Taking Some Time

Time. It seems to get away from me much too quickly. There are things I want to do, I need to do... and yet, before I know it time has slipped through my fingers... and it is gone.

This next week our children are on Spring Break. I want to have extra time with them...in play, in togetherness, making memories.

This next week ushers us into the celebration of Easter. I need to have extra time with HIM... in quiet, in silence, being still.

I promised myself when I returned in January that I would take time periodically to re-focus, to re-fresh, to re-group.

And so, this week you will find me doing just that. Taking some time... but I'll be back!

Friday's Fave Five

Welcome Friday! This week has been one of those weeks that ended up being so very full.

I was counting down and crossing off each day on the calendar as it was completed, just as an encouragement to myself that I was surviving this week... one day at a time.

Five of my favorite things in the middle of such a busy week:

1. Thoughtful Actions: Our daughter was participating in the school's annual speech meet. Our little guy was being two and having a hard time remaining quiet. I took him to the foyer but was now on the other side of closed doors.

As it was my daughter's turn, one of the other mothers came into the foyer and offered to stay with the little guy so that I could go hear her participate. She even insisted that I go listen to a couple of the other children as well while she continued to play in the foyer with our little guy. What a generous and thoughtful action on her part!

2. Spontaneous Lunch: I was picking up my children from my MIL's after having finished an appointment. As we were talking she began pulling out this and that from the fridge. Before I knew it she had fed us an absolutely delightful lunch... and I had the blessing of her great conversation with it!

3. Family Walk: One evening after supper we took a family walk. We walked our property noticing the changes since we had last walked our trails. We noticed the seasonal creek that is flowing, downed trees from winter and signs of all the various animals that are making use of the property as well.

4. Picnic: On our 60 degree day, I realized it was much too nice to stay in the house. My daughter asked if we could have a picnic. It was so lovely in the sun, I decided we would. She watched the little guy outside while I made quick lunches for the three of us. What a fun time we had sitting in the sun eating our first picnic of the season. (Never mind that it kept my freshly swept and mopped kitchen floor clean that much longer.) :-)

5. Naps: This favorite is happening right now as I type this. It was enough of a favorite that it bumped out another thing to make this list. Our little guy is actually napping.

I put him to bed every afternoon in hopes he will take a nap. He will be in bed playing and talking, but very rarely does he actually fall asleep anymore. Needless to say that makes for some very long evenings until bedtime.

