Total trust and surrender...

Her response was simple yet devoted.  When the angel appeared to Mary, telling Mary she would give birth to the Son of God, Mary accepted the call calmly and kindly.

She didn't understand every detail.  She had questions.  She did not expect this to happen in her life.

Yet her response was one of complete trust and surrender.

I wonder how I would have responded.  I believe I would not have been so cooperative.  Yet Mary simply spoke:

"I am the Lord's servant, " Mary answered.  "May it be to me as you have said."  Then the angel left her."  Luke 1: 38

May my focus be solely on trusting, serving and following Him above all.  May I simply say...Yes, Lord, I am Yours and I trust You...through it all.♥~thl

For His glory...

Dear God~May all that happens in my life reflect glory, honor and praise to You...and all You have done in our lives. You are faithful!♥~thl

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." Luke 2: 14

Weekend blessings...

The past two weekends have been tremendously blessed...way beyond words! Last weekend, Tim, Rachel and I were asked to sing on the praise team as well as share special music. This weekend, we were involved in the Christmas musical with many wonderful, dear people. Thank you, LCC, for being so kind, warm and precious to us. We love you all and thank God for you! We truly see His love and light in you! Thank You, God!♥~thl

We will worship...

What an incredible worship service at LCC tonight! The spirit of God was abundant and honored. How interesting that severe storms are now moving through our area. But I know that He is with us in the storms, as well. I will praise Him in the storms...and always. Thank You, God, for Your love, hope, peace and Presence!♥~thl

Marvelous revealing...

As glorious celebrations unfold this Christmas season, I can't help but try to imagine the wonder of that first Christmas night.  In the middle of ordinary...was extraordinary.  In the middle of darkness...was light.  In the middle of pain...arrived Peace.  In the middle of uncertainty...was Truth.  In the middle of unforeseen...was God...delivering love, hope and life..for eternity. 

No one fully understood God's power or plan then.  Yet there were some who trusted Him...and their lives were changed forever. 

Knowing how marvelous, majestic and magnificent He was then...reminds me to trust Him with my life now.  In the middle of my journey...His Presence makes it all worthwhile and full of wonder.♥~thl

"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

Precious Practice...

What a wonderful time of fun and fellowship tonight brought!  It was the dress rehearsal for our upcoming Christmas program this weekend at LCC. 

I was a bit concerned about going, though.  I had to leave last Sunday evening's rehearsal unexpectedly and missed some vital instructions and information.  Additionally, returning tonight found me slightly uncomfortable because I had to attend without my husband.  Tim leads a few entrances so not only did I miss the last rehearsal but now I had to learn some important cues...alone.

And yet I was not alone.  There were incredible people smiling, hugging, laughing and helping me find my way...literally and figuratively.  They didn't just play a part in the rehearsal.  They reflected genuine concern, kindness and assistance.  Some literally walked me in and out of the building for various cues.  Another rescued me before I totally missed an entrance.  Someone else helped me through a very rapid costume change while stating, "Don't worry, Terri.  I'm here for you." 

I began thinking.  I went to rehearsal apprehensive although thrilled to participate.  Yet I left rehearsal feeling excited, embraced and included.  Precious deeds of kindness made all the difference during those few hours together.

I wonder how many lives would change if we carry out kindness, concern, respect and love with those we meet daily.   I know many on this path of life need hugs, smiles, laughter and assistance as they try to find their way.  Perhaps we can walk with them through a difficult time in their lives.  Maybe we can encourage them as they encounter changes in their lives.  Maybe some simply need to hear, "Don't worry.  I'm here for you." 

I am so grateful for the LCC family who has made me feel like I belong.  I pray His love and His light will be extended to others by all of us so they will belong to Him, too.♥~thl

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."  1 John 3: 18

Kindness matters....

It never ceases to warm my heart when someone shares kindness with others.  What a gift we can share with each other continually. 

I have been on the receiving end of kind words and know how much it means to me.  At the most challenging times, someone speaks with kindness and my entire perception changes.  I have also been on the giving end and although I didn't realize my words were anything significant, watching someone else smile because of a few kind words, is priceless.

Often, we find ourselves too busy, too rushed, too overwhelmed or too stressed to think about others.  However, I wonder how different this world would be if we accepted a challenge to speak kindly to someone else daily...deliberately, thoughtfully, sincerely, authentically.  Perhaps that is needed more in someone's life than we may ever realize. Perahps it would even change our lives, too.♥~thl

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."  Proverbs 16:  24

Hope is here...

