Beck Far From Home

Five Minute Friday: Tender

2012-01-27T10:08:00.000-05:00

I love Gypsy Mama Fridays and the chance to write free flowing words for Five Minutes. If you haven't tried it give it a shot! You can enjoy Lisa-Jo's words and the words of others here. Today's prompt: Tender.

Go:
A gruff and growly old mustache. But he didn't fool me. Under the shell made tough by the world and fear, there beat a teddy bear heart. At once protecting and loving.

The nurture of my heart and mind took shape at his tender hands. Worlds of understanding and possibility opened in warm wide vistas.

Life isn't always gentle and kind but true love tenders hope and a kindredness that cheers. Even in the lean years, in the difficult climbs, broad shoulders bent to look blue eyed love into mine.

We are one, cut from the same cloth, fighting the same dragons, following the same melody. Tender bond stretching across miles.

Me and Daddy on my wedding day.

Daddy meeting my daughter Maggie.

Stop.

The prompt for today's writing, tender, immediately brought my Daddy to mind. That probably isn't the first word people would use to describe him. Intelligent, strong, hard worker, creative, determined, maybe even gruff might come to mind first. But I'm his daughter and I've seen his heart in ways others haven't. Bridges have been mended and grace has filled in the cracks of our lives. The tender moments are what my heart holds on to. And all those moments have paved the way of trust in my heavenly Father.

Where have you found tenderness in your life? Perhaps it came from someone unexpected. I'd love to hear your story!

All for One

2012-01-25T10:17:00.001-05:00

"My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father - that just as you are in me and I am in you so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me." {Jesus' prayer to his Father for his followers.}

"They will be one, just as you and I are one." How can that be?! Have you ever fathomed unity in the church body that reflects the unity of the Father, Son and Spirit? Unity that is made possible and powered by the union we have with God himself.

I wonder if as church bodies we fall so short of our calling simply because we don't understand it. What will convince the world, our neighbors, our family members of the truth of salvation? "I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are - I in them and you in me, all being perfected into one. Then the world will know that you sent me and will understand that you love them as much as you love me." John 17:22-23

It is not the well thought argument, the tract, or even our good deeds that God intends for us to use to convince the world of his love for them. No, it's his family's unity. And what unifies us, makes us one? Passion for God's glory.

It brings to mind the Three Musketeer's motto, "All for one and one for all!" If we live in unity "All for One and One for all" we can be assured of victory!

Beauty Through my Eyes: Hope by Emily Dickinson

2012-01-20T12:45:00.001-05:00

"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Making time for beauty makes us better; whether it's observing the beauty of creation, being moved by great music, seeing the world through poetry or being transported by a painting. There is joy to be found in the organic rhythm of beauty all around us. The more we open ourselves to appreciating beauty the more we will see it. So, let me share with you what I find beautiful, I hope it will touch and enrich your heart.

Hope

Emily Dickinson

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune - without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.

What a gift hope is to our hearts. Many dark nights have been navigated by it's tender song. I trust wherever life finds you, hope, anchored in the goodness of Christ, buoys you up!

Exercising my Heart

2012-01-18T22:48:00.000-05:00

The journey into the heart of God, the great Adopter, hasn't been what I expected it to be. After the initial flame of desire to adopt, I'm realizing that the journey is deeper and more intense than I anticipated. It's not time to go and pick up a baby, it's not even time to fill out paperwork, or raise money. The seed of desire has been planted and is being watered. But right now I'm in the season of preparation; learning the value of discipline, trust, practice. I'm training to run a marathon of obedience. The passion is mounting and the cost is being counted, and recounted.

I had assumed the burden was enough. When will I learn that God's ways are not my ways. When will I learn it's all about the heart and my Father is intent upon reshaping mine. Hot passion burning deep must be tempered with discipline and self-control, wisdom and understanding, submission. Jumping before looking, while very Beck like, isn't Christ like.

Part of the journey is learning to look at global and personal pain and not look away; not change the channel, so to speak. Instead I bow my heart low and say "thank you for mercy," and then pray for Mercy to reach out to the broken ones my heart chooses to see. The ones he want's me to see, because seeing is better than turning away. Turning away atrophies my heart muscle, which I'm finding has less stamina than I first thought.

I also find myself at a place of questions. Questions that need to be asked, ones that expand my heart, and open me to Jesus voice. Questions like, "What are my comfort and relative wealth for? What is God's intent in that blessing? Is it purely for my enjoyment?" or "When I go to my final home, who else will I have shown the way? Will a homeless child have learned about home from me?" or "Is hedging my bets sin, is saving for retirement or even a rainy day what God intended for my money when people are hungry right this minute?" or "What kind of sacrifices, and I use that term loosely, would God have me make to free up money for the broken and wasted of this world?" or "What is my role in speaking for those with no voice?" or "When I see pain, how will I choose to respond?"

My new prayer is; God convict my heart, show me where I harbor selfishness, give me a heart like yours. The reflection in the mirror isn't pretty. It's amazing what can be hidden under the veneer of spirituality. It's amazing how I can make myself feel better about my selfishness by measuring my life with the measuring stick of this world, instead of holding my life up to the full measure of Jesus Christ. No it isn't pretty at all.

But I'm hopeful. Hopeful because I know the vision, the dream, to offer love to an orphaned child with Down syndrome originated with God. So as discouragement at times sets in, I practice. I learn to live an ordered, holy, submitted life. I swallow the bitter pill of conviction that leads to humility and sweet grace. My family is in the preparation phase, which can't be hurried. So I practice prayer, devotion, a renewed mind, repentance, mourning, love. I practice having a Jesus heart. And one day the seed planted there will grow and bloom.

What passion or vision has God laid on your heart. Maybe right now it's only a whisper. What can you do to prepare to live in that reality?

A Basket Full of Thanks {Mondays}

2012-01-16T10:16:00.001-05:00

Today is my Max's 8th birthday. Every mother wonders, "how can it be?" as her children reach new milestones. I ask myself that question today.

Our first meeting is still so vivid, the power of the experience burned into my mind and heart. I remember holding my son and asking him, "where did you come from?" One minute he was invisible, the next he was filling my life to the brim. A 7lb. person whose needs shaped our every waking moment, and most of our sleeping ones.

Today he's a far cry from that tiny flailing newborn. Actually he's still flailing, his arms and legs are just longer and manage to bump more things in their path. And he's still vocal, he had a lot to say back then, he just wasn't able to use words to say it. My desire is that God would give him a powerful message to share and fill his many words with grace.

I'm very proud of my boy. He's an amazing mix of his father and me, and yet his own person all at once. Chris and I are opposites, to see us combined into one little body is humorous, we shake our bemused heads everyday! My desire as a mommy is to partner with God to shape his character and help him discover God's purposes for his life. What a fearful and wonderful task!

Today I'm counting the gifts of parenting my sweet boy:

241. I'm thankful for the way being a mother challenges me to live self-sacrificing, holding me accountable.

242. What a joy to see him grow in his understanding of truth, responding to the Holy Spirit.
243.My heart fills to bursting as I watch him learn to serve and love his sister.

244. I love his creative mind that embraces discovery and learning.
245. Seeing how he fits into our family, taking his place, reminds me of the larger family of God and how we were all made to fit.

246. He delights his father and me with his affection and warmth, always ready for a snuggle or what he calls "a long hug." I love how he loves people.
247. It excites me to imagine what God has in mind for him and to see how the pieces will fit together as he grows and matures.

248. His smile, that makes his eyes dance and face light up, warms my heart.
249. Reading great books together, I love sharing some of my old favorites with him.

250. I'm thankful that parenting Max gives me intimate glimpses into our loving Father's great heart.

I pray this promise over both of my children and trust God, who is faithful, to fulfill it. Genesis 17:7 "And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you through their generations for an everlasting covenant to be God to you and to your offspring after you."

What promises do you hold onto for the ones you love?

{Linking up with Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience}

Five Minute Friday: Awake

2012-01-13T09:29:00.000-05:00

I love linking up with Lisa-Jo at The Gypsy Mama for Five Minute Friday's. Her words are filled with grace and the community of ladies a joy. This week's writing prompt; AWAKE:

Go:

Suddenly a voice calls across the distance into my heart. Like a trumpet blast awakening my soul. I sit bolt upright and blink my eyes, as startled as if a bucket of ice water had been splashed across my face. I didn't realize I had been sleeping but I'm utterly aware of my awakeness now.

Awake to the great Father heart whooshing in deep cosmic heart beat of parental love. Awake to the littlest ones of life that need that love, expressed to them through our heart and hands.

A blind eye was all I had previously, I chose soul sleep over the sharp burn of awake in my soul. But not now. My eyes are no longer senseless to the big pleading eyes of my little fellow orphans in life.

Now I see those hungry hearts that have never had the chance to utter that beautiful word, "Mommy." In the dark when they are afraid, no one to call mommy. In the morning longing for a warm hug, no mommy to call. For every moment of every day, no mommy. Many of them went from the hospital of their birth to the orphanage where there are not enough arms to care for them. They've never known a parent.

My heart sleeps no longer, I'm awake. Awake to the adoptive love that has transformed me, so generously given by my Father. Awake to the voices I hear with my heart, though not my ear, voices calling for love and home.

Stop

I'm sure that took me more than the allotted five minutes. I was stopped by children a couple of times and lost track!

This is the work God is doing in my heart. To know my own adoption and the price that was paid for me and then translate that into the language of compassion for others. To see with love, but more than that, respond. I'm still such a toddler and the words and behaviors garbled and unnatural. But I'm sensing the delight of my Father as I look to him to learn, to watch what he does and mimic it.

What has God awakened your heart to lately? Are you learning new truths?

A Basket Full of Thanks {Mondays}

2012-01-09T01:28:00.001-05:00

Lately I haven't joined in the holy discipline of recording the gracious gifts of God, set as precious jewels in my life. So, I'm jumping back in this week and setting them down as stones of remembrance at which to kneel and worship with a thankful heart. My heart pours gratitude:

231. With all my heart I'm thankful that temper tantrums and pitched fits, all the uglier when adult sized, don't disqualify me for grace, tenderness and love!

232. For the ability to worship, another gracious gift from the Father.

233. For delicate reminders of God's intricate design.

234. Children delighting in new found friendships, and their childish laughter rippling through the yard.

235. Dinner with my true love, enjoying shared moments alone.

236. The light of Love that drives the mist of doubt from our souls.

237. Witnessing the molding of my little boy's heart by the Holy Spirit, tenderness taking shape.

238. Prayer that brings me close to the heart of God. Unworthy one that I am, invited in on the merit of another, mysterious wonder.

239. A heart that is becoming broken over the things that break God's heart, a heart that is learning not to turn away from pain but to press in and bear witness.

240. For a little boy taking joy in a rough, brown lizard, smile up turned and eyes dancing.

My week, like each one that's preceded it, has been marked by God's tender care. How, I ask myself, will I turn the praise of my lips into the action of thanksgiving? By a gentler word chosen in a moment of frustration. Through a prayer prayed for an orphan my arms can't hold but whose pain I can take responsibility for by speaking about him to our Father who can rescue him. In caring for my family and my own body as a steward of the gifts God's given. How will you thank God for his kindness to you this week?

Joining up once again with Ann Voskamp and all of the many counters of gifts.

In The Quiet

2012-01-05T01:07:00.000-05:00

For some quirky reason my computer decided to connect to the internet tonight so I thought I'd hop on and take advantage. My plan for now is still a low profile. God is gripping my heart and I'm not willing to shake free of the quiet.

I've enjoyed the benefits of less online time and more time connecting with God's heart and my family. I'm amazed to say it, but I'm falling in love with my kids all over again. Not that I ever stopped loving them, I just find that my love is growing and developing knew facets of beauty. Perhaps it's due to praying for them more regularly.

I'm also spending more time on my novel, and I'm falling in love with it as well. How odd that I'm learning from the characters. Characters that I supposedly made up! But I am.

And what a treat, recently, to enjoy spending time here. As Max said, the waves remind us that God is mighty!

More regular and trustworthy than the waves is God's faithfulness, beating it's rhythm upon our hearts, and I'm so thankful!

I would love to known, in the quiet what does God whisper to your heart? What is he teaching you?

Some thoughts...

2011-12-28T22:11:00.000-05:00

I hope your Christmas celebration has been restful and satisfying. Our time during this holiday break has been sweetly spent as a family. I've enjoyed my children and the quiet times we've shared. We've appreciated having Chris home, eating yummy food, snuggling down during rainy weather.

Now in the last couple of days as Chris has gone back to work, and we're telling the Christmas season goodbye, the weather has changed. The sun has come out and warmed us, waking us from our quiet cocoon. Yesterday was spent in the sand and water of the bay, what a treat. Today was spent at the park and library and later making fresh squeezed lemonade, from local lemons.

In this new season of our lives I'm constantly turning my ear to catch traces of the Father's voice leading. I find the need to reflect and quiet my heart, heal from old wounds, catch a fresh vision. Interestingly it seems that quiet time is being enforced by my Parent, to some degree.

I struggle to let loose the voice I was carving out in blog land, connections I've enjoyed making, lessons learned. It's antithetical to me to be less visible and consistent as I work on completing my book and will need a platform from which to present it. And I will sorely miss the encouragement I find through your blogs chronicling your journey towards godliness, shared with candor and grace.

However, I don't have much choice. My own computer is showing it's age and is unable to connect to the internet anymore. My access will be limited to the occasional use of my husband's computer. So I'm not sure how frequently I will be posting or visiting your sites. Hopefully this situation is temporary, but it's hard to tell.

