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MY WEIGHTS ARE GONE, I AM SET FREE!

Thursday, March 31, 2011

No Words

I started this day with nothing to write. I was at a loss for words. I could only sit down at His feet and listen today. Listen to Him breathe. Listen to the heart beat of the chest that I laid my head upon. There were no words spoken, just breath and heart beats. I realized something while I laid my head there. His breath was my breath. The beat of His heart beat was in perfect sync with mine. We were one.

I didn't need to hear a word uttered from His mouth. Just feeling the unity, the oneness with my Savior was all that I needed for today. So this Thursday, this day, this moment... there are no words (well maybe just a few), there is only the breath that I breathe with Him. There is only the rhythem of beats that my heart beats with His. I lay still and listen to Him as I lie my head upon His chest. It is here I find strength and meaning to my life.

"The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life."
Job 33:4

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Walk With Him Wednesday



231. Thought provoking questions.

232. Penetrating answers.

233. Taking risks.

234. Living the dream.

235. Going out on a limb.

236. Climbing mountains.

237. Soaring high above the storm.

238. The last piece of the puzzle fitted in it's place.

239. Forgetting reasons to grumble.

240. Remembering to be grateful and thankful in all things.

"Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts."
Colossians 3:16

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

A Reason To Be Thankfyul

Today was one of those days that you are just glad is over. Since I began my journey to list all of the gifts in my life... the 1,000 gifts, I decided to never grumble. Today I grumbled. I grumbled a bit last night too. I messed up, and I grumbled.

I had to reflect back today and read my list of gifts over... even add a few new ones to the list. I had to step back away from the noise of my life and just thank God for the moment, even this hectic, crazy moment in my life that I am in right now. I am thankful today. Thankful that even when the world screams around me frantically, He stills my heart and quiets my soul.

There is always a reason to be thankful... Always a reason to Thank God. ALWAYS!

Today I am thankful for the safe haven I get to call home, for my comfy chair that I sit in as I write this right now, for my beautiful children that await me every day and for this very moment in time that gives me a reason to be thankful.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful"
Colossians 3:5

"The greatest saint in the world is not he who prays most or fasts most; it is not he who gives alms, or is most eminent for temperance, chastity or justice. It is he who is most thankful to God."
William Law

Monday, March 28, 2011

Multitudes On Monday



This precious, wonderful list continues on this glorious Monday Morning.

211. Moon's light in the darkness.

212. Having a place saved for you.

213. Loves touch.

214. Loves first kiss.

215. Arms that hold you when you shake.

216. Strong legs that hold you up and take you where you need to go.

217. Green pastures.

218. Book stores.

219. Libraries.

220. Solved mysteries.

221. Solutions to problems.

222. Medicines that heal.

223. A surgeons steady hands.

224. Love stories.

225. Fearlessness.

226. Scented candles burning.

227. Melodies that teach us to dance.

228. Playing in puddles.

229. Dreams and visions.

230. Mud pies.

"Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul."
Henry Ward Beecher

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Surrender Sunday


I am amazed by an AMAZING GOD today. He never ceases to amaze me...
So today, this beautiful Sunday morning I pay tribute to this amazing God, by just lifting up my hands and surrendering my entire being to Him today asking Him to teach me to do His will.

“Once we surrender our mind to GOD completely, HE will take care of us in every way.”
Sri Sathya Sai Baba


"If you have really handed yourself over to Him it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. Not doing these things in order to be saved, but because He has begun to save you already. Not hoping to get Heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act in a certain way because a first faint gleam of Heaven is already inside you."
C.S. Lewis,


"Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground."
Psalm 143:10

Saturday, March 26, 2011

The Dove's Song


Just outside my window this morning sat a dove... A cooing spotted dove. I was flabbergasted. I could hardly believe it when I saw him sitting there, pecking at my windowsill as if he wanted to come into my room. He sat there looking in at me whispering his song of coo's. I immediately forgot the painful yesterday and surrendered to the healing song of the dove who brings peace in the morning after a day and night of pain.

God...He is always singing our life song. Always bringing a new song to replace the sad songs in our lives.

