Ordinary...

It was an ordinary day...yet it wasn't really ordinary.
Hearts hid heaviness.
Minds hid concerning thoughts.
Bodies hid silent suffering.
Lives hid loneliness.
Spirits hid brokenness.

Yet someone took the time to...
Listen...
Care...
Encourage...
Smile
Help...
It was an ordinary day...yet it became extraordinary.♥~thl

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

If only...

If only we would learn to...
hug more than hurt...
care more than criticize...
give more than gossip...
encourage more than exclude...
pursue more than preach...
devote more than destroy...
observe more than ostracize...
authenticate more than annihilate...
restore more than resent...
love more than loathe.
Dear God...May this life be all about You and not about us.♥~thl

"Restore us, O God Almighty; make Your face shine upon us, that we may be saved."  Psalm 80: 7

Reaching...

Reaching down brought emptiness.
Reaching in brought hopelessness.
Reaching out brought loneliness.
Reaching up brought His faithfulness.
Thank You, God, for loving us.♥~thl

"I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."  Psalm 121: 1>2

Shattered...

It was not a peaceful time.  It happened decades ago but I remember it vividly.  It was traumatic, frightening and difficult for my family.

Merely five years of age, I recognized danger when I saw it.  My brother, Daniel, was only two years old.  As we played in the back yard, I saw him lean over an unfamiliar object while repeating the word, "pretty."  I walked closer as he reached for that object...which was actually a copperhead snake...coiled up in a circle, head extended, tongue reaching out...perhaps ready to strike my little brother. I knew I had to move Daniel away from that snake immediately.  Even at his young age, Daniel was very strong and did not agree with my decision.  So he kicked, screamed and fought me intensely as I literally dragged him to the basement door, approximately thirty feet away.  By the time Mom heard our struggle, understood the situation and raced to us, the snake was gone.  Daniel was unhappy.  I was exhausted. 

The story doesn't end there.  The following day, I fell through the basement door glass as it shattered into countless pieces.  I can still hear the sound of that glass breaking as if it just happened. I vividly recall the countless, shiny, sharp pieces lying below, beside and above me as Mom rushed to help.

One afternoon, my brother was almost bitten by a copperhead snake.  A day later, I was lying in a large mound of broken glass.  Noticing that I would not eat, drink or sleep, my parents called the doctor.  He explained that I was in shock and advised them how to care for me.  It took about one week for me to recover. (My parents must have been exhausted, too, bless their hearts!)

To this day, I cannot tolerate the sound of breaking glass.  My family realizes it terrifies me now just as it terrified me the day I fell through the glass door.  Recently a juice glass fell out of our cabinet and I immediately screamed and gasped. My husband quickly assured me that the glass didn't break and that all was well.  He understood why it upset me and how to handle my response.

I began thinking.  Life certainly brings many struggles, too.  Maybe it's a stressful job, loss of a loved one, health issues, family concerns or finances.  Maybe we feel worn out, beaten up, knocked down, weary or as if we are lying in shattered glass...numb...bleeding...wondering how to get through another moment.  I don't have answers to life. But I do know this.  Whatever I face, I know I am not alone.  Whether grieving, suffering, stressing, struggling or in shock, knowing God cares and holds me...makes all the difference.  He hears me.  He cares about me.  He loves me.  He carries me.  I find strength and hope in Him.  I am so grateful for His Presence and His peace.♥~thl

"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  The Lord be with all of you."  2 Thessalonians 3: 16

Holding On...

Holding on when light is gone...
Holding on when cares are great...
Holding on when silence screams...
Holding on when left alone...
Holding on when pain is deep...
Holding on when there's no song...
Holding on when questions grow...
Holding on when words don't come...
Holding on when strength is spent...
Holding on when heart is torn...
Holding on and yet I know...
He holds me close...
And that brings hope.♥~thl

"In my distress I called to the Lord, and He answered me.  From the depths of the grave I called for help, and You listened to my cry."  Jonah 2: 2

When....

When words don't say what's in my heart...
When others don't realize what's on my mind...
When no one knows what's in my life...
When best to smile than share what's real...
When holding so much deep within...
When wondering if someone will care...
When wounded from life's cruel blows...
When strength is gone and hope is low...
When searching somewhere to belong...
When reaching toward Heaven above...
When desperate for His mercy and grace
I find there's One who listens and loves...
Who holds me, guides me and makes a way.♥~thl

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."  Psalm 46: 1

Looking...

