Hebrews 13:5 is one of the first verses I memorized. It was spoken often in my home as a teenager by my mother. It is a promise we often found ourselves clinging to. Recently I came across this and it makes it even better (if that is possible):
Hebrews 13:5: " I will never leave you nor forsake you." Sounds good, doesn't it? But it's even better when you understand the full meaning. In the Greek language, in which the New Testament was written, there is what is called a triple negavtive. It is used when the author wants to be extremely emphatic. This is the only verse in the New Testament in whcih this triple negative is used, and literally translated it reads:
"I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless, nor forsake you, nor relax my hold on you, assuredly not."
Now that's what I call a promise! Linda Dillow pg. 30 Creative Counterpart
And that is what I would call a promise too!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
His Greatest Fan
Do you see yourself as your husband's greatest fan? Ephesians 5:33 says, "....and let the wife see that she respects her husband." In the Amplified version it is translated, "And let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband - that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates and esteems him; and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly!"
Do you make your husband a priority in your day? It seems like a silly question. After all he is an adult and I have children who need my attention and many other responsibilities. In Linda Dillow's book Creative Counterpart, She writes, "A man can have everything outside the home, but if the sincere respect of his wife and children is missing, he can be totally emasculated." Just in case you are wondering the word "emasculated" means to deprive of strength, vigor, spirit.
Do you make your husband a priority in your day? It seems like a silly question. After all he is an adult and I have children who need my attention and many other responsibilities. In Linda Dillow's book Creative Counterpart, She writes, "A man can have everything outside the home, but if the sincere respect of his wife and children is missing, he can be totally emasculated." Just in case you are wondering the word "emasculated" means to deprive of strength, vigor, spirit.
This is not a choice based on how we feel. If we are going to walk in obedience to His word than this can't be left out. (the same is true for the verse which talks about submission) It is easy to respect a husband who does what it says at the beginning of this verse, "love his own wife as he loves himself", but notice it doesn't say to only respect your husband if he does what you want him to do.
When he comes home at the end of the day we have the opportunity to see God work in the life of our husband and in us. Cheer him on! Prefer him! Make him your priority! (the kids will be blessed by this) Consider him! Respect him! And watch what the Lord will do in the life of your marriage.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Some of my favorite things
I hope the title doesn't disappoint you, but some of my favorite things are books. I have a small collection of old books, particularly classic children's literature. The pages are yellow and delicate. I especially love the old "Golden Books". They are so sweet! I even have a book on homemaking written in the early 60's complete with a woman in high heels, a dress and apron on the cover. I love to pull it out once in awhile and see how some things have changed and some things have not.
I thought I would take some time here and go through my own bookshelf and share some of my favorites. When my eighteen year old daughter was about five, I discovered Leading Little Ones to God. It is theology for kids. But don't let that scare you, it is wonderful! It communicates so beautifully in a way that children understand. I have used this wonderful devotional for fifteen years now, and I am getting ready to begin it again with my five year old. But the best part is that everyone loves listening and hearing the stories again. There are simple discussion questions that we have used at mealtime and a hymn which we recite often as a prayer.
It answers questions like, "Has anyone ever seen God?" and "How God's children live and grow". Next to the Bible itself, this has been my favorite children's devotional. It can be used with children and grandchildren of all ages. It is truly timeless and one of my favorites.
I thought I would take some time here and go through my own bookshelf and share some of my favorites. When my eighteen year old daughter was about five, I discovered Leading Little Ones to God. It is theology for kids. But don't let that scare you, it is wonderful! It communicates so beautifully in a way that children understand. I have used this wonderful devotional for fifteen years now, and I am getting ready to begin it again with my five year old. But the best part is that everyone loves listening and hearing the stories again. There are simple discussion questions that we have used at mealtime and a hymn which we recite often as a prayer.
It answers questions like, "Has anyone ever seen God?" and "How God's children live and grow". Next to the Bible itself, this has been my favorite children's devotional. It can be used with children and grandchildren of all ages. It is truly timeless and one of my favorites.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Return to your House
My husband has just finished a series on the first six chapters in the book of Daniel. Lately, I have been painfully aware of how lacking my prayer life can be. In both chapter 2 and 6 of Daniel we saw that when Daniel was faced with a crisis he "returned to his home" and sought the Lord. But there was one more word that struck me this morning in my quiet time.
