Growth

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

What can I learn from this experience?

How is God trying to change me?

Every problem we face is God-filtered.  He promises to never give us more than we can handle.

Every good and perfect gift comes from Him.

However:  WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.

If I have a lack of self discipline in my diet...over months I will gain weight and in time face the consequences of consuming too many fattening things!

However, if I run regularly and eat a balanced diet, I will reap great health in time.

I have found the key in this process is:  TIME.

After you sow goodness, love, self discipline, when you are practicing good stewardship and investing your time in worthwhile pursuits....do not expect to see results immediately.  Some crops take years before you can reap their harvest.

Conversely, just because you do not see the consequences of your foolish actions, this does not mean that you will not reap the fall out in time.

Sometimes people wonder if God is punishing them...I think most often God is not, but, the natural consequences of their foolish decisions are breaking their own hearts.

So be careful:  Keep on sowing LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, & SELF CONTROL.

You might not see the harvest from this crop as soon as you wish....but in time, you will reap what you sow.

Hosea 10:12
Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.

The Rarest Flowers in the Darkest Shadows

Freely run off the path to pick the rarest flowers in the darkest shadows...I'll find a place above it all where no one tries to stand on my shoulders or steal my strength.  -Rosanne Anderson 

James 1: 2-4
Consider it great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

When my world is dark, I will run off the path to rescue the flowers drowning in the dark.  When my world is cold, I will light such a fire of inspiration and hope that all will see the glow and find their strength in its warmth.  When I feel I have given all I have, I dream of the day when I will find a place above it all- where no one can steal my joy or sap my strength.

Lamentations 3:21-23
This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
The LORD's lovingkindness indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness

I am HUNGRY!

With my pineapple pizza in the oven, its cheesy aroma spreading throughout my tiny apartment, I am feeling VERY hungry.  

But today I am feeling more than just hungry for food...

All day I have been longing for more, yearning to satisfy my appetite for life by rising above my current limitations and lack...feeling oh-so-hungry to reach my goals...  

I hunger to be debt free.

I yearn to more fully satisfy the requirements for science certification. 

I wish my friends were nearby.  I am starving for good conversation.  I want to be with someone I love.  

I want to freed from fear and blessed by confidence.  I long for someone else to pour more hope into me.  

I am starving for encouragement...I am a gaping abyss, not satisfied easily.  I feel needy.  

Why do I so strongly feel the need for these things?  Why do I feel unhappy as I feel the lack of achievement?  Why have I been unable to satisfy myself and unable to find solace with others' help?   I feel very guilty...I have good friends, I have been supported and encouraged today, and I cannot complain about my life.  God has greatly blessed my journey.

Why am I so hungry for things I do not have?  Perhaps I should not feel guilty and pained by my hunger, maybe it is my lack of patience that should worry me.  

It is difficult to wait hungrily for my tasty pizza to be ready, but it would not taste right uncooked, and it would burn my tongue if I ate it right out of the oven.  Perhaps I will be able to meet all of my goals and satisfy my hunger by persisting and waiting for God's perfect timing.  

Maybe I should not feel guilty for wanting more, rather, I should practice and exercise my patience.  Patience does not come naturally, it must be learned as you wait.  "He has made everything beautiful in its time"  Eccles. 3:11aNIV

I have many dreams...I feel terrible longings to achieve more.  To gain things I lack.  To experience life in ways I have not yet enjoyed...

Job 42:1-2  "Then Job replied to the LORD: 'I know that You can do anything and no plan of Yours can be thwarted"

Thy will be done heavenly Father.  Please help me reach success by learning to have patience and persistence as I reach to accomplish the dreams you have blessed me with.  

 A Dream Deferred

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up

like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore–

And then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over–

like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags

like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

Written by Langston Hughes

“A hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12

Peace

In the center of a hurricane there is absolute quiet an peace.  There is no safer place than in the center of the will of God.  -Corrie ten Boom

Matthew 19:6
What is impossible with man is possible with God

As my favorite coffee mug reminds me each morning: Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work.  It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.

As you live today's adventures, don't be pushed by your problems, rather, be led by your dreams!

Blessed is the man whom thou choosest and callest to thyself.
With thee is mercy, redemption, assurance, forgiveness;
Thou has lifted me, a prisoner, out of the pit of sin and pronounced my discharge,
Not only in the courts of heaven, but in the dock of conscience, hast justified me by faith,
Given me peace with thee, made me to enjoy glorious liberty as thy child.
-The Valley of Vision, A Collection of Puritan Prayers

Self Improvement

What is your motivation for self improvement? 

We might spend countless hours to better ourselves, but to what end? 

Are we seeking betterment for our own personal gain, or are we improving so that we can serve others?

It is wonderful to feel good about yourself and your skills, but it is far better to watch lives being transformed by your influence and effort. 

Today I will examine how I invest my time.  Today I will evaluate my priorities.  Today I will explore my options and seek out a means to live a more balanced life, taking care of myself, training myself, but not with the goal of selfish improvement on skills that will bring no comfort to others, rather, I will begin seeking to 'fill my bucket' so that I can pour myself into others without running dry.

We can have a life changing impact on those we choose to reach out to. We need to be more aware of our power of influence.  We need to use our power purposefully and wisely.

I was reading Michelle McKinney Hammond's book this morning, feeling lucky to have the opportunity to gain from her guiding questions.  I believe in always questioning your own motives.  I believe in searching your own heart to remove ulterior motives and to prevent yourself from becoming manipulative. 

It is essential to clear our hearts, minds, and lives so that we can focus on what truly matters. 

Luke 10:41-42
⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but few things are needed—or indeed only one.^[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

In God We Trust

Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in me.  John 14:1

Managing money wisely can be difficult.  Worrying about money is so easy.  When I look at the back of a dollar bill, & read: 'In God We Trust' it reminds me that I need to learn to trust God with my finances. 

The Bible says 'Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain'  1 Timothy 6:17

With wealth being so uncertain, but God being always faithful, my response when I face difficult decisions should be to wisely search for the best way to please God with my money. 

I need to look to God for courage. 
I must read his Holy Scripture to gain a better understanding. 
I must learn to trust in God financially.

Some trust in chariots and some in  horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord or God.  Psalms 20:7

All the power, glory, and the entire universe belong to God.  I need to give thanks to God for the work he allows me to do, for His provision, and for allowing me to have the opportunity to learn to trust him more with my resources. 

In God, whose Word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.  What can mortal man do to me?  Psalms 56:4

Strength

Isaiah 40:28-31
²⁸ Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
²⁹ He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Thank you heavenly Father for your unfailing love and strength.  I can accomplish all I must today with your aid. 

Matthew 6:25-26
²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Don't Worry!  Be Happy. 

In the Dark...

Colossians 3:16-17
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.  Whatever you do in work or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. 

What happens when we neglect our relationship with God?  The darkness comes. 

This might not be literally a dark time in our lives...we might be happy, healthy, and confident. 

BUT...

We are living with darkened hearts.  It is more difficult to make godly decisions.  Temptations will pull more strongly on our mind.  We are more likely to be swayed by the unsatisfying short-term offerings of this world, instead of charging through life's challenges with a focus on the heavenly prize.

If we are not in His word, if our mind is not renewed daily, we become desensitized to sin in our lives.  Our heavenly father wants us to confess our sins to him and to start anew...

How can we walk in the spirit if we do not put aside time for prayer? 

Galatians 5:16-17
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.  For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirite against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 

What if we find ourselves pursuing our own selfish desires, instead of investing our time in a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ? 

Matthew 22:36-40
And He said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God wiht all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.'

If you are living with a darkened heart...we all do sometimes...remember:

Ephesians 1:4-5
Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.  In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will

YOU are chosen by God.  He will not give up on you!

Spiritual Energy

I have been reading one of my favorite books, 'The Power of Full Engagement' by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz.

I am intrigued by the authors' thoughts on spiritual energy, 'spiritual energy is the most powerful source of our motivation, perseverance, and direction...it maximizes performance in whatever mission we are on.  The courage to live by our values, even when doing so requires personal sacrifice and hardship.'

Spiritual energy is ignited by a deep sense of purpose.  

I have been struggling with a hectic work load today...I remind myself that it is not ok to 'rationalize:'

I am incredibly busy, so it is ok if I fall a little behind on my deadlines...
I intended to keep that commitment, but had to put it off due to other important things...
I will eventually get it done...
That project wasn't a high enough priority to get to...

When I tell someone I am going to do something, it is a commitment that I must uphold.  I must take ownership of all of my responsibilities, and focus my spiritual energy to tackle them step by step until my commitments are completed.

Deuteronomy 8:16-18
16 He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you. 17 You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 18 But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

Ebenezers

This is an important day for me. 

I am beginning a new chapter in my life’s story.

I am finished being the east coast girl on the west coast.  I am finished with insecurity and self doubt.

I can remember this as the last day of the job I never imagined I could handle.  I can remember this as the year I did two years of induction and training in six months- the time when I also took many accelerated college classes for five months, still earning a 4.00.  The year I won a powerful respect and a love from my students unlike anytime before…

This year an entire campus of students at three schools fell in love with me…this past year I suffered, but my husband helped pull me through.

Do I have regrets?  Yes, letting my health go a bit.  Spiritually and physically, I feel worn down.  I will recommit to being healthy.  I will commit to searching for a more balanced way…

I will start this new chapter of my life with godly priorities.  I will not be beaten down or scared by my past experiences.  I will keep on.  I will lift my head high. 

I will make a comeback in the areas where I am broken down and weak.  I will be stronger.  I will be better.  I will be wiser.  I will be more experienced. 

This is a new chapter…better things are ahead.  I will be less lonely.  I hope I will find more friends in California.

I have the love and support of friends and family far away.  Despite the distance between us, I HAVE NOT LOST THEM. 

Praise God. 

On the inside I am standing tall, figuratively limping a little when I walk, but Lord willing, my weakness and pain is nothing that time, resting, and healing cannot overcome.  I can regain my mental and spiritual reservoirs of strength.  I can be built back up by those who love me.  I can revive in better days with more rejoicing.  Praise the Lord.    

Psalm 30:4-5

4 Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people;
    praise his holy name.
5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
    but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
    but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Life is Wonderful!

Rejoicing in God's Will

Psalm 119:10-16

I seek you with all my heart;
    do not let me stray from your commands.

I have hidden your word in my heart
    that I might not sin against you.
 Praise be to you, Lord;
    teach me your decrees.
 With my lips I recount
    all the laws that come from your mouth.
 I rejoice in following your statutes
    as one rejoices in great riches.
 I meditate on your precepts
    and consider your ways.
 I delight in your decrees;
    I will not neglect your word.

Adam & I have been spending more time studying scripture this week.  We spend more time in prayer as well, searching to find God's direction as we make our future plans.  As I look for open doors and seek the keys to unlock job opportunities, I am asking for God's guidance.  I keep reminding myself that my heavenly Father already knows what I need before I ask for it.

Prayer is all about building a relationship with God, not about requesting favors to have your wishes granted.  When you are investing your time to build your relationship with God, seeking to understand his will and pursue his righteousness, He will direct your paths.  Prayer is about gaining a closer fellowship with God and about developing a lifestyle of thankfulness and faith.

We pray that God's will be done.  Please pray for us to grow in His wisdom and in knowledge. We seek a growing awareness of God's will for our lives and we look for a confidence in discerning his will.

Psalm 119:34-38, & 66
34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
    and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands,
    for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes
    and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
    preserve my life according to your word.
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
    so that you may be feared.
Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
    for I trust your commands.

My Favorite Book: James

When Claudia texted me a verse from James this morning, I was encouraged.  She texted me a verse from one of my favorite chapters out of my favorite book:

 James 1:4,  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

As I pursue new employment, this verse is very encouraging. Anyone looking for a teaching position in Los Angeles could tell you perseverance is required to pursue your career  in the classroom.  James 1:4 reminds me that my time applying is not wasted, since even dead ends and discouragements in my job searching are building my perseverance.  And, James 1:12 goes on to say:

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Praise God for the hope he gives his children. 

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Thanking God

Colossians 3:1717 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

I want my entire life to praise God and bring him glory.  He has blessed me tremendously.  I thank God for my health, for a place to live, for good food, and for the love of my life.  

I thank God for hope he has placed in my heart.  I praise God for the blessings I overlook every day.  I thank him for the simple things I take for granted.  I praise him for the beautiful places and lovely people that surround me.  

Life is 'alright!'

Excerpt from Alright by Darius Rucker

When I lay down at night I thank the Lord above, 
For giving me everything I ever could dream of.

Understanding God's Love

Romans 8:32-39
³² He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? ³³ Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶ As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”^[a]

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I John 4:18
¹⁸ There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Although it might be impossible to fully comprehend the amazing love God pours out daily, I will try to appreciate the richness of his powerful, perfect love.  Perfect love drives out fear...and some days, I am full of fear. 

I fear the unknown future, I fear failure, I fear being without what I need or wish for...but God is gracious, and He is ready to save me.  Christ Jesus sacrificed Himself for me, proving that not even death can separate me from the love of Christ. 

Instead of living in fear, I must learn to live as a conqueror.  The God of the universe loves ME.  Perfectly.  If I can come closer to understanding the height and depth of God's love, my heart will heal as I find my confidence in His love. 

Romans 15: 13
¹³ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Praising God

Romans 11: 33-36
³³ Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and^[a] knowledge of God!
    How unsearchable his judgments,
    and his paths beyond tracing out!
³⁴ “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
    Or who has been his counselor?”^[b]
35 “Who has ever given to God,
    that God should repay them?”^[c]
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
    To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Time spent glorifying and praising God frees us to see our daily life activities with the correct perspective.  When our faith is weak, or if our view of God is small, our problems seem enormous.  But when we take the time to count our blessings and thank God for His gifts, life's hardships seem less difficult.  Praising God, appreciating His power and omniscience, enables us to view our circumstances with the proper perspective.  We are better able to see life's events as they truly are: part of God's plan for our life journey, each trial helping us to develop patience and mature in our faith. 

The more time I spend praising God and reading Psalms as I glorify Him, the more I see His grace and His blessings in my life. 

Romans 15:13
¹³ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Happy Birthday Audrey Hepburn!

Today would have been Audrey Hepburn's 85th birthday. 

 

Philippians 4:4-7

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

Unlike most stars, Audrey grew even more beautiful as she grew older.  Her inner beauty shined as she used her talents to serve others.  All her life, Audrey's elegance and grace was a blessing to those around her.  She knew life was too beautiful to worry about 'worry lines' on her forehead.  Audrey was humble, loving, and self sacrificing. 





 

In a world of self centered beauties and superficial loveliness, Audrey used her fame to promote children's charities.   Audrey is a refreshing inspiration, reminding actors of the meaning of

true beauty.   

 

Philippians 3:12-14

¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

 

 

 

Exaltation

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you”
- James 4:9–10

The quality of exaltation is the exact opposite, a strong antithesis, to the quality of humiliation. In exaltation, dignity is not only restored, but it is crowned with the glory that only God can bestow...the promise of participating in the exaltation of Christ is given to every believer — but there is a catch. There is a warning, and that warning is clear: unless we are willing to participate in the humiliation of Jesus, we would have no reason to expect ever to participate in His exaltation. But that is the crown that is set before us, that we, who have no right to everlasting glory and honor, will nevertheless receive it because of what has been achieved in our stead by our perfect Redeemer. - R. C. Sproul

“The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (vv. 11–12).
- Matthew 23:5–12

In common language, the terms exaltation and humiliation stand as polar opposites. One of the most magnificent glories of God’s revealed truth and most poignant ironies is that in the cross of Christ these two polar opposites merge and are reconciled. In His humiliation, we find our exaltation. Our shame is replaced by His glory. The songwriter had it right when he wrote, “My sinful self, my only shame, my glory, all the cross.   -R. C. Sproul

“Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come” (Eph. 1:21).
- Ephesians 1:21

God promises to exalt us one day and make us to reign with Christ (2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 20:4). However, this exaltation does not come as the result of the exertion of our own power, but results from humility. Only those who submit to God humbly, admitting that He alone has authority over us, will enjoy this exaltation. We submit to this authority by repenting of our sin, all of which seeks to usurp God’s rightful rule over us. Therefore, humble yourself in repentance today.  -R. C. Sproul

Good Morning & Good Night

Maggie McClure: Good Morning & Good Night

 

James 1:17
Every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights. 

Good morning & good night!  Praise God for all the perfect blessings he showers on us daily.  From the time we climb out of  bed, until we can rest our heads on our soft pillows again God's love is poured out on our lives. 

God has sent down thousands of opportunities and blessings daily.  I am praying that we become alert to the loveliness around us each morning and each night. 

Romans 8:28a
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. 

Storms

"It is not the severity of the storm you should be worried about, but rather how you weather it.  Pain, shattered dreams, disappointments, financial struggles, and losses are all a part of the cycle of life...you can either embrace your pain and squeeze the life out of it, or give in to it and allow it to consume you.  You have a choice."  -Michelle McKinney Hammond

I was having my time of Bible study and prayer today and found myself reading about Ruth. 

Ruth's bravery was incredible...she left her home, her friends, her family, and as a gentile, she traveled with Naomi to Israel where she knew she would face rejection. 

Ruth had nothing.  No husband, none of her friends or the comforts of home...no job. 

Ruth did not give up.  Ruth did not play the victim.  Ruth looked beyond herself and focused on the needs of her mother-in-law.  Ruth was able to gain the right perspective and attain a realistic view of her circumstances. 

In spite of the hardships Ruth faced, she displayed a grateful attitude and worked very hard.  Instead of complaining or being resentful, she walked in grace and patience.  In His time, God blessed Ruth's efforts. 

I am praying that God helps me, and the readers of my blog, to successfully weather the storms of life.  I am praying that we find our 'Rainbow Connection' and pursue God's will in our lives. 

Lamentations 3:21-23, NASB
"This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope.
The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness"

Lancaster

Psalm 23

¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

 

When I think of green pastures, I think of Lancaster.  I remember family vacations exploring the farmlands and learning about the peaceful way of life of the Amish. 

 

I remember driving up through Lancaster with Sarah Rausch, meeting our best friend Judith Allen. 

 

I can never forget the pungent small of the many dairy farms, and the lovely taste of Hershey chocolate from Lancaster. 

 

Today, when I'm doing my work, I will be snacking on my new favorite treat:  Lancaster Caramels

 

 

Earthquake

This is a story poem...not written about a specific person, but certainly inspired by recent events in the lives of my friends and by the recent earthquake. 

Self Centricity Shaken

 

Sorrows piercing through the holes your absences leave in my heart,

Hopes leaking through the seams of my shattered dreams, pouring through the cracks of my soul,

Washed away by my self-centric longings and blown about by my windswept, restless mind

While I’m clutching at the sands of truth as the ocean of doubts rips it from my numb finger tips.

 

In uneasy dreams I’m searching for the answers to my life’s puzzles,

Feeling, groping for the missing puzzle pieces,

Unsure where and when my healing is to begin,

I’m searching for the solutions, or rather, the right question to uncover the reason behind it all. 

 

Eyes half closed and drowsy, slowly lulled by the calm daily routines of changeless drudgery,

Half asleep with clouded mind, glazed with exhaustion, dazed by disappointment,

Suddenly awakened by a quaking, shaking ground,

Thrilled back to heart pounding life with a new awareness found.

 

The vibration had shaken me awake as my selfish stupor was forsaken,

While the aftershocks from a new realization left my mind alert and my thoughts tumultuously quaking.

My heart is on fire and my soul awakened

My doubts and fears crumbled down, tripping me underfoot

 

I am jumping away,

Shaken up,

Wakened up,

My mind swaying,

My soul rocking,

Questions vibrating through my heart.

 

Finding new freedom in the world’s limitlessness,

Finding liberty in my minute fragility,

The epic strength of the ground’s tremors beneath my feet

Putting my dilemmas into perspective and transforming my heart breaks into single points of pain…

 

Tiny points in the world’s landscape.

Pointillism’s beauty found in each tiny spot of color,

My heart’s red bleeding out to color the world

When I was shaken awake by the vibrating, quaking ground from my soul’s self-centric slumber. 

Pointillism:  Vincent Van Gogh

 

Valley of Vision

Heavenly Father,

 

My faith is in thee,

My expectation is from thee,

My love goes out toward thee,

I believe thee, accept thy Word, acquiesce in thy will, rely on thy promises, trust thy providence.

I bless thee that the court of conscience proves me to be thine. 

I do not need signs and wonders to believe, for thy Word is sure truth. 

I have cast my anchor in the port of peace, knowing that present and future are in the nail-pierced hands.  Thou are so good, wise, just, holy that no mistake is possible to thee. 

-The Valley of Vision, a collection of Puritan prayers, 1660

 

I Peter 1:6-9
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.  Though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 

When I was very young, my mother started preparing my "Hope Chest."  My mother gathered together a treasure trove of items I might need in my future household.  Silverware, quilting material, baby clothes, and all kinds of 'homey' comforts.  My mother was preparing me for my future.  I know my heavenly Father is also preparing me for my future.  He is instilling all kinds of spiritual gifts and strengths into me as I pursue his will through challenging times. 

Thank you Father for helping me prepare for the future.