one thousand gifts

a remarkable book by a remarkable woman.

it has been a week since amazon sent me a shipment notification. tracking my package tells me it should arrive tomorrow. it is so hard to wait for this book to arrive! but the truth is, i didn't wait. i've already read it on my kindle. even so, i want to hold it in my hand; to turn the pages; underline those poignant words; put a sticky note on a page to come back to. i ordered multiple copies to share with a list of friends. but i am going to have to order more. you see, i want to share this book with everyone i know!

i've been reading ann voskamp's blog, aholyexperience, for some time now. her candid look at faith and life has challenged me in so many ways. her words have brought me to tears on many occasions and caused me to look within and think things through in a new way. my own blog reflects her influence as i note at the bottom of each post the gifts i find in my own life. i have found God's blessings in so many ordinary things. ordinary, but holy when you see God's love shining through them.

but ann's message is more than just "looking on the bright side" or just "being thankful". her message is one of faith, joy, and trust in a God who is in every part of our life, including the difficulties. but i really can not summarize her message. you simply must read it.

everyday gift: heart changing words

sculpted snow

Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.

Isaiah 1:18

my favorite Christmas gift? Jesus! who makes my sins as white as snow!

recent happenings...

so many things have been happening all at once during the month of may. it has sometimes been hard to coordinate them all. here are a few of the more important events...

our church was planning a baptism service and B wanted to be baptized. she picked up a packet that had all the information, a Bible study to complete and a form to fill out to help you verbalize your testimony. B was very serious about doing everything required exactly right. this lead her to be a little stressed and nervous. it did not help matters that we were very busy with so many other activities. as the date approached, i suggested that maybe we should just wait until the next time. but for B, this was just not an option. she reminded me of the story found in acts 8 about the ethiopian who believed when philip explained the scriptures to him. they came across a pool of water in the desert and he said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" like the ethiopian, she wanted to be baptized right now! and why not? here is water!

we couldn't have the cake reception for her like we did when her brothers were baptized, our weekend was just too packed with events. but she said, "you know, it's not about cake!" thank you, dear B, for reminding me to focus on the important things.

B shared her testimony about her sunday school teacher (miss paula)
teaching the kids about salvation when she was 5.
later that day she prayed to ask Jesus into her heart.

she was baptized by john, the children's pastor at our church, who has such a heart for the kids.
God has used him in a such a wonderful way in our family, especially evident in the spiritual growth spurt we have seen in B. she has learned so much through the children's ministry and has a real hunger for the Word. God has given her such a loving, compassionate, and generous heart. we have seen her give sacrificially to missions and serve the women's ministry by helping care for the younger children during Bible study. i am praising God for her sweet faith in action.

3 John 1:4

I have not greater joy than to hear that my children are
walking in Truth


This month was also important to C as he reached a milestone, graduating from 8th grade. my boy is ready for high school! (not sure about his mother!) this past year has been a time of tremendous growth, yes, physically, but also in maturity. i have watched him take on a man's work, side by side with his dad. he has taken responsibility for his studies, working independently through the algebra text book ahead of the class. i have also seen him overcome some pitfalls. (i will have to stop before i get into trouble...he is not too happy about being the subject of my blog. ) but i will say, i am so proud of this young man. it is a joy to see God working in his life.

C receives his certificate of 8th grade graduation

Philippians 1:6

...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

i must have turned my back one day, because when i looked again,

my boy had become a young man.

he has passed me up in height and is gaining on his dad!

clownin' around! :o)

everyday gift: celebrating achievements, growth, and God's grace

celebrating a miracle

dear mom and dad,

last week we celebrated a miracle. God has healed what many said would be impossible. my prayer for you is that the past will truly be overcome and love and forgiveness will reign in your marriage. may this chapter of your lives be the happiest yet.

your marriage brought back so many thoughts and memories of our family. i have been thinking about all our family has been through over the years and i realized how much you both have taught me. through all the ups and downs i can see the hand of God providing, guiding, protecting, sustaining and teaching me. let me number the ways...

1) growing up i never really knew that at times things were financially tough. we always had enough to eat, clothes on our backs, and a house that mom lovingly turned into our home. i always felt secure and cared for. i watched dad work hard to provide for our family and i know now that you both sacrificed your own desires for us. (sorry that you never got that bass boat, dad!) it taught me that family was really what was important.