Although it is a time of year for celebration, decoration and adoration, many hearts are broken.  For now, I share a simple thought.

Wherever you are on this journey of life, you are never alone.  Whatever you are facing, you are never alone.  However the cares of life have burdened you, you are never alone.  And...you are always loved! 

Hope is here.  It arrived in a manger and left a tomb empty. It is life-changing.  It makes all the difference. He is with us and He loves us.♥~thl

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

Moonlight moments...

While recently walking our puppies on a moonlit night, Tim and I noticed the incredible beauty of God's creation once again.  Not only was the full moon, the sky and light illuminating the earth absolutely stunning, but even our precious puppies' coats seem to glow!  Had it not been so cold outside, I could have enjoyed the beauty for a very, very long time.

I began thinking.  I wonder what difference it would make if we took more time to bask in God's precious love and light...and reflected Him more consistently and compassionately.  When viewing life through His hope, love, peace and purpose, our perspectives would certainly change considerably.  What we do, how we speak, where we go and who we love would all be influenced. 

May we take time to know Him, love Him, share Him and shine for Him.  May He truly be the light of our lives.♥~thl

"The Lord watches over you--the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  The Lord will keep you from all harm--He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."  Psalm 121:  5>8

Who He is...yet loving me...

"Praise the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty heavens. Praise Him for His acts of power; Praise Him for His surpassing greatness." Psalm 150: 1>2

Dear God~You are holy, mighty, powerful and great. You are loving and faithful. Thank You for being You...and for loving me.♥~thl

In each...

"From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised." Psalm 113: 3

May each moment, each day, each deed and each breath of my life exalt You, Dear God! You are my hope, my strength, my peace and my purpose.♥~thl

Audience of One...

I just can't wrap my mind around it!  How overwhelming to realize that the Creator of the Universe, God Himself, The Great I Am, The Alpha and Omega...designed, created and placed me on this planet for a purpose!  I can't even begin to process it. 

When I inwardly reflect on how I've lived my life, it saddens me to know I haven't served Him more.  When I review my present life around me, I am disappointed to realize I have fallen so short..  Yet when I look up to Him, I am reminded that hope is not lost, His love is not gone and His purpose remains.

Although I may never comprehend the depths of His love, I will continually seek His light and leading in my life.  May I never lose sight that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords...loves me, forgives me, holds me and has a plan for me.  May my life be completely focused on my Audience of One.♥~thl

"Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn Your commands."  Psalm 119: 73   

A season of steps...

It's been a very long time.  Until several weeks ago, years had passed since I had stepped onto a platform in a Church building.  I had almost forgotten how it felt. I had adjusted well to quiet entrance, endurance and exit. But there was absolute purpose in those years of rest, renewal and refocus.

Growing up in an active Church family, I spent many years on "a platform."  Those precious and patient people asked me to play piano for a Sunday morning service when I was nine years young.  (A definite emergency need, no doubt!)  At fifteen years, I played organ for a wedding.  During childhood, teen years, college years, located ministry and volunteer ministry, there were frequent opportunities to play, sing or direct.  It became familiar and enjoyable. 

A time of rest soon arrived unexpectedly, however.  God knew it was time to renew my spirit, restore my soul and refresh my focus.  Honestly, I embraced this time much more than I ever imagined possible.  I learned to lean on Him in new ways.  I learned to accept that it wasn't what I was doing...or being...or presenting...that made Him accept me.   He loved me...even when I was simply holding onto Him. 

Opportunities to become involved in Christmas events recently brought me out of this past season.  I had become comfortable listening, learning and leaning on Him.  It was time.  It was necessary.  It was wonderful. 

Stepping onto a platform recently...sometimes with a microphone in hand...has been tremendously humbling.  I am simple.  I am ordinary.  I am much less qualified than so many others.  But God has said..."Follow me."

Isn't life like that?  We step onto a "platform" each moment of life's journey.  We are handed a "microphone" as others watch and listen to us.  We may not feel qualified.  We may not be comfortable.  We may know others who could complete the task far better.  Yet God has asked us to follow Him.  How do we do that?  We love Him.  We listen to Him.  We trust Him.  We walk with Him, talk with Him and learn from Him.  We know that wherever He leads us,  He is with us.  May my steps...my voice...my focus...always remain...close to Him.♥~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  

Watch, wait and will....

