Just Quilt!

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.

The Recipe Box

The faded tin box sits on the counter, resembling a miniature Shredded Wheat box from days gone by, purchased for free by sending in box tops from Shredded Wheat cereal over 30 years ago. It doesn’t summon any attention and almost appears out of place among the lemon-colored sunflowers and cheerful rooster décor, better known as the “French Country” look. It seems obsolete among the modern kitchen gadgets. Yet, priceless treasures lie beneath its dented and misshapen lid.

Opening the box evokes sweet memories. Food splattered and worn index cards hold “secret” family recipes. Each contributor’s writing was unique in style, and one can recognize whose recipe it is just by glancing at the handwriting. Several of the recipes were written on small scraps of notebook paper and even a few on the backs of old store receipts; nothing fancy, but more valuable to me than any of the store bought cookbooks sitting on my kitchen shelf.

Looking through the small box is like visiting with old friends and relatives, many who have passed from this earth. I sense a part of them still with me as I leaf through the recipes. I can almost see Grandma Mitchell’s stout arms rolling out cookie dough for her famous Soft Sugar Cookies. Her cheeks rosy, she was always cheerful and happy, regardless of life’s circumstances. We looked forward to her plump cut-out cookies at Christmas time and Easter. Sometimes she would surprise us with a batch on Valentines Day, cut in the shape of hearts. Her Seven-Layer Salad was anticipated at family picnics and Thanksgiving dinner. Memories surface of my mom standing at the old farm house table stirring up her Raisin Nut Cake and various kinds of cookies that often awaited us when we returned home from school on cold winter afternoons. I can almost smell her delicious Beef Vegetable Soup wafting through the farm house door enticing us in after evening farm chores. Her Fresh Strawberry Pie, a recipe handed down from a friend of hers, was a special summertime treat we enjoyed. I remember picking the juicy berries with Mom on sweltering June days and later enjoying the refreshing pie topped with mounds of thick whipped cream as the juice from the berries dripped down our chins. Recipes from friends far away, some from other countries, bring to mind our adventures as a young military family; all part of the legacy of memories contained in a tiny metal box.

Like written letters, recipes written by hand are becoming a lost art form, replaced by modern technology. I feel blessed to have experienced the joy of finding recipe box treasures, and I am so thankful for each priceless legacy left behind on food-splattered index cards and scraps of notebook paper. It really is the simple things in life that bring us the greatest pleasure, including small tin recipe boxes purchased with cereal box tops.

Happiness is Homemaking

While going through some books the other day, I came across a tiny book that made me smile. It took me back to the days when I was “just a homemaker.”

Happiness is Homemaking is the title of a small paperback book with a lime green cover written by Ella May Miller, published in 1974. Thirty-two years ago, when I got married, my mom’s best friend insisted I have a copy of the book that had inspired her and my mom on their homemaking and mothering journey. I read the tiny book with delight over and over again. It became my mentor when I was a young military wife living almost 2,500 miles from home. I was passionate about keeping house and being a stay-at-home mother, and often turned to the little book for ideas and inspiration. The tattered pages and wrinkled cover bear witness to the fact that it was well used.

We moved 13 times in 14 years, and I still remember each humble little apartment, trailer, and house where we lived. Even in the process of moving, with our belongings tucked away in cardboard boxes in our used Ford Pinto, I would tell others that we still had a home, but we just needed a place to put it. Each move was a new adventure, and I couldn’t wait to get settled in and make our house a home. I happily decorated our humble little abodes with simple items, many of them handmade. Cross-stitched samplers adorned every room, lovingly created during quiet afternoons while babies napped. Crocheted blankets brightened up worn second-hand furniture. A kitchen table centerpiece of fresh flowers handpicked by tiny fingers, and treasures found at yard sales or flea markets provided a homey feeling to our rather humble surroundings. I recall the satisfaction of setting the table for our evening meal with the dishes I had collected in my hope chest since I was a young girl. I enjoyed preparing new recipes that I found on the food splattered pages of old cookbooks and women’s magazines handed down from my mother and grandmothers. We savored many comforting soups, stews, and casseroles on our meager grocery budget. Evenings were spent curled up on the couch reading many of the same books over and over again at the request of eager toddlers.

