Nearing The End Of Another Year~

With 2011 soon to be gone,
And another year to think upon.
I'm blessed to have my family.

Finally, all the kids are here!  And just in the nick of time to be together for Christmas - that is the- "New Year!"  Today - the last of 2011 - never to be seen again.  We'd almost thought Jake, Julie and Aaron weren't going to make it and that they would all have more time with us.   Oh! and let us not forget the pups!  All together 5 - 4 legged beings and 7 - 2 legged beings all together for a few days - under one roof - in a small house.

But, you know,
I'll take whatever I can get!
I'm a Mom~ 

It has been a busy, busy year and will be in closing.   So many things planned like working on the truck, finishing Christmas gifts I didn't get done, hanging up my dad's last years Christmas gift, a cool "sign" with name & address (I wonder if he forgot too) lol and more I know we'd like to accomplish - though I can't think of it now.   None of it seems important other than being together even for a few days.

With 2012 upon us now,
What have I been thinking?
Hummm~

Hoping to remember the need to slowdown and continue thinking upon those things that are important.  Not forgetting what I already know. "That ALL things (that's correct) are possible with God and through Him we can do all things!"  How?  It's simple,  He LOVES me!  He LOVES you!  And so much so that He came as a babe to die for a sinful world at Calvary.

With setting aside a day or two,
To recognize His love.
Christmas and Calvary!

When He should be recognized more and all year long.  How great is His love that He would come to save us.  The natural mind cannot fully comprehend it but through the Holy Spirit.  Though one day everyone will know just how great is His love is and how much.

Just how much "big" is God's love - His grace?  It's an ocean without a shoreline.. (Pastor Dale Clonts).  Just think of it an ocean without of a shore - space without boundaries is His love for me -- for you!

So, I'll leave you with that;
A thought for the "New Year."
Something to think upon~

Happy New Year!

And, BTW we were so busy no pics! Just blessings and that you well find - Jesus is the only thing you will ever need.  :)

Just December~

Did you ever wonder how many times a person - like myself - says "I just can't believe it, where does the time go!?"  I've become the virtual broken record (br); repeating the same old recording.  I really must start thinking of new things to say and get on with it!

So gang, Christmas is almost here and another year is coming to a close - never to be again.  We've been blessed with some rain and the Pinaleno Mountains (Mt Graham) are looking spectacular!  This morning when I got up I was looking at the mountains and I have to say I never get tired of looking at them; especially when its this time of the year and there's the right amount of precipitation.  Mountain weather here though will be different than when I first checked this morning.

 

Taken @ 6:50 AM

As you can see the clouds where lifting some for more to move in.  I was pleasantly surprised that it was starting to fog while I was out there.  I haven't seen "fog" in some time and forgot how neat it is to look at.  It can be dangerous but when you are standing in place and listening, it is most beautiful.  For instance, I was happy to hear a wren singing beautifully - I wish I could have caught a picture of this busy little bird or captured the song he was singing to share.  I only got the fog. :)

Taken @ 7:04 

Slowly, we've been getting things done it has taken so long to get where we're at and has taken a toll (toll - a bit strong but a word I thought of) on all of us.   So, this year I'm decorating it up a bit and looking forward to a happier time.  Not going to work myself crazy but try to set back some and enjoy the days ahead this Christmas.  I have been known to decorate for the holidays and have always tried to mix it up with decorating different each year.  We didn't always decorate with a tree and frankly never even missed them, so when I decided to decorate this year, no tree, that is no Christmas "evergreen" but a different rendition of a tree nonetheless ~

Above shot - From that little kid perspective or if your short! :)

 Then I worked on a smaller version~

Did you happen to notice I like icicles?  I've been collecting them for years and surprised myself with how many I have.  What you see is a little over half but I'm not sure where to place the rest.  More than likely, they will be left in the box for another time.   All of the icicles made it in the move though there were some casualties in the placement dept. from me. :(   However, I'm truly not disappointed and I looking forward to seeing all the kids this year.  We haven't all been together for Christmas in a few or more years.  Here's to making more "happy memories!"

Wonderful memories of Christmas,

Whether we're in plenty or in lack.

With the love of family and friends

Thou may be near or far.

I'm praying you have a joyous Christmas

And, with Jesus to fill your hearts!

Merry Christmas~

VLB 12-14-11

A Welcomed Sight~

What a welcomed look for an old weathered door!  We've been graced with autumn for a while and now finally enjoying "welcomed" cooler nights!  :D

I'm looking forward to winter - friends in the east you're surprised I'm sure - but summer involved a lot of work and I'm tired.  August was a rough month, the hottest in fact, with leaving me feeling and looking much as that weathered door! :/  LOL

Autumn so far has been extremely busy; a close second to - if not very similar to summer. .  October was spent driving back and forth to Tucson, my husband finally had his knee surgery with a few complications but God was wonderful as always and Jim is healing up good; working hard on his exercises.  I've had to put the gardens needs aside again but we're blessed with harvesting goodies.  I'm ashamed of how it's looking and it will take work to get it where it needs to be for winter and ready for spring.   I will (I'm hoping) get to it soon.   I mainly need to get the last of the tomatoes and eggplant for now before a frost hits.

Frost could most definitely be upon us soon.  Last night we had a wind that was - well it wasn't the wind I'm described here - but it was something.  It also brought a beautiful shower we've been missing here and I woke up to our first dusting of snow on our mountain! (11.6.11)

Toward the center seen from house.

Lower right side seen from house.

~

 So now Sunday morning and last night just got down to 39 degrees; still very cool but not freezing.  So yesterday after looking at the over temps and wind chill, if there was wind, it would be hard for the tomatoes if left on the vine.  Last year we lost a bunch and I did not want that to happen again.  So going out around 5PM I did what I could and harvested until I said, "I'll take my chances!" LOL

My herbs all went crazy carpeting the garden floor - the tomatoes you see are from three plants, two of which I cut down previous to discard.  I saw new leaves starting and decided to let them go and if it wasn't for the weather they would be a pretty red!  Though many do like "fried green tomatoes!"  Not showing are my jalapenos, Japanese eggplant and other various herbs.  Now what to do?  Hummm. . .

I'm happy about cooler temps and slower days for sure.  I hoping I'll soon be able to prop up new boots Jim bought me last month from Lighting Shoe Store in town, one the the oldest shops here. 

Propped will be nice - so far - they've been getting a work out.   They are without a doubt the most comfortable, practical boots I ever owned.  I got Durango's  Flirtatious Boot~

So here's to hoping you'll soon be able to put you boots up and rest - but for the meantime I hope you will continue resting and putting your trust in the Lord.  :D

Matthew 11:28

On Record~

Yesterday was August 31! - My Dad said that the month of August has gone on record as the hottest in Arizona.  If so, they weren't kidding!  Yesterday morning when I got up to let the dogs out I felt something I hadn't felt in -- well, at least a month; it felt cooler.  It gave me some hope only to be squelched when looking at the NOAA weather posting for the day. 

HOT

When you see a little thumbnail pic that has blazing sun the look of scorching heat and has just one word to describe the day, you know that you're in for something and its not a treat.

All everyone seems to be saying is, "I just can't wait for it to cool off!"  In agreement I have to say the weather has been interesting this year.  Severe drought - dust storms - finally monsoons with some wet (hoping we get more) - heat warnings and not your average warning "Excessive Heat Warnings!" 

I like being out but with that heat and monsoons still about - mosquitoes are in their best form; on you and they love me!  I still do my best to get out early and get to the garden that's now a jungle!! :( ugh!
We've gone for a fairly tailored look to over grown and grown together motif ~  Though cooler temps are on the way and I'm happy to say that - looking forward to autumn and winter.  Yippee!

For the most part I do pretty good and can motivate myself to get to moving earlier in the morning (depending on the aches and stiffness I've recently developed) - trying not to obsess on all that needs to be done that I can seem to get to.  Needless to say I seem to go all the time.  Honestly I'm sure I put more on myself than needed though I don't believe I'm hopeless! LOL

September is here and autumn on its way - reprieve~ lol.

Recently, I was sharing with my husband the verse - 1 Corinthians 10:13 and how it's misquoted - actually I've shared this verse before in a post but not that it was being misquoted, we tend to say God will not give us any more than we can handle;  personally I've not found this in the Bible.   The actually verse reads:
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
We should also keep in mind that God himself tempts no one.  James 1:12-14 - we do go through trails and things but I'm not talking about this. 

We temperatures that are hot and the business of life that you add to yourself or others throw at you - don't be tempted.  God does provide the way - He always does.  Have a great September in your neck of the woods or desert~

"Clap Your Hands - Sing Praises!"

I remember singing a version of "Clap you hands," at churches we attended in Oregon and Washington. Since then songs we'd sung have changed into different styles or aren't even sung at all. Frankly- praise and worship doesn't seem to be praise and worship anymore as God had intended it to be; many churches have taken the concert approach to gain new members or for larger attendance. Is it possible that the song that used to be is only for campfires now vs. church? Sadly I say this since many of the songs ministered to others and me, the songs are greatly missed. These songs taken from scripture were perfect; leading you into a higher form of praise and worship. And you knew God's presences was there and ready to do a work in your life sometimes were even life changing. The YouTube clip below has version I heard this morning and like it, yet it’s different.
“Clap your hands all ye people shout onto God with a voice of triumph” or “Sing praises onto God sing praises for God is the King over all the earth sing praises unto Him with understanding Clap your hands shout all ye people for He is to be greatly praised!!” Not exact but you get the idea~
You may or may not be interested in what made me think of this? You may have been thinking similar. My sister and I had been sharing over the weekend about song service at the church’s we attend and how churches general are starting to change or did change leading their services. Then this morning when checking my email I received a weekly e-devotional from Derek Prince Ministries the scripture verse" shared today had been used in songs we used to sing. So I thought I’d share my thought and devotional in this post.
What makes praise and worship so important? Victories are won, healing take place, where there is no hope - people are delivered / transformed - miracles still happen! GOD NEVER CHANGES! We do! Praise and Worship is (should be) more than just "song" service or "lip" service as it used to be called. The psalmist said He is enthroned (or inhabits) the praises of His people. Psalm 22;3 All of us look to win victories and sometimes don't - maybe we should start by looking at how are not entering into the battle~

Here is the e-devotional I received:

August 1, 2011

Appropriate Response
Here is a word for you from the Word
Psalm 47:1, 5-6
Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD amid the sounding of trumpets. Sing praises to God; sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. NIV
That’s the Bible’s picture of the response that’s appropriate to God in His power and in His glory. The one specific word that sums up that which God’s greatness, grandeur should provoke from you and me is the word praise, but a very all-inclusive kind of praise, a praise that occupies every part of our physical body, a praise that occupies all our faculties.

“Clap your hands all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.” That’s something more than just religious respectability. That’s a total response of our redeemed being to the Lord in His greatness. Clap our hands; shout to God.

Then it says, “God has ascended amid shouts of joy, … amid the sounding of trumpets.” Shouts and clapping of hands and musical instruments are all required to sound forth the praise of God.

And then it goes on, “Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.” You know, it’s a theme, “Sing praises, sing praises, sing praises.” That’s how we have to respond to God. - Derek Prince
If you don't already - won't you consider being spiritually ready for any battle you might be going through praise and worship. Lifting up you hearts and hands to the Lord.

BTW and FYI
The Governor of TX, Rick Perry, has the right idea. We need to be in prayer for OUR Country. Through (too many) bad years politically our country this Nation is dying and it doesn't appear to be a slow death. Let's join Mr. Perry and TX in praying for our country - our nation. Let us enter into God's presence with songs of praise and shouts of joy for victory over that which destroys lives!

Let's praise the Lord and sing unto Him - let's lift our voices high and together!!

Wow - after my post yesterday I mentioned that it was dry!   In fact we are in a severe drought.   Yesterday after taking a look at a tree (one in particular) I noticed that even after watering the leaves were drying fast.  This is definitely something you don't want to see first thing in the morning when you open the door to let the dogs out!  

Yesterday the leaves were the color of the grass that's hurting also.

That's right - there wasn't one leaf down -  you can say wow is right!  That was 5 AM; at 3:30 PM we finally are getting a little teaser of what we've been hoping for - PRAYING for.   In the form of a couple drops, the sound of thunder and the beautiful smell of rain mixed with a bit of dust out of the southeast.  I'll take it - it smells good.  Thank you Lord, keep on coming!!

Tea to the right that lost it leaves on the left a bit skimpy!

One of our pecans looking good!

I took the pics with my phone so they're not that great.  Oh and for the rain - not yet it went right over but we are remaining hopeful :)

This Past Week~

This past week started the first day of summer and the only dew point in sight is the sweat you're producing!  Putting all kidding aside the desert, as all of Arizona, is in a state of shock - a state of emergency.  Temps are running high - even the climate seems unusually hot for this time of the year, sorry - I did say putting all kidding aside - ;)  With temperatures climbing, winds with gusts that seem to be common place this year and NO RAIN in sight! - People are on short fuses!  Hundreds of acres have been lost, homes lost, but not lives; Thank you Jesus!  Some northern towns had been temporary ghost towns and as fires continue to burn - the state is in trouble.  We are praying and hoping for rain, monsoons don't seem to be close at all in coming.  It's so dry even cactus's are struggling, many are dying.  Except for the picture at the right (a Spanish Bayonet) the only taste of "spring" we had is our garden and the trees we have; all of which are requiring care.  We did loose a tree or two but that was due to a freak winter freeze.  Two are coming back; though Dad had to cut down a lot of limbs.  It looks like a battle ground out there instead of the nicely kept property I had worked so very hard on.  :(  The garden has become my little "get a way" while that's until it starts to heat up.
People everywhere have been suffering with some type of weather or climatic something.  Loosing homes or lives.  Are we experiencing the birthing pangs as describe in the Bible?


"For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs."  Mark 13:8

Walla Walla's

The garden has been work especially in the hot dry conditions but not unprofitable.  Last Friday, after Googling, I found out that many of my Walla Walla sweet onions were ready for harvesting.  I was so excited I pulled up around 15-20 onions - various sizes; delicious! (Almost all harvested now).
I can't get over how easy to grow.   As mentioned before, gardening in the desert is a learning process.  I also have to say that I don't know which is easier, gardening in a dry climate or humid.  Both the soils need amending.  [The picture at the right isn't the best - it was taken with my phone].
     

When I think of famines and in this uncertain economy - it's so important to be prepared.  That's one of the reasons our son got our garden going and I'm thankful he did.  There wouldn't have been time to start it on my own.  We have been able to save some money (aside for amending the soil) and will be able to reap benefits over a period of time once it really gets going.  The benefits of a garden isn't just saving money you are eating the best.   A garden will help through tough times not to mention being able to help others in need.  You don't need a lot of space for one and you can do container gardening that does work well.  Though keep in mind there is Senate Bill 510 that would make it illegal to grow, share or trade any and all of what you produce.  It hasn't been passed yet and sounds like something out of a scary flick but nothing has been surprising me the past few years.  My husband tells me all the time "he's glad we're living on God's economy!"  I am also.   

Anyway, keeping ever busy, pray for rain to quench this dry desert and for it to do a little drying up in other parts~  Vicky

Yep, It's Spring! and "Into The End There Of"

I've been very busy - but that's not unusual for me.  One morning a couple weeks ago (I say that now since that's when I started this post) but that was 2/3/11 and now hard to remember!  I started painting the trim in the living room having already finished walls that were in much need of a "re-freshening." but just about done now! We also were blessed that morning with a light sprinkling of rain in a very dry "in drought" desert.  :) And if you've ever experienced a very dry "in drought" desert you know I so thoroughly enjoyed that little bit we received which consisted of nothing. :( but still no rain! only little teasers  :(  in fact for those that don't care for it - they sure are missing it! And the NOAA said we are the 2nd driest since 1948! WHAT! We pray for rain :) 

Have you ever thought (wished or hoped for) "If only I had more time?" I know - I know, I sound like a broken record, or should I say disk! I spend all day inside or out, garden - house I feel like that stupid bunny!  LOL  but I've been doing better in the time management dept. God has been gracious! The hardest thing I deal with is not having time to be creative or working on my blogs that I miss.
I've been working hard trying to get the garden in order and planting done.  Having a mild winter enabled me to get potatoes and garlic in the ground.  Recently finding and planting Walla Walla onions also;  but a gopher has been having a hay day on the complex carbs from the potatoes and a strong heart from my garlic - has made it very hard to get rid of!  I've envisioned a fat gopher running excitedly through his tunnels from other parts of the property - keeping us looking for clues - where will he surface next! LOL  I am excited to see how all of what I planted do since gardening in the desert is a learning process.   but so is patience and the older I get the wiser I am accessing all the Lord has to do the things needed to be done.   BTW - the garden is doing well :)

Taken March 23

Last year the strawberries grew producing delicious lovelies to enjoy - they're still doing well and already have strawberries!  but not like u-pick farms the strawberries continue to produce and another batch is soon to be out! More on the garden later - its a time thing~  :)

Taken May18

Being ready in season and out of season.


I've made several trips back and forth from storage trying hard to get things out, as well as, unpack boxes and for the past couple years.  It's difficult moving into a house that isn't empty.  I feel we are finally where we should have been last year at this time, while suffering some set backs.  Last year if anyone remembers, we had 10 pups to deal with and many trips to the VA and hospital with my husband.  What's surprising to me is that in all the places we've lived I feel I've worked harder here than anywhere, much of it unpleasant and through it all see the Lord's grace.  but even though this journey I've been on seems long God has been with me/us every step that I may get through to the end on His strength~

He has always been there and most recently been sharing with me/us the importance of being ready in season and out of season.  What's important in our lives and what isn't.  Being prepared for seasons to come.  I realize many people can take for granted things of necessity when there is a good flow of income.  You just don't always think about or plan accordingly if something were to happen. Our family has lived in tight situations before living without and with plenty.  We have been without water before when a pump would go or the power went out and sometimes for days.  So you learn to conserve and be smart not to waste and learn how to use it wisely.
The same goes for purchasing and storing foods - not wasting.  I guess that is how the garden got into the picture (Thank you son) - learning how to grow foods to be more self sustaining.  Everyday I go to the garden I can enjoy something to eat - whether its herbs and chive tops or strawberries - potatoes.  This is wise and something I believe God has His hand in.  Being a good steward of what you have I believe isn't just about money, we've always wanted to be in a position to help others in need; as God has blessed us through others.  My husband has said many times, "he's glad we live on God's economy!"  He has supplied every need, every time, and all we had to do is trust Him.  I hope you have your trust in Him~

One night I had a dream and in this dream I was being taken up in "the rapture,"  caught up in to the air and all those with me - we were the only ones who saw Him, chaos left.  Chaos everywhere including in our home with the animals, and then my heart began to ache over those that hadn't given their hearts to Jesus.  I woke up with a feeling of urgency. I thought for a moment - I need more time.  Then ask the Lord when?  He said quickly!  Recently in the news the world was to come to a end, stated by Harold Camping (apparently another time before); but clearly in the Word - Jesus himself said no one but the Father knows the time.  Matthew 24:36  Many people have taken the opportunity to mock this man but the truth is - is that Mr Camping is correct and with one thought, Jesus will return one day; that is the truth.  I find it also sad, that those that have mock Mr. Camping are also mocking the truth in God's word.  Now you could look at the man as a kook and yes I could agree but, there is an enemy out there that would get you to think that there is no truth in Christ returning (as many believe) - though He will.  

No one knows the day or the hour and until that time comes  we were left with the job at hand - In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge:  Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.  For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:1-5

How do you know to be ready? God said he would send you His Spirit even in the old testament.  Joel 2:28  Tells us He will pour out His Spirit.  God gives us every provision necessary to live while we are walking on the earth.  I'm thankful He does for I don't know how people live without Him.


Here's a quote from Derek Prince I saw on FB:  The latter rain is being given for the sake of the harvest. God is already beginning to put His hand on people, saying, "Get ready now. Get Loosed. Get detached. Because when the harvest comes, it is going to be so quick that you will have to be ready to cast in the sickle and reap." 
There's much to be said about gardening/farming and God has used analogies throughout the Bible in a way as to be helpful and useful in this life we live.  This all may just be ramblings to you - but it all makes perfect sense to me :)    

BTW- We got the pesky gopher! 5/21/11 Thanks Dad!

Go ahead and grow something!  Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing. Proverbs 20:4

*Reg. print 2-3-2011- Green as of today :) 

 

Staint Patrick's Day~

Whether you're Irish or not, yesterday most people celebrated St Patrick's Day. With corned beef and cabbage, green beer, festive parades and for many it might have been mass in honor of the patron saint.  But for me I'm always reminded of the love and desire Saint Patrick had for his Creator and to do His will reaching the lost of Ireland.  His life was one of many hardships and of miracles as the Lord worked in and through his obedience to Christ.

Saint Patrick's example is one we all could follow.  As believers and followers of Christ - He's never left us unequipt to do His bidding; He has given us all that's needed through the Holy Spirit. He has also given us examples as we read the words of Paul who was inspired by the Holy Spirit to showing us how to live by his example.

If you are fighting in a battle or I hope not running from snakes equip yourself --

The Armor of God

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.  Ephesians 6:10-18

Remembering to pray for each other --

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:19-20

I've always loved reading the prayer on St. Patrick "Breastplate," with a portion I love saying for myself.  It is also called the Deer's Cry (more on that another time) also there are slightly different versions.

I bind unto myself today,  

The strong Name of the Trinity,

By invocation of the same,

The Three in One and One in Three.

I bind this day to me for ever.

By power of faith, Christ's incarnation;

His baptism in the Jordan river;

His death on Cross for my salvation;

His bursting from the spiced tomb;

His riding up the heavenly way;

His coming at the day of doom☘️

I bind unto myself today.

I bind unto myself the power

Of the great love of the cherubim;

The sweet 'well done' in judgment hour,

The service of the seraphim,

Confessors' faith, Apostles' word,

The Patriarchs' prayers, the Phrophets' scrolls,

All good deeds done unto the Lord,

And purity of virgin souls.

I bind unto myself today

The virtues of the starlit heaven,

The glorious sun's life-giving ray,

The whiteness of the moon at even,

The flashing of the lightning free,

The whirling wind's tempestuous shocks,

The stable earth, the deep salt sea,

Around the old eternal rocks.

I bind unto myself today

The power of God to hold and lead,

His eye to watch, His might to stay,

His ear to hearken to my need.

This wisdom of my God to teach,

His hand to guide, His shield to ward,

The word of God to give me speech,

His heavenly host to be my guard.

Against the demon snares of sin,

The vice that gives temptation force,

The natural lusts that war within,

The hostile men that mar my course;

Or few or many, far or nigh,

In every place and in all hours,

Against their fierce hostility,

I bind to me these holy powers.

Against all Satan's spells and wiles,

Against false words of heresy,

Against the knowledge that defiles,

Against the heart's idolatry,

Against the wizard's evil craft,

Against the death wound and the burning,

The choking way and the poisoned shaft,

Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.

Christ be with me, Christ within me,

Christ behind me, Christ before me,

Christ beside me, Christ to win me,

Christ to comfort and restore me.

Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,

Christ in the hearts of all that love me,

Christ in the mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself the Name,

The strong Name of the Trinity;

By invocation of the same.

The Three in One, and One in Three,

Of Whom all nature hath creation,

Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:

Praise to the Lord of my salvation,

Salvation is of Christ the Lord.

☘️"Day of Judgment."

What Does Your Eyes See?

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— 1Corinthians 2:9 ESV

This morning, that verse jumped into my thoughts as I was looking at his creation.  I do enjoy getting up early - I've mentioned before I miss my quiet times.

My morning started around 6 and as I was looking out the window watching changes taking place I thought I had better grab my old friend~

It took some time (from 7- 7:30) to take the first three shots.  It was pretty cool out while watching the clouds rolling over the mountain, I was trying hard to capture what I was seeing.  However, pictures don't seem to do justice to the beauty and to the moment.  Sometimes taking pictures isn't that easy, at least at times it seems to be that way.  :)

Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.  Isaiah 64:4 NIV

The clouds did come rolling in and while moving faster it started snowing - flowing into lower elevations.  We face storms sometimes; we see them coming from the distance like clouds rolling in. As they're picking up speed, we see them nearing us - that lower elevation.

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 NAS

There's so many things happening in this world - things which aren't pleasant to see.  Daily we are being ever reminded of the injustice out there.   But as birth pains of labor the Bible tells us these things are to come.  But don't lose heart my friend, always rely on the Lord.

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind." Isaiah 65:17 ESV

Now just as there are bad things out there that we see and hear - there are many things we don't see and hear that are good, and of the Lord.  Our hope is in Him! Our strength comes from Him! Our peace and comfort - all that is good - He supplies every need. 

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 ESV

When I look at the pictures I see the clouds - yes, a storm was coming in fact, the clouds swallowed the mountain scape up and has now just lifted.  In all of that I still see His beauty, His glory and His grace.

Happy New Year!

I'm not into making New Year's resolutions that are made for fun or those that are always broken and, in the end, disappointing.  Also, I don't believe I'm a stick in the mud that can't have any fun either; I just don't and never have been into making New Year's resolutions - plain and simple! :)  I will say, however, I've always liked quoting this verse:

Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do:  forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize (eternal life) of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:12-14

I'm not going to pretend that 2010 wasn't a very difficult year and I'm not going to lie and say I wasn't blessed throughout the difficulties.  I will remain forever thankful to the Lord - for all His provisions and supplying for every one of our needs.  As well as, all the faithful family and friends, old and new alike, that gave of themselves with their love, prayers and support.

As we enter the New Year there's no doubt that it will hold a continuation of and, new challenges for our family.   And we know that the Lord will get us through them all as in the past.  

Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on.  .  .  .  Often times when people talk to me and about faith, they share they wished that they had more or that theirs were stronger.  I believe we all have thought that way a time or two and maybe you still do?  But God gives all to start the same measure of faith.  (Romans 12:3) Are you surprised?  Your faith will grow as you exercise it; the problem is the unbelief not the measure of faith.  Even Abraham had unbelief:

yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, Romans 4:20

If you know the Lord my prayer would be out of Ephesians 3: 16-19 19 And, if you don't know Him ~ My prayer would be out of Ephesians 1:17-19.  And, if you were to make a New Year's resolution it would be to exercise your faith.  Get into His word, get to know Him and His promises for "those" who believe, "His children that have excepted Him into their hearts, by receiving His free gift." 

Though 2 are missing, Happy New Year from all of us~

 HAPPY NEW YEAR!