One more day to go in this long, busy week. Tomorrow Rachel comes home and our family will return to "normal". Whatever "normal" is. Around here i believe it is only a setting on my washing machine and dryer. All i do know is that we have really missed Rachel this week and look forward to her being back home.
Her first day or two back will probably be spent catching up on rest and that is okay with us. She has been a very busy young lady. We are looking forward to hearing all about it.
From the pictures i have seen of Rachel this week, i can tell she has had a good time. My favorite picture shows her with one of the ladies from the nursing home where they visited the residents there. I teared up just telling my husband about it. In the picture, Rachel stands beside the woman and both are smiling as if to say, "This is my new, special friend.".
Maybe that sounds a little corny but that's just the way i see it. And maybe God's love for us is so great that to the world it seems corny. If that is the case, i don't mind being corny myself.
Well, that's all i have for now. I've got things i would like to get done before my sweet girl gets home tomorrow and that hour is ticking closer and closer...so i am off to finish my to-do list.
Good night.

The Week Ahead

As a mama, today i am feeling a mixture of sadness, pride and joy. This morning we saw Rachel off to camp. This week she and her friends from church will be serving by helping those in need. There will be so much to do; cleaning, yardwork and childcare to name a few of the known assignments. With so much to do the week should go by pretty quickly for the kids and their leaders.

On the other hand, for Jeremy, the boys and me the hours will tick by very slowly. We will miss her so much-we are already missing her. Though her absence makes it difficult for the next few days we are proud of Rachel. She is going with such excitement and wanting to help that it is hard to imagine not being proud of the young lady she is growing into.

Then there is the joy of knowing that Rachel is doing what she feels is God's will and we believe that the center of God's will is the very best place to be.

It is going to be so much fun to hear of Rachel's experience upon her return. I am sure she will be exhausted but more than anything she is going to feel a deep satisfaction knowing she has shown God's love to those who may experience so little of it in their own lives. The memories and the eternal rewards are going to be far greater than any temporary exhaustion she may feel at the end of the camp experience.

As a mama i ask everyone who reads this to pray for Rachel and her friends this week they act as the hands and feet of Jesus.

Thank you and God bless!

How can I see God?

Day 2 of VBS has proven to be another day of fun and learning for the kids. Again they have come home, eager to share what they have learned. And once again i am amazed at their passion and excitement. This evening we sat down and reviewed the lesson as we did last evening. I look forward to these moments just as much as they do and we all walk away blessed.
Todays question is, "How can i see God?". The answer to the question is, "I see God through the love of others.". To illustrate, we looked at Acts 9:10-31. In this passage we see Ananias and later, Barnabas showing Saul/Paul such love as Saul proclaims the Gospel of those he once persecuted. It would probably be an understatement to say that Christians were very cautious of this man who had a reputation for wreaking havoc upon the church. They weren't so quick to accept that Saul was now one of them.
This is where Ananais and Barnabas come in. First, God sent Ananais to lay hands on Saul so that he would regain his sight. Ananais did question God at first but God persuaded him to go and he did. Later, as Saul attempted to join the disciples and they rejected him out of fear, it was Barnabas who took him and brought him before the apostles. Barnabas told them of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus and how he since boldly proclaimed Jesus Christ. After hearing from Barnabas the apostles accepted Saul.
How often in our lives as Christians, are we asked to show love to someone we are not so sure about? Maybe it is someone we don't know so well. Or maybe it is someone who has a less than stellar reputation. Whatever the case, whoever the person, God loves them and He wants us to show His love. It usually isn't easy but it is always necessary.
We may not know what God's plan is but we can trust Him to do what is right. We can also trust Him to provide us with what we need as we need it but we must also be willing to recieve it. Am i trusting God enough to do what He is telling me to do? To love as He loves? Am i trusting Him for all my needs and am i coming to him with open arms or am i clenching my fists to beat the air in frustration?
A lot to think about as i get ready to turn in for the night...
But questions i truly want to answer honestly. I want to trust Him with ALL my heart.
I want others to see God through me.

Monday

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.  1 Timothy 4:12

Today was the first day of Vacation Bible School for Rachel and her brothers. It seems they had a really good time but more importantly, they learned some valuable lessons about God and who He is. I enjoyed listening as they shared from their Bible story for today: Acts 9:1-9, and look forward to hearing more as they return for more truth and fond memories.
Their memory verse for the week is 1 Timothy 4:12(cited above) and they already have it memorized. Tonight i had them write it down and we discussed what it meant to "be and an example in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity". Whether they realize it or not, i learn just as much from them as they learn from me...maybe even more at times. I am truly grateful for my children and the zeal they have for God. I pray that their passion continues to grow as they mature.
And i thank God for VBS. It may last a week but it leaves an impression that lasts a lifetime!

The Present

There is no time like the present to say, "I love you".

No time like the present to show mercy and compassion.

There is no time like the present to forgive and to ask forgiveness.

No time like the present to let go of the past.

Now is the time to start being who God created you to be,

because the present is a gift He has given to open and let His love light the way to the future He has planned for you.

Singing With the Birds

I really did not want to get up this morning. The room was dark, the skies were gray, the rain was falling and it was quite chilly. My first thought was to pull the covers up and put the pillow over my head. My mind was racing with excuses why it was wrong to be up at such an hour. Everyone else was sleeping so i should be too.
Then that is when i heard it...
Birds singing! It started with one, then others joined in.
It was as if they were singing for God and wanted me to join in too.
The rain would not dampen their spirits and the gray skies would not darken their view. From tree branches and soaring through the air the birds sang with much enthusiasm.
For a moment i sat in silence and just listened. Then i started to sing too.
What the birds reminded me is that each day is a gift from the Father above and every gift He gives is given out of His great love.
So the next time you hear the birds sing, remember what i have just shared with you and sing praises to the God who loves you!

A Little Honesty

For three weeks now little else has occupied my mind besides homeschooling, which we start next week and Rachel's tenth birthday, which is Friday.
Both events fill me with excitement and anticipation. Mixed in with these emotions is anxiety as i try to pace myself and not overwhelm myself with crazy, unrealistic expectations.
The past few days i have been battling depression and tears. My usual reaction is to isolate myself but i know tomorrow i will be meeting with the women of my CR group. The thought frightens me and comforts me all at the same time. If it weren't for this beautiful group of women it would be so easy to shut the doors and stay home tomorrow but because i am the facilitator of the group they do depend on me to be there.
I love seeing everyone each week. I love hearing their stories and experiences. Even sharing my own "stuff" feels good. Honesty with people you trust does wonders for the heart and mind.
These meetings are the highlight of my week!
I really admire and respect these women. They encourage me. As i watch them grow i am strengthened. I think of them often as i struggle and i know if they can perservere with God's help then so can i.
I love them all like sisters.
So, tonight as i type this i am feeling much better about the junk of my life because i know i am not alone. I have my family, friends and God on my side.
The going may get tough but my God will never leave me and He will even put others to walk beside me.
Thank You, precious, loving Father!

Wings

God whispers on butterfly wings

and tells me He has given me wings too.

With my wings He says to fly,

and color the world around me

with faith, hope and love!

Nothing...Absolutely Nothing!

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to seperate us from the love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans8:38-39

As well as i think i know myself-past and present-there is One who knows me like absolutely no one else can. He knows my past, present and future. Even in His unlimited knowledge of me He loves me still. God’s love for me is perfect and extravagant. He lavishes His love upon me!

Still, i doubt. Things i have said and done come back to haunt me. When these memories play in my head my heart begins to question how God could still love me. Somehow i can see how God might love others but not me.

It all boils down to pride in my heart. Yes, pride. At first i tried to deny it but the truth stared me in the eyes until i could deny it no more. In my pride i convinced myself that i was beyond God’s love and grace. I was basically calling Him a liar.

Now, as God has been showing me my selfish pride He has done it out of His faithful love. I don’t know how many times in the past few days He has brought me to Romans 8:38&39 but i have learned that when God continually brings certain Scripture or thoughts to my attention i better listen closely! And i am so glad i did because as i read and meditate on Romans 8:38&39 i too am convinced that NOTHING can seperate me from God’s unfailing love. Not even my failure or my foolish pride-NOTHING!!

Spiritual Fruitiness

“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall propser.” Psalm 1:3

Sometimes i can be a bad apple, sometimes a real lemon. On a good day you might say i am peachy keen. Good or bad i am bearing fruit of some kind. If i am to be known by my “fruitiness” let it be the fruits of the Spirit that they see in me.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22

Help me, Lord!

What is it that holds me back,

standing in the shadows,

at the edge of the light?

Is it fear that paralyzes,

doubt that denies

or pride that defies?

Whatever it may be,

Lord, help me to see,

Your love is greater than these.

Your faithfulness is deeper than the seas.

Your grace has given me life,

Now You want to end my strife.

Lord, help my unbelief,

That keeps me in constant grief!

Sweet Friend

You’ve been silent too long, sweet friend; now raise your voice and sing again. No one else can do this quite the way you can, because this song is just for you; written by the Father above and created with so much love. So, if at first you sing off key, just look to Him and you will see-He will guide you with each note and every beat. The Father will direct your steps too. So get up and dance! However you feel led to express the song He has put in your heart, just do it with the joy of the Lord and you will do well. Now others are waiting to hear your song-stand up, sweet friend and sing sing sing!

Your Picture

I saw your picture today and was reminded of all the times i said i’d call but didn’t; like last week when i was so busy and forgot. Then there were the times we said we’d get together but our schedules never allowed even a moment. So many times i would think of you and remember your smile then i’d smile too. But today i look at your picture and cry. Today i remember all the missed opportunities and broken promises. Today i also remember the times i wanted to tell you about Jesus but never did. “Maybe tomorrow,” i’d think. Tomorrow never came and now i regret. When we would part we’d say,”I love you.” but did you ever know that God loved you and gave His Son for you? These are the things I wonder as i look at your picture today and i am reminded of the friend i should have been to you.

If

Staring ahead, seeing nothing. Surrounded by sounds but i don’t hear anything. The sun is shining but i don’t recieve it’s warmth. Thoughts flood my mind but i refuse to think. If i see…if i hear…if i recieve…if i think…then i feel. If i feel i will hurt and if i hurt…i become vulnerable. If i trust You with the hurt will You earn my faith…or will You turn me away? Is Your love truly greater than my sin? My hurt? My shame? Will Your love be enough to take away my fear?

”Look around and see the love I show you. Listen closely and you will hear My voice calling to you. (Rev. 3:20) Accept My grace and let the hardness of your heart melt away. (Ez. 11:19) Bring your thoughts to me and I will give you a new way of thinking. (Col. 3:2) If you see…if you hear…if you recieve…if you think…then you will feel. If you let Me, I will heal your hurt. (Luke 4:18) Be vulnerable with Me. I’ll never let you down or turn you away. My love is so great nothing can seperate my love from you. No sin…No hurt…No shame. (Romans 8:38&39) My love is perfect and perfect love drives out fear. (1 Jn. 4:18) If you accept My love as truth the truth will set you free! “(Jn. 8:32)

Sometimes

Sometimes i question it, sometimes i doubt it; try as i might i can not figure it out. Sometimes i deny it, sometimes i fight it; yet nothing i do can ever change it. Sometimes i feel it so strong, sometimes i don’t feel it at all; regardless of how i feel it is always there. Sometimes i show it to others, sometimes i withhold it from the ones i should show it most; but whether i show it or not it is very real. It is Your love, Heavenly Father, that i sometimes question, sometimes doubt, sometimes deny and sometimes fight. When i do these things i am doing them unto You. But just as my feelings change from day to day, Your love is always the same. Forgive me, Father, and help me to show Your love to all people; even those who seem unlovable because You have always shown Your love to me.

God's Jealousy

“Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” Exodus 34:14

The jealousy of God and the jealousy of man are not the same; one offers redemption the other suffers shame. One is for us, the other is against us. Godly jealousy wants what is best for you; the jealousy of man says, “It is all about me!”. In His jealousy God will judge, but His judgement is right and His discipline is to bring us back to the Light. In his jealousy a man will lie, cheat or kill; his intention is never right. So when you hear that God is a jealous God do not be troubled but be encouraged instead; because if God did not love you so much He would not care when you are misled.

What I Cannot See

So we do not focus on what is seen, but what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18

There are things i just cannot see but i know they exist. I cannot see the air i breathe but without it i would cease to be. I cannot see see the wind but i feel it upon my skin and see its movement in the trees. The thoughts of others i cannot see but i hear them as they are spoken to me. Though i have never seen love i have known its manifestations. I hear it in the voices lifted in worship on Sunday morning. I see love expressed in the kindness of strangers. I feel love in my husband’s embrace and in my children’s good night kisses. I cannot see love but i know it exists. God is love and without Him i would not be.

“Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God knows God. No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in us and His love is perfected in us.” 1 John 4:7&12

The Father's Love

Created for His pleasure, you are to Him a priceless treasure and He loves you without measure. You are always on His mind. His thoughts of you are the loving kind, no greater love will you ever find. He calls you His child and that is nothing to be taken mild. Child of God, His love for you is wild! Like a fire not to be tame, the Father’s love is an eternal flame because the Father and His love are the same. These things i write at this time are much more than a nice rhyme. These words are true-the Father’s love for you is sublime!

Like Daddy

Rachel has your heart for helping others,

Brogan has your knack for encouragement,

Reece has your sense of humor

And Sawyer has your curiousity and love for working with his hands.

Each child is so different

Yet each one has so much of you in them.

And in their hearts they each share a love,

For you, their Daddy!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, JEREMY!

WE ALL LOVE YOU VERY MUCH.

The Monster Moth

There are times i take a picture of something and when i look at it later i think the picture does not do justice to the subject of the shot. This is one of those times.

When i came out the backdoor of the house the other morning i immediately spotted this moth on the wall of my husband's shop. It was huge, the size of both of my hands put together! It was too good to pass up, so i ran back into the house to retrieve my camera.

The "Monster Moth", as it became affectionately known, was an easy subject. Many pictures were taken and the moth barely moved. In fact, the little it did move was due to the breeze that blew that morning. When the wind did blow the body of the moth was exposed and it was just as beautiful as the wings!

It amazes me how much love and care God put into every aspect of His creation...even something as simple as a moth. That is one reason i love taking pictures of nature. Some of the most powerful, moving lessons God teaches me come from being outside. Taking pictures helps me remember those lessons and when i share the pictures i share what i learn and hope others gain from what i share. That is the purpose of my blog and i believe part of God's purpose for me as part of His wonderful creation!