In the meantime, let me say, may "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace," in this New Year! (Numbers 6:24-26)

Christmas Blessing

2011-12-22T11:11:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to you my dear family, friends, and cyber sisters!

As you celebrate the Father's love may you rest on the assurance of his faithfulness.

May joy permeate the corners of your soul, filling your conversation, and quiet moments.

May the wonder of the incarnation fill you with humble gratitude.

May peace blanket your days and nights with the reassurance of God's presence.

And may the glorious song of love that rang out over Bethlehem hills so many years ago ring clear across your heart! Good news, your God loves you, he is with you, redeeming you. All at a cost to himself. What kind of love is this?! Wonder, ponder, reflect on such a gift. Love for love's sake!

May your Christmas be a time of worship and your New Year seasoned with undeserved grace!

The Father's heart

2011-12-21T10:21:00.000-05:00

Things have been quiet around here. The kids and I have nestled down, enjoying rainy days inside together as I nurse a cold. I'm thankful for the quiet time, time for resting, pondering, praying.

Have you ever noticed when something has been drawn to your attention and weighs heavily on your mind it crops up everywhere you look? I've experienced that lately.

I have to confess my annoyance over certain passages in the bible in the past. I'd explain them away or ignore them all together. Perhaps I wasn't mature enough to understand or respond, I should have acknowledged my shortcoming but I argued instead.

One such passage is James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

Certainly "look after" doesn't necessarily mean adopt, there are many ways to be involved in caring for the needy. But I'm learning the closer we come to a need, the more we identify with another's brokenness, the more our hearts are changed.

Instead of arguing I'm learning. I'm learning caring for orphan's isn't a burden, it's a gift. In seeing ourselves as the spiritual orphans we were compassion flows from a grateful heart. I'm learning that the truth of adoption is at the heart of the gospel and is the underlying message of more scripture than I had realized. I'm learning that partnering with Jesus in faith is always better than arguing with him and protecting our own self interest. Scary stuff!

What has God laid on your heart lately? Are you fighting him or joining him? Praise God for his patience and faithfulness as we learn to listen to his voice!

Beauty Through my Eyes: If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking by Emily Dickinson

2011-12-18T20:48:00.000-05:00

"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting."Ralph Waldo Emerson

Taking time for beauty makes us better; whether observing the beauty of creation, being moved by great music, seeing the world through poetry or being transported by a painting. There is joy to be found in the organic rhythm of beauty all around us. The more we open ourselves to appreciating beauty the more we will see it. Let me share with you a taste of the beautiful, I hope it will touch and enrich your heart.

If I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

by Emily Dickinson

Advent - a season of JOY

2011-12-18T09:44:00.000-05:00

This week we light the forth advent candle. These candles help us to remember the hope, peace, love, and joy found in God that were proclaimed through Jesus' birth. These weeks leading up to Christmas Day are a great time for reflecting on the first coming of the Messiah and our hopeful expectation of His return.

The shepherds in Bethlehem experienced great joy when the Angel announced, “I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David,” Luke 2:10-11. After they had gone to see this small Savior Luke 2:20 says, “the shepherds went back to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God for what the angels had told them, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had said.”

Like the shepherds, joy naturally flows out of our hearts when we encounter the saving power of Jesus in our own lives. As we stand in wonder of what we once were and what we are in him today, we have reason to rejoice! Once we were lost and now we're found, once an enemy and now a friend, once brokenhearted and now made whole. And the promise of Jesus' coming again gives us reason to live in expectant joy!

May we make time to joyfully celebrate the gift of Jesus and share the wonderful news with those around us.

Five Minute Friday: Connection

2011-12-16T09:03:00.000-05:00

It's time to link up with the Gypsy Mama, today we're writing for five minutes on; Connected.

On the other side of the world are small children without home and comfort, with needs and hopes. Far across oceans and land, waits an orphan that I long to hear call me mama. Their eyes are tilted almonds, their bodies flexible, their little minds challenged, some with heart problems and tummy problems. Down syndrome beauties.

Between these little hearts and my fast beating one stretches a cord of supernatural love, connecting us. A cord of prayer, a cord of hope, a cord of life.

The connecting cord holds strong, not because of my flimsy, stary-eyed love. But because of the great, pumping, rhythmic beat of cosmic Love's song. Sung over you, sung over me. And I'm beginning to see it, our Father's love is so deep and wide, so vast, as to embrace the tiny broken victims, the care givers who don't care, and people like me who for years have walked in calloused oblivion.

"The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

Can you hear his song, singing over you, singing over the orphan, the drug addict, the movie star, the politician, the world? His heart connects us in our great need, in his great love.

Stop

Chris and I have begun exploring the possibility of international adoption. When I began thinking about adoption months ago I had imagined in-state adoption, due to cost and practicality. However, my heart longs to adopt a child with Down syndrome (DS) and honestly they are hard to adopt in America. The reason being that in America prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome typically results in abortion or the family chooses to keep the baby. There are waiting lists in America for a DS baby. In Eastern European countries children with Down syndrome are routinely placed in orphanages at birth, they are available and needy now.

This is a God sized task, but one I feel him calling us to. To obey we will need help; prayer, funds, support and encouragement. Will you join us now in praying? We would love your prayer for God's direction and confidence in this matter. We will need a new vehicle as our family grows. And of course there's the cost, which is substantial. I'm excited to see God's provision as he answers prayer and gets the glory for rescuing a precious little one!

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

Psalm 68:5-6, "Father to the fatherless, defender of widows - this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy."

Sister to Sister: Love

2011-12-15T07:55:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Sister to Sister! The opportunity for you to write words of truth and honesty that bring encouragement to other sisters. Feel free to link up a story, a lesson, a quote, a song or a scripture that's meaningful to you. Be creative, be expressive, be real.

"He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." Ephesians 4:16

Here's how it works:

* Every week I'll share a word I'm focusing on. If you'd like to join me in posting on that topic, wonderful. If not, link up with an encouraging post you'd like to share.

* Link up bellow and spread the love! Visit other sister's posts and let them know what their words mean to you!

*Grab the code for the Sister to Sister link up button from the sidebar to the right, or copy and past the graphic to the left linking this post to it, and invite others to join.

Are you ready? Join me this week in inspiring other women with your thoughts on:

Love...

Yeah, I know, that's an insanely broad topic for a little blog post. But it's the thorn that's been needling me. God is speaking to me and I'm all ears. For a couple of weeks phrases, blog posts, bible verses, quotes, "chance" encounters have been tumbling together and forming a message.

Things like "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:" 2 Corinthians 5:18

Or "The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

Or "Sometimes I would like to ask God why he allows poverty, famine and injustice in the world, when He could do something about it...but I'm afraid He may ask me the same question." Anonymous.

Or this morning's devotion, "As I prayed I realized that God isn't the one who is absent in Haiti or any other part of the world. It may only seem that way because so many of us are absent, withholding our prayers because or our little faith, withholding out gifts because of our little love." Immanuel; A Daily Guide to Reclaiming Christmas.

I know about love, I need love, I've received love, I'm thankful for love. But I'm starting to wonder if I live it. If love is just a conversation or if it's worked it's way down into my bones and changed how I act.

God's message to me is clear, "you've learned now it's time to obey, love isn't love unless it's put into action, follow my example." I'm digging deep and asking Jesus to love through me those he wants to love. The actions look different for each of us, the imperative is we act.

It isn't as if I've never shown mercy, bought a meal for someone who's hungry, encouraged the lonely, prayed for the discouraged, sponsored poor children. Those are great actions but I'm sensing a change, a change in lifestyle.

God is doing a new thing and insisting that I continue to grow up. He's challenging and nudging and calling me to go deeper and live more boldly. He's giving me his eyes and his heart. Instinctively I know that as I push in I will understand Jesus' heart of love more richly than ever before.

Who do you struggle to love? How do you pour out the love that you've received from Christ?

{Linking up with the Grace Cafe. Stop by and read about another kind of love, the devotion of Ruth.}

Love's heart

2011-12-14T09:18:00.001-05:00

Where am I going? What is this journey I'm on? This path marked with challenges, on the way to Love's home, is an unexpected grace. The truth I've learned before has become a link in a chain, leading to what's to come. Grace becomes stale and doesn't store well. It's best gathered fresh.

In the past my blood raced fast in passion for the sisterhood. Finding my place in the circle of women, loving and being loved. And while the truth of life lived together and embracing the sisterhood so that we all "grow up in Christ"(Ephesians 4) hasn't changed, my passion is swirling and shifting and taking on a new form. I'm straining my ear to hear the variation of notes in the tune.

I'm finding the truths of the last season are becoming stones in the altar of worship and sacrifice that God is fashioning in my life. This season will have new stones, new truth, new grace. Lately Jesus is stirring my heart in compassion for some of the most broken and disregarded of the world.

I recently found two beautiful blogs by women weaving stories that move me. First Stumbo Family Story by Ellen Stumbo and The Blessing of Verity by Susanna Musser. I encourage you to visit and be humbled, make sure tissues are nearby!

And I see the link that is forming between sisterhood and compassion, community and action. I was privileged to write a post about Jennifer, my dear friend with Down Syndrome, a few months ago. The novel I'm writing weaves the love of sisters and the journey of a mother with a Down Syndrome child together in a story of sweet grace. The blogs I mentioned above are written by mothers caring for biological children with Down Syndrome and adopted children with special needs. Coincidence? Never.

I boldly asked God not long ago to give me eyes and a heart that sees and values what he does. I didn't know what that would look like at the time, but shapes are coming into focus and I see broken humanity, in need of mercy, becoming beautiful at his loving touch. I hope you'll continue to travel with me on this journey to Love's heart. I'm blessed by so many of you to witness the journey Love has you on as we journey home together! What is God doing in your heart and life lately?

Advent - a season of LOVE

2011-12-11T09:06:00.000-05:00

This third week of advent we light the pink candle. These candles help us to remember the hope, peace, love, and joy found in God that were proclaimed through Jesus' birth. These weeks leading up to Christmas Day are a great time for reflecting on the first coming of the Messiah and our hopeful expectation of His return.

The Scriptures tell us in John1:14 and 3:16-17 “So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father… For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it but to save it.”

Every heart longs for love. At just the right moment in the flow of time God sent his Son to express his deep love for us. How can we imagine the sacrificial gift of love that was given when God the Son, in obedience to the Father’s will, wrapped himself in flesh and stepped into our world? His death was in his hands and our salvation was his purpose. Our hearts can be satisfied by his love alone. And we learn how to love one another through his example.

May we thank him today for his generous gift of love that brings salvation and purpose to our hearts.

Five Minute Friday: Color

2011-12-09T07:10:00.000-05:00

I'm joining up with The Gypsy Mama this morning to splatter words on a page of delight. What a fabulous prompt she has for us this Five Minute Friday, looking forward to reading lots of great posts on: Color

Go:

I'm ashamed, I turn my eyes away from the red pain oozing from the chest of my fellow man. It is inconvenient and uncomfortable to see the colors of mercy. Colors undetectable with the naked eye of man. Colors only visible through the white hot searing presence of the Holy Spirit.

What could possibly compel me to turn and face a landscape gray with sin, black with despair, red with anger? Mercy, that has painted my life with colors I never imagined existed. Mercy I've received but all too often hold tightly to, choking out the color and life.

Mercy regains it's brilliance as it's released from my fingers, free to flow into a teeth gritted black heart. Can I live in the shadows of indifference, painting with my brush of fear? Will I step into the dazzling kaleidoscope that is flung wide by mercy?

Stop

Too often it's easy to tune the suffering of the world out. How is our heart growing to be more like Christ's if we shut our ears to the needs of our fellow humans, instead of meeting them with compassion? I am so not capable of mercy on that scale, it often costs more than I'm willing to give. But if I believe resurrection power is available for those who have faith, I don't have to be capable in myself. Does showing mercy to broken, needy people intimidate you? How do you deal with that fear?

Sister to Sister: Significance

2011-12-08T07:19:00.003-05:00

"He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." Ephesians 4:16

Here's how it works:

*Grab the code for the Sister to Sister link up button from the sidebar to the right, or copy and past the graphic to the left linking this post to it, and invite others to join.

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Significance...

Do you ever feel insignificant? Yeah, me too.

I had the recent pleasure of taking part in a Beth Moore conference that inadvertently spoke to me about worth. I love Beth Moore, the way she pours out her gift for the good of the church is stunning. It's hard for me not to be amazed by her and wish I had even an ounce of her ability.

At one point she walked up into the audience. I was pretty far away and had a hard time picking her out in the crowd. I used the zoom on my camera to see her better and take this picture. What struck me is how indistinguishable she really is from everyone else at that distance.

She was just a person in the crowd, she could have been anyone, a person just like me. I was reminded that God isn't looking for Beth Moore's, he's looking for the humble, the faithful. Beth Moore isn't more significant than God's other children; she may be more obedient or passionate, but not more important. God takes people who are nobodies, broken and needy, and gives them his power for the good of his church. Beth Moore is significant because God is merciful.

The same power that fuels Beth's spiritual gift fuels ours as well. Significance lies not with us but with God. Of course I know that, I just forget.

And then God reminds me that "there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all. However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ." Ephesians 4:4-7

I'm not called to be Beth Moore, or anyone else, and neither are you. Our significance is unlocked by the power of a grateful heart. A heart that embraces the hope and gifting we've been given, all for God's glory.

