Plans

Plans were made weeks ago. I knew just how the next few weeks should go.

This weekend? Hockey, program practice, Maicy sing in the morning with girls, Christmas program Sunday night.

Those plans came crashing down. Hmm... skip hockey. Maybe program practice.    

 More phone calls. Whole day cancelled. Well adjust. Its winter in Iowa, that's what we do.

As long as my Christmas week plans don't get affected... its my unspoken request.

Sometimes God needs to just stop us.

Stop the plans from controlling our time. Stop the planning from taking away from Him.

Now I'm stuck.  My plans did change. I admit, I was not happy for awhile. I'm still a little disappointed.

 But God showed us who's in control this week.
Cars get stuck.
Football fields deemed unplayable. Games rescheduled and moved.
Christmas programs rescheduled.
Christmas plans rearranged.

God is in control. And in an instant, He can change our plans.

Then again, my plans had more to do with me and less with Him.

Thanks for changing my plans, God. I'll be there.  Whereever you want me. Whatever day you want me there. That's where I'll be. Just promise You'll be there too.

And stuff...

The blankets are tucked up around her. Her mismatched jammies cozied under the striped comforter. Her hair still damp from the shower sprawls over her pillow. Surrounded by her stuffed animal friends and clutching her special blankie and puppy. Hands come out from hiding to fold on her chest. Long eyelashes close over those brown eyes and all I see are the sprinkling of freckles on her button nose.

"Dear God. Thanks that I can have a good day and that Jackson can have a good day at school and that I could play with my friends and have piano and do good at dance and so could my friends ...and stuff. Thank you that Daddy can be safe at work so that he can work to make money so we have food to eat and clothes... and stuff.. and for the people of Haiti that we can give money to them then too. And while he travels for business or fun... and stuff. Thank you that Mommy can take care of us and do a good job and that she is safe when she travels and goes places. And that other people can be safe when they travel like for business trips and fun trips ...and stuff.  And for the people of Haiti that they can be safe and we can give them homes and food and clothes and stuff to live... and stuff. Be with J and O that they won't be missing their mom and dad too much and keep them safe... and stuff. Thanks that we can go to your House to worship you, thanks for schools where we can learn about you ... and stuff. And for saving us from when we do bad... and stuff. "

She packs a lot into '...and stuff.'

There is a lot of weight in those words. She knows His hands are in the "stuff." Named or unnamed. He's got it. She gave it to Him and just like that will drift into her peaceful sleep. Knowing He's got all the stuff in His hands.

She teaches me a lot in those moments... And stuff.

From Whom All Blessings Flow

I love this week. Yes, it gets busy, and yes, we often rush through it. But truly, Thanksgiving is one of my most favorite times of the year. I have always loved this holiday. I think that it is because it doesn't have the pressure of Christmas, yet has the God centered-ness that it deserves. 
I am so thankful this year. God has blessed me and my family beyond measure. We have had quality time with each other, opened doors to friends and family, entered homes of friends and family, and just truly, been blessed.

Ups and downs are a part of our lives, yet God is steadfast, strong, and unchanging. And that is why I praise Him. That is what makes me want to jump up and shout "Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!!"

I want to wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving. May your time be blessed, may Uncle Harry minimize the embarrassing moments, and may God get all of the glory.
I'm taking the week off of blogging to focus on my family and home and my God. Blessings, dear friends.

Psalm 100- the Message (because I love that first verse)



A Thanksgiving Psalm


On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter,
sing yourselves into his presence.
Know this: God is God, and God, God.
He made us; we didn't make him. We're his people, his well-tended sheep. Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him.  For God is sheer beauty, all-generous in love, loyal always and ever.

Today's Topic:Waiting

I feel like a broken record. I look back and see that I have had plenty of posts on WAITING and here I am again.

Last week you all were so very passionate about the Bible Study topic I shared and let me tell you, us study leaders get pretty excited to see such passion surrounding the Word. So, if you all will continue to participate, we will continue to ask.  Let me first introduce you to our study set up. This year when talking about a new plan we discussed the typical studies- Joyce Meyer, Beth Moore, Dave Ramsey, Ray VanderLaan, and more. But. We always listen to these AMAZING leaders- please don't get me wrong, we have only the utmost of respect for these awesome speakers/writers- however, we just take what they say and go "okay, well this is what so and so says, so this is what I should do". But God doesn't call us to just take someone's word for it. He wants us to write the Word upon our own hearts. And the only way to do that is by searching and pulling it all apart for yourself. Yes, guides and commentaries are great tools, and we encourage those as well.  However, those are man written, we want to rely on the God written Word.

