I Came...

Lord,

I came to You sad.
You did not say, "Be happy."
Instead,
You cried with me;
my tears rolled down Your cheeks
so great was Your love/ pain for me.
I did not have to be anything when I came to You
but me.

I came to You frazzled.
You did not say, "Be calm."
Instead,
You took my hand and said,
"Tell me about it...."
I told You
and in the telling I was calmed.
I did not have to be anything when I came to You
but me.

I came to You absorbed in myself.
You did not say, "You're too introspective."
Instead,
You waited around
until I could reach beyond myself,
until I was released from myself.
I did not have to be anything when I came to You
but me.

I came to You just as I was.
You welcomed me into Your arms.
You gave me myself,
and the gift was priceless.

From Longing for Love: Conversations with a Compassionate Heavenly Father
By Ruth Senter

Strength

I have been reminded that regardless of what I am facing, God remains in complete control. He is not unaware. Situations that exhaust me, do not phase God.

In fact, if I continue to press hard into Him in the middle of my circumstances, he will provide strength and energy in those very moments. Not just strength to survive or to get by.... but fresh strength. Strength to soar above my situation. Strength to run to the very end.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Isaiah 40:28b-31 (Message)

"God doesn't come and go. God lasts. He's Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out.

He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind."

How to Clean the House

Having had illness in the house for almost two weeks, my house is in desperate need of attention. I thought this might be a fun way to tackle it...

1. Open a new file in your computer.
2. Name it "Housework."
3. Send it to the RECYCLE BIN.
4. Empty the RECYCLE BIN.
5. Your computer will ask you, "Are you sure you want to delete Housework permanently?"
6. Calmly answer, "Yes," and press the mouse button firmly......

*sigh* If it were really only that easy.

Now if you'll please excuse me, there is work to be done...

Bonus Features

Topic A

Have you ever noticed the bonus features section of a DVD? Do you ever watch it? I tend to be curious and see what it is they have included as part of the production that isn't part of the main feature. In our home we regularly watch the bonus feature, and even sometimes enjoy it as much as the feature presentation.

Topic B

Are you on facebook? You may or may not be aware that My Quiet Corner has a facebook page. I keep it up to date with what is shared here. Fans of that page are automatically notified in their facebook status updates when something is posted on my facebook page.

Connecting the Topics

Although I have kept my facebook page up to date with posts here, I have been somewhat at a loss of how else to use it.

I have an idea. I am SO excited about it! It will now include bonus feature type items for My Quiet Corner.

If you are already a fan, you don't need to do anything. Just be ready for the new activity.

If you are not yet a fan but would like to be part of the bonus features, you can become a fan (that sounds so weird to me!) by clicking here (then click on "become a fan" option at the top of the page), or click "become a fan" in the right sidebar here on this page.

NOTE: You will either need to already be signed in to facebook, or sign in after selecting a "become a fan" option noted above.

Okay my friends, tell me, is there anything YOU would like to see added, discussed or included on my facebook page as bonus features for My Quiet Corner?

Wounds and Scars

A most difficult request.

A most beautiful request.

A request I am personalizing and making my own.



Heal the Wound
By Point of Grace

Don't let me forget, don't let me forget

I used to wish that I could rewrite history
I used to dream that each mistake could be erased
Then I could just pretend
I never knew the me back then

I used to pray that You would take this shame away
Hide all the evidence of who I've been
But it's the memory of
The place You brought me from
That keeps me on my knees
And even though I'm free

Chorus:
Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar

I have not lived a life that boasts of anything
I don't take pride in what I bring
But I'll build an altar with
The rubble You've found me in
And every stone will sing
Of what You can redeem

Chorus

Don't let me forget
Everything You've done for me
Don't let me forget
The beauty in the suffering

Chorus

Don't let me forget, don't let me forget...



Head over to Shawntele's to see what others are saying about music they are enjoying.