Today let's thank God for his generosity in placing us in the body just where he wants us, for gifting us, for living through us, for giving us hope!

{To read about more significant women visit The Grace Cafe}

Christmas in Heaven - Every Day Worship

2011-12-07T07:47:00.001-05:00

“In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back…Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty – the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne, the one who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one who lives forever and ever. And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.”” Revelation 4:6b, 8b-11.

In heaven, Christmas is not a special holiday. Shocking, I know, but true! Everyone in heaven does that day what they did the day before and what they will do the day after. They completely and wholly worship the Father, the Spirit and the Lamb that was born to die. God is worshiped perfectly by his servants in heaven; he can’t be worshiped more or less. As special as Christmas is to us it was not ordained by God to be observed, as communion and gathering on Sunday were.

Christmas is a wonderful, beautiful time to remember the gracious gift the Father sent to this needy world, his beloved Son! However, as we engage in the Christmas season may we remember that every day should be a day of worship to the Father for his gift of love. May we strive daily to worship the Lamb for his sacrifice and offer our praise with our whole selves. Even on earth God is not deserving of praise on one day more than another. So let’s not save our times of special reflection or thanks just for Thanksgiving or Christmas or Easter. Let's strive to be mindful that we were created for God’s pleasure and we can live in the joy and expression of worship every day of the year. We are most satisfied when God is glorified in our lives!

How do you express worship in your life? Is God worthy of praise every day?
{Reposted from December 2008}

Enough

2011-12-06T14:16:00.000-05:00

Enough. It's a word that rings in my ears of late. Clanging against insecurity, stirring up longing. Am I enough, do I have enough, what is enough?

Quite honestly the answer is no. Nothing is enough, satisfying, or fulfilling; at least not permanently. A quote from a book I love keeps floating to the surface of these messy thoughts. Roughly it says 'life doesn't justify the living, this world is not enough.' It's a concept explored in Mark Buchanan's book "Things Unseen."

Everyday I'm faced with the option of looking in the mirror and pulling on the masks and facades to cover up the lack I find staring back at me.

The question of enough leads down the slippery slope of idolatry. We addictively shove things into the gaping hole of need or pose as savior to those near us with great need themselves.

But Jesus answers with gentle tones of understanding. He offered himself, the only remedy. Believing that anything other than Jesus is enough for our deepest longings and short comings is a ticket to a life of disappointments.

Our marriages, our beauty, homes, children, our relationships, talents, projects, blogs, everything, will leave us disappointed with a gnawing hunger in our hearts and resentment building in our bones.

God is so kind, he uses our hungry dissatisfaction to propel us in search of him. So, in the midst of our restless holiday season, our ever seeking, our not enough, lets call out, "come Lord Jesus and satisfy us today, be our Enough!"

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves," Ephesians 1:3-6. Enough!

Advent - a season of PEACE

2011-12-04T18:21:00.000-05:00

Today we begin the second week of advent, remembering the hope Jesus' birth brought to our dark world. The longing of every needy heart was fulfilled in that one moment.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! Isaiah 9:6-7

The Israelites of Isaiah's day were longing for peace, both personally and as a nation. Peace was made possible in the coming of Jesus, the High King, powerful to reign. In our own world today glimpses of peace are fragile and precious. Peace in our own life can elude us. However, wherever a heart kneels in submission to the King of Heaven peace is possible.

May you be comforted by the peace Jesus brings to your heart as he rules as Lord today. While looking forward with anticipation to the day of his final earthly reign!

Remember Me?

2011-12-02T10:38:00.004-05:00

{Today I'm thankful to have Shannon Milholland from Jesus and My Orange Juice sharing her heart with us today! I am always refreshed by the words God speaks through her. Her recent posts on prayer, which she has turned into a 30 day Prayer Guide, have so encouraged me; I invite you to visit her blog to download this great resource here! Also, I'm sharing at Shannon's blog, so stop by to hear what's on my heart.}

Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness. Deuteronomy 8:2

Unqualified. Unable. These were the words that rang in my head when God first stirred in my heart to write a prayer guide. Prayer has always been what I felt “worst” at when it came to being a Christian. Why would God ask me to pen a work on which I had no expertise?

So He would get all the glory.

Over the last three months I’ve been writing a 30 day prayer guide. Its format is different than any I’ve seen. Because I couldn’t rely on my instinct, even the structure and layout was something I asked God about.

In fact, I asked Him for every word. I KNEW I wasn’t qualified so I had to go to the One who is. Now don’t get me wrong, I pray at the start of every writing assignment but this was different. I literally asked God, begged Him really, to give me the words for His people. I had no words.

I have spent three months in this position with God. In this place of total dependency my faith has grown deep roots because my heart is firmly planted in Him.

So what now? What if He asks me to do something next that I feel a measure of confidence about? I will remember.

During this busy season where it’s so easy for me to neglect time with Him, I will remember.

During this time when I have more “to dos” than I have energy, I will remember.

I will remember among festooned trees, frosted cookies, frequent parties and festive wrappings.

Sweet sister, won’t you join me and remember Him too?

Shannon is the author of Jesus & My Orange Juice, a fresh-squeezed oasis for ordinary life. She finds joy among miles of carpools and piles of laundry and delights in leading others to this place of contentment in life. Join the conversation at Jesus & My Orange Juice where God shows up in her everyday life.

When not writing, you can find Shannon speaking to audiences with a message of hope and encouragement. Straight forward about her own struggles, Shannon is a compassionate advocate fighting for victory in the lives of her audience. Read more at www.shannonmilholland.com.

You can also connect with Shannon on Facebook and Twitter.

Sister to Sister: Anticipation

2011-12-01T07:37:00.001-05:00

"He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." Ephesians 4:16

Here's how it works:

*Grab the code for the Sister to Sister link up button from the sidebar to the right, or copy and past the graphic to the left linking this post to it, and invite others to join.

Are you ready? Join me this week in inspiring other women with your thoughts on:

Anticipation...

I love sharing the joys of the Christmas season with my children. Nothing tickles me about this time of year like watching an old tradition come alive through the window of fresh eyes. Sharing memories and making new ones strings our hearts together like a line of twinkling lights and for just a moment I'm eight again.

I recall the feeling that washed over me in delicious tingly waves as a child, anticipation. It felt as if my skin would burst with excitement I couldn't contain. I know I asked my mother a hundred times "how long 'til Christmas?" The month that seemed to crawl along now comes and goes in a blur.

My children's same delighted anticipation causes me to pause and wonder. What do I anticipate now? In this holiday season their whole focus is on the coming day. Maggie writes letters to Santa and sings Jingle Bells, endlessly. Max talks about what will be in his stocking and where he'll sit to open presents and makes a list of toys. They're preparing for, savoring, anticipating what they know is ahead.

And again I ask, what do I anticipate? Emmanuel, God with us. Is there a more beautiful name? That's what I anticipate. The day when this homesickness will find it's cure and I'll see my Emmanuel, God with us face to face. I let the anticipation of that breathtaking thought wash over me as I celebrate His first coming and long for His next. Even so Lord Jesus come! (Rev. 22:20)

There are many wonderful things to anticipate in our lives; the birth of a baby, a much needed vacation, the purchase of a home. What are you anticipating?

Glory

2011-11-29T22:19:00.000-05:00

Shh... Can you hear it?! Listen closely and you'll hear the echo of a mysterious, ancient event. One that happened before time and yet at the fullness of time. Angel wings rustle and fold, voices hush in breathless anticipation. Limitless, Creator God is poised to dress in skin, to wear a human tent and walk around with his creation. His heart beat is to rescue the son's of men, his plan to show them his glory and woo them back. Mary sleeps, trusting, faithful. DNA bends again to the will of God, quietly he slips into his earthly tabernacle, indwelling flesh, indwelling Mary. Nine months later after scandal and the murmurs of another complaining generation... a Son is born. Heaven erupts in awe and wonder! Glory! God's glory dwelling once again with man, no longer in an earthly tent made by men wandering in the desert. This time in a tent of God's own making, fulfillment, mysterious plan, flesh. John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." This Christmas lets remember the mysterious indwelling Jesus brings. God dwelt in human flesh so that he might dwell in us. Glory!

{Re-posted from November 2009.}

Advent - a season of HOPE

2011-11-27T17:43:00.000-05:00

Hope is a theme present throughout the Bible. In fact the season of Advent, which we begin today, is all about hope and expectation. The act of lighting candles during the Advent season fans the flame of expectation. They remind us of the light of Jesus Christ that God's people anticipated long ago and the light of Jesus' second coming that we anticipate still today.

Isaiah 9:2,4 says, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders.”

At the time this prophesy was written there was no salvation outside of rules and sacrifice. The people lived in spiritual darkness and gloom, waiting and watching for the day the true light would dawn and their chains of sin and despair would be broken. Just like children afraid of the dark long for a light to dispel their fear the Israelite's hoped for the promise of “The true light that gives light to every man.”

At just the right moment in time Jesus’ birth pierced the darkness on a Bethlehem night. Jesus fulfilled the promise of God that one day a light would dawn on those living in the shadow of death. He was born to penetrate our darkness and ignite hope in our souls. We light candles at advent to remember that Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s promise of hope.

How are you like the Israelites today? Where are you looking for hope? There are many things in life we hope for. Titus 2:13 reminds us that “we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.”

Sister to Sister: Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T22:42:00.001-05:00

"He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." Ephesians 4:16

Here's how it works:

*Grab the code for the Sister to Sister link up button from the sidebar to the right, or copy and past the graphic to the left linking this post to it, and invite others to join.

Are you ready? Join me this week in inspiring other women with your thoughts on:

Thanksgiving...

I have nothing original to say, but I join my voice with the chorus of praise rising heavenward! What an opportunity to join in the choreographed song of thanksgiving to our great God. What does the united shout of gratitude and worship, lifting from the mouths of God's people, look like from his vantage point? That's a sight I'd love to see! So won't you join with me in lifting up your praise to our gracious Father.

My family has so much to be thankful for this year. Here, in pictures, are just a few of the many gifts that have graced our lives.

Enjoying the gift of beauty, everywhere when we stoop to see.

Safety traveling long distances, with all our belongings, twice in one year.

A new church fellowship, for better or worse, richer or poor, in sickness and in health. Beginning the adventure of linking our lives together.

A princess who delights, and sometimes exhausts, her mommy and daddy.

Enjoying another angle of God's expansive creativity, from Wyoming to Alabama God's glory is displayed.

A home.

Sweet sunshiney days spent together.

A brother and a sister growing up together, learning love.

Friendship blooming, God's gift to us in all it's forms.

Watching my little people grow up sheltered in the love of their father.

May the joy of a grateful heart bless you today and throughout the coming year! “Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” Psalm 100:4-5

Living Thanks

2011-11-21T07:52:00.002-05:00

As we approach this country's day set aside for giving thanks, I want to step away from my regular listing of blessings. Not because I'm ungrateful, quite the opposite. Instead I'm turning my attention away from my own overfed, plush life to vastly different ones. It's not hard for me to give thanks, in fact I regularly marvel at the sweetness of my life. Is that true of you also? I wonder if perhaps, at this time of year, we should enable needy ones to give thanks as well. What if our generosity could bolster the heart of a child that is truly deprived. Isn't an act of thanksgiving better than a word of thanksgiving anyway?

Eight years ago this January in a beautiful delivery room, fully staffed, and with every comfort I delivered my son. On that same day in Ecuador a woman gave birth to a little boy. Two precious lives breathing air, meeting the world head on. One born to a life of advantage, the other to a life of struggle. But mercy had in mind the joining of those two lives, to fuse a new mercy.

For Max's first Christmas gift we sponsored Jefferson, that little boy born on Max's birthday in Ecuador. Jefferson was the only gift Max received from us his first Christmas. Even our richly blessed life had hit a speed bump, Chris was at a temporary job and we were living with my in-laws. Even so, our material blessings outweighed Jefferson's by far and we knew God had challenged us to step up. So we made a choice. Max would get toys from grandparents, but from us he would receive only the opportunity for years of perspective and compassion.

This year I'm remembering the day a pink bundle was laid in my arms. On the same day in Zambia a tiny brown bundle was laid in her mother's arms as well. My three year old Maggie and Harriet live worlds apart. Yet when I look at little Harriet's picture, her full lips and brown eyes ready to break into a grin, I think the girls would be friends in no time. This Christmas we're giving the gift of compassion to Harriet and the gift of perspective to Maggie.

My heart is full of memories this Thanksgiving. God's provision this year for my family is humbling and we praise him. More than anything I'm aware that I don't deserve God's goodness, it's pure and simply a gift. I could be the mother holding a baby I struggle to feed, not knowing who to call on to help me, it's only because of mercy that I'm not. So, this Thanksgiving instead of merely offering words of thanks lets offer actions as well. James 1:27 says, "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."

As part of your Thanksgiving celebration I encourage you to include an action. Perhaps it's visiting an elderly person who is lonely, joining in a food drive, spending time in prayer for those in need, or buying a goat for a needy family through World Vision. Maybe you would like to take it one step further and make a commitment to sponsor a child all year long. Whether you're able to take a small step or large, allow mercy to intertwine your story with another, sharing the good gifts you've graciously received. If you're interested in sponsorship or a one time donation check out World Vision's website here.

I hope your week of Thanksgiving flows with sweet praise to our gracious God and actions that bless another! {Linking up with Ann Voskamp}

Five Minute Friday: Grow

2011-11-18T07:50:00.001-05:00

It's time for five minutes of writing again. I'm linking up with Lisa-Jo at The Gypsy Mama for Five Minute Friday. If you'd like to join in head over and check it out. Today we're writing on; Grow.

