Held By Him

~ I Am Not Alone! ~

2007-10-16T22:41:00.000-04:00

I don't think this needs much introduction or comments, except, glad to see that I am not alone :~)

Warning, if you are a mom, have a mom, or, know a mom, do not watch somewhere that you can not laugh out loud, 'cause, I promise you will!

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He Wants to Be Our Everything

2007-10-05T09:23:00.000-04:00

What keeps you from Jesus?

Money....
Food....
Gossip....
Friends...
Fear....
Pride....
Family....
Children....
Schedules....

**If you are receiving this by email, click here to view video

~ Don't Miss Your Promised Land ~

2007-09-13T08:26:00.000-04:00

So, there is a For Sale sign in our front yard....without a "Sold" sign on top.......and, my husband leaves for Houston in 4 days.

We believe this move is the Lord's plan for us ~ He has answered many prayers and opened doors that we understood as "the next stone" for us to step on.

However, here it is, time for my husband's new job to start, and, I am staying here..... just.....waiting for the Lord to move in the area of the housing market.

Although our house has been on the market for only 3 weeks, I went in somewhat of a panic Tuesday. It was one of those "What in the world are we thinking?" kind of days that was tearful and frustrating. I really felt as if either I'd misread the Lord's guidance, or Satan was doing a number on my faith factor.

I questioned my faith ~ or, perhaps my lack of it. I questioned if God really would move ~ after all, I don't deserve it. I feared His timing was wrong ~ maybe He forget about the house needing to sell as part of this plan.

Wednesday morning, after a day of literally wrestling with the Lord, in His powerful and "get your act together" kinda way, the Lord reminded me what our lack of faith can do.....

He reminded me of when Moses was told to speak to the rock and then the water would flow, but, Moses hit the rock instead ~ perhaps thinking the Lord needed help in His work. And, as a result of his lack of faith, trust and obedience, Moses was forbidden to go into the Promised Land! (Numbers 20:6-12)

I wonder how many "Promised Lands" we don't get to see because of our lack of faith, trust and obedience.....

If MOSES, the one who saw the glory of the Lord pass by, one of the super heroes of our faith, missed out on a blessing because of His doubt, man, I know I've been passed up on lots!!!

Doesn't that give you a great gut-check? It sure does me. What a powerful story full of lessons and significance. Who are we? Where were we when He created the world? Yeah, we sure ain't much ~ how could we even begin to think we know best!

We must remember that His ways are best, period. His action ~ His silence. His timing ~ His waiting. His molding ~ His holding. His construction ~ His destruction. His mountains ~ His valleys. And, His love ~ His peace.

May you have enough faith to simply speak to that mountain instead of hitting it ~ He has so many Promised Lands waiting for us, if we only have the faith, trust and obedience to see it.

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." ~ Deuteronomy 31:8

"He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he." ~ Deuteronomy 32:4

Perfect Submission, Perfect Delight

2007-08-12T14:47:00.000-04:00

Hearing that my dad had an aneurysm in a cardiac artery and will need bypass surgery was a moment of panic for me...

What will happen to him?
What if the surgery doesn't go well?
How is my mom going to handle this?
How will I care for my mom while caring for my family, and getting ready to move?
How is my dad doing right now?
Is he scared? Does he know what is wrong?
How well will he heal?
How will I tell my kids?

I called my friends for prayer, hopped in the car to get lunch for my kids and felt my usually optimistic spirit spiraling into a panic....

Then I turned the radio on and Blessed Assurance by Third Day was just starting ~ which brought the flood of tears :~)

For the next few hours, through all the moments of fear and questions that song stuck with me. I'd drive down the road, fold laundry and pass out Hot Pockets while singing the song.

Then, the next day, I got into the elevator, singing as I had for hours, and, caught myself say "Perfect Submission, Perfect Delight"

WOW ~ now, that's the kind of child I want to be to my Jesus!!

In my complete and perfect submission to Him, I will find complete and perfect delight in Him, regardless of what happens in my world

Those 4 little words got me through the next week with a sense of overwhelming peace and amazing strength........I now add "Perfect Submission, Perfect Delight" to my list of mantras and words to live by.

And, as I pulled off the freeway to pick my dad up and bring him home, guess what came on the radio? Yep, Blessed Assurance! Ain't God good! (Of course, my speakers may never be the same after jamming, really loud, to "Perfect Submission, Perfect Delight"! :~)

May you find yourself singing and praying "Perfect Submission, Perfect Delight" as you go through your day and face whatever He has placed before you!

**********************

Blessed Assurance by Fanny Crosby 1873

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Chorus
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Chorus
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.

Perfect submission, all is at rest
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Chorus
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.

A Call to His Prayer Warriors

2007-07-28T09:08:00.000-04:00

I created this blog, at the encouragement of my brother, who, I must say, has the gift of words that I could only begin to pray for!

And, throughout the infrequent posting, I have tried to be honest, open, and, an encouragement to others like me, who are just trying to do the best they are able, and, in some way, make the Lord proud.

I have struggled with whether to, and, how to, create this next post ~ but, I believe, as His children, we must share in our sorrows, joys, struggles, and, victories.....so, I am passing on a prayer request that has become a passion for so many world-wide.

My brother first contacted me a couple weeks ago with a "you're a nurse, so, I've got a question" call, then, shortly the calls became "would you pray" calls, and, now, through him, I find myself becoming wrapped up in Stefans journey, even though I live hundreds of miles away.

In short, Stefan, is one of my brother's friends who is a father of 3, and, just like us, living a life with the desire to serve Him. And, within the last couple weeks, he has been told he has stage 4 colon cancer ~ what a blow to a young father and husband.

You can read about Stefan and his journey here, and, read a great post here to see the amazing support he is receiving.

The internet can bring His prayer warriors together to see some mighty miracles, and, we will NEVER know the difference this gathering of His children will make. So, if you feel led, join with me in praying for this family, and, this road He has set before them. I believe mighty things will happen through this, and, the Lord will be glorified!

A Running Partner for All

2007-06-11T09:21:00.000-04:00

I just finished watching another video at my brother's blog, and ended up in tearful prayer.

Although this video shows a dad helping his son ~ I find myself praying that I can be that kind of support to anyone who needs it in my life.

My parents ~ as they face another chapter in their lives, I pray I can be there to help them see the beautiful road they have traveled and somehow show them the many lives they have touched for Him

My husband ~ as the day to day can get so stressful and being a man of God in today's world is not easy, I pray I can cheer him on, pray Him through, and be a shoulder to lean on

My children ~ as they are just starting their race and have many amazing miles to run, I pray I can be support when needed, let go when it's time and an example of running the race for Him.

My brother and friends ~ as we do life together in all its wonder and pain, I pray I can be the one to run with them when all is well and walk with them when the road gets difficult and rocky

He put us together on this earth, and, we were created to run it with each other supporting, encouraging and loving each step of the way. I pray I can be the running partner He created, and, others need me to be!

Why?......For You

2007-05-22T08:59:00.000-04:00

Why? ~ Nicole Nordeman

We rode into town the other day, just me and my Daddy.
He said I’d finally reached that age, and I could ride next to him
on a horse that of course was not quite as wide
We heard a crowd of people shouting and so we stopped to find out why
There was that man that my dad said he loved,
but today there was fear in his eyes

So I said Daddy why are they screaming?
Why are the faces of some of them beaming?
Why is he dressed in that bright purple robe?
I bet that crown hurts him more than he shows
Daddy please can’t you do something?
He looks as if he’s going to cry
You said he is stronger than all of those guys-
Daddy please tell me why, why does everyone want him to die?

Later that day the sky grew cloudy and Daddy said I should go inside
Somehow he knew things would get stormy, boy was he right
But I could not keep from wondering if there was something he had to hide
So after he left I had to find out, I was not afraid of getting lost
So I followed the crowds to a hill where I knew men had been killed
And I heard a voice come from a cross:
And it said :

Father why are they screaming?
Why are the faces of some of them beaming?
Why are they casting their lots for my clothes?
This crown of thorns hurts me more than it shows
Father, please can’t you do something?
I know that you must hear my cry
I thought I could handle a cross of this size,
Father remind me why, why does everyone want me to die?
When will I understand why?

My precious Son, I hear them screaming.
I’m watching the face of the enemy beaming,
but soon I will clothe you in robes of my own.
Jesus this hurts me much more than you know
But this dark hour I must do nothing.
I’ve heard your unbearable cry—
The power in your blood destroys all the lies,
soon you’ll see past their unmerciful eyes.
Look there below see the child trembling by her father’s side.
Now I can tell you why, she is why you must die.

And, with that, I don't think I will say much more ~ You are why He had to, and choose to, die
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(See a video)
(See a video along with the words)
(See a video set to The Passion of the Christ scenes ~ this is hard to watch though)

Lookin' the Part

2007-04-23T07:48:00.000-04:00

This weekend, my 9 year old's teeth came into contact with my 11 year old's leg ~ and, now, well, I am seeing many trips to the dentist in my future!

After calming him down and clearing up the bleeding, I can not begin to describe the sinking feeling in my heart as I took a good look at his adult teeth ~ with 2 loose and 7 chipped, his poor mouth looked like one that belonged to a NHL Player.

We were teasing my son because he does so want to be a hockey player ~ in fact, he was almost proud of his new "Hockey Dude" mouth ~ he ran around showing the neighbors and he even posed with his hockey stick for a picture! Now, he actually looks the part of what he is striving to be.

As I got ready for bed that night, I was praying my heart out ~ I just couldn't believe such a thing happened to potentially change how my child would look for the rest of his life.

Then, man, I just love the Lord's ways! He spoke to me loud and clear :)

My precious child, sometimes I must bring trauma into your life to make you "Look the part". Those moments brought you farther down the path of the woman I created, and who you are striving, to be.

Wow ~ and, isn't that the truth? I can sure point to some times when I hurt so badly that all I really was able to do was sit at His feet and trust in Him. Yet, in a weird way, I thank Him for the trama because I know I "Look the part" more now as a direct result of those moments.

Is He bringing some traumatic things in your life? Are you not sure why the pain? Is this situation going to forever change how your life will look? Are you wishing for yesterday? Does the future look so different than how you believe it should? Could it be for the purpose of making you "Look the part"? Sit at His feet, trust in Him, and, let Him do what needs to be done.

Lord, I pray my son's mouth is a gentle reminder to me that you are always working to bring us closer to what You created us to be. May I trust You in the trauma, give You all the glory in the molding, and, make You proud as I strive to be "Lookin' the Part"

Easter Undoes What We Have Become

2007-04-04T20:16:00.000-04:00

My friend sent me one of those emails with 20 questions you are supposed to answer and then return to them ~ I never ever fill those out ~ who has the time? However, since this came from a dear friend from the city where I used to live, I figured I'd send it back to say "hi".

A couple of the questions really struck me ~ here are a few, along with my answers....

* IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Wow ~ I think so.....I hope so, but not sure
* DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? No ~ wish I had more inner strength to be more to more people
* WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOU? Physical ~ my weight and Spiritual ~ that I fail Him so often
* WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Yesterday as I watched a video clip on my brother's blog with the passion of the Christ scenes ~ He did that for ME!

As Easter nears, I am finding myself in such humble awe that He would go to the cross for me. The one who fails Him daily....The one who will never seem to get "it" right ~ and, I have lots of "its"....The one who is quick to snap at my son as he still forgets how to find the perimeter of a rectangle, yet is slow to snap at myself for letting that certain sin slip in, again.... The one who in no way deserved the sacrifice of the Perfect Lamb.

Yet, everytime, as I again sit at His feet in complete surrender of my will and asking for forgiveness, He just holds me, loves me and sets me on my way again. Now, That's MY King!!

As Undo, from Rush of Fools, just played, I turned it up really loud (sorry to the neighbors) and had a few moments of worship
for a King...
who would become nothing...
for a woman...
who is nothing...
so she can become...
His Bride.

Because of Easter, He can and does undo what I have become!

Happy He Is Risen Easter to you all, and, be sure to know, and believe, that He suffered through Good Friday so YOU can have an Easter!

Undo lyrics by Rush of Fools
See the Undo video

I've been here before, now here I am again
Standing at the door, praying
You'll let me back in
To label me a prodigal would be
Only scratching the surface of who I've been known to be

(Chorus)
Turn me around pick me up
Undo what I've become
Bring me back to the place
Of forgiveness and grace
I need You, need Your help
I can't do this myself
You’re the only one who can undo
What I've become

I focused on the score, but I could never win
Trying to ignore, a life of hiding my sin
To label me a hypocrite would be
Only scratching the surface of who I've been known to be

(Chorus)
Turn me around pick me up
Undo what I've become
Bring me back to the place
Of forgiveness and grace
I need You, need Your help
I can't do this myself
You’re the only one who can undo
What I've become

Make every step lead me back to
The sovereign way that You

(Chorus)
Turn me around pick me up
Undo what I've become
Bring me back to the place
Of forgiveness and grace
I need You, need Your help
I can't do this myself
You’re the only one who can undo
What I've become

The Passion of Our King

2007-04-02T08:19:00.000-04:00

As we begin what many call "Passion Week" may we find the time to focus on what that Passion meant and what it cost.

It is so easy to get caught up in the winter clothes to summer clothes switch, baseball practices and spring cleaning ~ before we know it, Easter will be here and, perhaps we never took the time to really dwell on how much He loves us, and, what an amazing King He is.

I have been guilty of that this season ~ As I sat in church yesterday it just hit me that Easter is here and I have not stopped to tell my children the story. Now, you can be sure that come next weekend, they will know how much He loved them and what His sacrifice meant.

My brother has this post that really says it so much better than I can ~ be sure to watch That's MY King a couple times this week with your family ~

May you find yourselves wrapped in His glory and grace this week!

