Each and every step...

May God be praised in the storms, glorified each moment, honored in the valleys and trusted every step of the journey.♥~thl

Another day...with Him..

Thank You, God, for this day of life....provided by You, lavished with love, embraced with hope, created with purpose and filled with blessings. Wherever we go, You are there....holding us, guiding us, protecting us and sustaining us. Thank You...for another day...with You.♥~thl

Strength, Peace and Presence...

"The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace." Psalm 29: 11

Dear God~Thank You for strength when we have none within.  Thank You for peace when we need it most.  Thank You for blessing us with Your Presence continually.  May You be praised, honored and reflected as we journey Home to You.<3~thl

Holding on...

"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31: 8

 

Dear God~

Thank You for being with me...in past years, present moments and future plans.  Knowing You hold me...assures me of Your loving Presence, Your amazing guidance and Your sustaining strength.  I am holding onto You...always.<3~thl

Birthday Blessings...

Wow...what a wonderful, blessed and precious day this has been! (June 25, 2013) I have heard from so many kind friends and family through Facebook, texts, emails and phone calls...from nine different countries!  I am touched beyond words! It will take me awhile to respond to each of you but that is my goal. Until then, please accept my heartfelt thanks for your birthday wishes, friendship and encouragement. You all mean so much to me and I thank God for you. May He bless you all abundantly.♥~thl

That kind of day...

Dear God~
Thank You for life itself....
the good days,
the challenging days,
the "wow, I didn't see that coming days,"
the "Nods from God" days,
the days that bring me to my knees,
the days that draw me closer to You,
the days I know only You carry me through,
the family celebration days,
the faithful friends touch my heart days,
the laughter, joy and hugs days,
the Your love is enough days,
the growing older with my hubby days,
the watching our children grow and shine for You days,
the lonely but never alone days,
the "I don't understand but You do" days,
the praise You in the storm days,
the view from the mountain top days,
the I love life but I miss my loved ones days,
the Someday we will never be sad, hurt or crying days,
the joy, peace, hope and love You give us every day.
Thank You, God, for each moment of life...
for it is a gift from You...a time to praise, honor, trust and love You...always.<3~thl

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118: 24

A day of blessings...

Today was a precious gift from God...
sunshine warmed our day,
rain fell upon the thirsty ground,
faithful friends touched our hearts,
we hugged our children before they left,
air conditioning helped me breathe easier,
we heard the voice of loved ones,
one of our outdoor projects was completed,
my husband gave me a precious love note,
bright moonlight illuminated our path tonight,
God holds us in His arms each moment.
I see His love and goodness continually.♥~thl

"I am still confident of this:  I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."  Psalm 27: 13>14

Another "Nod from God"...

I call them "Nods from God."  I cherish each one.  The most recent one was no exception.

It had not been an easy day.  My heart was heavy.  My mind was weary.  My body was worn.  I knew He was with me and would see me through.  I just wanted to go home, sit on the deck, bask in the moonlight...and soak in His love and peace.

As usual, I retreat when I am overwhelmed.  This was one of those days my entire being craved silence...solitude...and my Savior.  Life is an incredible blessing and I am deeply grateful for each breath.  Yet the seasons encountered recently have often brought me to my knees in petition...and praise..continually.  I longed to be with Him...completely focused on His Presence.

He knows what is best...and His timing is perfect.  Before I returned home, He placed a dear friend in my path at just the right time.  I had not seen her for quite awhile.  Yet we "just happened" to be in the same locations three times that evening!  We were thrilled to see one another which led to an impromptu dinner together.  We joyfully shared updated news with one another.  Still, she had no idea what my day had involved...or the seasons we have been experiencing.

Then it happened.  She invited me to become involved in something very dear to my heart.  She remembered my passion, affirmed her confidence in my abilities and encouraged my participation.  No doubt, this was a "Nod from God" to reassure me that He still loves, cares and holds me in His arms..  He hasn't given up on me...or the seasons we face...or His purpose for my life. 

I wonder...what a difference it would make...if we listened more closely, allowed "nods from God" to be shared through our lives...to touch the lives of countless others.  I wonder...how many people are walking around smiling but desperately longing for a "Nod from God."  I pray...we will love Him completely, listen to Him continually and let His compassion be shared with others consistently.<3~thl

"O my Strength, I watch for You; You, O God, are my fortress, my loving God." Psalm 59: 9>10 

Today I will...care genuinely...

