Home

My children each had a friend spend the night. At about 10:30 pm my daughter's friend became a little teary. She missed her mom. She longed for home.

I had her bring her blanket and come sit with me on the couch. The rest of the house was quiet. She and I talked about a variety of things. For almost an hour we sat, talked, laughed, and kept each other company. She was then ready for bed. I tucked her back in and began to settle down myself.

As I was lying awake for a time (to make sure she was truly settling it) I began to realize that there are times I also long for home. Not my home of this world, but my eternal home.

There are times my routine changes enough to have me a bit concerned. There are moments of the quiet where my mind drifts to home, and I long for it. There are times I dream about the moment I am home.

In those times I find Jesus taking me by His side. During those moments I sit beside Him, snuggle in close and find, regardless of the time, I am kept company by my Lord.

We sit, we talk, we laugh and we even sometimes cry. Regardless of my emotional state, I remember I am not alone in my wait.

It is good for me to be here now! There is a reason I am here. There are moments of fun and pleasure to be had here! For now, this is where I am to be.

But when the "morning" comes, when it is time to go home, these moments of "homesickness" will be gone.... forever! I will be home to stay.

John 14: 1-3 (Amplified)

"DO NOT let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me.

In My Father's house there are many dwelling places (homes). If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you.

And when I go and make ready a place for you, I will come back again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also."

Feeling a Bit Like Abraham

Genesis 12: 1, 4  "The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you."  So Abram left, as the Lord had told him."

The Lord asked Abraham to leave the familiar for the unfamiliar. He was to leave the known for the unknown. He asked him to leave what was comfortable for the maybe not so always comfortable.

Abraham did not have all the answers for the journey ahead before he left. He did not know how each need would be met along the way. He did not know what all would be before him to encounter. He did not know how or even where the journey would end.

He only knew he was to go. And He knew God would go with him, for the Lord said He would show him where he was going.

We are facing a new journey. It is a journey we have been praying and talking about for some time now.  A path before us has opened and we feel very strongly this is the time we are to begin on this new journey.

However, this new journey will require some faith. Actually, it will require a lot of faith.  There are questions that would seem reasonable to demand an answer to before walking.

But Abraham didn't seem to think heading out into "nowhere" was foolish without the answers for his provision needs or even his destination answered. I don't see where he bargained with God for guaranteed plans before heading out. Scripture says, "So Abraham left as the Lord had told him."

I have been challenged with this question, If all things have to be answered first, is that really faith? 

 If we really believe this is what we are to be doing, and this is the time we are to be doing it, then we need to obey now and trust that God will provide answers as we need them.

Hebrews 11:1  "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

Faith does not provide all the answers... and yet it is sure. Faith does not give a clear picture or even all the necessary steps to take... but it is certain of the unknown. Sure that the hope which we've been given is steadfast. Certain that the unknowns and what we do not see are not to big for our God or even out of His sight.

It's this type of faith that pleases God.  

Heb. 11:6   "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

Abraham believed God to be true to His promises.  

Heb. 11: 11  " He (Abraham) considered Him (God) faithful who had made the promise".  

 His faith was credited to him as righteousness. (Rom.4:5, 9)

Abraham did not believe just in his initial journey to a new land, but also in the birth of his son at an old age. (Gen. 18:10)

After that son was born, Abraham was once again instructed to give the ultimate sacrifice of faith.

Gen. 22: 2  "Then take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and sacrifice him there as a burnt offering."

Verse 3 records "Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took his son Isaac and set out for the place God had told him about."

He did not stall for a week or two to relish the last moments. He did not try to figure out why or what God was asking of him. Early the next morning... he put faith into motion... and obeyed.

We read in verse 12 of that same chapter, as Isaac is laying on the altar and bound with knife lifted above him, Abraham is instructed "Do not lay a hand on the boy".

Abraham's faith in God led to his unquestioning, unwavering obedience... and God provided.

There in the bushes was a lamb. There at the end of 9 months in their old age was a son. There at the end of an unknown journey was a land... a promised land for an entire nation that continues to this day.

