My Quiet Corner

Passing It On

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:03:00 +0000

I just wanted to pass on a few things...

* A link you might be interested in: "8 Steps to Meeting God in Silence and Solitude."

* A blog you might be interested in: The Works of God: "Reflections on the sovereignty of God over disability, disease, and suffering, for God's glory and for our good."

And last but certainly not least...

* An event you might be interested in: Ladies Brunch and Mini Retreat - Feb. 4 (all of this for only $20!) If it weren't a plane ride away I would be there in a heartbeat! I have heard Leslie speak. You won't be disappointed! But hurry, space is limited and seats are filling up... (I would love to hear if you are able to go!!)

What have you found worth passing on?

Precious Promise #2: Deuteronomy 31:8

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:01:00 +0000

Deuteronomy 31:8

(KJV) "And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."

(NLT) "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you."

Be encouraged! Whatever it is you are facing... you are not alone. You do not need to fear, be discouraged, or be dismayed. God, himself, walks not only with you... but ahead of you, preparing the way. He will not fail, forsake, or abandon. He will be with you!

What promise have you been reminded of this week?

More about "Precious Promises"

The Reading of My Tombstone

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:35:00 +0000

Have you thought much about your tombstone lately? When I think of mine it encourages, inspires, challenges and pushes me forward.

When I’ve attempted to create a life goal, mission statement or other form of purpose statement for my life, I seem to have trouble formulating it into a few simple words. I get much too wordy to include all that I want to pursue. I become discouraged as I can’t seem to accomplish it all and still do it well.

Many years ago I began wondering what I would want to be said about me at the end of my life? What legacy would I want to leave behind? What would I want to be known for? What one thing would I want my tombstone to say?

Over the years my tombstone saying has never changed. I have re-evaluated it. I have contemplated changing it. Yet, somehow, it has dug a furrow deep into my heart.

As I have grown and worked on bringing my tombstone saying to life, I am amazed at the irony of it all.

You see, I have come to realization that I am, at my very core, a rather selfish person. It requires a conscious effort on my part to think beyond myself. I find taking on the selfish me and laying down my own expectations and desires is a daily task and challenge.

I use this realization to force me into making my tombstone dream a reality. I use the challenge and thorn of it to drive me forward in taking on my selfish self and coming forth victorious as I overcome selfishness in different situations.

I long to not only learn to animate my tombstone saying for myself, but to also instill it in my children. I long for them to not only have the ability to proclaim about me the reading on my tombstone, but for them to then also be able to say, “And she taught us to do the same.”

I am frequently reading my tombstone in an effort to make the call on my heart a reality in my life. I’ll let you read my tombstone as well.

“Born to Serve. Died Serving.”

Serving God. Serving Others. Serving in action. Serving in motive. Serving in prayer. Serving...

Have you thought much about your tombstone lately? What would you like it to say about you?

I challenge you to not write something easily attainable for you. Write something that will be more than just a simple accomplishment in the end.

Write something that will, in and of itself, dictate and explain a pursuit that entirely consumed a part of what your life represented as you changed (with God's help) to become a better person to make it a reality.

What does your tombstone life mission read? What are you doing to accomplish it?

Precious Promise #1: I Corinthians 2:9

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:37:00 +0000

I Corinthians 2:9

(NIV) "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him."

(MSG) "No one's ever seen or heard anything like this, never so much as imagined anything quite like it— What God has arranged for those who love him."

Be encouraged! Regardless of what you are facing, God has arranged a plan beyond your wildest imaginations!

What promise have you been reminded of this week?

More about "Precious Promises"

Why Eat?

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:58:00 +0000

Do you remember what you had for lunch two weeks ago Tuesday?

Even if you don't remember, do you think that it still had some amount of nutrition? Do you believe that at some level it sustained you? Would you admit that it provided energy, strength, and nutrients to get you to the next task on your list for the day?

What if you hadn't eaten that meal? That day? Or even for 3 days? Would you notice?

Just because you don't remember what you had for lunch two weeks ago Tuesday, has that caused you to consider stopping eating all together? I mean, really, if a meal can't be remembered... then what's the use, right? Maybe it's all just a waste of time... this eating gig.

Of course that sounds absurd!

Guess what else is absurd...

I used to excuse the importance of my personal time in God's Word away with that same type of thinking.

"I can't always remember what I read. I wonder if it's just a waste of my time. Yeah, I know I should read, but really... who has time for something that can't be remembered later?"

You know what I have found?

Much as the physical nutrition for the moment brings health to my physical body, so the spiritual sustenance and strength I need for the day comes from the Words I read that morning.

