Writin' 4 Him Cafe

Broken or Breaking Free?

2012-02-03T14:36:00.000-08:00

I stood staring out the window and let my first cup of morning coffee work its magic. I watched as the trees swayed with a warm breeze releasing their leaves to flutter like a mass of butterflies to the lawn below, and I smiled.

‘If only we could break free from sin and negative thoughts so easily."

In that moment, I thought of those held captive by jealousy, insecurity and hopelessness…and I prayed.

The leaves make it look so simple, but it’s not easy to release ourselves from what we’ve clung to for so long.

Criticism, jealousy, low self esteem, low self worth, unforgiveness, anger and past hurts are not of the Lord…yet we attach ourselves to them.

To live a life overwhelmed and consumed with thoughts of what YOU want to be, and how YOU want things to change can drive you crazy. Maybe, it’s time to stop letting them “drive” you…period.

Embrace who you are in Jesus and shake loose from the shackles, the desires of the flesh. Instead of focusing on what is just out of reach, consider that it may remain beyond your grasp for a reason.

Don’t accept the grip of insecurity. Instead, let the security of His faithfulness “grip” you. You were created for SO much more!

I kind of think we’re intended to be beautiful from the inside out; not the outside in. It has to start from the heart or it’s contrived, and becomes what we make of it instead of us exuding what He planted within each of us.

When the beauty of the Lord lives within you, you are beautiful.

When the strength of the Lord lives within you, you are strong.

When the power of the Lord lives within you, you possess all the necessary power against evil.

When you accept the Lord’s forgiveness, you have the ability to forgive others.

When you accept His love, you have the ability to love others…AND love yourself.

Break free, my friend, and let the beauty of the Lord shine through you!

“Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.”

(Isaiah 53:4-5) NIV

“Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave.

Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind”

(Psalm 107:19-21) NIV

How He Reaches Us

2012-01-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

Most days find her snapping jagged words; how the blue eyes flare red and sting the heart.

But today, there’s solace found in crouching low with her hens and egg collecting, happy in her boots and hay and chill in the air.

Funny how dropping to our knees lifts us.

I noticed her quiet and thinking deep when she climbed in the car with backpack and that end-of day smile. This mom treads light in a teenager’s space and I dare not pierce the quiet with questions. Instead, I welcome what she offers and watch from the window; this girl now a young woman full of life and tomorrows needing room and space and finding it out in the air; with the rake and shovel turning soil and making sense out of the day. She’s a puzzle; each intricate piece chiseled from stubborn stone, yet polished bright to reflect the sun.

I remember my own long afternoons spent in boots and hay and barn and horses chomping to the rhythm of my youth. Life lays out raw in a dusty stable. There, the pieces fit together and somehow make sense. The stuff of life dissolves like sunlight seeping through barn door cracks; the smell of grain and leather saddles and a horse’s coat.

But it doesn’t take a barn or dust or even hard work to find the answers...

It takes a relationship.

He knows when we need our space and our quiet distance from the world. And He meets us in our solitude. He knows how to reach us, and His words speak clear through to the heart.

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

(Matthew 6:6)

Christian Women's Voice Magazine!

2012-01-28T17:07:00.000-08:00

Coming February 15^th…

Our brand new issue of Christian Women’s Voice Magazine will be available February 15^th, and we couldn’t be more excited to share such a great variety of articles meant to encourage, inspire and inform! Tell a friend today!

I Love the Reign (revisited)

2012-01-21T08:20:00.000-08:00

It started when the sun took its rest beyond the trees

That perfect, random rhythm on the roof that makes you stop and listen

You know it's nothing you've created - it's the work of the Lord

It's out of your control.

I've waited all day for the gentle song of peace that now feeds my soul.

I've spent a restless, uneasy day - shifting moods and stumbling around with the clouds

As if switching unsteady dance partners in a darkened room

But then, I hear the voice in the rain:

"Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations.

I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10) NIV

He brings the sun and the stars, and the wind that grows my strength

It's the work of the Lord - it's out of my control

He gives vision to see more clearly the blessings that surround me

He brings the dark when the day is done that I may take refuge in Him

And he brings the sweet song of rain on my roof that I may simply stop....and remember

It's His reigning power over my life and my home that comforts me

It's the work of the Lord...and I'm so glad He is in control.

