Spreading their song

It sounds like heavy rain falling on a tin roof.  Rolling over I see the sun shining through the cracks in the blinds.  I push myself out of bed, shuffle across the room and look out the window.  

There are hundreds of blackbirds filling the trees. They fill every spare space, perching from the base of the branch to the very tip top.  They are chattering and chirping – a raucous crowd.  

 
I wonder if it is like a get together of distant relative or old friends.  Perhaps they are discussing how things have been as they migrate from north to south and back again.  Or even better, are they simply giving praise, thanks to the one who created them.  Loudly they sing of His glory so early in the morning.


With a flap of wings they flutter and circle the field outside my window.  It seems like chaos as they rise and swoop and settle.  After several adjustments and periods of chattering they take wing, rising like a wide black cloud and soar in unison spreading their song north.

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
   or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; 

In His hand is the life of every creature
   and the breath of all mankind. 

“To God belongs wisdom and power;
   counsel and understanding are His.”  Job 12:7,10,13

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Click on the photo above for more images by Jonathan Martin-DeMoor.

At Seedlings in Stone Mondays are for sharing...

"On, In and Around Mondays (which partly means you can post any day and still add a link) is an invitation to write from where you are. Tell us what is on, in, around (over, under, near, by...) you. Feel free to write any which way... compose a tight poem or just ramble for a few paragraphs. But we should feel a sense of place. Would you like to try?"

Today I am sharing the link.

Scripture Only Sunday

“My  heart  says of you,  "Seek his  face!"  Your face,  LORD,    I will seek.”  Psalm 27:8

Saturday Sketches

Thankful Thursday

The doorbell rings and children run to bring me the package.  Inside I find these two treasures.  I carry them with me to darling daughter’s to read as little one sleeps and eats and children do their math and science.  We sit around table and I pick up “One Thousand Gifts” sharing how Ann began counting.  How her counting encouraged me to do the same.

Princess daughter asks, “Isn’t it hard – how do you count that many?  I don’t think I could.”

Darling daughter challenges, numbering from 1-20 on a lined sheet of school paper.  She sets sister to counting.  She digs deeper, “why are you thankful for those things?”

Taking more paper she sets two boys making list – counting their blessings.  Before 20 minutes pass these four have listed 80 blessings.  Eighty gifts for which they are thankful.

Their lists have items that overlap – gifts that touch them all.  Yet their reasons for gratitude are as unique and individual as they are. 

I gather the sheets of paper when they are done.  Papers that hold treasures for me to touch and cherish on stunning, glory days.  Treasures to nurture and comfort on difficult days.  Lists that remind me that gratitude is an intentional thought, a choice, a daily grace.

The gifts, they add up quickly.  I pull out my journal and add to my list.

Father, thank you for this joy, to count the gifts from your heart to our hearts.  Thank you for eyes to behold and moments to cherish.  Thank you for…

921.  Lined pages to write the thanks

922.  Children – making list – gratitude counting

923.  God’s grace gifts that pile up quickly

924.  Joy that comes in the counting

925.  Darling daughter making space, 20 minutes to count so many reasons to be thankful

I count with my children (from their lists)…

926.  Chickens – we like fresh eggs

927.  Books – we can make our own stories

928.  Feet – so we can dance

929.  Trees – they provide shade and oxygen, they are majestic and beautiful

930.  Candles – to have light

931.  Doors – to have privacy

932.  Spices – to make things taste better

933.  Leaves – to play in

934.  Babies – to carry on our legacy

Speaking of babies, more from my list this week…

935.  soft baby to nestle close to my cheek

936.  the way babies smile with their whole body

and…

937.  Gold-hearted mom’s safe arrival, winter visit with awesome aunt and husband

938.  Dentists to fix the tooth that aches

939.  This book that is also drawing me in – she captured me with this paragraph in Chapter 1 (quoting part of my favorite Scripture verses):

“There, in a hard and hidden place, informed by God’s Word – his “treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places” – we would begin our journey through a stream of grace that redeems the past, challenges the present, and shapes a vision for the future.”

940.  Eyes to behold the bounty of God’s blessings

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Check out Ann’s inspiring blog to learn more about 1000 gifts and The Gratitude Community.  You can click on the books above to learn more.

Click on Stone Crossings photo above for link to L.L. Barkat’s website.

Just Right

I recline with soft head nestled next to my cheek.  This little one dozes on my chest and I am amazed.  Wasn’t it just last week that darling daughter was the little one sleeping on my chest?  How it seems like it was.  Yet that was 21 years ago and now she is the one who has birthed a baby.  She and dear son-in-love walk the path her father and I have for many years now. 

They live the life of sleepless nights, diaper changes, and many feedings.  Trying to figure out why he is crying and offer comfort.  Dear son-in-love rises early and leaves for work while she settles in to the daily care of their little one.  They continue the legacy passed on to them from generations before.  Binding together to raise offspring to follow the Lord Jesus.

I gaze into his eyes, those pools of blue, and whisper, “God loves you so much and He made you just right.”  The same words I have whispered to six little ones before.  Little ones who are not little anymore.  In my spirit I hear the words echo from the throne of God in heaven, “I love you so much and I made you just right.”

