A guessing game....and the answer is love!

Some things in life are just guessing games.  Yesterday our family had a really fun guessing game as we all took a guess at the gender of Doug and Susie's anticipated baby.  As you can see from our "ballot" there was only one lone person on the boy side and the rest of us all guessed girl.  That is except for Doug and Ken!  They both refused to participate in the guessing.  Ken told someone that the baby would be human  and that was the only guess he would make!  And he wanted to vote for that.  Needless to say we were all delighted that the baby is a girl!  Susie is especially excited.

This is such a wonderful time, filled with anticipation for our family.  The time between now and when this baby is born will pass both very quickly AND very slowly!  That is certainly true of the last two years since we lost baby Lucas.  In some ways it seems like it was just a short while ago, yet in other ways this has been the longest two years that I have ever experienced.  If I have learned one thing in these hard two years, it is that we are called to live PRESENT in each day.  You can't live in the past and you can't just be longing for the future.  Jesus made that very clear so many times in the Bible.  We are instructed to keep our thoughts (and our worries) on today.  We are also told NOT to worry - since he has everything under control.

I've tried to stay totally out of the presidential election controversy over the last months.  It was certainly another example of a guessing game. And now there are so many people who seem to be living outside of the present.  There are protests and riots over things that simply have not yet happened and may never happen.  Now more than ever we all just need to be present in today, asking Jesus what our tasks are for today.  He's got everything under control. We need to stop the assuming what will happen in the future and stop the entire guessing game of the next four years.

The great topper of my weekend was a wonderful time, actually getting to meet and listen to Dr. Brian Simmons - the man responsible for The Passion Translation.  I have quoted from this translation many times on this blog.  My daily devotional times almost always include The Passion Translation, which speaks directly to my spirit as I read.  The interesting thing about this event was that it was also sort of a guessing game as to whether or not the meeting would happen!  The leader of the ministry sponsoring Dr, Simmons actually had a medical emergency hours before this event was to take place.

I confess that my prayers were not only for the total health and well being of the leader, but also that this meeting would actually happen!  I have been eagerly waiting for a chance to meet Pr. Simmons.  Thankfully although the leader did need to spend time under medical care, the meeting went on as planned, thanks to a wonderful group of support staff in this ministry.  What a wonderful night hearing not only the powerful testimony of this man and his wife, but also being encouraged and blessed through his words shared with us.  There were so many amazing thoughts in that two hour talk..... but here are just a couple of things to ponder.

*Everything springs from love.  Love is the epicenter of who God is and what He does. His Love for us - His Bride is revealed in the Song of Songs.

*The Hebrew word for singing is a homonym which also means to prune.  It is our worship that prunes us.  The dead things are severed from us when we worship.

*John 17 will be a highlighted chapter in the year 2017.  (I think I will be spending a bit of time meditating on this chapter)

Oh, there was so much more!  I am so thankful that I got to meet this man and listen to him for this very short time.   Love was the overwhelming topic of this meeting.  Love was the very center of our family time and our anticipation for that new baby girl.  Love is the answer to the controversy and the turmoil in our country post election.  Love.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself.

Jesus, thank you for speaking so clearly in the Bible about love.  Holy Spirit, help us to start each day  knowing that we are loved by You.  Remind us all to love before anything else.  Keep us mindful of our neighbors and mindful of Your great love for us.  Thank you Jesus for my newest little granddaughter!  Amen

Another celebration......anniversary!

With Ken away this weekend, I had plenty of time to start looking through all of my scrapbook albums.  This was the first album I picked up.  Thursday was Gwen and Tim's 15th Wedding Anniversary.  It just does not seem possible that this was 15 years ago!

It was such an amazing day.  Didn't she look just amazing?  And quite honestly, I don't think she looks much older now, in spite of four kids and 15 years!  Or Tim either! And I just had to include this picture since I had just posted the picture of my own going away......

I'm not sure that going through old photos is a good way to spend an entire day.  It left me feeling a bit nostalgic and also kind of discouraged.  I thought this was interesting since DISCOURAGEMENT  has been the word swirling around for the last week.  I have seen post after post about praying against the spirit of discouragement that seems to be everywhere right now.  We prayed about this at my small group this week.   Last night I heard an amazing teaching from Dr. Lance Wallnau on this exact subject.  His message was summed up in one sentence... "Let your expectations be on the Lord!".  We tend to get discouraged when we are looking for something from a source that is NOT the Lord.  If we want affirmation or encouragement or even just someone to be with, if we look anywhere but the Lord, we will be disappointed or discouraged.  Lance said that he had been reading Psalm 62 when he came to this thought.  Here is Psalm 62 from The Passion Translation.....

I stand silently to listen for the One I love, waiting as long as it takes for the Lord to rescue me.  For God alone has become my Savior.  He alone is my Safe Place; His wrap-around presence always protects me.  For he is my Champion Defender; there's no risk of failure with God.  So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me?  But look at these who want me dead, Shouting their vicious threats at me!  The moment they discover my weakness they all begin plotting to take me down.  Liars, hypocrites, with nothing good to say.  All of their energies are spent on moving me from this exalted place. I am standing in absolute stillness, silent before the One I love; waiting as long as it takes for him to rescue me.  Only God is my Savior, and he will not fail me.  For he alone is my Safe Place, His wrap-around presence always protects me.  As my Champion Defender; there's no risk of failure with God!  So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me?  God's glory is all around me!  His wrap-around presence is all I need, for the Lord is my Savior, My Hero and my life-giving strength.  Join me, everyone!  Trust only in God every moment!  Tell him all your troubles and pour out your heart-longings to him.  Believe me when I tell you - he will help you!  Before God, all the people of the earth, high or low, are like smoke that disappears, like a vapor that quickly vanishes away.  Compared to God they're nothing but vanity, nothing at all!  The wealth of the world is nothing to God.  So if your wealth increases, don't be boastful or put your trust in your money.  And don't you think for a moment that you can get away with stealing, by overcharging others, just to get more for yourself!  God said to me once and for all, all the strength and power you need flows from me!  And again I heard it clearly said, "All the love you need is found in me!"  And the Almighty said, "The greater your passion for more- the greater reward I will give you!"

Meditate on that and you will see the direction to just rely on the Lord.  In doing that, we will not worry.  Or be disappointed.  Or discouraged.  So I think I will spend some time musing about this Psalm.  Once again I am so thankful for The Passion Translation!  And I am thankful for scrapbooking and preserving photos that allow us to remember and reflect.  

Jesus, thank you for memories that help us to put our life into perspective.  Thank you for the reminder to trust only in you, Lord.  Holy Spirit, free us from the spirit of discouragement and disappointment and help us to keep our eyes on Jesus.  Thank you for time to read, pray and reflect on all of your great promises.  Amen

May events just keep on coming!!!!!