Life seemed different years ago.  Growing up in a family of seven people certainly wasn't boring.  There was plenty to do, plenty to learn and plenty of activity.  Yet life didn't seem as rushed and overwhelming then.  There were times for visiting relatives, Sunday afternoon drives, family entertainment and moments with neighbors. 

What changed?  We now have more conveniences and communication options, yet we visit less, work more and multi-task as a way of life. Ask someone how they are doing and the common response is...very tired.  We have microwave ovens, dishwashers, riding lawnmowers, snow blowers, computers, cell phones and so much more.  Yet we seem to accomplish less, rest less and remain frustrated. 

The word "wait" seems to bring an audible gasp, it seems.  I remember going to the grocery store as a child with my Mom.  There were no scanners, bar codes or debit cards.  There was a huge machine the cashier used with many rows of numbers.  For each item purchased, the numbers of the price were punched across the machine, while we waited.  Now, we become impatient if the scanner doesn't process the price the first time. 

We don't have time to wait.  We don't have time to enjoy life. We barely have time for others.  We are tired, weary, overwhelmed and constantly stressed.  A doctor told me several years ago that the vast majority of health conditions found in hospital beds are directly related to stress.  How do we handle life's demands?

There's no easy answer. Yet one of my favorite Scripture verses encourages me greatly with three "W" words:  watch, wait and will.  Focusing more on God, the hope He brings and the assurance of His Presence will soothe my soul on this often hurried journey.  May I watch for Him continually, wait for His guidance and rely on His assurance that He hears my every prayer.  He is my Savior, my strength and my song...and He always has time for me. He is faithful.  May I always take time for Him.♥~thl

"But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me."  Micah 7: 7

Seasons with reason...

Seasons...when we hear that word, we think of holiday seasons, seasons of the year, seasons for sports such as football and basketball.  As my life continues, I realize that life contains seasons, too. 

We experience infancy, toddler, childhood and teenager seasons.  Other seasons include high school, college, dating, marriage, family and retirement. Yet there are also seasons of challenge, growth, achievement, celebrations, loss, uncertainty and waiting.

Reflecting as this year comes to a close, I am aware of multiple seasons in my own life.  Some have been incredibly blessed.  Some have been heartbreaking.  Some have been uncertain.  Some have been amazing.  I hope that I handled each season as I should have.  I pray that I honored Him above all.  I continually wonder if I did what was best and, when I didn't, what life lessons I learned.

Then I read this beautiful Scripture passage which reminded me that Jesus gave very clear guidance on what is of greatest importance during each season.  May I hold Him dear and honor Him more as the remainder of my journey unfolds.♥~thl

"'The most important one,' answered Jesus, 'is this:  Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself.  There is no commandment greater than these.'"  Mark 12:  29>31

Simple gifts...

Tonight my thought is simple.  I pray for each heart, life and individual facing struggles in this life.  Sometimes we become so involved in activities, goals, schedules and accomplishments that we forget about others' journeys.

Although it is impossible to heal every wound of every person, there are ways to touch each life we meet.  They are simple.  They are effective.  They are needed.  They make a difference...far more than we may ever know.

Tonight...tomorrow...next week...next year...may we focus on sharing these gifts from God with each person in our path.  I can only imagine the outreach and the outcome if these were shared genuinely, consistently and compassionately.  I don't know one person whose life would not benefit from being touched by someone who truly cares.

May our prayers and our lives be focused on Him and sharing Him with hearts that long for hope.♥~thl

Gifts to freely share:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law."  Galations 5: 22 > 23

Warm and Wondering...

It's amazing.  It's been a wintry weekend with rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow.  Another round is due tomorrow evening.  And...a little reminder here...our house heating system is dead...gone...not working...permanently retired.  Of course, it decided to shut down last Friday just before bad weather arrived.

Yet...because of the kindness of Christian people who own the heating/air business, as well as my dear husband's wisdom, this has been a relatively warm weekend in our home.  Running electric heaters loaned to us by the HVAC company...as well as the kerosene heater Tim bought just in time...we have remained warm.  In fact, it has been months since I was able to walk around the house in shorts and a light top...but I did just that during the past couple days.  Once again, I am reminded of God's faithfulness and provision.

I am also reminded of how God has worked through folks who offered their heaters, homes, consistent concern and continued prayers.  At times like these, we truly discover the hearts of precious folks.  Some of them have been friends for a long time.  Others are folks we barely know.  But they cared, not just in words, but in sincere actions. Their talk was matched by their walk.

