Slowing to Notice a Few Favorites

I don't know about your schedule lately, but mine seems to be speeding by. Adding soccer games and track meets has kept me hopping. I'm grateful it's only for a season.

I am taking a bit of time this morning to slow the pace. I need moments such as these now and then, especially during seasons such as this. Thanks to Susanne for hosting each week.

Care to join me over a cup of coffee to just chat for a minute or two? I would sure enjoy your company...

Here are five favorites from this past week:

1. HOME: I had a business trip this last week that took me away from home for a few days. Although it was very productive, there is nothing quite as nice as coming home!
(I will begin the task of catching up on e-mails and visits in the days ahead.)

2. FENCING: Looking out the window and seeing the huge area of deer fencing my husband built. (He's the best! Thanks Honey!) I can have a garden this year without any effort put forth to keep the deer out. I was going to take a picture but the rain is keeping me inside. Preparing and planning what to plant. Any suggestions?

3. CLEAN LAUNDRY: The children stayed at their grandparent's house for a couple days while I was away on my trip. Imagine my delight to learn grandma had washed their clothes and sent them home with clean laundry. A huge head-start on my to do list when I got back home. Laundry done... Check.

4. MESSAGE: I hadn't take my normal cell phone with me on the trip. When I returned home there was a message waiting for me from a friend just checking in to see how I was doing. How nice to be thought of!

5. CANCELLATION: Due to weather, my son's track meet was canceled yesterday. Considering it was a little over an hour away, this put quite a few hours back into my day to be used in getting some other things done. It has been re-scheduled for next week meaning two meets instead of one but I should be ready for that by then.

Being out of town with days full of meetings hasn't left much time for many other things.

So tell me... how are you? What did you find to be favorites in the things that filled your week?

Unreserved Trust

"Do you trust me?"

I answered her question without even the slightest moment of hesitation to consider, truly, the depth of the question or to ponder what my answer should be.

"Absolutely! Do whatever you think is the best."

I have trusted her with so much more than this. She has held some of my deepest heart's dreams, reflections of my yesterday's and the hopes of my tomorrows. It seemed almost trivial to even have to consider if this was a question of trust.

This friend of mine is a teacher of cosmetology. She asked if I would be interested in being a hair model for the class. She would color and cut my hair with the students watching and learning each and every step. She determined my level of trust to ascertain what her lesson plans could be for the day as she worked her wonders... on my hair.

As I was driving to the college for the appointment to be the hair model, I was taking the time to chat with God. It was then that it was as if I heard Him talking straight into my heart...

"Do you trust Me? I hold the very deepest secrets of your heart and your dreams. I remember things of your yesterday's that you have long forgotten. I see things of your tomorrows that you don't even know to dream and hope for.

Do you trust Me? Are you willing to come and sit in My chair? Are you willing to let Me choose to do what I think is best... without any reservations?

Do you eagerly wait for the outcome knowing I will work My wonders in your heart, in your soul, in your life? Do you smile in confidence at those looking on, knowing full well that there is a final plan regardless of the apparent mess that they see right now?

Even as a new step is explained, it may be difficult to imagine what my next move will be to complete the task. As the plans are revealed, it may seem like it is completely contradictory to what you would expect of the outcome that has been voiced. Do you trust even those apparent contradictions knowing I have everything completely thought out and under control?

Do you trust... Me?"

Am I willing to climb in His chair? Am I willing to remain amidst the snipping, the thinning, the mess, the waiting... in the entirety of the process itself? Do I trust Him without even the slightest moment of hesitation?

That one simple question has continued to resonate in the center of my being and challenge my thoughts as I consider the magnitude of what it is He is really asking and desiring from me.

Unreserved trust...

To the Point

Have you seen this yet? It takes only a little over a minute to watch. Well worth it!

I got nothin' to add...

Signs of Spring

Just because today's list is quick and to the point doesn't mean they are any less favorite than favorite's of the past. They are just things that don't need much extra explanation.

I mean, who wouldn't favorite signs of Spring?



1. Sports: Weekly soccer games and track meets are in full swing.

2. Sleeping: with the windows open and the aroma of cool, fresh air. (Since it is still quite brisk, I use my heating blanket to keep warm.)

3. Blossoms & Blooms: Beautiful!

4. BBQ's and Bonfires: We started with a BBQ dinner that we ate outside . Then we used our bonfire pit and had our first real bonfire with the works... friends, marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate. Oh yes, and the smoke.

Throughout the evening we found ourselves singing this little ditty:



5. Birds and Daylight: I am enjoying welcoming in the day listening to the song of birds in the morning and having a longer day with the extended daylight in the evening.

