Is It Time To Dance? Updated

This post was originally written on June 28, 2014, just a little over one month after the passing of our dear son Matthew from this life to heaven, following a four year battle with cancer.  When I wrote this I was still  reeling from the pain of saying farewell to our son, and trying to cope with the reality of never seeing him again on this earth.  Now, as of today, 5/25/2022, it has been eight years since that day. A lot has happened in this span of time...we've added new members to our family, and we've said farewell to some other dear ones.  By the time we reach heaven's gates ourselves, I have a feeling there will be more of us waiting there than there are here. It's just the way life is.  Today I haven't really felt like writing...our nation is grieving over the horrific tragic loss of so many precious children and teachers in Uvalde, Texas. My heart is breaking and grieving with those families who have lost their precious children to a crazed madman.  They didn't have the opportunity to say good bye to their child...they had no time to prepare for their unexpected passing from this earth to heaven. Their hearts are broken...for them there is no sense of peace or comfort at this time.  Some may never get to the place where they will feel like it is time to dance ever again. But I pray for them...I pray that God will wrap His loving arms around them and cradle them close to His heart and just hold them, reassuring them of His great love and compassion...and helping them to know that their precious child is safe with Him now...they need not fear for their children anymore...they are where there will be no more crying, no more pain, no more sorrow or fear.  Safe in the arms of Jesus...there can be no better place to be. May God comfort them with those thoughts...and may they be at peace with God, knowing that they will one day be reunited because of their faith in Christ.  That is my prayer for them.  That is what comforts me eight years later. I pray they will also know this great comfort. Amen.

Here is the original post I wrote eight years ago:

"Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,

For in You do I trust;

Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,

For I lift up my soul to You."

Psalm 143:8

Today I read in "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young the following passage:

"Rest with Me a while. You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days.

The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty.  Look neither behind you nor before you.

Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant Companion.  Trust that I will equip you fully

for whatever awaits you on your journey."

Actually this particular devotional was written for yesterday's date, but I didn't look at it until today. No matter, it is still appropriate and right on.  Yes, I have journeyed up a "steep, rugged path in recent days." Saying farewell to our precious son until we reunite in heaven still seems unreal. Since his earthly home was over 1500 miles away from us anyway, it is easy to allow myself to think that he's still there waiting for us to come up and visit again.  But then the reality hits, and I remember that he's not there...and it will most likely be a long time before we see him again.

My husband the preacher says that time in heaven is not something they are focused upon like we are here on earth.  That is hard for us to understand because we are so governed by time. We must make every minute count, we can never be late, time is of the essence, hurry up and wait...

King Solomon thought about time quite a bit.  In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 he wrote:

"To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under heaven;

A time to be born,

And a time to die;

A time to plant,

And a time to pluck what is planted;

A time to kill,

And a time to heal;

A time to break down,

And a time to build up;

A time to weep,

And a time to laugh;

A time to mourn,

And a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones,

And a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace,

And a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to gain,

And a time to lose;

A time to keep,

And a time to throw away;

A time to tear,

And a time to sew;

A time to keep silence,

And a time to speak;

A time to love,

And a time to hate;

A time of war,

And a time of peace."

I am still adjusting to this "new time" in my life.  I am not sure what time it is...I believe I am somewhere in the "time to weep and a time to laugh...A time to mourn, and a time to dance".  There are still moments when I feel like weeping and mourning...but there are also times that I want and need to laugh...and I find myself wanting to dance. Not a frenzied kind of dance...not even a waltz...just a holy dance between me and my Lord...where I allow Him to take the lead and twirl me around in His strong and capable arms...lifting me up above my grief and sorrow and showing me the new path that we will travel together. Such a lovely thought.

I am blessed beyond measure...I am not totally bereft of family...I still have my wonderful husband, two healthy and strong sons, a wonderful daughter in law and marvelous grandson...plus many other loved ones near and far.  I do not want to appear to be wallowing in self-pity or lacking in gratitude for all that God has done for me.  But there is this empty place in this mother's heart...a space that will always be missing that one precious son who has gone on to glory much too soon. 

Our precious son, Matthew.