2) i learned from you that when hard times come you must lean on the Lord and on each other. Our family has weathered some very sad times and through them all i watched your faith, rock solid, relying first on the Lord and also the other to make it through. mom, i witnessed you take the heart break of losing your son and turn your eyes to heaven with praise on your lips. your example is one of the single most poignant demonstrations of faith that has touched my life.

3) you taught me unconditional love. and i tested it! (sorry about that!) when i came to you, having failed and disappointed you with my choices, you were there for me. it was your love and support that gave me confidence and courage. and through the Lord's grace, a time of difficulty was turned to blessing.

4) and when your marriage faced it darkest hours i learned that even the strongest marriages are vulnerable if left unattended. mark and i have talked about this lesson often, vowing to do what it takes to protect our marriage from such pit falls. we are striving to keep our relationship as a top priority, second only to our relationship with the Lord.

5) if i learned something from your troubled marriage, so much more so in your reconciliation! mom, God met your needs when you were alone. he comforted and sustained you. your attitude of love and forgiveness amazed all, even when righteous anger would have been acceptable. your prayers and your patience have won out.

where would our family be without the Lord? mired in bitterness, unforgiveness, and hopelessness? He has taught us to trust and rest in Him. through good times and bad we are in his hands. and we are family.

mom and dad, i love you and am so thankful for you.

the least of these

it was cold, raining, and already dark at six o'clock on a sunday evening, the kind of night you want to stay home curled up under a blanket reading a book. but monday was coming faster than i wanted it to and my kids would be looking for something in their lunch boxes, so i had to go to the grocery store. i literally had to drag myself out the door. i made my way quickly through the grocery store aisles, filling my cart with all of the necessities, plus nonessentials that we don't think twice about buying. i hurried to a checkout line with only 1 person who looked almost finished, a young mom whose kids were bickering. i smiled to myself remembering when my own were that young and sitting in the grocery cart. i remembered how stressful it can be to have young ones along while shopping. the mom scolded the kids, then turned to the cashier apologizing for something, while trying to get through to someone on her cellphone. there was more going on here than i first realized. the cashier turned her "open" light off and recommended that i change lanes as they had run into a problem. so i moved to the next lane and began unloading my groceries. i could tell now that the girl in the other lane could not pay for her groceries and her cellphone was not getting any reception inside the store. she asked the cashier if she would hold her order while she stepped outside to call. my heart was breaking for her! i thought i should just swipe my debit card for her! ...but i didn't. we walked out into the rain almost at the same time. from the parking lot, as i loaded my bags of food into my van, i could see her standing in the drizzle, having an emotional conversation on her phone. and i began to pray for her asking the Lord to send her some help. i felt a nudge to do something, but what? surely she would not welcome a stranger at this difficult moment. what would i say? i drove away with her in my rear view mirror, praying.

i could not get her off of my mind. why didn't i help her? i was praying that someone would come along, but i think I was meant to be the answer to her prayers somehow. regret washed over me and i vowed that the next time i wouldn't walk away. the next time...how often do i run into a situation like that? i mean, it's not like people are knocking on my door asking for help...

and then last sunday, my pastor preached a message on matthew 25:40, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." as i listened to the message about extending ourselves outside of our comfortable circles and sharing the love of God with others through practical means, it brought that experience back to mind again. the Lord was really speaking to my heart. i have been so completely blessed and i need to share it. i prayed that God would bring another opportunity to me and that i would have the courage to follow through with boldness...but it's not like people are knocking on my door...

later that same afternoon i was in the house relaxing while the kids were playing outside enjoying the sunny day. S came in with a serious look on his face, "mom. someone needs you outside." oh? did B get hurt? "no. but someone needs you!" i walked outside to find a 14 year old girl, out of breath, asking for a ride. it seems she had a fight with her boyfriend and he dumped her out of the truck, a ways from town. she ran. "i know i'm just a stranger to you, but do you think you could help me?" i gave her a glass of water and got my car keys. during the ride which was further than i expected, she spilled her sad story. i was able to share how God had helped me in times of trouble and that He would help her, too. i told her she was beautiful and valued by God who loved her and created her for a purpose. when we arrived at her sister's house, i gave her a new testament and asked if i could pray for her. she looked a little taken aback, but allowed me to pray for her safety and future. and then she was gone.