Memorial Day weekend also included yet another big family event (picture minus Gwen the photographer) - Lia's 10th Birthday celebration! She decided that we should go Roller Skating so our entire family at least WENT to the rink - we did not all skate.  This picture is after the skating and you can see that there were no (visible) injuries.  This was most likely because Ken and I did not skate!  Neither did Anna!  Ellie got some skates but didn't like all the flashing lights and loud music so she never skated.  But the rest of the crew had a wonderful time zooming around the rink.  Zeke and Lia used a "trainer" (think a walker on wheels made out of PVC pipe.  A really clever way to help young ones skate without an adult) for part of the time.  By the end of the skating, Zeke was going around on his own.  Lia was also much more comfortable and skating well.  And then there was Tim.......  Well let's just say that boy can skate!  He regularly skates on an adult Ice Hockey team, so roller skates were a breeze for him.  Doug could also hold his own and his years of roller blading showed also.  Susie and Gwen both did really well!  Anna had the most fun putting her hands inside of Ellie's discarded skates and pretending to skate!

It was quite interesting to find myself back at that roller rink.  Doug and Gwen talked about all of the time they spent there as kids, and it was lots!  I spent many an hour skating there myself, back in my much younger days!  After the skating we went back to our house for a barbecue and to enjoy the really wonderful weather.  It was such an enjoyable day just being together and there was also plenty of laughing, an usual.  I managed to CHAR (and I mean CHAR) the hamburgers and brats, but it was still good to eat that summer food.

Our back yard opens onto a large park.  That park has made our house so much better over the 39 years we have lived here!  Our small yard does not seem small and we love the open land with a small creek running through it.  We have had quite a bit of rain and that park is actually a water "detention" area to prevent flooding.  Many times that small creek has become a very wide and flowing river.  On Sunday it looked like the park was just a wonderful green carpet of grass.  But as Zeke said "It is very squishy over there!"  Eventually all of the kids had their shoes off and were playing in the water.  Anna was covered from head to toe after using a frisbee as a water shovel!  But for this Grandma, it was just another wonderful part of a really great 10th Birthday Celebration for my sweet Lia.  Lia is really an amazing young lady and it has been such a joy to watch her grow!

Today I was thinking about our roller skating day.  I am very thankful that Ken and I knew our limits and made a choice not to push it!  Sometimes it is good to take a step back and sit on the side lines.  Recently I have been doing a lot of thinking about stepping out and going into new things.  So this seems like a bit of a contradiction!  But just like in roller skating, what is most needed is BALANCE!  There are plenty of times when it is necessary to take that step into that scary new place.  But there are also times (like being over 60 at the roller rink) when it is good to know when to say NO!  I know that I need to seek balance in my life everyday.  Don't we all?   Today at my small group we were talking about information overload.  There is just so much available through the internet that it is  possible to just get muddled with all the stuff you hear.  Taking time to rest and be refreshed in prayer and praise certainly helps with that balance.   We read Psalm 18:30-40 from The Passion Translation (oh how I love that translation!) and these couple of lines really stuck out to us....

From verse 30..... All your promises have proven true..... You are the wrap-around God giving grace to me!   And from verse 34..... You've trained me with weapons of warfare-worship!   That idea of "warfare-worship" was good for a very long discussion!  In another version that verse talks about training our hands, which brought us to our WARFARE needs to be lifting our HANDS in WORSHIP!  The rest of that Psalm talks about how God is going to defeat our enemies in His strength and power.   Isn't that just a great word picture?  As we lift our hands and worship our "wrap around" God, He does the warring for us!  It is all about HIM!  It is much easier to stay balanced in this crazy, busy, over information world we live in when you lift your hands knowing that Jesus has everything under control!   Yes, a wonderful word from Jesus today!

Jesus, thank you for fun family times that keep me grounded and laughing - sometimes at myself!  Holy Spirit help us all to find balance through worship and praise.  Thank you for speaking to us everyday through scripture.  Jesus, help us to know when to step out and when to sit it out!  Amen

Times of transition..........

On Wednesday I got to watch this fine young man transition OUT of preschool and into Kindergarten!  I really can't believe that this guy is 5 years old already and has completed 3 years of preschool.  Gloryland, the preschool that he attends, is also where his mommy (Gwen) works as a teacher for 4 year olds!  Lia actually started in this school way back in the fall of 2008 when she was just 2 years old.  Part of the tradition at Gloryland is "walking the bridge" at the end of the year.  The kids each transition into their new level as they leave their present teacher at the bridge!

Here is Zeke making that big walk across that bridge.  It was after a wonderful program that included several songs by the children.  The big day finished with lots of goodbyes in their classrooms, some special treats and popsicles!  Zeke's teacher clearly knows those 4/5 year old boys because Zeke's favorite treat was this.....

a "mushstash" pencil!  Zeke thought this was the most amazing thing!  And so did Tim!  He spent some time with this under his nose also!  You just have to love those little boys!  

There were also some little ones who were not terribly happy to be leaving thier special teachers and classrooms.  I saw more than one mom and/or dad with a weepy child. And more than one mom and/or dad with some tissues for themselves!   Because, let's face it, change is difficult!  These times of transition seem to come at us out of the blue.  I mean, we all know that the end of the year is coming.  That those kids are growing up.  On one hand we are so excited to see all the new accomplishments, but the flip side of that is the longing for them to just stay right where they are.  

I mentioned in an earlier blog that Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna had been raising some butterflies.  Yesterday was their fly away day......

I got this picture from Lia (taken on her much older phone) but you can see the butterfly on the flower.  Yes, they all flew away.  And the kids were very sad to see them go.  Lia told me that later in the day she actually saw one of the butterflies back in their yard.  It is good for these young ones to begin to think about and understand that change and transitions into new things are just part of life.  

One of my very favorite Bible verses is Matthew 18:3....... "And Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven."  Yes, this is clear direction that we have to change!  And it is interesting that instead of being more grown up, we are instructed to become like kids!  I just love how The Passion Translation says this verse...

"Learn this well:  Unless you dramatically change your way of thinking and become teachable, learn about heaven's kingdom realm with the wide-eyed wonder of a child, you will never be able to enter in.  Whoever continually humbles himself to become like this gentle child is the greatest one in heaven's kingdom realm."  

If that doesn't make you think about changes, I don't know what will!  This is the transition that is the most important.  Notice that what needs to change is our "way of thinking".   When you THINK that whatever that new thing is that is coming into your life will be wonderful, it usually is!  Our way of thinking needs to be from a heavenly perspective.   The good news of that verse is that we just have to become teachable after we change our way of thinking.   Since we know that Jesus is in control and He is leading us on, and will always be with us, change should not bother us.  And when we are feeling unsettled and uncertain as we face transitions, the peace of Jesus is always available to us.  We just have to ask!    