I have been thinking.   How many times do we say we care...and not follow through on helping someone in need?  How many times do we say we will pray for someone...and forget to do so?  How many times do we "wish people well" and yet keep a distance from them?  How many times do we raise our hands to God in praise...but neglect reaching out to others in His name?

I am touched when I see the acts of many during this special season as they feed, clothe and assist others in need.  Yet I can't help but wonder why we seem to limit ourselves to this during Thanksgiving or Christmas...when  needs exist all year long.

Through the retirement of a twenty-one year old heat/air system, I am reminded of the importance of true kindness, concern and outreach.  The old adage is true...actions speak louder than words...and I am so thankful for God...and the folks He shines through...who live it each day.♥~thl

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?  Can such faith save him?  Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."  James 2: 14>17

Precious priorities...

We don't usually consider such details.  But tonight was different.  Tonight was a rare time when all four of us could attend the Church service together.  Then we remembered one small detail.  Our heat system has been broken for days.  Our only heat sources now are a kerosene heater and some electric heaters.  If we left and turned them off, we would return to a very cold house.  Leaving any of them on while we were gone was not an option, of course, due to safety.  What would we do?

Since I have been battling bronchitis, etc. all week, I chose to stay at home, stay out of the cold air, protect my lungs and voice while making sure the house was kept safe and warm.  I was not happy about missing the service but I knew it was for the best. I was reminded of how many times we walk away from our home, trusting a heat system for warmth until we return.  We repeatedly take for granted what is so important in our home and lives.

I began thinking.  How many times do we take God for granted?  How many times do we walk away from Him in our lives with our choices, behavior, words or attitudes and never give Him a second thought?  How many times do we believe that He will take care of us, keep us safe, protect and provide for us...yet never thank Him?  How many times are we more interested in our lives than His love? Our schedules than His sacrifice?  Our goals than His grace?

I hope that we will learn to focus much more on Him than ourselves.  For what He has done, is doing and will do far exceeds anything else we know.  He changes lives with His love.  May we love Him enough to change our priorities to praising and pursuing a life with Him.♥~thl

"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me." Psalm 3: 5

Outdated yet outstanding...

It finally happened.  I have been searching for it for years!  I finally found it and the price was very reasonable.  So I ordered it and now have it here at home with me.  I can hardly wait to begin using it.

My family knows how much I have used Gregg Shorthand over the years.  I learned it during my senior year in high school.  It helped on jobs.  It helped tremendously in college.  It helped during my director days.  It helps while taking notes during Church services as well as on shopping lists.  It is especially useful during Christmas time when I make notes to myself that my family can't read.

Although it's been "a few" years since high school, I still recall some of the basics and the "brief forms." Yet I realized that I needed to locate a book to refresh my skills.  Unfortunately, shorthand has become quite a "lost art" over the years, which makes finding a book quite a challenge.

The search for it has been extensive and disappointing...until a week ago.  I found one online and ordered it.  A bit apprehensive, I figured that for thirty cents, I couldn't go wrong.  (Shipping was around four dollars but I didn't mind!)  Yes...my $4.30 purchase was minimal at the time.  But when the package arrived with a book published forty-two years ago, in mint condition, I was thrilled!  Skimming the pages, I already recall more of the techniques and brief forms than I imagined possible this soon. 

No, the book may not be valued greatly by many, but it is a priceless treasure to me!  I began thinking.

Isn't that similar to life?  Sometimes we may feel we are simple with nothing special to offer in a fast-paced, technologically advanced world.  We may feel outdated, insignificant or less than valuable to an ever-changing world.  But God...sees us differently!

God designed us very significantly and specifically with purpose and value.  That truth in itself  will change our lives when we accept and embrace it.  He also works through us to touch others.  It may be a word we speak, a hug we share, a moment we listen or a way we show that we care...which changes someone's life completely.  We don't have to be the most eloquent, educated or equipped individual on the planet to be effective for Him.  We simply need to be available and willing examples of His love, hope and faithfulness.  What God can do through a simple, willing heart is extraordinary. 

Yes, I am so grateful for my simple, inexpensive, outdated book which will be quite helpful in my life.  But I am even more grateful for a Heavenly Father Whose hope, healing, purpose and plan are never outdated and have changed me forever!♥~thl  Acts 3: 5>10  

Love beyond words...

It stirs in the very depths of my heart.  It always has.  It always will.

There's never a moment when we should stop sharing God's love.  Each moment is a gift and an opportunity we will never relive.