~ GPS ~God's Perfect Steps ~

2007-02-25T18:19:00.000-05:00

Having just returned from vacation last night, I am staring at a extremely large pile of laundry and suitcases to unpack, so, thought I'd share something funny that happened this week ~ just to find an excuse to prolong my "I ain't doing nothing vacation" for a couple more hours :)

Since I am used to a my king sized bed, and, my own puffy blankets, I was awake each morning early ~ so, I snuck out to get fattening donuts that really should be eaten only on vacations.

For some reason one morning I got extremely turned around, and, ended up at an end of Williamsburg VA, that I had not seen and had absolutely no clue how to get to where I belong. And, the honest truth is......I had a GPS right there in the car with me, and, still had no idea where to turn!

I have to admit, I giggled to myself with each wrong turn and strange sight.......who gets lost when they have a little machine that will tell them when and where to turn???!!!! Only I could boast such a feat ~ I still smile now at the thought.

As I sat at a stop light, feeling very tempted to just push a button on that machine and see what would happen, I found myself thinking of all the times I was so lost, unsure where to go, and, the Lord's guidance was right there ~ all I had to do was reach out and trust His Lead. And, I prayed that I be more aware of His GPS and less trusting of my own ways ~ 'cause, they just don't seem to get me where I need to be.

When I finally made it home, just in time to wake myhusband up for a conference call, laughing so hard at myself I could barely tell the story ~ my husband said, "Well, why didn't you just follow the GPS?" I could only answer that I had no clue how to use that thing and then agreed that I'd listen this time when he tried to show me.

God, may I find myself more willing to use your Perfect Steps guidance ~ they are the only way I will get where you want, and, MADE me to go

As Obvious as a 55-inch TV

2007-02-02T09:07:00.000-05:00

I will never forget the day my husband took me to the store to show me the big screen TV he wanted ~ In my mind I had, you know, a 30-some inch nice size TV ~ Never in a million years did I dream of a 55-inch monster! I was speechless as I stood beside that thing, surrounded by so many smaller, more beautiful TVs. But as I saw his face, like a kid getting a new bike Christmas morning, how could I say no?

And, I will definitely never forget that New Years Eve hearing the saw on my back porch. That was the sound of my husband and dad cutting the porch floor to make room in the entry-way to the basement to get that 55-inch monster in. All I could do was make chocolate chip cookies ~ They were cutting a hole in my home for a TV!!!

Then came the (sad and traumatic) realization that our new home's living room was big enough for that 55-inch monster. Of course that thing wouldn't need to go in the basement ~ he has a media room with a projector ~ now giving us full wall size viewing pleasure!!

As I called a friend yesterday to serve my condolences that she now has her own 55-inch monster in her living room (just in time for the Super Bowl of course) ~ I shared my frustration in decorating those things. I have yet to find a decorating idea in a Elegant Homes Magazine ~ Why? 'Cause big screen TVs are not home decor. They are not meant to be hidden or creatively masked. No matter what candles, ivy or pictures you try to surround these giants with, when you walk in a room.....they are obvious ~ not to be missed.

Last night, as I prayed, thanking the Lord for my friend, the big screen TV conversation came to mind ~ as well as a smile :) Then, it occurred to me.....Christ in me truly needs to be as obvious as a 55-inch monster in a living room.

When others are around me, do they see Christ in such a big way that He can't be missed? Or, do I do a master job at making Him just a part of the package ~ not really noticed unless one really digs deep or takes a good long look. In the case of my Savior, I WANT a monster size object in my living room. When others walk into my life, I Want Him to be as obvious as a 55-inch TV.

So, now I am kinda excited about my husband's TV in my living room. I can make that big screen TV an object of reminder for a spiritual gut-check ~ Is Christ the 55-inch Monster in my life ~ I sure pray so!!

~ He's Gonna Be Worth It ~

2007-01-27T15:49:00.000-05:00

In the last couple weeks I have seen 2 very dear Christ Loving Sister's lives and hearts be broken by other's sin in ways that some of us can only begin to dream in nightmares. As I have cried with and stood beside them, I have had to keep my eyes on Him and His Ways.

And, as I was listening to the XM Satellite this week, I heard such a beautiful song that can speak what I so wish I could say as perfectly...... Oh, imagine, to see His face ~ all things of this earth will be forgotten, and, at that moment, all that we will see is Him and His Love ~ THAT will make it ALL worth it!

The sight of Your face
Is all that I need
I will say...You're gonna be worth it!!

I don't understand Your ways

Oh but I will give You my song

Give You all of my praise

You hold on to all my pain

With it You are pulling me closer

And pulling me into Your ways

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Now around every corner

And up every mountain

I'm not looking for crowns

Or the water from fountains

I'm desperate in seeking, frantic believing

That the sight of Your face

Is all that I need

I will say to You

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It's gonna be worth it

It's gonna be worth it all

I believe this

It's gonna be worth it

It's gonna be worth it all

I believe this

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

You're gonna be worth it

You're gonna be worth it all

I believe this

You're gonna be worth it

You're gonna be worth it all

I believe this

(lyrics to Worth It All by Rita Springer)

~Look How Far You've Come Baby!

2007-01-20T08:29:00.003-05:00

Unbound and Unharmed....they came out of the fire....The fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed... (Daniel 3:25B-27B)

The men who were cast into the fiery furnace came out as they went in - except their bonds. That is the way Christians should come out of furnace trials - liberated from their bonds, but untouched by the flames. (Mrs. Charles E. Cowman)

As I spent some time with someone I love dearly yesterday, there were words coming from their mouth that were stinging to the core. While I am not sure they realized the piercing impact of those particular accusations, it still didn't matter ~ I just wanted to leave the situation and return to the safety and security of my home. I was hurt, and, angry beyond expression, and, just had to sit, unable to express my thoughts.

However, in a very weird way, it was also almost encouraging to me to realize "How far I've come baby". A few years ago those words from anyone, but particularlly that individual, would have shattered me to tears and devestation. I would have beaten myself up for not being good enough, not doing enough, not giving enough, and, dug even deeper to give more at the sacrifice of my family and myself. ~ but, I think I have been in a furnace these last years, and, perhaps a few bonds were left behind. ~ I question if a few hairs were maybe singed though :)

For the remaining evening and throughout the night I wrestled with whether those words were true ~ And, beautifully, very much unlike my personality, I consistently found myself strong and confident enough in my Lord's love and guidance that I could box the words up and put them in the "You are doing OK ~ Just Abide in Me Corner".

And, this morning as I flipped my little calender over, one of my favorite pages, as written above, was for January 20th! In fact I used that page in a post last year :)

I so deeply believe He has each trial as a tool to strengthen us and mold us. While I know that is such a "Christian Answer" to one who is struggling, it is a such the "Christian Experience" from those who are living for Him.

Hang in that furnace ~ Let Him, protect you from the flames, yet, do His work, and, He will heal your wounds as only our Creator can.

And, when you begin to step out of the furnace, you will, oddly enough, find yourself thanking Him for the flames He created and bonds He removed even more than for the protection He provided.

Thanks to His furnace and protection ~ You've come a long way Baby!

~Someone is Missing at Christmas~

2006-12-19T09:07:00.000-05:00

I know there have been many searching for the words to "Someone is Missing at Christmas" and come to this site ~ However, since I made that post last Christmas, you gotta search through the archives to find them.

So, to those of you Missing Someone at Christmas, here are the powerful lyrics you are in search of. You can learn more about the story behind the song at Anne Cochran's site.

Also, since I am really working on "unbusying myself" this season, I'm gonna cheat for the rest of December and link to last December's posts :) I know there are many new readers that were not a part of Held By Him or Scrapbookers Bubble Bath this time last year ~ man is that exciting and humbling for me!!!!

Have a BEAUTIFUL and CHRIST FOCUSED Christmas ~ and, thanks for blessing my life!

~ Run to His Manger ~

2006-12-04T08:32:00.000-05:00

Now that most of the rooms in the house have been painted to our liking, I have sewed, or at least purchased the material for all the windows, and, my husband's work party is over, I am finally ready to decorate for Christmas!!

While the kids were asleep, the first thing I put out was one of my favorite Nativity sets.

And, when my daughter came down the next morning, as she was peeking her little head around the corner, out of the corner of her eye, she saw the Nativity.

With the excitement that many of us adults have lost for this time of year, she RAN to the front of the Nativity, and knelt with a presence of awe and amazement.

As I watched her sitting at the feet of His Manger, I prayed that I would find myself running to His Manger this Christmas.

We know we must strive to make the hustle and bustle not over-shadow the celebration of this Holy Time ~
We know that we should be decorating with the attitude of "Celebrating His Birth" and not with the intent to make our house the most beautiful on the cul-de-sac ~
We know the gifts are about showing our love not the size of our wallets ~
We know there are too many that are too lonely or in too much pain this time of year ~
We know that He so beautifully, yet humbly, came to give us the gift of eternal life ~

Yet, do we really stop and kneel at His Manger in complete worhip and praise? Do we truly grasp the loving hands of this Precious Holy Gift?

I have to admit that after seeing my daughter that morning, I put less decorations up this year, I made my to do list smaller, and I have been in a state of awe and praise for my Saviors birth.

That tiny manger has a gift that my words will never begin to explain, and that world will never fully grasp.

I so pray I can bring my family to His Holy Feet this Christmas.

Come, Let Us Run to His Manger, and, ADORE Him!

~ "Just Be Jesus" ~

2006-11-10T19:07:00.000-05:00

I am convinced that one of my sons was put on this earth to either make me a better person, or, send me to an early grave! :) This is the same son that I wrote about in He'll Just Fix It. If nothing else, I know he gives me good stuff to ramble about.

Most importantly, he has given my heart such a precious peek into Jesus' love, frustration, and patience with me.

Last week was a very difficult week for him being able to complete his homework and chores. I found myself repeating over, and over, and over again ~ to a point, that I was so frustrated, I am sure my face was cartoon style beet red with steam coming from my head.

All I could think was my fearful thoughts of 'he would never do well in junior-high school', 'would never be responsible', 'will not be ready to accept more teenage roles', and on and on.

As I stomped, I mean, walked upstairs, venting in my mind thoughts that I am very glad my poor child couldn't hear, I was put right in my place......I humbly felt the Lord say,

"And, how many times have I told you what to do, yet you don't?"
"Don't you think you need to 'pay more attention' to Me?"
"How often have I had to repeat myself, giving you 3rd, 10th, and 25th chances?"
"If you only knew the number of times I have thought to myself 'If she'd only listen the first time' "
"You weren't ready for the responsibility to be a mother ~ yet, I trusted you, stayed with you, guided you, and, supportted you"

Well, I found myself having to ask for major forgiveness for my attitude and unkind responses to my child. And, instead of venting about, I began praying for my son to get on A on the test I had so unkindly put in front of him.

And, everytime my thoughts drifted to the panic of "Lord, what am I gonna do?" ~ I just heard Him patiently respond "Just be Me".

Amazingly, as I have strived to "Just be Jesus" to my son over the past few days, I have found his behavior and schooling improving! Every time he has not done what I believed he should have done, instead of spouting off or telling him what he did / did not do, I have just stopped, and literally thought "Just be Jesus".

Sometimes we must be reminded that we really are all just His children full of ADD, rebellion, insecurities, and incapabilities ~ Yet, we succeed in His calling because He stands beside us and "Is Just Jesus" to us.

Lord, forgive my failings as a parent and your child ~ I pray I can be more like You and less like myself to my precious 4 gifts you have entrusted to me.

~ Which Home Do I Create? ~

2006-10-20T09:34:00.001-04:00

No posts in a long while ~ I am so sorry! Just trying to unpack all these boxes :)

However, here is a "Which Home Do I Create" post I made in Faithbooking Inspirations that would be appropriate here too ~ Hang with me just a little longer ~ Everyone has most their toys and clothes unpacked, but, where in the world is my Mixer? :)

~ A Full Transformation ~

2006-09-05T22:51:00.000-04:00

Butterflys have become a highlight of our summers as they come to soak in the sun on our butterfly bushes. Even though we see as many as 15 at a time in our yard, I am touched to see the excitement that wells up within the kids as they watch one of His most amazing creations.

We have captured 2 caterpillars and put them in jars to watch their transformation into butterflys. We watched in complete amazement as each of them spun their cocoon, looking forward to the time they would reveal the beauty He created within them. However, neither one of them made it to the "butterfly stage". One died before it was able to complete the cocoon ~ one day it just stopped working, and, died. And, the other was so close - the cocoon was completed, yet, it just never became a butterfly.

As I was looking at this jar of a stagnant cocoon, I found myself praying that I never be like that caterpillar ~ So close to the beautiful creature He created me to be, yet unable to fully reach my potential because I am stuck in a cocoon that I created. Over the last few days I have thought a lot about that caterpillar and prayed about the limits that I place on myself because I am unable, or perhaps unwilling, to fully trust and grow in Him. I know I have created my own cocoon of limits created by my fear, insecurity, and hurt. And, if I let myself remain stagnant, and bound by those threads I will never be able to bust out, free and at peace, flying securly and beautifully for Him.

He has such unimaginable plans for us ~ each of us are transformed butterflys just waiting to be released ~ we only need to let Him complete the process. So, take a look at the cocoon you have created around yourself. A stagnant cocoon is so close, yet, so far to the creature's full potential. You may be surprised at the beauty waiting to burst out within you!

~ His Designer's Touch ~

2006-08-25T05:17:00.000-04:00

We are moving in a few weeks = No posts on Held By Him + nothing new on Scrapbookers Bubble Bath + lots us unanswered emails :)

Wow, No one warned me buying a house would bring more sleepless nights than selling! I am up for the umpteenth night in a row planning colors, furniture, closet storage, and where I can hide my laundry between loads :) I have become a 'closer' at the local fabric store, a 'lurker' at the magazine rack at the local drug store, and, a 'regular' at the paint counter at the hardware store.

This morning, as I tried to figure out where in the world I was going to put my husbands seemingly 100 ft wide big screen TV, I had this beautiful thought....