Go:

I watch tiny toes grow and press tight into pink cowgirl boots, snug beyond comfort now. Little boy arms reach past the end of sleeves, telling of the march to manhood. These babies I once held close and nursed refuse to stay small and whirl in a dance of growth before me. Every morning I see the change. Today a new talent, a new understanding, that wasn't there before.

These little ones hold up a mirror before my eyes. As they are growing in strength and stature, so am I. I look back to the young woman holding in wonder the bundle that had just birthed her own motherhood and I'm not her. Wonder of wonders those weak places are being shored up. My mind is being renewed.

The person I was five years ago couldn't love some of the people I'm loving now, couldn't have patiently waited on God's plan, couldn't have trusted as deeply. I look into my Father's eyes and I'm thankful for the hand that is teaching me to walk as I grow up.

"I myself taught Israel how to walk, leading him along by the hand. But he doesn’t know or even care that it was I who took care of him. I led Israel along with my ropes of kindness and love I lifted the yoke from his neck, and I myself stooped to feed him." Hosea 11:3-4

Stop

Can you see growth in your own life? Are you growing up into the person you hadn't imagined you could become but God knew all along you would be?

Sister to Sister: Intercession

2011-11-17T01:08:00.000-05:00

"He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." Ephesians 4:16

Here's how it works:

*Grab the code for the Sister to Sister link up button from the sidebar to the right, or copy and past the graphic to the left linking this post to it, and invite others to join.

Are you ready? Join me this week in inspiring other women with your thoughts on:

Intercession...

Words; spoken, breathed, lifted up, cried on behalf of another are a most precious gift. But perhaps more than a gift, they are a responsibility.

Ephesians 6:18 says "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." Why pray for "the Lord's people?" Why not unbelievers that don't know the truth?

Because we belong to each other. Because the promises we lift to God, reminding him of what we know to be true, were made to his children.

I could tell stories of God answering prayer in tender and amazing ways for siblings in Christ. I could describe how my faith has been boosted by God's answer when I call.

Ultimately when it comes to intercession it's really about community, it's not about me. Interceding for others ties our hearts together, it builds up the body, it's our responsibility to one another.

Are we willing to pay the cost of time and energy spent on behalf of a friend? Do we believe prayer touches the heart of God and can effect another person's life?

One of the most powerful ways to pray effectively for a friend is reminding God of the promises in his word. Won't you join with me in asking who God would have you pray for? What a joy to serve another, to wash their life in the powerful words of God's truth.

A Basket Full of Thanks {Mondays}

2011-11-14T12:30:00.001-05:00

I'm off to enjoy time with my sweet husband and little girl, but I wanted to take a moment to lift up some thanksgiving!

221. Enjoying a crisp breeze and cloudy skies, feels a little more fallish.

222. Worshiping together with different congregations, ages and races, just a small foreshadowing of what heaven will be.

223. An impromptu tea party with little curly top.

224. Quiet moments with my husband, how is it that he becomes more dear the longer I'm with him!?

225. Family time at the NASPensecola watching the air show and exploring cool planes.

226. Spending time with new friends and old; God is such a gracious giver, weaving our life stories together.

227. The ability to enjoy yummy smells; fall candles, apple cider, pot roast cooking.

228. Sweet brother and sister time, exploring the bay and playing together.

229. Conviction that I'm not what I should be yet and the reminder of God's faithfulness to complete the good work of holiness in those he loves.

230. Time, while it often feels like an enemy, in God's hands it is redeemed.

Enjoy your day knowing you're loved, cared for and enjoyed by our kind Father!

Five Minute Friday: Unexpected

2011-11-11T09:52:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I completely forgot my regular Sister to Sister link up, last week I forgot about Five Minute Friday and jumped in on Saturday. Aren't I a little young for this?! Well, today I remembered Five Minute Friday and I'm joining in with the topic, Unexpected.

Go:

A few short weeks ago my family jumped into a yellow moving van and disturbed our flow of life yet again, twice in one year is hard. Less than a month ago the flow of words rolled over me as a wave, constant and pounding. Gushing from my heart, I had so much to say and I was saying it. My blog felt like a home.

In the blink of an eye we went from sharing a home to living in our own, steady job, new community, nesting. I thought the sense of home would be profound. In some ways it has been, yet oddly enough the angle of homesickness has merely shifted. I long for face to face with Jesus more than ever.

I expected to return to writing, free flowing, consistent as soon as my feet touched southern soil and I cared for the worst of the boxes. But it hasn't been so. I expected to pick up where I left off. Since when does life bend to our expectations, I should have known better. Life refuses to be lived outside of the unexpected.

Stop.

Have you been dealing with the unexpected in your life? Do you handle life's unexpected moments with grace or fear? I confess I live in a mixture of both. I hope today your life is full on grace, submerged in the knowledge of Jesus presence!

A Basket Full of Thanks {Mondays}

2011-11-07T12:23:00.000-05:00

It amazes me how many opportunities we have every day to turn our hearts to thanksgiving. The praise is bubbling up in my heart this morning and I hope in yours as well. If however, life is pressing in hard and you feel the crush, take a deep breath and send up a note of praise. Perhaps you're not capable of a song at the moment, just a note, sing it out. A heart willing to praise God because he deserves it, will find joy. The notes of my song this week:

211. My little boy conquering a fear.

212. Christian Radio that lifts our hearts on the morning drive to school, we love car dancing and singing to Jesus.

213. Dirty though it may be, I'm thanking God for a bathroom to clean, I love indoor plumbing.

214. Deep red spray paint.

215. Sunny, warm days for outside fun.

216. Starting the morning with steamy, fresh blueberry muffins and a cup of tea.

217. Wind chimes singing to me through my open window.

218. Snuggles with a freckle faced boy.

219. Knowing that the sassy phase of our little angel will pass and learning long-suffering in the meantime.

220. Fanny Crosby's prolific hymn writing, a testimony to God being glorified in all circumstances.

I hope your day is filled with more than glimpses of grace and love but is truly awash in them!

Five Minute Friday: Remember

2011-11-05T10:15:00.000-04:00

How could I have forgotten that yesterday was Friday, Five Minute Friday?! My life rhythm is still new and unfamiliar, I'm growing in to the pattern and things get forgotten. So although it's late, I don't want to be left out of the Five Minutes on; Remember.

Go:

It's funny the things that connect a heart to a memory. This morning I lifted a cup of steaming raspberry tea to my lips and I remembered her. The dear one I had shared so many hours with talking about life, listening to the words of her heart found between the words she had spoken. Now far a way singing strains of beautiful opera in a city so huge it could drown you if you weren't anchored to the throne of God. I miss her and remember.

As I unpack a box of treasures, for my three year old princess' new mint and lilac bedroom, I touch memories with my hands. The quilt with little girls silhouetted in squares, stitched so many years ago by old women in my family, long since gone, unfolds memories of my childhood. Next out comes the small afghan with the pink rosettes, hooked by my Maw-Maw's gnarled fingers with love. It has a twin at another house, ready to offer up the same memories of love for my sister.

I remember so many other moments and gifts of love dotting my life like a field of pure white daisies. And I remember that I'm remembered by a Heart so much bigger than my own. And those memories of my heart, and His great heart remembering me, line up into one long string of precious gems of love strung out across my life. "Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!" Isaiah 49:15

Stop

This weekend may you go about in the knowledge that you are remembered, never forgotten, always seen by your precious Father in heaven!

Sister to Sister: New

2011-11-03T00:42:00.000-04:00

"He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." Ephesians 4:16

Here's how it works:

*Grab the code for the Sister to Sister link up button from the sidebar to the right, or copy and past the graphic to the left linking this post to it, and invite others to join.

Are you ready? Join me this week in inspiring other women with your thoughts on:

New...

How often do you look back over the panorama of your life and see it stitched together with threads of grace, connected to those redeemed lives lived before you? Some thread is coarse and frayed, some fine and golden. Do you see the strokes of grace painted broad across your life? Is hard fought mercy etched over the faces of those around you?

Even as our bodies run more slowly, hearts beating with less certainty and efficiency, a new work is taking effect upon our souls. Death and decay are earth's rule, a tough slave master. At times I feel the whip across my back, the sting of heart-ache wets my face with salty tears, the shackles clank on the ankles of prisoners walking next to me through the grind of life, and I grieve. Death where is your sting? Not on the other side of the grave, but certainly we walk in it's shadow here on earth.

But God. Simple words, yet full of so much more than we can fathom.When a heart beats cold dread is there hope? When a marriage just can't hold together against the pounding tide of trouble is there hope? When a child cries tears of despair from a wound deeper than a canyon is there hope? Can the old be made new, the dead made alive?

I believe so. Not only because God's word says so but because I see it. Sometimes just glimpses, a ray of sunshine in the dark valley. But it's there, like the flash of shimmering wings on a new born butterfly. Is there anything else that makes this journey home worth while? Not in my opinion. To see a leader being born where once there was a cowered, a heart bent in compassion where once only selfishness reigned, forgiveness smoothing an angry brow. My heart leaps at the sight and gives me strength for the next step of faith.

So I challenge you, take a long backward look over your life. Do you see new written across it in bright, hopeful strokes? Do you see new in those you love and travel with? If not, I encourage you to pray. Offer up what's broken to Jesus, he makes all things new!

A Basket Full of Thanks {Mondays}

2011-10-31T10:43:00.000-04:00

It's time again to start my week with Thanksgiving, I'm linking up at A Holy Experience. God is so gracious to teach us the benefit of living the life of disciplined thanksgiving, the joy and right focus that comes is a blessing. Some of the things I'm thankful for this week are:

201. Worshiping together as a church body, every member important, every act of worship precious.

202. Forty one hard fought years of marriage for my parents, a badge of honor. Each year a gift of refining and love. Teaching me how to live, teaching others about hope, teaching them about God's holy plan for his people. I honor and respect them for their commitment and sacrifice. And I worship God for his commitment and sacrifice to his precious people, without it forty one years would never have happened. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

203. My marriage; a testing ground of faith, a comfort for this hard life, a joy of partnership.

204. Prayer, the joining of my heart with God's. How is it possible that he would want to hear from me, much less respond, sweet grace!

205. My handsome prince Caspian and adorable Cinderella, how I love those two.

206. Boiled peanuts, church desserts, funnel cakes; some of the treats I've enjoyed this week.

207. The smell of warm salt air, pungent, greeting me every morning.

208. Sweet friendship. A weekend with my best friend from college, Nichole. Looking forward to enjoying her beautiful artwork on Maggie's bed for years to come.

209. Grace for every stage of my life, whether I'm faithful or fretful.

210. Alabama sunsets.

What are you thankful for today? How have you seen God's hand of favor stretched out to you? I hope your week is filled with moments of grace and gratitude, tuning your heart to the Fathers.

Five Minute Friday: Relevant

2011-10-28T14:01:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I've linked up with Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday, and I've missed it. If you'd like to join in visit her here. Today's prompt for our five minutes of free writing is: Relevant.

Go

The most relevant things in my life are not fear or doubt, inadequacy or pride. These things don't define me or my life.

Oh no, but grace, rich and free, defines. Prayer the most relevant activity of my day. Jesus nature in exchange for my rags. Relevant through every age.

Love isn't love if it isn't bent to give. Freedom isn't, unless I'm enslaved to the perfect Master. Forgiveness must cost; cost me my rights so I can receive my true inheritance.

Is Christian faith relevant unless it's lived? Hard fought in battle, battle to the death against our own selfish wills. Wrung hard in the press of life, handing up the hard act of worship, in all things.

Can faith ever matter, ever bring glory, ever be relevant to another's suffering unless it draws blood. Our need was, is, relevant to the Father. So relevant he responded, with his blood.

And now the daily living of holiness draws the blood to our hearts and spills it for another. Dieing to self is just that, dieing, and it's the most relevant thing we can do, die in order to live.

Stop

Sister to Sister: Quiet

2011-10-26T22:32:00.000-04:00

"He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." Ephesians 4:16

Here's how it works:

*Grab the code for the Sister to Sister link up button from the sidebar to the right, or copy and past the graphic to the left linking this post to it, and invite others to join.

Are you ready? Join me this week in inspiring other women with your thoughts on:

Quiet...

I'm not back to blogging quite as I had envisioned by this point. Some of that is due to a still spotty internet connection, but mostly it's due to my heart. I find my life has moved to a mode of receiving, of quietly absorbing, of shifting what has been to what is.

Like a picture coming into focus I pause and strain to see clearly. My ears prick to hear the whoosh of life pumping in my ears. I feel the need to acclimate my senses, go slowly and become accustomed to a new direction.

As I sit before a blank computer screen, "listen" reverberates in my soul as if the Holy Spirit plucked a chord in my heart. I'm hesitant to add my voice to the roar, to jump back in to the steady stream of conscious thought. I'm as tentative as a baby stepping out on unfamiliar ground.

Today God so clearly, and graciously, led my heart to Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" Peace is a precious commodity, one I long for, and costing a great deal. It costs our entire focus, and shifting focus takes quiet moments.

The tug of silence and reflection, of solitude and stillness has been strong lately. And if you know me you know that's not natural, it's supernatural.

So as I step out on new ground in my life I intend to respond, to take quiet walks and time for prayer. How will that affect my blog? I don't know. But I do expect it to affect my heart in a powerful way.