yes, God had brought someone knocking on my door asking for help! it seems unbelievable. i wonder if i did the right thing for her, not knowing if everything she told me was true or not. i pray that i took her to a safe place and that the words i shared would come back to her again and again. i pray that the Living Word that i placed in her hands would open her eyes to the Truth. but i will have to leave all of that up to the Lord. all i know is that i asked God for an opportunity to show His love and He answered that prayer.

everyday gift: a second chance

it's a beginning...

i know it doesn't look like much, but it is a beginning.  and it is "home sweet home".  

piles of dirt, evidence of the basement excavation

cement truck and pump truck, pouring the footings

 the footings, upon which the foundations of the house will rest.  

See, I lay a stone in Zion, 

a tested stone,

a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation;

the one who trusts will never be dismayed. 

Isaiah 28:16

The rain came down,

 the streams rose,

 and the winds blew and beat against that house;

yet it did not fall,

because it had its foundation on the rock.

Matthew 7:25

although these footings will soon be hidden, first, by a cement floor, and then a wooden frame, walls, and a roof, they are the most important part of the house.  silent and invisible they will hold firm keeping the walls strong and straight.  when the winds and rains come against the house (and they will come), i will be warm and snug and safe inside.

what is the foundation of your life?  are you trusting in things that shift like the sand?  money?  easy come, easy go! your job?   the economy is so unreliable.  people?  they can let you down.  they're only human, after all.  but if you have Jesus, you have the firm foundation.  He is the cornerstone that Isaiah was referring to in his prophecy.  trusting in him will keep you from being dismayed when the circumstances of this world rain down on you.  i am praying that if you do not know Jesus as the foundation and rock of your life, that you would come to know him.  He is the one who will give you peace during the storms in your life.

everyday gift:  a firm foundation

follow-up

i just wanted to post a quick follow-up about C's mission trip. 'thank you' to those who supported him with prayer or a monetary gift! he had a wonderful time. they came home exhausted and were in no mood for a group shot.  so this is the best i could do to document their return:

unloading the trailer

it was so neat to hear C tell about the work they did during the week. i think his favorite project was helping a pastor of a church in a very needy part of the city. they cleared out an old warehouse to make more room for the food pantry and clothing ministry that he runs there. another day they helped a single mom in his congregation move to a new apartment and clean the old one. the laundry he brought home gave testimony to his other jobs of yard work and painting with dirt, stains, and sweat. you'd think C would be glad to home...but he was wishing he could have stayed another week. i do believe his love language is the 'gift of service' and he really spent his week loving.

everyday gift: showing God's love through service

what's for supper, mom?

just because they can fly does not mean they don't need their mama anymore!



well, my boy "flew" today. he went on a week long mission trip with the youth group from church. during the week they will hook up with various service projects in the community and through their service they will share the love God and the gospel. i can not tell you how much it blesses me to see C with a heart that is anxious to serve the Lord. he was quite independent about preparing for this trip and i can see him maturing in so many ways...

and yet, i know he'll always come home and stand with the refrigerator wide open asking,

"isn't there anything to eat?"

if you feel led, please pray for this group of jr. high students: for safety on their trip, for the love of God to be demonstrated through their service, and that they would grow and mature in their relationship with the Lord through this experience.

everyday gift: young hearts willing to serve

may news

it seems that the cold grey days of winter have finally given way to warm sunny weather; winter did not want to let go this spring! the warm winds of may have also blown in some changes to our family... so much has been going on, life changing things, that i thought i would give an update.



*we have sold our house ...the house we built 9 years ago, the house i never thought i'd leave! but we are moving on to a new frontier just 2 miles down the road. we bought 60 acres of beautiful land, some of it wooded with a pretty little creek, and some farm land planted in corn and hay. it will be a lovely homestead after a crazy year of moving and building! we will be closing in a few weeks and moving to a rental house while our new house goes up. and i have seen God's hand in all of these details, from bringing the buyer in just the perfect timing (they flew from canada just to put an offer in on our house when they saw online that we had lowered the price) to providing a place for us to live through some special friends of ours...we will enjoy living as neighbors for the next several months and B is thrilled to be moving so close to her BFF!


