Walking in her shoes {writing prompt}

If by sharing the things that are hard to speak of and the things that are deeply regretted we can help even one soul to turn to God and choose the right path, it will be worth overcoming the fears and speaking up.

I know what it's like to be ignorant and not know any better, yet at the time think that you know it all.  ("Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34)  God has given us amazing minds that, sadly, think they are smarter than he is.  How proud we become about all the things we have thought of.

I'm thinking back to my young adult life.  Thinking back to all of my reasoning and analyzing.  When I thought that I had the answers for all of the world's problems...not even realizing how much the world had affected (infected?) my thinking.  I was so LOST without God's Word.  So utterly, hopelessly lost.  It makes me sad to think about it.  And now I cling to what he says because he is so right in a world full of wrong.  I keep a tight grip because people with all of their thoughts and ideas...well...they change.  They are proud like I was and they think they have it all figured out apart from God.

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."  They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good... Psalm 14:1

I shared yesterday on Facebook that I have been thinking a lot about abortion.  I've been thinking, not only about the millions of helpless babies that are having their lives taken from them, but also of the mothers (and fathers) who live with the pain and regret of having done this.  Yet, there is healing with God.  God forgives when we confess.  Have you experienced how freeing that is?

We may never hear another soul speak of having had an abortion.  But these women are all around us.  They need to know that God will forgive them and that his love will heal them.  

We have to be careful that we don't get proud in our thinking.  We cannot think we are somehow better because we haven't done such things.  It is only by God's grace that we have been spared from the choices, the pressures and the desperate circumstances that many women face.  They need to know God.  They need to trust him with every decision and trust that he forgives the choices they have made apart from him.

"Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near;
let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, 
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, 
so are my ways higher than your ways 
and my thoughts than your thoughts."  Isaiah 55: 6-9

I have not had an abortion.  But that is only because of God's mercy in my life.  I was a woman who once believed that abortion was a quick and easy solution to a "problem".  I even live with the pain of having advised a woman to make this choice.  How much more pain women must experience who have chosen to end the life of their own child?  I thank God that woman did not listen to me.  That would be an even greater grief to bear.  Why am I telling you all of this?  Why am I sharing these things that choke me up and make the tears well up as I am typing?

Because God is real.  My beliefs about him run deep.  It's not just that I am "religious" now.  It's not just that I "go to church" now.  God has changed my heart!  Completely!  I am praying with all my heart this morning that hearts would be turned to him and that women would see that abortion is not a solution.  It creates problems that cut deep into the heart and soul of a mother who once carried her baby within her own body.  It has profound consequences that will never be forgotten.

It grieves me to think of who I once was.  To think that I thought the way I did.  But I am also encouraged.  Because I know that God is powerful.  I know that he can take a rebellious and foolish people and show them the light and beauty of his Word...of himself.

May God change the hearts of a people made in his own image.  May they turn to him in genuine repentance and receive his mercy and forgiveness.

I know I needed it.

Desperately.

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So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.  Genesis 1:27

You shall not murder.  Exodus 20:13

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.  Psalm 127:3

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6


Linking up for the writing prompt here: http://www.ellenstumbo.com/walking-in-her-shoes/

Speak up {writing prompt}

Have you ever heard it said that "If you don't stand for something you'll fall for anything"?  I can remember how much that quote resonated with me as a new believer.  I could look back over my life to that point and see that there was much that I had fallen for.  It's like that when the supposed truth only goes as far as your opinions.  You see, I had things that I stood for, but I didn't have an unchanging rock to cling to when the winds of change would blow my understanding of the world around me right out of the water.

I would pick and choose what suited me.  In one circumstance, something might seem very wrong but in a different circumstance...maybe not so much.  It was all up to me and what I thought about it at the time.  That is how it is when you answer to no one but yourself.  You can adjust the boundaries as you see fit and fool yourself into thinking you are doing just fine because you fit between the lines of your own making.

It became quite a different thing when I turned to Christ for salvation.  But not just that...you see, sometimes people stop there.  They think "Great, I'm going to heaven, now let me get back to 'my life'."  But that kind of thinking fails to acknowledge that Christ is Lord.

Lord...King...Master...Ruler of all.  He who is willing and able to save our souls from perishing apart from him forever deserves our allegiance.  If we have truly turned to him that means that we have realized that we have a problem with sin and the holy Lamb of God has the only remedy.

There is a definite change in our lives when we align ourselves with the truth.  No longer is it easy to just blend in, be silent and go with the flow of what others are doing and saying.  No longer should the boundaries be moved in order to suit our own comforts and desires.  No, all of that changes when Christ is Lord.  We then become a citizen of a new kingdom.  We live for him.  The way that we live will be different now that we have his spirit within us and his truth to guide us.  Those who have not yet pledged their allegiance will not understand our devotion and surrender.

And there will be times when many around us will sit in comfortable complacency and if we truly believe what God has spoken in his Word we will have to take a stand.  There will be times when silence is something we cannot afford to keep.  Times when we must be clear about what God has said because Satan has been very active in muddying the waters.  And the sobering truth compels us because we realize that if we don't stand up many will fall.

Take courage.  He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.  Be a willing vessel for the truth of God to shine.  Your surroundings may be dark but that is where the light of his Word will shine the brightest...if you are willing to take a stand.


Linking up for the writing prompt here: http://www.ellenstumbo.com/speak-up/

The sun was brighter and so was her mood

I love to start the day by opening the curtains and the blinds and letting in all the sunshine I can get.  Not only does it warm and cheer up our home, but it also presents a golden opportunity to take some photos.  Although lately I have been experiencing a lot of dissatisfaction with my photographs.  I'll put it this way, these photos are the best of over 200 that I snapped from many different angles.  I have so much to learn about this wonderful piece of technology called a Nikon and I know that I have not even begun to scratch the surface.  This thing called light and how it affects my photos has me frustrated and intrigued all at once.  So let's just say that spending some time on photography tutorials is definitely on my agenda.  

These photos were taken just after Isabel had the pleasure of taking a bath--one of her absolute favorite things to do.  She is such a happy camper in tub of water with a cup and a washcloth.  That is all she needs.  It never fails to improve her mood.  I just love how blissfully happy she gets.

It was such a cold day today.  The freezing rain did not compel me to venture outdoors and thankfully I was able to stay inside where it was warm.  The only downfall was Isabel's grumpy demeanor.  She's been a little ill lately and today she cried even at times when she was being snuggled.  :(  That is rare indeed.  I probably should have given her a bath! Ha!

Hopefully tonight she will sleep well and recuperate.  As for the rest of us?  We're looking forward to chocolate pudding for dessert, one of the simplest and most delicious desserts in the world!  

Then, we'll snuggle under blankets on the couch to watch a movie.  One of the best things about it being so cold outside is being inside, warm and cozy with the ones you love.

When a heart's cry becomes a prayer

A little group of women gathered in the kitchen to talk.  Personal struggles and burdens were shared.  They spoke of one of the deepest heartaches a mother can experience...having a grown child that has gone their own way and turned from the Lord.

In some small way I felt the pain of these moms.  The anguish they have felt and still feel is something I have not experienced but I can only imagine how painful it is.

Which of us would take it lightly that the children we have carried within our very own bodies, and nursed and held and taught the way of righteousness have rejected the truth?  Honestly, it grieves me and frustrates me now when my children are small.  I see their foolish choices and I think "How childish" and I hope and pray that when they grow up they will be wiser.  It seems like a natural progression doesn't it?  As parents, we know the dangers, the consequences, the potential outcomes and we want to pass on what we know...

Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, 

for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.  

My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent...

Be not wise in your own eyes;

fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

Proverbs 1:8-10, 3:7-8

Isn't this the cry of every Christian parent's heart? 

I know that I cannot make my children into Christians.  I cannot force them to love God.  There is no transaction that can guarantee that if I do Y--X amount of times then my children will turn out wholeheartedly loving God.  God is working in hearts and drawing people to himself.  Yet each individual bears a personal responsibility.  As a parent, I point out the way and make it as clear as possible.  My children must choose for themselves how they will respond.  It is a path that I cannot make them walk.

So I can teach, I can train, my concerns may turn to worry and then back to trust that my Father loves them even more than I do...but in all of this do I fervently pray for them?

And this was something that I was becoming increasingly aware of before I stood there in the kitchen with these ladies.  The fact that if I am going to be praying for anyone at all, then God forbid I neglect to pray for my children.  And when one of the ladies spoke the words "We need to do more battle in prayer", they were just what I needed to hear.  Because sometimes, I get comfortable.  Everything seems to be going along just fine and it is easy to forget about the fact that this is serious business.  It becomes easy to judge only by what I can see and forget that Satan prowls about like a roaring lion seeking to devour us whole (1 Peter 5:8).  He is vicious and vile and he shows no mercy.

I know that I can be much more engaged in this battle.  Satan and even our own flesh would deceive us.  Some might scoff at all this talk about Satan and sinful hearts but Christians know better.  We know the sobering truth.  How seriously are we taking it today?

How great is our need for the power of God in our lives?!  How little are we seeking him and how small are our requests?

It is true that I cannot make my children love God, but I can go to my loving God and pray on their behalf.  He hears my prayers.  And I can be assured that I am engaged in the battle but ultimately it belongs to the Lord.

Remember to pray for your children today, that their hearts would be tender to the Lord and responsive to wisdom and truth.  Pray for other families in your church.  For the moms and dads that are striving to make teaching their children about God a priority and for those who need to strive more.  Pray for families that are enduring the heartache of watching their grown children turn from the purity of the gospel to follow after sin and selfishness.  It is not too late for their children to realize they have gone the wrong way and turn back.  With God there is ALWAYS hope, healing and forgiveness.  I'm sure all this has brought to your mind many burdens that you can bring before the Lord in prayer.

Join me? 

She inspires me {our daughter, Amera}

Amera is someone that often acquires skill by simply messing around with things.  She doesn't typically need a book or instructions.  And she is not too afraid or intimidated by new things.  She loves a good challenge and she enjoys figuring out how things work.  She has taught herself how to use computer programs.  She begins with a desire to learn how they work and then she "plays"  ;) .  This is her approach to most things in life.  I admire her fearlessness.  I think that sometimes I am too concerned that if I mess around I will create a problem that will be hard to fix.  More and more, I am learning to set those concerns aside and just go for it. She inspires me.  It just amazes me sometimes how she figures things out.  She reminds me so much of her dad.

Amera is very interested in computer animation.  She is an artist and loves to draw.  I remember when she was four years old and she filled a little sketch book with drawings that her mom and dad bragged about.  Now we brag even more!  Ha! :)  Seriously though, it's such a blessing to see the gifts that God has given her.

She drew the flower up there in my header.  Then she taught me how to add color to it on the computer.  I love this girl!  She loves to help me with these things too, which is really sweet of her.

Please pray that Amera will be sensitive to God's leading and direction in her life.  Pray that she will use her gifts to glorify God and that she will determine to develop her gifts as much as she possibly can.  We are beginning to look ahead a little bit, looking at potential colleges that she might attend.  Pray that Christ would always be at the center of her life and foremost in her affections.

"We love you Amera and we have already seen God's work in your life.  We trust that he has great things in store for you and look forward to it all with great anticipation.  Always remember that your gifts are from an amazing God who loves you deeply.  Use them all for his honor and glory and may he bless your efforts to serve him."

Asking big things of a great and loving God

Some of my favorite times are driving Amera to her piano lesson.  She sits next to me in the passenger seat and it is there that our hearts are often shared.  We talk about random things, pretty much whatever comes to mind.

On our most recent drive we spoke about her dreams for the future.  Attending college?  Taking online courses at home?  So many possibilities for the future.  So many hopes and dreams.  And somehow many of my hopes and dreams seem to be intertwined with hers.  At least at the present time as we look ahead to the future, anticipating God's perfect plan.

It's in times like these that we make the daring requests, we approach the throne of grace and ask a loving Father.  We reject the fears that well up...that somehow what he chooses to give us will not be enough.  We trust that he holds it all within his capable and purposeful hands.

Sometimes it can be hard to trust when God says no.  It is in times like those that I remind myself of his goodness.  Just thinking about it I realize that I could take my desire to do good to my children and multiply that by a million.  He desires to do good to us and for us!  I'm learning to be at rest in his loving embrace.

The healing of a deaf man made the tears well up

Sometimes we need to be asked the questions that really make us think about what we are reading.  It can be so easy to just gloss over it and move on, but treasure isn't often found so easily.  It takes thought, effort and searching.

I am one who needs to find answers to my questions.  I know that not all of them may be answered to my satisfaction but still I search.  I want to understand more about God and why his Son, Jesus, did things the way he did.

Sometimes the Bible Study questions are quick and easy...the answer is right there in the verse, word for word.  Other times you have to mull it over, read it again, think, pray, and if possible read commentaries from people who have already done all of the above.

The passage this morning was from Mark 7:31-37.  Here we read of how Jesus healed a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment.  This man's friends had brought him to Jesus and begged Jesus to lay his hands on him.  Jesus took this man aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue (can you imagine this with me?) Jesus then looked up to heaven, sighed and said to him "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened."

And the man's ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.

I have to admit I was already wondering why on earth Jesus did all that...and then I read the next question.

"Why do you think Jesus chose such a strange method of healing the deaf mute?"

We do think it's strange don't we?  And the more I thought about it the more I realized that I just didn't have an answer...

But what I read next made such perfect sense and made the tears well up in my eyes...

"All of these actions in verses 33 and 34 were miming the man's present need, the process of healing and the source from which such healing alone could come, in a way which even a deaf-mute could understand.

The blocked ears opened, the symbolic removal of a speech impediment from the tongue by spitting.  The upward glance and sigh of prayer..."

 [from Tyndale's commentary on the Bible]

I can't tell you how much that touched my heart this morning.  Just to imagine Jesus lovingly going through this process.  And it wasn't some weird thing.  What a beautiful and precious exchange between Jesus and this man.  It made my heart swell with love for my Savior.  Absolute love.


[The Bible study I am doing is called "Divine Service" by Betty Henderson, Journey Forth]

At the end of the day {writing prompt}

Sometimes I wonder how many opportunities I miss.  When I am tired, when I want to be alone, when I just want quiet...

I spend the day with frequent interruptions into "my time"(Please notice the quote marks).  I may be in the bedroom, the bathroom, when I'm on the phone, when I'm on the computer, even when I'm not at home.  So often there are people in need.  Most of the time they are small children who have questions, or they have problems and need my help.  And this is what mommies do.  Yes, I know this is in my "job description".  But I am not always in the mood to fulfill the role.

Sometimes I am a bit irritable.  Sometimes internally stewing and thinking "What do they need now?"  Sometimes my frustration shows with an exasperated "What is it?"  And it's in those moments that I know I am not reflecting the love of God.

It think it is some sort of phenomenon that whenever I get even the slightest bit involved in an activity that requires concentrated thought, one of my children come to me and start asking questions.  Just when I think I have a perfect little opportunity to do something, because everyone else is occupied with other things, I seem to attract attention when I get involved in something.  It almost never fails.  And while I can teach my children to be considerate and mindful of others...I too need a dose of that love.

Sometimes, as a mom, a wife, and a servant of God I have to drop what I am doing.  I have to let go of my plans.  Even if they are things I need, like rest.

It amazes me when I read about Jesus and his disciples in Mark.  In the past couple of weeks, I have been thinking about the account in Mark 6:30-44 when the apostles had returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught as they had labored for God.  And Jesus said, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while."  And we read that they were so busy that they hadn't even eaten yet!  So they were going away on a little boat ride to that desolate place...maybe thinking "Ahhhh sweet refreshment awaits!"  Time to just be alone and relax and reflect and regain energy.  Jesus knew they needed that and he knows we need it too.  But sometimes we don't get it in the way we plan to.

Many people saw them going away on the boat and ran ahead of them on foot.  Can you imagine reaching shore and finding thousands of people there waiting for you?  You know, it reminds me of opening a door and seeing a child standing there with a problem just for me to solve and I'm thinking "Really?, do we have to deal with this now?"  But the needs that faced them that day were many and they were great.

You know something wonderful though?  It is in this very context that Jesus teaches them a huge lesson about ministering to others and he miraculously feeds over five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish.  It seems that just as they may have thought they had reached their limit, God had plans to do something amazing.  The apostles saw a bunch of people who needed to eat, but Jesus had compassion because they were like sheep without a shepherd.  He actually took the opportunity to teach them and he did not send them away as the apostles had suggested.

What an example for me to not get exasperated, impatient or irritable but to trust that God knows my need and he will meet it when he sees fit.  Sometimes I will have to exhaust myself in serving.  I shouldn't gripe about it.  Instead, I should recognize that God desires to work through me to minister to the needs he places before me.  And by his grace and strength I can do what he requires.

Lord, deepen my love for others.  Give me more compassion as Jesus had.  Help me to remember that you know more than anyone how much I need time alone and to trust that you will give it in your time.  Help me to labor for you with all that I am.


Linking up for the writing prompt here: http://www.ellenstumbo.com/at-the-end-of-the-day/

When you know you can give more

This momma has been dealing with some illness over the past couple of weeks.  It's been off and on again and I have missed church.  I have had days where I do the bare minimum...just surviving.  Days where I am barely awake and I barely have the energy to project my voice.  Lazy days...because sometimes that is what you need when you are sick.  

Now that I am well and the kids are well...it is back to business as usual.  There are many things that we are striving to get better at and be consistent with.  I went to bed last night and woke up this morning with a prayer in my heart to God for grace to meet the week.  There is much to accomplish and there are things that we have to start taking more seriously.  Do you ever feel like that?  Like you just have to get back on track? Or maybe you've never been on the track, you just know you need to get on it?

Life seems to be constantly changing and it affects our schedules.  Yet, as I evaluate the day to day I recognize that there are things that will begin to slip if I let them.  Like special time with my husband and kids.  I mean time when we are not busy cleaning house and doing schoolwork.  It takes effort sometimes.  It won't always fall into your lap.  I'm not saying we don't have these times, it's just that I want more of them.  I had the sweetest time last night with my little ones all piled in the recliner with me and reading stories before they went to bed.  I am trying to hold on to these moments.  

After we returned home from church last night and all of the children had gone into the house except for Isabel, I climbed into the back of the van and sat next to her there in her car seat.  It was dark and quiet out there and she was happily drinking her bottle and lifting her little feet into the air.  She really does not have to try very hard to be cute...it comes so naturally for babies doesn't it?  I held one of those precious little feet in my hands...she was wearing tights which is practically irresistible to me...and I rubbed her sweet little foot and I just thought about how small it was and how much I love her.  How quickly time seems to fly!  

My oldest will soon be seventeen and I can hardly believe it!  All of this gives me an even greater desire to be more diligent in teaching them about my Lord and God.  I can do more.  I know I can.  Sometimes the time comes to evaluate progress and regroup.  That is what I am doing this week.  I want to be more consistent with meeting with them as group, not just individually.

