need some Son?

Do you ever wake and just find yourself needing a touch from the Savior? Maybe your in the midst of your day and all around you is hectic and all you want to do is feel the peace of the Lord wash upon you? Sometimes I just want to stop what I am doing and reach out to Him, allowing Him to shine upon me giving me all I need.

We do seem to need a lot don't we? We want everything this life has to offer. We want others to appreciate us, and we can even want others to notice us, right? We want the "good" things in life. We want to reach in our pockets and pull out all we need to fill our life with "happiness". We want, we want and we want. The thing with wanting is that no matter how much we have, we always want more. Happiness is an addiction. If we don't have all we want we grow angry, sad and bitter. But if life is throwing us a party everyday we are finding ourselves smiling, but as a drug that smile only lasts while the stuff is coming in.

So where do we find what we really need? In the light of Jesus. In life all that "happiness" comes and goes, but the joy that the Lord places in your heart lasts forever, no matter what the situation.

I find at this time in my life God is bringing me to a place where I am finding that all that "stuff" only takes up room, room that is intended for Him, but when my life is cluttered with "stuff" He isn't able to find room to shine. And that is what this girl wants. I want Him to shine down on me. I want to feel His warmth, and to grow in His guidance and in His timing . Who am I to think life should surrounded by my beck and call? God's timing is always best. Its not always easy to wait upon Him, but in that waiting I am learning there are blessings there to be had. It is in those waiting moments, those times of silence that I hear Him loud and clear. It is then that I see His vision for my life and His has so much more meaning than mine.

I too am finding that things don't happen the way I want them to. See, there are too many wants in our language. I need a lot less wants and more time to see the needs of others. When I am stuck on my wants, I lose track of the needs of those very people standing before me.

Things are tough on many in this season of life. The trials that come upon us are sometimes too much for us to bear, but again I am learning that I can bear much when I have the strength of God in me.

Today you might be thinking you need more "stuff" in your life to make you important. It is not the stuff that makes you who you are. It is the simple fact that you are a child of the King! Today we could be stripped from all that we have, and you know what we would have left? Jesus Christ!

Some may say, "Well, you might see it this way since you don't have a lot of stuff right now." Well, may I share, I have had lots of "stuff" in my life, and found the more I had the more I wanted. Stuff is an addiction that is ignored, its cast away because the world wants us to think the more "stuff" we have the better our lives our. When in fact all we really need is to have the love of God wash over us, and in Him we can be content. In Him, we can find the meaning of our lives.

Wherever you are today my friend, reach your eyes to heaven, stretch out your arms to the Lord, open your heart, and let Him wash His love and all His affection upon you. Once you have Jesus, you will learn to let go of all that stuff, for you will no longer need it to feel important. When you are a child of King, He will take care of all your needs and not only give you joy, but everlasting peace to lift you up in the midst of all that is around you!

1 Timothy 6:6-11 "Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and snare, and into may foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in the greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness."

Romans 15:13 " Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Lord, I need a touch from you today. I need to feel Your joy my life and I want to dwell in Your presence every minute. Keep me from "wanting" and open my eyes to all I have in You. Keep all the worldly desires from my heart, and fill me with your everlasting peace and bring me to a place that I am trully content in You.

its that time again

Yes, it is that time of year again. Spring is here! The robins are out with their huge bellies, searching for worms, as the other birds are out searching for twigs to make their nests for their new arrivals. The trees are budded out, and ready for bloom. The grass is perking up and sprouting new. The windows are beginning to open up bit by bit, and soon we hear once again hear those lawn mowers chasing the weeds.

There is just something about the newness of Spring that stirs my heart. Does it yours? This fresh air seems to give me a burst of energy and even a giddy up in my walk.

This is the time of year as that sun bursts through the windows we realize just how dirty they are. It is that sun shining through that casts an eye on all that needs to be made clean. As the sun begins to brighten each morning, new areas catch our attention.

Although we clean daily, it is this time of year we begin to embark on getting into those closets, brave ourselves at cleaning out those drawers, and set all our "unwant" in a pile for those who might want in a yard sale.

