His hope...

There's so much I don't understand on this journey...
people suffering,
hearts breaking,
disease destroying,
friends abandoning,
life shattering,
families dividing,
faith fading,
hatred increasing,
respect decreasing...
confusion spreading...

In a rushed, hurting, desperate world, I am so thankful for these precious and priceless words...

"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

Thank You, God, for Your love, faithfulness and hope.♥~thl

Leaning...and learning...

"Leaning, Leaning, leaning on the everlasting Arms..."

Thank You, God, for allowing me to lean on You continually. Although it has frustrated me, especially recently, when I must depend on others, I am learning that trusting You becomes sweeter each day. Thank You for being patient with me.♥~thl

Something beautiful...anyway...

"Something beautiful. Something good. All my confusion He understood. All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife. But He made something beautiful of my life."

Thank You, God, for loving me even in broken, stressful, busy or overwhelming times. I trust You to make something beautiful of this unfolding journey.♥~thl

Grace...and gratitude...

"Amazing grace...how sweet the sound...that saved a wretch like me..."

Thank You, God, for Your grace, love and sacrifice for us. Thank You, also, for those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. May we live gratefully.♥~thl

A definite need...

"I need You, O, I need You. Every hour I need You..." Thank You, God, for loving, listening, knowing and holding us each moment. Knowing You are there...and I am not alone...makes all the difference.♥~thl
Isaiah 26: 3

Known...yet loved...

"He Knows My Name"  (Tommy Walker)

"I have a Maker.
He formed my heart.
Before even time began,
My life was in his hands.

I have a Father.
He calls me His own.
He'll never leave me,
No matter where I go.

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

Thank You, God, for knowing my name...my heart...my life...my journey.  Thank You for never leaving me...no matter where I go.♥~thl

Bark..or trust...

Tonight our precious "little" puppies began barking without ceasing.  Of course, I went outside to check on them and the incredibly dire situation at hand.  Just as I expected, they were letting the neighbor know that his mowing adventure did not meet their approval.  I assured them that the neighbor was fine and not a threat to society.  I also expressed gratitude for their wonderful, efficient protection.  I also asked them to please quiet down and remain calm because everything would be ok.  They listened, grew quiet and soon took a much deserved nap.

It didn't take long for me to realize a simple, yet valuable, lesson.  Our Boomer and Beethoven did not understand the noisy, mowing situation and reacted strongly.  Yet when "Mom" assured them that all was fine, they trusted me enough to listen...even to the point of falling asleep.

I admit it.  I "bark" at life often, too.  There is so much I do not understand on this journey. My reaction is usually not one of peace.  Sometimes I respond audibly.  Most of the time, it is internalized.  I wonder, however,  how much more peace would be found if I simply listened more closely to my Heavenly Father.  Knowing He is God gives me every reason to trust Him completely.  May I listen to Him more than the noise around me.  May I remember that my Master, Savior, Comforter and Healer...is with us, holding us and loving us each step toward Home.♥~thl

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations.  I will be exalted in the earth."  Psalm 46: 10  

This day...

Today....
twenty-four hours,
one thousand, four hundred, forty minutes,
eighty-six thousand, four hundred seconds,
moments to cherish which will never return,
a time for life and love,
a time for caring and comfort,
a time for peace and purpose,
a time for singing and sharing,
a time for holding and healing,
a time for understanding and uniting,
a time for hope of Heaven,
a time for embracing those dear to us,
a time for rejoicing, refocusing, renewing and reminding,
a time for reflecting Him in all we do.
Today.  His day. This day.  Everyday.♥~thl

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

Loved...anyway...

Thank You, O Lord, for...
hearing my prayers, even those without words,
knowing my heart, even when it is hidden,
seeing my tears, even when they do not fall,
touching my life, even when it is messy,
giving me hope, even when it seems distant,
holding me, even when others turn away,
loving me, even when I am lost.

You hear.
You know.
You see.
You touch.
You encourage.
You hold.
You love and You heal.
May I share with others what You have shared with me.♥~thl

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

A view from last week...

It's been a long day of traveling but we are back home from a wonderful 30th anniversary trip! We are so thankful for safety, beautiful scenery, great neighbors, amazing family...and dear friends, both new and renewed. Each moment is a precious gift....and I am deeply grateful.♥~thl

Friends...from Him...

I thank God for precious friends who are are undoubtedly His hands, feet and heart. They make all the difference on this journey.♥~thl ~Philippians 1:3

Today...tomorrow...and always...

I don't know what tomorrow will bring...or next week...or next month...or next year. That isn't always easy for a gal who loves organization, goals, lists and even lists of lists. Yet realizing that the One Who knows about all our tomorrows...loves me...makes unforeseen moments more peaceful. I am amazed. I am thankful.♥~thl

"For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end." Psalm 48: 14

Because of You...

Knowing You are there..
makes nights less uncertain,
makes steps more assured,
makes trials more bearable,
makes situations more tolerable,
makes the journey more hopeful,
makes life more meaningful.
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for Your Presence and promises.♥~thl

"My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may mediatate on Your promises."   Psalm 119: 148

Thirty years...now and then...

Thirty years ago today, (May 12, 1984), I walked down the aisle of my home church, holding my precious Dad's arm, to marry Timothy P. Lorenz. Honestly, I never imagined that day would even happen in my life. Neither did I imagine I would become a minister's wife...or leave Virginia...or live hundreds of miles away from my family...or have our two precious children.

Now, thirty years later, I am overwhelmed with... all that has unfolded on this journey. Some moments were absolutely wonderful. Some were beyond heartbreaking. But God held us, healed us, led us and has loved us through it all.