Even when I can't always remember the details of each moment at a later date, I am confident that the time spent there meditating and focusing on His Words to me have sustained me more than I know. More than I would probably even believe were I to know the full impact.

So, although I can't always remember exactly what I had to eat a few weeks ago, I am confident that I did eat. And that food sustained exactly what I needed for that day.

Hungry anyone?...

A Shared Job Title

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:52:00 +0000

We come from many walks of life with many different responsibilities, jobs, and titles. However, there is one job title that I believe we are all to share.

Regardless of how our days play out with the things in our schedules, we should all share this title with the same job description attached.

Ambassador: An authorized messenger or representative.

An ambassador has one goal... to represent the king. To represent his agenda, reputation, thinking, will... and even the king's heart.

"If believing the way they does, makes them the way they is, it bears checking into sometime." -Love's Long Journey

I want to live my life in such a way that it draws people into checking out what it is that I believe! I want to represent Christ clearly... leaving no doubts!

II Corinthians 5:20a (NIV) "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors."

Putting on my ambassador "uniform" today. How about you?...

Precious Promises

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 22:31:00 +0000

Life is hard!

I'm sure I haven't just told you something that you didn't already know. I can't imagine that those three words came as a shock to you or jolted you from your reality.

It seems many have been going through hard things lately. It is part of this thing we call life. It is not unexpected. Often the specifics of what may come our way is unexpected... but the reality that life is hard generally is not.

However, we can not stop there!

Life may be hard, but God has not left us in this place. These three words do not need to stir up discouragement, disappointment, depression or loss of hope. Life may be hard... but there is even greater truth we can cling to.

We have been given some very powerful and personal promises. He does not intend for us to trudge through life with a grim look on our face and a sad tone in our spirit. Regardless of what comes our direction, we do not have to be defeated.

Rather, His joy, peace, gladness and even victory is to accompany us on our journey. A sincere smile can grace our face and a light skip can be in our step. He has given us so many promises in His Word.

"God never forgets His promises. In turn, He intends for His children never to forget His faithfulness to fulfill them." -- Beth Moore

Sometimes, in the darkest of valley's, I find it a bit more difficult to remember those promises He has given. I struggle to remember that He will be faithful to fulfill them.

I want to remind myself of these promises. I need to remind myself of these promises. It seems when I am keeping them in the front of my thinking, the "life is hard" moments are easier to bear. I find the challenge is to be proactive and keep them in focus, ready, and prepared.

In an effort to intentionally do that... beginning next weekend I will be sharing a promise from Him to be reminded of. To consider. To ponder. To soak into my very being.

I used to do this. I have decided to return to the practice of it. My hope is that it will not only remind me of that promise, but that it will do the same for you.

It will be a promise that I pray brings hope to a new week. A reminder of what He has already guaranteed. A promise that we can cling to when all else seems to be crumbling around us.

A promise to remind of His faithfulness. A promise that He has not forgotten.

Join me as we are reminded, encouraged, and spurred on to hope...

Preparing for Rain

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:26:00 +0000

There was a drought. There were two farmers. Both were praying for rain. After praying, one of the farmer's went out and began to plow his field. Now which farmer trusted and believed God for the rain? --from "Facing the Giants"

There are some things that we, as a family, have been praying about. We have trusted that God hears, but do our actions show it? Have we been "plowing our field" so we are ready when the answers come?

Are we preparing and ready for the answers? Do we pray in anticipation and expectation of the answer?

Psalm 5:3 (NIV) - "In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

Even this week, we have made a major life decision based on what we believe God is stirring in our hearts and preparing us for.

We don't have all of the answers, but we are moving forward in faith that He will provide them as we need them... one day at a time.

We are aware that the answer may not come in the form or way that we expect it to. But we do believe that He will answer.

Will we have prepared our hearts for His answer... in His time and in His way?

What is it that you are praying for? Are you praying in anticipation and expectation of the answer? Are you putting action behind your faith? Are you "plowing your field" so you are ready when the answer comes?

"Faith is not a sense, nor sight, nor reason, but simply taking God at His word." --Streams in the Desert

Are you..."Preparing for Rain"?

Ushering in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 02:52:00 +0000

I'm sure I can't even begin to formulate into words what I am sensing today. In the midst of stomach flu in our family, even still my heart is rejoicing.

Maybe it was because today was the first day of a new year? Maybe it was because I feel like I am finally getting to the other side of some difficult days? Perhaps it was because of the words Linds shared regarding her word for the year and what it stirred in me? Or perhaps it was being reminded by Linda of this promise?

Or maybe it was just the simple graciousness of God?

Whatever it was... I welcome it!

I was on the verge of tears in church. Not because I was overwhelmed with heavy things as has been the experience more often in recent days, but instead overwhelmed with...

Excitement.

Anticipation.

Awareness of God and His goodness.

I realize that things have been quite heavy in thought around here for some time. I couldn't seem to find any other corner of my heart from which to write.

But now, today, it's as if there is a light bursting forth from some very deep places.

*step. skip* *step. skip* *step. skip*

There's a skip to my step.

I am beyond excited to see what 2012 holds. I am ready to receive the gift of it..

The good. The bad. The ordinary.

I am becoming more and more consciously aware that each breath, regardless of the details that specific moment holds... is a gift.

Here's to lighter and brighter days ahead... because of the freedom, excitement, joy, goodness and graciousness that He alone gives.

More Than Enough

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:32:00 +0000

I have faced many difficult and troubling situations, but the majority of them have involved encounters outside of myself. This last year I was brought to a place inside of myself that I couldn't seem to make sense of.

There were times that my heart seemed so heavy it felt that I was struggling for my very next breath. I felt like a stranger in my world, in my own skin. I had reached the end of me…

That is exactly where I needed to be.

At the very end of myself... it is there that I found God in a powerfully personal way. When it seemed there was no one, there He was.

In the wait with me. In the wait for me.

I began to do the work of sorting, searching, seeking. It was time to move forward. I began my quest to heal. I determined to do the hard work, whatever that would require, to get back up. I was not going to be taken down. Not this way.

Here I sit reflecting on all I have learned. Here I think back to the fight within myself. Here I sit with a new and fresh awareness of God and His presence.

It required unmasked honesty… with myself. It dictated the refusal to rationalize or explain things that I knew needed to change. It didn’t allow for me to gloss over those areas God was putting his finger on.

It has not been an easy road. It has not been a comfortable road. Honesty with oneself can be brutal, but oh so necessary.

As I look back over the journey this last year has taken me...

I see the harsh reality of it.

I see the beauty of it.

I see the place I was sure would be that of my last breath. Instead... I found I was in the valley where the very breath of God himself rushed through and revived me.

I see the wilderness where I was confident my dry soul would wither and die. Instead... I discovered the stream where God himself had led me to refresh me.

I see the rugged cliff that I so easily almost fell over. Instead... next to it I see the bench where God himself invited me to sit and rest awhile, to regain my footing and renew my thoughts.

I Peter 5:10 (NIV) "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."

It has really turned out to be quite a beautiful year. As for the person I am today… I am the same but somehow so strangely changed and different...

Yes, it has been a year of hard heart and soul work. However, it has also been a year of reflection, awareness, growth, restoration, renewal, and surrender.

~"A Beautiful Hurt"~
--Leslie Nease

If you find yourself in a similar place, I want to encourage hope. I want to spur you on to take just one more breath.

Don’t keep throwing yourself into more of something, anything, in an effort to cease the pain.

Take a moment and stop!

Do not fight the journey. Do not be afraid of it.

Take it. Choose it. Accept the difficulty of it. Do not cower from the pain of it. Embrace it. Invite it.

Above all, invite God into the very midst of it and allow Him to walk it with you! He is already there. Welcome the awareness and reality of His presence.

You are not left alone. God is there to reveal Himself. Discover that He is all that you need. He is enough.

No, not just enough...

He is more than enough!

Thank you to those who walked with me through this last year unknowingly supporting, affirming, and encouraging me during a very difficult personal time.

Thanks to you who are new to my journey this last year. Your coming and sticking around helped to encourage me in my pursuit for newness.

I appreciate each one more than you know!

Welcoming the days ahead as I walk with Him on the path that He leads!

Happy 2012...

Christmas Song Mix Up

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 21:38:00 +0000

Our little guy had a few songs to learn for the Christmas program. Two of them were "Happy Birthday" (to Jesus) and "Away in a Manger".

After practicing both of these songs, he suddenly burst out on his own singing...

"Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday dear little baby Jesus asleep on the hay.
Happy Birthday to you."

Although he obviously combined the lyrics of both songs into one, sung with his young innocence and excitement, it was one of the most precious Christmas songs I think I have heard in a long time.

Happy Birthday dear little baby Jesus indeed!

Wishing you and your families a Very Merry Christmas... all because of Him!

