I'm sitting at the dining room table looking out my sliding glass door and can barely believe it. Two weeks ago my patio area was a barren, overgrown, mostly wilted weedy space. Today the beauty of God's creation takes my breath away. It's amazing what God can do with good potting soil, sweat, assorted clay pots and perseverance. There is a bit more to do in the overgrown beds (we have a few "bird planted" trees popping up within the azalea) as well as refreshing the patio itself. The Lord has given His best as I have shoveled new soil into clay pots and flower beds. His beauty makes my heart skip a beat as does the desire to keep this garden His special place.
As I experience many changes lately I'm always amazed at how God will provide what I need to keep me fixed on Him. When I least expect it. Of course His garden required my participation. And as I acquiesced to "do my part" not only has He outdone Himself in the "Beauty" department He also planted joy and peace in my heart while I perspired and turned red cheeked from the heat. I know, you dear reader (like many of my friends) have probably been energized and renewed for many years by getting your hands in the dirt and working in your yards or gardens. It was the last thing I wanted to do. The reluctant gardener is not a title that fits me anymore!
Growing up, my favorite hymn was "In the Garden". I love the words and as I have sung them over the years they transport me in my mind to a garden with Him! This morning as I took my bible, my notebook, Oswald Chamber's "Utmost for His Highest" and my treasured hymnal out to His garden I experienced what the hymnologist penned. The dew our composer writes of is not on roses however, rather Daises, Purslane, Pentas, Periwinkles, Zinnias, and other beauties I can't name at the moment, along with Basil and Oregano. Not only were my eyes given a treat but as I worshipped my King the Holy Spirit surrounded me with a beautiful breeze.
May the words of this beloved hymn send you forth into your day today with His love fresh in your hearts and yours for Him expressed in song!
"He speaks and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing; and the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing. And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own; and the joy we share as we tarry there none other as ever known."
(In the Garden" Words & Music - C. Austin Miles - 2nd stanza)
Joyfully His,
Judy
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Thursday Thoughts
Dear readers,
As I sit here in my favorite spot at the window looking out on the courtyard below, I'm choosing to embrace the "noise" (tinnittis) and throbbing in my head (I think the barometer must be falling) rather than whine about it. After all, no amount of whining has ever made either go away. The tinnittis is here to stay I've been told. Truthfully, it has been with me for so long that it's only of late that I've really been bothered with it. The volume seems to be increasing with the number signifying my age! The headaches have made an unwelcome return after an absence of nearly 10 years.
I've spent too much time letting these chronic physical conditions determine my outlook and mood. I've also spent way too much time wishing that they would just disappear.
It's time to surrender! It's time to acknowledge that God is God and that its time for me to display that truth in my actions and reactions, no matter what I'm facing on any given day! I want to; I do. I need to; I know that!
Sooooooooo, I'm running to The Mercy Seat, hungering for The Word and it's healing and restoring power!
I open God's book and read the account of the Apostle Paul -
"Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me-to keep me from exalting myself! .Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."
Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake ; for when I am weak, then I am strong" (.2 Corinthians 12:7-11)
This contentment can be mine.....for YES, God's grace is sufficient for every moment!
Life IS good dear readers...why? because GOD is in it!
As I sit here in my favorite spot at the window looking out on the courtyard below, I'm choosing to embrace the "noise" (tinnittis) and throbbing in my head (I think the barometer must be falling) rather than whine about it. After all, no amount of whining has ever made either go away. The tinnittis is here to stay I've been told. Truthfully, it has been with me for so long that it's only of late that I've really been bothered with it. The volume seems to be increasing with the number signifying my age! The headaches have made an unwelcome return after an absence of nearly 10 years.
I've spent too much time letting these chronic physical conditions determine my outlook and mood. I've also spent way too much time wishing that they would just disappear.
It's time to surrender! It's time to acknowledge that God is God and that its time for me to display that truth in my actions and reactions, no matter what I'm facing on any given day! I want to; I do. I need to; I know that!
Sooooooooo, I'm running to The Mercy Seat, hungering for The Word and it's healing and restoring power!
I open God's book and read the account of the Apostle Paul -
"Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me-to keep me from exalting myself! .Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."
Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake ; for when I am weak, then I am strong" (.2 Corinthians 12:7-11)
This contentment can be mine.....for YES, God's grace is sufficient for every moment!
Life IS good dear readers...why? because GOD is in it!