2/25/1973 ~ 5/25/2014

So, what time is it in your  life?  I guess what I am learning is that no matter what season of life we may be in, there is much to learn...and we don't need to feel that we are all alone. God has promised to be with us in our life's journey...from beginning to end.  Perhaps you may discover that it is time for you to let Him take the lead...and just dance. I think I am beginning to understand that better now too.

Going Out On a Limb ~ An Advent Devotional - recycled again

Happy Advent morning...I originally wrote this in 2015, just after retiring. Then I reposted it in 2016.  Well, after reading it again this morning, I thought to myself, I must have written this to a future me in 2018, because I needed to be reminded of these truths again today.  

We are again at a kind of crossroads in this journey of our lives.  As most of you know, we are trying to sell our home and make a move to a little community about thirty miles north of our present location.  We believe, by faith, that this is how the Lord is leading us as we make these plans.  However, we have been a little discouraged as there has not been much interest in our house yet...and then last night I learned that the house we were "keeping our eye on" in the new community now has a pending sale on it. We were not able to tie it up in any way without a contract on our present home...so we have to watch that house go away to someone else.  I know that God is in control...and the first thought (after my initial shock and meltdown that the house was sold) was that He must have a much better house waiting for us when the time is right.  And so today I wake up with renewed vision and faith in the God Who will not forsake those who seek Him!  I can't wait to see what He has in store for us!

Perhaps this message below will be an encouragement for you today to be willing to "go out on a limb" with Jesus.  After all, "that's where the fruit is!"

Here is the original post from 2015 (and repeated in 2016):

Mark Twain was quoted as saying:

"Why not go out on a limb? That's where the fruit is."

I love what Sarah Young wrote in "Jesus Calling" for December 9th:  (I'm recycling this post from 2015 on that date...yes, I know today is really Dec. 13th...don't panic! )

"Be willing to go out on a limb with Me. (Jesus).  If that is where I am leading you, it is the safest place to be.  Your desire to live a risk-free life is a form of unbelief.  Your longing to live close to Me is at odds with your attempts to minimize risk.  

You are approaching a crossroads in your journey.  In order to follow Me wholeheartedly, you must relinquish your tendency to play it safe.  

Let Me lead you step by step through this day.  

If your primary focus is on Me, you can walk along perilous paths without being afraid.  Eventually, you will learn to relax and enjoy the adventure of our journey together. 

 As long as you stay close to Me, My sovereign Presence protects you wherever you go."  

I particularly like this verse that she references at the end: 

Psalm 9:10 

"And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; 

For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You."

Taking the step to retire (last year) was definitely one of these steps for me...going out on a limb...and certainly no longer playing it safe.  But I do know that the Lord is with me, and therefore I am daily learning to "relax and enjoy the adventure of our journey together".  Lord, help me to stay close to You so that Your Sovereign Presence will protect me wherever I go..  Amen.

Perhaps you may also be at a crossroads in your life today.  As we approach the end of another year, we are often faced with decisions about our future, and wonder what the New Year may hold in store for us.  I was reading in another place this morning about the seasons of our lives, and how sometimes it may feel like we are in an endless winter. We all have these "seasons" of difficult issues; financial problems, illness, career changes, or retirement, family/relationship concerns.  But when we place our trust in the One Who is able to guide us through these turbulent times...when we allow ourselves to let go of our own sense of security...the trunk of the tree...and step out on that limb and focus our eyes on Jesus, the Source of our true security and hope, we find that truly that IS where the fruit is...the fruit of peace, joy, and renewed strength.

Read what the prophet Isaiah says in chapter 40, verses 27-31~

"Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel;

'My way is hidden from the Lord, 

and my just claim is passed over by my God?'

Have you not known?

Have you not heard?

The Everlasting God, the Lord,

The Creator of the ends of the earth,

Neither faints nor is weary.

His understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the weak,

and to those who have no might He increases strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary,

and the young men shall utterly fall,

But those who wait on the Lord

shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint."

As we continue in this time of waiting the Advent of our Lord...not just for Christmas, but for His return for us, His chosen Bride...let us focus our eyes on Him who is able to renew our strength and ask that He give us the courage to stretch our faith as we step out on those proverbial limbs of life. He will be there to catch us should we start to fall...and He will lift us back up onto His wings and carry us on to reach that fruit He has promised us if we just put our trust in Him.  

What wonderful hope is this? Amen!!

Lift Up Your Head! Revisted

Today, April 19, 2018, marks the 7th anniversary of the passing of my father from this life into heaven.  I was just thinking about him as I scrolled through some old blog posts, and came across this one, which brought tears to my eyes in a good way as I read about the loving act my father did for me many years ago when I needed it most.

Original Post 7/24/2014:

"But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head..." Psalm 3:3

Young Fawn at dawn in my neighborhood today

I was reading in the book "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young the devotional reading for today, July 27. Here is what it says:

"Hope is a golden cord connecting you to heaven.  This cord helps you hold your head up high, even when multiple trials are buffeting you.  I never leave your side, and I never let go of your hand.  But without the cord of hope, your head may slump and your feet may shuffle as you journey uphill with Me.  Hope lifts your perspective from your weary feet to the glorious view you can see from the high road.  You are reminded that the road we're traveling together is ultimately a highway to heaven.  When you consider this radiant destination, the roughness or smoothness of the road ahead becomes much less significant.  I am training you to hold in your heart a dual focus: My continual Presence and the hope of heaven."  

This reminded me of a time in my life when I was going through a very difficult time, and it was tempting to hang my head in despair and hide away from prying eyes and wagging tongues.  That year for Christmas my father surprised me with a special gift that I will never forget.  We had previously lived in the north country, where moose were a very BIG part of our lives. (pun intended).  If you were lucky, you might see a live moose walk through your yard occasionally (as we did).

(Picture from Internet)

 If you were not so lucky, you might NOT see a moose crossing the road in front of your car in the middle of the night...and then you'd be in BIG trouble.

Internet Photo

 That is why you would often see along side every road a sign that said: 

I had often mentioned to my my father, who was a retired hobby carpenter, that since I had moved back to Florida it would be such fun to have a "moose" in my yard again...meaning a wooden cut out of a moose.  He always said "maybe, sometime when he had time, he'd think about it..."   And then in that particular year some things had happened that brought sorrow and disappointment to our home, and having a moose in my yard was probably the last thing on my mind.  But apparently not on my sweet father's mind.  Imagine my surprise on Christmas when he led me out into his back yard with my eyes closed and standing there was the most delightful bull moose ever seen in the state of Florida!  It looked something like this:

Internet Photo

Actually there were two of them, which I don't have a picture of, but the other had its head lowered, and it was a gift for a friend of ours who was also from New England. But about the one standing tall and erect as above, my father said, "This one is for you, because I want you to always hold your head up high like this and be strong."  It brings tears to my eyes even now to remember that moment, and how loving and compassionate my Daddy was as he presented his gift to me that day. It was a gift of love and hope to me from my earthly father, but I believe it was also from my Heavenly Father. HE wanted me to know that I was not alone in my struggle...and that He was to me, as quoted above in Psalm 3:3 ~ 

"But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, 

My glory and the One who lifts up my head."

and then  

"I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill.

I lay down and slept;

I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people

Who have set themselves against me all around."

Psalm 3:5-6

I wish I could say that all my troubles were magically over at that moment, but that was not the case. However, my attitude was changed...my hope was restored...and I was better able to hold my head high and move forward with renewed strength and courage, ready to face the future knowing that God was with me, sustaining me, and making my path straight.

And now, "It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect.  He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places..." Psalm 18:32-33 

Bye Bye little deer! You have cheered my heart today!

 How about you?  Have you ever felt like letting your head hang low and hiding away from your perceived "enemies"?  Take heart from these words today, and "LIFT UP YOUR HEAD!"


In loving memory of my dad, this is one of my favorite pictures of the two of us, taking a nap on a Sunday afternoon. Precious memories. 

William F. Mursch, 8/9/1918 ~ 4/19/2011

Early Morning Splendor

Today is a special day...it is our 48th wedding anniversary!! And to start the day off right, we spontaneously decided to watch the sunrise together. So we grabbed our mugs of hot coffee (hubby) and hot tea (me), jumped in the car and drove to the public boat ramp on Lake Kerr, which is about five miles from our home, and arrived just in time to witness this:

 Our selfies...early morning bed head sans makeup...this is as good as it gets...

 last picture from the car as we drove away...

When we arrived back home we sat down to read our morning devotions.  I picked up Sarah Young's Jesus Calling and read what she wrote for today's date...and I thought it quite profound in "light" of what we had just experienced...

"Meet Me in early morning splendor.  I eagerly await you here.

In the stillness of this holy time with Me,

I renew your strength and saturate you with Peace.

While others turn over for extra sleep or anxiously tune in to the latest news,

you commune with the Creator of the universe.

I have awakened in your heart strong desire to know Me.
This longing originated in Me, though it now

burns brightly in you.

When you seek My Face in response to My Love-call,

both of us are blessed.

This is deep mystery,

designed more for your enjoyment than for your understanding.

I am not a dour God who discourages pleasure. 

I delight in your enjoyment of everything that is

true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable.

Think on these things,

and My LIGHT in your will shine brighter day by day."

Sarah Young, Jesus Calling, August 16.

Could anything have been written more perfectly for this morning?

As well as Sarah Young's inspired devotional writing for this day, she also included a reference to Isaiah 40:31, which is one of my favorite verses ever, but especially perfect for today:

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint."

This verse was a special confirmation to us today because just yesterday we were grappling with a major decision, and finally made our choice to back away from our desired plans and "dreams" and wait on the Lord to show us HIS plans for us. Once we surrendered our will to God's will completely, we had renewed peace and strength...and were finally able to sleep at night again.  So today's experience and these words from God's Word and from His servant were exactly what we needed to hear today, to reaffirm to us that we had made the right decision.  

I ask you, dear friends, Isn't God good?  Isn't our Lord just awesome in His works to the children of men?

"Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,

and for His wonderful works to the children of men!

For He satisfies the longing soul,

and fills the hungry soul with goodness."

Psalm 107:8-9

Amen!

"The Sounds of Silence" - Updated

II Corinthians 1:2-5

"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and 

the Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

Who comforts us in all our tribulation, 

that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, 

with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, 

so our consolation also abounds through Christ."

For some reason I've been drawn to this post that I wrote exactly 3 years ago, which was about one month after the passing of our precious son from this life to the next.  I guess because I woke up thinking about a couple of dear friends of ours who said farewell to their precious daughter one year ago today, and praying that the Lord would comfort them as they remember her on this " first anniversary" of her passing.  They say time is a great healer...and I must say that it does help...but the memories of our dear ones never go completely away....nor would we want them to.

At this stage in our grieving process, three years later, we are still hit with memories that bring us to tears, but there are also many moments that bring smiles and laughter as we remember and celebrate the person who our son was. He would not want us to continue in sorrow...why? Because where he is, there is no sorrow!  He is dwelling in the heavenlies with Jesus Christ...and every day is a celebration of eternal life...no sickness, no death, no sorrow, no pain...only joy and hallelujahs every moment!

I shared the above passage from II Corinthians 1:2-5 today because I have come to realize that often times in life, as we go through great sorrows and tribulations , we find that the day comes when the God Who comforts us helps us to also comfort those who are presently passing through their own tribulations.  It is a comfort to know someone else has already walked this type of journey before and can help us deal with the pitfalls and valleys of sorrow as we come upon them.  I know there have been many who have encouraged us along the way, and I pray that we will be able to comfort and encourage others as the Lord leads us.

So, without further ado, here is what I wrote three years ago...perhaps this will bring some measure of comfort to someone else today. I pray so.

Original Post 6/21/2014:

Hello Blog Page my old friend, I've come to talk with you again...   I kind of rewrote that phrase from one of my old favorite Simon and Garfunkle songs, "The Sounds of Silence", which said, "Hello darkness my old friend, I've come to talk with you again..."   That was the song that just popped into my head as I sat down here at my computer and tried to think about what on earth I was going to write.  It seems as though my mind has been a bit of a blank lately.  Actually, my mind is full of things...I just don't know how to say them. Not sure that I want to say them in public.

Not bad things, just private thoughts...thoughts of grief, sorrow, healing, 

comfort, sadness, memories, joy, longing, 

praying, wishing, hoping, wondering, 

thankfulness, 

praise, love, wistful, tender, 

crying, laughing....

You see, when you've said farewell to someone you love so much...one of your own precious children...

and even though

 you know in your heart that you will see him again someday, 

and you rejoice in knowing that he is no longer suffering...

he is fully whole and happy in heaven...

You still have those moments when you wish you could turn back time and start over again...and have things turn out differently...if you had the power to keep the disease from forming in his body...if you could have somehow changed the course of events...but then you realize that you are not God. You really can't see the bigger picture yet...the picture that God sees looking down at us from His heavenly throne.  You realize that now your child can see the bigger picture...and he understands the whys and wherefores...and if he could tell me so, he would tell me that it is all going to be okay...not to worry...God's plan IS the best plan...and I will understand it better by and by.

This morning I took my breakfast of a cup of hot tea, a homemade blueberry bran muffin fresh out of the oven, and a bowl of summer fruit and went and sat outside in the garden arbor that we just built in memory of our son, and I sat there in the garden and thought about these things. And then I allowed God to do His work of healing in my heart.  He knew exactly what I needed. Here are a few pictures that I took this morning as I welcomed God's therapy of peace and quiet to comfort me:

God knew just what I needed. He always does.

I read in today's reading of "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young:

"Wait patiently with Me while I bless you.

Don't rush into My Presence with time-consciousness gnawing at your mind.

I dwell in timelessness;

I am, I was, I will always be. 

For you, time is a protection;

you're a frail creature who can handle only twenty-four-hour segments of life.

Time can also be a tyrant, 

ticking away relentlessly in your mind.

Learn to master time, or it will be your master.

Though you are a time-bound creature, 

seek to meet Me in timelessness.

As you focus on My Presence,

The demands of time and tasks will diminish.

I will bless you and keep you,

making My Face shine upon you graciously,

giving you Peace."

I needed that message today. I tend to be driven by time and things to do. I haven't allowed myself much time for healing..."The Sounds of Silence"...time to rest, time to appreciate the beauty around me. 

"Therefore I will look to the LORD; 

I will wait for the God of my salvation; 

My God will hear me.  

Do not rejoice over me, my enemy;

When I fall, I will arise;

When I sit in darkness,

The LORD will be a light to me."

Micah 7:7-8

The Secret Garden Chronicles Day 18 "Held In His Mighty Arms"

It is hard to believe that I missed the last three days of actually coming into and sitting in the Secret Garden...but each day presented different circumstances, and also different ways and reasons to praise the Lord in various places.  I am so thankful for the way the Lord had prepared me spiritually for those days...as well as in giving me the "rest" necessary to be able to withstand all of the activities and emotional turmoil involved.

In reading back over the past few days in Sarah Young's marvelous devotional book, "Jesus Calling",  I was amazed at how many times Jesus was "calling" us to

"Seek My face and you will find not only My Presence but also My Peace" (February 5th), 

"Come to Me and REST.  I AM all around you, to bless and restore!" (February 6th)

"Come to Me for REST and Refreshment" (February 7th)

"I AM above all things; 

your problems, your pain, 

and the swirling events in this everchanging world." (February 8th)

"Seek MY face more and more"; and also "TRUST ME and don't be afraid, 

for I AM your strength and song!"  (February 9th)

Wow!  When I was following the ambulance with my hubby inside on this same day (9th), I was singing, "Jesus, Jesus, How I TRUST You."  And He truly WAS my strength and my song!! 

Today, February 10th, says, "Trust Me enough to spend ample time with Me, pushing back the demands of the day..."  and that is where I am right now, Lord, sitting here in the Secret Garden with You..."pushing back the demands of the day", and also, as the next line reads, I "refuse to feel guilty about something that is so pleasing to" YOU, "The King of the Universe!"

Yes, I could be inside the house, cleaning up from several days' neglect due to all the activities.  But Lord, You know how much I crave this time alone with You!  I truly believe that I will be better equipped to tackle whatever "needs" to be done inside if I spend this time here, outside, with You!

My spirit, mind, and body needs to be refreshed, revived, and restored back into a right fellowship and rhythm with You at the center of My being...blocking out all of the distractions and concerns of the past few days, even though most were very pleasant distractions indeed, but some were not so pleasant, and my heart and mind have been rather disturbed over the sudden illness of my hubby.  Even though it turned out all right for now, we realize there is the possibility of future such "episodes" if things are not attended to and properly corrected.  And that leaves me with an uneasy feeling and a kind of insecurity in my mind that I don't like!

Isaiah 12:2-6 reminds me again to trust in God, and not be afraid:

2."Behold, God is my salvation;

I will trust and not be afraid;

For YAH, the Lord, is my strength and song;

He has also become my salvation."

3.  "Therefore with JOY

you will draw water from 

the wells of salvation.

4.  And in that day you will say:

Praise the Lord.

Call upon His name,

Declare His deeds among the peoples,

make mention that His name is exalted.

5.  Sing to the Lord,

For He has done excellent things;

This is known in all the earth.

6.  Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion,

For great is the Holy One of

Israel in your midst."

Yes, Lord, I will continue to TRUST in YOU no matter what the future may hold, because I know that YOU hold my future in Your hands.  Therefore, I do not need to be afraid!

I was looking through my hymnal for another song, and came across this one that is even better:

"Held In His Mighty Arms" by Winfield Macomber

(sung by Christine Wyrtzen in the link above)

"Safe is my refuge,

sweet is my rest;

Ill cannot harm me,

nor foes e'er molest.

Jesus my spirit so tenderly calms,

Holding me close in His mighty arms!

Oh, what wonderful, wonderful rest!

Trusting completely in Jesus I'm blest;

Sweetly He comforts and shields from alarms;

Holding me safe in His mighty arms."

Yes, Thank You, Jesus, for holding me safe in Your mighty arms!!  When I am held close in Your arms I need not fear or be alarmed about anything.  I can rest peacefully in my safe refuge...Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.  Praise God!!!  Amen.

P.S:  I can't believe I forgot that today is FRIDAY FOTO FRIENDS DAy!!!   That just shows you how discombobulated I have been this week!!  So, friends, I will repost this as my Friday Foto Friends post for today.  Sorry I am late to the gathering!!  Click HERE for other great posts from my friends today.

"Tiny Treasures" along the way... UPDATED

Going back through previous posts from a few years ago I discovered this one from 11/23/13. Since this is a busy week preparing for a house full of guests for Thanksgiving, I most likely won't have much time for blogging...or even for watching for those "tiny treasures strategically placed along the way."...But it is still such good advice...and perhaps there is someone out there who needs this message today.  In the midst of your hectic preparations for family gatherings and travels, take a moment to recognize those special treasures that God has placed in your path. It could truly brighten your day and help you relax and enjoy the "ride".   Happy Thanksgiving!!

These were the "tiny treasures" I found today...holly berries have turned red and look so pretty outside my bedroom window.

This was originally posted on 11/23/2013:

First thing this morning I read the following thoughts in the little devotional book , Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young, on the page for today's date, November 23:

"As you go through this day, look for tiny treasures strategically placed along the way.

I (Jesus) lovingly go before you and plant little pleasures to brighten your day.

Look carefully for them, and pluck them one by one.

When you reach the end of the day, you will have gathered a lovely bouquet.

Offer it up to Me with a grateful heart.

Receive My Peace as you lie down to sleep,

with thankful thoughts playing a lullaby in your mind."

 Shortly after reading this passage, we took an early morning walk in the woods.  I almost forgot to take along my camera, but quickly ran back into the house to get it before we had gotten very far. I'm so glad I did, because otherwise I would have missed the first "tiny treasure strategically placed along the way."  This perfect Golden Silk Orb Spider web, "strategically placed" directly in my path.  There was no way to get under it or around it, so we just had to turn around and go back a different way.  I wasn't about to destroy it!

 Can you imagine how difficult it must be to get all those silken strands so perfectly lined up in complete circle? Such amazing creatures!  You have to admire the skill of these spiders even if you don't particularly appreciate the spider itself!

The next treasure (not quite as tiny) that I discovered today was this sink! You may not think much of this old well used sink...but it has been in my sights actually for awhile...left over from a local church yard sale sitting rather forlornly under their "van-port" (where the church van sits), and it kept beckoning me to look a little closer.  I am sure you are wondering why I would want this old (very heavy cast iron!) sink...well,

I have my reasons...thinking of an outdoor sink for my son the carpenter to wash up brushes, hands, equipment...and also a place for doing some flower potting, washing up after working in the yard...LOTS of uses!  So I contacted the Pastor's Wife and asked how much they wanted for it...and she said, "It's yours! Come get it!"  And so I did...rather my son and I did. Thank goodness! I had NO idea how heavy that little cast iron sink would be!  Now to get him to build a potting bench/workbench to place it on...

But don't you agree this is a treasure?

As I walked around our back yard I noticed the next tiny treasures..These two sweet little blossoms on my Louis-Philippe Rose bushes, which were a gift from a dear friend who has since moved away and they are here to remind me of her kindness!  The Louis-Philippe Rose is also known as the "Florida Cracker Rose".  They are finally starting to bloom a little more freely, and their sweet delicate little faces make me smile.

 It smells so nice too!

Especially I am happy to see  this one blooming, because I recently transplanted this plant to a new location so that I could plant my new "Don Juan" rosebush birthday gift from my sister in its former spot so I could see it from the window.  I was afraid it wouldn't bloom again after transplanting it, but here it is!!!

The day is not done yet...and I may add more "tiny treasures" before the day is through.  But I wanted to take the time now to offer these up to the Lord with a grateful heart!  He knows how to bring joy to us in the simplest of ways.

What "tiny treasures strategically placed along the way" have YOU discovered today? Why not share them with others and be a part of the lovely bouquet being offered up to Jesus with a grateful heart full of Thanksgiving?

Opening Another Advent Window (Updated)

This is a rerun of a post from a couple of years ago.  I must say that I still love to read from the devotional book "Jesus Calling" every morning, along with its companion "Jesus Today", also by Sarah Young.  I received that book from my sister as a Christmas gift that same year.  It is amazing to me to see how these little books have an appropriate message just for me every day...and then they lead me to passages in the Bible that further show me God's message for the day. This is a marvelous way to to start each day all year long, not just during the Advent season!



The original post written on 12/2/13 begins here:

If you recall reading about my "Jesus Calling Experience"  a couple of weeks ago, you will recall that I had finally responded to the "call" of Jesus to pick up the little devotional book, "Jesus Calling",  written by Sarah Young that I found in my church library...and then a dear friend said that she wanted me to have my own copy as a gift.

Well, today was the day.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed with humility upon receiving a gift from someone when you felt like you should be the one giving a gift instead?

That's how I felt.

This is my Open Advent Window for today.

As we prepare for the coming of the Christ Child, the Babe in the Manger,

remember that He is the Divine Gift to us, we who are so unworthy. 

But He came down to earth for us,

to rescue us from our sins,

and to save us for all eternity

to live with Him forever.

What does He ask from us?

Nothing really...except that we love Him

with all our hearts.

Here's a little song I remember hearing and singing at Christmas time:

In the Bleak Midwinter (click on title for link to song by Gloucester Cathedral Choir)

Christina Rossetti (written 1872, published posthumously in 1904)

"In the bleak mid-winter Frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, Snow on snow, In the bleak mid-winter Long ago. Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him Nor earth sustain; Heaven and earth shall flee away When He comes to reign: In the bleak mid-winter A stable-place sufficed The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ. Enough for Him, whom cherubim Worship night and day, A breastful of milk And a mangerful of hay; Enough for Him, whom angels Fall down before, The ox and ass and camel Which adore. Angels and archangels May have gathered there, Cherubim and seraphim Thronged the air, But only His mother In her maiden bliss, Worshiped the Beloved With a kiss. What can I give Him, Poor as I am? If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb, If I were a wise man I would do my part, Yet what I can I give Him, Give my heart." Thank you to my friend today for the wonderful gift of "Jesus Calling".  This gift is helping me to prepare my heart for Christmas. How about you? Is your heart ready for Christmas? Could Jesus be "calling" you?