Scrabble

Why is it that when playing Scrabble, I can brilliantly scramble the letters on my tray and use all but one of the seven tiles, lay them down on the board and get a stinkin' 7 points, and then my eldest daughter can lay down two tiles--strategically on the quadruple word space and get 32 points.

Life--and Scrabble is not fair.

In her devious Scrabble ways, that same daughter tried to play the word--TAZE--to which Mark and I said, "Uh, no. I don't think so."

She pleaded her case--"You know--"to taze"--what you do with a tazer."

Finally we agreed to check it out to see if it was in the dictionary.

I went online--and googled "tazer definition."

The only dictionary option that popped up was the "Urban dictionary." This is what we found.


Taze
1. To cause needless aggravation, annoyance or irritation.

My boss totally tazed me when he called that 10am meeting on Friday. I don't mean to taze you, but, could you not do that in front of me?


taze

2. do over, attack, mug, annoy, or irrate. 2, activity of enjoyment

eg "that old grannys got som cigs, Taze her!"


taze

A alt. slang for cool right on etc, as said by the neo hippies, stoners, etc.

Shawn: I just bought a new hat, it's way cool. Laura: Taaaaze

Let me say it again--"I don't think so!!!!!!!!!"

Light

Looking back on the Christmas Eve service at church, my favorite moment is always the lighting of the candles while we sing Silent Night. Everyone is given a candle when we walk into the auditorium, and one by one, the candles are lit at the end of the service.

I found this quote awhile back--when I read it, it reminded me of this part of the service.

Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.—Unknown

And then this Bible verse speaks so clearly about that light.

"I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him.Ephesians 1:18-19

Let's go out and share God's love--one person at a time. Just like the flame from the candle, it never diminishes as it is shared--it only provides a brighter light!!

All of a sudden, I have an urge to sing an old campfire song--I'm aging myself here...

It only takes a spark, to get a fire going.
And soon all those around, can warm up it it's glowing.
That's how it is with God's love,
once you've experienced it,
it's fresh like spring,
you want to sing,
you want to pass it on.

Let me know if you remember this song, too. Then I won't feel so old!!

Christmas Pic's

Well, Christmas '08 has come and gone, but hopefully Christmas stays in our heart all year round--minus the hustle and bustle and spending of money!!!


Here's a few pictures to recap my Christmas!



Christmas--Let's see how many cousins we can cram on the couch for gift opening before all the "grown-ups" come into the living room and banish us to the floor!


Awwww--what a nice picture, and they are being so loving and sweet to each other.


NOT. Behind the scenes...








Hannah has fear written all over her face.





Ellie opened up a present. We were distracted during the reading of the Christmas story in Luke with her incessant whining--running into the bedrooms, then down in the basement--pacing, pacing--barking at the door. Finally, she buried the bone in Nora's bed!

My niece! Christmas. Money...

and Strawberry Shortcake Underwear!

And finally--the grand finale.

THE GAME!

Wise Men--(and Women) Still Seek Him!

She touches the face of the infant-God. How long was your journey!

This baby had overlooked the universe. These rags keeping him warm were the robes of eternity. His golden throne room had been abandoned in favor of a dirty sheep pen.

And worshiping angels had been replaced with kind but bewildered shepherds.

Meanwhile, the city hums. The merchants are unaware that God has visited their planet.

The innkeeper would never believe that he had just sent God into the cold. And the people would scoff at anyone who told them the Messiah lay in the arms of a teenager on the outskirts of their
village.

They were all too busy to consider the possibility.

Those who missed His Majesty’s arrival that night missed it not because of evil acts or malice; no, they missed it because they simply weren’t looking.

Little has changed in the last two thousand years, has it?

Max Lucado

Praying we won't miss Him this Christmas because we are too busy doing other things, and that we actively seek Him in our celebration.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Rewound Quotes

Looking back on the day, a couple of conversations replay in my head.

1. As the girls and I got out of our car at Wal Mart, Nora was commenting how she can't walk by a cart in the parking lot with out taking it inside. She said some of her friends don't even bother taking their own cart and putting it back where it belongs. Then she said---

"Just making Wal Mart a better place--one cart at a time."

Just the way she said it made me laugh, and it also made me proud of her. I think integrity starts with the little things in life--and what we do and how we do it when nobody is looking. I love that girl!!

2. Mark was telling me about his present that he bought for one of the kids--I told him I didn't think it was a good choice--and I questioned his effort in picking out just the right gift. Then Mark said---

"This seems to be the pattern with you. Nobody can ever do it as good as you."

