Learning Curve

It has been quite some time since I last updated the pages of my humble little blog. And in that time, so much has gone on. I have learned many lessons and have faced many new trials and learned how to make the most of them.

Instead of dedicating this post to catching you up on what has been going on, I want to share something that has made such an impact on my life as of late; I want to share a devotional.

Tonight, this particular scripture fits perfectly into where I'm at as the summer winds down, and a perfect point of reflection to carry me through the week:

According to God's Grace

 

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

~Romans 12:6-8~

 

Lord, which gifts have You given me? I do not want to waste a drop of my life by being blind to my potential in You. I seek a deeper understanding of Your Word. I want to comprehend how You manifest Yourself through spiritual gifts in Your children. I long to explore the lives of men and women in Scripture who followed You and who actively lived out their gifts.

 

According to the grace given me, I can live a  fruitful life. I can share the amazing bounty of Your goodness with others. Help me to pay close attention to the work You are doing in my own heart. I want to see, understand, and cultivate the gifts that come from You.

 

(This devotional came from One-Minute Prayers for Women)

 

It is often far too easy to get caught up in life and what it seems to mean to those around us. We see a friend who is extremely gifted in one area and long to be able to do the same thing. I am no stranger to this feeling...especially with some of the things happening here on our little homestead. But what we need to understand and remember is that God has granted each of us a special gift. Each is unique in its own way; each is ultimately important to Christ's work. When we stop to remember this point and seek out our individual gifts, we will be able to find the path Christ has laid out for our lives. That is fulfillment.

 

May this help carry you through the week...and focus on a positive new direction!

 

Enjoy!

 

~Please share what ever this verse, prayer, or my thoughts may evoke in you. I love to hear how you feel and how this may impact your life or your outlook on life situations~

{this moment}

Today, I'm joining Amanda (soulemama) and many others with {this moment}.

A simple picture from the week. No words, no explanation, just a simple moment of time captured and shared.
 

Along with a picture, since I haven't shared anything in quite some time now, I want to share a verse I found very inspirational and poignant as I wrapped up this week...we'll call it {this moment}bible verse:

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full - pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.
~Luke 6:38~

Please feel free to share your moments as well! It's so fun to see what other beauty is captured in a weeks time!
 

Enjoy!!

Independence Day

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 justice and liberty to all.

 

Happy 4th of July!

 

Today we celebrate our independence; we celebrate our freedoms; we celebrate what it means to be an American.

 

We barbeque, visit family, relax, and watch fireworks. It's a fun day of remembrance.

 

But amidst the enjoyable entertainment and pleasant conversations, I want to step back and give thanks. Thanks to the creator who has given us the ability to enjoy the freedoms our founding fathers believed so strongly in. This prayer is perfect for today:

 

Because His Love Endures Forever

 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His love endures forever.

~Psalm 136:1-3~

 

Lord, thank You for the life You have given me. Upon rising in the morning, I worship the Lord of lords, the God of all gods, and the King of kings...and You call me by name. I think back to the day I met You and how You welcomed me with open arms. You received this prodigal son without hesitation.

 

For all these reasons and so many more, I give You thinks. I offer up my life to You and Your service. I can think of no greater way to live than to consider each day a holy, living sacrifice to You. May Your will be done through the course of my days.

 

(This prayer/devotional was taken from One-Minute Prayers for Men)

 

So as we celebrate this day, and what it stands for, may we also take a moment and be thankful. We are so extremely blessed and must remember to never to take it for granted. That is what I think it truly means to be an American.

 

Enjoy!

 

A Garden Symphony

What a week it has been so far! Not only has it been busy, but my garden is beginning to bring on the first of its summer produce!

 

I've just picked my first handful of strawberries along with my first picking of sugar snap peas and Alaska pea pods! They are perfect; crispy, crunchy, and delectably sweet. The recent cold nights have definitely helped with their flavor.