*my dad has moved back from arizona! it has been so nice to have him with us. the kids have missed him the past few years while he was away. he made the long drive along with his brother ron. thankfully he was not alone when his jeep broke down outside of des moines. and i know it was God's hand that sent the two kind men to provide rides from the side of the road and then back and forth from the motel to the repair shop, strangers (angels?) doing His biding.

*after 4 years apart, mom and dad are talking. perhaps God is doing a healing work in their relationship. what once seemed impossible now seems possible! we continue to pray for God's will in their lives.


*what a blessing it has been to spend time with my uncle ron this past week. most of my life he has lived in arizona while we were in the midwest, so our contact has been very little. i enjoyed visiting with him. it was so good to remember my grandparents and share memories with him. God's hand was present as we strengthened our family ties.



*school is out and i have two straight A honor roll students! :o) C worked hard all year to reach his straight A goal after missing the award by one B last year! i am also really proud of S since this was his first year in a traditional classroom. he has always been homeschooled. B had a wonderful year of school at home. i really loved all the one-on-one time we had together. i think she made great progress in all of her subjects. it was a joy to see the way all three of them worked at their studies. Truly this great school year has been an answer to prayer, especially after such a rough time last year for C.



*S had a great time at his soccer tournaments this may. i am so thankful for young, healthy, and growing bodies. during one of the tournaments we got to stay with my cousins leslie and randy. it was real treat to visit with them. i am very blessed by my family!



*my boy scouts have advanced in rank! C is now a star scout and S is first class. i am so proud of all they have achieved in boy scouts. it is such a joy to watch my boys as they strive to "grow in wisdom, and stature, and favor with God and man." Praise God for His grace in my parenting...i feel so inadequate for the task at times, but i feel His presence and grace as He blesses my children ... sometimes inspite of me!


everyday gift: God's incredible presence in my life...such amazing grace!

a fresh start

january 1st. a fresh start.

last year i choose a word for 2008, a word that would be a focal point, a goal, a theme of sorts and that word was listen. i must confess that half way through the year i was not thinking so much about my word. but now as i contemplate a new word, i have been thinking back, wondering if listen was in fact a good word to sum up the year. surprisingly, i see many ways that i have had to listen.

we, as a family, have faced some big changes and decisions and i have really needed to listen to the evolving needs of my kids. C has entered into his teen years and has begun to assert his independence in new ways. this can be a turbulent transition time, and we have seen our share of that, but i am learning to listen to C. i have tried to understand his feelings and needs so that i can adjust my parenting and help him to become the independent and responsible adult that he is learning to be. listening in this circumstance has indeed been a challenge for me when what i want to do is lecture and correct. ( moment of transparency. please be kind!)

S left our home school for the christian school for the first time this year. another big change. i have tried to listen to his needs so that i could offer encouragement as he faced his own challenges. leaving our home school with just one has meant a change for B and for me. this has enabled me to listen to B more than ever without the competition of her brothers around. it has been a very positive year for B to have me all to herself during school time for the first time ever. and a positive year for S as he confidently and successfully joined the 5th grade class.

mark and i listened to God's leading this past spring as we decided to leave a church for a new one. it was a decision that we have thought about for several years now. it was very difficult to leave the church we have been involved in for so many years but we have found confirmation in many ways at our new place of worship and fellowship.

so that leads me to my word for 2009. related to listen, it is quiet. as in quiet time. quiet heart. just quiet. in order to listen to God's voice and leading, to the needs of my family, and to the needs of others i need to quiet my heart and my mouth (*blush* another moment of transparency!) i am recommitting myself to spending time in God's Word each day. i need to quiet the fears and worries of my heart with trust and faith, i need to quiet my words and listen in my relationships. i want to quiet the noise around me and have a quiet spirit which blesses those around me.

i am pondering these verses which express my prayer and desire for spiritual growth in coming year...


a quiet inner beauty which will bless others:

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment,

such as braided hair and wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.