Friday's Favorite Five: Cultivating Thankfulness

If you are a regular here, you know that it was a week ago yesterday that I had a sick child (in the midst of other things as well).

As of Wednesday this week, I had three sick children. By the time the third became ill, I was already exhausted. My first desire was to cry.

As I was on the couch that night (I slept on the couch so I could tend to sick children through the night and let hubby sleep.), I became aware of how God was answering a prayer of mine.

I have been asking that God would help me to "cultivate thankfulness" (Col. 3:15; MSG) Apparently He is doing just that, because as I lay there my heart began to be thankful in the middle of the events consuming my week.

To celebrate Friday, here are five favorite things I am most thankful for this week in the midst of illness!


1. School schedule: I homeschool my daughter so no worries there. However, for my son this meant missed school days. This week was finals. That meant Wed. and today are only 1/2 days. Yesterday was 3/4 of a day.

This leaves no homework or classwork to be caught up. Only tests and presentations (which he already has completed and ready to present). This coming Monday and Tuesday are already scheduled days off for teacher in-service. This allows for plenty of time to get better (without missing more school) as it appears this illness is taking about a week to recoup.

2. Evening schedule: During this basketball season, my hubby and son have been helping out at the games by running the shot clock and scoreboard. This has been needed a couple of evenings a week. Out of all the weeks of the season, there was not one game this week! That has left every evening this week with the ability to stay home!

3. Extra cuddles: My very busy almost 2 year old is not known to be a cuddler. He may sit for a moment or two, but then he is off with things to do. Not feeling well has found him snuggling on my lap in the rocking chair on more than one occasion.

Now don't get me wrong. I would not wish illness on him at any time for the benefit of extra cuddles, but if he is going to be ill and extra cuddles come with the deal... I won't refuse them!

4. Slower mornings: School mornings find our house a busy place as we are all up and out the door by 8 AM to get my oldest to school. Being too ill to go has allowed the last few mornings to function at a slower pace. Such a peaceful and quiet way to start the moments of the coming day.

5. Friends: Last but certainly not least, all of you offering prayers and words of encouragement. I can't begin to tell you how much your comments and e-mails have meant to me, especially considering I have barely left my house this week other than for worship team practice last night and a juice run to the store to replenish my available supply.