I won’t dismiss the fact that those years were difficult and hard, and raising children and staying home is not without its share of struggles. I can with all honesty say it is the most satisfying thing I have ever accomplished, and I would not trade it for the highest paying career or position in the working world. Being a stay-at-home mom and homemaker is tough, but it’s worth every drop of sweat and hard work that goes into it.

I look back with fondness to that time; a season when I didn’t question what I was to be doing with my life. I never wondered if I should pursue a career. Never worried whether or not I was where I was meant to be. I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt I was to be a wife, mother, and homemaker. I took great pride and pleasure in my homemaking and felt a contentment and peace unmatched since that time. I believe I felt that way because I was doing what God had called me to do; I had accepted the high calling of motherhood and homemaking with joy.

Now my children are grown, and I question my role daily. While it’s true that my children no longer need me like they did when they were small, I wonder if I’m where God would have me to be in this new season of life or if I simply fell into the trap of thinking that I should have a job because my children are older. Do our God-given roles as women really change that much? I’m still a mother and now also a grandmother. My calling to be a wife, mother, and homemaker has not been eradicated just because the children are older, it has simply changed.

I wonder if working and using so much of my time and energy for my at-home medical transcription job is right. Though I like my job and it is interesting, and I’m able to remain in the home while working, I’m not nearly as content as I was during my homemaking days. I dislike the fact that much of what I seem to be focused on now has no eternal value whatsoever. I feel guilty that I don’t have the time for my family and friends. My dad is getting older and I can’t spend as much time with him as I once did. My house is falling apart, literally. I used to enjoy having a home where people could feel at home and comfortable. I usually had food prepared to offer if someone dropped in. Those days are gone. Housework is neglected and the mess leaves me feeling stressed out and frazzled. Contented afternoons sewing and making things for my home have been replaced with rushing to meet deadlines and catering to the demands of doctors. The thought of what to make for dinner makes me cringe and head to the nearest fast food place. I’m exhausted, tired, and weary. I glance at the photos of my grandchildren on my desk and feel sad that I’m missing out on so much of their lives because I am working now. I think about my daughter and daughter-in-law and how much more I would be available to help them out in times of need if I was not working. I miss cooking and baking and the wonderful smells from the kitchen. I miss the house being reasonably clean and tidy. I miss having time to enjoy a cup of tea or time to go outside and enjoy the outdoors. My days are spent in front of the computer, plugged into headphones typing. I often think about all the things I no longer have time for. I miss being “just a homemaker.”

As I gaze upon the tattered green book from days gone by, I’m once again reminded that happiness really is homemaking. I believe God has entrusted women with the care of our homes and families first and foremost. If our homes and families are neglected at the expense of our jobs, then we need to take a good look at our God-given priorities. What truly matters in light of eternity? This is something I have been asking myself lately and it certainly is not my medical transcription job. I’ve been praying about where God wants me in this season of life, praying that once again I will embrace my role and gladly accept my God-given calling as wife, mother, and homemaker.

God's Masterpiece

The sweet symphony of each bird that sings,
the babbling brook, and the trickling spring,
a gentle spring rain, soft falling snow,
twinkling stars, suns golden glow,
warm summer wind, a rainbows hue,
cotton-like clouds against a sky of blue,
radiant moon illuminating the night,
flowers blooming vivid and bright,
tender green plants and towering trees,
the roaring waves and the ocean breeze,
majestic mountains overlooking the land,
in all of these things we see His hand,
A masterpiece painting, perfectly displayed,
His presence clearly seen in the things He has made.