 

But as I stood stooped in my garden bed picking my peas, and listening to the birds chatter as a storm rolled in, I was overcome with thankfulness and joy. What a blessing it is to be able to have a garden in which to grow food for my family. It's simple yet perfect and beautiful in every way.

 

Gardening centers me. It makes me aware of the world outside of myself and takes me to a peaceful place closer to Christ. I feel joyful, smiling with every moment no matter what it might be. When I finish working, my hands are stained; I have dirt under every fingernails; my skin is dry. But when I look at them, I see time spent in the presence of God.

 

This devotional is a perfect summation:

 

Prayer Song

 

By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me - a prayer to the God of my life.

~Psalm 42:8~

 

I sing to You, Lord. My joy, heartache, and thanksgiving create a symphony of emotion. In the solitude of nightfall, I cannot help but sing. I release the worries of my day to Your care. I trust You with my today and my tomorrow. My panic turns to peace as the first notes of praise drift heavenward.

 

Your concern touches me. Your voice blends with mine for a few sweet moments. You wrote this song to comfort me every night. You share it with me so I can come to You when the confines of words and dialogue stifle meaning. By day, Lord, guide me with Your love. By night, free me with Your melody. In every moment Your are the God of my life.

 

(This prayer comes from One-Minute Prayers for Women)

 

Sometimes working in the garden creates this symphony for me. It may encompass the neighbors dog, the birds, a garbage truck, the race track, an airplane, a train, the fans from the mill...but together, it is a perfect testament to all the beauty God has placed in my life. It is magnificent.

 

I pray this verse and devotional takes you to a perfect place of wonder and peace.

 

Enjoy!



Needs and Contentment

Every morning, the sun rises. It floats across the sky throughout the day until it reaches its final destination to denote the close of another day. It sets, falling beyond the horizon leaving us with magnificent color and then ultimate darkness. It's constant. It's predictable. And we all-too-often take it for granted.

These last several days have been spent busying myself with things. Things I enjoy, but still things that need to be done. Instead of feeling fulfilled and grateful, I feel tired.

We all experience this at times in life, I know. Sometimes, it's a struggle to put on a smile and mask our true feelings. But lately, as I've gone about my daily tasks and obligations, I feel humbled by these feelings. Humbled because I know there is so much more to life than just our daily struggles and even moments of bliss. This prayer helps remind me of this:

With or Without

 

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything though him who gives me strength.

~Philippians 4:12-13~

 

Lord, Your hand has guided me though times of want and times of plenty, I thank You for being my Source of strength and guidance. When I hungered for more and thirsted of opportunity, I followed Your way to brighter days. You guided me though years of abundance so that I could be a devoted steward of my blessings. My status in the world's eyes might change, but my relationship with You remains the same.

 

Teach me about contentment, Lord. When I have material wealth, may I still long for spiritual direction and nourishment. As I experience difficulties, lead my thoughts and prayers to You for direction and hope. I can do all things and survive all circumstances through Your strength.

 

(The preceding excerpt was taken from One-Minute Prayers for Women...one of my favorite devotionals and sources of encouragement!)

This verse provides me with so much hope and strength. No matter what I am facing - whether it be blessings or hardships - Christ is constantly present, guiding me in the direction He has laid out for me. The same is true for us all. We must be willing to accept His guidance and follow his lead.

I'm still learning how...but I'm looking forward to what He has in store! Will you learn with me?

How does this prayer and verse impact your life? I'd love to get your insight!

Thanks and enjoy!

Freedom

Have you ever had those days when you work and work, but at the end of the day you don't feel like you've done or accomplished much of anything? That's how I've felt lately.

If I stop and really think about it, I've been so busy recently that I haven't really had much of a chance to sit down and relax in the evenings. I'm working outside the home, coming back and doing household chores, eating, weeding, watering and trying to 'beautify' my front pots and back flower beds. But for whatever reason that feels so mundane.

A Blessed Easter

Today is Easter.  It is a day to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus, and all of the gifts He has given us!

