My Stress Reliever~

I must be on a roll this month since I've done more posting recently than in the past year!  Actually, I'm letting other things go that I can't seen to get a hold of.  I'm sure you've had times where you labor so hard at something but it just looks the same - no matter what you do!  Friday we went for a little drive up the mountain, looking for Mistletoe~  Mt. Graham is a good name but I should come up with something different for me to call it, you know like on The Walton's - "Walton's Mountain."  It is definitely a stress reliever.  LOL  I could have stayed there all day and into the next year.   I wished everyone could have gone with me and frankly I have no idea why I'm not there more often.  And, since you couldn't go I thought I'd share a few pics~


I hope you have a place to take a drive to.  A place you can relieve some stress in your life.  Just remember not to forget to take the Lord and that other special someone~

Under The Stars~

I can't take the credit for the shot below it was photographed by Stefan Seip  - though I sure wish I could take wonderful night shots like it.  I so love looking at the night skies here is the SE Arizona and of all the places I've lived throughout the US, I've never seen skies quite like it and if I have I'm just not remembering.

Starry Night of Mount Graham By Stefan Seip

Recently, I've been listening to a great link that posts excellent Christian music it's call Under The Radar.  They play known artists I've listened to before and many I haven't; in most cases the songs posted I've not heard or don't recognize them since they aren't played enough on the air.  The musicians and songs certainly deserve the recognition which brings me to tonight's post.

Under the Radar posts new episodes weekly, though this week we were graced with two, last years and this weeks sounds of Christmas~  I have to admit about this time you could be getting tired of it - but not this.   :)  Below is a song written by Justin McRoberts that came out in 2006 and is just one example of the fine music you will hear.  What I liked about "Born Beneath These Stars," is the simplicity of the song and the magnificence of the Lord.  Just looking at the stars I see each night and the vast wonder of it all is so breathe taking.  Just knowing that the creator of heaven and earth came as a babe, born in a manger, beneath these same stars to set things right that we can be with Him eternal. 


We celebrate Christmas to recognize the birth of Christ Jesus - the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords; who was most likely born in September?  Some have said in April or even August!  But I'm not here to debate His birth date or why some celebrate and some don't.  I want to just recognize the Savior of the world - that is the Savior that came as a babe and become a sacrifice for the sin of ALL mankind that we may have life eternal through Him who loves us.

So from my home to your a "Merry Christmas" and when you see the magnificence of the Lord in His night time creation think of what He's done for you~

"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.  (God with us)  Isaiah 7:14 NAS

He heals the brokenhearted
      and bandages their wounds.
  He counts the stars
      and calls them all by name.
  How great is our Lord! His power is absolute!
      His understanding is beyond comprehension!
 Psalm 147:3-5 NLT
 Isaiah 53 ESV

Below - links of interest:  

Star gazing 

Our Telescope

Another Season Is Coming To A Close~

September came to a full-fast close (that's when I started this post :/), October is gone and Autumn has been in full swing- soon to end.  November is done with Thanksgiving over and now its December!  Do you wonder where the time goes? Surprising enough autumn ends in December but, the leaves are gone from most of our trees.

Oh~ How I love the smell of leaves;
In Autumn as they're changing color.
The crisp cool feeling of the night,
And, warm sunny days so bright!

Even the desert sings of "Autumn!"
Cool crisp mornings from the open skies at night.
Warm days, sunny and bright.
Full of color and smells of Autumn. VB-2010

Where does it go? The time just flies by whether it's a good day or bad.  Whether it's full or empty; happy or sad.  Several mornings back was our first taste of this season coming to a close and old man winter is on it's way.  Our mountain had that look about it, with its dark clouds hovering and the smell of cool moisture was in the air.  You knew apple season was over with more frosty nights on the way. 