Well, today... he fell asleep! SShhhhh.....
~~~~~
Thanks to Susanne for hosting this each week.

What favorites did you notice in your busy week?

On Being Real: A Childhood Favorite

"What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"

"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you."

"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.

"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."

"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?"

"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby.

But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."

The Rabbit sighed. He thought it would be a long time before this magic called Real happened to him. He longed to become Real, to know what it felt like; and yet the idea of growing shabby and losing his eyes and whiskers was rather sad. He wished that he could become it without these uncomfortable things happening to him.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Weeks passed, and the little Rabbit grew very old and shabby, but the Boy loved him just as much. He loved him so hard that he loved all his whiskers off, and the pink lining to his ears turned grey, and his brown spots faded. He even began to lose his shape, and he scarcely looked like a rabbit any more, except to the Boy.

To him he was always beautiful, and that was all that the little Rabbit cared about. He didn't mind how he looked to other people, because the nursery magic had made him Real, and when you are Real shabbiness doesn't matter.

from The Velveteen Rabbit
by Margery Williams

The Coach of Life

I have only one daughter. But, for about the next 10 weeks I will have 6 more girls that I call my own. I enjoy being with them. They are in the 5th and 6th grades. They are my soccer team.

For the next 10 weeks I am known as "coach" in the game of soccer. This will be my 6th year of coaching. It is through the Upward Program.

The goal of Upward is to reach out and share Jesus through sports. At each practice there is a devotion and each game at 1/2 time a testimony of the change Christ can make.

My girls come from a variety of home situations. They come from a variety of school situations. They come from a variety of backgrounds. They come from a variety of hurts, pains, abuses, confusions, misunderstandings....

That age was such an awkward age for me personally. I recognize that in some of these girls. I want to be a loving, consistent adult for them. (Some of them don't even have that in their parents.)

Sure, I want to help them learn to play soccer, to have fun, to make new friends, to enjoy the great outdoors, to incorporate exercise into their day. But, most importantly, I want to show them Jesus!!

I want to represent His mouth that speaks to them and encourages them. I want to represent His feet that run and play with them, and TO them in their needs. I want to represent His love and arms that embrace them. I want to represent His presence that surrounds them daily, regardless of what they are doing. Yes, even playing soccer.

I pray for God's safety, for protection, for good attitudes and the ability to learn soccer. But, most of all, I ask Jesus to come play soccer with us. I ask that He be seen. I pray that lives will be changed... not just to be better soccer players but instead changed to be committed to Him.

We practice every week that takes about 1-1/2 hours of my time and a game every week that is also 1- 1/2 hours of my time. Do I have time to add 10 weeks of soccer into my schedule? Am I bored, looking for something to do? Do I just love soccer and can't get enough of it?

The answer to all of these is NO. If I was doing it for merely these reasons... I'd call myself crazy! Instead, I coach with eternal perspective in mind.

So, over the next 10 weeks, you will find me on a soccer field. You will find me rotating the girls so all play equally. You will find me cheering, encouraging, instructing, and uplifting. You will find me running and getting exercise myself. You will find me coaching soccer.

But, if you listen closely... you will hear me asking Jesus to come and play soccer with us. You will hear me praying that Jesus would shine through as the greatest coach of all, the coach of life.

Lies to Truth

He lied. It started quietly at first, barely a whisper. I would brush it away. I did not believe it. But he was persistent. His lies continued. He sounded so confident of his words.

I was fatigued. That should have been my first sign, my first red flag. I should have known he would capitalize on this. I was too tired to be alerted or to notice.

I was frustrated. Things were happening so differently than what I had expected, what I had planned. Second red flag that he would use this to his advantage. I was too busy trying to solve the issues at hand to be aware of his lurking.

I was fearful. Fearful that things might not turn out as I had hoped. I was fearful that I would be required to face yet another difficult moment, another difficult time in life. Fearful of what might lay ahead and would be required of me. Because of my fatigue and frustration, my fears became magnified.

Due to my fatigue, frustration, and fear… I was now feeling like a failure. Everything I had been sharing with others only weeks before now seemed so far away, so unreal, so unbelievable, so fake, so “not reality”. I was failing at believing what I knew to be true.

I recalled a message I had heard on discouragement and reality hit. That is where I was. In the depths of discouragement. I was reminded of four causes that can lead to discouragement...and I was facing them all...fatigue, frustration, failure, and fear.

Was it any wonder I was believing what the liar was telling me? Was it any wonder I was so easily drawn into his lies… his plans to bring me away, to lure me from truth, to convince me of falsehood?