Instead, it should be that of your inner self,

the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,

which is of great worth in God's sight.

I Peter 3:3-4

.

a quietness which listens for the voice of God:

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

.

a quiet heart which trusts in God's love and protection:

The LORD your God is with you,

He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with his love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

everyday gift: a fresh start

everyday gifts 2008

as 2008 comes to an end i am looking back at my year of blogging about God's blessing in my life. and i am overwhelmed. so many of the events are so insignificant that they would have been forgotten if i had not posted a quick snap shot or written a few words about it. but each and every item on the following list is evidence of God's goodness to me. when i am down about something or discouraged, reading over my continuing list has helped me keep my perspective.


may i encourage you, also, to be on the look out for your everyday gifts? i assure you, they are there. we sometimes get so focused on the difficult path before us that we miss the beauty of the wild flowers along the way, or forget to notice the shade tree that relieves us in the heat.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights

James 1:17

**

Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him?

Matthew 7:9-10

**

The Lord will indeed give what is good,

and our land will yield its harvest.

Psalm 85:2

**

*digital cameras*reading a good book*my country girl in braids*the first Christmas gift ever, Jesus, the reason we celebrate*joseph's example of kindness and love*mary's example of humble faith*Christmas joy*God's faithfulness to all generations*a majestic and sublime sight*never knowing hunger*Christmas cookies hot from the oven*God's presence through the fire*celebrating birthdays*rosy cheeks and frozen mittens*a treasure from my grandma*a light bulb moment*pizza dough on the ceiling*whipped cream and sprinkles on top of hot cocoa*a blanket of fresh snow*seeing my son's generous heart*His unfailing love*tangy tart cranberries*a barn raising*scraps of paper that testify to God's richest blessings*a small miracle in answer to a child's prayers*a little trip to paris*family gathered around the dinner table*pumpkin orange*another learning adventure*no end to the surprises around here*a girls' night at the theater*the things that make each season special*lamb chops*enjoying the many freedoms so the USA*my american girl and her dolls*surprises along the nature trail*the season of harvest*an unexpected visitor*living hope*the privilege of having known anita, a faithful servant of Jesus*discovering an unexpected treasure on a dusty book sale shelf*working together in the kitchen*the wonderful smell of hot applesauce and cinnamon*living history lessons*hand-dipped ice cream cones*enchanted with a miniature world*enjoying time with dad*all creatures great and small*playing chess with grandy*large bunches of rosy hydrangeas*gran'dad's legacy*a well played game*a ride on dad's tractor*the smell of freshly mowed grass*weaving my family's tapestry*discovering a child's gifts*beautiful surprises*the garden's bounty*a walk in between raindrops*pale shades of blue, green, and tawny eggs*lickin' the beaters*september apples from dad*being lost in a book*rising to the challenges of the new year*learning at home*the taste of summer tomatoes*crunchy granola*sharing laughter*homemaker in training*having mark home again*a nature hike*summer days*eggs in my basket*extravagant fashion show in the garden*kids who love to learn*a friend who shares her garden*the view from a tree*memories of my brother*knowing his salvation is sure*critters in the garden*boys that cook*homegrown spuds*bringing the garden indoors*girls determined to pound those nails straight!*sharing my herbs with caterpillars*shelter in a storm*splashing in the pool on a hot summer day*an adventure in the mountains*big brothers*hummingbirds*living out our history lessons*having B all to myself on a special trip*tea parties and cookies with sugar sprinkles*hot scones and coffee for breakfast*simple pleasures around the farm*serenades of the house wren*black raspberries*fresh bread baked by a little prairie girl*an early morning walk in the garden*the thistles in my life*swedish cream with raspberry sauce for dessert*a flash of blue in the garden*late night talks at the kitchen table with dad*playing croquet in the yard*boys safely home*the sweet smell of hay mingled with the giggles of girls*fresh strawberry jam*God's presence in the midst of pain*self-sacrificing love*purple iris*witnessing the transformation of a caterpillar to a butterfly*clematis climbing on trellises built by my dad*God's faithfulness to each generation*baby birds*living school*swingin' in a hammock*muddy toes and tadpoles*incredible creativity*a fistful of weeds, picked with love*lilacs blooming*coach dad*strong legs carrying kids across the field*this incredible planet that is our home*family traditions*spending time with grandpa*sacrificial love gift*the music of our lives*finishing the race strong*kids excited about nature*keen eyes observing nature*warm muffins*garden walks*tender sprouts*school in the garden*another miracle in God's creation*sweet violets spreading joy*the miracle of new life*peeping chicks*first blooms*newborn lambs*brotherly muddy love*break resistant dishes*reading a classic*a love note*fresh asparagus*answered prayer*fingers stained with pomegranate juice*welcome signs of spring*an afternoon with the girls*melting snow*llama kisses*sweet friendship*a milestone reached*boys becoming young men*feathered friends*a valentine surprise*cookies served with nostalgia*snowflakes and snow days*hot soup on a cold day*lessons in compassion*fondue for five*daily chatter on the bed*boys being boys*coffee flavored with toffee nut*forgiveness granted and brothers restored