Ouch--and point taken--and there is definite truth in that statement. Tonight? Asking God to continue to smooth out my critical tendencies toward him--Mark may not always do things the way I would--and THAT's JUST FINE.

I know I am not respecting and loving my husband the way God wants me to by second guessing him all the time.

Soup Weather!

We had a couple of my favorite people in the whole wide world over tonight for supper! My Aunt Lucille and Uncle Earl came over for some soup and a game of Mexican Train. We wanted to have them over before they escape this frigid, arctic weather for the more balmy, Texan climate.

Anyways, because it's so cold out--I thought I would share the two soup recipes I made tonight. They are two of my family's favorites--and they are easy, too. Both of them were taken from my Quick and Easy Cookbook.

(Click on it's name for the recipe!!)



Lasagna Soup

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup



And for dessert...

This was my Grandma's specialty, and a favorite of both my dad and uncle. I didn't do it justice. Nobody could make it as good as Grandma--but, it still wasn't bad!
Didn't look quite as lovely as this picture, either!! (I use sliced almonds rather than the walnuts.)

Blitz Torte

Bible Plan

I can not fall asleep for anything tonight!! Tossing and turning and finally just got up. I'll write a post, and then try again. I had some tea, but hours ago. Seems like I am real sensitive to caffeine as I really don't have it much!!

Anyways, just wanted to share with you what I am planning on starting in 2009. Quite a few years, I have attempted to read the Bible in a year. Always start out with good intentions, and then, after a few months, it begins to feel as if I am just going through the motions.

It's a fine line I walk. I don't want my time spent with God to be a "check it off" my to-do list. Relationship, rather than religion is what I strive for.

But I really want to read the Bible through.

Well, I am going to try it again. I bought a Chronological Bible--so I can read God's Word in the order that events happened. Here is a picture of the Bible...



Also, it is the NLT translation. It is a different version for me-- and I hope God's Word comes alive in a new and fresh way.

A month or so ago, I was reading a blog that I found via the Proverbs 31 devotions. Click over to read the post that Wendy talked about her reading through the Bible chronologically. Anyways, she decided to see if anyone wanted to join her, and then offered to sell the books through Proverbs 31. Many of her posts will be referring to her reading each day, so I thought it would be a good way to stay accountable!

If anybody out there wants to join me in this adventure, you can find the Chronological Bibles here.

Let me know if you decide to make 2009 a year of reading through the Bible--and don't be afraid to ask me how I'm doing on my reading--and then I can do the same for you!!!

More Taking Off

God is in the reinforcement business. When He teaches me a concept, He doesn't stop there--every where I look and listen, I hear the same lesson. This was the devotion that was in my email inbox today--kind of reiterates the Put On-Put Off post I just wrote!!

Taking off and putting on
"You have taken off your old self...and have put on the new self."
Colossians 3:9-10 NIV

Some of us are perfectionists when it comes to our physical appearance, yet we think nothing of running around Spiritually threadbare. We're more concerned with how we look to others than how we look to God.

What's the answer?

Spend more time in front of the mirror!

James writes: "Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does" (Jam 1:23-25 NIV).

Your old carnal clothes must be discarded, not hung in the cupboard for the next time you want to wear them.

Your focus each day must be to "Clothe [yourselves] with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature" (Rom 13:14 NIV).

Chuck Swindoll says: "The number one enemy of change is the hard-core, self-sustained sin nature within you. Like a spoiled child it's been gratified and indulged for years, so it won't give up without a temper tantrum. The flesh dies a slow, bitter, bloody death - kicking and struggling all the way. Lasting change takes place in first gear, not overdrive. So expect occasional setbacks, and don't let them derail you. When you feel like throwing in the towel, get down on your knees and ask God to help you get back on track. He'll do it."

Soulfood Bible Readings
Micah 5-7, John 21:15-25, Ps 47, Pr 31:6-9

Joy Born at Christmas

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.


The dictionary says that Joy is “an emotion evoked by well-being, success or good fortune or by possessing what one desires.”

Oh, how they are missing what Jesus brought to the world when He was born in that manger so many years ago. Joy goes so far beyond what that definition states.

God has a deeper joy for us than that. It’s a deeper joy because it is tied not just to what happens, but why it happens and Who allows it to happen. One added dimension to God-given joy is this: It has a sense of justice and righteousness.

Our joy about things in our own lives is also deeper when we know that we are in tune with God’s purposes for us.

