-a patient in cardiology brings surprise lilies for the nurses
-my co-worker and friend finds out her melanoma surgery was successful
-my twin brothers celebrate their 19th birthday (my baby bros are growing up!)
-my family laughs during a Scattergories game
-I take a convertible ride with my Micah in the passenger seat
-God works in my heart and reminds me once again of His unconditional love
-I see the workings of the Spirit in my teens at church
And finally, life is oh-so-beautiful when...
-I'm leaving tomorrow for the Army base to meet my man on his return from Iraq!!!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Looking to Him for Joy
I heard it again today at church. Psalm 34:6. Didn't we have that verse last Sunday, too? Sure enough, I flipped through the pages to last week's Bible readings and it popped up again.
Hmm. Was God trying to tell me something? It's a good thing He doesn't mind repeating things when I just don't get it the first time!
Psalm 34:6 says, "Look to Him that you may be radiant with joy." There's a lot of good stuff packed in that short little verse...
Joy. That quality that every Christian is supposed to bubbling with. A smile always on our face. Positive thoughts and words always in my mind and on the tip of my tongue. Never a worry or a fear.
Right?
Not so much. One of my favorite definitions of joy is this: "Joy is that deep-settled confidence that God is in control of every area of your life." Wow. That doesn't sound like superficial smiles or trite sayings. Deep-settled confidence. Knowing God is in control.
That sounds more like a choice, a decision. Not a fleeting emotion.
And to make that decision, we "look to Him." He is the source of joy. We can only find that deep-settled confidence by looking to Him. If we are seeking Him, learning more about Who He is and about His amazing love, how can we not choose to have joy?
And when we have that true joy, then we will be radiant. Only when we have spent time with the Source of joy will we be able to share it, to radiate it, to others.
Hmm. Was God trying to tell me something? It's a good thing He doesn't mind repeating things when I just don't get it the first time!
Psalm 34:6 says, "Look to Him that you may be radiant with joy." There's a lot of good stuff packed in that short little verse...
Joy. That quality that every Christian is supposed to bubbling with. A smile always on our face. Positive thoughts and words always in my mind and on the tip of my tongue. Never a worry or a fear.
Right?
Not so much. One of my favorite definitions of joy is this: "Joy is that deep-settled confidence that God is in control of every area of your life." Wow. That doesn't sound like superficial smiles or trite sayings. Deep-settled confidence. Knowing God is in control.
That sounds more like a choice, a decision. Not a fleeting emotion.
And to make that decision, we "look to Him." He is the source of joy. We can only find that deep-settled confidence by looking to Him. If we are seeking Him, learning more about Who He is and about His amazing love, how can we not choose to have joy?
And when we have that true joy, then we will be radiant. Only when we have spent time with the Source of joy will we be able to share it, to radiate it, to others.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
"I am a princess. All girls are."
When invited to a princess party, it's best to dress like a princess. Because as Sara Crewe said, all girls are princesses, right?
(Me with Grant's niece Rosemary)
Monday, July 13, 2009
Little Thoughts
Life is beautiful…
-when the sun smiles down as I walk barefoot through the grass.
-when the smell of baking bread floats from the oven.
-when I cherish the moment and enjoy a bike ride with my family.
-when a call from my man in Iraq brightens my day and warms my heart.
-when we both get excited about the countdown until his homecoming.
-when I realize that once again I need to focus on my Jesus so that I can walk on water instead of sinking below the waves of life.
-when “the peace of God, which passes all understanding” is within my heart.
-when I understand that trials are a part of life and they do not necessarily mean we have wandered outside of God’s path for us, but that He is right beside us bringing good from the difficulties.
-when I see that life, rather than being a fearful unknown, is a joyful adventure.
-when the sun smiles down as I walk barefoot through the grass.
-when the smell of baking bread floats from the oven.
-when I cherish the moment and enjoy a bike ride with my family.
-when a call from my man in Iraq brightens my day and warms my heart.
-when we both get excited about the countdown until his homecoming.
-when I realize that once again I need to focus on my Jesus so that I can walk on water instead of sinking below the waves of life.
-when “the peace of God, which passes all understanding” is within my heart.
-when I understand that trials are a part of life and they do not necessarily mean we have wandered outside of God’s path for us, but that He is right beside us bringing good from the difficulties.
-when I see that life, rather than being a fearful unknown, is a joyful adventure.
Monday, June 22, 2009
When the storms come
The past week has been stormy. Not the exciting, gives-me-delicious-shivers type of thunderstorms outside, but the emotional storms within. Work was stressful. My hormonal workup blood draw is coming up this week. I miss Grant. My dad's job is unstable.
And my friend at work was diagnosed with melanoma.
I'll never forget last Thursday morning when she first heard the news. The cardiology girls gathered around her, sharing tears and hugs and heartache. A million thoughts running through our heads and yet not knowing what to think at all. The fears and the questions. The what if's and the why's.
On Sunday at church, I listened as the Gospel of Mark was read, chapter 4, verses 35-41. The Apostles on the storm-rocked boat...fearful, questioning. Wondering about the outcome.
So they went to Jesus.
I love the fact that He wasn't worried about the storm. That the wind and the crashing sea were nothing that He couldn't handle, nothing unexpected or surprising. Yet He cared about His followers, knew their fear...
And calmed the storm.
My friend had an appointment today with her doctor. He was reassuring and encouraging. The lesion is so unusual that it's possible it isn't melanoma after all. She will still have to undergo testing, but there is hope.
I know that the Lord is close when storms rage in our lives. I know that even when it may seem like He is sleeping, He is very much aware of what is going on. He knows our fears and our questions, our hopes and our hurts. When we come to Him, He will either help us weather the difficulties--or He will calm the storm.
Because He is the one "even the wind and the sea obey."
And my friend at work was diagnosed with melanoma.
I'll never forget last Thursday morning when she first heard the news. The cardiology girls gathered around her, sharing tears and hugs and heartache. A million thoughts running through our heads and yet not knowing what to think at all. The fears and the questions. The what if's and the why's.
On Sunday at church, I listened as the Gospel of Mark was read, chapter 4, verses 35-41. The Apostles on the storm-rocked boat...fearful, questioning. Wondering about the outcome.
So they went to Jesus.
I love the fact that He wasn't worried about the storm. That the wind and the crashing sea were nothing that He couldn't handle, nothing unexpected or surprising. Yet He cared about His followers, knew their fear...
And calmed the storm.
My friend had an appointment today with her doctor. He was reassuring and encouraging. The lesion is so unusual that it's possible it isn't melanoma after all. She will still have to undergo testing, but there is hope.
I know that the Lord is close when storms rage in our lives. I know that even when it may seem like He is sleeping, He is very much aware of what is going on. He knows our fears and our questions, our hopes and our hurts. When we come to Him, He will either help us weather the difficulties--or He will calm the storm.
Because He is the one "even the wind and the sea obey."
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Summer Fun at Cedar Point
Waiting in line for the Top Thrill Dragster...note how well our happy, carefree smiles mask the fear beneath...
120mph is just a little fast for me...
My brothers and me...with the Power Tower looming behind us
Paying time at the old western jail
Let's try a gentle coaster now, shall we? These were my last moments with those nifty, blue-rimmed $1 sunglasses-- someone stole them while I waited in line for the next ride. Peter thinks I am better off without them. And maybe he's right as I look at this picture...
Monday, June 15, 2009
Thoughts from Jeremiah
I've read it over and over and over again. In the morning on the way to work. Driving home from an appointment with my doctor. When I'm lonely and wishing Grant was there driving instead of me.
And it speaks to my heart and mind every time.
I first read Jeremiah 17:7-8 during the season of Lent. It was in a devotional I was using and the words were just what I needed that day. I tore the page out (don't worry, the devotional was just for 2009!) and posted it on the dashboard in my car to remind me of God's promises in that passage.
And now I realize the words weren't just what I needed that day...but words that I need every day.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord
Ah, that word 'trust.' Such a difficult thing for us as humans, whether it be trust in one other or trust in the One above. Why is that? Are we afraid that to trust another means to become vulnerable, to risk our well-being (and fragile emotions!) to someone besides ourselves? Yet despite what it seems, to surrender that control to the Lord, to humbly admit we can't do it on our own, brings such peace--and blessings, as the verse says.
Whose hope is the Lord
Hope is one of my favourite words. The true meaning of it is so deep, so rich. Hope brings meaning and purpose to life. To hope means to hold on to the belief that good things are coming, that God has a good plan even if it's not like our plan.
He is like the tree planted besides the waters, that stretches out its roots to the stream
When I choose to trust in the Lord and let Him be my hope, I am stretching out my roots to His waters of grace, quenching my thirsty soul.
It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green
Trust and hope dispel fear. When we place our trust in God, not in a certain outcome, we know that no matter what happens, He is still God our Father with a good plan for His children. When the heat of difficulties come, we can withstand the fire and come out with new growth.
In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit.
In times of waiting or even in times when I see nothing coming of my efforts to become who I want to be, I can wait patiently. I can continue to serve the Lord the best I am able, trusting He is working in my life quietly, and that someday I will see the fruits of this season.
-Jeremiah 17:7-8
And it speaks to my heart and mind every time.
I first read Jeremiah 17:7-8 during the season of Lent. It was in a devotional I was using and the words were just what I needed that day. I tore the page out (don't worry, the devotional was just for 2009!) and posted it on the dashboard in my car to remind me of God's promises in that passage.
And now I realize the words weren't just what I needed that day...but words that I need every day.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord
Ah, that word 'trust.' Such a difficult thing for us as humans, whether it be trust in one other or trust in the One above. Why is that? Are we afraid that to trust another means to become vulnerable, to risk our well-being (and fragile emotions!) to someone besides ourselves? Yet despite what it seems, to surrender that control to the Lord, to humbly admit we can't do it on our own, brings such peace--and blessings, as the verse says.
Whose hope is the Lord
Hope is one of my favourite words. The true meaning of it is so deep, so rich. Hope brings meaning and purpose to life. To hope means to hold on to the belief that good things are coming, that God has a good plan even if it's not like our plan.
He is like the tree planted besides the waters, that stretches out its roots to the stream
When I choose to trust in the Lord and let Him be my hope, I am stretching out my roots to His waters of grace, quenching my thirsty soul.
It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green
Trust and hope dispel fear. When we place our trust in God, not in a certain outcome, we know that no matter what happens, He is still God our Father with a good plan for His children. When the heat of difficulties come, we can withstand the fire and come out with new growth.
In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit.
In times of waiting or even in times when I see nothing coming of my efforts to become who I want to be, I can wait patiently. I can continue to serve the Lord the best I am able, trusting He is working in my life quietly, and that someday I will see the fruits of this season.
-Jeremiah 17:7-8
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