wishing you all a happy new year filled with everyday gifts!

joseph

joseph. he takes a lesser part in this christmas drama. mary's role is front and center, and her faith has brought her much admiration. even though joseph is somewhat in the shadows, his character is also worthy of note.

imagine, if you can, that the woman you are pledged to marry has just revealed that she is expecting a baby...and it is not yours. devastating. all of your plans for the future seem to come crashing down around you. you trusted her and you loved her, and now she has seemingly betrayed you. keep in mind that at this time in history, this would have been an offense punishable by stoning.

hurt. angry. confused. in spite of what his emotions must have been, he just can not bring himself to make a claim against her. scripture tells us that he "did not want to expose her to public disgrace" but rather "had in mind to divorce her quietly." worldly wisdom calls for revenge to satisfy our wounded hearts, but we learn that joseph is kind and noble, caring more for mary's safety than his own pride.


and who could blame him for wanting out? by all appearances, mary had not been faithful. it is only after an angel came to him in a dream that he made his decision:

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" - which means, "God with us."

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife."

Matthew 1:20-24

joseph, like his bride mary, is obedient to the Lord. he married mary without regard to public opinion or ridicule that they were sure to face. he believed God and was willing to take up a task which was intimidating to say the least: to be the foster father to the Son of the Living God. wow.

scripture says that joseph was a righteous man in matthew 1:19. how can i live a righteous life? well, if i follow joseph's example, i need to believe God and obey Him, no matter how difficult the task may seem. and live a life which puts the needs of others ahead of my own, showing kindness and love. joseph was a noble man of the highest character.

Lord, give me the kindness of joseph, give me a righteous love which is expressed in putting others first.

everyday gift: joseph's example of kindness and love.

mary

as Christmas day quickly approaches, i have been pondering the story, the story i have heard countless times before, for as long as i can remember. it is so well known that i could easily brush over all the characters and the elements. but in these days before christmas, i am going to look closely at the main characters in this eternal play, orchestrated by God, played out on the stage of bethlehem so many years ago. beginning with mary...



what was it like to be mary? a young girl with her life ahead of her; all going as planned; she was betrothed to a good man; a man she could love, live with, work beside, raise a family with, she would be safe and secure...all going as planned, that is until The Visit. and nothing would ever be the same. in an instant, with that angel's visit to mary, all of her plans were set aside. in an instant, she was ready to obey and submit to God's plans. she humbly put herself completely in God's hands, despite the incredible, miraculous, and yes, even terrifying things the angel announced to her. this is what she said...

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered.

"May it be to me as you have said."

"And Mary said:

My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me-

holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm,;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful

to Abraham and his descendants forever,

even as he said to our fathers."

Luke 1:38, 46-56

when God calls, i want a faith like mary's. i want to be ready in an instant to say yes to God no matter what he asks of me. but so often, instead of setting aside my own plans, i cling to them, and rationalize how my way is the most practical, reasonable, and comfortable! am i missing his plan, and consequently his blessings, right now because i delay to say "yes"?

.

Lord, make me ready in an instant to respond in faith and say "yes" to whatever your plan is for my life.