God...He comes to us like a dove, as He arrives He carries peace and mercy with Him.
He extends the olive branch of promise that all will be well in our lives. Even the most painful moments will be OK.

So today, this new day there was joy in the morning just like He promises. There was joy after mourning, light after darkness and a new song to sing on this brand new day.

I am thankful today for the new song of the whispering, peaceful cooing dove.

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."
Philippians 4:6-9

Friday, March 25, 2011

The Valley of Weeping

Today I can only get down on my knees and pray... pray hard and long and seek God's face. Seek God's face and ask... seek God's face and wonder... seek God's face and cry. I am being broken to pieces today. I am carrying a burden that is heavy. A load that bends me over underneath it's weight. I have been here before. It is a familiar place. I taste the salt in my tears, I have a hard ball in my throat that makes it hard to swallow... I heave for breath between sobs.... God is here. He is here with me. He carries me through... all the way through. I know His hand will wipe away each tear. His arms of compassion will embrace my broken heart. But, for now in this moment I will bend down, bow my head under the weight and pray... let it all out in prayer. I will sit here in His presence and allow myself to be embraced by a loving father who cares about all of the details of my life. I will bring to Him what has been broken and He will fix it. He will make all things new... He is here making all things new.Today I pass through the valley of weeping, but tomorrow there will be joy! Abundant joy.

Whenever you find tears in your eyes, especially unexpected tears,
it is well to pay the closest attention. They are not only telling the secret
of who you are, but more often than not of the mystery of where you have come from and are summoning you to where you should go next.”

Frederick Buechner
Whistling in the Dark


“Blessed—happy, fortunate [to be envied]—is the man whose strength is in You; in whose heart are the highways to Zion. Passing through the valley of weeping they make it a place of springs; the early rain also fills [the pools] with blessings. They go from strength to strength—increasing in victorious power; each of them appears before God in Zion”
Psalm 84:5-7 AMP

Thursday, March 24, 2011

St. Baldrick's


Today is going to be a long day for me. I have to work all day and then we are having a big event at the school where I work. We are hosting a St. Baldrick's event where 60 people will be shaving their heads to raise money for Pediatric Cancer. We have raised over $15,000.00 dollars so far. I am so honored to be a part of this event. But, we are expecting about 400 people to attend. It will be a lot of work. But, so worth it. Most important causes are a lot of work. It takes blood, sweat and tears to raise money for a cause. In this case it takes some hair too. You can find the link to this very important cause on this website:

www.stbaldricks.org

Check us out. Our organization's name is Latham Ridge Elementary School in Latham, N.Y.

God bless your day today.

"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Acts 20: 35

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Walk With Him Wednesdays



Oh the list continues... how it continues:

197. The sound of gentle rain.

198. Starry nights.

199. Rainbows.

200. Promises kept.

201. Fresh picked fruit.

202. Strong hearts.

203. Soulful moments.

204. Finding your way.

205. The smell and sound of the ocean.

206. Thirst quenched.

207. Hunger satisfied.

208. Rest for the weary.

209. Sun's warmth.

210. Finding cures.

"You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink."
G.K. Chesterton


"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."
Thornton Wilder


"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Colossians 3:17


Tuesday, March 22, 2011


Yesterday was the first official full day of Spring. We got 3 inches of new snow. Normally I would be seriously disappointed, but I wasn't. I just looked out and saw the snow covered ground. White. Stainless white. Glimmering like diamonds white. Underneath all of that glimmering fresh white, stainless snow... a glimmer of hope that Spring is definitely coming. Flowers. Spring Flowers. They are there! Spring is near. Today I am thankful that Spring is just around the corner, flowers blooming, fragrant and colorful... Spring!

"For behold, the winter is past,
The rain is over and gone.
'The flowers have already appeared in the land;
The time has arrived for pruning the vines,
And the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land.
'The fig tree has ripened its figs,
And the vines in blossom have given forth their fragrance.
Arise, my darling, my beautiful one,
And come along!' "
Song 2:11-13

Monday, March 21, 2011

Monday's List



181. Hopes fulfilled

182. A clear path.

183. Feet that follow.

184. Feet that lead.

185. Selfless shoes to fill.

186. Truth being told.

187. Truth being heard.

188. Truth fulfilled.

189. New beginnings.

190. A new song.

191. Season's changing.

192. Meaning in life.

193. A perfectly composed poem.

194. Earthshaking revelations.

195. Breathtaking views.

196. Wishes that come true.


"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him"
-Colossians 3:15-17

Sunday, March 20, 2011

God Bless All Moms

My son is getting ready to take his driving test soon and I have been the one taking him out to drive. I have to tell you it is a toe curling experience every time I step out with him to drive. He is a very good driver don't get me wrong, but there is just something about the protective mommy in me that my toes curl and my hands clench every time I go out to drive with my seventeen year old baby. I must say that my son is a very happy boy. He belly laughed at 8 weeks old. Really belly laughed. He has the most contagious laugh and a most beautiful smile. I love my son. He is far from perfect and I butt heads with him a lot... But, he is also one of my two greatest accomplishments. My other son Dominic is my other. So on this terrific Sunday, I say to all of you mom's out there: Being a mom is the hardest job in the world, but the reward of all that hard work is the greatest. God bless all the moms out there. Dad's too. Here are some quotes to think on today:

"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life."
~Abraham Lincoln


"Some mothers are kissing mothers and some are scolding mothers, but it is love just the same, and most mothers kiss and scold together."
~Pearl S. Buck


"M-O-T-H-E-R
"M" is for the million things she gave me,
"O"means only that she's growing old,
"T" is for the tears she shed to save me,
"H" is for her heart of purest gold;
"E" is for her eyes, with love-light shining,
"R" means right, and right she'll always be,
Put them all together, they spell "MOTHER,"
A word that means the world to me."
--Howard Johnson (c. 1915)

"God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers."
-- A Jewish Proverb


"The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom."
-- Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)

"Youth fades; love droops, the leaves of friendship fall;
A mother's secret hope outlives them all."
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)

"Mother's arms are made of tenderness,
and sweet sleep blesses the child who lies therein."
-- Victor Hugo

" A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world."
John 16:21

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."
Psalm 127:3

"My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck."
Proverbs 1:8-9


"She girds herself with strength, and strengthens herself daily. She perceives that her provision for her family is good: she does not retire early but works diligently to see to the needs of her family, she is not an idle woman."
Proverbs 31:17, 18, 27

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Because He Lives


Because He lives...

I can breathe and have being.
I can know my sins are forgiven.
I can know my debts are paid.
I can face another tomorrow.
I can forget the past.
I can run and not grow weary,
the race that is set before me.
I can fly on the wings
of the eagle.
I can walk on the water.
I can be washed whiter than snow.
I can have hope for the future.
Because He lives;
I CAN,
I WILL,
I CAN!

Friday, March 18, 2011

The Road Less Traveled


The Road Not Taken
By: Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.



Today I post this poem... one of my favorites. This poem makes me think...How taking the road less traveled makes such a difference in my life. How going where He leads has impacted every aspect of my life. How the path that may be thick with trees and narrow to walk on has been the very thing that sets my life apart from all the others who take the wide path that is easy. Being a Christian is not easy, but the reward is far greater then to not be a Christian. I am thankful today for the road less traveled.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Peace and Thankfulness

At the end of a hard, long day I sit here just thanking God for the day. Even in the busy chaos of a day like today, His peace permeates my life. His order makes all things manageable. I am amazed by this. By His perfect peace. There are so many storms in life. So many obstacles to go through. He is there, directing the path, cheering us on when the going gets tough and equipping us to get through it all. I was tired today, run down and I felt empty. Then it happened... He came quickly and rescued me. He always comes, He always rescues and He always brings peace. For this I am thankful today.

