Hope in the Storm

²¹This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

²²It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

²³They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

²⁴The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

²⁵The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

²⁶It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Lamentations 3:21-26

Joy in the Journey

I've decided that when I have forgotten what my last post was about, it's a good indication that it's time for a new post! So here it is.

My dear "little" brother (who is bigger than me :) has just returned from a trip to Italy with a flash card full of amazing pictures and several treasures for his family who has missed him dearly. Specifically the treasures of an awesome hat and a red Italian leather notebook for the scribbler, yours truly!

Traveling is a great thing. New sights, sounds, and smells. Honestly, though, I think one of the greatest things about traveling is by far, coming home. Oh, you wouldn't trade the trip and memories for anything! But there is that ache for your own little piece of the world that thrills when you are homeward bound!

This ache is only a reflection of the deeper longing for my real home- heaven. Not that I'm tired of this life and want it to end, by any means! But knowing that this is not where I was made for, that this is just the journey, makes my heart thrill at the thought that I will someday be home. Enjoying the trip, helping where I can, but just passing through.


"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
Romans 8:18

Words and Wisdom

"My Bible is precious and perfect.

Each word is inspired by God.

It tells me the way of salvation,

And guides me as onward I trod."

~This little song I learned from a children's Bible club sums up my thoughts about the "Set-Apart Girl's" conference I attended last weekend. (www.setapartgirl.com) God's Word is so central to life. With out it, we wouldn't know the power given to those who are "in Christ", we wouldn't know that we are "called out" from the world into godliness. The Spirit of God is so powerful and it's amazing He chose to use words to change hearts. I am gratefully humbled He chose to change mine.~



"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." ~Ephesians 2:10


- Experience - Faith - Truth -

I'd like to share an illustration Eric Ludy gave at the conference. Imagine Truth -THE Truth of God's Word. Truth, Faith, and Experience are walking the ridge of a roof with barbed wire on each side of them. The ridge illustrates "the path of life" and the Truth is always on the right path. As long as Faith follows and focuses on the Truth, it walks a straight path- nothing will shake it. But if it looks back at Experience, Experience will be shaky and Faith will fall off the roof! We cannot trust where we are, or what we have seen in this life to be the ultimate, final truth. If we base our faith on experience, our faith will be shaken and we will very likely fall and be hurt. But if we look at the Truth of God's Word and follow it- even when experience is lagging behind- we will safely reach the end. Is it hard? Yes! Is it worth it? A thousand times- yes!

Book Bug

Once upon a time Mom taught me how to read... and I've been reading ever since!

Ok, I know it's been beautiful outside and I'm writing about a great indoor activity, but one of my favorite things to do in the spring is sit out in the sun with a good book and an ice-cold tea.

I always have multiple books going. It seems the more I read the more books I find I want to read! Take "The Hiding Place" for instance. I read it, then wondered "what was Corrie's life like the 45 years before WWII"? So I started reading "In My Father's House" -a book about her childhood- which made me in awe of her father's wisdom, making me want to read her book "Father ten Boom"!

Just recently, I finished "Joyfully at Home" which perfectly describes me (most days! :) and was a great encouragement to keep on keeping on! (I've also decided I need to meet Jasmine someday!)

"Dug Down Deep" is a book I've just started and I've already recommended it to several people! It explains the purpose of doctrine and what it has to do with "real" life.

My church has been doing an "Experiencing God" Bible study for Sunday School these past few weeks. If you've ever wondered how to hear God's voice and know His will- this study is an excellent help.

A book that blesses me ever time I pick it up is a little devotional written by my dear Pastor's daughter, Deana Myers, "I Will Give You the Rain". I can't count the times I've been grateful to have her as a mentor and example in godliness! What a treasure it is to have her gleanings from the Word in my hands when I need it!

Last, (but by far the greatest!) is my tiny ESV Bible. I have my big, trusty Geneva Bible I read for morning devotions, but this little treasure is so portable- it's right there when I need it! Somehow the small print makes it easy to read through whole books of the Bible at once, giving me the "big picture".

One more thing I love as much as reading, is scribbling the thoughts that come to mind as I read. That's why I have my notebooks close at hand. You can never have too many cute notebooks, that's for sure! :)

Happy reading!

Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners!

Have you ever had a moment when nothing could keep you from going into hysteria except a song? Music speaks to the soul and when combined with truth, it does wonders for me personally. I've even made play lists of "Truth" songs when I just need to think about something that is "True, lovely, good...". Although I don't have many hymns on my iPod, they can be so rich with basic truth that my soul needs when I'm hurt, lonely, or simply discontented. When I really stop to think about what these words mean- they are life giving! Here is one that has been on my heart lately:

Jesus! what a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Savior, makes me whole.

Jesus! what a Strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him.
Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
He, my Strength, my victory wins.

Jesus! what a Help in sorrow!
While the billows over me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort, helps my soul.

Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper!
While the tempest still is high,
Storms about me, night overtakes me,
He, my Pilot, hears my cry.

Jesus! I do now receive Him,
More than all in Him I find.
He hath granted me forgiveness,
I am His, and He is mine.

(Refrain)

Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Famly Filmmakers

I just have to say- I love my family!

Last weekend we took a family venture to Muskogee Oklahoma to attend the Bare Bones International Film Festival. Caleb's film "Pawn's Move" (www.pawnsmovethemovie.com) won "Best Feature Family Film" and "Feature Audience Choice" awards. Not surprising, since he's the best filmmaker I know! (Ok, so I don't know that many filmmakers, but in my book- he's the best!) So, basically, I'm just bragging about my brother in this post. I can do that- that's what sisters are for! :)

It Was Mint To Be

If there is one thing I've learned while gardening- it's that some plants just keep coming back, whether you want them to or not! Weeds are usually easy to spot and get rid of. The one plant I thought would be a blessing to have around has become "a thorn in my flesh" so to speak, although it has no thorns!

This plant looks so innocent, so sweet and tranquil. It smells delightful and has health benefits when used rightly, but don't let that deceive you!

If this plant is not contained, closely watched and constantly cut back, it will take over everything!!! Just look at this path by my rose bush!

The moral to this sad tale, is that my heart is like a garden. I must "weed out" the bad thoughts and ideas- anything not Christ like- but I also must keep in check those thoughts that, while they are good and useful in their proper place, should not be allowed to overtake more than is fitting.

Another lesson to be learned from this is to use and be grateful for what I do have going/growing well in my garden. :)