So, this year, we asked something a little different, a little bit scary, and entered into unknown terrritory of our ladies Bible study group. Each meeting we brainstorm to come up with a topic, and then in two weeks we use all resources available to us to search the Word of God. To find all that He has to say on those topics. To see it for our own eyes, read it in context, and get the full picture. Do we always agree with each other's interpretations? No. But it prompts discussion, it makes us all think, and we are all in it together.

Make sense? So, this weeks topic is Waiting on God.  I'm not going to lie, my first response was "crap" when I knew that's what we decided on. But I know that God wants me to GET IT. So, I am working on it.

Instead of giving you what I've found just yet, I want to hear from YOU! You are all so brilliant and genuine and real, that I want your thoughts. (yes, this post is me NOT talking- why do you ask... *ahem*)

Waiting on God- Are we simply called to wait? Is God calling us to act while we wait?

Do you have a particular issue you are waiting to hear God’s answer to? Is His answer wait? Is the answer No? How do you wait on God through the tough times. What scripture encourages you to wait on Him and His timing?

So, share your thoughts... I'd LOVE to hear! And if some of you answer questions with questions, that's great too! (you know who you are...) We want questions, we want to think, we want to be challenged!

Okay, I promise that's all. I do want to leave you a link to Michelle's blog from last week- she spoke of waiting in a different way. Check that out if you'd like!

Now, share your wisdom dear readers!!!

Roles

Okay dear readers,
Today I want to hear from YOU.
In Bible study last week we had a very interesting topic. One that didn't involve closure of any kind and ignited some pretty strong feelings.

The topic: What is our role as WOMEN?
We invited ladies to look at their lives, search the Bible and use any resources available. Apply it to their life- whether it be their role in church, at home, in business, etc. I do not mean just the unattainable Proverbs 31 woman- the one who's passage alone makes women everywhere shudder and groan.Though verses were used from this chapter- and much can be relevant today as well- but look at some new verses.


The question was brought up, are the things we view as the social norm actually Biblical? Or have we interpretted the words to fit our lives? Is it part of our feel good society? Are men supposed to be higher in the church, home and office?

So, share with me your views. What do you believe to be true? I'd love to hear from the men on this one, too!

Too Good to Be True

The room quickly filled with rambunctious 2nd graders. Each bouncing off their seat in their own way. Impatience was high. For both Sunday School teachers and students. 30 minutes each week we attempt to grab the attention of these faces. 30 minutes each week we try to hurriedly explain how great God is and how much He loves them. All while trying to get these 8 kids to oh-for-the-love-of-pete-would-you-just-sit-down-and-stop-talking-don't-touch-your-neighbor-and-listen?! *ahem* Or something like that.

We tried something different.



We set the jar on the table. A plain old mason jar, half full with clean water.

This was what God created. Pure. Clean. Unpolluted. Without Sin

 Adam & Eve sinned...

The Israelites sinned...

 

 You and I sinned...

 The world was dark. No light was shining.

God sent His Son. The cleaning agent...

 He died on the cross...

 He washes away our sin....

 We are new creations. Clean. White as snow.

We have been washed by the blood of the Lamb. Fully. Completely.

Our water was pretty dark that first day. We each put a drop of sin in the jar. We had a lot of washing to do. We promised to leave the jar at church in our classroom until the next week.

The next week, they gathered around. Eager. Yes, eager.

"What happened to our black water?!"

Eyes grew wide as we pulled the jar out to show them: "You switched it!" "There's no way! That water was black, it couldn't be that clear now!"

"Isn't that what Christ did for us? Didn't He turn our black hearts into something pure?"

"Yeah... but...I just don't believe it could be true..."

Do YOU believe it? Do you believe that Christ could take your very blackest heart, the very deepest darkest sin you've committed, and wash it away completely?

It really does sound too good to be true.

But it isn't.

