By the Lamp Light

God is still in the miracle business

2011-07-16T23:47:00.000-04:00

July 16, 1988

We are celebrating 23 years of marriage today.

And we are proof that God still performs miracles today.

This last year has held many challenges. I've not blogged since September 2010 and part of the reason was because of struggles in our marriage, family and home. We have not arrived by any means; but praise His Name, God is still in the miracle working business!

Standing on our bridges

2010-09-17T10:12:00.001-04:00

I've decided, we live in an area with the most beautiful views.

On the way home the other night, we stopped on a beautiful old steel truss bridge to take this picture. The bridge is a two lane, but it is a very snug two lane. It's the kind that I find myself holding my breath if another car going the opposite direction passes. We were the only car on the bridge when I started snapping pictures and Victoria alerted me when another car was waiting to get on the bridge to cross.

Our lives have changed drastically in the past six years. I never dreamed we would move from our historic home in the hub of town near the Salesman's parents and brother to the wide open unincorporated area we are now calling home. But, without a doubt, the LORD moved us to a very rural, beautiful place and the move has been the best *thing* ever for our family.

To say that country life is a little different from the city living is an understatement. The Salesman used to get frustrated with waiting three times to get through a stoplight to cross an intersection (on a Saturday morning!), to the patient traveler waiting to go the opposite way on the old bridge, while I hang my camera out the window to snap up the lovely views. God is good. And although I've been somewhat slow in fully appreciating where we are, It's good to be home. It's good to be in a home knowing that the LORD has you exactly where you are for such a time as this.

Sometimes I look at life and think I want to stay grounded. Never to be uprooted from where I am, or what I like, or what I'm familiar with. And then I realize as I travel the pilgrim pathway, following my road map that always brings me safely back to what I know, He has bridges before me. Bridges to take me to new things He is doing. Bridges that will move me from the common to His uncommon. Bridges that will train me, soften my sharp edges and lead me closer to Him. Bridges that I would not have chosen to cross.

But today, I am glad He moved me. I am thankful to HIM that He has me just where He wants me. He is in control. The glory of HIS creation is amazing even when crossing bridges.

He is standing on my bridges. And dear one, whatever your bridge is today, He is standing on your bridge too.

He is standing on our bridges.

A Season

2010-08-31T13:21:00.001-04:00

I've been in a season of intense pruning.

At times, the lobs have been so deep, it seemed that all of me was ruining.

Everywhere I go, I seem to see

Evidence of pruning, like what the LORD is doing in me.

John 15:1 and 2

I AM the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing] He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit.

I pray, the harvest of this season, is that I will "bear more and richer and more excellent fruit."

LORD, may my life be so abiding in yours, that I cannot hold sin, not even a root.

I want to "bear more and richer and more excellent fruit."

Coriander on the dining room table

Pruned tree at Bonclarken

Memories of Mother

2010-07-26T22:33:00.001-04:00

When the breath of these short earthly years

Give way to the graveside as they did with my dear mother, I remember the ensuing tears.

On the anniversary of her home going today, I choose to remember times of joy-

Our precious family - my mother, my dad and one happy, cow-licked boy.

Today, I recount the good times

Through the Spirit's sweet gift of a rhyme.

Mother kept such a welcoming and cozy home,

If a friend called, she sat down - although talking on a very long-corded phone.

Oh, the delicious delights that were served from her kitchen

Kept her family fed and happily (with a beater sometimes) I did some finger lickin'.

We ate out just once a week -

Recipients of the produce and work from the garden's bounty, especially at it's peak.

She made every holiday a fun and a most memorable celebration.

I remember anticipating those special days and then the expressions of great elation.

Parties and gatherings were beautiful and fun,

Her creativity never seemed limited or done.

Family was so important in our home

Time for them was freely given, never bartered or loaned.

Whatever mother did, I thought her title was "extraordinaire".

And, oh the childhood memories of her patiently de-tangling my thick, long hair.

Then the packages she mailed to my brother and me while at college across the miles

Still bring sweet memories of the love she packed like they were wrapped with smiles.

Her love language was definitely giving -

So like Jesus she was, as evidenced in her daily living.

But it is the well worn pages on her copy of The Word

That bless my heart to see the evidence of what she read and Who she heard.

When correction was dispensed, Scripture was what I heard

As she would wield the Word.

I think of the verse she marked when she received the fatal diagnosis -

She knew, without a doubt, her eternal prognosis.

With Jesus, she is alive today-

Part of His plan, His path for mother, His way.

She was of her time and resources to others constantly giving

And today, she is alive with Jesus, eternally living.

LORD, I thank you for the laughter mother brought, the joy and yes, the tears

I thank you for the memory of her 45 earthly years.

Pictures from a visit to the family cemetery today.

A Beautiful View

2010-07-08T12:22:00.001-04:00

Even though a stroke at age 45 ravaged the use of one side of his body, my dad does not complain. When his wife (my dear mother) went to live with Jesus after a short bout with Leukemia, I heard his sorrow; but no complaints. Though he was not able to live alone in the home he built with his very own hands or no longer able to lace up work boots and pursue his work as a plumber and pipe fitter, no complaints. What he once considered a normal life - in a moment seemingly, it was all gone. Yet, he never complains.

In the last year, I've met two women who do not complain. In the natural, much like my dear dad, they could have a very long list. The first dear woman is Shannon. She is a precious, godly, homeschooling mother of four who loves and worships our dear Savior. Shannon just stood in front of our congregation where her husband use to lead worship on the first anniversary of his home-going to live forever with Jesus, and gave encouraging words. No woe is me speech, but evidence of a mind set on some One beyond this world.

The second woman is Shelli, our vibrant, full of life, youth pastor's wife, who is choosing life and joy as she has been battling lung and colon cancer and now has a spot on her bone and liver, a complete ACL tear, a meniscus tear, AND a blood clot running the entire length of her calf. Yet when I read an update, Shelli is choosing life, a beautiful view, a God-is-in-control-no-matter-what attitude. Here's a link to Shelli's caring bridge site.

I see people choosing to live out to live out Philippians 4:8 Amplified:

"For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]."

As I think about my own life and *things*, situations, people or views that are not always pleasant, I have a choice on what I allow my mind to dwell on. There is much in life that could really get us down. Sickness, death, cancer, hurt, heartache is all around; but in and through it all, God needs to remain my focus, my choice. I am seeing others in the throes of life choosing a beautiful view.

God amazes me that this is the view I get to see from the front of our home. It is what is straight ahead. And isn't that just like the LORD, if I look straight at Him, in the midst of life, I can choose a beautiful view.

LORD,

If I veer to the left or the right - oh how easily I get off track.

But the Word, the Spirit's soft voice, bids me to come back.
As You speak to my heart about what I focus on

I ask You to change the places my mind dwells that are wrong.

So today, I'm fixing my mind on You, Father, a most beautiful view.

Please take my willing heart LORD and turn it as You need to.

Let me not veer to the left or to the right

And realize that all things are by Your Spirit, not by my power or might.

In the natural, a beautiful view is not what I see every time I turn my head

But, guaranteed, when I'm looking upward to You and then straight ahead

I am choosing a beautiful view.

And what a lovely perspective You give when Your glory shines through.

Amen.

A View from the front door of our cozy little nest.

Revival

2010-06-20T19:32:00.001-04:00

Bridesmaid dress worn in my best friend's wedding circa 1990 and found tucked away in a closet...

The vision of one creative little lady to take it apart and make something new...

With sunlight spilling over her as she fashions a pattern from another skirt...

We are now enjoying the flowers inside and out...

LORD,

Take what is old and hanging unworn in the closet of my life,

And with Your creative Spirit, and the brightly shining example of Your Son,

Bring it back to life.

Guard me from always seeking something new when You have already given me so very much,

Use what I've already been given LORD; I purposefully move out and surrender all to Your heavenly touch.

Utilize what I already have LORD, even if the eternal purpose seems hidden from my daily sight,

Take what You've given LORD and make all that is within me pure, good, useful and right.

As You remove from me every unnecessary stitch and seam

Awaken within my heart, Your God-given and my tucked away dreams.

Let me be aware of Your hidden potential in me -

Bring Your will forth Dear Father and allow me to truly see.

LORD, unto You, please fashion all of my days,

As a daily, an hourly, garment of praise.

Amen.

Over the mountain

2010-06-04T16:39:00.001-04:00

As we headed over the mountain to visit friends, I thought about how much life and the walk of faith was like this little jaunt over the mountain. God, the Creator, designed a path for us to follow. Sometimes on that path, it seems there is a mountain in the way. I've been reflecting a bit about a song we've been singing in worship that says "He can move the mountains". I believe that He can. Many times, God walks with me over the mountains of life. Maybe that's God's way of moving the mountain for me - putting it behind me instead of in front of me! We all have our own personal mountain to climb and yours is probably very different than mine.

As we drove, we could not always see over the bend at the top of each hill to see what was ahead.

But I hear His Spirit softly speak, "No need to be filled with anxiety or dread."

As the roads curve and then unravel,

With not another vehicle in sight, I feel like I'm alone on my travels.

The markers and boundaries are very clear and evident at times.

At others, the climb is all uphill and the direction appears to have no reason or rhyme.

Some paths are unpaved and unmarked along the way

And, I'm convinced, they keep me fully dependent on Him day by day.

I know as we travel, the LORD protects us from very present danger

His boundaries protect with love, not rules set out of fear and anger

Life is full of His glory and majesty evidenced in people, frogs and flowers,

The creative genius in everything displayed gives evidence to His Higher Power.

I am thankful to the Father, the Spirit, and Jesus, that we are not alone.

I'm thankful for my personal mountain and for those I dearly love at home.

So even when the bin I'm tending appears to hold no prize,

I'll keep running toward Him who thinks I am the apple of His eye.

I won't get sidetracked and give up and just play

I'll take each determined step He leads along the way.

Though some days the work seems downright dirty and no fun

Feelings are wounded and my thoughts undone

I won't be discouraged by the roadblocks and fences I see,

I'll look at them as loving guard rails sent tenderly from My Father to me

The view from the top of the mountain, even on a cloudy day,

Is more magnificent, I'd say.

He can move the mountains!

With thanksgiving to Victoria for taking many of the pictures as we traveled over the mountain.

Flowers and birds

2010-05-09T21:15:00.002-04:00

There was a little theme with the Mother's Day celebration this year - birds and

Flowers...

Many flowers are blooming in the garden on the big hill...

The intricate beauty of God's handiwork is evident everywhere.

Abundant blooms on Audra's rose bush,

Opening in various stages of beauty.

The delicate irises

Colorfully proclaiming,

"The whole earth is full of His glory!"

From the cascading rose blooms overhead on the Lady Banks

To the azalea's tucked near the borders,

I am thankful for the sweet memories I have of my mother and for the precious women who are mother figures to me - Linda, Jan, and Tammy. I thank the LORD for you. You have sown seeds of faith and love into my life. Happy Mother's Day to you all.

Audra Elizabeth and Victoria Leigh, you are the most beautiful gifts the LORD could ever share with me.

As your mother, I am blessed.

Our days are not always perfect; but with Him we can pass each and every test.

May you, my little flowers, continue to bloom and grow -

His wisdom and knowledge, may you seek in your hearts and fully know.

You are beautiful young ladies, fragrant blooms of the KING.

May He give you your hearts desires, and to Him may your hearts sing.

May you be a reflection of His mercy and grace.

May the center of His will be your desire for each step and place.

Thank you today for a lovely celebration that included one of my favorite chocolate cakes!

Your planning and the preparation from hearts of love you baked,

I am blessed by your actions, your gifts and your time.

I'm so thankful to the LORD, that for this season, to me He has loaned you,

Gifts sublime.

So Long Insecurity Poem

2010-04-27T18:21:00.001-04:00

Thank you all for your prayers! I am beyond blessed to say God allowed me to not be nervous while I was sharing the poem at the So Long Insecurity Connecting the Dots party Saturday evening in Woodstock, Georgia! Thank You GOD! The peace of God was experienced - thank you for interceding for me.

The weekend was an amazing God adventure and I will share more as the week progresses; but I've been asked to share the poem and since it is already in the computer and I think God is worthy of some praise for doing what only He could do through me, I'm sharing it first.

I wanted to share a little bit of our fun evening together: Stephanie led us in worship and sang a song she had written about the LORD speaking to us. I was so glad I had already shared the poem, because I cried as I listened to and agreed with the words she sang.

Precious Angela shared her sweet testimony. She reminds me of my pastor's wife in North Carolina - precious!

The speaker was Lisa McKay. She shared a devotional about being ransomed with a very personal and heart wrenching story about her son. Yes, I cried again and was very thankful again that I didn't have to stand up after Lisa because I would have had no makeup on.

There was a sweet, sweet group of Siesta's at the party.

We ate and had a wonderful time visiting.

Have you read Beth Moore's book So Long Insecurity? I picked it up to read after being asked to be the poet laureate for this little gathering of Siesta's. The poem that follows is my own journey with insecurity and what the LORD gave me to share:

When asked if I'd share a dotty ditty

My first thought was, "Oh no! What if it's not pretty?"

What if it's like what I heard in Houston? Purse on a Chain...

Oh my, I can just imagine the disdain.

What if I stand and say: I'm Lora from By the Lamp Light

I can't speak because I'm too insecure and filled with stage fright.

So started my conversation with the LORD

About sharing here, something I thought I abhorred.

LORD, YOU know my knees will knock.

