear you say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!."

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Little Foxes

2009-05-16T16:03:00.010-04:00

I've been recovering from major surgery over the past month. For the first 2 weeks I didn't feel like doing anything, and my daily routine consisted of going from the bed to the couch and watching TV. I'm not a big fan of television and rarely watch it, but following my surgery I was so miserable that watching TV was about the only thing I felt like doing. My morning would start out with the Today Show, which was followed by endless cooking programs on the Food Network. It became a daily ritual for me. Before long, I started to feel far away from God and wondered what had happened to me spiritually. Before my surgery, I had a strong relationship with God and looked forward to my daily quiet time. I couldn't wait to read my Bible each morning and spend time in prayer. I would often journal my prayers or write what God's word revealed to me following my quiet time. Suddenly, I was finding it difficult to pray at all and realized my Bible had scarcely been opened since my surgery. I hated the distance I felt from God and how drab life had become. Depression had set in and I was constantly discouraged about my recovery process, feeling sorry for myself, etc. No matter how hard I tried to feel better about things, I continued to feel down.

One morning, when I woke up, I decided to open my Bible rather than turning on the Today Show. Song of Solomon 2: 15 stood out to me.

Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes.

While Song of Solomon was written about a love relationship between a bride and her bridegroom, it is also often thought to represent the relationship between the church (the bride) and Christ (the bridegroom). John 15: 4-5 says:

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in Him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

It soon became clear to me that I had allowed some little foxes to spoil my connection to the Vine! I had allowed TV to nibble away at my time rather than seeking wisdom and direction from the word of God. No wonder I was feeling so discouraged! Rather than producing spiritual fruit, I was producing the worldly fruits of complaining and whining about everything. While the programs I was watching each day were not bad programs, they nonetheless had consumed my life to the point where I was not taking the time to nurture my relationship with God. I was engrossed in all the cooking shows and learning about preparing gourmet meals while spiritually I was starving to death.

The very first day I opened my Bible rather then reaching for the TV remote, I felt such a difference in my attitude. I was renewed spiritually by the power of God's word, as my thirsty spirit drank deeply of the beautiful message of God's love and mercy. I began to see life in a positive way again rather then dwelling on the negative. I was made aware of how quickly the little foxes can come in without us realizing they are there and destroy our relationship to the Vine.

Little foxes come in many shapes and sizes; excessive TV watching, continual cell phone usage and texting, too much computer time, the desire for material things, busyness, being involved in too many activities, job stress, worry, fear, relationship issues, and a multitude of other everyday things. When we feel distant from God and spiritually weak, it's not because God has moved, it's because we have allowed other things to crowd God out of our life.

One way to see where you are spiritually is to do a fruit inspection. What evidence of spiritual fruit can you see in your life? Galations 5: 22-23 says the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If we aren't seeing these fruits in our daily lives, chances are there are some little foxes nibbling away at our relationship to the Vine. Beware of those little foxes!

Happy Mothers Day

2009-05-10T22:37:00.002-04:00

Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also and he praises her. Proverbs 31: 28

Aren't They Cute?

2009-04-28T20:25:00.002-04:00

Photographed by Heidi Ann Shaffer

I miss being able to walk by the pond or take a stroll through the woods. After having major surgery this month I've been confined to the house, and it hasn't been easy staying inside with signs of Spring popping up everywhere. Each day I wondered if mother goose was still sitting on her eggs, and I would often send my daughter, Heidi, over to check on the latest developments. Today was the big day! Heidi came back to get my camera and was kind enough to take several great photos of mother goose and her five new goslings. I wish I could have gone along to the pond, but I'm thankful for the wonderful pictures Heidi took. Aren't they cute?

He Has Risen!

2009-04-12T12:15:00.008-04:00

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings, " he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Matthew 28: 5-9

This passage of scripture fills my heart with joy! Imagine being with the women who were the first to arrive at Jesus' tomb, find it empty, be informed that he had risen from the dead, and then meet Jesus face to face after leaving the empty tomb. In the culture at that time, women were often considered second-class citizens, but Jesus never thought of women in that way. He valued women and welcomed their presence as they followed him. Women were the first to appear at the empty tomb and the first to see him after his resurrection.

Many women today struggle with low self-worth. We battle a variety of fears and insecurities. At times we may even feel like second-class citizens, but Jesus loves us. He cares for us and values us. He is right there with us through all of our insecurities and fears. He has risen! If we have accepted him as our Lord and Savior, we can rejoice that death was defeated on the cross and we have eternal life through him.

As we celebrate Easter today, I pray we will rejoice along with the women who found the tomb empty, and that we too would grasp the feet of Jesus and worship him.

A Gentle Spring Rain

2009-04-06T16:11:00.004-04:00

You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops. Psalm 65: 9-10

I woke up this morning to the gentle sound of a soft spring rain falling. There is something gentle and soothing about springtime rain. A peace and calmness enveloped me as I listened to the symphony of the raindrops falling on the blossoming April landscape. We had a rather dry winter in our area and the parched ground seemed to soak up the rain as quickly as it fell. Newly emerging Pansies, Tulips, and Daffodils stretched forth their necks drinking in the welcoming dew.

As I watched the thirsty ground drink in the nourishing rain, I was reminded that we can become spiritually parched and dry, which leads to unfruitful and mediocre living. Only when we allow our spiritual lives to be quenched with the living water of Jesus Christ, will we be able to enjoy fruitful and abundant lives. Way too often Christians settle for drab and boring lives. We go through the motions of daily living, barely existing, just getting by. We go to church on Sunday, barely able to stay awake because we live in the world’s fast lane all week, rushing from one activity to the next. We are worn out and weary from the cares of life. We have forgotten how to be still. There is so much more to the Christian life than just getting by! Jesus came so that we might have life and have it to the full. (John 10: 10)That sure doesn’t sound like a drab and boring life to me. Now this certainly doesn’t mean we won’t have problems and struggles in our lives; life is hard, but when we put Jesus first in our life and seek Him, we can live abundantly regardless of our circumstances.

Are you feeling parched, weary, and dry? Why not take some time to be still before Jesus. Cast your cares upon Him. Open His word and soak up the refreshing truth that will set you free. Bask in His love, and like the parched ground absorbing the gentle spring rain, allow Him to drench your spirit abundantly with His living water.

Matthew 6: 26

2009-04-04T22:23:00.002-04:00

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Mother Goose

2009-03-31T16:59:00.002-04:00

Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works! Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord. Psalm 105: 2-3

Spring has arrived here in the mountains and I'm loving every minute of it. Delicate flowers are poking out from the barren ground, and the mountain is shedding its brown winter wardrobe and sporting its new Spring-green attire. I see changes daily and new life is bursting forth everywhere. While walking by the pond this afternoon, I stumbled upon a mother goose on her nest. She quickly alerted me that I had invaded her territory! Each year the geese nest by the pond and it's always exciting to see the new babies when they are hatched. What a blessing it is to get up close and personal with God's awesome and amazing creation!

The Heavens Proclaim His Glory

2009-03-23T20:28:00.006-04:00

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. Psalm 19: 1-4

Walk By The Pond

2009-03-19T08:53:00.004-04:00

I walked by the pond at dawn today,
allowing my cares to drift away.

I felt the caress of Your gentle breeze,
as it tickled the branches of nearby trees.

The warmth of Your sun softly kissed my face,
after Winter's chill, a welcome embrace.

The towering trees and the billowing clouds,
all shouted Your presence clear and loud.

Dandelions peeking out from the barren ground,
even in them Your beauty is found.

The geese honking loudly, "Spring is near!"
Little deer grazing, seeming to have no fear.

All these things do boldly declare,
the glory of Your presence everywhere.

Morning Prayer

2009-03-16T09:12:00.001-04:00

In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Psalm 5: 3

Real and Lasting Hope

2009-03-09T10:51:00.005-04:00

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade, kept in heaven for you.
I Peter 1: 3-4

Each day we hear more news about how bad the economy is. We hear about the stock market falling, companies closing down, and unemployment rising. The topic of conversation everywhere we turn seems to revolve around the economic woes. People are fearful about the future and what is going to happen next. The very things they counted on are crumbling before their eyes.

We need to remember that God is our only true and lasting hope. He is the only One we can count on. Banks may fail and companies may close down, but God will still be the same. Sadly, many Christians also have come to trust in things other than God. I think most of us would be lying if we said we haven't. We have spent years living beyond our means, spending money for things we really didn't need, and buying the latest gadgets. We hold onto our earthly treasures as if we can't live without them. We look a lot like the rest of the world in this regard. We don't even have a clue what it means to do without. I was watching the news the other evening and they interviewed an elderly lady who grew up during the depression. Her words hit me square in the stomach: "People don't know what it's like to be poor today. They have never had to do without. They won't give up their cell phones, cable TV, or internet. They won't give up eating out. They have no idea what it means to be so poor that you have to depend on God to supply your next meal." Ouch! She was right. Very few of us today even have a clue what it means to trust in God to supply our needs. We can sit in our comfortable church pews and say we trust in God, but when our world starts to fall apart around us what do our actions say? Do we hurry up and try to fix things our way or do we trust and wait upon God? Are we willing to live without some of our comfort items during these financially difficult times?

As Christian women, we need to be certain of what we truly hope in. If we lost everything, would God still be enough? Do we have enough faith to trust Him with every area of our life? With the economy crumbling around us, we can share the hope we have in God with those who do not know Him. This is a wonderful time to lead others to the hope that lives in us. We can't do that if we are wringing our hands and stressing out over the future. We must be careful about the message we are sending to those around us. We have to set the example. Our actions will always speak louder than our words.

In these uncertain times, can others see our hope in God? God truly is our hope and we can rest assured that He will never change. If we have accepted Him as our Lord and Savior, our inheritance is secure. It is not dependent upon the rise or fall of the stock market, or what the economy looks like. We can bank on God's eternal promises. What a wonderful inheritance we have in our Heavenly Father!

A Captive Set Free

2009-02-26T08:33:00.002-05:00

A Captive Set Free

Securely bound in shackles and chains,
too blind to see beyond the pain,
on sinking sand I chose to stand,
in a prison constructed by my own two hands.

Seeking deliverance through worldly means,
trusting in self-made hopes and dreams,
I lived each day in my comfort zone,
determined to make it on my own.

For way too long I resided there,
with the stench of defeat permeating the air,
feeling only hopeless and beyond repair,
tossed about on a sea of depression and despair.