Happiness versus Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:59:00 +0000

This Sunday will be the 3rd Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of Joy. I've been contemplating the difference between happiness and joy. There is a difference you know!

Happiness is fleeting. It is circumstantial. Happiness is dependent on other factors. Happiness is not an emotion we feel all the time.

I must admit, sometimes I am far from happy.

However, joy is different. Joy comes from deep within. Joy can be present regardless of the circumstances and situations surrounding us.

I once heard this definition of joy: "Joy: Peace dancing in your heart."

Capture a picture of that for a minute.

Peace dancing.

Regardless of what all else is happening... there is peace. That peace is not just sitting still becoming stagnant, it's dancing! Dancing in your heart, the very depths of your soul!!... That my friends is joy!

"Joy is more than my spontaneous expression of laughter, gaiety, and lightness. It is deeper than an emotional expression of happiness. Joy is... God in my life as I walk with Him." -- Bonnie Monson

Life as I walk with God. That is true joy!

Walking with God requires action. To walk is a verb. We must be active in the process. We must walk. We find joy by seeking God and His face, by being in His presence.

This is not a joy that can come from a new car, a new house, gifts in pretty packages, or anything else we might think would bring us joy. This joy, this peace dancing, comes from God alone...walking with Him and being in His presence.

Psalm 43:3-4 (NLT)
"Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live. There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy."

Psalm 16:11 (NLT)
"You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. "

God is the only one who brings that true joy into our lives. It is that joy, that peace dancing, that can be and is the giver of our strength... even in the most difficult times.

Nehemiah 8:10b (NLT)
"Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”

Psalm 28:7-8a (NLT)
"The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. The Lord gives his people strength. "

As we seek God, as we actively walk with God, as we depend on Him...He gives us His joy. He gives us His peace dancing in our hearts and His strength. It is nothing we can attain or achieve on our own. It comes from Him and Him alone.

Whatever circumstance we find ourselves in, whether happy or sad, whether exciting or tragic, whether energizing or exhausting... we can have joy.

From the very depths of our beings, our souls can rest in His plans. Our moments find strength to push forward in His strength. Our hearts can dance the dance of peace... the dance of joy.

When it is all said and done, we can give thanks and praise to His name. He has done great things! We have been filled with joy... a peace dancing... because of Him!

Psalm 9:1-3 (NLT)
I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you."

May you be filled with joy this season. Not happiness, for that can change in a moment's notice. No, I do not hope for only happiness. That is not enough to sustain you in the things life has to offer. Happiness is not near enough.

My hope and prayer is that you be filled with joy. May you seek the giver of all joy. May you find yourself walking with Him... side by side and hand in hand.

Regardless of what you are facing, decisions you are making, plans you have, and hopes you dream...may you look deep into the depths of your heart. As you look into the very depths of your heart and soul, may you find joy there...

Joy: Peace dancing in your heart!

Hello. Goodbye. & I'll Be Praying for You.

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:06:00 +0000

Tears were flowing freely. I handed her a few more tissues hoping her state of vulnerability was not embarrassing to her. I wanted her to feel safe to share with me.

We talked for some time, and then as we were leaving I uttered, "I'll be praying for you." Eyes red and swollen from her tears, she forced a smile and quietly responded, "Thank You."

As I walked to my car questions came to my heart. "Will you pray for her? I mean, seriously, will you pray?" Of course initially I convinced myself I would, but those questions continued to linger and challenge me through my week.

Have you noticed?

To offer to pray for someone seems to be as much a formality as any other greeting. Listen...

Hello. Goodbye. I'll be praying for you. See you next week.

God challenged me some time ago with this and I have worked to change it since.

I realized that I was not taking the words I spoke to someone seriously. And when I did speak, my promise to pray for them was not necessarily one of true intentions. It was often a polite form of greeting.

Taking the Offer to Pray Seriously

I realized that when I offer to pray, someone is counting on that. And when I offer to pray, and don't follow through, I have not kept my word.

Ways to Pray for Others

1. Ask to pray with them in the moment. Ask them how you can best pray and then do so, right then and there.

2. Commit to pray as they come to mind. Ask God to bring them to mind throughout your days. As He is faithful to do so, stop right then and offer a prayer.

3. Put their name in a location you will see. I write names in my prayer journal. Under a person's name I write their specific needs. I have also been known to carry names on index cards and place them in my car. As moments allow, prayers can also be lifted then.

4. Ask for specific ways to pray. Contact those you are praying for and ask how you can be praying. This helps to see answers to the things that you have been focusing on, and gives new ways to keep prayers for them current.

Are you intentional and sincere in your offers to pray, or do you offer as a polite form of greeting?