And then, Oh my - What to wear? Capri's or a new party frock?

I'll be just one lonely dot at this Siesta party,

And You know LORD, I am not a smarty.

My heart started racing in a thousand directions

Without seeking HIM with thoughtful reflection.

So in my mind while I'm walking to the podium and taking a tumble,

In quietness at night, I heard Him speak like a distant rumble,

"Read the book and then just tell your story.

I will do all the rest and get all the glory."

I knew immediately which book He meant for me,

Beth had been smiling from the shelf at Walmart (somewhere near aisle 3)

He said, "Dear One, I'm bringing other dots

Tonight to this party, to this very spot.

Don't be insecure and think you are alone

Among the many dots, you can feel at home.

As each lovely dot connects

And views the other with respect,

A lovely picture they will see

The body of Christ in Me.

I've brought each dot on their own journey to this very place,

An act of gracious mercy and abundant and tender grace."

But LORD, I so want to know the final picture.

He says, "Rest, don't speculate or conjecture.

You may not know in full your earthly destiny

But will you dear one, just rest in ME?

As I direct, in faith, go from dot to dot

The journey with Me is part of our story plot.

Hold our time together dear.

Be attune and ready to hear.

Do each thing I ask you to

Don't question; just do.

I will be with you when your life looks like it has no purpose or form,

When you feel discouraged, one dot, alone and forlorn."

So as I read, at times I thought it was my own story written upon the page;

But God graciously and tenderly took me through the journey, stage by stage.

When I read about those who "never fulfill their destinies because of their own insecurities",

It was like God drew the circle clearly and solely around me.

I would recommend this book to anyone; but along with a tissue box

Because it's not a fairy tale, like The Three Bears and the trespassing Miss Goldilocks

Our enemy too long has encroached on our holy ground,

And as dots we unite and say "he is no longer welcome to hang around!"

This book required action, change and work

And I'm certain, it is why so long, I avoided it with a shirk.

As dots read it and do it, we are changed.

No longer a single dot, but in His plan we are already eternally arranged.

The tears and pain this book unearthed,

I am confident, are fertile soil for His new works to be birthed.

Because deep within me as sins were uprooted, I know,

That as I released insecurities, HIS Spirit within me did grow

The freedom and the joy of saying so long to insecurity

To some of the *things* that for years have tormented me,

And made me feel like one isolated and totally disconnected dot

Has brought me, us, each dot, here tonight, to this very place and spot.

Dearest Jesus,

We turn our fears into

WE TRUST YOU.

Send each dot through Your cleansing wash where our sin turns to passion

And insecurity is totally washed out and no longer in fashion

We pray, that more of You we will intimately know

As on our dotty path, with Your security now, we go.

Connect us LORD, as the unified body of Christ,

And help us be willing to make personal sacrifice.

The enemy CAN NOT take what we've been given

So in the Mighty Name of Jesus we say, "So long insecurity and hello abundant living!"

Amen.

A field, an open door and so much more

2010-04-20T21:25:00.008-04:00

I'm about to embark on one of the most exciting and unnerving adventures in my recent walk with the LORD. I am planning to go to Atlanta this weekend for the Beth Moore live simulcast. After a wonderful day of worship and teaching, there is going to be a little gathering of Siesta's Saturday evening and God has opened a door and I've been asked to share something the LORD has given me. The LORD has done HIS part and given me something beautiful to share. But as the words are neatly typed and rhymed on the paper, clipped together and ready in my stack that will go in my bag tomorrow; I am starting to feel anxious.

On the beautiful drive home just the other day, I stopped to take the picture of the wildflowers shown above because it made me think of the Truth of this passage of Scripture where I am standing hour by hour and moment by moment:

Matthew 6:30-34 (The Message)

If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

His Word is good! This passage speaks to where I am today. I am praying that this Word would settle in my bones and calm my spirit. I want to steep my life in Him and I do not want to worry about standing and sharing what God's given me. I do not want to worry that my car has been in the shop since Friday and is still there and I am scheduled to leave Thursday - tomorrow. Would you join me in prayer? Thank you kindly and His abundant blessings to each of you.

A beautiful season

2010-04-16T14:25:00.002-04:00

The beauty of His glory is blooming inside and out at our home. I pray much is blooming where you are too.

Ode to the daffodil

2010-03-21T22:10:00.003-04:00

As the green stems have proudly pushed way through the dirt, I've been a wee bit impatient about seeing the color crown the stems. And sure enough as I stood looking intently at the soon to be unwrapped daffodils in the garden, I started to think about other *things* going on in my life. Maybe you can relate, or fill in the blank:

Why don't I understand _____?

Why don't I have an answer about _______?

What is going on with me and this situation with _____?

I've been a wee bit impatient, too. I'm focused on what I think the will of Lora should look like if I could have *things* my way. I feel like a child in a forty-something body. Waiting is hard for me as I cross my arms and tap my foot. It has a way of making my life come to a standstill. So, as the LORD would have it, he taught me a lesson today from the daffodil. After I looked intently on the tightly wrapped bonnets of the daffodil, I could hardly make it back inside the door before I heard the LORD speaking to my heart.

I've been wondering for days when you will unwrap your bonnet

Just dreaming about your simple beauty provokes a sonnet

Your green dress so long, and slim and sleek

But of your yellow tresses, impatiently and child-like, I want a peek

LORD for some *things* I'm so eager as I wait

Wanting my plans, my ways to germinate

Oh daffodil, oh daffodil

Bloom please at our cozy house on the big hill

Do not be bashful and do not play coy

Do not taunt me like a child with a prized toy

Unwrap your bonnet

So I may stop writing this sonnet

And enjoy the beauty of your yellow cap

With heart elated, then I'll sing and clap

God, You are an incredibly amazing Creator indeed

Your genius displayed in hybrid form from tiny bulbs and swelling seed

Oh, how hard Father it is for me to wait

But guaranteed, in my heart I know, You GOD, are never late

Sew into my heart the lesson of the daffodil

Fertilize and water my soul here on our big hill

May I rejoice today before the bonnet is to be displayed

Knowing GOD's timing is impeccable each and every day

May I see that waiting is such a necessary part

Of the work You are doing in and through my heart

Help me LORD as some seasons seem so very long

To continually praise and sing Your song

Before I see the trumpet of petals surround

Today LORD, Your glory, in my heart abounds

A lesson LORD from your astonishing creation

Sings my heart to You alone in jubilation

Cultivate this clay and loamy soil of my heart

To display the words You give, my blessed art

Bless you LORD, for the lovely green dress and tightly wrapped bonnet

Thank You for the thoughts of my heart that have been poured out like a sonnet

Let me not be distracted by what's not been revealed or unwrapped

And keep my wandering mind out of any of the enemies deceitful traps

Let me bask in the warmth of Your Son today

And patiently wait and do every thing Your way

Expectantly until Your kingdom will unfolds

Let my thoughts, my heart, my mind, only You behold.

Totally aside; but on my heart, so kindly bear with me.

It rhymes sometimes when I hear Him speak to my heart. I've been a little ashamed at times. No one has said anything to me, this is just the overflow of my heart about the lies I sometimes believe and the insecurity the enemy would have me live and move and breathe in. Today, I've decided to no longer worry what anyone may think or even if they label me a geek. It just rhymes sometimes when I hear Him speak. So in freedom and seeking no adulation, I say, "I'm not ashamed, all praise be to His Name."

Alive in me

2010-03-15T21:12:00.001-04:00

Recently, I brought home a *new* copy of the Word. I am excited.

LORD, may I progressively become more intimately acquainted with Your Word

As I read this *new* copy, allow Your Voice to be heard

LORD, I long for Your Word to be truly alive in me

More of You, Sweet LORD, I long to experience and see

Let me listen, LORD, to only Your voice

Let Your Word, Your Spirit, Your Way, be my first choice

May Your Words Father, in me come alive

And help me to grow and flourish and not just thrive

May the people I know, the company I keep

Know LORD, that in Your Word, I've been steeped

Let my heart not wander from Your Words today

Keep me LORD abiding in You each day

Your God-breathed written Word is more than two thousand years old
Let my heart to Your Words be warm and receiving, not neglecting and cold
I want Your Words to be alive in me
Allow me as I read, more of You to experience and see

As I make this daily reading transition

Allow me to lay aside my own thoughts and truly listen

May I read with wonder, LORD , Your Holy Word

As You speak, allow your servant to say, "From You, I have heard."

Louisville, Love, and Laughter

2010-03-01T21:00:00.001-05:00

We have returned from a trip to Louisville to visit with my dear brother and his family. We had the *best* time together. I am quite certain I say that after every visit with them; but it is true.

The teens snapped all the pictures for me this visit.

The beauty they captured in an around the city delighted my heart. I did not even see this historic downtown beauty until I browsed their pictures...

They both captured beautiful reflections of sunlight...

And seemed to remember my likes in what they photographed...

And I was able to enjoy time with my favorite art appreciative sister-in-love...

We laughed when my brother borrowed his daughter's crayon to sign the dinner bill when the pen broke in his hand...

I love my brother...

We browsed, shopped, read, talked, laughed and enjoyed every moment together...

Audra and Victoria had a beautiful and busy subject to photograph...

My brother and nephew played chess...

We strolled downtown Louisville...

And drank in the beauty that surrounded us...

The architecture was stunning...

From the ceilings of the cathedrals...

To the stained glass reflections on the floor...

When I spend time with my family...

I'm always thankful and find myself longing for more.

Family is a blessing. I am so thankful to the LORD for you.

If you're happy and you know it...

2010-01-31T17:37:00.005-05:00

Even though my feet are back on the ground at home, my spirit is still soaring among the clouds. I have just come home from three phenomenal days in Houston, Texas, where part of time, I had the opportunity to sit under one of the most loved and respected teachers of our day, Beth Moore. She taught Psalm 119 in detail. I have eleven scrawled pages of notes, cross references, a few visuals, a letter of the Hebrew alphabet in my notebook (and I *think* I spelled it correctly!) I tried to write down every detail possible. Of all the profound things sweet Beth conveyed in her study, God encouraged me with a couple very simple truths that have just delighted my heart.

The first one is, that:

I'm happy and I know it!

Just like the song I use to sing in Sunday school in the primary grades. I am happy! If you've been here at By The Lamp Light lately, you know that I've requested more prayer than ever before in the last few months as we felt like the enemy's flame was scorching us. But as Beth taught Psalm 119, I heard the words that it was OK to receive happy moments. I had so many happy moments during this trip, my heart is on overflow!

At Christmas the Salesman blessed me with a trip to the SSMTC. As I prayed about the trip, I felt the LORD was going to use it as a *springboard* on my journey with Him. The LORD delighted me with finding out that a new friend I'd made in the last year, Kelly, was going and we would be able to make our travel arrangements together. As the flight prices were going up and the seat availability on planes was going down, we prayed for direction and waited. After we booked our flights, we found out that several sweet Siesta's were on our same flights and we had a BLAST, even though we got home almost five hours after our scheduled arrival. God is good.

The LORD gave me some sweet encouragement at the airport before we boarded our early morning flight. Kelly handed me a devotional article her mother had given her. There were so many words on the page that just jumped out and spoke to my heart. Reading the devotional I was amazed that the LORD had allowed this new friend, who did not know the thoughts the LORD had laid on my heart, to give me a devotional where most of the words could have been lifted from my journal. The verse on the page was from Isaiah 43:19 "The LORD says, 'See, I am doing a new thing!'" It prompted me to pray right then and there sitting at the gate that He would confirm the *new thing* He wanted me to do and that as it sprang forth, I'd be aware.

The blessings of the LORD were so abundant this weekend, I feel as if my cup is overflowing.

I literally felt like a schoolgirl this weekend when I met one of my most encouraging friends in the blog world, Georgia Jan.

Jan and I were in a small group of ladies and when our eyes met and we realized who the other was, we squealed like school girls! Very loudly, too! (If you're happy and you know it, squeal really loud!) Jan has a mother's heart and has been an encouragement to me like I believe my own mother would have been if she were not alive with Jesus. It was a highlight of my trip to meet Jan and worship side by side on Sunday. It was evident that as a pastor's wife, her sweet heart was missing being on the front row of her own church; but when the praise and worship started...oh my, she was at home. Jan was the first one to meet Beth's pastor after the service and I so wish I had a picture to share of her walking off the stage of FBC Houston with her arm entwined with Pastor Gregg's. I knew she was giving him the same kind of encouraging words I many times find in the comment section of my posts. Jan's words are sincere and they bless to the very depths. If you have not met her yet, please stop by and visit her and prepare to be blessed at Gran Jan's Joy.

The second word of encouragement that just blessed my heart this weekend came in sweet and sincere response Beth gave to a question Lichelle asked on Saturday after teaching and worship. Beth said, (this is loosely quoted - this is what my heart heard) "You can be the one person totally 'eat-up' with Him." I decided then and there - right in the chair - I want to be "eat-up" with Him. The words just struck a chord within my heart and a new request for a prayer to My Father did start. I want to be "eat-up" with Him!

And speaking of eating, we had some good food in Houston. Our first stop was Cyclone Anaya's. I had so much fun catching up with my friends and meeting new Siestas.