Doesn't it feel marvelous to clean? I don't mean just vacuum up some dirt, I mean to get in there with your hands, to dirty those knees, and whisk away those dust bunnies that seem joyful under the couch.

When we have done a days work, we can then sit back and take a good look. What is that you see first? I do catch a glimpse of all I have done, but my eye catches on those things that still need to be done before the sun really casts its glow. Isn't that funny? No matter how much we clean, we can always spot a smudge of dirt that needs to be removed. Something I have learned is that no matter how much I dust, how many times I wash the curtains or scrub the floor, the next day there is more to do. It is a never ending cycle to cleanliness. So for me, its not about getting it all done in one day, its about opening my eyes to all around me and cleaning what comes to my eye first, taking my time and getting in there and doing it right with a joyful heart.

When our home is clean it is inviting. Others want to come in and stay a while. They feel at home. We feel at home when all is in its place, but we are not always the first to notice if something is out of whack. Sometimes its another that points that out to us, and boy, don't we love when that happens? We seem to get defensive, we seem to shout out, "Can't you see what I have already done?" Sound familiar?

The same is in our Christian walk. We want our lives to shine for Him, but in order to do so, we have got to keep them clean, so the Son can shine through. Everything doesn't have to be brand new, because He shines His best through all those cracks and crevices that were once filled with dirt and are now open to all to see His glory through.

Just as we feel awesome and feel as though we have made an improvement when our home is clean, we too feel that way with our hearts when they are clean. But see, the thing is, everyday should be as exciting as that first Spring cleaning day! Each day when we wake we should be looking for all those spots and blemishes that need to be cleansed.

I have this very old, beautiful table from a light in my life that is no longer here. She was Ms. Gertie Jennings. The Lord seemed to shine through her life and when looking upon her you could catch a glimpse of Him. I am blessed to have this antique sitting in my living room with pictures of my children upon it. On this wonderful tattered table is a ring in one corner. This ring must have been from a pot of some sort that left its mark for all to see. Now, this circle, this mark doesn't make this table any less valuable to me. If anything it gives it more character. It makes it unique as it tells a story. We cannot wash away every mark upon us, and we are not meant to. It is those scars left behind that tell a story of who we were, and of who we are. God uses those to show others they are not alone. So see, as He cleans up areas in our lives, He allows His glimmer to shine through those in which we so want to hide.

In my daily walk there are areas in my life in which God has changed, areas that He has cleaned up and I still need to be on the look out for that dust that can cover up all that needs my attention. So open those windows, let the Son shine in, let Him do the rearranging, allow Him to do the spot check.

When we spend time with Him each day, open our hearts, minds and soul to Him, He will show us the areas that need work, and He will shine through all that glimmers bright for Him.

Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Lord, as I open my closets to my bedroom, I ask You to open those to my heart. As I clean out my cabinets, I ask you to through away anything unusable. Lord, as I hear the birds of Spring, the shouts of children in the park, and the sweet smells of flowers, make my life in such a way that it only shines for You. Clean my heart, my life, and my home and set me on the track of finding glory in allowing You a place to show me all that can be used for Your honor and glory.

you are the only you

Do you ever try to find yourself in those around you? Ever just wonder if everyone likes you for who you are? I do. I get caught in this twisted tornado about being accepted by others. I get lifted up in this storm that only brings rain to my day wondering if everyone likes me. We can all do this. We want to be loved and accepted by everyone, and when someone doesn't like us, what do we do? We sit and not just ponder over why but just down right get stuck in the mud over it.

I have always just wanted to be liked and if someone didn't like me I thought it was the end of the world. Even though I am a grown woman now, I still get caught in the mix of feelings of why doesn't someone like me, why don't they talk to me, and my heart begins to ache.

But the thing I must remember is that I choose to love a God others do not like. I love a Savior that others hate. Can you see Jesus in His ministry walking through the desert reaching others? Can you see those friends circled around Him lifting Him up? Now, take a wide lens look and you can those who mocked and scorned Him. In the midst of His ministry there were those who stood by His side and those who chose to walk far away. Why should my life be any different?