I am far enough along in my Christian walk to recognize many things as being from the liar. I recognize hate, envy, selfishness, and even gossip. But I was failing to recognize discouragement. I failed to see the tool of discouragement he so easily slipped in as I was struggling to discern what was right and true.

He lied. I listened. I believed the lies. I doubted truth. I tumbled into discouragement. I began to doubt God and the plans He had for me. It worked.

He lied to me. But now... I am on to him. I have figured it out. I am sad and embarrassed to say it took time to catch on. He was beating me when I was down and I lay there and let him. But not now. Not anymore!

By the goodness, graciousness, and sovereignty of God… God has reached down and taken me from this place. He has brought me out into a spacious place; he has rescued me because he delighted in me. (Ps. 18: 19).

He has restored to me the joy of my salvation and has granted me a willing spirit. (Ps. 51:12) As I have cast my cares on Him, he has sustained me. (Ps. 55:22) When my foot was slipping, His love supported me. His consolation has brought joy to my soul when anxiety was great within me. (Ps. 94: 18-19)

The liar… Satan… has had a hand in my life in the past days… a brief moment in time that has felt like forever. I was listening to him, believing him, and in the depths of desperation and discouragement.

I am coming out of the pit and am no longer feeling engulfed by the darkness. Christ Jesus has the victory in my life! Satan has been defeated!!

I have heard and believe, once again, the voice of truth.


The Voice Of Truth
By Mark Hall & Steven Curtis Chapman

Verse 1
Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand

But the waves are calling out my name
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again
Boy you'll never win you'll never win

CHORUS:
But the voice of truth tells me a diff'rent story
The voice of truth says do not be afraid
And the voice of truth says this is for My glory
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen
And believe the voice of truth

Verse 2
Oh what I would do
To have the kind of strength
It takes to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
Of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have
Had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name
And he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant's keeps on telling me
Time and time again
Boy you'll never win you'll never win

Chorus

Bridge
But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
From on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound
Of Jesus singing over me

Chorus

I will choose to listen and believe
The voice of truth
I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe
The voice of truth

I will listen and believe
'Cause Jesus You are
The voice of truth
And I will listen to You
You are the voice of truth




Head over to Shawntele's to see what others are saying about the music in their life.

Friday's Fave Five: Favorites in the Routine

Hello Friday! It's time to share some of my favorites from this last week. Thanks to Susanne for hosting this each week.

I could start with the fact that this is actually being posted on Friday instead of Saturday as last week's was. Not only on Friday, but before noon. Now that should be a double favorite!

After the emotions of the last few weeks, it really was a more settled and routine week. Of course it was welcomed.

As I look over the past week, it really has had a number of favorites woven through the days of my routine.

1. Snow Caps in Sunshine: The majority of this week found the sun shining in almost 60 degree temps. While driving around town free of a heavy winter coat, I noticed the surrounding snow capped mountains. Beautiful.

2. Security: One evening leaving work I noticed a man sitting in his car in the parking garage. Harmless I'm sure, but after having been stalked by a patient early in my nursing career and being escorted to our cars after every shift, my awareness of the surroundings in the parking garage has been greatly increased even all of these years later. Imagine my relief as just seconds after I noticed the man, I saw security drive in. They were present until I was safely locked in my car. I couldn't have been more relieved.

3. A date with my son: My son invited me out for an evening together. Without being reminded, he even opened the doors for me as gentlemen do . The Jr. High drama class (classmates of his) put on a delightful production that found us enjoying an evening of laughter together. The fact that we personally knew the majority of those in it made it even that more enjoyable.

4. Sweet voice singing: The little guy was already in bed. The older two children had gone to their rooms to get ready for bed. My husband and I looked at each other and smiled as the voice of our daughter rang out loud and strong from her room singing, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus". Just the reminder I needed at the end of a long day.

5. Self Identification: We were asking our little guy the names of various family members and having him say them. (or the names he uses for that person.) When I put my hand on his two year old head and said, "Who is this?" he replied, "Baby" and my heart melted. I'm not sure what exactly generated the particular reaction in my heart, but it was absolutely a precious thing to me in that moment.

BONUS: From 4 to 5: It was ONE YEAR AGO TODAY that we brought our little guy home. We had left our home a couple of weeks earlier as a family of four, and entered the doors of our home one year ago today as a family of five. A favorite for sure!
~~~~~
As always, each one of you are one of my favorites. You are not favorites from just this week, but favorites in every week! I really do appreciate you.