Looking around...often brings heartaches.
Looking within...often brings challenges.
Looking down...often brings isolation.
Looking up... brings hope in Him.♥~thl

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

Happy Birthday in Heaven, Grandma Genny!

 

 

If there's a lady who touched countless lives during her lifetime, it was our "Grandma Genny."  She truly "loved living and lived loving! " She was a great cook.  She played piano. She sang.  She was a classy dresser.  She was humorous.  She was very protective of her family.  She had a contagious laugh.  She loved people and genuinely, consistently cared about them. She was a great listener.  She worked hard.  She loved God and her faith was strong.   

 

Today is her birthday.  If she was still with us, she would be 104!  She went Home in 2001 and not a day passes that I don't think of her, miss her, love her and look forward to seeing her again. 

 

Happy Birthday, Grandma Genny!  It must be quite a celebration there in the Presence of the One Who created you and loves you so much.  I miss you terribly.  Thanks for touching my life forever.  Please hug Jesus and all our loved ones already there.  I love you always and I'll see you soon!♥~thl

 

♥Virginia F. Paitsel:  February 22, 1910 > November 16, 2001♥ 

In Him....

In the middle of storms...
In darkest night...
In deepest pain...
In shocking loss...
In blatant rejection...
In hidden loneliness...
In cutting criticism...
In open wounds...
In reckless abandonment...
In hurled insults...
In vast confusion...
In vicious attacks...
In overwhelming uncertainty...
In haunting secrets...
In indescribable numbness...
In unspeakable imprisonment...
In shattered brokenness...

He is with us...
He hears us...
He holds us...
He embraces us...
He carries us...
He loves us.
He heals us.
He saves us...
He gives hope.♥~thl

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

Sometimes....

Sometimes life is is difficult....gut-wrenching rough.
Sometimes life has no answers...no matter how much we search for them.
Sometimes life is so tough that no words describe it.
Sometimes we go through motions we don't feel.
Sometimes we turn to "auto pilot" to appear ok.
But we aren't. Not at all.

Sometimes we absolutely need to be real.
Sometimes we need to take a break and feel what's deep inside.
Sometimes we must admit we don't understand and never will.
Sometimes it's best to forget expectations, assumptions and images.
Sometimes we should remove all masks, cliches and smiles...
And pour our hearts out to the One Who truly listens.

I am so grateful that He listens and loves me...especially sometimes.♥~thl

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."  Psalm 73: 26

But not alone...

When words aren't enough,
When life is too much,
When pain reaches deeper
Than our strength...

When laughter is silenced,
When others walk away,
When the journey grows longer
Than our hope...

When stillness is too loud,
When left out of the crowd,
When thoughts hide behind
A mask unknown...

He knows our secret thoughts.
He sees our hidden pain.
He reaches out to broken,
Wounded souls.

May His Presence be made known.
May His Love touch each life.
May His hope be embraced...
May true healing take place.♥~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

Heart-tugging Days...

Today was a "heart-tugging" day.  It was special while spending time with family and friends.  The sunshine was beautiful.  Warmer temperatures were welcomed.  Snow was melting.  Blessings were abundant and appreciated.

Today was also a difficult day.  Today was the fourth birthday of little Song, whom we grew to love so dearly and could hardly wait to bring home from China.  Yet it didn't happen.  Our hearts remain broken.  Our questions are unanswered.  Our lives will never be the same. But she will always be a part of our lives and family.  Always.  Today is a celebration of her precious life...even in the middle of much heartache. 

Yet I am reminded that God cares about us even on days like today.  He holds us close in the middle of broken hearts, unanswered questions, life's losses and deep disappointments.  He carries us continually through blessings and burdens, heartaches and healing, celebration and devastation.  I am tremendously grateful for hope in Him....even in...especially in...times when life doesn't make sense.

Happy Birthday, precious Song.  We love you dearly.  We thank God for you daily.  We hold you in our hearts deeply. 

Thank You, God, for Your love, faithfulness, peace and promises...that carry us through these "heart-tugging" days.♥~thl

"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of God's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.  I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.'"  Lamentations 3: 21>24    

Puppy love...

I didn't think they would notice...or understand.  But they did.

During a recent winter storm, I injured my hand.  It was immovable for days.  Yet the responsibilities of life continue and I didn't think much about it when taking care of our sweet puppies.  The hand was bandaged quite inconspicuous, or so I thought. 