By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 1Corinthians 15:2-4

Get in on the best

Once in awhile, I get it. Sometimes after having something repeated over and over and over I finally catch on when God is talking. When He wants me to hear something and to have it stick. Not always, mind you, I can be a little dense. But those moments when I do make up for all of those missed times.

If you've hung around here at all, you probably know that I am horrible at memorizing scripture and retaining passages with content. So when I hear a message on a topic and it sticks, I take note.

Psalm 37 is quickly becoming my theme passage. I am clinging to it daily. Daily.                                                                                               

When God calls us act, we jump in. We express our worries over being adequate, we pray for assurance and security, but we still act. But every once in awhile we are called to do NOTHING. This causes panic and confusion. What do you mean I can't do anything?! I have to WAIT?!  It is so hard for us to sit back and say "Okay, God, I will sit back here while you take care of things your own way."

Why?
Why is it easier to trust in Him when He calls us to action then when He calls us to no action?

We like to be busy, we like to mark off our neat little check list. One more job done. Pat ourselves on the back.

And if I can't act... at least let me worry about it.

But Psalm 37 is bringing me some much needed new perspective. Trust in the Lord... Do good... Do not fret...be still...wait patiently...refrain from anger...

Those words have changed my daily walk, and yes, I stumble, but I can dust off quicker and remember who's got my back. I decided to take a look at some other translations to get more perspective. I absolutely love what the Message says in verses 3 and 4:

Get insurance with God and do a good deed,

settle down and stick to your last.

Keep company with God,

get in on the best.

How can it get better than that? Get in on the best. Amen.

*picture above from my kitchen wall... I realize its a different passage, just goes to show, sometime He's trying to tell me something...*

Simply Amazed

I am so amazed by the things that God can do. Yes, I knew He could create an entire world in 6 days. Yes, I knew He has power over death. Yes, I knew He could take down huge armies with small incompetent groups.  Yes, I know He has the power to move mountains.

But when you see that greatness in your own seemingly insignificant life? Simply amazing.

The beautiful pines in Angeles National Forest.

I boarded the plane last week still not fully aware of the odd place I was putting myself in.

Then, 5 minutes before landing, I looked at the lady next to me, who I'd learned would be returning to Omaha on the same flight as me, and said, "Here's the deal... and gave her the dish... yes, I was meeting a "stranger".  "So, you want me to call the FBI if you're not here? Got it."

I walked off the escalator, saw Bina and in that moment realized, we were not strangers. That was my friend. Waiting for me by the baggage claim.

Hey, remember when I thought you were going to be a serial killer?

That was my friend grinning from ear to ear, arms open and ready for a hug- not a (((hug))).

That was also my friend's pastor standing next to her.... they claim it wasn't because of lack of faith in me.;) I say that was a God thing. He sent a servant at that time to send a little reassurance to both of His daughters. This was His plan, and His guiding hand was on it, starting last August.

After an evening of many laughs, tear wiping- from the laughter, and belly aches- from the laughter, it was time to meet her family. More "strangers".

One by one her children greeted me with a hug- how sweet are these kids?! I think to myself.And then I see the 13 year old. Coming from the kitchen, butcher knife in hand. . .

. . . And I knew... these were my people. We howled with laughter as she says "oh, no. We won't hurt you..."  Simply amazed. She took the mostly unspoken fear, and brought laughter. Tension melted away.

As I met her friends one by one- preparing for a retreat on a mountainside- I was simply amazed.

The dearest women in the world, and maybe a little goofy too.

To be loved by one, is to be loved by all. These women shared their lives, their hearts, their faith, most important, they shared their love.

I left for California to meet one stranger.

I left California with an extended family of 7 and 6 fabulous friends whom I have been able to laugh, cry, and pray with. These friends and family radiate the joy and love of Christ. To say that He wasn't there would be impossible.

I'm Simply Amazed.

To my dear sweet Sister Bina. Words cannot express the joy that came with meeting you Face to Face. The fears gone. The insecurity wiped away. To pray, to laugh, to hold, to cry, to sing. (some of us more off key than others *ahem*). This past weekend was a gift so much greater than I could have ever imagined. I now miss you- and those looks- and I look forward to another day we see each other face to face.

God has brought us together through this crazy internet life. And I thank Him for you. I love you.

God is Good!!!

