Life's Tapestry...

I see life as a tapestry
intricately woven with exquisite theme.
As warp and weft reveal the scene
Only God's artistry could lovingly bring.

Each person met adds to this weave.
Each moment faced, each thought received...
Contribute to His masterpiece...
Only God's design could ever bring.

As steps are made along the way,
We know His Presence with us stays.
Whether light or dark, rough or smooth,
He loves us through each pause and move.

I think of life as a tapestry.
As God leads you. As God leads me.
Each story unfolds with value He brings.
I place my life in His hands...the Artist...my King. <3~thl

Psalm 23

Simplicity and elegance...

"Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance." (Coco Chanel)

When I discovered this picture of roses and other flowers in a mason jar wrapped with twine and ribbon, it immediately became a favorite...and a reminder.  Yes, I love white roses...and babies' breath...and pink is one of my most favorite colors.  Yes, I adore mason jars...and twine...and ribbon.  All of these items represent a few of my favorite things.  But it's so much more than that.

The picture also reflects one of my deepest beliefs about life.  The elegant, white rose reminds me that life is a beautiful, delicate, incredible and "time is of the essence" gift.  What we are given today is exquisite, amazing and precious. Yet it can all change in a moment.  The mason jar wrapped with twine and ribbon reminds me of the simplicity of life.  I have learned on this journey that the more simple my life remains, the more I learn...enjoy...embrace...and cherish.  Simplicity is a true blessing, especially in a busy, chaotic and overwhelming world.  Somehow simplicity helps me focus more on true peace, purpose and perspective...in Him.

I have often heard it said that "simplicity is elegance."  I agree.  For the remainder of my days, I pray that I will strive for ultimate simplicity...so that I may not miss one moment of God's elegant, wondrous beauty...in this precious, extraordinary gift of life. <3~thl 

"The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.  The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, He saved me.  Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you."  Psalm 116: 5>7

Holding on in the dark.....

"Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark." G. Iles

Dear God~Thank You for hope in the darkness, holding us each moment and hearing us as we reach out to You.♥~thl

Psalm 33: 22

Dishes...and a Divine God...

It's been a love of mine for decades.  Even as a little girl, I loved dishes.  I remember my Grandmother saving me cut glass dishes found in oatmeal boxes many years ago. "Someday you will have a home of your own and you can use these," she said as she handed me the latest additions to my collection.  I would hold those new treasures tightly as we traveled back up the mountain toward home.

When I graduated from college, my Mom gave me a beautiful set of china.  She certainly knew that I love dishes.  I later learned that Mom made payments on  that china set for a very long time after she gave it to me.  What a sacrifice. As time passed, precious ladies in our located ministries gave me a favorite dish of theirs to "remember them by" later.  Of course, I cherish each beautiful piece we have.  But even more so, I cherish the love, kindness and lives of those precious people who will always have a place in my heart.

Recently, I visited my parents in Virginia for a few days.  Of course, that also meant visiting my lifelong best friend.  Karen and her Mom also know of my love for dishes and have been so kind to add to my collection over the years.  Karen's Mom handed me a box and told me she had found this at a thrift store.  If I wanted it, I could have it.  If not, I didn't have to take it.  When I opened the cardboard box, I saw a beautiful tea set!  Sitting in that thrift store, it had accumulated much dust.  But I saw an amazing collection unlike any other I had seen...a treasure full of beauty, originality, love and purpose.  I immediately accepted the gift with gratitude and tears.  As soon as I arrived back home, I carefully unwrapped the pieces, handwashed them and displayed them as a reminder of someone's love...and a lesson well-learned. 

Sometimes we may feel dusty, forgotten, abandoned and pushed out of sight.  Maybe we feel like an old dish sitting on a thrift shop shelf.  But God sees beauty in our lives.  He looks beyond the thick dust, the newspaper wrapping and the cardboard box.  He sees beyond our flaws and recognizes beauty, value, purpose and restoration. He washes away our dirt, renews our lives and provides opportunities for us to share His love with others. 

Thank You, God, for the dusty tea set.  Thank You for renewing my life.  Thank You for seeing what others may have trashed...as Your treasure...Your child...whom You love...forever.  <3~thl

Matthew 18: 12>14  

Holding me close...