Taking the time to slow the pace of my days to notice signs of spring has been so worth it! What signs of spring are you noticing? What were favorites from your week?

Thank you to Susanne for hosting each week!

Life's Playing Field

It was halftime and we were behind. I was coaching my soccer girls telling them that regardless of the score, they needed to stay in the game. I was encouraging them to give it their all. To hold nothing back. I sent them back in for the second half with, "Go leave it on the field girls."

As I was driving home I was thinking about that game, about those girls. I was so proud of them.

~~~~~
It was then that my personal life Coach stepped in and I was challenged.

Are you giving the things of your life everything you've got? Are you giving it your all, regardless of how you think it is going now, or how you think it will end? Are you losing heart or are you staying fully engaged in the game?

As I was considering my efforts, the phrase "death crawl" entered my mind.

The death crawl clip from "Facing the Giants" (start at 50 seconds).


In that moment I was reminded, this is the level of effort I should pour into each and every thing in my life.

At times I find myself screaming out, "God, this hurts! It is too heavy! I'm about out of strength! God, I think this is too hard! I can't do this! How much farther do I have to go?"

Even as I am calling out, He emphatically responds, "Don't quit until you've got nothing left! I know it hurts! Give me your very best! Your very best! Your very best! I know it's hard! Don't quit! Don't quit! Do not quit!"

Oh, it would be so easy to give up. To let the life happen without effort on my part. To just be a part of the team without really playing the game.

To not choose the hard work, the effort, the pain. To take the easy road. To let life fall as it may. At times that sounds so inviting. So welcoming. So... comfortable.

But, I know that it is these times of my death crawl that condition and prepare me for the big game. It is the process that leaves me ready for what God has for me.

I must stay in the game, in the process. I must give it everything I've got. I must not leave anything behind. I must give it more than I can even imagine I can give. I must leave it all on the field... of life.

~~~~~
I could tell at the end of that soccer game that my girls had played with everything they had. Even so, we did not pull out the win.

As we huddled together at the end of the game, I reminded my girls that this particular game was about more than soccer, it was about a life lesson. Regardless of what we encounter in life, doing our absolute best makes us a winner every time.

As I drove home from that game, I realized it was about more than a life lesson for my soccer team. It became a personal life lesson and reminder for me.

Embrace the process. Learn from it. Give it all you've got. Leave nothing on the field. Do your absolute best for the glory of God, and leave the rest up to Him.

Okay, so who's in? It's not easy, but it's so very worth it! I personally guarantee that our Coach never makes a bad decision. Even better, He's already got the final win done and sealed.

Who will join me on the field?

There is Nothing Greater

Do you ever have those times in life where you sit back and settle into the assurance that this moment surely was more than a coincidence? That perhaps, each detail of the experience was orchestrated with intentional purpose by a God who cares about the deepest parts of your heart that you weren't even aware needed some attention, some encouragement, some promise?

Today I want to share with you one of those moments for me. A few weeks ago I won the new Point of Grace cookbook and CD "No Changin' Us" at a giveaway hosted by Andrea.

I've been having a tough few weeks. There are some things that I have been working on and I find myself feeling inadequate, defeated and almost as if it's just too big for me. Satan has been working overtime to edge in condemnation and accusation to my heart so desperately trying to do what God would have me to do.

The moment I heard this song on the CD, it was an instant favorite. As I listened, I was reminded of a word that is so easily thrown around, especially in Christian circles. Each time I have listened to this song since, this one word becomes more and more alive to me and the promise of truth contained within it more powerful.

GRACE
a. the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God
b. the influence or Spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate and strengthen them

My frustrations, my disappointments, my failures and humanness... even the very darkest parts of my being are not too great for Him. He is bigger than my biggest failures. He is greater than the largest things that overwhelm my heart.

In His magnificent greatness, He comes down to the depths of my valley and meets me. Not because He has to, but because He desires and wants... to extend grace. That's just part of who He is.

As my own heart is being daily encouraged and reminded of this truth, I wanted to also remind you of this great promise.

Before you give up, before you quit, before you think you're a hopeless cause... too lost too save...

Remember...

There is nothing you encounter that is greater than HIS grace!



There is Nothing Greater Than Grace
By Point of Grace

Verse 1:
What you do say to someone who feels like they've lost it all
over the edge with no one there to break their fall
And what do say to someone who feels so unloved
giving themselves away a little bit every day just to be good enough
And what do you say to a hopeless soul who can't remember their way home
and everything is out of their control

Chorus:
There is no valley, there is no darkness
there is no sorrow greater than the grace of Jesus.
There is no moment, there is no distance,
there is no heartbreak He can't take you through.
So before you think that you're too lost to save,
Remember there is nothing greater than grace.