I often prayed for God to intervene,
and lift me out of that dark ravine,
but I wanted a quick fix, an easy release,
hoping for comfort, longing for peace.

Desperately wanting to be set free,
yet choosing not to surrender or bend my knee,
I continued to dwell in that darkened place,
A land filled with sorrow, pain, and disgrace.

Then one day I could stand the pain no more,
and humbly I fell on my knees to the floor,
I cried out to God, acknowledged my struggles within,
confessed all the turmoil, heartbreak, and sin.

Then He heard my cry, he released the chains!
A captive set free, I praise His name!
Now, He's my hope and my joy, He's my song in the night!
He's my reason for rising at dawn's first light!

Now a bride filled with longing, my eyes fixed above,
I wait for my bridegroom, my only true love.

In Awe of Him

2009-02-17T22:41:00.003-05:00

Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. Psalm 33: 8-9

Our Romantic God

2009-02-14T13:25:00.011-05:00

Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love. Song of Songs 2: 5

I used to cringe when Valentines day came each year. Being married to a man who is not into romance made it the most dreaded day of the year. I would smile through clenched teeth as every woman I knew recounted the latest romantic thing her husband or boyfriend did for her on Valentines day. I pretended to be happy for them while underneath I was filled with jealousy and envy. I dreamed of sweet-scented bouquets of flowers, mushy cards, hearts filled with chocolates, and candlelight dinners. Usually, as Valentines day drew to a close, I was once again left disappointed and glad that the day was finally over.

Later, when I became a Christian, I knew I was to trust in God to meet all my needs, but for years I still continued to struggle with the whole romance thing. I believed God would supply all my needs, but I often wondered how in the world He could supply my need for romance! Often I prayed about my need for romance, and while I felt content with my life, I still found myself filled with longing. Why couldn't my husband be more romantic? Why couldn't he be like all those other men?

I was walking through the woods one spring thinking about the lack of romance in my life. I was feeling sorry for myself and feeling unloved and uncared about. I remember praying out loud in desperation, "Lord, how can you ever meet my need for romance? I want to trust in You and serve You, but what about these longings in my heart? How do I deal with them?"

What happened next was one of those moments when you feel as if someone whacks you over the head and wakes you up. I stumbled across a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers. Expensive designer perfume couldn't compete with the sweet aroma that filled the air around me. Lovely shades of lavender, yellow, and blue commanded my attention. I found myself laughing out loud filled with joy. As I picked the flowers, I thought, “Wow! God is so romantic!” The beauty of the wildflowers nearly swept me off my feet. Then I looked across the pond below me and the sun glinting off the water looked like millions of diamonds that seemed to shout, “You asked for romance. How is this for romance?” Again, I felt swept away by the beauty of God’s creation. The sweet melody of the finches’ song resounding from the treetops above me became a love song from my Heavenly Father. The original creator of romance opened my eyes to the beauty all around me. I thought of how the Bible is like a beautifully written letter filled with poems of love. I've never been the same since that day! God gave me a new perspective on things and a new attitude about what true romance really is. I had been so busy dwelling on what I didn't have all those years that I missed the romance all around me. I was doing exactly what the old country music song lyrics said, I was looking for love in all the wrong places!

I no longer dread Valentines day. It's a day when I celebrate the ultimate romance! It's a day I reflect a little more on how much my Heavenly Father loves me and how much more I've grown to love Him over the years. I wouldn't trade the intimacy I have with Him for anything, and I'm thrilled with the romance He brings to my life every single day. Reading His word each morning is like opening a personal love letter, and I'm reminded of how much He loves me. Since I'm allowing Him to meet my need for romance, I can with all honesty say I am happy for the women in my life who share with me the romantic things their husbands and boyfriends do for them and I feel it's a wonderful thing. After all, God did create romance. If you have any doubts, just read Song of Songs in your Bible.

Today, as we celebrate Valentines day my mind once again swirls with romantic thoughts. My heart thrills and I'm filled with joy as I recall the miracle of a springtime walk through the woods many years ago; a walk that would forever change my life; a walk where the creator of romance was revealed to my desperate and longing heart.

Winter Sunset

2009-02-02T12:41:00.003-05:00

...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor. Isaiah 61: 3

Ice storms kept us hunkered down in the nest last week making it difficult to walk outside without falling, but I won't complain since it did make for some ideal birding from my kitchen window. I enjoyed watching the colorful birds as they scurried about on the ice-topped snow.Though winter can be rather drab and dreary at times, it also holds a beauty of its own. While driving back from the grocery store the other evening, I grew distracted by the countryside all dressed up in it's finest snowy attire. I took the scenic route home intent on capturing some great winter photos. I wasn't disappointed, as I was treated to a beautiful winter sunset complete with pink and lavender clouds that were mirrored in the glistening white snow; just one more confirmation of how awesome God's creation truly is.

I'm thankful we live in an area that experiences the changing seasons. While winter is my least favorite season, I know that eventually it will usher in spring with its abundance of colorful flowers and colorful birds. Our spiritual life is often like that. We go through dreary seasons of hardships and difficulties, but eventually a season of renewal and beauty follows. God brings beauty from ashes, just like he frosts the dreary winter landscape with an icy crust of pure white snow and the brilliance of a pink and lavender sunset.

In The Shadow of His Wings

2009-01-31T18:46:00.008-05:00

Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. Psalms 63: 7

No Excuse

2009-01-24T13:11:00.002-05:00

From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God. Romans 1: 12

Be Still and Pray

2009-01-21T10:12:00.007-05:00

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1

Over the past several weeks, I've grown discouraged by the limitations brought about by my recent health issues. I feel as if I'm not able to do much of anything, and pain and exhaustion seem to be my constant companions. I don't have the energy to keep up with the things I used to do, and doing the usual household work is a challenge most days. At times I become frustrated and wonder what I can actually do that won't bring on pain and more exhaustion. I watch other grandmothers taking their grandchildren places and spending time with them, and often wonder what is wrong with me. I was beginning to wonder if I was any good for anyone and I started to feel rather worthless.

After having a major pity party for myself the other day, I had a "light bulb" moment that I feel God impressed upon my heart. Though I'm limited physically and I can't do as much with my grandchildren as I would like to or do as much around the house as I once did, I am doing the most important thing of all; I am praying for my children and grandchildren daily, as well as holding other friends and family members up in prayer. Prayer takes time and what a wonderful privilege it is to hold others up in prayer, especially our grandchildren and children. They desperately need our prayers. We live in a time when spiritual warfare is increasing and our families are under incredible attacks from the enemy. As christian women we can impact our families in huge ways by praying for them. I've seen the power of prayer at work in my own family many times and I know it works!

Though physically I can't accomplish a lot, spiritually I can accomplish great things. Prayer is something we can do regardless of our health conditions. Even if we are flat on our backs in bed, we can be prayer warriors for our loved ones. I've heard many accounts of grandmothers and mothers who prayed and made an impact on their families. Some of them didn't even live to see their prayers answered, but the answers did come later on. A speaker I was listening to recently told a story about his praying grandmother. He was always in trouble as a child and everyone had given up on him, but his grandmother always reminded him that she was praying for him. He grew up and was still getting in trouble as a young adult. His grandmother didn't lose heart. She faithfully prayed and let him know she was praying. Years later, after she has passed away, he was driving home one night and couldn't stop thinking about his grandmother and how she always reminded him she was praying for him. He felt led to find a church and start going. Soon after, he dedicated his life to the Lord and later started working in ministry. He said he was so thankful that he had a grandmother who prayed.

I'm slowly learning to accept my physical limitations as blessings. God is showing me repeatedly that this is a season to be still and know Him. It is a season to slow down and focus on that which is most important of all. It's a season that gives me the privilege of holding up before His throne of grace those dearest to me, my children and grandchildren. I have a small photo album that I keep in my quiet time basket. It holds photos of each of my children and grandchildren. I like to spread it out before the Lord as I pray for each one of them daily, just as Hezekiah spread out the letter from the messengers in 2 Kings 19: 14-15.

I've already seen many answers to prayers within my own family in the past. Some remain unanswered and that is okay too. I know in God's perfect timing He will work all things out according to his will. I need not be concerned about when the answers will come. I simply need to keep praying for my loved ones and cherish this new season of life; a season filled with spiritual blessings brought about through the power of prayer.

A View From My Window

2009-01-15T17:15:00.005-05:00

He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. Psalm 147: 16

Frigid air has settled over my mountain nest and the ground was dusted with a blanket of white when I woke up this morning. It was a day I felt incredibly blessed to be tucked away in my cozy mountain home and for the toasty heat from the old black wood stove. It was the perfect day for indulging in steaming cups of tea, watching the birds outside my window while wrapped up snugly in an old quilt, and pondering the beauty of God's creation.

Quiet Time Basket

2009-01-13T14:32:00.007-05:00

I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Psalm 119: 16

Part of the commitment to following the First Place 4 Health program that I've been involved with over the past 7 years is to establish a daily quiet time consisting of prayer, scripture reading, scripture memory, and Bible study. This daily practice has been life changing for me! Before I became involved with First Place, I was mostly a Sunday-only christian. I went to church and prayed during the week, but often did not open my Bible from one Sunday to the next. By doing so I was robbing myself of the blessing of an intimate relationship with Christ.

When I first started having a daily devotional time, I started a "quiet time" basket and placed it in my home office as a visual reminder not to neglect my quiet time each day. I purchased an inexpensive basket at our local craft store. It holds my Bible, Bible study book, a hymnal, journal, a pack of different colored gel pens, highlighters, a small pack of tissues, and a small photo book that I use during my prayer time that contains pictures of my husband, children, their spouses, the grandchildren, and my dad. (I'll share more about this in a future post) It helps to have everything I need in one place, and it serves as a reminder not to neglect my time with God each day. It allows for portability if I decide to have my quiet time downstairs while watching the birds outside or in the summer months when I often have my quiet time outside in the back yard.

My prayer is that all of us will strive to become women of the word and women of prayer. Setting aside time each day for God must become a priority if we are to be women who make a difference in the world to the glory of our Heavenly Father. A daily quiet time is life-changing!

Quilting Therapy

2009-01-10T20:05:00.005-05:00

She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Proverbs 31: 22

"Hands to work, hearts to God" was a saying I heard frequently during my childhood. My mom and grandmother also used to say, "Busy hands are happy hands." I never really thought much about those sayings when I was a child, but now that I'm older I can certainly appreciate the meaning of them. Especially, since I've been battling a severe case of "cabin fever" lately; the cold temperatures keeping me housebound more than usual.