What favorites did you find woven in the days of your routine this last week?

Celebrating Late

I missed it. I was on a break when the date passed. Since I missed the official date, I wasn't going to say anything.

However, after taking time to re-consider, I have decided it is a milestone worth mentioning. It is an accomplishment I should celebrate. Join with me in the celebration.

December 30, 2009 was my 4th bloggy anniversary. That means I have started into my 5th year of blogging!

Although I just moved to this address months ago, I have officially been in My Quiet Corner for 4 years inviting your presence to join me.

Each one of you have made this a tremendously enjoyable place for me to be. I really enjoy my time here. I hope you do also!!

Without each one of you, My Quiet Corner would be, well... too quiet!!

Thank you for joining me here! Thank you for the words of encouragement and support you give. Thank you for the prayers you offer up. Thank you for the friendship you extend. Thank you for the smiles you bring. Thank you for the inspiration you provide. I have truly been blessed!

After 4 years of sharing fears, laughter, struggles, a bloggy move and all else that life entails... I wonder, who all is still gathering in My Quiet Corner?

Celebrate with me! Let me know that you stop by and bless My Quiet Corner with the presence of YOU.

(For newer bloggers: If you read a blog but do not comment, you are affectionately considered a lurker. To delurk, leave a comment to let other's know you are here. Learn how to comment here. ) :-)

(Photos from FreeFoto.com)

A Bit Green

We interrupt our normal schedule of blogging to bring you this fun, lighten the mood, no thinking type of post.

It has been quite some time since I have done one of these little ditty's. I came across this one "What Color of Green are You?" and decided it would be fun for a day such as today.

I wonder how accurate these things are?

You Are Olive Green

You are the most real of all the green shades. You're always true to yourself. For you, authenticity and honesty are very important... both in others and yourself. You are grounded and secure. It takes a lot to shake you. People see you as dependable, probably the most dependable person they know.

What Color Green Are You?

If you decide to do the little quiz, I'd enjoy knowing...what color of green are you?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

God Himself: More than Enough

"We look upon prayer as a means of getting things for ourselves, the Bible's idea of prayer is that we may get to know God Himself."

-- Oswald Chambers


"He who has God with many things has nothing more than he who has God alone."

--- C.S. Lewis

Still My God

While watching "Facing the Giants" not too long ago, I was challenged by a line in the movie. The main couple had been unable to have children. In one scene, the husband turns to his wife and asks something to the effect of, "If God doesn't give us children, will you still choose to love Him?"

I realized that blank could be filled in with anything. I was challenged with the question, "If God doesn't..... will I still choose to love Him?"

This last week I heard a new song. It couldn't have come at a more appropriate time.

We learned at our little guy's 2 year old check up that there are some things to face in the days, weeks and months ahead. They suspect it will be resolved with time. But how much and for how long is undetermined. Once again, for another child, I found a stack of paperwork being handed to me.

The news and realization of this came crashing down heavy in my heart and emotions. It left me feeling so very overwhelmed. I have just completed a month of paperwork for our daughter and am still immersed in her needs.

I began to tell God all the reasons why this was too much for me. I began to explain that I couldn't handle one more thing. My heart was in a panic. The tears began to spill...

As I prayed and let the desires of my own heart be known, I found myself coming back to this question, "If God doesn't..... will I still choose to love Him?"

Truth began to find it's way once again nestling deep into my heart.

No matter what... even if... I will still choose to love Him.

He is...

Still My God.

Still My God
By Avalon

Up and down like the tide is moving
In and out, we’re in motion
And the ocean pulls us under
and even there, You’re found
You never change so I will sing

CHORUS:
If I’m standing on a mountain
or drowning in the sea
If I am filled with hope or crying out for mercy
If I’m singing Hallelujah or scared to make a sound
If I am learning how to walk or when I’m falling down
I’m saying You are still my God
Still my God

In a world where so much seems uncertain
You remain both for the strong and broken
No matter where we are
You are never far
And nothing changes who You are

Chorus:

Jesus You are still my God

You were, You are, You will be forever
You were, You are Yeah Yeah
You were, You are God

If I’m standing on a mountain
or drowning in the sea
If I am filled with hope or crying out for mercy

If I’m learning how to walk or when I’m falling down
If I’m standing on a mountain or drowning in the sea
If I am filled with hope or crying out for mercy
If I’m singing Hallelujah
When I am learning how to walk or when I’m falling down

I’m saying You are still my God
Jesus You are, You are still my God
Jesus You are still my God
Still my God
Still my God



Head over to Shawntele's to see what others are saying about the music in their life.

Friday's Fave Five: On Saturday

The fact that I am posting this weeks Friday favorite five on Saturday afternoon gives you a small glimpse into how my week has gone. It's just been one of those weeks. Ever have one?

So thankful that as I look back there have been favorites intermingled in the midst of it.

1. Having a friend over for conversation and reconnecting. I was more than happy to make coffee, but she offered to brink Starbucks. I accepted. She even brought brownies for the kids, Starbucks no less.