My two new friends are at the head of the table. Janet is seated (and lives in the town where we worship - what a small world - met her in the airport!) Next to her is Rachel from Beautiful Daughters. Rachel and I had the sweet privilege to meet on the airplane and got a good visit in before we even set foot in Texas! She is a delightful new friend. Seated at the table from left to right is my BFF Nesha (our families have become friends from being Siestas! Love them all.), Georgia (now known to me affectionately as the backseat girl - we shared the backseat in the van as 6 -7 of us would pile in to commute around Houston) and sweet Patty whose fame and hard work is known from the Siesta Fiesta last year. Beside me is my travel friend, Kelly, who is a sweet as a peach, and to her right is another roomie and dear friend, Brittney. I also was blessed to meet Audrey Howie who was instrumental in helping arrange all our festivities for this get together. Thank you Audrey, it was a blessing to meet you in person and hug your neck!

When we arrived at FBC, there were many ladies busy at work at the product tables. It was so much fun to put faces and names together.I was blessed to visit with Beth's assistant, Michelle, who I'd had the sweet opportunity to meet in Greensboro. I met Evangeline who is a doll - as sweet in person as I've heard Beth describe her. Sabrina cracked me up more than one time over the weekend when we talked. I see why Beth enjoys riding to speaking events with her. I had the sweet joy of meeting and visiting with Nancy, the correspondence assistant, as well. I don't know where my picture is of you, dear. You blessed me by looking at EVERY single page in my Scripture memory spiral - oh my, that took some time and you were in no hurry. You appreciated every little detail and commented too. You blessed me Nancy. I praise God for you.

I met so many new friends,like Christian author Marla Taviano; precious, soft spoken Yolanda; and Faran, who was cute-as-a-button in cowboy boots and a dress. I was blessed to spend more time with Judith the jewel and her smiling sister Carolyn. They introduced me to fresh guacamole dip (which I thought I didn't like!). Oh my, thank you! Alexia and I got to catch up on family news and I laughed fit to holler visiting with Melana (also known as Moose Mama). Fuzzytop is one of the most encouraging Siesta's ever to be around. And Twinkle, oh my, if we would have had more time together, I would probably would have had to been pulled off the ceiling like a balloon. I so hope the LORD grants us the opportunity to go to a concert together. I felt like I needed a moment of silence when Melanie (Big Mama) noticed my scarf and said that I'd done good. That was a big accomplishment for me without my teens to give the final stamp of fashion approval. Oh my, I missed my little darlin's. And I know, Victoria Leigh, had you been there, I would not have worn my sunglasses on my head - you would have reminded me to remove them. Love you baby! Melanie has a heart as big as Texas and I love her too, she has been such a blessing to me.

And speaking of love? Have you all met Brittney from Lopsided Halo?Oh my, she is a darlin' young thing. She is living her life boldly for God. At the age of 15 she survived a school shooting and has become a modern day hero for freeing those sold in human trafficking. Now in her 20's, she is the state director for www.notforsalecampaign.org and is one of the most inspiring young women I've been blessed to spend time getting to know. Although we had met before, I really got to hear her heart this trip. Since returning from Houston she has been interviewed on the radio and is planning a trip to Haiti next month. She is a blast to be around and she totally showed me up when we worked out - you are my hero, Brittney! I am blessed to know this young lady. You will be encouraged when you stop and meet Brittney.

My heart is so full and there is so much more to share! And speaking of more - there were more Moore women than I'd ever had the pleasure to meet at one time! It was a pleasure to meet Melissa for the first time this trip and see her eyelashes up close- she's beautiful and reminds me of our youngest, Victoria. (Side note: I did crop myself out of the picture with Melissa because it was taken after worship and teaching on Saturday and by that time, I had NO makeup left on my face. Remember her eyelashes? You could not tell I had any in the picture...I left my ear and earring in the picture close to her head!) Amanda makes me think of Audra in oh so many ways, and I am so thankful these young women allow their mother to share stories of their childhood because it encourages my heart as the mother of teen daughters. And speaking of daughters - I L-O-V-E the picture of the Moore women loving on darlin' little Dailey Ray - their hands-on love blessed my heart. And when I had the blessed opportunity to meet them, I felt the same attention and affection. Thank you ladies for your evident love! (If you are happy and you know it - let someone know!)Beth Moore is a blessing to my heart because on the pages of one of her Bible studies, I fell in love with Jesus and His Word. I had never turned so many pages in my Bible and searched for answers as I did in my first study: Living Beyond Yourself. I have never been the same since I did that lone study at home and without the DVD's. And I never want to go back to who I use to be - never. And anyone who knew me before 2001 would heartily agree. I was blessed to visit with sweet Beth for a brief moment and ask about her back. Her precious response started with, "Thank you so much for asking." LOVE her. LOVE the Spirit I see in her. Friday night, she opened the Word and poured out her heart for us to soak in her teaching the precious Word of God. I was floating Friday night. Floating. The whole time, I thought that if I pinched myself, I might wake up.

The few winks I got Friday night at the luxurious Omni (I am so thankful the teens showed me how to use Picnik because I wanted to share every ounce of beauty I saw at the Omni - it was nearly overwhelming.)helped me to relax Saturday and remember that God had a purpose and a reason for me being in Houston and it was personal. It was beyond all the excitement, the cloud like euphoria of hanging out with sweet Siestas and the darlin' behind-the-scenes ladies at Living Proof and the precious Moore women. I so wanted to know where my new journey was *springing* to. By faith, and the realization that I wanted to know and live out my purpose for Him (even if it included *new things* that were daunting to me), helped me to feel a relaxing in my spirit Saturday.

The excitement of the celebration, of taking pictures with the Moore ladies, meeting new friends and catching up with old ones seemed to fade to the peripheral as Saturday morning,

Beth opened with prayer.

On Saturday, I could feel the Spirit fall

As Beth knelt, and on our Saviour did call

Travis' worship opened the gate to the throne room door

And my make-up, washed in my tears, puddled toward the floor

Though I can't sing a note or remotely even carry a tune

God's Spirit invaded Beth's former Sunday school room

There are times you just know HE is there

The worship is free and other's opinions, aren't a worry or care

Because in those moments it is God alone

Receiving our hearts worship before HIS throne

It was then I heard with a child like heart

Wisdom call and God impart

LORD, as Your Words to my heart, press in

I am ready for Your *new things* to begin

But as I leave the wonder of Big City life

And head back home to the country, my title: a home school mother and wife

My heart, to You, LORD, is full of thanksgiving

You allowed, You favored this weekend with abundant living

I want to be one person totally "eat up" with Him

Totally surrendered, God focused, unfettered from sin

I want to be a bright light in a very dark world

Your goodness, Your story to herald

Let my heart be a sanctuary for You alone to dwell

Your story in Me, bravely and boldly, may I tell

Thank You for opening a torrent and that Your Words fell with power and in a sweet hush

As my pen and paper could hardly keep up as the Spirit, to my heart, said much

LORD, I've taken in so much encouragement and Truth filled notes

My mind, my being, like a cloud or balloon, above this world, seems to float

Help me LORD, as soon as I walk through my home's door

To put to use all I learned from You and Your servant, Beth Moore

Let new *things* in me bloom and grow

More of You LORD, I long to intimately know

Let it be evident LORD that I've heard from You

In my words, my thoughts, my actions - all that I do

Don't let me discard what has been deposited into the depths of my soul

Use it all LORD, not in part, but the whole

LORD, you know I've arrived home today and I'm sleep deprived

And for Audra's appointment, we have a three plus hour drive

But for the visual You give on the drive, of the river overflowing its banks

Describes the state of my heart LORD, and I pause to give YOU alone, I give thanksLet the river of Your Spirit keep rising in me

Reflecting more of Yourself and soaking my life, the tender roots of my tree

With reckless abandon LORD, "eat-up" only to You,

As the river rises, happily in response, *new things* I will do.

With thanksgiving to Worshipping One for capturing and graciously sharing the worship photo. Nesha, your picture out the plane window describes exactly how I feel.

If you desire to read *Moore* on the great adventure in Houston:

The Scripture Memory Spiral

Purse on a Chain

Living Proof Ministries

2010-01-29T08:15:00.001-05:00

From the lovely lamp lights,

To the towering trees,

Our visit to the grounds of Living Proof Ministries,

Proved a calm and peaceful place to be.

A ministry firmly founded upon The Rock,

Servant hearts knit together like birds of a flock.

As I reflect, God bids, "Come to Me and sit a while,

As sweet Siestas gather from across the miles.

Dear one, as you look up toward My eyes,

You'll find Me, the gold, the green, The Prize.

So, as along the pilgrim path you go,

To My Word and My Spirit, cling and grow.

I will give you light for the very next step,

Filled with My Spirit, you'll find happiness, joy and pep.

I am The God who does new things.

Creation around Me gloriously sings.

You may feel the path is so different, so varied,

And the obstacles looming so very great.

Come on in, I bid, open the gate

Time is ripe. I'm ready for you, don't hesitate.

As you see the seasons of life change,

I know your path, the now, the near, and the long range.

Darlin' bend your knee in prayer and total submission to Me,

Then, the so much more of Me, you will experience and see."

With thanksgiving to talented Nesha for graciously sharing the last picture.

Purse on a Chain

2010-01-28T06:33:00.003-05:00

This post is by request: Georgia Jan, I love you. Thank you for agreeing this is not my normal poetry. *This* is what happens after three amazing days in Houston for a Siesta gathering coupled with three nights of sleep eluding me and a flight delay (that I would not have missed for anything!) to get back to the country life...

Have you heard the saying:

"You can take a girl out of the country, but you can't the country out of a girl?"

My country roots were showing the moment I stepped foot in the door of Neiman Marcus at the Galleria in Houston. After the Siesta Scripture Memory Team Celebration, Brittney, Kelly, Nesha and I had ventured out for a little shopping. Literally, the first *thing* I spotted was a gorgeous handbag for Victoria Leigh, our fifteen year old darlin', fashion conscious teen. My gracious, I just knew she would love the flowers and the bright red color.

Unlike any shopping I've done in tiny towns nearby our little unincorporated area, the purse was chained to the display. And there was an armed policeman about 20 feet away. Those *things* should have been a clue; but what's a country girl to do? However, this did not prepare me for what I saw on the price tag.

I thought my eyesight was going bad.

This is what I saw:

Then I had to look again for a hidden camera, because I thought I might be being filmed for a show like Hee-Haw.

The purse remained...on the chain.

Even though we have been TV free for over five years, I have heard of "Pants on the Ground" and this little parody could be said or rapped to the same tune. Do you say a rap to a tune?! I'm not sure. But, it provided some good laughs as Jan, Twinkle, Emmy, Wendy, Kelly and I were stuck on a plane - yes, Purse on a Chain was written while stuck on a plane! I promise you it does not get any better, feel free to stop now before you read the first letter.

Purse on a Chain

Purse on a chain

Stores in Houston got

Purse on a chain

Fancy red flowers all over the bag

Sticker shock hits when you look at the tag

Purse on a chain

Neiman Marcus keeps Valentino under lock and key

The nineteen hundred and fifty price is killin' me

Purse on a chain

If you purchase this bag to go out or to a game

You may be labeled as rich or vain

Purse on a chain

Oh, take me back to my cozy, country home

Where our dogs (and our purses) are free to roam

Purse on a chain

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

Now, Sweet Siesta's that's a Houston rap

And since sleep has eluded me for days, Goodnight, I need *moore* than a nap.

Siesta Scripture Memory Team

2010-01-21T10:24:00.001-05:00

I found the neatest little bird spiral at Pier I to organize all of my Scripture memory cards for the Siesta Scripture Memory Team Celebration that will be held this weekend. The Salesman blessed me with the trip to the celebration as a Christmas gift. I am so excited! No, I'm beyond excited!

Before I knew that I was going, I had participated in the Scripture Memory posts on Beth Moore's blog at Living Proof Ministries. Instead of having all my memory cards in a spiral book, my memory cards were covering the bath mirror. Well, that is, until the Salesman said he could hardly see into the mirror. So I moved most of them to inside the medicine cabinet.

As a home school mama, most of my time is spent at home. And it was more convenient for me to place my cards around the house, so I did.

However, since admission to the event is a spiral, I knew I needed to organize my now well worn cards.

I had all different sizes of cards and papers with Scripture on them placed throughout our home.

Some of the cards I had moved to our closet door.

But since I found out I was going to be able to make the trip, I started organizing the spiral with 24 verses that I'd put to memory. Then I went back and added pictures, because I'm a visual learner, and most of the verses I'd memorized were tied to an event or picture in my mind. The first verses I'm going to share were memorized because of Priscilla Shirer's talk at Deeper Still in Greensboro. I blogged about the vivid impact her talk had on me here.

I Corinthians 6:20 reminds me not to gain the weight back because I have been bought with a price. Picture of me with 75+ extra pounds.

I have verses that reminded me of the teens. This one is for Audra and speaks to her love of music and the direction the LORD is leading her in.

This heart picture fit so well with the verse it represents.

Our lovely historic home that we moved from fit with what has become one of my favorite verses.

This calendar reminds me of the plans I make versus the ones the LORD makes.

Have I ever mentioned that I use to do my ironing around Murder She Wrote when we had TV? (Even though we have been TV free for five years now, I still iron!) I love mysteries and this picture reminds me of the mystery talked about in I Timothy 3:16.

There are pictures from the garden, to remind me of The Gardner.

And a picture of Victoria in the snow reminding me of a clean heart.

I have pictures of the Salesman, Lilly Belle, and other special family and dear ones along with the Scripture in my spiral awaiting departure for the celebration this weekend. I'm looking forward to traveling with and/or seeing Nesha, Kelly, Alexia, Brittney, Georgia Jan, Patty, Carolyn, Judith, Sherri, Audrey, Georgia and many more dear Siestas. I hope to see you there! Blessings dear ones! With a heart of thanksgiving to the LORD for this opportunity.

God is not dead, nor doth He sleep

2010-01-17T15:23:00.001-05:00

Just like you, my heart and prayers have been geared toward Haiti.

Last month we were blessed to spend six days with my dear brother and his family in Lexington, Kentucky.

(This all ties together with the earthquake in Haiti.)

While there, Audra was working on a paper for her Composition II class and we had several discussions on Emily Dickinson's poem "Because I Could Not Stop for Death", which was the topic for Audra's paper.

Visiting the Lexington National Cemetery combined with the discussions of the Emily Dickinson poem, turned out to be a lovely part of our visit.

While my sister-in-love and I were sitting in the vehicle watching our children view the graves, I played the Casting Crowns song "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" for her. The phrase that just reverberated in my mind was, "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep." The phrase taken from Psalm 121:4 continues to encourage me as I hear of tragedies, like the earthquake in Haiti.

The Casting Crowns song is based on a poem Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote in 1864. I did a little bit of research on the computer this weekend, and found out that only five verses of the poem are normally set to music and are in most of our hymnals:

I heard the bells on Christmas day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime, a chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head

“There is no peace on earth,” I said,

“For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail

With peace on earth, good will to men.”

Stanza's four and five are usually omitted from our modern hymnals.

But they are the stanzas that made me think of Haiti:

Then from each black, accursed mouth

The cannon thundered in the South,

And with the sound the carols drowned

Of peace on earth, good will to men

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn, the households born
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

As I think of Haiti today, I echo Longfellow

"It was as if an earthquake rent

The hearth stones of a continent"

But resoundingly I say,

"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep!"

Photos by Audra and Victoria

Break out from the mold

2010-01-06T14:33:00.002-05:00

*January 9 edit* Audra here... sorry about the video difficulties. You should be able to view it now... Enjoy!

As I placed a few of my mother's copper molds on the buffet for something *new* this year, I heard the Lord speak quietly to my heart:

Break out from the mold
Do exactly as you've been told
Lay down the old, pick up the new
My Spirit will do a mighty work through you
Don't just do what you've always done in the past
New things are springing forth - eternal things that will last

Be free from the mold
Do exactly as you've been told
Break out, be free
Eternally significant, in and through ME
Don't be bound by any thing in your past
Reach forward, to the eternal, it will last
I have, for you, a great, new work to do
Let My Spirit guide you, My Son shine through

No matter what your age or where you are
My glorious work surpasses your imagination by far
Don't be afraid to break out of the mold
For Me, My Kingdom, Be Brave, Be Bold
I will accomplish all that I've said
My Word is true, My Son's covenant pierced and bled
Your days were written before you were formed
Don't feel the need or urge to just conform
Break out of the mold of your past
In Me, you will find what eternally lasts.

My mind immediately went to the truth of His Word:
Isaiah 43:18,19

Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.

There had been this new little *thing* He'd laid on my heart to do. It's far outside my comfort zone. He gave me courage from HIS supply. And with HIS guidance and more time, input and technological help than our two darlin' teenage daughters ever probably thought they'd put into this new *thing* their mama felt led to do, the new *thing* is finished! The new thing is a video. But before you click, please know we are not professionals - as is evidenced in the writing showing up backwards! And I think I sound funny and now I'm thinking my hair would have looked better up, and it probably would have been better had I worn my jeans and a sweater, etc. - the list goes on.

With love and a big thank you to our darlin' teens for your valuable input, time and technological help. Audra, thank you for being willing to wear all white to represent the Spirit. Victoria, I appreciate you being willing to represent the enemy in all black. You two bless me in more ways than you will ever know.

If you'd like to see the video He led me to do about the battle that can be won through Scripture memorization, Audra has posted a link to it here.

Overflow

2009-12-12T08:14:00.001-05:00

My heart is on overflow to the LORD who showed up in a BIG way yesterday for Audra Elizabeth's surgery to remove the loose cartilage from her knee. The Dr. had NO explanation for the over a dozen pieces he removed. NO EXPLANATION. He could not find a donor site where the cartilage had come from. He even had his assistant look. He said her knee looked PERFECT - and he showed me 2 pages of colored pictures that proved his point and which also just confirmed the spiritual attack aspect we have been encountering. Leah, your comment from the last post, summed it up!

He also removed a non-cancerous nodule about the size of a sweet pea that he had not seen on the MRI - his words were "If this surgery was done to just remove the nodule, I'd consider it a blessing from the LORD." All I could say was "Praise HIS NAME."

PRAISE HIS NAME!

I am still saying it - PRAISE HIS NAME!

I find I'm living in the abundant overflow of HIS mercy, grace and lovingkindness, not only today - but each and every day.

One of the earliest verses I put to memory was Romans 8:28. I could not help but think of His Truth again yesterday. He is soo good. I am so thankful to HIM for you. Thank you for joining us in prayer and praise! HE alone is worthy!

LORD, I'm living in and experiencing Your overflow
Your goodness, grace and mercy, I don't just feel, I know
We are surrounded by Your powerful and healing streams
Even when enemy attacks make us think we are in a bad dream
We are living, moving and breathing in Your overflow
And Precious Father, YOU are all I want to know
In good times or bad
Whether I feel happy or sad
More of YOU, in me, please overflow
More of YOU, I want to know
Thank you LORD for Your abundant overflow. Amen.

Cumberland Falls photo snapped by Audra Elizabeth last weekend.

Would you join me in prayer? And praise?

2009-12-09T10:21:00.001-05:00

I come before you again, asking that we might join hands and hearts in prayer before the throne. This has been a difficult year in the area of physical health for Audra. Our darlin' oldest is scheduled for arthroscopic knee surgery this Friday at 1 P.M to have loose cartilage removed that has been causing pain and swelling in her right knee.

I remember when I read Beth Moore's post and could relate to feeling the heat of the spiritual battle around us and feeling like the enemy was targeting Audra's health.

The LORD has also been bringing thanksgiving to the forefront of my mind. Even in what seems a difficult encounter, He is asking me to praise Him. Would you join me in praising Him as well?

Praise that the MRI showed no damage to any major tendons or ligaments
Thanksgiving that x-rays showed no broken bones
Delight in a surgeon that is skilled in his specialty
Relief that insurance covers 100% after our deductible
Praise for His Word and His Spirit providing peace amidst the storm
Rejoicing we have a hospital nearby
Gratitude for the patient ladies at pre-registration
A pre-op nurse that has gone before us and answered all my questions
GOD is in control, no matter what HE has allowed

Many of my requests are the same from when Audra had dental surgery in October. Would you join me in praying for:

A well rested and focused doctor, anesthesiologist, nurse and assistants
A successful surgery
Peace - tonight, tomorrow, Friday, everyday
Knowing that the LORD is in control and acting like I believe HIM
Strength - Audra desires to be awake during the surgery
Safety while on the road
Power - Holy Spirit power and no interruption of electrical power during the surgery
A speedy and full recovery
That we would bring glory to HIS Name
That we would have hearts of thanksgiving to Him
Any other way the LORD might direct you to pray in this regard

Thank you kindly for joining us in prayer. "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 1:2

Smiling Audra Elizabeth in her room

T, It all starts with T

2009-11-25T09:50:00.003-05:00

Teens attending an evening of worship with me

Tri-colored lights on the sanctuary ceiling

Towers of light gracing the stage

Time to visit before the concert starts

Those thirsting for worship - Worship in Spirit and truth

Treasure of *new* friends

Throne room worship

To raise our hands in the sanctuary

Travis

Talent, flat-out talent

Thanksgiving

True thanksgiving:

And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, "Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen."

Revelation 7:11 & 12

Fifteen

2009-11-10T20:33:00.001-05:00

It seems like just last week we were celebrating Victoria Leigh's fourteenth birthday.

The birthday menu pleased her papa, the Salesman, and there were generous vegetable servings for Audra, our resident vegetarian:

Bacon-Wrapped Fillet Mignon

with

Sauteed Mushrooms

Grandma Geraldine's Green Bean Casserole

Peppers and Onions

Garlic Toast

I'm affectionately referring to this celebration as the cheesecake festival. It had been quite some time since I made a cheesecake. The last time I made one, the Salesman had requested cherries on the top. Miss Fifteen wanted chocolate to grace her cake. I melted chocolate and piped random designs on wax paper to top of the whipped cream and berries. Victoria, appropriately had a *V* on her slice. Victorious Victoria!

Audra's looked like a butterfly and the Salesman's looked like a spider web.

Mine looked like a bird.

I did not plan this at all. It was delicious and delightful. And speaking of delicious and delightful, Victoria Leigh, you are sweeter than cheesecake! I love you! Dearly! Happy Fifteenth Birthday Darlin'!

Today, Victoria Leigh, you stand on the sweet threshold of another year

You darlin' Baby, are a precious gift from God, and to my heart, so very dear.

15, Fabulous 15

Your spirit is strong, you are not faint of heart, God placed strength in You, from the start

You delight me with Our Father's creativity in songs, music, painting and various arts.

15, Favored 15

Childish ways behind you and walking a narrow path with the Father at your side

A lovely young woman you are, and faithfully, in Him, I pray you always abide.

15, Faithfully 15

Your carefree ways, your relaxed demeanor, your smile, your lingering hugs,

Blesses my heart and darlin', He graced you with the cutest button-nose mug.

15, Fun 15

With joyful anticipation you carefully crafted your birthday plans

Your determination, creative mind- gifts from the One who holds your life securely in His hand.

15, Finally 15

Go forward 15, darlin' 15, within you is hope, His Spirit, a fire, a lamp light,

May 15 be a year lived in His glorious power and by His glorious might.

15, Fruitful 15

Great things are ahead of you, Baby, as you step through the door

God's plans, His way, His lamp fanned into a flame within you and so much more.

15, Victoria Leigh, 15

Extra Credit

2009-11-07T10:40:00.002-05:00

Audra is currently studying Shakespeare at a nearby college as part of a dual enrollment program (high school juniors and seniors get high school and college credit at the same time.) The professor assigned roles for the reading of A Midsummer Night's Dream and offered extra credit to students who would also dress in Athenian attire while they read. Audra wanted to participate. Thanks to a creative friend who gave me a picture to go by, we used what we had at home to make a quick and easy costume.

When folding laundry this week, I had moved a worn pillow case to beside the sewing machine to see if I could mend it's tear. Victoria Leigh has had this embroidered case since she was five years old. I usually don't keep track of when I purchase linens, but this was a sweet set that had a special memory attached. Victoria used this king size pillow case to cover her mat for nap time in kindergarten. Where have the years gone? Victoria is going to be fifteen next week! Oh, the sweet memories.With just a quick seam for a casing, I inserted the elastic and stitched a machine hem for Audra's skirt. I basted gold Christmas ribbon around the hem of one of my shirts, and folded and stitched another length of ribbon to make the corset shaped waist design. We added a gold ribbon band to her hair, a scarf from Victoria's closet and Audra's gladiator sandals. I snapped a picture as she headed down the college hall to class looking as lovely as a dream.

Simple, quick and extra credit!

Halloween in the garden

2009-11-04T21:38:00.007-05:00

Not everyone in the garden dressed for the occasion. But one variety participated in the holiday.

Just a few months back, these coneflowers were in beautiful bloom.

And today, they eerily resemble,

a hat perch for one who rides a broom!

October 31st in the garden

A lesson learned in the garden

2009-10-30T21:20:00.003-04:00

Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year.

There is so much I enjoy during this season - the asters in the garden,

The colorful leaves fluttering from the branches till they find a spot to land,

The hydrangea leaves changing color as they put on their rusty coat,

The pansies unfolding and brightening planters,

I enjoy everything common to this time of year.

But I was most blessed today by an uncommon blessing - a single bud becoming a bloom, an October rose! I just did not expect this bud! We had already trimmed most of the rose bush back and had mulched the plants for fall. And we have had frost several times this season. God has a way of using common every day life to speak truth to my heart. God has been doing some new things in Audra's life. And this rose was the LORD's way of reminding me that He could do what He wants, when He wants.

Audra had planned to study to be an obstetrician. She set up a visit to Vanderbilt last April and had her dear little heart and mind set on medical school. No matter where else we looked or visited, Vanderbilt was always her first choice. And although her daddy, the Salesman, thought it was too far away, he agreed that studying medicine was a logical choice. And then very recently, the LORD has changed Audra's direction from medicine to music. A big change; but more importantly - a GOD change. A change that HE whispered and has confirmed to Audra's heart. And the word she keeps hearing is *faith*.

The word the LORD has been speaking to me for some time is *faith*. So today while I'm out enjoying the splendor of our LORD's creation, GOD knows that my heart has a lot of questions. I love music. I enjoy music. I can not sing a note though; I am not inclined in this area at all. I am a joyful noisemaker. I fondly remember my dear sister-in-love, Gretchen, asking me as she played our piano, if I could not tell it was out of tune. No, I couldn't. The musical gene skipped me. Completely. And what once seemed settled is now a new process. A new road. A dream is awakening in Audra's heart. And without a doubt, the LORD is giving her wings. We are seeking the LORD's direction. What next, LORD? Where do you want us to start? We want to follow Him and His lead, even when we *think* we have it all figured out. The Salesman has questions, too. There is so much we just don't know. But we know The ONE who does know. GOD is asking us, bidding us to take this walk of faith. Even when the asters and pansies are in bloom, the LORD can cause a rose to bloom. One of my heart's desires for both of the teens is that they would know and do God's will.