Yet...we miss these opportunities far too often.  Rather than commend, we criticize.  Rather than ask, we are apathetic.  Rather than encourage, we exclude.  Rather than glorify, we gossip.  Rather than care, we condemn.  Rather than reach out, we run down.  Rather than love....we lose a moment to touch a life...perhaps forever. 

I wonder what would happen if we became more aware of the importance of each moment we have and each person placed in our path.  What would happen if we extended this beyond special seasons and celebrations, making it a daily practice?  Would it change other lives?  Would it change us?  Would it reflect His love much more genuinely and effectively than words alone?

Today I thank God for His faithfulness in loving me.  Today I realize that the best way to show my gratitude to Him is to love others.  May I remember that He is God...and I am not.  May my life and my love be all about Him...and not about me.  May I love...every moment.♥~thl

"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.  May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the Presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones."  1 Thessalonians 3: 12>13

Peaceful perception...

As this season continues to unfold...and as winter weather draws closer, I notice a growing sense of urgency, weariness and concern.  There's so much to do.  Time is running out.  How will so much be accomplished with all that is happening around us? 

I feel it, too...much more than I intended.  Although my plans begin months ahead, I somehow feel the rush, the pressure and the panic no matter how hard I try to avoid it.  What should be a celebration of a miracle becomes a competition and marathon.  Instead of enjoying and embracing this time of year, I find myself frustrated and frantic. 

Then I read this Scripture passage which revealed my dilemma.  My perception has been about what needs to be done...instead of Who He is now...and forever.  May I focus on His purpose, His peace, His Precious Son and His Presence..always.♥~thl

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

Cookbooks and community...

Those who know me well know that I thoroughly enjoy...and...collect cookbooks. That should come as no surprise since I greatly enjoy cooking.  Yet there is so much more to this story than gathering various cookbook volumes.

Cookbooks represent people in various seasons of my life.  Tonight, as I shared a recipe with my daughter, I remembered a time, during my teen years, when my home church assembled this specific cookbook. Several of us helped type it before sending it to the publisher.  (There were no PCs then.)  Now as I look through it, I see names of many dear folks who have gone Home.  I also see names of dear friends whom I miss so very much.  I remember the potluck dinners, the laughter, specific dishes these southern cooks created and the times we shared together. Each cookbook represents loved ones, seasons and memories I cherish deeply.

Cookbooks also remind me of love...people working together for a common cause while enjoying purpose, unity and abilities.  I think we could certainly learn from that. 

There is no greater purpose than to love God, love others and reflect Him in all we do.  May each season He allows in our lives become a moment to share, surrender and serve Him wholeheartedly.  What a collection of memories and changed lives that could bring!♥~thl

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."  Ephesians 5: 1>2

Simple, loving moments...

I promise not to share puppy stories all the time.  But this one captured my heart today and of course, led to a devotion idea. 

I went to check on "the boys" as they played in the yard this afternoon.  They were so thrilled when they saw me walking toward them.  As I talked to them, they began barking and wagging their little tails with such excitement. 

When I was close to them, Boomer moved into his usual "rub my tummy" pose.  Before I could even bend down to pet him, Beethoven literally jumped up in the air trying to land in my arms. That put a smile on my face.  They know we love them and care for them.  They know we meet their needs.  Yet just knowing they wanted me to spend time with them, holding them, warmed my heart.  We had quite a "hug fest"...and a few puppy kisses were shared with me, too.  :) 

I began thinking.  I wonder how God feels when we make time for Him.  I wonder about His beautiful smile when we show enthusiasm and anticipation for simply embracing His Presence. He often hears our requests, our needs and our circumstances.  Yet enjoying a relationship with Him that includes love, trust and peace must truly warm His heart.

Many times I want Him to hold me and assure me that He has everything in His hands.  Other times, I long for moments with Him in peaceful, precious silence.  It is my hope that time with Him is not so focused on Him hearing me...but my heart hearing and praising Him. Just maybe...those precious times together between our Heavenly Father and His child...bring smiles to both of us.♥~thl   

"For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;  His faithfulness continues through all generations."  Psalm 100: 5

Amazing assurance...

Tonight I simply long to bask in His loving, precious and assured Presence.  As the cares of this world surround me and the frailty of life faces me, I seek Him above all else.  For He is God...always, forever, eternally and unquestionably.  Knowing He holds me in His hand gives me peace, hope and strength.  Thank You, God, for never changing.  You are amazing.♥~thl

"You, O Lord, reign forever; Your throne endures from generation to generation."  Lamentations 5: 19