2. An evening of card making with ladies (aka friends) from church.

3. An invitation to a concert from a co-worker. I won't be able to go, but the fact that she would think of me and invite me was a blessing.

4. A full roast beef dinner at my in laws to celebrate my hubby's birthday which is next week. It was one less meal I had to plan and prep. A gift in such a week!

5. Last, but certainly not least, Susanne. Not only does she host this event every week, but she so graciously allowed me to link my Friday list today, on Saturday.

It is definitely a favorite when others are gracious and understanding in some of life's more chaotic times. This is not the first time Susanne has extended these things. Thanks Susanne!

So tell me, what was your week like? What favorites did you find in the middle of it?

Beer-lahai-roi

Listen carefully. You may hear her. Look closely. You might see her. Stop. You may sense her discouragement, her pain, her hopelessness, her loneliness. I did.

I have heard it said that soul pain in one's life is not measurable. One person's heart pain is no greater or less than another. When one is hurting deeply, the cause of the pain is not necessarily the issue. The fault of the pain is not even necessarily the issue. The pain itself is what is debilitating, discouraging and devastating.

I have experienced that type of pain. I know the utter hopelessness and the loneliness of that place. If most people were to be completely honest with themselves, I would think that they would agree they have also been there. If someone has not found themselves in that place, I would venture to say they will at some point.

Heart pain seems to be no respecter of persons. Emotional trauma does not appear to have favorites. Human tragedy apparently is not selective.

I recently reacquainted myself with a young lady who surely felt such life pain. In her pain, in her loneliness, in her devastation... she revealed extreme hope to my wearied soul.

She was homeless. She was jobless. She had no status. She was with no one. She was in distress.

She was expecting a baby. She had no husband. The father of her baby had washed his hands of her and the child. She had no hope.

He was a married man. The wife of this man had mistreated her. She felt she had no options. She fled. In her escaping, she stopped by a stream in the desert. That is where I found her. That is where we became reacquainted.

As I observed her at the stream in the desert, I recognized something. She was not alone.

In her personal desert, He spoke to her . In her hopelessness, He brought his very presence. In her devastation, He offered promise. She was desperate. He was all she needed.

She named this one speaking words of life and hope to her soul. She saw who He was. She knew Him and affirmed it... "You are the God who sees me."

In her darkest moment, He knew her. He heard her. He spoke to her. He saw her.

When everyone else was gone, she was not alone. When her world appeared to be crumbling around her, He remained true to Himself. He was the God who sees.

She was instructed to name the child she was carrying Ishmael which means "God hears". Even in her situation, God heard her.

She named the well where she was sitting, Beer-lahai-roi which means "Well of the Living One who sees me". Even in what I can imagine was excruciating soul pain, God saw her...

Genesis 16: 13-15 NLT
"Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” So that well was named Beer-lahai-roi (which means “well of the Living One who sees me”). It can still be found between Kadesh and Bered. So Hagar gave Abram a son, and Abram named him Ishmael."

Message
She answered God by name, praying to the God who spoke to her, "You're the God who sees me! "Yes! He saw me; and then I saw him!" That's how that desert spring got named "God-Alive-Sees-Me Spring." That spring is still there, between Kadesh and Bered. Hagar gave Abram a son. Abram named him Ishmael."

Take a moment my friend and pull up to the stream. Glance at your surroundings. Perhaps you've noticed for some time that you are in a desert. Maybe you've wandered to the desert without even knowing it. Maybe you are in the desert but haven't wanted to admit it.

Sit. Let your heart examine this place. You may realize you are by a rushing stream with lush green grass and blue skies. Your heart is healthy, vibrant, full of hope and life.

However, as you take some time to sit quietly, you may notice that your surroundings aren't as beautiful as you thought or wanted to believe. You may begin to recognize that the dust is blowing, the sun is hot and the land is parched. You may notice the loneliness of this place.

If this is where you find yourself, pull up beside Hagar (as I did) at that stream in the desert. Become acquainted with her. Recognize she was at risk for soul death just as you may be. As you sit, be reminded of what she recognized and saw. Be reminded of what I recognized and saw.

