"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

With the counter wiped clean and the dishtowel neatly folded, I let the swaying pepper tree branches out the kitchen window capture my thoughts. And for a moment, I was back 12 years ago when my kids were 2 and 4.
We’d just finished watching a Pooh bear movie and we wanted to see how our “just because” party compared to that of the hundred-acre wood. I still remember chocolate pudding smeared across my daughter’s smile and onto her tiny glasses. And the way my son giggled watching our puppy lick apple juice from plastic tea cups.
I wonder if my heavenly father looks back on my tender, early years with a sigh, I thought. Does He smile recalling times when I stumbled and fell, only to pull myself back up on wobbly legs? Does He remember my childhood giggles and my innocence, the difficult lessons learned with adolescence?
How patient He has been with me over the years; through all my mistakes, my careless words, and the times I refused to listen to Him. He was there when my parents divorced, when loved ones passed away and He was still there with arms open and ready to embrace me when I chose to make Him my savior and best friend.
With a grateful heart, I thank you, Lord for being my true Father. Through all the seasons of life, all the lessons learned – you’ve picked me up, dusted me off and embraced me. Thank you for loving me.

The Grove

I must have twisted my ankle a dozen times as we stumbled down a mile of dirt road deeply rutted by erosion, and littered with rocks and pine cones. Normally, I would have punctuated such an event with a few tears and some serious complaining, but there were several relatives joining us on our excursion into bear-infested territory. With so many witnesses, I figured one must take into account the example she wishes to make for her nieces and nephews, lest her childish ways become fodder for discussion at every family gathering forevermore.

As we reached the little pond, I was more than ready to sit. I lowered my sore, sweaty body to a fallen log and smiled at the 6 dancing bobbers across the water; each attached to fishing poles gripped by little hands.

From my perch, I happened to spot a beautiful grove of aspens. Their fluttering leaves caught the summer sun and sparkled like nature’s emeralds.

As I sat there on the log (hoping all neighborhood bears would find it in their hearts to simply ignore the scent of Hershey bars drifting from my backpack), I couldn’t help but notice the grouping of trees with stunning white trunks contrasting against the meadow and shading one end of the pond. They’re certainly the nonconformists of the forest, I thought.

As I watched them, I thought of the similarities between that grove and the strength found in the fellowship and unity of Christian women. Like the aspens, they stand together through the storms. Their branches become heavy laden and sometimes droop, but when a bough does break, they rely on the strength of those who share the grove because their roots run deep and are intertwined. And though they shed their leaves, suffering through seasons of dormancy, and maybe even lose a limb now and then, those that remain not only find the energy to sprout new growth but continue to reach Heavenward.

God alone decides just where these groves will thrive. He hand-picks each one, selecting the perfect mix of traits, personalities and gifts; yet all possess the ability to grow.

YouTube - I Love You --God

YouTube - I Love You --God

A prayer for moms

Dear Lord,
Today I just want to lift up all the moms around the country.  No, this isn't "Mother's Day," but I just feel a heavy burden for those who are stuggling; so many are dealing with strained relationships within their own households.  Many are struggling financially, worried about possible loss of employment or even the need for a second job that will take them away from their families. 

I'm praying for those who have spent their morning shoveling snow, hauling firewood, taken care of sick children or husbands and doing so unaware of the sacrifice - putting aside their own physical afflictions.  Be with those who sacrifice sleep and rest to provide for their families.  Be with those courageous enough to wear a smile and praise your name while enduring life-threatening disease. Warm those who are cold and without electricity.  Feed those who have empty cupboards.  Strengthen those who are trying to raise up their children to be responsible adults, and let their efforts be met with understanding and compassion.  May you be glorified with the mending of relationships between mother and child.  Comfort those whose children have diverted down a destructive path.  Hear the prayers of mothers who go to their knees in prayer, desperate for your intervention.