What ways have you found and implemented that make your offers to pray a reality?

Thanksgiving of Today

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:14:00 +0000

May the thankfulness expressed in our day today be just an extension of what our hearts are learning to recognize and express in increasing measure every other day of the year.

Wishing You the Happiest of Thanksgivings!

Returning for Thanksgiving Alone

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:21:00 +0000

A new concept came to me a few weeks ago. One that I had never really considered before, but one that I actually became quite excited about.

For the last year and a half I served on the committee for our ladies retreat for the district of our church. I was also asked to lead the music for the weekend, which included four services.

I did not take either of these responsibilities lightly, but instead spent much time in prayer and fasting leading up to the event. I wanted to be sure my heart was surrendered, having given God the weekend to do His thing.

To say He showed up beyond what I could have dreamed is an understatement. What an awesome experience to be a part of that weekend and watch Him work.

And then the challenge to my heart came.

So often in the past I have prayed with focused intent. After the prayed for moment had passed or an answer came, a prayer or two of thanks would be offered and then it seemed I was on to the next thing.

This time was different. I was challenged that if I had spent so much time and focused effort pleading and beseeching God to show up, why would I not also spend focused time in gratitude thanking Him for the way He answered?

And so I did. I carved out a block of time to get alone by myself.

During that time I was reminded of the leper who came back to thank Jesus.

Luke 17:15-16 (NIV) "One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him..."

After considering this leper, I realized how often I am like the other nine that continue on.

How much more I need to be like this one. The one who took the time to come back. The one who recognized the full impact of what had truly happened and who deserved the credit. The praise. The glory.

And so... I took the time to come back to the many thoughts and moments that had surrounded this one weekend for the past year and a half. To ponder all that happened. And then to rejoice, praise, and give thanks for the way God revealed Himself.

I recognized the outcome was nothing of myself and I couldn't move forward without pausing, throwing myself at His feet and giving full recognition to Him for what HE alone had done.

Looking back, this intentional time I spent in returning for thanksgiving alone was the best way I have spent a morning in quite some time.

After something prayed for has passed or been resolved, have you considered intentionally returning for thanksgiving alone?

In This Wait

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:13:00 +0000

Do you ever go through a time in life where just a song or two seems to almost scream out and put into words the thoughts that your heart can't seem to pull together?

This has been one of those songs for me in most recent days. I find myself listening to it over, and over, and over.

We are, once again, on a "battle ground" of sorts as we wait for test results from a specialist.

For those who have followed the story of our family for any length of time, you know that this is not a new experience for us, just a new potential road to walk.

Waiting.

It has given me time to reflect. To remember. To be reminded.

And in the waiting I find myself encouraged as I listen to these words.

Regardless of the final news we receive, the truth will remain...

We will not walk alone.
Every step we will be breathing in His grace.
We will be held in His perfect peace.
Evermore we'll be breathing out His praise.

He is Faithful.

Always... Faithful.

Never Once
By Matt Redman

Verse 1
Standing on this mountaintop
Looking just how far we've come
Knowing that for every step
You were with us

Verse 2
Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You've done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Pre-Chorus
Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Chorus
Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Repeat Verse 2
Repeat Pre-Chorus
Repeat Chorus

You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Bridge
Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Never once did we ever walk alone
Carried by Your constant grace
Held within Your perfect peace
Never once, no, we never walk alone

Repeat Chorus

Every step we are breathing in Your grace
Evermore we'll be breathing out Your praise
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Overcoming Fear with Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:16:00 +0000

I have found myself challenged for some time to learn thanksgiving and gratitude at a deeper level. To just say the words seems like it would be so simplistic, so basic to live out.

However, I am finding that it is taking some time to learn this as a natural way of life. Not necessarily so difficult when things are going well. There is so much to be thankful for then.

But what about when moments are more difficult? Or what of those moments that are even instilled and overflowing with fear?

Not so long ago I had an opportunity to put it into real life practice.

We were out taking a family hike. When ready to head back, our oldest wanted to take a different trail... by himself. Both he and my husband were convinced it would only be a short time before the two trails looped back around and joined each other.

The idea of the adventure was gripping my fifteen year old son in his eagerness to venture off for this short jaunt on his own. And so we agreed, convinced we would soon meet up once again.

That is not how it turned out.

It didn't take long for us to realize that our paths would not meet up with his. We were veering down the side of the great hill we had climbed in a different direction than we had projected. We chose not to back track assuming that the trails would both dump out at the bottom in the same location.

Again, we were wrong.

Soon we realized that we were lost. I was not so concerned for us. My hubby, myself, our girl and the little guy were all together. There was no fear in that. But what about our oldest? Where was he? Had he found his way down? Was he lost too?

Fear began to seize my heart. My imaginations began to run wild. Visions of what "might be" began to cloud out any sense of rational thinking.

This was my chance. The challenge of giving thanks came to mind. Yes, even in this situation as I felt my heart rate increase by the minute and found my mind racing in fear.

Thankfulness? In this? What was there to be thankful for? And as I prayed, out of sheer determination of will my list started...

Lord,

* I'm thankful that he has the backpack with the granola bars and bottles of water.
* I'm thankful that he has the dog with him.
* I'm thankful that he has done this hike before.
* I'm thankful that it is beautiful weather for a hike.
* I'm thankful that he is healthy and in good physical shape.
* I'm thankful that we have a cell phone. Once we are again in some type of coverage we can call for help.
* I'm thankful that we have watched many survival type shows and have done a lot of camping. At least he knows basic survival tips.
* I'm thankful that the rest of us are still together with only one being separated.
* I'm thankful that You, God, know where he is, even if I don't.
* I'm thankful....

And on it went, coming up with every thankful thought I could given the situation.

As my thankful list grew, my heart noticeably began to calm. My panicked thoughts began to turn to the good in this situation rather than all of the frightening "what if's". My pace settled in and my goal became to just get down to cell coverage. To think of a realistic plan rather than be caught up in a panicked frenzy.

After some time we did reach cell phone coverage. We called and arranged for family to go to the base of where we started our hike and had parked our car.

If he had made it down, we knew he should have been there by now. We had already agreed that if they called back saying he wasn't there, our next call would be to emergency services as the sun was setting and night was quickly falling.

Not long after we made the first call, we received a call and my thankful list found itself increasing in great abundance as we learned the news that both he and the dog were sitting by our car... waiting.

As our walk continued to find exactly where we were and get back to our son and our car, my heart soared in thankfulness to a God who not only kept us all safe that day, but taught me a life changing lesson about overcoming fear with thanksgiving.

I Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

When was the last time you offered thanksgiving in what seemed the most unlikely of circumstances? Have you ever tried it?

Something to consider...

Been That Long...

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 21:47:00 +0000

WOW! Has it really been that long since I've had time to linger here? In some ways it seems like only yesterday, and in others it seems that it has been forever.

Have you ever had time pass like that?

I have now returned to work full time being blessed to have my hubby managing things on the home front. The more that weeks pass, the more convinced we are that this was the right thing based on what the children are encountering and the time it is freely allowing my husband to be involved.

Though the right thing, it doesn't make it an easier transition. I have found it taking energy, intentional planning, and willingness to navigate this new learning curve of our schedules.

I will not say that the schedule appears to be settling. Recent days have shown me that just as I think that is happening, life throws a curve and once again moments speed by with time to notice requiring intentional focus and purpose.

However, I will say that I have not permanently left this place. And I will say that my heart misses moments to chat, ponder, reflect, and consider while lingering here.

So many thoughts, encouragement, and challenge I am ready to pour out into this place. Now if only for a moment or two to get them into words...

Changing the Way That I Pray

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 05:00:00 +0000

These last few months I have been challenged and am learning to change the way that I pray. I am beginning to believe more and more that I have not fully understood what it means to really pray.

You see, when a difficult situation has come, when the things of life seem too much to bear... I pray. Believe me I pray. But I have started to examine what I pray.

I pray for things to be resolved. I pray for situations to change. I pray for difficulties to be removed.

When I look even deeper into the motives of my heart... I am really praying for comfort. I am really praying for ease. I am really praying for things that make it about me.

Recently my theology turned upside down as I began to consider that perhaps, those situations come into my life... because I prayed for them.

I pray to be more and more like Christ. What if those situations are really allowed to enter my sphere, because something in them (or many things in them) are designed to make me more like Christ? To learn to share with Him in His suffering.

It's almost as if I pray, "Lord, make me more like You." And then the difficult situation comes that was intended to do that and I find myself praying, "Lord, take this situation away."

How silly of me.

I have been reading back through the book of Acts. I am seeing more clearly than ever before how the believers of that day prayed.

Acts 4:29 (NLT) "And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word."

In the midst of threats, trials, difficulties and persecution... they didn't pray for those things to be removed.

Instead, they prayed for strength to endure. They prayed for boldness to continue the very deeds that put them in those situations in the first place. They prayed for each other. They prayed for God's Kingdom work to continue to advance. They rejoiced and counted it a privilege to be a part. Yes, in all of these things... even unto death.

