Priorities

The Psalms and Proverbs are my two favorites. Through each psalm, the Spirit beacons to hold my heart while tenderly drawing out that which I do not yet entrust to Him. My head, on the other hand, grabs those Proverbs and slaps them up as rules.

Each one is good. For me, however, a balance of the two is best.

Lately, blogging has started to crowd out my morning study and I could see the effects in many other areas of my life. So, a blogging break needed to happen. Eric leaves around 5 am and I spend the next hour or so in His word. Seeing how He honors my time with Him is quite amazing. I actually enjoy cleaning the house now! And the extra time I have - all of a sudden!! Where were those minutes/hours before? When you feel rushed, stressed, or strung-out, seek Him. You will find Him. I promise.

To where does the Spirit lead when you search His written Word?

Count Your Blessings Monday

Marci at Down at the Farm is giving us an opportunity every Monday to not only count our blessings, but to share them with others. This is a way that we can encourage one another.

Make a post on your blog telling us about your blessing. Please put a link back to Marci's post.

My blessing is time. I will admit that time is more of a curse at times, but it really is a blessing. When I set my mind to it, I can accomplish quite a lot in a short amount of time.

After we moved to the NW, I did not go back to work for almost a year. During that year, I learned that the more time I had on my hands, the less I got done. Going back to work afforded me the schedule and structure I needed to get busy.

However, I will say that if I can be outside working, everything in the house gets knocked down on my "to-do" list. If you visit during this time, you'll see clean laundry on my kitchen table, dust on my furniture, clean dishes in the dishwasher, etc, etc, etc. The long rainy season really motivates us to use our time outside. Besides, at least the clothes are clean!! Right?

Marci, thanks for giving us this opportunity to share.

Confusing Week

"Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech." Genesis 11:7
Have you ever had one of those weeks? A week that flew by at rocket speed? A week that made you wonder if you accomplished anything? A week full of confusion? Last week was one of those weeks for me. And it wasn't the goats' fault. Who knows what it was, but - whew! what a week!!

Today a gal at work asked if I was at that stage in life, yet, where it was hard to remember common, everyday words. My answer was, "NO!! Certainly not!!" And then I laughed and asked, "What do you mean 'yet'? Is it a for-sure thing?" She assured me it was coming, had something to do with menopause, and would not linger long.

Joy. There may be more posts like today's!!

Thanks to all my blogger friends for waiting on me so patiently!! Maybe a few of you can relate - and coach me through this. When the time comes, of course!!

Count Your Blessings Monday

It's Monday and time to post another blessing. Marci started this weekly tradition and I'm loving it!

Check out her website to see who else is counting their blessings.




My blessing today is my incredible, very capable husband Eric. He's level-headed, street-smart, not afraid of hard work or learning new skills, self-disciplined, self-reliant, can read between the lines, knows how to work with people, puts butterflies in my stomach, and is my absolute best friend. My husband is perfect for me!!

When I started praying for a husband, my prayer was bold and quite descriptive as far as character was concerned. However, if God did bring me this kind of husband, was I the kind of wife to compliment such a man? How arrogant of me to pray for my dreams to come true if I wasn't willing to change. Well, God heard that side of my prayer and did some mighty work on me, as well. When God brought Eric into my life, there was no question that this was the man God had planned for me. And there was no question that I was the woman God had planned for Eric. We knew within the first three hours. Neither one was playing games. He had his list (actually written). I had mine (mental). As we talked that first time, we were checking off pertinent items.

In the end, he proposed on the second date and I accepted. We were married five months later and continually see the fingerprints of God on every part of our lives. We will always be newlyweds!!

Listening to the rain

"Now with all my ability I have provided for the house of my God...onyx stones and inlaid stones, stones of antimony, and stones of various colors, and all kinds of precious stones, and alabaster in abundance." I Chronicles 29:2
It's raining here in the NW. Imagine that! But what a great opportunity to show you the beautiful rocks we find in the dirt. When everything is wet, the true colors really come through. This is one of the drains we put in the patio. If you look closely, you can see water dripping off the end of the rain chain.