So I come back inside, just marveling that this rose is blooming amidst the obvious change in seasons and the frost. I kept saying, "LORD, YOU can do whatever you want." I went back to my desk and searched my concordance for a verse that said, "GOD can do whatever HE wants." I just wanted to read those words in THE WORD. So, I asked, LORD may I find words in YOUR WORD that speak to my heart about this change going on and the rose blooming at the end of October? Help me LORD. I opened my Bible to Psalms. Chapters 145, 146 and 147 were facing me and I started reading. Psalm 147:15-18 seemed to speak directly to my heart:

"He sends for HIS command to the earth;

His word runs very swiftly. (Just when I need confirmation LORD)

He gives snow like wool;

He scatters the frost like ashes.(You protect what YOU intend to bloom)

He casts forth His ice as fragments;

Who can stand before His cold?(Only what YOU desire LORD)

HE sends forth His word and melts them;

He causes His wind to blow and the water to flow."(We are waiting for YOUR mighty work)

The LORD gave me just what I needed - my GOD can do whatever HE wants, whenever He wants verse. I also thought of a verse my sister-in-love, Nancy, shared with me regarding God's will for Audra's life:

"The LORD will accomplish what concerns me;" Psalm 138:8a.

HIS WORD is life to me.

LORD, You reign over each earthly season,

YOU know our pilgrim pathway, when it changes and we don't see the reason.

I declare, "We are going to trust YOU"

To accomplish what before time began, YOU intended to.

Let our hearts be filled with vibrant faith and belief,

YOUR will foremost, and let us settle for no thing beneath.

Thank YOU LORD that for each life YOU have a destiny or dream-

We intend to follow YOU verses what is easily seen.

May Audra Elizabeth know and do

The work for her life that YOU'VE intended her to.

Let us not worry if the way or study is unconventional,

Let each faith step in YOU be very intentional.

We throw out any thing in us that is man's logic and man's reason,

Do a mighty work LORD in Audra's life, in YOUR time and season.

YOU, LORD, are the GREAT GARDENER EXTRAORDINAIRE,

To be planted in YOUR will and garden is our heartfelt desire and care.

Cause YOUR beautiful music in Audra to bloom,

As medicine is swept out with the GOD broom.

LORD, we ask for YOUR direction,

Give us YOUR wisdom and YOUR holy, godly introspection.

Let us boldly move forward with steps of faith,

Grounded and secure in YOUR way, let us not falter or quake.

In the mighty, splendid NAME that is above all names, Amen.

Above the Lamp Light

2009-10-24T19:26:00.001-04:00

The oil painting of the yellow tulip I was given by Victoria Leigh and mentioned here has a home! I found the frame at Hobby Lobby for 50% off and I really like the look with the oil. I had thought about hanging this bright beauty near my desk. The young artist suggested we hang it above my desk.

I love it here! And I would have never thought to hang it above the desk! This is my view as I sit by the lamp light and look up. A lovely view indeed!

In the lower right hand corner you may be able to see the corner of a watercolor Audra painted of my journal that is awaiting framing and a home.

With all creation I sing

2009-10-12T07:37:00.001-04:00

While Audra was recovering from her dental surgery,

the Salesman and Victoria Leigh went on a hike to see a Moonbow.

Victoria snapped several pictures of her daddy during their adventure.

She also captured the beauty of God's creation all around them.

Our family had planned to go together;

but, Victoria Leigh's pictures,

gave me beautiful glimpses of their day together.

I was so thankful that she didn't just take pictures of the moonbow.

And my heart sings in thanksgiving to the Lord:

"Clothed in rainbows, of living color

Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder

Blessing and honor, strength and

Glory and power be

To You the Only Wise King

Holy, Holy, Holy

Is the Lord God Almighty

Who was, and is, and is to come

With all creation I sing:

Praise to the King of Kings!

You are my everything,

And I will adore You!

Filled with wonder,

Awestruck wonder

At the mention of Your Name

Jesus, Your Name is Power

Breath, and Living Water

Such a marvelous mystery."

Revelation Song

Pictures along the pathway by Victoria Leigh.

Memory Monday - God has the picture

2009-10-05T09:04:00.001-04:00

"But godliness with contentment is great gain" were the first words I heard the Lord whisper to my waking heart this morning. I knew immediately what He meant.

We have just celebrated our five year anniversary here. Five years ago the LORD, without any doubt, moved us. That April, the Salesman got an offer, one that was too good to pass by, on his business. I'll never forget that day or the events that followed. We were getting ready to go to a Sunday School meeting. The "we" was me and the children. The Salesman had not made it home yet; but I was confident he would. Then I got the call from him saying he'd got an offer to buy the business and he was going to settle on a price with the party...He probably would not be home in time to go to the meeting. The time was right for this business deal and I just knew it, and he did too. I thought of the conversations we'd had about his work. The knowing that this opportunity had been given to us. Little did I know that the this phone call or that day would change everything about the little perfect world I was living in.

I would not have changed anything about the life I was living - location, home, school, church, neighbors, family, friends - nothing. Life was good. But the events that followed April 15th could only have been orchestrated by God and I had a first hand view of the God show that was about to unfold in my perfect world. The world that I would have never dreamed of leaving.

The business deal was finalized in July. Papers signed. Deal done. School was out for the summer. No longer would the Salesman be driving to the office that he had put so much of his life into. What do we do next? The Salesman was a natural at his work. He had been a salesman for, well, all his life it seemed. And he was good at what he did. The competition had consistently tried to steal him away. Every option and door locally began to close though. It became obvious we would move - but where? Every door opened in the southern direction.

We put our home on the market in September. I thought we would be there for months - the market was flooded with homes, absolutely flooded. Several agents recommended listing our home for much more than we ever dreamed it would be worth. We went with their BIG suggestion. I was reeling in my mind; I did not really think anyone would pay that much for our home in this market. I thought I was set. I would live on my Hallmark street forever, in my lovely home, my lovely life.

The photographer for the real estate magazine came to take pictures - our home was picked for the cover! I was not surprised about that - we had a lovely home. A historic, tree lined neighborhood that Hallmark had even used as a backdrop to film two movies. It was picturesque. We had lived there for twelve years. So many memories. When the agent sent me pictures of our home that would be showcased in the magazine, I remember being upset. In my mind, the pictures did not do our home justice. I was mad. No, I wasn't excited about moving; but if I was going to have my home shown to the "whole world" (really just our area) I wanted it to look as good to everyone else as it did to me. I went to bed mad about those pictures. Yes, mad about pictures. I was awakened by one of the loudest peals of thunder and the brightest flash of lightening and the words spoken to my heart (as real as if they had been audible):

"That picture of your house that you're so worried about, I have it."

And have it, HE DID. Within the week, two parties were willing to pay the asking price... and the funniest thing ever - the real estate magazine with the picture of my home on the front had not even come out yet! God had the picture of our home. Closing came 30 days later.

I did get a gazillion copies of the magazine though. Still have several in fact...

We bought a home at auction near a piece of property my grandfather had given our family that we thought we would build a home on. Five years later, suffice it to say, no home has been built yet. And furthermore, we don't think we will build on *that* piece of property. And lately, I've been discontent about my home. This temporary stop, or so I thought, on the way to our dream home. I have wanted the LORD to hurry up with my home - my dream home. As I've opened kitchen cabinets lately, I've wanted new cabinets. And new hardware. And new granite. And new... You get the idea.

No wonder I heard I Timothy 6:6 early this morning: "But godliness with contentment is great gain." (KJV) It's where I want to be. Contentment is what I need from The One who still has the picture of my home. So, I plan to tuck this Scripture in my heart this next week.

It's hard to believe it has been five years. The move, hands down, has been the BEST ever for our family. I'll save that for another post. God's hand has been so evident all along the way.

My dear sister-in-love, Nancy, wrote this prayer when they were praying for a new home. I'm pulling it back out to pray along with I Timothy 6:6:

Home is where the heart is:
Let my heart dwell in Your hand,
Not growing roots within walls
Constructed by a man;
Not set on things that can be bought
Of silver and of gold.
Oh let mine be a heart not cast
Within a world-wrought mold.
Wrap my heartstrings around Your palm,
Thread them through the nail-pierced hole;
Knot them once and twice again,
Like reins in Your complete control.
From all goodly attachments
Would I repent -
In any earthly dwelling
Make me content!
For Your presence is joy's fullness,
Wherever my feet roam.
Home is where the heart is:
Let Your hand be my heart's home.

The Recovery Room

2009-10-03T16:40:00.001-04:00

We are blessed and humbled by your prayers.

Hope and gratitude fill our hearts to The One who hears our every cry. Audra left you all a sweet message in the comment section of the last post. (She was holding and ice pack to her mouth and pecking out her thanksgiving to you one-handed.)

We are both blessed, very blessed.

Asters are on the nightstand. Rest and ice cream are on order this weekend.

Butterfly mobile in Audra's room.

Would you join me in prayer?

2009-10-01T07:57:00.001-04:00

Audra has had to have her top braces put back on; but she is still smiling! And Friday, at 10:15 A.M., she is having four gum graphs done. The dental surgery will take an hour and a half. Would you join me in praying for:

A well rested doctor and assistant
A successful surgery
Peace - tonight, tomorrow, everyday
Knowing that the LORD is in control
Strength - for me (my mother passed out when I got my ears pierced, had to go to the ER) and I am a wimp in this area too!
Safety while on the road (we have two plus hours of drive time)
Power - Holy Spirit power and no interruption of electrical power during the grafting
A speedy and full recovery
That we would bring glory to HIS Name
That we would have hearts of thanksgiving to Him
Any other way the LORD might direct you to pray in this regard

Thank you kindly for joining us in prayer. "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 1:2

Photo: Smiling, brace-clad teen trying on heels at TJ Maxx

September Rose

2009-09-17T20:34:00.002-04:00

Yellow

2009-09-11T15:33:00.002-04:00

A brilliant sea of yellow greets me in the garden this week as the mums awaken from their slumber and show their cheerful faces.

As they awaken, the cone flowers start their season of slumber,

Joining in a wave-like form behind them comes the goldenrod.

"See now that I, I am He, And there is no god besides Me; It is I who put to death and give life." Deuteronomy 32:39a

The old and the new.

"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven-" Ecclesiastes 3:1

Life comes from death.

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." John 12:24

Abundant life.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10

A Lovely Vine

2009-09-04T09:05:00.002-04:00

While setting the table for a special luncheon here at our cozy nest on the hill, I saw beauty in this pumpkin stem that I used in our centerpiece.

We have a city garden here in the country. And as I was picking the first pumpkin, I snapped the stem off just like I would see them at the farmer's market - short and sweet. But when I got to the second pumpkin, I could not resist keeping a good portion of the stem. It was lovely -

The loose and tightly bound tendrils and the raffia looking stem,

The beauty of the twisted vine etched with lines.

The vine made me think of my past. Sometimes, like the first pumpkin I picked, I'm all to eager to discount and cut off my past. The whole "please don't remember who I was before Christ" thought. Some of my memories, like the pumpkin vine, are furrowed with grief, guilt and pain. Some seasons of my past were twisted and I was tightly bound to the things that brought Christ no glory.

Dear LORD,

As I reflect on seasons of harvest when I brought You no inkling of glory

You remind me of Romans 8:28 and how You can work in each and every story

Even though each vine and tendril was once very tightly bound

Hallelujah! Your Word and Your way is offered to ALL and can be found

So LORD, I'm believing You can use every last inch of my furrowed past

And turn it into Your eternal glory, the treasures that will last

I thank You LORD that in each and every season

You will use (what to my earthly mind) has no rhyme or reason

So please help me to stay connected to The One True Vine

Watered with Your Word and by Your Spirit, kept totally in line

In the Mighty, Redemptive and Restorative Name,

AMEN.

Priscilla Shirer Inspired Memory Monday

2009-08-23T19:34:00.002-04:00

After hearing Priscilla Shirer speak on Ephesians 3:20 and 21, I knew I wanted to tuck these treasures in my heart:

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

When we lived in the Carolina's, I listened to Tony Evans on the radio each evening as I settled in. His daughter, Priscilla Shirer, is an anointed speaker. With a BIG thank you (and hug) to Victoria Leigh for typing my chicken scratched notes into a readable form, here are the notes that inspired me to tuck these verses in my heart from hearing Priscilla Shirer speak on August 1, 2009 at the Deeper Still conference in Greensboro, NC.

Ephesians 3:20-21 is a gem within a gem.

1. Time - "Now"

Paul has gone to God with a request for the impossible situation - Jews and Gentiles coming together- Now is the time to believe in God. Are you in the impossible situation? Paul wanted there to be a connection between the impossibility of the situation and the now of God.

2. Turning "to Him"

Don't focus on self, the situation or another person; but lift high the flag of our belief. In Numbers 13- Joshua and Caleb saw the difficulties through God and their difficulties didn't disappear. Your difficulties don't disappear.

3. Truth "Who is able to do"

Greek word for power is dunamis = power=dynamite - power of God is like dynamite. Paul knew who he was dealing with - the power that God is. If you have ever felt disconnected, know that HE is able!

4. Transcendence of God "God is exceedingly abundantly above"

These words are super superlatives, hyper is the Greek word here attached to a Greek word- it is that word on steroids. Gone beyond where it is supposed to go, no limits -- beyond, Beyond.

