Friday, March 25, 2011

"Who Told You That You Were Naked?"

I have been sent back to Genesis a couple of times recently. Back to the place where Adam and Eve are hiding from God.

"Where are you?" He asks.

Not where - as in location - are you, but HOW are you?

After hearing that a couple of times - "Where are you?" - I began to think. It wasn't being asked OF me, but in context to the story.

So, I decided it was time to open The Book and read the story. How did they respond.... EXACTLY...? I wouldn't have surprised me one bit to find that their response was the piece that stirred something deep within me.... but it wasn't.

It was God's question following their response: "Who told you that you were naked?"

Uh... the serpent, of course! Well... not exactly. It was their decision to choose to listen to a voice other than God's, that brought the resulting feelings of shame.

I'm not sure I'm there EXACTLY, but it's a GOOD question. I keep hearing it with a blank: "Who told you that you were ____________?" The answer has never been "You, Lord."

What You have told me is that I am loved and forgiven, cherished and protected.

Why would I choose to listen to any other voice but Yours?

Help me to hear You above the noise of this earth.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Just Under the Wire

I remember the days when I had projects completed long in advance. Shopping, wrapping, mailing.

Deadlines were met without a second thought.

Now... not so much. These days we're living just under the wire: Book reports, science projects... and, oh yeah... taxes.

Soon, some of the bigger deadlines will be out of the way, and there will be more room to get a little time cushion on some of the smaller ones. (And, perhaps, even a few minutes to kick up my feet!)

I am grateful for all of the times God seems to "redeem the time" and allow things to be successfully completed! There is a time and a purpose to every season in this life. I'm sure one day this will all make sense....

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Assurance...

Since I have had a few people comment, I thought I would officially let you know...

All is well.

I have been learning about "rest" and "must - do's" and "self-imposed standards", and realized that, I may be better off getting a little extra sleep, than blogging EVERY night, as I adapt to the new schedule.

I do hope to get back to it routinely as the schedule sort of settles out.

(Yes, I am also learning the word "no" - and using it!)

It's all good....

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The One Thing I Am Sure Of...

It had been a rough morning. I was awakened early by the phone, and didn't sleep well afterward.

I tried to progress the day as usual, but had kind of a bad attitude, that infiltrated most areas. Mid day, I received an unexpected call to visit a patient, which I was able to do.

I headed out, my head cluttered with scrambled thoughts. I had found a verse before I left that reminded me that though I may feel pressed on all sides, I will not be destroyed. I tried to cling to that thought. But the internal chatter continued.

I heard a voice inside my head - part of the chatter, actually, asking me "Are you sure about that?". I didn't have a good response. I considered that for a moment. "Am I sure about that?" (which "that" we were referring to, wasn't exactly clear to me, so I attacked it from a different angle.)

OK.... what AM I sure about? I didn't feel sure about much at all. I continued with the line of thinking to find something. And I did. One thing:

I am sure that God has a hand on my life, and that He has a plan for me (and all that Jeremiah 29:11 promises!)

I'd been driving for a while, lost in my internal concerns, but, as I continued, I found myself admiring the view of the rural countryside. Spring had blossomed in the bradford pears and in the lush green fields.

What was dead is now vibrantly alive.... and more will be bursting forth soon as well!

Beauty for Ashes.

Again and again.

Thank You, God... for the springtime, for Your promises and Your reminder to me.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

A Little Spring.... A Litle Break

It's spring break here for my kids. Me, it's cram-a-workweek-into-three-days-so-we-can-have-a-little-spring-break time.

There are definitely signs of spring. Signs of dead-looking things turning alive-looking again...which is hugely inspiring to me! I love spring. It exudes hope! It displays - daily!- Gods hand on the beautiful details of the earth, time and the seasons.

And....

There are definitely signs of a break! The next few days are unwinding days.... which is good!

God knows I need them!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Redeeming the Time

It's a phrase a friend of mine has used on several occasions... and I have adopted into my vocabulary - and prayer life!

Lord, help me "Redeem the time" today. Give me focus and direction, and wisdom in my day.

There is much to do.

Help me to prioritize and stay on task.

But most of all.... help me to look back at the end of it all, and see that the day has been touched by Your hand, in undeniable ways!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

The Most Perfect Day!

Today has been the most perfect day!

I "slept in".... which really just means, I rolled over (again and again!) once I was awake and spent some quiet time talking with God an running a mental gratitude lists before I jumped up to begin the day.

After making some cornbread, I headed out to spend time digging in the dirt. My daughter joined me me in pulling weeds and planting some pansies. Of course there is still much to be done, but...

It was so nice to sit and enjoy a beautiful day - and find the irises under the thatch of dried grass!

The day ended with a fire in the fire bowl... and s'mores!

Thank You, God!

It has been a joy spending the day with You!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Curiouser and curiouser....

It's been an interesting evening on many accounts.

I have been shown many things. Most need some processing time.

God is at work. I know that for sure!

Asking, "where are you?"

He knows..... :)

Thursday, March 10, 2011

One Down, One to Go

House refinanced - check.

Taxes.... a work on progress...
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Wednesday, March 9, 2011

In the Midst of an Ordinary Day

It happened in the midst of an ordinary day. I'd seen my patients, and was in the car rider line picking up my kids from school. I was toward the end I'd the line because I had waited to collect some girl scout cookie money from a few other moms. In the midst of that, it POURED!

And then, as I turned the corner, approaching the school, it slowed and then stopped. And there it was...

Above the trees, behind the elementary school staff shown a beautiful rainbow!

Thank You, God!
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Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Lent

So.... apparently, Lent has begun. Typically I give something up. Typically, that something is sugar.

It caught me a little by surprise, reading on Facebook about the Fat Tuesday events and King Cake. I haven't really thought it through much, made a decision. If I were to decide right now, I'd choose "balance". One more thing to "focus on" might topple me over the edge!

I understand the "giving up" and "sacrifice" and the significance of it - and have experienced the reminder in the midst of it... when I find myself "suffering" in the midst of my sacrifice, I remember Christ and His sacrifice. It kinda puts things in perspective.

I will listen for His voice and His direction in this matter, but for the time being, I will sit with a grateful heart, knowing that salvation is not dependent on my actions.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Life Interrupted

It's sort of the sub-plot of the bible study I've just started.... which is interesting for me.

Yes, absolutely, I am in a different place than I had expected to be years ago. Never in my wildest dreams nor on any of my "life goals" was found the phrase "single mom". But, here I am.

Somehow, by the grace of God things (mostly) get done. My priorities have had to change focus a bit.... but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

If nothing else, I have had the honor to experience the generous, unrelenting, faithful and unbelievably loving care of God.

He is my Provider, my Protector, my Shield and my Rock.

What more could a girl want....?
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Sunday, March 6, 2011

Quiet...

It is amazing to me how quiet my house can be..... and so full of energy!

There are times for both, but right now, I am grateful for the quiet. It is an evening to rest.

Thank You, God for this opportunity.

I will accept this gift and use it well!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Greens and Yellows and Hints of Red

It was a beautiful day touring down the back roads of the county.

Spring is beginning to declare itself in these parts.

There are fields of yellow daffodils and others so green, they appear "colorized" compared to their surroundings. I even noticed a few trees with swollen hints of red buds beginning to burst into color.

It is a wonderfully, hopeful time of year.... and exactly what I need!

Thank You, God!

Your timing - as always - is perfect!

Friday, March 4, 2011

New LIfe

Oh the joy of spending just a couple of hours tending the earth!

The raspberries have been trimmed and I have wandered from garden to garden, assessing the tasks that need to be done. There are the beginnings of buds on some of the trees, and full out leaves in a couple of spots!

I am very, very excited about the prospect of spending spring evenings (or mornings!) pulling a few weeds and watering a few strawberries.

The fall did not go as planned in terms of clean up, so I am a little behind in that respect. BUT...

With the beginnings of spring comes the hope of new life.... and I find it very, very contagious!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Preparing to Tend the Earth

I am excited for this day! I plan to tend the earth!

I know in my head the vision for the gardens. I know the areas where I will start.

I know there is MUCH to be done! (and am excited that there are some days in which to do it coming up!) AND... I know God will be with me as I pull the weeds, turn the dirt and assess each tree and shrub for buds.

I can barely wait to witness spring emerging.... and hear what He has to say....

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Well on the way.....

Renewal and refreshment!

I feel it.... it is well on the way!

And I just love that.... Thank You, God for ministering to me.... for holding and guiding, and loving me in the midst of it all.

Amen!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Rest for my weary soul

It was a delightfully rainy day. My schedule had been "messed up", which allowed me a day of rest... which was exactly what I needed.

I slept a little later, dropped the kids at school, and returned to my bed with the last if the charts I needed to complete.

When they were done, I set the alarm on my phone, and closed my eyes. I don't think I actually *slept*, but as I lay there, with the cat curled up beside me, I began a silent conversation with God. I said my piece, and lay silently until the alarm beckoned me.

Whether it was the silence or the stillness, or His presence with the cat and me, I don't know.... I do know I got up somewhat refreshed and in a better frame of mind.

Thank You, God!
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