a thanksgiving pearl ...

Thanksgiving is essential to the life of a believer.  It is the key to a full and abundant life.  It unlocks Joy within the heart.  What one thing encompasses respect, maners, love, relief, and thoughtfulness but giving thanks?

I became a believer when I was 5 but in 2003 with a job loss I knew I needed a restart.  Meloncholy was my draft setting.  I was slumped at the window of life watching the world go by without me.  It was a good time to try thanksgiving for a change.  It was a small step that got bigger and bigger with each passing year.

Thanksgiving is like a pearl.  It takes an irrantant wrapped and wrapped with praise to be something of great worth.   It puts the focus on the Heavenly Father's Mighty Arms than the pungy pesky problems.  To sum up Psalms 107 from wastelands, darkness, rebellious ways, lost at sea to thanksgiving ... the upright SEE and Rejoice but all the wicked are shut up.(v. 42).

I SAW God come through when we had major storm&nbsp on July 1st. There was massive cleanup to do at my parents' place. The house, garage, and fishing boats escaped structural damage but the winds shredded the ancient trees. There was so much damage that at lunchtime I noticed how defeated my Dad was. I called the brother to come help. While Dad and the brother got the chainsaws up and chewing, my 10 year old nephew and I pulled and hauled big branches to the road. From this hardship I found out my nephew was a talker!

See, the men in my life are quiet and when there are problems afoot they hunker down to process. I never want to be the cause of their silence so I have been seeking God in understanding the inner-workings of man. Having this moment of time with a little man with a fresh divorce in his childhood was God-Given and is a keeper for a lifetime. I hope my nephew felt valued from having my ears as an audience.

God wasn't done with my lesson.  I had a longstanding question for my Heavenly Father. Men grow men. What if there are no Godly men to come along side and mentor your man?  Can a God-seeking girl be a healing presence and God's instrument in her man's life?  Bob and Cheryl Moeller were sharing their book "How to Get Your Husband to Talk" on a podcast. I had done three things right. During a shared activity, I listened and asked clarifying questions. God is so Good.  His Arms are Mighty in every storm.  I am so thankful to have the summer afternoon to be at the feet of Jesus listening to a little man!

This story seems a bit glossed over so let me fill you in with some of the not so glamorous parts.  It was a hot day and hard work.  We were a freak show as people drove by real slow to see the massive damage.  There was no electricity for a week.  Mom and Dad had to come use my guest bathroom.  The stress spurred on the shingles for Dad in the months following.  This was a hard blow.

This is NOT easy and some irritants get by us to take us out.  Sometimes the vision gets blurry before we realize we need a time out  -- a declaration that this day is a day of Thanksgiving to God and whisper not  a need or care.  What a difference it makes.  God doesn't need the Praise for Himself but rather the puny human is in need of praising the Heavenly Father.  We are forgetful -- oh so forgetful.  The world loudly and noisily lies to us and we easily believe the lies and promptly forget the Truth.  Thanksgiving gives you SIGHT to see and to boldly Rejoice in God's Sovereignty.  He never stops protecting or providing for our every need.

I must stay this again - I never want to forget that summer afternoon that my ears were in the presence of my nephew drinking in his every word. Thank You, Heavenly Father, for such a wonderful gift!

thankful for my every remembrance of you...

to my dearest,
Among the baby girl curls and baby giggles and three hairy boys so animated it turns any bad day into a good one, among family and friends and a million simple little things that hit my radar now, among 365 ordinary days that spans a year, among my continuous maze of thought and chatter, a 'you got mail' stopped me in my tracks and a prayer unfolded in an answer.

Thank you for risking all.  Thank you for your thoughts, for your intelligence, for your honor.  Thank you for your ears, for your study of His Word, for your love of God.  I greatly admire these traits in you and that you would share them with me.  God has truly blessed me with you.  That is heavy.

Philippians 1:3-11
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with JOY, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of Grace.  For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.  And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in the knowledge and all discernment,  that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the firsts of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

always keeper

Thanksgiving - language of respect

Thanksgiving for me has been a continue study for me.  It gives JOY the energy and fire inside.  But most recently I have found that Thanksgiving is the language of respect, honor, and nobility.  Thanksgiving is the language of kings.... more importantly stated as the language of the Kings of kings.  Ahhh, as believers of the One True God, we are royalty!  Imagine that!  Thanksgiving should be on the tips of our tongues

Psalms 92

1  It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night,


So why aren't we using more thanksgiving in our speech to our co workers and bosses?  to our friends and family?  to other believers in the Body of Christ?  Why have we become so lazy in our speech and let criticism be our first greeting?  Where is that "holy kiss greeting"?  Maybe that needs to be brought back into our culture...


