He endured yet embraced...

He was despised...rejected...betrayed...and mocked.  He was perfect.  He healed.  He listened. He wept.  He taught.  He loved.  Yet He was beaten and crucified...a perfect man...the Son of God.

When my heart is heavy because of being rejected, mocked, abandoned and betrayed, I am reminded of what He endured.  Very much unlike me, He was blameless.

However, knowing that when my tears silently fall...or simply don't fall at all, He understands.  He knows pain.  He knows heartache.  He knows loss.  He knows the cruelty of this world.

Yet He chose to love...even when it meant dying a horrible, excruciating death.  Knowing He loves me that much helps me face the blows of this journey.  For He understands and will never forsake me.  He even forgives me.  I am amazed, grateful...and never alone.<3~thl

Love that strong, Love that faithful...

I can't imagine the agony He went through as He faced an excruciating, cruel death.  I can't imagine having the power to avoid it, if He chose to do so.  Yet His love is that strong and that faithful.  I am amazed and grateful.<3~thl

Even in the dark....

I am thankful that even in His darkest hours, He remembered the love of His Father...and His love for me. His love is faithful. I am amazed and grateful.♥~thl

Sleep in peace...

Now I close my eyes to sleep,
My thoughts are many and feelings deep.
Yet I am sure of Your great love...
So I shall focus on You above.♥~th

Hopeful forecast....

It is officially spring...but temperatures have fallen around thirty degrees.  Snow flurries were seen outside today.  We are told to expect temperatures of teens to twenties soon.  Of course, I am not pleased with this weather.  (Nor is my body.)  However, the forecast for the coming week looks much warmer. I began thinking.

We certainly experience various seasons on life's journey. Some are warm and wonderful.  Some are not so wonderful and very difficult.  Even during an enjoyable season, a sudden turn of events can immediately change our perspective. I especially appreciate it when something suddenly turns a season of challenges into celebration.

Yet as I notice next week's warmer forecast, I have hope.  Hope helps me realize that this is not all there is on this journey.  Winds may blow and snow flurries may fall...but spring will reign and summer will arrive.  A few days of unexpected cold weather does not change the promise of spring!

Oh, how I rejoice that a few steps are not all there is on this journey.  Better steps are ahead. His promises are sure and hope is alive.  Twists and turns are inevitable...but He has given us so much to look forward to as this journey unfolds.  As someone once said, "It's Friday, but Sunday's coming."  Yes, life is not always easy.  We fall. We hurt. We lose our way. We don't understand.  But He is our reason to hold on for there is hope. There is joy in this journey.  His love makes all the difference...step by step...moment by moment...until we are Home...in His arms forever.<3~thl

A simple prayer...

As the world sleeps tonight, I stop now to pray.  I've seen and heard of so many needs today.

Dear God, please hold those in such deep pain.  Empty arms, Broken hearts. Lives taken away.

May Your loving arms hold them.  May Your hope bring comfort and peace. 

May we never be too busy to care, pray, love and reach out to all of these.

Each moment is precious.  Each life You have made.  May Your love shine through us now...and every day.<3~thl

Ordinary to extraordinary...

Today was supposed to be quite routine.  There was much to do...with more projects than time.  My husband and children were all safe and healthy in various locations. It was a sunny day and I felt determined.

Yet a part of me, as always, wondered about loved ones many miles away.  There's always a place in my heart that wishes I could visit each precious one I miss so much.  I felt the tug of longing to be closer and more helpful.  It never goes away.  Yet I knew there was much to do so I began my day wondering, hoping, praying and missing family and friends.

Later, my husband announced that a package for me had arrived in the mail.  I knew there were no orders placed recently and had no idea what it could be.  Yet his smile and tone of voice were encouraging.  When I saw the package, I was thrilled!  It was from my lifelong best friend back home.  By lifelong, I mean over fifty years of friendship!  It wasn't my birthday.  It wasn't Christmas.  It wasn't a special occasion. So why did she send a package to me in the middle of March?