Faith leads to obedience. Faith is something I thought I had a lot of... until I'm required to put that faith to action and live it. Not just talk about it, but step out in faith and make decisions based on what I believe God is asking of me. Not just have a faith in my head, but put that faith in my feet and move. Action faith requires me to step forward even when it doesn't seem to all make sense.

I have been studying about faith, reading about faith, and praying about faith. Now it's time to start living faith.

Rom 1: 17b, Habakuk. 2:4  "The righteous will live by faith."

And so, we are preparing for our journey ahead. Decisions have been made. Plans have been put into motion.

My humanness wants to keep checking, to keep asking, to keep planning... but if I wait for all the answers, I may never move.  And if I wait for all the answers, then that would not be faith. That would be living in my own provisions and strength rather than having the faith of Abraham.

It is time to proceed, to pursue the path that lies ahead... and trust God will show us where we are to journey along the way. I am saddling my donkey... faith is requiring a new journey.

I must have action faith that leads to obedience.

I'm feeling a bit like Abraham...
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(I will be able to provide details of "this journey" once the plans have been finalized.)

The Things of My Day

Today there is much to get done on my "to do" list.

Nothing that would generate much for lengthy discussions or exciting details here.  Just the normal day-to-day stuff of everyday living that needs to get done but never seems to be completely done... laundry, mopping, dishes... You know the drill.

Then there is dinner to prepare.  The weather of the weekend was so lovely that it found us BBQ'ing hamburgers and even dining outside.  AHH....

We woke to a different story this morning.

The fire was started.  Sweatshirts were donned.  We once again look out into a world of cold and rain.

It didn't take long for me to change my dinner plans.  

I had 2 cups of frozen diced turkey in the freezer.  It has been pulled out and is thawing.  Celery, carrots, onions, and noodles are already on hand.  Dinner is all but ready.

Chicken/Turkey Noodle Soup

4 Qt Broth/ Chicken Bouillon
1/2 - 1 c. chopped celery
1/2 - 1 c. chopped carrots
1/2 onion
2 c. turkey/chicken
pepper (0ptional)
1 pkg Reames noodles (found in the freezer section of the grocery store)

Add ingredients, boil then simmer for 20 minutes



Now to decide what should I put with the soup tonight for dinner?

That about wraps up the plans of my day today.  Of course these things are in addition to the regular school schedules, keeping a toddler entertained, staying warm, and hopes for maybe even getting a bit ahead on my list of "to do's" for another day.

How is your day shaping up?  

Track's Life Lesson

Although I recently took a break of silence from my blog, the schedule of our days have been far from silent.  During that time track season started.  This meant five practices a week with two meets most weeks.

With the weather we've been having, track meets found us suited up in our WARM gear.  I'm not kidding.  In fact, one meet I even wore my snow pants.  I was tired of being SO cold!  We sat through pouring rain, freezing temps, and yes... even snow!  And the athletes competed through it all...

This week was the qualifying meet to advance to districts.  My son's high jump history basically guaranteed a place in districts if he could just do his normal round of jumps.

Wouldn't you know it.  The qualifying meet found him having his most off day of the season.  UGH.  There would be no advancing to districts in this event. 

And then he was to run 2 events.

At the qualifying meet...

He took 2 seconds off of his personal best in the 400 meters.

He took 12 seconds off of his personal best in the 800 meters.  Yes, you read that right... 12 seconds!

We went into the qualifying meet prepared to go to district with the high jump.  That was not going to happen this year.

We learned yesterday, to every one's delighted amazement, that he is indeed going to districts...with his 800!

And he is runner up for the 400.  If any of the others that qualified aren't able to make it, he is next in line to compete.

Track season is not yet over... 

Of course we are so proud of his hard work and effort.  It has been exciting to watch him improve during this season.  But going to districts is not the most exciting outcome of that day.

What I witnessed in his spirit and the decisions he made on that day has me the most proud. 

Instead of being completely discouraged about his high jump and giving up, he pushed forward continuing to give everything he had to his running... just doing the best that he could.