I came to Christ as empty as my new house is. The walls of my life were bland and bare and my heart was as dirty as my new kitchen fridge, yet, my potential is unimaginable. Just as I can picture the beauty in my new home once I get my hands on it, He sees me not as others see me, but, as He planned for me to be.

We are each created with a blueprint of awesomeness, all we need do, is allow His Designing Hand access to our heart and life. And, as I look back over my life, I can see the beauty in His work and the love in His hands ~ my words can not begin to express the appreciation for the amazing makeover!

We can only begin to imagine the plans He has for us ~ A Designer's Touch that outdoes our wildest dreams. I pray I can daily be a life under construction that reflects His work and brings others to Him.

So, think of me as I try to make a "princess bedroom", a "baseball dugout bedroom", a "Steeler's football field bedroom", a "hockey, cooking and army bedroom" and, oh yeah, find someplace in my living room to fit that big screen TV :)

~ He is Beautiful ~ We are Forgiven

2006-08-05T23:27:00.000-04:00

The kids laugh at me ~ I am always finding a new "gotta turn it up for Mommy song". This is my latest, "Son of God by Starfield". Because He was so beautifully perfect, we can sing to Him, freed and forgiven. I'm not gonna say much more - I don't wanna ruin the song :)

Lyrics to Son of God ~ by Starfield

Son of God, shaper of the stars,
You alone, the dweller of my heart.
Mighty King, how beautiful You are,
how Beautiful.

Son of God, the Father's gift to us,
You alone, were broken on the altar of love.
Precious lamb, our freedom's in Your blood,
It's in Your blood.

Jesus, oh Holy One, I sing to You, forgiven.
Savior, I'm overcome with Your great love for me.

Son of God, strength beyond compare,
You alone, the darkness cannot bear.
Lord of all, Your kindness draws me near,
it draws me.

Son of God, prophecy of old,
You alone, redeemer of my soul.
Come again and lead Your people home,
come lead us home.

Jesus, oh Holy One, I sing to You, forgiven.
Savior, I'm overcome with Your great love for me.

You are worthy,
You are worthy,
You are worthy of all my praise.
You are beautiful (You are beautiful)
You are beautiful (so beautiful)
I will lift up my hands and sing. (I'll lift up my hand and sing.)

Jesus, oh Holy One, I sing to You, forgiven.
Savior, I'm overcome with Your great love for me.

~ Crazy Praisin' ~

2006-08-02T23:15:00.000-04:00

As I sat at the doctor's office this week, knowing that as the woman left, her silence was speaking volumes, I had such a beautiful experience ~ I can only try to put it into words as a prayer that we all can daily put such extreme faith and trust in Him.

When the test was over and she was 'going to show the doctor', I knew there was something suspicious. And, while for truly only one brief second I panicked and had tears, I just started praisin' Him right there in the office. Talkin' and prayin' out loud in such a way, that, had the nurse heard me, there would be a different kind of doctor coming.... with a white coat in hand :)

Lord, I love you. You are my rock, my fortress, my shield, my strength. You have never ever failed me. You have never left me. You are peace. You are power. You are the I am, the first and the last. The conqueror. I love you and, I put my complete trust in You. I follow you, and, you will lead. Together we will face today, tomorrow, and, one day, eternity. I praise you for all you have been and will be. You are my Father, my King, and my Savior. I face this with you holding me, and, loving me with your amazing grace. Jesus, You are so beautiful. I praise you, I trust you, I follow you, and, I love you!

In that precious moment, my fears turned to praise, and, my "oh-oh" tears turned to "I love you so much Lord" tears. His Spirit just filled the room with such peace and rest, that, even as I type this, it all sounds corny......

In fact, I have struggled with if I should share it, and, how ~ but, it is a lesson to me in how He will carry us if we simply crawl up on His lap and let Him. In a moment where the "Tina" in me was panicking, the bigger "Jesus" in me just took over and covered me.

Face today, tomorrow, and forever believing He will carry you. His eyes are so understanding, His hands are so beautiful and His arms are so powerful, He only asks that we love and trust Him along every step of the path.

~ Cherish Them, Today ~

2006-07-28T10:00:00.000-04:00

In the last 24 hours the Lord has caused me stop and realize how much I take life for granted as I get caught up in the daily grind. Laundry, meals, cleaning toilets, laundry, errands, settling sibling quarrels, laundry, boos-boos, and, more laundry takes so much of my time and attention, that I fail to cherish those that He gave me to journey through life with.

Yet, I went to sleep last night not begging Him for my usual list of "pleases", but, tearfully praising Him for the blessings of my precious loved ones that make my life so full of joy.

What has changed my focus in the last 24 hours?

* My mom was admitted to the hospital with a blood clot in her lung ~ at any moment, we could have lost her!
* My husband's aunt was found to have not 1, but, 2 brain aneurysms ~ has defied the odds, 1 in a billion to be exact, and survived!
*As I was getting ready to inflate the air mattress for my husband's family to sleep on, I smelled something extremely hot, and, realized that I was holding the pump, at the end of a smoking and sparking charger ~ I am still in complete unbelief that I was not electrocuted!
* In the last couple days, I have been facing the possibility of my own personal health being dramatically threatened ~ potentially changing the focus of my future.

While I have never been one to wallow in sorrow and focus on the 'bad things' ~ I feel that through this last day, my God has made me stop for a moment and realize how precious my loved ones are, and, how I fail to cherish them while we are here on earth together.

I know we have all heard it before, and, need to hear it over and over again ~ love your family and friends while you can. Spend more time with them and less time doing what truly, has no effect on eternity.

~ Make mac & cheese for dinner, not the fancy lasagna, and, instead, read with your 6 year old
~ The toilets can skip being washed one day, and, play racing on Play Station 2 with your son
~ Call your friend later, and, lay on the floor to play Barbies or Polly Pockets
~ Call your family members today, just to say I love you and share a special memory with them
~ Instead of snapping at your son because he can't find his mitt ~ this time, just help him find it
~ Match the socks tomorrow morning, play Go Fish today
~ Realize how very precious life is and that every minute is a gift from Him who love you so!

Well, you all have a beautiful weekend, I gotta go wish my brother happy birthday, find a mitt, hear Walter the Whale, and try to get around that crazy figure 8 track using a controller with way too many buttons! :)

~ Conquer Yourself Beautifully ~

2006-07-25T20:05:00.000-04:00

I have been an avid reader since before I started school. And, while most kids were reading comic books or the usual childhood classics, I was reading biographies. The lives of those who were great in so many varied ways drew me in, and, I just could not read enough. Then, as I hit 5th grade, I became the kind of kid that most kids hate, the librarian's pet :) and, got to read every new book that the school received before they even hit the shelf!

However, as an adult, I have realized that I never read the classics such as Black Beauty, Heidi, and, Little Women. So, I have set on a mission to read the 10 classics on my shelf that are beautifully bound, and, never read. And, I can see why so many of them are classics :)

As I read Little Women this weekend, I read words that I hope were life changing to me. As the girls' father was at war, he wrote a note home to let them all know how much he missed and loved them. In that letter he said he knows they will remember to

...Do their duty faithfully
Fight their bosom enemies bravely, and,
Conquer themselves beautifully...

I literally stopped after re-reading those words, and asked my Savior to help me do it all, but especially, Conquer Myself Beautifully"! As I prayed, I felt His Spirit say, 'My power is sufficient and, I have already conquered ~ you only need to conquer you on your own now'.

What do you need to Conquer Beautifully? No doubt, we all have many inner-battles that we fight daily and lose hourly. Let's see....selfishness, whining, exessive guilt, dishonesty, manipulation, spending, over-eating, laziness, perfectionism........ Did I hit one of yours yet? I know I hit quite a few of mine.

I challenge you to pick a battle that is raging deep and find the power through Him and within yourself to Conquer Yourself Beautifully. I know those words have been my prayer hundreds of times in the last few days as I turned to snap at my son in my impatience, when I felt the welling up of frustration that I was picking up dirty socks again, and mostly as I looked at the Keebler chocolate chip cookies, Eddy's ice-cream and Dove candy bars.

At the end of the day, or even the moment, if you have not given into yourself, and, conquered that temptation ~ you can say "My dear woman, you have Conquered Yourself Beautifully"!

May you finds lots of beautiful conquering moments this week, and, as our Savior watches, He will be proud to find us warriors over Satan, and, ourselves.

Conquer Yourself Beautifully!

~ In His Time ~

2006-07-20T04:19:00.000-04:00

'A watched pot never boils'
'As slow as molasses'
'Patience is a virtue'
'In His Time'

So, we put the new roof on, and, the deal for our house still fell through ........

Hey, no one warned me that selling a house can put one in the looney home :) ........

Of course, now we have missed a large portion of the most active selling season ........

And, I found the house I want ~ just sitting, waiting for us to move in ........

However, our house is back on the market, and, we believe we should sell before we buy ........

Yow, I am up again at 300 a.m, tossing and turning about the how's, where's, and when's we will move ........

Wow, in His amazing ways, my Lord keeps speaking to me to "Be still and wait on Him" and "In His time this whole story will fall into place just as He planned"

When I was in college, my dear roomie and I had 2 goldfish ~ Rocky and Rambo (What can I say, we thought Sylvester Stallone was handsome enough to have namesakes). As our sophomore days passed, we both found ourselves waiting on Him to work in situations that needed some miracles. So, we added a third fish, In His Time.

These 3 fish were the subject of many conversations ~ "Rocky, Rambo, and, In His Time" :)

On break, I got to be the 'keeper of the fish' ~ and, I think I failed...... Because I returned to school only with In His Time ~ Rocky and Rambo were not tough enough to survive the over-feeding by a friend who I thought was handsome enough to star as Rocky or Rambo, and I did not have the heart to clean the bowl out after he fed the fish :)

Why share this you ask?

Well, as I woke-up, wide awake and in a complete panic about this house stuff, in my Savior's beautiful, and sometimes humorous way, He reminded me that 20 years ago In His Time survived Rocky and Rambo. His namesake outlasted the human namesake. His ways are so much stronger and enduring than our ways. In His Time is the way to go if I want the path to be secure and eternal.

Guess I will go back to bed, singing myself to sleep with the beautiful chorus below, and trust in His way and In His time to be the most prevailing and powerful ~ even more than Rocky and Rambo!

In His Time
In His time, in His time.
He makes all things beautiful, in His time.
Lord, please show me every day,
As You’re teaching me Your way,
That You do just what You say,
In Your time.

In Your time, in Your time,
You make all things beautiful, in Your time.
Lord, my life to You I bring,
May each song I have to sing
Be to You a lovely thing,
In Your time.

Lord, please show me everyday,
As you’re teaching me Your way
That You do just what You say
In Your time

~ I Want to Be A Follow Bird ~

2006-07-14T09:13:00.000-04:00

I love to bask in the beauty and creativity of His Creation. And, one of my "Peace Finding Activities" is to sit on my front porch and listen to the birds as I watch them fly about.

Something I have noticed ~ they can fly together in pairs in amazingly perfect unison. When the Lead Bird goes up - the Follow Bird goes up.... Lead flys left - Follow flys left. It is as if they have studied and flown this pattern their whole lives.

And, the paths they take are never the shortest distance between two points. As they fly from tree to roof top, it is left, right, up, down, left again, up and back down in a seemingly scattered and unintentional flight. Yet - the Follow Bird stays right with the Lead Bird -

Trusting
Following
Depending
Flying

No matter how unplanned and scattered the path seems, the Follow Bird is right on the Lead Bird's tail.

I want to be a Follow Bird ~ flying right behind my Savior Lead Bird.

The path He leads me on never seems to make much sense while I am flying it ~ Yet, when I reach the roof top for a moments rest, I can see how the course had to be flown in just that way to reach my destination in the condition He desired me to be in.

Take a moment to watch His birds in the sky ~ They are such a beautiful example of how we must lead our lives.....

Trusting His Hand
Following His Path
Depending on His Wisdom
Flying With Him to Eternity

~ He Gave Even More ~

2006-06-22T09:06:00.000-04:00

As I have shared at Scrapbookers Bubble Bath, but, I'm not sure if I have mentioned it in Held By Him, we are in the process of moving. Wow - the whole concept of selling, packing, buying etc consumes my every waking moment, and, many of my "supposed to be sleeping moments".

In His greatness, we sold our house in less than 3 weeks - amazing with the market as it is today. And, having met the buyers, we are pleased with who will be buying the home that we have put so much of our time and energy into.

However, after the home inspection yesterday, I have to admit that for a few moments, well, maybe hours, I failed to remember that His power is incomparable (Ephesians 1:19), and, He is able to do all things beyond our imagination (Ephesians 3:20).

We have remodeled every inch of this house in the last 5 years - including siding, windows and driveway. Truly leaving, we thought, nothing else for the buyers to do. So, we were very surprised to find a small part of the roof needs to be replaced.

As I went into a complete panic and, I have to admit, pout mode, I felt like we should not have to give anymore. We accepted a slightly lower offer than we originally wanted, then we came down on the price to cover the buyers closing costs and gave all appliances. Leaving both my husband and I feeling we had been very fair to the buyers and planning to coast through the rest of the process......Until this roof thing.

I found myself whining to my Savior about how much we had given and listing all the stuff we had done and how unfair it was to be put in this situation to fix up even more for someone else I don't even know and on and on. And, quietly, in His loving, yet piercing way, I heard Him say "My child, and, how much more did I give for you, and, even those who don't love me".

Yep, just like that, He put me in my place and, I had to ask for His forgiveness for my pity party and selfish thoughts. It is amazing how He can shake our souls, with just one simple sentence, to set our hearts back on the path He has laid for us.

While I am still praying this roof thing works out to my desire :) my eyes are back on Him and I am back in His lap, letting Him hold me and carry me through just another one of His soul shaping moments.

So, today, if you find yourself whining to Him for all you are giving and all others are taking, go ahead and tell Him your thoughts, but, be sure to remember that He knows in mammoth proportions how you feel, and, your burden He can easily bear.