Unedited

We sit at computer screens and share our lives. Our joys. Our sorrows. Our fears. Our hopes Our laughter. Our tears.

Yet we edit.

 I can't tell these people how much I yelled at my daughter this morning over a pair of shoes!

I can't tell them how long it took me to find this verse that I wanted to share- that maybe I'm not as knowledgable as they think.

Thank goodness these people didn't hear what I said. Or thought.

Here's a good picture of me, at least you can't see how big my bottom is in it!

Let me put make-up on just so before taking a picture for this.

Type something funny and witty. Delete. Re-type. Delete. Re-type.

Crop here. Edit that.

We share our lives, yet we're able to tuck away the parts that cause our insecurities. Today, I will come face to face with one whom I've shared so many of those joys, sorrows, laughs, tears, and hopes with. FACE to FACE. For the first time.

There is no editing.

My thoughts invade:
She'll be able to see all of me- fluffy tummy and all. What if she's repulsed?

What if she is annoyed by my loud laugh?

She'll be able to see all of me- fluffy tummy and all. What if she's repulsed?

What if she's driven over the edge by my chatter and frustrated that as soon as more people are there, I clam up.

What if I cry to much during the retreat, or not enough. What if I giggle at the most serious time because that's what happens sometimes.

What if she finds me boring. What if we have nothing to talk about (so not likely!) What if I say something I would have preferred to delete and re-type.

She'll see me. All of me. Unedited.

I am bursting with joy and nervousness at the anticipation of a weekend with a friend that God has led to me. A friendship that only He can weave together from the heart of the midwest to the California coast. A time of reflection and spriritual renewal in the mountains of California.

I can't wait, dear Bina. To see you face to face. Unedited.

All who are weary

Going through the motions. Checking off my lists one by one. Go here. Do this. Don't forget about this.
Sign here. Write this check. Fill out this form. Pack this. Wash that.

Weary. My eyelids are heavy. I want to stop. I want to find rest. It's cry or sleep.

Three times within the week that I have felt this way a verse is spoken. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29

Once in a book. Once in this blog by Duane Scott. Once at my uncle's funeral.

All made me stop and weep. The last one just made me stop. Will I wait until a church is full of people remembering my life before I'm able to rest?  Or will I find Him now. Come before Him now. It sounds to good to be true, that we can rest in Him. But we can. And I will. 

Insignificant Me

Yesterday I was blessed (as blessed as one can be to ride a bus with a bunch of 4th graders and chase them around a pond all day) enough to go along on my 4th grade son's field trip. We learned about Iowa wildlife, searched for tracks, learned about the prairie grasses, and were introduced to some bugs.
Most of what we talked about or identified had a distinguishable purpose in the ecosystem. But, not all of them.

We came upon a lace bug- while it was interesting to look at and unique, when asked what the point of this bug was, our guide said it didn't have much of a purpose. And then she said something that I can't get out of my head. "Some creatures were not made to be significant.  They may never be more than the bottom of the food chain."

I thought that it was a depressing thought at first. And then on the ride home I thought about it some more. In this world we are so driven to be the best. Who can make more money. Who has the bigger business. Who has the biggest house. Who has the fastest car. Who has the most read blog. It is ingrained in us every day.

And I sit on the sideline and watch this go by. I have never been driven to be the best at anything. I am a hairdresser. Did I ever dream of being the greatest hairdresser to the stars? No. I have never in my work of any kind, dreamed of being anything great. I want to do my job, respect those I come across and come home. I am a foster parent. Do I strive to take in more kids than anyone else to earn a reward. No. That scares me! Yes, its great to help, but its not my goal to save the world. I am a blogger. Do I hope to have a great big blog with thousands of followers and make money from this? No. I am just here, getting stuff off my chest and hopefully brightening one or two people's day. I have no huge aspirations for my life. I never have. I have never wanted to be the next greatest anything.

For a long time, this made me feel like I was lazy or unmotivated. What was wrong with me that I never dreamt of the way it could be? Then, today, I was reminded that sometimes we are just created and not called to be something significant. And you know what? That is okay.