Cam and I have an Easter tradition...we like to go to sunrise service. We both find so much beauty in the early morning; it's quiet, calm and peaceful, life is beginning to wake up as the sun makes its first appearance, and bad just seems to disappear. So getting up early one morning to celebrate this life, peace, and God's truth seems like the least we can do! We love it!

I will admit though, this morning was a bit of a struggle. Last night we decided to watch a movie and stay up late chatting, think 1 a.m. late! So when the alarm went off at 5 a.m. it was extremely tempting to turn it off and go back to sleep. But that's not what today was about. No, it was about celebrating something so much greater and fulfilling than ourselves! So in good spirits we both rolled out of bed, grabbed some hot coffee and warm coats, and hit the road!

It was a cold 35 degrees on top of the butte where services were held. The breeze also decided to join us making it a pretty chilly morning. But the service, worship, and sunrise were beyond words!

Having begun the day with so much wonder and beauty, the remainder of our day was filled with much of the same! It was peaceful and perfect. With that in mind, I wanted to share our devotionals for today. They represent how we felt and what today was truly about! Here they are:

 

My morning devotional:

 

Keep Talking

(Excerpt taken from One-Minute Prayers for Women)

 

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that your are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

~Matthew 28:5-7~

 

You give me a wonderful message to share, Lord. You entrust me with a mighty word to speak to other people. My personal testimony is not elaborate, but it contains the miracle of spiritual rebirth.

 

You revealed Your resurrection to women, and Your angel directed them to share the news. I believe You continue to use women in this way; Your goodness is for every one of Your children. May I follow in the footsteps of those who loved You when You walked the earth. And my I continue to believe the wonder I have been shown: Your love.

 

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

 

Cam's morning devotional:

 

Lord, I believe!

(Excerpt taken from One-Minute Prayers for Men)

 

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.

~John 3:36~

 

Lord, I believe! I believe in You and I believe in Your Son. And for such a simple faith, You have given me eternal life. That eternal life is not something I will someday inherit, it's mine right now and I rejoice in it. I also have eternal fellowship with You...even now, Lord. I am a blessed man, no matter what my day holds.

 

Thank You for the gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your Son. You are worthy of praise!

 

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

 

These verses and prayers surmised our feelings and hopes for the day impeccably! We couldn't have asked for a more wonderful way to celebrate our Lord!

 

I pray that you and your family had a blessed and most wonderful Easter, filled with hope, love, and blessings!

 

Enjoy!



 

Trust and Remberance

Life is always full of unexpected moments; some good and others very humbling and full of grieving.
Tonight, my family finds itself here; trying to wrap our  heads around a very new reality. It's not easy, God never said it would be, but we must trust in the Lord to help us through.

As we sit here in reflection tonight, a simple prayer and verse provides the comfort we seek. Here it is:

 

(The following is an excerpt from One-Minute Prayers for Women...my favorite devotional!)

 

A Song to Sing

 

I trust in your unfailing love, my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.

~Psalm 13:5-6~

 

God, You have been so good to me. I trust You and what You are doing in my life. Some days I clearly see Your love for me. I received a kind word at a time of sorrow. I was offered help when I was afraid to ask. And just when I thought I could not continue, I had a vision of what Your hand was doing in that very circumstance.

 

I could not navigate my days without trusting Your love and intent for good. I pray that my actions translate into lyrics for the world to hear. I want everyone to know the song of Your love and mercy. I lift up my voice to proclaim Your goodness. "I know a love that never fail me!" I cry out into a world of people who know only of broken love and misplaced trust. Thank You, Lord, for giving me a song to sing.

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

No matter what God places in our path, we must remember that all things work for His good. It's not usually easy, but remembering God's promises and of His unfailing love, I know that this time will last for a moment and will work magnificently into His plans!

Does this verse evoke something within you? Please share, it's wonderful to hear how Christ works through us all!

Enjoy!

Love and Marriage

It is amazing how time flies. I know that statement is such a cliché, but it is all too true. Just a week ago I sat on my lani in my Hawaiian hotel room thinking: "I've got another 5 days to soak this up!" But before I knew it, I was boarding the plane heading back home to normal life.