Jesus, thank you for your Word that gives us answers and direction when we need it.  Thank you for your peace in times of change in our life.  Help us to embrace change and remember to see things from a heavenly perspective.  Holy Spirit guide us into that "wide-eyed wonder" and keep us humble and gentle.  Thank you for growth and new things!  Amen

Closer to Jesus............

I love when my last blog just feeds right into the next one!  Tonight I had the great honor and privilege to hear this wonderful young lady (my sweet Lia) proclaim to her church family her faith and trust in Jesus.  Then she joined God's family in that very special meal - Holy Communion.  When her Pastor asked her why she wanted to commune she wisely answered "to be closer to Jesus".  WOW!  What a night!    This was not a "traditional" Maundy Thursday service.  Their church has their fellowship area filled with tables and chairs set with fresh baked loafs of bread and carafes of wine.  Everyone gathers together around those tables and the Pastor retells this important story.  One of the most interesting things that Pr. Dave shared tonight was the meaning of the word "Maundy".  It actually comes from a Latin word that means mandate or command.  Jesus told his disciples that he was giving them a new covenant along with this powerful way that we can "be closer to Jesus"!   The oldest person at each table (which happened to be me at our table) broke the bread and served it around the table and then poured the wine and served it.  We all communed together.  Then the bread and grapes (and grape juice) on the table were shared by everyone!  There was lots of fellowship and lots of love.  I confess that I couldn't take my eyes off of Lia!  I was thinking about my last blog about a legacy of love.  I felt as if I was seeing a part of my legacy right in front of me.  Here was my granddaughter proudly proclaiming her love for Jesus!  And more than that, her desire to get closer to Him.  Yes, I feel so very blessed.  

A couple of days ago I shared this post on Facebook from The Passion Translation........

I hear His whisper..."Listen to Me"
In the silence I will speak to you. Each morning come and sit at My feet and learn from the wisdom of eternity. I will speak. I will whisper to your soul. It is time for you to hear Me clearly each day. The assignments I give to you will be pleasant and rewarding. The task I set before you each day will bring sweetness to your soul. Others will begin to take note, that you have been with Me.

In the evening hours come to Me and I will whisper My living words into your spirit. I will make your night season a time of encounter as My Spirit comes to bring you heaven's grace and the dew of My presence. Listen carefully, as a lover listens to every word of the Beloved-- listen to Me and you will hear My voice. I will touch your ears and open them as one who is being taught. You will learn My ways as you listen to My voice.

I love to speak with you, to talk to you and share My heart with you. I have many who say they follow Me but never still their souls to listen to My voice. I am a Shepherd who goes before My sheep calling them by name, caring for them in love, and leading them into My ways. You will find that I have ears for your voice, I listen to you as you speak with Me, now come and listen to My whisper each day and know that I am your God.

Proverbs 8:5-12 The Passion Translation 

"Listen to Me

And you will be prudent and wise. 

For even the foolish and feeble

Can receive an understanding heart 

That will change their inner being.

The meaning of my words 

Will release within you

Revelation for you to reign in life. 

My lyrics will empower you

To live by what is right.

For everything I say is unquestionably true;

And I refuse to endure the lies of lawlessness— 

My words will never lead you astray. 

All the declarations of my mouth can be trusted; 

They contain no twisted logic

Or perversion of the truth.

All My words are clear and straightforward 

To all who possess spiritual understanding. 

If you have an open mind

You’ll receive revelation-knowledge. 

My wise correction is

More valuable than silver or gold. 

The finest gold is nothing compared

To the revelation-knowledge I can impart. 

Wisdom is so priceless

That it exceeds the value than any jewel. 

Nothing you could wish for can equal her.

For I am Wisdom, and I am shrewd and intelligent. 

I have at My disposal living-understanding

To devise a plan for your life.

So I have been thinking about drawing closer to Jesus by listening to Him.  And I love the last line of this passage........ Jesus has at His disposal a plan for my life.  He has a plan for Lia's life also... and a plan for you!  I am so thankful tonight that the plan for my life included being with Lia when she made this life changing step to grow closer to Jesus.    

Jesus, thank you for your mandate to love each other.  You are love and you share that with us through this amazing meal.  Holy Spirit remind us to be still and hear from you each day.  Thank you for special times that help us to see your working in our family.  Thank you for days of remembrance!  Amen

Taking a drink.......when you are very thirsty!

We have been having some really nice, warm weather (for February) and as of tonight, we are snow free!  In typical Chicago fashion, (you might get four seasons of weather in one day) we are currently under a winter storm warning.  So tomorrow will most likely NOT be snow free.  However, given the very unpredictability of our weather forecasting, we might not have any snow! During one of those really nice, warm days I happened to notice "our" squirrel putting on a show outside of my living room!  We have a pair of squirrels who have taken up residence in the tree in our neighbors back yard.  We see them scampering around and leaving their prints in the snow on our patio.  This was the show I watched......

That squirrel came back over and over again for drinks of water.  The interesting thing about this is that we have a creek behind our house that has plenty of water in it.  As a matter of fact, the area behind our house is a "detention" area and because we have had some rains this winter, there are pools of water in that space.  So I could not imagine why that little squirrel was so intent on visiting the bird bath!  Whatever the reason, both squirrels had several drinks from what looked to me to be dirty, icky water.  They must have been very thirsty!

I was thinking how awful that water looked that that those "furry tailed rodents" (as Ken calls them) were drinking.  I am so thankful that the living water that flows from the throne to us is crystal clear and perfect.  I was thinking about Jesus' words to the Samaritan women at the well...  Jesus was right there to meet her need.  So here are those verses John 4:13-14 from my very favorite...The Passion Translation....

Jesus answered, "If you drink from Jacob's well you'll be thirsty again and again, but if anyone drinks the living water I give them, they will never thirst again and will be forever satisfied!  For when you drink the water I give you it becomes a gushing fountain of the Holy Spirit, springing up and flooding you with endless life!"

I have been feeling thirsty myself in the last couple of weeks.  Thirsty for the presence of Jesus.  Thirsty for worship.  Not just "singing" but worship.  I have felt dry and a bit "out of sorts" and from experience, I know that what I really need is more of Jesus!  I am very happy that I have a small group meeting tomorrow where I can take a big drink...... of the presence!  There is something so good about being with your trusted friends and talking and laughing and crying.  From that place we worship and pray and just experience the closeness and support of one another.  And always there is that wonderful, amazing flow of the river of the Holy Spirit, gushing forth from each of us.   So, I am sure that after jumping into that river tomorrow, I will be less thirsty.  

Isn't it interesting how things in the natural so often speak to us about Spiritual things?  I needed this reminder tonight. I already feel less "thirsty" just talking about that gushing fountain springing up and flooding me.  Yes, that is just what I needed tonight!  Thanks to some squirrels!