Thank You for always being a bright spot in my weeks!

~~~~~~~~~
I had no idea God would choose such a week to reveal to me that He is answering the prayer of my heart, to cultivate thankfulness. What an encouragement that brings to my weary body and soul! Thankful He chooses to reveal Himself at just the perfect time!

Be sure to head to Susanne's to see what favorites other's found in their week.

What were you thankful for this week that has become a favorite?

If you can't think of something, I challenge you to think back and discover it. I'm sure it's there, but like any cultivating, it may take some effort. It's just a guess, but I'm thinking you won't be sorry once you find it.

Jammy Day

It is official. Mommy has spoken. Today has been declared a jammy day. Murphy has decided to stick around for just a bit longer. One week later and I am now home with not just one, but three sick children.

A trip to the doctor and $50 later we learned that it is viral. Nothing to do but wait it out. We have learned that the pink eye is only part of what this illness includes.

It starts with a high fever, sore throat, cough, dizziness, and headache. It then proceeds into pink eye with a lingering cough, achy head and runny nose.

You know it's bad when my oldest is home, not only from school but from the opportunity for two full hours of engineering club after school.

My poor babies...

Scent of Heaven

I don't know about you, but I am always up for a lovely scent in my home. I am a scented candle burner. I am a potpourri displayer. I enjoy generating warm, inviting, relaxing and soothing scents in my home.

Did you know that evidently sweet scents are created in the heavenly realms? Revelation speaks of angels and heavenly beings holding incense and praising God.

I was amazed at what generates the smell of the incense that is burned. Perhaps you will be somewhat surprised as well. Since I have learned of this, I have been challenged to make sure I contribute more often.


Revelation 5:8 (NLT) "They held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people."

Revelation 8:3-4 (NLT) "And a great amount of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God’s people as an offering on the gold altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of God’s holy people, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out."

Revelation 8:3-4 (Message)"He (angel) was given a great quantity of incense so that he could offer up the prayers of all the holy people of God on the Golden Altar before the Throne. Smoke billowed up from the incense-laced prayers of the holy ones, rose before God from the hand of the Angel."

Now one might want to argue and say that since this is in Revelation, it is not happening at this time. Regardless of whether it is occurring now... or will happen in the future... the prayers of God's people will be incense-laced and filling bowls on the altar before the throne.

Regardless of timing, I want to be sure I'm a part of it!

How much am I contributing to the aroma in the heavenly realms? Do I offer only a few prayers that leave just a moment of a smell with more to be desired? Or am I one of the long lasting and burning candles that will provide scent for hours?

An Uninvited Guest

We had a visitor show up last week. He has overstayed his welcome!

In most any other situation, I am quite a warm, welcoming and hospitable host if I do say so myself. I invite guests in with a smile on my face and a plea to make themselves at home.

This time is different. Murphy has come and does not appear to be leaving. You know the guy. The one who brings with him the law that, "If something can go wrong, it will."

For example, last week ended with ...

* A child with a terrible cold, cough and fever of 101.4.

* A split lip for me compliments of the little guy's head.

* Hubby's car not starting while he was needing to leave for work. I threw on some clothes to run him to the bus stop and returned home just in time to get my son to school. We later learned the starter had gone out.

Apparently, Murphy has decided to stick around for just a bit longer.

Yesterday during church my daughter looked at me rubbing her eyes saying they itched really bad. One look and instantly I was quite sure of the diagnosis. Pink Eye. *sigh* Great...

We have had a very long night of little sleep. Now to keep it from spreading to the rest of us.

I will be making a call to the doctor's office at 9 AM sharp when they open to make an appointment.

I wonder how long Murphy plans on staying?...

**Note: I have closed comments on this post due to continued spam*

Wings

While we were getting ready for the day, the radio was playing in the background. This is the song that was playing... have you heard it?
----------------------------------------------------------------
Find Your Wings
By Mark Harris

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And If I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow

Chorus:
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories

Chorus:

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly
-----------------------------------------------------------------
As the song was finishing my daughter came to me. The following is our conversation. Brief but profound...

DD: Mom, I need you to help me.
Me: Okay, what do you need help with? (I'm thinking socks, buttons, hair...)
DD: I need you to help me find my wings. (Big grin crosses her face).

If she only knew, truly, what she had just asked for... and what that does to a mother's heart. *GULP*

Our Favorite, God's Favorite

"Our favorite parts are stones of remembrance of great things. God's favorite parts are the lines in between where we choose to walk faithfully without answers and visible evidences." -- Beth Moore

Pray for Hunger

With the coming of the new year, has spending more time with God been a renewed desire of yours? Has reading your Bible and praying been put back on a list of things to do more of?

Perhaps you have been at this place before. The first few days, weeks and maybe even months go so well, and then life takes over... again!

At least that's how the struggle seems to play out for me.

I believe that the enemy knows the power and change that comes as we make time for God. I believe that the enemy fights it with everything he has.

There are numerous reasons why this desire in our heart tends to dwindle, fade, and disappear.

I have learned that when I begin to sense that the appetite and desire for the things of God is beginning to fade, I need to pray for hunger.

“Loss of appetite for the good things of God is a sign that some degree of spiritual death has set in.” -- Dee Duke

I ask God to give me a hunger... for Him.

The beauty of this prayer is that I can be confident that every time I pray this request, it is the will of God. He created me for a relationship with Him, and so asking for that very desire and His help must surely please His heart.