As I opened the beautifully decorated package, I found precious gifts she knew I would adore!  She knows my tastes.  She knows what I collect.  She knows me.  She had simply found these surprises and mailed them hundreds of miles away to me.  The items are beautiful, useful and definitely "me."  I smiled, laughed...and then felt tears in my eyes.  Someone...was thinking, caring, loving and sharing with me.  A very routine day immediately became a very special day...all because someone genuinely, generously and unselfishly cared!  I immediately let her know that the package had arrived...and made my day.  I immediately thanked God for touching my heart...at just the right time...through a very special friend...to remind me that no day is ordinary...when we touch another life with love!

May we never live another ordinary day!  May each day be an opportunity to touch another life with a smile, a listening ear, a deed of kindness...or simply letting someone know we care.  Each day is a precious gift.  May we seize the opportunity to make it extraordinary...for Him...and them.<3~thl

Firm foundation...

It has brought comfort for decades.  When needed, it helps tremendously.  We had to return to this option recently.  I am grateful for the solid relief it brings once more.

Due to a back injury during my teen years, I require firm support for my spine when sleeping, sitting, driving, standing, working, etc..  During my college years, a wooden board had to be placed beneath my dorm mattress so I could sleep with minimal pain.  Floors, sidewalks and books have even been used to address the back issues.  Several days ago, we had to install a board below my mattress to hopefully relieve back pain again.  I began thinking...

I am grateful for a firm foundation I can depend on to hold and help me through painful moments.  Yet I am most grateful for a wonderful love that holds me through every moment on this journey.  Knowing He loves me faithfully...through pleasant times, peaceful times or painful times...makes each moment amazing and assuring. Even when I stumble, fall, fail or become lost, He still loves me.  I am grateful.  I am amazed.  I am held by the One Whose love never lets go.<3~thl      

Pruning power...

It didn't take long.  It wasn't difficult.  Today I pruned some rose bushes and plants.  I had planned to do this for awhile but winter weather and rainy days didn't cooperate. It bothered me to see the withered, broken branches for I realize that pruning them now will help them grow stronger later.  I began thinking...

My life can sure use some pruning, too.  Some areas need to be removed and discarded. Some areas need to be redirected.  Some areas need to be given extra focus to encourage improved health.  Yet much too often, I am too busy to do what I should.

Yet there is hope.  Bare trees and shrubs may look insignificant now yet spring will soon bring blooms, leaves and beauty into full, glorious splendor.  Thankfully, God can take the bareness of my life and transform it with His love, Presence and power.  What has been surrendered can also bring significance. I am grateful for His amazing grace and mercy.<3~thl

Breathing, beating and blessed...

It is with each breath I am amazed. For each breath is amazing. It is with each heartbeat I am grateful. For each heartbeat is a gift. It is with each step of this journey I will hold on. For it is with each step of this journey I am being held. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am held by the One Who will never let go of me. ♥~thl

His hand...

When this world seems cold and words are few, I thank You, God, for being faithful and true. When backs are turned and friends walk away, I thank You, God, for Your love that stays. When life hurts and seems unfair, I thank You, God, for You always care. I don't know why and I don't understand, but I know I will make it...for You hold my hand. ♥~thl

Because You love...

You know I have faith in You.
You know I have hope because of You.
But knowing You love me makes this journey most beautiful, valuable and endurable.
Thank You, God.♥~thl

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

Love remains...

Just a thought...
Love is a life long journey.  It has soothed my soul and broken my heart.  It has changed my life and made life changes. It has kept me up all night and given me reason to arise each morning.  It has made me weep and laugh, hold on and let go, stand up and settle down, and always, always hope.  Love is simple yet complicated, tough and tender, powerful, peaceful, promising and passionate.  Love remains when all else is gone.