In the middle of disappointment, I witnessed perseverance, determination, and continued hard work.  Choosing to rise above the situation and put forth his best into what he had left, even if they weren't his strongest events.

The qualifying track meet became more than an event.  It became a life lesson in pushing through.  In doing everything with excellence and giving it your very best no matter what.  In never giving up...

I couldn't be more proud!

I Cor. 9:25-27 (MSG) "Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.  I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition."

And for the record:  it was finally a warm sunny day for the qualifying meet.  We have mild sunburns but I've not heard one complaint about it.  The sun was shining and we were all happy...

Conversation Mix

Okay, so here's the deal. I don't know about you, but I feel like the last little bit things have been pretty heavy around here... pretty serious.

Now don't get me wrong. I take my relationship with God and my walk with Him VERY serious! On the other hand, there is great joy in that relationship and walk, and I'm not so sure I've done a good job of sharing that side as well.

You know... the ability to just enjoy life for what it is. The day-in and day-out mundane things. The little things I learn in every day living that make a big difference.

When I envision life here at this place, it always holds thoughts of us all gathering in the living room with shoes off and throws available. Or perhaps sipping a cup of coffee together while chatting at the kitchen table.

The goal is to invite you in for the friendship, conversation and pausing in our day.

When I do that in real life, invite others in... the topic is not always centered on one thing. The conversation has a wide range of topics and it just flows at will. No set expectations or agenda. Just time spent conversing together. 

Sometimes over the very serious, thought provoking and deep things of God. But sometimes over the new recipe found, the new bedtime routine established for the little ones or the events happening in our lives that day.

I want to get back to that. A conversation mix. Not that the deep, more serious conversations won't happen. I guarantee they will. For that is part of who I am.

But also part of who I am is learning to navigate the daily of life. Finding how God fits into every crevice even if it's learning a new recipe or caring for my family.

A conversation mix... isn't that what true conversation would look like if you were able to really come into my home on a regular basis? I can only imagine we would have the best of discussions on a variety of topics... and that is what I want to bring back to My Quiet Corner.

Are you okay with that?

Things You Might Like To Know

1/2 price Frappuccino's at Starbucks
Daily from 3P-5P until May 15. YUM!   Enough said.

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My friend Sandy from Reluctant Entertainer was on Family Life today with Dennis Rainey last week.  Well worth a listen, especially with warmer weather around the corner and so many more relaxed and low key opportunities for reaching out to others.

Part I:  Overcoming the Obstacles (May 2, 2011)

Part II:  Welcome to My Home:  The 10 Commandments of Hospitality (May 3, 2011)

More inspirational and encouraging ideas can be found in her book, The Reluctant Entertainer:  Every Woman's Guide to Simple and Gracious Hospitality.  You can even get it for the kindle!


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And on Family Life Today's program for today and tomorrow, they will be interviewing Seeds Family Worship founder Jason Houser.  He will be talking about using music to help families memorize God's Word. 

And it just happens that Shawntele is hosting a giveaway for a Seeds Family Worship CD (giveaway ends tonight at 11PM EST).

To top it all off, you can still receive an additional 20% off your purchase of cd's (not including clearance cd's) from their web store (www.seedsmusicstore.com). Just use the coupon code: MYQUIETCORNER at checkout to receive your discount.

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Last but not least, I have changed to the Disqus platform to use with comments.  I am hoping that this will allow me to participate in conversations much more in the comment section with each of you, which is what I have wanted to do for quite some time!

Please give me your feedback!

Are you familiar with the disqus platform?  What do you like, dislike, etc.  Help a girl out and tell me what I need to know!

And thank you in advance for extending grace and understanding as I/we learn the way around this new program for commenting.

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There you have it.  A few things that I thought you might like to know.   

What are things that you think I might like to know?...

Mothering

Sometimes I forget that it is...

More than just my job.
More than just my title.
It is my primary ministry.

This ministry is extended to more than just women who have physically delivered a child.

My sister directs the children's department of an inner city church. She has not been married nor had children of her own. However, when I look at all the children she has "mothered" over the years, I am reminded that impacting the heart of a child goes far beyond the birthing process.