"And he who searches our hearts knows the mind

of the spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's

people in accordance with the will of God.

And we know that in all things God works for the

good of those who love him, who have been called

according to his purpose." (Romans 8:27-28) NIV

Oh, To Be Refinished...

2012-01-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

I remember the day my father-in-law brought it. He made the 6-hour trek down to our house and delivered my beautiful buffet; a cabinet from around the ‘40s in well-loved condition though bearing a few “wrinkles” here and there, just like the rest of us. He and my husband wrestled with it through the door and settled it in front of the living room window. I immediately thought of how I’d decorate it for the holidays and how pretty plants, candles and family photos would look displayed across the top.

It’s become more worn since then. A few more signs of life have marred the surface and a couple drawer handles are now broken. I’ve thought about refinishing it, but quickly shy away from the work involved. I considered maybe just adding a layer across what’s been done before, but why do a restoration job half way? When such a thing is meant to fool the eye, we’re only fooling ourselves….right?

I, for one, would never want to be refinished half way.

It only produces a dull surface to add layer upon layer in an attempt to get the full results. It takes the strength of the Lord to get to the heart, to peel back those layers and expose the true wood grain that lies beneath with its natural beauty and character. It takes the complete stripping away of failed attempts made over the years to receive the perfect work of God’s “refinishing,”

He doesn’t just add one more layer upon our failed workmanship.

There are no shortcuts to the process when we’ve set our minds to be fully restored in Him. I’m so thankful today for the God who doesn’t shy away from the work involved….aren’t you?

Lord Jesus,

Hear the hearts of those who wish to be fully surrendered to your workmanship. Refine and bring beauty to all who are seeking the perfect work of your mighty hand that we may bring glory to you and be a blessing to others in Your name.

Amen

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10

As We Go Along...

2012-01-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

My husband bought me an awesome camera for Christmas. I love it! It does amazing stuff…..I think :/ I’ve taken a few pictures with it, but I confess it’s a little confusing.

So, I took a few minutes to sit down and actually check out the instructions (duh?). Easier said than done. The print is so small, or maybe it was bad lighting….or my eyes are getting old. Either way, I got frustrated and decided I’d have to just figure it out as I go along.

Funny thing about that way of thinking. Making the decision to figure things out as they come sort of obligates us to accept the easy along with the difficult; the trials AND the triumphs.

In a sense, it’s kind of like becoming a Christian. We have this brand new and wonderful thing in front of us. We know it will bless us and change our lives…maybe even change the lives of others…but the “user’s manual” definitely takes some studying to understand all that it’s capable of doing, as well as just how to use it! So, in faith, we say, ‘Ok, I’ve made this decision to follow you, Lord, to trust in you for all things and to walk in your ways. I don’t have it all figured out, but I want to 'use it anyway' (just like using my brand new camera). And when I stumble and make mistakes, maybe get things a little ‘out of focus,’ I can go back to the manual, figure out what I did wrong and make it right again.”

The blessing can only come about when we study the Word and learn all we can about the indescribable gift of knowing Jesus. If we go about it blindly, using the gift with limited knowledge and never bother exploring its full capabilities, we miss out on the true blessing…..sort of like clicking pictures in the dark without a flash.

Cleaning out the Corners

2012-01-03T09:46:00.000-08:00

We’ve had such beautiful weather here in California. Seems strange to go through the holiday season with temps in the 70s, but I’ll take it.

In fact, the warm sun and singing birds drew me out to my favorite room in the house over the New Year’s weekend…my back patio. My pond is there with the little waterfall and goldfish. My comfy whicker settee gives me a great view of the garden and chickens that scratch around in the coop. From there I watch the dogs (and sometimes husband and kids) at play on the lawn and sip iced tea on warm afternoons.

I decided to tidy things up a bit so I set to work on the pond; out with the murky water, in with the new. I moved plants around, swept and watered until I was a dirty, sweaty mess….and thoroughly enjoying every minute of it.