The puppies had enjoyed eating and being petted as I used my healthier hand.  Just as I turned to leave, they both immediately approached my bandaged hand.  They were not seeking food or treats.  They were not wanting to play or be kissed.  They had a different idea.  They tenderly, cautiously and lovingly licked the uncovered part of my bandaged hand.  They noticed.  They approached me with tenderness.  They did their very best to soothe my pain. They cared.  They responded. 

Tears welled up in my eyes.  I began thinking.  If precious four-month-old puppies recognize and make an effort to help someone who is hurting, why don't we?  Why are we more interested in denying, ignoring, excusing, judging, dismissing or claiming we are too busy to care?  Although our puppies are young and have much to learn, it's safe to say that we can learn much from them.

If we are too busy to care, we are much too busy.  If we claim we care, we must respond to hurting hearts, broken bodies and wounded lives.  If we wear His name, it's time we treat each other with the same compassion He shared with others.  I thank Him for a simple reminder from puppy love and compassion.  I think it's time to go give Boomer and Beethoven a big hug...and let them know how much I love them, too.♥~thl

"I will restore them because I have compassion on them."  Zechariah 10: 6

Quiet Hope...

All is quiet. All is calm.
At least it seems that way.
Yet in my heart I know
Hearts still search for You.

Day or night, loud or still,
Precious lives seek peace.
Questions asked. Pain unmasked.
Hands reaching out to You.
 
Please hold them close.
Please touch their hearts.
Surround them with Your love.
May each wound, each tear...and hidden ache be met with hope in You.♥~thl
Isaiah 26: 3

Carried...

This journey unfolds
One step at a time.
A moment may change
the life that I know.

Valleys run deep.
Mountains stand tall.
Paths become narrow,
treacherous, dark.

Yet when my feet
Are unable to move.
I realize He holds me
And never lets go.

He whispers so softly,
"My child, rest in me.
I love you and carry you.
As I lead You Home.♥~thl

"Sure God is my help, the Lord is the One Who sustains me."  Psalm 54: 4

I will not lose hope...

Life has taught me much.
Some seasons were pleasant.
Other seasons were difficult.
But one truth I hold dearest.

I will not lose hope.

In darkest of nights,
Morning light will come.
In waves of uncertainty,
I know I am not alone.

I will not lose hope.

In searing grips of pain,
He holds me closely.
In unforeseen tragedy,
He carries me completely.

I will not lose hope.

When shattered and scarred,
His love brings me peace.
When loss jolts my world,
His compassion brings strength.

I will not lose hope.

I do not walk alone. 
He lives and He cares.
He is with me always.
I will not lose hope.♥~thl

"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."  Psalm 31: 24

Last asked...Loved much...

I remember Valentine's Days many years ago. I dreaded them. I ignored them as much as possible, which was difficult. It hurt to watch couples celebrating with all the flowers, cards, etc.. I was happy for them, of course. But I honestly felt rejected, not good enough, alone, everyone's sister but no one's sweetheart.

Sweetheart banquets in college were especially painful. Guys asked gals weeks i...n advance. Screams of excitement were heard all over campus. I pretended I didn't hear them. My heart secretly ached anyway. When banquet night arrived, some of the guys asked me to go to their dates' rooms to let them know they had arrived. (My RA room was on first floor and easily accessible. Texting wasn't an option yet.) That was a lonely night.

My music professor and I talked about it one day. He suggested that when times like that approached, I should take a drive off campus and spend some "me time" elsewhere. How wise he was.

When the next banquet rolled around, I jumped in my VW beetle, drove on the interstate and a few country roads. I couldn't help but notice the beautiful sunset, the rolling hills, the birds singing and the moon and stars becoming more visible.

Then it hit me. I was loved...by the Greatest Love ever....the Creator, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, The Great I Am. He gave me vision to see His creation, ears to hear birds singing, ability to breathe fresh air, friends who love me each day...life to know His love...and hope for a future with His Presence promised.

I drove back to campus viewing life differently. I am not alone. I am always loved. God has a plan and purpose for my life. I would trust Him.

Today I wish each of you a very Happy Valentine's Day! You are never alone and always loved...by the One Who knows you best and loves you most! May you remember that today, everyday and always! Love to all!♥~thl

 

John 3: 16

 

Breathless...

Having the breath knocked out of us is frightening.  I remember playing softball in my childhood front yard.  Unfortunately, I was the catcher behind the batter...and caught the end of a bat...once on my forehead, and later in my abdomen.  I vividly recall lying on the ground gasping for breath...afraid, uncertain, helpless, desperate.