I am amazed that no matter how I feel, He is there. Feelings are fleeting, but God is forever. He never weavers or changes. He is always there to bring rest to the weary and peace to the chaos.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
—John 14:27


"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."
—Colossians 3:15


"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all."
—2 Thessalonians 3:16

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Walk With Him Wednesday



171. Fireworks to light the night time sky.

172. A shoulder to lean on.

173. A hand to hold.

174. Prayerful tears.

175. Life changing moments.

176. Lungs filled with clean fresh air.

177. Open hearts.

178. Vivid clear memories.

179. Transparent waters.

180. Someone to wipe away every tear.

"Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion. Hope without thankfulness is lacking in fine perception. Faith without thankfulness lacks strength and fortitude. Every virtue divorced from thankfulness is maimed and limps along the spiritual road." -John Henry Jowett
“Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” -Margaret Cousins

"O give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known His doings among the peoples!"
1 Chronicles 16: 8

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Thankful Tuesday


Today I have a lot to be thankful for. I woke up this morning to a brand new day. I am alive and well and all whom I love and cherish are alive and well too. I have a job, that I love to go to. I have a car that is in great working order and takes me where I have to go. I have two beautiful dogs that love me unconditionally. It is well with my soul.

So today, this Tuesday I am thankful. Thankful that all is well with my soul. Then I remember there are people out there who are not okay today. There are those in Japan searching for thousands of loves ones still missing. In one village alone there are ten thousand people missing. So today I am thankful but also praying for those who are not able to say thanks today. For those who are going through something unthinkable today, my prayers and thoughts are with them.

I am thankful though that families are being reunited, a 4 month old baby girl was found alive and reunited with her parents. There is something beautiful in the ashes when you hear this kind of story in the midst of the tragedy.

So today I say thank you God.... for all of the many gifts in my life. All the miracles that happen after disasters strike and the beauty in the ugly, that proves without doubt your amazing grace is there day after day for all the world to see.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Multitudes On Monday








161. Date night.

162. Everything in it's proper place.

163. Alters to kneel in front of.

164. A lit candle.

165. Warm cloths fresh from the dryer.

166. Quieting the chaos.

167. Promises kept.

168. New puppies.

169. Eskimo kisses.

170. A twinkle in his eye.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

A Day of Rest

Sunday is a day of rest... so I am taking a rest today.


Enjoy your day of rest.

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. "For My yoke is easy, and My load is light."
Matthew 11:28-30

Saturday, March 12, 2011



I can only go on bended knee and pray for the people effected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Pray that the God who sees all, sees them right now, in this very moment and He comes quickly to rescue, comfort and heal their land. That His hand mends the brokenness, picks up all the scattered and shattered pieces and sweeps up all of the ashes. He sees. He knows. He is with them. I kneel here today praying that they know He cares, He comforts, He loves and He heals. This is my bended knee prayer today.





Friday, March 11, 2011

Happy Friday

A most Happy Friday to all today.

I can only continue with my list today. I make a joyful sound with my list.

151. Lost phone found.

152. Birthday's

153. Dog's howling a song of praise.

154. Answered prayers.

155. Happy hearts.

156. A day off.

157. Christmas lights.

158. A clean house.

159. Having a reason.

160. A clean rest stop bathroom... priceless.

Enjoy your Friday everyone!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Thursday's Simmer

So today, I sit here and just simmer. I am in a new place, a foreign place. A land that I have never tread upon before. A new wineskin, filled with new wine. I am becoming a new person. A person who instead of reacting in fear, is beginning to react in prayer and thanksgiving. When crisis hits, and clamour comes, I bend the knee to pray and thank the Lord for whatever cup I am given. What a change. What a new perspective. New eyes to see, new ears to hear and a new heart that beats to a new rhythm to march to life. Being thankful has made me more trusting. Seeing and naming all of the gifts in my life has caused me to see that His hand, His eyes and His thoughts are always on me. He sees me where ever I am. He hears my voice call for help. He thinks good thoughts towards me. He is becoming my father. My Abba Father that takes care of me. Protecting me and keeping me safe. Listening to me and having the answer I need to any question I may have. Embracing me with love and adoration every day. Every second of the day. EVERY SINGLE ONE!