Returning home wasn't so bad for me because I knew that we would be returning the day before my parents' 35th wedding anniversary! My sisters and I had been planning a get-together to celebrate with them since we would all be together. So we did exactly that! We visited, barbequed steaks, prepared a wonderful lunch, did a little thrift storing, and even reenacted one of our many family car rides for my parents (my dad and mom were, of course, in the front, and us three girls squeezed into the backseat, just as we used to, and proceeded to 'pester' one-another for old-times sake. We all got a huge kick out of it!).

But what really made me pause in all of this was just how quickly time goes by. I've been married nearly five years now...my parents, 35, and my grandparents nearly 60! These numbers amaze me!

What is most important about all of this is how each of these years were spent; so of course, that got me to thinking and praying. I came across this verse and prayer that explains that how beautifully.

 

Serving One Another

 

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

~Ephesians 5:33~

 

Marriage is a precious gift. God, please watch over my marriage relationship. Help me respect the dreams and choices of my husband. Guide him to love and cherish me as we work together toward our future. I pray that we will always rely on You for guidance and direction.

 

Let us follow Your example of unconditional love as we care for one another. God, reveal to us the ways we can serve one another as we also serve You.

 

(The above is an excerpt taken from One-Minute Prayers for Women)

 

How beautiful is that? So simple, yet it encompasses every important aspect of marriage: love, respect, commitment, and Christ. With these at the forefront, a strong and magnificent marriage will emerge!

 

I've had good role-models. Nothing was ever perfect or easy for my family, but we always had enough; we always had each other which was the most wonderful blessing of all!

 

Now, as I look ahead, I pray my marriage will be as strong as that of my parents and grandparents. I will keep this prayer constantly close to my heart!

 

I hope you enjoy!

 

Happy 35th Anniversary

Mom & Dad!

 









Dreaming

The sun shone brilliantly today. The birds graced me with their melodic chatter as I began my work making my chores seem bearable. Spring must be near!

But as I spent my morning puttering about my homestead doing chores, I could not help but dream of something more. Cam and I have dreamed of having a bit of property - a bigger homestead than we have now - someplace we can see ourselves raising our children, tending my dream garden, owning a few animals (my chickens, finally!!), and spending our days living off our land. This dream has been quite present in our thoughts and conversations recently. So much, in fact, we've even started looking for land in our area. But alas, we find ourselves at a point of stagnation.

This fact has not kept me from daydreaming about my homestead with a bit more property though. And, admittedly, I have become quite anxious. I want to find this little piece of 'paradise' sooner rather than later. But sometimes, God has other plans. This is a point I have become all too familiar with lately.

As I wait, sometimes impatiently, I was presented with a simple verse and devotional this morning. This will be something I will read, re-read, and read again for many months. Here it is:

 

But by Faith

 

But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.

~Galatians 5:5~

 

Patience is not one of my strengths, Lord. It is a virtue I hope to develop as my faith grows and as I understand my life in Your will. It is my faith that enables me to wait at all. I impatiently wait for growth, an answer, a sign, a finger coming out of the heavens to point the way. Such a list!

 

Help me to rest in Your Spirit and in the faith I have placed in You, my Lord. I pray for true righteousness - the kind that comes form perseverance. When I am tested by trials and even doubt, may I be a woman of conviction and commitment. You not only see me through, but also carry me through these times. You turn my times of waiting into moments of moving forward.

 

~Excerpt taken from One-Minute Prayers for Women~

 

I pray this brings you much comfort, hope, and peace in the week ahead!

 

If you have any thoughts or feelings about this verse or moving forward in your dreams, please share! It's awesome to hear!

 

Enjoy!

 

 









Service and Comfort

The following excerpt is taken from One-Minute Prayers for Men, text by Hope Lyda.

