{re-post} When it is in your power to act...

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Yesterday, while reading my devotions, out of Proverbs chapter 3, I found a verse that got me to thinking. Actually, it's a couple of verses that have grabbed my attention before and it all came rushing back - afresh!

"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. 

 Do not say to your neighbor, 'Come back later, I'll give it tomorrow', when you now have it with you." ~ Proverbs 3:27-28

  We all have it within us (those of us who are children of God, because of the Holy Spirit residing in us) to be faithful encouragers, not just sometimes, but always,  to our fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord.  I know how it is.  I want to send someone a note to let them know I've been thinking about them or praying for them, and life happens. The "to do" list is already rather long.  I quickly forget or get distracted.  Maybe it's pure procrastination - by simply saying, "Oh, I'll do that tomorrow". 

We all know a timely word or deed when it comes.  We have had it happen to us. Right??   Someone shared specifically to our need.  Whoever offered that "word" or deed was faithful.  They did not withhold... it was within their power to act...they had it and gave it - NOW!

Be encouraged.  But, what about you?  Are there specific things you've been meaning to follow through on and/or to act upon.  The Scripture is clear in asking us to determine to withhold nothing, especially when we have the power to act and accomplish something good.  We just need to do it.

Here are a few ways that I thought of to better communicate God's grace to others, and, for doing this myself (because I am preaching to the choir, here):

• 
  
  send that handwritten Thank-You, Thinking of You, appreciation, or encouragement note
• 
  
  give a (sincere) compliment - just because
• 
  
  a friendly wave of hello
• 
  
  a gift or gift card/basket (let your imagination go wild on this one)
• 
  
  a home-cooked meal (or at least a hot meal)
• doing something random and anonymously as a simple act of kindness
• a phone call

MAYBE- just maybe it's also a step in this direction; to extend forgiveness to someone who has sinned against us and maybe it just means taking that first step towards reconciliation towards that person.

There are boundless ways to show God's grace through forms of hospitality (because this is really what this is all about).  I like what these two verses have to say about this as well.

" Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers". ~Galatians 6: 9-10

I know me.  I have many, many days when I don't feel like it.  I have nothing left to give.  And, I am sure you have those kinds of days, too.  If we don't give up... we will reap a harvest.  I love that.  Sometimes it's not about us,...but we're just meant to be faithful...as encouragers. Doing good.  It's kind of like the rushing river in the picture above.  Our lives are to be that constant flow, that rush, that source of refreshment... we're forever connecting with people in ways that we have no idea how we truly affect them.

The end result of "doing good" may never be known to us here on this earth.  Are we really refreshing others, though?  That is the question.

: : Have I encouraged you, today?  If so, find a simple and tangible way to pass it on to someone else.

 It's in your power to do so... so, go ahead. Don't wait until tomorrow.

Of course, please feel free to leave a thought or comment on how you have been a recipient of a timely word or deed. And, how did that have an affect on you?

Tending the garden of our heart and mind..

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Recently, I was the winner-recipient of this book in a blogging friend's giveaway!

How thrilled I was to be the winner - in the first place... but, even more so, what a thrill this book has been to read, albeit to say, its been an encouraging, and easy-to-read, uplift to my soul!  I'm still not finished with the book..with several more chapters to go and some I should probably re-read. :)

I mentioned uplifting and encouraging...especially, the chapter I'm in right now.  This chapter, ironically enough, and one I read last evening, is along the same vein to what I've been posting here on my blog the past couple of times I've posted.  Talking about the thoughts we think and how we tend to them...

How about a quote to get us started.

Surprising things can happen to anyone who, when a disagreeable or discouraged thought come into his mind, just has the sense to remember in time to push it out by putting in an agreeable determinedly courageous one.  Two things cannot be in one place.  Where you tend a rose, my lad, a thistle cannot grow.  

~ Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

Ooh, this quote, it gets me!  Where you tend a rose, a thistle cannot grow.  Can I just share a glimpse into this chapter?  It may seem like a lengthy excerpt. but, it's oh so good!

I mean it! I put the book down, last evening, and exhaled a hearty AMEN! Turned out the light and rolled over willing it all to settle in deep.  My hubby who was already asleep -or, so I thought - murmured something about it must have been a good chapter. Yup!  he was right.

