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!!

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!



Life & Living

My life feels scattered at the moment. I have been so overwhelmed lately by the changes going on that I haven't really had a spare moment to explore my passions; the things that I find fulfilling. But that is life. And I am learning, slowly, that we must take the things God gives us and work with them. So when I read this verse tonight, I was so struck that I wanted to share it:

How to Live

 

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

 

~1 Thessalonians: 11-12~

 

God, You created life to be a process of growing and becoming. Learning how to live becomes a lifelong journey. Just when I think I have arrived at the place where You will surely have me stay, change happens and I am prodded to go further.

 

As You call me to keep moving and growing, I abide by the guidelines You offer in Your Word. I lead a quiet life focused on You. I mind my own business and strive to earn the respect of other people by working hard. And each day I renew my commitment to walk in Your will

 

(This prayer comes from the devotional book One-Minute Prayers for Men...my second favorite devotional to date!)

 

I hope this brings you hope and comfort...and a guidance on how we are to live. We must always take great comfort in the fact that, while things may be constantly changing, God's plan is always in effect.

 

What does this prayer evoke in you? I'd love to hear...we are all growing and learning together!

 

Enjoy!

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!



 

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!

 









To Your Health!

As spring begins to turn the corner and summer takes hold, I am always reminded of how 'healthy' I feel this time of year. The word 'health' has many different meanings; for example:

health - (as defined by Dictionary.com)

1. the general condition of the body or mind with reference to soundness and vigor: good health; poor health.
2. soundness of body or mind; freedom from disease or ailment: to have one's health; to lose one's health.
3. a polite or complimentary wish for a person's health, happiness, etc., especially as a toast: We drank a health to our guest of honor.

I'm not entirely sure why I take my mind and body health for granted the rest of the year, but as the weather warms up, so too does my gratefulness and mindfulness. I can sit and bask in the morning sun and develop such excitement for the work that awaits me; every evening is a new culinary journey for me...it's fun to go pick fresh vegetables and fruits to create a meal; happiness and relaxation have never seemed so close to me than this time of year!

 

As I sat and read my evening devotional book, I stumbled across one that reflects my feelings perfectly and I'd like to share it!

 

Healthy Soul

(One-Minute Prayers for Women)

 

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

 

~ 3 John 2

 

I have noticed how my efforts toward a healthy life have also enriched my soul. I am clear-thinking, brighter, more attentive to my spiritual needs. Lord, I know I complain about this body of mine, but I ask You to bless it with healing and wholeness. Where I am having physical difficulties, direct me toward the right care. Don't let me abuse my body just because I am tired of its shortcomings.

 

When I focus on my breath and think about the oxygen soaring through my system, I am so grateful for the intricate workings of my body. I was made by You, and I will treat Your creation with kindness - inside and out.

 

 

As you dig your hands into the fresh earth, I hope you are reminded - just as I was - of how very blessed we are to be ABLE to do this work and benefit in so many different ways! When we are healthy and happy, it's easy to go throughout our days without noticing these simple feelings. But since it's so very easy to notice and dwell on bad things and bad days, let us start to take the time to really appreciate all of the good and normal things our lives bring us. That is something I plan to begin working on!

 

Enjoy!

Standing Strong

As I examine my garden and the 'garden' which surrounds me, I am completely amazed how everything has adapted to our sometimes extreme weather. Whether it be the wind, or rain, or hot days and cold nights, or the wind (yes, I did meant to say it twice...it's horrible at times in the spring!), or the almost torrential rains we receive...no matter the situation, things seem to acclimatize and thrive! Sometimes I have such a hard time because I can't even adapt to the cloudy gray skies we've been having, let alone try to adapt to the changing climates and outside conditions!

This being said, I know I owe a lot to my creator Father, who so dutifully and strategically planned how all things would and could work together for good.

When you take a moment to notice how plants adapt to their environments, you will notice a common theme...each one does it. There is always an ideal time, temperature, and condition for each and when this time arises, each flourishes! They do not worry if beautiful days will come...they just wait for them to arrive. This is a lesson we should all learn. We need to stand strong in our beliefs and dreams. Stand strong in faith and be confident in that faith that good days and blessings will find us...we just have to trust and wait.

Let It Be

'Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.'

~Matthew 6:34

I want control over today and tomorrow. I know You can do a much better job, Lord, but I still battle for control. I don't have a great track record when I try to take the reins from Your hands. Let today affect my tomorrow. Give me the strength I need in this moment to give You my tomorrow.

There will be worries. There will be struggles. But tomorrow is also filled with possibility. I am inching close to eternity, and this is a journey I want to savor, not suffer through. Give me the courage to live fully today and await tomorrow with great hope.

(from One Minute Prayers For Women)

I hope this provides some encouragement as you move throughout your days! Enjoy



"The Rains are Over"

The Past: The Rains are Over

See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of spring has come.

~ Song of Solomon 2:11-12

Days of hardship and pain have rained down in my past, Lord. There were storms that destroyed the foundations I had built. Floods swept away the hope I had placed in material things and in the strength I thought I saw in others. All that remained was the washed-out land of disappointment. But that was in the past. A time when I could not see a future.

Now the flowers sprout and shout from the earth. They sing a song of Your faithfulness. This is a new season for me, Lord. Past sorrows fade away and future hopes and dreams grow strong. You offer me this renewal every day, Lord. I am grateful for the rains, for they have prepared my soul to receive the blessings.