My niece, Jessica, called me last night to ask some advice on home decorating fabrics. We were online looking at fabric when I suddenly realized how much I missed sewing! I felt a renewed excitement seeing all the new fabric designs and colors. I realized it had been ages since I worked on any crafts. Sewing was good therapy in the past when I was dealing with "cabin fever," so I figured I could use a little "quilt therapy" and spent time today sifting through my fabric stash and unfinished projects. I was so thankful for Jessica's phone call, because it made me aware of what I've been missing. There's just something soothing about working with fabric to create a beautiful design that is good for whatever ails you!

Winter is far from over, and that is okay. I hope to enjoy many"quilting therapy" sessions in front of the window while I watch the birds flitting about at my feeders outside. With my mind focused on God's rich blessings and my hands busy quilting, I can survive the worst case of "cabin fever. Hands to work, hearts to God.

Winter Beauty

2009-01-09T13:46:00.004-05:00

From whose womb comes the ice? Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens when the waters become hard as stone, when the surface of the deep is frozen? Job 38: 29-30

My Strength

2009-01-05T23:08:00.003-05:00

Mounted up as on eagles wings,
I soar above the trials life brings,
flying beyond all worry and care,
I sense God's presence everywhere.

His love so real, His love so true,
His mercies each morning fresh and new,
beneath His wings I safely reside,
sheltered from harm on every side.

Abiding in Him I'll never be weak,
for His strength and power I daily seek,
on His word and promises I firmly stand,
knowing nothing can snatch me from His hand.

I don't deserve His amazing grace,
or to rest eternally in His heavenly place,
but still he chose me and set me apart,
to grasp the thought just thrills my heart.

A Year With No Regrets

2009-01-02T14:12:00.003-05:00

A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31: 30

The start of a new year is often filled with excitement, and we entertain thoughts of how different this year is going to be and how we are going to change our lives for the better. We start out filled with hope and good intentions only to find things unchanged at the end of the year.

Making resolutions is easy, but keeping them is another story. As I look back over my own past I remember making new years resolutions every year, and most of the time I never made it through the first week keeping them. Often I never even made it to the end of the first day! Most of us desire to change, but yet we continue on exactly as we are. Pretty soon days turn to weeks and weeks to months and another year passes. If we aren't careful our life will pass by in a flurry of activity, and the gifts and talents God gave us to use for His glory will never bear fruit.

If we profess to be Christian women, then we need to be concerned first and foremost about our spiritual growth. We live in a time when shallow faith abounds everywhere we turn. Lets choose to make 2009 a year of spiritual renewal and growth. Lets take a stand for biblical truth and stop being women who are tossed about and led astray by all the worldly attractions that leave us feeling empty and stunt our spiritual growth. We need to get back to being women who fear the Lord and live our lives for His glory.

We can resolve to be women who fear the Lord and walk in His ways. We can't do it on our own, but when we surrender our lives to Him and allow Him to guide our footsteps we can rest assured that we are headed in the right direction in the new year and in every year to come. We can be strong women, even though our bodies may feel weak and weary, because He is our strength. We need not fear darkness, because He is the light. He will set us free from any habits that enslave us, because He is our deliverer. He is our comforter, the one who wipes away our tears in the night. We need not fear anything, because his everlasting arms surround us, shelter us, and protect us. In moments of weakness his grace is always sufficient, and He provides a way out of every temptation that comes our way.

We can change for the better in the coming year if we surrender our lives to Him and seek to follow Him each day. We can have a year that is fruitful and productive; a year filled with the blessings that comes from obedience to His word; a year filled with spiritual growth; a year with no regrets. The choice is ours to make.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T18:02:00.009-05:00

While reflecting on the Christmas story over the past several weeks, I found myself humbled as I thought about Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her reply to the angel following the explanation that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and that she would bear the Son of God, was something that stood out to me over and over again as I heard the account of the birth of Jesus during the Christmas season at church and on radio programs:

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. (Luke 1: 38)

Mary did not argue with God or make excuses regarding what was about to happen, even though it could have cost her her life. In her culture a woman pregnant outside of marriage could have been stoned to death. She had a lot on the line, but humbly accepted her position as the Lord's servant. We can learn a lot from Mary's example.

As Christian women, we need to ask ourselves if we have the heart of a servant. Are we willing to accept whatever God has planned for our lives? Can we with all honesty say we are the Lord's servants? Being a servant requires that we completely give up our selfish wants. We embrace what God has called us to do without making excuses. Most of us would like to say we have the heart of a woman who is willing to serve God, but sadly our lives look rather different. Our lives reek of selfishness. Often, rather than saying, "I am the Lords servant," we could be heard saying, "I want to serve the Lord, but...."

There is no middle ground when it comes to serving God. We will either choose obedience or disobedience. Every time we make an excuse, it is simply disobedience that we are trying to disguise as a good reason for not doing something God has called us to do.Being a woman who is willing to serve the Lord and follow His ways is not easy in a culture that is overflowing with selfishness. We are constantly told that it is all about us, but God's word tells us just the opposite. It's not about us at all; it's about being women with hearts that are willing to serve.

With the Christmas season coming to a close, it would be a good time to take a look at the true condition of our hearts. I pray that we will seek to have hearts like Mary; hearts that would allow us to say with all honesty, "I am the Lord's servant, may it be to me as you have said."

The Breath Of God

2008-12-23T23:29:00.003-05:00

The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen~ Job 37: 10

A Faint Whisper

2008-12-16T21:22:00.009-05:00

And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Job 26: 14

I woke up this morning to a soft snow falling that transformed the drab winter landscape into a winter wonderland. I could not resist grabbing my camera and heading off for a walk through the woods. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning as I cautiously walked up and down the slippery hills. Everything was beautiful and snow covered! The dreary brown trees were dressed up in sparkling white attire. Pine trees bowed down under the weight of glistening snowflakes, and birds were flitting about, their colorful feathers commanding attention amidst the snowy white background.

It brought to mind the scripture that I had read in Job 26: 14 during my devotional time earlier in the day. The beauty of nature that we see all around us is just the outer fringe of God's works, and only a faint whisper of who God truly is! Not even a whisper, but a faint whisper! How amazing and how incomprehensible He is! We cannot even begin to imagine the wonderful and amazing things He has prepared for us in heaven; things too incredible for our human minds to comprehend.

It's hard to imagine anything more beautiful than the snow covered trees glistening in my mountain wonderland today. Yet, his word tells us that even this is just the outer fringe of His works....a faint whisper of Him.

Home Cooked Memories

2008-12-09T13:29:00.006-05:00

She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family. Proverbs 31:15

There's no place like home; especially when a pot of homemade vegetable soup has been simmering on the stove all day mingling with the aroma of freshly baked yeast bread warm from the oven! I've never met anyone who didn't appreciate a good meal, and cooking and baking is a simple way to make memories for our families and show hospitality to guests in our home. We don't have to cook expensive or fancy meals. In fact, some of the most comforting foods are the simplest things. There's just something warm and inviting about a home where something good is cooking in the kitchen.

I've talked to a lot of people who speak with fondness about the comforting food prepared lovingly by their moms or grandmothers, and many moms and grandmothers are famous among their family members for certain dishes. Nobody made pork and saurkraut like my Grandma Mitchell. She was also famous for her pumpkin pies and soft sugar cookies. Her chicken rice soup was known to heal the sick. My aunt was very ill following surgery for a large brain tumor and was unable to eat. Grandma smuggled some of her chicken rice soup into the hospital one day. My aunt was able to eat it, and from that day on started to recover. I still smile when I recall grandma telling me the story about smuggling her soup into the hospital. She looked at me with a sparkle in her eye and said, "I didn't think she was going to make it, but my soup brought her back!" My mom was famous for her vegetable soup, apple pies, apple dumplings, stuffing balls, and gravy. Nobody ever came close to making pie crust like mom, and even though I have her recipe for gravy and stuffing balls, I've never been able to duplicate it. My mother-in-law made the best fried chicken I've ever tasted, and I've never found anything that even came close to hers. They have all passed on, but the special memories of the foods they prepared lives on in the hearts of family members.

As homemakers, we have the opportunity every day to make memories for our families and guests. One day our children probably won't remember how clean the house was when they were growing up, how successful we were in our career, or how many things we were involved in, but they will remember coming home to the aroma of a home cooked meal and warm cookies straight from the oven. They will recall, with fondness and smiles, the blessing of home cooked memories.

Every Winged Bird

2008-12-07T06:51:00.007-05:00

And God said, "Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky. " So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1: 20-21

Tis the Season to be Busy

2008-12-04T13:58:00.010-05:00

As I watched a White-breasted Nuthatch and a Downy Woodpecker flying back and forth, incessantly pecking away on a suet cake this morning, it made me think about how often we fly around incessantly pecking away at all the distractions life throws our way, rarely stopping for a moment, tossed back and forth from one activity to the next. Busyness seems to have taken over our lives; we live with it, embrace it, and at times boast about it. Yet, I believe it is one of the most powerful weapons Satan uses against Christians. It’s so common today that often we aren’t even aware of its presence. It is a problem year round, but even more so as the Christmas season approaches.

The trend towards excessive busyness seems to have reached epidemic proportions in the lives of people today, and Christians are not exempt from it. Ask anybody how they are and the answer is usually the same, “Busy!” Sadly, Christians look like the rest of the world in this regard. We are stressed out, frazzled, overextended, anxious, running in circles, rushing about, short tempered, exhausted, and running on empty. Running on fumes, we fall into bed at the end of the day only to jump back up the next morning and start the vicious cycle all over again. I once heard a speaker say that BUSY stands for “burdened under Satan’s yoke.” I would have to agree!

I’m currently doing a Beth Moore Bible study called, Breaking Free. In the one chapter she talks about “the captivity of activity” and how perpetual activity leads to perpetual exhaustion. I often see this in my life and in the lives of those around me. I believe Satan uses busyness to keep Christians ineffective in their spiritual walk. It is so common and so widely accepted that it’s seldom even thought about. Since Satan works subtly and behind the scenes, we fail to notice him. If he can keep us busy and distracted by all the things going on around us, he can render us unproductive and ineffective as believers in Christ. Busy lives lead to lives void of prayer and scripture reading. Lives void of prayer and scripture reading leads to Christians with shallow faith.