Verse 2:
What do you say to someone whose life is on the line
and their unsure what happens after their last breath in time
What do you say to someone whose built a wall you can't break through
its so hard for them to hear the truth

CHORUS

So don't lose hope, don't let go
Don't give up, you are not alone

CHORUS

So before you think that you're too lost to save,
Remember there is nothing greater than grace.



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

This and That

A sunny good morning to you. I'm hoping that as you stop by for a visit today you'll allow me the time and pleasure of some small talk just to catch up.

I seem to be getting to the other side of the head pounding, burning throat, deep cough, runny nose illness that I have had for the last few days. My daughter and the little guy have accompanied me with this illness so the 3 of us have been laying pretty low and just getting by.

The pounding in my head left and my voice began its return just in time for soccer practice with music practice following. I was afraid that would take it completely away again, but so far it remains. A bit grovely, but present nonetheless.

Soccer and track season are now in full swing with weekly games and meets underway. Soccer goes way back in our family, but track is a new sport for us. What a fun adventure to be taking together.

We took our son out shopping to get his under armor for track earlier this week. Oh my goodness! The cost of that alone was more than we budget for one month of clothing for the entire family. Good thing I had a reserve built up.

The good news is that it inspired me to go through all the clothes I had been setting aside to take to the consignment shop. I got that sorted and to them. I ended up with $25 from what they decided to take which has already been put back into the clothing budget. Whew. That feels a little better anyway.

I'm so blessed that you've stopped today for a visit. Can I get you another cup of coffee?... Do you even drink coffee or would you prefer something else?

We received notification that the first step in additional evaluations for our daughter has been approved. Praising God for the way He worked that out. Now just waiting to get the actual evaluation scheduled so we can make plans from there.

I just finalized plans for a giveaway! I am so excited. The item is on it's way. They have even provided me with a special code so if you aren't the random winner, you can purchase the item at a discount. I eagerly await it's arrival. Stay tuned...

During my quiet time this morning something happened that hasn't happened in quite awhile. My mind was racing. I had to get a sheet of paper and write down all of my thoughts to deal with later so I could focus on settling my mind and heart.

Does that ever happen to you? What do you do to get past it? My list of thoughts is still tucked in my Bible. Guess I'd better grab that and transfer those thoughts to their appropriate places. (schedule, to do list, grocery list, etc.)

The sun is shining and we are expected to hit 70 as a high this weekend. Bring It On!

The extended forecast is back to lower 60's with rain but I won't focus on that right now. Instead I am going to soak up every ounce of this lovely weather that I can!

Okay, enough about me. What are the things that have been filling the moments of your days lately?

I'm settling in with my cup of coffee, ready to listen and eager to hear all that you have to share.

How have YOU been?

An Exquisite Fragrance

Charles Weigel (wrote the hymn "No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus") shares this account. He was in Pasadena, California at a Bible conference where he was speaking. After spending an afternoon in a rose garden, he came into the evening meeting.

He was repeatedly asked "How did you enjoy the rose garden?" It caused him to wonder, how did so many people know where he had been? He finally asked them.

Their reply? "Because you brought the fragrance of the roses with you"

~~~~
II Corinthians 2:14-15 (Msg) " In Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life.
~~~~

How do people I encounter in the moments of my days know that I've been with Jesus?

If I bring the fragrance of Him along with me.

His love through me, His care through me, His concerns through me, His life through me...

Him through me.

When living like Christ, I must put away all selfish thoughts, motives, and actions. It needs to become about others and not about me.

Because of Christ, I want to give off a sweet scent rising to God.

I want to be... an exquisite fragrance.

Music Monday: Audience of One

My heart's cry. The message of this song speaks for itself...



Audience of One
By Big Daddy Weave

I come on my knees
To lay down before you
Bringing all that I am
Longing only to know you
Seeking your face
And not only your hand
I find you embracing me
Just as I am

And I lift these songs
To you and you alone
As I sing to you
In my praises make your home

Chorus:
To my audience of one
You are Father, and you are Son
As your spirit flows free,
Let it find within me
A heart that beats to praise you.
And now just to know you more
Has become my great reward
To see your kingdom come
And your will be done
I only desire to be yours,
Lord

So what could I bring
To honor your majesty
What song could I sing
That would move the heart of royalty
When all that I have
Is this life that you’ve given me
So Lord let me live for you
My song with humility

And Lord as the love song
Of my life is played
I have one desire
To bring glory to your name

CHORUS

And we lift these songs
To you and you alone
As we live for you
In our praises make your home

CHORUS



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

Observing and Learning... From a Toddler

The Observation:

I am on my way home and stopped for a red light at a very busy intersection. This intersection allows vehicles to go in 4 different directions, each direction with 2 lanes and a turn lane. This allows for 20 lanes in all.