~ Perservere ~

2006-06-11T10:32:00.000-04:00

Blessed is the man who perserveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him! (James 1:12)

~ He'll Just Fix It ~

2006-06-08T09:29:00.000-04:00

My oldest son has one of the most amazing hearts and continues to humble me as I watch him grow into a wonderful young man........However........he has this fault that I think he inherited from his mother - a very short attention span. And in the last couple of days that little quirk has gotten that poor child into a heap of trouble!

First, he cut down a little tree that was a wonderful shade for the back of our garage - and, as I called my dad in complete panic, since we had put our house on the market just days before - my dad calmly told me of a wonderful way to "just fix" the situation - truly making lemonade out of lemons!!

And, late last night, after leaving the baseball field, my son realized he had left his retainer in the grass! (Now, you must know that he picked a green retainer because it was the color of green baseball grass) :) And, while I think the first response would have been to be angry with him, it was like the Lord just came over me with pity for my son, and, I just calmly drove back to the dark field, shone the van lights in the grass, and the retainer was found.

As I was on my hands and knees searching in the dark grass and praying to find the retainer for my son's peace ~ it occurred to me how many times Christ has had to intercede for my peace as he helped me "fix" my doing with my human ways and sin.

I mess up ~ lots ~ yet, more often then I ever will deserve, Christ lovingly helps me "just fix it" and lets me get back on the path of my life as a wife and mother ~ isn't that His Amazing Grace?!

As I watched my son put the retainer back in his mouth, and listened to him (in a retainer in your mouth kinda way) tearfully tell me that he was praying so hard and asking Jesus to forgive him, I just held him with tears in my own eyes and said "I know honey, I know".

Thank you my beautiful Savior for knowing how to, and being willing to, "fix it" when I mess up. I pray I can have that deep grace for my precious children and the other souls you have placed in my life.

~ My 4 S's ~

2006-06-02T16:02:00.000-04:00

When satan attacks us by making our lives crumble around us, we must have words to fight with and stand strong on. We must be ready to proclaim His Word and sing His Praises to cause satan to turn tail and run, or at least make us a fortress that he can not destroy.

I will never forget the first time I heard this song......I think it would be fair to say it was during the absolute hardest time of my life. Even though my world truly was falling around me, I knew Jesus was there holding me, and, I was learning to let myself just be Held By Him and trust in His plan.

Since that time, over and over, I have sung this chorus in praise to Him and rebuke of satan's tactics to cause me to doubt and fear. And daily, in my little mind, I pray and proclaim "my 4 S's" that Christ is to me....

my Shield,
my Strength,
my Shelter, and
my Strong Tower

I'm not sure why this post has been on my heart all day - Maybe one of you need to trust in Him to be "your 4 S's" as well.

Or, maybe seeing those beautiful words in print are just His way of reminding me of all He has been and will be to me....

Made Me Glad
by Darlene Zschech

I will bless the Lord forever
And I will trust Him at all times
He has delivered me from all fear
And he has set my feet upon a rock
And I will not be moved
And I'll say of the Lord....

You are my shield
My strength
My portion
Deliverer
My shelter
Strong tower
My very present help in time of need

Whom have I in Heaven but you?
There's none I desire beside you
You have made me glad
And I'll say of the Lord....

You are my shield
My strength
My portion
Deliverer
My shelter
Strong tower
My very present help in time of need

~ A "Riding in the Bicycle Basket" Life ~

2006-05-01T07:35:00.001-04:00

A neighbor stopped over Saturday with a teddy bear and 2 beautiful porcelain dolls that had been sitting in the corner of her bedroom. She thought my daughter might like to have them. Of course, being a mom I could only think of the germs - but, my daughter was so thrilled, I couldn't bring myself to squelch her excitement and mention the dust that had gathered on these dolls. And, suprisingly enough - she set the fancy dolls upstairs in her room and carried that little 12 inch bear around with her everywhere this weekend.

This bear went from sitting in a corner to seeing the world. It road miles in a bicycle basket going over homemade ramps and grassy yards. It had its stuffing jumbled for hours in the arms of my daughter on the trampoline. Teddy got an education in "Grossology" at the Science Center and of course took rides in the family van. He even got dressed up and fed with pretend peaches. The bears new care-giver has now created a life full of amazing and beautiful experiences.

While Teddy got lots of new experiences he got lots of new bumps and bruises. He already has some sticky stuff of unknown origin on his foot and was dropped more times that I bet he could count. And, after one of those "oh, I dropped Teddy!" exclamations I had a thought..... That bear has a new life....much like ours in Christ.

Without Christ, we really are just sitting in the corner of this world watching life pass us by. But, if we let Him be our "owner" ~ oh, the world that we will see! I have to say there are moments in my life that I feel like I am sitting in that bicycle basket, with Him at the pedals, riding, relaxing and just loving the view.

Then, there are times the journey may be as bumpy as a ride on the trampoline ~ if I just let myself be held by Him, I know the bumpin' will eventually stop, and, I will be safe.

And, admittedly, I have falls, whether of my own doing or others, that are so painful I'm not sure I will survive. But, as I watched Teddy get picked up, wiped off, and held even closer, I was reminded that my Savior gives me the exact same loving care. The harder my "crash and burn", the tighter He holds me. The nastier the situation, the bigger His arms become.

As I watched the new duo jumping on the trampoline, I found myself thanking Christ for the "out of the corner and riding in the bicycle basket" life He has so graciously given me. And, I praised Him for picking me up and holding me so very close when I fall.

While at times a life in Christ may have some bumps and bruises as He molds and refines us ~ I would not trade it for all of the world.

~ His love is humungously mountainous

~ His grace is undeservingly precious

~ His grip is powerfully strong

~ And, His gift of life is so beautifully purposed

The lessons a mom can learn from a dusty old teddy bear are amazing!!!

~ Awful to Awesome ~

2006-04-21T13:26:00.000-04:00

My in-laws were here last week, including on Good Friday, and, with all the excitement, I found myself never stopping once to reflect on what happened on that day until I was on my way to bed. I have to admit that I did not sleep in peace that night. I felt such shame and guilt that I did not stop and praise Him for His sacrifice. So, you can bet that Saturday, as a family, we stopped to talk about what He gave so that we may be with Him ~ and, what a blessing that hour was to me as a mom.

As I went to bed Saturday night, I was praising Him for taking my "mess-up" on Friday, and turning it into an amazingly beautiful moment shared as a family. As parents we were touched to hear our children speak of His love and forgiveness as comfortably as they can speak of candy and Play Station ~ yet as respectfully as only His sacrifice should be discussed.

In the last few weeks, I think the Lord has been tweaking my "man, I stink", "I'm not doing enough", and "I will never measure up" thoughts that satan has chosen as his new weapon to squelch my peace. As I have read His Word, stories that I have heard over and over again have been seen in a new light ~ Most of those that we consider to be the most giant of saints have, at some point in their lives, been what we would see as the smallest of men.

He has shown me that His sacrifice supplied a "No Matter What Redemption". While my mess up on Good Friday was horrible in my eyes, with my prayer of asking for forgiveness, He transformed it into a beautiful and life changing situation. And, whether our sin be small or huge, all it takes is His precious blood to alter our "Awful" to an "Awesome".

Next time satan hurls his daggers of guilt and defeat your way ~ stop, pray, and, allow Him to alter your Awful into Awesome! That is why He came, why He died, and, why He lives!

~ Just a Harp Player ~

2006-03-12T18:23:00.000-05:00

This weekend I found myself reading 1 Samuel. It started with one of those "Lord, I don't have the slightest guidance in this particular life changing situation, so, I'm just gonna open up my Bible and start reading" moments ~ and, I found myself at 1 Samuel 16 - when David's amazing story picks up.

I have heard and read pieces and parts of David's life over the years - and, I have read the story as I have read through the Bible. But, the course the Lord chose for his servants life revealed a new message to me this weekend.......He truly has a plan, and, it is wild and unpredictable, yet, redeeming and beautiful!

I never realized he really first was introduced to Saul as a harp player ~ This boy, who would be "a man after God's own heart" started out as just a shephard and simple musician to the king he would one day replace!

And, as you read through the next couple of chapters, you can see why David wrote some of the most touching Psalms - he had a really hard time of it!

~ As he tended sheep ~ never did he dream that soon Samuel would visit and be told, by the Lord, that he was the annointed one.

~As he played beautiful music to calm the king ~ never did he dream that he would one day face and defeat a giant.

~ As he killed the giant ~ never did he dream he would one day be hated and pursued by the king he served.

~ As he sat crouched in a cave, hiding from king Saul ~ never did he dream he would one day take Saul's place.

~ As he became king ~ never did he dream his story in 1 &2 Samuel and words in the Psalms would one day be an inspiring, challenging, and humbling balm for those of us who really are just trying to be His children after His heart.

So, this week, I have a new view of David's life ~ and, my own....

His plan is one that we can not begin to fathom where He is headed ~ and, while the journey can appear so mundane we feel we will never make a difference, or be so tough at times that we are unsure we will even survive, it leads to a Father that loves us and has it all worked out ~ all we need do is take today as today, or even this second as this second, and, worry about tomorrow when it is here.

Step on the stone He places in front of you ~ be there, praise Him, and, worry about the next stone when He sets it for you to continue on. And, when you look back, you will see that He was laying a beautiful walk, stone by stone, all along.

~ Only Grace II ~

2006-03-02T08:55:00.000-05:00

My brother was the first one to start this blogging thing - now, it has been fun to watch his In Leftfield and my Held By Him grow. I have been so blessed by his words, and, we have had fun sharing our stories of visitors, posts, and blogging boo-boos. And, sometimes, even within minutes or days we have posted similar words. Only Grace was one of those posts.

We have noticed many have visited us looking for the lyrics to Only Grace. In fact, on a recent MSN search, would you believe we are the first and second choices - now, think about that - in a world wide web of millions of sites - two siblings come up right beside each other - is that cool or what?

So, anyway, for those of you visiting looking for those words, the post was a while ago, so, here is the link so you don't have to go searching for it through 10 other posts ~ But, be sure to stay awhile or come back to visit :)

~ He Just Gets Bigger ~

2006-02-28T07:51:00.000-05:00

While in my second year of homeschooling, I am finding that the Chronicles are Narnia are a big thing among homeschoolers - so, I thought I 'd be "like all the others" and, read through them with the kids ~ and, I am not sure who is being blessed more by these books, me or them!

C.S. Lewis has an amazing ability to take a world created with an imagination like a child, and, write words that touch the adult Christian in profound ways. In one sentence, Aslan, the lion that represents a character as Christ, can say more than many pastors can say in an entire sermon. And, as we read Prince Caspian yesterday, I read many of those "sermon in a sentence" phrases. Two touched me so deeply, that I got choked up and filled with His love and blessing. Here is one of them:

I won't explain the whole story - but, the child, Lucy sees Aslan, whom, she has not seen in awhile, excited to see him, she runs to Him. As she stands beside him, this conversation occurs:

"Aslan, you are bigger"
"That is because you are older, little one"
"Not because you are?"
"I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger"

Wow - isn't that true ~ the more we grow in Christ, we do find Him bigger?!!!

With each fiery furnace, parted sea, blessing of an offering, answer to prayer, peace to pass understanding, gift of mercy, and His boundless underserved grace I find my Savior's strong arms and nail-scarred hands to be more big and more powerful than I ever knew them to be before.

I pray that any reading this, can feel Him bigger today than He was yesterday ~ He is so universally sized majestic and powerful ~ and, I know I have only begun to grasp His true size! :)

PS - If you have not read the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis - do - you will be blessed and you will see Christ in a whole new way. In fact, start by going to see the movie ~ it will get you hooked and make you want to read the other 6 books!

~ Still on the Throne ~

2006-02-23T08:35:00.000-05:00

He is still on the throne

Sometimes I must remind myself that my Savior is still on His throne. He is the beginning and the end.

We must not let our fear, sin, doubt, selfishness, low self-esteem, guilt, friends, humankind, or our situation draw our mind from that one simple yet gigantic and eternal fact.

No matter what your story ~

No matter what your glory ~

No matter what your pain ~

No matter, no matter, no matter...

Through it all, He is still on the throne ~ be sure to see and leave Him there today.

~Through the Eyes of a 5 Year Old~

2006-02-20T08:51:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I realized how different the world looks to a 5 year old! This is how a conversation went - Oh yes, first, I have been told that I must warn you when you need a kleenex - well, you may for this one, only because you may be crying with laughter!)

"Mommy, can I tell you something"

"Sure honey"

"It is a secret"

"Ok, come here and whisper it"

My 5 year old daughter crawled up beside me with this very, very serious look on her face ~ and, very quietly whispered ~

"There is this lady at .... that has a really fat butt ~ and, well, I don't want to tell her, but, maybe she needs to know" pause "And, she walks so fast that I can't catch her to tell her" pause "But, I shouldn't tell her because it will hurt her feelings"

Through a face strained with fighting from laughing out very loud, I replied,

"Oh honey, you are right that you should not tell her. That is a very wise choice because it would hurt her feelings"

"But she just walks so fast, and, her butt is so fat"

"I know, but, Jesus loves her too, and, He wants us not to hurt each other"

"Oh, ok"

And, just like that, the conversation was over - she had her answer, and, she was back to her Polly Pockets.

Now ~ the things that have run through my mind are:

1) Wow, we have not been in that location for 2 weeks so, this has been on her mind.

2) Although to us it is a very funny interaction, to her, it was so stressful whether she should tell her, and, that the woman just walked so fast.

3) The view of the world, for a much shorter 5 year old, is very different than mine. (I figure this woman's point of interest was just below my daughter's eye level - so, for her, it was right there!)

4) I must be more concious of what may be on her mind and running through her thoughts.

5) And, oh my, what in the world does my daughter think of my butt? (So, I got on the treadmill this morning, skipped the pop-tarts for breakfast, and drank orange juice instead!)

So, today, squat down to your child's size, look at how they see the world - you may see things in a whole new, and interesting perspective! :)

~ A Piercing Love ~

2006-02-14T08:58:00.000-05:00

I got my children little Valentine's Day Bowls for today ~ and, as I was unwrapping them, thinking of the usual Valentine's Day mushy stuff, Jeremy Camp was singing Take You Back on the radio. And, one line stood out - perfect for the "day of love".

I can only speak with a grateful heart
As I'm pierced by this gift of your love

Do you let His gift of love pierce you?

~ His love has no limits

~ His love has no measure

~ His love is sacrificial, unconditional, and eternal.

~ His love holds you up and holds on to you.

~ His love is the most powerful yet gentle love in the universe.

~ His love will carry you into and through any situation He knows to be best.

~ His love creates, molds, and, stretches us to be like Him

~ His love is in the world, on the cross, and, in our hearts

~ His Love is His piercing gift of Himself

So, whether you are blessed to have a Valentine right by your side, or, He has chosen Himself to be your Valentine ~ May you be pierced by the love of the One, True, First and Last, Ultimate and Unchanging Valentine!

Here is all the words to the song if you would like to read them

Jeremy Camp - Take You Back (Hear it)

The reason why I stand
The answer lies in you
You hung to make me strong
Tho my praise was few
When I fall I bring your name down
But I have found in you
A heart that bleeds
Forgiveness replacing all these thoughts of painful memories
And I know your response will always be

Chorus: I'll take you back always
Even when your fight is over now
I'll take you back
Even when the pain is coming through
I'll take you back

You satisfy this cry
of what I'm looking for
And I'll take all I can
and lay it down before
The throne of endless grace now
that radiates what's true
I'm in the only place that erases
all these faults that have overtaken me
and I know that your response will always be

(Chorus)

I can only speak with a grateful heart
As I'm pierced by this gift of your love
I will always bring an offering
I can never thank you enough

You take me back always
Even when my fight is over now
You take me back
Even when the pain is coming through
You take me back

~ Only Grace ~

2006-02-08T18:31:00.000-05:00

I have a new song for the kids to turn up real loud and yell "Mommy, here's your song!" ~ Only Grace sung by Matthew West.

Grace - it has turned into one of my absolute favorite words - it has even passed Chai Tea and c-h-o-c-o-l-a-t-e!! Wow - now, that should say something!

Seriously, Grace - have you ever truly stopped for a minute and thought about His Grace? How many times do we mess up and yet, He still loves us and takes us back over and over and over again - as if we never strayed or disappointed him.

Time for a little peek into my little mind :)

I sit here typing as one who has wasted too many minutes of my life worrying, and lost way too much precious time with my children because my mind was on some other seemingly hopeless situation. I have spent so much energy worrying, fretting, or carrying loads that were not of my doing or for sure not within my power to change. And, I think, I have come to realize, that in my "thinking I can fix the world" burden - I have offended, or at least hurt, Him in failing to turn to Him and rest.

Do you try to fix it all? As a mother, do you think you should protect everyone or have perfect children? As a wife do you think you should bear it all and be all for him? What extra weight do you carry as a daughter - friend - sister - neighbor - employee? Yeah - I'm right there with you ~ I put too much on me too. And, don't you think satan rejoices when we loose sleep at night? Can't you just hear his chuckles in the corner as we feel unworthy to sit at our Savior's feet to pray feeling undeserving of His blessing? - That is exactly how satan works in our lives as women.

But, there is GRACE ~
And, at times, that is all we need

~ Grace for those times you were short with your children
~ Grace for the last 5 nights you have fallen asleep while trying to pray
~ Grace for that little white lie you told to your co-worker
~ Grace for wanting perfection from others
~ Grace for expecting perfection from yourself
~ Grace for the extra cookie you took, even though it was gluttony
~ Grace for the $10 bottle of nail polish you charged on your credit card just to "make you feel better"
~ Grace for the temper or lack of expressing your true feelings
~ Grace for that envy of your friend who seems to "have it all"
~ Grace for the words you said, words you watched or words you listened to
~ Grace for ~ wow - I could go on and on....

But, there IS Grace
And, that IS all we need

So, pick yourself back up, ask for His forgiveness, lay it all down, and leave it at His precious nail-scarred feet. He came to save you from your sin and burden as much as He came to save every other soul. Don't let satan keep you from another minute....no, not another second, from enjoying the life Christ has set before you.

Read these lyrics to Only Grace, download it if you can - it is only 0.88 - It is worth a million times that if you can wake up tomorrow with His grace covering you, a lighter burden on you and a deeper peace within you.

Only Grace
by Matthew West and Kenny Greenberg

There is no guilt here
There is no shame
No pointing fingers
There is no blame
What happened yesterday has disappeared
The dirt has washed away
And now it's clear

Chorus
There's only grace
There's only love
There's only mercy
And believe me it's enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
There's nothing left now
There's only grace

You're starting over now
Under the sun
You're stepping forward now
A new life has begun
Your new life has begun

Chorus
There's only grace
There's only love
There's only mercy
And believe me it's enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
There's nothing left now
There's only grace

And if you should fall again
Get back up, get back up
Reach out and take my hand
Get back up, get back up
Get back up again

~ Just a Little Grace ~

2006-01-31T04:52:00.000-05:00

I learned a little more about grace on my son's birthday - but this time, it was as much about giving as it was receiving......

Last week on my son's 10th birthday I thought that even though it was his birthday, he should still do at least some math review - I think he had others thoughts :) And, so, the battle began over long division.

To make a few hours short, I will tell you that we learned less in those hours than we usually learn in minutes. I truly think that the part of his brain that does math computations did take the day off, leaving my child with a look of complete 'duh' that was only getting worse with every minute and story-problem. By the end of the time, I was frustrated, my boys were completely confused, and, we were all close to tears.

I remember looking at him thinking, "what in the world is wrong with you", "you know this stuff", and "how can you continue to do this wrong when you know better". Then, the Lord tapped on my shoulder causing me to see my 2 precious 10 years olds in a different way.....not as ones who needed to do 'get it right', but as ones that needed a little grace and understanding ~ the way I know He sees me every single day.

And, so, we started the day over - literally.....

I sent them back upstairs, grabbed another birthday doughnut, and quickly made myself a cup of relaxing chai tea :) Then, up the stairs my son, my daughter, and I went, doughnut in hand, singing Happy Birthday. As we rounded the corner and I yelled 'Good Morning, how did you sleep - can you believe today is your birthday!!" I saw the look on his face I know my Heavenly Father has seen on mine - the look of grace received, not deserved, yet, so appreciated and loved.

That night, as we laughed about the happenings - I found myself thanking God for His truly amazing grace and, for the opportunities He gives us to give as well as receive. Had He not opened my eyes and removed some of my stubborn streak that day, January 26th, 2006 would not be remembered in such a precious way.

Is there someone who needs a little grace received from you? I know we receive it daily in such abundant portions ~ giving it is the very least we can do!

~ I Found An Awesome Post! ~

2006-01-27T08:28:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was my 2nd son's 10th birthday. Which means, for 3 weeks I have 2 - 10 year olds - yikes!!

Silly me thought we should still homeschool on a birthday - Well, I learned a lesson that I will tell you about in the next post - but, first, I wanted to put these wonderful words I found this morning through a homeschool email group - Here is the link (Spunky Homeschool) if you want to read more of the posts.

I thank the Lord for his messages of encouragement - He has wonderful timing, and, a sense of humor too :)

So, read her words, and remember, our children are testing and watching us......I just pray I don't fail!

*****************************

"A few months ago I took Jason (14) out to lunch. Actually, he suggested it and he was buying so off we went to Arby's for the 5 for $5 special. While I watched him eat his four sandwiches in the length of time it took me to eat one, we chatted about alot of different things.

When there was a lull in the conversation I switched the subject to a scripture that I had been meaning to ask him about. Proverbs 22:36 says "My son, give me thine heart and let thine eyes observe my ways." This seemed like the appropriate time to ask him if we still retained his heart even though he was in the middle of growing from a boy to a man.He grinned and said, "Mom, if you and dad didn't have my heart then do you think I'd be sitting here with you at Arby's right now?" Good point.

So I pressed him a little on why he thinks teens seem to stray away and what could a parent do to keep a child from rebelling against them and the Lord.He said, "Don't bend the wire." ....... "

Ha - now you have to go to her link to read the best part!!! :) Visit: Spunky Homeschool

~ Unbound and Unharmed ~

2006-01-23T07:56:00.000-05:00

Have you ever felt like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego - in that fiery furnace,

Alone, you thought,

Onlookers piering through the door from their seemingly normal lives,

BUT - only to find that Jesus was right in the flames with you?

He is in that fire, maybe silent, maybe doing nothing more than holding you and gently guiding, but, He Is There, you need only trust and endure!

I have a favorite daily flip calender I have used for almost 20 years - though literally tattered and torn, it still reaches my heart - It is excerpts from Streams in the Desert, by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman. The book is amazing too - a must read if you ever feel you are in the desert or need encouragement for life's most challenging moments.

The excerpt from January 20th was awesome! ~

Unbound and unharmed...they came out of the fire.....The fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed.... Daniel 3:25b-27b

The men who were cast into the fiery furnace came out as they went in-except their bonds. That is the way Christians should come out of furnace trials - liberated from their bonds, but untouched by the flames."

I pray you feel His Presence in the fire and find yourself unharmed by the flames, but unbound from the ____ that gets in the way of His Glory and Works!

~ Anything and Everything ~

2006-01-22T08:58:00.000-05:00

As I spoke with a dear friend a few nights ago, I listened to her stories of what she had done to give her children a better childhood and chance at life than she was given. Wow - her sacrifices and drive both amazed and humbled me! She loved her children so much and was willing to do anything and everything to save them from a life of inner-city sin and shame.

Since that conversation I have thought of her words many times ~ And yesterday, I was driven to my knees to the feet of my Savior.

With the release of The Passion of the Christ a couple of years ago, all Christians were reminded of His sacrifice. Those scenes of the abuse He quietly accepted were so horrible for me that I had to leave the theater. To see the One who loves me so much receive such treatment, on my behalf, brought me to a place of complete horror and heavy-heartedness that for weeks I had difficulty sleeping.

BUT, that was years ago - and, the scenes have been pushed to the back of my memory. His sacrifice has again become a part of my infrequently thought about, and rarely appreciated, memories.

Consequently, and sadly, I was more impressed with and caught up in my friend's sacrifices, and had not stopped once to be impressed with His Ultimate Sacrifice. He loved us so much and was willing to do anything and everything to save us from a life of earthly sin and shame!

As the new year continues, I pray you, and I, and make it a habit to daily focus on His Sacrifice. Thank Him before you get out of bed. Write down John 3:16 (For God SO loved the world, that He gave His one and only son. That whosoever will believe in Him will not perish, but have eternal life) on a notecard and hang it on your mirror. Pick a church you drive by each day as a reminder that because He died, that church stands. Find something, anything, that can help you daily remember and thank Him for His love for you.

It only takes a few weeks to make a habit - but, this habit will give you a lifetime of lifting out of the earth's inner-city sin and shame to His Heavenly Home of forgiveness, power, and love!

~ Joy in the Journey ~

2006-01-06T12:25:00.000-05:00

More Michael Card lyrics that I just love!

There is such joy in this journey and a
wonder and wildness to life!

There is a joy in the journey
There's a light we can love on the way
There is a wonder and wildness to life
And freedom for those who obey

May you find Joy in your Journey and appreciate the wonder and wildness in 2006!

***
Joy In The Journey
by Michael Card
Album: Joy In The Journey (1994)

There is a joy in the journey
There's a light we can love on the way
There is a wonder and wildness to life
And freedom for those who obey

And all those who seek it shall find it
A pardon for all who believe
Hope for the hopeless and sight for the blind

To all who've been born in the Spirit
And who share incarnation with Him
Who belong to eternity stranded in time
And weary of struggling with sin

Forget not the hope that's before you
And never stop counting the cost
Remember the hopelessness when you were lost

There is a joy in the journey
There's a light we can love on the way
There is a wonder and wildness to life
And freedom for those who obey
And freedom for those who obey...

~ There's No Place Like Home ~

2006-01-05T23:22:00.000-05:00

~ There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home. ~

How many times have we wished we could simply click our heals and, presto, return to or visit someplace else? In the middle of a horrible day full of sick children, barking dogs and ringing phones ~ oh, if only we could click and “there’s no place like home” ourselves to a bubble bath surrounded by candles and sounds of tranquil waterfalls. Or, while a co-worker gives us a piece of their, seemingly very little, mind, or we receive that dreaded news from the doctor, ~ if only with a click and “there’s no place like home” we are back in a less turbulent more stable period of our lives. The Lord gives us feet with power to go and be what we could never be with our own power......Just like the girl with the red sparkly shoes on the Wizard of Oz who had an undiscovered great power within her to return home.

Dorothy had beautiful, red, priceless, sparkling shoes. Maybe it was the new victory over a tiny sin I had been wrestling with, but, I felt compelled to look at my feet….and have a humble tear of complete awe for His grace, mercy and love. My Jesus gives me my own “Dorothy Shoes”. I have been washed by His beautiful, perfect, red blood. Once I crushed that sin, He gave me beautiful feet again. Look at your feet? Do you have “Dorothy shoes”? Are they sparkling? Do you utilize the power within your shoes?

Dorothy Shoes – My daughter has had 3 pairs and has worn them anywhere from church to the grocery store, from the swimming pool to her brother’s baseball games. She loves them, and wears them with such pride that I think she stands taller and shines a little brighter when she has them on. And, people notice her. These shoes draw attention – they bring comments of “those are beautiful”, “oh, can I have a pair”, and “where did you get those”. I wonder if my Shoes sparkle enough for others to notice their beauty and desire a pair of their own.