Today I will...care genuinely
for those placed in my path...
brokenhearted looking for hope,
grief-stricken striving to heal,
elderly searching for purpose,
children needing families and homes,
painful bodies silently suffering,
wounded longing for listening ears,
lonely hearts in busy crowds,
soldiers faithfully serving our country,
single-parents weary and worn,
teens looking for meaning and direction,
caregivers tediously nurturing,
workers touching others lives,
friends who care enough to ask,
struggling souls who need a smile
and each life whose story unfolds daily.
Thank You, God, for caring deeply about us.
May we care genuinely...and consistently...for others.♥~thl

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."  2 Corinthians 1: 3>4

A full day...and the unexpected...

Dear God~
It was a full day...
appointments, schedules, errands.

And then the unexpected...
needs, concerns, demands, situations.

Those close to me know the circumstances.
Their prayers...Your care...carried me through.

It was a full day...
discussions, invitations, opportunities.

And then the unexpected..
hugs, blessings, encouragement.

You, Heavenly Father, know my heart best.
You hold me, love me and never let go.
Thank You.♥~thl

"Praise be to the Lord, for He has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song." Psalm 28: 6>7

Seeing Him...now and always...

 

It's time for new eyewear!  Every two years, I purchase three pairs of glasses and new contacts.  No, I don't enjoy the expense of multiple glasses and contact lenses.  But my complicated Rx requires different glasses for different purposes.

Recently, my Dr. asked me to try some new contact options. Of course, that situation is a bit complicated, too!  (surprise, surprise!)  One option includes wearing a distance contact in one eye and a reading contact in the other.  He warned me it would take a few days to adjust.  I believe him.  I am hopeful and so grateful for a wonderful Doctor and great people who help me select my glasses.  I know it is a blessing to have this need met...and that some in this world don't have such opportunities.

Then I began to think.  Perhaps I can learn much from this experience.  Sometimes we become so focused on our immediate surroundings that we miss the purpose of our journey.  Sometimes we become so focused on the future, that we miss what is around us. 

If all goes well, my "mono view" contacts will train my brain to see more clearly what is close and far away simultaneously...in a balanced manner.  It is my prayer that my life will also find that balance, too.

May I clearly see the blessings, purpose, hearts and lives surrounding me today...where God has placed me for this season...at this time.  May I also never lose sight of the hope of what lies ahead...through Him and with Him...forever.  May I love and listen to others now so they will know Him and live with Him forever.

The attached picture is the collection of my eyewear used for the past two years.  However, I am learning that with time, new Rxs become stronger.  That is also true with my heart.  The older I get, the stronger my desire to serve Him now...and see Him forever.♥~thl 

"For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel."  Luke 2: 31>32

I thought...You taught...

Dear God~I thought...
life would be different...
I would always live in the mountains...
I would never be able to attend college...
I would be a career woman...
my dream as a wife and mother wouldn't happen...
I would always be strong...
my purpose would be more obvious...
loved ones wouldn't pass away so soon...
friends would remain faithful...
life would be fair...
goals would be accomplished more rapidly.

You taught me that...
my life belongs to You...
where You lead, I follow..
Your plans exceed my own...
You know the depths of my heart...
You specialize in the impossible...
leaning on You is a way of life...
You will direct my path and purpose...
there is hope of seeing loved ones again...
You are always faithful...
trusting in You exceeds my understanding...
my past, present and future are in Your hands.
Thank You, God, for holding my life in Your hands.<3~thl

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord.  As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts."  Isaiah 55: 8>9

Healing Rain...

There's just something about a gentle, soaking rain
As it falls steadily, refreshingly, assuredly onto the ground.
Its soothing rhythm relaxes our minds.
Its cleansing power moves our souls.
Its nurturing substance quenches a thirsty land.
It often brings laughter and dancing from grateful hearts.

There's just something about a gentle, healing rain
As God's love surrounds our lives.
His soothing Presence relaxes our minds.
His cleansing power washes our stains.
His grace and mercy quench thirsty souls.
He steadily brings joy and hope to grateful hearts.

Thank You, God, for restoring us with healing rain.♥~thl

"Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain?  Do the skies themselves send down showers?  No, it is You, O Lord our God.  Therefore our hope is in You, for You are the One Who does all this."  Jeremiah 14: 22

Wholeheartedly...