The secular world may scoff at the notion that true joy is tied to God, but the Bible is pretty clear about it. Jesus said it flat out: “I have been teaching you these things so that my joy is in you and so that your joy may be complete” (Jn 15:11).

Ultimately joy comes from God. It is a kind of gift. In fact, the New Testament word for “joy” shares the same root as “grace” and “gift.”

So, "Joy--The first Christmas present, brought to this world through a little baby in a manger!!"

Put On--Put Off

Ephesians 4:22-24

You were taught, with regard to our former way of life, to put off your old self, which isbeing corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

These verses were part of my study last week--so they were in my mind as I put this shirt on...

Lovely, hey?

(You may notice that I took this picture using the bathroom mirror. I could have asked my teens to take my picture, but then I would have had to endure the "look." You know "the look", don't you? Well, if you are not familiar with it, I would guess that you have no teens!!)

Anyways,I put this shirt on every time I am ready to do a certain task. It only has one purpose. As soon as I put it on, I know, along with everyone else in my family, what I will be doing next.

Have you guessed what that "job" is?

It is my "coloring my hair to cover all of the grays" shirt.

I would not be seen in public with this shirt. This blog post is as public as it will ever get.

Well, to go back to the verse that I wrote out at the beginning... God calls us to "put off" the things of our former way of life.

My study Bible explains it this way-

"Our old way of life before we believed in Christ is completely in the past. We should put it behind us like old clothes to be thrown away. This is both a once-for-all decision when we decide to accept Christ's gift of salvation and also a daily conscious commitment. We must put on the new role, head in the new direction, and have the new way of thinking that the Holy Spirit gives."

I like to think of it this way. If I take something off--for example my shirt is not acceptable for a trip to Wal Mart. So, after coloring my hair, I have to take it off and put something more acceptable on!!

We take something off--we have to put something new on--otherwise--We will get arrested!!

If there is an area in my life that is not acceptable to God--lying, anger, resentment, insecurity, jealosy I have to replace those areas with something else.

For example, sometimes God speaks to me about the sinful I way I use my tongue in gossiping or nagging. Rather than use my mouth for those purposes, God calls me to "Build each other up" in Ephesians 5:4.

In between Putting Off--Putting On, God calls us to Renew our Minds. We can do that through spending time in the Bible and praying--finding those verses that speak to our ugly attire that we want to take off!

Better is ONE Day

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

During our praise and worship time at church today, we sang Better is One Day, by Chris Tomlin.

Whenever I sing this song, it really gets me thinking. You know, I hate to admit it, but as I sing the words, I find myself searching my soul and asking the question, "Can I say these words truthfully--would I rather have 1 day in God's courts than a thousand elsewhere?"

Just being honest here--and I think it says something about how my faith has to grow.

In my mind, I know these words are true--but I am a quantity girl. I've always picked the bigger--larger--more concept over the better.

When little, I remember looking at the ounces on the candy bar wrapper--and many times, that would help me make my decision. This is what I would pick...



over my all time-favorite...



So quantity has always been a better thing for me. One thing I know, if I could really grasp how wonderful, how beyond words spending a day in our Lord's courts is like,there would be no question in my mind. It is so beyond this world--and I am sorry to say, my feet are planted on this planet, and I am praying that God will grow my faith so I can get just a small vision of how awesome spending eternity in the courts of my Lord will be.

Someday, I will sing that song--and there won't be any doubt to be found in my brain.

Psalm 84:10
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

Ornament Stories

It all started in my mind as I was thinking about this ornament...

and how much it meant to me. It is all purely sentimental--my Grandma, who is now in heaven, made one just like this for all her grandchildren. Every year she made one to hold the one or two dollars that she would give us for Christmas. They would all be hanging on her little tree.

She was the best at making something from nothing--this one was made from the trays that you get bakery on. Grandma lived through the depression.

Here is another one of her ornaments that still hangs on my tree--

They are special to me, not for any monetary value, but because it reminds me of my Grandma, and evertime I put it on the tree, I tell her story to my family. She lives on, and she was the best at making me feel loved and special!

Our tree tells the history of my family. This ornament I made for Mark while we were dating...

and here is our 1st Christmas together...

awwwwwww...

Then along came kid #1


Kid #2

(I know--we're into popsicle ornaments over here. Maybe it is because I lack all domestic, craftiness whatsoever.)

Kid #3


and finally, DOG. Yes, the DOG gets an ornament every year, too!


These last two ornaments just about sum it all up...