In the Potter's Hands

Several months ago, I went through a time of severe spiritual drought, brought on by the busyness of life and allowing the urgent details of everyday living to take the place of that which was truly important. I soon became aware that spiritual drought gives birth to a desert-like writing life, and I am learning that my writing life is often a mirror that reflects my spiritual walk.

One of my favorite quotes is from Beth Moore: “Clay out of the Potters hands is just dirt.”

It is true. In order to be Christian writers who glorify God, we must remain connected to our Heavenly Father. Scripture confirms this in the following verses:
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 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: 4-5)

If we desire to write for God’s glory, we must make sure we are in the Potter’s hands. We have a multitude of resources available to help us become better writers: writing classes at local community colleges, books too numerous to count, magazines dedicated to the craft of writing, and online courses to help us improve our writing skills. While these things all have value, they are no substitute for our personal relationship with God. We need to nurture our time with God; seeking Him in prayer and listening to Him speak to us through His word. Cultivating a powerful spiritual life by sowing prayer and scripture reading into our daily lives will enable us to reap a harvest of writing that will glorify God.

We are often concerned about many things. We think about query letters, what to write about, proper punctuation, or what magazine to submit an article to. We wonder if we will ever write a book or get published. Yet, we often neglect the very thing that is needed for our success….an intimate relationship with God. He needs to be the foundation of each poem, article, or book that we write. As we pray and read His word, we are filling our reservoir with His presence, which will overflow into our writing and ultimately into the lives of others through the articles, books, or poems that we write.

The choice is ours. We can choose to be like dirt; easily blown about, enticed and carried away by the desires of our flesh and worldly influence, or we can be like clay that remains in the hands of the Potter; molded by His truth, enabled and empowered by the Holy Spirit to use the writing talent He gave us, and ultimately fashioned and molded into a vessel that will be used for the glory of our Heavenly Father.

A Place of Quiet Rest

I took several hours Sunday afternoon just to sit by our pond and relax in my favorite quiet-time spot. There is something about being outside surrounded by nature that is so refreshing! The smell of the mountain air, the subtle summer breeze against my face, the sound of the water trickling in the creek nearby, and the singing of the birds all seemed to soothe my tired and weary body. I was amazed at how many sounds of nature I heard while sitting there; sounds I normally don’t hear amidst the noise of everyday living. I left feeling as if I had been on a mini vacation. I felt renewed!

This made me think about how our relationship with God is like that. In the busyness of everyday life, we rush through our day running from one place to another in a flurry of noisy activity. As a result, we fail to hear God. If we are to hear His voice, we must learn to be still before Him. We must choose to set aside a time for prayer and to read His word; time to be still and know Him.

Had I sat by the pond for only a brief moment, I doubt I would have felt very refreshed. It’s the same with our quiet time with God. It takes time to sit in the stillness and listen as He speaks to us through his word. When we take the time to pause and be still before Him, we will come away feeling refreshed and renewed.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Continuing The First Place Journey

God has been working on me lately in several areas of my life where I lack obedience; one being my weight and taking better care of my body. Many years ago God led me to the First Place program. I joined the online group, lost and kept off 30 pounds, and have been involved with First Place for almost 7 years. I have been blessed tremendously by the program and have made new friends from all over the world through the online group. Getting involved with First Place was a turning point in my life. As a result of developing a daily time of prayer, scripture reading, and Bible study, I’ve learned what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It truly has changed my life! First Place is about much more than weight loss. It is a 4-sided program that teaches you to put Christ first in every area of your life: emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual. It is not a diet, but a healthy lifestyle program that builds the whole person.

While I have done well with the other parts of the program, I often neglected the physical side. I now feel led to do what I know God has called me to do and take seriously all parts of the program. God has worked in my life in so many ways during my First Place journey, and now I know it’s time for me to take eating healthy seriously and allow God to set me free from my bondage to food and the sin of gluttony.