How about you? Have you learned the balance of when to rest silent and when to speak? Do you have times of quiet consecrated for Jesus to speak and you to listen?

Here are some pictures from my recent quiet morning walks.

I pray this week you will be still and know Him as your God.

A Basket Full of Thanks {Mondays}

2011-10-23T23:53:00.000-04:00

I'm back friends and what a week it's been. I'm full to bursting with things to be thankful for. Our move went as smoothly as moves go. Though the drive was long and wearisome the kids did really well. The last week has been a flurry of settling into our new home and I've been busy nesting. Hopefully now that my life and home are more orderly I'll be posting again on a more regular basis. Thank you to those of you who have been praying and encouraging, I'm grateful! This Monday I'm thanking God for:

191. A snippet of time with family on the trip down from Ohio to Alabama

192. My children's open spirit of adventure and trust.

193. A front door open to welcome me warmly in to my own home.

194. The sheer delight of being in my beloved South once again, a flood of memories and familiarity washing over me at every turn.

195. No snow, and no prospects of snow, for my fall.

196. New friends, family already, sharing the bond of Christ.

197. A buddy for Max to play with, what a sensitive Heavenly Father we have.

198. Seeing God's fingerprints of provision and kindness in my life.

199. Worship, sweet and free, shared with other needy people made righteous by the one and only Lamb.

200. Playing at the beach, after church and fish tacos. I loved seeing my children's joy and Maggie's first sampling of the beach.

It's good to be back! I hope you all have been well. What has God been doing in your life in the past week, what are you praising him for?

(If you would like to see pictures of our new home please feel free to visit my facebook pace, you can find a link to the right.)

Heading Home

2011-10-12T21:07:00.000-04:00

I sent out an email today updating family and friends on our move and new address. This was my mom's response:

"YAY, YAY, YAY And it came to pass that Beck and Maggie got a new home, Chris got a new job and Max got a school where he can make friends and stay for a long time and they lived in the land and grew in wisdom and knowledge and served young and old, near and far alike and added to their riches in Heaven and pleased God and were blessed all the days of their lives."

It read like a blessing, touching my heart, and I just had to share! Let it be so Lord Jesus.

A Basket Full of Thanks {Mondays}

2011-10-09T21:54:00.000-04:00

I'm thankful for a gorgeous fall Sunday with my wee ones! They raked a 'pile' of leaves to jump in and delighted in throwing them at each other. I'm thankful for brother and sister love, I see the beginning seeds of community growing in their fresh hearts. They stretch my heart from the small, tight thing it can be. Rubbing me hard with their need, I learn patience and I'm faced with my deficit of kindness daily. Oh how my heart swells with their laughter, bursting with hope for joy to always flow from their hearts.

These are the things I'm thankful for at this moment. My life full of swirling childhood, time shared with a variety of dear friends, sunshine splashing bright, fiery red sunsets, stinging words of truth from a faithful husband, Holy Spirit sight, music that tells the story of love with haunting beauty, stacked boxes standing ready to open to a new life.

This week we're packing up the remnants of a wait, loading a truck, and driving to a new adventure. Because of the temporary upheaval that brings I will most likely be posting sporadically for the next couple of weeks. On Thursday, my usual blog hop day, we'll be loading the truck. So I won't be posting then, but I encourage you to link up with Grace Cafe on Thursday.

As this week dawns with fresh mercy, I hope you embrace it arms wide! With fear cast aside in exchange for trust, hope and joy turning your steps into a dance, the sunlight of love playing across your heart.

Five Minute Friday: Ordinary

2011-10-07T21:00:00.000-04:00

I'm late but I'm finally joining the party, linking up with Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday. Today's word is: Ordinary.

"Ordinary: of no special quality or interest; commonplace; unexceptional. plain or undistinguished."

Dictionary.com

Life is ordinary moments set aflame by God's presence. String a lifetime of burning bush encounters together and a garland of faith, more brilliant than rubies, can adorn even the most ordinary of lives.

Ordinary becomes extraordinary when reaching for the sky. Eyes lifting from the small and mundane forget self, awash in unearthly splendor. An invitation for God to dwell, in this ordinary moment.

Ordinary things take on surprising beauty when seen through Love's eyes. An ordinary man, ordinary children, ordinary words, an ordinary home, ordinary hands, an ordinary cross of wood, an ordinary manger. Each one shimmers holy when seen from the right perspective.

Flesh and bone, oxygen and water, each of us made of the same ordinary stuff. Dirt, such simple material to make a person from. Breath from the Most High, breathing life, set into motion the redeeming of all things ordinary.

How is God transforming your ordinary? Are you satisfied with ordinary? I confess it's easy for me to be satisfied and unchanged in my ordinariness. Let's ask him to shake us from our sleepy ways and be ignited by his glorious nature!

Sister to Sister: Prayer

2011-10-06T07:02:00.000-04:00

"He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." Ephesians 4:16

Here's how it works:

*Grab the code for the Sister to Sister link up button from the sidebar to the right, or copy and past the graphic to the left linking this post to it, and invite others to join.

Are you ready? Join me this week in inspiring other women with your thoughts on:

Prayer...

My thoughts have been bent toward prayer lately. I've been reminded what a gift it is to join with others in prayer. How it's a legacy we can leave for our children, to be prayin' mamas. That God would invite us to speak to him is thrilling; that he would answer, mind boggling!

My church denomination says that "prayer is the primary work of God's people." That's quite a statement. If that's true, and I believe it is, the priorities of my life should look different. My mouth should bend the ear of people less and seek the ear of God more.

I recently joined a friend in praying for children in a compromising, dangerous situation. God led me to pray Psalm 10, specifically verses 17-18, over them. "Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them."

And you know what? He did! He set those children free, in a way no one could explain! Free from abuse, no longer confined by a confusing legal system, into a Christian home. I watched verses from his Word spring to life before our watching eyes. There is nothing like God acting in goodness, on behalf of his children, in answer to prayer. He was praised and glorified and our faith was strengthened.

Hedging our bets when we pray by praying vague, safe requests stunts our prayer life. Asking our Father to meet specific needs, inviting him into particular circumstances reflects the depth of our trust in him.

Humility goes hand in hand with that kind of praying. Our hearts should expect God's goodness to be his response to his little ones. Does he answer expectedly or unexpectedly, quickly or slowly? Each answer is an opportunity for faith in his goodness.

"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind." James 1:5-6

Let's pray boldly, pray the truth of scripture, and pray in humble expectation!

How about you, are you seeking the hand of God to move, his intimate fellowship to sweep across your heart in prayer?

Women who Inspire: The Sisterhood

2011-10-04T10:37:00.001-04:00

Sister - (from dictionary.com)

adjective

12. being or considered a sister; related by or as if by sisterhood: sister ships.

13. having a close relationship with another because of shared interests, problems, or the like.

I have been undeniably blessed by precious women in my life. Some close family, some that lived before my time, some have rubbed me hard smoothing away jagged edges, some young, some old, some who know my heart deeply and still love me, some I've never met. But all sharing a common relation, fellowship birthed from the blood of Jesus. Sweet family, a gift. These women have so energized my Christian walk I just had to introduce some of them to you. (I hope you will post a comment and tell me about the women who have blessed your life.)

This week's sister:

I've put of writing about my sister for weeks. How do you write one meaningful, concise post about someone who is your spiritual as well as biological sister. The memories, experiences, and hard conversations are, mostly, too personal to splash across the web. I'm all for transparency but the internet has limits to the laying bare of the inner sanctuary of a family, at least for me.

Yet I could in no way leave Stephanie out of the list of sisters who have touched my life. Four years my junior she has been in every way, from the beginning, my opposite. No doubt that difference has lead to missed opportunities for shared moments, and misunderstanding. God is wise, he gives gifts, and I've come to see that difference as one of them.

Me and Stephanie with our children almost three years ago.

My mom has always said that God puts families together just the way he wants them. Years later I believe that's true. The hard rub between sisters has made us softer, bent our heads lower and produced grace. I would never have the understanding or compassion I'm growing to embrace without the relationship I've had with Steph.

She's stretched me to see a point of view I wouldn't otherwise embrace or consider. For someone as dogmatic as I've tended to be, that is truly a gift. Seeing yourself reflected in your sisters eyes is like a brisk salt rub, stinging and cleaning out wounds, healing, good for the soul.

It's been a steep climb, a leaning into the wind, from childhood until now. But God has so graciously united. Friendship has blossomed through commonality and difference. I'm grateful.

One of my greatest joys now is seeing our two girls play together. Six months apart they are opposites in every way! My prayer is for them to rub each other soft, love each other long, and be better because of their relationship when all is said and done.

Maggie and Willow, sweet cousins

I love sharing motherhood, funny stories, and Jesus with my sister. What a gift!

How about you, how has God used your biological sister(s) to mold you? If you don't have any how has he provided spiritual sisters? If your relationship with your biological sister(s) is wounded I pray that God's healing grace binds up those wounds and restores.

A Basket Full of Thanks {Mondays}

2011-10-03T10:27:00.000-04:00

Some days we live a hard worship, our heads getting ahead of our hearts. Staying still before Jesus goes against our frantic paced grain. I'm thankful when God draws me back to the business of worship. Today I'm praising him for:

181. Toddler and big boy hugs and kisses, little arms around my neck at homecoming.
182. Grace for my heart and theirs when the following days get bumpy and crabby.
183. Isaiah sharing his view of "the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. The whole earth is filled with his glory!” Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke."
184. Remembering that I'm sinful and not in a position to demand anything, but that by God's grace his Son's blood has put me in a position to receive everything of value.
185. Enjoying fall's popping colors and crisp air before moving to the land of palm trees and warm breezes.

186. Laughing with my husband at things only we think are funny.
187. Hot chai tea.
188. Books that hold up a mirror, exposing hidden vulnerability in our own hearts, while pointing to hope. Ian Morgan Cron's book Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me; A Memoir of Sorts is a great read.
189. Sticks, it's amazing what an imaginative little boy can do with them.
190. Knowing I have nothing to offer others but Jesus, that's freedom.

I hope your week is blessed by the vision of the Lord high and lifted up, reigning over your life. What are you thankful for?

Linking up with Ann Voskamp and her fellow joy seekers at A Holy Experience.

Searching for Beauty

2011-10-01T09:54:00.002-04:00

My husband, Chris, and I spent several days in Alabama interviewing for a job recently. While we were there we spent an afternoon at the beach. It was a beautiful day. I loved the colors, sounds and smells. The beach is a short drive from our new home, I'm looking forward to spending time soaking up beach days with my children in the near future.

"O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. Here is the ocean, vast and wide teeming with life of every kind, both large and small." Psalm 104:24-25

I appreciate the variety of creation. Where would you go to enjoy a beautiful day outdoors?

I'm linking up with Shanda at A Pause on the Path in searching for beauty.

Five Minute Friday: On Friendship

2011-09-30T11:36:00.000-04:00

I look forward to joining in the free flow of word on Friday, linking up with Lisa-Jo and all her friends. Today we're talking about just that. The prompt; On Friends.

Go

I join my hands in a long chain down through time, dancing and twirling. Children and old, women and men, dear ones, connecting at the heart.

Eyes catch twinkling merry, laughter flung wide. Heavy sigh falls on warm heart, soft as a bed to rest upon. Shoulders pull in the harness of life, hands work together. Sharing life, need, toil.

Yet these relationships are pictures of what's to come. We smooth rough edges, learn to love. Until perfect friendship dawns, one in heart at last. Gathering together around the wedding feast, community, final victory won!

Together we will stand shoulder to shoulder, face to face with the great Friend. Having followed the signposts home.

"So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God." Romans 5:11

Stop

You may also want to read my thoughts on homesickness and when life disappoints. I'm sharing those at my blog friend Kris' site Always Alleluia.

Guest Posting at Always Alleluia

2011-09-30T07:33:00.000-04:00

I have the privilege of sharing my thoughts over at my blog friend Kris' lovely site Always Alleluia. I'm writing on the dissatisfied ache that creeps into all of our hearts at one time or another and the only cure I know for that restlessness. Won't you drop by for a visit and let Kris know you were there?!

Sister to Sister: Belonging

2011-09-28T22:23:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Sister to Sister! I had a busy, crazy, exciting week. I'm looking forward to hearing from you, I hope you'll link up and share your heart!

Sister to Sister is the opportunity for you to write words of truth and honesty that bring encouragement to other sisters. Feel free to share a story, a lesson, a quote, a song or a scripture that's meaningful to you. Be creative, be expressive, be real.

"He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." Ephesians 4:16

Here's how it works:

* Every week I'll give us a word to focus on.

* Try to keep your post under 500 words.

* Link up bellow and spread the love! Visit other sister's posts and let them know what their words mean to you!

*Grab the code for the Sister to Sister link up button from the sidebar to the right, or copy and past the graphic to the left linking this post to it, and invite others to join.

Are you ready? Join me this week in inspiring other women with your thoughts on:

Belonging...

Do you ever feel out of place, even in your own skin at times? I know I sure have. Sometimes I feel as awkward as a preteen in a borrowed dress at a formal dance. I play mental gymnastics that wear me out and leave me breathless. What is my purpose, where do I belong?

Then I remember soothing words and my heart beat slows and steadies. "For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all." Ephesians 4:4-6

One, not scattered or fractured, but one. I'm one with Jesus, one with my brothers and sisters, living one faith. My limited body and stirred up mind are made whole in the hope of one glorious future.