When asked where our relationship with God is in our lives, most of us would proclaim, “God is first in my life!” However, when asked to share our busy schedules, we would find God in a different place. A pastor once said that our true priorities are revealed by looking at our daily schedules. The things that fill our days speak volumes about what is truly number one in our hearts. We always seem to make time for the things that are important to us. We can’t miss our favorite TV program, but we can miss our quiet time with God. We don’t have time to pray, but we can answer our cell phones and send text messages throughout the day. We don’t have time to work on a Bible study lesson, but we have time to go shopping or to surf the internet. We say we are simply too busy for God, but yet we always seem to find time for TV, cell phones, and the internet.

When was the last time you really and truly sat at His feet and listened for His voice? Being still before God and making time to sit at His feet is what’s really important. In light of eternity, it won’t matter how many TV programs we watched or how often we sent a text message or answered our cell phones. It won’t matter how much time we spent online looking things up. What will matter is our relationship with our Heavenly Father and those things that have eternal value.

This Christmas season, I pray we will keep our priorities in line amidst the hustle and bustle of shopping, decorating, baking cookies, and wrapping presents. The abundant life Jesus came to give us is waiting. We need to slow down, be still, and seek first His kingdom rather than the distractions the world has to offer. We won’t be disappointed, because Jesus is the sweetest gift of all!

Counting My Blessings, Day Eight

2008-11-27T00:42:00.005-05:00

My heart has been encouraged, as I've taken some time each day during this week leading up to Thanksgiving Day to focus on the many abundant and rich blessings that God has given me. I truly do have so much to be thankful for and blessings too numerous to count!

I conclude my week of counting blessings by being thankful for the blessing of Christian music. When I feel depressed or discouraged, listening to praise and worship music always lifts my spirits and restores joy to my soul. I love the traditional hymns, but I also enjoy contemporary Christian music. Often the words speak directly to me or to the situation I'm dealing with at the time. I am so thankful for the amazing artists and musicians who willingly use their gifts and talents in the ministry of music. Many of them will never know, this side of heaven, how their songs have impacted and changed lives.

Counting My Blessings, Day Seven

2008-11-26T00:22:00.003-05:00

Today I am thankful for the blessing of beautiful sunsets that declare the glory of God and proclaim the work of his hands!

Counting My Blessings, Day Six

2008-11-25T00:35:00.007-05:00

I'm so thankful for God's word and for the wonderful promises found in scripture. I love the Bible and cherish each moment I spend reading it. I have many different Bibles, but my favorite one of all is my Women Of Faith Study Bible. I love everything about this Bible, especially the wide margins and study helps. I enjoy writing out prayers in my Bible, and this one allows me plenty of room for taking notes and writing. Treasures are found in scripture, and it's a wonderful blessing to be able to read and study God's word.

Counting My Blessings, Day Five

2008-11-23T23:37:00.003-05:00

Today, I'm thankful for the joy that babies bring into our lives. There is just something extra sweet about a baby! When our youngest granddaughter is here it seems as if the world stops and everything revolves around her. I never tire of sitting in the rocking chair holding her while she sleeps. Her sweet smiles and precious little baby face can make all the cares in the world fade away. I cherish each moment I have with her, because I know she is going to start crawling soon, and then she won't be content just to sit on grandmas lap. Babies are such blessings and I'm so thankful for the newest baby in our family, sweet Cabella Ruth.

Counting My Blessings, Day Four

2008-11-22T22:20:00.007-05:00

Today I'm thankful for the special men in my life.

My Dad, a retired farmer, who worked hard all his life to support his family. He worked seven days a week without a vacation from the time he was a teenage boy until he retired. He is probably the most generous person I know, and has helped countless people over the years.

My husband, who has worked hard to support me and our four children over the past 32 years, which made it possible for me to be a stay-at-home mother. If not for his willingness to work hard, I would not have been able to stay home and be there for our children.

My sons Justin and Josh, who are wonderful men, work hard at their jobs, and truly love their wives. I know I can always count on them if I need something. They would be there for me in a minute. I'm so proud of the fine young men they have become.

My sweet grandson, Austin, who is always a joy to be around. He is always full of life and loves the outdoors, just like his Daddy.

My son-in-law-to-be, Barak, who is always there for our youngest daughter and truly loves and respects her. It's such a good feeling in today's world to see a young man show respect and love for your daughter, and to know he will always take good care of her.

I have a lot to be thankful for with the special men in my life!

Counting My Blessings, Day Three

2008-11-21T23:22:00.004-05:00

Today I am thankful for God's beautiful creation, and thankful that I live in a place where I only have to look in my backyard to enjoy the wonders of all He has made. What an amazing and wondrous creation it is!

Counting My Blessings Day Two

2008-11-20T21:18:00.005-05:00

Today I am thankful for the beautiful and special women who are part of my life: My daughters, Heather and Heidi; daughter-in-laws, Jess and Missy; and the sweetest little granddaughters in the whole world, Amayah Grace and Cabella Ruth. I feel incredibly blessed to have them in my life and thank God for each of them.

Counting My Blessings

2008-11-19T15:34:00.012-05:00

Temperatures have been colder than usual for mid November, and I've found myself dreading the frigid months ahead. I dislike cold weather and the winter months are my least favorite of all. I miss the fall foliage and being outdoors.

Today, I found myself already grumbling about the cold weather and it's not even winter yet. I knew I was going to be in trouble if I didn't get my attitude in check, so I decided I needed a little attitude adjustment! I know from past experience that it's hard to feel thankful while complaining, but it's also hard to complain while being thankful! I decided the perfect remedy for my complaining attitude would be to start counting my blessings each day. I have so much to be thankful for and God has blessed me in more ways than I can count. With Thanksgiving just a week away, I decided it would be good for me to post a different thing I'm thankful for each day over the next week through Thanksgiving day .

I'll start off today by being thankful for the soothing comfort of tea. Nothing evokes feelings of warmth and comfort like a cup of steaming hot tea, and I feel no kitchen would be complete without a tea kettle. I always had a fondness for tea pots and tea kettles, often hosting pretend tea parties with my dolls when I was a young girl. I still have the tiny blue and white china tea set I got for Christmas one year. Of all the gifts I received as a child, it was my favorite.

Tea and hospitality seem to go hand in hand, and time spent with friends is sweeter over a cup of tea. When I phone an elderly friend of mine to tell her I'm stopping by for a visit, she always says, "I'll put the tea kettle on!" It's always a treat to walk into her cozy kitchen and be greeted by the steaming tea kettle, and even more so on chilly evenings. There's just something about the clinking of cups and saucers that makes the world seem a little more peaceful.

Season of Transition

2008-11-17T12:57:00.016-05:00

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3: 1

Change is in the air. The last of the fall leaves have fallen and rather frigid temperatures seem to be settling in. Early mornings spent strolling through the woods and walking by the pond have been replaced by time spent indoors, and I'm thankful for the warmth of the old wood stove. As the fall season slowly transitions into winter here in the mountains, I find myself also in a new season of transition.

For a long time I've contemplated giving up my work-at-home job as a Medical Transcriptionist to return to caring for my home and family exclusively, as well as focus more on writing. It's something I've prayed about for a long time. In my heart I never felt right about working, but always seemed to find a way to justify it. I know God's word is clear that a woman's priorities are to be centered around the home, so I thought since I was in the home that I was doing the right thing. I was working at home, therefore, I must be in God's will! The problem was that my job was the number one priority. When we work at home, it's still work. We still have deadlines to meet and our work often takes center stage over things in the home.

As always, God is faithful in bringing us to the place where He wants us to be. Over the past several weeks I developed some increasing health issues that zapped my energy level and will require major surgery in the near future. At the same time my job became increasingly demanding as my boss took on more accounts. Just keeping up with all the new information was a full time job in itself. Things at home became more and more neglected. There was little time to cook, and we often ended up buying high priced take-out meals. I continually felt conviction over the state of my home. I felt for a long time that God wanted me just to focus on things at home, but yet I was afraid to take that step of faith to trust Him to supply all our needs. The medical bills arriving in the mailbox on a daily basis were a constant reminder of how much we could use the extra income. I found myself consumed with worry, fear, and nagging doubts. What if my husband was no longer able to work due to an injury or illness? What if we can't make ends meet on one income? What will people think? After all, I only have one child left at home and she is nearly eighteen. Surely I can handle a job since I have no small children! And the economy is bad right now. We need all the extra income we can get. I have to work!

Yet, my life continued to unravel before my eyes. I was exhausted and tired of trying to keep up with the rat race. Not only was the house falling apart, my entire life was pure chaos. I would read scripture, and God's word would reveal truth to me that I pushed aside and ignored, choosing instead to find an excuse not to walk in obedience. All of my worrying, fear, and excuse making only revealed the truth; I had a trust problem. I was not trusting the God who supplied our needs over three decades of raising four children solely on my husbands income; often on much meager wages than we have now. I was failing to trust the same God who never allowed us to go hungry or failed to take care of us. God had never once given me a reason not to trust Him, yet I was choosing to act as if He had.

Circumstances with my job escalated last week, and I felt as if God was putting me in a position where I finally had to take a stand. I could no longer ignore what needed to be done. It was time to step out in faith and step down from working for a season to focus on my health, my relationship with God, and those things which He has entrusted into my care; my family and my home. I parted on good terms with my boss, and she told me my job will be there if and when I choose to return, which is another blessing from God. After explaining my situation and sharing with her how I felt, she waived the two week notice that is usually required, and I was able to step down immediately. I don't know how long this season will last, but right now I know my role is to care for my home and family to the best of my ability. God will let me know when it's time to move in a different direction.

As I make the transition from working to being a full time homemaker, I pray I will embrace this new season with joy and a grateful heart, as I once again accept the highest calling of all; the call to be a wife, mother, and homemaker.

Dusk By The Pond

2008-11-08T22:03:00.005-05:00

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19: 1

God is Faithful in all Seasons

2008-11-05T10:05:00.007-05:00

"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

With the majority of the leaves having fallen now, I’ve been amused by all the vacant bird nests throughout the trees and bushes here in the woods. In late fall, I always enjoy scouting out the woods looking for nests. It's interesting to see how many different birds have nested nearby that I was unaware of. Seeing all the vacant nests reminds me of the nearness of my own approaching “empty nest.”