"I will praise You, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders." Psalm 9: 1

Dear God~May this be my prayer today...and every day...to praise You, seek You and share You. Thank You for another day of life. May all I do please You.♥~thl

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

Happy Father's Day to my precious and amazing Dad...Charles Huffman! You have taught me so much about unconditional love, unshakeable faith, family devotion, life, laughter, music and much, much more! Thank you for living God's love each day. You not only know about Him...you live for Him! You have touched lives forever...and it is a absolute joy to be your daughter.  Remember...I will always be your "little girl."  ♥~thl

Thirty years ago....and just beginning...

Thirty years ago this weekend, I wished my precious Dad a Happy Father's Day with some exciting news. He was gaining another son! I had finally said yes to Tim's proposal, (after he asked me three times!), and we were officially engaged on Father's Day weekend. What great memories...and what a journey! Thank You, God, for a wonderful Dad...and for Tim who didn't stop asking until I said yes!   Whew!  I think they were both relieved that weekend.  ;)    ♥~thl

Simple blessings...

Dear God~Thank You for the simple blessings...the blessings that make each day so wonderful.  Thank You for...
family who genuinely loves me,
friends who choose to genuinely love me,
our house that keeps us safe and comfortable,
our home that we enjoy as a family,
the medicine that keeps me alive,
the people who prescribe and fill all that medicine,
food to serve loved ones,
appliances that make my work easier,
music that fills our home,
amazing country life,
vehicles to drive,
neighbors who care,
sunshine in the day,
moonlight at night...
and Your loving Presence each moment.♥~thl

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."  James 1:17

Dishes of love...

It's tradition.  It wasn't expected. It just happened from the heart.  Growing up in the South taught me much about tradition, truths, pleasure and people.  This was no exception.

It happened quite randomly.  A neighbor brought something over "just because."  It may have been a homemade apple pie and they "just happened' to make an extra one.  It may have been "a mess" of green beans they wanted to share from their garden.  Maybe it was some homemade bread or butter, as my Mom often made.  Whatever a neighbor shared with others continually fed the flame of friendship, helping one another and caring beyond words alone.  But the tradition didn't stop there.

Once the recipient of the neighborly gift finished the food, they somehow found a way to "just happen" to have something in the dish when they returned it.  Dishes then were not disposable.  It was wonderful to simply share with one another.  Of course, during times of grief or illness, no one imagined a family or patient would return a full dish. The main idea was simply to look out for one another...share with one another...support one another...take care of one another...respect one another...love one another.  The tradition of "never returning an empty dish" was so much more about friendship than food.  It was all about community, compassion and caring...and love.

Times have changed.  We are so grateful for our dear friends and neighbors who truly care and share life together.  But how did that become an exception instead of the norm in a world that has become self-centered and serving, cut-throat-competitive and little, if any, regard for the lives of others? We have seen the hearts of many reach out to others in times of loss, tragedy and pain.  Yet my heart breaks when I hear others comment that they "guess there is still good in this world"...as if that is a surprise.

It is time that we make a difference...daily!  May change begin with me...and you.  May we listen, encourage, share and take care of each other...continually.♥~thl

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with God's people who are in need.  Practice hospitality." Romans 12: 10>13

Calming storms and calming us in the storms...

May The Master calm the storms tonight...or calm His precious children in the storms....weather-wise or within.

"That day when evening came, He said to His disciples, "Let us go over to the other side," Leaving the crowd behind, they took Him along, just as He was, in the boat. There were also other boats with Him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, don't You care if we drown?" He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to His disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey Him." Mark 4: 35>41

Dear God~We believe in You. We believe You. Please calm the storms around us and/or within us. May we always cling to the truth that You care, You are able, You are with us...and You are carrying us through each storm we face. Thank You for peace....peace...sweet peace...that only comes from You. ♥~thl

Today I will...trust completely...

Today I will...
accept the path before me,
admit uncertainty within me,
learn from the road behind me,
embrace the moment surrounding me,
recognize the force against me,
realize the strength beyond me,
focus on the One always with me,
and trust Him as He holds me.<3~thl

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal."  Isaiah 26: 3>4

A wounded foot and dressy shoes...

It is healing...thankfully.  It wasn't my first accident like this.  I pray it will be the last.

Recently, my family and I attended a wedding, in which our daughter was maid of honor.  We anticipated a special day since many friends would be there.  I had just returned home from out of state the night before and ran errands that morning.  So it was no surprise that I was tired and rushed.