You are needed.
It is a ministry.
There is none greater.
It matters.

To all women who are making a difference... in the life of your child, another child or others to whom you are giving of yourself...

Happy Mother's Day

My Theology Turned Upside Down

I am THRILLED that you have stopped by today! Not that I'm not always, but today is different.

What I want to share with you today revolutionized the way that I was thinking about and approaching my recent days that felt so dark, so hopeless.

It turned some of my theology completely upside down.  The entire thinking around it in my own head continues...

I hope you have time to grab a drink, put your feet up and stay to hear this one out.

It actually all started with a letter of the alphabet...

What do you see?

W

Yep, that's what our little guy thought too. And from his perspective he was absolutely right. But in reality it was this:

M

You see, he was wearing a shirt that had a "M" on it, but when he looked down at his shirt what he saw and said all day was that it was a "W".

That got me to thinking. How often God's perspective on what he sees must be completely different than my perspective. Even though we are looking at the same situation, how often is my take on it completely upside down?

The next day, while still thinking these thoughts, I was listening to the radio. What one of the men said instantly caught my attention, "Cancer is my pastor."

What?

I turned that program up.  It was Dr. Kenneth Hutcherson talking about his journey with cancer and his book "Hope is Contagious."

In those few short minutes, there were statements made that convinced me I had to read this book. And I now have.

In fact, the paper still tucked into the visor of my van has the notes I was quickly scrawling as the program was playing.

"God is more interested in your character than in your comfort."

"If it's gonna make me more like Christ, how can it be bad?"

The overall thought and challenge was that God only allows those things into our lives that are going to make us more like Jesus.

As I read the book, the following has also had me thinking, encouraged, and challenged:

"God allows you to suffer because He wants you to be like Jesus. He will do whatever it takes to make you like Jesus, regardless of how much we cry, scream, get angry, or throw a fit.... He knows that becoming more like Jesus makes us more available for him to show other people what Christ is really like.  God is more interested in his plan for all mankind than our plans for a good day.  He is more interested in our holiness than our happiness."

And this:

"When we consider our unpleasant circumstances from a temporary, human perspective, God seems cruel or, at the very least, unconcerned about our suffering. But when we understand his purpose, we can begin to comprehend just how much he loves us-- enough to follow through on his commitment to shape us into the character and likeness of Christ."

Yes, I do believe that, just like our little guy saw a "W" on his shirt instead of the "M" that was really there, I am most often looking at my world upside down.

As I continue to think about these thoughts, my whole attitude and perspective on what my days hold is changing. Not that things instantly got better or are even now fully resolved.

But now, instead of the fight, the despair, discouragement and dark... I am instead settling in for the journey with my eyes peeled on the horizon looking for what, exactly, I am to be learning. In what ways can this and should this be making me more like Jesus?

Isn't that what I really desire? To be more and more like Christ everyday? I pray for it. My words say it's so, but evidently when the answer begins to come (sometimes in the more difficult things of life) then I beg for it to be different, to be over, to change.

It still takes conscious effort for me to remember this truth. I have to be intentional about getting my perspective shifted to what He sees that I need rather than what I want.

My hope and prayer is that I put this thinking into practice more and more.  That it will become so embedded that my first thoughts in more difficult days ahead will instantly turn to the lesson/s to be learned...the ways that I am being developed to become more like Christ.

Have you ever thought of it this way before? Does it change the way you view and perceive situations you have gone through or are going through? What do these thoughts generate in your own heart and mind? What are your thoughts about this perspective.

(I would highly recommend this book! No money for a new book? Check out your local library. That's where I found the copy I read, and then wrote down in a notebook all the quotes and ideas I wanted to remember and re-visit.)

What If...

I wasn't planning to post anything today, and then I heard this song for the first time. 

It has already been purchased and downloaded quickly making it's way to my i*Pod...challenging and encouraging me each and every time I listen to it and think of it's message.

Have you heard it?


"Blessings"
By Laura Story

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

CHORUS:
Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

Chorus

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near

What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise