Eye Candy

  As we drove through KS on our way back home today, the hills were covered with a light blanket of snow.  It made the definition of hill crests and valleys so clear and beautiful.   All the quilts were securely knotted in tufts of prairie grasses.  Just lovely.

  All of it was sugar for the eye like I've never tasted before.



Ps. 147:15-17    He sends out His command to the earth;
His Word runs very swiftly.
He gives snow like wool;
He scatters the frost like ashes;
He casts out His hail like morsels;
Who can stand before His cold?

Help in the Noise or the Hollow

  The house has a hollow sound to it today.  Six of the grandchildren were here over the weekend and have gone back home.  The sparkle and noise they bring is missing.  I can still hear the echo of their voices as I sit and ponder all that went on.  It certainly was busy, and, somewhat overwhelming.  Somewhere along the line, parenting kicked in again, and between the two of us (my husband and myself) we got everybody where they needed to be and when.
   Now, the quiet gives me time to regroup for the week ahead.  It always seems to be difficult to discern the presence of the Lord after such intense activity. I takes me some time.  I struggle to clear my mind of all the filled spaces of my heart and home, even in the hollow of this empty house.
  Nevertheless I know the Lord has been with me through this whole adventure.  He is the One who had infinite patience and love flowing through me when the little boys fought or when everyone was hungry and consequently irritable.  I see his help and work in the midst of all of the noise and rush.  He just never leaves my side, and He is here still.


Duet. 31:6  Be strong and of good courage
do not fear nor be afraid of them;
for the Lord your God,
He is the one who goes with you.
He will not leave you nor forsake you.

He Softens

  My heart was crusty and baked tightly shut when I went to church for a worship night at the close of the year.  I was hurting emotionally and physically.  I felt cranky so I secluded myself in the "Fussy Babies Room" while the music team practiced. 

  Somehow the brokenness of the music started to soften my heart.  I identified with the music which just wouldn't be right until it was played during the worship time.  I wanted to be right too.

  Sitting in service later on I had a perfect God moment. He just swept me to the throne of mercy and grace.  There, repenting of my bad attitude, I found forgiveness.

  Later in the service, I among others, raised my hand for prayer for healing.  Father heard the simple prayers those who laid hands on me and prayed, and healed me instantly of some long standing pain.
Mercy and grace.  Forgiveness and healing.  How can we not love and worship a God who offers this?

Heb.4:16
Let us therefore come boldly
to the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy
and find grace to help
in time of need.

The Veil Grew Thin

 My father passed through the veil very peacefully on December 13th, 2018.  So now, because of this I am really thinking about feet.
  Dad began his career as a farmer.  He must have walked every square inch of the farm he bought from his parents.  He knew it all.  I marveled at the knowledge he had of trees, springs, blackberry patches, wild grapes, hazelnuts and so much more; and just were to find it.
  He worked hard. Those dear feet served him well right up to a couple of weeks before he died when he fell and injured one of them,
  Bedridden, it didn't take long for him to find home,
Dad was 94 years old,



John 14:2-3 In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am there you may be also.

Among the Lambs

When ewes near Bethlehem gave birth, their newborn lambs were swaddled in cloth and laid on soft hay in a manger.  The shepherds did this so the lambs wouldn't cut or bruise themselves or the others. There was an especially high demand for lambs without spot or blemish at Passover time.

Do you think when the shepherds found Jesus laying in the manger He was lying next to swaddled lambs?  Jesus, the Perfect Lamb of God, was the miracle sign the shepherds searched for, found, worshiped and celebrated. They went out and told everyone the great news on that precious night.  The shepherds would have recognized the significance of where and how Jesus was lain and served as the very first evangelists.



Luke 2:15-17 paraphrased

After the angels disappeared,
the shepherds hurried into town to see this unusual site.
They found the newborn Son of God,
just as they had heard it from the angels,
swaddled and lying in a manger!
They went out rejoicing,
telling everyone the great and glorious Good News!

Feet

Years ago I worked as a bedside nurse on a large medical  floor.  My assignment was often in their isolation unit.  Many of the patients in those lonely rooms had leg or foot ulcers.  It was one of my favorite places to work.

One of the reasons I enjoyed working there, was to bring a little joy and comfort to those sick, isolated, mostly elderly people.  Another reason was because I loved to take care of their feet.  It was an opportunity to talk to them about where their feet had taken them, to gently love up on them, and to linger a bit to listen.

Now, as I sit before the Lord, with head bowed and eyes closed, I imaging I see Jesus's nail scarred feet.  Tears of love and gratitude flow as I think about where those feet have taken Him.  They have gone from womb to cross, and in between, they have walked upon a very privileged planet.

Little do I realize just how great my Creators love is for me.
Oh! That You would rend my heart to expand my capacity to receive more of Your tremendous love.
Enable me to love You and others and do it well as I walk the path You have set before me.


Is 52:7

How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who proclaims peace,
Who brings glad tidings of good things,
Who proclaims salvation,
Who says to Zion,
"Your God reigns!"

Only Now Do I Know

Reading in the book of  James, I am convicted of double - mindedness,  wavering between if I really want something or would another thing be better.  Many times I don't know what is really best for me.

Coming before the Lord, to hear His voice give clarity, I discover peace. There at His feet I know what I want. I WANT the wisdom of which James speaks. I want whatever Father knows is best for me, and I want it all, regardless of cost.  I not only want it but I am desperate for it.

Oh Father!  Let your will be done!


James 1:5-6a If any of you lacks wisdom,
let him ask of God,
who gives to all liberally and without reproach,
and it will be given to him.
But let him ask in faith,
with no doubting