I am finding that my prayer life is evolving into something new. Something different.

Not that I don't pray for God to work His will in each and every situation, especially the most difficult ones. But what if those are His will for me... to help to make me more like Him?

So I find myself praying more and more instead for things such as strength, boldness, perseverance, discernment, love for God and others, a grateful heart, wisdom, and a willingness to learn what He has in mind for me in each situation.

And praying, "How can I become more like Christ in this? What can I learn that teaches me more of His character, His very nature... Him?"

Have you considered recently how you pray?

Lord, teach us to pray...

Gratitude of Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 03:14:00 +0000

It all began when I read Ann's book "1000 Gifts."

I wasn't even looking for it, but not long after finishing that one, I stumbled upon "Choosing Gratitude" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

I read through it, deeply challenged.

"Do we only give glory to God for the part of our life that's going the way we want? Or do we worship Him, trust Him, and give Him thanks, just because He is God- regardless of the dark, painful, incomprehensible places we encounter in our journey?... Regardless of how I may feel, anything that makes me need God is a blessing." -- Nancy Leigh DeMoss

When I got to the end of the book and encountered the 30 days of gratitude devotionals in the back, I purposed to take the time to pour over each one.

I am convinced it is definitely a theme God is working to embed deep into the crevices of my heart. Everywhere I look I am seeing it.

My son came home from their high school retreat sharing that this was a main theme of their time away.

We were led by the pastor a few weeks ago to spend an entire Sunday morning service, whoever wanted to, just publicly giving praise and being thankful for the things that God has done.

Noticing.

And even here in blogland one can't go far without sensing it's undercurrents. Whether it's joining Ann for Multitude Monday, or Pam for Thursday Thanks Tank, or even Susanne with Friday's Favorite Five... I'm seeing it surround me.

I have purposely made it so that I am reminded throughout my day of this challenge to my own heart. My computer screen saver simply says... Choose Gratitude.

"I can whine
-or-
I can worship!"
--Nancy Leigh DeMoss

I am learning to speak a new language more intentionally. I am learning to pen pages of thankfulness. I am learning to look for glimpses of His gifts... of Him. I am learning to treasure a new way of living.

Gratitude of Grace... His gifts of love and mercy poured out throughout my day.

Just waiting for me to stop.

Notice.

Embrace.

Treasure.

And as I do... I am blessed, encouraged, and ever Grateful!

Sheltered Under God's Promises {Giveaway}

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:14:00 +0000

As I have recently shared snippets of the personal difficulties of my own days, many of you have contacted me sharing your own stories. The fact that many of us have been experiencing hard things has been confirmed.

Reading the following book came at what seemed to be the "perfect time". In fact, here is what the back cover says about this book:

"You know God's promises, but are they for you, are they for now, are they for this? If you look to your circumstances alone, it may seem that God has forgotten you. But He hasn't. He can't. And He wouldn't even if He could. God is the only promise maker who is always a promise keeper. And God's promises will never fail you!"

I appreciated how Sheila used the stories of Bible characters to demonstrate the truth she was addressing. I also enjoyed the Bible study included in the book. Although I did not go through this in a group setting, I still referred to and used those questions to deepen the questioning and pondering of my own heart.

The chapters focus on ten foundational promises of God that secure our lives during even the most difficult times. Things such as God's peace (ch. 3), grace (ch. 6), hope (ch.7), and much more. And the way Sheila ended it... oh my.

I did not find it to finish with a sense of "happily ever after" sentiment leaving me wondering how I can apply that to the true "nitty gritty" of the mess I sometimes seem to find myself in.

Instead, she ended it with examining a question that has left my own heart challenged and encouraged even since the covers of this book have been closed.

She takes us to John the Baptist and explores this soul searching question with him... "Will you love and serve a God you do not always understand?"

As you pick up this book, I would encourage you to grab a highlighter and pen or pencil. I needed mine all through it!

What to Win:
Five randomly selected winners will each win ONE copy of "The Shelter of God's Promise" by Sheila Walsh.

How to Win:
Comment. Yep. Simple as that.
(Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you should you be selected as a winner.)

Extra Opportunities to Win:
Become a subscriber and/or follow on Facebook. (see right hand sidebar for options ). Be sure to come back and leave a separate comment for each (or let me know that you already do).

Giveaway Ends:
This giveaway will end on Friday, Sept. 16. The winners will be randomly selected and notified . (You must be willing to let me provide the publisher with your address as they will be sending out the book to the winners.)