I’ve spent years abusing my body by overeating and medicating my emotions with food. Through reading and studying God’s word over the past several years, I’m finding those areas of my life that I need to deal with rising to the surface. It’s time to face them rather than ignore them. With any addiction, there is a reason underlying why we turn to substance abuse, whether that substance is food, drugs, or alcohol. I’m no different than a drug addict or alcoholic, except that my addiction is readily accepted in today’s society, and the sin of gluttony is not easily hidden and is worn outwardly for the world to see. I no longer want my overweight body to be a billboard for the sin of gluttony. I am ready to move forward on the next step of my First Place journey and be the woman God has called me to be; a woman who fears the Lord and walks in obedience to what He has called me to do; a woman set free, released from the bondage of gluttony that has held me captive for so many years. I’m looking forward to the journey!

He Knows Every Bird

I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine. Psalm 50: 11

The mountains are teeming with an abundance of birds, and our Heavenly Father knows them all. It's quite an amazing fact when you stop and reflect upon it considering how many mountains and birds are in the world, yet he knows every single one of them. He knows every winged creature that shows up at my feeders, even the tiny hummingbirds! How easily we forget just how awesome our Heavenly Father really is. How often do we stop and reflect on His greatness?

Life is hard and it's easy to get caught up in the "woe is me" syndrome that has spread like a contagious epidemic. Christians are not immune from this disease. It is so common in our churches that most of us don't even realize we are infected with it. At times it can become a competition to see whose life is worse. Grumbling and complaining is rampant in our society today among believers and non-believers, and I'm just as guilty of it as anyone else. How easy it is to complain about gas prices, the weather, and the high cost of living. How easy it is to join in and add our two cents when we hear others complaining. I'm saddened as I think about how much easier it is to complain than it is to be thankful and share something uplifting and positive. Do you ever stop and wonder how God feels when He hears our grumbling amidst all the blessings He has poured out upon us?

The "woe is me" syndrome is a product of self-focus rather than God-focus. The only cure for the disease is to focus on God and how awesome He truly is. Regardless of our life circumstances, we have so much to be thankful for. God has showered us with blessings too numerous to count. When we consider His ways and count all the ways He has blessed us, thankfulness will spring forth from our lips in praise of the One who knows every bird of the mountains.

Eagle Wings

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

I’ve been battling some health issues and personal struggles recently that often leave me feeling weak and weary. At times depression creeps in, hovering over me like a dark cloud. Feelings of hopelessness seem to besiege me, taking me captive in the dark pit of despair and the agony of worry. Rather than a soaring eagle, I often feel like a helpless bird, desperately flapping its wings in a frantic attempt to fly.

God’s word says if we wait upon Him our strength will be renewed. We will soar on wings like an eagle. I’ve found comfort in these words, but wondered what does it really mean to wait upon the Lord? What is the significance of soaring on wings like an eagle? Why the eagle imagery?

The eagle has superior aerial skills and has been seen as a symbol of strength and courage since ancient times. An eagle’s wingspan can reach up to eight feet across. Its feathers are designed to reduce turbulence. When its wings catch a thermal wind, it can soar for significant distances with minimal movement, making it possible for the eagle to conserve precious energy. Eagles don’t flap their wings frantically to stay aloft. Unlike other birds, they fly high above the lowlands making use of the wind currents to gain height almost effortlessly.

If we trust in our own strength, we will be like a helpless bird flapping its wings furiously; zapping our strength and resulting in weariness, depression, and despair. If we trust in the Lord we will soar on wings as a eagle. It doesn’t require great effort to soar like an eagle! God’s word tells us we simply must wait upon Him. To wait upon Him means keeping our thoughts and focus on Him in expectant anticipation of things to come. Our mind is fixed on Him and eternity rather than on our everyday problems. When we depend on the Lord’s strength, we can fly above the turbulence, rising above the challenges and difficulties of everyday life.