I feel there is so much I must give.  God has given so much for me how could I not?  

It's beautiful to me

I am the type that does not feel satisfied until a project is complete.  I am convinced it is a strength as well as a weakness.  The drive to finish certainly helps me to get things done, but it also makes me a little impatient when I have put things off because, well, life is happening...at full speed.  But once I have accomplished what I set out to do, it is so rewarding.

I am not posting these pictures because I expect you to be impressed with how amazing my room is.  It doubles as an office.  It's small.  It's a pretty ordinary place with cheap bookshelves and thrift store finds.  But I am just glad that God has taught me to rejoice in the blessings he has given me (it's been a work in progress) and to do my best to make this room a place that I want to linger in throughout the day. 

It's a place to have a quiet moment to regain some sanity...to slip in and and quietly close the door to pray a desperate plea to God for the grace and help not to totally blow it...to talk with my husband privately...to comfort and disciple my children.  I have taught school lessons while ironing at the same time.  This is definitely a room that is used all day and it really needed help!  I needed to feel at rest when I entered, not have my stress level rise.

Having art on my walls makes me feel a little more of a sense of order and also gives me more motivation to keep it that way.  I do a lot of laundry friends.  This is the place where the dreaded laundry will often be folded and then need to be put away.  It is my weakness and the thing I try to put off the most.  But there is nothing worse than hunting for a needed item when I am in a rush to go somewhere and I can't find it anywhere!  I want to experience that as little as possible.  It takes work and sometimes it seems like the laundry never ends and it feels so mundane!  But, as I keep teaching my kids, God has given us these responsibilities and meeting them is important and worthwhile.  

I am finding that the more I beautify my little spaces, the more I want to keep them that way.  I understand, this might not mean a thing to some, but it's meant a lot to me.  I spend a lot of time in them. ;)

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Some more details if you're interested...

~I bought the frames at thrift stores for six dollars or less and painted them.  I cut duck cloth to size.  I cut pieces of fabric and hot glued it to the duck cloth.  Very fun project.  You can find a picture of something you like online and use it as a guide for cutting pieces of fabric.  Lowe's sells paint in sample sizes which is perfect for painting frames.

~I bought a king-sized sheet at a thrift store for three dollars.   I strategically used the seams that were already there so that I would have less sewing to do.  I bought linen at Walmart and sewed a strip on the outer edge of each panel, it helped to make them bigger and I love linen so it was perfect.

~I used the same fabrics from the curtains and the wall art to make the pillow cover.

~The duvet cover, as I mentioned in another post, is made from two queen-sized sheets that I sewed together, also thrift store finds!

I really didn't have to spend much money and it was so fun to do!

Enjoy the rest of your Saturday!  God's blessings abound!

Delighting in her {a letter to Isabel}

Dear Isabel, 

I loved how excited you were to sit at the piano with your big sister.  As soon as she pulled you onto her lap you played on those keys for all you were worth.  Your little hands and fingers pressing on them and the more sound you made, the more exciting it was for you.  And though the sound isn't at all melodic, I endure it for the sake of watching you there.  I love to see the joy on your face when you press a key and (gasp) out comes a sound!  

You are such a delight to us all.  The way you reach out with your little arms to give us hugs and little kisses too.  You are so full of love.  Yet, why is it that you scrunch up your face and give a mean look at seemingly random moments?  I have to wonder if you know how mean it looks.  I love your smile so much more!

Your favorite place lately is mommy and daddy's bed.  You burst with excitement if someone lifts you up onto it and stays with you (making sure you don't fall off the edge!).  You crawl around and make happy sounds.  You stand up and throw yourself back onto pillows and say "Whoa!" in the cutest little voice.  I admit, it's actually a little therapeutic for me too.  Especially when you crawl as fast as you can and come and bury your face into my arm like there is no place you'd rather be.  I feel the same way in that moment, Isabel.  I love you so much.