I have learned that as God answers my prayer for hunger and the stirring in my heart grows, I need to be ready and willing to take action. I need to already have time scheduled into my day to the satisfy the hunger.

Experience has also taught me that as I meet with Him, as I seek Him, as I call on Him... He will reveal Himself. In the revealing, He exposes those things in me that need to change. Things that need work. Things are not easy, comfortable or flattering.

Am I ready and willing to do the work of change? Am I really prepared to put forth the effort in the midst of the humility of who I am and who He is?

I find that as I pray this and become hungry, my choices and actions determine just how serious my desire for Him really is.

I Love My Job

An early alarm. Waiting slippers. Lunches to make. A husband leaving for work. As he does he says three simple words to my still half-sleepy-hair-lopsided self, "I love you".

I love my job.

A shower. Children to wake. Breakfast to eat. Teeth to brush. A bottle to give. Backpacks to gather. A drive to school. As I drop our teen son off I leave him with these words, "I'll be praying for you today. I love you" and he chimes back, "Love you too mom".

I love my job.

A drive back home. A diaper to change. A toddler to dress. Dishes piled in the sink. Laundry a mountain high. Dust staring me in the face. Floors to sweep. Dinner to plan. Groceries to buy. A day of school at home to begin for our daughter. A toddler to entertain in the midst. Lunch to be served. Another diaper to change. A nap for the little guy. Together time for mommy and the girl.

I love my job.

Another drive to school. A boy climbing into the car. Homework load established. A drive home. Discussion of the day's events. Dinner prepared. Daddy's home. Excited children. Dinner served. A family fed. Conversation around the table... together.

I love my job.

A table cleared. Dishes done. Children finish homework. A kitchen floor swept. As I am sweeping my husband calls my name and I turn. He utters not a word. A wink is given. No words needed to be uttered.

I love my job.

Baths given. Jammies on. Gathering in the living room. A daughter snuggling close. A son by my side. Our little guy in my arms having a warm bottle, his eyes locked on mine and his hands twisting my hair. Daddy's voice heard.

I love my job.

Family devotions done. Prayers said. Teeth brushed. Backpacks ready for tomorrow. Children heading for bed. A 13 year old son 8 inches taller than me with this request, "Mom, will you come tuck me in?"

I love my job.

A quiet house. A few moments of personal time. An electric blanket. An exhausted body. As I collapse into my bed for a few hours of sleep only to do it all over again tomorrow, I remember the events of the day.

In those moments of remembering, a smile creeps across my face. The pay is lousy. The work is hard. The to do list is never complete. A list already awaits tomorrow.

Yet, the tasks are not what occupy my mind as much as the select moments that were had. As those moments replay in my mind, these are the last words uttered as sleep calls my name..

I love my job.

Cleaning and Decluttering... the Calendar

The new year seems to be a time of cleaning, de-cluttering, re-organizing and refreshing. I have been working on this myself.

I guess it never occurred to me until recently that this process should also be used in my schedule. I realized that some of the stress I was encountering was being brought on by choice, because of the things I had placed in the moments of my days.

There were some decisions that had to be made. Not so easy, but oh so necessary.

Some of the things that I have decided to not be a part of are of great ministry. One activity was even taking my writing to a more public forum. A stepping stone to bigger dreams.

However, when I considered all of the other things in my schedule, I recognized that some activities would need to be put aside. Perhaps I would be given another opportunity at a later date when I was in a different stage of life. Perhaps not.

Either way, when I placed all of the activities of my calendar in front of me, I had to choose, to prioritize, to decide. I needed to de-clutter the moments and focus of my days.

And I did.

I have been reminded that it is of great benefit to give more energy, time and focus to a few things instead of a little energy to a lot of things.

I was reminded that good things are not always the best things. I'm continuing to finalize and de-clutter my schedule.

Do you get the urge to declutter and reorganize at the first of the year? Have you ever considered doing the same thing with your time and schedule?

I learned that it is good...no, healthy and beneficial...to review how I am spending my time and make the tough decisions to focus and prioritize those things that are most important to me.

6 letters, 2 words

Have you ever noticed that the same six letters that make up the word LISTEN also make the up the word SILENT?

Numbers that Can Consume

Calories
Blood Pressure
Cholesterol
Weight

And if you are a blogger...

Visits
Followers
Subscribers
Comments

I only know of a couple of people that blog and say that numbers have never really been an issue for them. I admire that! However, many bloggers that I know admit to the struggle of the numbers.

If you are not a blogger, or if you are one of those that numbers do not matter, this post may not be of any interest to you. However, if you do blog and struggle with this or even remotely think you might, I encourage you to read on.

In offering of my own honesty, transparency and humility... I admit I fell into the trap. It caused my blogging to lose focus on the goal and become consumed by a number, any number. It was ushering me to an ugly place in myself.

I am sharing honestly in an effort to caution you, my friend, to slow and examine your blogging regularly. You may be a much stronger person than I and consistently manage it effectively and efficiently. If so, I loudly applaud you!

However, if like me you can relate to the potential the numbers have to consume, be aware that the change of mind can happen so subtly and ever so quickly.

Consuming blogging numbers have the potential to be...

joy snatchers
motive changers
vision grabbers
depression generators
selfish seekers
relationship robbers

I have learned the hard way the need to control the numbers instead of letting the numbers control me. It wasn't a fun lesson but one that was desperately needed!

Bloggers: slow your schedule, take time to examine, be honest with yourself, beware... the numbers just may be looking for another heart to consume. Believe me, it is not worth it!

The Activities of My Break

In addition to processing and deciding the direction of this little ol' place of mine, a few other things also happened during my break.