Parenthood is a journey of love, too.  As my abdomen grew, so did my heart.  Even before seeing our children, I knew I would give my life for them.  When they were first placed in my arms, my heart overflowed with love.  Decades later, my love for them has grown even more and will never cease.  The love I had for them before birth was special.  The love I have for them now has deepened far more than I could have ever imagined.  No matter what life brings, my love for them will always remain.

I never grasped the concept of God's love for us until I became a mother. Knowing the unlimited and unconditional love I have for my children has given me a mere taste of His love.  When nothing else makes sense on this journey, I know He still loves me.  Even if the world says I am unwelcome, unworthy or insignificant, I am reminded that His love changes everything.  His love...real love...never fails!<3~thl
1 Corinthians 13: 8>12

Love living...

Just thinking...
I used to think that everyone who said they loved me...did.  I used to think that those who should love me...would.  I used to think that because I loved someone, they would love me, too. I used to think that because of titles, beliefs, connections and claims, people would undoubtedly...love.

Then I learned about real love.  I learned that it isn't always easy...or fair...or reciprocal...or understood.  I learned that love is very different than I had once thought.  I learned that love is often difficult, painful, exhausting and persistent.  I learned that love...authentic, unconditional and selfless love...is more precious than ever.  I learned that love speaks beyond words.  It is shared.  It is active.  It is solid.  It is certain.  It is strong.  Love is lived...each moment...over and over again.<3~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 wrong.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."  1 Corinthians 13: 4>7

Love giving...

Most of us have probably experienced it.  We meet someone who does nice things for others.  Yet when we hear them repeatedly boast of their actions, we feel a sense of disappointment.  Something just doesn't seem right.  Years ago, I heard someone say that "we can do the right things for the wrong reasons." It took awhile for me to process that truth but now I understand it more than ever. The motives behind what we do certainly make all the difference.

What we do...what we say...and how we live reveal much about us.  I have found, however, that what is said, done, shared and lived in authentic love is most beautiful and most effective.  Love doesn't need to boast.  It does not bring attention to self.  It is all about loving Him and loving others. The joy of loving changes everything.<3~thl

"If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."  1 Corinthians 13: 3

Loving anyway...

Sometimes I feel close to knowing why I'm here. 
Sometimes I have no clue. 
But I am sincerely grateful for Your love...
even when I greatly disappoint You.
Thank You for loving me...anyway.♥~thl

Love knowledge...

Just a thought...
Even if I had incredible wisdom, amazing insight, tremendous faith or vast knowledge, but dismissed the opportunity to love, I missed what is most important. It is true..."people don't care what you know until they know that you care." May we focus most on loving Him and loving others. ♥~thl

"If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." 1 Corinthians 13: 2

Love speaks...

Just a thought...
The words I speak...whether eloquently, politely, simply or softly...are only truly effective if they are said with genuine love.  I listen to others speak and share...on a regular basis.  It's what I do and what I love doing. May our words and hearts align...as we speak in authentic, intentional and unconditional love.<3~thl

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal."  1 Corinthians 13: 1

A "Paw"se for love...

Our "boys"...(aka Boomer and Beethoven)...enjoyed playing outside in today's beautiful weather.  They sat very still while I brushed them, (shedding time!), enjoyed special treats and played "fetch" by their own rules, of course.  Before bedtime, I allowed more play time, (i.e., barking at neighbors, watching birds, trying to race a low-flying helicopter, etc.) while I finished some chores.  It became obvious that their barking at the back door always ended when I checked on them. I also noticed their immediate smiles (yes, they do smile!) and wagging tails as I stepped out on the deck.  It didn't even take my counseling psychology degree to quickly determine that they simply wanted me to play with them again.  Instead of my usual efforts to train them...they were now trying to train me!  I had to smile as I remembered how very much they love to be loved...and simply wanted more time to do just that...love each other.