I have to smile when I think back to the baby and toddler years and how I thought those busy days would never end. I remember elderly ladies in the grocery store (as I struggled to restrain a two year old in the midst of a temper tantrum and break up a fight between school-age boys) smiling and saying, “Enjoy them while they are little honey, because they grow up so fast!” At times I felt irritated with them for saying those things. I used to think that it was easy for them to say that, because they weren’t struggling to juggle children and groceries and get everyone to the car in one piece. Now I’m the older woman in the grocery store telling young mothers to enjoy their children because they grow up fast. It’s funny how time changes things and we find ourselves in new roles and new seasons of life, all in such a short time. One day it just seemed to happen; somewhere between changing diapers, nighttime feedings, wiping off sticky fingered toddlers, endless peanut butter and jelly sandwich lunches, helping with homework, juggling after school sports schedules, and the trying teen years, the nest grew emptier and emptier and now the baby is almost eighteen.

Lately, it seems we are constantly experiencing the end of certain events that have been a part of raising four children over the past 32 years. This year our youngest was the last of the four children to get a learners permit. The last one I had to teach to drive. September marked the “last” first day of school for us and the last child to enter her senior year. The last parent-teacher conferences will be attended this year. She will be the last to graduate. Monday night marked the last Halloween parade that she will be participating in with her dance studio, and next spring will mark the last dance recital. As I drive her to dance lessons and to her job at the dance studio, I cherish every trip knowing the time is so very short. Soon, she will have her license and won’t need me to drive her anywhere. It’s a strange feeling after spending so many years driving children to sports, games, and dance lessons.

I’ve been given a glimpse into the empty nest over the past year when the youngest started dating. My husband is a long distance trucker, rarely home, which means I’ve been spending more and more time home alone. It’s as if God is slowly preparing me for this new approaching season. It's been a learning process for me, and I'm finding it helpful to talk to other woman who have already experienced the empty nest, or who are close to experiencing it.

I received an e-mail several weeks ago from my friend Kathy, who lives in Alabama. Her wise words were such an encouragement and a blessing to me. She is also facing the nearness of the empty nest, as her youngest is a senior this year. Her e-mail was a much-needed reminder for me to continue trusting in God and waiting to see what He wants me to do at this new season rather than thinking about filling up my alone time with “stuff.” With her permission, I share the following from her e-mail:

“I know you and I share a bond because I’m spending a good bit of time alone too. My son is working at the Y and is a senior in high school, so he always has something going on. My husband works long hours at the store, so I’m learning to spend my afternoons reading my Bible while sitting on the deck watching the hummingbirds and squirrels. It has been a HUGE change for me, but the Lord has constantly reminded me that,”I’m all you need Kathy.” So instead of fighting it with busyness, I have finally said, “Okay, Lord, here I am!” I’m trying to spend time with Him during my new found alone time. “

I was encouraged by how she simply chose to surrender this new season of life to God rather than filling it with more stuff and activities. How often do we say, "Okay, Lord, here I am?" Too often we are quick to fill up those empty places in our life with other things that may not be part of Gods plan for us. We are quick to act without taking the time to seek God's wisdom for our life. Our culture today is so busy and fast paced that we often don’t think about just waiting and being still before God to see where He leads us.

This new season of life has already been a season of incredible grace and spiritual growth for me personally. I’m learning the importance of letting go gracefully, and I’m learning to accept things, knowing that God is in control. I don’t know what the future holds or what God has planned for me and that is okay. I can trust Him and rest in His promises as the empty nest draws near. Like my friend Kathy, I am also learning to say, "Okay, Lord, here I am, use me in this season as You desire." Though life is ever changing, God does not change. He is faithful, always, in all seasons of life.

A Gentle Reminder

2008-10-31T17:34:00.002-04:00

Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. Psalm 116: 7

Life has been busy here in my mountain nest over the past week or two, allowing me little time to meander through the woods as I had been doing throughout much of the fall. The home office makeover, an extra workload for my at-home MT job, and colder than usual weather all played a part in keeping me indoors, away from the beauty of nature. It's strange how one can become so caught up in doing "stuff" that the days run into nights and weeks pass by without one finding the time to pause and look at the beauty that surrounds them.

This afternoon, while still caught up in the "stuff" of daily living, I was busy typing medical reports when a Tufted Titmouse began to peck at my office window, almost as if to say, "Hey, we haven't seen you in the woods lately!" I've had birds peck near the window before, but this little bird just sat there for the longest time looking right at me, furiously pecking at the window every few seconds. It was quite entertaining, and one of those moments when I wished I had my camera nearby. I stopped working and just sat there enjoying this rare show when I noticed the Dark-eyed Juncos flitting about in the yard; their arrival announcing that winter certainly is upon us.

Fascinated by the bird activity going on outside, I put my work aside and decided to go for a quick stroll. I didn't have a lot of time to spare, but that brief walk was such a delightful adventure for me since the temperatures were rather mild today. It was a welcome diversion in my work day. I lingered a bit longer than I should have, but being outside surrounded by nature and the arrival of the Juncos made me realize how much I've missed spending time in the woods. It was also a reminder of how quickly I can get busy doing "stuff" and neglect to take time to "stop and smell the roses."

I was amazed at how much the woods had changed in just a week! Many of the leaves have fallen providing an open and spacious view of the mountains, which also makes it easier to see various birds flying about from tree to tree. The reflection of the sky upon the pond made the water appear azure blue in color, creating a soothing and serene picture of beauty. A Junco that perched nearby me on a stump reminded me once again that the harsh winter weather is rapidly approaching. I inhaled a little deeper, tarried just a little while longer, soaking in fall's beauty, knowing it's time is short.

Sometimes we all need a gentle reminder to pause and be still for just a bit. I'm so thankful for the visit of the Tufted Titmouse at my office window today. Had the tiny bird not pecked on my window, I probably would have continued to work, caught up in the busyness of daily life, forgetting the beauty that lies just beyond my front door.

Anxiety Prescription

2008-10-29T10:56:00.008-04:00

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Psalm 94: 19

Working as a Medical Transcriptionist, I type a lot of medical reports each day, and it seems the majority of patients are taking something for anxiety-related issues. Based on my own calculations, roughly seven out of every ten reports includes prescriptions for anxiety drugs. I see this trend on a daily basis. I believe these drugs do serve a purpose, and when used properly can provide helpful treatment for patients who truly need them, but not all anxiety needs to be treated with medication. God often uses our anxiety to draw us near to Him. If we are quick to medicate our anxiety, we may never learn what it means to depend on God to meet our needs.

Lately, I've been reminded of the need to seek God during anxious times. I've been experiencing extreme anxiety over the past months that often keeps me awake into the wee hours of the morning. This has been happening more frequently as I enter the "change of life" season. I've been talking with older woman who have gone down that path, and they assure me that anxiety and nervousness escalates due to changes in hormone levels during this season of life. I've always been prone to worry about things, but that was mild compared to this new anxiety I've been feeling.

As I struggled to relax enough to sleep again last night, I opened my Bible to the Psalms and began to read. It was no accident that the first passage my eyes fell upon was Psalm 94: 19. "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." I was once again amazed at how God's word is never outdated and how it always provides direction for us through each circumstance we face. Right there in scripture is our anxiety prescription! The Psalms contains some of the most beautiful passages of scripture ever penned, many written from the pens of anxious, depressed, distraught, and fearful psalmists. I wonder if the Psalms would have been written if the Psalmists would have chosen to medicate their anxiety.

When we focus on God's promises and His amazing love for us rather than our fears and insecurities, we find consolation in His truth and we will be filled with peace and joy. That doesn't mean our worries are going to vanish or that we will never experience them again. It simply means that we experience inner joy by accepting our circumstances and trusting God with the outcome. True joy doesn't necessarily mean feeling happy, because happiness is based on happenstance; we are happy only when things around us are going well. Joy is a inner attitude of peace, comfort, and trusting God regardless of what is happening around us.

We live in stressful times and each day we face financial struggles, health issues, difficult job situations, concern over children or grandchildren, fear and uncertainty about the future, etc. These fears and anxieties are real and unpleasant, but there is a prescription that works. When we surrender all of our anxieties to God and trust Him for the outcome, His consolation will bring true joy to our souls.

"Not So Extreme" Home Office Makeover

2008-10-27T21:08:00.007-04:00

For those who have asked to see them, here are the pictures of the finished home office project!

Last week I decided to do a mini, not-so-extreme makeover on my home office, better known as my "Writing Nest." I kept it simple, using left-over paint from last falls kitchen remodeling project. I put new sage green curtains up and moved a few wall hangings around, nothing major. I love the color yellow, because it always makes a room look sunny and bright, and it's a nice change from the cold-looking white walls. It was a lot of work to move everything around and paint while working for my at-home job in between, but I am very pleased with the outcome and it was worth the effort.

The small offset corner in the room has always been my favorite part of my home office. It's nothing fancy, but I wouldn't trade it for the most expensive office in the world. While I'm busy working during the day, the small offset provides a visual reminder to take some time to be still and know my Heavenly Father. It's my place of rest; the place where I start each morning; the place where I can sip a cup of steaming tea, listen to music, read, and pray. I feel so very blessed to have a room complete with a "quiet time" corner to call my own.

A Special Thank You

2008-10-24T21:56:00.010-04:00

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. Philippians 1:3

Today is a special anniversary for me. Seven years ago, October 24, 2001, I became involved with a wonderful online ministry: First Place/Outlook. It has changed my life, and I am so grateful and thankful for the wonderful people I have met by belonging to this group.

I have grown so much in my faith through the online Bible studies we completed as a group (22 altogether, soon to be 23). I have made friends from all over the world, and many of these friends are like family to me. They are the first ones I call upon when I need prayer, and they are the ones who have truly been there for me more times than I can count. They have inspired me in so many ways, and always have time to listen and share encouraging words.

Since today is my First Place anniversary, I wanted to say a special thank you to each one of my First Place sisters in Christ for all you have done to inspire me to never give up and to keep going, no matter what. I won't mention specific names for fear I would forget someone. You know who you are! The encouragement and support you have given me regarding my writing has been a blessing, and I have appreciated every email, card, and letter that you have taken the time to send my way, always overflowing with your kind words and inspiration. What an incredible blessing you have been and continue to be in my life! Where would I ever be without each one of you?

When I started this blog, I was so afraid to step out of my comfort zone and share my writing, but as usual, as has happened many times in the past, it was you ladies who have become my biggest supporters and my cheering section. I probably would have given up by now if not for your thoughtful words. Thanks again to each of you! I'm so thankful for the blessing of your friendship. I look forward to continuing our First Place journey together!

The Woodstove

2008-10-21T18:04:00.002-04:00

Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5: 19-20

It’s that time of the year again; the time when chilly days give way to cold nights, temperatures start to flirt with the low 30s, and we awake to frost blanketing the land. The eerie chill over the house means that the inevitable is about to happen….the lighting of the wood stove. It’s a yearly tradition I’ve come to dread, and one I’m praying desperately to feel more thankful about.