Pride and criticism cannot be where there is a thankful heart.  Interesting...

his presence - my present ...

Do you know what makes me happy?  His presence.   He lives on the other side of the world but his presence is in his emails or in the his voice on the telephone or in a letter.  It is like he walks into a room full of people and I am there a wallflower of course.  He searches for me until our eyes lock and dance as we find home.  It is like a song that lifts me up and makes me walk a little taller with my feet walking on air.  It is like a hot coal that warms the recesses of my heart making my cheeks warm and revs up my thoughts.  It is like a breeze that ever so lightly touches the skin, like his hand that wipes away a fleeting tear and lifts my chin.  His presence makes me happy. {happy sigh} Just a little happy that I am thankful for.

presence ...

"Thy Presence is fullness of Joy."

When that special someone walks into the room, you feel like your insides are inside out beaming.  A twinkle flashes in your eyes.  A smile rests upon your lips.  After the flutter a peaceful calm overtakes your beating heart.  Everything is alright.

When the presence is gone for awhile, you begin to wilt and fade.  Life is harder.  Choices make no sense.  The feet begin to drag.  The eyes begin to weep.  

Today I knew that work was going to be a bit crazy and for some reason I am feeling a bit soft.  I think it is the stage of life I am going through and the allergies I am trying to get through this hot miserable summer make me extra tired and frustrated.  I am doing pretty good yet I feel a fragile crack could surface.  

I have a special someone that makes me feel full and 'purry' (made up word!) like a cat with a tummy full of milk.  I like the hearing him laugh through the email.  I enjoy him.  I love his presence.  He is a bit out of pocket at the moment but I don't want that add to the drag I am feeling.

I kept whispering "Thy Presence is fullness of JOY" ~ Psalms 16:11.  I needed God today.  At nighttime I feel His Comfort when I remember that He will never leave me nor forsake me.  I will curl up under the covers and fall asleep assured of His Faithfulness every night. ~ Psalms 92:2  That is good for evening but I wanted to feel that glow of LovingKindness come walking through the door.  I want that Hello and that Hand in my hand.  I want His Mighty Arms around me.  That is why I am so thankful for the Most High.  Morning and evening He is Ever near.  I need to remember to greet Him with open arms every morning and pull Him close every evening.  

Thank You for loving me and keeping me, oh My Savior!

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,

and to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High;

To declare Your LovingKindness in the morning,

and Your Faithfulness every night.

~ Psalms 92:1&2


You have made known to me the path of life;
You will fill me with JOY in Your Presence,
with Eternal Pleasures at Your Right Hand.
~Psalms 16:11

Pinch me! Is this for real?

I stood at the shoreline and the great ship slipped from view. Every day I would go down to the docks for it's return but nothing. The days turned into weeks then months then years. It was harder and harder to drag myself down to the water's edge. Who wants to be disappointed day after day? Would this great ship return?

God and I had many discussions over my broken heart. I could not bare being abandoned. I wanted the journey and the adventure. I wanted to belong. By belonging I wasn't a misfit anymore. What more could I have done?

So the Master took me out onto the mighty ocean full of froth and rolling waves. With each massive storm, I would run to the 'sleeping' Christ with my fear. Each time He would still the winds and waves, I would feel the heat rise into the cheeks remembering the Bible story of this very thing. Over time I began to talk back my fear with God's Word and the seas would dissipate and I would find the Heavenly Father's Arms about me.

Then sometimes the sea lessons where gentle reminders to hold the faith.  One of my favorite Bible stories is were God gave Joseph a moment to engage his own brothers without them knowing. To see their heart without revealing his. So last Thursday{{June 16th}} noon when J Vernon McGee was talking about Joseph, my ears perked up.  He said Joseph was faithful in ALL his relationships. It stung my sensitive heart. I needed to be faithful in my own relationships even with that great ship that disappeared from my horizon.

Who would thought hours later before crawling into bed, God answered my tattered long-suffering prayer. The very prayer I thought would not get answered until I stepped foot in Heaven. That great ship that sailed out view six years ago came back. It gave eminent shock. I was afraid my heart would never be same.