I want these words to be such a "part of me".

Here we go... reading a portion from chapter 13 of Nourished, by Becky Johnson and Rachel Randolph

Wise delightful people have beautifully tended minds.  They purposefully cultivate a rich, wise thought life through reading, prayer, good mentoring, music and more ~~ focusing their attention wherever they want to grow...

When we selectively choose thoughts that nourish us ("God is in control," "I can trust HIM to sort this out," "He and I can get through this"), we reap the emotions of peace and joy.  When we are picky about the people we allow into our circle of influence, the music and movies and books we enjoy, the spaces and places we hang out, we are designing the mind garden that will not only nourish ourselves but those around us.
No amount of hard work or success, however, will provide us with a meaningful, joyful and interesting life if allow the weeds in our minds to grow wild; fruitlessly ruminating on past offenses or future concerns; fixating on a person who offended us and creating elaborate speeches of "How They Done Us Wrong"; or putting our joy on hold for some imagined perfect circumstance.

Thoughts can sometimes be deceptive.  They make us feel good for awhile, even righteous and spiritual.  But how do you know if a certain train of thought is a weed or a flower?  Here's my (the author) experience: when my mind settles "on things above" ~~ I tend to feel more relaxed, expansive, loving, peaceful, and clearheaded.  If, instead, after a bit of mental meandering, I feel angry, stressed, tied in knots, worried or afraid ~~ I know my thoughts are likely wild weeds.  It's always easiest to stop a negative thought at the threshold of entry so I've learned to simply say to myself, "Not going there." or "Not planting that."  Pausing the negative string of thoughts helps me to refocus and redirect.

The author goes on to share a bit about her own father...

Listen to this.

My father is one of the kindest, wisest, happiest, most balanced, and Christ-like men I know.  Perhaps it is not surprising that Daddy is also one of those rare men prone to pause and savor a good moment, whether it is listening to rain on the roof, delighting in my mother's ageless charm, getting misty over a line from a song, or hugging his child or grandchild just a few seconds longer than most.  He has lived his life in small moments of perpetual gratitude...

I'm paraphrasing, here, when I add...

This small, yet daily habit of mentally planting and watering blessings will yield an abundant garden of gratitude.

***

I don't know about you.. but this was an extremely timely word for me right now... in the current season of my life.  I want this to be said of me...

Whether I'm thinking, today, about my spouse, my children, my extended family or even more extensive things... such as church, work & school related situations or social circles - mine or others...

I've been reminded to consider the roots and where they're planted.

With this.. I want to be sure that I realize anew - What I reap, that's what I'll sow.

And, to cultivate (Nourish) it all with a mixture of grace and gratitude.

My mind, my heart.. may they be of fertile soil... for the good!

The truth is... weeds are just as natural in any garden and no one plants them there on purpose.  They're just there...and they must be tended to, just the same.

***

How does your mind-garden grow??

{Quotes to Ponder} Never Cease to Praise

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 God is as great in minuteness as He is in magnitude. ~ Unknown

***
I don't know about you - but I never tire of paying attention to the small details of nature... nor do I tire of pointing them out to my children.
Icicles...
 Simple shadows.  Some are blue, most are grey...
 Look at those glistening icy branches!

A little bit of heaven, here on earth... wouldn't you say?
 His glories are displayed for all to see...

Our God is so big! So intricate, so detailed...
It's amazing... and yet with what He forms and master plans and paints - why, who needs an art gallery?

I found another quote that pretty much says this same thing.

Art gallery?  Who needs it?
Look up at the swirling silver-lined clouds in the magnificent blue sky or at the silently blazing starts at midnight.  How could indoor art be anymore masterfully created than God's museum of nature? ~ Grey Livingston

***

As we grow in our capacities to discover the joys that God has placed in our lives, life becomes a glorious experience of discovering His endless wonders.  ~ Unknown

I know I share a lot of quotes... and I feel I repeat myself sometimes in my thoughts, but I never want to cease to bring Him praise.
How about you?  Are you slowing and savoring the gentle quiet reminders of His beauty?  Sometimes, in all honesty, we're ready for the next thing, and the next.  (ahem! Spring is coming...) but,,, in the meantime - this where we are.  This season - where we've been called to walk through.
Let's enjoy it while it lasts... and praise Him for the way He works His wonders into our world.