You will not find yourself crying out in your desert in vain. You are in the presence of a God who hears you. Be reminded of a well called Beer-lahai-roi and know you are accompanied by the Living God who sees you.

Click here and be confident..."You're Not Alone". (by Meredith Andrews )

Intentional Encouragement

The other day our little guy was attempting to pull himself up on the couch. I sat across the room watching. As I sat there, instead of jumping up to go resolve his efforts, I began giving out words of encouragement.

"Come on! You can do it! You're such a big boy! Climb! Hold on! I'm proud of you! Keep working! You're almost there!....."

I noticed his efforts visibly increase and his actions become more determined as I offered my words in great expression. He had someone believing in him which appeared to increase his own belief in himself.

In the midst of his continued attempts and my excited words of encouragement, I realized...

"I need to be more intentional in encouraging others."


Encourage: "to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence"

I wonder, how often is it that someone just needs a little encouragement? Could it be that something so simple is all all they need to find the additional energy, effort and determination to spur them on?

I Thessalonians 5:11a (NIV) "Encourage one another..."


Ways to encourage

phone call
card
e-mail
chocolate
prayer
smile

What are other ways to encourage?

How can I be more of an encourager to you here or via my facebook page?

Evaluating how I can do this better.

Music Monday: Empty Me

Critical Spirit

Pride

Anger

Frustration

Judgment

Gossip

Impatience

Laziness

Perfectionism

Greed

Jealousy

The Common Thread...

Selfishness


An area of personal heart focus. An area for personal improvement. An area of personal prayer.




Empty Me
By Chris Sligh

I've had just enough of the spotlight
When it burns bright
To see how it gets in the blood
And I've tasted my share
Of the sweet life
And the wild ride
And found a little is not quite enough

I know how I can stray
And how fast my heart could change

CHORUS:
Empty me
Of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition
And the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me
So I can be
Filled with you

Ive seen just enough of the quick buys
Of the best lies
To know how prodigals can be drawn away
I know how I can stray
And how fast my heart could change

Chorus

Cuz everything is a lesser thing
Compared to you
Compared to you
Cuz everything is a lesser thing
Compared to you
So I surrender all

Empty me
Of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition
And the poison of my pride

Empty me
Of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition
And the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me
So I can be
Lord empty me of me
So I can be
Filled with you.
Filled with you
Empty me


Head over to Shawntele's to see what others are saying about the music in their life.

Friday's Fave Five: A Blessed Week

I'm arriving a bit late to this party due to spending some time at this one. But then, "It's better late than never." Right?

It's Friday. Time to think back over the week and share five favorite things. Thanks to Susanne for being such a great host!


Some weeks finding five favorite things has been more difficult to do than others. It is with an overflowing heart that I am grateful that this week's list seemed to come so easily. Overall, it was a blessed week.

1. Birthday's: In addition to my oldest turning 14 last week, our youngest turned 2 on Sunday. You may remember it was just about a year ago that he joined our family and came to live with us. Where has the time gone?

2. Friends and Play Dates: A new friend and her 2 year old came over one morning for conversation and connecting. What fun to get to know each other better and watch the children play.

3. Cell Phone: I got a new phone this week. My husband found a plan that allows for unlimited talking and texting (new to me) for less than what we were previously paying. For a girl that loves to talk, this was exciting news.

4. Sunshine, a Porch and a Girl: One afternoon the sun was shining and it was warm enough that my daughter and I found ourselves sitting on the back porch. The little guy was down for his nap so I took advantage of the time with just the two of us... "girl talk" while soaking up the sun. I'm looking forward to more of this in the days ahead.

5. Affirming Words: I work as a RN very part time, but when I am working in this role I give it 110%. This week at a meeting with all of the managers from the surrounding area, myself and the other educator were briefly recognized and appreciated for all the hard work we do. How encouraging to hear that our effort really is noticed.

This week I have a bonus favorite. The news I received:

"Congratulations! Your blog was chosen as one of the TOP 100 Christian Women's Blogs for the year 2009 in the category of: “Most Joyful Among Us."