Then it happened.  Why do curling irons and straighteners fall at the worst time?  Years ago, I dropped one that fell into my eye!  (Ironically, a warning tag soon appeared on all hair appliances after that emergency trip!)  But this time it fell onto my foot...leaving a very obvious, blistering and painful burn.  I immediately did what any responsible, supportive, driven Southern woman would do. I cleaned it up and put on my brand new dressy heels!  Guess where the straps of those gorgeous darlings crossed?  Yes...right across the freshly seared, oozing wounded area, of course.  Oh, it definitely hurt...deeply.  But what mattered most at a time like this...appearance or a wound? 

Well, I couldn't exactly go to a wedding looking wounded, right?  Yet weeks later, the scar remains.  Was it really a matter of fashion taking a priority over my burning flesh?  Or did I respond in a way most of us do more than we care to admit?

Somehow we have learned that it is acceptable and essential...to disguise...even deny...our wounds.  We feel we are "weak" if we admit we are human.  We have been taught that we are weak...failures...unfaithful...shameful...and shunned...if we hurt.  After all, people of faith  must smile continually, be strong exclusively and never, ever admit we are wounded, right?  I don't think so.

I believe we live victoriously when we surrender ourselves to God.  I believe that we always have hope in Him.  I also know that our Lord hurt, bled, grieved and wept...yet trusted.  My passion is to help the hurting because I believe, with all my heart, that God heals broken lives.  He also works through those broken lives to touch other lives.  It has been said, "God never wastes a hurt."  I believe that.  I cling to that.  I have hope because of it. 

Sometimes I wish we would allow ourselves to be more real, open, honest, tenderhearted and non-judgmental  when it comes to wounds.  Life is difficult.  Hurting people surround us...everywhere.  So why do we often feel...even fear...it is unacceptable to admit our wounds, our scars, our brokenness, our vulnerability, our pain?

God has often touched my life with people who genuinely care, understand, listen, love and have been wounded.  Their faithfulness, healing and hope have encouraged me greatly.  The wounded became His witnesses! The scarred pointed to the Savior!  I pray that we will compassionately share His love with the wounded.  May we never feel compelled to cover our wounds with dressy shoes.  After all, in our weakness, He is strong...and that is a wonderful way to walk!♥~thl

2 Corinthians 1: 3>5, 2 Corinthians: 12:  8>10

Today I will...live gratefully...

Today I will...
live with sincere gratitude,
appreciate each breath given,
cherish family and friends,
deliberately share kindness,
encourage others in my path,
affirm value in relationships,
embrace lessons from the past,
enjoy opportunities in the present,
anticipate hope for the future,
acknowledge His blessings,
thank God for His Presence,
praise God for His love,
serve God with thanksgiving,
share His love and hope continually.♥~thl

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His Name." Psalm 100: 4

Today I will...listen wholeheartedly...

Today I will...
listen more closely,
remember other hearts need to be heard,
focus on what is being said,
realize much is not being said,
show genuine concern when someone shares,
listen more than speak,
not be afraid to invest in another life,
get beyond my own self,
be more than a "surface" listener,
review my attitude toward others,
be available to hurting hearts,
thank Him for always listening to me,
serve Him by listening to others,
honor Him by caring consistently.♥~thl

^"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," James 1: 19

Cross references:

1. James 1:19 : ver 16; Jas 2:5
2. James 1:19 : Pr 10:19; Jas 3:3-12

Today I will....speak differently...

Today, I will...
choose my words more carefully,
consider them before I speak,
select ones that touch a heart,
promote kindness, hope and peace,
not react with anger or pride,
approach with respect and grace,
gently speak with thoughtfulness,
focus more on others than self,
bring smiles to faces seeking care,
show love above everything,
use my words to honor Him,
be grateful that I can speak His name.<3~thl

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."  Colossians 3: 17

Angels among us...

Thank You, God, for "angels on earth" who...
smile at just the right time,
speak words You placed in their hearts,
share hugs when needed most,
care...genuinely...consistently,
reflect Your love above all else,
make us laugh,
wipe our tears,
listen to our deepest thoughts,
pray continually,
surround us with love and
remind us of Your constant Presence.♥~thl

Traveling fright...

Last week, I experienced a challenging drive to town.  In what we call the "S turn" due to its shape, the oncoming driver decided to use my side of the road, too.  (My husband and I faced a very similar situation several years ago, which miraculously did not result in a head-on collision.)  By the grace of God, I somehow managed to survive that turn with no lane or shoulder and thanked Him for sparing my life...once more.

