Thoughts Along the Journey

Lent is almost over. Yet the journey is just beginning. For as I look back at what God has been speaking to me during this time, and the things He wants to do, I know this will not end at Easter! I've been reading a book by Fenelon, called Let Go . He was an archbishop in France during the 17th century. The book is actually a collection of letters he wrote to believers: to encourage them, teach them, admonish them, exhort them, etc. They are very challenging, and definitely not for speed reading. There are 40 letters, so it worked out well for Lenten reading. I'd like to share a passage from Letter 30. I thought these were powerful words. "Happy is he who is a free man, but only the Son of God can make us really free. He can do it by breaking every fetter. And how does He do that? By that sword that divides husband and wife, father and son, brother and sister. There is not a person in the world who can be allowed to hinder us from doing the will of God. If we allow the wo...

I recently shared a request re: Jim Maley, the gentleman from Indiana who was injured in a fall back in January. Well, there is a great update on their blog, entitled "Easter Miracle". Check it out at the link below: Lifting Up Dad from Our Knees I am rejoicing in God's miracle-working power today!

First, an apology. I recently discovered that when I switched to the new Blogger, it took my e-mail out of my profile. It has been returned to its rightful spot. Feel free to contact me! ___________________ I love these verses, and I feel they really capture the whole essence of what Lent means: "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus , (emphasis mine) the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1, 2) It's all about knowing who we are in Christ, remembering that the Saints in heaven are cheering us on, setting aside earthly entanglements, and running the race...as we follow Christ's example. The cross was a joy for Christ, because He k...

Just some random thoughts today. Lent is just over halfway done. Only 19 more days until Easter. Forty days seems like a long time at the beginning. Now it seems like the time is just flying by. (Okay, that's very cliche'...but it really does seem that way!) Things I'm (trying) to learn throughout this season: * patience (not doing too well on that one; daily battle) * forgiveness (doing better, but still in need of improvement) * love (not just for those who love me back...still working on that, too) --This is beginning to look like a list of the fruit of the Spirit...WOW! Imagine that! Truly, those are the things God is trying to work in me and work out in my life: the practical expressions of His Spirit, being lived out by me daily, as He enables. Spring is here on the calendar. I look forward to it blossoming more and more in my soul, too! HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING!

While reading another blog recently, I came across the following prayer request. I wanted to share it with my readers, too. This request is for a family from Indiana. The husband, Jim, fell down some stairs on January 19th, and hit his head. He has been recovering from the resulting head injury and broken vertebrae (in his neck) since that time. His family has a blog set up to give updates on his progress. God has already done some amazing healing in Jim. The family blog is found at Lifting Up Dad from Our Knees. His wife, Sue, also has a personal blog, with reflections on her own feelings and experiences throughout the ordeal. Her blog is found at A Resting Place . I know they would appreciate any and all notes of encouragement...but especially knowing you will be praying for them. God bless.

Today is March 13th. It is the birthday of one of my dearest friends: Denise. It is also the birthday of her twin sister, Erlene. This year, for the first time, Erlene will be celebrating her birthday alone. You see, Denise finished her earthly battle last year on March 24th. Denise fought the good fight. She finished the race. And in the end, cancer did NOT have the victory! Denise and I met in college, the first week of our freshman year. We had music classes together. The teacher sat us alphabetically, which put Denise right in front of me. It served to make us partners on any music notation done on the chalkboard. It also provided a chance for me to get to know one of the most godly women I've ever known. Denise's passion was God first, of course. But her life passion was missions. The country of Ghana, in Africa, was the place of her heart. One summer, she had the privilege of going to Ghana, and spent three months ministering to the people she had prayed for so long. Den...

The following poem is borrowed from an e-newsletter I receive (Above Rubies). The poem was written by the editor's granddaughter. I asked her permission to post it here. Enjoy! _____________________ What's this without that? What is a beach without a sea? What is a dog without his fleas? What is a home without a family? What is man if he isn't manly? What is a pond without fish? What is a star if you can't wish? What are woods without any trees? What are branches without any leaves? What is a bird without his song? What is right if there's no wrong? What is a desert without the heat? What is a clean room that isn't neat? What is a song without a tune? What is July if there's no June? What is a story without an end? What is a person without a friend? By Meadow Barrett Thank you for sharing this with us, Meadow!!!

We had more snow come through Ohio yesterday. Yes, I know. It's March! (A couple of years ago, we had at least a little snow every month from January through May.) But I digress. The white stuff came down quite heavily, and left us with around 4" to clear from the driveway. Thankfully, our two kids were able to help with the job. My back isn't what it used to be. (Remember, I'm 40 now?!) As the boys worked at one end, I worked toward them from the other. Our driveway is quite long, and will fit at least 5 vehicles, bumper-to-bumper, on one side . However, we live in a duplex, so it's wide enough for 5 on the neighbors' side of the driveway, too. That's a lot of driveway, and a lot of snow. Now, we are only required to clear our part of the sidewalks and our side of the driveway. Since their side of the driveway is next to us, though, we have to at least clear a path to our side of the driveway. The long and short of it (no pun intended) is that...

As I continue to wrestle with all of the aforementioned items (and others), words from my husband ring in my ears: "I wish you could see yourself as I see you." And I think the Lord is speaking to me the same words, "I wish you could see yourself as I see you, and as I made you to be."

A little note before you continue reading. Most of my posts have been more devotional in nature. They have come from things God is speaking to me, or something I just felt I wanted to address. They haven't been extremely personal, overall. This one is a little different. Lent does that to a person, I guess. I'm not used to being quite so transparent, especially in such a public forum as a blog. I pray that somehow this will minister to you, my readers. _____________________ So now the "refrigerator door" of my soul has been propped open. Some of the lids on those little containers have been opened, and found full of something less than desirable. The contents have been tossed. That wasn't too, too painful. Things I know God sees in me; things that I knew just couldn't stay. But have you ever noticed that the little light bulb doesn't quite shed light everywhere? There are still dark places in the fridge. Nice little hiding places for that old Cool Whip con...