I want to pray for mothers of those who are serving in the armed forces.  Hear their prayers, Lord as they cry out for your protection and comfort over their sons and daughters fighting for our great nation. Likewise, I pray for the faithful, strong women whose husbands are serving.  Close the gap of time and give them peace as they count down the months and days until they can be re-united as a family once more.

I want to pray for the mothers who have found themselves in desperate situations, either in a home where there is abuse, alcoholism or addictions.  Hear these women, dear Lord.  Help them to feel your presence in their lives in a very real way.  Let them not lose hope for the future.  I pray you bring about love and support from the body of Christ so that others may be used of you to direct the hurting and lost straight to your light!

Thank you, Jesus, for hearing our prayers and for loving us like no other.  Thank you that when we call out to you, you listen and you care.

God bless those who are mothers and wives.  Strengthen and encourage them today.  Be their hope for the future, I pray.  I Jesus' precious name.  Amen

Through the storm

It's raining here today.  Not sweet little drip-drops against the roof.  Nope.  This is a good old fashioned el nino downpour sending waves and debris down the road and nearly flooding my little fish pond.  I go from the front window to the back keeping an eye on the flood waters as they rise ever so close to the back door.

I love that the storm doesn't last forever.  It has a beginning and an end.  But as storm clouds approach, we prepare for the worst; stocking up on firewood, pulling out jackets and extra blankets for the chilly nights, and making sure our cupboards are fully stocked with enough food and supplies to see us through.

And as I survey the shifting clouds, I'm reminded that it's God alone who sees us through the storm.  It's HIS provision, HIS warmth, HIS comfort and HIS nourishment that causes us to keep our eyes looking heavenward until the storm passes.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).

Your words - not mine

The voice on the line spoke through the scratchy connection of the motel room where she stayed last night, but would soon be forced to leave.  Her voice, though distant and weak, immediately tugged at my heart and I wanted to reach out to her - to somehow pluck her from her situation and set her back on solid ground.

It seems everywhere I turn these days, I'm met with those suffering in very real ways.  The enemy has invaded lives once rich with good health, strong faith and hope for the future.  He alone has stolen dreams, diminished finances and broken relationships and all I can do is offer a heart-felt prayer - the simplest, yet most powerful tool there is.

So, to the voice on the phone, I closed my eyes and spoke with words not from my own mind, but instead allowed the holy spirit to speak through me offering words and thoughts that I knew weren't coming from my feable mind.  At that very moment I gave all I could to the situation - in fact it's the way I'm supposed to handle the situation, isn't it?  Afterall, when the need far outweighs my ability to correct it, I have to go to the One with the power to help.

Thank you, God for giving me your words and the ability to offer comfort to those whom you bring across my path.  Thank you for hearing our prayers and for loving us.  Amen.

Follow your dream!

We all have dreams. Whether single or married, youthful or well seasoned, from false eye lashes to false teeth, each of us possess a passion uniquely ours.


You’ve dared to dream but maybe, during the obligations as wife, mom, scout leader, room mom, etc., you’ve stood by and watched those dreams twist and turn in the spin cycle only to wash away with the rinse water.

If you're reading this today, please know that your dreams matter! 

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Don’t think that dreams and goals aren’t meant for you; that they’re only for the rich and powerful. God said he had plans for YOU, and plans to prosper YOU. He is our hope in attaining our dreams and goals. He already knew, long ago about the obstacles you would face. He knew your inhibitions. Your insecurities.

Maybe you're not kicking as high as you used to, but I believe if you're still here, there's still work to be done, and God wants to accomplish it in you!

So, what’s holding you back from pursuing your life-long dream?


Money?

Time?

Lack of confidence or resources?

Is there someone in your life either intentionally or subtly stealing your joy, ultimately preventing you from pursuing that which makes your heart sing?

Did you know that God has planned great things for you, and has already equipped you with everything necessary to carry out His plans?

Hebrews 12:1(NLT) - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish."

Amen.