There’s something spiritually cleansing when we dig in and give attention to the little things, don’t you think? It sets the mind at peace when we move away the debris, sweep out the hidden corners and address the thorough cleaning that needs to be done.

It makes me think of all the “corners” of my life that could use some attention; all the relationships that could use a little sprucing up.

Convicting? Yes.

Hard work? Yes.

Impossible?

No.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
(Philippians 4:13)

And looking at them Jesus said to them, "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
(Matthew 19:26)

Lord Jesus,

I pray for the reader of these words. I ask that you help guide her to the corners; those hidden away places that require the very light of your love and mercy, for it’s in the darkest corners where you shine the brightest. As we each arm ourselves with the power of your Word, may you strengthen us all to go boldly into each situation we face. In Jesus’ Name…Amen

In the Forefront

2011-12-28T09:27:00.000-08:00

It was time to change out the old screen saver; the one with the Christmas tree loaded with gifts, the cozy fire, the candle light and the cookies and milk on the coffee table.

The season has passed and the year ahead looks bright.

So I browsed through my photo selection on my computer to find the one which best defines my current state of mind.

Too early for light and airy spring-type stuff with our rainy season just around the corner.

Not really in the mood for the deep and abstract.

Animal pics? Nah.

Hey! The coffee cup and Bible – that’s it! I’m all about a great cup of coffee, especially when paired with the Word of God.

But wait…the coffee cup is in the forefront and the Bible is blurred out behind it.

What does this really mean? Does one screen-saver photo really matter all that much when the Lord knows my heart better than anyone?

The picture’s cute, but I wanted to reverse it – put the Bible in front and blur out the coffee cup.

Hmmm…how many times have I done this very thing in real life?

How many times have I sat down and opened a dusty Bible searching for the answers when it suits me? Seeking to be fed and deciding when to be led down the divine path? When I’ve fallen into that rut of exhausting all other resources FIRST only to finally flop down as if to say, “OK, Lord. I’ve done all I can with this – now it’s your turn!”

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

(Matthew 6:33) NIV

We’ve all heard it before: “God doesn’t want our leftovers.” But isn’t that exactly what we’re doing if we’re living with other things in the forefront and in clear view keeping God’s Word just out of reach to be used as a last resort?

I have to ask myself: what am I putting in the forefront today? There is nothing bigger or more important than the Word of God except God himself. But is that how I’m living?

Is that HOW you’re living?

"Glory to God in the highest..."

2011-12-24T07:53:00.000-08:00

8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid.

10And the angel said unto them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!"

(Luke 2:8-14) KJV

Wishing you the indescribable peace of Christ. May he forever dwell in your heart. Many blessings, Debbie

What I Really Signed Up for 23 Years Ago

2011-12-19T08:17:00.000-08:00

It’s been 23 years since I agreed to unconditionally love, honor, cherish and yes, obey my husband. We’ve come a long way since our "deep-fried days" before I learned to cook. Wow – 23 years! Who really knows what you’re signing up for when you’re young and in love? In reality, I should have said, “I vow to…”

· look for something cute about the way you snore and keep me awake

· keep your sock drawer full (most of the time)

· listen to you “practice” your trumpet each day at the stroke of 7:30am

· keep your dinner warm until you stumble in late from work

· smile from the inside out when you play guitar and sing mariachi songs…to the dogs

· not complain when you leave the toilet seat up and I find out the hard way at 2am

· learn to pack a travel bag for your 5-day business trips at a moment’s notice

· be your partner through life’s rainy days…and walk with you in the sun

· appreciate your drive and ambition

· appreciate your passion

· appreciate your heart

· learn when to hold back…and when to let go

I agreed to compromise, overcome, accept and adapt, to understand, to forgive, to see straight through to the heart of the man my God and savior chose for me – and to be truly thankful for him. I agreed to grow old and gray together with my best friend, to trust and believe in forever.

Still looking forward to spending my forever with you, Matthew. I love you and thank God for you always. Happy Anniversary!

Driven

2011-12-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

I’m thinking this morning about the word,

About what it means,

About the force behind it.