We all have our seasons in this life, roads we travel, journeys we're on, learning and hopefully growing.  With all that I've been doing this past year, I've missed quiet times; restful days not packed full - with everything. As the days seem to run together my time seems busier - "I guess my husband was correct about this becoming seasonal posting!"  But it was never my intention and a time I miss.  There are times when I have so much to share and I can't seem to stop long enough to write it down - loosing much of my thoughts.  From the lack of time I've even changed this post several times in an attempt to keep it current and making some sense (lol).  My brother likes using this saying "Poop Accrues!" I think its his way of avoiding some things, though honestly, I feel as though I'm dumped on more than my share.  Haven't you had days when you just didn't think you'd make it through?

Previously I shared that we had been going through a time in our lives that many have experienced and frankly none would want to.  Through all these times God has supplied for every need that we've had and some.

"And I will cause showers to come down in their season, they will be showers of blessing."  Ezekiel 34:26 

But we've been on this particular journey for what seems like an eternity - this road we've been traveling only 4 to 5 years now, has been a hard rough road to travel.  With unexpected twists and turns sprinkled blessing here and there; with the Lord ever by our side~

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6  I've always like to continue with the following verse of importance - And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. v7.

The above verses are so true and should be taken to heart.  Be anxious for nothing - much of the time I'm good, my husband may beg to differ, but sometimes when you are going through things that don't seem to go away - it can make it difficult and sometimes unbearable. 
When my husband lost his job - and I know many can relate that's one thing.  But with his illness / disability went kicking into full gear; we found ourselves facing the reality of loosing our home and more.  He tried getting his consulting business running again, as well as, looking for other work - no go.  I had an in home business myself but it never brought in enough to make a difference.  I even found a job outside of our home but it wasn't bringing in enough; I shortly ended up leaving the job to put more effort in our packing while getting rid of things you accumulate over the years.  It was a tough road to travel, we did what I could while we tried to sell our home but lost it anyway in-spite of our efforts.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

We did manage to stay in our home for about two years during this season, packing and selling everything of value doing what we could, seeking the Lord and his direction always.  People will tell us just leave~ But, when you don't have money, you can't stay and you can't leave.  But God's timing was/is always perfect.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. v7.

That leads us to today.  It's been a year since we left our home in OH and not being able to move back into our little house in NM we lost that as well; we found ourselves moving back to AZ and in with my dad.  For which we are grateful.  Do you think God knew what he was doing guiding us in this direction?  I do~  Though my husband has been in and out of the hospital - back and forth to the VA for doctor appointments (we do believe God has healed him, we are just waiting for the manifestation to take place) and the continually day to day things called life that keeps me on the move and sum.  Recently, I asked the Lord how much longer?  Though I'm trusting you I'm tired and I don't know how much longer I can do what I'm doing!  I'm still living with boxes as if I'm moving! When Lord - I would like my life back!
Yes, that was me not to long ago and really what I've wanted to share, the reason I've been trying to write this post.   I heard a voice, it was God saying to me after I was crying out,  "My grace is sufficient for you."  It was gentle, loving and to the point.  And just what is His grace?  The dictionary gives many definitions I like these:

The freely given, unmerited favor and love of God; the influence or spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them and the condition of being in God's favor or one of the elect.  And what is sufficient?  "Enough," to meet a need or purpose; adequate - nothing more is needed it is enough~   I was allowing myself to become anxious when I knew God always blessed us and supplied our every need. 

Things are hard out there - there's no denying it - God is there for me/you, His grace is sufficient for those who have received his gift of salvation and have a relationship with Him.  If you don't know God and need a miracle in your life ask him in your heart.  Get into a good Bible believing fellowship,  He will shower you with blessing as you travel that desert road in your season.  I will be forever thankful~

As for the clip I love fall and listening to the sound of George Winston, enjoy~

Sunday And All Is Calm~

It has been pretty hot around here and it's nice getting up to the mountain on really hot days to enjoy the beauty and cool off a bit.  I think we are finally at the tail end of the monsoons.  At the beginning we'd get rain all around but not over head.  I've been told we are in a rain shadow since we are surrounded by mountains, however, these past few days we have been in a somewhat downpour mode.  But nothing like the video clip I took from my phone~ It was coming down so fast it was running off the roof over the gutters.  However, Dad doesn't have down spouts on the corners and on this day I really don't think it would have mattered.  No down spouts? Something over looked LOL.