You can read my thoughts about this here.

A blessed week indeed!

~~~~~

Head over to Susanne's to see the favorites others found in their week.

So tell me, what were favorites and blessings in your week?

Humbled: Thoughts on Joy

Imagine my shock when I received notice of this from Internet Cafe Devotions:


A portion of the e-mail in my inbox read:

"Congratulations! Your blog was chosen as one of the TOP 100 Christian Women's Blogs for the year 2009 in the category of: “Most Joyful Among Us”.

The explanation of this category is:

"This gal always sees her coffee cup “half full” and the joy just pours out of her site. Her joyful attitude is what keeps you coming back for more."

I began to ponder... On joy.
~~~~~~~
I once heard this definition of joy:

"Joy: Peace dancing in your heart."

Capture a picture of this for a minute. Peace dancing... regardless of what is happening... there is peace. That peace is not just sitting still becoming stagnant, it's dancing! Dancing in the heart, the very depths of a soul!! That peace dancing in the very depths of a soul... that, my friends, is joy!

"Joy is more than my spontaneous expression of laughter, gaiety, and lightness. It is deeper than an emotional expression of happiness. Joy is... God in my life as I walk with Him." --Bonnie Monson

Life as I walk with God. That is true joy! Walking with God requires action. To walk is a verb. I must be active in the process. I must walk. I find joy by seeking God and His face, by being in His presence.


Psalm 43:3-4 (NLT)
"...Lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live. There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy."

Psalm 16:11 (NLT)
"You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. "


God is the only one who brings that true joy into my life. It is that joy, that peace dancing, that can be and is the giver of my strength... even in the most difficult times.


Nehemiah 8:10b (NLT)
"...For the joy of the Lord is your strength!”

Psalm 28:7-8a (NLT)
"The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. The Lord gives his people strength. "


As I seek God, as I actively walk with God, as I depend on Him...He gives me His joy. He gives me His peace dancing in my heart. He gives me His strength. It is nothing I can attain or achieve on my own. It comes from Him and Him alone.

Whatever circumstance I find myself in, whether happy or sad, whether exciting or tragic, whether energizing or exhausting... I can have joy.

From the very depths of my being, my soul can rest in His plans. My moments find strength to push forward in His strength. My heart can dance the dance of peace... the dance of joy.

When it is all said and done, I can give thanks and praise to His name. He has done great things! I have been filled with joy... a peace dancing... because of Him!


Psalm 9:1-3 (NLT)
I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High."


My Hope and Prayer

I hope and pray that the joy found here is from God in my life as I walk with Him. I am encouraged to think that perhaps this is a place where peace is seen dancing, regardless of where that day finds me in my world.

Thoughts on joy: a magnificent place for me to spend some time this morning.

And humbled... oh so very humbled...