"When discouragement looms close, God's power moves in closer." Lysa Terkeurst

Dear God~Thank You for holding us close to Your love, power, strength and hope. Knowing You are always with us...makes this journey purposeful, peaceful and possible.♥~thl

Romans 8: 37>39

Focusing up instead of around...

"We can't always fix our circumstances, but we can fix our minds on God." Lysa Terkeurst

Dear God~Thank You for leading us through each circumstance, loving us through each moment and listening to our hearts as we learn more about You through it all. ♥~thl

Transformation...

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will." ~Romans 12: 1>3

 

I love old and new...simple and elegant...ordinary and extraordinary...basic and way beyond basic.  Although my personal preferences certainly vary, they all work together to make my life...well...my life. 

 

My family and I have lived in our present home for twenty years.  I am so excited as we now update, reorganize and redecorate.  It's not just a timely project...nor a project as we plan to place our home on the market in the future. We are simply ready for change in our surroundings.  There will be new additions while some things remain.  Yet there will also be some old items transformed into new, more useful purposes. 

 

Isn't that what happens in life if we allow God to work in us?  Although He created us for specific purposes, we are in a constant tranformation.  What we experience...face...endure...learn and become is utilized to enhance our journey even more. Change brings new perspective and renewed purpose. 

 

It seems that the longer we walk with Him, the more we become like Him.  I am so thankful that even in this season of my life,  He continues to have purpose, peace, hope and transformation for me. May each step I take lead me closer to Him. <3~thl 

Candles along my path...

"I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1: 3

Dear God~As I view the burdens of this world, I find it even more important to count my blessings. Thank You for each precious person who makes my life journey special. Through smiles, hugs, laughter and tears...secrets, moments, prayers and memories, You touch my heart through them. I see each dear soul as a candle along my path...beautifully illuminating my journey Home to You. May I shine for You in someone else's journey, too. ♥~thl

Looking to Him...

"Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always." Psalm 105: 4

Dear God~When I look around me, I am uncertain. When I look within me, I am unable. When I look beyond me, I am inadequate. But when I look to You, I am assured that You...and You alone...are God. I will trust You.♥~thl

God of hope...

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34: 18 

 Dear God~Please hold each broken heart, wounded soul and hurting body in Your arms now and always. Our hope is in You. ♥~thl

Amazing Grace.....

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound..." Thank You, God, for Your grace, love, hope, peace and strength. You carried us through yesterday. You hold us today. You guide us through tomorrow. ♥~thl

Happy Day...Mom's Day and Anniversary!

May 12, 1984 > May 12, 2013...
Happy 29th Anniversary to my precious husband and best friend! I love you, Timothy Lorenz...always and forever!

October 6, 1988 and December 31, 1991...
Two wonderful days when I became Mom to Rachel Victoria Lorenz and Micah Lorenz! Thank You, God, for allowing me to become a Mom to them...for You!

Thanks to my dear Mother, Barbara P. Huffman, for all the times we have had together. We will cherish the rest of our days here and eternity there. I love you....always have and always will.

To all my other special Moms...thank you for being angels sent from God in the various seasons of our lives.

To each woman...who has a Mom or is a Mom...You are loved and you are touching lives wherever life's journey has led you so far.

Happy Mother's Day to each precious lady! May God bless you today and always. <3~thl

Plans change...He changes me...

Twenty-nine years ago this weekend, excitement and gratitude filled the air in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.  Friends and family were arriving from out of town.  Flowers were brought to the Church building. Cakes were decorated.  Music was rehearsed.  Lists were reviewed.  The time had come.  A new journey was beginning.

A young man from Ohio transferred to KCU to become a minister.  A young lady from Virginia graduated from KCU, went home and unexpectedly returned to KCU for a third major. God orchestrated perfect timing and opportunity for them to meet.  Now they would join lives together for Him.. What they had planned...changed.  What God had planned...changed them. 

Years later, much has changed.  They are no longer in "full-time, located" ministry.  Their children are adults.  Life has brought unimaginable twists, turns, trials and triumphs.  God has allowed moments and experiences to bring them closer to Him.  They still seek His guidance.   Their journey continues in His hands. They await His direction.  What they planned...changed.  What He planned...changed them.

Wherever we are in life...young, middle-aged, retired...away from home or longing for Home...our journeys hold twists, turns, trials and triumphs.  Unexpected happens.  Expected is adjusted.  Plans change.  He changes us.  Each step brings opportunity to trust Him...wherever we go, how long we stay, whatever we do, whomever we meet.  One thing never changes.  He is with us. 

I never imagined my life would change so much.   What I planned...changed.  What He planned...changed me. <3~thl  

"But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God." Ruth 1:16

Enough...

Sometimes I wonder...will I ever become...enough?
good enough?
smart enough?
understood enough?
talented enough?
accepted enough?
thin enough?
attractive enough?
healthy enough?
accomplished enough?
strong enough?
included enough?
valuable enough?
what God intended...enough?

But I read in Psalm 139 that He made me and holds me continually.  What a joy to know that He always loves me...enough.  <3~thl

"Where can I go from Your Spirit?  Where can I flee from Your Presence?  If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there.  If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139: 7>10

Celebrations...

Well, it's time to begin celebrating!  This year, May 12 will be our 29th wedding anniversary and Mom's Day.  It is also my life-long best friend's birthday.  Three days later, May 15, will be Tim's birthday.  What a wonderful time of year!  Thank You, God!  <3~thl

The Rock...

"Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.." (Augustus Toplady, 1763)

Tim and I recently purchased a new CD, which is nothing unusual.  While working in the kitchen, I began playing it and immediately realized this CD is a collection of the "old Hymns" I grew up hearing in my home Church.  Tears immediately formed as I remembered that season in my life and the many, precious people who have gone Home since then.  I can still hear many of them singing.  I can still see them sitting in their usual places in the pews.  I can still hear their laughter and see their smiles.  Somehow, I still feel "connected" to them.  They will always be in my heart until I see them again.

"Rock of Ages" is one of those songs they loved to sing.  As it played, I could hear my Church family singing it just as they did years ago.  I began thinking.  The Rock Who holds them in His arms there...also holds me in His arms here. As He guided their lives over the years, He will also guide mine.  As He welcomed each of them Home, He will lead me Home some day, too.  In the middle of an uncertain, changing and stormy world, I am so thankful for the Rock of Ages who holds and shelters me each step of the way. <3~thl

"Since You are my Rock and my Fortress, for the sake of Your Name, lead and guide me."  Psalm 31: 3 

Overwhelmed...and sustained...

"He knows my name. He knows my every thought. He sees each tear that falls and hears me when I call."

Thank You, God, for knowing me, seeing me, hearing me and holding me. When life overwhelms me, Your love sustains me. ♥~thl

Peace...with Him...

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

 

Dear God~Thank You for peace covering my yesterdays, peace during today and peace for my tomorrows.  May my heart, mind and life rest in Your loving arms of peace...always. <3~thl

He is my hiding place...

"Solitude is such a potential thing.  We hear voices in solitude, we never hear in the hurry and turmoil of life; we receive counsels and comforts, we get under no other condition."  ~Amelia E. Barr   Dear God~ Thank You for... the quiet moments,  the time I sit with You and listen, the peace Your Presence brings, the way You speak to my heart, the calmness in knowing You care, the love You bring into my life, the hope You whisper to my soul and the strength You continually provide. Resting in Your arms gives me courage and comfort for the rest of my journey. <3~thl   "You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.  Psalm 32: 7

Just one...for One...

"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." ~Helen Keller

It's May...a time of celebration for our family.  Tim and I will celebrate our twenty-ninth wedding anniverary, Mother's Day, my life-long best friend's birthday and Tim's birthday within a three-day span.  Additionally, our son just finished his junior year of college and our daughter will soon celebrate two years since her college graduation. 

There are many other responsibilities, projects, concerns, appointments and roles to address presently.  Sometimes I look at our calendars, lists and plans and wonder how it will ever be accomplished. 

