By the Lamp Light

Extra Credit

2009-11-07T10:40:00.002-05:00

Audra is currently studying Shakespeare at a nearby college as part of a dual enrollment program (high school juniors and seniors get high school and college credit at the same time.) The professor assigned roles for the reading of A Midsummer Night's Dream and offered extra credit to students who would also dress in Athenian attire while they read. Audra wanted to participate. Thanks to a creative friend who gave me a picture to go by, we used what we had at home to make a quick and easy costume.

When folding laundry this week, I had moved a worn pillow case to beside the sewing machine to see if I could mend it's tear. Victoria Leigh has had this embroidered case since she was five years old. I usually don't keep track of when I purchase linens, but this was a sweet set that had a special memory attached. Victoria used this king size pillow case to cover her mat for nap time in kindergarten. Where have the years gone? Victoria is going to be fifteen next week! Oh, the sweet memories.With just a quick seam for a casing, I inserted the elastic and stitched a machine hem for Audra's skirt. I basted gold Christmas ribbon around the hem of one of my shirts, and folded and stitched another length of ribbon to make the corset shaped waist design. We added a gold ribbon band to her hair, a scarf from Victoria's closet and Audra's gladiator sandals. I snapped a picture as she headed down the college hall to class looking as lovely as a dream.

Simple, quick and extra credit!

Halloween in the garden

2009-11-04T21:38:00.007-05:00

Not everyone in the garden dressed for the occasion. But one variety participated in the holiday.

Just a few months back, these coneflowers were in beautiful bloom.

And today, they eerily resemble,

a hat perch for one who rides a broom!

October 31st in the garden

A lesson learned in the garden

2009-10-30T21:20:00.003-04:00

Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year.

There is so much I enjoy during this season - the asters in the garden,

The colorful leaves fluttering from the branches till they find a spot to land,

The hydrangea leaves changing color as they put on their rusty coat,

The pansies unfolding and brightening planters,

I enjoy everything common to this time of year.

But I was most blessed today by an uncommon blessing - a single bud becoming a bloom, an October rose! I just did not expect this bud! We had already trimmed most of the rose bush back and had mulched the plants for fall. And we have had frost several times this season. God has a way of using common every day life to speak truth to my heart. God has been doing some new things in Audra's life. And this rose was the LORD's way of reminding me that He could do what He wants, when He wants.

Audra had planned to study to be an obstetrician. She set up a visit to Vanderbilt last April and had her dear little heart and mind set on medical school. No matter where else we looked or visited, Vanderbilt was always her first choice. And although her daddy, the Salesman, thought it was too far away, he agreed that studying medicine was a logical choice. And then very recently, the LORD has changed Audra's direction from medicine to music. A big change; but more importantly - a GOD change. A change that HE whispered and has confirmed to Audra's heart. And the word she keeps hearing is *faith*.

The word the LORD has been speaking to me for some time is *faith*. So today while I'm out enjoying the splendor of our LORD's creation, GOD knows that my heart has a lot of questions. I love music. I enjoy music. I can not sing a note though; I am not inclined in this area at all. I am a joyful noisemaker. I fondly remember my dear sister-in-love, Gretchen, asking me as she played our piano, if I could not tell it was out of tune. No, I couldn't. The musical gene skipped me. Completely. And what once seemed settled is now a new process. A new road. A dream is awakening in Audra's heart. And without a doubt, the LORD is giving her wings. We are seeking the LORD's direction. What next, LORD? Where do you want us to start? We want to follow Him and His lead, even when we *think* we have it all figured out. The Salesman has questions, too. There is so much we just don't know. But we know The ONE who does know. GOD is asking us, bidding us to take this walk of faith. Even when the asters and pansies are in bloom, the LORD can cause a rose to bloom. One of my heart's desires for both of the teens is that they would know and do God's will.

So I come back inside, just marveling that this rose is blooming amidst the obvious change in seasons and the frost. I kept saying, "LORD, YOU can do whatever you want." I went back to my desk and searched my concordance for a verse that said, "GOD can do whatever HE wants." I just wanted to read those words in THE WORD. So, I asked, LORD may I find words in YOUR WORD that speak to my heart about this change going on and the rose blooming at the end of October? Help me LORD. I opened my Bible to Psalms. Chapters 145, 146 and 147 were facing me and I started reading. Psalm 147:15-18 seemed to speak directly to my heart:

"He sends for HIS command to the earth;

His word runs very swiftly. (Just when I need confirmation LORD)

He gives snow like wool;

He scatters the frost like ashes.(You protect what YOU intend to bloom)

He casts forth His ice as fragments;

Who can stand before His cold?(Only what YOU desire LORD)

HE sends forth His word and melts them;

He causes His wind to blow and the water to flow."(We are waiting for YOUR mighty work)

The LORD gave me just what I needed - my GOD can do whatever HE wants, whenever He wants verse. I also thought of a verse my sister-in-love, Nancy, shared with me regarding God's will for Audra's life:

"The LORD will accomplish what concerns me;" Psalm 138:8a.

HIS WORD is life to me.

LORD, You reign over each earthly season,

YOU know our pilgrim pathway, when it changes and we don't see the reason.

I declare, "We are going to trust YOU"

To accomplish what before time began, YOU intended to.

Let our hearts be filled with vibrant faith and belief,

YOUR will foremost, and let us settle for no thing beneath.

Thank YOU LORD that for each life YOU have a destiny or dream-

We intend to follow YOU verses what is easily seen.

May Audra Elizabeth know and do

The work for her life that YOU'VE intended her to.

Let us not worry if the way or study is unconventional,

Let each faith step in YOU be very intentional.

We throw out any thing in us that is man's logic and man's reason,

Do a mighty work LORD in Audra's life, in YOUR time and season.

YOU, LORD, are the GREAT GARDENER EXTRAORDINAIRE,

To be planted in YOUR will and garden is our heartfelt desire and care.

Cause YOUR beautiful music in Audra to bloom,

As medicine is swept out with the GOD broom.

LORD, we ask for YOUR direction,

Give us YOUR wisdom and YOUR holy, godly introspection.

Let us boldly move forward with steps of faith,

Grounded and secure in YOUR way, let us not falter or quake.

In the mighty, splendid NAME that is above all names, Amen.

Above the Lamp Light

2009-10-24T19:26:00.001-04:00

The oil painting of the yellow tulip I was given by Victoria Leigh and mentioned here has a home! I found the frame at Hobby Lobby for 50% off and I really like the look with the oil. I had thought about hanging this bright beauty near my desk. The young artist suggested we hang it above my desk.

I love it here! And I would have never thought to hang it above the desk! This is my view as I sit by the lamp light and look up. A lovely view indeed!

In the lower right hand corner you may be able to see the corner of a watercolor Audra painted of my journal that is awaiting framing and a home.

With all creation I sing

2009-10-12T07:37:00.001-04:00

While Audra was recovering from her dental surgery,

the Salesman and Victoria Leigh went on a hike to see a Moonbow.

Victoria snapped several pictures of her daddy during their adventure.

She also captured the beauty of God's creation all around them.

Our family had planned to go together;

but, Victoria Leigh's pictures,

gave me beautiful glimpses of their day together.

I was so thankful that she didn't just take pictures of the moonbow.

And my heart sings in thanksgiving to the Lord:

"Clothed in rainbows, of living color

Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder

Blessing and honor, strength and

Glory and power be

To You the Only Wise King

Holy, Holy, Holy

Is the Lord God Almighty

Who was, and is, and is to come

With all creation I sing:

Praise to the King of Kings!

You are my everything,

And I will adore You!

Filled with wonder,

Awestruck wonder

At the mention of Your Name

Jesus, Your Name is Power

Breath, and Living Water

Such a marvelous mystery."

Revelation Song

Pictures along the pathway by Victoria Leigh.

Memory Monday - God has the picture

2009-10-05T09:04:00.001-04:00

"But godliness with contentment is great gain" were the first words I heard the Lord whisper to my waking heart this morning. I knew immediately what He meant.

We have just celebrated our five year anniversary here. Five years ago the LORD, without any doubt, moved us. That April, the Salesman got an offer, one that was too good to pass by, on his business. I'll never forget that day or the events that followed. We were getting ready to go to a Sunday School meeting. The "we" was me and the children. The Salesman had not made it home yet; but I was confident he would. Then I got the call from him saying he'd got an offer to buy the business and he was going to settle on a price with the party...He probably would not be home in time to go to the meeting. The time was right for this business deal and I just knew it, and he did too. I thought of the conversations we'd had about his work. The knowing that this opportunity had been given to us. Little did I know that the this phone call or that day would change everything about the little perfect world I was living in.

I would not have changed anything about the life I was living - location, home, school, church, neighbors, family, friends - nothing. Life was good. But the events that followed April 15th could only have been orchestrated by God and I had a first hand view of the God show that was about to unfold in my perfect world. The world that I would have never dreamed of leaving.

The business deal was finalized in July. Papers signed. Deal done. School was out for the summer. No longer would the Salesman be driving to the office that he had put so much of his life into. What do we do next? The Salesman was a natural at his work. He had been a salesman for, well, all his life it seemed. And he was good at what he did. The competition had consistently tried to steal him away. Every option and door locally began to close though. It became obvious we would move - but where? Every door opened in the southern direction.

We put our home on the market in September. I thought we would be there for months - the market was flooded with homes, absolutely flooded. Several agents recommended listing our home for much more than we ever dreamed it would be worth. We went with their BIG suggestion. I was reeling in my mind; I did not really think anyone would pay that much for our home in this market. I thought I was set. I would live on my Hallmark street forever, in my lovely home, my lovely life.

The photographer for the real estate magazine came to take pictures - our home was picked for the cover! I was not surprised about that - we had a lovely home. A historic, tree lined neighborhood that Hallmark had even used as a backdrop to film two movies. It was picturesque. We had lived there for twelve years. So many memories. When the agent sent me pictures of our home that would be showcased in the magazine, I remember being upset. In my mind, the pictures did not do our home justice. I was mad. No, I wasn't excited about moving; but if I was going to have my home shown to the "whole world" (really just our area) I wanted it to look as good to everyone else as it did to me. I went to bed mad about those pictures. Yes, mad about pictures. I was awakened by one of the loudest peals of thunder and the brightest flash of lightening and the words spoken to my heart (as real as if they had been audible):

"That picture of your house that you're so worried about, I have it."

And have it, HE DID. Within the week, two parties were willing to pay the asking price... and the funniest thing ever - the real estate magazine with the picture of my home on the front had not even come out yet! God had the picture of our home. Closing came 30 days later.

I did get a gazillion copies of the magazine though. Still have several in fact...

We bought a home at auction near a piece of property my grandfather had given our family that we thought we would build a home on. Five years later, suffice it to say, no home has been built yet. And furthermore, we don't think we will build on *that* piece of property. And lately, I've been discontent about my home. This temporary stop, or so I thought, on the way to our dream home. I have wanted the LORD to hurry up with my home - my dream home. As I've opened kitchen cabinets lately, I've wanted new cabinets. And new hardware. And new granite. And new... You get the idea.

No wonder I heard I Timothy 6:6 early this morning: "But godliness with contentment is great gain." (KJV) It's where I want to be. Contentment is what I need from The One who still has the picture of my home. So, I plan to tuck this Scripture in my heart this next week.

It's hard to believe it has been five years. The move, hands down, has been the BEST ever for our family. I'll save that for another post. God's hand has been so evident all along the way.

My dear sister-in-love, Nancy, wrote this prayer when they were praying for a new home. I'm pulling it back out to pray along with I Timothy 6:6:

Home is where the heart is:
Let my heart dwell in Your hand,
Not growing roots within walls
Constructed by a man;
Not set on things that can be bought
Of silver and of gold.
Oh let mine be a heart not cast
Within a world-wrought mold.
Wrap my heartstrings around Your palm,
Thread them through the nail-pierced hole;
Knot them once and twice again,
Like reins in Your complete control.
From all goodly attachments
Would I repent -
In any earthly dwelling
Make me content!
For Your presence is joy's fullness,
Wherever my feet roam.
Home is where the heart is:
Let Your hand be my heart's home.

The Recovery Room

2009-10-03T16:40:00.001-04:00

We are blessed and humbled by your prayers.

Hope and gratitude fill our hearts to The One who hears our every cry. Audra left you all a sweet message in the comment section of the last post. (She was holding and ice pack to her mouth and pecking out her thanksgiving to you one-handed.)

We are both blessed, very blessed.

Asters are on the nightstand. Rest and ice cream are on order this weekend.

Butterfly mobile in Audra's room.

Would you join me in prayer?

2009-10-01T07:57:00.001-04:00

Audra has had to have her top braces put back on; but she is still smiling! And Friday, at 10:15 A.M., she is having four gum graphs done. The dental surgery will take an hour and a half. Would you join me in praying for:

A well rested doctor and assistant
A successful surgery
Peace - tonight, tomorrow, everyday
Knowing that the LORD is in control
Strength - for me (my mother passed out when I got my ears pierced, had to go to the ER) and I am a wimp in this area too!
Safety while on the road (we have two plus hours of drive time)
Power - Holy Spirit power and no interruption of electrical power during the grafting
A speedy and full recovery
That we would bring glory to HIS Name
That we would have hearts of thanksgiving to Him
Any other way the LORD might direct you to pray in this regard

Thank you kindly for joining us in prayer. "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 1:2

Photo: Smiling, brace-clad teen trying on heels at TJ Maxx

September Rose

2009-09-17T20:34:00.002-04:00

Yellow

2009-09-11T15:33:00.002-04:00

A brilliant sea of yellow greets me in the garden this week as the mums awaken from their slumber and show their cheerful faces.

As they awaken, the cone flowers start their season of slumber,

Joining in a wave-like form behind them comes the goldenrod.

"See now that I, I am He, And there is no god besides Me; It is I who put to death and give life." Deuteronomy 32:39a

The old and the new.

"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven-" Ecclesiastes 3:1

Life comes from death.

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." John 12:24

Abundant life.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10

A Lovely Vine

2009-09-04T09:05:00.002-04:00

While setting the table for a special luncheon here at our cozy nest on the hill, I saw beauty in this pumpkin stem that I used in our centerpiece.

We have a city garden here in the country. And as I was picking the first pumpkin, I snapped the stem off just like I would see them at the farmer's market - short and sweet. But when I got to the second pumpkin, I could not resist keeping a good portion of the stem. It was lovely -

The loose and tightly bound tendrils and the raffia looking stem,

The beauty of the twisted vine etched with lines.

The vine made me think of my past. Sometimes, like the first pumpkin I picked, I'm all to eager to discount and cut off my past. The whole "please don't remember who I was before Christ" thought. Some of my memories, like the pumpkin vine, are furrowed with grief, guilt and pain. Some seasons of my past were twisted and I was tightly bound to the things that brought Christ no glory.

Dear LORD,

As I reflect on seasons of harvest when I brought You no inkling of glory

You remind me of Romans 8:28 and how You can work in each and every story

Even though each vine and tendril was once very tightly bound

Hallelujah! Your Word and Your way is offered to ALL and can be found

So LORD, I'm believing You can use every last inch of my furrowed past

And turn it into Your eternal glory, the treasures that will last

I thank You LORD that in each and every season

You will use (what to my earthly mind) has no rhyme or reason

So please help me to stay connected to The One True Vine

Watered with Your Word and by Your Spirit, kept totally in line

In the Mighty, Redemptive and Restorative Name,

AMEN.

Priscilla Shirer Inspired Memory Monday

2009-08-23T19:34:00.001-04:00

After hearing Priscilla Shirer speak on Ephesians 3:20 and 21, I knew I wanted to tuck these treasures in my heart:

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

When we lived in the Carolina's, I listened to Tony Evans on the radio each evening as I settled in. His daughter, Priscilla Shirer, is an anointed speaker. With a BIG thank you (and hug) to Victoria Leigh for typing my chicken scratched notes into a readable form, here are the notes that inspired me to tuck these verses in my heart from hearing Priscilla Shirer speak on August 1, 2009 at the Deeper Still conference in Greensboro, NC.

Ephesians 3:20-21 is a gem within a gem.

1. Time - "Now"

Priscilla hired a landscaper to plant flowers and he gave specific watering instructions, which she followed. However, the plants were drooping and dying. After testing the soil, all the plants and soil needed to be removed and new soil added. We need new soil for a foundation to grow spiritually. LORD, reignite the flame of fundamentals within me. Check your soil. "Now" there is a time, it is right now, not in the future. Paul has gone to God with a request for the impossible situation - Jews and Gentiles coming together- Now is the time to believe in God. God makes all things possible. Paul is in prison. Are you in the impossible situation? The time is right now. Consider the now of God. Paul wanted there to be a connection between the impossibility of the situation and the now of God.

2. Turning "to Him"

180 pivot. Get the importance of this - don't focus on self, the situation or another person. Lift high the flag of our belief. Choose. Make a decision. It is a choice. In Numbers 13- Joshua and Caleb saw the difficulties through God. Their difficulties didn't disappear. Your difficulties don't disappear.

3. Truth "Who is able to do"

You cannot escape from it - believing that He can is our business. Paul was the chief of all sinners - a changed heart - a changed life. Greek word for power is dunamis = power=dynamite - power of God is like dynamite. An inexhaustible fullness. Paul knew who he was dealing with - the power that God is. No matter what season, our God is able. Yes Lord, Amen. Having truth in our heart's and living it. We try to be God ourselves. I am not God. He is not applying for the job. We'd let HIM do His job if we believed it - HE is able! It's for me too! Priscilla gave her parents trouble when she was growing up. Have you ever felt disconnected? HE is able! Believe "it" whether He does "it" or not is His sovereignty.

John 2:11 - It is possible to be a disciple and not believe. Have I been a disciple and not believed? Have I verbalized it in prayer? Are we a disciple who doesn't believe the willingness of God? He comes down to where we are. He's not just able, He has a heart that is willing. OR am I willing and not able? Example: Priscilla had a friend recovering from surgery and she so wanted to go over and be with her; but she has three little boys and when they went most of her time was spent tending to her boys. HE is willing and able. He has my best interest at heart.

4. Transcendence of God "God is exceedingly abundantly above"

These words are super superlatives, hyper is the Greek word here attached to a Greek word- it is that word on steroids. Hyper active. Gone beyond where it is supposed to go, no limits, Beyond, beyond, whatever I think is beyond, already beyond.

(These were my favorites examples - after each one Priscilla would say, I don't think you are getting it and would give another example till at the end we were hooting - We got it!)

*Priscilla does not allow her boys to go beyond the fence in their back yard. But if she gets a call from her neighbor that lives behind them, that their boys are in their yard, her boys have gone beyond the limit - Beyond, beyond.

*The Shirer's have a telescope that they can us to look at the stars. The beyond, beyond would be using a NASA telescope in comparison to theirs. Beyond, beyond.

*One of Priscilla's friends (whose husband was challenged in card giving), just wanted a card from her husband on her birthday. She came home to find a gift on her pillow from her husband, it was an umbrella. Tucked inside was a card that read "I hear it rains a lot in Paris at this time of year." He had gone Beyond, beyond.

*Do you ever go to a conference and leave instructions or a to-do list for your family? Going Beyond, beyond would be coming home to the list done, the house cleaned, a bath drawn and a meal served to you in bed - Beyond, beyond.

*They were on a family vacation and her parents had told everyone that they would pay the entire bill for dinner each evening. They were on their own for breakfast and lunch. Her brother-in-law kept ordering something small for dinner each evening (like a shrimp appetizer). After a couple nights of watching him, she asked why he was doing that when Daddy was taking care of the bill. He didn't get that memo. He immediately asked for the waiter and changed his order. You place a different order. You look at the menu differently. It will change the way I order when you know Daddy is taking care of you. Beyond, beyond.

Each of us is carrying around a box. We carry around what we believe about God. How did that get in the box - where do we get our beliefs from? They come from:

Church

Father or Mother

Testimonies of others

Denominations

Past experiences with God

Our beliefs - What He does or doesn't do

We then put our lid on top. We have the nerve to box HIM in. It limits my awareness of HIS ability. God will NOT fit in my box. Use my current box as a foundation upon which HE is going to build. Consider my box - have I put a lid on my box? Priscilla shared a way she prays "LORD, would you please do this, (and then adds) OR SOMETHING BETTER? I believe YOU are able."

5. Totality of God - "All that we ask or think"

ALL means ALL. Why is this important? This also applies to the small things too. HE is concerned about ALL - every aspect of my life. Every hair is numbered. He knows me intimately. He cares. Priscilla gave an example of a daughter pouring out her problems to a mother and the mother saying, "Stop, I can't take any more." God can take it ALL.

6. Turbo power (I'm not sure if I wrote down the right title.) "According to the power that works within us"

Priscilla was driving slow because a Mustang in front of her was driving slow, so she passed the Mustang. It is possible to have the all the power under the hood and poke along. Ephesians 3:20 and 21 says the power is available to me to work. What a tragedy - ALL the fullness of GOD on the inside and no power on the outside. Am I living without the power of GOD in my life? It is so readily available. The most vivid picture the LORD gave her of this was on a visit to Amish country. All the poles and lines were there for power. I have to flip the switch. I have to turn the nozzle. What is the HOLY SPIRIT asking me to do? DO IT! The miraculous work of God will be seen in turbo power - flip the switch!

7. Tribute to the fully capable God. I've changed the soil now - "To HIM be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."

His kindness leads to repentance

2009-08-17T16:34:00.002-04:00

For the last three days, I've felt like I received a spiritual spanking from the Lord. Not the kind of spanking I remember as a child - the hanging on to the bedpost in my parents room as the belt of correction was administered and my feet pranced like I was stung by hot pavement and my lungs exhaled sounds of excruciation as loud as any paid mourner could dream of exhaling. At 43, what the LORD has kindly done the last few days has literally caused me to finally cry out with crocodile tears flowing and my arms extended as I crawl back to my Father's lap and say, "Daddy, Abba, Father, I am sorry, so very, very sorry. Please make the gates that I've blocked so long, open like a flood and clean me from the inside out and set me up securely on YOUR narrow path."

Well, good morning. Let me just say that I've not been By The Lamp Light much this summer. God and I have really wrestled about wanting to blog verses following His leading and Spirit's direction. You know, I had it all planned out for weekly blogging:

Memory Monday
Weekly Word Wednesday
Fun Friday

Then this summer, the LORD really asked me to follow His lead and direction. So while flowers were blooming in the garden and we were taking some of the BEST TRIPS EVER, I did not feel His release to share them. What? Did this make sense to me? NO! I mean, we spent time with some of my favorite people (my family and friends) and literally, the LORD made it so I could not share - you would not even believe the story if I told you. But HE has a way of doing that.

I'm continually reminded that the LORD's ways are not my ways. So here I am by the lamp light on a morning that doesn't make much sense in the natural to me. We are officially starting another home school year today. I remember about nine years ago when the children were in private school and the Salesman needed my help at his office - and the LORD called me to spend time with HIM each and every morning. Time without looking at a watch. I had lunches to pack. Sleepyheads to brush and bows to match to outfits. I had to drive one way to deposit our little gifts for the day and another long, long way to the Salesman's office. But God was faithful then. I serve the same God today. He is faithful today.

I feel totally compelled by HIM to write today. No agenda, none of the normal today - not in any way. And it is one of those *things* that I would rather not air - you know, dirty laundry. I want you to see my cozy little home. But I'm writing by the early morning lamp light, to share what He asks me to. You may want to move on to another read this morning or if you feel led to stay, grab a cup of hot tea for the world's longest and most pin-ball-machine-like post.

I love pictures, art galleries, magazines - I'm a visual person. Yesterday, late afternoon, after worship, a nap, and a sweet time together as family, the children and I waited as the Salesman talked with a customer. While we waited, I had enough time to finish my book and was captivated by the LORD's beauty all around.

There were these lovely flowers and flags waving in the wind. (Thank you LORD for allowing me to somehow share flowers today too!)
The spot where we waited was picturesque and I tried to get the teens to let me take their pictures as we waited. They were too into their own books and music. (These little ear buds are like life support to this darlin' teen!)So I was left to enjoy the many beautiful surroundings including quaint red rockers and benches. At the very ends of the porch were these plastic lined boxes for trash. You can barely see one in the top right corner of this picture. I really tried not to get it in the picture.But you have a better view here of the trash receptacle at the other end of the porch. Aesthetically, these *things* were in the way of a good picture. Why would such a nice place put these plastic lined trash boxes on the ends of the porch? They were getting in the way of every good picture that I wanted to take. To get the beautiful flowers, the lamp light, the bench made from a tree, I had to deal with some trash. The LORD tenderly starts to speak to my heart as I start to hear what He is saying to me through what I am seeing. So many times, He just gives me pictures in the simple, everyday life that draw me back to Him. I've been in need of some drawing lately.From where I was sitting, there was also a view of a tent. It was not so out of the ordinary to see a tent. Inside the tent, there was a stage which was not so odd to me either. But I got hung up with one chair. I'm wondering - why one chair? Did the clean up crew get tired and forget to finish their job? What did this chair mean? I told the teens I would take pictures of them on the chair if they wanted me to. (They have been on several fun photo excursions recently and I thought this might be the reason for the chair.) No thank you mama. They read. One teen finished her book and came and put her head on my shoulder. So I sat and enjoyed the beautiful view and wondered if the Lord could be saying something to me through this picture.I could not get what I was seeing out of my mind enough to enjoy the benches or the rocker. Somehow, I was feeling called to this lone chair in the tent. His tent. Why just me LORD? I felt like I was going alone. The Salesman was talking with a customer, the teens don't want their picture taken. It's just You and me, Lord. But the watering can in the corner of this picture made me think of the Spirit, and how I am not alone and have been given the Spirit from my Father so that I may be Christlike no matter how alone I feel. I am not alone. Just Him. Just me. His Spirit.Finally, I got up and moved from my chairs of comfort, to the place HE seemed to be calling me so that I could see and hear what He was saying to me. It was like as long as I sat there in the comfy spot, I was not going to be able to receive what He said. And I was still a little disturbed by these ugly receptacles in this lovely LORD's day picture. Between the porch and the tent were flags of freedom waving over lush, lovely flowers. How do I get there? I was also visually bothered by a card board sign with a blue arrow on it near the end of the porch. But, this sign pointed to a very narrow pebbled path between the flowers that led to the tent. From this narrow pebbled path, I can see *the chair*. In my mind I start having a conversation with the Lord. It was Him and me. His tent. Me in the chair. The not so comfy chair. The chair intentionally there for me. The chair He called me to. The chair had purpose. The sign had purpose. The plastic lined trash boxes had purpose. But, I did not want to go to the chair. It was like I knew I was going to the principals office or being sent to my parent's room to hang onto the bed post till the lashes came. And if anyone is still hanging in there, now is where you may want to leave ---- but before you do, know that His story has a good ending - His kindness leads to repentance.

Why did I need to sit in this chair and have a full view not only of the lovely flowers and rockers and benches; but those trash receptacles on the east and west ends of the porch? Why was everything in the center so lovely, but the bookends of my picture were garbage? And not a pretty container; but a *thing* - plastic lined boxes. You may get the picture, I was BOTHERED by those *things*.

Not fully understanding what trash the Lord wanted to deal with, the Salesman was done and it was time for our drive home. Tummy full, book read, all these sights to think about. It was the early morning hours today that the Lord revealed what He had been speaking to my heart for the last few days.

In the very early hours of Thursday morning the LORD and I had what I would I would consider a spiritual marker together. He gave me a treasure. Then Friday, His loving hand of conviction fell on me. I went to a Bible seminar all day Saturday and it was like the LORD was pulling me to the front row with no distractions to hear what He said to me. Tears fell as I wept before the Lord. God was dealing with me. And it really didn't matter who was there because I was in that chair. The chair the LORD was calling me to. His tent. My chair.

But, you know, God's kindness lead me to repentance. At the seminar Saturday, two dear godly women, who I'd gladly adopt as spiritual mothers, blessed me. One by her words, the other by her touch. I'm going to focus on the one who touched because it's where the LORD has me today. And the one who spoke, oh my, it deserves a post to itself. I had a wound on the palm of one hand and as I was talking to one woman and she grabbed my hand to hold it. I wriggled a bit, not wanting her to even get close to the band aids. But, lo and behold, it was like she was after the very spot I was covering up. Hard to have a conversation when all this is going on in my mind. She said not A WORD. Just smiled, nodded, held my hurt.

Sunday morning when I woke up, I looked at my hand and literally thought "LORD, You allowed Ruth to heal my hand!" For the first time in over a week, it did not hurt when I woke up. In amazement I got ready for worship and once again as I sat under the TRUTH, very clear conviction fell on me. I felt as if I was being faced with the same topic over and over again. Does the LORD ever do that to you? He was not letting up on me. Yesterday the pastor mentioned a narrow path they had been on and how they were behind one big truck and how they could see the highway (the right road) from where they were and how they were so close. It made me think of the time we were part of a rolling roadblock and how frustrating it was to go slow when the road appeared wide open. God needed to slow me down on the lovely wide porch to even see the pebbled path - the narrow path - it was where He wanted me - He needed me to sit in the chair and see what roadblocks were in the way of dwelling in His abundance. My roadblocks were going to be disposed of in those plastic lined *things*.

A glorious weekend ended when I got frustrated last night. Do you ever do that - a mountain top experience with the LORD and then let one decision pull you back to the wide road? In my mind last night I was frustrated. I didn't even need anyone else to get into the flesh. As I picked up a wet towel left in the rest room, I crumpled it onto the towel bar. I thought I felt better as I basically stuffed this big, wet bath sheet into the towel bar. Mind you, I'm a neat nick. In my perfect world, the towel is neatly folded (in thirds) and hung over the towel bar. Not last night though.

The LORD awakened me this morning to the final piece to my puzzle of the trash *things* and the chair this weekend. He gently spoke to my heart this morning. He had some *things* he wanted to take as far away as the east is from the west - even the placement of the trash receptacles was important. And the fact that they were lined with black plastic bag was important too. Once He had them, they were not visible to me. I'd been holding on to other people's problems and anger. When I thought I'd been given dirty laundry by someone else in the form of any offense, instead of bowing and giving it to the Father, Son and Spirit (gave new meaning to my tri-folded towels!) and placing it back on the towel bar to allow the LORD to straighten out any stains, wrinkles or imperfections. I'd been taking dirty laundry that wasn't mine and wrapping and folding the offenses and stuffing them in my temple - which is HIS HOLY TEMPLE. I had just put unholy, not for my hands, dirty laundry in the eternal, everlasting temple of my body's heart and mind - my soul. The LORD reminded me my soul was eternal and it was not meant to house dirty laundry.

If someone had offended me, instead of picking up the towel of insult and wearing it like a robe, I needed to give it to the Head Laundry Chief - The Lord Jesus Christ - He had been taken ALL offenses for me.

If someone had wronged me, instead of hashing over the wrongs over and over, I needed to cast them off and return the gavel of a towel to the Judge who will right all wrongs.

If someone had frustrated the beejeebers out of me, I needed to take the towel that was marred with the track record of it all and release it to the one who irons out all frustrations.

If someone had hurt me, I need to humbly bow with my bloody towel and fellowship with the One who took all my hurt.

If someone had disrespected me, I needed to take the towel that had disrespect smeared all over it, and bless that person and wash their feet, with the Lord's help.

If someone had disappointed me, the towel that seemed so worn from being re-folded with each disappointment, I needed to release and re-focus on the One who is I AM.

If someone had burdened me with darkness, I need to take it to the LIGHT who bears it all.

If someone had burned me, I turn my singed towel to the ONE who can make me a watered garden.

You get the point, for a while, quite a while, the LORD reminded me of people and offenses and hurts and pains that I'd angrily thought I could hold onto and not be affected. It was in confession and blessing those who had offended me, that I found a sweetness in His kindness that leads to repentance.

I see now LORD, the damp, dank sin like dirty laundry, I'd collected

How pious of me to think I could touch sin and not by its poison be infected

I did not want to move to THE chair

My soul exposed, before YOU made bare

I did not want to sit in THE chair

Why do I fight? YOU know even the number of each hair

Still I did not want to go to THE chair

But You bid me LORD, I heard You call

You said You'd go, support me, not to fall

Your Spirit is with me, each step of the way

Even when dirty laundry is aired like today

As I take each towel wet with my hurt and tears

Towels soiled and stained throughout the years

You allow me LORD to move from my comfort place

To be in YOUR tent, to see YOU, face to face

My reactions and reflections, though not lovely, in form or face

Now seen before Your eternal majesty with mercy and grace

I lay my dirty laundry LORD out before YOU

Do the cleaning from the inside out, as only YOU can do

Thank you for the road signs that bring me to the narrow path

Sin calls me to live in anger and repeat wrongs and rain wrath

As Your handmaid, I leave with a basket unleashed of woes

Lighter, yet fuller, brighter now, I'll sing as I go

And You will take those black bags of trash

What has had me angry and signed to ash

You will get all the glory

You will be exalted as I tell Your story

You remove sin as far as the east is from the west

Sitting in THE chair with YOU, I can honestly say, is best

I did not want to go to the spiritual wood shed Lord

All the dirty laundry, my flesh desired to hoard

Afraid you'd beat me with a cat of nine tails

Ready I was to scream and my appendages flail

But, it was Your kindness that lead me to repentance

Sin and anger was the nasty, dark, dank jail sentence

Thank you for removing what was causing the stench

In You and Your Word, help me to battle-on in the trench

Let joy flow through the channels once clogged

Where demons threw darts and kept me feeling dogged

Thank YOU LORD for taking me to Your tent and THE chair

And that for my dirty laundry, today, You have tended and cared. Amen.

Deeper Still & Meeting Beth Moore

2009-08-05T17:04:00.001-04:00

Meeting Beth Moore was a highlight of the trip to Deeper Still in Greensboro, NC. I am still jumping up and down in thanksgiving to the Lord for delighting my heart in so many ways this weekend. You may have already seen a couple of these pictures on the LPM blog; I'm right between sweet Siesta Nesha and Mama Beth who is holding Baby Liam.Kristi organized a group luncheon for Friday before the conference and I feel so very blessed to have gathered with many sweet Siestas at Smokey Bones in Greensboro. Pictured here outside the restaurant:

Front: Haley, Carolyn, Judy H, Lori with Liam, Susan and Judy P
Back row: Me, Nesha, DeAnna, Tammy and Kristi

Here at the coliseum, we were all soo excited when Beth and her new assistant Michelle came through the door. And Ron was there to secure the door behind them!
Beth was drawn to Baby Liam.
I snapped pictures as Rich took professional shots. I saw Beth tenderly touch faces and hair. I heard her whisper encouraging words. She blessed my heart as much up close as she does from a distance. She's the real thing.

Beth gave sweet hugs and tender words all around. She is precious, just absolutely precious. I was thrilled beyond belief to meet my Bible study hero of the faith.
We had wonderful seats for the conference.
Great views of all the speakers.
Travis led us to worship at the footstool of our Lord. I had a picture taken with him; but I was talking in it...

Big Mama and Boo Mama made an appearance Friday evening.
Priscilla Shirer is a beautiful and powerful speaker. When we lived in the Carolina's, I'd tune her daddy in on the radio as I would settle in for the evening. As I listened to her speak, I thought of her rich godly heritage. I have many wonderful word pictures in my heart and mind from her message on Ephesians 3:20 and 21. Her passage is my new Scripture memory work. She took me beyond, beyond with believing what the Lord can do. I will share my notes with you all soon.
Sisters nearby were holding hands and I just *had* to snap a picture...
If Kay Arthur had not confirmed that she is indeed 75 years old, I don't think I would have believed it. She is lovely, fashionable and funny. Scripture and wisdom just poured forth when she would speak. When my Grandpa Garrett was living, Kay Arthur was one of his favorite speakers. Now that I've heard her in person, I know why. She's on my list too!
At our Siesta luncheon on Friday, we were visiting with precious new friends and were treated to a sweet phone call from Beth Moore. Oh my, we were so surprised and excited!
Talking with Beth Moore on my speaker phone - smiles and laughter all around!
My roommate and dear friend, Nesha.

Sweet friends, sweet memories, One Amazing GOD.

A To Do List

2009-07-30T18:02:00.006-04:00

Bible study

Exercise

Take packages to the post office

Touch up roots

Do all the laundry

Iron (so much fun!!!)

Make a garden salad

Prepared Patty's Roast that will feed my dear family for many meals

Sourdough bread sliced and bagged

Wash and stem strawberries

Wash and pit cherries

Bake banana nut bread

Pack an over night bag (including a pink scarf the Lord allowed me to buy at TJ Maxx for $5 and a ring I bought for Victoria Leigh that will look great with the scarf - and she's letting me borrow the beauty for the weekend!)

Read directions and look at map again

Put water bottles and snack bag in the car

Sing as I head out early in the morning to meet Nesha!!!

And visit with a few Siestas for lunch!!!

Attend my first ever Deeper Still Conference!!!

Thank you sweet Salesman!!!

Recipes from Audra Elizabeth's birthday celebration

2009-07-25T17:38:00.004-04:00

Raspberry Laced Vanilla CakeNo-Stick cooking spray with flour
3 cups cake flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
1 1/4 cups sugar
2/3 cups milk
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
4 large eggs
1 12 oz. jar of Smucker's Seedless Red Raspberry Jam (1 cup)

Raspberry Cream Frosting:

2 cups butter, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla
7 1/2 cups powdered sugar (2 pounds)
1 cup Smucker's Red Raspberry Syrup

Preheat oven to 350. Spray three 9-inch round cake pans generously with the no-stick spray with flour.

Mix cake flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; set aside. Beat softened butter and sugar in a large bowl with electric mixer on high speed until fluffy. Beat in flour mixture, milk, vanilla and eggs on medium speed until blended, scraping bowl occasionally. Beat 2 minutes longer. Spread batter out evenly into prepared pans.

Bake 19 to 23 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool ten minutes; remove from pans to wire rack, cool completely.

Beat room temperature butter and vanilla with mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and syrup. Blend until well combined. Place 1/2 cup frosting in a pastry bag fitted with a #4 tip for piping.

Level cake layers as necessary. Cut each cake horizontally to make two layers with a long, thin serrated knife. Place 1 layer (cut side up) on serving plate; spread with 1/3 of raspberry jam to within 1/4 inch of the edge. Top with other half of layer, cut side down. Spread with raspberry cream frosting. Repeat with remaining layers. Frost top and sides of cake. Pipe remaining frosting on top of cake in a lattice pattern. Refrigerate cake to set frosting. Allow cake to stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with raspberries, if desired.

The Pillsbury Softasilk cake flour box states this recipe makes 12 servings. We get at least triple the servings from this cake, and they are delicious servings indeed! My birthday and Audra's are within the same week and since she usually chooses this cake for her celebration, I usually pick a chocolate recipe.

Now, on to the main course. This a Southern Living recipe.

Meaty Cheesy Manicotti1 (8 oz.) package uncooked manicotti shells
1/2 lb. mild Italian sausage
1/2 lb. ground round
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 cups whipping cream
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can diced tomatoes w/ basil, garlic, and oregano, drained
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 cups shredded Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to the package, rinse in cold water. Drain. Place in a single layer on a wire rack; set aside.

Remove the casings from the sausage and discard. Cook sausage, ground round and onion in a large skillet, stirring until the meat crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain and set aside.

Add wine to the skillet, stirring to loosen brown bits; bring to a boil. Add whipping cream and the next 3 ingredients; reduce heat and simmer, stirring often for 15 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; cover and set aside.

Combine the meat mixture, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. Spoon mixture evenly into the 12 manicotti shells; arrange shells in a lightly greased 13 by 9 inch baking dish.

Bake covered at 350 for 20 minutes. Uncover and pour cream mixture evenly over shells; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 10 minutes. Broil 5 1/2 inches from heat, 2 to 3 minutes, or until cheese is lightly browned.

Makes 6 servings.

A special thank you to Victoria Leigh for typing these recipes...Big hug from mama.

Like a Child

2009-07-11T06:51:00.001-04:00

Describes exactly how I've felt since this trip information arrived at our home for the Salesman and three guests.We are excited about this magical adventure - my bags were packed before the children even thought about packing! And I'm giddy as a child this morning as I patiently wait for the rest of my dear family to rise and shine so we can head out on this trip. (The free part is good too, really good!) It seems like we have been on the road more this summer than we have been home. I pray you are having a wonderful summer too. Blessings to you!

Sweet, Sweet Sixteen

2009-06-24T11:35:00.001-04:00

Someone very, very dear to our hearts, turned sweet sixteen this last week... Our resident budding Betty Crocker, baked Audra's requested Raspberry Laced Vanilla Cake.

And it was scrumptious...Her meal choice was Meaty Cheesy Manicotti and it was sixteen kinds of wonderful.

I picked flowers from the garden and our country roadside, Found sixteen pink candles, And stood for a while admiring the beauty of the Lord's creation in the hydrangea's,And thinking of His goodness in Audra Elizabeth's life.

And finally started arranging flowers for a sweet sixteen celebration.
Dearest Lord and Giver of every good gift,
Thank you for this darlin' "child of mine"
Help me remember that Audra is Yours, totally Thine
Thank you Lord for sixteen wonderfully blessed years
Sprinkle her path with joy after seasons of tears

Guide her Lord each and every hour
Protect her Lord, especially as she drives, with Your almighty power
May we praise You continually as the candles flare and we joyfully sing
She is Yours Lord, be her every thing
Be more than the delicious icing on her cake
Give her wisdom and discernment to choose the real, to weed out the fake
Continue to pour out on Your songs, words and melodies on this dear writer's heart
And when it comes time for her to live out Your intended purpose, give her a lovely start
Thank You Lord for sixteen years,
She is lovely, so very dear
So I give her back to You each day
Have Your will, Keep her in Your way
Guide her Lord, give her wisdom beyond her sixteen years
May everything she holds close be gifts of all You hold dear
We believe she's a beautiful gift, a lovely, equisite flower
Let her live be lived extraordinary, by Your Spirit and mighty, all surpassing power
Give her everything she needs for her life's work to do
Let her be firmly planted and rooted alone in You
Let her blooms and fragrance be evidence of Your amazing grace
Give her the will, the strength and the courage to run Your intended race
And allow her to finish well
Your goodness Your glory, Your story to tell
Lord, allow her to finish well
Once a wee little bundle; but now sixteen, is still our Baby Girl
Life this summer seems so busy, like we are on a tilt-a-whirl
Make every day count for Your kingdom and Your glory
Thank You Lord for Audra Elizabeth and that You have already written her life's story
May she always and forever reflect Your kingdom and Your glory.

Amen.

A Little Bit of Work and Much Pleasure

2009-06-06T16:50:00.002-04:00

I set out to re-seed a few bare areas in the yard this last week.And was a little sidetracked by the purple cone flowers,The hydrangea flower head's starting to form and bloom,And this happy little flower.The Smoky Fennel has grown quite a bit this year.This herb has very feathery foliage.The green stalks remind me of celery.
A little bit of pink in the garden is always good.Then I got back to the re-seedingand spreading the hay. When I was done, I checked the progress of our little city garden in the country.
Victoria Leigh planted Cilantro to have it easily accessible for the Salsa Fresca.
Her squash and zucchini bin looks good.
Onions. Onions. And more onions.
We picked four different varieties of tomatoes this year.

And two different varieties of peppers.

Do you enjoy gardening?

A Far Away Friend

2009-06-02T11:00:00.001-04:00

This last year a dear lady friend of ours went back to the mission field after a few months medical leave. To not compromise her work in the area she is in, I'm not at liberty to share her name or her location or any of the pictures we have. While she was home in the states, the children and I formed a very sweet and strong bond of friendship with her. We spent many nights gathered around the piano as she would play and sing songs she's written - she is so very talented. And she would ask the teens to join in once they'd have the tune and they would sing along and play guitar some. After a good meal, we would gather around scrap booking supplies and she'd inspire us to design the most beautiful cards. We'd play games and talk and laugh late into the night. She'd challenge us to go on new adventures. Taking a trip with her was so much fun because we would stop (at some spot that we would have passed on the road many times) and we would explore and would fall in love with the beauty of our Lord's creation again at a previously undiscovered place. We would talk about our relationship with our Lord, pray together, laugh and cry together. We took walks together, she took the teens canoeing when she took her niece canoeing, took them out for treats and spent time listening and loving.

This last weekend, it was music recital time.And last year, our now Far-Away Friend went with us. I was missing her dearly. We were sad to see her go, but rejoiced that she was doing what the Lord called her to do. Today a package came in the mail from her. Our *Far Away Friend* sent pictures and bookmarks that she had made. Just last night I started reading "And First We Have Coffee" by Margaret Jensen and when my eyes got to heavy to continue reading, I put a sheet from my note pad in the book because I had used all the bookmarks in my nightstand. God is so good! And here are some bracelets she sent us for Mother's Day. Audra's, Victoria Leigh'sAnd my selection.This year the teens played their piano and violin selections for recital as usual. And then, Audra ventured into a new area by her teacher's request. New *things* keep coming into our lives and I want to be more aware of these new *things* and not miss anything the LORD has for us. The Lord is obviously also ending some *things* in our lives too. The music teacher asked Audra to choreograph "The Cat and The Mouse". After several rehearsals and hard work,They performed splendidly!
The cat found her claws at a garage sale for a few coins!

Here's a picture of Audra (the choreographer) with pianist, the mouse and cat and their music teacher.

Dear Lord,
You know how much I miss my *Far Away Friend*
And how very thankful I am for the packages she did send

Just when I needed an encouraging, friendly lift

From across the oceans came her sweet and so timely gift

Thank You Lord for my now *Far Away Friend*
And I thank you Lord that a friendship with You, never, on Your part, ends
You are always there, even when I feel alone because someone is gone for whom I deeply care
Let me focus on You, whom ALL my burdens did bear

Let me thank You for the Word and thank You for the cross
For a friend that gives up worldly goods and counts them as loss
Thank You that when I feel lonely and am missing a friend
You remind me that You are The Presence that is always with me to the end

Let me focus on the eternal and not the gaping friendship loss I feel and see
Things are going on in the heavenlies, that I do not know, that are much higher than me
So Lord, I praise You because even in this distance You've ordained, You are at work
Let me not be distracted by what I feel or see, Your will, in me, not to shirk

Let me be busy about Your kingdom agenda as You've intended
Let me see this departure as part of Your plan and see it as most splendid
Thank You Lord for the gifts from my Far Away Friend that were sweet music to my soul
But let me look to You alone, to fill me up, to complete me and make me whole

As my Far Away Friend plants the seeds of Your Word on foreign soil
Let her know that in You she labors and reward her hourly, vigilant toil
I ask for Your blessings, the richest heavenly kind
To be poured out, in full, on her spirit, body and mind.

In this time of an earthly friendship separation
Let Your Presence by my daily, hourly, needed declaration
Let me be aware of any and all things new
Let my heart beat in rhythm, not to others, but, alone to You. Amen.

Socks and Stages

2009-05-29T09:32:00.000-04:00

Audra started knitting one pair of pink socks for Victoria Leigh and a blue pair for me... and then ran out of both of the multicolored yarns... only to find out that they were no longer stocking either yarn when she tried to buy more...thus the totally mismatched socks. Victoria Leigh has enjoyed wearing one of each color...As I think about placing my next order, I'm glad we know now exactly how much yarn is needed for a pair!

And we have complementary colors blooming in the garden.
The purple coneflower plants
are blooming in stages.
Beautiful stages.
Yarrow is blooming in the herb garden.
This undemanding perennial, with fern like foliage, is adding splashes of yellow around the chives
and lamb's ear.
The bees are busy.

An Early Memorial Day

2009-05-23T16:37:00.002-04:00

The road back to blogging has been longer than I expected it to be after my uncle went to live with the Lord last week. Thank you all kindly for your prayers and words of encouragement for our family.

I have many pictures to share with you. You may want to get a cup of tea. Here is the beautiful cross my cousin Tyler made.

The handmade cross rested on the Christian flag that draped the pine box casket and also cradled my uncle's well loved and well worn copy of the Word.Before the service, we shared sweet memories of my uncle with many relatives and friends. My cousin Justin (pictured on the left with his wife) spoke at the celebration service. He spoke words of worthy of celebration about a godly man who taught him to pray and encouraged him by the way he daily lived and loved.
Amidst my tears of his many sweet remembrances, all I could think of was "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children..." Proverbs 13:22a. My Uncle Bill lived out this verse by leaving a godly heritage.An angel asleep in my brother's arms during the visiting hours.Susan sang "I Will Rise" with such power. On the last verse she tenderly inserted "he did rise when He called his name."
A lovely engraving on my grandparents gravestone.

My dear sister-in-love with the littlest angel.

A wildflower arrangement. Victoria Leigh and cousins. Sweet interaction with the Little Miss.
Snapping her picture through the car window. Strolling dolly through another cemetery as we remember other family members that are now alive with Jesus. Audra and Caroline gazing outside.A stuffed dog (that looks very much like Lilly Belle) introduced Caroline to the ivory keys.

I could not get enough pictures of my niece or my nephew.
It had only been a month since we'd seen their family; but still I wanted to snap their pictures continuously.
My nephew Arnie is a real treasure. Here he is with his own addition for a centerpiece for the lunch table. He and my dear brother had gone shooting in my grandmother's field and he brought back the can he used as a target. The night we had 19 in our little nest for dinner, he was a HUGE help to me. No one prompted him to ask if he could help, he just asked. And then gladly served by doing many helpful and last minute tasks that would not been completed before dinner guests arrived had he not offered to help.
Was had good times around the table.
Lilly Belle was comfortable in her bed as company overflowed our cozy little house on the hill.
I love the smile on my dear brother's face. Here he is pictured with our grandmother and aunt (in the background). My dear brother made so many deposits in my love tank during this visit. I have so many sweet remembrances of his kind and complimentary words of encouragement that he graciously spoke. He was complimentary about meals and details about our home which just blessed my heart. His words blessed me the days he spoke them and they continue to bless me as I remember them. Victoria Leigh made most of the delicious food we enjoyed, including the Oreo Truffles. My precious sister-in-love Nancy dipped the strawberries in the leftover chocolate for a lovely and delicious display on the buffet. I was so thankful for Nancy's nimble fingers in the kitchen as we prepared meals. Not only was she helpful in the kitchen, I'm so thankful she also took pictures for me, so I would have them to share with you! My cousins graciously washed ALL the dishes. Did I already say we had 19 for dinner one evening? Their kindness and sweet service was truly a labor of love.
We had many opportunities for hugs.
And my nephew never got tired of me taking his picture...
We enjoyed music from several musicians in the family.
These pictures taken of Sweet Caroline outside are *some* of my favorites...

Mr. Penguin takes a ride.
I loved the pose here - hands clasped, shoulders bent - however, I didn't get it centered very well.
My sister-in-love, Nancy, is a gem of great worth. I loved her from the time I met her in high school and the years have deepened my affection for her. She is a godly wife and mother and I am flat out blessed to call her sister and kindred spirit. I have been blessed with three wonderful sister-in-laws. Nancy's patient and gentle ways with my sweet niece, dear nephew and brother are so endearing. She is steeped in the Word and some of my favorite times with Nancy are sharing the Word together and encouraging one another. I have come to love when she prays over me. I am blessed.
I am so very thankful to the Lord for each and every member of my dear family.

I pray each of you has a blessed Memorial Day.

Ultimate Healing

2009-05-16T10:56:00.003-04:00

This beautiful gathering of roses and fresh fruit on my Aunt Marie's counter makes me think of a still life painting. Does life ever call you to be still?
The Lord stilled our family this week. My mother's dear brother left his earthly home and went to live in his eternal mansion. I had prayed 3 John 2 over my Uncle Bill:

"Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers."

The verse was so appropriate for him.

The Lord answered prayers this week with the ultimate healing
No more pain or discomfort is my dear Uncle Bill feeling
He has experienced the Ultimate Healing.

5-14-2009

Isaiah 40:8

The

grass

withers,
The
flower

fades,

But,

the

Word
of

our
God
Stands

Forever.
Please pray for safety for my dear brother and his family as they travel the many miles ahead of them today. Pray the Lord would bless and strengthen our relationships as they stay part of this next week to visit. Pray for comfort for my aunt who has lost her mate of 52 years and planned a celebration of his life (not a funeral). I love this! A celebration! We have something to celebrate! My uncle knew where he was going! He is very much alive today!

My cousin Susan is going to sing "I Will Rise" at her father's celebration. Pray the Lord grants Susan a peace and calm and power that is a mighty evidence of the Spirit of God in her life. The Lord has given Susan a beautiful and powerful voice.

Pray for Justin, a budding young preacher, and cousin of mine, who will be speaking at the celebration. Pray the words he speaks are so steeped and grounded in the Word of the Living God that the One who sits upon the throne and welcomed my dear Uncle Bill home will be lifted high and exalted.

Pray for Tyler, a talented young woodworker, and cousin of mine, who is adding a very special touch that he has crafted to the pine box that will hold his grandfather's frame.

As the Lord leads, please remember our family before our Father.

We celebrate the One who gave my dear Uncle Bill the Ultimate Healing.

Random pictures of well loved and often visited pages in my Uncle Bill's Bible.

Memory Monday & Glimpses of Sunday

2009-05-11T07:27:00.006-04:00

Merry Memory Monday to you! I pray you had a wonderful Mother's Day and that your week is off to a wonderful start. My memory work was from I Corinthians 1:5-8. I tucked verses 5&6 in my heart this week:

"that in everything you (Lora) were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you (Lora),"

I had to personalize it. Just loved putting my name in, it gave me hope! And I'm going to continue with the same passage for next week. I'll review 5&6 and tuck 7&8 in my heart:

"so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."

A few flower pictures from the Sunday Mother's Day celebration:

Lady Banks roses on the buffet.

Audra's roses on our table set for Mother's Day. This vase was later moved to her room because Audra won a door prize at a luncheon we attended with my grandmother on Saturday.

The door prize(Cherry Red Double Impatiens) in one of my Grandmother Beatrice's planters became the centerpiece for our luncheon table.

Welcome Lady Banks and Friends

2009-05-08T09:15:00.002-04:00

The long awaited Lady Banks is in beautiful bloom.Planted only three years ago, it is over 8 feet tall and at least that wide. Audra centered this red beauty in her flower and herb garden.I'm getting the vases ready.