Does it really matter if everyone likes us? If everyone liked us we would indeed be a people pleaser. We can't be everyone, we can only be ourselves, who God created us to be. There will be those who have the same passions as we do. Those will come into our lives with the same quirky personality and we will just click. We will have special bonds with some and others we will have quiet hellos as we pass.

There is a quiet peace in knowing who you are in Jesus. It is right there in the cleft of His love that you will find the real you. You won't find the real you in others, or in what others expect you to be. It takes us forever to finally realize it is not others who make us who we are, but it is Christ Jesus. For me, I am still growing into that person God has called me to be. In doing so I find changes everyday as He is moving through me.

When you are trying to live as Jesus wants, as we are trying to be true to who we are and finding that real person behind the faces there will be those who do not understand us, and those who we will have kindred spirits with. In real friendships, those who call themselves friends are there with you through thick and thin. You will find those friendships tucked in the most unusual places. I have learned to come out of my box, and in doing so the Lord is changing me as well.

We don't have to be Mrs. Personality. We don't have to fill out a form to share all we are with another to see if we fit there perfect description of a friend. I have learned to not look and see who is not around me, but open my eyes to who is standing next to me. All we must do is love our Lord and Savior. He is the Friend you want on your side and He is the Friend who will always be there. He will love us no matter the cost, as He knows the cost all to well of love, a love that He is ready to give and share.

So as you wake this morning with your hair on one side of your head, your baggy shorts on, and all those dreams spilling around in your heart, reach out and just be who you are meant to be with a passion that only comes from Christ. Don't count how many friends you have as you begin your day. Find yourself blessed by those close to your heart. Count your blessings one by one and you just might find yourself busy in praising God for all He is doing in your life.

I have learned to expect the unexpected. I have learned that the only person I can change is me, and the only one who looks in my mirror at night is me. If we waste our time on trying to be what everyone else wants us to be, we will never find out just who Christ has called us to be!

Psalm 139:14 "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well."

You are a workmanship of the hands of God. You are a bright flower to Him. Wherever He has placed you, set your roots deep in His love and grow right where He has planted you. Just by being you, you will bring glory and honor to Him.

IN THIN PLACES BY MARY E. DEMUTH

I have to tell you this is by far the most real, poignant, courageously written book I have ever picked up. From the first pages until the last I cried with Mary in her anguish, and I soared with her as she overcame. Mary not only tells the story of her childhood, but shares openly using her raw gift to bring words together to describe in depth her truest struggles as a child that held her captive to her adult life where Jesus is bringing her to a place where she is learning to spread her wings and fly.

Mary opens her heart bare to us sharing the scars of humanity upon her life. As I read about her father's death, how her innocence was taken from her at the age of five, and how she just felt as though she existed and nothing more my heart was broken wide open as I found myself in these pages in the depth of her pain too.

Mary had a teacher give her mother a note at a young age telling her she had a gift with words. This teacher also had a gift of seeing in Mary what the Lord set in her heart. Mary is the most gifted writer I have had the pleasure of reading. She not only writes, but she does so in a way that makes you feel right at home. She shares her depth of faith in Jesus Christ throughout her life and how that faith has not only carried her through, but has given her the gift of life.

In Mary's memoir you will find Jesus from the beginning of the pages of her life until today as she is a beautiful woman of God reaching others through her story.

I had written to Mary, asking if I could review this unforgettable book of hers. She not only sent me the book, but she signed it with love. This is one book I will forever treasure. This is one that is a must read for all. I admire Mary not only as a writer but as a woman of God. This is a treasure that I will hold in my heart with a smile of joy as I find those thin places where God shines through.

You can find more about Mary's newest book here at this link at Zondervan:

http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310284185&QueryStringSite=Zondervan

And you can read more about Mary in her blog at http://wannabepublished.blogspot.com/

tune in on the 31st for a blessing

I love watching the Lord work and move through His people, don't you? I have met some of the most amazing women and on March 31st you can tune in on Julie Gorman's radio show and see just what the Lord is doing.

Thats right, Wednesday March 31st, I, along with Lisa Buffaloe will be on with Julie Gorman speaking about our blogs, our passion for Christ, our lives and how God moves through His daughters to bring glory and honor to Him. Doesn't He though? He can use the most simple things in us to create something powerful to reach others for His kingdom. Isn't it just amazing how God can move through us in ways that would not be possible without Him doing so? Gives such meaning to Philippians 4:13 " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." In the smallness of ourselves we can do abundant things for Christ when we open ourselves up to Him to be a willing vessel.

This is such an amazing blessing for me. We often want to share with others our love of Christ and I now have the awesome pleasure to do so on Julie's show. Both of these woman are just the sweetest blessings and have a gift from the Lord in spreading His word through their love for Him. If you have not tuned in to listen to her yet you are missing out on a treat.

Please tune in on this day and you could even call in and share from your own heart. I am leaving the links to Julie's ministry and her radio show. I am also leaving a link to point you to lisa's blog so you too can enjoy what I have been learning from her.

http://lisabuffaloe.blogspot.com/

http://hisloveextended.com/

http://blogtalkradio.com/

I would covet your prayers as I prepare for this awesome day, and I would love hearing from you as well.

sweet giving

This week my family received a few gifts from the hands of others. May I share with you how humbling is to have another give when you so desperately need it? To have another open their hand, and give when things are hard for everyone is a gift of grace. My family is forever grateful to those who have generously reached out to us. You have given much more then you know. You have filled our hearts with such blessings.

When you are used to giving, you know the gift the Lord places in your heart, and I know that feeling well, but now I too know the gift of receiving, and it is one this girl and her family will never forget.

The Lord provides through others at times, and I am astounded to see He always supplies the need at the right time. It is through those open vessels, those that step out and allow the Lord to move through them, that is such a blessing to others.

When you are struggling, you already are down, and trying to hang on to all hope, so you see, it is so wonderful for another to reach out and lift you up just by opening their heart.

I pray the Lord blesses those of you who have given to us just as abundantly as you have given. May He continue to use you for His glory and honor, and as we receive your loving gift, may your heart be warmed by our huge thank you.

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, thta you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."

Philippians 4:19 "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

a levite, a priest and a samaritan

A Levite, a Priest and a Samaritan sounds like the beginning of a joke, but it is far from a joke, but a sweet lesson of grace. We can find the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37.

Don't you love it when you read a passage in the bible that you have read many times and you pick up that same passage and find a new nugget to carry in your pocket?

That's what happened to me as I read again about the Good Samaritan. See, we have these four men in this story. The fourth man being the one who has been robbed of all and left for dead. We see the Levite, who knows the law so well. We have the Priest, who also is to walk in a Godly way, and the Samaritan, the one who thinks he is more righteous than all.

It seems easy to love those we have close ties with right? Those in our family, our friends, and those in our close knit circles we often reach out to as soon as we hear of a need, but what happens when someone is in need that we really don't know? Do we not usually begin asking questions? Where did they come from, how did they get in this predicament? Then comes the judging upon them. We just love to throw in our own two cents don't we?

We we would assume the Levite or the Priest would have stopped to help this man in need. They would have been the likely ones to stop, but they did not. They just passed him by laying there almost breathless. They just seemed as though they didn't even see him. Do you think they could have even walked over him? Maybe they had to walk around him. Ever do that yourself? See someone in need and walk right on by as though no one was there? Maybe you have been the one no one has noticed at all.

Along this traveled road it was common that those passing through were robbed and left for dead. So here we see a man on a well traveled road, and he has been robbed and in need. Look who comes by, reaches down, and gives a hand to this man, a Samaritan. Someone who would walk on the other side of the street just to avoid those less worthy. He not only helps the man up, but takes him to an inn. He just doesn't leave him there, but he gives the inn keeper enough to take care of this hurting man, and will come back and pay the remainder if it is not enough. The least of all to give gave that day. He didn't just give to one of his own. He didn't just give to be seen, because a Samaritan would not want to be seen giving to another unlike himself. He didn't just make sure he was okay either, he made sure the man would be taken care of. He gave more than enough that day. I am sure he never thought that day he gave would be here for us years later to read and follow his example. Not really even his example but God's, and this Samaritan was showing more than those who claimed to know God well.

As one, a lawyer, who stands asking Jesus questions, it is this story that Jesus points to for reference on, "So he answered and said, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." (verse 27) With all wonder in heaven that is what this Samaritan was doing. He loved a neighbor as himself. When we in turn love others we are loving Jesus, just as when we love Jesus, we must love others. They go hand in hand together. You can't have one without the other.

How we treat others is a reflection of our relationship with Christ. We often place stereotypes on people. The same goes in this story, with these three men, all different, but all falling into a stereotype, and the amazing thing is none of them were being who they were thought to be. It was the one least expected that reached out. As Christians do we not also fall into stereotypes? We are to be those who reach out and help and often times we are not the ones doing the will of God, but it is those least expected showing the true love of God. What I find interesting is that in this scripture it does not tell us what happened to the Samaritan after this moment. We know nothing of his life before or after this moment of grace and giving he so openly offered to another. Did he go back to his ways of a Samaritan, or was this who he really was? Today, he was one who stood out, took a step out and gave to another what he needed. Can you imagine this man as he woke up? I wonder what he thought. Did he know it was the Samaritan who cared for him?

This story speaks to my heart as I too have placed stereotypes on others. I have judged others, just as others have judged me. I don't want to be a stereotype. I simply want to be all Christ has called me to be.

Just as in this story as the lawyer is trying to justify himself by asking Jesus who is his neighbor, do we not also try to justify what we do or not do? Isn't it often easier to say, "Let someone else help for a while?" We might even say, "I don't know them, I am sure they have family to help them out." We say these things, yet we claim to be followers of Christ, who didn't walk on the other side of the road to keep away from certain folks. He didn't step over others to get to where He was needed, but with each step He reached out to all who came.

There is much here to be learned. Much to apply to our lives and the way we walk in Christ and also search our heart to see if indeed we are followers of Christ or are we just simply walking on the wrong side of the road.

Lord may I look to the heart of a man and not the outside. May I never carry within my heart stereotypes for another walking in this earth. May I give with a willing heart to all in need. May I never make a difference in any person, but give the same grace you give to me daily. Forgive me Lord for not always walking in the way you have for me, but change this girls heart and life to look more like You.

there's nothing like an old quilt

One of the things that I collect are old quilts. My husband was buying a quilt for each birthday and Christmas for me until our home started overfilling with them. I have been able to purchase a few from auctions, and even found a couple at a Goodwill shop.

A few years ago he had taken me to the quilt museum in Kentucky, and that was a treat I will never forget. To see quilts made from years back from those who are no longer here any longer, to those newly made in such an amazing way you just stand in awe, wondering and soaking in the beauty.

I often wonder about the stories behind a quilt. Who made it? How long did it take them? Were they poor in material things, but rich in blessings or did they find themselves wealthy in the things of this world and poor in spirit? What were they like? Did they quilt for joy or was it a need?

Many times you can look at a quilt and see the story of one, of their life and the beauty behind each stitch. For me, each pattern speaks loudly about the personality of the one who made it. Each color shouts who they are. And the time spent with the needle in hand tells of the person they were.

One thing I love about Spring is washing my quilts and hanging them on the line. The pure smell, and the sweet picture of all those quilts hanging there, turning in the breeze, brings me a peace in my heart. I love wrapping up in one of my quilts and snuggling in good with a book for the night. Not only does my book tell a story, but the quilt wrapped around me does as well. They both leave a legacy upon my heart. This girl loves a good story, and one that can enrich my life is a double blessing.

A few nights ago I climbed into my bed of new sheets and pillows and as soon as my head was on the pillow and the cover up to my neck I felt at peace, at rest in the struggle around me. A feeling that no matter what is going on around me, I can feel safe and secure tucked in tight. That is how I feel in the rest of my Savior. In His arms wrapped around me I feel tucked in tight and have a feeling as nothing around me can touch me with His security wrapped all around me in vibrant color. I often wonder where did they get all their supplies from and was it enough. For me, I know that the Lord supplies all my needs, maybe not all my wants, but He gives me what is sufficiant for my need. Isn't is wonderful to know we have a mighty God who gives more than enough? With each suppliment He gives there is a praise to go with it, just as each patchwork, each stitch, each row of hearts are placed just in the right design.

Just the touch and feel of a quilt brings a smile to my face and a quite tug to my heart, so does my bible, and hearing the word of God. There is a story behind each person, where life has taken them, and just where they are going. The struggles and blesses are carried within us just as each quilt stitched and weaved together to bring a wholeness as never before. Each one who has come to know Christ holds a story in their heart to be told. There is a sweetness found in watching women quilt. The stories they must share, the blessings they reap as they are stitching in love making a quilt for the one they love to wrap up warm in on that chilly morning.

The quilts that are handed down from generation tell a story of love and giving. Isn't that what our lives as Christians should tell? I want my life to be handed down from generation to generation as a woman of God. I want Him to shine brightly in my life in vibrant colors, and I pray my love for others can wrap around them for years to come, holding within them many prayers spoken on their behalf.

I have quilts on the back of my living room furniture, and I have one on each bed. There is always one for someone to grab and wrap up with. I want my home to be in such a way that comfort is right there to be found. Isn't that how are relationship with Jesus is? He is right there at every turn, waiting for us to reach out to Him. No matter where we are or what we are doing, He can bring comfort.

What is it that you collect? Is there something that stands out in your life to represent much given and much received? Is there something that you just love the feel of that speaks love and points your heart to Jesus? For me, quilts give me that sweetness of comfort.

In some cases I know the giver, as my husband or my mother has passed some down to me. In some I know just who made each piece, and others I have no idea, but in that unknown there is a continuation of passing something special onto another. Just as we are to pass on the love of God to those we know, those we pass by and those we have never met face to face. Each stitch of love we pass on will go on to another to touch them just when they need it the most, giving sweet comfort like a soft, old tattered quilt.

whatcha got on your to do list?

I am making out my to do list and may I just share there is much on it that needs my attention. I find that when I make a list it makes it more clear for me what I have to get finished. Trying to find energy to get motivated is my source of exhaustion already. But I go ahead and make my list out. You know, the laundry, the dishes, the sweeping, the moping, the closets need cleaned out, and boy do my windows need washed. My list seems to go on forever, and then comes the chores outdoors.

I find that I may not find time for everything on my list, but I can find time for excuses not to do these dreaded chores. I can find excuses much easier than those lost socks in the dryer that you never find. Where do they go?

As I make my list, you know what is at the top? Spend time with God today. Read your bible. Read your Sunday School lesson. Open up that devotional. My list of to do's may be big, but my attention span seems to be small on some days.

First, it doesn't matter if I finish my to do list on this day or not. It doesn't really matter if I get those windows cleaned today, but what does matter is my time I spend with God. I am finding I should not be adding Him to my to do list, that makes it seem like a chore. It makes it seem like it is something I have to do to check off my list.

God doesn't need checked off my list. My list needs to made around Him! My time with Him should be in such a way that it is a pleasure moving things around so that my time with Him is first and foremost. My day should be filled with Him from the time I wake until I go to bed and lay my head down. I have learned I don't need to set my alarm to wake to spend time with Him. I don't need to add Him to my list. He is already there in my heart and my thoughts. All I have to do is speak His name and He is there listening and in the midst of doing those dishes, I can hear His voice loud and clear when I choose to make Him first.

I can read my bible in the mornings, at night, during lunch, anytime anywhere. I don't have to have a set time to read God's word. I feel that when I set that time It is just adding Him to all the other set times throughout my day. I want my relationship with Him to be open all day. I leave my bible open so I can see His word throughout my day. I leave the Christian radio on so I can be reminded of His love all through my day.

I do not want a distinct time penciled in for God like a hair appointment. I want my life to be open to Him in such a way, that all else falls into place in my time with Him. I want my whole day to be devoted to Him in such a way that if He lays one upon my heart to pray for I will fall right there and pray when He calls me to. I want to live in such a way that everything I do is a joy added to my day with Him. I am still working on changing my attititude to fit my desires in my heart for Him. For me, those changes need to begin in my heart, forgetting about me and all I need to do, and changing it to being all about God and all He wants in my life.

I think I have just been looking at this to do list all wrong. If you set your alarm clock to get up an hour before you must be up and ready to go to spend time with God that is awesome. If you have a quiet time set in the evening when your children are tucked in bed that is a special time between you and Jesus. I remember those tiring days, filled with homeschooling, lunch, dinner, and all the in between. It is hard to find time and that is exactly my point for this time in my life. I still find it hard to find time to do all there is to do, that is why I am changing my to do list. It might still be on the fridge, written in brightly colored marker, but my time with the Lord is written right here in my heart. Whenever I hear Him call I want to just answer then. Whenever He is calling me to serve I want to be open to all He has for me. I want to live in such a way that I dance to the beat of His drum. That I move to the sound of His voice. I want to sing His praise all day. I want to smile in His glory no matter how many clothes I must pick up and in the midst of those dirty toilets I want to find a pure joy in living with Him right now today in this moment!

So, on my to do list today are many chores, but I am not adding my time with God to that list, cause my time with Him is anything but a chore. I want my time with Him to be like sitting on the deck in the fresh morning sunlight sharing a glass of sweet tea. Just me and Him sharing a sweet conversation in freedom. I want to be refreshed by Him throughout the day, filled in His presence and I am finding if I add Him onto my list that just doesn't happen. How do you see your time with Him? Whether it is hours today, or just a moment, make it sweet and make it lasting in such a way that you desire more time with Him each day He gives. Get lost with Him in those chores before you today!

chasing dreams

What is it today that you are chasing? We all seem to be chasing something. I am watching my children chase their dreams, my husband chase his and also myself, chasing this dream of writing a novel.

I remember those hot, summer days watching my children chase butterflies, catch them, make a wish and let them go. It was a beautiful sight watching them scramble across the yard, jump in air, and have a sweet smile upon their faces as life was giving them a kiss of sweetness.

I loved chasing fireflies in the night. I loved the cool of the air, the jar in my hand with the lid having tiny holes for those lighting beauties to breath until I let them go.There was a freedom in chasing through the night sky a little bug lighting up all it touched. Each one carrying such a brightness brought joy to this little girls heart.

In our hearts the Lord sets a dream, a plan for us to grab hold of and follow with everything we have. Chasing dreams is not just a day in the sun, but it is hard work. Days working, nights staying awake in thought, and many prayers going up, lifting those dreams to the heavens. When we are chasing after those dreams placed in us from God we can never go wrong. As we chase those dreams, we grow in Him. Our faith deepens and our eyes widen to all He can do in us and through us to touch others. In these dreams we have all we really want to do is bring glory and honor to Him. In these times of chasing dreams, we open our arms to a new freedom, a new path, and a new sight. Where are your dreams taking you?

There are times in chasing our dreams that we wonder if it is all worth it. As I watch my daughter to go school, and work many long hours trying to catch her dream, I see her struggle, I see her tired, and I know at times she feels she is missing out on other things, but in that dream the Lord placed in her heart He will provide. He will make a way for her to fly high, to soar, and to keep touching others with her sweet sweet spirit. I am so very proud in watching her achieve the dream that the Lord has given her. It is like watching a butterfly itself, grow from that little cocoon, to opening up and spreading those wings until they are ready to take off and fly. Once their wings are set there is nothing to hold them back.

As I watch my son dream about who he is to become I see him growing each day. To watch a little boy go from chasing toy tractors to the military is a blessing. All those frogs he chased has only given him strength to chase the bigger dreams God has placed in his heart.

As I watch my daughter carry her first child, my first grandchild I am overjoyed to see how she is blossoming into a woman, soon to be a mother. She has gone from chasing lizards, to soon chasing a baby. Her dreams are coming true right before her eyes, and in that alone it is a gift for a mother to watch her daughter become a mother with the same love in her eyes that I have in mine for my children.

As I watch my husband chase that dream of having that job the Lord wants him to have I see the frustration in reaching and having net with nothing in it yet. But I know as he follows the Lord, his net will soon be full, and on his journey there, he will become more of the man God has called him to be.

So you see, it is not only a gift for us to chase our dreams, but to watch others chase their dreams and to encourage them with all we have.Although not always easy, and it may be a long road in getting there, with the Lord at our side, He will help us reach for those dreams and make them possible. What are you chasing today? Don't give up, don't lose hope when things get tough, just raise that net and reach higher!