Do I wear my Dorothy Shoes everywhere I go? Are they on when I am disciplining my independent 5 year old? Are they on as I do my daily errands and come into contact with a world that can be selfish and unkind? I wonder if I am sure to leave them on as I let my hair down and relax with my friends? I need to wear these precious shoes everywhere I go too.

Just as my daughter stands with pride when her shoes are on – When we are wearing our blood washed feet, we also walk a little taller and lighter. We have been released from the guilt and weight of sin and can walk in His light and love. When we are serving Him and there is nothing blocking complete communion with Him we have the confidence to be who He created us to be.

And, oh, if only I can draw attention to my Savior as my daughter’s shoes grab the attention of anyone who is around her. Do others look at my life and say “that is beautiful”, “can I have my own life like that”, or, “where did you get such peace and joy”? I want a presence that sparkles and draws attention to the One who gives true life.......

In those beautiful shoes is the power to have compassion for others, conquer our witches of sin, bravely persevere to the end, and eventually return to a loving home. The shoes have been bought with a price of His eternal love and are ours with the decision to simply ask Him to put the shoes on our feet as we invite Him into our heart and our lives.

So, as you continue through your journey through your own land of Earth, I urge you to be sure you have asked Him to give you the beautiful, blood red, sparkling shoes of forgiveness and redemption. You will draw others to comment “where can I get peace and joy like that”. Then, be sure you wear those powerful shoes everywhere you go ~ because, there truly is no place like our Father’s Home, there is no place like our Father’s Home, there is no place like our Father’s Home.

Excerpt from the He Keeps Us Faithbooking Devotional ~ There's No Place Like Home available at Scrapbookers Bubble Bath.

~ So Silently the Wondrous Gift is Given ~

2005-12-27T08:55:00.000-05:00

I have heard the Christmas story and sung the Christmas songs for many, many years. But, never before has the fact that God sent His Son into the world so very silently struck me until this year. It seemed as if the words silently, quietly, mysteriously, and humbly were bolded and italicized throughout the season. And, it was very apparent Christmas Eve.

We sung Silent Night, and those words, silently, so silently, the wondrous Gift is given were beautiful and seemed to pierce right through the crazy choatic day to my soul. Then, we got in our pajamas and went to the town square to read the Christmas Story in front of the large Nativity. As we sat there and my 5 year old prayed, I could not help but notice..... The quiet, peaceful, simple Nativity to my right, and the 1000s of lights, blaring carols and laughing people to my left.

To my left was wonderful, the celebration of the season. ~ But, to my right was a baby wonderfully born to die to save my soul. To my left was the light made by the world ~ To my right was the Light OF the world. To my left was what we all get so caught up in ~ To my right was Who gets caught up in us!

I left the Nativity with a since of peace and stillness that I wish every soul on earth could enjoy. He comes into our lives and silently works. No fanfare, no loud words, no banners ~ just a gentle hand guiding, loving, forgiving, giving, and loving some more.

May you have a chance to focus on His silence this season!

~"You will never look at Christmas Lights the same"~

2005-12-23T07:54:00.001-05:00

One of my absolute favorite things in the world to do is to go through life with my Christian music in the background. Whether I am cooking, cleaning, scrapbooking or just doing the journey, I thrive on words and music about Him. And, one of the most amazing song writers is Michael Card. His music is not only peace in the chaos, but his words go so deep that often when you hear a song you've heard hundreds of times, there is something new in the words you did not hear before. If you have not heard him, here is his link - pick up a CD - Scribbling in the Sand is a nice collection of some of his most famous songs.

Having been blessed enough to go to a Christmas concert by him I heard an amazing story that truly changed the way I look at the lights on my Christmas tree. I hesitated to share this at a time that is to be so joyful, but this season truly is about our Savior, and, He came to set captives free ~ as in this story. (So, as a PS before you read on, as Michael Card told the story he did say let's not boycott, but, lift these pastors up in prayer. In fact, they have an option to print out a prayer card - if nothing else, the name will provide a conversation piece hanging on your fridge. I to believe this provides a beautiful opportunity for us to dig deeper into the power of the Lord. He has put those pastors there for this time and this place ~ All we need do is give them the power they need through our prayers.)

Did you ever wonder who made those beautiful strands to light our season? Did you ever think knowing the story behind them could change your Christmas' forever? Please, read Lights of Christmas and see the beautiful glow in a new way.

And Merry Christmas!

~Our Most Unique 2005 Tree ~

2005-12-14T17:18:00.000-05:00

I bet our tree is more unique than your tree! And, I bet you don't have a live tree topper like we do! And, I bet you didn't have to put all the ornaments on 3 or 4 times! And, I bet next year I am locking our cat up from the moment the decorations are out until they are all put away! :)

A kitten, a tree, lots of dangling ornaments, lights put up by a 5 year old, and a really tall trunk make for quite amusing moments in our household!

My husband mentioned something in passing about the kitten and the tree, and, me in my hurried moment said "yeah"....well, shhh, don't tell him this, but he was right :)

Now, I love to decorate the tree with matching ribbon, beads and glass balls ~ and, with an artificial tree you can make the limbs hang just so, and fill in the holes to perfection........that is unless you are helped by a 5 and 7 year old, and then a kitten who is just experiencing a Christmas tree for the first time! So, this year let me try to describe my tree....

* All the ornaments are on the front of the tree at about 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 feet up - I truly don't think there is a limb left there without an ornament. From the back it looks like we just stuck a tree up - the neighbors will be wondering about us?!?!

* About 90% of the lights are also in that little 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 feet area, and, many of the strands look more like a lit flying trapeze just hanging from a limb.

* We have a different tree this year that is just about, oh, 2 feet too tall for our house. Thank goodness the manufacturer made that top removable - so, our tree kinda just stops, no pointy top - which leads me to the next unique quality of our 2005 tree

* We have no angel topper (well, we do a few times a day - that will be explained at a later moment). Without a pointy top there is no spot for our angel, so, she is hanging out on the top branch along with a couple of other little dolls that we could set around the top - it reminds me of the It's A Small World ride at Disney.

* Depending on the time of day, and when our kitten last had an opportunity to visit the tree, the top branches are often found just dangling or on the ground (well, now, I guess it is a blessing there are not any ornaments up there)

*And, to TOP off (ha, ha) the unique qualities of our 2005 tree ~ we often have a black kitten sitting right on top on that flat little part that is supposed to have a pointy part! I am totally serious ~ somehow she crawls up, while only knocking off a few ornaments and sits on top of the tree. It has become her place to watch the world (and probably hide from the dog)!

Why do I share this you ask? Well, because, besides the fact that it is extremely funny, and, I bet some of you have a heavily ornamented part of your tree, the Lord has taught me something this year. A lesson that we as parents all need to be taught over and over again..... Our children really are with us only a short time. We will have all the time in the world to make our tree decorations perfectly match in the years after they are gone. If hanging the lights and ornaments bring joy and memories to their lives, that is what it should be about.

So, as I continue to let that feline crawl up my tree, I can say I have gotten more laughs and joy out of our Unique 2005 tree than any other one in my life!

(However, I will sacrifice and rent out our live tree topper if anyone is in need of one) :)

May you have a wonderful and love filled Christmas!

~Someone is missing at Christmas~

2005-12-14T16:58:00.000-05:00

As I hung the ornaments on the Christmas tree this year the song, "Someone is missing at Christmas" was playing in the background - and, what a tear-jerker if you have ever lost someone or if someone is living far away. I posted the lyrics at the bottom of the post for those who have not heard the song.

As I hung ornaments from years past, including those from some who are no longer with me, I felt a sense of sadness and emptiness - Christmas is not supposed to make us feel that way - but, it is a true reality for those who have been seperated from a loved one through death, distance or illness.

But, as I prayed and told the Lord my heart, I heard Him so strongly, yet gently and empatheticly say, "I was missing someone at Christmas. My heart hurt too, but, I knew we would be together for eternity, and, that is so much longer than the short journey on earth". And, just like that, my amazing God lifted the sadness and I found my heart celebrating my Savior's birth and not focusing on who or what I am missing this holiday season.

I pray that as the season for our Savior's birth continues, that you can know the seperation is but for such a short time, and there is One who knows your soul and will listen to your heart.

Someone Is Missing at Christmas ~ lyrics

Someone is missing at Christmas
Someone I loved all my life
Someone I played with and laughed all night long
Someone I think of when I hear that song

Someone is missing at Christmas
Someone has left me alone
Someone so close even though we’re apart
Someone who’d finished the sentence I’d start

Someone whose love is my favorite gift
Someone whose presence is my Christmas wish
Someone who always was here
Someone is missing this year

Candlelit snapshots of Christmases gone by
You in your favorite chair
Memories like snowflakes melt in my eyes
I look and you’re not sitting there

Someone whose love is my favorite gift
Someone whose presence is my Christmas wish
Someone is missing at Christmas
Wait… someone is touching my heart…

Someone has heard me and answered my call
Someone I love is not missing at all
Someone is with me at Christmas
Someone’s right here in my heart
Someone I love is with me this Christmas
And will be each Christmas to come!

~ My Hero ~

2005-12-14T16:50:00.000-05:00

Having 3 boys in the house makes for lots of stories, toys and movies about super heroes - they are the ones that are save the day and often save the world. As I have heard them talk about the heroes I have always come back to the thought "If only the world would see who the ultimate Hero is".....Jesus

Not often is the name of Jesus and Hero used in the same sentence. But, He fits every possible description that could describe a hero ~

* Brave ~ He endured the cross, alone
* Conqueror ~ He conquered the ultimate defeat, death
* Champion ~ He is victorious in the final battle, for eternity
* Humanitarian ~ He gave His all for humanity, willingly
* Gentle ~ His hands held babies, and He holds us, gently
* Distinct Clothing ~ Crown of Thorns, nail scarred hands, and a robe of pure white
* Super Powers ~ He rose again, He heals, He hears us all as we pray, He provides, He saves
* X-Ray Vision ~ He peers right through our sinful garment of flesh, and sees our cleansed heart of gratitude

As we go through our often chaotic and busy lives, we need a super hero to save us in our times of frustration, trials, and temptations. As adults we know there will not be a superman to scoop us up as a co-worker is about to give us a piece of their mind, or a wonder woman to fold our 8 baskets of laundry at lightening speed, or a robin hood to hand us a bag of money to help pay our house payment. But we can know there is an authentic hero that can not only save our day, but, our heart and soul, Jesus…………

Excerpt taken from the My Hero He Keeps Us Devotional available at Scrapbookers Bubble Bath.com

~The Leaves are Falling~

2005-11-03T22:37:00.000-05:00

As I was out walking a couple of weeks ago, I turned the corner to see a tree whose leaves were falling so quickly, yet almost in a rhythm, even there was absolutely no wind - and, at that moment, it struck me - in a eye-opening kinda way..... As those leaves are falling, so are the seconds and minutes of my life. And, it wasn't a somber moment, but, one of "get living - and enjoy life"!

I LOVE life - anyone who knows me would tell you I am positive and enjoy living. But, I am also somewhat of an internal perfectionist - and, for anyone who happens to be one, they can tell you, if something is not totally perfect - it drives us crazy.... the lack of perfection can eat away and take the joy out of the moment. (You can imagine the chomping that goes on inside me with 4 children, 2 pets and a husband - none of who share this obsession that all things should be just right). The spoons that are not put away facing the same direction, the pillows that are not equally spaced, the piece of dog food that fell out of the bowl - these are things I see and it is like a little 'ewww, it shouldn't be that way' that will stick with me 5 minutes after I walk away, until I find something else to make me think 'ewww'. That takes the livin' out of so many minutes of my life.

So, where am I going with this? As I saw those leaves falling I had a good talking to myself - and, I told myself to let the little things go, and not bug me. As a reminder I made up the phrase - "The leaves are falling". And, wouldn't you know the next day, as we went to get school pictures taken, my son begged me to get his picture with him - "but my hair will not be right", "let's wait until next time", "I can't find my lipstick" - all these excuses, and more came tumbling out. But, "The leaves are falling", so, I made myself get the picture anyway - and he was so overjoyed, even if I didn't like me in it, it was worth it.

Today, as we schooled, the kids asked if they could make a website one day. "It takes so much time", "It is really hard" - yep, the reasons came tumbling out again. But, "The leaves are falling", so, they now have their own blog - His Precious 4 - and, again, I would not trade that excitement and joy they now have for anything!

As I look back over the last few weeks, I can see so many opportunities that I would have missed if I was not reminding myself "The leaves are falling". And, I thank the Lord for showing me that tree - it has changed my perspective on some things - Although the spoons still bug me, I try not to let it eat up anymore than a few seconds of my thoughts - Their position does not have any eternal significance - but, the moments I spend with my children and family, those have eternal significance.

So, just a thought - be sure you remember "The leaves are falling" and make the absolute best of each drop!!!

~ The Centipede ~

2005-10-26T18:03:00.000-04:00

As I made dinner tonight, I grabbed the bag of potatoes in the back of the pantry, set the bag in the sink, and saw one of those horrid centipedes. Even though, living near the woods, we see them sometimes, I could not grab the faucet quick enough to wash it away to never be seen again!

And, as I peeled the potatoes, I had a beautiful thought - it is a wonder what a creepy crawly thing can do for our faith!

My sin is so much like that bug - It hides in dark places, very rarely seen by others yet alive and active. And, when my sin comes into view - usually because of His light - it is creepy, ugly, and kinda scary. BUT, as quick as I grabbed the faucet to wash the centipede away with the water, I can grab a hold of His nail scarred hands and wash my sin away with His blood, never to be seen by Him again.

I was so humbled and touched by the ease He has made our forgiveness with His death ~ I truly can never ever repay Him, or even come close to earning His gift. So, I peeled and prayed thanking Him for loving me enough to offer me such pure grace at such a small cost to me and such a unimaginably huge cost to Him.