Love, Mom

Why I write {writing prompt}

My desire to write is very strong.  I daydream about it, I long for it, I look forward to it.  Putting my thoughts into words makes me happy.  

When at first I begin to form words with my pen or with clacking keys, I do not always know where I will end up.  At least, not at first.  But once I set out on the course, it's like a gate opens up for me.  It is so exciting to feel as though I am running through that gate toward my prize.  It is a feeling of victory as the words I am longing to communicate freely flow.

Each post, to me, is like a mini-masterpiece.  Not trying to sound boastful, just being honest.  Yes, I am sure that I make my share of grammatical mistakes and that my writing is not without it's flaws and annoying quirks.  I will probably never be considered an amazing writer or have an impact on the lives of thousands...but even just one life?  That is what keeps me going sometimes.

You see, for a large portion of my life I have influenced people in ways that were not good for them or for me.  It is something that grieves me now in very profound ways.  The choices that we make in life are a tremendous responsibility we must bear...whether we realize it or not.  Yes, there is forgiveness in Christ and yes, there is cleansing when we turn to him but the lives of others are influenced in ways that we cannot erase.

All that to say I have a passion for the truth to be made known.  The truth about who God is, what he has done and what he is doing.  And part of what he is doing, wonder of wonders, is actually within my very own heart.  Maybe, just maybe, something He has taught me will encourage someone else along the way.  

I really do enjoy writing (blogging) but it does take a level of sticktuitiveness (I think that's a word! ;) to keep at it.  It is a commitment.  Sometimes writing is not always like charging through the opened gate at full speed.  Sometimes I am nowhere near the gate and it takes days to figure out how to get there. 

It is only because I love writing and because I love to share my heart that I continue to keep my eyes open--searching for that gate and running as fast as I can when it opens up for me.  To me, that is one of the most amazing experiences ever.

Linking up for the writing prompt here: http://www.ellenstumbo.com/why-i-write/

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{P.S.  I really, really want to focus more on photography 

and have more fun with my camera.  I'm making plans...} ;)

When the home and the heart need help

It's Saturday morning.  I have already had my coffee.  I hear birds tweeting outside my window while the inside of my house is quiet and still.  I am amazed that everyone still sleeps.  This is unusual at 7am, but I will take a little extra quiet time any day.

I am finally coming to a point where I am satisfied with the way my home is organized.  I have enjoyed giving our home an overhaul, not only functionally but also aesthetically.  My biggest endeavor was to make my (and my husband's of course!) bedroom a pleasant place.  A place that is beautiful and a joy to enter.  

It took a lot of work, let me tell you.  My bedroom has been the "catch all" for far too long in this little house.  There were times when I would just cry in frustration and feel like I would not be able to survive in this small space much longer.  But I decided to stop thinking that I "needed" more space and pray to God instead.  I asked him for help, wisdom, and creative solutions and I am feeling super happy that he has given me what I desperately asked for.  I'm still doing a few finishing touches, so maybe when I finish I'll share some pictures.  Sorry, I didn't take any before pictures, but I think the way it was is better left a distant memory...

Our home is not the only thing that needs help.  We are feeling the daily need for grace, encouragement and strength from God.  We have things we have to change, move around, get in order, and throw out.  It is a constant work in progress.  You're never just "set" for life.  New things come in and you have to decide where they fit and if they should be kept.  You have to consider if it is crowding out other, more important things.  

All that to say, I am trying to take a more intent look at how our days are spent and see if God may want us to redirect some of our energy.  Especially now that I am nearing the end of "intense project mode". ;)

Today is a day for bringing some of those projects to completion, having some fun together as a family, baking apple pie with the kids, a little coffee date with my husband, and getting everything ready for an exciting day of worship at church tomorrow.  

Now to snuggle between my little kiddos on the couch and watch a Saturday morning movie!

Have a blessed weekend friends!