Misfit moment...

Sometimes satan tries to convince me that I am a misfit in this world.

But then I remember....

God's arms fit perfectly around me...each moment of every day.

So I hold onto the One Who holds me...and that is a fit I cherish most.<3~thl

Traveling....

I remember traveling as a child, enjoying sights and sounds.

New scenery, faces and experiences certainly did abound.

Yet a feeling grew within me which I did not understand

Until I realized I ached to return home to familiar land.

Now I travel in this life, enjoying sights and sounds.

New places, people and blessings certainly abound.

Yet a feeling grows within me which I definitely understand.

My heart aches to be Home in my Father's loving hands.

I thank Him for each moment here and all He teaches me.

I ask Him to use my life in ways He wants to see.

Yet a feeling grows more deeply as I walk upon this sod.

This journey is only a visit until I see the face of God.<3~thl

Only a whisper...

In the stillness of nights...
In the flurry of days...
In hurried schedules...
In overwhelming agendas...
I find this journey so challenging that
I can only whisper....
Please hold me close, O God, please.
And You do.
I am grateful.  I am amazed.<3~thl

The One...

When words do not express what lies within my heart,

I am thankful for the One Who hears what's unspoken.

When questions abound and answers are too few,

I am thankful for the One Who holds those seeking.

When what should be, is not and what should not be, is,

I am thankful for the One Whose love never ends.<3~thl

In time...

In His time,
He guides me...
He holds me...
He hears me...
He watches over me...
He teaches me...
He prepares me...
He forgives me...
He restores me...
He refines me...
He values me...
He has purpose for me...
He continually loves me.
I am amazed and grateful. ♥~thl

Pointing fingers or uplifting hands....

It seems a bit simple but perhaps a lesson may be learned in my meager observation.  I have noticed that there is much less effort of the heart when we merely point fingers...than when we hold our hands out to lift someone who has fallen. I am thankful for the One Who loved enough to hold His hands out for me...on a cross.<3~thl

Always connected...

Well, my PC isn't working well tonight. Thankfully, my phone is ok...hopefully. I am so thankful that God hears me with no complications. May I listen to Him even more closely.♥~thl

Resting in His arms...

As I climb into bed on another brutally cold winter's night, I am so thankful for the warm, electric blanket and the soft, cozy sheets. I begin thinking...

As I walk along this journey of life, often brutal, broken and cruel, I am so thankful for the Presence of my Heavenly Father. His love holds me. His peace comforts me. His hope assures me. I can rest in His arms and my soul is renewed in the warmth of His strength, grace and mercy. I am amazed. I am grateful. ♥~thl

Safe and warm....in Him...

Dear God, please keep our loved ones safe and warm. May each precious life find shelter, safety and security in this weather...and on life's journey.♥~thl

The Song forever in my heart...

Five years ago today, (February 18), a beautiful baby girl was born in China. Although we didn't get to bring her home as planned, she will forever live in our hearts and remain a dear part of our family. Happy Birthday, Song. We love you...and we always will. My heart can only go on knowing that while I will never hold you in my arms, God continually holds you in His.♥~thl

His love, my breath...

The winter season is beautiful yet brutal at times. Struggling to breathe makes it difficult for me, personally. Yet I am blessed to have resources in medicines and machinery to keep me alive.

Life is a beautiful gift yet some seasons are brutal. Struggling through those times is common. May we remember that God cares and is with us in all we face. Breathe on us, Breath of God....for You are our hope, strength and peace. ♥~thl

Peace....still in Him...

Thank You, God, for Your peace in a world full of chaos. I love being still...listening to you...and simply breathing in Your love. ♥~thl

May you always know...

May you always know you matter.
May you always know you are special.
May you always know you are valuable. 
May you always know you are never alone.
May you always know you are loved! 
He cares...always.
And I care about you, too.♥~thl
May this day...and every day...remind you of His love! heart emoticon

Each...

Each step...matters.
Each moment...counts.
Each breath...a gift.
Each heartbeat...purposeful.
Each  day...meaningful.
Each tomorrow...hopeful.
Each life...valuable.
May all I say and do...honor Him.<3~thl

Seeking You...

In the quiet of night, I hear You.
In the light of day, I see You.
In the blessings of life, I feel You.
In the storms of life, I cling to You.
In each moment of life, I need You....
In this journey of life, I follow You.
All the time, I seek You.♥~thl

I don't...but He is...

I didn't understand each step in my young life.  Yet Dad's arms made me feel safe and loved.  I didn't understand why things did or did not happen.  Yet Dad answered what he could and I trusted him with the rest.  I didn't know what to do when I broke a bone or cut my hand. Yet Dad knew what to do to help me heal.  I didn't know what each day would bring.  Yet knowing Dad was there made each day better.