.

everyday gift: mary's example of humble faith

faith as gold

i have mentioned him before, our friend bryce, who is in the midst of a battle against lymphoma. he is a brave young man whose trials are revealing the true color of his faith: golden. eleven is awfully young to have to face such a fire storm. but God is surely with him and his faith is proving to be in incredible example to us all. his mom, tonya, recently shared her heart on an update and it so touched my heart:



"...I have seen more miracles in this year than I can describe. I am continually amazed and in awe of Him and the strength He gives this precious boy who in his weak body is so brave and full of courage, peace and strength that comes from a deep trust that he is loved and created for a purpose. Even now, I see each day the workings of those cells we can't see, silently, by pre-design, dividing, building and repairing. Even though in this fallen world one cell made a mistake and divided into many mistakes, his little body is trying to keep doing what it was designed to do. I am so thankful. WE are so thankful.It has been quite an experience for our family this year and it is good to be able to share some of our heart as we go through a sort of whirlwind and yet...there is among the storm much calm and peace. A family that is clinging to each other and the One above and the love and prayers of all of you. Wow."

But he knows the way that I take;

when he has tested me,

I will come forth as gold.

Job 23:10

i found this old picture and couldn't resist sharing it. bryce is the one in orange, sitting just behind S, when their friendship was new. so sweet! behind bryce is his brother and on the end is C.

friends on a home school field trip ~ circa 2002 or 2003 (?)

everyday gift: God's presence through the fire.

overheard last weekend...

so, C, what is on your Christmas list this year?

well, actually, i can't think of anything i need. i really have so much.

can you imagine how that warms this mother's heart? we have actually been blessed beyond any real need. oh, there can always be a want. there are plenty of things our boys don't have: a wii, or any gaming system for that matter, an ipod, a laptop of their own, or the next newest lego robotic system. i am sure if he perused the catalogs he would find some interesting things to put on a wish list. later C suggested that we look into donating a goat or chickens to a family instead of a heap of gifts under the tree this year. he is so practical, like his dad. his school is participating in a charity that is collecting money to feed the hungry, but C said, "why just give them food that will run out? shouldn't we give them something that will last and continue to provide for them?" yes, he is his father's son! what a blessing!


following C's suggestion, we are shopping with World Vision this Christmas. if you, too, are interested, you can check it out here.

everyday gift: seeing my son's generous heart

harvest

our farmer neighbors are bringing in the corn harvest. we have had a summer with an abundance of rain and the corn grew well. it is now dried out and ready for the harvest.

sun rising on a harvest day

*
we are surrounded by fields and they mark off the seasons in such a profound way. watching the seasons pass on those farm fields is one of the things i love about living in the country. through out the winter the fields will be desolate and barren, with cold snowy winds making drifts across the open space. spring will bring a flurry of activity with plowing and planting. and then summertime we wait and watch the black tilled dirt sprout green, first just a tinge of color, and then seemingly overnight, the fields are overtaken with growth. now it is fall and the cold nights have brought the growth to a halt. the plants have done their job and their fruit is ready to be brought in. each season follows the other in perfect order.
*
and so do our lives have seasons. seasons of cold and loneliness, of new hope and budding faith, of growth and flourishing activity, and of fruitfulness. which season am i in? what lessons or work does God have for me in this particular season of my life? i pray that i would be sensitive to those seasons

"For the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will complete." Deuteronomy 16:15b

ancient fence line of petrified posts and rusty barbed wire,
marks off country borders



"A man reaps what he sows.
The one who sows to please his sinful nature,
from that nature will reap destruction;
the one who sows to please the Spirit,
from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Let us not become weary in doing good,
for at the proper time we will reap

a harvest if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity,

let us do good to all people,
especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
Galatians 6:7b-10

everyday gift: the season of harvest

at the foot of the cross

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

*

In his great mercy he has given us new birth

into a living hope

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

*

and into an inheritance

that can never perish, spoil or fade -

*

kept in heaven for you,

who through faith are shielded by God's power

until the coming of the salvation

that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

*

In this you greatly rejoice,

though now for a little while

you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trial.

*

These have come so that your faith-

of greater worth than gold,

which perishes even though refined by fire-

may be proved genuine and may result in

praise, glory and honor

when Jesus Christ is revealed.

*

Though you have not seen him,

you love him;

and even though you do not see him now,

you believe in him

and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

for you are receiving the goal of your faith,

the salvation of your souls.

*

I Peter 1:3-9*

*Scripture reading from anita's funeral service.

everyday gift: living hope

anita

about 2 1/2 years ago, a sweet friend from church was out with her 6 month old baby and 2 year old. the weather was cold and wet and she slipped, it seemed, and fell onto the wet floor of the gas station. she couldn't get up and help was called. what the tests and scans revealed was a fractured vertebrae, not from the fall, rather the fracture caused the fall. further more, the fracture was caused by a tumor. thus began the battle of her life that showed the world the heart of a true saint.

early in her illness, after back surgery to shore up and brace her vertebrae, she was unable to lift her baby in and out of her crib. help was rallied. i was one who had an assigned afternoon to come into their home and help with the baby and household chores. so i had the privilege of visiting with anita and loving on her girls for a time. she was so open about her fears of leaving her babies too soon. but her faith was a rock, believing that God had a plan and that he would provide for all of their needs. she knew God could and would heal her if that was His will. she must have sat down to write her 'thank you' notes the moment my car left their driveway because the very next day it would arrive in the mail, full of encouragement, gratitude, and blessing. and i found that although i was serving her, it turned out that i was the one who was blessed each time. and despite her own health challenges, she kept busy ministering to others every chance she got by helping in sunday school, serving in the nursery, organizing and speaking at our churches MOPS group, singing a sweet duet with her emily at a mother daughter banquet, bringing a covered dish to a funeral luncheon, and with anyone who would marvel at her attitude during her trials she would share her faith and the hope that only God can give.

from an earthly perspective we say that she "lost the battle with cancer" but from a spiritual perspective i'd say she has won. she has won hearts to the Lord; inspired and strengthened the faith of countless people who have brushed shoulders with her; she has challenged doctors and nurses and caregivers with her unwavering courage and faith; and amazed all with the miracles that indeed happened along the way during her treatment. she has won the crown of life that God has promised to those that love Him and have persevered under trial (james 1:12).

we fervently prayed that she would be healed on this earth, but God chose to heal her in heaven.

this afternoon i will go to anita's visitation and tomorrow the funeral. i will not say "good bye" but rather "see you later" to my friend. i am certain that i am better for having known her. will you join me in praying for brian, her husband and the rest of her grieving family?

everyday gift: the privilege of having known anita, a faithful servant of Jesus.

classics of faith

over the past few months i have been indulging myself in some great fiction books, mostly pleasure reading. i love a good story written with beautiful words that reveal an aspect of the human heart or challenges of living life. but i have felt convicted to read more of God's Word and focus more on my spiritual growth. i have pulled some christian classics off my shelf and i am revisiting some books that were very influential in my young adult life, as i grappled with faith and life. Mere Christianity by c.s. lewis, The Pursuit of Holiness by jerry bridges, and The Hiding Place by corrie ten boom to name a few.

will you share with me the books that have caused you to grow in your walk with Christ? aside from the most important Book, what has influenced your faith?

the thistle

we have been working hard to remove all of the thistles from our pasture this spring (i say we, but i should say C and S). it is an invasive weed that crowds out the grasses and clover that my sheep love. its thorns are too harsh for the tender mouths of my animals and they give it a wide girth when grazing.

but the truth is, despite its heavily armoured exterior, i actually find the flower of the thistle quite beautiful, its brilliant color dotting the field. i have also found other benefits and beauty come from this plant that is considered such a nuisance.

it is the host plant to caterpillars of the painted lady butterfly.

it provides protection to the nests of the song sparrow who serenades me every morning. the nest is nestled in the tall grasses right on the ground and without those thorns, the animals would trample it while grazing the tender grass.

another bird that loves the thistle is the gold finch. it is so fun to watch their bright yellow and black wings as they do acrobats to perch and feed on the thistle gone to seed.

it makes me think of other thistles in my life, the irritants that pop up again and again, no matter what efforts i make to eradicate them from my life, just like weeds. but could there be benefits despite the pain they cause? thorns hurt, but do they also provide something positive in my life?

***

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

***

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Romans 5:3-5

everyday gift: the thistles in my life