I began thinking.  If our precious dogs long to be loved that much, how many other precious lives are waiting to be loved, too?  I know what it means to have a very challenging day.  Yet when someone reaches out with kindness, compassion or appreciation, it changes my entire perspective.  The most simple gesture can makes a tremendous difference.  I believe that countless hearts are aching to be loved in this world.  I also believe that lives can be changed...perhaps even saved...if we would just take time to truly care.  There's a bonus to reaching out to others with love.  It also makes our hearts more joyful.  May we never be too busy in our daily lives to touch another heart with life-changing, amazing, precious love.<3~thl

Through the seasons...

One week ago today, we were knee-deep in snow and ice. Today, it is 65° and sunny. Birds are singing. Only a few mounds of snow remain. What a difference a week makes! Spring is just around the corner with only nine days until its official arrival. I am grateful for the reminder that He holds us through every season of this amazing journey! ♥~thl

 — feeling hopeful.

Hopeful...

I am thankful for...

the hope of spring,

the hope of purpose,

the hope of heaven,

the hope of second chances,

the hope of endurance,

the hope of genuine love,

the hope of learning,

the hope of compassion,

the hope of commitment,

the hope of new life,

the hope of new opportunities,

the hope of new beginnings and,

above all, hope in Him.<3~thl

A hand out...

Last week I watched a couple neighbors, as well as my husband, assist our mailman after he ran into a ditch. I also heard about another neighbor who planned to clear our street, if needed.  Last night, I watched my husband shovel a neighbor's driveway until night fall.  During other winter storms, we have yet another neighbor who helps clear our driveways with his own tractor.  That's the kind of neighborhood in which we live.  While we all respect each other's privacy, we are also there for each other in times of need.  I began thinking...

If neighbors on a single street are that kind and helpful to each other, I wonder what a difference it would make if we all began looking out for others on a consistent basis.  It may be a neighbor across the street...or a stranger across the world.  There's always an opportunity to care about someone else, which may actually change a life...forever.<3~thl

This moment...

This moment is...
The only one I presently have,
A precious opportunity, 
Cherished and not wasted, 
Appreciated and not assumed, 
A gift generously given by God,
Life to be lived,
Love to be shared,
And surrendered to my Audience of One. ♥~thl

Then...Now...Later....

As I evaluate where I have been previously, where I am presently and where I hope to be as the remainder of my journey unfolds, I am discovering many unexpected lessons. Some are difficult to accept. Some are a relief to realize and even release. Yet one thing I know for certain. He is faithful. When nothing else makes sense, knowing He loves me makes the journey bearable and precious. I am amazed. I am grateful.♥~thl

Just sharing...

I was challenged by Rachel Victoria Lorenz to share my favorite Scripture verses for a week and to challenge two others each day to do the same. Although there are many verses I love, the one that means so very much on my journey is:

Proverbs 3: 5>6: "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."

Instead of challenging two people each day, I want all of my friends to feel welcome to share their favorite Scripture passage at any time.♥~thl

For times....

For times of sun or times of storm,

For times of joy or times to mourn,

For times of hope or times of despair,

For times of peace or times of fear,

For times of struggles or times to overcome,

For times when I know He is the only one,

I am thankful that He genuinely cares.

He will not walk away.  He is always there.<3~thl

Thankful, faithful and hopeful...

Tonight I thank God for...
knowing my name,
hearing my heart, 
holding me close,
never walking away...
and loving me anyway.
Because He is faithful,
I remain hopeful. ♥~thl

Puppies and "nods from God"...

As I sat near Boomer and Beethoven recently, they both jumped up with front paws on my lap and showered me, (literally), with precious puppy kisses. When Beethoven moved to his next activity, (eating), Boomer moved his paws to my shoulders and gave me a huge hug! He even let me wrap my arms around him (weighing almost 100 lbs.) and hold him for awhile. If their affection touches my heart that deeply, I am more moved knowing that God holds me even closer. I am thankful for amazing "nods from God" reminding me of His loving Presence. ♥~thl