Then I remember a quote we heard during our full-time ministry years.  Someone said "Do the best you can, where you're at, with what you've got, to the glory of God."  That certainly provided perspective.  Priorities must influence all that lies before us.  Most of all, I must remember that while I cannot accomplish everything alone, I can serve God in all I do, doing it all for Him, as He gives strength and wisdom continually.  May I learn that what matters most is that I serve Him above all, through it all, with my all.  I may just be one person...but I serve an Audience of One...Who makes it valuable, purposeful and meaningful...always.  <3~thl

"He has showed you, O man, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."  Micah 6: 8 

The humility of a horse...

“The horse, with beauty unsurpassed, strength immeasurable and grace unlike any other, still remains humble enough to carry a man upon his back.”   ~Amber Senti

It is Derby Day in Kentucky....a long awaited event for people of all ages from all around the world.  Even our local media has covered the horses, tracks and details for weeks. 

Although it has been a long time since I had the glorious opportunity to ride a horse, my heart races anytime I see these amazing animals.  They are spectacular and strong.  They are powerful and personal.  They are beautiful and breathtaking. 

Yet in their strength, power and spirit, they are indeed willing to carry someone on their backs.  They surrender themselves to the guidance and will of someone else. They learn to trust the one who sees beyond their perspective. 

I believe we can learn much from horses.  We may evaluate  our strength, sensitivity, power and perspective.  But we are so limited compared to the One Who made us.  May we humble ourselves enough to surrender to Him completely...and may we consider it an honor to carry one another's burdens on this journey.  May His majesty become our delight and purpose...now and forever. <3~thl

Revelation 19: 11>16

The reason for moving...

One of my favorite activities in high school and college was running.  I loved the fun, freedom and fitness it brought.  Since then, I have traded my running shoes for walking shoes, which I also greatly enjoy.  I have learned it is most important to never stop moving.  That takes some creativity at times with weather, asthma and schedules.  But as I continue moving...whether walking or running...I find my journey is more healthy, happy and yes, even holy.

Isn't life like that?  Sometimes we run.  Sometimes we walk.  Sometimes the path brings pain, weariness or stormy weather.  Yet as we continue moving, we gain strength, stamina and stability with Him.  Of course, there will be times when the path is rocky, muddy, brutal or exhausting.  There will be falls, attacks by others or loss of focus.  Sometimes it just won't seem fair or worthwhile.  But this journey is worth it.  Always.

One of my favorite Scripture passages is Isaiah 40: 29>31.  I love the initial focus on God!  The next focus is His willingness to strengthen and empower us!  The final focus is our willingness to receive His hope and strength.  I greatly appreciate that both running and walking are included.

I may not physically move as quickly as I did years ago.  But my spirit may soar higher than ever before.  As long as I am moving with Him...and toward Him...I will not give up.  I will not give in.  He is with me, beside me and carrying me more than I realize.  Focusing on Him, His love and His hope gives me every reason to keep moving! <3~thl

"Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40: 29>31 

Changes in spirit...

It was another wonderful Sunday night discussion that my husband and I often enjoy.  Since he has worked night shift for over twenty years, Sunday evenings are "our time" to relax, enjoy, chat and sometimes sneak away on a date. 

This specific conversation involved evaluating changes from another time until now.  Of course, I continued to analyze life changes through time and experiences. 

Perhaps it is similiar to viewing old photographs.  We wore favorite clothes or hairstyles for pictures years ago.  Yet, seeing those pictures now proves how our tastes have changed quite drastically.  What was important then is much different than what is important to us now.

As I evaluate life changes, I also evaluate changes in my spirit.  I remain imperfect.   I have much to learn. I have few answers to countless questions.  And I have adjusted insights and expectations...greatly. 

Yet He continues to nurture my spirit.  I learned of His unconditional love. I learned to trust Him when I don't understand.  I learned that while others may walk away, He will not.  I learned that when heartaches come, it's best to lean on Him because I am weak, wounded, human and hurt.  He desires my honesty as I seek His healing.  I learned that He never wastes a hurt.  He turns pain into purpose, loss into lessons and frailty into faith.  Above all, I know that there is always hope in Him.  What happens in this life may be unfair, unexpected and unresolved...but He restores my soul, renews my strength and reminds me He is always with me.

I am convinced now, more than ever before, that through each moment and experience of this journey, I will grow in Him until I am in the Glorious Presence of Him! May my spirit continue to soar...toward Him...always. <3~thl

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51: 10