" 10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Philippians 4:6 also reminds us to pray "with thanksgiving".
So, I tried something a little different this morning. I first began to thank God for all that He has done in my life, all that He is doing, and all that His word promises. It's amazing how when I begin this way, everything that I thought was so "BIG", all of a sudden seemed so "small" in light of who He is.
" 10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Philippians 4:6 also reminds us to pray "with thanksgiving".
So, I tried something a little different this morning. I first began to thank God for all that He has done in my life, all that He is doing, and all that His word promises. It's amazing how when I begin this way, everything that I thought was so "BIG", all of a sudden seemed so "small" in light of who He is.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
The Home Project
The very first blog that I read regularly beginning back in 2005, was Girl Talk. I still faithfully visit their website a few times a month. I am always encouraged and usually glean some wonderful biblical wisdom.
They have started something new on their blog called The 52home Project. I love what they share so I am going to repeat it here:
They have started something new on their blog called The 52home Project. I love what they share so I am going to repeat it here:
Ordinary is where we all live most of the time. And yet our mundane, repetitive days are full of enduring work. Homes are being built. Families are being knit together. Little souls are being shaped for eternity.
The tedious is, in fact, momentous—when done for the sake of Christ: “…so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior” (Titus 2:10).
This truth can get lost in piles of laundry and dirty dishes. We need help to see the glory peaking out from behind the ordinary.
Our hope is that you’ll see your own ordinary, yet glorious life in these pictures. That you’ll glimpse the faithfulness of God that undergirds his faithful ones. That you’ll see reflections of the eternal in the everyday. “So teach us to number our days that we will get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
I love this verse, "...number our days that we will get a heart of wisdom" Too often I am completly guilty of focusing on what does not matter, the temproary. So, I am joining them in capturing the simple things in my life and sharing them here. Life seems to be going by me on a conveyer belt right now and I am trying to grab at things before they get away. I pray this helps me stop for a few minutes each weekday and truly
"number my days".
8:00 pm Sunday March 7th
Big sister just came in from work and was willing to read his favorite library book.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
A quick thought
When I said I was dusting off this blog, I really meant it. I have spent some time this evening reading through some old posts (while my family is watching a football movie) and found myself pleasantly surprised that I had written certain things down.
My three favorite categories (or labels) so far are Marriage, Family, and Parenting. I found myself listening to my own thoughts. It was kind of fun to look back, kind of like looking at old photos and remembering things I had almost forgotten.
Maybe I should consider it time well spent.
My three favorite categories (or labels) so far are Marriage, Family, and Parenting. I found myself listening to my own thoughts. It was kind of fun to look back, kind of like looking at old photos and remembering things I had almost forgotten.
Maybe I should consider it time well spent.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Dusting it Off
I have let it just sit here for almost a year. Like one of my favorite books, I am picking it up off the shelf, dusting the top, flipping the pages to refresh my memory of why I have kept it for so long and setting it on my desk so that I pick it up and begin again.
I set my blog and even the reading of blogs on the shelf. I felt the need to focus on other things. Recently, I have had the desire to share my thoughts here again.
Some things have changed just like the tattered edges of a favorite book. I am older and it is good! My kids are another year older, three teenagers, one nine year old and one very sweet five year old. My home feels like a revolving door. My kitchen table seems tiny and there is never enough room for everyone. (It once seemed huge) I have had to re figure some of my favorite recipes so that there is enough food. We often have one, two, or several more here who are hungry. I have learned to keep the freezer stocked, so that when four hungry fourteen year old girls show up, I have something they will eat when no one else is around. (I have learned they love pizza snacks) I have kids that stay up later than I do. This has been a hard one for me.
I still love to read! I have always liked to take photos! My husband surprised me at Christmas with a new camera. And I still journal on the Word of God in my Life Journal. I am trying to memorize scripture with greater discipline. I haven't tried any new recipes in a long time. I started walking and It makes me happy. I get to pray with some amazing women who I do not deserve. We started a Life Group in our home for college students. It has brought back memories!
And finally, I am glad Valentines Day is coming up....because I love roses and conversation heart candies!
Friday, May 22, 2009
A quiet place
Over the past several months I have been looking for solitude. I have been looking for a quiet place to reflect, to meditate on the Word of God, to ponder all that He has done and all that His word promises. I have stepped away from certain things in my life like blogging trying to force myself to be still before the Lord. It is hard in the midst of a busy life to be still, let alone try and find a quiet place. But I also realize that other things such as hurt, grief, difficult circumstances and pain cause us to step away from things that we once enjoyed as well.
A friend recently asked me why I didn't blog anymore? I told her the time it takes not just to write a post, but also the time it requires to read others posts. I also told her that I have come to a place where sharing so much of myself (or maybe so little of myself) to the world wide web all of a sudden seemed strange. I am still grappling with that a bit, but praying about where to go with this.
One of the things that has helped is a study I have been apart of titled, "Discerning the Voice of God" by Priscilla Shirer. It has been speaking to so many places in my life. It has been one of those studies that you wonder if she wrote it while listening to your thoughts. I have hi-lighted or underlined almost every page in the book as well as written all over the margin.
She has fabulous quotes in the book and this is one of many: "Whoever seeks God as a means toward desired ends will not find God. The mighty God, the maker of heaven and earth, will not be one of many treasures, not even the chief of all treasures. He will be all in all or He will be nothing. God will not be used. his mercy and grace are infinite and His patient understanding is beyond measure, but He will not aid men in their selfish striving after personal gain. He will not help men to attain ends which, when attained, usurp the place He by every right should hold in their interest and affection." A.W. Tozer
It's those words, "selfish striving" which jump off the page. I see so many places in my life where I strive. Even in that which seems good and right. Recently the Lord brought me to a familiar verse in Psalm 46. Verse 10 says, "Cease striving and know that I am God." It was like a cool breeze on a hot day which carefully moves across your face and brings the comfort you were needing.
Now I am learning how to apply this word to my everyday busy life.
A friend recently asked me why I didn't blog anymore? I told her the time it takes not just to write a post, but also the time it requires to read others posts. I also told her that I have come to a place where sharing so much of myself (or maybe so little of myself) to the world wide web all of a sudden seemed strange. I am still grappling with that a bit, but praying about where to go with this.
One of the things that has helped is a study I have been apart of titled, "Discerning the Voice of God" by Priscilla Shirer. It has been speaking to so many places in my life. It has been one of those studies that you wonder if she wrote it while listening to your thoughts. I have hi-lighted or underlined almost every page in the book as well as written all over the margin.
She has fabulous quotes in the book and this is one of many: "Whoever seeks God as a means toward desired ends will not find God. The mighty God, the maker of heaven and earth, will not be one of many treasures, not even the chief of all treasures. He will be all in all or He will be nothing. God will not be used. his mercy and grace are infinite and His patient understanding is beyond measure, but He will not aid men in their selfish striving after personal gain. He will not help men to attain ends which, when attained, usurp the place He by every right should hold in their interest and affection." A.W. Tozer
It's those words, "selfish striving" which jump off the page. I see so many places in my life where I strive. Even in that which seems good and right. Recently the Lord brought me to a familiar verse in Psalm 46. Verse 10 says, "Cease striving and know that I am God." It was like a cool breeze on a hot day which carefully moves across your face and brings the comfort you were needing.
Now I am learning how to apply this word to my everyday busy life.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Beginning with the end
In the midst of a very busy season of life I have been completely captivated by the study of the book of Esther. This morning I finished my last few days of homework and I cried. The journey has been incredibly personal for me. One in which I know I need to record but I am deeply afraid.
So, I begin with the end. "God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes." (Psalm 18:24, The Message)
This is the last verse in our homework. In session three way back on January 20th, one of the many things that has caused me to look more intently at my life was her point "Remember, destiny appoints one but affects many." She shared this in context to Esther and what she was facing in chapter four. She went on to share, "The revelation of a person's destiny always demands a revelation of the person. Consider the wording "if you remain silent at this time." The Hebrew word translated silent in this verse can also be translated conceal."
Beth Moore went on to share, "One of the most important parts of fulfilling our destiny is transparency and it is extremely risky!"