Wood is our main source of heat for the winter months, and anyone who has experienced the role of being the one to keep the home fires burning will understand the trials of heating solely with wood. It is not a job for the faint of heart or for those who enjoy uninterrupted nights of sleep.

I don’t feel very thankful for my wood stove most of the time. Actually, I have a love/hate (mostly hate) relationship with the old black stove. It’s an older well-seasoned model, rather ugly in appearance (unlike the cuter potbelly models) and the handle doesn’t open easily; I often have to whack it with a chunk of wood to get it to budge. I’ve jokingly compared the old black stove to a newborn baby, because of having to “feed” it so frequently and often having to get up at night to check on it.

I have several justifiable reasons for hating the old stove. Keeping enough firewood cut, split, and stacked to last the entire winter is a full time job in itself. Getting the stove to light can be a challenge at times also, as it can be rather stubborn to get started. At times, especially on windy days that cause a downdraft in the chimney, it gets a contrary fit and smolders, filling the house with a hazy wood smoke stench. Burnt fingers and wood splinters don't help to instill feelings of fondness either.

The stove becomes my obsession during the winter months. It’s the first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning, “Is the stove out?” It’s the last thing on my mind at night before I go to bed, “I better bank the stove up for the night.” When I go away I worry about it, “I wonder if the stove is out…I hope it s not smoking…I hope the house doesn’t burn down.” It’s the first thing I run to when I arrive home after being out, “Better check the stove!” Each morning I run down the steps praying to open the door and see at least a few smoldering coals, often being greeted instead with gray ashes glaring at me, meaning once again I have to re-light the stove. This same scenario is repeated if for some reason I have to leave the house for more than a few hours during the day.

I’ve tried to develop an attitude of thankfulness about my old stove. To its credit, it does provide a wonderful warm heat unlike any other kind of heat. Since I work from home, I’m able to look after the stove during the day. Wood heat is an extremely warm and consistent heat, and I’m thankful that I have a home to heat. Like a home cooked meal simmering on the stove, heat makes a home cozy and inviting on blustery days. It’s also inexpensive and saves hundreds of dollars each year that would be spent on purchasing oil or paying higher winter electric bills. It provides a good exercise workout. I get upper body strengthening each time I have to whack open the door. Since the stove is down on the basement level of our home, I do a lot of stair-stepping in the cold months. In a sense I have my own home fitness circuit complete with strength training and aerobic workouts, all for free!

God’s word says we are to be thankful and give thanks for all things, and I guess that includes my ugly old wood stove. As with anything in life, we can either choose to look at the positive side or to dwell on the negative. We truly do have so much to be thankful for each day and many reasons to praise God for the abundance of blessings we enjoy, regardless of the circumstances surrounding us. My mom used to say, “Don’t ever complain, because someone somewhere always has it much worse.” I’ve found that to be true over the years. Many of the things we complain about are rather silly and foolish, just like my complaining attitude about the wood stove.

As the cold nights and chilly days become a reality once again, I pray that I’ll keep a thankful attitude and a grateful heart for the blessing of a warm home, and for the old black wood stove, as I once again, with hesitation, resume my seasonal role as the one who keeps the home fires burning.

Sunday Drive...Reflections of Fall

2008-10-19T23:12:00.022-04:00

How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth! Psalm 47: 2

Aubundant Blessings

2008-10-16T12:44:00.002-04:00

You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. Psalm 65: 9

A soft rain was falling this morning as I headed off on my morning walk; the cool mist feeling rather invigorating as it brushed my face, restoring freshness to my mind after a restless nights sleep. A gentle breeze was swaying throughout the trees causing a shower of leaves to fall over me in a kaleidoscope of colors, reminding me once again of the blessing and wonder of God’s creation. The fall foliage is at its peak now, and the mountains are overflowing with abundant beauty.

I never tire of the woods. Being surrounded by nature brings peace and relaxation while at the same time bringing excitement and adventure, and a walk through the woods always seems to be a good prescription for whatever ails me. Cares seem to drift away in tune with the snapping, cracking, and crunching of twigs and leaves under my feet. The sweet, musky scent of the woods relieves anxiety as I inhale deeply savoring nature’s perfume. Depression is lifted as I wander through the woods, because it’s impossible to be surrounded by God’s beautiful creation and not fill overwhelmed by a sense of thankfulness and gratefulness for all that He has given me.

Just as God enriches the woods with abundance and beauty, He also enriches us abundantly with His love and grace. Often we neglect to look to Him to meet our needs and instead turn to other people or other things that only leave us feeling empty. God is truly all we need. His provision is far more abundant, far above and beyond what anyone else or anything else can provide for us. When we seek Him, and allow Him to drench our souls with His amazing love and grace, like the woods in fall, we will come alive with newness of life and experience the abundant blessings that only come from walking with him.

Legacy Of Poetry

2008-10-15T11:40:00.003-04:00

I was delighted when I came across my mothers book of poems 17 years ago on my birthday. She had passed away the year before, and we were sorting through some of her things when I found an old notebook containing the poems she had written. Her legacy of poetry was the best birthday gift I ever received, along with the handwritten journals and diaries she kept most of her married life as a farm wife and mother. None of her writing or poetry was ever published, and she never intended it to be. She wrote simply because she enjoyed writing.

I was looking back over her poems recently and was especially touched by one she wrote about the children growing up. I'm also dreading facing that empty room one day, but feeling blessed by my mothers legacy of poetry that is such an encouragement to me 30 years after it was written, as my three oldest children have grown up and left home and the reality of the empty nest looms ever so near.

The Children's Room

As I tuck my little boy in his bed each night,
and pull the blankets up around him tight,
"Goodnight, Mommy and Daddy love you," I always say,
then kiss him, and so ends another day.

This little ritual started many years ago,
how many times I'll never know,
with my first little boy, who was such a joy,
he's married now with his own little boy.

There was also a little girl, she was oh so dear,
and I went in that room for many a year.
they were my life, they were my world,
she's married too, with her own little girl.

Now this last child is growing taller each day,
and I know before long he'll go his own way.
Oh, time please slow down, and don't pass too soon,
for I sure hate to face that empty room.

Written by Janet L. Leasure (1979)

Misty Mountain Mornings

2008-10-11T20:47:00.007-04:00

I have swept away your sins like the morning mists. I have scattered your offenses like the clouds. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free. Isaiah 44: 22

A thick mist often descends upon the mountains in the early morning, making it difficult to see beyond the smokey haze. When outside it can make one feel a little disoriented at times, almost causing you to feel imprisoned and unable to escape its suffocating effect. I'm always relieved to see the mist fade away and to be able to see the beautiful scenery again.

Sin is like a thick hazy mist. When trapped by sinful habits that hold us in bondage, we can feel suffocated, unable to see beyond where we are. Thankfully, we have a Heavenly Father who sets us free. It's comforting to know He sweeps our sins away like the morning mist! No sin is too big for God to sweep away. All we need to do is call upon Him and seek forgiveness.

Its fascinating how the everyday things in nature, that we often take for granted, allow us to see scripture so clearly and provide us with a visual reminder of God's promises. I'm thankful for the blessing of misty mountain mornings, and the reminder that just as that mist dissipates giving way to the beautiful scenery, God likewise sweeps away our sins and sets us free.

Little Mission Field In The Big Woods

2008-10-08T00:14:00.016-04:00

The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things...that they may admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God not be blasphemed. Titus 2: 3-5

"No other success can compensate for failure in the home" was the saying that adorned a sampler I stitched years ago with the picture of a cozy, cottage-like house on it with smoke curling out of the chimney. It resembled the quaint little house my grandmother used to live in. The framed sampler hung above my kitchen table as a much-needed reminder of the value of my work as a stay-at-home mother. There is a lot of truth in that simple little saying.

Unfortunately, success in the home seems to be the last thing on the minds of many women today. It seems they would rather be anywhere other than at home. They run from one place to the next, always finding somewhere else to go, always looking for fulfillment outside the home. In doing so, the most important mission field of all, the home, is pushed aside, neglected and forgotten.

God often brings unsaved people to our home mission fields, through family members, friends, or friends of our children, which gives us a unique opportunity to touch the lives of each person who passes through our doorway. We have a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel with others as they see our faith lived out in our homes. If we are always focused on things away from home, vital ministry opportunities will be lost.

Though caring for things in the home often has little importance in the lives of women today, God's word affirms the importance of a woman's role in the home. God entrusted us with the care of our homes and loved ones. Being wives, mothers, and homemakers should be seen as blessings, not burdens. In Titus 2: 4-5 the older women are instructed to teach the younger women several things, and one of those things is to be homemakers, "so that the word of God may not be blasphemed." God's word is blasphemed when we profess to be Christians, but fail to walk in obedience to what His word tells us to do. Many unbelievers want nothing to do with the church and the Christian faith because of the hypocrisy of those who profess to be believers, but fail to live out their faith. Through scripture we learn that caring for the home is one way for a woman to live out her faith.

The Proverbs 31 woman was a skilled home manager and looked well to the ways of her household. It is interesting to see how she cared for the things inside her home before pursuing other things. This certainly does not mean women should only do things inside the home or not have jobs outside the home, but it does bring to light the importance and priority of women caring for their homes and loved ones before being involved with things outside the home.

This is not a popular topic today. From elementary school through high school, young girls are encouraged to focus on career and education. This is so embedded in our culture today that the young girl who would desire to be a wife, mother, and homemaker without a career would be looked down upon. We don't teach our daughters that it is okay to pursue homemaking, and instead we push them down the career path exclusively. There is nothing wrong with girls pursuing careers, but we also must teach them the importance of homemaking and the value of the home as an important mission field. Many young girls today lack homemaking skills and have no idea how to manage a home. Sadly, many have never seen it modeled in their mothers, and what they have seen modeled is discontentment with being at home and a focus on things outside the home. The older women are so busy and caught up in their own lives that they don't have time to teach the younger women anything, and tragically the things some older women would teach the younger women would be far from biblical truth.

I wonder how often have we bought into the world's way of thinking rather than listening to what God's word says about our roles as women? How often do we live selfishly in pursuit of what we desire rather than what God desires for us? Are we content in our homes, seeing them as our primary area of ministry? What are we teaching our young daughters regarding how to manage a home?

