Thankful Thursday

I do not like being put on hold.  The house movers have put us on hold, moved us down the line of priorities.  Now the rain won’t stop, it just keeps falling and saturating the ground.  This means our house moving project has come to a halt and again we are in a holding pattern.  I remember the obstacles that have been overcome and I take hope.

The administrators and satraps in Daniel 6 tried to put Daniel on hold – permanent hold.  When outside pressures began pressing in on Daniel the Scriptures state…"he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem.  Three times a day [Daniel] got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”   --- Daniel 6:10 (NIV)

Father, when the outside pressures press hard, when obstacles continually block the path and leave me feeling down, help me to respond like Daniel.  Jesus, may you find me on my knees, giving thanks for…

1041.  a growing personality

Gold-hearted mom, sensitive son, little one

1042.  growing chicks

1043.  homemade cake

1044.  new crochet patterns

1045.  an interesting old car in a local parking lot

1046.  old house renovated into new library

1047.  books to ponder and pray through

1048.  bold, brilliant blue feathers

1049.  listening to music from the ‘70s and ‘80s…Andrus, Blackwood, & Co., Russ Taff, The Imperials, Keith Green

1050.  a day spent with “M” just hanging out, listening, encouraging

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

Ann shares and you might want to check it out:

“A new place to count the ways He loves … a new place just for you. A new site for us all to see His beauty & love –right where we are. I pray we’ll be rejoicing over there a lot… www.onethousandgifts.com place

Praise God…

Thank you for those who took the time to pray after reading this post about a mission trip to Ghana.  The team of 15 who went stretched out their hands as Jesus would and touched about 1100 people in medical clinics while they were there.  Praise God, 60 people stepped from death to life by choosing Christ to be the Lord of their lives. 

Father – thank you for the seeds of salvation that were planted in Ghana. God, grant all those still wandering in the dark your favor, extend your love and salvation.  Jesus, you are our only hope. 

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.  And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them, and was raised again….God made him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”                  2 Corinthians 5:14-15; 21

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Thanks to C.R. for permission to use the above photo.  To view more photos of their ministry click here for photos taken by one of the team members.

Scripture Only Sunday

“Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”  Psalm 43:5

Thankful Thursday

We started the remodeling project a couple of weeks after Gold-hearted mom left on vacation.  Moving the first level of the log cabin to the farm interrupted the progress here.  So the last few days leading up to her return were frenzied with activity.  We came close to finishing, unfortunately, we didn’t.  But it is looking better and we should finish this week. 

Father, I am grateful for the opportunity to update this old house.  This place that has sheltered five generations.  I am also thankful for…

1032.  A quiet day to sit by a lake

1033.  Water falling on rocks

1034.  Rocks

1035.  Gold-hearted mom, arriving home safely from vacation

1036.  Freshly painted walls

1037.  Precious husband and sons working together to remodel this old house

1038.  Baby chicks

1039.  Princess daughter caring for baby chicks

1040.  Darling daughter bringing us the baby chicks

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

Ann shares and you might want to check it out:

“A new place to count the ways He loves … a new place just for you. A new site for us all to see His beauty & love –right where we are. I pray we’ll be rejoicing over there a lot… www.onethousandgifts.com place

I Ran Away From Home

Precious husband works hard to provide for this family.  Sometimes that means he works five days in a row. You are thinking most people work five days in a row – right.  Yet around here that means the husband and dad is gone for five full days because he is a firefighter.  We are used to this routine and glad that he is just a drive across town and we can go visit some evenings. 

However, this means that I am home alone with the children those days.  Now that they are older it is not as difficult as when they were all toddlers.  The work load is easier to spread around to many hands.  It also means that I deal with the squabbles and discipline those days.  Sometimes this can make a mom2six weary, frustrated, needing a break.

Leaving Princess daughter at Darling daughter’s house and four boys old enough to care for themselves at home, I run away.   Just a day to stop, sit, and breathe.  The plan was to eat lunch with Precious husband and then sit in the sun at the fire station.  However, a training exercise called husband away for the afternoon.  God has blessed me with an excellent husband, who took me to a quiet, secluded lake behind the fire station. 

In the van there is usually a a bag with a blanket, Bible, book, and journal.  I park and take a short hike to watch the water fall over the spillway.  The water leaps and dashes to the rocks below.     A quiet spot in front of the lake draws my eye so I spread out the blanket, lay down, and gaze toward the heavens.

Tree branches spread their limbs, reaching, growing higher.  Above is a brilliant blue sky, in front of me is a still lake, and the pine straw under the blanket makes a nice cushioned spot to listen and read.  Warblers and cardinals, toads and squirrels sing and chatter softly.   I prop up my feet, open a new book, and enjoy the sun and shade. 