What drives me?

What drives you?

Is it self motivation? Determination? Fear?

Fear of sinking into nothingness and never achieving OR if you’re driven to stagnation, the fear of failure?

Are you driven by the prodding of others? Driven away?

A constant chastising or pressure to move forward?

There’s a force which propels us if we’re driven at all.

Do you allow yourself to be “driven”? Are you even open to the possibility? We’re all headed in one direction or another…aren’t we?

Driven is how we’re to get there.

Either kicking and screaming at the Father’s Will,

Or “driven” by the very breath of it.

So, what drives you today?

What propels you?

What forces you to move from your reluctance…to forge ahead with eyes open and arms outstretched?

Why not grasp the hand of the One who calls you to move forward on His behalf?

The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life. (Job 33:4) NIV

Matters of the Heart (re-visited)

2011-12-09T07:27:00.000-08:00

My hands worked over a mound of honey-colored dough kneading with my palms across a board awash in warm sunlight of a fall afternoon. The enticing aroma of focaccia hung heavy, and in the quiet hum of tradition I connected somehow with countless others who've smiled deep within their souls the same satisfaction of such a moment. The traditions, the matters of the heart, are what bind us together in prayer and in praise...those who marvel at simple blessings. I think of all the long-stemmed roses I've gathered throughout the years; those cleverly disguised as mothers, grandmothers, aunts and precious lady friends who have unfurled their strength of character and fragrance of love upon my life. They have exuded grace and humility in passing down traditions born of hard work, sacrifice, love of family and a desire to best equip those fortunate enough to have received the blessings of hearth and home. Lord, thank you for holidays past that still bring a tear. Thank you for lessons learned from the tattered hem of every apron, and for the love that still remains in each memory. Thank you for the many hands at work this season preparing and nurturing...blessing those who gather with thankful hearts. In Jesus' name. Amen. "Likewise teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind; and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." (Titus 2:3-5) NIV

Guest Posting at Robin's Nest

2011-12-08T06:12:00.000-08:00

Well, you caught me away from the cafe today...I wandered off to visit a sweet friend.

I'm guest posting/visiting with Robin Prater of the Robin's Nest blog! I invite you to grab your coffee and join us

http://robinsnest66.blogspot.com/

The Mess We Leave Behind

2011-12-07T09:13:00.000-08:00

I couldn’t believe the mess! One big, fluffy dog ~ one tiny puddle of motor oil. I wish we’d known that he’d slept all night with his whole back end in the slight remnants of a recent oil change in the garage BEFORE letting him in the house this morning. It looked like a crime scene! The more he wagged his tail and jumped around, the more brown splatters freckled walls, cabinets, floor tile and rugs…everything from dog level on down!

There’s nothing quite like breaking out the mop and cleaning supplies at 6am! Ugghh!

Actually, it makes me think of how quickly our words of negativity and our bad attitudes can spread. It takes just the slightest murky “puddle” to fling around and make the biggest mess. Sometimes our lack of faith or less-than-holy behavior is bigger and takes on more presence in our lives than the One who can clean up the mess.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

(Ephesians 4:29) NIV

Lord Jesus,

Help me to consider my words and my actions before they’re spilled and splattered on the hearts of those I love. Amen!

I want to invite you all over to Robin’s Nest (http://robinsnest66.blogspot.com) tomorrow! She’s so sweet to have asked me to share a guest post at her blog, so I hope you’ll grab your cup of coffee and join me over at Robin’s. I’ll see you there!

New Web Site!

2011-12-02T20:13:00.000-08:00

Hello there! I'm so excited to share my new web site with you!

Take a moment...maybe a little longer...and let me introduce you to the wonderful contributors of Christian Women's Voice Magazine:

christianwomensvoice.org

His Perfect, Powerful Word

2011-12-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

I walk around with it. Go through my day with it. The thoughts, responsibilities and demands rain down hard, breathe a heavy whisper across the back of my neck. So much yet to do. So much I haven’t done. So many “things” pulling, tugging for my time and attention.