My Writing Nest

I've often been asked where I write and what my writing space looks like, and I've always enjoyed seeing the unique writing spaces of other writers. I decided I would share my little space for those who have asked. My writing room is humble, nothing fancy, but it is mine. I don't have to share it with anyone! It took me a long time to get a room of my own. While raising 4 children, finding any place to be alone was a rare luxury. When the children were little, I never dreamed I would have my own room one day. I thought it was only wishful thinking.

As we all know, time moves on and life changes. Children grow up and eventually move out and start lives of their own, ushering in new seasons and stages of life. When the children started moving out, I decided to convert one of the upstairs bedrooms into my home office. I could not believe I was finally going to have my own space to work and write in. I do medical transcription from home, so having an acutal room with a door that shuts is vital to my sanity. We didn't have a lot of money to spare, so I kept things simple. I finally had a place to put my bookshelves and the many books I had collected over the years. I plan to paint the walls a soft yellow this fall to add some warmth to the room. There is nothing like yellow to brighten up a room.

The room has a small offset at one end, which I turned into my quiet-time corner. It contains a rocking chair, small stand with a lamp, small bookcase to keep my CD player and devotional books within reach. A bouquet of my favorite silk flowers and a tea set add a "homey feeling." I'm quite content writing in my humble little nest and feel blessed to have a room to call my own.

Squawking Crows

While out on my morning walk this morning, the singing of the finches and cardinals seemed to be drowned out by the squawking and hollering of the crows. It brought to mind one of my favorite quotes:

"Use the talents you possess, for the woods would be a very silent place if no birds sang except for the best." Henry Van Dyke

How often do we feel inadequate and feel as if we will never measure up to others who seem to possess more talent than we do? God has given each of us unique gifts and talents to be used for His glory. We will each have to give an account one day for how we used our gifts. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25: 14-30 helps us to see why we need to use our talents wisely. Two of the servants in this passage of scripture invest their talents wisely and are rewarded, but the third servant hides his talent and is rebuked as lazy and wicked. He allowed fear to stop him. How often do we allow fear to keep us from using our talents and investing wisely into the kingdom of heaven? Just as the noisy crows squawk loudly amidst the pretty songs of the finches and cardinals, we also must step out of our comfort zones and use our talents for the glory of our Heavenly Father. We all have different "songs" to sing, and each one is unique and has a purpose. When use our talents wisely, we will one day here these wonderful words:

"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 master's happiness!" Matthew 25: 23

Reflections From The Clothesline

Call me crazy, but I love hanging out laundry! There is just something therapeutic about being outside, surrounded by God's awesome creation. I woke up to beautiful weather complete with an abundance of sunshine, bright blue skies, and a warm breeze blowing; a perfect laundry day. I was treated to a beautiful symphony of bird songs as I hung out the wash. Did you ever notice how the birds seem to sing more on bright sunny days? Then again, perhaps it's just my imagination! Birds were everywhere this morning. God not only provided a beautiful day complete with a bird song symphony, he also provided my comedy for the day. I smiled as I watched two Pileated Woodpeckers busy at work. God does have a sense of humor! Every time I see one of these woodpeckers, I have to smile. What was God thinking when he created them? They are rather odd looking creatures. Talk about a bad hair day. They were born with one!

As I sat down at the picnic table after hanging out the laundry, I thought about all the things we miss when we toss a load of laundry in the dryer. This is something I find myself doing more often than usual since I'm working more. Modern appliances are great, but I wonder how much we are missing out on when we rely on them. Are we missing a blessing? The blessing of being surrounded by God's creation; seeing the flowers blooming, feeling the warmth of the sun on our backs, the caress of a soft breeze on our face, and the singing of the birds. I'm so thankful for clothesline therapy and for the blessings God provides in the simple things of life.

Blog Makeover, Fresh Start

Thanks to Trista from Pumkin Patch Creations, my blog has a new look. I'm very pleased with the outcome and highly recommend her services!

My blog sat idle for quite some time, partly because I am new to the blogging world and wasn't really sure what to do next. In addition, I was praying about what direction to go with blogging. I also wanted to have my blog designed by someone who actually knew what they were doing before I started sharing it with people.