So... today I simmer in this new found revelation. I have always known these things about God. That He cares about every detail of my life. That He is my Abba Father. That He loves me unconditionally. But... now I know FIRST HAND. I know without doubt or weaver that the Almighty loves me and is my Father. My daddy, that I can run to ater skinning my knee, and He cares. He cares about me. He bends down and kisses the broken, bleeding places and makes all things new.

Revelation 21:5 NKJV
Then He who sat on the throne said,
“Behold, I make all things new.”
And He said to me, “Write, for these
words are true and faithful.”


"Thou hast given so much to me,
Give one thing more, - a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleaseth me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days,
But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise."
~George Herbert


"Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul."
~Henry Ward Beecher

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Walk With Him Wednesday



137. The perfect blend of herbal tea.

138. A creamy slice of cheesecake.

139. Movie night with the family.

140. New baby ducks swimming in a row.

141. New fresh paint on the walls.

142. A violin playing a soft beautiful song.

143. cleansing tears.

144. Hot fudge on a Sunday.

145. Iced Tea.

146. My dogs sigh.... just before he falls asleep.

147. My son's eyes that light up the room.

148. Waiting for the ice cream man.

149.The perfect pen to write with.

150. The glow of a bride on her wedding day.


I am learning how to be thankful, even when things are grim, there is something to be thankful for. Here are some quotes to think of throughout your day today:

“Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High” Psalm 50:14

“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say ‘thank you?’” —William A. Ward

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” —Epictetus

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” — William Arthur Ward

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Rejoice

Today I can only post this scripture. Philippians 4:4-9. I need this today. I feel opposite of this and do not even know why. So I remind myself of this today in the hopes that I will listen.




"4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!

4:5 Let all men know {and} perceive {and} recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon].

4:6 Do not fret {or} have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance {and} in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

4:7 And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison {and} mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

4:8 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].

4:9 Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, {and} model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you."

Monday, March 7, 2011



Last night we were awoken at one o'clock in the morning to a power outage due to a ice storm. Our generator was broken and did not work so from one a.m., until four a.m., my entire family bailed out water from our sump pump so that our basement would not flood. We worked together as a team, and actually laughed joyfully at each other and with each other through the entire three hours. It was a far cry from the screaming and yelling that took place just three years prior when we were doing the same bailing out of water that we did last night. God's joy and thanksgiving in our hearts is what is making all the difference in our lives as individuals and our lives as a family unit. Being thankful has brought unity and harmony in my family and for this I am so thankful for today. I continue my list of blessings:

116. Unity and harmony.

117. Long eyelashes that touch the top of my husbands cheekbones as he sleeps.

118. Fresh, clean water to drink.

119. Children laughing out loud.

120. A soft kiss on the cheek.

121. A hand on the shoulder.

122. Dolphin's swimming in the ocean.

123. The perfect red dress.

124. Flip flops for Summer.

125. Green clovers in the field.

126. Silver glitter on black paper.

127. The birthday boy.

128. Sun showers.

129. Watching an ant carry a leaf across the patio.

130. The sound of your husbands car pulling into the driveway at the end of a work day.

131. A home cooked meal.

132. Mom's meatballs.

133. A new picture to hang on the fridge.

134. A's on a report card.

135. Chocolate melting in your mouth.

136. A juicy piece of water melon.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Sunday's List

I can only be thankful on Sunday's... so I will continue my list:

96. A baby asleep in their crib.

97. The words: "you are cancer free."

98. The words: "I love you."

99. A gold ring worn on your ring finger, and all that ring implies.

100. Knowing he is mine and I am his.

101. Belonging to someone.

102. Knowing someone belongs to you.

103. A dogs playful prance.

104. Holy moments.

105. Your time alone with God.

106. Eternity!

107. Knowing for certain God exists.

108. Believing.

109. A cross.

110. A phone's ring.

111. Kodak moments.

112. A picture worth a thousand words.

113. Words that create a picture.

114. The glimmering light in one's eyes when their soul awakens.

115. The way my dogs eyebrows move when he is thinking about what I say to him.


“… give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thess. 5:18

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Lessons From A Child

It was my son's 17th birthday yesterday. We celebrated by going to Dinosaur BBQ for dinner. While we gathered together to celebrate and feast, I looked across the table at my big beautiful son... where has the time gone? It was only yesterday he was the little four year old boy sitting in a car seat in the backseat of my car, teaching me one of the greatest lessons in my life when he asked me this question:
"Mom, when will the leaves come back on the trees so that they can make music again?"
Dumbfounded by this question I replied by asking this question:
"What do you mean baby?"
This is what my four year old musician son said:
"Mom, the trees are all bald headed now, they have no leaves. When the trees have leaves and the wind blows on them, they make music with their leaves... can't you hear their song?"