Jesus, I love that you know exactly what we need.  Thank you for your Word that gives us a clear picture of all that you have promised for us.  Holy Spirit, thank you for your fountain of  living water! Jesus, remind all of us who are feeling dry and thirsty that you have given us an endless supply of living water!  Amen

Reflection, peace, relaxing.....

I know that I have been much slower to post in the last few weeks.  I have been doing some thinking about this, which of course, has caused me to NOT be blogging!  What I have discovered is that this has actually been a time during which I have been active (think busy) but more than that, it has also been a time of reflection and peace and quiet. 

Last week Gwen and I took the kids swimming.  We had several below zero days, but that day was actually sunny and relatively warm (38 degrees).  Last year Gwen had discovered a park district near us (well, not exactly NEAR but a reasonable drive) that has a wonderful toddler, zero depth entry pool that offers a "tot swim" a couple of mornings a week.  Besides being very reasonable, it is the perfect size pool for us to manage the four kids.  And there is plenty of stuff to keep the older kids happy also.  

I confess that this couple of hours of swimming was just as much for me as for the kids.  I LOVE TO SWIM!  So being in the warm water was a treat for me also.  I think that this swimming day (coupled with a week off of my nanny job) really kicked off this time of reflection for me.  As a matter of fact, the day following this swimming outing, was a day of rest and quiet for me.  I really didn't accomplish very much.  Then I spent the next day, watching the kids while Gwen and Tim served at a youth retreat at their church.   Anna and Zeke and I spent some time playing with Zeke's train tracks.  It is really amazing that Anna (who won't be two for a couple more weeks) can operated the remote control trains better than me!  

And all of the kids spent many, many hours playing with this tub of balls from a ball pit....

The tub was big enough that even Lia could fit inside the tub and then get covered with the balls.  I don't know how many times the kids picked up the balls to cover each other, and then dumped them out.  Even Anna got into the fun, but interestingly she insisted on bringing a chair with her inside of the tub!  It fit surprisingly well.  She was not very happy when the balls got up to her head, but she wanted her turn in all this fun!  We finished off the night with this bit of joy...

And then it was bed time.  What a treat it was to read to each one, say their prayers and tuck them into bed!  As I was sitting in the quiet, waiting for Gwen and Tim to get home, I realized just how relaxed and calm I felt.  The interesting thing was that I had been not sleeping very well and also having some very odd dreams in the weeks before this.  As a matter of fact, I had spent the last week trying to figure out exactly what was causing my apparent anxiety, when I really didn't seem to have any obvious issues!

And then I came upon this in my daily Bible reading................. Psalm 16.   Here are a few verses from that Psalm from The Passion Translation....verses 7-9.  I know that I have recently blogged about this Psalm, but I have been camped in this portion of Scripture for weeks.  I love that there is so much in one chapter.  Sometimes it is good to not leave a chapter until you really see everything!

The way you counsel and correct me makes me praise you more; for your whispers in the night give me wisdom, showing me what to do next.   Because you are close to me and always available, my confidence will never be shaken, for I experience your wrap-around presence every moment. My heart and soul explode with joy-full of glory! Even my body will rest confident and secure!

I finally made the connection.   The rest I have been feeling and so secure in over this last week was my answer to all the questions I have been praying about the "anxiety" that was bothering me!  The answer is that I AM NOT ANXIOUS AT ALL!  Whatever was disturbing my sleep and my dreams was not a big deal.  But I had managed to take my eyes off of Jesus and focus on the problem.  All I needed to figure this out was a really busy week that left me feeling calm and peaceful and relaxed.  AND some wonderful life-filled words of Scripture that helped me refocus.  

At my small group meeting today we talked about knowing and praying the destiny that Jesus has for each of us (and our children and grandchildren and our entire family).  I had simply lost the focus - keeping my eyes on Jesus - and also allowed silly little things to cloud my thinking.  So I will begin again to speak the truth to myself!  And I can be sure that Jesus will keep whispering to me in the night and giving me rest.  

If you have been spending some time thinking about a problem, trying to figure out what to do or where to go, or just busy and distracted, pick up your Bible and let the living Word handle it all.  

It really doesn't matter what the situation is, I can assure you that the perfect answer is there for you.  And then you can close your eyes and sleep, knowing that Jesus - THE WORD - is taking care of it all!

Jesus, thank you for a wonderful restful week.  Thank you for time with children who help us to see joy and wonder in the smallest of things.  Holy Spirit, thank you for speaking to us and reminding us of the truth.  Help us to keep our focus on you Jesus!  Amen

Hello 2016.....Let there be light!

It is time to say good bye to 2015 and hello to 2016.  And Happy New Year!  Yes, today is 2016.  I simply don't know where the last year went.  Today Ken and I purchased new lamps for our bedroom.  Real, grown up lamps.  We haven't had real bed side lamps in many, many years.  Don't ask me why, but today we happened to find these lamps at a ridiculously reduced price.  So we bought them!

They are the perfect color and exactly the right size.  When I saw them on the clearance shelf, I couldn't believe it.  If I would have described the perfect lamp, these would match exactly.  So 2016 begins with LIGHT!

 It has been a bit of a more quiet year for me as far as blogging goes.  I only wrote 142 posts in 2015.  That was down from 244 posts in 2014.  But it still feels like there was exactly the correct number of words sent out there into cyberspace.  I've been doing a lot of prayer and considering about what the next year might hold.  And I had one of those "suddenly" moments yesterday while listening to a Periscope message! (Hey, can I encourage you to try out this amazing free addition to all things Internet?  I have been so blessed by listening to some of my very favorite pastors/teachers/evangelists/musicians......well, you get the idea!  If you haven't tried out this real time video thing, you need to do it! I can't believe the amazing teaching and wonderful music I have had access to via this wonderful new App.)

Over the last week or so I have been "parked" in Psalm 16!  I kept reading this chapter in all different translations.  Somehow I knew that my message for 2016 was somewhere in those verses.  And then I listened to Lance Wallnau on Periscope.  I have learned much from Lance and it has been so wonderful to listen to his DAILY Periscope messages.  Yesterday, Lance brought his word for 2016.  And what do you know, it was from Psalm 16!  I don't know exactly what translation he uses, but this was the verse that brought me to that "suddenly moment".  Here is Psalm 16:5 from The Passion Translation.......
Lord, I have chosen you alone as my inheritance.  You are my prize, my pleasure and my portion.  I leave my destiny and its timing in your hands.  

There is the suddenly!  Instead of trying to figure out what is ahead for 2016, I will just remember that I have chosen Jesus as my inheritance and because of that, everything else is in His control.  It was as if the light was suddenly shining.  It is a totally wonderful, relaxing place to remember that Jesus is actually HOLDING our destiny in his hand.  Right now.  At this very moment.  Somehow, I felt light just flooding into my spirit.  It is clear that 2016 will be filled with an increasing light as we just continue to press into Jesus.  So I encourage you to pick up a Bible....any translation will do and read Psalm 16.  Let it just sink in.  There is a lot more in that chapter.  Let it speak to you.  I am convinced because of verse 5, you will join me in saying LET THERE BE LIGHT in 2016.