And He knows every single one…

He hears them too; how they sound off in my sleep and call to me like faint whispers through cracks of a rickety fence. They build and grow until they stand between me and my time with the Lord. And the only thing that topples the fence…..is the Word…

His beautiful, powerful Word!

When I push it all aside and carve out the moments spent just with Him settled and still, He brings me to exactly what speaks to my heart ~ speaks to my worry and inadequacies. I haven’t even asked for it or spoken the words, but He knows!

“For your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:8) NIV

And the weight of it all falls away. Peace comes in its place. Peace comes to stay! The chains are gone and I’m free to be His. Freely and completely…His!

Christmas Town

2011-11-27T02:00:00.000-08:00

He’s 19 now and stands tallest in our family...stands tallest when I stand back and watch.

Tradition runs deep with him…even now…especially now.

This day and our tradition. I love that it means something to him still, though probably seems a simple thing to most; a few moments spent placing little buildings and figurines in the perfect Christmas town scene…just like last year and each precious year before it.

He notices that we still pull it from the original box, all taped and torn.

And me all ragged and smiling bright inside, holding on to this moment ~ this perfect, precious shred of "mom and son;" the boy now a man.

How many more years will we be here?

How many more times to dust off the old box and bring out the memories?

To talk and laugh of all the times before; give presence and worth to the past. And I wonder,

will he still do it when I’m gone and it’s only him,

A man grown and smiling bright inside,

When it’s up to him to bring out the box

To set up the town and dust off the memories

So precious and few?

Giving Thanks

2011-11-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year I think of all the ones who have done it before me. Those who have planned the menu, prepared the house, made the calls, revisited traditions, primped and planned for the blessed gathering time; the gathering of those closest to the heart for an official day set aside to give thanks.

I think of those who work tirelessly at making it all just right; the ones who make the day sparkle with tradition and warmth. The wonderful aromas, sights, sounds that make the memories for those we cherish. The hours spent tending to all the details. The aching back and tired muscles…all for love.

For all of you who love with your whole heart and enjoy tending the fires of hearth and home, I wish you every blessing this Thanksgiving.

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands

the foolish one tears hers down. (Prov. 14:1)

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. (Titus 2:3-5)

The Stuff of Life

2011-11-18T20:35:00.000-08:00

Ever find yourself in the middle of “stuff” and wonder what in the world God was thinking to have allowed you to experience such…..stuff?

I have.

Several times.

It’s only been recently that I’ve realized just how almighty, all-knowing and powerful He truly must be because I know now that if I hadn’t gone through the stuff, the blessing that followed, in some cases many years later, would have been completely overlooked…. taken for granted.

I know now that all the stuff of life matters ~ the good and the not so good. There’s a reason for the stuff, whether embraced or defied, and how it all kneads together to make us who we are.

I look back to the days when I couldn’t see beyond the stuff. Back when the stuff ruled me, dictated who I was, stood firm between me and the Lord. Back then, the stuff blocked out the Word and its meaning and its power.

Do you find yourself in the middle of stuff today? Maybe you can’t see beyond it to the blessings on the other side. Maybe all you can think about is the stuff and you wonder why in the world God lets you sit in the middle of so much of it all at once. Sometimes, the stuff isn’t just all around. It rains down from above and pounds its way into your heart and you fight back until your strength is shredded…until you are shredded.

Maybe it’s time to give your stuff to Jesus.

All of it! Give it over to Him through prayer and trust…by reading His Word.

Why?

Because only Jesus can make something God glorifying

out of all our stuff!

We surely can't!

We can only stir it up, you and I. We live it and come out damaged and bruised from the battle, but it takes the God who loves us, who died for us and rose for us to bring the blessing out of our pile of stuff.

Give Him your stuff today. He’s faithful to bring the blessing tomorrow.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”

It's Finally Here...

2011-11-15T13:56:00.000-08:00

...and I wanted to share it with you first!

I know…it’s not quite “Thanksgiving” yet, but we're getting a head start on the celebration with the release of our very first issue of Christian Women’s Voice Magazine! Best of all, we wanted to share the news with YOU first!