I don't understand the steps in this season of life.  Yet my Heavenly Father holds and loves me.  I don't understand why things do or do not happen.  Yet I trust Him whether or not there are answers.  I don't know what to do when my heart is broken or my life is torn.  Yet He brings healing and hope.  I don't know what each day will bring.  Yet knowing He is always with me...makes each day possible.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am loved.<3~thl

Not one...

Not one day...
Not one breath...
Not one moment...
Not one heartbeat...
Not one second...
Not one fall...
Not one tear...
Not one smile...
Not one step...
Nothing I face is without Him.
I am loved.  I am held.  I am grateful.<3~thl

He knows...

I do not know what today will bring.
I do not know what lies ahead.
I do not know where I will go.
I do not know what steps to take.
But this I know without a doubt. ...
You hold me close and love me true.
Dear God of hope and peace and joy,
I am thankful for certainty in You. ♥~thl

Belonging....

My life...my goals...my hope...my peace...my strength...my value...my purpose...my journey...all belong to You, O God. May I lean on You as You continually lead me. I am not alone.♥~thl

Cacophony or symphony...

While we all enjoy singing, I often think about the various instruments our family members enjoy playing. Tim plays trumpet.  Rachel plays flute. Micah plays trumpet and guitar.  I play piano/organ/keys and am learning violin.  Each individual has their own interests, abilities and styles. 

I began thinking.  God has given each precious life unique personalities, gifts, interests and abilities.  We aren't designed to be like anyone else but rather special, original creations with amazing value and purpose. 

It seems we have a choice.  Either we can become a cacophony of discord...or we can become a symphony of harmony.  Each day brings opportunities to encourage one of those options.  While we are all unique, our lives can accomplish much if we simply love, respect, encourage and help one another.  May our words, deeds and focus be directed toward the Master Designer, our Audience of One.<3~thl 

Friday celebration...

How do I celebrate Friday, our son home from college and 42 days until Spring? I cooked...gallons of cheesy, ham and potato soup, lime salad with pecans, plus pineapple and coconut cake. Now...if I can make time to work out before bedtime!<3~thl 

On the lookout...

Our precious dogs bring tremendous joy to our lives.  Each Thursday evening, I remind Boomer and Beethoven that Micah will return home on Friday.  Immediately after hugging them tonight and announcing that Micah would be home soon, Boomer looked out the door toward the driveway!  Last week, it was Beethoven who walked to the door and looked outside for Micah.  Of course, I believe they are the smartest dogs on the planet...but I began thinking.

If our precious dogs are that eager and aware of the pending arrival of someone they love so dearly, it seems we can certainly learn from them.  Sometimes I miss the big picture.  Sometimes it seems this journey brings so many challenges that I lose my perspective.  May I remember that Someone I love dearly is coming back soon, too.  May I continue looking for Him with faithfulness, enthusiasm and trust.  May the cares of today be covered with the hope of tomorrow.  There's always a reason to keep looking up for Him!<3~thl

He never changes...

It changes rapidly.  The day began with mild temperatures and sunny skies yet turned into a night of cold temperatures, increased winds and falling snow.  Although it is February, I am not ready for another blast of winter. 

Life changes quickly, too.  While one moment may hold positive, pleasant and peaceful conditions, everything can change in an instant.  Although we know this journey brings twists and turns, we are never ready for another blow. 

Thank You, God, for being Who You are...faithful, true, strong, mighty, loving, present and powerful.  Knowing that You care and will not abandon me gives me peace, hope, joy and purpose.  Storms may come and go...but You hold me through it all.  I am amazed and grateful.<3~thl

To hear....to listen...

I hear noise on the streets...traffic, sirens, business and unsettled weather.
I hear sounds of others...laughter, crying, shouting and impatience.
I hear words spoken among many...kind, cruel, cheerful, destructive.
I hear hearts of all ages...uncertain, sensitive, protected, broken.
I hear miracles of each moment...newborn babies, beautiful music, rushing wind and heartbeats.
I hear life.  I hear hope.  I hear needs.  I hear sadness.  I hear tragedy.  I hear searching.
Please help me listen to You above all, O God.  May I hear opportunity to share Your love.<3~thl

Just right...

At just the right time,
In just the right place,
In just the right way,
Through just the right source,
His Presence touches my life so obviously.

I am reminded that His love remains and He never gives up on me. I am loved. I am amazed. I am grateful.♥~thl

Uni-tea....

Making yet another round of "Friendship Tea" mix tonight, I began thinking.  Some ingredients were sweet.  Others were tart.  Some were strong.  Others were spicy.  Blended together, they created something positive and useful.  How interesting that when hot water is added to this mixture, they blend together even more and their purpose is fulfilled. 

I believe we can learn from that simple tea recipe.  Some folks in our lives are sweet.  Some are a bit outspoken.  Some are strong-willed.  Others are spunky. Yet when we blend hearts and lives together, something beautiful happens.  Unity.  When challenging times arrive, they support one another, encourage one another and help one another even more.  What an amazing tapestry of God's great design...working together in unity.  May we never forget.<3~thl