I think it's beautiful!

Helplessness is a good thing... but there is something even better.

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Prayer is an expression of who we are... We are a living incompleteness.
We are a gap, an emptiness that calls for fulfillment.  

~ Thomas Merton, Trappist monk

Are you good at helplessness?

My kids sure have that down - some days.  Quite well, I might add.

For instance.
When my near six year old, willingly picks up my near three year old (who just so happens to weigh pretty close to the weight of her older sister); toting her across the room, etc.   But, for whatever reason, she simply cannot carry her own pair of shoes upstairs (cause they're too heavy...?)
or, help bring in a small bag; an easy bag, of groceries...that which practically weighs the weight of air!

I say, where there is a will there is a way.

I love this next quote!  it's so, so true...

Where the heart is willing it will find a thousand ways, but where it is unwilling it will find a thousand excuses.  ~Anonymous

And, I sigh.  I wish I had the heart of Christ in these moments and give grace the same way He does.
Except that I don't.  I encourage independence and self-sufficiency.  And, I get ruffled when that doesn't happen when and as I expect.  Other times... my daughters self-sufficient independence is too great for me to handle.  And - I beg her to "let me help"..

The thing is.  In prayer.  Jesus wants our helplessness to be our reality. This is why prayer works. We need HIM!  We rely on HIM.  He is able - where we are not.

That is completely opposite of what I said earlier - of what my expectations are of my kids, when I want them to not act so helpless.
***
Oh, I'm so enjoying reading this book right now...

Pardon me, for showing you this photo - again!  It's just where I'm at..

***

I'll leave you with this encouraging Scripture from 2 Corinthians 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

I don't know about you - but, today, I'm feeling helpless...and helplessness is a good thing.
However, a helpless-dependence (on Jesus) is even better.

Amen?

A warm & lovely "hello" from our home to yours!

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Aubrey's Artwork

Do you know the Love of God, this morning?  There is that.  And then there is this well-known, well-loved hymn. I don't know if your familiar with the lyrics of this dear hymn... but, this is one that I've been pondering for some time now - again.  Then when I recently came across a bit of the hymn's history in a small devotional - I knew I wanted to share it with you, again, today.  Just because it's been so fresh and so convicting on my heart.  How much do I really comprehend the Love of God?  How great is it, really?

The Love Of God

Take this third stanza and refrain, for instance..

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

refrain
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.

***
I hope and trust you'll take a few moments of your day to sit and ponder this, as well.

And, as for Aubrey's Artwork...?
I looked down at my feet on day - while walking across our front porch - and it was like,
"Oh, Hello!" and so I thought we would share this lovely piece with you all, today.

These sporadic, warmer days - here and there - are making us really "think Spring!" and if they don't soon appear on the earth - we'll create them on the concrete.  :)

Blessings to each one today!

But, thank God! {quote by, Andrew Murray}

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Parents!  The work entrusted to us is holier than we know.  The precious instrument, so delicate, so wonderfully made, so marred by sin already, and so exposed to its power, is of such inconceivable worth.  To take charge of an immortal soul, to train a will for God and eternity, surely we ought to shrink from it.
But we cannot.
If we are parents, the duty is laid upon us.  But, thank God!  Sufficient grace is prepared and promised, too!
If we do but give up our home and our life to God for Him to come in and rule, He will Himself take possession, and by the gentle influence of His Holy Spirit bow their will to Himself.
                             ~Rev. Andrew Murray, 1887, The Children For Christ
***

My brother, Joel, takes awesome photos with his phone.  He let me "borrow" this one - as I haven't been outdoors in awhile.  We are all still so sick (flu??) here - in our home.  Please pray for us, if you think of it.

thanks!

*** PS:  The Mugs & Muffins GIVEAWAY ends, tonight!  You still have time to enter...until 10:00 PM, EST.
***
Update:  Both Caleb and Aubrey were to the doctors yesterday.  Caleb has Strep.  Aubrey just has a bad virus.. the rest of us just need to hang in there and see what happens next.