We must prayerfully seek God's wisdom daily, taking seriously our roles as wives, mothers, and homemakers, and remember the importance of the home as our greatest mission field. We can have great success outside the home in many areas, but if we fail at home, we have failed. No other success will ever compensate for failure in the home.

Quiet Waters

2008-10-02T15:44:00.014-04:00

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his names sake. Psalm 23: 1-3

My soul was truly restored as I sat by our pond this morning, mesmerized by the thousands of diamonds sparkling on the surface of the water, basking in the beauty of nature. In a world filled with stress, I'm so thankful for the Shepherd who leads me to places of refreshment, away from the chaos of everyday life.

How I wish I would have learned the importance of being still long ago! I'm slowly learning to make time for rest and renewal in a world that seems to be in constant motion. As I look back on the past, I recall years passing by where I barely noticed the changing of the seasons; years of being so busy that I rarely stopped to look at the beauty surrounding me. I just kept going, rushing from one thing to the next, always doing something, never taking time to be still. Like many women, I had fallen prey to the "superwoman syndrome." Deceived by the world's standards of success, I listened to the lies, believed I could do it all, and believed that success meant adding one more thing to an already full plate of activities.

God's way is always the opposite of the world's way. He never intended for us to be superwomen, just women who walk by faith and in obedience to His word; women who trust in Him. In 1 Peter 3: 3-4 we learn that a woman with a gentle and quiet spirit is of great worth in God's sight, and that women in the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful by the gentle and quiet spirits they possessed. It's nearly impossible to have this inner beauty when we are stressed out and always rushing about. In order to cultivate gentle and quiet spirits, we must learn to be still before God.

I often wonder how many diseases and psychological disorders today are the result of unrelenting stress. It seems the "superwoman syndrome" only creates sickness, and leaves us feeling empty, exhausted, and irritable, suffocating any glimmer of quietness and gentleness within us. It renders us ineffective and weary, with no energy left over to do the things God has placed us here on this earth to do. We are a generation of women who have forgotten how to be still.

Only when we still ourselves from the busyness of life will we be able to cultivate gentle and quiet spirits. Our Shepherd is waiting to restore our souls and give us rest. We simply need to call upon Him. True rest will not be found elsewhere; it is found only in the One who leads us beside the quiet waters.

Morning Walk

2008-09-29T11:27:00.012-04:00

How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104: 24

As I walked through the woods and by the pond this morning, I was once again reminded that the wonder of God's creation surrounds us everywhere, and that we can find extraordinary beauty in the midst of our ordinary days. The simplest things are often those which are the most beautiful! I marveled at the reflection of the sky mirrored in the pond and again in a creek bed sprinkled with colorful leaves, a pure white flower peeking out from among spindly stalked weeds, the precise aerial and landing skills of Canadian geese, and how the brilliance of golden leaves illuminates the woods even when the sun isn't shining. Just ordinary things we don't often think about, yet extraordinarily beautiful; beauty only seen when we choose to slow down and soak up the wonders of God's amazing world.

Autumn Memories

2008-09-26T09:04:00.006-04:00

Autumn was her favorite season of the year. It’s also the time of year when I miss her the most. It’s the season when old memories are awakened with the rustling of fall leaves.

I approach the old farmhouse, so familiar, yet so foreign. Now empty and abandoned, it has never been the same without her. It was her presence that brought life to the old farmhouse and made it warm and inviting. I glance up, almost expecting to see her smiling face looking out the kitchen window. Instead, I am greeted only by multihued leaves dancing across the yard, proclaiming the arrival of fall. My mind is filled with recollections of flowers swaying about dressed in the finest shades of yellow, orange, and crimson red. I can almost see her kneeling there by the flower beds, garden trowel in hand, sweet look of contentment on her face.

I recall plump orange pumpkins lining the steps that seemed to beckon visitors to stop in for homemade pumpkin pie and gingerbread. Various gourds, pumpkins, and cornstalks always decorated the yard. Somehow, it never resembled the yards I saw in Better Homes and Gardens or Southern Living magazine. Our yard was a place to have fun. Leaves weren’t something to be raked, gathered up, hauled away or burned. They were something you raked up and jumped in while she laughed and took pictures with her old Kodak camera.

I can almost smell the delicious scents that seemed to be carried along with the crisp fall breeze. Aromas from her kitchen signaled autumn’s arrival just as sure as the changing leaves and the falling temperatures. There always seemed to be an abundance of apples and pumpkins at harvest time. Visitors were often enticed into her kitchen by the smell of fresh baked apple pies that lined the farmhouse table. Pumpkins from the garden were turned into cinnamon-spiced pumpkin pies. Melt-in-your mouth pumpkin bread awaited us on chilly evenings. Homemade stews and soups simmered on the stove all day, ushering us in from evening barn chores.

I recall treasured memories of afternoons spent with her in the kitchen learning to bake. Too small to reach the top of the table, I stood on a stool while she patiently taught me to bake my first batch of brownies. It never seemed to matter if the flour was spilled on the floor and the table a mess. For some reason, her housework never seemed to be very important either. She always had time to stop whatever she was doing to spend time with us kids. Memories surface of getting off the school bus and seeing her waiting in the doorway, always smiling and happy to see us. Homemade cookies, still warm from the oven, often sat on the old farmhouse table seeming to welcome us home after a long day at school. She always made time to listen to our silly school stories. Secrets were safely kept within the confines of the old stone farmhouse walls.

Life itself seemed to revolve around that old farmhouse table at times. Many home cooked meals were served there, but it was much more than just a place to eat. It held the old Singer sewing machine on days when mending needed done. It was the place where clothes were cut out and sewed, poems were written, scrapbooks were made, photos were pasted in photo albums, board games were played, and laundry was folded. It was the place where newborn babies were placed on thick soft towels and received their daily sponge bath. No expensive or designer décor ever graced the old farmhouse table. It always displayed a homemade centerpiece. We would help her gather brightly colored fall leaves each year. These were placed neatly on a tray and surrounded by miniature gourds, Indian corn, and tiny pumpkins. She never found the need for anything expensive or fancy. She was content with her faith in God, being there for dad and us kids, and taking care of the old farmhouse.

Staring at the abandoned house, the golden leaves dancing beneath my feet seem to be in tune with the bittersweet emotions racing through my mind. It seems like yesterday I was a little girl jumping in the leaves. I was the little girl standing at the table baking pumpkin pies and brownies. Childhood seemed like an eternity then, and death was a distant thought; something that happened to old people. She was the constant presence in our lives; the one you could count on…the one who I thought would always be there.

As sure as the arrival of autumn seems to freshly awaken old memories each year, it also induces new seasons of life. Those carefree childhood days with mom by my side seem so recent, yet so distant. I’ve since grown up and have watched my own four children grow up. Now my grandchildren are the little ones standing by my side. I can only pray that one day the memories I leave for my children and grandchildren will be as sweet as the ones mom left behind for me; memories that might once again be awakened by the rustling of fall leaves.

Bird Brained

2008-09-22T09:27:00.005-04:00

Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons, and the dove, the swift, and the thrush observe the time of their migration. But my people do not know the requirements of the Lord. Jeremiah 8: 7

The birds are starting to migrate south for the winter. It seems like only yesterday when I was excited over their arrival in the spring. Now, summer has faded into fall, and I’ve noticed fewer hummingbirds at my feeders over the past few weeks. I love fall, but I always miss the hummingbirds when they leave.

My Bible reading this morning was quite timely, since I was thinking about the fall migration of the birds. As I read Jeremiah 8:7, I pondered with delight the fact that God mentions the dove, the swift, the thrush, and the stork in His word to make a powerful statement about obedience. We can learn a few things from the birds! Everyone has probably heard the expression “bird brained” used in a derogatory way to mean someone unintelligent who, like a bird, has a small brain. I am quite amused by the verse in Jeremiah stating how the birds know the time of their migration, but God’s people don’t know the requirements of the Lord.

The people in Jeremiah’s time kept turning away from God. They were heading in the wrong direction, sinking deeper and deeper into sinful living. Instead of “flying” God’s way, they continued on their own, ignoring God, doing things their way.We see this happening all around us today, and many of us, myself included, do it our way more often than we care to admit. We make excuses for not obeying God’s word. One of the most popular excuses is: Times are different now, so we can’t really _____ (fill in the blank). We always seem to find reasons to excuse sinful behavior, perhaps blaming it on someone or something else. The medical community often comes up with a new “psychological condition” for sinful behavior. None of our excuses will hold up when we stand before God. God’s word does not change, and God does not change. His word is still truth whether or not we choose to see it as truth, regardless of the time we live in.

I recently listened to a sermon on the radio, and the speaker stated that the popular song “I Did It My Way” is the song they are singing in hell, because nobody in hell did it God’s way. We need to remember that. Maybe we should even take a few lessons from the birds. Perhaps we could all stand to be a little more “bird brained,” and like the birds, observe the ways of our Heavenly Father, and walk in obedience to what His requirements are.

Creative Homemaking

2008-09-17T09:49:00.009-04:00

I have a bad case of “fall fever.” Summer is slowly fading, and I’m seeing subtle hints of autumn as the appearance of yellowing leaves peek out from among the green treetops. The woods are perfumed in their musky-sweet fall scent, awaiting their transformation into a beautiful masterpiece as the mountains come alive in splashes of golden yellow, pumpkin orange, and crimson red.

The first hints of fall and chilly mornings make me think about vegetable soup and beef stew simmering on the stove to warm the house on chilly days that are not quite cold enough yet to fire up the old wood stove. I can almost smell spicy pumpkin pie and nut-laced pumpkin bread as it cools on the kitchen counter. Apple pies, crisps, and dumplings all make their appearance in my kitchen in the fall. Gingerbread, warm from the oven, topped with dollops of whipped cream is another fall favorite at our house.

I’ve always loved fall, and it seems to bring out my domestic side more than other seasons. I especially enjoy autumn decorating. The house always looks brighter with the addition of plump pumpkins, colorful leaves, and the loudly dressed scarecrow dolls I made one fall, many seasons ago, while babies and toddlers were tucked in bed for their afternoon naps.The changing of seasons gives homemakers a chance to express their creativity. Like artists, we can use color and design to create lovely and cozy homes for our loved ones and visitors to enjoy. Whether we are single or married women, we can make our home a place where others feel welcome; a place that can be a haven of peace and rest for those wearied by the demands of the outside world.

Having a loving and inviting home does not require money or expensive decor. Simple things like colorful fall leaves in a basket for a table centerpiece, a neat and tidy room, a lit candle, a cup of tea and encouraging conversation, or a simple home cooked meal can make a home loving and inviting.