 

Serving in Grace

 

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

~1 Peter 4:10~

 

Thank You, God for my gifts of grace. Show me how to use them in the service of others today. Give me eyes to spot those to whom I can offer a word of hope or encouragement. Give me ears to hear the silent plea for help. Give me hands to reach out to those in need.

And, Lord, bring across my path today the people whom You have graced that can help me in my distress.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~

 

This verse and prayer sums up where my mind and spirit have been these last several days...even weeks. I have been compelled to reach out to others and try to comfort, or understand, or just listen to what is going on in their lives. I can't solve anything, but sometimes having that momentary release is enough to lighten  the load.

 

But what often gets overlooked is that sometimes the comforter needs comforted.

 

Being able to ask God to bring us those who need help is a service to Him. Being able to ask God to bring comforters to us...is faith. We know that He will never leave us in our time of need. How blessed we are to be able to ask for such a wonderful gift!

 

I hope this brings you joy and comfort as we near the end of our week!

 

Enjoy!

A Moment from the Heart

As this week progresses, Cam and I have found ourselves somewhat overwhelmed by life. There are always things going on that are out of our control and we feel as though we are becoming helpless. But in these times, I have to remind myself that God is working everything out according to HIS will...not necessarily mine. A very hard lesson to learn but also one of the most rewarding.

As we find ourselves in this place, I was stuck by this prayer. It is a great reminder of how much we need to remember to rely on Him for comfort, strength, and health!

 

Health and Happiness

 

"My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body."

 

~Proverbs 4:20-22~

 

Father God, Your Word gives me life. It gives me both spiritual strength and physical power. Your words are health to my body and my spirit. May Your truth penetrate my whole being and keep me in health and happiness. Allow Your Word to refresh me and give me the vitality of a confident soldier.

 

(Excerpt taken from One-Minute Prayers for Men)

 

As you find yourself going through the motions of the week, I pray that this prayer and verse will bring you comfort.

 

It is easy to get wrapped up in the happenings of life and to forget, and neglect, the One who can provide us with true comfort and happiness. Read and listen to His word. When we can trust in Him and His plan, we will be at peace.

 

Enjoy!!

 

What does this prayer mean to you? How do you feel about it and how will it make a difference, if any, in your life? Please share! I'd love to hear and learn!

 







A Room of My Own

Tonight...I feel as though I sit in silence. I wish I could tell you a happy story, maybe one where everyone lives happily ever after. But unfortunately, that is not always the case. This evening, as I sit, reflecting on my last few days, I cannot help but think about mortality. You see, yesterday, Cam and I lost someone very dear to our hearts; a quiet, beautiful, gentle, nurturing/calming, and safe spirit who loved and was loved so very much, his grandma. She was a woman who would care for others first, comfort you when you were sad, and always seemed to know when something was wrong. And she had such an affinity to birds and flowers...the same flowers that take me back to my childhood were the exact same ones that were nostalgic and held meaning to her. I cannot express how much, even though I only knew her for a couple of years, I will miss her; her excitement about my garden, my little bird 'sanctuary' out back, doing laundry (yes, laundry), or my excitement of the blooming Daphne. My heart aches as I think about life without her.

But my saving grace is knowing she is in a better place. It is a place with no suffering, no fear. She is safe, happy, and completely full of joy, and someday we can all be with her again. But when my mind strays from this knowledge, I have found strength and comfort in this verse and prayer.

I hope that whatever you are going through, and believe me I mean everything, you also find comfort in these words.

In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so , I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

 

~John 14:2-3~

 

I remember the first time I had my own room. Even at a young age, I felt a sense of being cared for and provided for. Lord, I spent so much time preparing every detail in order to make it unquestionably mine. I think of this experience when I read Your promise to prepare a room for me. A place for me in heaven's glory.

 

When You take me home and show me this room, I am certain it will reflect how well You know my heart. The walls will be the shade of happiness. The fabrics will be woven with threads of loving memories. It will simmer with Your splendor. I will run into it gladly, eager to be in Your presence forever. And I will know that the Master of this house prepared this room because I am unquestionably His. 