New Publication

Bi-monthly Christian Women's Magazine

Click on the link above to order your copy for $12.50, OR give the gift of encouragement for Christmas with a 1-year subscription (6 issues for $60) by leaving a comment below.

Christian Women’s Voice

IS the magazine with heart created with YOU in mind.

Encourage someone today

(Philippians 2:1-4)

Transformation

2011-11-13T06:45:00.000-08:00

I remember when my days ran along in an endless, boring strand. Back when the only leading I followed was my own. It seemed I was “mom,” lower-case, and nothing more; confined to a tiny world of self pity and constant seeking. I couldn’t see beyond the piles of Play-Do, Hot Wheels race tracks and dismembered Barbie dolls with crazy, ratty hair. I lived in my little world of 4 walls nearly paralyzed with an inner turmoil consuming my days as I struggled to find peace, meaning…worth. Not a temporary peace, but one that begins deep within~a peace meant to be shared.

But such things can only come from the Lord’s presence; a real

relationship with Him and a constant communication.

I’m praising God today for that relationship. I’m praising God for transformation. For lifting me out and carrying me far from the monotonous and the stagnant me that I was. He has brought light and purpose and goals as I’ve grown closer to Him over the past 10 years or so.

This past year, in particular, I’ve found myself stepping out more and more in faith, believing I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13)

It’s been a year of “Yes, I can…only because of Jesus!” He’s allowed me the joy of surprise and the deepest thanksgiving with the many situations in which He’s placed me….and it’s not over yet!

The Lord continues to surprise and amaze me as I stand on the brink of a new venture. My proof copy of “Christian Women’s Voice,” a bi-monthly women’s magazine, is on its way. The articles are written from the hearts of ten Christian bloggy sisters (plus myself) who have agreed to ride the waves of this journey with me. I’m so excited about this project and can’t wait to see how God will use it to help bring encouragement and hope to women all over the country. I would love to see it utilized in women’s ministries, women’s facilities, mom’s groups, individually, etc. My hope is that we will be the hands and feet of Him bringing women the same hope and light that lifted me out of my dark world and gave me purpose; to share the truth that you are "YOU," in all caps...all because of Jesus!

Be sure and leave a comment if you'd like to be notified via email of our first issue release date and do check out our web site at: http://christianwomensvoice.blogspot.com/

Decorate the Heart

2011-11-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

I watch as the clouds rush and twist to be first in line, first to pour heavy with all the wonders of fall and winter. Inside, lights glow. The fire pops. Flames dance and warm my home.

Home; the place where life happens – where we love and grow

and let the meaning of “family” knit our hearts together

with “forever” thread.

Meanwhile, cookies bake. Christmas is penned out and kept on secret lists. There are gifts to buy, menus to prepare, gatherings to plan for, and excitement builds.

We bring color, swag garlands, adorn forgotten spaces with simple elements of nature, fill each room with wonderful scents. We dust off old memories to revisit and cherish and allow the very blessing of them to resonate once more.

This season, as we plan, prepare, consider….why not decorate our hearts, as well? Why should our homes get all the attention? My hope is that, regardless of the year it’s been for you, may you capture each precious passing moment and savor it in your heart. Let it embellish who you are and add warmth and color to your soul that will last the whole coming year. Let conversations around the table, quiet moments with loved ones, the simple smell of coffee in the morning or sunlight sparkling through icicles all be like little snapshots captured and fully enjoyed. As one goes out and gathers elements of nature to bring beauty to her home, the richest blessings are born from our internal “gathering” moments settled by the fire or in the bustling of our kitchens….funny how the simplest, sweetest joys seem to last the longest.

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11)

Bloom Anyway!

2011-10-29T08:07:00.001-07:00

I’ve written often from my gardener’s heart about the sad state of my little space, enduring yet another season of neglect. It seems distractions and obligations of life demand more of my time these days keeping me clear of the garden gate.

But this morning, as I survey the day from over the top of my coffee cup, through the haze of chimney smoke on the breeze, it’s the one lonely red rose that catches my eye. There, in the middle of disorder and struggle for life, it strikes me; the show of determination and unyielding to the environment of which the rose has no control. Like so many of us, the rose makes a choice and takes a stand; either fall victim to circumstances or rise above in strength and beauty – all to the glory of the Creator of beauty itself.