When family and guests enter our doorway, what do they see? Is our home inviting? Is Christ reflected in our home? Is it a haven of rest or a chaotic mess?

Simple Pleasures

2008-09-13T10:48:00.011-04:00

I like washing dishes and consider it equal to a good therapy session. Few women understand my enjoyment of what some consider to be the “dreaded domestic chore,” but that’s okay. I can’t help the way I am. I come from a long line of women who enjoyed it. My mother and both grandmothers all taught me the therapeutic value and simple joy of washing dishes by hand.

Mom even thought that whatever ailed her could be cured at the kitchen sink. A homebody, she hated going to town and would always get a “town headache” (as she called them) if she had to run errands away from the farm. Upon her arrival back home, she said she would feel better if she could just get her hands in some hot soapy water and wash some dishes. It always seemed to work. Some of my earliest memories of mom are those times I stood by her side, barely able to see over the sink, helping her wash dishes. There seemed to be something peaceful about the sloshing about of the water, the pleasant aroma of the dish washing liquid, and the clinking of silverware, plates, and glasses together that provided a sense of security to me as a small child.

Grandma Mitchell was passionate about her dish washing, enjoying it so much that she rarely allowed anyone to help her, which was probably a good thing since her dish water was so hot that the average person couldn’t even touch it. Apparently, Grandma's hands were immune to the steaming hot water. I once remarked that the water was too hot, to which she replied, “Ahh! Good heavens! You have to have your water hot enough or you won’t get the dishes clean!” I can assure you her dishes were sterilized. I treasured those times I stood by her side drying dishes, almost too hot to handle, and listening to her recount stories of her childhood days. She told me that having dirty dishes meant you had a lot to be thankful for, because it meant you had plenty of food to eat.

Grandma Leasure was known for giving young brides a bit of advice regarding dish washing. She would say, “Always do up all your dishes at night so you can start the day with a fresh and clean kitchen.” She told me that there was a great sense of accomplishment in washing dishes and seeing your kitchen neat and clean. I recall her giving me that advice when I was too young to fully understand what it meant. After I became a young wife and homemaker, I found her advice to be true! There is nothing like starting out each day with a fresh and tidy kitchen, and there really is a sense of accomplishment in seeing clean dishes stacked on the dish rack.

My friend, Darlene, who is from that same generation of older women, refuses to use the dishwasher in her new house. She grew up in a home with no running water. They had to carry water from outside and heat it on the old cook stove in order to wash dishes. When she got married, she had inside plumbing for the first time in her life and was surprised at how easy it was to wash dishes with running water inside. To this day she loves to wash dishes, considers it fun, and refuses to use her dishwasher.

I have fond memories of washing dishes with my mom, grandmothers, aunts, and cousins after family meals. The time spent cleaning up was a time when the women could connect with one another. Many jokes were shared and memories were made around the kitchen sink. Holiday meals created massive amounts of dirty dishes, which gave us several hours to catch up with one another. It was usually “women only” in our kitchen. The men often would head off to the living room to watch TV or fall asleep. We never thought that was odd; it was just the way it was. Nobody complained about the men not having to help. It was accepted that clean up and washing dishes was mostly “woman’s work.” We embraced our role and looked forward to our time together. There was a bonding that took place around a pan of hot, soapy water. I remember how special I felt when I was old enough to join the women in the kitchen. It seemed to be a rite of passage into womanhood for us younger girls. Great bursts of laughter and cackling was always heard coming from the kitchen. I was delighted when I finally got to join in with the fun.

Contentment is often found in the simplest things. I wonder if joy in the simple tasks of daily living is what’s missing among women today. Hundreds of dollars are spent on antidepressant drugs, and therapists often charge over a hundred dollars for an hour-long therapy session. The strange thing is that most women are still depressed even while taking drugs and going to therapy, always needing more and more drugs and therapy. I wonder if women would once again embrace the simple pleasures of domestic life if there would be less depression and discontentment in the world today.

There truly is something therapeutic about having your hands in hot, soapy water. As the dishes soak, I feel my cares being lifted away. Washing dishes allows me to pause from the busyness of the day. It is a time I can think and reflect upon life as I gaze out the window. It’s not uncommon to see deer walk through the backyard, see the squirrels chase each other up and down trees, or see a flock of wild turkeys or Canadian geese passing through; things I would miss if I wasn’t standing at the kitchen window washing dishes.

I am thankful for the blessing of dirty dishes and for the blessing of a long line of women who taught me the value of contentment in the simple things of life. My mom and grandmothers have since passed on, but they left behind a rich legacy of memories. Memories of lessons learned, laughter shared, and priceless time spent together around the kitchen sink.

Stormy Nest

2008-09-09T07:51:00.021-04:00

The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; he sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses. Psalm 135: 6-7

I woke up to the sound of thunder rumbling and lightning flashing through my bedroom window early this morning. Between the loud claps of thunder, I heard a bird singing outside in the midst of the storm, as if it was any other ordinary day.

It was quite timely this morning when my daily Bible reading passage contained Psalm 135. As the storm raged outside, I was reminded of who is in control of storms; the storms outside that rattle the windows, as well as personal "storms" of life that we all encounter from time to time. It's not a matter of if we will go through storms, but when. Nobody is immune to life's difficulties.

God allows us to go through various storms for a reason. He has a unique purpose for each of our lives and nothing happens outside of his will for us. It is never easy to face difficult situations, but if we accept each storm knowing God is in full control, we will be more likely to "sing" in the midst of those storms when they come.

Our attitude is a huge factor in how well we cope with the storms of life. Learning to accept them, and truly believing that God is in control, will enable us to walk through them much easier than if we try to fight against them. At times we won't understand why certain things happen and that is okay. We don't always have to know why. Sometimes life just doesn't make sense, and it won't make sense this side of heaven. We don't always have to have a solution to the problem. We don't always need to fix things. We only need to trust in the One who can calm the storm. I find it reassuring to realize we don't always need to figure things out and that we can rest assured that God knows what He is doing.

Contentment and peace comes when we surrender our difficult circumstances to God and trust In Him for the outcome. Then, like the bird singing in the midst of the storm this morning, we likewise can be joyful enough to sing in any circumstance, because we know the creator of the universe holds the outcome in His hands, and is working all things together for good for those who love Him.

Courted By The Most High

2008-09-04T07:52:00.008-04:00

Sunlight flickered through the window of my home office, enticing me to put aside my work and go outside for an early morning walk. Without hesitating, I grabbed my camera and went downstairs, eager for an excuse to indulge myself in my new hobby of photography. The smell of the woods engulfed me as soon as I stepped out the door, reminding me that fall is almost here. The mountains exude a unique aroma in the fall of the year; a musky, sweet, spicy fragrance that is nearly intoxicating. Inhaling deeply, I was lured away into the woods, as if being courted by the Most High. The first light of day peeked between the towering trees creating a sunlit path for me to walk on, almost as if to woo me away from the cares of the day.

Meandering along the sunlit path, I was serenaded by charming bird songs resonating from the treetops; a captivating concert consisting of a cardinal’s song, the sweet twittering of the finches, and the pecking of a Woodpecker nearby. At times they sang solo, and at times they would join together in unison reverberating throughout the woods in heavenly harmony.

I paused to watch a butterfly dancing among the last of the summer wildflowers. Only a few yellow and orange blossoms remain on the spindly browning stems, permitting the flowers to command full attention amidst the end-of-summer foliage. The stellar performance of the butterfly dance seemed to be celebrating the beauty of the few enduring flowers.

A symphony awaited me by the side of the creek as I stopped to listen to the sound of the water trickling over the rocks, resounding forth its refreshing melody. The sun glinted through the leaves, creating a multitude of sparkling diamonds upon the surface of the water that sparkled in tune with the trickling symphony; a token of nature’s beauty.

Overcome with thankfulness for the beauty of a simple morning walk through the woods, I paused by a crooked little tree, that beheld a unique beauty of its own, to say a prayer of praise to the Most High; A prayer of gratitude to the One who blessed me with the sweet woodland fragrance, a butterfly dance, the creek’s symphony, sparkling diamonds, and a birdsong chorus. There is nothing like being courted by the Most High!

I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:1-2

Monday Morning Drive: A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

2008-09-01T21:18:00.026-04:00

Just Quilt!

2008-08-26T18:09:00.007-04:00

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13)

A few years ago my daughter-in-law, Missy, and I embarked on our very first quilting adventure. For years I wanted to make a quilt, but was never brave enough to start one. Missy was going through a difficult time, and I was also feeling rather pulled down by the stress of daily life. We had our own little slogan that made us laugh. We would say, “When life gets you down, just quilt!” It was fun and a great stress relief to think of overcoming our problems by making a quilt. We even joked about having T-shirts made with our slogan on them.

I signed up for some quilting classes online and Missy decided to join me. We were so excited to get started on our new endeavor. One Saturday afternoon we set out for Joann Fabrics with so much enthusiasm about our quilts that we felt as if we could conquer the world. Like artists selecting the perfect palette of colors for a painting, we compared various fabrics, choosing the perfect blend of colors for our new project. We felt like kids in a candy store sifting through the many rotary cutters, mats, threads, and needles. We took our time, making sure we had everything we needed to get started. Soon, we were ready to begin cutting out our fabric. We were surprised at how long it took to cut out all those little squares and triangles. Each piece of fabric was unique and we were excited to see what it would look like when finished. What we weren’t prepared for was the amount of work that goes into making a quilt! We soon learned that a lot of hard work and sore fingers go along with quilting. We also learned that it was worth the effort.

This afternoon, as I prepared fabric scraps for my next quilting project, I thought about how living our lives as Christians is like making quilts. When we first accept Christ as our Lord and Savior we become new creations, forgiven of our old sins, but that doesn’t mean God is finished with us. He knit us together in our mother’s wombs, and He knows the plans He has for us. Just as a lot of work and time will go into my new quilting project before I see the results of a lovely quilt, God has plans to craft us into lovely women whose lives are a beautiful reflection of Him. Our lives are made up of many different “scraps” and each one fits together uniquely as we are gradually fashioned and molded into the women He designed us to be. God hand selected each unique part of us to fit together in our own personal tapestries, all in His perfect timing. We are one of a kind, designed perfectly by the Great Designer! We are works in progress and will not become complete until our time on this earth is over. Each trial, difficulty, hardship, joy, and victory is lovingly stitched by the hand of God, woven into the fabric of our lives, fashioning us into the beautiful women He created us to be.