*Priscilla does not allow her boys to go beyond the fence in their back yard. But if she gets a call from her neighbor that lives behind them, that their boys are in their yard, her boys have gone beyond the limit - Beyond, beyond.

We carry around a box of what we believe about God. God will NOT fit in my box. Use my current box as a foundation upon which HE is going to build.

Priscilla shared a way she prays "LORD, would you please do this, (and then adds) OR SOMETHING BETTER? I believe YOU are able."

5. Totality of God - "All that we ask or think"

ALL means ALL. Every hair is numbered. He knows me intimately. Priscilla gave an example of a daughter pouring out her problems to a mother and the mother saying, "Stop, I can't take any more." God can take it ALL.

6. Turbo power (I'm not sure if I wrote down the right title.) "According to the power that works within us"

It is possible to have the all the power under the hood (like a Mustang car) and poke along. Ephesians 3:20 and 21 says the power is available to me to work. What a tragedy - ALL the fullness of GOD on the inside and no power on the outside.

7. Tribute to the fully capable God. I've changed the soil now - "To HIM be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."

His kindness leads to repentance

2009-08-17T16:34:00.002-04:00

For the last three days, I've felt like I received a spiritual spanking from the Lord. Not the kind of spanking I remember as a child - the hanging on to the bedpost in my parents room as the belt of correction was administered and my feet pranced like I was stung by hot pavement and my lungs exhaled sounds of excruciation as loud as any paid mourner could dream of exhaling. At 43, what the LORD has kindly done the last few days has literally caused me to finally cry out with crocodile tears flowing and my arms extended as I crawl back to my Father's lap and say, "Daddy, Abba, Father, I am sorry, so very, very sorry. Please make the gates that I've blocked so long, open like a flood and clean me from the inside out and set me up securely on YOUR narrow path."

Well, good morning. Let me just say that I've not been By The Lamp Light much this summer. God and I have really wrestled about wanting to blog verses following His leading and Spirit's direction. You know, I had it all planned out for weekly blogging:

Memory Monday
Weekly Word Wednesday
Fun Friday

Then this summer, the LORD really asked me to follow His lead and direction. So while flowers were blooming in the garden and we were taking some of the BEST TRIPS EVER, I did not feel His release to share them. What? Did this make sense to me? NO! I mean, we spent time with some of my favorite people (my family and friends) and literally, the LORD made it so I could not share - you would not even believe the story if I told you. But HE has a way of doing that.

I'm continually reminded that the LORD's ways are not my ways. So here I am by the lamp light on a morning that doesn't make much sense in the natural to me. We are officially starting another home school year today. I remember about nine years ago when the children were in private school and the Salesman needed my help at his office - and the LORD called me to spend time with HIM each and every morning. Time without looking at a watch. I had lunches to pack. Sleepyheads to brush and bows to match to outfits. I had to drive one way to deposit our little gifts for the day and another long, long way to the Salesman's office. But God was faithful then. I serve the same God today. He is faithful today.

I feel totally compelled by HIM to write today. No agenda, none of the normal today - not in any way. And it is one of those *things* that I would rather not air - you know, dirty laundry. I want you to see my cozy little home. But I'm writing by the early morning lamp light, to share what He asks me to. You may want to move on to another read this morning or if you feel led to stay, grab a cup of hot tea for the world's longest and most pin-ball-machine-like post.

I love pictures, art galleries, magazines - I'm a visual person. Yesterday, late afternoon, after worship, a nap, and a sweet time together as family, the children and I waited as the Salesman talked with a customer. While we waited, I had enough time to finish my book and was captivated by the LORD's beauty all around.

There were these lovely flowers and flags waving in the wind. (Thank you LORD for allowing me to somehow share flowers today too!)
The spot where we waited was picturesque and I tried to get the teens to let me take their pictures as we waited. They were too into their own books and music. (These little ear buds are like life support to this darlin' teen!)So I was left to enjoy the many beautiful surroundings including quaint red rockers and benches. At the very ends of the porch were these plastic lined boxes for trash. You can barely see one in the top right corner of this picture. I really tried not to get it in the picture.But you have a better view here of the trash receptacle at the other end of the porch. Aesthetically, these *things* were in the way of a good picture. Why would such a nice place put these plastic lined trash boxes on the ends of the porch? They were getting in the way of every good picture that I wanted to take. To get the beautiful flowers, the lamp light, the bench made from a tree, I had to deal with some trash. The LORD tenderly starts to speak to my heart as I start to hear what He is saying to me through what I am seeing. So many times, He just gives me pictures in the simple, everyday life that draw me back to Him. I've been in need of some drawing lately.From where I was sitting, there was also a view of a tent. It was not so out of the ordinary to see a tent. Inside the tent, there was a stage which was not so odd to me either. But I got hung up with one chair. I'm wondering - why one chair? Did the clean up crew get tired and forget to finish their job? What did this chair mean? I told the teens I would take pictures of them on the chair if they wanted me to. (They have been on several fun photo excursions recently and I thought this might be the reason for the chair.) No thank you mama. They read. One teen finished her book and came and put her head on my shoulder. So I sat and enjoyed the beautiful view and wondered if the Lord could be saying something to me through this picture.I could not get what I was seeing out of my mind enough to enjoy the benches or the rocker. Somehow, I was feeling called to this lone chair in the tent. His tent. Why just me LORD? I felt like I was going alone. The Salesman was talking with a customer, the teens don't want their picture taken. It's just You and me, Lord. But the watering can in the corner of this picture made me think of the Spirit, and how I am not alone and have been given the Spirit from my Father so that I may be Christlike no matter how alone I feel. I am not alone. Just Him. Just me. His Spirit.Finally, I got up and moved from my chairs of comfort, to the place HE seemed to be calling me so that I could see and hear what He was saying to me. It was like as long as I sat there in the comfy spot, I was not going to be able to receive what He said. And I was still a little disturbed by these ugly receptacles in this lovely LORD's day picture. Between the porch and the tent were flags of freedom waving over lush, lovely flowers. How do I get there? I was also visually bothered by a card board sign with a blue arrow on it near the end of the porch. But, this sign pointed to a very narrow pebbled path between the flowers that led to the tent. From this narrow pebbled path, I can see *the chair*. In my mind I start having a conversation with the Lord. It was Him and me. His tent. Me in the chair. The not so comfy chair. The chair intentionally there for me. The chair He called me to. The chair had purpose. The sign had purpose. The plastic lined trash boxes had purpose. But, I did not want to go to the chair. It was like I knew I was going to the principals office or being sent to my parent's room to hang onto the bed post till the lashes came. And if anyone is still hanging in there, now is where you may want to leave ---- but before you do, know that His story has a good ending - His kindness leads to repentance.

Why did I need to sit in this chair and have a full view not only of the lovely flowers and rockers and benches; but those trash receptacles on the east and west ends of the porch? Why was everything in the center so lovely, but the bookends of my picture were garbage? And not a pretty container; but a *thing* - plastic lined boxes. You may get the picture, I was BOTHERED by those *things*.

Not fully understanding what trash the Lord wanted to deal with, the Salesman was done and it was time for our drive home. Tummy full, book read, all these sights to think about. It was the early morning hours today that the Lord revealed what He had been speaking to my heart for the last few days.

In the very early hours of Thursday morning the LORD and I had what I would I would consider a spiritual marker together. He gave me a treasure. Then Friday, His loving hand of conviction fell on me. I went to a Bible seminar all day Saturday and it was like the LORD was pulling me to the front row with no distractions to hear what He said to me. Tears fell as I wept before the Lord. God was dealing with me. And it really didn't matter who was there because I was in that chair. The chair the LORD was calling me to. His tent. My chair.

But, you know, God's kindness lead me to repentance. At the seminar Saturday, two dear godly women, who I'd gladly adopt as spiritual mothers, blessed me. One by her words, the other by her touch. I'm going to focus on the one who touched because it's where the LORD has me today. And the one who spoke, oh my, it deserves a post to itself. I had a wound on the palm of one hand and as I was talking to one woman and she grabbed my hand to hold it. I wriggled a bit, not wanting her to even get close to the band aids. But, lo and behold, it was like she was after the very spot I was covering up. Hard to have a conversation when all this is going on in my mind. She said not A WORD. Just smiled, nodded, held my hurt.

Sunday morning when I woke up, I looked at my hand and literally thought "LORD, You allowed Ruth to heal my hand!" For the first time in over a week, it did not hurt when I woke up. In amazement I got ready for worship and once again as I sat under the TRUTH, very clear conviction fell on me. I felt as if I was being faced with the same topic over and over again. Does the LORD ever do that to you? He was not letting up on me. Yesterday the pastor mentioned a narrow path they had been on and how they were behind one big truck and how they could see the highway (the right road) from where they were and how they were so close. It made me think of the time we were part of a rolling roadblock and how frustrating it was to go slow when the road appeared wide open. God needed to slow me down on the lovely wide porch to even see the pebbled path - the narrow path - it was where He wanted me - He needed me to sit in the chair and see what roadblocks were in the way of dwelling in His abundance. My roadblocks were going to be disposed of in those plastic lined *things*.

A glorious weekend ended when I got frustrated last night. Do you ever do that - a mountain top experience with the LORD and then let one decision pull you back to the wide road? In my mind last night I was frustrated. I didn't even need anyone else to get into the flesh. As I picked up a wet towel left in the rest room, I crumpled it onto the towel bar. I thought I felt better as I basically stuffed this big, wet bath sheet into the towel bar. Mind you, I'm a neat nick. In my perfect world, the towel is neatly folded (in thirds) and hung over the towel bar. Not last night though.

The LORD awakened me this morning to the final piece to my puzzle of the trash *things* and the chair this weekend. He gently spoke to my heart this morning. He had some *things* he wanted to take as far away as the east is from the west - even the placement of the trash receptacles was important. And the fact that they were lined with black plastic bag was important too. Once He had them, they were not visible to me. I'd been holding on to other people's problems and anger. When I thought I'd been given dirty laundry by someone else in the form of any offense, instead of bowing and giving it to the Father, Son and Spirit (gave new meaning to my tri-folded towels!) and placing it back on the towel bar to allow the LORD to straighten out any stains, wrinkles or imperfections. I'd been taking dirty laundry that wasn't mine and wrapping and folding the offenses and stuffing them in my temple - which is HIS HOLY TEMPLE. I had just put unholy, not for my hands, dirty laundry in the eternal, everlasting temple of my body's heart and mind - my soul. The LORD reminded me my soul was eternal and it was not meant to house dirty laundry.

If someone had offended me, instead of picking up the towel of insult and wearing it like a robe, I needed to give it to the Head Laundry Chief - The Lord Jesus Christ - He had been taken ALL offenses for me.

If someone had wronged me, instead of hashing over the wrongs over and over, I needed to cast them off and return the gavel of a towel to the Judge who will right all wrongs.

If someone had frustrated the beejeebers out of me, I needed to take the towel that was marred with the track record of it all and release it to the one who irons out all frustrations.

If someone had hurt me, I need to humbly bow with my bloody towel and fellowship with the One who took all my hurt.

If someone had disrespected me, I needed to take the towel that had disrespect smeared all over it, and bless that person and wash their feet, with the Lord's help.

If someone had disappointed me, the towel that seemed so worn from being re-folded with each disappointment, I needed to release and re-focus on the One who is I AM.

If someone had burdened me with darkness, I need to take it to the LIGHT who bears it all.

If someone had burned me, I turn my singed towel to the ONE who can make me a watered garden.

You get the point, for a while, quite a while, the LORD reminded me of people and offenses and hurts and pains that I'd angrily thought I could hold onto and not be affected. It was in confession and blessing those who had offended me, that I found a sweetness in His kindness that leads to repentance.

I see now LORD, the damp, dank sin like dirty laundry, I'd collected

How pious of me to think I could touch sin and not by its poison be infected

I did not want to move to THE chair

My soul exposed, before YOU made bare

I did not want to sit in THE chair

Why do I fight? YOU know even the number of each hair

Still I did not want to go to THE chair

But You bid me LORD, I heard You call

You said You'd go, support me, not to fall

Your Spirit is with me, each step of the way

Even when dirty laundry is aired like today

As I take each towel wet with my hurt and tears

Towels soiled and stained throughout the years

You allow me LORD to move from my comfort place

To be in YOUR tent, to see YOU, face to face

My reactions and reflections, though not lovely, in form or face

Now seen before Your eternal majesty with mercy and grace

I lay my dirty laundry LORD out before YOU

Do the cleaning from the inside out, as only YOU can do

Thank you for the road signs that bring me to the narrow path

Sin calls me to live in anger and repeat wrongs and rain wrath

As Your handmaid, I leave with a basket unleashed of woes

Lighter, yet fuller, brighter now, I'll sing as I go

And You will take those black bags of trash

What has had me angry and signed to ash

You will get all the glory

You will be exalted as I tell Your story

You remove sin as far as the east is from the west

Sitting in THE chair with YOU, I can honestly say, is best

I did not want to go to the spiritual wood shed Lord

All the dirty laundry, my flesh desired to hoard

Afraid you'd beat me with a cat of nine tails

Ready I was to scream and my appendages flail

But, it was Your kindness that lead me to repentance

Sin and anger was the nasty, dark, dank jail sentence

Thank you for removing what was causing the stench

In You and Your Word, help me to battle-on in the trench

Let joy flow through the channels once clogged

Where demons threw darts and kept me feeling dogged

Thank YOU LORD for taking me to Your tent and THE chair

And that for my dirty laundry, today, You have tended and cared. Amen.

