Little Man's First Birthday

Just had to share this pic from our great nephew's birthday...too cute!

#19

Happy Anniversary, to my wonderful hubby!!!

I am blessed above all women to be your wife...

The first 19 years have been incredible. I look forward to what God has in store for the next 19 years and beyond!


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A Monday Pondering...

John Newton, who is famous for having written the hymn, "Amazing Grace," also wrote the following poem.

The Kite and Its String

Once on a time a paper kite
Was mounted to a wondrous height,
Where, giddy with its elevation,
It thus expressed self-admiration:

"See how yon crowds of gazing people
Admire my flight above the steeple;
How would they wonder if they knew
All that a kite like me can do!

Were I but free, I'd take a flight,
And pierce the clouds beyond their sight,
But, ah! like a poor pris'ner bound,
My string confines me near the ground;

I'd brave the eagle's towering wing,
Might I but fly without a string."
It tugged and pull, while thus it spoke,
To break the string--at last it broke.

Deprived at once of all its stay,
In vain it tried to soar away;
Unable its own weight to bear,
It fluttered downward through the air;

Unable its own course to guide,
The winds soon plunged it in the tide.
Ah! foolish kite, thou hadst no wing,
How could'st thou fly without a string!

My heart replied, "O Lord, I see
How much this kite resembles me!
Forgetful that by thee I stand,
Impatient of thy ruling hand;
How oft I've wished to break the lines
Thy wisdom for my lot assigns?

How oft indulged a vain desire
For something more, or something higher?
And, but for grace and love divine,
A fall thus dreadful had been mine."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

There are so many "strings" in our lives. There are things that seem to hold us back from the "freedom" for which we long. We want to break free from all those strings that are keeping us from our longings. But as the kite, we realize that those "strings" are God's safety lines for us. They are the relationships, responsibilities, etc. that God puts in our lives to anchor us. Much like a marionette, we are not useful without all the strings...and the hand of God guiding them in His most masterful way.

So the line, "with no strings attached"...isn't always a good thing!

He's Still in the Boat

To all my bloggy friends, I'm truly sorry for the lack of posts lately. I've tried to at least visit blogs once a week. But life has sort of sidetracked any posts from me.

It seems like the little boat called "my life" has been through a lot of choppy waters lately. Just when I think things are calming down a bit, another wave comes along. Or a few storm clouds brew up on the horizon, and come over to rain on my voyage. They threaten to capsize me more often than I like to admit.

But in the midst of it all, I am reminded that He is still in the boat. He's really the Captain. He's got it all under control. The waves and the storms don't catch Him by surprise. He is never shocked when the boat gets rocked back and forth, or even when it takes on a little water. Just when it seems the rolling waters are going to overwhelm me completely, He speaks words of peace, and calms the seas.

Thanks to all of you for being so patient. I'll try to be a bit more diligent about posts. In the meantime, I'm still here, praying for you all!

God bless, and have a great week...

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Hope for the Journey

"...Be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me. For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for Your name's sake, lead me and guide me."

Psalm 31:2b-3, NKJV

Posters Block

New posts will be forthcoming. Patience, dear friends!