So, thank you little centipede, I was blessed by your, thankfully, short presence in my life!

~ Jesus Take the Wheel ~

2005-10-20T17:52:00.000-04:00

She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati
On a snow white Christmas Eve
Going home to see her Mama and her Daddy with the baby in the backseat
Fifty miles to go and she was running low on faith and gasoline
It'd been a long hard year
She had a lot on her mind and she didn't pay attention
She was going way to fast
Before she knew it she was spinning on a thin black sheet of glass
She saw both their lives flash before her eyes
She didn't even have time to cry
She was sooo scared
She threw her hands up in the air

Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
'Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Jesus take the wheel

It was still getting colder when she made it to the shoulder
And the car came to a stop
She cried when she saw that baby in the backseat sleeping like a rock
And for the first time in a long time
She bowed her head to pray
She said I'm sorry for the wayI've been living my life
I know I've got to change
So from now on tonight

Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands'
Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Oh, Jesus take the wheel
Oh, I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I'm on
Jesus take the wheel
Oh, take it, take it from me
~Jesus Take the Wheel lyrics sung by Carrie Underwood

I know my last post was about a song, but, I can't help myself on this one, so, please be patient, maybe the next one won't be about a song :)

As I waited for my son to come out of the store, Jesus Take the Wheel, sung by Carrie Underwood, was on the radio. And, as it played it humbled me, and, brought tears to my eyes. How often do I take the wheel back from Him.....and, it is usually when the very last one who should be in control is me.

Over and over I think I can do this short road without Him, or, well, this path is easy, I don't think I need to cover it in prayer, or just, quite frankly, believe He has absolutely no clue what He is doing, and, should go this one on my own. Oh how wrong I am!

Over the last year I have learned that this life is impossible without putting my trust in Him. I have learned what it is to be stripped to my very core of everything I thought to be foundationally sound in my life. I have been at that point that I felt so devestated in my soul and unsure I could even breath let alone function as a mother, child, wife, and friend.

There are times in our lives when circumstances, whether they be of our own making or someone elses', bring us to such a deep level of grief, frustration and desperation that we are not sure how to take the next step - and, maybe not sure if we even want to. BUT, it is at those times, when all we have left is Him, that His potter's hands can mold us and make us what He created us to be.

So, how do you live through those times? You let Him take the wheel. He doesn't ask us to know what the next step is. He doesn't ask us, or even want us, to know where tomorrow's turn is. Throughout the last year I have described it this way to people who asked how I was doing.....

I have learned to envision myself crawling on His lap ~ to be held by Him. As I drove down the freeway sobbing so hard I could hardly breath, I stopped, and made myself crawl up on His lap to let His gentle, beautiful, nail-scarred hands hold me. As I sat in church crying so much I know the person behind me was thinking 'get a kleenex' :) , I had to give up the wheel and crawl up on His lap. He has taught me to stay there, it is the only safe place in this world.

And, as I learn to take His hand and only look at the next stone to step on, not forward, not behind, I have found such a beautiful place of peace and grace that, oddly enough, I would not have traded the situation that taught me to completley trust in Him for anything in the world.

While I know He has earthquake victims to care for, and innocent children to save - He will be there for us as well. His word promises that:

The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the earth, He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:28-29

So, let Him take your wheel, where ever you think it is headed. I promise, over and over again that He will steer you where He knows you need to go. Even if you don't feel like He knows what He is doing, trust Him. He will be your rock and fortress and deliverer - His word promises that too.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, my deliverer; My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the strength of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

So, thanks Carrie, I know you will touch thousands of lives with your song.

And, please, let Jesus take your wheel.

~ Invasion of the E-cards ~

2005-10-19T00:51:00.000-04:00

My e-mail box has become the scene of the newest drama in our home ~ the Invasion of The E-cards.

It all started with one little card from my son (when he was supposed to be studying). Then, of course, if one does it, then all 4 have to do it. Then sending cards to mommy wasn't enough...they each had to send one to each other. You do the math ~ 4 kids each sending cards to each of their siblings ~ yes, can you see why my box is full of them? Oh yeah, I forgot that daddy got involved, so, dad is now sending cards to each of them, sometimes 2 a day, plus, they have to top each other to send the coolest card with the best game or funniest bodily function sounds. So, let's see, I have seen a dancing skeleton jitterbug himself to the bathroom, a weird looking burping creature gobble candy corn, an interrupting ghost interrupt a knock-knock joke (our favorite), and, well, you get the idea.

But, I have to say it has been a welling-up-with-pride-mommy-moment to see the care the kids are putting into the cards they send, and the notes they leave for each other at the end of the dancing, burping, interrupting, or singing card. As the cards are opened, you can see the excitement in the sender and the receiver. I think I should probably print those words off and hang them on the fridge for those moments that are not welling-up-with-pride-mommy-moments :)

So, if you have a few minutes, send an e-card to someone today ~ if we can find a dancing skeleton that goes to the bathroom, you can find a perfect card too :) The cards can be found at Hallmark.com - they are free, and, they bring a smile to brighten a day.

(Be sure to check out the interrupting ghost halloween card and Hoops & Yo-Yo, especially if you have kids. If you are a picture-taking mommy, check out the Mama's Little Vampire-that has been sent to me by each of the kids - do I really sound like that? :) )

~Do I Point to Him~

2005-10-17T08:49:00.000-04:00

I don't mind if you've got something
nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
who blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such

will soon enough destroy

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
who blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
who blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy
~Lyrics to Leave a Legacy by Nichole Nordeman

I have a new nephew! Welcome to our world Luke Christian!

As I held him this weekend and then walked through the hospital holding my daughters hand, the lyrics to Nichole Nordeman's song Leave a Legacy kept running through my mind, and, I even found myself quietly singing the words. I have heard and sung that song hundreds of times - it is one of my all time favorites. But, never have the words "Did I point to You" hit me as hard as Saturday holding my daughter's hand.

And, with those words, I don't think I will say much more on this post - it was a hard, yet, beautiful gut- check on my goals, priorities, attitudes, and day to day actions~

Do I point to Him enough to make a mark on things?

~ If I Would Only Trust Him ~

2005-10-12T22:43:00.000-04:00

Wow - never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be a 'web-master'!!! I used to dread even clicking that blue "e" at the bottom of my computer.....isn't just picking up the phone so much quicker than typing an email.....who in the world would want to shop on-line....these were just a few of my "I Ain't Changin' " statements. Well, I have since then given in - and even become one of those people that have their own web-site! My how times change - And, doesn't God have a wonderful plan, and, sense of humor!

So, I have gone on a new adventure of creating and maintaining a web-site for Christian scrapbooking, which is also known as faithbooking. For years I have had a passion for being sure my children know that Jesus loves them and doing everything I can for them to be walking with Him. Being an avid scrapbooker, it only made sense that I combine the two passions. And, as the years have gone by, I have set on a mission to help others include their faith in their own albums. So, Scrapbookers Bubble Bath was born!

Back to the "I Ain't Changin' "statement.....what have I learned in the last few weeks? That God is creative and amazing - if we only trust in Him. He has shown me, in 3 distinct ways, how I tend to scream "I Ain't Changin' " when He is only showing me a better path of joy and life, if I would only trust Him - So, I will share them with you.

First, it was through our newest member to our family..... A black kitten named, oddly enough Grace! We found kittens in our shed and I told the kids 'we are not even looking at them - no cats'....Well, less than 1 hour later one of them got caught up in a net and was hanging by it's neck, so I had to get her out (1st step in the "it's ours now" process). Then, of course everyone had to hold her, and, get their picture taken with her (2nd step in the "it's ours now" process). Well, of course daddy had to see her, so, we put her in a box (3rd step). Then, everyone wanted to hold her 'one more time before we let her go in the morning', so, we put her in a box in our garage (4th step). Before I knew it, she was in our kitchen in a big dishwasher box, had food, and A NAME (the big oops step!) And, now, I think we have a cat (unless anyone is looking for a new black cat with a beautiful, inspirational name, you can contact me - Ha ha!) And, as I have seen the love my children have developed for this tiny, squirmy creature, and watched them giggle with joy as she does her kitten-like things, I have to say my "I Ain't Changin' " was softened a little. (Even as I type this, my husband brought her up and she was just purring away, and, is now helping me type).

Then, as we have tried to get Grace to become aquainted with our big black dog, she has been hissing "I Ain't Changin' " ~ while, if she would only trust us, she would have the joy of another four legged friend. As I have watched her hissing and scratching, I have thought of myself hissing and scratching to get away from anything new and unknown - while, if I would only trust Him, who knows what joys I may discover.

And, finally, back to the web-site. Only a few years ago, I was saying "I Ain't Changin' " as my boss asked me to just email him and the world wide web was beginning to grow. And, now, having dreamed this dream of a web-site for Chrisian scrapbookers, and, seeing the site completed, I have to again say, He has amazing plans, if I would only trust Him!

~Amazing Grace....Kid Style~

2005-09-23T02:27:00.000-04:00

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Twas blind but now I see.

As I homeschooled my 4 children this week, we started something new for handwriting. It was a small idea I had. Now, I stand in awe how God has turned it into a beautiful blessing as the week passed on.

Each week we are choosing a hymn or worship chorus for them to learn. We go through the words, usually a verse a day, and discuss what the writer is saying. We learn the history behind the song and the one who wrote it. And we find as many versions to listen to as we can. This week was Amazing Grace. We heard Amazing Grace from versions as varied as Elvis, to a children's choir to a harpist - kinda cool.

It has been such a blessing to hear my children learn the words, and sing the song. Most precious has been hearing them sing the song to themselves as they did their homework, their chores, or, even as they chased each other across the yard with hockey sticks - (now, that was a sight!)

Somewhere along the way, the youngest 2 got the notes a little mixed up. Stop and sing the song to yourself....You know how you go up a couple of notes on ....saved a wretch like me?.....well, they do the same with .....was blind but now I see. But, they belt it out like they belong in the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir - and, I know Jesus smiles, 'cause I sure do.

What have I learned? Well, to sing out! My soul lights up and swells with pride as I hear them sing to Jesus and about Jesus. So, how much must He delight when I sing to Him. Now, I must be honest and admit that I whisper during worship in church - because I want the people in front of me to be able to worship - not think about that women sitting behind them who just can't sing.

But, maybe I should care less about them, and more about singing to my Saviour: Maybe, somehow, in my worship, bad notes and all, He is proud and honored: Maybe, I should move to the front row: But, for sure, I need to sing out Amazing Grace - Kid Style!

~Let's Not Forget~

2005-09-09T15:51:00.000-04:00

It has been 10 days since Katrina sent her ravaging winds and rain through the Gulf Coast. Have you noticed the conversation surrounding the victims has dwindled? Have you noticed the water cooler discussions are now on to the cost of gasoline? Can we truly return to our normal lives, forgetting the people whose lives were seemingly devestated in less than 2 weeks? By the looks of things, I do, sadly, believe so.

We, who live far away from the wreckage are able to make it seem like it is happening in another country, much like the Tsunami last December - but, it is our American family that has been torn apart. Have you truly stopped for even 5 minutes to think what it will be like for these people? I don't know that I have either.

They have lost their homes, pictures, clothes, churches, friends, pets, lifestyle and favorite grocery store. Not only have they lost things and people, they have lost what was normal everyday life to them. Some grew up on this street, got married in that church, broke their leg on this tree and hit their first home run on that field. In many ways, their history is destroyed.

I just finished watching Oprah's show from the Katrina devestation. I have to say that I cried through most of it - and, felt shame at my selfishness during this time. There were people whose stories I will never forget, and images I will never loose. We did not see the true travesty on the news-we only saw a measly portion of the reality. Visit Oprah's link below to get a small portion of her report, and then, if you haven't donated, yet, do that next. http://www2.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200509/tows_past_20050906.jhtml

I am not trying to be dramatic or pull at heart strings - I am only speaking to us all, including myself, that we can not just return to normal life without remembering these people with our financial gifts and prayers. These people are souls for whom Christ died. Our prayers for them must be more passionate and sincere than our prayers for our next pay check or our "Lord please give me-s". American Christians have an opportunity to make some eternal differences if we pray this storm be used for the Lord's glory.

How do we answer the "How could God"s, "Why did God"s or "Where was God"s?....We don't. We can only say what we know....He is an all-knowing, all-powerful, and yes, all-loving God, that can not be explained or validated. Past that, I don't know why's and how's - I am not God. But what I do know is that I am blessed beyond what I deserve and must continue to remember these people and our nation in prayer.

He will rebuild their lives. He will rebuild their cities. He will rebuild our nation. We must rebuild through prayer~Let's not forget.

Victims of Katrina, I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out to dance with the joyful. Jeremiah 31:4

~Tongue-Twistin' & Shoutin'~

2005-09-07T02:49:00.000-04:00

If you were to visit my house today - you would hear some strange chants....my son got us tongue-twistin'!

It began as a challenge to mom and dad-"Betcha can't read this". Well, of course, mom and dad had to prove they could do it, and, better than the other. Within a couple of days, we were all tongue-twistin'. In fact, I had to giggle yesterday, as I unlocked my door, and, found myself saying "Who saw Esau sitting on a see-saw - E saw Esau sitting on a see-saw".

Why tell you? Because it is a simple thing in life, that, I am sure it's been a while since you have tried. We have had fun doing it, and, it is good practice at memorization and pronounciation for the little ones. It has become a treasured time of giggles and fun for us that we can do on our way to the store, library, or anywhere.

So, nothing too deep today ya'll - just a little bit of family fun, which, we all need to add to our often too busy and stress-filled lives.

Do a search of tongue twisters, or, try these few - and, before you know it you will be Tongue-Twistin' and Shoutin' with a smile on your face, and that red light won't irritate you so much!

**A skunk sat on a stump and thunk the stump stunk, but the stump thunk the skunk stunk.

**A big black bug bit a big black bear, made the big black bear bleed blood.

**I am not the pheasant plucker, I'm the pheasant plucker's mate. I am only plucking pheasants' cause the pheasant plucker's running late.