(The previous excerpt comes form One-Minute Prayers for Women...so often my saving grace!)



I must take comfort in these words as we - as a family - embark on this next step of our journey. It will be a time of difficult transition, but with the support of us all and Christ's love, I know we will make it through. For now I am exhausted and vulnerable. Sleep will help me focus on the positive tomorrow!

No matter how difficult or challenging any life barrier becomes, make sure you can and enjoy EVERY moment with those you love. We never know God's perfect timing for life.

Enjoy!

In loving memory of grandma Shirley



29 Years in the Making

Yesterday was my 29th birthday. The weather had us encased in freezing fog for the entire day, so it was beautiful but created a very lonely feeling. But because I am truly blessed, my day did not remain so! For me, this day was more about friends and family than anything else, and that is precisely how it was filled!

As I read my daily devotional today I was once again reminded of these blessings, especially the relationships which make up my life! Here is that devotional:

Love One Another

 

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

 

~Romans 13:8~

 

God, I pray for renewal in my relationships with family and friends. My heartstrings are tied to so many people that I sometimes lose sight of the uniqueness and privilege of each individual relationship. Guide my thoughts and my prayers so that I would be discerning the needs of those You have brought into my life. May I see how each friend and family member is a part of the body of Christ.

 

When I need encouragement and laughter, draw me to those who offer such nourishment. I thank You for the people in my life who bring comfort, who pray for me, and who are examples of Your life. Some connections are fragile and tenuous, others are deeply rooted and mighty; I pray for wisdom to know how to nurture each one.



 

(This prayer was taken from One-Minute Prayers for Women)

Yesterday made me stop and think - reflect, as it were - about what my life is really made of. I will always have moments where I question my worth, my value, my place in this world. It's natural. But those moments will never be greater than the blessings of Christ. He has provided me with so much, some minuscule and others grand...both of which make up my life! As I reflect in amazement on this one day, I know that whatever God has in store for my life, not without some hardships guaranteed, He will always bless me more than I could ever ask for!

How does this verse impact you? What are your thoughts? I'd love to hear!

Enjoy!

His & Hers

Tonight, I'm trying something a little different. Devotionals are a constant in our household, and tonight I thought it would be fun to share what is pressing on each of our spirits; one for him and one for her. Although they may be separate, it's amazing how much they play into each other! I hope you - and perhaps your partner - enjoy this moment of reflection and a trice of calm.

 

His

(Excerpt taken from One-Minute Prayers for Men)

 

Remind Me

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

~2 Corinthians 4:7-10~

 

Heavenly Father, remind me how much I live by Your power and not mine (although I admit that I don't really like the reminders - sometimes they overwhelm me). I know that when everything is going well, my pride can overtake me, and out comes my self-will.

 

Lord God, help me to remember that I don't have to do this all alone. Remind me to lean on Your power, to reach out for Jesus whenever I feel that I can no longer go the distance. Almighty God, help me to remember that Your power can lift me above any setback, and I have no need to fear.

 

 

Hers

(Excerpt taken from One-Minute Prayers for Women)

 

Show Me

I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.

~Psalm:119:30~

 

I am so thankful I discovered truth when I did. I was all over the place seeking answers to random questions. I didn't even know what to ask in my quest for understanding and identity. You raised me out of my ignorance and showed me the light of Your heart. Everything clicked at that moment.

 

I still have times of confusion. I still have obstacles to overcome, but never without a measure of truth to guide me. Now my many questions are replaced by one request: Show me the way, Lord.

 

 

It is so easy to get caught up in life; we run here and there, often doing what others expect and presume we will do...which often leads to disappointment and sometimes rejection.

In moments like these, in the ever-so-wise words of my husband, we need God: our energy drink! He will give us the strength and the ability to try, try again, and succeed in His will for our lives!