I got to what I thought was the end of this blog, and then I just knew that I had to include the entire Psalm 16 from the Passion Translation in this blog..... so here goes...

Keep me safe, O mighty God, I run for dear life to you, my safe place.  So I say to the Lord God, You are my Maker, my Mediator, and my Master. Any good thing you find in me has come from you. And he said to me.  My holy lovers are wonderful, My majestic ones, my glorious ones, fulfilling all my desires.  Yet, there are those who yield to their weakness, and they will have troubles and sorrows unending.  I never gather with such ones, nor give them honor in any way.  Lord, I have chosen you alone as my inheritance.  You are my prize, my pleasure, and my portion.  I leave my destiny and its timing in your hands.  Your pleasant path leads me to pleasant places.  I'm overwhelmed by the privileges that come with following you, for you have given me the best!  The way you counsel and correct me makes me praise you more.  For your whispers in the night give me wisdom, showing me what to do next.  Because you are close to me and always available, my confidence will never be shaken, for I experience your wrap-around presence every moment.  My heart and soul explode with joy-full of glory!  Even my body will rest confident and secure.  For you will not abandon me to the realm of death nor will you allow your Holy One to experience corruption.  For you bring me a continual revelation of resurrection life.  The path to the bliss that brings me face-to-face with you.  

What I forgot to include in this message is the reminder from this Psalm that not only is Jesus holding our destiny in His hand, He has given us the indwelling Holy Spirit that brings us wisdom and shows us what to do next.  Even whispers in the night!   That is the icing on the cake of this revelation.  Okay, NOW this blog is done!

Jesus, thank you for not only giving us a destiny, but holding it all in your hand.  Holy Spirit, thank you for being there to bring us wisdom and direction.  Thank you for gifted teachers who help us hear your voice.  Give us grace to rest in your care.  Thank you Jesus for your light and life!  Amen

Couldn't believe what we saw tonight.........

So today Ken and I ran a bunch of errands.  We were very successful, for the most part.  We even fit in looking at some new cars (both of us are considering a new vehicle - so there is a lot of information to gather!).  I stopped and picked up some stickers for my upcoming scrapbooking weekend, and yes, that included some Christmas stickers.  I will be working on the end of 2013 and that includes Christmas!  The store was totally decked out for Christmas.  Trees, lights, wreaths, ornaments and even wrapping paper.  REALLY????? Who would need wrapping paper for Christmas on Halloween?  I was thankful to get these Christmas stickers for 50% off.   But then on our drive home, on a winding road near our house, there was a house with a fully lit up Christmas tree in the front window.  We could not believe it, but there it was.  Sigh.  I am really not ready for Christmas.

Doesn't it seem like we are just in a rush for well, everything? I for one, would like to slow down a bit.  Tonight we turn our clocks back one hour, and gain an hour of sleep.  I am thankful for that extra bit of time.  Not everyone in my family is happy to see this clock changing.  We agreed tonight that it would just be better if we left the time in one position.  Ken would opt for "double daylight savings time" if he could!  I just wish for one standard time that we would stick with.

When I was with the grandkids this past week, I listened to Ellie working on her Bible memory verses....Psalm 23.  So I have been "parking" on that Psalm this week.  Tonight I realized just how right on that was....

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul,

He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.

Your rod and your staff they comfort me. 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord, forever.  

This is in the New International Version. Then I looked at my current "favorite" - The Passion Translation....

I confess that I spent a lot of time focused on verse 4 in this translation.  This past year has felt a lot like the valley of deepest darkness for me and my family.  Even in that, I have felt so close to Jesus.  He has been leading me through it.  And that is the most important thing of all.  Jesus does not leave us in that place of darkness.  He helps us ALL THE WAY!  The next couple of weeks will be a time when we really need to know and feel the presence of Jesus with us as we face both the remembrance of Lucas' birth as well as the anniversary of his death.  I especially love the end of this Psalm in the Passion Translation.... when my life is through, I'll return to Your glorious presence to be forever with You!   So with that wonderful reminder of the incredible place where Lucas is, it will be a bit easier to get through these weeks.

Even though I might want to rush through these weeks, I don't think I will.,  I will just walk through, knowing that Jesus is close to me!

Jesus, thank you so much for all that you are showing me.  Even when that is Christmas on Halloween.  Help us all to stay focused on the truth that you are leading us so that we don't get overcome with fear and doubt and worry.  Thank you for your great love for us.  Amen

Walking in the quiet of the woods.

I spent the day with those sweet 9 month old babies on my nanny job.  I was a bit of a long day since, for some unknown reason, they suddenly don't want to sleep.  Even at night (the mom and dad are pretty exhausted).  So after a long morning, I finally took them on a walk around their neighborhood in the late morning, trying to hold off lunch. Now this is not your typical suburban area.  It is an unincorporated wooded area that is surrounded by a Forest Preserve.

This was my view during that walk.  Lots of trees.....and bugs!  It was actually very warm today and sunny.  I walked for around an hour and I was sweating by the time we returned home.  The kids never slept in the stroller - which they usually do.  So I expected that they would sleep well for their afternoon nap.  Boy was I wrong.  After a LONG few hours, when neither baby would sleep, I finally decided that another walk was in order.  

Thankfully, both babies fell asleep within 5 minutes of setting out.  So I walked for ANOTHER hour!  I told Ken that at least it was a "full body workout" since I spent most of the walk waving my arms to swat away the bugs!  So, this was a very long day.  I am tired!

There is something to be said for walking in nature, on a warm, blue-sky day.  Although the calendar says that it is fall, today felt like summer.  The birds were chirping, the squirrels were running around, and the flowers were blooming.  And I had lots of time to just worship and pray as I walked.  It was really quiet on those tree lined streets.  I hardly saw any cars pass at all.  It gave me plenty of time to remember all that I am thankful for.  It was a long list.  And it gave me time to just be grateful for who Jesus is and all that he has done for us.  

Today Yom Kippur begins at sundown - the Day of Atonement.  Yom Kippur, also known as Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jewish people traditionally observe this holy day with an approximate 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services.  At the end of this all, they can't really be sure that they have done enough to be free of their sin.  I am so thankful for my Savior and knowing that because of His sacrifice, I am forgiven.  I spent some of my walk today, praying that during this day of reflection and seeking God, that many Jewish people would have an encounter with Jesus.  

I just loved this "I hear His whisper today" from The Passion Translation....