**Friendly Frank flips fine flapjacks.

**Fat frogs flying past fast.

And, the family favorite: Who saw Esau sitting on a see-saw, E saw Esau sitting on a see-saw.

~There, But By the Grace of God Go I~

2005-09-02T22:51:00.000-04:00

As I woke this morning, I heard Third Day's new song, "Cry Out to Jesus", but the radio station had a version with audio clips from Katrina. Wow, if that doesn't wake you up with appreciation for everything in your life, I don't know what will.

I have to admit that I was critical and disappointed this time yesterday as I heard and watched a small handfull of survivors behave in a manner that is usually seen only in other countries. In many conversations, I had my comments that I threw out in judgement - but - then, this morning I humbly realized, there but by the grace of God go I.

It is only through God's grace that I have a home, my family, my education and a few dollars in my purse. I was born bent to sin, just as those small few were - and, at the foot of Jesus' cross - I look just like them - I am just as ugly and sinful as those few. And, it is only because of God's indescribable and beautiful grace I am sitting at this computer and not on a bus on my way out of the dome. Who am I to stand and say I would not act like that? Who am I to watch and shake my head in judgement? Who am I to sit in my dry, clean home and think that those people should know better?

While I hope and pray I would not hurt others through my pain if I were in the same situation, don't I, like they, know how to behave better. Don't we all know better than to behave and think the way we do? Isn't my dirty look at the woman who just cut me off just as sinful? Isn't my impatient answers to my children just as sinful? While my behavior may not be looting, rioting or raping - my behavior, just as theirs, nailed Jesus to the cross.

Probably every blogger will have a comment about Katrina and the aftershock. Some will be in criticism of leaders, some will be in criticism of the surviviors, some will be policitically driven, and, some will be words of comfort and prayers for the people who have suffered. But, what each of us have to remember is that we are not walking as they are - we can't say how dare they, when we can't know how feel they.

So, what can we do as we watch America be portrayed on TV as lawless and loveless? We can remember a few things - We must help:

1) Help with our prayers of redemption and healing, physically and emotionally. Those we see on TV are souls Jesus loves and died for - just as for as you and me. The power of fervent prayer can bring miracles that will draw many to Christ. We just never know what souls will be in heaven from this event.

2) Help with or pocketbooks - even if it is only $1.00. The estimated American population is 290, 809, 777. You do the math - that's a lot of money! Skip eating out for lunch and give to the red cross.

3) Help by realizing America has never had a disaster of this magnitude. Just as with September 11, our lives will never be the same. This is not a racial, economic class or political party issue. This is a path we have never been down - and a hard one that is going be filled with mistakes. Let's not turn on each other but towards each other.

4) Help by remembering that the media is loving the drama of the looting and 'newsworthy' behavior. I know there are stories of heros and miracles - where are they? The media is focusing on a small few that are acting out, instead of focusing on the many who are helping out. Find the stories of our true human hearts and share them - we can not forget there are only a few that are doing these acts, the large majority are just trying to survive. I found examples of Americans stepping up:
**MoveOn.org Civic Action, which set up HurricaneHousing.org on Thursday, said its Web site listed offers for 50,950 beds on Friday afternoon, and the number was climbing by more than 1,000 per hour.
**Red Cross support rescue and relief efforts.
291,020 Donors: $41,919,550 Raised (I saw this amount increase by over 1 million over 2 hours!)
**DuPont to Donate $1 Million to Help Communities Impacted by Hurricane Katrina

5) And, mostly, help by humbly remembering...There but by the grace of God go Us!

~A Child and The Claw~

2005-08-30T08:41:00.000-04:00

I opened my eyes, and, there they were, all 3 lions, looking at me with their eyes wide open - almost as if to say "hah, and you did not think we were possible"....

It all started last week when we went to see a movie - not realizing I was on my way to learning a life lesson from a child and The Claw.

On the way out of the theater, one of my boys wanted to try one of those games with a big silver claw that you guide, drop, and hope to pull out a toy. You know, The Claw from Toy Story. As he does everytime he sees one, he asked if he could try it. And, as I always do, in my adult know-it-all way, I told him that no one ever wins at those and the animals are purposely stuffed tight so they will not come out. However, this time, since this was his dollar he was spending, I allowed him to try the game, knowing that 'no one ever wins those' - -----He got lucky on his first try! You can imagine the 'see, I told you so mommy', look and words that I had to endure as he pulled that orange, cheap, polyester stuffed, liony looking animal out of the trap door.

Move ahead a few more days - another movie (we had to keep daddy, who had shoulder surgery, away from any bat, ball, golf club, or anything else resembling sports), another, "Mommy, can I try it to win a doll" - bringing more adult know-it-all words of 'no one ever wins those'. But, this time all 4 of my children were armed with their own money in little rumpled plastic bags of pennies, nickels, a few dimes and maybe 1 quarter. So, again, being their own money, I allowed them to try The Claw. Would you believe they won 2 more cheap, polyester stuffed, liony looking, animal things in only 4 trys?!!! Have you ever seen anyone win even once at those things???!!!

Since that time, the kids have been so precious with those lions. I think each doll has had at least 3 owners (inlcuding mom and dad), and they have been placed in many places of honor as if they were trophies. I have found them setting in places all over the house, from the kitchen counter to the computer desk, from the back of the toilet to the head of my bed. I think the kids are really just trying to say "see mom, you were w-r-o-n-g."

But this morning, as I opened my eyes and saw all 3 of those cheap, polyester filled, liony looking animals lined up in a perfect row, just looking right down at me -I had a thought - I did not believe. I had too much adult knowledge, and, not enough childhood magic; I had too many life doesn't work that way experiences, and, not enough childhood why not.

As I laid there and looked at those 3 lions, remembering the childrens' excitement, (and my sheer amazement), I had to wonder how many times I have had too much fear, too much adulty-ish know-it-all, too much it'll never work, and not enough belief in myself, and have, therefore, missed the excitement of winning my own version of a cheap, polyester filled, liony looking trophy........

If only I would learn from a child and The Claw

~Held~

2005-08-28T08:24:00.000-04:00

Two months is too little.
They let him go. They had no sudden healing.
To think that providence would
Take a child from his mother while she prays
Is appalling.

Who told us we'd be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We're asking why this happens
To us who have died to live?
It's unfair.

This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.

This hand is bitterness.
We want to taste it, let the hatred numb our sorrow.
The wise hand opens slowly to lilies of the valley and tomorrow.

This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.

If hope is born of suffering.
If this is only the beginning.
Can we not wait for one hour watching for our Savior?

This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.
Lyrics to Held~sung by Natalie Grant

That song is one of the most beautiful and powerful songs I have ever heard. I must not be the only one - it has been a chart topper for weeks.

Held - We've all been held by a mom, dad or loved one. As a child I felt safe and loved in my mother's arms. I knew all would be OK, I just had to get over the hump of boos-boos, lost toys or hurt feelings. Then, I'd climb down, and be on my way, knowing, she'd be there if I needed to crawl back up.

Now, being an adult, I have adult size boo-boos, losses and pains - sometimes those chilhood ones don't look so bad after-all. BUT, I have a universe-sized lap I can crawl on to hold me until I am ready to get back on my way in life. The lap of Jesus.

Have you ever had anything sacred torn from you? A relationship, your health, a job or valuables: something that was such a blessing and so cherished you were not sure how you could survive without it? He didn't promise us we wouldn't lose in life - He only promised He would love and hold us through it...He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to His heart. And, what a true beautiful blessing to experience being held by Him. His arms are a shelter from the storms of trials and strengthening in preparation for any other wind that is blowing towards us.

John 16:33 says "I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless owrld you will continue to experience difficulties, but take heart! I've conquered the world. Another versions puts the last 4 words ...I've overcome the world. He has overcome the world! He has overcome our pain; He has overcome our loss; He has overcome ____ from now through the eternity. Think of that. We, I, You have the Father of the universe who will hold us and strengthen us. He will chase away the imaginative monsters in the closet and protect us from the real ones in our room.

There are times in our lives where all we can do is be at peace. We can't fix or change what is happening. We may feel like we not will survive another moment. But, we can crawl on our Father's lap and let Him hold us until we are ready to get back down and do life some more. So, next time your feeling like your world is crashing in all around you, and, you are not sure how you will face the day, close your eyes, imagine crawling up into His arms and be still. He will hold us, if we only learn to let Him.

~Awesome Autumn~

2005-08-27T08:11:00.000-04:00

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Indescribable~by Chris Tomlin

If you are fortunate enough to live in a region where you experience the amazing transition from summer to fall, stop for a minute and look at the leaves - they are changing already! Seems it gets earlier every year, or, am I just getting older every year?

I would never tell my botany professor from college this, but, I forgot why exactly it is the leave colors change - I only remembered it has something to do with that really big word that starts with 'photo' but is not one of my favorite 'photograph'. So, I went online-Now, I think I understand it better than I did at my botany final, thanks to some wonderfully written science for elementary homeschoolers websites!

As I read the series of events that brings these beautiful changes, I realized how much I am so like the leaves - needing my own Son and Living Water to stay healthy and productive.

So, I thought I'd pass on the information - just in case you forgot too. Actually, it truly is amazing how the change occurs and He creates this beautiful show. Besides, be ready, your kids are gonna ask you - won't they think you are smart if you are armed and ready with the answer!

"While the sun was shining, and we were enjoying its warmth and light, so were the leaves. The leaves were a food factory for the trees and plants. The leaves use the sun to convert carbon dioxide from the air, and water from the tree roots into food for the tree, which it stores throughout the summer. (This process is that big word a few of us remember from school – photosynthesis )

Inside each leaf there are millions of little cells with pigment packages of chlorophyll and carotenoid. Chlorophyll is the chemical that helps with the process of photosynthesis, and gives the leaves their green color. The carotenoids are responsible for the yellow, orange and brown autumn leaves. During the summer however, the chlorophyll is very active using the sun for photosynthesis, and essentially masks the other pigment packages.

As the days get shorter and there is less sunlight, the tree makes less green producing cholorphyll which causes the other pigments to be revealed. Of course, these yellow and orange pigments give us our autumns filled with beautiful leaves.

As the tree receives less sunlight, it also creates a layer of cells at the base of the leaf, which is called the separation layer. Eventually, the leaf is not receiving enough water from the roots and it will turn brown, die, and fall off of the tree limb. That is when we begin getting out our rakes!

I think we are all like those leaves.

Without our Son, spelled S-O-N, we lose our life and our shadiness to others, and, eventually fall off and die. When we create our own ‘separation layer’ in our lives, we become disconnected from our Life Giving Water. We may look beautiful to others, as do those leaves that are getting less sunlight and water. However, we, as those leaves, are on the path to death. We may look OK on the outside, but, that is only for a little while. Without The Son, we will die.

But, when we are getting enough of The Son, we are alive. When we are basking in His presence, we are healthy. We are busy and productive using The Son’s energy to do His work.

When we are connected to the Life Giving Water, we are not thirsty. We become beautiful and refreshing to others in our lives. We are a shade for those who need a rest.

So, if you are fortunate enough to live in a region that will have a rainbow of leaf colors this autumn, take a moment and look at the leaves. Ask yourself which leaf are you? And, find a way to remind your self to stay in the Son and connected to the Living Water.

(Excerpt taken from Awesome Autumn - He Keeps Us Faithbooking Devotional available at ScrapbookersBubbleBath.com)

~Held By Him~

2005-08-22T07:49:00.000-04:00

Hard to decide what to say on your first post....So, thought I would jump right in and share how I chose my blogspot name, Held By Him. It starts with Isaiah 40:11 He tends His flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads those that have young. I found this verse when I had a 3 year old, a 2 year old, and a newborn, and was working full time in a job with huge responsibilities. I needed Him to tend, hold, and lead my family! As I claimed and clung to Isaiah 40:11, it became my "Mommy verse".

He tends his flock like a shepherd.... We have all heard Jesus as our Shepherd analogy. However, it provides a new meaning and is so reassuring to know we are His flock, and more importantly, our children are part of His flock. He is tending all through our childrens' days. What peace to know our Father, the God of the universe, is tending to our children, and to us.

He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart...The most peaceful and comforting time to me is to imagine each of my children in my Saviors arms. I see Him with His arms around my child, kissing their forehead, kissing the boo boos, holding each child close, whispering comforting words, maybe even singing His own personalized version of Jesus loves me. And, sometimes, I picture Him gathering me - just holding me close to His heart. When I do not think I can put away one more dish, fold one more t-shirt, answer to one more 'mommy', He gathers me. When I think I am completely failing as a mom, or I am not sure I am raising my children as He would desire, He gathers me and holds me close to His heart; - more on this part of the verse at a later blog- just don't want to ramble too long on my first one :)

He gently leads those that have young...I have this part double underlined in my Bible and gently circled. As moms we have such an awesome responsibility, and such a desire to raise our children to love and serve the Lord. That is a mountainous task - one that can not be done on our own. I know on my own, I would be so far off the mark. It can only be done on our knees, while being lead, gently by our Heavenly Father. What a comfort to know He is gently leading me - We NEED Him to lead us. When the baby is crying at 2 a.m. and you wonder if you should call the doctor or not, He gently leads those that have young....When you don't know if you should read Goodnight Moon for the 6th time, or put those 4 baskets of clothes away, He gently leads those that have young....When your child asks "Mommy, what is your soul?", He gently leads those that have young.

So, if by chance you are reading this as a mom or even a dad, take a moment today, grab your Bible and underline Isaiah 40:11. Memorize it and claim it as your Mommy or Daddy verse. We are His precious lambs, each one of us.

I have a beatiful picture of Jesus holding a little child hanging in my main hallway. I can't even begin to count the number of times I have walked by and been reminded that we, and our children, are Held By Him all the days of our lives.