Those words comfort me when I feel like things are not just right.  When sibling rivalry rises and screams to be heard or when physically I am worn out from the strife.  The days where life seems to overwhelm and I can’t see how things are going to work out.  

I am comforted because He sees and He knows how it all goes together.  So I stop, I give space for God. 

Father, when the cares of life weigh heavy teach me to continually give it all to you.  When I fail Father, thank you that you love me, you forgive me, truly you made me just right.  Help me give that same gift to my children.  To know you, not just about you, and the fact that you made them just right.  Jesus, thanks for being so amazingly good to me and this family you have given as a blessing.

Have you stopped and listened to God whisper in your ear lately, “I love you so much and I made you just right?”  Perhaps you can hear his voice now speaking these words. 

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Little one reaches one month old today.   Here again my mind cannot wrap around how quickly the time has gone by. 

I’m Wandering

The week starts and I am wandering from home.  Three youngest and I have taken the trip across town to stay with darling daughter, dear son-in-love, and little one for a day or two.  While I school kids, visit with daughter, and am consumed with holding my grandson I will also be holding this book reading the words slowly.  

I am grateful to Ann who starting me counting several years ago.  Through the counting I find the days become holy.  Every moment becomes a moment to give thanks.  God is found in the daily minutes that make up life.  

I am also wandering over here this week.  Looking forward to reading the words of others also journeying through Ann’s book.  

Where are you wandering this week?

Scripture Only Sunday

“I am to be the only inheritance the priests have.  You are to give them no possession in Israel:                  I will be their possession.”  Ezekiel 44:28

Saturday Sketches

Thankful Thursday

Pastor uses Ephesians 3:7-13 and 1 Peter 1:12 for part of his sermon this past week.  Scriptures and pastor’s words keep flowing through my mind.  I let the words lead the way…

God’s Wisdom

World in darkness

Meaningless

Mysterious eternal secret

Unsearchable

Manifold plan revealed

Wisdom

Glorious redemptive purpose

Accomplished

Angels longing marvel

Inexpressible

Light of Life

I let the words line up in my heart – thinking about a Savior who walks with me when life takes dark turns.  A Savior that takes me from darkness to light.  I am awed by the Father, who had a mysterious plan from before the foundation of the world.   Awe overwhelms at how His grace is accomplished through this redemptive work.  

I offer praise to the One who performs such mighty acts of salvation.  I lift up thanks for the daily mercies…

911. Sunday morning sermons that stick with me

912.  One who stops and prays for me after Sunday morning service 

913.  Sitting in service with “K”, someone I have “known” for years but just recently are we getting to know one another

914.  Lunch during the week with “K”, sharing life together

915.  Uncle kissing the soft top of little one’s head

916.  Precious husband’s gentle hands as he massages my temples, caressing the headache that has hung around for two days

917.  Relief from headache

918.  Learning – trying to teach myself Hebrew

919.  Deeper understanding of Scripture

920.  Anticipating treasures – waiting for the mail to come bringing…

a book I’ve been wanting to read for a while from an author who encourages the words of so many

and

a new book from one whose listing of gifts encouraged me to start my own list of one thousand gifts

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Check out Ann’s inspiring blog to learn more about 1000 gifts and The Gratitude Community.  You can click on the books above to learn more.

 

Committed

Ann’s quiet commitment shared here quickens my spirit.  I print out the pages and find myself committed.  Committed to memorize the words I’ve posted on Sundays since last June.  

Princess daughter and I repeat the words back and forth to one another.  We trip over the words as we try to put them in the correct order.  We let the words sit on our tongue and they sink into our hearts. 

I thank God and pray for those who love the Lord and by faith challenge others to commit to heart the Word that never fails.  The Word that always gives life. 

Perhaps you would like to join and make memorizing His Word a habit as well.  It is not an easy habit, but it is worth the effort. 

As Ann so eloquently encourages…

“Committing the Holy to heart is the way we commune with the Holy Himself.” 

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The link above will take you to Ann’s blog in order to download and print your own Commitment Booklet.

Scripture Only Sunday

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’  Mark 12:29-30

Saturday Sketches

Thankful Thursday

It is cold this morning so I let the children sleep late.  The house is quiet now.  It has been noisy.  They have been staying up late.  We have stayed mostly indoors thanks to a snow/ice event we had early this week.   The temperature has stayed cold so the white has stuck around.

I’ve been up hours, reading, worshipping, meditating on God’s goodness.   These things lead me to continue counting the blessing – those sacred moments in my life.

Father in heaven – Today I am grateful for…

901.  Sunday afternoon lunch at darling daughter’s house

902.  Four generations

903.  Making it home before roads became icy (just in time)

904.  The hush of the south when snow/ice blows through

905.  Power

906.  Warm soup

907.  Biscuits and gravy

908.  Basement spot for boys to expend some energy

900.  Glow of a gas heater

910.  Chaos, laughter, and even the fussing that goes along with a house full of children (until about 11:00 pm – then it is time for bed)

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Check out Ann’s inspiring blog to learn more about 1000 gifts and The Gratitude Community.