It took me nine months to realize this, but God still shows Himself in the rain. Sound funny? Let me explain. When we lived in KS, we got rain once in awhile. The thunder storms were incredible, to say the least. In fact, thunder storms are my all-time favorite weather phenomenon. To see the awesome, controlled, deliberate power of our Lord would certainly make me appreciate His grace and mercy.

Thunder storms have a beginning, a middle, and an end - just like watching a play performance. The rain in the NW has a hard time figuring out which act we're in. It seems to be perpetually caught in the first act. There is never any climax. Occasionally, I will hear bits of thunder and get all excited that we're moving on to the second act. Then I realize it was just an airplane! So, I settle back into my seat prepared for a long performance.

Since being in the NW, I have come to realize a longer play is OK. An anti-climactic play is OK, too. Not preferred, but OK. God still shows Himself from the treasures found in the dirt to the numerous bird calls to the long-lasting blooms that seem to be frozen in time.

Count Your Blessings Monday

Another day to point out my blessings.

Marci started this and I think it's a great idea!






My blessing today is my son. This photo was taken in November 2003. At that time Adam was 16 yrs and just a few inches taller than my 5'6". Now he's 6'5" - maybe even a little taller! When we moved last year, he stayed in KS. And he's still there! I miss him, but I know he is in God's care.

He has seen hard times, experienced heartache, made poor decisions, and turned in the wrong direction for comfort. Haven't we all?

I believe God has designed a ministry for each of us according to our talents and life experiences. Who can effectively minister to those in trial? Only those who have lived through that trial. God continues to preserve & protect my son. Through his experiences, Adam is being prepped to minister to "the lowest of these". I'm OK with that. I've always been OK with that.

My prayer is that God would continue to send ministers to Adam that can walk with him step-by-step, that Adam would recognize the hand of God preparing him for future ministry, and that Adam would empty his soul of himself and allow to God to fill him beyond measure - conquering all doubt. My tears are of joy in hopes of the fruit yet to come. One day Adam will allow God to do mighty things through him.

Certainly a good thing

"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly." Psalm 84:11
This deck off the back of the house has become our favorite spot in the evening. You can see Eric (Hubby) relaxing with a good book. The trees keep the temperature cool even when the sun is shining. Eric's smoker/grill is located directly to the right of where I was standing to take the photo.

I absolutely love this patio furniture (from Target) which is a far cry from what I wanted to purchase one year ago. Please check out this post to get the background. For months, I shopped and shopped for the perfect patio furniture - stores, catalogs, internet. Finally, I found the perfect pieces. However, Eric just about choked over the price. "We may need to wait a while longer to purchase this set," he said very sweetly. What he really said: this costs way too much, please rethink it. What I heard: this is great, let's get it soon.

After opening my heart again to receive His instruction, my idea of the perfect patio furniture changed. No longer did I need "perfect patio furniture". I just wanted it be comfortable. We truly enjoy sitting here in the evening talking about our day, laughing together, enjoying a good book, or listening to the bird calls.

We truly have a good thing.

You Inspire Me

"Yet I wish that all men were even as I myself am. However, each man has his own gift from God, one in this manner, and another in that." 1 Corinthians 7:7
Just playing around with the photo software on my computer. This photo was cropped, tinted, highlighted, low-lighted, and whatever else I could think of.

Let me explain the verse I chose. It made me think of the different types of blogs I visit.

Yet I wish that all men were even as I myself am -
homesteading:
Down on the Farm
Homesteading Blogger
Muller's Lane Farm
(As long as I keep searching, I'll find more blogs on this subject.)

However, each man has his own gift from God, one in this manner, and another in that -
gardening:
Petunia's Garden
cooking:
A Year in Bread
homemaking:
A Place Called Home
Making a House a Home
There is no Place like Home
photography:
Anna's Photo of the Day
Nature Trail
Photowannabe
Antiques:
Stuff in the Burbs
(I thoroughly enjoy each and every one of your blogs. You demonstrate areas I have not mastered and may never. However, bloggers, your insights & talents inspire and encourage me to stay the course - hence, the attempt at creative photography.)