I prayed about this moment.  Would I remain soft and loving and welcome back or would I harden the heart? Could I be like Joseph of old?

my thank yous '10

*food allergies* This is my fourth year with the knowledge of where my severe headaches come from. With the elimination of these nasty food bits from my diet, not only am I free from head pain I eat healthy too. Before I think my sugar would fluctuate and I don't have those feelings of needing some sugar. Sure, it is a pain at times when dealing with people but I honestly don't miss much. In fact the sweets are kind of sickening when I think about them. *the Bible believing Baptist church that I am now attending* Wow, what a relief to be at a church where I know God's Word is preached and taught. I was beginning to worry about the state of churches in America but I know there is still a small remnant left and one is just the down the street for me to attend and to give back in. *family* I am thankful for Mom. She is a best friend too. She is always there and we have fun. I am thankful for my Dad. He is a thinker and has Wisdom. He is my covering and go to guy when I have to do guy things like taking care of the jeep. I am proud of my brothers. I love the girls who married them and for the little ones they are raising. Plus, for new life in Jaelyn who will arrive in March. I love my pups - all three hairy boys. Bobby, Andy, and Tink are sooooo adorable and very animated. They love wiggling their tails and demanding cookies from Sity (me) when I come over. They love to sit and sleep on Sunday afternoons. They miss it and get naughty when they can' have that time. God's Love Letter to me* I love His Word and it keeps me. *God working through my quiet and shy personality to guide me* I went to the wrong place to ask about fixing the exhaust on my Jeep. The guy was frustrating me and was left clueless what to do. I was there to get the tires pumped and asked the question. I was fuming while waiting for the tires to expand. I thought I was doing the right thing and even prayed about it because I was just a girl asking a grown up boy question about fixing my Jeep. It is way out of my comfort zone. I decided I would leave and not pursue it. I did have another option but I was mad because I had asked God to help me feel safe and get good answers. I had dealt with this guy before and didn't care for his style. I later had to come back to God and say thank You for taking care of me. Dad said I went to the wrong place! Whew. God made me mad so I won't do the wrong thing! ink, ink stamps, & paper punches* I love making cards even how simple I make them. They just add a special touch and I can use them over and over. I am visual and this is my new candy! Love. Love. Love. *my Mac* I have love the Mac for 18 years. It is beautiful and easy to love. I have been able to share it with my Dad this year because he is a gadget freak and is loving the Apple's iPad. He doesn't have one yet. He has been a hard sell. Too pricey he thinks but not so when you see the longevity of the product. An Apple store opened up a few towns over and it was fun to see my parents engage with the Apple toys. Tooooo cool. I have been working on Mom's emails, facebook, and iPod. Using their computer to get these fixed and connected is pure torture. Yikes, give me my Apple and I am a happy camper.

my thank yous '09

* God's Word * I started with verses written out on 3x5 cards back in 2003 when I lost my job the first time. Then I learned about 'butterfly wings' where something in the Old Testament is repeated in the New Testament so I started to search out butterflies in the Bible. (p.s. our lives should reflect the Word as Jesus Christ is the Word and we should be like Jesus.) Then I started carrying a New Testament around with me especially to work. 2007 was a job description change and the learning part was hard so I would go to the Word for encouragement. Then I would read Proverbs according to the day since there are 31 Proverbs. It was sooooo alive. Now back to the butterflies the more I read the more I find butterflies. This year with the jumbled up work mess, I began to read the Bible chronologically every day. In today's world I don't see the foundations of the churches out there being very strong especially for future generations. I in way am sensing the last days more so than ever before. Amazing enough I am longing for my HOME COUNTRY. With the church thing we as a family are at a cross roads as we think the pastor is not a true shepherd. With that I am soooo thankful that I know how to read and that I have my own copy of the Word. There was a time where the people where at the mercy of the pastors - not so any more. I am sooo thankful for the Holy Spirit. Being a Christian allows my soul to be open to the Holy Spirit teaching. * crochet - Amigurumi * I wanted to make granny squares because they were little but it wasn't enough for me to learn crochet while I had my Grandma. I did pick up the looms in about 2005 to knit things like hats and scarves and purses but I noticed that something online. It was these really cute tiny crochet toys. I was envious! I always loved the small things especially small stuff animals. I had a small stash when I was a little girl and as a big girl to make them? priceless. Problem: I do not know of anyone who was willing to take the time out to teach me. Plus, once a crocheter they never seem to know how to slow done enough to teach you and there you are left struggling with more frustration. So I would look longingly at the crochet book I had. Sometimes I would try and others times I would just turn my back on it. This past January after being able to see actual still pictures of crochet I could see what loops the hook was actually go in and out of. I finally accomplished it all by myself. I don't give credit to my brain rather the credit goes to God because I get so impatient and He is so patient. I would tell Him of my struggle and in time things came together. The other thing about Amigurumi is that it has been a really fun and interesting journey that has kept my heart occupied when my work path is sketchy. * work * I lost my accounts payable job in April and was called back to work in Costing. Sadly, I do not like my job but thanking God for my job has kept my head above water. It pays for the Amigurumi path and it feeds me. I have no right to complain. May was a mess because I couldn't get unemployment to work. I must remember to use what I learned in AP for my costing job - take my issues to God and He will see me through.... * Mom & Dad * I am so grateful for my parents. I remember how Dad really was a shoulder of strength when the costing job became available to me to me. He didn't tell me that it was wrong to feel mad that I would have do costing again! I love my Dad. Mom is always the confidant and friend. Even though we can't do our Friday outings, we have been able to connect with each other when I have my unemployment weeks. She always believes in me and my craft. * sitting with my niece * My niece has been sick on my unemployment weeks so I have been able to go care for her. I was unsure about my parent skills since I have no kids of my own. After hearing a Bible teacher talk about the right way of parenting, I took this with me and found it worked. However, just inviting God in on it is the most important. * the PUPPERS * I love my fury boys. Bobby, Andy, and Tink are so fascinating to work with and to love on. Their personalities are just so animated. We brought home bags this past Tuesday. Andy loves inspecting the bags. Tink wanted his cookie so after the quiet for the cookie was over, Andy went back to the bag. His little tail stump was just moving. He was soooo frantic. Then I realized that was the bag for the bones Mom had got for them. OH Boy, every one had to have their bones with my grumping to ward off unwanted company. Too funny. * bros & their fams * I love my bros. It is good to have brothers who you get along with. They are in the midst of growing their families and it is good to see them growing up. * God * When you seek Him, He reveals Himself. Being in the Word, He is so alive! I just can't get enough. I love it that I am more in love with Him than ever before and I want that love to be more and more as the years tick by...