Instead of living for myself, restless, I'm wrapped up in one. "So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it." 1 Corinthians 12:24-27

There is no greater belonging than a work to share, love to give, hope to hold; together. One in Christ, knit together as a body. What an adventure to cast your lot in together, a rag tag band living a call. Fail or succeed our fate is the same; living life together, belonging to one another, children of the same Father. Truly it's the beautiful life.

Do you have a place you belong? Are you committed to living life deeply with others? If not what's holding you back?

Women who Inspire: The Sisterhood

2011-09-26T23:27:00.000-04:00

Sister - (from dictionary.com)
adjective

12. being or considered a sister; related by or as if by sisterhood: sister ships.

This week's sister:

Today I'm glad to have my dear friend Julie Myers sharing how her life has been blessed by godly sisters. You can visit her blog here.

“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanders or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” Titus 2:3-5

God has brought some incredible women into my life as I am sure He has yours too. But today I want to take a few moments and share where some of that all began. God had called my husband into full time ministry and with that came moving away to seminary. At the same time I had a toddler at home and a six week old baby. With being a young mommy I was privileged to stay at home. God moved us to a little community much like Mayberry, only more modern.

God moved us right next door to another young family and that mommy stayed home too with her babies. That mommy also loved Jesus and she wanted to share all of Him with others. So she invited me to a ladies bible study that met each Wednesday for prayer and bible teaching. With being the new girl around and feeling somewhat isolated I jumped on the opportunity for fellowship. Little did I know that God would use that little bible study and many of those Titus Women to help take me into a deeper fellowship with Him.

I had been a Christian already for ten years, but when I started to attend that bible study and grow in God’s Word I quickly realized my relationship with God was not what it could fully be. I desired more of His Word and more of Him. Those Titus Women were not super Christians, they were simply normal women like you and me who loved Jesus with all the heart, mind, and soul. Their desire was to teach and equip the younger women in holiness of heart and life.

I had three Titus Women who invested in me. One of these ladies in particular would call me each week and check in on me just because she cared. I know she prayed for me daily and she always encouraged me with her phone calls and cards.

Another one let me come to her house each week for prayer time. During our time together we would pour our hearts out before God and He met us. She never judged me or looked down on me because of my weaknesses. Instead she loved me and challenged me to be who I was in Christ. The other one mentored me indirectly as she taught us through God’s Word. There was something special about her that I longed for, she had an intimacy with Jesus that was real. I wanted that too. So each week at our Titus Women’s meetings, I watched, listened, and learned.

All three of these ladies were older women who were willing to train the younger women in the Lord. I will always be eternally grateful for my neighbor’s invite and then those who invested in me.

One of the major things that this bible study taught me was that God can use all ages of women in our lives. I also learned that He wants each of us to do the same. We all have to ask ourselves if we are willing to share all of Him with others. Since being a part of Titus Women God has given me a deeper desire to connect with women. He has given me a burden to share His love with women who are hurting and lost. Are you burdened to see women find Jesus? Are you willing to share with them like others shared with me?

Titus Women, a ministry of the Francis Asbury Society, are Christian women in fellowship one with another living in sacred fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and are committed to proclaiming the message of a holy heart — the incredible joy of knowing Jesus Christ personally and loving Him with ALL our heart, mind, soul, and strength through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. For more information, visit them at http://www.tituswomensministry.org

A Basket Full of Thanks {Mondays}

2011-09-26T09:31:00.000-04:00

This morning Chris and I have a lot to be thankful for! We've been on a journey of trust since we left our last ministry position in April. We're thankful for God's faithfulness through the process, and his provision. Now he's leading us to our new home!

Genesis church steeple

We will be moving to Lillian, Alabama next month to join in ministry with our new church family. After several days candidating in Lillian God's direction has been clear and his heart so tender. We have no doubt that God is weaving our stories together in a way only he could orchestrate, we watch in amazement.

Between the time of our first phone call from the Genesis church to the invitation to come serve, it was just 24 days! Actually we never applied to the church, we had never heard of Genesis until we got a phone call. Our name was passed on to them by our friend, Steve Pelt, who has recently become the senior pastor at the Genesis church in the neighboring town. God did all the work, we prayed and trusted, but he wove everything together in his way and time!

It's breathtaking when, for a moment, you glimpse a clear panorama of God's plan sweeping over the last several years of your life, explaining so much. That's how I feel about this last week, pieces of a puzzle have been fitting together.

Plus I have the added bonus of being a southern girl again! My eyes have danced over fields of cotton, my skin sighed beneath the breath of velvety southern air, my ears soaked in the music of accents lilting like poetry, home! No where in this wide earth will ever satisfy my wandering heart like heaven, but the south comes closer than anywhere I know!

So in a couple of weeks we'll join our hearts and lives with our new church family, and I'm thankful! To all who prayed I say thank you!

cotton under a sultry southern sky

171. I'm thankful for a church home to love and serve and be a part of.
172. For a home for my children.
173. New friends, already so dear.
174. For the delight of toes in sand and gulf breezes.
175. For good ole' southern hospitality.
176. Sweet tea.
177. For southern football.
178. Live oaks dripping with Spanish moss.
179. Celebrating God's faithfulness in both the hard wait and the arms flung wide blessing.
180. Seeing my kids soon! Oh how I've missed their little arms around my neck.

Linking up as usual with A Holy Experience.

Searching for Beauty

2011-09-24T09:33:00.000-04:00

I'm linking up this weekend with Shanda at A Pause on the Path to search for beauty. Because in the looking there is finding.

Beauty is friendship, new and old, near and far.

Beauty is climbing high in the sky and finding a new perspective. A sunrise from the air is a whole other kind of beauty from one on the ground.

Beauty is rich, heavy air pressed on my skin. The smell of salt, the kiss of a breeze, the lulling of waves.

My week has been full of movement and change, questions and goodbyes, weary and excitement. Beauty has been there too, overshadowing moments with a song, turning my eyes in thanks to the Giver. Where have you found beauty this week?

Five Minute Friday: Growing

2011-09-23T08:19:00.001-04:00

I so enjoy linking up with Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday's. Her writing prompts make me think and the freedom of free flowing words is a joy. Why don' you hop over and give it a try. Today's prompt: Growing.

Go:

Little toes squeeze into snug little shoes. Ankles poke beneath jeans too short. Baby giggles replaced by young boy whoops. And little girl grins exchanged for big girl twirls. They're growing up, racing to be like me.

And yet as I watch innocent faith, breathed in a prayer, I wonder. Hearts stirred by wide eyed hope, grasping truth I still question. I'm moved at Maggie's confident proclamation, finger pointing, "Jesus right here in my heart!" How does a three year old know that?

A little boy so tender it squeezes my heart, I want a pair of eyes like his, superhuman to see things unseen. They are growing up, lightning fast, becoming like me.

Yet I find I am growing on the inside to become more like them. Childlike wonder, innocent faith, trust in a Parent I know but can't see. As they grow up to be like me, oh how I want to grow to be more like them.

But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” Matthew 19:14

Max's first view of the ocean, unbridled wonder!

Stop

How about you? Is your faith of the childlike variety? Full of confident trust, gape mouthed awe, full throttle hope, arms wide worship? I find wisdom of my own making and a stiff put on maturity too often is my enemy. Oh but I'm longing to be cured!

Sister to Sister: Change

2011-09-21T21:58:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Sister to Sister, a time every Thursday for Christian women to connect from the heart. Life is challenging and beautiful, most importantly it's meant to be shared. I've been inspired by many women, including you! Hearing stories of hope in hard times, joy in the every day, and freedom from fear lifts my heart!

Sister to Sister is the opportunity for you to write words of truth and honesty that bring encouragement to other sisters. It may be a personal story, a lesson God is teaching, or scripture you'd like to share. Be creative, be expressive, be real.

Here's how it works:

* Every week I'll give us a word to focus on.

* Try to keep your post under 500 words.

Are you ready? Join me this week in inspiring other women with your thoughts on:

Change...

Today I'm packing my bags, tomorrow I'm winging several states south with my husband to the Gulf of Mexico. From Ohio to Alabama. Change is in the air. Actually in some seasons of my life change seems to be the norm. Do you ever feel that way?

My husband and I are traveling this week to candidate at a church in Alabama. If you're not familiar with our story you can catch up here and also on my Meet Beck page. The last five months have been a time of waiting. Waiting on God's next direction for our ministry, our life.

If I let myself dwell on the changes we've experienced in a years time my head could spin, and at moments it does. I'm learning that's the wrong focus though, circumstances, jobs, even people are temporary. My eyes need to feast on something, or Someone more permanent. There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2

One thing I've learned about change in my life is that it's necessary. Change preaches to my need, my temporary state, my humility. Change makes me face my fears and forces me to grow. It shakes loose bad habits and preconceived ideas.

In the end whatever holds firm through change, when I focus on Jesus, is what is trustworthy and valuable. Petty opinions and comfort zones fall to the wayside. What's really important rises to the surface.

I'm trusting God, regardless of the outcome this week, to establish my life in righteousness and honor because of his great name. Circumstances may change but not the nature of my Provider.

Where are you learning to embrace change? Does change scare or exhilarate you?

Women who Inspire: The Sisterhood

2011-09-20T00:10:00.003-04:00

Sister - (from dictionary.com)
adjective

12. being or considered a sister; related by or as if by sisterhood: sister ships.

In honor of my 13th wedding anniversary this week I thought I'd tell a story of how God used sisters to bless my wedding day. God gave me a gift, offered right from his hand and the packaging was these sweet sisters.

As an eight year old one of my best friends was Karen Sursavage. Her mother Mary is a sweet North Carolina woman, with a soft drawl as welcoming as a rocking chair on a front porch. I was at their house as much as my own back then. But the current of life shifted our family's and we lost touch.

Several months before my wedding my Mom encountered Mary at an out of town ball game. Sitting in the bleachers watching kids play ball they caught up with each other. Mom mentioned I was engaged and Mary shared that Karen was recently married. In relaying the conversation to me, Mom mentioned that Mary had offered the use of Karen's wedding dress if I was interested. Though sweet, I thought it an odd offer and dismissed it.

As young women do, I had plans for every detail of the anticipated day. A little scrapbook held ideas and magazine clippings of my favorite cakes, dress, party favors, invitations and more. Most brides also know the reality of limitation when planning for a wedding, the big one being cost. As my budget reached it's limit I remembered the offer of my friend's wedding dress.

Taking a last look at the designer dress edged in pearls cut and pasted in my scrapbook, the only dress I had wanted, I swallowed my pride. I called my Mom and asked her to tell Mary I was interested in Karen's dress, would she please find out the size and maybe get a picture of it.

The next time I was home my Mom handed me an envelope, it was from Mary. I plopped down on my bed and poured out the handful of pictures. The moment I saw them tears filled my eyes. Calling my Mom I pulled out my scrapbook. Opening to the page with my dream dress, I laid the pictures side by side. A perfect match!

I was overwhelmed! That God would care to arrange such a detail for me! Though one of my favorite passages, I had never been able to grasp the concept of Zephaniah 3:17. "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

Rejoice over me with singing? God? Really? In that moment I felt rejoiced over, delighted in. A Father to his child, giving a gift. All these years later I'm encouraged that the God who provided not a wedding dress, but the wedding dress, is still the God who provides for all of my needs.

I'm so thankful for those generous friends, sharing something so special, they were God's hands stretched out to me. How has God lavished kindness on you, showing he delights in you?

A Basket Full of Thanks {Mondays}

2011-09-19T07:28:00.000-04:00

Today I celebrate 13 years of marriage to Chris, and I'm so thankful!

How do you give thanks for a heart, for a life time, for faithfulness? I love that marriage is a picture of Christ's love. I grieve that I don't wonder over the mystery of that truth more. But mostly I'm thankful. I'm amazed that the years have woven the connective tissue of our shared heart so tightly together, blood pumping in unison. The bond of commitment has hardened, cement like, a firm foundation for building a family upon.

I marvel how time slips, hard to hold and define, maturing the faces I see reflected. Faces no longer childish, nor the love. I'm thankful that when pettiness raised it's ugly head we did battle and won, over and over.

I'm thankful that the wide eyed wonder may have tempered with experience and wisdom, but not the joy. I am my beloveds and he is mine. I'm amazed that he can still make me feel pretty, thankful I'm ever his girl. How is it that my ears still listen for his footfall and my heart skips a beat when he comes into the room?

But mostly I'm amazed that Jesus would share with us such an intimate picture of His love, a marriage. That the Father would purchase for His only Son such a wife as me. I know my husband better than any other person, and love him dearer. And yet I wasn't made to be his bride, I'm his sacred trust, held in promise for Another. It's taken me many years to even grasp such a concept and it will take many more to understand.

Today I'm thankful for a love that was conceived of by God and has been kept by Him as well. And I'm thankful for a man who has ventured out on this journey of love with courage and faithfulness, extending his hand to mine.

Linking up with Ann at A Holy Experience to say I'm thankful.

Five Minute Friday: Joy

2011-09-16T07:21:00.002-04:00

I find myself running up to the edge of obsession over home and eternity. Death is all around. Portals into the unseen punctuate the landscape of this tattered world. I crane my neck to peer in, hungry to glimpse the promised satisfaction I long for. Today Lisa-Jo is honoring a blogging sister on her way home to Jesus. Her Five Minute Friday girls are writing today on Joy.

Go.

Joy is in the meeting. The never enough of me, meeting the more than enough of Him. I stand amidst the careless words that slip from my tongue, the dirty dishes, the mess of anger, the want of home, the lack of kindness, the longing for beauty, the bone ache of world weary.