Grow in HIS Grace

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Crisis reveals character.
Character is not formed in crisis, that is when it is exhibited. ~ unknown.

Today's post may be a bit of a re-post...but as I have been mulling and mulling over this thought for the past couple of days, I really felt I needed/wanted to share it with you, again -- today.  I hope you don't mind.

Grow in His Grace.

Some time ago, I asked the Lord to give me word picture for the fact of better understanding what it meant to grow in His grace.  At the time - those words, that phrase, didn't roll off my tongue very easily. Grow in His Grace?  I wanted to understand.  As well, I don't remember exactly where in Scripture I was reading, at the time, but I think James chapter 1 - seems most fitting.

This is what came...

My heart, my life - lay out as it were a plot of garden soil.   The soil was hard and dry.

You know, as well I, in order for soil to be anything good and fertile - it needs to be worked up.  Dug deep and turned over.  With those trials that seem to turn us upside down are also those things that "worm" their way in - announced and unexpected.  Those little nuisances.  Yes?

But... in thinking about it.  If it wasn't for those bugs and worms that live; making their home in the soil (bless their heart!), the ground would remain hard and certainly not fertile.

So it is with me and my heart.  I need that stuff every now and again to keep my heart soft and pliable.

(I don't always like to see it this way...)

There needs to be plenty of sunshine.  True.  But even this can be unbearable at times.  All sun and heat will cause a withering to take place. A drought.  The heat of hardtimes hit us over and over.  Don't they?

But the warm sunshine does allow things to grow.  It's vitally important.

Good soil.  It needs to be well-watered.  Those raindrops that fall as necessity...we NEED rain to give it's nutrients into the ground.  So it is that He "rains" down his blessings on us.  Ever notice though, how after a good hard rain - those worms are there even more.  And boy, are there ever some BIG ones!

But after the rain, this is when they (worms) do their best work.  

In other words.  In the garden of our hearts -- don't be surprised when after blessings come our way that the trials will begin to do their perfect work. This then is when our hearts are most able to receive the next wave of blessing that he pours out.  At least this is the way it should be...

Isn't God good?  To give us so many blessings?

And God's Grace is evident in each facet of the "plan".  His plan. Think of how many things will grow and continue to grow if we allow God - the Master Gardener - to make all things beautiful in HIS time?  And, in how He wills?

This is how we can grown in His Grace.  By being willing, submitting, and committing to live under the guidance of his gardening plan.

James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Casting Call...

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We can pour our anxious hearts out to Jesus who loves us right where we are, how we are. And because His love comes without judgement, we can soften and feel safe enough to humbly admit we need Jesus to work on us. Trying to fix another person will only add to my anxiety. Letting Jesus work on me is where real progress can happen.

1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” NIV

  ~ Lysa TerKeurst,  

(Thoughts shared from Lysa's Facebook status, this morning.)

 *** 

Will you join me in this Casting Call?

Blessings sent your way..this day.  Throughout this weekend..

PS:  Scott passed his exam. Hallelujah.  Thanks for your thoughts and prayers..

Finding Rest

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Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:  and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.  ~ Matthew 11: 28-30 (KJV)

This morning found me reading and being reminded that I can find REST only in my Saviour.

I'm going to get pretty honest and heavy here, this morning.   I hope you don't mind...?

I have not had a good weekend.  But OH! was it ever grace-filled and overflowing...with good things, all at the same time.  Irregardless of how I felt... which was awful and not good... God was faithful to use friends and family and situations and a sweet little Valentine Card - all the way from TN ;) and songs.  Neat songs.  To encourage me and lift me up.

I was not feeling well.  I still am not - as of today.  I'm pretty sure I've narrowed it down to feelings of anxiety.  But before that - I was going down the bunny trails of stomach cancers and pancreatic issues... (don't laugh)
I've dealt with this before... so I'm aware that the physical symptoms of anxiety are not fun.

The constant pit-in-the-stomach, feelings of nausea.
Headaches - that won't be calmed or leave.
It hurts to smile.
I just want to close my eyes and make it all go away.
I'm snappy.  Punchy.  Tired.
I eat because I'm hungry but then I feel sick afterwards...

The worry.
The questions.
The concerns.