Now that the design issue is resolved and I'm happy with the new look, I'm still not sure what direction God wants me to take with blogging. I've spent a lot of time looking at other people's blogs over the past few weeks, and I decided what I don't want my blog to become: an addiction! I don't want it to take over my life and take the place of actually living life. So with that being said, I am going to try to post on a regular basis, but not necessarily every day. More than anything, I want my words to bless others and glorify God. What I post here will be what I feel God placed on my heart to share. I've always enjoyed writing and feel I need to use my writing for God's glory, but yet I'm so fearful of putting stuff I write "out there." I've resided in my comfort zone for many years and have written a lot of things that I've never shared because of fear. I feel blogging is one way for me to step out of my comfort zone.

Please bear with me as I continue the learning process of blogging. I'm looking forward to the adventure!

Frazzled Nest

Some days I long for a simpler life. I long for more time to relax and sip a cup of steaming tea, to watch the birds outside my window, to take a long walk and soak up the beauty of God's amazing creation. I long for more time to "be still and know Him."

The morning has been filled with busyness again; laundry to wash, floors in desperate need of sweeping, trash to be taken out, thoughts of what to make for lunch and dinner, bills to pay, bank statements to balance, emails piling up that have gone unanswered for over a week, my usual work-at-home medical transcription job, among other things on my "to do" list that seems to grow longer rather than shrink. I glance at the clock, realize it's nearly noon, and wonder what I have accomplished this morning. Thoughts of things left undone cause me to ponder the idea of curling up on the couch for a quick power nap. I'm not certain whether it's my age or health issues that tend to slow me down, or could it be that I have taken on too many things? Have I caught the "too-much-on-my-plate" syndrome that many seem to be afflicted with in today's world?

How did life become so crazy and stress filled? Is it because we have too many things going on and too much stuff that we have to take care of? I thought when the children were grown life would be easier and I would have time to do all the things I had to put on hold during the baby and toddler years. Nobody prepared me for this new season of life. A season that I'm finding to be full and busy with new things. I can't quite put a finger on it. It's not as demanding and physically tiring as the baby and toddler years were. It's as though other things arrived, taking up the space that was once filled with feeding times and diaper changes. Time seems to go faster now and I get less accomplished.

We hear much in the news about terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. I often wonder if busyness is satans weapon of mass destruction against Christians today. If we are so consumed by things and activities, we will have less time to pray, less time to read scripture, less time to be still and know our Heavenly Father.

New Beginnings

Yesterday we kicked off a new session of our online First Place group. This ministry has blessed my socks off for the past 6 years. I've enjoyed leading various online First Place groups, and as a result I've been blessed with new friends from all over the world. Each session runs for 3 months and we complete a Bible study together during that time. First Place is not a diet, but a program that helps us make healthy lifestyle changes. Our new study is called Renewing Hope and looks great. I can't wait to dig into it further!

I love the title of the new study, because many of us have lost hope and we need to renew our hope. Our hope is in the Lord! I know many Christians who are struggling with issues and feeling discouraged. We often lose hope because our sights are fixed on the wrong things or people. I love the following quote from Beth Moore's study Stepping Up.

"If I have low expectations, skewed feelings, and impaired spiritual hearing, my eyes are either looking in at myself or out at people and circumstances. God wants our eyes fixed upward like someone down on her knees at His feet. We tend to focus on the most obvious. God wants to equip us with a vision that sees higher, deeper, and broader than our physical realities."

I've been memorizing Psalm 62:5 this week. I've been feeling frazzled and overwhelmed lately and seem to be bombarded with excessive busyness and things I need to do. This small and simple scripture has been blessing my heart.