I am so not enough. This world is so not enough.

I lift my eyes from the mess I stand in. Eyes up. In comes joy. I catch the look of His unsullied delight. And the not enough ache melts.

"Who me," I feel my heart say. Looking over shoulder, there must be another. Can you imagine a grin that would break your heart?

A glimpse of that one smile, it's what I long for, it haunts me. I've never seen it with my eyes, oh but I've felt it with my heart.

The smile that broke out over all creation. Joyful voice ringing victorious delight, "It is good!" That same smile washes over me.

Filtering through the cracks of my messy need. Filling up my not enough. For just a moment I believe and sigh out the hurt and breath in His joy. And then the dance begins again.

Stop

You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. Psalm 63:5

I hope your day is filled with joy you don't deserve, that rushes in where you need it most and expect it least, that drowns out the sorrow of your weakness and lifts your eyes to Jesus' sweet face!

Sister to Sister: Recieving

2011-09-14T23:38:00.003-04:00

Here's how it works:

* Every week I'll give us a word to focus on.

* Try to keep your post under 500 words.

Are you ready? Join me this week in inspiring other women with your thoughts on:

Receiving...

Balancing give and take in our hearts can be such a challenge. If you're like me receiving has it's high points and distinct challenges. I love receiving gifts on my birthday, kisses from my children, words of encouragement from a friend, flowers from my husband. Lot's of good things to receive!

But there are many things I must receive that stick in my throat, hard to swallow, like bitter medicine going down. Receiving words of truth that sting conviction to my core, receiving help when my body is sick, receiving critique on a project, receiving grace that bows my pride when I've been in the wrong.

Receiving requires an openness and humility that is daunting. Hands out in need, taking what we don't have on our own, needing from someone else. As wives and mothers, sisters and daughters opening our hearts to take in from others is a role that fits poorly at times.

Yet pouring out to those we love means receiving is a must. Starting with the grace Jesus desires to rain down over our hearts. Receiving grace gives us freedom to live in community with other women, giving and receiving in turn.

How are you doing in this area? Have you taken time lately to receive grace, sitting still in God's presence, being washed clean again? Have you humbled yourself lately and received from a sister grace given in goodwill? (If this post stretched you, trust me, it stretched me too!)

Women who Inspire: The Sisterhood

2011-09-13T08:42:00.002-04:00

Sister - (from dictionary.com)
adjective

12. being or considered a sister; related by or as if by sisterhood: sister ships.

This week's sister:

I've met few women with such clarity and wisdom in my life as Julie Conley. As a young pastor's wife in a challenging church ministry, Julie was a God send, literally. Her husband was in a leadership position in our church's denominational district. Graciously they walked through a difficult season with us, leading, praying, bringing peace.

Julie was my first real life, adult mentor. Her skill at finding the pulse of a situation and drawing out truth amazed me. Ten years later I look back out our conversations and prayer times and realize more than ever the skill she had as a mentor.

Her warm eyes would twinkle as she talked about Jesus, you could tell she was in love. That love spilled out on me, infectious. Her response to problems, prayer. She was bold in faith as she approached her Heavenly Father with requests, and humble in her need.

I often came to her befuddled, a vague sense about a situation but lacking clarity. She asked me questions, shared her experiences and gradually the light would dawn. There were moments I was frustrated she didn't just answer my question or give me the solution I sought. But I became used to her way of leading me to the truth instead of just telling me.

Now I attempt to model her wisdom of leading a woman's heart to the truth instead of answering her basic questions. Though our contact is sporadic and limited by time and distance Julie still influences me. I remember her questions and that at the heart of it all she was leading me to the truth of a Person and not just a solution to a problem. How thankful I am for her influence in my life!

How are you doing in this area? When a young woman, a friend, or your children come to you with a struggle do you give them a pat answer to a problem? Or do you help flesh out the real issue leading, by insightful questions, to the person of Jesus?

{I write more about this in my ebook Sister to Sister; A Mentor's Handbook. Download your copy here for free}

A Basket Full of Thanks {Mondays}

2011-09-12T08:22:00.001-04:00

I'm linking up with Ann Voskamp and her grateful community this Monday. My son, Max, and I continue to look for God's gifts. Our basket of numbered thanks, on colorful slips of paper, is filling up. Some of our gifts this week are:

161. Soul hunger, driving me deeper in search of satisfaction, leading me to Jesus.
162. Teaching my little ones about the One who made them. And who made tiny, frilly mushrooms.

163. Legos (Max)

164. After cloudy days, golden light filtering through the last of summer's green.

165. Cupcakes! (Maggie; she's also thankful for cookies, cake and ice cream!)

166. How does He do it? Marveling with my little girl at the intimacy of God and flowers and hearts.

167. Yummy food, friends, and laughter. A celebration!

168. Sweet family time and a golden face hung high above to smile us home.

169. Enjoying the poetry of Alfred Noyes, his words washing over me song like in sweetness and power.

170. Waiting, the time tuning my heart to what's important, teaching me the language of gratitude and satisfaction.

But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. Psalm 59:16

How about you? Is your heart lifted on wings of thanksgiving or laboring under a heavy burden today?

Searching for Beauty

2011-09-10T21:10:00.000-04:00

Joining up with Shanda on a search for beauty and capturing it through lens.

How can a curl be so perfect, so full of sunshine?! Bouncing in delight and kissing a sweet cheek. I love my curly headed girl.

Has beauty touched you this week, widening your soul?

Five Minute Friday: in real life

2011-09-09T11:00:00.000-04:00

Linking up with Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday because it's what I love to do! Stop by her site and join in today. Also check out what she and her friends have hatched over at incourage. Today's topic; in real life.

Go:

Lines blur. What's real? In one relationship I touch her warm hand in a clasp of prayer, in another her words on the screen touch my heart. What is real? Certainly there are limits to one relationship and benefits to another. Each with a different set of challenges. But in life, on this earth, real and not real blur.

My thoughts have collided over this topic, online vs. face to face. The tricky thing is some of my relationships mingle both, are enhanced by the other.

For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:3-4) Is what we see even in real life real? Or do we need eyes that see deeper.

The woman speaking words of truth, born by the Spirit, that fall like music on my ear is my sister. And yet the woman, with fingers obedient, writing out words testifying to grace, holding out a gift is also my sister.

So sisters let us "hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:23-25) Whether with words in type challenging the embrace of holiness or sitting in a pew praising our Savior together let us hold onto and hold out hope.

Stop.

I celebrate the variety and beauty of sisters in my life, there are many a woman one day in eternity that I will see face to face, when my real life is reveled. And I will recognize her there by the light of Jesus reflected in her eyes because I recognized her here.

I've taken entirely too long on this post already but I wanted to share with you the Jesus light I found shining from the life of a new found sister today! You can read a her story of beauty here.

Sister to Sister: Hope

2011-09-07T23:13:00.003-04:00

Here's how it works:

* Every week I'll give us a word to focus on.

* Try to keep your post under 500 words.

Are you ready? Join me this week in inspiring other women with your thoughts on:

Hope...

Elusive quality hope. As vital as air, valuable as gold, sought after by rich and poor, young and old alike. Yet how do you hold it in your hand or define it's parameters?

To look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence (Dictionary.com, verb). Hope breezes in like a promise and stays, as substantial as a steel girder bolstering a heart.

Not powerful in it's own right, hope's value rests in the object of it's affection. Eyes turned to the fleeting, fragile, substance of time, grow dim with lack.

But hearts beat a sure steady rhythm when eternity runs through the veins. Character builds a firm foundation for hope to rest upon. The unchanging character of the One and Only.

Today hope hangs over me like a storm cloud ready to burst. And I trust that once again the God who has been faithful in the past will be faithful again.

Do you see a sister faltering in her hope? Having waited so long for her hearts desire the hope's grown rusty in her heart?

Then share some of yours with her. A word of truth, a prayer she doesn't have power to
pray. Infuse a little life with your words, it may be just the boost of hope she needs.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

Snug down day

2011-09-07T12:36:00.000-04:00

I'm spending this drip droppy day with my small girl. We splashed in puddles in the cool morning air. Fall is beginning to assert his authority over summer's fading strength.

Now in the charm of a cozy house, the sweet smell of carrot cake baking, we're snugged down together watching Mary Poppins. Delicious!

I hope whatever your weather may be that your day is filled with sweet delight and love. Don't forget tomorrow's Sister to Sister blog hop. The topic for this week; Hope.

Guest Posting at Mary DeMuth's

2011-09-05T23:08:00.000-04:00

some of my favorite words

Today I'm sharing thoughts on the powerful responsibility of our words over at Mary DeMuth's great blog. I was a born communicator, a down right big mouth growing up! Over the years God has been shaping my understanding regarding the powerful effect of our words. So hop on over and read the lessons I've learned about communicating with care.

If you've made your way here from Mary DeMuth's page, to you I say welcome! I'm glad you're here. I write about beauty, home, sisterhood and grace. Though not necessarily in that order, often overlapping, and with other thoughts occasionally sprinkled in. If you are a woman that invests in the lives of other women I invite you to download my free ebook Sister to Sister; A Mentor's Handbook. Also feel free to look around, read past blog posts, and make yourself at home!

A Basket Full of Thanks {Mondays}

2011-09-05T08:40:00.001-04:00

What a privilege to start my Monday's counting, blessings everywhere when I have eyes to see. I'm linking up with Ann Voskamp and all her friends to practice thanksgiving and be transformed. So I'm naming:

151. A kind and gracious review of my ebook Sister to Sister by Jana at Grace for My Mess.

152. A long weekend to spend with those I love.

153. Amazing worship, I love when the body of Christ unites with single purpose and voice to honor God.

154. Hope, like a song sung sweet over my heart.

155. Rain shower pattering overhead, accentuating the snugness of a home, so thankful for God's provision.

156. Testimonies of God's goodness and answered prayer.

157. Soft, warm beds to snuggle down in and sleep, restoring body and mind.

158. Color; pleasing the eye, invoking emotion, making things beautiful.

159. A little girl pretending, play food, baby doll, dress up.

160. Memories, pointing to God's past faithfulness, reminding me I'm not who I was.

On this day of rest from our labor, what are you thankful for friends?

Beauty Through my Eyes: The Scottish Highlands, by Gustave Dore

2011-09-03T22:21:00.001-04:00

"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

The more we open ourselves to appreciating beauty the more we will see it. Let me share with you a taste of the beautiful, I hope it will touch and enrich your heart.

I saw this picture, The Scottish Highlands by Gustave Dore, in the Toledo Museum of Art and it caught my attention right away. In person it's huge and imposing, the picture doesn't capture it's magnificence well.

My mother’s family, the Bankhead’s, came in the mid 1700s from Ayrshire Scotland to South Carolina. We believe they had lived in that area for hundreds of years as a smaller family protected by and serving the Boyd clan. The Boyd’s fought with William Wallace for Scotland's Freedom (the movie Braveheart is Wallace’s story). The understanding is that my ancestors, the Bankhead’s would have fought with the Boyd’s and Wallace. Every time I watch Braveheart I'm transported in time. I believe each generation is significant to future generations. We may never know all about our past but we are recipients none the less of the wisdom gleaned and failures endured by our ancestors. Seeing this sweeping highland picture reminded me of these words I wrote a few years ago.

Out of the mists of time the wild shadows march. The rugged landscape, the fierce pride that is Scotland, flows in my blood. I see the men; weathered, hardened by suffering. A thirst for freedom and a passion for home etched on faces as rugged as the highlands. Men and women out of ancient past, hero and rogue, to me nameless. I see them in my brother’s face, his red beard and tall frame an echo of our heritage.

Forefathers who, more than 200 years ago, left the land they loved for a land of hope. Forever their destiny changed and now their children hear only the haunting echo from a past world once called home.

Is there a piece of art, a painting, sculpture, music that connects you to your family's past whether distant or not so distant?

Five Minute Friday: Rest

2011-09-02T09:52:00.000-04:00

Lisa-Jo at The Gypsy Mama affords opportunity every Friday to write. For five minutes, without worry, letting the words flow. I always find it to be a freeing, cleansing, illuminating practice. If you haven't before why not join in. Today the topic is - Rest.

Go:

Rest comes in the knowing, in the giving up. Quitting. No more my strength. Every whippoorwill and llama, whale and dragonfly is fed by a Mighty hand. Mountains stand secure in their cosmic place due to His ordaining. Tide rhythm compelled by his calling voice.

And I take my place in the order of things, in the knowing. Knowing I'm small and needy. Knowing He's always been and His words hold all together, even my life. Knowing there is so much more than this moment and my life is part of a divine painting of glory. Giving up demanding my way, asserting my will, expecting.

Rest comes in the falling back on arms so tender they comfort like a mother's love; yet strong, able to hold whirling galaxies in place. Rest comes in knowing He is God and I am not.

Stop

{If you're new to my blog welcome! I invite you to read some of my other posts, you can find them under Top Posts and My Words About in the right hand sidebar. I hope leave encouraged and refreshed.}

Sister to Sister: Freedom

2011-08-31T23:10:00.000-04:00

Here's how it works:

* Every week I'll give a word to focus on.

* Try to keep your post under 500 words.

* Link up bellow and spread the love! Visit other sister's posts and let them know what their words mean to you!

*Grab the code for the Sister to Sister link up button from the sidebar to the right, or copy and paste the image to the left embedding a link, and invite others to join.

Are you ready? Join me this week in inspiring other women with your thoughts on:

Freedom...