"Rest in Me, O carrier of My glory. I have longed to pour out upon you even more of My love and power. Can't you see that I have designed you as a carrier of My glory? Come before Me this day and empty out your heart; pour it out at My feet, and I will fill you with such delight and joy you will not be able to contain it. For I am building My church through the glory of My presence. Stand in My presence until you know that I am your Strength. Even ...as the powers of darkness are around you on every side, you can be strong, for I have wrapped My Glory-Robe upon your soul and nothing will be able to harm you. Gates of darkness will not prevail when I am near you. The days of heaven on earth are at hand. The days of the mighty moving of My Spirit will soon be seen by all. My powerful wind will blow away the clouds of doubt that have been over your mind and your heart. My Glory-Wind will make your enemies scatter and you will stand complete and secure. You will not be overcome by the fear that has overwhelmed many in this day, for I have made you an overcomer, a carrier of My glory. Trust Me and watch Me fight for you. Lean into My heart and watch My love win every battle. Don't be disturbed by those who stumble, for they stumble in the darkness. I have become your Light and your Salvation and you will have no fear and My love will keep you from stumbling. I have gone before you and made sure that your way is clear and your pathway secure, for I am your Father. My plans for your life extend beyond your view, beyond your understanding of My ways. You see only what is in front of you today, but I have gone into your future and I know the good things that will unfold before you. Never doubt that your days are in My hands; rest in Me, O carrier of My glory, and watch Me fill you, protect you, and make you strong."

Lord, direct me throughout my journey, so I can experience your plans for my life. Reveal the life-paths that are pleasing to you. Escort me along the way, take me by the hand and teach me, for you are the God of my increasing salvation. I have wrapped my heart into yours. Psalm 25:4-5 TPT

I loved the line..."I have wrapped My Glory-Robe upon your soul...".  During my walk, I was thinking about that line.  What an amazing comfort we have when we believe in Jesus.  We are forgiven and so much more.  Including that amazing glory robe!  I loved thinking about the Father's plan for my life extending beyond my view, especially as I looked at the end of the road into those woods.  Yes, it was a great day for thankfulness, prayer and peace.   

I'm tired tonight, but it is a good tired.  I feel free and secure in the love of Jesus.  And filled with peace.  

Jesus, thank you for today and time with those sweet babies.   Give them (and their mom and dad) wonderful sleep tonight.  Holy Spirit, touch all of those Jewish people as they seek God in their Yom Kippur celebrations.  Draw them to Jesus.  Thank you for The Passion Translation and the words that touch our souls.  Thank you Jesus for trees, for sunshine and for peace.  Amen

Shadows - the bad and the good!

So today I had, once again, a battle over this shadow.  Take a close look at the shadow on the driveway.  But more than that notice the tree.  It is a VERY LARGE tree and it is in our neighbors yard.  The branches hang very close to our cars when they are parked in the driveway.  And more than that, it is a messy, messy tree.  It sheds bark off of the trunk that ends up in our driveway and our yard.  It ALWAYS is dropping leaves.  Not just in the fall.  These LARGE leaves end up - you guessed it - in our driveway and our yard.  We are seriously afraid that one day we will end up with a branch through our roof or crushing one of our cars.   During the very scary storm on Sunday night, I was waiting for the loud crash of that tree coming down on our yard.  Ken and I have tried over and over to get the owner of the house (it is a rental) to cut down that tree or at the very least trim it.  But he seems very unwilling to do anything about it.  The tree is within feet of our driveway so the neighbors yard and driveway is not effected.  It is very frustrating.  Today I tried to deal with our homeowners association to get some assistance with this problem.  Unfortunately, it was not very successful.  I really don't like that shadow over our driveway!

But this morning I saw the following post from The Passion Translation..........

I hear His whisper..."Sit enthroned under My shadow"
"I have a glory waiting for you. It is the glory beneath My shadow, the glory of My presence. Hidden in My heart you are invited to come and sit enthroned under My shadow. Come closer.
There is a place where the enemy cannot touch you, or even find you. It is seated next to Me. It is real and it is your true home. I will shrink the distance between us as you pour out your heart in longing for Me. Let pure worship draw you near. Let passion for My presence keep you next to Me. Over you My glory will protect and mature your soul. How secure you will be as you live next to Me!

When you are under pressure, feeling confused about life--come to Me. When heartache and pain crowds into your soul, come and sit enthroned under My shadow. I will nurture your soul as a parent cares for a tender child. Do you long to see Me, to know Me, to experience My peace? My heart has become Your home. There is no greater love than the love I have for you, My beloved child. In My heart you will discover all that you desire, for I am your Father."
Psalm 91:1-4 The Passion Translation
When you sit enthroned under the shadow of Shaddai,
you are hidden in the strength of God Most High.
²He’s the hope that holds me, and the Stronghold to shelter me,
the only God for me, and my great Confidence.
³And he will rescue you from every hidden trap of the enemy,
and he will protect you from false accusation and any deadly curse.
⁴His massive arms are wrapped around you, protecting you.
You can run under his covering of majesty and hide.
His arms of faithfulness are a shield keeping you from harm.

Yes!  That is the shadow that I need to be focusing on!  I love that when I am struggling with something, Jesus is right there to speak into my place of frustration.  After I got off of the phone with the homeowners association, I could feel my blood pressure rising.  And then, like a flash, I remembered this post that I had read this morning.  I was able to go back to those words and rejoice in that shadow, the glory shadow of His presence!  And I did exactly what those words said.  When I was under pressure and feeling confused, I ran to Jesus.  What a comfort.

I can't tell you how much The Passion Translation has blessed my life.  Over and over the words touch deep places in my spirit.   Today I am extremely grateful for these words about an amazing, wonderful shadow that is just waiting there for me.  I encourage you to go back and re-read those words.  Let them sink in and picture that place in your imagination.  You just never know when you will need that place!

Jesus, thank you for meeting me during those times when I am NOT drawing near to you.  Thank you for your provision of words of comfort when we most need them.  Holy Spirit, thank you for reminding me of the words I had read, just when I was furthest away from you.  Jesus, help me to stay in the shadow of your presence!  Amen

Thinking about my "happy place"......

This morning I was enjoying the wonderful sunshine and warm(ish) weather by sitting on the back patio (on our new patio furniture) and having a cup of coffee!  I was relaxing and just breathing in the cool air.  There were a couple of mallard ducks that joined me and I watched them settle under a nearby tree in the shade.  I was reading my "daily" Psalms (I always read 3 or 4 Psalms a day) and I came to Psalm 142.... (The Passion Translation) titled "My Only Hope"!

