Thoughts Along the Journey

The words to this song are amazing. I know so many people who are going through incredible trials. And yet, His grace is greater! There Is Nothing Greater Than Grace .

Wow. It seems like forever since I've taken a trip into blogland. I have all these "followers"...and I'm not even sure who most of them are! Hmmm. To my "true blue" readers...I'll try to be more faithful, and not wait two months to post again!

I have been faithfully reading all the comments on my previous post, and pondering all the words of wisdom. Thanks to everyone who has responded! Right now, it feels like I am in the midst of Psalm 23:4...the valley of the shadows. Sometimes the darkness threatens to overcome me. Yet, His rod and staff comfort me. My Good Shepherd has not left my side. Thanks be to God...

What does it mean to truly trust God? Is it the absence of all doubt? Is it to be completely void of all fear? And how does one get to that place????????

I'm loving those warmer temps...balmier breezes... Now if it will just stick around for more than one or two days in a row!

Lord Jesus, grant that I and my spouse may have a true and understanding love for each other. Grant that we may both be filled with faith and trust. Give us the grace to live with each other in peace and harmony. May we always bear with one another's weaknesses and grow from each other's strengths. help us to forgive one another's failings and grant us patience, kindness, cheerfulness and the spirit of placing the well-being of one another ahead of self. May the love that brought us together grow and mature with each passing year. Bring us both ever closer to You through our love for each other. Let our love grow to perfection. Amen. http://www.catholicdoors.com/prayers/english/p05290.htm

He is risen! Alleluia!

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13

I get these great daily devotions for Lent from Christianbook.com . If you want to sign up, the link is here . Today's edition is from a book called "Lent and Easter Wisdom from G. K. Chesterton." It really spoke to me, as I hope it will speak to your heart. An idol is not necessarily something carved out by human hands. It's actually more: something carved out by the human heart. American Idols Idolatry exists wherever the thing which originally gave us happiness becomes at last more important than happiness itself. Drunkenness, for example, may be fairly described as an engrossing hobby. And drunkenness is, when really comprehended in its inward and psychological reality, a typical example of idolatry. Essential intemperance begins at the point where the once incidental form of pleasure, which comes from a certain article of consumption, becomes more important than all the vast universe of natural pleasures, which it finally destroys. Lunacy and Letter...

Is anyone else getting a load of unsolicited "anonymous" comments on your blogs? I have comment moderation, but still! I had 11 new comments today...and only one was even close to legitimate. Ugh! .

I got this in a daily devotional for Lent. Just had to share it! Five years ago I came to believe in Christ's teachings, and my life suddenly changed; I ceased to desire what I had previously desired, and began to desire what I formerly did not want. What had previously seemed to me good seemed evil, and what seemed evil seemed good. It happened to me as it happens to a man who goes out on some business and suddenly decides that the business is unnecessary and returns home. All that was on his right is now on his left, and all that was on his left is now on his right; his former wish to get as far as possible from home has changed into a wish to be as near as possible to it. The direction of my life and my desires became different, and good and evil changed places... I, like that thief on the cross, have believed Christ's teaching and have been saved. This is no far-fetched comparison, but the closest expression of the condition of spiritual despair and horror at the prob...

This is going to be one of those "stay with me, and we'll get to the point eventually" posts. Last month at Generations of Faith (church function), we were focusing on the Lord's Prayer. The part that God was really speaking to me about was "Thy will be done." We took some time in the church to just meditate and pray, and spend time listening to God. My eyes fell on the nail piercing the feet of the Christ on the crucifix. And the words, "GRACE AND MERCY" were spoken to my spirit over and over. Because, truly, that is what the cross was about. And truly, it is God's will for us. It is His desire that we share that grace and mercy with all around us...anyone our lives touch. Fast forward to yesterday's grocery trip. I had been up the night before with a sick son. I had been at work all day, picked up my other son from school, taught a piano lesson, and now it was time to hit Wal-mart. Then I would head home to fix supper. It had...

This time last year, I was on top of this blogging thing. I actually did a "post a day" for the entire season of Lent...with only a couple of exceptions. This year...sorry...no daily posts. For one thing, I'm working more hours than I was last year. And truly, life just seems to be more hectic...if that's possible! As this holy time approaches each year, I try to prepare myself in prayer. It seems there is always at least one "big" area God wants to deal with in my life. This year, however, it seems there are a plethora of areas! One of the biggest things is that He is reminding me not to get too comfortable in this world. Our time here is too short, there is too much to be done for the Kingdom, and the things of the world will only weigh me down. (see 2 Timothy 2:4 ) And God reminds me not to be conformed to the world, but to be conformed to His image...to allow myself to be conformed to His death and resurrection (dying to self, living to God): ...

Isn't he the cutest???

The newest movie by the makers of "Flywheel," "Facing the Giants," and "Fireproof." The new movie is called "Courageous." You can check out the information on it at the following website: Courageous the Movie I can't wait to see it! I am so impressed by the way this congregation pulls together in prayer and produces such amazing movies. May God continue to bless them as they endeavor to reach the world with the truths of the Gospel! Announcement links

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5TE99sAbwM I welcome your comments...

On Monday, I will again have one of those frosted marvels with fire hazards on top (aka, birthday cake). :o) It's hard to believe another year has gone by...so much seems to just fly right by me. My kids are growing up so quickly. A few more months, and "Harry" will be in high school! And my "baby" will be heading into 6th grade. The past year has been full of wonderful things: trips to see family and friends, new babies added to the family, etc. But there have been the very sad times, too: the loss of loved ones (or helping friends through the loss of their loved ones), medical diagnoses that friends/family received, and the list goes on. Through it all, though, the one thing that shines through most brightly is God's abiding presence. I am so thankful that He is always faithful. I couldn't rejoice as greatly without Him. I couldn't make it through the tough times without Him. Thank You, Lord, for Your great love to me! For those who ha...