Things that are not even mine to bear. While reading on the online news that someone - a mom - had committed suicide, yesterday, leaving two little ones behind (one of them being a baby at that); that just sent my feelings into a tailspin of emotion. It was gut-wrenching.  Feeling that while reading - caught me off guard.  I think that bothered me more than the story line...

I feared my own what-ifs.  My hormones play my emotions like an Orchestra out of tune.  My period cycle was "weird", this time but still on cycle.  My tubes have been tied...so I'm not pregnant - but what if?  What if I'm the 1 in 300 - when that doesn't work?  (Although, that possibility should have happened a long time ago.)  My hubby was teasing me that I could be - because I was snoring one night.  I NEVER snore unless I'm prego.  I was spilling and dropping stuff the other day... again, the comments came that this could just be a possibility...oh, funny.  But it worries me... those what-ifs... and so they mound up.  Overwhelmingly so.

I hear and see so many people hurting and yet, so am I...
There are a lot of changes going on in my world.  My friends worlds.  Things like: my cousins six year old little boy recently diagnosed with stage 4 Acute Leukemia, another friends 12 yr. old little gal diagnosed with glaucoma, people moving and changing or loss of jobs, Will my hubby pass his next exam for school?, my own son in his schooling, my upcoming (still unscheduled) surgery...
Again -these are all things out of my control and yet, it is change.  Change isn't easy for me.

My husband has been working so hard to care and provide and his own list filters onto mine.  When conversation is slim - due to busyness - and we're too tired to think straight at the end of the day, it affects. (In other words...the skies are not always blue.)

Marriage is nothing but heart-work.

So, over the past couple of days, this weekend, etc. there has been a mountain of dark and heavy on one side and an even higher pile of light and easy on the other.  But. It's here in the valley, that He restores my soul.  Psalm 23.  (More on this another time.)
***

I think this is where the fence row of grace  also comes into play.

Sometimes, when it seems you can see no further than the wall in front of you...
Know this.  His Grace can still reach through and touch you. 

My Lord has me in the palm of His hand.  I have been assigned my portion and my cup. My lot is secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places.(Psalm 16:5-6)

 He knows what's going on.

The lines of this hymn continue to bless me... and I hope they will you, too.

"I heard the voice of Jesus say,
'Come unto Me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down,
Thy head upon My breast.' 

I came to Jesus as I was,
Weary and worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting place,

And He has made me glad."

  -Horatius Bonar

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, today... 

I told you it would honest and heavy

Pondering:: Oh Holy Night! (and prayer for our President)

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O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born;

O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,

Here come the wise men from Orient land.

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;

In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,

Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;

And in His name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,

His power and glory evermore proclaim.

His power and glory evermore proclaim.

It wasn't long after the horrifying and awful, awful  incident that had happened in CT, with the school shooting, that my thoughts went here.
***
We had just come off of our Church's Christmas Concert, which was the Sunday evening  of "that weekend".  The refrains of the various songs that were sung that evening were still fresh in my mind.  I couldn't stop singing them.
Oh Holy Night, was just one of them.
 It was a couple of evenings later, and by now, many more breath-taking hugs and kisses had been doled out to each of my own children.  My mother-heart was feeling for the many, too many, mama's up there in CT. 
Oh, how - well, words couldn't be found to describe what I was feeling for them in their loss and pain.

My hands were washing up our evening dishes.  My own three little one safely tucked in to their beds for the night.

I began to pray.
For those families.
For my own.
For this country.
For our President.
(Particularly for our President. I saw and heard how this affected him, too.)

You see, the lyrics of the Christmas hymn above were written so long ago.  And yet, how effective for today.
This line of song lyric kept replaying itself in my heart as I prayed for Mr. Obama.

Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;

And in His name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name.

I prayed that over this Christmas Season he (President Obama) would be caught off guard by the lyric of this verse just as I was.  That somehow he wouldn't just hear this song playing. 
But that he would really hear this song playing.  And, listen...

It's only in Jesus' name that our oppression will cease.

NOT

New laws.
Gun-Control
Different Legislation
etc.

***
I want to say, "But, Who am I?"

Nevertheless, I still prayed that night.

Jesus, is our Peace!  Our only HOPE!  Amen?