Approximately one-half mile later, I noticed something else in my lane...something I do not like at all....especially after childhood trauma with such a creature.  Yes, it was a very large snake.  I don't know what kind it was but my only hope was that I ran over it enough to end it.  However, my heart rate was much faster and I felt ill just seeing it.  Again, I thanked God for keeping me safe.

Once I arrived in town, I stopped at each intersection's stop sign or light but such was not the case for another driver.  When I had the right of way to enter the intersection, I felt a sudden sense of alarm and noticed that the other driver did not believe traffic rules applied to him...as he almost T-boned me.  I thanked God for protecting me...yet again...and giving me the insight and reaction to avoid being hit.  Three challenges within a fifteen minute drive left me a little shaken.

On the way home, I thought about my earlier drive.  Yes, it was frustrating.  Yes, it was frightening.  No, it was not my favorite trip.  But there was one thing I didn't do.  I didn't stop driving.  My trip did not end.  I continued to travel on to my destination.

Life is often like that.  We find ourselves in uncomfortable, frightening, painful or even traumatizing seasons.  They are not pleasant.  They don't always make sense.  They simply happen.  Thankfully, God holds and guides us as we continue our journey.  Most, if not all, of us face repeated trials as we travel Home.  Yet I am so thankful that we never travel alone. Knowing He is with us...makes all the difference.<3~thl

Psalm 23: 1>3 

A Life of Excellence.....

When I learned that Miss LaVern Karns went to her eternal Home Monday morning, I began thinking about her dedicated life, her devoted work and her disciplined example.  Stories began to pour in from former college students of how she touched their lives in the classroom, in Churches and in her home. Some were humorous.  Some were serious.  All were shared with utmost love, gratitude and respect.

As I thought about her influence in my own life on personal, spiritual and musical levels, one word continued to arise. Why was this lady so loved, appreciated and respected by students over a thirty-five year teaching career at KCU?  Perhaps the answer is found in one simple word:  Excellence.

Miss Karns had a sense of humor.  While teaching our music theory class, she laughed with us as we learned to direct, etc..  Yet at the end of the day, she expected excellence.  Miss Karns loved the students without a doubt.  Yet at the end of the day, nothing replaced excellence.  Miss Karns obviously loved her Heavenly Father.  She utilized her many gifts to honor, serve and praise Him.  Yet no gift was surrendered to Him without a consistent level of excellence.  Whatever she did for Him, whatever she taught others to do, whatever she expected of others in their lives...required excellence! 

I last saw Miss Karns at our daughter's college graduation two years ago.  During a wonderful conversation with her, there was no doubt that even as a retired professor, her life, attitude, purpose and witness remained totally surrendered to God.  She taught, worked, loved and lived a life of excellence...and nothing less...for Him.

As I imagine Miss Karns approaching Heaven's gates, I immediately think of the following words most fitting for this woman totally devoted to God and His calling in her life. I can almost hear our precious Lord welcoming her Home as He says, "Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your Master's happiness."  (Matthew 25:21)

Thank you, Miss Karns for your life of service and surrender!  We love you.  We thank God for you.  We will never be the same because of you.  We shall see you soon. Well done, Miss Karns, well done! <3~thl

Daily glory...

"And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it.  For the mouth of the Lord has spoken." Isaiah 40: 5

Dear God~Thank You for the magnificence You show us each day!  As my heart aches, my soul searches and my mind considers all that happens around us, I long for reminders of You. 

Then I notice...the beautiful rose bushes You gave me...the green grass in our yard...the cool breeze as I stand on our deck...the warm sun shining through the windows...laughter with family and friends...stars lighting the night sky...the gift of music filling our home...hugs from loved ones...and each precious breath You allow me to take. 

You are God...forever.  You reign...forever.  You are with us...always.  Thank You for each reminder of Your love, honor, Presence and Sovereignty. May I praise You...in trials, tears and triumphs.  May I rejoice in each reminder of Your glory! <3~thl

Comfort them...

"Comfort, comfort my people, says your God." Isaiah 40: 1

Dear God~May the words we speak, the thoughts we think, the attitudes we hold and the actions we deliver...comfort each person we meet on this journey. There are already enough trials, conflicts, disappointments and tragedies in this world. May we share comfort, concern and Your love instead. We never know what another life faces or feels.♥~thl

He is faithful...

"O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness You have done marvelous things, things planned long ago." Isaiah 25: 1

Dear God~Thank You for Your faithfulness...each morning, each evening, each moment I breathe. Whatever life brings or takes away, You remain faithful. This journey is possible because You are always with me. May I praise You...always.♥~thl