~~~~~~~~~~
We made an emergency trip the day before Christmas Eve... to the salon. My daughter wanted short hair. She was convinced I could cut it that way. I tried. I was too tired to protest. What was I thinking??

After trying to get it straight (and only going shorter and shorter), I gave up and called around quickly and found a place open until 9 PM that accepted walk ins. $16 later she has a very cute haircut, and it's short!

~~~~~~~~~
The week after Christmas my son had a surgical procedure done in his mouth. It left him having liquids the first day and soft foods for a couple of days following. It also left us dosing him with pain meds every 6 hours round the clock for 4 days. I was thankful that I had planned it on the break like I did. We all needed the time to lay low.

~~~~~~~~~
The number for poison control is now prominently displayed by our phone. The week of my son's surgery, as creatures of habit, we put out his vitamins forgetting that he would not be able to consume them that day.

Our busy little guy saw this as an opportunity to perhaps increase the status of his own health and decided to take them. He had one multivitamin and an additional dose of Vit. C. I called poison control just to be on the safe side.

Nothing to worry about other than a few runny diapers. Oh Fun!

Needless to say he has been quite healthy since.

~~~~~~~~~
Although there were great moments of quiet, rest and regrouping... there were also those moments that speed the beating of a mother's heart, increase her risk of another gray hair and challenge the true steel of her nerves ever so slightly.

So tell me, how was your break?

Thoughts on Returning

WOW! I needed this break. In fact, I needed it more than I even knew at the time I started it.

You may or may not be aware that part of the purpose of this break was for me to determine whether I would continue coming to this place. There was a personal battle waging in my soul. I wasn't sure of the outcome.

The fact that our internet has now become quite limited due to making cuts in our budget and changing providers made it an even greater reason to consider potentially closing down shop.

During my break, I spent hours thinking, debriefing with friends, praying, searching and wrestling with what my heart thought it wanted and seeking for what I sensed God wanted.

To each one of you that thought to pray for me during this time, thank you from the depths of my heart. I appreciate it more than you know!

In the days and weeks ahead, you may or may not notice a difference in the things here.

However, this is a new place. My motives, desires, vision... even the very depths of my heart and soul are in a completely different place than just a few weeks ago.

Kick off your shoes and grab a cup of coffee. Have a seat and wrap in a warm throw.

I am refreshed. I am renewed. I am re-focused. I am excited. I am energized. I am ready.

I am returning.