Recently, I experienced another loss of breath.  Literally one second before my daughter and I began singing special music for a Church worship service, I could not breathe.  The pianist had played the note for us to begin, since we were singing a cappella.  What seemed like an eternity also seemed like the shortest moment of my life.  My asthma had suddenly flared and I felt helpless, uncertain, afraid and desperate. 

I immediately closed my eyes and prayed, "Breath of Heaven, please give me breath so I may sing this song to You."  As my daughter began singing the first few measures before I joined her, I felt a peace...and breath...I knew came from Him alone.  I still had to work to "hit the high notes" and hold other ones.  I still had to use my inhaler when we returned to the green room.  But He gave me the breath I needed. He saw me through...moment by moment.

Life's journey is similar.  Sometimes we don't know how to face the next moment.  We feel helpless, uncertain, afraid, desperate, hurt...and perhaps even alone. We don't understand.  We have no strength. 

I have found that talking to Him...silently or audibly, extensively or briefly...in those moments makes all the difference.  He hears.  He holds.  He listens.  He loves. He cares. He carries. May each breath He grants me be used to praise Him, my One and Only Breath of Heaven.♥~thl

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord."  Psalm 150: 6

In my weakness...

Dear God~
I try to be strong, maybe too strong.
It's not easy to admit I am weak.
I know I am weak. 
You know I am weak.
But this world views weakness differently.

So I learned to hide behind a wall.
Independence displayed.
Pain hidden.
Smiles replacing tears.
Restlessness instead of sleep.

You know the real me.
You recognize weakness.
You understand pain.
You are aware of unfallen tears.
You observe sleepless nights.

Yet...You love me.
You hold me.
You comfort me.
Your compassion surrounds me.
Your strength sustains me.
You give me hope..now...forever♥~thl

"Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains!  For the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones."  Isaiah 49: 13

Peaceful Presence...

Sitting silently...
Thoughts stirring...
Heart searching...
Soul seeking...

Words insufficient...
Answers incomplete...
Strength incompatible...
Certainty inconclusive...

Then I remember...
He is with me...
He knows my thoughts...
He hears my heart...
He reaches my soul..

His grace is sufficient...
He is the answer...
His strength carries me...
His love is certain.

I am never alone. I am in His hand...always.♥~thl

"O Lord, You have searched me and You know me.  You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar.  You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways.  Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O Lord.  You hem me in--behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain."  Psalm 139: 1>6

When...

When I am afraid, He holds me.
When I am weak, He carries me.
When I am broken, He heals me.
When I am weary, He guides me.
When I am lost, He finds me.
When I call to Him, He hears me.
He loves me.  This I know.♥~thl

"He tends His flock like a shepherd:  He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young."  Isaiah 40: 11

So many....

So many lives....so many hearts...so many hurts...so many burdens...so many suffering in silence...so many visible and invisible stories...so many needs...so many searching...

May we listen and love. May we care and comfort. May we share Him.♥~thl

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

The way it should be...Simply Real...

It was a Church worship service I will long remember.

First, I inadvertantly misinformed a lady.  She asked if our daughter was singing.  I responded that Rachel was on the praise team...but no solos.  What I didn't know was that plans had changed.  Rachel would eventually sing two solos during the service.  Oops.  I really didn't know, nice lady.  I promise. 

Second, after the shocking news of my cousin's death earlier today, my heart was heavy and I didn't feel like being "all smiles" tonight.  I longed to be real.  As Rachel sang "How Great Thou Art," tears flowed down my face.  I remembered my cousin...my Grandmother...and many other loved ones I miss.  Then a baptism took place which reminded me of the eternal hope of Heaven.  Reality certainly happened...anyway. 

Sammy then shared a message about "When God Doesn't Make Sense."  Oh, how I struggle with that one...repeatedly.  He reminded me that even when I don't understand, God still cares and loves me.  "Just because He is silent, doesn't mean He is absent."  I desperately needed that.

The rest of the service was like nothing I have ever witnessed.  A precious family, involving a mother and her adult daughter both facing serious health concerns, was brought before the congregation. Sammy anointed them with oil and then the congregation literally surrounded them in prayer. When no room was left in front, people were in rows of seats holding hands and praying.  Tears were streaming, hugs were abundant, prayers were extended, support was shared and love...God's amazing love...was obvious.  His Presence was real.  His hope was evident. He remains King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  I saw Him...tonight.♥~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

He is...