So, back to the verse in Psalm 18:24. It took me back to a girl who sat on the edge of her bed in a humble bedroom at a tender and very influential age who decided that she would follow God no matter what. Little did she know what this decision would require. As the years have gone by, and so much has taken place, I can still see in myself this young girl, but I also see a woman who has "remained silent". I don't know yet what God wants me to say. I am absolutely afraid to open my mouth. But I have completely entrusted my heart to Him, and I know He can handle my mouth.
So, I begin with the end. "God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes." (Psalm 18:24, The Message)
This is the last verse in our homework. In session three way back on January 20th, one of the many things that has caused me to look more intently at my life was her point "Remember, destiny appoints one but affects many." She shared this in context to Esther and what she was facing in chapter four. She went on to share, "The revelation of a person's destiny always demands a revelation of the person. Consider the wording "if you remain silent at this time." The Hebrew word translated silent in this verse can also be translated conceal."
Beth Moore went on to share, "One of the most important parts of fulfilling our destiny is transparency and it is extremely risky!"
So, back to the verse in Psalm 18:24. It took me back to a girl who sat on the edge of her bed in a humble bedroom at a tender and very influential age who decided that she would follow God no matter what. Little did she know what this decision would require. As the years have gone by, and so much has taken place, I can still see in myself this young girl, but I also see a woman who has "remained silent". I don't know yet what God wants me to say. I am absolutely afraid to open my mouth. But I have completely entrusted my heart to Him, and I know He can handle my mouth.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Super Bowl Sunday
Groceries for finger foods, drinks, and dessert...$23.87
Preparation of wings, veggies, and other foods...1 hour
Time spent eating, laughing, screaming and holding our breath while watching the big game...aprox. 4 hours
Cleaning up afterwards...30 minutes
Husband and Wife dancing during half-time show with five kids...priceless!
Preparation of wings, veggies, and other foods...1 hour
Time spent eating, laughing, screaming and holding our breath while watching the big game...aprox. 4 hours
Cleaning up afterwards...30 minutes
Husband and Wife dancing during half-time show with five kids...priceless!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
It's January
I have not blogged in so long, I don't even know where to begin. So I'll start with today. It is cold! It is well below zero and it is just plain cold. I don't think two weeks in California over Christmas helped me to prepare for the frigid temps we have had the last few days.I took this photo yesterday for Carolyn. Sorry, no cute kids standing outside in this stuff. It was - 26 when I poked my head outside to grab a photo. We watched as the wind blew and drifted snow up against our house forming all kinds of fun shapes.
I loved Hunter's comment, "mom it may be cold outside but the snow is beautiful, especially the snow that has not been touched." He is right! The kids have been home from school for two days. I think they had cabin fever more yesterday than today. But then again I was gone for part of the day and maybe it was me.
I have been thinking alot lately about the start of a new year. I love a fresh clean page in a new journal or the look of an empty canvas waiting to be filled in with vibrant colors. For the last several weeks I have had a hopeful expectation over things.
In December I started working my way through Nancy Guthrie's study book on the Book of Hebrews titled, "Hoping for Something Better." But I couldn't get past the words, "In Jesus" in the second verse of chapter one. I was stuck. I knew that I needed to plant myself there and just let the words soak into my heart. Nancy says in her book, "In Jesus, God is saying, "I want to show you who I am." We would never know God if he did not speak to us. and he wants us to know him for who he really is, not for who we want to make him to be. So many times we want to make him into a God who suits our liking. We hear people say, "Well, the God I believe in would never.... or I believe God is....almost as if we can determine what God is like merely by the whims of our own imaginations. God doesn't need our help in designing his personality or deciding what he should be like. He is I AM, the eternal, self-existing one. And he wants us to see him and know him for who he really is." Nancy then takes you through the character of God. And this is where I am planted. The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know. I feel like a wilted plant sometimes who is instantly propped back up once I have been given a drink of the Living Word.
Last week as we watched the introduction video on the Book of Esther, Beth Moore shared with us that the book offers tremendous "hope". She defined biblical hope as an anxious expectation. I love when God ties things together for me and keeps speaking the same things over and over. It sometimes takes a neon light flashing "hope" to get my attention.
Tomorrow marks a year since I received a phone call that my dad had died. My heart still aches at times over what I never knew. As a young teenage girl I had always dreamed of spending Christmas with my dad, just once. I never did. I know why God wants to teach me about hope, His hope. He desires to bring hope to those places in our hearts that only He can fill.