Deeper Still & Meeting Beth Moore

2009-08-05T17:04:00.001-04:00

Meeting Beth Moore was a highlight of the trip to Deeper Still in Greensboro, NC. I am still jumping up and down in thanksgiving to the Lord for delighting my heart in so many ways this weekend. You may have already seen a couple of these pictures on the LPM blog; I'm right between sweet Siesta Nesha and Mama Beth who is holding Baby Liam.Kristi organized a group luncheon for Friday before the conference and I feel so very blessed to have gathered with many sweet Siestas at Smokey Bones in Greensboro. Pictured here outside the restaurant:

Front: Haley, Carolyn, Judy H, Lori with Liam, Susan and Judy P
Back row: Me, Nesha, DeAnna, Tammy and Kristi

Here at the coliseum, we were all soo excited when Beth and her new assistant Michelle came through the door. And Ron was there to secure the door behind them!
Beth was drawn to Baby Liam.
I snapped pictures as Rich took professional shots. I saw Beth tenderly touch faces and hair. I heard her whisper encouraging words. She blessed my heart as much up close as she does from a distance. She's the real thing.

Beth gave sweet hugs and tender words all around. She is precious, just absolutely precious. I was thrilled beyond belief to meet my Bible study hero of the faith.
We had wonderful seats for the conference.
Great views of all the speakers.
Travis led us to worship at the footstool of our Lord. I had a picture taken with him; but I was talking in it...

Big Mama and Boo Mama made an appearance Friday evening.
Priscilla Shirer is a beautiful and powerful speaker. When we lived in the Carolina's, I'd tune her daddy in on the radio as I would settle in for the evening. As I listened to her speak, I thought of her rich godly heritage. I have many wonderful word pictures in my heart and mind from her message on Ephesians 3:20 and 21. Her passage is my new Scripture memory work. She took me beyond, beyond with believing what the Lord can do. I will share my notes with you all soon.
Sisters nearby were holding hands and I just *had* to snap a picture...
If Kay Arthur had not confirmed that she is indeed 75 years old, I don't think I would have believed it. She is lovely, fashionable and funny. Scripture and wisdom just poured forth when she would speak. When my Grandpa Garrett was living, Kay Arthur was one of his favorite speakers. Now that I've heard her in person, I know why. She's on my list too!
At our Siesta luncheon on Friday, we were visiting with precious new friends and were treated to a sweet phone call from Beth Moore. Oh my, we were so surprised and excited!
Talking with Beth Moore on my speaker phone - smiles and laughter all around!
My roommate and dear friend, Nesha.

Sweet friends, sweet memories, One Amazing GOD.

A To Do List

2009-07-30T18:02:00.006-04:00

Bible study

Exercise

Take packages to the post office

Touch up roots

Do all the laundry

Iron (so much fun!!!)

Make a garden salad

Prepared Patty's Roast that will feed my dear family for many meals

Sourdough bread sliced and bagged

Wash and stem strawberries

Wash and pit cherries

Bake banana nut bread

Pack an over night bag (including a pink scarf the Lord allowed me to buy at TJ Maxx for $5 and a ring I bought for Victoria Leigh that will look great with the scarf - and she's letting me borrow the beauty for the weekend!)

Read directions and look at map again

Put water bottles and snack bag in the car

Sing as I head out early in the morning to meet Nesha!!!

And visit with a few Siestas for lunch!!!

Attend my first ever Deeper Still Conference!!!

Thank you sweet Salesman!!!

Recipes from Audra Elizabeth's birthday celebration

2009-07-25T17:38:00.004-04:00

Raspberry Laced Vanilla CakeNo-Stick cooking spray with flour
3 cups cake flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
1 1/4 cups sugar
2/3 cups milk
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
4 large eggs
1 12 oz. jar of Smucker's Seedless Red Raspberry Jam (1 cup)

Raspberry Cream Frosting:

2 cups butter, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla
7 1/2 cups powdered sugar (2 pounds)
1 cup Smucker's Red Raspberry Syrup

Preheat oven to 350. Spray three 9-inch round cake pans generously with the no-stick spray with flour.

Mix cake flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; set aside. Beat softened butter and sugar in a large bowl with electric mixer on high speed until fluffy. Beat in flour mixture, milk, vanilla and eggs on medium speed until blended, scraping bowl occasionally. Beat 2 minutes longer. Spread batter out evenly into prepared pans.

Bake 19 to 23 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool ten minutes; remove from pans to wire rack, cool completely.

Beat room temperature butter and vanilla with mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and syrup. Blend until well combined. Place 1/2 cup frosting in a pastry bag fitted with a #4 tip for piping.

Level cake layers as necessary. Cut each cake horizontally to make two layers with a long, thin serrated knife. Place 1 layer (cut side up) on serving plate; spread with 1/3 of raspberry jam to within 1/4 inch of the edge. Top with other half of layer, cut side down. Spread with raspberry cream frosting. Repeat with remaining layers. Frost top and sides of cake. Pipe remaining frosting on top of cake in a lattice pattern. Refrigerate cake to set frosting. Allow cake to stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with raspberries, if desired.

The Pillsbury Softasilk cake flour box states this recipe makes 12 servings. We get at least triple the servings from this cake, and they are delicious servings indeed! My birthday and Audra's are within the same week and since she usually chooses this cake for her celebration, I usually pick a chocolate recipe.

Now, on to the main course. This a Southern Living recipe.

Meaty Cheesy Manicotti1 (8 oz.) package uncooked manicotti shells
1/2 lb. mild Italian sausage
1/2 lb. ground round
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 cups whipping cream
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can diced tomatoes w/ basil, garlic, and oregano, drained
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 cups shredded Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to the package, rinse in cold water. Drain. Place in a single layer on a wire rack; set aside.

Remove the casings from the sausage and discard. Cook sausage, ground round and onion in a large skillet, stirring until the meat crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain and set aside.

Add wine to the skillet, stirring to loosen brown bits; bring to a boil. Add whipping cream and the next 3 ingredients; reduce heat and simmer, stirring often for 15 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; cover and set aside.

Combine the meat mixture, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. Spoon mixture evenly into the 12 manicotti shells; arrange shells in a lightly greased 13 by 9 inch baking dish.

Bake covered at 350 for 20 minutes. Uncover and pour cream mixture evenly over shells; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 10 minutes. Broil 5 1/2 inches from heat, 2 to 3 minutes, or until cheese is lightly browned.

Makes 6 servings.

A special thank you to Victoria Leigh for typing these recipes...Big hug from mama.

Like a Child

2009-07-11T06:51:00.001-04:00

Describes exactly how I've felt since this trip information arrived at our home for the Salesman and three guests.We are excited about this magical adventure - my bags were packed before the children even thought about packing! And I'm giddy as a child this morning as I patiently wait for the rest of my dear family to rise and shine so we can head out on this trip. (The free part is good too, really good!) It seems like we have been on the road more this summer than we have been home. I pray you are having a wonderful summer too. Blessings to you!

Sweet, Sweet Sixteen

2009-06-24T11:35:00.001-04:00

Someone very, very dear to our hearts, turned sweet sixteen this last week... Our resident budding Betty Crocker, baked Audra's requested Raspberry Laced Vanilla Cake.

And it was scrumptious...Her meal choice was Meaty Cheesy Manicotti and it was sixteen kinds of wonderful.

I picked flowers from the garden and our country roadside, Found sixteen pink candles, And stood for a while admiring the beauty of the Lord's creation in the hydrangea's,And thinking of His goodness in Audra Elizabeth's life.

And finally started arranging flowers for a sweet sixteen celebration.
Dearest Lord and Giver of every good gift,
Thank you for this darlin' "child of mine"
Help me remember that Audra is Yours, totally Thine
Thank you Lord for sixteen wonderfully blessed years
Sprinkle her path with joy after seasons of tears

Guide her Lord each and every hour
Protect her Lord, especially as she drives, with Your almighty power
May we praise You continually as the candles flare and we joyfully sing
She is Yours Lord, be her every thing
Be more than the delicious icing on her cake
Give her wisdom and discernment to choose the real, to weed out the fake
Continue to pour out on Your songs, words and melodies on this dear writer's heart
And when it comes time for her to live out Your intended purpose, give her a lovely start
Thank You Lord for sixteen years,
She is lovely, so very dear
So I give her back to You each day
Have Your will, Keep her in Your way
Guide her Lord, give her wisdom beyond her sixteen years
May everything she holds close be gifts of all You hold dear
We believe she's a beautiful gift, a lovely, equisite flower
Let her live be lived extraordinary, by Your Spirit and mighty, all surpassing power
Give her everything she needs for her life's work to do
Let her be firmly planted and rooted alone in You
Let her blooms and fragrance be evidence of Your amazing grace
Give her the will, the strength and the courage to run Your intended race
And allow her to finish well
Your goodness Your glory, Your story to tell
Lord, allow her to finish well
Once a wee little bundle; but now sixteen, is still our Baby Girl
Life this summer seems so busy, like we are on a tilt-a-whirl
Make every day count for Your kingdom and Your glory
Thank You Lord for Audra Elizabeth and that You have already written her life's story
May she always and forever reflect Your kingdom and Your glory.

Amen.

A Little Bit of Work and Much Pleasure

2009-06-06T16:50:00.002-04:00

I set out to re-seed a few bare areas in the yard this last week.And was a little sidetracked by the purple cone flowers,The hydrangea flower head's starting to form and bloom,And this happy little flower.The Smoky Fennel has grown quite a bit this year.This herb has very feathery foliage.The green stalks remind me of celery.
A little bit of pink in the garden is always good.Then I got back to the re-seedingand spreading the hay. When I was done, I checked the progress of our little city garden in the country.
Victoria Leigh planted Cilantro to have it easily accessible for the Salsa Fresca.
Her squash and zucchini bin looks good.
Onions. Onions. And more onions.
We picked four different varieties of tomatoes this year.

And two different varieties of peppers.

Do you enjoy gardening?

A Far Away Friend

2009-06-02T11:00:00.001-04:00

This last year a dear lady friend of ours went back to the mission field after a few months medical leave. To not compromise her work in the area she is in, I'm not at liberty to share her name or her location or any of the pictures we have. While she was home in the states, the children and I formed a very sweet and strong bond of friendship with her. We spent many nights gathered around the piano as she would play and sing songs she's written - she is so very talented. And she would ask the teens to join in once they'd have the tune and they would sing along and play guitar some. After a good meal, we would gather around scrap booking supplies and she'd inspire us to design the most beautiful cards. We'd play games and talk and laugh late into the night. She'd challenge us to go on new adventures. Taking a trip with her was so much fun because we would stop (at some spot that we would have passed on the road many times) and we would explore and would fall in love with the beauty of our Lord's creation again at a previously undiscovered place. We would talk about our relationship with our Lord, pray together, laugh and cry together. We took walks together, she took the teens canoeing when she took her niece canoeing, took them out for treats and spent time listening and loving.

This last weekend, it was music recital time.And last year, our now Far-Away Friend went with us. I was missing her dearly. We were sad to see her go, but rejoiced that she was doing what the Lord called her to do. Today a package came in the mail from her. Our *Far Away Friend* sent pictures and bookmarks that she had made. Just last night I started reading "And First We Have Coffee" by Margaret Jensen and when my eyes got to heavy to continue reading, I put a sheet from my note pad in the book because I had used all the bookmarks in my nightstand. God is so good! And here are some bracelets she sent us for Mother's Day. Audra's, Victoria Leigh'sAnd my selection.This year the teens played their piano and violin selections for recital as usual. And then, Audra ventured into a new area by her teacher's request. New *things* keep coming into our lives and I want to be more aware of these new *things* and not miss anything the LORD has for us. The Lord is obviously also ending some *things* in our lives too. The music teacher asked Audra to choreograph "The Cat and The Mouse". After several rehearsals and hard work,They performed splendidly!
The cat found her claws at a garage sale for a few coins!

Here's a picture of Audra (the choreographer) with pianist, the mouse and cat and their music teacher.

Dear Lord,
You know how much I miss my *Far Away Friend*
And how very thankful I am for the packages she did send

Just when I needed an encouraging, friendly lift

From across the oceans came her sweet and so timely gift

Thank You Lord for my now *Far Away Friend*
And I thank you Lord that a friendship with You, never, on Your part, ends
You are always there, even when I feel alone because someone is gone for whom I deeply care
Let me focus on You, whom ALL my burdens did bear

Let me thank You for the Word and thank You for the cross
For a friend that gives up worldly goods and counts them as loss
Thank You that when I feel lonely and am missing a friend
You remind me that You are The Presence that is always with me to the end

Let me focus on the eternal and not the gaping friendship loss I feel and see
Things are going on in the heavenlies, that I do not know, that are much higher than me
So Lord, I praise You because even in this distance You've ordained, You are at work
Let me not be distracted by what I feel or see, Your will, in me, not to shirk

Let me be busy about Your kingdom agenda as You've intended
Let me see this departure as part of Your plan and see it as most splendid
Thank You Lord for the gifts from my Far Away Friend that were sweet music to my soul
But let me look to You alone, to fill me up, to complete me and make me whole

As my Far Away Friend plants the seeds of Your Word on foreign soil
Let her know that in You she labors and reward her hourly, vigilant toil
I ask for Your blessings, the richest heavenly kind
To be poured out, in full, on her spirit, body and mind.