Of course, this response from my then four year old son, made me laugh cry. Mostly cry. I was so touched by his observation of the music and song that the leaves of a tree make. Oh how I wish my ears were opened to hear what he heard. This made me think.. like trees we go through seasons in our lives that may strip away our colorful music making leaves. We sit there bare, exposed and naked like a tree without it's leaves. Our branches are flailing in the cold wind of Winter... there is no sound, just movement. A dance of branches that dig down deep to the roots remembering the song of the season that brings leaves back to our branches.

So, my reply to my son was this:
"Son, the trees are dancing as they remember their leaf song. They hear it from deep down. If you just look you will see their branches moving to the beat of that familiar leaf song you hear."

He said:
"Mommy you are right! I see it!"
He began to hum softly the song he saw. The song he hears.

I looked through the rear view mirror at the little boy who hummed and dance along to a tree song.

...Today I sit across from this little boy who has become a man. A man who hums this same song today. Sparkling brown/green eyes and a smile that brightens up the room. My music man.

He taught me then and still teaches me every day since, to flail my branches and dance to the song that comes when His Spirit blows in my life. The colorful leaves may come and go but, the song in your heart,the song embedded way down deep into the roots of your being, this song will never fade away.

Friday, March 4, 2011

He Is There

I have decided to live my life searching... for Him. His face, His touch, His words and His eyes. I have decided to walk in His footsteps. Live life in His breath. Listen for His voice and make the beat of His heart my rhythm in motion.

He is in the low places, the deep and dark crevices of of life... the unlovely, the unkempt moments in time. He is there. Eyes wide open there. Healing and mending hands, there.

He is in the high places. The peaks. The perfect, priceless moments. The moments that take your breath away. The Heaven touches earth moments. He is there. Eyes sparkling. Hands clapping and lifting, there.

He is there in the dark morning moments. There when those slumbered, sleep encrusted eyes begin to open and focus. He is there at first light, as we watch the sun rise and erase the darkness of night. Illuminating light shining, there.

He is there when the sun goes down, casting shadows upon the earth. As grass sleeps in the fields and trees become the resting place for the worm catching birds. He is there. Singing a lullaby of love, there.

I have seen my share of grievances. Death and decay. Darkness and gloom. Heart ache and pain. He is ever there. Wiping tears. Mending broken bones. Collecting splintered and fractured pieces. He is there. Always there.

I have lived joyfully and had much laughter in life. Dancing and celebration. Songs of praise. He is there dancing and teaching flying lessons. He is there.

He is a warm coat on a cold Winters night. He is a cold lake to swim in on Hot Summer day. He is there in every moment. He is there. He sees me right here, right now. He sees. He knows. He is there.

Now, my eyes are open. Fully open. I finally see that He sees me. I can see His eyes that are wide open to me. The scales have fallen off my eyes and I can see the face of God. He is here. He is here. Looking at me.

I now know that no matter what life throws at me. He is there. I can accept what I was given yesterday. I can accept what I will be given tomorrow. I can accept my lot in life, every day of my life. Past, present and future. He is there.

"...to accept your lot in life- that indeed is a gift from God. People who do this rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reasons for JOY."
Ecclesiastes 5:19-20

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Under Construction


God is working on me.... I am learning to "Be still" and know. To see... to fully see Him in all things in my life. Even the ugly things.
I am allowing the demolition to take place. The construction to undergo. I am allowing God to tear down with His bare beautiful hands the old house, and rebuild with His Beautiful hands the new construction of my heart. I am amazed at what He creates.... I will keep you posted....


"...A time to tear down and a time to build up."