In Christ, I have tremendous hope for 2009. Without Him there is no hope.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
It's tough being a woman
It began today! I am so excited to be offering this study to the ladies of our church. This morning a wonderful group of women gathered to watch the introductory lesson. There were three newbies to our normal Tuesday morning group and that makes me super happy.
Tonight another group of women are meeting. I am excited to see what the Lord will do with this group of 18 - 30ish year olds. This group is not exclusively for this age group but I hope to address some things women are faced with during this season of their life. Mostly, I pray their hunger for God and His word will increase.
A third group of ladies will be gathering on Thursday night in a home. This is something new and we are praying this additional opportunity will allow even more women an opportunity to study the word together.
If you live in the area...join us!
Sunday, December 07, 2008
4 Years Old
Hold your fingers up high Coleman!
Today is the day you are 4!
I am so blessed to be called your mommy!
I am so thankful for such a sweet and amazing gift this day four years ago!
Happy Happy Birthday sweet boy!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
It's December
All day yesterday I kept telling myself, "it's December already?"
I should be thinking about decorating but instead I am thinking about cleaning. My home has been severely neglected over the past couple of months and I can't picture myself hanging up or displaying one Christmas decoration until some of the dust is removed.
This morning while walking on the treadmill, I was grumbling to the Lord about the condition of my home. My closets are a mess, the dust is thick, the floors, the refrigerator, the bathrooms, it all needs to be done. And by the way the laundry and suitcases are still on my living room floor. I was talking to Him about all of my attempts over the years to keep my home neat and orderly and how I continually come up short. I have followed plans. I have made some great schedules and created some wonderful charts, but nothing makes the task any easier or less demanding. The only thing I haven't tried is hiring a maid and I know that won't happen. And besides I would have to clean before the maid came, so that would be pointless.
I came home after my walk and started putting away groceries when somewhere between putting away the box of oatmeal and the apples I heard the Lord's still small voice whisper, "what are you trying to build?" I know, I know is what I thought to myself (I just studied the book of Daniel and I know what happens when we try and build our own agenda) but it still doesn't get my house clean. And again, the nudging as I put away the carrots and milk, "whose kingdom are you trying to build?" It is like a huge sign that I keep ignoring until I am about to hit it again. I think for the past year God has been trying to teach me something. He stops me in my tracks continually and forces me to look at my motives, the blueprint of my heart, the reason for wanting something or doing something and sadly when I am honest with myself, it is about me and how I want to appear to others or what I hope to accomplish, not about Him.
God has given me everything I need. Including the ability to clean my house. And if you have never thought of housecleaning as a spiritual act, just start talking to the Lord about it and I am sure he will reveal some dust.
Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. Proverbs 24:3-4
I should be thinking about decorating but instead I am thinking about cleaning. My home has been severely neglected over the past couple of months and I can't picture myself hanging up or displaying one Christmas decoration until some of the dust is removed.
This morning while walking on the treadmill, I was grumbling to the Lord about the condition of my home. My closets are a mess, the dust is thick, the floors, the refrigerator, the bathrooms, it all needs to be done. And by the way the laundry and suitcases are still on my living room floor. I was talking to Him about all of my attempts over the years to keep my home neat and orderly and how I continually come up short. I have followed plans. I have made some great schedules and created some wonderful charts, but nothing makes the task any easier or less demanding. The only thing I haven't tried is hiring a maid and I know that won't happen. And besides I would have to clean before the maid came, so that would be pointless.
I came home after my walk and started putting away groceries when somewhere between putting away the box of oatmeal and the apples I heard the Lord's still small voice whisper, "what are you trying to build?" I know, I know is what I thought to myself (I just studied the book of Daniel and I know what happens when we try and build our own agenda) but it still doesn't get my house clean. And again, the nudging as I put away the carrots and milk, "whose kingdom are you trying to build?" It is like a huge sign that I keep ignoring until I am about to hit it again. I think for the past year God has been trying to teach me something. He stops me in my tracks continually and forces me to look at my motives, the blueprint of my heart, the reason for wanting something or doing something and sadly when I am honest with myself, it is about me and how I want to appear to others or what I hope to accomplish, not about Him.
God has given me everything I need. Including the ability to clean my house. And if you have never thought of housecleaning as a spiritual act, just start talking to the Lord about it and I am sure he will reveal some dust.
Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. Proverbs 24:3-4
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Home Sweet Home
There is nothing like coming home. It doesn't matter how fun the trip was, I always look forward to getting home and sleeping in my own bed. We had hoped the drive coming home would be shorter, but it wasn't. It is still a 14 hour drive to Colorado no matter which way we go.
But what does it mean when you come home and a huge red bow is attached to your garage door, red ribbon wrapped around the front of the house, and a wreath made of red forks is hanging by the door? (I wish I would have taken a picture)
a) don't ever leave again because your house is fair game?
b) someone just paid off the loan on your house and is gifting it to you?
c) the forty or so people who beautifully decorated the church last Sunday for Christmas wanted to make sure they shared their talents with us personally?
d)someone is mad at us and couldn't bring themselves to "toilet paper" us so instead decided to "bow" us? (this tells me women were involved?)
e)someone discovered how much I love the color red and wanted to bless me?
Any guesses??
But what does it mean when you come home and a huge red bow is attached to your garage door, red ribbon wrapped around the front of the house, and a wreath made of red forks is hanging by the door? (I wish I would have taken a picture)
a) don't ever leave again because your house is fair game?
b) someone just paid off the loan on your house and is gifting it to you?
c) the forty or so people who beautifully decorated the church last Sunday for Christmas wanted to make sure they shared their talents with us personally?
d)someone is mad at us and couldn't bring themselves to "toilet paper" us so instead decided to "bow" us? (this tells me women were involved?)
e)someone discovered how much I love the color red and wanted to bless me?
Any guesses??
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving Day
I awoke this morning to some familiar sounds from my childhood. I could hear my mom in the kitchen. Cupboard doors were being opened and shut. The clanging of pots and pans and the sound of running water echoed through the house as she cleaned and prepared the Thanksgiving Turkey for cooking.
She always enjoyed getting up before anyone else and putting the turkey in the oven so that by the time everyone else was awake and breakfast was being started, this part of her day was complete.
My parents home has a huge window that faces Pikes Peak. This morning the sun was shining right over the top of the mountain and you could see it's snow capped top perfectly. It was a beautiful site!
The day has been quiet and very relaxing. The boys have spent alot of time outside. The girls watched a fun movie.
The food today was wonderfully familiar and generous. My uncle and cousin joined us for our simple gathering. We read allowed Psalm 100 and prayed together.
There are so many changes in every one's life that sat around the table today. Most are too personal to blog about. We each have so much to thank the Lord for even in the midst of change.
As I look back over this year, I am thankful to the Lord for all that He is doing to change me. I don't want to change. But the Lord in His loving way nudges me along and as I look at the difficulties ahead as a result of change, I am also tempted to glance back at what seemed comfortable and familiar and want to stay there.
I am sitting quietly tonight with Coleman sleeping soundly next to me in a dimly lite bedroom. I am ready for bed. I have written down all that I am thankful for from this past year even the really difficult times. I don't just want to thank the Lord for the good stuff. I want to never forget the really hard stuff and how He has carried me through.
She always enjoyed getting up before anyone else and putting the turkey in the oven so that by the time everyone else was awake and breakfast was being started, this part of her day was complete.
My parents home has a huge window that faces Pikes Peak. This morning the sun was shining right over the top of the mountain and you could see it's snow capped top perfectly. It was a beautiful site!
The day has been quiet and very relaxing. The boys have spent alot of time outside. The girls watched a fun movie.
The food today was wonderfully familiar and generous. My uncle and cousin joined us for our simple gathering. We read allowed Psalm 100 and prayed together.
There are so many changes in every one's life that sat around the table today. Most are too personal to blog about. We each have so much to thank the Lord for even in the midst of change.
As I look back over this year, I am thankful to the Lord for all that He is doing to change me. I don't want to change. But the Lord in His loving way nudges me along and as I look at the difficulties ahead as a result of change, I am also tempted to glance back at what seemed comfortable and familiar and want to stay there.
I am sitting quietly tonight with Coleman sleeping soundly next to me in a dimly lite bedroom. I am ready for bed. I have written down all that I am thankful for from this past year even the really difficult times. I don't just want to thank the Lord for the good stuff. I want to never forget the really hard stuff and how He has carried me through.
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