Enjoy your weekend!

With honor & dignity

"Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands; one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Are you grateful to be living in a free nation? Teach your children our history. Tell them why they, too, can live in a free nation. Encourage them to be patriotic. Teach them to be proud of the US flag and all it represents. Teach them about the sacrifices that make this nation #1 in the world. Teach them that our freedom is a privilege that must be fought for - on a daily basis. A great place to get the facts is here.

Be sure to thank a soldier, enlisted or veteran, when you're out and about today. I pray their sacrifice puts a knot in your throat and brings tears of gratitude to your eyes.

Contentment...hmmmmmmm!

The lesson at church this morning made me face the fact that I have a hard time being content. I do not consider myself contentious, though, either. Is there such a thing as being middle of the road? I'm not sure. My husband is much better at being content than I. The events of this past year have proven that.
At one time, I considered myself pretty flexible when it came to change. Until, that is, God decided to change every major thing in my life save finances & health. Within six months, our lives changed drastically: my one & only son moved out of the house; we sold our house & farm land [livelihood & dreams]; we left our jobs; we left our church; we moved 1/2 way across the country [1200 miles]. My entire life was new again. At one time, new things meant excitement. New things meant energy and invigoration. At one time.

Those six months were nothing compared to the nine months that followed. I hated everything around me. Each time I looked outside, I cried. What was I supposed to do with myself? I wasn't working anymore. I only knew four neighbors and they were my only friends. I didn't have a church home. My business had to be built from scratch. My son had his own place now. What was I supposed to be doing now? And once I figured that out, where would I find the energy to get it done?

I was continuing to study His Word, but it became a duty rather than a privilege. Needless to say, I wasn't really learning or hearing His still small voice. The barrier around my heart was becoming thicker and thicker. My husband was so patient with me. However, he would also prod me along when need be.

Then one day it dawned on me that God must be so disappointed with me. He has placed me in a new world with new surroundings for a new purpose. And that purpose was His idea - not mine. I was having a hard enough time remembering why I agreed to come here in the first place.

But can you see my problem? I was using so much energy looking at the past that I didn't have enough left to see the future...His future...His future that He is allowing me to be part of...His purpose that I have a role in...His plan that I get to enjoy.

His future.
His purpose.
His plan.

It's always His. Everything is His. Do I remember that? Not always. However, I am so grateful there is a larger force than myself. Life is too overwhelming without Him.

"I can do [endure] all things through [in] Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Revealed with fire

"...each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work." 1 Corinthians 3:13

Absolutely nothing compares to watching fire. The flame is changing constantly; the wood is transformed dramatically; even the smoke heats to the point of flame. I can be mesmerized for hours, losing all track of time.

Look at this picture. You only see those objects near the flame, revealed by the light. All else is dark. All else is hidden. All else is private.

What's happening in the private areas of my life? How do I behave? What do I think? Am I selfish? Of course, I am. In the private areas of my life, I don't want to think of others. I don't want to be concerned with anything but my own desires.

Incredibly greedy, aren't I? The LORD understands, though. He's patient with me. And He's lighting the way.

He knows my heart does not want to be self-centered. He knows I would much rather live in the light where I can see what's going on - where He can be glorified. Is He always glorified in the private areas of my life? Not completely, yet. But I'm getting there. He's patient with me. And He's lighting the way - through His Word.

He meets with me each morning before I start my day. He walks with me throughout the day as I work. He rests with me at night as I prepare for tomorrow. He's patient with me. And He's lighting the way - through His Spirit.

The Lord's touch

"Bow Thy heavens, O Lord, and come down; touch the mountains, that they may smoke." Psalm 144:5
Last weekend, Hubby and I took a little trip to the other side of the mountains. As we journeyed up to the pass, this was the scene. Breathtaking! How can one see such beauty and not glorify Him for His handiwork?