Tea Winner

And the winner of the tea from Christiani-tea is... Laura--number 28th comment on the give-away post. Send me your address and favorite tea flavor, and I will send you your prize ASAP! Congrats!

Preparing For Christmas

Selah sings O Holy Night. I really want to stay focused this Christmas and not get all side-tracked with meaningless tasks. So, watching this video reminded me, again, what the real reason for the season is.

By the way, Kyle is home for winter break--thanking God that the whole family is together--even if we are never under the same roof at the same time!

Opportunities

Ephesians 2:10 We are Hi s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

This verse was in my Bible study yesterday, and as I read through it and studied it, God really spoke to me concerning it. This is what I learned.

Workmanship is taken from the greek word poiema, and that word refers to a work of art or divine masterpiece. That is what you are--that is what I am--a work of art and a divine masterpiece. (Just wanted to repeat that--just in case we didn't get it the first time!)

Read through the verse again--very slowly. This is what it says to me. We were created to do the good works that God prepared for us ahead of time, so that we could walk in those good works.

Before I was even born, He designated opportunities for me to do good works for Him. He planned TODAY out--before the beginning of time, and created specific deeds for me to accomplish--TODAY.

That is so exciting to me--so as I wake up each day, my purpose is to see the works He wants me to do for Him, and then take advantage of those opportunities that God lays before me.

He knows me so well--intimately--that He has specific things He would like me to do each day. He has designed His good works for me specifically--and they are gifts.

Gifts--there are two kinds. On one hand, there is the gift that someone just runs out to the store--grabs any old thing off the shelf, just to say they can give you something. Check it off the list without any thought or consideration.

On the other hand, there is the gift that you know took a lot of thought. The giver knows you--and ponders that for awhile, before they come up with the perfect gift for you.

That is what I think about when I think about this verse. God preparing before hand the good works for us to do for Him. He knows us--He loves us, and He wants to give us good gifts.

Okay--so it's a new day, with new opportunities that God has planned just for you--and just for me. Let's do it!!!

Hope is Stronger Than Despair

I wrote this email today to a friend who is struggling. Thought it might speak to the rest of us, too.

Dear Friend,

Just wanted to send you these verses. It's the only thing I have to give you--except my love and my prayers for this situation.

Just know, that when we are depressed and in hard situations, it is a heavy burden and feels impossible to ever be any different.

Proverbs 18:14 A man's spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?

Psalm 69:1-2 Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me.

Just know, that I believe with all my heart that God is the answer to a life in despair. But we need to keep going to Him--asking Him for the strength we need to live this hard part of our life right now.

Psalm 43:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

Remember--God understands our despair.

Psalm 18:28 You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning: my God turns my darkness into light.

Psalm 38:9 All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you.

Job 23:10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

The best part of all--is that, I promise you, friend--THERE IS HOPE IN GOD.

Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Ephesians 1:17-19 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.

If any of these verses speak to you--print this out and carry this around with you so you can look at God's word when you feel like nothing will ever change. I promise you--the despair you feel is not forever. Just look at the seasons--God designed our world never to stay the same--even the tough times in our life. Things never, ever stay the same forever. He is always working.

I love you,
Luanne

Lessons from Geese

As I walked in my show shoes today in the fields behind my house, Ellie and I came upon a very large group of geese, resting among the corn stalks. There must have been close to 400 of them, squawking and milling, looking for wayward corn kernels underneath the snow.

As they saw us moving closer to them, they squawked louder. As we moved even closer, they started walking the other direction. I thought it was humorous that they just walked, and then ran away from us. I wanted to tell them about their wings--thinking how foolish it was that they weren't using them.

Finally a few decided to fly, and then, just like a chain reaction of dominoes, they all took flight in a wave--a few at a time.

In my Bible study this morning, I started the first lesson in a week that concentrated on who we are in Christ.

The geese made me think of how I don't really walk the way God calls me to. Kind of like--I have wings, but I refuse to use them at times.

Colossians 3:10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed.

Understanding are identity in Christ, who we are because He has redeemed us, is crucial before we can walk in that truth.

Back to those geese, they all needed to be reminded that they had the ability to fly. It seemed to start with just one g00se taking flight. That goose reminded the others of their abilities.

I have had friendships that have encouraged me in that same way. Because I have been able to witness their life of faith, they have spurred me on to see the impossibilities that are possible with Jesus. A life of faith that soars.

Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

(Just a funny sidenote--Ellie would watch the birds while they were on the ground, and then wait until the geese decided to up and fly--and then she would give chase. After chasing for awhile, and when they were all hundreds of feet in the air, she would stop and look at me all proud--like, "Yep, I protected you from those big, bad birds. Aren't you proud of me?"

Chicken Little!

Windy

Oh, how the wind blew this weekend! As we sat in the living room, with the fire in the fireplace, the wind howled and rattled the windows.

It made me think of a few things.

First of all, I was thankful I had shelter this weekend, and I thought about the many who are homeless and said a prayer for them. Counting my blessings...

Also, I have heard the Holy Spirit compared to the wind. We can't see the Spirit, but we can see the things that He is accomplishing. For example, we can't see the wind, but we know it's there, because we can see the tree branches moving, the snow drifts piling up at the end of the driveway, and hear its howling.

The same is true for the Holy Spirit. We can't see Him--but I know He is there by the things I see Him completing. Sometimes, His impact is like the gentle breeze--like when I am sitting in my favorite spot in all the world--the crick, in the pasture, on my dad's farm. When I'm there, things are peaceful, just like the peace that passes all understanding. That peace comes from the Holy Spirit.

Other times, His presence is disrupting and shakes me to the core. Those are the moments when I am humbled--broken. The violent wind of change by God is necessary because my pride is anchored to the core of me--and it must be separated. At the time, that strong wind from the Holy Spirit doesn't feel so good, but afterwards...I am so thankful for His working in my life.

John 3:8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

Book Review 2--House of Dark Shadows

House of Dark Shadows, written by Robert Liparulo is the second book sent to me by Thomas Nelson Publishing. It is the first book of the Dreamhouse Kings series written for young adults.

My daughter urged me to choose it as she has read other books by the same author. Because she is a suspense fan, I should have realized that it wouldn't be my first choice.

With that said though, it was a somewhat entertaining thrill ride, and being a former 6th grade teacher--and present homeschool mom, I can vouch that it would make a good read-aloud.

The book follows the adventures of a family, after they move into an old, very scary, ramshackle of a house. Weird things happen--and all the time, my logical mind is saying, "Get the heck out of there." Do they follow my advice--NOOOO--I guess if they did, that would make for a very short book! (I'm just too practical minded sometimes.)

The book involves hidden doors, menacing looking shadows, and a little dose of time travel. I Don't think the book would be too scary for your pre-teen.

It's genre is young adult christian fiction--and if you are looking for a book for your child that will share spiritual truths, this is NOT the book. It's just a fast paced read, with nothing negative, but also nothing really spiritually positive.

One moral lesson involves being truthful with your family. In the beginning of the story, the main character, 15 year old Zander, comments that one good thing about his family is that they never keep secrets from each other. By the end of the book, that has changed and results in disastrous events!!!

So, there you have it. Now I get to choose another free book--I'll let you know what I pick!

Free Stuff!

Who doesn't like free stuff? Just ask my family about my "free stuff" issues. I have been know to walk in one of those fudge shops on vacation, with the sole purpose being to wander and look for possible free samples. Is that unethical?

Well, anyways--Lysa Terkeurst, from Proverbs 31 ministries is having a Cool Christmas Give-away. If you click on the picture--you will be instantly transported to her site, where you can visit other blogs and win all kinds of cool stuff.



I have decided to join in the free for all- and also let you all know about my friend's new business. Chris is my Bible study director at church, and she has started a web company called Christiani-tea. Christiani-Tea is Tea with a Higher Purpose. The tea you purchase goes to support faith based organizations that are making an impact around the globe. Christiani-Tea is using tea to change the world! How cool is that!

Anyways--check out the link and the different flavors of gourmet tea, and when you leave me a reply, let me know which flavor of tea you would like, if you are the lucky winner--no, make that
blessed winner! If you don't Have a blog , don't let that keep you from entering--just leave a comment and an email address where I can reach you if you win.

Don't forget--click on the tea and let me know what your preference would be--and remember to check out Lysa's blog for other freebies!

Rebuilding Over Here

In every parent--teen relationship, there are times when the trust is broken, and the relationship must be built--sometimes from the bottom up.

This is true for me and one of my kids. Although--it's not what you may first think. I am the one who sinned and severed the trust.

Every time we sin--and that includes manipulating to get something--even if it is a "good" something--there is consequences.

My intentions could be judged as good--but the end never justifies the means. So many times, I am just not patient and don't wait on God's timing--I plow ahead, devise a plan, and just mess things up, royally.

Well, that's what I did.