08 thank yous

Remembrance ...

Oh how the human mind forgets! Oh how we fail in this important task to remember... It is key in our life journey and our relationships. If we fail to remember, we fail ourselves and others. Without remembering the good, the dark evil thoughts begin to crowd in and all light is extinguished. Today is Memorial Day and with it comes history that we forgot and are reminded. It isn't the big events but the small human parts that made up the whole that usually drags a tear from my eye. We have the flags and the poppy to mark the lives and patriotic song to stir us up again but oh, how we need to mark the Mighty Works and Attributes of the Almighty God.

Here is the Hand of God working in the small bits of our human lives. To us they are huge but to God all of these small bits are orchestrated in the large fabric of His Plan. Each of us is important to Him and in each of us He has created juicy tidbits that make us unique and then He has invited us to take Him on in the Adventure and Mystery He has individualized just for us to grow strong and settled in His design. He marks us as Royalty. Oh how I often feel like a peasant girl in tattered rags because I have forgotten that I am in His family - a royal family.

Psalms 145: 4-5
One generation shall praise Your Works to another, and shall declare Your Mighty Acts.
I will meditate on the Glorious Splendor of Your Majesty, and on Your Wondrous Works.

Some of His recent Wondrous Works in my life:
*Provided me w/ just enough to live on my own
*Giving me Joy in my last unemployment
*Knowing He will take me through this unemployment
*Giving me a job again & will give sight to this 'blind' one
*Knowing there is a Gift in this little crisis for me to yet discover...

As I think on my words, I can't help but fall back on TRUST. When you go back to remember and you declare His Mighty Acts, remembrance is to allow yourself to TRUST that He is in control. Often is shows how distrusting we are too. It is getting back to the simplicity of casting all to Him. It is letting go of everything so your hand can be filled by His Hand. Now that is security... It is also admitting that we just cannot see. Our sight is gone. It is to wait on Him to give sight to our sore blind eyes... eyes new and shining ... with tears of Joy at His Awesomeness....

Thanksgiving Sparrows ...

I had this overwhelming need to Thank God for Sparrows and I wanted to share with the whole family. There are little ones around the table and not enough quiet to share. I am not one that feels comfortable leading and need someone to start. So after looking at my origami books, I folded a sparrow for each family member with their name on the front as a name card and then put Scripture references (II Tim 1:7, Isa 43, Luke 12) with a verse out of Luke 12 written out ' Do not FEAR therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows '. When the table was cleared I made sure I tucked the sparrows in their personal belongings just encase they might want to have it as a reminder for later...

Here is a letter I got from little bro:

Sis,
I have been meaning to get this email off to you...
With everything going on at the dinner table (Lucia and Ethen) I did not get a chance to express how special I think the sparrows you made are. I am not sure if each had a different verse, but mine seemed personalized. Thank you for the time and energy that you put into them and ultimately put into our family. Family is important. I know it may not always seem that I think that, but I do. It gets difficult juggling fatherhood, husbandhood, studenthood, child-of-Godhood, and brotherhood, and sonhood. I think hearing what you expereinced at Paul's viewing and then the ackwardness I felt at Wilma's viewing and then standing in the hospital hearing the doctor tell Grandma Erma the end of her life is near, has got me thinking about the importance of family.
I love you!
little bro

Yes!!!! So here was my opportunity to share more ...

Dear little bro,
Thank you for sharing with me about your thoughts on my thanksgiving sparrows.  I have so much to say and have no outlet to do these little creative things of bearing witness to God.  I am not a mom nor did I want to be but of recent I have been having 'mom' thoughts and been figuring out how I would bear witness of God to kids and others.  There is something to the reason of those thanksgiving sparrows...

In September my world began to change.  Consolidating two companies meant that I had to give up my very small windowless office where I felt very secure and at peace with my little world.  I could listen to BNN and get my fill of God's Word and hymns.  On the outside it was a numbers world but on the inside I  was just a growing in my sure Foundation, the Rock.  I got word that I would be moving to a bigger office with one whole wall of window and that I would be sharing it with another.  I didn't like this new info one bit.  I already had one experience with an office mate and I didn't want another.  I also was worried that BNN wouldn't come in or that it would offend the office mate.  My office is right by the water cooler and everybody would say 'how do you rate with a big office and a window to boot!'  I would get so mad because having a window isn't the most important thing on my mind!  Grrrrrr....

Then in the still of the afternoon sparrows would come and peck around by the window.  It was God telling me that I was important and special even when changes make you feel less important.  The day before the big news of the 8% pay cut, the sparrows were again at the window.  Again God was saying look at those sparrows and see that they do not worry about food or clothes.  I am more value than these special little birds and God will provide.  He has taken me through one job loss and He will take me through another. Today the news is even more bleaker but in Hebrews 10 & 11 it says: ' without FAITH it is impossible to please Him! ' & 'do not cast away your Confidence, which has great reward.'  It doesn't mean I don't feel scared but I am right back standing tall and talking back with God's Word, Promise, & Blessing to the enemy!  

I always try to have a yearly theme and sometimes I don't start the year with one in mind like this year.  God has given me one:  FEAR NOT! So I have begun to throw away the spirit of timidity and I am trying to be bold in speaking out with encouragement.    I think it is my gift even when I don't feel it is going anywhere.... like with the thanksgiving sparrows so HUGE HUG and thank you for giving me a vote of confidence with the birds.  (Do you know that God never tells us to fear anything but He Himself?  He is always saying to fear not and to take courage.)

What is amazing with God's Word that is so different with man's words is that it is given to all of us but it is personalized for each individual.  I can use His Word to pray for others and to encourage even when I don't know what someone else might be facing or going through.  So whenever you see sparrows or any bird for that matter and hear their songs, you the child of the King can sing for all your little heart can pump out!  Reading all of Hebrews 11 you will see that we are longing for a homeland not here, a heavenly country.  We are not alone.  We are surrounded by such a huge family - not just the ones written in the Bible but those of us here and loved ones far away and ones freshly on Heaven's shore.  We are all connected even when it feels like we are so alone...  Keep running the race with the sparrow's song fresh on your heart and mind and your soul will soar!

To Thanksgiving Sparrows!

always sis

my thank yous '08

* sparrows * My work life has been in much turmoil and there has been a lot of changes. I had a very small windowless office where I could work quietly and listen to BBN. Here I could feed my soul on God and do a good job. Now I share a bigger office with a window. I hated the commits of how do I rate and wow, you are lucky to have a window. Those things are not important. Rather a quiet and team spirit work space is what I want. Then the sparrows began to gather in the afternoons reminding me that God cares for me. * pears * Dad has one pear tree that gave a ton of fruit this year. I have been making pear sauce and pear butter. Love it because this is something I can eat. * God's Word * I have fallen more in love with His Word. Whenever I am struggling or even in good times, there is such comfort in His Words. * the boys * The fury boys! My PUPINATORS! Tink has joined Bobby and Andy and even though he is the one boy out, it has been successful for him to be at home with my parents and the boys. Tink knows he is loved and even with his barking when someone leaves, he is a joy. * Friday shopping w/ my Mom * I cherish these times with my Mom. I could not do without. She is a great Mom and a great friend. * my parents * I love them both and this year I have seen my Dad blossom with enjoying what he has done. This turns into respect for guys and it has been great fun to see it in him. Dad has gone Fireproof with Mom and I. I totally dig it. We might even go see Australia w/ Dad in tow. I love spending time with them both. * my bros & their fams * I am an Aunt thanks to my bros. It is fun to see them as fathers and it is cool to see myself/ family traits in their children. I love it when my bros talk about God. It is encouragement to know they are on a God-Journey. * my job * Even though this job is about numbers and I am about words, I have used my patterns and organization to really take on my job. There are changes that are suggested to come to past. Not happy that my hard work to make my job fast and efficient will be overlooked - I made my job easier once and I can do it again. I am trying to take what I have learned from making my job work for me and translate it to my creative home and dream job. * God * He has proven Himself over and over again. I am precious (Isa 43) to Him. Love that...

Ps 147:1
Praise the Lord!
For it is good to sing praises to our God;
for it is pleasant,
and praise is beautiful.

Dear Precious Gift,

I thank my God every time I remember you which is often. I hate to admit how often! In all my prayers for you, I pray for JOY to envade your life. I pray with JOY because of your partnership in the saving gospel. We are believers and that is an language all its own. I am so confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it onto completion. What a day of rejoicing that will be on Heaven's shore! It is right for me to feel this way about you since I have you in my heart for you share in God's favor as do I.

This is is my prayer: that your love, joy, faith, and trust may abound more and more in the knowledge and depth of insight of God. Simply that you fall deeper and deeper in love with God so that you may be able to discern what is best and pure so that you are fiercely blameless before your King.

Recalling your dreams and even your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with JOY. Yes JOY, I have been reminded of your sincere faith which you have shared with me. What an inspiration you have been to me! What memories! Loved it all. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is consuming and so freeing. Whew! For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. Simply a overflowing joyful abundant everlasting life!!!!

You are a child of the Most High God. You are created and designed by Hands who bare your name. You are a Precious Gift.

always your prayer warrior and this is Holy ground
keeper

found encouragement of same thoughts as Paul in his letters recorded in Philippians 1:3-11 &II Timothy 1:3-9

my thank yous 07

* my family * As I anticipate sitting down at the table looking at each one and marveling how well we are woven together making a creative and unique group. * my parents * They are soooo supportive and there for me. They give me sooo much love. Huge thank you for being available when my Jeep's battery died! * my puppers!!! * They get soooo excited to see me and can't get enough of me. When they do settle down it, it is right beside me. Andy loves a goooood chest rub or an ear scatch. Bobby loves a total body rub down. * my precious gift* He is a memory that I hope does not fade. He has been a dear kinship and has great influence upon my mind and soul. No wonder I miss him and don't feel like I can let go. I do wish for a homecoming but thankful for him none-the-less. * my home* It is a retreat where I can be me. I'm learning to make better a small space. I have an abundance and it is time to trim down the clutter and feel a newness and a freedom. I am up for the challenge. * condo dream * Way to much money but has given me inspiration to make way for soup suppers invites. My apartment can be my art studio and a classic cafe to invite another to sup with me. * my desire to paint, write, and organize * This is my excitement and inspiration - my life. * 'Quiet Leadership' * It has opened up to me the way to generate depth of talk with someone without getting into an anger fit. It has enhanced my own 'table epiphany'. * my Heavenly Father * He is the greatest Teacher. He has a gentleness about Him that makes me great. I've learned great lessons this year all around what a relationship means. I call it 'table epiphany' which means you have only what is brought to the table to work with. * my summer Saturday walks * At the beginning it is hard to do for shy reasons but once I get into the routine, I get selfish and sad when I can't do it. * feeling more settled about food * After changing my food around due to severe HA's, I felt really messed up. Reading all the zone books and practising it in my life still didn't cover my weakness of treat binging. Time has helped me stop this bad habit. I avoid these treats too! I still felt something missing and read another book called Fiber 35 ( I think ). I have added more fiber and I can tell! I especially need it because of the family history on Mom's side. I just feel soooo much more satisfied with my eating. Have found success with one baking recipe. It isn't ready to share just yet but give me one more go and it should be. Will be trying a cheese cake soon. * my table epiphany * I don't give up. In a way you can say I've given up because if I linger on it, it feels that way. Really, I've made peace with relationships. I understand more fully that a relationship is only what is brought to the table. Nothing hidden underneath or forgotten. It is like packing for a picnic and somethings you have to be the one to bring everything and the kitchen sink. Or you have to be creative with what you have. Simply it is enjoying what was brought and enjoy the company. * my new job * It is hard work but I have invited God to help me when I am struggling and I thank Him when the way opens up! Amazing lesson! * learning he has a new job * I have had no answer to what was happening in his life. I knew he was struggling with 2 bit jobs and life pressures. God gave me a small answer and I am thankful to still be a prayer warrior. I still can cheer him on!

Huge Hug to You, Heavenly Father!
The hugest wow for me is my love for You is deeper and richer. I like this LOVE feeling that comes from really digging into Your Word. I am still learning NOT to lean on my own understanding. I am learning to really trust You by not trusting man. You said 'cursed is the one who trusts in man'. It is making soul sence.

I do have abundance and I do feel the overflowing joy in my life. It is amazing to feel it even when a burden or two that tug at me. I do feel like exploding!
always learning
your little girl

winter wonderings ...

Heavenly Father, hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to You. It is cold here and my family and I are lost. I am searching because after nine days no one has found us. Only You see us. Lead me to find help. My family needs help. I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. This cold is taking my energy. The snow and rough earth is making my steps difficult. I really can't see. I need elevation. I need my family to make this outing. I long to have this Thanksgiving sightseeing trip make for a warm Christmas story. I long to gather my family close to me. I need YOU. For You have been my Refuge; a Strong Tower against the foe. I long to dwell in Your Tent forever and take refuge in the Shelter of Your Wings. Oh, I need Your Wings. I am stuck here in down in this earth. I long for Your Tent where You keep the fire burning always and hearty food to strengthen weak bodies. The bitter cold is a fierce foe. I don't know how long I have for my family. Nine days .. I had to find a way..
Ps 61:1-4

He reached down from on High and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep 'snow'. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from the 'bitter blinding cold', who was too strong for me. They comfronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my Support. He brought me out into a Spacious Place; He rescued me because He delighted in me. I've been rescued as well as my family. They are still on earth but see how my tears run down my face in Joy? All I wanted was my family to be safe, just as the Heavenly Father has for us. Wow!
Ps 18:16-19

I need a footnote here... What a great teammate you gave in my wife. We made great decisions together to keep our family safe. Guess what? She did not nag or yell at me about directions. We had the map. We both worked together. Respect is apart of Love... What a huge blessing...

I love You, O Lord, my Strength. The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress and my Deliverer; my God is my Rock, in whom I take Refuge. He is my Shild and the Horn of my Salvation, my Stronghold. I call to the Lord, Who is worthy of Praise and I am saved from my enemies.
Ps 18:1-3

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I wanted in some small way to honor those who take on a battle that is too huge for them. This is for all who wonder on their journey. This is for all who seek Him. It isn't alway as it seems with our feeble earthly eyes. Maybe with a tiny glimpse of eternal eyes, something so devastating can take on a Richness so Heavenly and Eternal...

I have to admire James Kim and I have to admire his family...
I have no clue what he was pondering in his mind and his heart. Like all of us touched by the Kims, I put my own ponderings within their story. I made it my own to ponder especially at Thanksgiving and at Christmas...

a thanksgiving sacrifice of precious gifts .....

through all generations ...

A psalm. For giving thanks.

Shout for Joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with Gladness;
come before Him with Joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God.
It is He who made us, and we are His;
we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with Thanksgiving
and His courts with Praise;
give Thanks to Him and Praise His Name.

For the Lord is Good and His Love endures forever;
His Faithfulness continues through all generations.
~Psalms 100

I cannot forget nor do I want too how this verse was the last verse this missionary couple had together that morning before the rebels who kidnaped them killed her husband. When I get inside this moment, I come away with how much comfort it would bring me knowing that he entered His Eternal Gates shouting thanksgiving. This haunted me and brought me comfort with the earthly loss of my Grandma. It brings me comfort for each day... this is what I hope to leave behind in my loved ones... I hope to make this a tradition beginning when we gather together ... watching His Faithfulness passing through the generations ...and entering His Gates with Thankgiving ... His Courts with Praise .. together

thankgiving from my heart '06

alllllll 36 food allergies! Yes, even the chocolate! Let me tell you that was a hard one. I still taste but move on. I am eating a whole lot better now too. Have too when all grains but oatmeal and barley are on the no no list. Add to that beet sugar and cane sugar equals no more baked stuff. bummer. No really I am eating more naturally which is totally healthy and something I wanted to do now I have the motivation I can!!! No more headaches! I feel great! my family's potental! Losing the last of one generation makes my gathering mode kick in big time. I look around the table and see how each one of brings a huge gift and all of these gifts are connected! I believe hugely in our family and I am busting at the seams for everyone to feel and belive it too. my fat suit epiphany! It feels so grand to be free to be me. No more hiding. No more caring for a bit of return. All my Returns come from God. This is me like it or not. All Rudie Nudie dance. Sure took me a long time. Still have the tears and moments where I am deer in the headlights and all I want to do is cover up. Too bad must strut my stuff. my move down the work food chain Moving back down to the receptionist isn't what most people would think as a slick. But I know it is a good fit for me. I can once again serve up smiles. Sure makes me feel good when I feel joy bubble up. bbn I am head over heals about my latest radio station find! I have refused to listen to christian radio in my past. I was not digging the new music. It sounds too much like the other radio stations. Sorry Country radio has better lyrics and some songs are more christian. Pop and rock I like them too. Now I have found a great radio station that gives me my hymns that have been lacking from my table since church has thrown out the good oldies. Nothing cheers my lagging heart and mind like the old hymns. Chuck Swindoll is back and someone new to me Steven Davies. I am more enriched than ever before. It feels so good to fill up again. old teachers and new Like Swindoll. He is my old favorite. Some new ones would be Steven Davies and Joel Osteen. books!! Ron Mehl is a great author and I have loved his books.. so much in fact that I had to add 5 of his books to my library! 'God Works the NightShift' is a must read. My Pupinators! Can't leave them off the list!! Warm, cuddly, and so into me! O if humans could be more like faithful dogs a much better world would this be!!!

Heavenly Father,
I am sooooo rich! You have given and I am overflowing with Your Grace.... O to serve more wholeheartedly with unabashed passion ... o to never look back ...
always trying
~ Your little girl

silver & gold thanksgiving ...

Morning seeped through the blinds as I woke to a day I could start slow and easy. I puttered through breakfast and a hot shower so when I opened the blinds o say about 10ish I was wowed by only seeing the bottom of the silver lining of the day! Here it was a late morning the sun was still not making a dent! Once triumpht the mighty sun turned all that was silver into a brilliant gold...

compared to 2005 > winter rainbow

happy thanksgiving

thanksgiving thoughts...

1. Voicing your thanksgiving...
"It's good to Praise the Lord
& make music to Your Name, O Most High,
to proclaim Your Love in the morning
& Your Faithfulness at night..."
ps 92:1

"Every Good & Perfect Gift is from Above,
coming down from the Father of the Heavenly Lights,
who does not change like shifting shadows."
james 1-17
2. Living your thanksgiving ... abundantly...
"...just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,
continue to live in Him, rooted and built upon Him,
strengthened in the Faith as you were taught,
& overflowing with thankfulness.
col2:6
3. Trust { TASTE } !!!!
"O Taste & see that the Lord is Good!
Blessed is the man who trusts
& takes Refuge in Him."
Ps 34:8
4. It is about what we HAVE, not what we don't ...
"Therefore, since we are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken,
let us be thankful,
& so worship God acceptably with reverence & awe,
for our God is a Consuming Fire."
heb 12:28
5. "unseen"
"Therefore we do not lose heart.
Though outwardly we are wasting away,
yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
For our Light & momentary troubles
are achieving for us Eternal Glory
that far outweighs them all.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen,
but on what is unseen.
For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is Eternal.
II cor 4:16-18
fr: sunday 11.27.05 sermon

Winter rainbow!

Driving to grandma's house though the winter wonderland this Thanksgiving day, I noticed the sky closest to the horizon was a wash in thick layers of rainbow colors. The sky was laden with clouds but in the thin spots the sun shone through golden and caught the snow crystals reflecting down a God-Promise ... thank You, Almighty Creator of Beauty...

moments captured: pretty in white

thanksgiving from a gratefulllll heart '05 ...

Looking at family traditions i believe they're really important in strengthening the family, bringing families together. It's like having 'in' jokes among friends or family and these join and unite people together (hopefully in a positive sense). The same is perhaps true with God... He wants us to have special family traditions/rituals, things that are unique to our Family, things that draw us together... ~ Lovely

my blogs - have quieted my restless heart and allowed a deeper walk and a deeper peace with my Lord, Breena & Kent- their lives hung in the balance between earth and Heaven, but God allowed them more life here, the Rock of Ages - He is the same yesturday, today, & tomorrow, Lovely - meeting a fellow traveler who is lovely and captiviting {{Thank You, Heavenly Father}}, Aug Family Night - our family got to know each others dreams in a deeper way ... God was felt, my family - they are my circle, my pupinators!!! - they are love unconditional and they make my day, Ger & Di - They saw the Great I AM provided a job right when their money was not going to cover the bills, ...