In every part of life

"For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him?" Eccl. 2:25

Many of you have expressed appreciation in the fact that I start each post with Scripture. Let me explain.

First, when I developed our blog, I was completely unaware of exactly how large the blog world is. After several weeks of searching other blogs, I was encouraged to find bloggers with Christian beliefs and values who expressed them freely. This was my first inspiration.

Second, I firmly believe the Lord is involved in every circumstance whether we acknowledge that or not. With each new post came a growing excitement to find a verse to match. The Holy Spirit has challenged me daily to NOT find a verse. (I am much more productive if I'm told I can't do something!) This was my second inspiration.

So far, I've been able to find just the perfect verse for the topic. Until today. I've spent almost an hour searching the concordance in the back of my Bible and an exhaustive concordance I have on the shelf, but to no avail. And now it's time to go to bed.

Maybe you can help. Can you find a verse that better explains the presence of God in every situation? I'd love for you to share it with me. I know it's hidden somewhere in those 66 books, but I'm just too tired to keep looking.

Today is a new day!

"If I take the wings of the dawn,...even there Thy hand will lead me, and Thy right hand will lay hold of me." Psalm 139:9a, 10

Thank you for your concern these last two days. Last night I slept! I started to get tired around 6:30pm and was in bed, fast asleep, with the light still on, by 7:30pm.

This photo, taken this morning from our back deck, indicates the new energy I have through Him. Brilliant sun without a cloud in the sky. Today is day three of following His schedule rather than my own. I must admit He is much more productive than I. Mind you, I'm not moving at rocket speed; however, items are being checked off my "to-do" list.

Petunia's Gardener shared a thought which made me laugh: "Unusual travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God." Kurt Vonnegut. (I love to dance!!)

Then she asked, "So when something unusual pops up in the day, do you feel God's hand in it?"

Honestly, my first reaction is frustration because things are not going according to my plan; however, the last several days have been all about His plan. So, my answer would be that I'm still getting used the idea of allowing someone else to be in charge of my schedule. It gets easier each day because I love the results!

Perseverance

"Do not become weary in well-doing, for at the proper time you will reap a harvest if you do not give up." Galatians 6:9 NASB

I'm not sure why, but I've had a horrible time sleeping tonight. In fact, it's 4:42 am and I've not slept at all, yet. In the stillness of the night, the Lord brought this verse to my attention. Once again, His timing is perfect. In light of my recent commitment to submit my daily schedule to Him, this verse will be recalled quite often, I'm sure. Maybe you could share a favorite verse of yours.

Photo courtesy of Microsoft Clip Art.

Careful Cutbacks

Instead of more housekeeping hints, I'm going to share something I read during my devotion this morning. Since I was encouraged, maybe you could be, as well."Trimming your staff is one of the hardest things you'll ever have to do as a leader. And strangely, one of the best." In order for a rose bush to produce one magnificent bloom, many other buds must be eliminated. This allows that one bud to draw a greater source of energy and nutrients. "A small force can often be more effective than a large one. Prune for productivity."

Because I work from home and have no staff, how does this apply to me? Please note that when you earnestly ask the Lord a question, He will provide an answer. He gently showed me that my "staff" could be interpreted as my activity. There are many things in my day which I allow to distract me from accomplishing the greater good of productivity (t.v., computer, Soduko). All of these activities can be right if the timing is right. For instance, right now the sun is shining brilliantly. And what am I doing? Yes, I'm on the computer. My time would be better served outside. There is no need to eliminate any of my activities, but simply to rearrange my day. This is only possible with His help because my own will can be quite overbearing at times. He always produces greater results than I. And since I don't like to learn the hard way, I have chosen to surrender all of my daily activities to Him.

I am anxious to see how He grows me through this process. If anyone would care to hold me accountable, I welcome that.

My current study is from the One Minute Bible series - Women in Leadership: Ninety Daily Devotions by Leading Christian Women, day 58. The yellow rose is for my mother (it's her favorite flower). Photo courtesy of Microsoft Clip Art.