And the tears fell into the dishwater... just as much.

my Shepherd

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The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want...

Psalm 23:1

I didn't realize, I mean it wasn't my intention, that I was going to be doing a mini-series here. 
But, here we go!  And of course, my thoughts have been so random about this, but so it goes.

The Lord keeps bringing things to mind as I continue to reflect on this portion of Scripture, and so, as he does that, I'll just keep on sharing it with you. 
Hopefully, you don't mind.

Obviously when you think of a shepherd you think of sheep.  And rightly so. 

Since I don't have the privilege of sheep out in my back yard I thought I would share a photo of the farmer - my landlord -and his cows.  I have to tell you about these cows.  They know the voice and presence of Mr. A...

As soon as he walks into the barnyard to feed or check in... they literally come running across the meadow.  Especially when he gives out a particular "call" that he has. 

This photo was from earlier this spring as he was on "standby" while one of the cows was about to calve.  I took this photo out of an upstairs bedroom window... it just caught my attention, of how this farmer-man  "lovingly" looks after and cares for his herd. 

He really does.

When you read about shepherds calling for their sheep and the sheep come to follow the voice of their shepherd... you can picture a beautiful scene, can't you?  It's a scene that displays a sense of belonging. 

Of Knowing.  Of being cared for.  As sheep towards the shepherd.

They have all they want...

***

I hope and pray that I know my Shepherd's voice.  Well.

Not just his voice.

But Him as...my Shepherd.

In his presence...I shall not want.

I shall not want...

anything more.

anything less.

I shall not be in want...

He is good.

He sees to every need, every care, every desire, every qualm.

This is so comforting.

***

Friend, do you know the good Shepherd?

You can.

He's calling...

(even though) I walk through the valley

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Well, if you're wondering...

Why yes! 

I am still pondering on the verses from Psalm 23.

Today I particularly have been thinking of the phrase, (even though) "I walk through the valley".

We all have those times of walking through the valley.  Don't we?

I know the verse I'm sharing from includes these words, "of the shadow of death - I will fear no evil... for Thou art with me..."

I'm grateful to know that GOD is Sovereign over me while I walk through the valley.

This means, any valley.

Some days go better then others. Don't they?

  Some moments are deep and dark and wide and long...just like our valley's can be.

I don't always like it.

But.

Good News!

The Lord is always with me.

He is always by my side.

Leading me.

Guiding me.

Assuring me.

Protecting me.

Keeping me.

Loving me.

I'm going to walk right out of this valley.  Lift my hands and praise the Lord.

I ain't going to let ole Satan get me down. 

No sirree.

***

How about you?  Do you mind the valley? 

Even though it can be a low place, the depth of the riches of our Lord Jesus Christ go even deeper still.

The mountian top might be a wonderful place... after all, but it's in the valley where He restores my soul.

Thank you, Lord!

suitcase dreams

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There!

You shove that one last pipe dream into the case and slam the lid shut.  You put all your weight on to the top of that thing and fiddle with the latch...but, it almost is too big.   Really?   You turn the key to secure it. Yes!  It latched.  It isn't going anywhere, but along.  So you'd like to think.  You're locked in for life, to make this work!

The dream barely fits...and yet, it must go - with you! You cannot bear to leave it behind.  Only for it to be lost forever in the dust of the would be and the should have.  Never!! 

You insist.

This life-size plan gets toted around for decades rapidly becoming more of a burden then a hope.

The questions begin to loom large.  What if this is honestly just to big to handle...?  It's not just one dream, anymore... it's an entourage trailing behind you now.  Pretty much, by now, if not before,  the cart is before the horse and if you just push harder...or, get someone else to help you push this dream...?  Help?  Really?  Dare I? 

You know you can't ask, because what if they say... "you can't take it with you when you go."  Which honestly - you know to be oh SO TRUE anyway.

You wonder, Is that to say our dreams are better left up on the shelf?

No.  That isn't the answer.  Not at all.  God wants us to dream big and have great plans and great ideas and good goals.  We have much in the way of gifts to offer.

But here it is! 

Would you ever consider leaving your dream-bag behind... with all that it entails... because you know down deep you really can't carry it?  At least, by yourself...?

