Day Two of Gratitude...

Day Two.  It doesn't take long to find three more things for which I am grateful.  They are listed below.

1.  Incredible friends.  It has been said that if you can count true friends on one hand, you are more blessed than most people on this earth.  I am very blessed.  I have friends who are there...day or night.  They see beyond my smile and know my heart.  They know just when to ask if I am ok...really ok. They listen, laugh, love...and don't run when hidden tears need to fall.   They also tolerate my silly, "laughing from my toes" outbursts.  They value me consistently.  They believe in me and they believe me.  They are the real deal.  True, trusted, tremendous friends.  I am so grateful for each one.

2.  Music.  I do not remember my life without music. Ever.  I remember singing when I was very young.  Later, around four, I began playing piano.  There was always music around me.  I am so grateful for the beautiful, God-given gift that actually gives us a tiny glimpse of Heaven.  Hearing, singing, playing, studying music has never ceased to amaze me.  Knowing my God created music and even sings to me...inspires me. I am grateful for His incredible gift of music.

3.  Life.  I have seen life enter this world.  I have seen it leave this world.  I have seen life include joy, suffering, pain, peace, blessings, burdens, unforeseen tragedies and unexpected triumphs. I have seen tears of grief and shouts of joy.  I have seen tears of joy and shouts of despair.  I have seen lives heavy with pain and lives hiding despair. I have seen lives restored and lives healed. I know that life...each, amazing, tender moment...is a precious, irreplacable, immense and often incomprehensible gift..  I am grateful for its journey.

Thank You, God, for each amazing gift.♥~thl

Happy Birthday, Dad! ♥

Happy 83rd Birthday to my wonderful, loving, faithful and precious Dad, Charles Huffman! You are a true example of authenticity, strength, compassion, selflessness, devotion, hard work, faith and family! I am so grateful to be your daughter, Dad, and I will always be your "little girl."♡~thl

Day One of thankfulness...

Recently, my precious, dear friend and sweet sis in Him, Dee Harlor Yoshimura, challenged me to list three things I am thankful for over five days. Due to other circumstances, I couldn't respond immediately. However, I begin the challenge tonight. Instead of listing specific individuals, I challenge each precious friend to do the same..not only for five days, but each day.

1. I am grateful for the One Who loves me and never, ever walks away. Amazing!
2. I am thankful for each breath He gives me. Literally. Seriously.
3. I am thankful for my husband and children. We have never lived near parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. since our family began. But we always seem to make it through tough times with God's help and our "KY family." So blessed! So grateful! ♥~thl

My prayer and plea...

"When there's nothing left to do but just depend on You..." ♡~thl

Priceless prayers...

Many thanks to everyone who is praying for Mom and Dad (Huffman) in Virginia. Please continue to pray. (Mom has returned to the nursing home after emergency surgery on Monday.  Dad continues to take care of her on an already challenging journey.)  This is a difficult time on many levels. It is also a time when we learn about true friends, real faith and God's faithfulness. What a difference it makes to know we never face a moment without His love, mercy, grace and strength. Your kind comments and continued prayers are so meaningful and helpful. Thank you!♡~thl

Each offering...

Another week has begun. I want to make it count. I want each breath to matter...each moment to make a difference...each heartbeat to be grateful and each second to be hopeful. I want to love living...and live loving. I want to cherish each step of this journey as a gift...offering it to the One Who gave everything to me.♡~thl 

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;" Isaiah 43: 1>3

My Audience of One...

My heart will always hold a very special place for each precious life, each amazing moment and each God-given opportunity I have known and experienced. While some doors close, others open in His perfect timing. Yet sometimes He provides unexpected seasons of rest, reflection, renewal and redirection. Wherever I am, whatever I do, however He asks me to serve, I will remember my AUDIENCE OF ONE. May it always be...all about Him!♡~thl
#adecadeoflearningandleaning
#neverstoplovingHim
#itsneverawastewhenservingHim
#myAudienceOfOneisfaithful

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3: 23>24

True Change...

I wish for a world of kindness.
I hope for a world of peace.
I live trying to make a difference.
I pray for this world to know Him.
Regardless of my own goals and dreams,
He is the One Who changes everything.
May I trust Him completely.♥~thl

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41: 10

Sight sermon...

Below is a poem I heard many years ago.  It had not crossed my mind until recently.  As a minister's wife, I certainly hold great respect for all those in full-time, located ministry.  I know...and understand...the joys, cares, mountains and valleys involved in that calling.  Yet, as a simple gal trying to walk this journey, I also hold great respect for those who live life...as an example for Him...humbly, quietly and lovingly.  May the path we walk...be more about Him...than anything or anyone else.♥~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

"I'd Rather See A Sermon..."

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye is a better pupil, more willing than the ear;
Fine counsel is confusing, but example is always clear,
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see a good put in action is what everybody needs.

I can soon learn how to do it if you will let me see it done;
I can watch your hand in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do.
For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there is no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles, and a strong man stands behind
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.

One good man teaches many; men believe what they behold;
One deed of kindness noted is worth forty that are told.
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language which to everyone is clear.
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,
I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day.  -- Edgar A. Guest

Too tired...

It's not easy to admit, especially for my driven, multi-tasking, goal-oriented, just get it done personality.  But the reality is...I get tired.  Really tired.  So tired that it gets in the way of all that needs to be done. 

Sometimes I must realize I am human. Very human.  It's also true that I may not have the energy I had when I was in my twenties.  Trying to convince my life demands of that is another story.  There's simply too much to do to be tired.

Ironically, one of my favorite Scripture passages mentions being tired and weary.  How amazing to be reminded that it's actually permissable, understandable and helpful to experience "less than strong" days.  If I had enough strength and stamina to sustain everything I want and need to do...I would never learn to lean on Him.  My self-sufficiency would get in the way much too easily.  My goals, lists and independence...would become obstacles for trusting, relying and realizing that in my weakness, He is strong.  My focus would be much more on my life...than His leading. 

Tonight, I thank God for allowing and teaching me that it's ok to be tired.  He created me.  He knows me better than I know myself.  Yet He still loves me enough to hold me so that I may rest...and depend...on Him.  What a beautiful gift to lean on His precious, everlasting arms.♥~thl

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

Trusting in silence...

When there are no words, I will not speak.
When there are no answers, I will trust.
When there is no strength, I will rest.
Yet when there is love, I will hope.
I will believe. I will rejoice.♥~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 with all your heart.'"  Jeremiah 29: 11>13

Deer thoughts...

Well, the time has arrived.  After a deer ran into the side of our van last month, repairs are now in progress.  That means I am without a vehicle for awhile, but I will survive.  I have two strong legs that will take me wherever I need to go around the "Lorenz Lodge."  Plus there is much to do at home until the van is returned. 

I still remember that warm, July day, though, and the deep thud that we heard as the deer hit our vehicle.  I remember screaming for I knew she was dangerously close to the driver's door window.  I remember Tim eventually finding a place to pull off the road as we viewed the damage.  I remember thanking God that Tim was unharmed and that we could safely drive home.  I also remember calling my Dad and asking him why deer were so plentiful in the middle of July.  He immediately reminded me that the deer were moving around regularly in search for food.

I began thinking.  I do quite a bit of searching, too.  I often feel hunger and thirst in my own life as I move around regularly seeking answers and direction.  Sometimes I feel as dazed and confused as that deer did several weeks ago.  I also run into obstacles I didn't expect...much like the doe did that day.  I also find myself limping away as I try to escape the damage done. 

How wonderful to know that I don't face this journey alone.  How amazing to realize that He knows my name, my life, my hunger and my thirst.  How precious to know that whether I run into obstacles or enjoy a peaceful day in a beautiful meadow, He is with me.  How grateful I am for the One Who loves me...anyway.♥~thl

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, O God."  Psalm 42: 1

Thankful for the new...

It's a new week with new moments and opportunities. May I cherish each breath, treasure each heartbeat and remember what truly matters. May He be my greatest focus.♡~thl
Colossians 3: 23>24

Becoming still...

It's been a super busy, full of precious moments, yet deep-thinking kind of day. As I place my head on my pillows tonight, an old song from college years flows through my mind. "I need to be still and let God love me. When this old world starts to push and shove me, I need to be still and let God love me." Thank You, God, for still loving me...even when I haven't been still enough to listen.♡~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

Taking cover...

It seems we all have those days when we just want to go back to bed, pull the comforter over our heads and hide until the day is done. No matter how hard we work or try to make it a good day, there is inevitably a time when it doesn't go so well.

During those times, I am reminded that it is ok to take shelter...in Him. It is ok to rest in His love and healing. It is ok to be securely embraced in the arms of our Heavenly Father. That, most definitely, makes each day another reason to love and trust the One Who never lets go of me.♡~thl

"For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock." Psalm 27: 5

Time out...

Last weekend, our family traveled to Tennessee and North Carolina.  One of my favorite places there is the balcony view from our hotel room.  I could stay there for hours.  In the middle of all the people, attractions, noise and traffic, there's a hidden place I can go for peace...rest...reflection...and strength.  Day and night, I found myself longing to return to that balcony.

I began thinking.  There's a place inside my heart that continually longs for peace, rest, reflection and strength.  In the middle of life's busy pace, challenges, responsibilities and roles, I yearn for time with the One Who restores my soul, renews my mind and refreshes my spirit.  I thirst for Him.  He listens, loves and leads me.  I am so grateful for His everlasting love, hope and peace.♥~thl

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will."  Romans 12:  1>2

Hand-holding...

Holding hands is very dear to me. I loved growing up holding my parents' hands as we walked into church or around crowds. I felt...safe. I loved holding hands with sweethearts over the years. I felt...special. I love holding hands with my husband. I feel...loved. I loved holding the tiny little hands of our babies. I felt...blessed. I love holding the hand of an aging parent. I feel...treasured.  I love holding hands with my family as we pray together. I feel...grateful. I love knowing that God is holding me in His hand continually. I feel...hope.

Yet sometimes my hand slips...and I fall. Or I hurt someone else. Or I mess up in life. Or I don't do what I should. How precious to know that He doesn't let go of me...even when I think I have let go of Him. I feel...amazed.♡~thl
John 3: 16

"Trust God's hold on you more than your hold on God." (Max Lucado)

Compassionate concern...

This journey holds countless blessings and cruel burdens. Sometimes I celebrate and cherish. Sometimes I fall to my knees in shock and sadness. May we share His compassion and concern...love and life...above all else.♡~thl

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." John 15: 12

"Be kind...for everyone you meet is in a battle you know nothing about..."

Today I spent time listening to the wonderful sounds of nature...a river flowing, birds singing, wind rushing through the trees and a steady rainfall. How refreshing to listen, watch and bask in His creation. My focus was automatically drawn toward Him. I am continually amazed by His love and power.♡~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

Simply still....

Today I spent time listening to the wonderful sounds of nature...a river flowing, birds singing, wind rushing through the trees and a steady rainfall. How refreshing to listen, watch and bask in His creation. My focus was automatically drawn toward Him. I am continually amazed by His love and power.♡~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

Precious presence...

Today I thank God for His beautiful creation, His amazing love and His incredible faithfulness. His Presence is so very precious.♡~thl
Isaiah 26: 3

Grateful pause...

Sometimes it is precious...and essential...to simply stop, take a deep breath, look toward the sky and thank Him for being our loving Heavenly Father. While so much changes on this journey, He remains the same...yesterday, today and forever. What joy comes from knowing He is there...all the time.♡~thl

"No one is like You, Lord; You are great, and Your Name is mighty in power." Jeremiah 10: 6

Patience, dear, patience...

Usually I am a very, very patient person. Usually. My family will agree to that...although there have definitely been exceptions. Definitely. My husband says that when my back straightens a certain way and I become very still...there's a very solid reason. My children know that a blank stare with one eyebrow raised...usually means it's a good time for manners to be in place. But the majority of ...the time, I do ok in the patience aspect.

Why, then, am I less patient with myself in trying to do...be...accomplish...and achieve whatever purpose God has in store for my life? Why do I feel disappointment in making a difference in this life for Him? Why do I sometimes...ok, often
...think I am a middle-age wife, mom, daughter, sister and friend...who should have done so much more in life by now?

Maybe it is because I am looking at this journey through my eyes...and not His. Maybe it is because I am a driven person who multi-tasks most of the time...and is quite challenged in waiting for His plan to unfold. Maybe it's because I am more focused on my goals than His design for my life. Maybe...definitely...my focus needs to dwell more on His timing than my own schedule. Maybe...absolutely...my patience needs to improve even more...as I take His hand, listen to His voice...and trust Him completely. Maybe I should remember my favorite Scripture passage more often.♡~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

A daily journey...

It was our high school class motto:  "Life is a journey, not a destination."  Those words seemed fitting at the time.  Little did I know how meaningful they would become decades later. 

I thought that if I worked hard, lived right, treated others well and believed all that I should believe...well, life would be positive....not easy...but positive.  Little did I know that the journey would be much more about how I take it than how I make it.  Certainly, hard work is essential.  Making good, responsible choices is very important. Having faith makes an incredible difference.  But the journey has brought more unexpections than I ever imagined possible, including tremendous blessings...and heartbreaking burdens. 

Some days bring dancing in celebration...through rain, sun, storms and clouds.  Other days bring me to my knees in overwhelming disbelief at what is happening on this journey.  There are also days when the journey is challenging but I have complete peace that He is with us and He will make a way.  Most of us face days of each kind.

Life is definitely a journey.  Like country roads I have driven for decades, we don't always know what lies ahead...or what will appear or even blindside us. Yet we find a way to move forward.  We learn from our yesterdays.  We do our best today.  We cling to hope for tomorrow. 

I am so grateful that any day I face, there is Someone Who loves me.  There is Someone Who holds me.  There is Someone Who listens.  There is Someone Who leads.  May I focus on Him most as this journey unfolds...as each day passes...until He takes me Home.♥~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

Live...Love...

I wonder what would happen if we...
listen more than talk,
encourage more than discourage,
share more than shun,
replace criticism with compassion,
give more than get,
hold on more than give up,
love more than hate,
care more than ignore,
trade selfish for selfless and
surrender artificial for authentic.
Oh, how I wish we would live loving....and love living...more.♥~thl

"Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails..."  1 Corinthians 13: 4>8

Hand in hand...

My words are few.
My thoughts are many.
Lessons unfold each day.
Each breath is a gift.
Each moment a time
to love, grow and share.
I do not know tomorrow's path.
I cannot see ahead.
But this I know--each step of the way,
He holds me and I am never alone.♥~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.  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: 1>10

God's lullaby...

When days are challenging...and nights are long, I find sweet peace in His love and song.

I know He is with me. I know He cares. His strength sustains me. My burdens He bears.

I close my eyes. I rest in His love. I listen. I hear His precious lullaby...from above.♡~thl

"By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me--a prayer to the God of my life." Psalm 42: 8

Blessed hills...

Thank You, God, for the beautiful hills surrounding our home. As storms approached us today, these rolling hills reminded me of Your love that surrounds us continually. Thank You for holding us in storms, sunshine and all seasons of life. You are amazing, God!♡~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

Hands up...

It was one of my favorite times when our children were young.  I loved the moments when they reached their arms up to me.  Looking at their precious, little faces as they simply wanted me to bend down, wrap my arms around them, pick them up and hold them was a privilege, honor, joy and blessing deep within my heart. 

The reasons varied for their sweet little extended arms.  Sometimes they wanted assurance.  Sometimes they needed comfort.  Sometimes they wanted to share their love.  Sometimes they were tired and needed me to carry them.  Sometimes they felt ill and needed my care.  Sometimes they simply needed to hear that I love them.

I recently read that when we don't know what to do or say on our daily journey, we should simply call His Name!  Initially, I thought that was perhaps too simple.  But the more I have found myself in the middle of challenges, uncertainties and praises, I have certainly learned the beautiful joy of acknowledging His Presence by saying His Precious Name.  Whether in an extended prayer or a momentary affirmation, speaking His Name makes a tremendous difference.

Sometimes this journey leads us to need assurance, comfort, love, strength, healing and compassion.  Other times, this journey brings unexpected, amazing, precious moments that offer wonderful opportunities to thank, honor and praise Him.

I often wonder how God feels when we forget that He is our Abba...our Father...our Dad.  I believe He longs for the moments when we will look up, reach up and show Him how much we love and need Him.  Knowing that whether blessed or broken, He is holding me...makes this journey incredibly beautiful.  May I never cease holding onto Him.♥~thl

"...I call to You, O Lord, every day; I spread out my hands to You."  Psalm 88: 9