God, I'm crying out to you!  I lift up my voice boldly to beg for your mercy!  I spill out my heart to you, and tell you all my troubles.  For when I was desperate, overwhelmed and about to give up, you were the only One there to help!  You gave me a way of escape from the hidden traps of my enemies.  I look to my left and right to see if there is anyone who will help.  But there is no one who takes notice of me.  I have no hope of escape.  And no one cares whether I live or die.  So, I cried out to You Lord, my only hiding place.  Your all I have, my only hope in this life, my last chance for help.  Please listen to my heart's cry. for I am so low and in desperate need of You!  Rescue me from all those who persecute me, for I am no match for them.  Bring me out of this dungeon so that I can declare Your praise!  And all your Godly lovers will celebrate all the wonderful things you have done for me! 

As I was thinking about this Psalm and looking out at the beautiful scene before me, I was thinking about all the blessings.....all the times that I have felt so rescued.  And I was thinking about the first time that I visited one of my very favorite "happy places"....... in 1976.

Yes, this was the first time I ever put my feet in salt water and it was at Ken's very favorite beach from his childhood.  It was an unexpected trip, one that we really couldn't afford, but very necessary.  Ken's grandfather died and we traveled to Florida for the funeral.  When I look back at this time, I can see all the ways that God provided for me during this event.  I was really young (21) and had never dealt with the death of a family member.  Everything we needed for this trip was provided - including a rental car and Ken was just 24! (We actually got to Florida and found out at the rental car counter that we could not rent a car since Ken was not 25.  But thanks to a kind person who did not want to see us stranded at the Tampa airport, we found a company who would actually rent us a car!  It was not a great car - we actually had to call for service more than once during the trip - but it was a car!)  We also got to spend a couple of days with my Aunt Bee who lived near to Ken's grandparents home.  During that visit, Aunt Bee offered us some discounted tickets to DisneyWorld.  So we actually got to spend a day there.  In spite of the reason for this trip, it was the first of many, many trips to that "happy place" for me.

So as I was thinking about that Psalm today, I was incredibly thankful for "My Only Hope"...Jesus.  Even though I feel like these last months have been a time of crying out to God, I also know that Jesus has heard my heart's cry!  Through this memory, I was reminded of how many times there has been provision for Ken and I - in the big things and in the little things.   And I felt a renewed surge of hope rising up in my spirit.

If you are in times of desperation, feeling overwhelmed and ready to give up, hear the good news!  There is hope!  And that hope is Jesus.  If you are crying out, hold on.... He hears your hearts cry.  Be encouraged!  God is faithful and He will rescue you.  There is a happy place out there, just waiting for you.

Jesus, thank you for your amazing provision,  Holy Spirit, what a wonderful reminder of a happy place for me!  Would you pour out hope for all who are feeling hopeless today, and give us all assurance that Jesus is hearing our cry for help.  Amen

Where did the time go?????

Yesterday was Gwen's birthday.  She is old enough that I will not say exactly how old she is, but let's just say, I can't believe how old she is.  Wasn't I just that age, like yesterday?  I love this picture of Gwen's 3rd birthday.  It is special since Doug was just a bit shy of 2 months old.  This party would not have happened without the help of a good friend who basically took care of Doug the entire morning. And I have this picture, thanks to her!  I think we had 8 little friends for a morning party.  It was the first of many kid parties.  I love this picture also, because of the art work (thanks to Agape preschool) on the refrigerator.

Unfortunately, Gwen did not have a very good birthday yesterday.  Lia's sickness from Thursday of last week, next hit Ellie on Saturday, followed by Zeke and Anna at the same time on Sunday night.  And then, during the night (actually the wee hours of Monday morning) both Tim and Gwen got the dreaded stomach virus.  It was so bad on Monday morning that Lia actually volunteered to stay home from school to watch Zeke and Anna.  Needless to say, both Lia and Ellie made it to the bus.  Thankfully, both Zeke and Anna were exhausted from their interrupted sleep on Sunday night, and they took long naps.  So Gwen and Tim were able to just lay on the sofa most of the day.  Gwen was finally able to eat a few bites of dinner and a couple of bites of her "birthday cookie cake".  Today she was just glad that yesterday had passed and happy to be feeling better today.

Today I was reading from Psalm 62, which was titled (in the Passion Translation) "Unshakable Faith". I know that Jesus knew that I really needed this today.......

I am standing in absolute stillness, silent before the one I love;

waiting as long as it takes for Him to rescue me.

Only God is my Savior and He will not fail me.  

For he alone is my Safe Place.

His wrap-around presence always protects me.

As my Champion-Defender; there's no risk of failure with Him!

So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me?

God's Glory is all around me! His wrap-around presence is all I need, for the Lord is my Savior!

I kind of got stuck on the first line.  I WISH I was standing in absolute stillness.  And I WISH I has silent before Him.  I really didn't feel like I was standing.  In fact I kind of felt flat on my face.  I was not being still either.  As a matter of fact, I was really not silent either.  I was in a spot of crying out to Jesus and telling Him that I really didn't understand why things were not turning out as I had prayed.   I wish that I could say that his peace was immediate..... but it took a while to feel that wrap-around presence.  But I did feel it.  And even as I typed in those words tonight, I felt it again.  I am so thankful for Scripture that is alive and speaks to us!

Jesus, thank you so much for Gwen and all that you have for her in the years ahead!  Thank you for the destiny you have for her and Tim.  Thank you for restored health in their household.  Holy Spirit, thank you for reminding me to go to scripture when I feel shaken.  Jesus, thank you for your warp-around presence!  Amen

Nothing better.........

I know that I have blogged about A&W before, but yesterday Ken and I had a "frosty mug"!  I couldn't pass up this picture of the ice rising up from the mug.  Seriously, nothing tastes better.  Every time I visit an A&W, I think of my mom.  She just loved root beer or a root beer float especially.  And the sun was actually shining.  And it was warmer.  So, yes, I guess Spring has arrived.  (See my last blog post) Therefore, a celebration was in order!

I happened to notice these two really sweet photo's of Ken with his two Grandma's, taken when he was just over a year old.  I have to say, I just love being a Grandma.  There is something so special when you hold those little ones on your lap.  The idea of being connected from generation to generation has been on my mind in the last weeks.  Being able to sow into my grandchildren is a real gift.  

The conference I attended had speakers who are considered the "generals" -  The older generation of women who felt called to pour into all the younger women.  I think I mentioned that one of the speakers actually celebrated her 75th birthday during the conference.  As I said, I love being a grandma,  so I realize that I am in that "older generation".   

Then yesterday, this showed up on The Passion Translation Facebook page......

I had a dream two nights ago.
We were in a stadium with tens of thousands of Christians. Moms, dads, grandparents, and lots of children. It was beautiful! Lots of families enjoying themselves and I was one of the speakers for this Christian event.  The speaker before me was quite old, and somewhat careless with her words. I was surprised that she was not more careful with what she was saying. Then I heard her say about all the kids that were there: "Children are to be seen and... not heard."