Unfortunately, this giveaway is U.S. and Canada eligible only.

Called to Love... Like That

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:53:00 +0000

Knowing Judas was just hours away from betraying You... You washed his feet.

You served him... in love.

Knowing all of the disciples were just hours from leaving You in Your darkest hours, to even death... You washed their feet.

You served them... in love.

Knowing Peter was literally hours from consciously denying You. Not once. Not twice. But three times. Even after committing to follow you even to death. Even after being warned that he would deny you, and then emphatically doing so... You washed his feet.

You served him... in love.

John 13:34-35 (NIV) "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

God help me. Help me to answer the call to love... like that.

Even knowing... especially knowing...
to serve another in that kind of love!

The Gift of Today

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:14:00 +0000

There was a time when there were days that it seemed it was all I could do to muster enough energy to get out of bed.

This morning, one of my very first waking thoughts were, "I have been given another day of life. What a gift."

God is doing a continued work in my heart. A mighty work for which I am beyond grateful.

I have been clinging to the following since the middle of January. I believe that I am seeing this promise take life.

I Peter 5:10 (Amp) "After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you."

(NIV) ... "will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."

What promises and gifts of Him and His grace are you noticing in your own life today?

Diluting God's Blessing

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:37:00 +0000

DIRECTIONS: “Mix contents with 3 cans of cold water.”

I handed her the can of juice and asked her to make it. We found a pitcher to mix it in. We read the directions together. I opened the lid on the concentrate for her. I walked away.

One more thing to cross off of my list. A task delegated and done. Simple.

A few minutes later I returned. The juice was diluted. Terribly diluted. What had happened? How had this occurred?

Upon further investigation I discovered that the directions had been followed. Cans of cold water had been added... 1-2-3.

Then I learned the rest.

After the 3rd can of water had been poured, the pitcher was not full. To a young girl this did not look right. Surely there must have been some mistake. The pitcher should be full, shouldn’t it?

After adding 3 cans of water as the directions instructed, and as we had discussed together, she proceeded to fill the pitcher the rest of the way.

She didn’t trust the directions on the can. The people who had made the product told very clearly the directions to achieve completion.

Yet it was questioned. It didn’t look right. It was decided it must not be right and actions were taken into her own hands.

I confess. I’ve done that same thing. Not with a can of juice, but with directions of another kind. I have done the same thing with my life. I am given step by step instructions from God.

I follow the instructions exactly as they are given. Nothing is left out or altered. However, after the directions are completed, I step back to survey the situation.

It seems too simple. It doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t look quite right. Surely there is a different way. There must be more. How could these instructions be what was intended?

I question the Maker with the master plan and the master directions. I take matters into my own hands.

My survey of the situation is not how the plan was intended to be. I am disappointed in the outcome. I am frustrated that it has turned out as it has. It does not provide near the fulfillment that could have been.

I sometimes dilute the blessing and outcome that God had intended. If I would simply just follow the directions…

Everything You Do

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:28:00 +0000

A new favorite around here. The radio gets turned up anytime this song is on. Great encouragement, motivation, and reminder all in one!

Have you heard it?

Do Everything
Steven Curtis Chapman

You’re picking up toys on the living room floor for the 15th time today
Matching up socks and sweeping up lost cheerios that got away
You put a baby on your hip and color on your lips and head out the door

And while I may not know you I bet I know you
Wonder sometimes does it matter at all
We’ll let me remind you it all matters just as long as you do

Everything you do to the glory of the One who made you
Cause He made you to do every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace with every move that you make and every little thing you do

Maybe you’re that guy with the suit and tie; Maybe your shirt says your name
You may be hooking up mergers, cooking up burgers but at the end of the day
Little stuff big stuff in between stuff God sees it all the same

And while I may not know you I bet I know you
Wonder sometimes does it matter at all
We’ll let me remind you it all matters just as long as you do

Everything you do to the glory of the One who made you
Cause He made you to do every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace with every move that you make and every little thing that you do

Well maybe you’re sitting in math class; Maybe on a mission in the Congo
Maybe you’re working at the office; Singing along with the radio
Maybe you’re dining at a five star; Or feeding orphans in Myanmar

Anywhere and everywhere you are
Whatever you do it all matters
So do what you do and don’t ever forget to do

Everything you do to the glory of the One who made you cause He made you to do
Every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face and tell the story of grace as you do

Everything you do to the glory of the One who made you cause He made you to do
Every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face and tell the story of grace with every move that you make and every little thing that you do