As I am sitting at the red light I glance across the street to the other side. There I notice a small boy, about 18 months old, holding the hand of his mother. He is one step ahead closest to the curb.

His head is held high, his eyes are wide open, and he is looking back and forth taking in all he can. The sights, the sounds, the activity... he is trying to capture the fullness of what is taking place around him.

His mother is not speaking to him but he does not appear to mind. He seems to be enjoying all he is seeing and taking in. There is a slight smile across his face and his expression is bright and one of excitement.

I sit and admire this small one. I wonder what all his mind must be learning? How, in that moment, he must be processing and developing in all he is experiencing.

And then their light turns green, his mother begins walking, he puts his head down and falls in step (actually a little trot, his little legs trying to keep up) beside her. He is off on his journey once again.

And then I hear it, the still small voice…

The Lesson:

My child, this is how I want you to be. Learn from this toddler. You are mine. I want you holding tightly to my hand. You know your destination and know the direction you need to travel. But I need you to wait with me at this red light. Your life is at an intersection right now and I need you to wait until the light turns green.

You are begging to hear me, pleading for me to say something. Why must you always be hearing me say something to believe I am there? Your hand is in mine, squeeze it just a bit and sense the presence of your little fingers engulfed in the palm of my hand. Your name is engraven there… on the palm of my hand. (Isaiah 49:16) Be assured I am here! I have not left you to wait at this red light alone.

Why must you whine and complain about this wait, this red light, this intersection of your life? Lift up your head, open your eyes, look at the sights, listen to the sounds, and take in the fullness of all that is happening around you. I have things I can and want to teach you at this light.

How can you hear what I need you to hear when you are doing the talking, begging and pleading for the light to turn green, to move forward once again? How can you see what I need you to see with your head looking down at your feet dwelling on the fact we are not moving, or looking ahead and straining to see as far down the road as you can?

Focus on the things around you. There are exciting things happening right here in this place. You need to learn from these things to grow, to learn, to develop as I need you to.

The light will turn green soon and we will begin walking again. You will put your head down for the task and begin moving forward. But for now, lift your head, look for the newness around you, the lessons to learn, and do not be afraid to enjoy the moment, to let that brief small smile creep across your face. Relish in the exciting things happening at this red light, and learn from them.

But be ready at a moment’s notice to begin moving forward once again to continue on this journey. It won’t be as long as you might think.

He Prays for You

"If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me."

--Robert Murray McCheyne, (1813-1843)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Romans 8:26-27 (Amplified Bible)
"So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.

And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will."

Decluttering the Stuff of My Heart

Has it already been a week since I started my break? Has it only been a week? In some ways it flew by, and in other ways last week seems so very far away.

It was a week that turned out so very differently than I had envisioned. Do you remember when I said I needed some time with God? Oh boy, I needed that more than I knew.

I wish I could tell you that it was a blissful week of just resting and relaxing in His presence. If I told you that because I wanted that to be the perception you had, it would not be accurate. I have always been quite open and transparent. Today will remain no different.

Friends, as I began spending extra time with God, we began to do some spring cleaning together. It became more and more apparent to me there was a lot of clutter that had accumulated... in my heart. Nothing huge in and of itself, just a lot of little stuff that, all piled together, was becoming one big mess.

As we began the work of decluttering, I found stuff I had forgotten about. I discovered stuff I thought had already been thrown out, only to find that I had just buried it. I learned there was stuff that I wanted to keep that was not good to remain.

God knew there was work to be done. I think I suspected it.

Hard work. Dirty work. Painful work.

Fresh work. Liberating work. Grace-filled work.

He has proven Himself faithful as He has promised. (II Tim. 2:13) He has shown Himself longing to be gracious and rise to show compassion. (Is. 30:18) He is teaching what is best and directing in the way I should go. (Is. 48:17)

In the process of decluttering the stuff of my heart, I have also found the blessing of so many new things. As I find the words to put what is in my heart, I will share.

Until then, I leave you with these words from "Having a Mary Spirit" by Joanna Weaver:

"While God has faithfully answered my prayer for transformation, it almost never happened the way I wanted. Definitely not the way I planned.

Even with God doing the real work, we'll have to cooperate. We will have to change, and change hurts.

But I can promise you this. It hurts good."

I can't even begin to imagine who else I would want to help me declutter the stuff of my heart other than my God. He is so much more than what I could ever imagine or deserve!

It was a needed week. It was a productive week. It was a personal week.

It was a week of...

awareness
humility
tears
confession
mercy
forgiveness
surrender
death to myself
change
grace

It was a week well spent.

Now tell me, how was your week?