My heart was so heavy as the faces of the children present flashed before me, they were hurt, deeply hurt. Then it was my turn to take the mic and I simply said, "The Children MUST be heard! The children have a VOICE that must be heard!" I then knelt down in front of one child after another and looked into their eyes and said, "You have a voice for this day. You have a voice that must be heard."
I awoke with the strong sense that we are on the verge of a "children's revival." The praises of our children have the power to silence the voice of the enemy. May the children's voices be heard in our land again!

Psalm 8:2 The Passion Translation

"You have built a stronghold by the songs of babies.

Strength rises up

With the chorus of singing children.

This kind of praise

Has the power to shut Satan’s mouth.

Childlike worship will silence

The madness of those who oppose you."

This just resonated with my spirit.  So many years ago, I had the strong revelation that I was to speak that Jesus had a plan, purpose and destiny for children.  Not for some point in the future after they are all grown up.  Nothing has excited me as much as this post.  I have been wondering exactly what was ahead for me, and this has given me a small glimpse.  I am praying into this for my grandchildren.  And for all the children!  This is my encouragement to you to read over this dream from Brian Simmons.  Take it in.  Meditate on this and pray for this "children's revival" to break out!  Pray that the voices of the children will be heard in our land!

Jesus, thank you for The Passion Translation and Brian Simmons.  Thank you for reminding me that grandchildren are a blessing.  Holy Spirit, remind us to pray for the children.  Jesus, your heart is to release the sounds of praise from the children.  Give us all ears to hear those sounds, and hearts to support this revival of the children.  Amen

celebrating with hope........

This morning I read this post from Lana Vawser - Broken Hearts mended and I was brought to tears.  But they were tears of hope and trust and faith.  This post struck at the heart of my sadness, the death of baby Lucas.  My daughter in law Susie chose the verse Psalm 56:8 for the funeral of her precious 10 day old baby boy.

"You have kept tract of all my weeping, you've stored my many tears in your bottle, not one will be lost.  You care about me every time I've cried. For it is recorded in your book of remembrance. (From the Passion Translation)

 Yes, we were (and still are) crying tears.  And Jesus is collecting those tears in bottles.  You will need to click on that link and read the post to understand the intense rush of hope and joy that filled me when I read that post.  But it also brought me back to Lucas.  It is interesting that I saw this post today.  Because today is Anna's first birthday.  Here is one of my favorite pictures of Anna and me from shortly after she was born.

So while I was missing Lucas, I was also remembering and celebrating Anna.  It is really such a contrast.  Thanks to that post, I can celebrate what is ahead and feel so much renewed hope filling me.  I am so thankful for Facebook, for the internet for people who share posts.  I just love these lines in that post...

I then saw the Father take a bottle at a time and pour these tears over the lives of His people. As it poured out over their lives I saw the tears were coated in the most glorious gold liquid love of the Father.
Immediately I knew that He was saying He has taken all the tears of pain and hurt and has TURNED these tears into tears of LOVE!
He is turning mourning into dancing and sorrow into joy. As these tears coated in liquid love fell upon the lives of His children suddenly life began to arise. The most beautiful coloured flowers, one after the other arose.

So tonight I am basking in the image of glorious gold liquid love being poured out over our family.  And I am filled with the hope of dancing and joy and new life.  Yes, I really needed this today and I am so thankful for sweet little Anna on her special day.  

Jesus, thank you so much for Lana Vawser.  Continue to bless her with ears to hear your voice and give her new vision.  Thank you Holy Spirit for the timing of this post.  Pour out your blessing and that golden love on Doug and Susie and all of our family.  Thank you Jesus for the plans and destiny you have for my family.  Holy Spirit, reach out to all those who have filled bottles with tears.  Cover them with your great love and fill them with new hope.  Amen

The trap of feelings......

Today I have been feeling stripped bare......because I am missing my wedding rings!  No, I didn't lose them.  They are at the jewelers getting a much needed cleaning and dipping.  But look at my hand.  All I could think of when I saw this picture was "It looks so old!"  And also, "It looks just like my mom's hand!".  But also notice the indent where my rings normally sit.  I guess after wearing these for 41ish years, your body does adapt to them.  I can't tell you how many times today I noticed that my rings were missing. And each time, there was just a hint of fear that those rings were gone.  In the moment I would forget that I had taken them off.  Isn't that silly?

Since Lucas died in November, I have been having that "Stripped bare" feeling quick often.  My emotions have been brought to the surface and I have found my self breaking into tears at the oddest times.  While I have expected the sadness, it is the times that I have been covered with heavy darkness that have surprised me.  Often this odd feeling has hit me while I am driving.  I can't explain this, and usually can't find any reason leading up to the attack.  I am so thankful that I can find my way out of the darkness through music and that powerful presence of Jesus that I have been blogging about.  In a previous blog I mentioned that the presence of Jesus has gotten me through these months.  Today I was thinking about WHY the presence has been so important.  It is because I have been hit with doubt and fear and disappointment and discouragement and darkness and pain and sadness and.....well the list goes on and on.  Let's be honest here.  In any crisis, all of those things happen to most people.  It doesn't matter what the event is, when your world is shaken, this is when satan chooses to attack.  Can't you just imagine how it might seem like the perfect time to cut down one of God's people?  

Today I was reading in Proverbs 29:25 from the Passion Translation..

Fear and Intimidation is a trap that holds you back,

 but place your confident trust in the Lord and you will be seated in the high place!

Yes, these feelings are a trap of the enemy.  And I am so thankful that being in that powerful presence of Jesus breaks me out of that trap! Once you know that the trap is there, it is so much easier to avoid.  I love that Jesus showed me this today, that I know that I was able to see this because of the presence of Jesus.  When that really heavy feeling hits me, I know that I can ask Jesus to help me.  Even when the feelings and emotions remain with me, I know that I am seated in that high place.  And from that place I know that I am free from that trap and the peace and comfort of Jesus will work in me and bring me out of those feelings.  

If you are in one of those really scary, crisis times and you are feeling stripped bare right now, I can assure you that Jesus will be there to lift you up.  Look around and see that trap.  Because once you know it is there, it can't surprise you.   Sometimes all we need is to see the road ahead of us.  Having that vision can change everything.  

Proverbs 29:18 again from the Passion Translation....

When there is no clear prophetic vision, people quickly wander astray.

But when you follow the revelation of the Word, Heaven's bliss fills your soul!

Jesus, thank you for your revelation.  Holy Spirit remind us of those traps that seek to hold us back.  Help us to turn to you when our emotions surface. Thank you for knowing exactly what we need and where we are especially when we face that stripped bare feeling.  Thank you for your joy and peace.  Amen

PS  One of the best things I have ever started is reading one chapter of Proverbs each day (the chapter that corresponds to the date!).  There are 31 chapters so you will read the entire book every month.  This has been such a blessing in my life.  Try it out!