And I am feeling very humbled tonight. Humbled because God is so BIG--and especially humbled because I am so very small--and sinful.

Finally though, I am hopeful and thankful that I have a relationship with a God who is in the "relationship-rebuilding process--it's His specialty to bail me out. I am especially thankful that He is working on me--breaking me and remaking me into something He can use.

Healing

"I will...heal your wounds." Jeremiah 30:17 NIV

Addressing the student body at Virginia Tech after a shooting rampage that left 33 people dead and dozens more wounded, Philip Yancey said: "Peter once said to Jesus...'Lord, to whom can we go?'...

You've heard, 'Things will get better. You'll get past this.'...Those who offer such comfort mean well, and it's true what you feel now you won't always feel. Yet...you're a different person because of that day...

When three of my friends died I came across these lines: 'Grief melts away like snow in May, as if there were no such thing as cold.' I clung to that hope, even as grief smothered me like an avalanche.

It did melt away, but like snow it came back in fierce, unexpected ways, triggered by a sound, a smell, a fragment of memory." Yancey continued, "Pain is a sign of life and love. I'm wearing a neck brace because I broke my neck in an accident.

Initially medical workers refused to give me medication because they needed my response. The doctor kept asking, 'Does this hurt? Can you feel that?' The answer he desperately wanted was, 'Yes, it hurts, I can feel it,' proof that my spinal cord hadn't been severed.

Pain offers proof of life, of connection. In deep wounds two kinds of tissue must heal: connective tissue, plus the outer protective tissue. If the outer protective tissue heals too quickly the inner connective tissue won't heal properly, leading to complications later."

Don't attempt healing alone. Real healing takes time. It takes place where God's presence, God's peace, and God's people are. Are you hurting today? Turn to God. His promise to you is "I will...heal your wounds" (Jer. 30:17 NIV).

I came across this devotional the other day. It reminded me of the bitter cold days, while walking across campus, back in my college days, and I would think, "It's so cold--I know that I am alive!!!" I think that's the same concept.

We can numb ourselves--disconnect from life so we don't have to feel the pain, but then we are not really living. Living with passion and a lack of fear, trusting in God, no matter what, means we will get hurt--but how else will we be able to witness his daring rescue plan for us? He does have a purpose and a plan!

God will heal our wounds--that is a promise!

Winter Wonderland

The snowshoeing season has officially begun!! Ellie and I went out early this morning and watched the day begin.
















It was truly a beautiful morning--there is something about being surrounded by God's creation that draws me into His presence. During that time is when I feel the closest to Him.





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







Lamentations 3:22,23 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.





Ellie had fun--until she caught wind of a scent--coyotes have been hanging around our property lately--and then she freaked out a bit and wanted to head home.



Homeward Bound!!!



And just because God likes to show off--this is how my day ended!!

What's Your Ministry?

Ministry: a person or thing through which something is accomplished.

What's your ministry? Ministry--you say? I'm not a pastor or even a women's director at my church, I don't lead Bible Study--how can I have a ministry?

Just a challenge to myself and you--if you want to take it. If you love Jesus--then you have a ministry.

For me, my ministry changes every day. It's my purpose or the plan that God has for me for that specific day, but my mission stays the same every day. I could probably sum it up by the following verse: Luke 10:27" 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself."

Sometimes I lose track of the fact that God has a purpose and a plan for THIS day--and I ho hum go through the motions--complaining, dreading and whining through the whole day, forgetting that He calls me to love Him by loving others.

Check out the definition for ministry above. God wants to accomplish something through you and me. What does He call us to do--forgive that person that endlessly gets on our one last nerve--and even turn around with patience and love, wipe a runny, snotty nose for the upteenth time, visit that elderly relative in the nursing home--even though she has no idea who you are, be kind to the Wal Mart check out lady who has had a crazy, busy day-after-Thanksgiving work day, pick up your husbands dirty socks off the bedroom floor (without grumbling--ouch)

Ministries are made up of ordinary, every-day, mundane activities, strung together--but all done in an attitude of worship to God.

I listened to a podcast by Priscilla Shirer--and this is what she said:

Supernatural ministries—ministries like Jesus—not ones that are rooted in our natural capabilities—those might impress people, but they can’t change people.

I don't want to operate on my own abilities--God knows they are very limited. I want to go beyond trying to impress people, but rather relying on God's power, to do things I am incapable of--like not grumbling, loving people who bug me, forgiving, etc.

Ask God for more than just ability—but a supernatural ability to do what we can’t do on our own capabilities-- Priscilla Shirer