Monday, March 14, 2016

Live Life Well...


For the past few months, as I've driven back and forth to school, this old barn had captured my attention many times. I really don't know why, other than it reminds me that everything, once upon a time, was new. Time marches on, and it doesn't stand still for anyone; so,

stop and take the pictures you want to, 5 minutes of beauty makes your soul happy;

stop at that roadside Farmer's stand and buy fresh veggies, your tummy will say thank you;

spend that extra hour watching cartoons with your babies, it makes them feel special (and it will make your heart smile);

travel, take mini-vacations, life is too grand of an adventure to miss it;

go on day road trips with a good friend (and laugh til your sides hurt), it's good for your health;

never stop being one who learns, your mind will thank you for it;

sit at the side of the lake, the ocean, a stream or the creek, and just be still, and listen, it will quiet your hurried soul;

take the time to have good, old fashioned, actual, honest-to-goodness conversations; the art of communication is more valuable than you realize;

let your kids help you make pancakes at midnight, a few giggles, glasses of milk and sweet late-night conversations make fantastic memories;

take the time to look up at the stars more than you look down at your phone, trust me, God's been working on me about this one;

say "thank you" more and more everyday, a life lived in gratitude makes for a pleasant attitude;

don't just say kind words, BE kind, it will lift another person's spirit, and bless your own;

The psalmist had it right when he said, "So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom." Life is so precious, live it well my friends, enjoy every moment..

 

Friday, March 4, 2016

His Girl Again

I flipped the pages to the calendar this evening, and was overwhelmed with my memories. 6 years ago, I was in what, to me, felt like a dungeon of despair. I was an addict who mourned a life she could only dream of. I remembered the call of my spirit to be His "girl again." I longed to make Him proud, I just didn't think I ever could.

I remember, even in my misery, my sin, my sadness, His word was my conviction, and it was my comfort. The dates in my Bible seem like a lifetime ago now, but wow, what a difference 6 years, and a marvelous Savior, can make!!  As I unpacked these golden nuggets from the storehouse of grace tonite, I could only weep with gratitude.

I am grateful His hand is salvation, and He heard me even though my sins had hidden His face from me. My paths had undoubtedly been crooked and finding my way back home was a long journey; nevertheless, the light did come. If you only knew that girl 6 years ago, you'd know why I find it amazing to have the beautiful life I do, and why I love Him so. I'm thankful He heard my prayer, and that even when I didn't feel like I was His girl, to my Father, I always was.


Behold, the Lord ’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear. The way of peace they have not known, And there  is no justice in their ways; They have made themselves crooked paths; Whoever takes that way shall not know peace...

Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. “Instead of bronze I will bring gold, Instead of iron I will bring silver, Instead of wood, bronze, And instead of stones, iron. I will also make your officers peace, And your magistrates righteousness. Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, Neither wasting nor destruction within your borders; But you shall call your walls Salvation, And your gates Praise.
   Isaiah 59:1-2, 15. Isaiah 60:1, 17-18