Wednesday, February 23, 2011

OTG - 6

This was a hard one for me.  Hard for me to wrap my mind around the words and the experiences Ann was having.  The moon chasing, yeah, I've sorta done that.  Grabbed the camera to snap a picture of the storm rolling in, showing God's amazing power, snapped a picture of the sun setting with it's rainbow of color, bathing our countryside in His glorious gift.  Captured the moment of my kids enjoying their breathless lives.
As I read though, I struggled to connect to the words.  What do I want?  What do I want?  I want to connect with Him in all that I'm doing.  The discussion helped me sort this out.  At the end where she writes that the only way to pray unceasingly is to pray with your eyes wide open is what strikes me.  It's not just the getting on my knees or finding the quiet times for devotions, it's about being in each moment and acknowledging Him in it.  I'm opening up to those discussions with Him while my hands are deep in the dishwater or folding the piles of laundry.  I'm becoming more aware of those moments that I can sing my heart out while I'm driving and check the mirror to see my kiddos enjoying the song as much as I am and knowing that in that moment we are seeing the beauty of what He's given us.
It's the connection to Him that's building.  The ability to see Him in all that's around me, the stark trees and landscape that go with a true Iowa winter.  There is beauty in it all, knowing that spring is coming and with that comes new life.  New life that He gives, wants us to see, love and enjoy.  It's a circle, a beautiful circle that we might usher one precious moment out so that He might greet us with a beautiful new experience today.
Find His glory in a million ways around you today.  Be thankful for the heart with which you can love Him back by enjoying this life.  Feel the joy, the joy He gives to you for being so thankful and precious in His sight.
DV - NMV

OTG - 5

What a hard moment.  To consider the death of a child and try to find the light of God at the same time.  How is He a good God in those heart wrenching, earth moving moments?  How do you feel the light of His love when you feel so alone?
Feel it by reaching out to Him.  Feel it in those dark and lonely moments that He hasn't abandoned you, nor ever will, but that He is there.  Just like when the lights go out at home and we have to feel with only our memory our way through the house to the candle drawer, rely on the moments and memories of all the days before.  The moments when you were walking in the light of the Lord glorifying in all that was good and beautiful.  Seek those moments, remember that while this is a hard time you need not shoulder the burden and hurt alone, He will hold you tight in His arms, sheltering you when you are tired, strengthening you when you are weak.  He is always there for us, waiting on us to come to Him.
The HARD eucharisteo.  Of course there is hard eucharisteo.  The crises in our lives refresh our perspectives.  They bring us about face with the reality of life that is.  A life that when lived for the Lord can be beautiful.  If we had everything we ever wanted and nothing was ever broken or lost to us, we would never know the true value of it.  We wouldn't know the worth of two good legs, the love in hugs from toddlers, the wisdom in words from grandparents, the value of true friends, the endless love from God our Father.
Celebrating the eucharisteo today while I'm changing diapers, folding clothes, washing dishes, vacuuming, sweeping, wiping runny noses and cuddling with sick kiddos is what gives me the knowledge that even with these smallest details of life I am so blessed.  My cup truly runneth over, onto the floor, soaking the carpet and yet it is the most beautiful thing I've ever known.
Out of the darkness I have come, out of sad and lonely places that I was.  He created me, He knows the number of hairs on my head (even the grays), He knows the plans He has for me.  I shall let Him use me, guide me and light my path that I might share with others the great plans He has for them.  For if God is with me then who can be against me???  Grace sufficient enough for me, even me...thank you Lord for that!!!
DV ~ NMV

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

OTG - 4

Life is NOT an emergency, God's presence is in the present and we need to live right here in THIS moment.  Life as we have it is fleeting.  Time comes and goes in the blink of an eye.  The life we live can last years, months and even days, some mothers only get their babies for hours sometimes.  Live in those moments.  Appreciate the fullness of life and the things we have and can do.  Attention to the details lets us savor the moments and that's what our life deserves, savoring.
God's gifts to us are everywhere.  He gives us so much because He loves us so much.  Don't miss out on the love He has because you are running so fast that you don't see the beauty of your life for what it is.  Life isn't an emergency, you need not run from the fire into the pan.  You're just missing out on the moments when you do.  I'm not saying to eliminate all that you're doing, just take the time to enjoy it.  These are the things you want to do, so enjoy them.  Take in the moments and savor them, enjoy them like the precious and priceless gifts that they are.
Start your list of 1000 things if you haven't yet.  Attention to details is what people love about a good job done, love that about what God is doing for you.

DV ~ NMV

OTG - 3

Oh how easy it is to fall into living a life of ingratitude.  We can talk the big talk about having an attitude of gratitude.  Talk is cheap and can be very worthless sometimes.  It is also difficult to take in each part of each moment and see it for the gift from God that it is.  How easy it is to be in the moment of life with kids on my lap trying to read a story and rather than appreciating their closeness I'm worried about their elbows in my side and bony bottoms on my knees.  Gos is good and He provides us with so much.  The good, the great and the memorable, including the free will to decide the view with which we look at all of it.  God loves us so much He sent His son to pay for our sins and through that experience He has walked the walk we are taking and viewed life on earth too.
Take time to appreciate ALL that life is giving you.
DV ~ NMV

Friday, February 18, 2011

OTG - 2

“One sin brought condemnation on all, and through one death, redemption came for all.”  Lisa Easterling  - WOW!!!!  This is a comment from a gal after the post/discussion of chapter two of One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.
Wow, yep, this book has changed my thoughts so much already!  I don't think I ever really listened to what Jesus had to say about me.  No, I'm serious.  I may have heard it, may have hoped that He acknowledged my work and thought is was good.  But I honestly don't think I listened and felt it.  The other names have drowned it all out.  I remember a day that my dad called me a bitch, told me to go look it up in the dictionary, then proceeded to tell me it meant female dog and for many years I have remembered that moment and wondered why he thought that of me.  What did I do to him to warrant such an ugly moment?  From here out I will listen to my Father, the one who loves me unconditionally, through all of my life.  It is the one thing I need to focus on every day and then give thanksgiving for.  Why?  Because I am not perfect, I am flawed and I have my own ugly moments, but He loves me anyway.  He loves me enough to know the beauty of the whole picture, the dark holes and the bright light, for without the mix of the two there is no beauty in the collage of life.
Today, in this moment is my opportunity to begin living a life of thanksgiving.  Eucharisteo - grace, thanksgiving, joy - thanksgiving always precedes the miracle.  Follow the example of Jesus.
We may not have everything but God always provides us with enough.  It is with that knowledge that I walk this path of life, knowing that I don't have to search for the beauty beyond my front door, I just need to acknowledge that it's right here at my fingertips.

DV
NMV

Thursday, February 17, 2011

OTG - 1

I have been brought to a book club discussion about the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.  So, as I said, the whole handwriting a diary or whatnot does not fare well with me, so here is where I will be capturing my thoughts during this adventure.
This book is already speaking to me.  It's connecting with me in ways that have been slowly coming about over the last few months.  Reflecting back upon some of the recent posts I have made as of late, these thoughts were tumbling around in my mind before I had the chance to enjoy the words written by Ann.  I have begun to see the beauty in a life full of trials and experiences.  Life is never promised to be easy, but it is known to be worth it - well worth it.  I am hoping to continue to grow with this knowledge and be able to be a compass of sorts for my children as they grow that they may also find their true North in God.  For without His guidance where would I be anyway?  Any drive through the mountains is full of hairpin curves, steep drop offs and yet the most breathtaking of views.  May it be in those moments of my hesitant steps that I remember to glorify Him in the choices that I'm making.  Remind me to see the good of God in the good and bad, beautiful and ugly of my every day walk.
Deo Volente
NMV

Abundance/Lack

Do you notice how you are acutely aware of one when the other is thrust in your face?  Life is like that in so many ways.  For many of us it is so easy to be aware of what we're lacking in our lives.  Many people live their life that way.  Always looking, always wanting.  You know, looking for that next thing, achievement or whatever thinking that it's that one that will make them whole and on top of the world.  How about wanting, wanting or even coveting from afar because your neighbor, friend, coworker (or whomever it is) has the new house, new truck, new toy, more this, more that.  What a waste.
Waste of what?  Energy, appreciation.  A waste of it all.  All?  Yep, all of it.  All that you have.  If you cannot focus and appreciate and voice to the heavens the gratitude for what you have right now, then you will never be happy with the possibility of what's coming.
Change that today.  You have so much to be thankful for today.  My list?  Waking up, sending hubby off to work, watching boys do their chores, sending them off to school, cuddling and making the little ones laugh, starting the washing machine, seeing that I have likely 15 loads of laundry to manage today, getting some kitty love, listening to my 1yo have a chat with the cat, ah, there's so much more as it's only 8:44 and I didn't even hit on everything that happened so far this morning.
Attitude of gratitude, step up and take the opportunity to be grateful for all that you have.  In the Lord's name I am here to praise Him for all the blessings He rains upon my shoulders every beautiful day!!

DV
NMV

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Before The Morning - Josh Wilson


Do you wonder why you have to,
feel the things that hurt you,
if there's a God who loves you,
where is He now?

Maybe, there are things you can't see

and all those things are happening
to bring a better ending
some day, some how, you'll see, you'll see

Chorus:

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,
that you still have a reason to sing,
'cause the pain you've been feeling,
can't compare to the joy that's coming

so hold on, you got to wait for the light

press on, just fight the good fight
because the pain you've been feeling,
it's just the dark before the morning

My friend, you know how this all ends

and you know where you're going,
you just don't know how you get there
so just say a prayer.
and hold on, cause there's good who love God,
life is not a snapshot, it might take a little time,
but you'll see the bigger picture

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,

that you still have a reason to sing,
'cause the pain you've been feeling,
can't compare to the joy that's coming

so hold on, you got to wait for the light

press on, just fight the good fight
because the pain you've been feeling,
it's just the dark before the morning
yeah, yeah,
before the morning,
yeah, yeah

Once you feel the way of glory,

all your pain will fade to memory
once you feel the way of glory,
all your pain will fade to memory
memory, memory, yeah

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,

that you still have a reason to sing,
'cause the pain you've been feeling,
can't compare to the joy that's coming

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,

that you still have a reason to sing,
'cause the pain you've been feeling,
can't compare to the joy that's coming

com'n, you got to wait for the light

press on, just fight the good fight
because the pain you've been feeling,
it's just the hurt before the healing
the pain you've been feeling,
just the dark before the morning
before the morning, yeah, yeah
before the morning


One of my favorites!!

Giving

That can be a hard one for some of us.  Sometimes it's easy, you know, tossing your spare change in the red kettle at Christmas time.  Even buying fundraiser goodies for any of the numerous reasons that people have these days.  I love me some Thin Mints!!  What about giving in the way of sacrificing?
Seriously, it's the tithing of giving before reaping your rewards.  Instead of making sure you have all that you want and then giving from what's left over, giving first from all that you have then making ends meet from what's left.  God blesses those that make Him the priority.
Deut. 28:2-6 All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord you God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country... You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.
Go read the whole passage.  Doing our many works to glorify the Lord will only make our day brighter.  It's not just about giving the small stuff.  It's about understanding that the big sacrifices glorify Him as well.  For many years I have felt that the rifts in my large extended family would be healed through a loss in my immediate family.  It's quite scary for me to put those words into black and white.  I don't know if it will be the loss of a child, my husband or even my own life, but deep in my heart I've felt this for many years.  Will it be hard?  Oh, my, yes.  I haven't a clue how we'll endure at the time, only that I know God has a plan.  I could be very wrong in this and I could spend many more years waiting for it as well.  I have enduried the loss of three little babes to miscarriage.  At the time it was very hard to grasp and not hurt, but I have a bit of understanding to the why of what happened.  I know that the family I have now, would not be what it is without those losses (luv to you my babes in heaven).  I also feel better equipped to be there to help comfort family and friends that have to deal with the same loss.
Am I willing to give or sacrifice to glorify Him?  If I am called upon to do so, I will do it.  It is not for us to understand in the ways of the world, but to give willingly for the glory of the Lord.  If He can better reach the broken hearted through me, then I give myself to Him.  No questions asked, no bartering offered, yes, some fear.  Then again, grace (the free and unmerited favor of God) is the gift He gives me every day, so what more should I need from Him anyway?  He also always promises to be there for me, so whatever may come I shall not (nor my family) walk the journey alone.

Deo Volente...
LuvNHugz~SupportNPrayerz
NMV

Friday, February 11, 2011

To Quit or Not To Quit

That is the question.  We all have those days where it's just over the top, frustrating, annoying, irritating, too much and we want to walk away.  How about vent, yell and scream?  Will it do any good?  No really, you might feel better in the moment, but in the end once the yelling, fighting, abandoning or whatever is done, is everything 'fixed'?
Probably not.  Sorry, but it's true.  The problem is still there.  There's the story of the little boy with an anger problem.  He's told to take a nail and hammer it into the fence every time he wants to blow up.  Later the fence is full of nails and when he pulls all the nails out the fence is full of scars.  This is the simple truth of anger and it's after effects.  Anger makes wounds and leaves scars that are not easily fixed or forgotten.  Another simple thought... if there is a burr under the horses saddle and the horse is acting up, do you rant, rave and beat the horse for being uncooperative?  Does that help or fix the problem?  Nope,  you have to fix the situation by taking the time to figure out what's wrong and then once you find the burr remove it.
So to quit or not to quit.  Really it's that simple  When the going gets tough toss in the towel and walk away or dig deep for the reserves of strength that is at your core?  It's not just quitting, it's the handling of the problem.  If a baby falls the first time he stands up, he doesn't give up, he just tries again.  If you crashed your bike the first time you rode it you didn't stomp, scream and pout, well maybe you did, but you got back on to try again.  If you failed the driver permit test the first time you took it and that was it, there would be WAY less drivers on the road, maybe that would be a good thing... just kidding.  There's so many instances like these.
James 3 - Go read it.  Do you see verse 2 where it says: We all stumble in many ways.  Yup, we all do.  Read the whole chapter once, twice, stop and ponder what it means to you.  So take pause next time you're overwhelmed by the situation at hand.  Before you blow your top at the broken part, respond with careless words to what someone else has done or whatever it is you do when you react to the moment you're in.  Take a step back, ask for a minute to breathe and acknowledge that life isn't easy.  Take heart that life is about how we react to these things.  A wise man (or woman) doesn't leave shattered pieces of life in his or her wake, but finds a way to glorify the Lord in all they do.
We're surrounded by challenges every day and rather than let them dictate to us how it's going to be, let us dictate to the world what the possibilities are.  There is beauty in the broken things around us.  Yes, look for it around you every day.  Take time to find the special blessings in each moment.  Please do, because you never know if it's your last chance to.

Deo Volente...
LuvNHugz - SupportNPrayerz
NMV

Friday, February 4, 2011

Amazing God

I had no idea.  Really, I didn't.  I'm kind of ashamed to admit it.  I always, almost always, noticed the beauty around me.  You know, the rolling storm clouds, the pure white blanket of fresh snow.  How about the snow days when everyone is forced to stay home and make a few memories together.  You know, the ones of games or meals that you wouldn't have had otherwise.  Rather than them being owley and growley, see the precious, priceless beauty in the memories.  What of the beauty in words from a friend.  The phone call that comes at just the right moment.  Running into a friend that you haven't talked to in weeks at the grocery store.  The facebook post that makes you smile.
He is in all of those moments and so many more.  Are you taking the time to notice Him?  In the rainbows and the rain, in the hugs you receive, in the smiles you share.  What about that email that comes with a message that hits you in the heart, speaking to you about the moment you're living.  The magazine article you stumble upon while waiting forever for your appointment.  Even in the news and shows on television.  Look for Him, watch for His influence.
God speaks to us in so many ways are you open to hear Him?  So often we're going about our daily to-do list and juggling the tasks, wheres and whens of life that we forget to 'be'.  Be?  Yeah, be there, in the moment, be there enjoying it, taking it in and filing it away to have in our heart's memory.  Be there, where ever you are, stuck on the side of the road, waiting in traffic, cuddling on the couch, around the table with your family at supper or alone with only God as your companion.
Find God in the moments of life.  Talk to Him while you wait, have an unending conversation through the day.  You don't have to just pray at certain times, you don't have to be on your knees when you do.  I find myself talking to Him while I'm doing dishes, folding laundry, driving down the road, seems like if something comes up I just start talking.  Other times I'm learning to just listen.
I've said before things are changing.  I'm feeling His guidance to prepare myself for what's coming.  I'm filled with an excitement like no other knowing that He's got such great plans for me, yes me.  I feel so loved that He loves me with no bounds and has me in the palm of His hands with great plans for me and my whole family.  I'm also seeing that while I may not hear a booming voice from the heavens He is talking to me.  God talks in ways that we can barely understand.  Only because we rarely take the time to listen for Him and look for His message.
I've been looking and listening for Him, quite intently is my pursuit of following Him.  He amazes me, He is there for me everywhere I turn.  The emails that come with tidbits of encouragement.  The people I meet are filling me with connection to Him.  My life has changed drastically from where I was this time last year not to mention two years ago.  I cannot quote many bible verses, though I have several favorites.  I may not be in the mission fields, but I am reaching my children hoping and praying to lead them into God centered lives.  For me, right now, I am where I am and that is right where God wants me to be.  You know, yesterday for the first time I noticed how beautiful the church is in the sunrise, how amazing the beauty of the early rays of light reflecting off the stained glass windows.
Find Him.  Look for Him.  Listen for His whispers.  Feel His arm around you.  He is creating this day for you, do everything you do to glorify Him.  Honor Him by being thankful for it all the good, the bad, the ugly, because when you turn around and see it in the bright morning sunlight or in the soothing calm of the sunset it is gorgeous and beautiful beyond words.  Yes, honestly.  The most gorgeous of mosaic picture is made of thousands of shards of glass, on it's own it's just a small broken piece of glass, put them together they're the perfect picture.  Of your life?  Maybe, just maybe.  Why?  Because it's you and it's all for Him and His loving servants - us.
LuvNHugz - SupportNPrayerz
Deo Volente
NMV

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Life Goes On

It does I don't know what is happening with you these days but whatever it is it will come to an end. That is the reality of life. The notes I'm sharing with you lately are meant to remind you of that the words that others have written have captured my thoughts perfectly and speak to me. So much so that I hope they speak to you and you can walk away with hope for the moment, faith for the walk and light for your path.
Take comfort in the Lord, He is here for you in so many ways. Look for Him, listen to His whispers, fell His love all around you.
LuvNHugz - SupportNPrayerz
Following His path in Iowa, wherever it takes me... Nicki
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5