My hope doesn't rest in my success. My hope rests in Christ. This is my goal. To be a positive example and a light for Christ. To share Christ's love with everyone. Not by being the next Max Lucado, Rick Warren or Billy Graham. Just by being Alicia- daughter of a Savior, Sinner, wretch, humble, broken, mom, wife. If I can leave this world and only my husband and children say "She lived for God and we think she was the greatest", then my life was just as significant as if 5 million people said I was great.

I am not saying no one should have goals and dreams to be great. God made us all for a purpose and He will use each of us in His own way. I'm just telling you, that if you sometimes feel insignificant as I do, it's okay. God's using you, too. You're doing just what He wants you to.

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40

Do you feel as though your purpose is the bottom of the food chain? Or are you working on being the king of the jungle?


(*Top picture from field trip, no idea which kids are in the picture, but they aren't mine. ;)
bottom picture  from the millipede plague of 2010, I'm still working on learning their life's purpose, but rejoice that they have decided to fulfill it further away from my home)

But I don't wanna

Do you ever have that moment....

that one where you're called to do something you don't want to?

Do you give God this?

"I just don't want to?!"

Followed possibly by a ...

"Oh. Wait. What?"

Here are some verses that I'm trying to swallow when I hear those gentle nudges and I'm tempted to say "ugh, but I don't wanna"

1 John 5:2-3 (New International Version)

This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome

1 John 5:2-3 (The Message)

. The reality test on whether or not we love God's children is this: Do we love God? Do we keep his commands? The proof that we love God comes when we keep his commandments and they are not at all troublesome.

The view up here

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1

(picture taken landing at the Omaha airport on our return flight from San Antonio)

Playing Catch-Up and Counting Blessings

It occurred to me that I never did share the kids' first day of school pics... or my birthday breakfast pics for that matter. The breakfast ones will not be happening- due to the whole-early-morning-no-makeup-still-in-bed-factor, but here are the first day of school pics, and an equally fun birthday pic- Miss Maicy wanted nothing more than for us to get pedicures for MY birthday. I know, she's so giving and sweet- as long as she could have one too. :) It was fun to watch her get her first pedi- wish I had had my camera for that.

Where have my babies gone?!

So, its a little late, but better late than never right?

I am going to try to uncurl myself from the fetal position this week and choose to embrace the busy life that these big kids are bringing me. I'll let you know how that goes.

In all the busyness I am choosing to count my blessings. This week I am thankful for the Christian School where my children go. I love that their little hearts are being shaped and molded in ALL aspects of their life to see God at work. I am grateful for God providing the means for us to pay for that education. The teachers who show God's love to these kids.

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it"

Proverbs 22:6

I didn't mean to...

...it just sort of happened. A week goes by, and I haven't really turned on the computer. I haven't felt the need to check Facebook every hour. I didn't read 60 blog posts. I just lived the life going on around me. And the good news is, my world didn't fall apart. Apart from the occasional school webpage check and email, and what ever is available on my Blackberry, I didn't hit the computer. I have to say, it was a freeing week. I enjoyed time with family over the long weekend. Steve's sister and brother-in-law came down to our Nebraska acreage and we played. We had fresh air and enjoyed the mild fall days. The cool evenings around the campfire, the crisp mornings in the porch with a piping hot cup of coffee, a late night stroll in the dark through the woods to seek out critters, an even later night of card games and laughing. No computers necessary. (except to check those rules we always seem to forget between Labor Day weekends).

I have been learning a lot about addictions and strongholds lately and realized how dependant I've become on the computer for my entertainment. I feel that I can't start my day until I've read what everyone else is doing until I do something. I have found myself coveting other people's lives because of what they are doing and what they are making or what they're writing. I needed a little perspective.

I was able after the weekend to enjoy some girlfriend time. We laughed, drank coffee, made rich pasta dishes, and I frightened her to death with pregnancy horror stories. That's what friends do. No computer necessary. (except to help her find a crib online after it wasn't in the stores.)

So, if you missed me, I am sorry. I needed to take a little time to find my way back to the One who gave me all that I am. The One who blessed me beyond measure with amazing family and friends. I needed to step back and see all that I have and all that I am, yet I am nothing without Him. And if you're reading this, thank you for coming back, even after I disappeared. I'll try not to let it happen again, unless He calls me to. I look forward to catching up with my friends, especially with a little better perspective.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14

Dear God...