Monday, May 10, 2010
To Know Her is To Love Her
Single mothers come in all sizes, all circumstances and all ages. From 14 to 80+ they have wandered into my life and left footprints on my heart. As I wrote yesterday a large part of my life is filled up with the sights and sounds of single mother families.
Motherhood is a very important job. Single parenthood is very difficult. Not only do most single mothers find themselves the breadwinner, disciplinarian, homekeeper, chauffer, confidant, and cheerleader to 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or more children, but very often find themselves isolated from other families because of their circumstances. Some come to us in fear for themselves and their children. At the ministry we believe that God and His word are key to peace and freedom for all who struggle. It's a heartwarming moment when we witness women learning to trust again by trusting God first and putting His biblical principles in practice in their lives.
Yesterday I wrote about my grandmother and promised that today I would write about a contemporary single mom. Her life and struggles lit the fire in my heart to find a way to reach out to show her and others in our community that someone cares about them.
I watch my daughter these days and am awed by her stamina and perseverance. The trials and heartaches she has faced were the tools the Lord has used to refine her womanly character. She is the mother of two sons, 21 and 18. Being their mother is her greatest joy!
She made a decision several years ago to move to an area of our city where the schools were excelling. She believed that in these schools her boys would have more opportunities. It meant higher rents and longer distances between home and work but as her youngest prepares for graduation and joining his brother at college in the fall, she will tell you she'd do it again. She is the first to recognize her successes and blessings are from God and has learned to run to God's Word when life becomes unsettling or confusing.
A verse that has kept us both standing strong when life tries to knock us down is Psalm 16:8 -
"I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand I will not be shaken"
Yesterday the woman who is my baby daughter prepared a wonderful brunch menu for the family. She is a fabulous cook, outstanding mother, thoughtful friend and the best daughter a mom could have. To know her is to love her!!
I'd love to read about the special mothers in your life!
Til next time,
Judy
Motherhood is a very important job. Single parenthood is very difficult. Not only do most single mothers find themselves the breadwinner, disciplinarian, homekeeper, chauffer, confidant, and cheerleader to 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or more children, but very often find themselves isolated from other families because of their circumstances. Some come to us in fear for themselves and their children. At the ministry we believe that God and His word are key to peace and freedom for all who struggle. It's a heartwarming moment when we witness women learning to trust again by trusting God first and putting His biblical principles in practice in their lives.
Yesterday I wrote about my grandmother and promised that today I would write about a contemporary single mom. Her life and struggles lit the fire in my heart to find a way to reach out to show her and others in our community that someone cares about them.
I watch my daughter these days and am awed by her stamina and perseverance. The trials and heartaches she has faced were the tools the Lord has used to refine her womanly character. She is the mother of two sons, 21 and 18. Being their mother is her greatest joy!
She made a decision several years ago to move to an area of our city where the schools were excelling. She believed that in these schools her boys would have more opportunities. It meant higher rents and longer distances between home and work but as her youngest prepares for graduation and joining his brother at college in the fall, she will tell you she'd do it again. She is the first to recognize her successes and blessings are from God and has learned to run to God's Word when life becomes unsettling or confusing.
A verse that has kept us both standing strong when life tries to knock us down is Psalm 16:8 -
"I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand I will not be shaken"
Yesterday the woman who is my baby daughter prepared a wonderful brunch menu for the family. She is a fabulous cook, outstanding mother, thoughtful friend and the best daughter a mom could have. To know her is to love her!!
I'd love to read about the special mothers in your life!
Til next time,
Judy
Saturday, May 8, 2010
A Tribute to Anna
Tomorrow is Mother's Day. Just writing those words brings a lump the size of a baseball to my throat. Many mothers have had an impact on my life: my wonderful mother and her mother my beloved Grandma, both who are in heaven, teachers, mentors and dear friends. All of these, and the way they mothered me and others, formed my views on being a mother.
I've especially been affected and encouraged by single mothers.
While working in Women's Ministry the plight of single mother families kept coming up. Those in the church felt like the odd woman out. "Every thing is for couples", and "We need to know how to cope as parents alone" were just two of many comments I heard from women in my church and from my daughter who was struggling as a single mother. After much prayer 7 of us launched "Naomi's Daughters", a program for single mother families in our community, the first step to the full ministry which became "The Sanctuary a Place of Hope for Women "
Because of the time spent with these precious single moms I knew that I had to write a tribute to single mothers. When I sat down to write I wasn't prepared for what the Lord brought to my mind - my beloved grandmother!
When I was born into her family she was not a single mother but newly married after 10 years of widowhood raising 4 children (her own son and daughter (my mom) and two nieces whose parents were killed in an accident). This woman, a registered nurse, serving in World War I, and later the sole caregiver for 4 small children, though ordinary by the World's standards was extraordinary in my life. To me she was stability and peace mixed with competence in the art of homemaking in one dynamic package. The memories I treasure most? Oh how she could hug you. I can't remember a time I was with her that I didn't receive one and though she has been in heaven for nearly 23 years I can still feel her strong arms around me. She was an expert seamstress. Many dresses, coats and evening gowns were sewn with loving hands. Could she cook? Oh my, yes she could cook and bake! Homemade doughnuts and lemon meringue pies her specialty and my favorites! Grandma always had time for her family and friends; her home was a safe haven. Her faith was strong and was displayed in her life. She didn't talk about it she lived it. I NEVER heard her complain or gossip. When I was first married grandma spent one day a week with me, guiding me in caring for my home, teaching me how to bake and just hanging out with me. When my first child was born she taught me how to take care of him and encouraged me when I doubted myself. When my first husband died at the age of 21 she was there to hold me and listen. Treasured photos display her knitting talents on my children when they were toddlers. When I met and soon after married my darling Ron it was Grandma who made my dress and our wedding cake and hosted our reception. Her great grandchildren called her "grammy" (first coined by my son) and they as well as their parents have many memories of times with her. The woman she was, consistently and quietly made a huge difference in my life. As I sit at the table where she and I shared meals and many conversations I can see her beautiful blue eyes as she made her point, with emphasis as we talked together and I find myself wishing she were here to seek her wisdom in this season of my life. I can't imagine the struggles she had so many years ago but I'm positive she faced every one with hope in her heart believing that her God walked with her just as she did in the years she "grandmothered" me.
Wishing all the mothers everywhere a blessed day!
My next post will be a tribute to contemporary single mothers! They are AMAZING!
Thank you Lord for your perfect plan for me, for my mother and her mother, and her mother....
"You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable!"
Judy
I've especially been affected and encouraged by single mothers.
While working in Women's Ministry the plight of single mother families kept coming up. Those in the church felt like the odd woman out. "Every thing is for couples", and "We need to know how to cope as parents alone" were just two of many comments I heard from women in my church and from my daughter who was struggling as a single mother. After much prayer 7 of us launched "Naomi's Daughters", a program for single mother families in our community, the first step to the full ministry which became "The Sanctuary a Place of Hope for Women "
Because of the time spent with these precious single moms I knew that I had to write a tribute to single mothers. When I sat down to write I wasn't prepared for what the Lord brought to my mind - my beloved grandmother!
When I was born into her family she was not a single mother but newly married after 10 years of widowhood raising 4 children (her own son and daughter (my mom) and two nieces whose parents were killed in an accident). This woman, a registered nurse, serving in World War I, and later the sole caregiver for 4 small children, though ordinary by the World's standards was extraordinary in my life. To me she was stability and peace mixed with competence in the art of homemaking in one dynamic package. The memories I treasure most? Oh how she could hug you. I can't remember a time I was with her that I didn't receive one and though she has been in heaven for nearly 23 years I can still feel her strong arms around me. She was an expert seamstress. Many dresses, coats and evening gowns were sewn with loving hands. Could she cook? Oh my, yes she could cook and bake! Homemade doughnuts and lemon meringue pies her specialty and my favorites! Grandma always had time for her family and friends; her home was a safe haven. Her faith was strong and was displayed in her life. She didn't talk about it she lived it. I NEVER heard her complain or gossip. When I was first married grandma spent one day a week with me, guiding me in caring for my home, teaching me how to bake and just hanging out with me. When my first child was born she taught me how to take care of him and encouraged me when I doubted myself. When my first husband died at the age of 21 she was there to hold me and listen. Treasured photos display her knitting talents on my children when they were toddlers. When I met and soon after married my darling Ron it was Grandma who made my dress and our wedding cake and hosted our reception. Her great grandchildren called her "grammy" (first coined by my son) and they as well as their parents have many memories of times with her. The woman she was, consistently and quietly made a huge difference in my life. As I sit at the table where she and I shared meals and many conversations I can see her beautiful blue eyes as she made her point, with emphasis as we talked together and I find myself wishing she were here to seek her wisdom in this season of my life. I can't imagine the struggles she had so many years ago but I'm positive she faced every one with hope in her heart believing that her God walked with her just as she did in the years she "grandmothered" me.
Wishing all the mothers everywhere a blessed day!
My next post will be a tribute to contemporary single mothers! They are AMAZING!
Thank you Lord for your perfect plan for me, for my mother and her mother, and her mother....
"You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable!"
Judy
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Roadwork
Good morning dear reader,
A few days ago one of my FB friends shared the following on her wall -
One of the bumpiest roads that I have to drive regularly will be under construction starting next week. There are HUGE concrete pipes lined up for new water/rain/flood control. And, I was actually happy that I will have to detour for who-knows-how-long for this construction...hoping all along that this means....they will RESURFACE the road. End result a smooth drive! (Karen R Power)
As I read her statement I was struck by the parallels between Karen's neighborhood roads and the roads we as women travel every day 24/7. Our life roads are covered with bumpy spots.
One of our most common bumps, I believe, is when confronted with bumps and obstacles, we do every thing we can (even veer off our road) to avoid them. We don't like being jolted; whether we're driving our car on a bumpy, potholed neighborhood road or walking the path the Lord has placed us on.
When it comes to our life journey, many of the bumps we come upon need adjustments made under the surface. Highway engineers may measure soil and asphalt and water lines...our God looks at our hearts. We must examine ourselves against what we know to be true.
When I find myself tempted to wander off God's path I run to God's word where I find help and hope when my eyes become blurry and the world's road is ever inviting me to travel there.
Psalm 42:5 encourages me to put my hope in God.
Ephesians 6 :10-18 reminds me to put on the whole armor of God: belt of Truth; breastplate of Righteousness; shoes of Peace; shield of Faith; helmet of Salvation; and then to keep that armor well oiled with Prayer.
Psalm 119:11 exhorts me to hide His Word in my heart so I won't sin against Him.
The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5,6 & 7 warms, warns, comforts, corrects, and teaches me how to be His disciple...from the mouth of Jesus to my heart.
My friend Karen's well traveled roads will eventually receive the new smooth surface that promises easier traveling. It will take many work hours by numerous engineers and construction workers to bring the transformation.
So, dear reader, is our goal a bump free life, or help and hope to navigate the path our Lord has laid out for us? Let's fix our eyes on Jesus, the the author and perfector of our faith, our supreme heart engineer, to keep us traveling over and through the bumps. He's the heart healer and the heart transformer.
The question is will we allow Him to transform us from the inside out or stubbornly limp along dodging the bumps?
Judy
A few days ago one of my FB friends shared the following on her wall -
One of the bumpiest roads that I have to drive regularly will be under construction starting next week. There are HUGE concrete pipes lined up for new water/rain/flood control. And, I was actually happy that I will have to detour for who-knows-how-long for this construction...hoping all along that this means....they will RESURFACE the road. End result a smooth drive! (Karen R Power)
As I read her statement I was struck by the parallels between Karen's neighborhood roads and the roads we as women travel every day 24/7. Our life roads are covered with bumpy spots.
One of our most common bumps, I believe, is when confronted with bumps and obstacles, we do every thing we can (even veer off our road) to avoid them. We don't like being jolted; whether we're driving our car on a bumpy, potholed neighborhood road or walking the path the Lord has placed us on.
When it comes to our life journey, many of the bumps we come upon need adjustments made under the surface. Highway engineers may measure soil and asphalt and water lines...our God looks at our hearts. We must examine ourselves against what we know to be true.
When I find myself tempted to wander off God's path I run to God's word where I find help and hope when my eyes become blurry and the world's road is ever inviting me to travel there.
Psalm 42:5 encourages me to put my hope in God.
Ephesians 6 :10-18 reminds me to put on the whole armor of God: belt of Truth; breastplate of Righteousness; shoes of Peace; shield of Faith; helmet of Salvation; and then to keep that armor well oiled with Prayer.
Psalm 119:11 exhorts me to hide His Word in my heart so I won't sin against Him.
The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5,6 & 7 warms, warns, comforts, corrects, and teaches me how to be His disciple...from the mouth of Jesus to my heart.
My friend Karen's well traveled roads will eventually receive the new smooth surface that promises easier traveling. It will take many work hours by numerous engineers and construction workers to bring the transformation.
So, dear reader, is our goal a bump free life, or help and hope to navigate the path our Lord has laid out for us? Let's fix our eyes on Jesus, the the author and perfector of our faith, our supreme heart engineer, to keep us traveling over and through the bumps. He's the heart healer and the heart transformer.
The question is will we allow Him to transform us from the inside out or stubbornly limp along dodging the bumps?
Judy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)