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
My hope comes from Him.
Psalm 62:5

Joni

Homemaker Versus Working Woman

As I was taking a test this afternoon for a new transcription company I would like to work for, I wondered if this is truly where God would have me to be at this season of life. I enjoy my job in the medical field and the blessing of being able to work from home, but I often find myself still lacking the time to properly care for my home and family. It's so easy to be pulled into the world and the distractions it brings. I don't feel it's wrong to work, but at times I long for those days when I only had my home and family to focus on. Homemaking is where I feel most comfortable. I love doing all the domestic things like cooking and hanging laundry on the line to dry. I enjoy decorating my home; especially with homemade items, but I rarely find time for hobbies any longer. This is a subject I've pondered in my mind many times lately.

I was reflecting on the pros and cons of working.

Pros:
I enjoy working.
The extra income really helps out.
I'm able to work from home and my daughter schools at home, so I'm still here for her when she needs me.
My job is very flexible, so I can still take time off when I need to take my daughter to the doctor, etc.
By working and keeping my skills current, I would have a job if I ever needed to support our family should we ever lose my husband's income due to illness or job loss, etc. By keeping my foot in the door with this type of work, I wouldn't be forced to work outside my home if we were forced into needing the extra income.
Working from home is a luxury! No extra clothes to buy. No gas expense. No going out on cold and snowy mornings. No fighting traffic. Having my own home office decorated the way I want it, with the option of taking breaks when I like or even walking outside for some fresh air. I can play Christian music without offending anyone, and I'm not stuck in a tiny cubicle without windows all day like I would probably be if I worked in an office building. The benefits are great!

Cons:
I don't have as much time to spend with my grandchildren as I would like. This saddens me when I realize how quickly they are growing up.
My job takes away time that I could be using for ministry.
I can't help my oldest daughter or daughter-in-law with the grandchildren as often as I would like to.
Some days I miss just being a homemaker and having time to actually clean and cook without rushing.
My housework gets neglected often due to work.
I always felt God called me to write, and with my job consuming a lot of my time I rarely find time to write.
When I wasn't working I would often spend hours in the early morning just praying, reading my Bible, and journaling. I still try to have my quiet time each morning, but the urgency of work looming over me is a constant source of distraction. I often find myself rushing to finish my quiet time. I truly miss that extra time just to be still before God.

I wonder how many times we get caught up in worldly values and miss out on what we are called to be as women of God. This is something I really need to pray about.

Welcome to my mountaintop nesting place!

Hello! I'm new to the world of blogging, and I am looking forward to this new adventure. My desire is to have a place to share my thoughts along the journey of life, and to glorify my Heavenly Father through my writing. Writing is equal to therapy for me. I've always enjoyed reading books and writing stories and poems since I was a small child. I still love books and writing. I won't pretend to be an expert an anything, because that is God's department. I simply pray that in some tiny way, I might encourage the hearts of others on the journey of life.

I am an avid birdwatcher, so you will often find birds mentioned in my writing. One of my life goals is to write a devotional book for birdwatchers. I hope to learn more about photographing birds. Right now I'm just an amateur, but I do enjoy taking pictures of my feathered friends, though my attempts at photography are pretty humble at this point. I love birds period, whether just enjoying them outside my window, snapping a few pictures, or looking through my many birding books.

I work from home doing Medical Transcription. I love medicine and enjoy learning about new medical treatments, etc. My love of the English language and the written word make this job a perfect fit for me. Each day is interesting and I learn new things.

A new season of life is on the horizon for me. My baby is 17 years old and I can feel the empty nest looming nearer and nearer. After being a stay-at-home mother for over 30 years, I'm not sure I am prepared for this new season. Being a mother is what I know best. It's my comfort zone. It's the place where I know my role and what is expected of me. That is slowly changing as I watch my youngest child become more independent. At times I feel like a stranger in a foreign land where I don't know my way around. It's like learning a new language; at times confusing, and at times exciting. I know God prepares us for each new season and that He has a plan for my life. I simply must pray and trust in Him. I am learning more and more along the path of life that each season has it's moments of beauty and each season has moments not so beautiful. He has never failed to help me through each season of change in the past and He will help me through this one as well.

Joni