Joy: all because of Him!
~~~~~

These 100 blogs were selected by nominations. Thank you to each one of YOU, my faithful readers and friends. I do not take it lightly that you choose to spend time here with me. I appreciate and enjoy the presence of YOU more than you know!

I can't begin to tell you how honored I am to be included with such an amazing group of ladies!

I will be taking some time in the days ahead to grab a cup of coffee, settle in and head on over to savor some new reads. Care to join me?

Embracing Time

My sense of time has been seriously affected by the culture in which I live. I seem to have lost a sense of reality and perspective on time. The time given for most of my activities in life require little waiting.

Gone are the days of waiting for a meal to warm up or even cook. I have a microwave, or even a drive through.

No more waiting for the handwritten letter to arrive. I have a phone. I'm not even required to wait until I get home to use it. I have a cell phone. And if the phone doesn't meet my needs, there is e-mail or even instant messaging.

No longer must I wait all day for clothes to dry on a clothes line. Within an hour I can have clothes dried, folded and put away.

Even hundreds of years in the Bible are condensed nicely for a read in a few short days if I so desire. I can read the wait of others in a matter of minutes in any given story that I choose to reflect on.

These are just a few examples of how life around me has warped my sense of time. I have discovered something about myself. When something is not resolved immediately, or within a short period of time... somehow that does not feel acceptable. I whine, complain and question why things take so long. And yet, it is only in my own distorted sense of reality and time that this occurs at all.

I live in a world that fights time with all it's power. The world around me seems to dictate quickness, speed and more to be done in less time. I must fight this thinking with all that is in me. There is no choice but to fight.

Time is a process I am not very familiar with. Time is a process I am learning to love and embrace. Time is a concept that is becoming my friend.

Even with the world around me accomplishing more and more in less and less time, there are still things that remain held in the true sense of time. There are things that can not be rushed or sped up despite man's efforts to do so.

Time gives me permission to slow down, evaluate and work through so many racing thoughts, feelings and emotions. Time gives me permission to do the work required for a complete heart. I must allow time to be a part of the vocabulary used by my soul and spirit.

I am learning to embrace time. Are you?

Well Worn and Tear Stained

I am a reader. Having time to read is a treat for me. Having a book to devour is truly a gift. Like so many others, I enjoy browsing a bookstore. I choose to sit with a book for a moment of free time.

There are a number of books I consider favorites. I have books highlighted, underlined and corners folded. Those tend to be the books I will return to and pick up yet again, and again and again.

However, there is one book that is the most dear to me. I consider it far above all others. There is no comparison to it's value or worth to me. I treasure it with all of my heart.

It is also highlighted and underlined with notes scribbled in the margins. Some would disagree with this practice of mine. Some might even be appalled at the amount to which this has occurred in this particular book.

I have found that this is how I best apply it. This book has become a journal of sorts to me. It is very personalized as it contains some of my deepest personal heart notes and challenges within it's pages.

This book of which I speak is my Bible. As I am reading, studying, listening and challenged, I do mark it up. As I then later come across my notes, the moments in time that those notes were written come forth once again.

The valleys I have been through, the mountains I have gazed from and the paths in between all serve to remind me of the constant faithfulness of my God. Each and every mark has great meaning to me.

As my heart has wrestled over some of it, tears have been shed. As new insight was given, tears have been shed. As I vividly see the very hand of God, tears have been shed. As I hear God speak, tears have been shed.

This most special book of mine does not look brand new. The gold edges are looking quite worn. It is thicker than the nice compressed version of new. It is not fancy.

It is a vivid and personal proof of God's love and faithfulness to me. It contains His very Words that are whispered and nestled deep within my soul. It is well worn and tear stained... but that is what makes it mine.
Is there something about your Bible that personalizes it for you?

Music Monday: Tap Your Sticks

Lest you think there is only one style of music playing around here, I give to you today... Tap Your Sticks.

Our little guy turned 2 years old yesterday. You may remember that we brought him home to be part of our family almost a year ago. Where has the time gone?

He has since left the baby look behind and is now sporting the look and actions of a full fledged toddler. This has become one of his favorite songs. If you have little ones in your life they may enjoy this song too.

I warn you, it's a catchy little tune. If you listen, you may just find yourself enjoying the little song as well. I know I catch myself singing it through the day. Shhhhhh.....

In honor of our now two year old... tap your sticks.



TAP YOUR STICKS
(Words and Music by Hap Palmer)
©Hap-Pal Music, Inc.

Tap your sticks in the air with a 1 2 3
Tap your sticks on the floor with a 1 2 3
Tap you sticks in the air with a 1 2 3
Tap your sticks on the floor with a 1 2 3

Tap your sticks to the right with a 1 2 3
Tap your sticks to the left with a 1 2 3
Tap your sticks to the right with a 1 2 3
Tap your sticks to the left with a 1 2 3

Rub your sticks together
Shake them high above you
Rub your sticks together
Pass them both behind you

Cross your sticks tap your knee with a 1 2 3
Tap your sticks end to end with a 1 2 3
Cross your sticks tap your knees with a 1 2 3
Tap your sticks end to end with a 1 2 3

Hammer left with the right with a 1 2 3
Hammer right with the left with a 1 2 3
Hammer left with the right with a 1 2 3
Hammer right with the left with a 1 2 3

(repeat third and first verses)



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