There is One in charge of the baggage, you know.

He's offering to carry your load, and to walk with you to your departure. 

He is the Baggage Handler.  The Keeper of the Baggage Claim. 

***
1 Timothy 6: 6-21

The words of the apostle Paul to his young friend, Timothy...

6.But godliness with contentment is great gain.  7.For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.  9. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.  Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

11. But you, man of God, flee from all of this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.  12...take hold of the eternal life...

17. Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18.Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share.  19.In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age.  So that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

21. ... Grace be with you.

***

Not all dreams and desires evolve around obtaining more money and riches.  I realize that.  (I'm hoping that is not what you took away from this, from these verses shared...).

Sometimes though what we do consider a good intention for our life, big dreams, while here on this earth, is really nothing more then a mere "form of godliness".  It looks all good from the outside.  It can mean well.

This can be anything.  And about anything.  Our relationships.  Our mothering.  Our homemaking.  Our creativity.  Our passions.  Our Serving.  Our ... our... our....

We want bigger. 

And better.

More and more and more.

And the underlying root of self-sufficancy runs deep.  Doesn't it?  God has the right to open up those secret places.  He sees what is on the inside of our suitcase-heart.  Doesn't he?

Give your dreams to God.  Give it all! 

He wants us emptied of ourselves and full of HIM!

Go forward... press on.  Take flight!!

just a handful | more then enough

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"Would you like some?", we're asked.

"Sure!", we reply and we continue...

"Hey wait - slow down.  Not so many.  I only wanted a few... just a handful.  It's all I want.  And, this is plenty. Thank you." 

Unless you're my kids and who never have enough of anything - and especially when it comes to chocolate chips, etc. getting doled out.

***

So the story goes.  When we've decided that just a handful, of whatever it is, is more then enough.  That we don't (usually) want or expect more then what we've been given. Or, at best, that we're far too polite to ask for more.

But. What about when God gives us (abundantly) his hand-full-blessing?  Isn't it neat to be on the receiving end of his giving? Amazing, or what?

His hand is full of grace sufficient.  Mercies unending.  Love without bounds.  He never tires to bless us with more then we can imagine.  Am I not right?

Unlike ours, His Hand never empties.

With Him a handful is plenty but yet, never enough.  His is a hand full. Amen?

It is a hand-full of blessing.

My Jehovah-jireh :: My Provider

And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 

~ Philippians 4:19

He knows what we have need of before we even ask... and yet he wants us to. 

Come. 

Come asking...begging for more.

You know. As a mom, I tire rather quickly at the constant begging and asking for more snacks; more time; more of me... and yet, again, God, our gracious and loving Father - He never does.

All of these thoughts came flooding, recently, through my heart and mind one early morning while nursing Jayne.  I was struck with the thought of how FULL God's hand is towards me...not stingy.  Not selfish like I can be.  He doesn't say - "No, I've already given you a handful, you have enough."  No!...instead he says "Here, have more".  I want to give you more.

My husband and I were discussing these thoughts, again, just last night.  The phrase - All your needs.  In our minds that phrase implies a stopping point.  That our needs have been met or supplied care for.  But I read it differently in thinking about this subject.  In reality, our needs are never, ever fully met, are they? 

God says he will supply all we need according to His riches... to me that means over and over and over. 

Hand - Full!

Vessel of Honor

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As water reflects a face; so a man's heart reflects the man.

 ~ Proverbs 27: 19

This was the verse that came to mind - after this photo was taken several weeks ago.   I thought about how beautifully the water puddle - lying low- reflected the sunset, settling - high above.

As I reflected on this verse... I began to become more and more aware of how much my face really does reflect my heart.  Just like this water puddle reflecting the glorious sunset... it - in this case - is a beautiful thing.  But, that isn't always the way, is it?

You know - you really can't see your own face unless your looking into a mirror, right?  So, others around us are the ones that get the distinct privilege of seeing our faces on a regular basis. 

But, what do they see?

I mean just this morning, I got caught in my own thoughts, regarding this.  I was sitting here trying to type out these very words when my three year old began his begging and pleading to play his computer 'game' (which is really a preschool learning tool, but he calls it his game).  Basically, I had to keep my heart in check and not reflect the frustration (mounting) that I felt about getting "pushed" off the computer.  I had to literally choose to be gracious in that moment and walk away - reflecting Jesus in that moment.  A moment of grace, gentleness and forbearance.