Today this Sunday morning all is calm, cool and a bit showery; a wonderful change of pace.  Calm - well ,that is until I realized I left the bacon on the stove cooking! I wonder what I could do with bacon that's now unidentifiable? LOL  Hey Mat - maybe I wasn't suppose to eat it anyway~  All I did was put the bacon on and left it to check something and saw the blog site and thought hey! I'll post something about the morning and how relaxing it is with its cool and rainy temps~ Completely forgetting about the bacon!
Ok, get me back to the "calm," and listening to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, before church:) I pray your Sunday is peaceful and calm, cool and a bit showery with the love of the Lord in your hearts.

The Sun "Son" Always Breaks Through~

Except for sharing a few pictures of our beautiful mountain; I'm finding it hard to believe it's been this long.  Now August!  - I must admit I'm disappointed in "me".  Close friends would say I'm being too hard on myself; but I actually started writing this in May and for the lack of words -- I was just too involved with stuff to get back to it. Though I tried many times :(   I guess I just lost momentum -- lost my focus. . .My husband asked yesterday if I was posting seasonal now. . . "his funny".

My original post started out with the title "It's Still May :/" (Of course now changed) I continued on to say:

Good things do happen in May as in other months of the year.  Like Mother's Day and birthdays.  Though I need to add one of the best birthdays ever!  This past May was unusually hard for me and seemed to be without end.  Realistically - it had simply been an extension or continuation of things.  Most of which I get through with the help and strength from the Lord.   But - as I give things up to Him and that is the key -- by "giving things up" to Him.

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 

Now with entering August, the frame of mind I had in the month of May was a difficult war for me to battle.  I believe I was suffering from "battle fatigue!" An attempt for a bit of humor here :) I'd grown weary and allowed myself to do so.

"Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way," Psalm 37:7

Not everyone knows what our family has been going through or has been through, however, we aren't necessarily alone, As I look around at the world we live in, there are so many hurting, longing for relief, a little help or just to be loved. My husband and I often say, "I don't know how people do it without the Lord in their lives." He has been and is the one true constant blessing.  In the midst of all our troubles there have been so many blessings, many of them miracles and answers to "specific" prayers.  There are, times when I marvel at His love for us - "for me."  Things the Lord has graciously placed into motion years earlier that would bless us/me at this time in my life, simple words cannot do justice.  However, I will keep that to share another day.

"And I will cause showers to come down in their season, they will be showers of blessing."  Ezekiel 34:26

Now though the above is very true - I have times when I don't do as I ought.  I get so wrapped -n- tangled in what we call life, with all one person can do and foolishly on her own. Instead of riding with, you are driving away from the Lord and the "free from burdens" He has for us.  That inner peace that only He can give is replaced with the stresses that this world only offers.  When I say, "away from," my meaning here is I'm putting more emphasis in my own abilities trying deal with the problems, for the Lord is always with me.  I'm fooling myself into thinking I have some control. Maybe not even that.  I know I don't and I'm not looking at my own abilities as much as I'm shutting down - taking a sabbatical. That wouldn't be so bad?  That is if I were taking it with the Lord and refueling. This type of shut down has happened before but not for the same reasons.  And all of that rarely matters.  What does matter is the reconnection the Lord only deserves - His love for you and who you are in Him.

He alone will bring about perfect peace- Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you.  Not as the world gives do I give you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither be afraid.  John 14:27

We have always been through tough times but this particular journey we are on has been long and arduous of almost four years - longer.  And, when we allow ourselves to get to "battle fatigue" stage, that's when we've shifted our focus to much onto the problem - that - that is all we see.   Even though we know - what we know, the Lord is the only one who can help us win this war.  *For He already has won the battle, we need to see it.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!  Isaiah 26:3  
You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies; Psalm 44:7
We live by faith, not by sight.  2 Corinthians 5:7

One of our many battles stems from my husband. Jim is USCG medically retired and has been suffering from many disabilities, though he has always been able to do well - his body has truly taken a turn and not for the better.  Even before we first moved here, we almost lost him and after arriving every month until resent was spent driving back and forth to the VA in Tucson working through the system and with different doctors.   One day while we there. now several weeks ago, I went into the Canteen (little convenient store) which had a spin rack with inspirational books - I'm sure you've seen in other places.  As I was looking my eyes skimmed across a title that got my attention, "Laughter for A Woman's Soul," I almost chuckled - sarcastically.  Sadly, it was true I thought for I lost my laughter. That spark the Lord gave me that made me - me; that merry heart of mine apparently went on some vacation that I wasn't invited too!

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.  Proverbs 17:22

I've written previous posts about laughter it truly does good like a medicine.  God was so wonderful in giving us emotions, but I reached a time in my life where I allowed myself to be robbed of joy.  Two movies that I loved watching were "Ground Hog Day" and "Joe Verses the Volcano," both depending on what I was doing I used to describe my days.  I've been so busy caring for others, things - and just plain "doing," that driving to the VA became an outing - but not a restful one.  There was no time to enjoy the drive, though it's one of the prettiest drives.  This spring the desert was full of beauty that would cause me to think, "If I only could take pictures to share," but my camera was broken. (Now repaired thank you Jesus).  But the drive was always hurried to get back to more of the same :/ Of course there's more to this story.  And isn't there always :) I'm not sure when I'll finish mine to share, however, I feel if don't post what I have it will be lost.

Maybe you have similar things you're going through on your journey. I certainly have much more to add to this.  But one thing I'll add before closing; my faith is in the Lord, and He sustains me just as His word says.  Even with my choices and mistakes.  Even at times with unbelief - He remains the same just as His says.  He is the keeper of my heart.  Psalm 121 

Up To The Mountain~

There's much to say about the mountain.  It's a place where you may go and recharge.  A place to capture the beauty of a creator.  A place of quiet solitude to think and ponder things.  A place to listen or pray.  A wonderful blessing to enjoy and go to.  Everyone needs a mountain to go to.  Maybe you don't have a mountain but you have a place you enjoy going.  A place of rest.

I was crying to the Lord with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain.  Psalm 3:4

Make sure you scroll to the bottom of my blog page and pause the tunes so you can hear this great song:)

The Leather Vest

Many of you maybe familiar with the Way Of The Master ministry but not know to much about Ray Comfort - other than he loves the Lord and has a genuine desire to save souls.  I thought I'd share this clip - I think it's wonderful!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvitmq7KkPE

Atheist Central

The Desert In Full Spring:)

The desert is in full bloom, the once snow topped mountain is loosing its lacy effect; and I'm lost without my camera. . .
I wish I could take a picture and show you what my eyes can see. The desert wild flowers are in full bloom - full spring! I wished I could share all the beautiful colors - yellows, oranges, purples, pinks etc.....

And the songbirds have been beckoning me as I fallow their beautiful songs into the trees.  All I can do is to share a few links of interest and the "songbird" you will be able to look up all bird things of interest.

http://www.desertharvesters.org/

http://www.tucson-bed-breakfast.com/southern-arizona-bird-watching.html

Oh and to add - thanking my wonderful son, he was able to take a couple shots from his phone(LOL I still have a hard time with phones taking pictures, I did grow up with my gram).

In The Desert, Little Signs Of Spring ~

   Gila Woodpecker







Vermilion Flycatcher






Yellow-burst Gazania
The gazania's in yard are at least from 20 yr old plants~






Gila Woodpecker (F)







Gazania (another variety)

Vermilion Flycatcher (F)

I've Always Loved The Western Skies~

I've always loved the western skies,

And watching clouds as they go by;

Carrying away the troubles of the day.

Trusting the Lord to bring us home.

VLB 3/20/10 

Take some time to day and watch the clouds go by, and if you don't have clouds to watch today, look for something that God has given to you enjoy; and watch the clouds tomorrow. :)

Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Romans 12:2  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

A Letter To My Cousin ~ "The Shack"

This is a long over-due post and one I've kept mentioning I was going to do to a friend.  I've so often thought about it but, was having a hard time putting it to words, as everything in my life, the Lords timing is always perfect.  I spoke with my cousin a short while back and we were discussing  William Paul Young's book The Shack.  At this time I didn't go over my concerns and I wasn't yet able to go into them exactly the way I would have preferred so I didn't really say anything much.  Other than as a fictional book I liked the story line.  I tend to enjoy mysteries and the cover was what really got my attention at the time.  After I spoke with my cousin I new I'd have to write her or I figured we'd talk again soon.

I have been following a wonderful blog from a sister in the Lord, Sunny.  We've never met though she has a wonderful ministry the Lord has blessed her with and Sunny has blessed others with her blog    About My Fathers Business  I hope you check it out.  This is where I found her Biblical based study on The Shack.   This is something I've wanted to do for over a year, didn't have the time or could ever do it justice as Sunny has.  Thank you Sunny for following your heart and allowing the Lord to work through you.  :)  

So after much consideration I wrote my cousin and as I was writing her I thought I'd just do my post in the form of a letter.

Dear Mary,

How’s everyone doing?  I hope you’ll all soon be out of the snow.  Here it’s been beautiful – and no surprise there.  We did get much needed rain here and there; the mountain of course got snow that was most beautiful to look at with its white caps in the evening gave them a lacy effect; beautiful!

When we last spoke we were talking about the book written by William Paul Young, “The Shack.”  Even though I enjoyed the book I had concerns or reservations about it.  I also read The Shack when I was going through a rough time – I needed a shot in the arm, so to speak; mostly I needed to recognize that Jesus was still there with me.  This is one of the deceptions that Satan would use to lead many astray.  Not that Jesus isn’t or wasn’t always there for me – but who the Lord really is in our relationship with him.

When I read the book I sent a copy to one of my oldest and dearest friends.  She hadn’t a close relationship with her biological father who was abusive, so she struggled in her relationship with her heavenly father.  Trusting was an issue so I sent her a copy thinking it would help.  But, it wasn’t received well by her husband.  In fact he blasted me on a post I had on my blog.  He does lack tack at times but does know his stuff (the word) – he just deliverers it in badly sometimes.  This was very hurtful to me, I shut down, I needed that friendship, that relationship, that closeness as describe in the book.  He was right though, even though hurtful and though it wasn’t received well – I thought a lot about the implications of the book as where it stands biblically.  

I’ve always had the Lord right there with me but do to the circumstances we were in I became overwhelmed focusing on our problems and not the Lord.  At the time parts of the book even lifted my spirit enough so that I even choose a couple excerpts from the book when asked to speak at the Woman’s Breakfast for our church group.  I was excited and sung its praise as many others have – but still I was troubled with concerns.  I couldn’t quite put my thoughts down and back them up accurately since I needed that feeling of closeness. 

I was wrong in my excitement and wrong in support of “The Shack.”  It is a book of deception.  The truth is that Jesus is closer than a friend and wants a relationship with you.  God’s love is unconditional but he’s also just.  But to know him you need to seek him – get in the Bible.  Someone I know even said, “After reading The Shack she now knows who God is!”  Mr. Young’s depiction of who the Lord is will lead others astray that don’t know Him and the true Godhead.  It fails to show God’s holiness and the reverent fear we should have for the Lord.  (Proverbs 1:7)

I’m sending a study link along I hope you’ll read.  It’s a study I would have loved to have created myself with the Lords help.  It’s excellent, and found it here  Biblical Review Of The Shack

It hasn’t been totally confirmed that Mr. Young belongs to the Unitarian Universalist Church.  Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion that embraces theological diversity; they welcome different beliefs and Theological Perspectives. however; it seems evident in his book.  In a number of interviews he denies being a part of the “emerging church.” His book even though well written doesn’t accurately depict biblically who God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit is/are; this in turn a deception.

For an unbeliever, that is one that has not accepted the true Christ, the book deceives by keeping them in the dark as to who the real person of Jesus is and the true Godhead.  And, to the believer, one that has accepted into their heart that Jesus is who he is as according to the Bible, a couple scriptures comes to mind - 

Mark 13:22  For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. NKJ

2 Corinthians 11:3  But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. NIV

Let us be diligent in testing all things as to not be deceived. 

Love in Him,

Vik

To all the ladies at Cornerstone that were at the Woman's Breakfast - October of 2008 I hope you will forgive me if I miss lead you in anyway.  I thank the Lord for His love and forgiveness that only He can give.  

Lastly, it's the responsibility of every believer to study and know the Word.  We'll each be held accountable for our own walk.  Acts 17:11

In Him and to a walk that is pleasing in His sight.

Vicky

It Still May Be Winter, But Here Spring Is In The Air ~

Who would have thought a nest box for fresh eggs could look so artsy; my daughter n law!  I do think of doing creative things or at least used to often, but it doesn't often materialize as I'd like.  Dannielle has many favorite artists she enjoys but this is her rendition of the artist; Natasha Wescoat   and I think she's done a wonderful job.  I think Danielle plans on doing a few more things to her work and my Dad would like her to do the American flag on top - you know for that aerial view - LOL!  It will all look great and if for any reason we might get a "gray day" here all we need to do is look out the window and over to the chickens for a beautiful sun rise / or set.

Dannielle isn't the only one that's been busy here; Mat has been working on a garden and found a great spot with good dirt.  My Dad had already planted a couple Pistachio Trees there and it once had a couple fruit bearing trees that need replacing.
 

Here you can see Mat working on the fence to keep the critter's out, he has salvaged unused wire from other projects. 

Even though its winter the Pistachio trees will soon have leaves and I'm thinking benches to watch over the garden and look on to the beautiful mountain.



 And not to forget Sophie she'll enjoy the garden too!

February 14, Valentine's Day ~

All holidays, when researching, we find out has pagan origins; Valentines Day is not exempt from the lot - this day set aside to honor those whom we love.  All peoples "Christian and not," pass out cards, have special dinners and purchase gifts for their significant others.  I'm not going to talk about the origins of the day - I'll leave that for another time.  What I'd like to share is what LOVE is by sharing a few verses of scripture; verses that I've tried to live by and should be practiced by all.

Philippians 2:3-5
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.  Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,

Simply - put others first.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails;

This is a text that is read many times at weddings its the "Love Text," but look at your heart is this something that is practiced daily?

1 Corinthians 8:1
Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies.

You can have all the knowledge in the world and not say anything that edifies a soul that needs to know they're loved.

Galatians 5:13
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Jesus served, and we should follow His example.  He loved the unlovable the rejects of the world.

Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;

1 John 4:7, 16
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  God is love,

I would hope that you just read chapter 4,  its a beautiful chapter and has insight to a few things you might not be aware of , I pray that as you read the Lord opens eyes to your heart as His ministers to you.

And lastly, though there's so much more~

John 15: 9-14
Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.  If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love.  These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.  This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.  You are My friends, if you do what I command you.

My prayer is that you walk in the LOVE - I pray that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthen with power through his Spirit in your inner man; so that Christ may dwell in you hearts through faith; and that you , being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and heights and depths, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19

And, if you don't know the Lord - The Bible tells us that there is NO greater love than this - than one who lays down His life for a friend.  Jesus could have call on the Father at anytime and not died for us.  And why did He need to do so? Well, we were born into sin - a sinful world.  Romans 6:23 tells us; For the wages of sin is death, but the FREE GIFT of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  We all understand wages - it's something you earn and a free gift is simple - if someone hands you a gift; how about a Valentines gift, its only your if you actually take it from the giver.  The Bible also tell us that its nothing we can do on our own; Ephesians 2 8 tells us, For by grace you've been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.

God is LOVE I pray you except His extended hand to you today- I pray that the eyes of you heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in-- the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward those who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19


Have a wonderful week - get out there and share love and enjoy your life that the Lord died to give you :)

Recent Weather!

Earlier this week we heard bad weather was on the horizon - it was coming.  No kidding!  I think it was Tuesday evening when the wind started to pick up.  I let my dogs out for the last time that evening and noticed I need to close up the back end of the truck after picking up some boxes nearby I had left out.  All I can say is thank goodness I did!  The wind just keep getting faster and harder, when I got into bed Sophie (who doesn't care for the wind) got in bed and laid close by.  As the it got later the wind just didn't let up I started thinking of Hidalgo and the sand storm especially when I started to smell the dirt!  I just buried my head under the blanket-  no joke!  When I got up the windowsill, my camera case below, my printer etc, had been riddled with dust / dirt.   After I cleaned that up and decided to get a shower - there's a windowsill just above the tub that I had my shampoo etc. sitting on covered, and cleaning that off just made mud. . . Outside don't ask - we still haven't finish that clean up and won't until after all the rain is done.  I've hear it should be this Sunday.

On one hand I'm happy it's been raining to lay the dust down from that windstorm but it hasn't stopped and that creates other problems.  Yesterday, I was able to grab a couple pictures of the start of a beautiful rainbow and double rainbow.  That beautiful reminder of better things.

I've been living in what seems to be stormy weather.  So much of my (and family) recent life as been in hard times.  Some has been from bad things that just seem to happen and some from poor choices - but never the less - with all the things that happen God has a rainbow for us who trust and keep our faith in him.

And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth."Genesis 9:12-16


God is Faithful and does keep his word :)

January . . . .

I've been told that January is national writing month; well January is now on it's way out and I haven't even had the chance to get out any of my stationary.  When we moved we had to put all of our things into storage.  Periodically, I have to go and root through boxes to try and locate things I want to use.  Of course, everything was pretty well labeled, but you still have to go through and hunt.

The stationary was easy to locate, it's in a clear large tub - apparently I've collected pretty paper and cards like I have fabrics!  The plan was to be better about writing; everyone has been moved into a the computer age - emails - texting - etc.  that the art of writing has been lost.  I've always loved a good pen to write with also - I even think I was good at it once.  :)

I got the clear tub out, placed it in the back end of the truck and there it rode for a couple weeks.  Every time I'd have to get something out of the truck or put it in I'd see my tub.  After awhile it was becoming irritating to say the least.  .  .  Three days ago I took my tub back to the storage unit.  I knew that it was hopeless right now.  :(

Life in general hasn't been what I thought it would be since leaving Ohio.  If anything (and I can't believe I'm saying this), it has been busier - harder even.  .  .  The once thought of having time to breathe - to rethink the past few years - to put things into perspective - is just about nonexistent. 

So, what have I been up to you might ask?   You wouldn't believe me if I told you.  I doubt the writers in Hollywood could come up with all the things that I seem to go through in my life.  LOL!  I was talking with someone last night and what was mentioned to me in reference to recent events was - God doesn't put anymore on you than you can handle (might not be word for word).  I believe the text where we quote this from is 1 Corinthians 10:13 which says:

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.

I always loved reading Corrie Ten Boon books and quotes.  I can't quote this word for word and for some reason I can't located it (must be in the storage shed), She was sharing how the Lord will not give us more than what we can bare but, that we ourselves will place more / that extra on ourselves.  This is very true.

But what about when others put more on you, or make it harder than it needs to be?  Well the same holds true, God is and remains faithful.  We can't changes others, but we can hopefully be a light to them and do what is right in the Lord's eyes.

One of the newest adventures I've undertaken is the care of my Dad's pups.  This job was placed in my hands by him; and one I gladly wanted to help him with caring for them.  But I had know Idea that he didn't bother to share this idea with others (long story) that apparently had other ideas.  This has made things harder than needed. :(

I'm trusting the Lord to help me finish the job, to be a shining light of His love (though I've asked the Lord to forgive me several times) and to help place the pups in wonderful homes so they can be the blessing they were born to be.

Of course for that added extra - but on my part - I've taken it upon myself to start another blog.  This blog is all about our pets and I'm hoping that my family will be apart of it.  I've already posted a couple things and you might like to check out - Molly's Beautiful Pup's   the 10 little extras that's been keeping me busy.

I'm praying as things settle down I'll be able to breathe and hopefully find enjoyment in each new day the Lord blesses me with.  :)