Presence...past, present, future...

God keeps His promises.  He did then.  He does now.  Even though His plan is beyond our understanding, He is Sovereign. He is God.  He is Truth.  He is Love.  Because of His faithfulness in the past and present, I will trust Him with my future.  He is with us...Immanuel.<3~thl

"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel--which means, 'God with us.'"  Matthew 1: 22>23

Searching for Him...

Herod told the Magi that he wanted them to notify him of the Christ child's location so he could go and worship the Child.  However, after they saw the Child and worshipped Him, they were warned by an angel to not return to Herod.  So the Magi went a different way to return to their country. 

I wonder if the Magi suspected Herod's true motive.  I wonder if they believed he was sincere.  Maybe they did.  Maybe they didn't.  I don't know.  Yet when the angel warned them in a dream to avoid seeing Herod, they listened. Their plans changed immediately. 

I began thinking.  Sadly, many things are not as they appear in our lives, either.  What we are told by others may not be truthful.  Even what we observe may not be what it seems.  Tragically, as Herod claimed to want to worship the Christ Child, we may also hear false impressions and intentions while using the name of Christ. 

How do we know who..or what...to believe?  It's not easy.  Yet I continually learn to ask God for wisdom and discernment...each moment of every day.  Oh, I have certainly made countless wrong choices.  No doubt, I will make many more.  But what I learned from the lives of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the Magi...is that they listened to what the angels told them...and they followed God's guidance.  Someone once told me that if we have peace in a situation, that is from God. Yet, if we are experiencing great turmoil, that does not come from God.  Of course, having peace about a situation doesn't mean it is always easy.  Yet knowing that God's hand is holding and leading us...certainly brings peace.

I suspect that the Magi felt great peace once the angel appeared to them.  I don't know if the detour route was longer or shorter for their return home.  But they were willing to do whatever they were told by the angel. 

It is my prayer that I may listen to what others say to me on this journey.  Yet I also pray that the voice of God will be heard above all else.  He is Truth.  He is Love.  He is Peace.  He is Present.  He is God.  May He be my Guide as the rest of this journey leads me Home.<3~thl

Matthew 2: 1>12

Ordinary offering, Extraordinary God...

The time has arrived.  We will soon change into our "choir clothes" and celebrate the birth of the Messiah!  As we stand on the risers, hold microphones and lift our voices to Him, I realize what an incredible responsibility and opportunity God has placed before us.

Honestly, I am amazed and grateful that the LCC family allowed me to be a part of this journey.  I am an ordinary gal...with an ordinary life...an ordinary voice...and an ordinary passion for music.  Yet somehow, these precious people made a way for ordinary me to join in praise to an extraordinary God!

When my feet carry me up those steps and onto the risers, I will surrender my ordinary abilities to Him! Thankfully, He is fully aware of my limits and my faults.  But He still has a purpose for my life. Obviously, I will totally depend on Him for every breath, heartbeat and word delivered. 

Isn't that how life unfolds? God gives each of us talents and abilities, which vary greatly.  Some are in the spotlight.  Some are in the shadows.  Some are acknowledged.  Others are quietly noticed by Him. By His wonderful design, they blend together to bring honor, glory and praise to the King of Kings, the Great I Am, our Father.

The time had arrived.  The young couple prepared to parent the Son of God.  Their response to God's plan brought opportunity for the precious Baby to become our Saviour.  He was first wrapped in swaddling cloths.  He later bore the sins of this world.  He was then wrapped in grave cloths but soon left them behind.  Because He arose, He gives ordinary people like me an extraordinary way to spend eternity with Him.  I am quite amazed and very grateful.   Through Him, my ordinary life has purpose.  By His design, I pray each breath, heartbeat and word I share...will bring honor, glory and praise to my Audience of One.  May I reflect Him...above all.<3~thl

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

Music and more...

Music...a gift from God that will also carry over into our Heavenly Home.  I look forward to hearing the angels sing.  I am especially excited to hear God sing!  I want to meet David...and hear him sing and play his harp.  I want to lift my simple voice to our amazing God along with everyone else.  Music...what an incredible gift now...and forever.

Tonight's dress rehearsal for the Christmas program at LCC reminded me of God's love and light in this world...through music.  We were excited as we lifted our voices in praise to the newborn King.  I watched the faces of the choir, the ensembles, the band, the children, the director and her assistant.  Music moves us...as we glorify Him! 

I also noticed the many different factors involved.  Men, women, children, teens, married, single, petite, tall, soft voices, strong voices, carpenters, technical support, drummer, guitarists, keyboards, teachers, nurses, moms, daughters, dads, sons, young, young-at-heart, broken hearts, restored lives, sopranos, altos, tenors and bass singers.  Yet when the music began, we were united for one purpose...praising Him!

I noticed something else.  It is no secret that our community has faced much illness the past few weeks.  Flu, strep, colds, migraines, allergies, sinus infections and other conditions have not been strangers to the Church family and choir.  Yet when needs arose, folks united to meet those needs. Without hesitation, they helped one another.

I began thinking.  Not only is music a gift...but an opportunity to share and serve Him.  Through countless hours of preparation and practice, the program is prepared.   Through compassionate hearts that love Him and each other, we are united in spirits, hearts and purpose.

Thank You, God, for the gift of music.  Thank you for each precious life involved..  Thank You for this amazing way we can honor You.  May the music You gave us...be used to give back to You...through us, among us and beyond us.  This season..and each moment of our lives...are truly all about You!<3~thl

"If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.  Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."  1 Corinthians 12: 26>27

So suddenly, so remembered...

It has been decades since I saw him.  Unfortunately, this college classmate and friend passed away suddenly yesterday before I could see him again.  Randy was a kind, thoughtful and wonderful man.  I heard from him a couple years ago and, as always, he was sharing words of encouragement. 

Memories of him include seeing him sitting in class, on the basketball court or soccer field, or in the cafeteria...always smiling.  As friends and classmates began reminiscing about him, I noticed two things.  Randy was remembered for how he lived.  Randy was remembered for how he loved.  Whether he was serious or having fun, Randy was a gentleman.  He obviously loved God and he genuinely followed Him.  Randy also knew how to love others.  I was always impressed that he made everyone feel wanted, welcome and loved.  Wherever he was, whoever he was with and whatever he was doing, he took the time to smile, speak and show interest in others. 

Although it is heartbreaking that his family lost him so unexpectedly, especially near Christmas time, I find comfort in Randy's eternity with the One he loved so dearly.  In the middle of such a hectic season, Randy has reminded us to focus on who we love and what is truly important! We are not promised a tomorrow...or another breath. Life can change in a moment, just as it did for Randy and his loved ones. 

As Christmas draws near, I pray that Randy's life will influence our lives.  May how we live...and how we love...be remembered now and for all our remaining moments.  Over thirty years have passed since I saw Randy.  But I will not forget him.  May our words, attitudes and actions touch other lives as brightly as Randy did.  Thanks for your life of love, Randy.  We'll see you soon.<3~thl

"My command is this:  Love each other as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."  John 15: 12>13

Silence and peace...

We have often chuckled that because our children received German heritage from both Tim and me, plus Cherokee heritage from my side, they would have spunk in their blood. We were not wrong.  Combining German and Cherokee made them special and strong. 

After meeting Tim, I soon realized that German language is still spoken in his extended family.  Our children remember asking their Grandpa Lorenz to speak German for them.  He did so fluently.  German was actually his initial language until he was around five years old.  He then learned to speak English as he prepared to go to school. 

Not a Christmas passes without Tim reminiscing about his Grandmother Lorenz playing and singing "Silent Night" in a church service...in complete German.  I enjoy hearing Tim sing it that way, also.  It is referred to as "Stille Nacht" and was actually written in German by Joseph Mohr and Franz X. Gruber.  It was first sung on December 24, 1818 in Obendorf, Austria. Since then, this beautiful song has been shared and recognized all over the world.

I have often wondered.  What is it about that song that captures the hearts of people everywhere?  Is it the simplicity?  Is it the beautiful portrayal of Christ's birth?  Is it the melody?  Or is it a combination of many factors?

I also ponder the relationship of a silent night and heavenly peace. Certainly Jesus' birth did not occur silently.  Childbirth is seldom, if ever, silent.  Giving birth in a place where animals resided did not contribute to silence, either.  I like to believe that The Silent Night was all about listening, depending and relying on God...completely.  Total surrender from Joseph and Mary led them to this night...and the significant roles God placed before them.  No one on earth had been in this situation previously.  No one.  Ever.  But in their surrendered, humble lives, they brought the Son of God into the world.  There was much they could not explain or even understand, themselves.  But they listened, trusted and followed God.  Although their lives were changed forever, they were at peace.

May I remember that the more I am silent, the more I hear Him.  The more I hear Him, the more peace I have trusting Him. Even when there is much I do not understand or cannot explain, silence, indeed, brings heavenly peace in Him.<3~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

Comfort in Him...

In the glow of His love and light this Christmas season, I pray we will remember to generously share our hearts with others. There are silent tears, empty arms and shattered dreams all around us. As we celebrate His hope, may we comfort the hurting who need it most. ♥~thl

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

Peaceful plea...

I wonder...if we spoke more peacefully, thought more peacefully, cared more peacefully and lived more peacefully...what kind of difference it would make in families, friendships, neighborhoods, countries...and the world. My favorite Christmas song is a bit non-traditional...but the message is always needed.♥~thl

"Let There Be Peace On Earth"

"Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me....
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father, rothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me. Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow,
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me." (Miller & Miller, 1955)

Star gazing...

My Dad made the most beautiful star for our Christmas tree during my childhood.  It was simple.  It was beautiful.  It was purposeful.  Dad could design and build houses, like the one I grew up in, too.  Knowing that he was so skilled...yet made a simple yet special star for our tree...touched my heart.

Occasionally I still see stars decorating trees and buildings during the Christmas season.  My mind always returns to sitting in my parents' living room and gazing at that beautiful star sitting on our tree top. 

I began thinking.  I have another Father Who made all the stars.  He also created life, the universe, seasons, music and a very special star that led the way to His Son, also called the Light of the World.  Perhaps our way to Him would be more easily found if we remain focused on His light instead of our own path.   

My Father made the most beautiful star for the very first Christmas.  It was beautiful.  It was purposeful.  He is Present and He is powerful.  He loves us so much that He gave His Son.  May I continue looking toward His light as I continue on the journey Home.<3~thl

John 3: 16 

Simple but significant...beyond the inn...

Very little is mentioned about the inn involved in the birth of Jesus.  We know that no rooms were available.  We also know that Jesus was laid in a manger, which is a feeding trough for livestock.  What humble conditions for the Son of God's birth and bassinet!

I wonder about the innkeeper who made those very modest provisions available.  I have heard him depicted as uncaring and insensitive.  But I like to think otherwise.  I wish to think that someone may not have had much to offer...but gave what they had.  Maybe, instead of shutting the door in the face of The King, he made simple but sacrificial room for Him.  Perhaps the Baby born that night and placed in a feeding trough...later provided spiritual food to the first man to open a door for Him, literally. I wonder if the innkeeper eventually heard the words, saw the miracles or witnessed the sacrifice of that once tiny, precious Baby.

Is what little I have to offer given to the Messiah? Do I make room for Him in my life?  Do I keep the door of my heart open to Him?  May I view the innkeeper as one who taught that giving the Saviour my life...simple and insignificant as it may seem..truly makes a difference.<3~thl

Luke 2: 6>7

Joseph and a rightful response...

I often think about Joseph's response to God's call...repeatedly.  First, Joseph learned that his soon-to-be wife was pregnant but he was not the baby's biological father.  That, alone, was reason for Joseph to walk away.  But he didn't.  Listening to God's through an angel, Joseph wed Mary anyway.  Not only did he become her husband, he also became the earthly father to her son, the very Son of God. 

I wonder how Joseph felt as he chose God's way instead of the ways of the world.  As he peacefully, humbly and quietly responded to God's purpose and plan, Joseph soon literally touched the face, hands and feet of the Savior.  May I follow Him more closely now so that I may also see and touch Him later.<3~thl

Matthew 1: 18>25

Simple shepherds...significant news...

The shepherds weren't known to be popular, proper or politically correct.  They were not seen in great light or held in high esteem by the general public.  Ironically, these meager, insignificant lives first witnessed the presence of heavenly hosts announcing of Jesus' birth. I wonder how they felt knowing that while they meant little to others, they still meant everything to God.<3~thl

Luke 2: 5>20

Him instead of them...

I wonder how Mary felt when she was asked to do something others would misunderstand...and criticize.  Yet she believed, trusted and followed Him...completely.  May I focus more on His plan than others' perceptions.  May I also believe, trust and follow Him.<3~thl

Anyway...every day...

"People are often unreasonable and self-centered.  Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.  Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you.  Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous.  Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.  Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.  Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.  It was never between you and them anyway."
(Mother Teresa)

Amen.  I love this.  May I remember it each day.<3~thl

Needed and wanted...

"People don't only need to be needed they want to be wanted. It is very painful to discover that you were only wanted while you were needed." (Christine Caine)

May we remember that each life matters.<3~thl

From my heart to His...

From the depths of my heart, I pray....<3~thl

 

 

"God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next.  Amen." (Reinhold Niebuhr)

Speak softly...

They are precious. Sure, I enjoy teaching them different lessons that include no, sit, hug, kiss, sleep, walk, walk slowly, no wrestling, potty time, no digging, no biting, stay, get down, stand up and be nice.  But they teach me far more than I could ever teach them.  The past twelve months with our sweet dogs, Boomer and Beethoven, have been very enjoyable and educational.

A few days ago, I gave them something special to eat.  As each precious boy removed it from my hand, they were careful to grab the food with their teeth without bringing any injury or pain to me.  They were aware that the task at hand required them using their mouths.  Yet they were also very aware that their actions could be accomplished without hurting someone who loves them dearly.

I began thinking immediately.  Oh, how wonderful, helpful and healing it would be if each task we pursue would be done with such compassion and caution.  May we remember to choose our words carefully so that we may avoid hurting someone else.  May we consistently speak and share His love in all we say...and in all we do.<3~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

Take me as I am...

Dear God~
Thank You for loving me...anyway.
Please...take me as I am.
May Your purpose for my life be done.
To You be all honor and praise. ♥~thl

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. " Psalm 139: 23>24

Yarn, hooks and amazement...

Well, I did it!  It's been over twenty-six years since I held my crochet hooks and yarn.  Motherhood has a way of putting hobbies, crafts and spare time on the back burner.  But I have really missed this hobby...among several..for a very long time. 

Due to some issues with my hands, I believe crocheting again will be great exercise and therapy.  I type, play piano, direct, write and do other activities to keep my hands flexible.  But crocheting may be help, too.  So...reluctant but determined...I picked up one of the dozens of crochet hooks I own.  The moment had arrived.  Would I remember how to begin?  Would I remember how to hold the hook?  Would I remember all the stitches?  Would the very hobby that enabled me to crochet a bedspread and afghans long ago be within reach again? 

I took a deep breath.  The yarn was in my hand.  The hook somehow felt comfortable back in my grip. Slip stitch...was now complete.  Other stitches...were also made. I am amazed and so grateful! Someway, somehow the memories returned.  Practice is definitely needed before I undertake any major projects.  But I remembered.

I began thinking.  As thrilled as I am about a few crochet memories, I am far more amazed by God's precious thoughts!  He knows me by name.  He knows each breath I take...each moment I have lived...each experience encountered...and each step of my journey.  The Creator of the universe, the Maker of Heaven and Earth, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords...ever present, all knowing, all powerful...never forgets or abandons...simple, insignifcant, infamous...me!  No matter what happens in the universe or in the lives of billions of people, He still cares about me...and is with me always! 

Morning..noon...night...each moment of every day...God still loves me...anyway.  No matter where I am or what I am doing, He cares.  What an incredible reason to hold onto hope, peace, joy and love each step of this journey! He remembers me...and I shall not forget Him!♥~thl

"How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God!  How vast is the sum of them!  Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.  When I awake, I am still with You."  Psalm 139: 17>18