After reading and relaxing for several hours I feel His presence giving me strength to handle the crazy life I am blessed with.  I fold up the blanket and put it back in the bag with the books.  Taking one final look around, it is time to run home.  Run back to invest in the life God has graced me to fully live. 

Father, thank you for an afternoon to play hooky – to focus on being your daughter.  Thanks for Precious husband who opens the gate that leads to the lake.  Thank you Jesus for quiet waters to restore my soul. 

Scripture Only Sunday

"You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you." Nehemiah 9:6

Thankful Thursday

I am running behind, normally I have my posts ready a couple of days ahead of time.  But lately I am behind a lot.  My days are busy schooling, keeping house, raising children, watching as piece by slow piece our house project creeps to the farm.  My mind wanders, yet I ponder nothing deep.  The flow of life rushes along and I ride the current. 

I’ve been praying for a group in Ghana this week.  I have seen photos of the dear people they are ministering too.  I watch and pray as hundreds of miles away others, who were living their daily lives, are now in a current they never expected.  They can do nothing but ride it as well.  Taking each day as it comes. 

A dear sister-in-the-Lord is in Ghana and she posts on facebook, “I am reminded that we are all humans everywhere in the world. No matter how rich or poor. No matter the color of our skin. Humans having the human experience of love and pain, of joy and suffering. And, we are all in desperate need of God!”

The words of Jesus ring in my ears, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?...”   Matthew 6:25-26

Father, how not to worry and be afraid, when the earth keeps moving, when there is not enough food or water, when plagued by uncertainty, when your in pain and need a doctor, oh God, when….the list is endless for everyone has there own how to handle worry when situations. 

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.  Rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell.  Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.  And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”  Matthew 10:28-30

Father, every day we are all in desperate need of you, your presence with us giving us salvation, peace and comfort as we walk this journey.  Teach me how to bring hope, faith, joy, and peace to those around me – to bring the light of your presence everywhere I go. 

Father today I am simply thankful that your word brings life and comfort…you are always with me!

“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified …, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.”  Deuteronomy 31:6

What lasts forever?

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear but like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail.  Isaiah 51:6

In our minds we believe the earth has been here and will always be here.  Then disaster strikes and things are changed forever.  What was once land is now water.  Where there were houses and farms and businesses, now there is nothing but rubble.  People lived and now people have died.

This earth, my life here, is only temporary.  What lasts forever?  Jesus and his salvation.  His righteousness never fails.  I long to live daily in His presence.  I look forward to the city, the dwelling with God that lasts forever.

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.  I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”  Revelation 21:1-4

Want to know how you can live forever?  Check out this page and the links.  Prayerfully they will lead you to Jesus love and salvation.

Would you pray?

A group of 15, mostly from the local congregation where I worship, have traveled to Ghana to share the love of Christ.  Please consider praying for them this week as they minister so far from home. 

Ghana Mission Trip

March 10-19, 2011

Goals of the trip:
Represent Christ wherever we go
Provide medical care for those in need
Encourage the believers
   Share the love of Christ

Especially during this time when so much has happened in the world since they left Thursday evening.   Perhaps pray also for so many affected by the tragedy in Japan and other regions affected by the earthquake/tsunami.  

Father, may your name be exalted and lives be drawn into your kingdom.   May your presence surround and be present with those who are needing you so badly in this hour.    Jesus, let your light shine into the darkness and devastation.  Holy Spirit, bring comfort to those who are afraid and open our eyes to see your daily gifts of grace.  Father God, your love gives us courage that despite all life's sufferings, failures, and pains we can follow you. God, grant all those still wandering in the dark your favor, extend your love and salvation.  Jesus, you are our only hope.  

But I pray to you, O LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation.  Psalm 69:13

Scripture Only Sunday

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...”   1 Peter 3:15

Thankful Thursday

It has become gray and cold again.  The brain feels gray and fuzzy as well.  Truly I want to find a cave, curl up, and go to sleep until spring has arrived.  Life will not grant the space for cave slumber.  Instead we paint ceilings, finish school work for this nine weeks, wash, cook, and clean – continue daily routines.  I browse the web, on the hunt, always looking for gratitude quotes…

“Can you see the holiness in those things you take for granted–a paved road or a washing machine? If you concentrate on finding what is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.” — Rabbi Harold Kushner

Between long division and a load of laundry I concentrate, allow gratitude to nurture the soul, and count the ways God loves…His blessings. 