(Excerpt from One-minute prayers for Women)

Each day we get out of bed and experience the world, we encounter obstacles, sorrow, joy, and a host of other sentiments. Some days we are more sensitive and/or receptive to these experiences, good or bad. It is on those days when we can become consumed by them...especially when they are negative. Dwelling and holding onto them can be our way to 'deal'. We try to stuff them down and out of our current thoughts. For a bit, it helps; we can move on. Then suddenly, from nowhere, they creep back into the forefront of our minds. It's a fact of nature; happens to us all.

When my eyes fell on these words today, I was strengthened and inspired.  I have had moments when it seems like the hurts of past memories will hang around like the annoying little fly constantly swarming around your head on a beautiful summer day. This prayer reminded me that there is hope, even on the worst of days, because the love of Christ will help heal us and carry us to brighter days.

Just as the rain and wind (for the most part) has finally died down for us in the High Desert, we are reminded that spring is finally among us. Isn't it about time we let spring and summer arrive in our spiritual and emotional lives as well? Move from the winter of pain into the spring of life and joy because of Christ's promise of unconditional love? I believe it is!

Be comforted. Live joyously. All will work out for the glory of God!

Being Thankful For Everything

At all times and for everything give thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. 

~Ephesians 5:20

For the past week, we have had anything but ideal weather...at least in my opinion. With gray cloudy skies, wind gusting at 20-25 mph, intermittent rain showers (down-pour at times), and dropping temperatures, it's hard for me to have the motivation to care for my garden and even harder for me to be thankful it all!

My 'sour' disposition as of late has led me to try to change my way of thinking: surely there is something positive I can find about this! When I began to change my attitude to one that is grateful for everything, I began to notice my attitude in general improved and I began to find peace in simple day-to-day happenings.

I am thankful for the rain: it nourishes my plants, seedlings, and my soul. 

I am thankful for the wind: it keeps the bugs at bay and brings fresh air into my life.

I am thankful for the clouds: it holds in the heat and moisture to create a cleansing atmosphere.

I am thankful for the cool weather: it will be hot soon enough, so I must enjoy it while it's here.

  

(These days may have been gloomy...but at the end of each one of them, I've been greeted with a beautiful sunset!)

Whatever is going on, we must try to find the good in it. If we can do that, a whole new perspective on life will emerge. Who knows, it may even offer you many new rewards and opportunities as well!

Be thankful...it's beautiful!

 

A Time of Stillness Amidst Turmoil

"Life: a) the sum of the distinguishing phenomena of organisms, especially metabolism, growth, reproduction, and adaptation to environment

                  b) the general or universal condition of human existence"

(as defined by dictionary.com)

 

Sometimes our lives, at least what we've made of them, can seem almost daunting. Between the running to and from, the needs of EVERYONE, the time constraints and expectations we place on ourselves, the demands of others, we sometimes dread stepping foot out of bed knowing it's only to join the chaos. The second part of the definition of "life" is "the general or universal condition of human existence." That is broad;  all-encompassing of our daily activities. So take a moment and think about this: If everything we do throughout the day is part of our life - makes us who we are - then what defines the quality of our days and the time spent on every activity? Not just "taking care of things" but also the 'you' time; the time spent breathing, feeling, resting, and reflecting. Why is it we are so quickly to tag each day as 'good' or 'bad' based upon the things that demand our time or attention, instead of on what we do/act/add  to the world each day?

There have been many-a-day for me when I have one bad experience first thing in the morning, and I let it ruin my entire day. I'm grumpy, disagreeable, unpleasant, all because I have chosen to focus on one negative. In turn, I display anger, frustration, and sometimes hatred to those who cross my path, even inadvertently. It happens. But it doesn't have to. 

Pause...for just a moment

My Spring tulips and beliefs for each day

Today, of all days, I was ever-so-gently reminded of how blessed I am. Not only can I afford to  pay all of my bills at the moment, I am also fortunate enough to know I am ABLE to work in my garden and change it according to my abilities!

Sometimes I pause where I stand in my garden, for lack of desire or out of pure exhaustion, and reflect on what I have. This time of reflection makes me grateful for everything I have been blessed with and all of the blessings I continue to receive.

While my life is fairly simple, compared to most in this hectic hubbub of a society, I am still often times drawn into a fast-paced life; one that passes you by before you can truly experience it in its entirety. When I step back and notice this, I am able to slow down, reflect, and remember the reason 'why' I am able...because of our Lord!

I am constantly reminded of this verse: I Timothy 6:6-10 :

"Direction: The Guiding Force of Nature"

Excerpt taken from One-Minute Prayers for Women

"He loads the clouds with moisture; he scatters his lightning through them. At his direction they swirl around over the face of the whole earth to do whatever he commands them."

- Job 37:11-12

~~~

Inspirational Quote

This prayer comes from a beautiful book my husband, Cam, bought me for my birthday. It is called One Minute Prayers for Women, text by Hope Lyda.

It is entitled: Refuge

"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."    ~Psalm 32:7

"Faced with fear, I go inside myself. Emotionally I curl up so small that any threatening trouble will overlook me and continue on its way. I reach for other people, Lord, but for true comfort and peace I prefer Your presence. Your stillness inside my heart shames away boisterous difficulties. Harm cannot come to me here. You never said You would remove trials for Your children. You offer something better: a place of rescue.

Save me, Lord, from the loneliness of this particular struggle. Once my strength is restored, I will return to the daily clatter. Right now, though, it does my soul good to listen to the melodic voice of my Deliverer."

May this inspire you and help you throughout your day!