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ (John 7:38) ESV

And the words whisper, but whisper strong - when everything around you is in disarray and your world screams chaos, bloom anyway! Tap into the one true source of living water – the well that never runs dry. Let it flow and nourish from within. Let it take over your own resources and complete you with unexplainable peace that you may be that one bright spot for Jesus.

My prayer for you today is that you’ll bloom for Jesus and bring the holy fragrance of His love to your world.

And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. (Rev. 21:6) ESV

This Moment

2011-10-26T02:00:00.000-07:00

You have something right now that you’ve never had before.

And you’ll never have it again…ever.

It’s this moment – this very moment in time.

How are you living it?

Are you talking your way through it? If so, what are you saying and to whom?

Are you even thinking about it…this gift of time? Are you praying it away? Considering how you’ll feel about it later? Are you using it for others? Who’s glorified by it?

Is worry stealing your moment?

Can you still be thankful for it?

Is your soul sleeping through it hoping to catch the next one?

Are you grumbling about it – another moment passing you by with no easy answers? Does it look like so many others before it with its jagged edges and sting of pain?

The moment owes you nothing.

Your happiness – true, God-breathed happiness is not up to this moment or the consequences surrounding it – it’s completely up to you; your choice, your decision.

Happiness.

The cards will tumble and foundations built on sand will slip out from beneath you. People will change, but God never will.

Jobs/careers will change, but God never will.

Your life, your home may change…

But how will all these things change you?

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

(Hebrews 13:8) NIV

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

(Isaiah 26:3-4) ESV

Humble Beginnings

2011-10-21T22:45:00.000-07:00

I left work racing against the clock. So much to do and frustrated that the minutes seem to strap on their running shoes when my list is so full. Like a fresh horse straight out of the chute, I don my “Super-Mom” cape and head out.

Right away, a cell phone call from daughter.
Then off to the office supply store.
A quick stop in the sporting goods store.
Another phone call about an appointment for Monday.
Stop by and pick up a meal to bring to an elderly woman from our church. It was my assigned night and it was the least I could do. A quick thanks to God for providing hot soup, bread and fruit all under one roof.
Stop here.
Run in there.
Pick up daughter.
Drop off daughter.
Stop by the bank…

Stop by the bank - who knew a simple errand would stop me in the middle of my rush of things – slow my breathing to normal and shift my mind to more humble beginnings.

There, across the street from the bank parking lot, the same bank parking lot we’ve come in and out of for the past 23 years, stood our old apartment. I see it just about every week, but today, something clicked. The memories flip past like a slideshow and I breathe deep. I pass slowly by the meandering arbors smothered in masses of trumpet vine, their trunks gnarled and thick as they weave high above stone walkways.

I paused and stared pushing aside my to-do list for the moment just to absorb the feeling of true thankfulness.

We’d moved into the simple structure, my husband and I, only 3 months after we were pronounced husband and wife. We’d packed up our dreams for the future into a U-Haul truck and drove 4 hours away to our new home; away from family and all things familiar, to begin our new life together. It was there that we began laying the groundwork for today. It was there that our first marital spats pierced the heart, and there that the fine art of giving and receiving took place. We truly pinched pennies back then learning the limits of each dollar and each other. It was just the beginning of our “for better or for worse,” there where God chose to really knit our hearts together with a forever kind of love. It was there that our son was born and our lives were changed forever.

I paused again to look to the arbors remembering the cool breeze of fall mornings as a new mom with my son safely tucked in the stroller as we walked beneath the trumpet vine. The cherished memory of the day when we ventured down the street to the little shop where I bought him a blue hat.

I pulled out onto the street taking one more glance and I realized how God ordained this moment, too. I thought of how He wants me to revisit the early days and to never forget where I’ve been in order to be completely thankful for where I am.

I love how He uses the simple, ordinary moments to speak the loudest and reach the deepest parts of me.

I drive away humbled and thankful praising God for our very simple start – may He never let me forget.

Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

(Deuteronomy 8:2-3) NIV