He knows what I do not know.  He sees what I cannot see.  He hears what I cannot speak.  He cares when I don't know why.  He orchestrates what I cannot hear.  He plans what I cannot imagine.  He leads when I don't know where.  He loves when I don't know how. He has strength when mine is gone.  He is God.  I am His.  He brings hope. I am grateful. ♥~thl

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me withall your heart.'"   Jeremiah 29: 11>13

Sometimes...

Dear God~Sometimes I don't know where I belong in this world. Sometimes I don't understand why...or what...or how...or when...or who. Sometimes life makes no sense. May I hold onto You...all the time.♥~thl

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3: 5>6

The best in the worst...

Is it Spring yet?  Actually, it will be in 42 days...but who's counting?  I am, of course.  Somehow, this winter seems the most challenging one in decades.  I have been out and about once in almost two weeks.  Not good! 

Losing power at 4 am yesterday morning did not help.  For almost six hours, we dealt with a kerosene heater, candles and all the adjustments, including major asthma issues.  Then power was restored.  Life became better and headed in the right direction.  Until last night...when I was outside and wound up with my second injury in less than a week's time.  A painful one that I hope will require only a brace instead of a cast.  We'll see. So it hasn't been my favorite week...month...winter.

And yet I am tremendously blessed. There's the neighbor who helped clear our driveway more than once.  The sweet lady at the electric company who probably answered the phone a million times today yet laughed as we discussed the outage.  The friends who offered for us to come stay in their home.  Friends who offered to help in anyway needed.. Friends who prayed, checked in, made us laugh, gave suggestions and cared...consistently.  Family who checked in or helped.  A husband who went without sleep to get life back to normal. The statement is true.  It is in the tough times that we discover our true friends.

I am thankful for those precious people in my life who truly care...even in...especially in...the most challenging times.  Seasons come and seasons go...but true blessings touch our lives forever.  Whether winter, spring, summer or fall, good times, tough times, challenges or celebrations, I thank God for each precious blessing He placed in my life...called the best of friends.♥~thl

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."  Colossions 3: 12    

Seasons of blessings...

Soon after our family moved to this area, we experienced a challenging winter.  Snow was abundant.  Cold temperatures seemed more brutal than ever.  We grew very tired of winter weather.

Yet the following summer brought another challenge.  We faced a major drought.  Water was scarce and precious.  We took very brief "military showers."  We used shower and dish water to hydrate our plants. When rain finally arrived, we literally danced in the front yard.

We were reminded, however, that one blessing during the dry, hot summer was the amount of moisture the previous winter had deposited into the ground.  What seemed so harsh and frustrating in one season eventually became an advantage in a later season.

As we continue receiving repeated blasts of snow, ice and rain, I am reminded that God can use this difficult season for something positive.  That doesn't mean that treacherous conditions, compromised health issues and tragedies are good.  It simply means that God can use these challenging times to draw us closer to Him and help us help others.

Of course, my spring countdown continues.  (44 days as of Tuesday, 02.04.14!)  However, as I look forward to warmer temperatures, outside opportunities and relief from cold weather challenges, I will trust Him now.  Hopefully, there will not be another drought.  But knowing He holds me through each season comforts and assures me of His constant, loving, Presence.♥~thl

"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is My word that goes out from My mouth:  It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."  Isaiah 55: 10>11

Running...yet remembered...

"God cares about those who are running from the pain.  Running from the problem.  Running from God's people.  Running from the wounders.  And yes, God cares about you.  Even if you are running from Him."  (Anne Graham Lotz)

My heart seemed to stop when I read those words.  Often we feel shunned if we "feel."  Too often we feel ashamed to admit we have a burden hidden deeply.  Much too often, we feel excluded by "His people" if we don't measure up or fit in with "their crowd."  Tragically, we are often deeply wounded by those who are quick in judging us yet not interested in helping us.  I know the pain...the shame...the isolation...the rejection...the judgment...and the abandonment in these situations. 

Yet there is healing when I realize that even when they reject me, God still loves me.  How amazing that when I am not good enough for others often wearing His name, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords...the Great I Am...loves me...anyway.  Even when they exclude me...He embraces me.  They may never try to find me...but He never leaves me.  His Presence...brings peace.♥~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    

Take my hand...

Somehow these words reflect my heart more tonight than anything I could pen on my own....

"Precious Lord, take my hand. Lead me on. Help me stand. I am tired. I am weak. I am worn. Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the Light. Take my hand, Precious Lord, lead me home." (T. A. Dorsey)

 Isaiah 41: 13