Love of self kills our freedom in Christ.

"Do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love." Galatians 5:13

Conforming to the image others have for us, out of fear, leaves us prisoners.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

Laws; self imposed, government imposed, church imposed, never lead to freedom.

"I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts." Psalm 119:45

Searching for freedom in the face of another love is dangerous.

"He has sent me [Jesus] to proclaim freedom for the prisoners... to set the oppressed free." Luke 4:18b-19a

Freedom on earth is a temporary truce, anything else is surrender.

"Creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God." Romans 8:21

Pride tears down freedom, man never authors freedom he enters into it.

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17

We don't fight for freedom, as something to win, we live in it.

"In him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." Ephesians 3:12

Freedom without responsibility or love is not freedom, it's petulant self-indulgence.

"Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil." 1 Peter 2:16

Freedom is everywhere, if we're looking for it. It takes eyes focused, not on ourselves, or others, but on the crucified and risen Christ Jesus.

"For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality... Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory." Colossians 2:17, 3:1-4

Now that's freedom!

Do you live set free, in liberated joy? What's holding you back from living in freedom today?

Women who Inspire: The Sisterhood

2011-08-30T10:59:00.001-04:00

Sister - (from dictionary.com)
adjective

12. being or considered a sister; related by or as if by sisterhood: sister ships.

This week's sister:
I've wrestled with writing about this week's sister. Mostly because while highlighting her generosity it exposes my neediness. But I'm compelled to share her story of kindness in hopes we may all be encouraged to be more giving people, especially myself.

My family moved in with Terry, and her husband Mike, almost seven years ago. My son Max was eighteen months at the time, when we moved out he had just turned 3; Maggie was merely a dream. We lived with them for eighteen months as we searched for God's plan and work for us. God answered and we served for four years in ministry in Wyoming.

Five months ago, after our ministry ended, we moved back in with Terry and Mike. Now a family of four, we take up a lot of space, the entire basement as a matter of fact. It's a humbling position to be in.

Home is a big deal to women, and if you've read my blog for long you'll know, it's a really big deal for me. Our earthly home echos our heavenly home, it speaks of security and belonging. I don't have a home right now, my children don't either, and we feel it.

But Terry (and Mike, but I'm writing about sisters here) shared her home with us. You don't get much more personal than a home, to me that's amazing generosity! She gives us space, shares everything, plays with my kids, loves us. Maggie adores Terry (and Mike) she follows her around like a little shadow!

How do you thank some one who has offered such kindness? I can't. I praise God that in his mercy he shows compassion and I want to live with humble generosity in response.

Have you been humbled by someone else's generosity in your life? How did you respond?

Terry and Maggie enjoying Lakeside together

{Don't forget to come back tomorrow for the Sister to Sister link up where we share words of encouragement with our online sisters. Hint, tomorrow's prompt so you can be thinking ahead is: Freedom}

A Basket Full of Thanks {Mondays}

2011-08-29T09:38:00.001-04:00

My life, and I imagine at times yours, can feel like a continuous wrestle. Eyes lock on the storm brewing up ahead, or wave poised to crash. Events like hurricanes, earthquakes and a tough economy remind me how small I am. My sin nature raises it's ugly head and I fight a battle for holiness once again. Life is hard. I was reminded on Saturday that eyes on the storm produce fear, eyes on God produce bold faith.

¹ God is our refuge and strength,
      always ready to help in times of trouble.
² So we will not fear when earthquakes come
      and the mountains crumble into the sea.
³ Let the oceans roar and foam.
      Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
                     Interlude

⁴ A river brings joy to the city of our God,
      the sacred home of the Most High.
⁵ God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
      From the very break of day, God will protect it.
⁶ The nations are in chaos,
      and their kingdoms crumble!
   God’s voice thunders,
      and the earth melts!
⁷ The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
      the God of Israel is our fortress.

Psalm 46:1-7

I love the last verse "The Lord of Heaven's Armies is here among us!" Eyes on the prize, what a promise to one day say the Lord is here among us! True his Spirit dwells with us now, God is ever present. But I'm longing for a different dwelling, a perfect face to face one. It makes my heart skip a beat!

Today, I'm thanking once again, counting joy, looking for beauty. A heart fixed on Jesus, with eyes ready to see, always finds what it's looking for. Last week I saw:

141. My family with eyes shining full of love, ready to give, ready to receive.

142. A little boy with a sense of humor, a tender heart, a growing mind, a forgiving spirit. Oh how I love him!

143. A husband who is faithful, tender, patient. Mine!

144. Laughter

145. A princess, in all her pink finery, what a delight.

146. Baptism, celebrating new life.

147. Community; hard work, holy ground.

148. Cool morning breezes floating through open windows.

149. Hugs

150. Word of God, speaking to me, changing me, setting my mind on truth.

Are you in a place of struggle, is life shadowed by storm clouds brewing, or are you enjoying a calm place of peace? Then praise him, always praise. Linking up with Ann Voskamp for Multitude Mondays.

Beauty Through my Eyes: The Best Thing in the World, by Browning

2011-08-27T12:39:00.002-04:00

"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

morning rose

Taking time for beauty makes us better; whether observing the beauty of creation, being moved by great music, seeing the world through poetry or being transported by a painting. There is joy to be found in the organic rhythm of beauty all around us. The more we open ourselves to appreciating beauty the more we will see it. Let me share with you a taste of the beautiful, I hope it will touch and enrich your heart.

dewy leaves

The Best Thing in the World
Elizabeth Barrett Browning

What's the best thing in the world?
June-rose, by May-dew impearled;
Sweet south-wind, that means no rain;
Truth, not cruel to a friend;
Pleasure, not in haste to end;
Beauty, not self-decked and curled
Till its pride is over-plain;
Love, when, so, you're loved again.
What's the best thing in the world?
-Something out of it, I think.

dragonfly visiting a lily pad

May this weekend hold delight in nature, truth that doesn't cut but lifts up, self forgetting beauty and love returned. Most of all may you have a heart that sees the good in these things yet knows an echo of so much more is behind the sweetness of them all!

reflecting light

Five Minute Friday: Older

2011-08-26T07:49:00.001-04:00

I'm linking up with Lisa -Jo for Five Minute Friday. Where we write for five minutes, unedited, for the joy of it. If you've never joined in give it a try. Today's prompt: Older

Go

I watch as Summer's dance winds down to a halting stumble. Overtaken by Fall she's growing older, unable to keep up. She sheds her dress and slips away, old and tired. Making way for her fresh sister season.

I feel like tired, old Summer sometimes. Body showing signs that I've been here so much longer than my fresh faced daughter. Mind wiser, but not as quick as it used to be. And yet my soul, encased in this garment of fraying flesh, is being renewed.

One day I will slip out of this old skin, this old world. Metemorphosized, shiny and fresh. In the meantime, as my own season, like summer, grows slowly older a mystery is unfolding inside. Dead comes to life, blind eyes are opened, stone heart pumps blood stronger than ever before.

Inside the dieing me, a miracle of life is taking place. A miracle brought on by the One and only. A miracle of life that scoffs at time and death and age. It's hard to see sometimes, but faith gives sight to wondrous life, overcoming time. Age mysteriously enfolds a whisper of ageless grace.

Stop

How have you been renewed by God's powerful grace in this life?

{If you haven't already downloaded a free copy of my new ebook Sister to Sister; A Mentor's Handbook let me invite you to do so. I write about my passion for connecting with other women and offer truths to help you invest in the women in your life. Get a copy today!}

Sister to Sister: Serving

2011-08-24T22:09:00.002-04:00

Here's how it works:

* Every week I'll give us a word to focus on.

* Try to keep your post under 500 words.

Are you ready? Join me this week in inspiring other women with your thoughts on:

Serving...

Today I was stroking my daughter Maggie's hair while she sat beside me watching television. She tilted her head back and in her 3 year old lilt told me, "I love your hands." I smiled and chuckled at her, "I love your hands too," I said. She grinned and as I stroked her head she sang, "I love your hands, I love your hands, I love your hands."

Why? Why did Maggie say she loves my hands? Because I had conveyed love to her through my touch, through caring for her, through stretching them out to her, every day. People around us are hungry for our hands to reach out and show them love.

When is the last time our hands held an elderly person's, or tied up a package to send to a friend's son serving our country far away, or wrote a note of encouragement to a sick person?

Touch is powerful and mentioned repeatedly in the New Testament. Jesus touched lepers, the blind, demon possessed, men, women, shamed, sick, and needy. Where there was a need "Jesus reached out his hand and touched" people. (Luke 5:13) Even as he was being arrested he touched and healed an injured guard. When he rose from the dead he identified himself to his followers by saying "touch me." (Luke 24)

I was moved by Maggie's little diddy today. Am I looking for lives to extend my hand to, offering compassion in the form of a touch? Sometimes service can be as simple as a touch. Hearts will sing "I love your hands" when we touch like Jesus, and just maybe it will be his hands they feel instead of ours.

Who have you touched lately and what was their response? What are some of the tangible ways you are serving others?

{I randomly selected one person from last week's link up to win a sweet treat from me as a thank you for participating. And the winner is Nicole! Congratulations!}

Women who Inspire: The Sisterhood

2011-08-23T08:07:00.001-04:00

Sister - (from dictionary.com)
adjective

12. being or considered a sister; related by or as if by sisterhood: sister ships.

13. having a close relationship with another because of shared interests, problems, or the like.

I have been undeniably blessed by precious women in my life. Some close family, some that lived before my time, some have rubbed me hard smoothing away jagged edges, some young, some old, some who know my heart deeply and still love me, some I've never met. But all sharing a common relation, fellowship birthed from the blood of Jesus. Sweet family, a gift. These women have so energized my Christian walk I just had to introduce some of them to you. (I hope you will post a comment and tell me about the women who have blessed your life.)

This week's sister:
Words can mark us for good or bad. Years ago I had a professor in college use her words to inspire me. Dr. Matthews was a professor of psychology. She was tall and blonde, looking back I realize she was young, though at the time I didn't think so. I respected her, what she said mattered.

One day I was interviewing her for an article in the school newspaper. I don't even remember what the article was about now. As we were finishing up the interview and had moved on to personal conversation she said something I will never forget. She said essentially, "I teach hundreds of students and every so often one stands out among them as special. You stand out to me and I expect you to do great things." Wow! I was so moved and encouraged by her words. More than anything else I wanted to live up to them.

I don't know if she said that to all of her students, I wanted to believe she didn't. I also don't really know what she saw in me at the time. What matters is over the years those words have come back to me. I remember her powerful words of confidence and belief, focused on me. I have measured myself by them and question if I have lived up to them. Those words have pushed me to take risk, to try harder, to raise the bar. I am better because her words have nudged me to be better.

How do you use your words? Do you speak words of favor, belief, hope, life, courage, truth into other people's lives? Or do your words weigh down with criticism or negative feelings? How can you use your words today to lift another's heart?

{If you would like more tips on how to influence the lives of young women download a free copy of my ebook Sister to Sister; A Mentor's Handbook today!}

A Basket Full of Thanks {Mondays}

2011-08-22T08:18:00.000-04:00

I'm counting my blessings once again this morning. Looking for grace in the everyday. I'm visiting my sister, her family and my parents for a couple of days. We've descended to welcome her son Boone into our family. New life brings new hope, wonder and thanks.

131. Visiting family to welcome new life. Baby Boone is delicious!

132. Seeing little cousins dress up in fancy tutus and cook in a play kitchen together.

133. For blue eyes that see the world full of possibilities.

134. Amazing, miraculous, only God could do that, answered prayer for a friend.

135. Pink cowgirl boots, I've said it before but I must say it again, everything is better with boots!

136. Cupcakes
137. Heart to hearts with my true love and rediscovering our heart for us.
138. Exquisite mustached spidery friend.

139. For wonderful crisp, cool mornings whispering a hint of fall.
140. Grace lifting us up, a beacon for our lives.

What gifts are you celebrating?

Linking up with Ann Voskamp for Multitude Monday's.

Five Minute Friday: New

2011-08-19T08:08:00.001-04:00

I love linking up on Friday's with Lisa-Jo and all of her friends to write out of pure joy and creativity. Five Minute Friday is a time to write for five minutes on a prompt without editing or over analyzing. Then link up with other's and spread some encouragement. If you haven't tried it, why not?! You can visit here, linking messes up my page, http://thegypsymama.com/. This week's prompt: New

Go

This world is tattered and frayed around the edges. Shattered right down deep to the heart. Worn out, lovely as it is, one day it will be cast aside like an old shoe.

And yet in the wearing out we see glimpses of new, of God's re-creating. It's in the delicate shimmer of a butterfly wing. New creation unfolding, wonder.

It's in the swell of life, hidden in a robins blue treasure. New hope ready to burst forth and take flight. A reminder of life to come.

It's in the unfurling sweetness of a tiny pink bud. Fresh and new, spring triumphant once again. Mantel of hope flung across the world.

And yet I know instinctively I am not home yet. I'm traveling to my new home. A place of recreated beauty where gossamer wings never droop and fade, where bird songs don't fall silent, where the bloom doesn't loose it's blush.

Isaiah says it better than I, "See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy." (Isaiah 65:17-18) Each glimpse of beauty here makes me hold my breath in anticipation for the better beauty to come. All things new, re-created.

Stop

{If you haven't already downloaded a free copy of my new ebook Sister to Sister; A Mentor's Handbook let me invite you to do so. I write about my passion for connecting with other women and offer truths to help you invest in the women in your life. Get a copy today!}