Father, today I am grateful for…

1021.  Day to CELEBRATE birth of my precious husband

1022.  Brownies and ice cream covered with chocolate fudge

1023.  Precious husband drives by a field of flowers and thinks of me

1024.  I have taught him well – he snaps a picture – field of purple

1025.  After service she lays her hand on my back, sits and prays for me

1026.  I’ve committed and the Scripture memorization is going well

1027. God’s voice, calling me to choose gratitude

1028.  Photos on Facebook of Mom’s vacation

1029.  Soft rain on a gray afternoon

1030.  First part of house moved onto property

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

Ann shares and you might want to check it out:

“A new place to count the ways He loves … a new place just for you. A new site for us all to see His beauty & love –right where we are. I pray we’ll be rejoicing over there a lot… www.onethousandgifts.com place

Illuminate

I light the candle with a morning prayer…

Holy Spirit illuminate my heart with the light of your presence

and blackness from holder soils me. 

The light of Jesus shines through and speaks…

“A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."  Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.”  Matthew 8:2-3

Jesus is willing, today, to make me clean.  My sin left scars on the only one who is able to set me free.  All I have to do is ask.    He has already reached out his hand to touch me, even though I’m a mess.  For it was my sin that caused the nails to be driven through his outstretched arms of love.  His love consumes all that I am and creates in me a clean heart. 

purify
lay the coal
upon soiled heart
cleanse the sin
turn to ash
my wretched mess
Christ regal image
loves firm embrace
burn into soul
with holy fire
purify

--Nancy Kourmoulis 2/21/10

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Editing and reposting this from 2010 Lent thoughts because His fire continues to embrace and burn.

Scripture Only Sunday

“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.” Job 23:10-11

Thankful Thursday

The house has been apart for several weeks now.  Back and forth the calls go – “the house will be moved tonight” – “no, can’t happen yet”.  They have cancelled twice – once because of bad weather.  So tonight we wait and hope that the first level is moved into place.  Then the process will be repeated again tomorrow night.  I will be so glad to have the house on our little piece of land.  Then we can being to put things back together.  This is a process that takes time.

God does the same sort of thing in my life.  He deconstructs areas that need work.  We talk back and forth about the changes that need to be made to conform this heart to the image of His Son.  There are many starts and stops along the way and I wait, as He waits on me.  The changes are slow, but God is piecing me back together.  Building a house that will glorify His name. 

In the meantime, I continue to count His everyday blessings, because He lavishly blesses.

Father in heaven, Jesus, I am so thankful this week for…

1011.  Phenomenal testimony of God’s grace, bringing lost souls into Your kingdom of light

1012.  Little one on my chest sleeping

1013.  Boys working with Precious husband

1014.  Pulling up bushes, landscaping yard

1015.  Two boys (helpful son and fun son) rounding up escapee livestock

1016.  Answered prayer

1017.  Safety during stormy weather

1018.  House moving to farm, one level at a time

1019.  Precious husband and sensitive son building a dog bed together

1020.  Princess daughter practicing photography

Symphony of Grace

L.L. writes about inclusion in chapter 8 of her book Stone Crossings.  I feel this ache.  The need to be accepted is deep inside.  Yet I have been  wounded and rejected and I have done the same to others. 

I cling tightly to these statements…"God is not discouraged by setbacks and complications.  He decided to put his heart in the center of the Israelite community…”  No matter how many times I put God off, leave Him out, He includes me.  His “Jesus heart” brings me in and I am no longer an outsider. 

I take her words from chapter 8 and continue weaving them into the tabernacle of my heart.   I doodle while the word weaving grows.  Her words here float and seem like music to me – a lovely melody.  I think it is from the joy of a heart fully loved, accepted, and included by the Father.

Chapter 9 deals with fear.  Fear of loss, death, the risk of following Jesus.  After this chapter I will not look at the story of Jonah the same way.  The music here starts tremulous and then crescendos…

running away from the Big God
in a kind of anti-quest
pocket all kinds of good intentions
Jonah faced the dragon anyway
reluctant prophet takes up proper quest
coexist with people who want to hurt people
would I share a cup of life
Jesus peace quest took him to the cross
Spirit, in my quest may love and grace
draw me onward

The rhythm of chapter 10 slows into a harmony brought on by the freedom to open the heart to love.  The joy of letting love inside and giving love out. 

rocky years tested our love
my love did not leave
believed I was worthy of
abandonment
risk of spring we choose
love of lovers set
secure
passionate, fiery dedication
gentle wooing combined
self-sacrifice
facing wilderness together
convinced I am
loveable
to the great I AM
split open deepest self
find a garden of delight

There are many more chapters between here and the end of this book.  Places she discovers gratitude, healing, forgiveness, heaven, and so much more.  She quotes Toni Morrison, “The function of freedom is to free someone else.”  I think L.L. fits the description she used of Anna “Like a morning bird, she spreads news to anyone who has ears to hear.” 

The stone path of her life sings together in a captivating song of brokenness and grace.  God orchestrates the events of her life and leads her along the bars bringing her to Himself.  Her words lead me to see the grace and mercy of God in my own life and in other around me.