Thank You, God, for thirty years of Your faithfulness, protection, provision and direction. Thank You for Tim and his sweet love...for each precious life who touched our lives for You...for our dear family here...elsewhere...and friends all over the world.

May our marriage, family and lives reflect You and Your love each step toward Home.♥~thl

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13: 13

I lift my eyes...

Tonight I simply lift my eyes toward Him. Every step, moment, choice and experience are opportunities to grow closer to Him. May my focus remain on Him...always.♥~thl

"Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul." Psalm 143: 8

Waiting...with joy...

Waiting...
to heal,
to learn,
to know,
to grasp,
to breathe,
to continue,
to determine,
to move forward with Him.

Waiting...
renewed,
refreshed,
refocused,
reinstated,
reminded,
reexamined,
restored
my life with His joy.<3~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

Waiting...in His arms...

When I was a little girl, the local fair was held several miles from home.  Dad and Mom sometimes took us to enjoy the fair, usually during late afternoon through evening hours.

Tradition included fireworks at the end of the evening.  I initially admired the beautiful colors and designs...until a loud noise followed. That changed everything!  Even though I was only around three years old, I vividly recall the experience.  The noisier the fireworks became, the more frightened I grew...even to the point of tears. 

Without hesitation, Dad picked me up, held me in his arms and assured me that I was safe. After another boisterous fireworks launch, I became very frightened, crying more intensely.  I can still see my Dad holding me tightly as I wrapped my arms around his neck.  My head rested on his shoulders with my eyes closed tightly.  Dad gently placed me inside our car so the lights and noises would be less overwhelming.  He stood beside me, held my hand, gave me peace and helped me watch the "pretty colors" again.  I felt much safer...even safe enough to enjoy the beauty once more.

Life can certainly become quite frightening at times.  What initially seems attractive and pleasant can quickly become disturbing and overwhelming.  We may not know how to escape discomfort, pain or challenges.  Tears may fall...inwardly or outwardly.  We need a refuge.

I am thankful that we have a Father Who picks us up, holds us in His arms, and carries us on this journey.  Knowing He never lets go of me reminds me of His love, peace and promises.  Although the noises of life may continue, His assurances help me open my eyes and see the beauty once more.

Thank You, God, for loving us so much...and for letting us wrap our arms around You as You carry us Home...step by step...moment by moment...each passing day.♥~thl

"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless.  He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him."  Psalm 18: 30

Waiting...in His time...

In raging storms,
In darkest nights,
In valleys low,
In scorching heat,
In coldest winds,
In deafening silence,
I wait.

You calm the storms,
You send the morning,
You reach my soul,
You soothe my spirit,
You warm my heart,
You hold my hand,
You wait...with me.

You listen.
You remain.
You hold.
You carry.
You heal.
You love.
I wait...with You.♥~thl

"I love You, O Lord, my strength.  The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.  He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."  Psalm 18: 1>2

Waiting...and learning...

Waiting while wounded...isn't easy.
Heartaches continue.
Questions abound.
Doubts arise.
Regrets appear.
Time stands still.

Then I remember...
He holds me in His hands.
His love is healing.
His wisdom continues.
His Truth remains.
His mercy endures.
He is faithful.

Waiting isn't easy
But it is not in vain.
Thank You, God,
For teaching us in seasons of pain.♥~thl

"I will praise the Lord, Who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me.  Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."  Psalm 16: 7>8

Waiting...with hope...

In quiet moments, I search for answers...understanding...and what He would have me do. Answers may not arrive. Understanding may not unfold. Yet His first response for this wound is...wait. I will trust Him...as I hold onto His loving arms of hope. He will hold me, carry me...and heal me. I am safe in Him.♥~thl

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope." Psalm 130: 5

Waiting with Him...

Life sometimes brings unexpected blows which take our breath and break our hearts. As shifts of numbness and pain ebb and flow, I simply wait and remember...He still loves me. He still listens to me. He still leads me. I will rest in my Father's precious arms and heal.♥~thl

"I call on You, O God, for You will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer." Psalm 17: 6

Some...Other...All...

Some days, I seem to know...
Other days, I have no clue...
Some days, life makes sense...
Other days, life is confusing...
Some days, my place seems obvious...
Other days, my place seems lost...
Some days, my heart soars...
Other days, my heart aches...
Some days, I feel strong...
Other days, my strength is gone...
Some days, I seem to belong...
Other days, I am left behind...
Some days, I see His hand...
Other days, I trust His heart...
Some days, other days, all days,
I hold onto Him...
For His love is true...
And His hope is real!♥~thl

"The Lord will fulfill His purpose, for me; Your love, O Lord, endures forever--do not abandon the works of Your hands."  Psalm 138: 8

More...

There must be more to life than this!

Have you said those words?  I certainly have spoken them a time or two...ok...maybe hundreds of times. I am very grateful for each breath...moment...blessing...loved one and step of this journey.  However, in the middle of daily, ordinary routines of life, we often find ourselves searching for...more. 

Sure, I would enjoy having more house, money, educational opportunities, more of this or that...but I am referring to something quite different. It will be wonderful to have more faith...purpose...peace...hope...strength...and relationship with Him.

Since childhood, I have heard this specific Scripture passage repeatedly.  Yet it has been on my mind so much recently.  Perhaps this present season of life brings a very different perspective.  Perhaps situations, circumstances and experiences have brought me to a point I never knew before.  Perhaps I am simply listening more intensely.  Whatever the reason, I am learning that there is, indeed, much more to this life!

"Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!  Amen!"  Ephesians 3: 20>21 

What joy in knowing that our God is so much more than we know!  I am thankful He knows much more about this life than I do...is able to do far more than I can...and is more powerful than I am.  He is God.  I am not.  I will love Him, trust Him, believe in Him and strive to follow Him...more!♥~thl