Mind Set

I relish sleeping late.  Since I am the teacher and set the schedule, I have been hitting snooze a lot.  This is relaxing…and yet.

Football is my favorite sport.  I am an SEC fan all the way.  I pull for each SEC team (which is tricky when they play one another).  I cheer for Saturday’s full of football and food…and yet.

I have felt so distracted lately.   The distractions have all been good things…and yet.

Jesus encourages me to lay aside distractions.  The Spirit entices me to come back to my first love.  It is time to set my mind straight and fill this vessel with fresh oil.

In my heart I build an altar.  Physically I light a candle.  There is something about the blaze and flicker of fire that stirs my spirit. 

I submit to not hitting the snooze button in order to rise up early enough to start my day in God’s Word (it is so easy to fall out of that habit).  I choose to not be distracted, instead focusing on His voice.  Finally, well, lets just say I am glad football season is over!  I ask the Spirit to search all areas and shed light as He sees necessary.  I allow the Spirit to kindle a fire in my soul and consume what He desires.  Giving up my desires I follow God’s desires.

Lord, keep my mind set on you.  Help me be consumed with your thoughts – led only to do what pleases you.

Where is your mind set?  What consumes your thoughts?  How do you let go of distractions and hang on to seeking the Word habits?

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These are the convicting thoughts for me from the Lord after reading Romans 8:1-11 these past few days.

Picking up Ann’s encouragement I print out pages to help me back into the Word habit.   How appropriate the book of Colossians is chosen to memorize as I posted close to the whole book for Scripture Only Sundays from June to December of 2010.  It would seem God is not finished teaching me from this book.

Burgers Between Us

God has been stretching me out of comfort zones for months now.  I continue to take steps of obedience trusting Him for the outcome. 

I drive to met her, let’s call her M, on a blue sky morning.  We are going to get to know one another over a burger.  I’ve told her I’m nervous.  She encourages me not to be and asks why I’ve signed up to be a mentor.  I explain how our ladies ministry was looking for a place to reach out and someone forwarded a flyer from the program that very day.  How our coordinator asked me to check the opportunity out.  When I did I learned about the mentor program.  God spoke to my heart,  He told me I am wise, a good listener, and an encourager.  He told me to sign up.  So I have obeyed and here we are – sitting across from each other with burgers between us.

I look into her pale blue eyes with golden rays and see the searching.  We are all searching, we just do it in different ways.  She is searching to get her life on the right path after falling into a deep ditch. 

I tell her they have given her a square for a mentor.  Married once to husband of 26 years, six children I have taught at home.  I like simple quiet things. 

We talk for 3 hours, sharing parts of our lives.  Finding a job weighs heavy on her mind.  We discuss jobs she has held in the past.  Would you pray for a door to be opened for M to find the job God has for her?

Would you pray Father God would give me wisdom and encouragement for His daughter? 

“Sn-ice” Day

So while most of Alabama is closed for today we will have school.  Since travel to the school room is not hazardous, we will carry on with our usual routine.  The children are getting a reprieve to start late so they can enjoy the ice/snow. 

Boys were out about 10:00 last night trying to sled down a hill behind the house while the precipitation was still coming down.

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Term sn-ice came from a facebook friend.   We mostly had ice with some snow mingled in here in central Alabama. 

Scripture Only Sunday

Moses and Aaron then went into the tent of meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people; and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people. Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown.   Leviticus 9:23-24

Saturday Sketches

Thankful Thursday

The week passed too quickly.  I trade my time – from caring for Little One and Darling daughter back to the daily routine.  I try to focus and settle back into this house full of rowdy boys and one girl.  Planbooks are pulled out and tests are being graded.  Students put their heads back into books.

I consider and treasure the times for it is a time to remember to put things into perspective.  To remember those things that come first.  To give thanks to the one who is First, and Last.

First love – God above all

First born over all creation – Jesus

First time redemption

First time repentance

First filling – Holy Spirit

First moments of life

First born children having first born child

First time parents

First time uncles

First time aunts

First time grandparents

First time great-grandparents

First lullaby

First worship of a new year

First contact with new friend

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”   Deuteronomy 6:4

“House His Spirit: Be Continually Filled”

No sooner does God reveal the name chosen for me for 2011 than He graciously confirms my hearing.   The body where I attend services locally spends the first 21 days of January in focused times of prayer and fasting.  They prepare a prayer journal handout for these days. 

The Prayer Point for January 1 - “House His Spirit: Be Continually Filled”. 

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own.”  1 Corinthians 6:19

“Spirit filled souls are ablaze for God.  They love with a love that glows.  They serve with a faith that kindles.  They serve with a devotion that consumes.  They hate sin with a fierceness that burns.  They rejoice with a joy that radiates.  Love is perfected in the fire of God.”  Samuel Chadwick

Spirit of God – let me be a house consumed with your grace and glory.  May I burn brightly for you alone!

Scripture Only Sunday

“This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

            Isaiah 43:16, 18-19

Saturday Sketches