The family of 5 sat around the table. Finished eating Mom asked for a volunteer to pray. The young man volunteers "I will! Dear God, Please make sure I get all kinds of Vikings stuff and that new Vikings jersey that I wanted. Amen"  
Dad and Mom give each other "that look" but don't crush his spirits completely. They ask for another volunteer. The youngest daughter is eager to show up her big brother. Certain she's got it right. "Dear God, Thank you SO much for making me SO popular! Thank you for not making me act like a dufus like other kids in my class. I'm so glad I'm popular"
Another look passes between Dad and Mom. They look to their 3rd child hoping that one of them has it right. She looks confident. "Dear God, Thank you so much for everything you have ever given us and please help every single person who has any kind of disease"
Mom and Dad give a heavy sigh and state that there is work to be done.


This was the skit that played out in the front of the chapel on that first day of school morning.
At this chapel we as parents and students are introduced to the school's theme for the year. This year- prayer. Praying how God wants us to, not so that we can get Him to do what we want for us.
Pastor Bob continued on after the family stepped down. Asking what a 10 year old boy might want for a birthday gift. His wish at that age- a watch. (this grew chuckles from today's kids as they couldn't imagine that being the top of their wish list, but I guess I, too, am old enough to remember a watch or alarm clock at the top of my list) He remembers how he would do anything for his parents so that they would get him that watch, saying what he thought would work.

Do we pray to God like this? Say what we think He wants to hear so that He'll give us what we want? I know that while they were speaking to the children, I could recognize this in my own heart. We think we can get God to do what we want.

And the day of the gift comes.... it's not a watch in that box. The size is wrong. The weight is wrong. Disappointment creeps in. Until you open the gift, and its even greater than that watch! So much more than you would have ever expected to even ask for!

God's answers are often disappointing to us at first glance. We think we didn't pray right. Didn't say the right words. Or that He just didn't feel we should have it. Yet when we His answer is fully revealed, we often find that His gift is so much more than we deserved. More than we could have hoped. We never could come up with this on our own. Only God could have answered in this way.

I can't tell you how excited I am this year to learn with my children about prayer. I feel that I fall short in this department in my walk. I feel my prayers come across as whining lists or a rush before the next thing. I hope to be able to share more with you. ( for those who were at the chapel, sorry for not giving you anything new. )

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."

He said to them, "When you pray, say:

" 'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.Give us each day our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

And lead us not into temptation. "  Luke 11:1-4

Following the Path

Last week I finally had the privilege of using our rider mower. I have never in my life ridden a rider mower and I will admit that I was nervous. This is a zero-turn mower that takes a little more coordination to make go where you want. My crash course was quite comical as my husband just shook his head.

But the day finally came when I decided I felt ready to start it up alone and get the job done.

As I mowed along, I attempted to follow along the green paths. Crooked lines with sharp jags surprised me reminding me of the sneeze that made me jerk right, or trying to get my cell phone out of my pocket that caused a sharp left. The bug swatting that left a zig-zag reminiscent of Charlie Brown's shirt.

As I attempted to find my path each time around, I couldn't help but think of the path our family has gone on this past year. Zigs and zags, sharp lefts left in our wake caused by unexpected things around us, or just not holding on tight enough.

I can't see the path clearly all the time, but I know its there. I can't always see God's path for me, but I know its there. I don't always see the twigs laying in my way, but I have the power to overcome them. I sometimes have to duck to stop from hitting my head on a branch, but I can get through them. And at times I feel as though I am sliding out of control on the side of a hill on slippery grass, yet I'm okay when I get through.

God knows my path.

He will see me safely through.

With all the twists and turns, He will guide me.

I can't thank everyone of you enough for the kind words of support and encouragement after my last post. You overwhelm me. To have you care that much is beyond words. I cried with each comment I read. You are the flowers blooming along my path. God bless you.

Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths;  guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5

A Glimpse..

Everyday I see these nasty weeds growing.

Everyday I shake my head disgusted by them.

I know its going to hurt to pull them out, but I have to get rid of them before they choke out the other plants.

But sometimes I let them go too far. And then I see this.

Those nasty weeds blossom into am amazing bloom.

Today I'm looking around at the ordinary and seeing the sacred in God's creation.

Taking time to stop and see what He has done.

Want to join Jennifer at Studio JRU?

link up here