It was hard.  Obviously, it wasn't in my heart to be putting my son first - I had an agenda; a me moment.

Granted Caleb needs to learn patience as well, but it was an opportunity, for me, to just take a deeper look at myself.

Another thought I had was...

May the whole earth be filled with his glory. (Ps. 72:19)

Just like the low lying areas of this earth become as vessels to hold rain drops that fell from heaven... our souls (hearts, lives) are to be as earthen vessels holding (all of) God's glory.  We can only be filled - by his Spirit falling on us...and we receiving.

Without the true light of Christ shining down on us, or we taking that and receiving it... we are darkness.  Our faces (our lives) reflect that.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. ~ 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness", made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ~ 2 Corinthians 4: 6-7

I just thank the Lord for his specific care to refine us; transform us; grow us... for us to be an increasing reflection of his glory to all who look on us.  I know I need him, every single day, and his all-surpassing grace in my life to be what he has called me to be:

a Vessel of Honor.

Hush | Blessed not Stressed.

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This is where my thoughts are still.  Read here.  (sigh!)

****

Have a wonderful weekend... and as you continue to Prepare Him Room - in your hearts and homes- all this upcoming week, may you you feel a holy hush amid the hustle... a blessed season and not a stressed season.

Prepare Him Room

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Joy to the world, the Lord has come. 

Let earth receive her king. 

Let every heart

prepare Him room

and heaven and nature sing...
~ Isaac Watts

Sometimes the shadows of our heart will darken this picture of Christ's birth in our minds. 

There was no room left... not in the inn that cold, dark night and not in our (often so-called cold, and dark) hearts.

How do we prepare Him room?  What does it mean to prepare?   It means to make ready.

((This is something I've been thinking about for awhile now and I have no idea if I'll make any sense till it's all said and done, but it's worth a try.)) 

****

As Mary and Joseph entered the city of Bethlehem that cold, dark winter's night... I imagine this is what they encountered - busy streets, chaos & clutter, distressing noises of loud shouting, bartering and jest - sounds of rudeness, and most likely - hostility.  Of course there was no room... the selfish clamouring for "the perfect place" was happening all around them...why expect anything different?  Yet, they must...

As the time was nearing...Joseph knocked.  The door opened, and yes! there was a place prepared for them.  A place so unexpected, incomprehensible, but pleasant (as pleasant as stables can be, I guess), "smelly" but warm.  At best, it was comfortable - laid out fresh with clean, dry straw.  The cattle were lowing, all around - making quite the welcome.  A cozy place of peace and stillness, for sure.

It was as if God himself had prepared Himself room, in that stable, that night. 

Most likely it was the Innkeeper or his stable-hand that "made ready" the room - but there was certainly a prompting to do so, at one point.   But, who did that prompting?  I like to believe that God was stirring that Innkeeper's heart, that night, to receive them.

IF our hearts are like that so-called picture of the city of Bethlehem - with all of the chaos, darkness and hostility.... and the door of our hearts receives a knock on it, but... we're willing to open up the door... to receive Him in... then who prepared Him room?

Apart from God reviving our hearts - we are dead (not alive!).  When with Christ's coming, to this earth, as a baby, remains only a nice (mere) picture - and we forget the parallel of our hearts likened to that "city of Bethlehem" and we constantly dwell in the shadows... not aware of the light, then we need a Saviour.

You see, it is only because of His great love for us... the breath of Heaven breathed into us... that we can know it is God Himself who has made ready our hearts to willingly allow Him to enter, as Emmanuel, which means - God with us.  He wants to live in our hearts.  Forever!

He makes a REAL difference, my friend.  We can't comprehend the radicalness of a changed perspective, can we?   The seedbed of our hearts; a prepared room, what once was, in all aspects, ugliness, now made pure and holy - a birthplace - redeemed and alive, full of HOPE.   

It brings nothing but JOY...to the world! 


****
I had to ask myself this question:  Is my heart too full for Him or so full of Him?  .What about yours?