Saturday, April 23, 2011

Were You There - Selah

Saturday, April 16, 2011

A Few of My Favorite Things!

All of my memorable momentos make for all the things I love and enjoy the most and make a wonderful display on the side table of my bed.
I love mixing it up when I decorate. In the midst of the rainy spring day a little cleaning and deocrating was happening at my home. The old chennel bedspread I found in mint condition for $13.00 at an antique market. You catch a glimpse of one of the many quilts my mother-in-law Ida made for us. I finally put some pictures of my kids on the wall, but think I need to paint the frames silver instead of gold (another weekend project). I just love the items I put on my bed side table...take a closer look!

The little white lamp I got at a garage sale for $2.00!!! I love black and white photos of my family. The pictured here is of my husband and my youngest son Samuel at the age of two at our Myrtle Beach vacation.
The shells and feathers were collected by my children on the shores in the Hamptons where we spent Thanksgiving 2009 with my husband's brother Andy.
A book I received as a gift from my dear friend and sister in Christ, Julie Krukow from DeWitt, IA


  
I recieved this cross after speaking on piety at a CEW retreat at St. Jospeh's in DeWitt, IA



Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Yahweh

I sat quietly on the couch as the thunder clad and the lightening flashed in the night sky. It made me think about the power of God. But at the same time, rain came down hard and the drops seemed to race down the window panes trickling in a fashion which reminded me of His great peace in the midst of the storm. It is only our God...Yahweh...who can sprout joy from beneath the dirt and despair of grief, depression, and angst. He never leaves nor forsakes us, but encamps around us pitching His tent of grace and glory to protect us from the storm. He stands firm against the schemes of the evil one and asks only that we continue to praise him and have joy despite the battle which rages around us. We must remember that in Christ's death the victory over sin and death has already been won.

"The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them."
~Psalm 34:7



Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Soul Freedom

The walls I built,
Around my heart,
Made of glass,
Were made of glass,
Where lillies grow,
and never bloom.

I must surrender,
Lay it all down,
Let the Master,
Shatter my walls,
And quench my thrist
With Living Water.

~

Freedom in my soul only prevails to a heart which surrenders!

I work so hard to control my outcome in all facets of my life. I have left myself exhausted and sweating profusly in my losing effort. Why do I set myself up for such failure?

Freedom in my soul only prevails to a heart which surrenders!

I painstakingly endeavor to "do" more and "be" less thinking I will feel purposefull, yet remain empty and and full of sorrow. Why do I forget the One for whom my hands toil?

Freedom in my soul only prevails to a heart which surrenders!

Please dear God help me to lay everything down at your feet! Amen.

Monday, April 4, 2011

My Friend Depression

Is it alright to just feel sad as I do today? I miss dear friends and long for my family, but yet all at the same time I am happy within my heart. It is my mind which causes such grief. Sometimes I think I know how my grandma felt those lonely days sitting at her kitchen table with her Bible open reading God’s promises to keep her going. I do that often for long periods of time. I have a friend called depression which I battle more than I would like. I am begging the Lord to let the sun come out today that I might soak its rays upon my face and think of Him.


Please don’t feel badly for me. This too shall pass. I am just in a period of readjusting my medicine, but I dislike this very much and sometimes question why the Lord just doesn’t heal me. But it is my thorn to bear and with Him I shall overcome and my mind will be at peace once again for my Savior constantly whispers in my ear just how much He loves me.

My dear friend in Iowa, Michelle, who God granted for our roads to cross and whom I miss with all my heart, posted this song on Facebook this morning. I think it was meant just for me and maybe just for you too!


 
Verse 1
There is a hope that burns within my heart
That gives me strength for ev'ry passing day
...A glimpse of glory now revealed in meager part
Yet drives all doubt away
I stand in Christ with sins forgiv'n
And Christ in me the hope of heav'n
My highest calling and my deepest joy
To make His will my home

Verse 2
There is a hope that lifts my weary head
A consolation strong against despair
That when the world has plunged me
In its deepest pit
I find the Savior there
Through present suff'rings future's fear
He whispers courage in my ear
For I am safe in everlasting arms
And they will lead me home

Verse 3
There is a hope that stands the test of time
That lifts my eyes beyond the beck'ning grave
To see the matchless beauty of a day divine
When I behold His face
When suff'rings cease and sorrows die
And ev'ry longing satisfied
Then joy unspeakable will flood my soul
For I am truly home

Misc 1
(ENDING)
When suff'rings cease and sorrows die
And ev'ry longing satisfied
Then joy unspeakable will flood my soul
For I am truly home