In this time of an earthly friendship separation
Let Your Presence by my daily, hourly, needed declaration
Let me be aware of any and all things new
Let my heart beat in rhythm, not to others, but, alone to You. Amen.

Socks and Stages

2009-05-29T09:32:00.000-04:00

Audra started knitting one pair of pink socks for Victoria Leigh and a blue pair for me... and then ran out of both of the multicolored yarns... only to find out that they were no longer stocking either yarn when she tried to buy more...thus the totally mismatched socks. Victoria Leigh has enjoyed wearing one of each color...As I think about placing my next order, I'm glad we know now exactly how much yarn is needed for a pair!

And we have complementary colors blooming in the garden.
The purple coneflower plants
are blooming in stages.
Beautiful stages.
Yarrow is blooming in the herb garden.
This undemanding perennial, with fern like foliage, is adding splashes of yellow around the chives
and lamb's ear.
The bees are busy.

An Early Memorial Day

2009-05-23T16:37:00.002-04:00

The road back to blogging has been longer than I expected it to be after my uncle went to live with the Lord last week. Thank you all kindly for your prayers and words of encouragement for our family.

I have many pictures to share with you. You may want to get a cup of tea. Here is the beautiful cross my cousin Tyler made.

The handmade cross rested on the Christian flag that draped the pine box casket and also cradled my uncle's well loved and well worn copy of the Word.Before the service, we shared sweet memories of my uncle with many relatives and friends. My cousin Justin (pictured on the left with his wife) spoke at the celebration service. He spoke words of worthy of celebration about a godly man who taught him to pray and encouraged him by the way he daily lived and loved.
Amidst my tears of his many sweet remembrances, all I could think of was "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children..." Proverbs 13:22a. My Uncle Bill lived out this verse by leaving a godly heritage.An angel asleep in my brother's arms during the visiting hours.Susan sang "I Will Rise" with such power. On the last verse she tenderly inserted "he did rise when He called his name."
A lovely engraving on my grandparents gravestone.

My dear sister-in-love with the littlest angel.

A wildflower arrangement. Victoria Leigh and cousins. Sweet interaction with the Little Miss.
Snapping her picture through the car window. Strolling dolly through another cemetery as we remember other family members that are now alive with Jesus. Audra and Caroline gazing outside.A stuffed dog (that looks very much like Lilly Belle) introduced Caroline to the ivory keys.

I could not get enough pictures of my niece or my nephew.
It had only been a month since we'd seen their family; but still I wanted to snap their pictures continuously.
My nephew Arnie is a real treasure. Here he is with his own addition for a centerpiece for the lunch table. He and my dear brother had gone shooting in my grandmother's field and he brought back the can he used as a target. The night we had 19 in our little nest for dinner, he was a HUGE help to me. No one prompted him to ask if he could help, he just asked. And then gladly served by doing many helpful and last minute tasks that would not been completed before dinner guests arrived had he not offered to help.
Was had good times around the table.
Lilly Belle was comfortable in her bed as company overflowed our cozy little house on the hill.
I love the smile on my dear brother's face. Here he is pictured with our grandmother and aunt (in the background). My dear brother made so many deposits in my love tank during this visit. I have so many sweet remembrances of his kind and complimentary words of encouragement that he graciously spoke. He was complimentary about meals and details about our home which just blessed my heart. His words blessed me the days he spoke them and they continue to bless me as I remember them. Victoria Leigh made most of the delicious food we enjoyed, including the Oreo Truffles. My precious sister-in-love Nancy dipped the strawberries in the leftover chocolate for a lovely and delicious display on the buffet. I was so thankful for Nancy's nimble fingers in the kitchen as we prepared meals. Not only was she helpful in the kitchen, I'm so thankful she also took pictures for me, so I would have them to share with you! My cousins graciously washed ALL the dishes. Did I already say we had 19 for dinner one evening? Their kindness and sweet service was truly a labor of love.
We had many opportunities for hugs.
And my nephew never got tired of me taking his picture...
We enjoyed music from several musicians in the family.
These pictures taken of Sweet Caroline outside are *some* of my favorites...

Mr. Penguin takes a ride.
I loved the pose here - hands clasped, shoulders bent - however, I didn't get it centered very well.
My sister-in-love, Nancy, is a gem of great worth. I loved her from the time I met her in high school and the years have deepened my affection for her. She is a godly wife and mother and I am flat out blessed to call her sister and kindred spirit. I have been blessed with three wonderful sister-in-laws. Nancy's patient and gentle ways with my sweet niece, dear nephew and brother are so endearing. She is steeped in the Word and some of my favorite times with Nancy are sharing the Word together and encouraging one another. I have come to love when she prays over me. I am blessed.
I am so very thankful to the Lord for each and every member of my dear family.

I pray each of you has a blessed Memorial Day.

Ultimate Healing

2009-05-16T10:56:00.003-04:00

This beautiful gathering of roses and fresh fruit on my Aunt Marie's counter makes me think of a still life painting. Does life ever call you to be still?
The Lord stilled our family this week. My mother's dear brother left his earthly home and went to live in his eternal mansion. I had prayed 3 John 2 over my Uncle Bill:

"Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers."

The verse was so appropriate for him.

The Lord answered prayers this week with the ultimate healing
No more pain or discomfort is my dear Uncle Bill feeling
He has experienced the Ultimate Healing.

5-14-2009

Isaiah 40:8

The

grass

withers,
The
flower

fades,

But,

the

Word
of

our
God
Stands

Forever.
Please pray for safety for my dear brother and his family as they travel the many miles ahead of them today. Pray the Lord would bless and strengthen our relationships as they stay part of this next week to visit. Pray for comfort for my aunt who has lost her mate of 52 years and planned a celebration of his life (not a funeral). I love this! A celebration! We have something to celebrate! My uncle knew where he was going! He is very much alive today!

My cousin Susan is going to sing "I Will Rise" at her father's celebration. Pray the Lord grants Susan a peace and calm and power that is a mighty evidence of the Spirit of God in her life. The Lord has given Susan a beautiful and powerful voice.

Pray for Justin, a budding young preacher, and cousin of mine, who will be speaking at the celebration. Pray the words he speaks are so steeped and grounded in the Word of the Living God that the One who sits upon the throne and welcomed my dear Uncle Bill home will be lifted high and exalted.

Pray for Tyler, a talented young woodworker, and cousin of mine, who is adding a very special touch that he has crafted to the pine box that will hold his grandfather's frame.

As the Lord leads, please remember our family before our Father.

We celebrate the One who gave my dear Uncle Bill the Ultimate Healing.

Random pictures of well loved and often visited pages in my Uncle Bill's Bible.

Memory Monday & Glimpses of Sunday

2009-05-11T07:27:00.006-04:00

Merry Memory Monday to you! I pray you had a wonderful Mother's Day and that your week is off to a wonderful start. My memory work was from I Corinthians 1:5-8. I tucked verses 5&6 in my heart this week:

"that in everything you (Lora) were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you (Lora),"

I had to personalize it. Just loved putting my name in, it gave me hope! And I'm going to continue with the same passage for next week. I'll review 5&6 and tuck 7&8 in my heart:

"so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."

A few flower pictures from the Sunday Mother's Day celebration:

Lady Banks roses on the buffet.

Audra's roses on our table set for Mother's Day. This vase was later moved to her room because Audra won a door prize at a luncheon we attended with my grandmother on Saturday.

The door prize(Cherry Red Double Impatiens) in one of my Grandmother Beatrice's planters became the centerpiece for our luncheon table.

Welcome Lady Banks and Friends

2009-05-08T09:15:00.002-04:00

The long awaited Lady Banks is in beautiful bloom.Planted only three years ago, it is over 8 feet tall and at least that wide. Audra centered this red beauty in her flower and herb garden.I'm getting the vases ready.

I call her blessed

2009-05-06T10:55:00.001-04:00

As Mother's Day approaches, my heart is overflowing with sweet memories of my dear mother and I'd like to pause today and call her blessed. Twenty years ago my dear mother went to live eternally with Jesus after a very brief bout with leukemia. I am blessed beyond belief to know that she is alive with Jesus! My mother was a godly woman who loved the Word and her family. She loved and served her family tirelessly and joyfully. I've mentioned her love for her family in previous posts. But today, I'd love to share how she always made every holiday special and how her influence continues to bless me today.Daddy and Mother on their 25 anniversary in October of 1988.

Growing up, we celebrated every Christmas and Thanksgiving with family, friends, good food, great activities and wonderful traditions. Many Easter celebrations we travelled to see extended family. The *big* events were always full of fun. But my mother also made the every day routine enjoyable too. When Valentine's Day would fall on a school day, I'd open my Raggedy Ann lunchbox to find my sandwich cut out in the shape of a heart. The fun continued into college when she would make the most delicious caramels and wrap them individually in red candy foils. She would send the package through campus mail, brimming with a supply for my roommates to enjoy as well.

My dear mother's traditions of celebrating and enjoy the holidays is being carried on. And this Mother's Day, I'm really looking forward to the celebration the teens have planned. Some years, Mother's Day has been a bit sad not having my dear mother to sit in her chair at the table. But I am so thankful for the sweet memory I have of her and that the Lord blessed me with the family I have been given. Amanda left me a comment this week asking if we were related. Her question was in response to a comment a follower of this blog left on her blog. (I think my cousin left a comment on Amanda's blog that may have been intended to go on the comment section for our family post about the trip to Franklin. I'm not for certain, but I think that may have been what happened.) But it got me to thinking. As thankful to the Lord I am for Amanda and her dear family, I am truly blessed to be in the family that the Lord has given me. I am glad to say that Amanda and I are sisters in the Lord.

At least two months ago, the teens started planning a Mother's Day celebration. Audra asked me for a wish list, so I gave her the following:Then she kindly returned it to me and asked me to add some items she could purchase for me, so I added a few *things* to the list and returned it to her. But I reiterated that the *things* I love most are the *things* she makes or the *things* she thinks of for me. I was then invited to her room for a listening session - this was new to me. She would brings songs up on the computer and I couldn't look at the monitor (this was really hard for a visual learner) and she wanted me to tell her if I liked the songs. Some of the words and music were awesome - I can't remember what I listened to; but, it was fun playing her game. Audra also asked me not to check my e-mail last week....so, I think some *thing* has been purchased on-line.

And Victoria Leigh has been planning the Mother's Day luncheon. I was asked to select my favorite menu so she could do a market list. I did not realize that I had so many favorite meals. And then deciding which dessert to have... Then the narrowing down process was fun - Oh, you all, I feel like the queen. I've been tickled, just tickled that this celebration talk started in March and as the day approaches, I'm finding myself giddy with excitement.

Lord,
I'm giddy that for Mother's Day my dear family has planned a celebration treat
With thanksgiving we'll gather, & guaranteed, something delicious we will eat
And although, at one time I would have jumped to be related to Amanda Moore
I know my own dear family, for me, is what You intended and have in store
Where I am is exactly where You intended
I am blessed by Your placement, and in no way offended
Lord, I am so thankful for the fond memories of my dear, devoted mother
I thank you Lord, and I sincerely choose no other
To any who are missing their mother this special day
I pray You'll be their God of comfort in every way
I bless You Lord for the memory of my dear devoted mother
I honestly thank you Lord and would choose no other
Amen.

Memory Monday

2009-05-04T10:08:00.001-04:00

Merry Memory Monday to you!

I'm excited to join back in Memory Monday. And I'm breaking out of the mold of the Embrace the Word cards that I'd been doing... Change has not been an easy word for me. But God kept bringing up a passage of Scripture that has been been on my heart since February. This last month, *Pride* had me struggling with:

Lord, are you sure You want me to stop the memory cards at week 28?
Lord, I'm more than half way through the year of memory cards.
You know I don't like starting and quitting.
I like the routine. The familiar.

But this last month,the Lord has changed and confirmed so much in our family. Change in general is not something I enjoy; but, God has been at work doing some new things. And His new things are good. This morning He woke me up a little after four and my finally willing heart wrote down:

Shake me up and change me
Lord do whatever You need to re-arrange me
Change me.

So today, I'm getting a fresh start with Memory Monday and learning a passage I felt the Lord impressing on my heart to pray for myself for this year:

I Corinthians 1:5-8

"that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Even new colors are blooming in the garden.

Last Day of School Bouquet

2009-05-01T09:57:00.001-04:00

With great joy, I share that we have completed another delightful year of home schooling. The last couple years the teens have worked diligently to be done with lessons so that their summer break could start May first. No teens may be heard celebrating in the background because, they are sleeping in today!

When I sat down at my desk Thursday morning, I saw the first bloom on the Lady Banks rose and I immediately grabbed the camera and went outside. I had been anticipating the blooms since we returned from our visit with my dear brother's family in Franklin.It was too early for even Lilly Belle to join me. The foggy mountain morning sunrise was beautiful.
Not only was the rose on the trellis beginning to bloom; but about twelve inches above the dark purple iris blooms, this symphony of light lavender greeted me. The whole earth is full of His glory! When I went back in to get some clippers to cut the remaining dark purple blooms, Lilly Belle decided to join me for the gathering of the irises. The blooms were still wet from rainfall during the night and oh, so fragrant. I gathered them into a cut crystal vase that belonged to my dear mother. There was one sweet, small bloom on a very short stem that I put in a cruet. It is now gracing the teens bath. I found one of my Grandmother Beatrice's lovely pieces of needlework, and after trying the arrangement on the buffet,

found a lovely home for our last day of school bouquet. And headed back to my desk for some sweet thanksgiving to the Lord for the last school year.