It may always be a struggle - we have seen that first-hand, just as I'm sure you have as well - but these struggles will always bring us closer to our Lord, when we trust in Him! He is our rock, our light in the darkest moments of life, and the loving arms that surround us during hardships. If we allow ourselves to completely trust in these truths, we can truly live out the life Christ intended us to!

How do these devotionals impact you? What comes into your heart when you read them? I'd love to hear how you are moved or impacted by these verses, just as I have been!

Enjoy!

A Word of Comfort

Shine Forth

 

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

~Psalm 37:5-6~

 

Draw me to a life of commitment, Lord. Show me where I have sin that keeps me from embracing unconditional faith. I trust You with my eternity, so why is it difficult to turn over my here and now? Release me from fear and show me the life You have planned for me. I rise up and accept all that You are doing in my life.

 

Let my righteousness shine through even the darkest days. I will move forward as Your love warms me like the sun and prepares my heart of a great harvest.

 

(The following prayer was taken from One-Minute Prayers for Women)

 

As the week is about to begin anew, we are once again faced with, well...life. It is always different - ever changing - and presents us with new challenges. This prayer reminds me that no matter the challenges we face, we must proceed with courage and the knowledge that Christ will see us through! 

 

This is my prayer for you - us - this week! Christ is leading us...it's up to us to follow! Step out and grasp his guidance; He will never let you down.

 

Enjoy and may this week fill you with hope and joy!

 





Beauty in Everything

 

(The following excerpt is taken from One-Minute Prayers for Men...a Christmas present to my hubby:-)

 

Seasons of Life

 

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.

~Ecclesiastes 3:1~

 

 

Seasonal Reflections

Christmas has been such a blessing for my little family! We were able to visit extended family members we haven't seen very often, attend a beautiful Christmas eve church service, return home for a dinner of Christmas eve lamb (a little family recipe I would not willingly give out ;-), cross-country skiing in my backyard/field, my Christmas walk with my husband and our dogs, and giving and receiving some well-thought-out presents! It was definitely a busy two days, but when we focused on each other and God's gift, it was most definitely a time to cherish!

This year, I got cam the One-Minute Prayers for Men devotional book. I was excited to give it to him and he was even more excited to read it...he knows how much I use my devotional and how much I love it, so he is enthusiastic to read this one!

So here is our first reading:

Take the High Road

 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." 

 

~Isaiah 55:8-9~

 

My earthly perspective is in the trenches right now. Lord, pull me out of this place and lift my thoughts to a higher plane so I begin to see life as You do. What started as a rut became a chasm that limited my ability to succeed or move forward in Your will. Please forgive me for thinking You would be limited by the walls of that trench. I forgot that Your are God.

 

When You bring me home to heaven, I will already know the feeling of rising above my human circumstances, because today You lifted me up and showed me, once again, that You are God.

 

What beauty can be found in these words! And how easy is it to find ourselves in this very place. It is so easy to become stuck in a certain way of life or feeling or opinion. God has extended us so much grace and love, that it's sometimes hard to know we question Him. But when questions arise, turning to Him in prayer, guidance, and His word will bring us back to His true peace!

 

I hope you had a most wonderful Christmas! I also pray you find this prayer comforting to you this time of year!

 

Enjoy!



Christmas Joy

 

Christmas is a time for us to acknowledge and celebrate the birth of Christ. Unfortunately, so many of us get caught up in the rush to buy presents, throw and attend Christmas parties, entertain family, and rush around to make sure no one is left out, that we can easily lose sight of the meaning and joy of Christmas. We become stressed and overwhelmed making this season more of a burden than a time of enjoyment.

Beginning a New Journey

Tomorrow, I am embarking on a new personal journey. A part of me is excited - for the unknown - and the other is scared. The 'unknown' is often intimidating; what if it's hard or scary or out of control? It is this very thing that often keeps me from moving forward. But this time, I am excited to see what the future holds.

It has taken me quite some time to come to this point; a point in which I can trust that all things will work out for a greater good, so I need not fret over the small and insignificant moments that so often consume my thoughts. One of the greatest sources of strength has come to me through this devotional: