Melt Our Hearts, Lord

It's Saturday!! Last night we kept Tre and Tru overnight so Tabbi could work today. Trever is a little better but a long way from "well" yet. He's had a really tough virus! Jon's pain level is down, and he's been able to cut down on his pain medication...good news! He still didn't sleep well last night...hoping he'll have a better night tonight. My friend that had a double lung transplant is doing SO well. She'll be leaving the hospital Monday or Tuesday, but will need to keep living in the area for I think 3 months to be monitored by her doctors. It is such a privilege to see God answer prayer! I'm really enjoying my "Wednesday night girls" group. I will be learning so much from these ladies about gratitude, contentment, and grace. Their lives testify to God's mercy and power and grace in very extreme circumstances...they are a blessing!



Thought for the day



He who is forgiven much, loves much. I am seeing first hand how those whose lives have been ravaged by sin, hopelessness, mistreatment, and difficult circumstances are lifted by the grace of God into a level of peace, contentment, and gratitude that shames the rest of us. We "in the church" are SO comfortable and spoiled that we quibble, pout, and argue over nothing. We whine and complain about the slightest challenge or inconvenience and expect God to answer when we snap our fingers. What happened to waking up in the morning thanking God that He has seen fit to love us and send His Son to die for our sins? When was the last time that that truth alone brought us joy? Then, in addition, He has given us so many blessings. Have we thanked Him lately...this week...today? I'm not pointing a finger at others without pointing it at myself. Let us allow God to melt our hearts again with the wonder of His love and grace.

Some Weather

Okay it's really Thursday, September 18, 2008...not sure why the post says yesterday...sorry. Hooray!! Our top five picks made the final five on America's Got Talent. Okay, so we get excited about the simple stuff. It's been a beautiful week--fall is always my favorite season, followed closely by spring. Today when I was home for lunch the trees in my back yard were dropping leaves like crazy. The leaves are only beginning to turn a little so I was surprised to see so many falling. Again, I get excited about the simple stuff. I love the overall change of seasons. I can't imagine living somewhere that didn't ever have both the highs and lows even though I don't enjoy the most extreme cold or hot days, but I can stay out of those elements most of the time. I really enjoy the different skies we get here along with the changeable weather. I have a wonderful friend who has taught Bible studies for years who used to ask the question, "When we complain about the weather, who are we really complaining against?" Ouch. (Thanks, Nancy) It really does make you think about all the complaining we either do or hear about the weather. Almost any casual conversation with near strangers includes whether God has any idea what He's doing in regard to the weather--isn't He paying attention? Doesn't He know? Wow, I guess that applies to lots of things besides weather--like everything. Complaining is a cancer of the soul that spreads and invades all that was healthy and whole. Lord, help me to resist every murmur and complaint that would rise from an ungrateful heart, for all murmuring comes from ingratitude.

Thought for the day
When I realize how many times a day I murmur or complain (at least in my heart) it makes me see how ungrateful I am. And worse, it's usually a "little" thing that I let stick in my craw...something that's not even important in the long run. Lord, help me keep my focus on Your goodness and grace.
Child, I know your heart...that you want to please Me, and that is the heart I see. Rest in My love and let Me fill your heart, and you will find that our fellowship will sweeten and soften all that comes into your life. If you will allow Me to rule in your heart, gratitude will be the outflow that will characterize your walk. This outflow will make you a blessing to the world around you and to My own heart. Start now.

Happy Labor Day!!

I hope all of you are having a nice Labor Day as part of the long weekend. Ours turned out to be a mostly "labor" day. My husband has been working almost all day on a project for his job that can only be done on a Sunday or holiday. I spent the morning cleaning windows, which in my book counts for a full day of labor. The only one resting around here is the dog--Logan knows how to live--eat, sleep, eat, sleep.

We had kids on the road over the weekend who all made it home safely--always very grateful for safe travel...I just never take it for granted. Tomorrow we go back to our jobs and routine intending to be grateful for both the jobs and the welcome break of this long weekend.

My husband and a friend of his did some work over this last year helping with a new house project about 40 miles away. The family has a very sick little boy who is just turning 9 years old and could no longer live in the older farm house they were in. A gentleman in the community coordinated volunteers and got materials to build the family a new house. They are moved in now with the old house torn down and greatly enjoying their new home which helps this little boy's health issues. Saturday night we went to a supper they were having for the people who had helped them. There were well over a hundred people there during the time that we were with others coming and going. I got to meet this little boy for the first time, and believe me, if you have children who are even reasonably healthy and functioning, you have SO much to be thankful for. He's a tough and great little guy who has faced more these last few years than most of us will see in a lifetime. Never forget how blessed you are.

Thought for today:
God has given us each so much to be thankful for; look beyond the challenge you face to realize the blessing it means. Going back to work tomorrow means I have a job; cleaning windows means I have a house; being tired at the end of the day means there are people and things in my life worth expending myself for; piles of laundry mean I have clothes to wear; missing someone means they are (or were) a blessing to me.