Wounds to love...

Recovering from recent accidents, I have been wearing a knee brace.  I didn't think much about it when I was outside with Boomer and Beethoven one evening until I recognized their curiosity.  Each precious fur baby had to sniff the brace that runs several inches above and below my knee.  After getting them inside for the evening, I sat down to rest and sing to them.  After Beethoven kissed me goodnight, I noticed Boomer kept sitting nearby and sniffing the brace again.  Soon, he found the round opening over my knee and very gently began licking my skin below it.  I began thinking.

If our four-legged fur babies notice and try to soothe a wounded leg, it certainly makes sense that we should become more aware of, and responsive to, one another's hearts, lives, wounds and needs.  We live in a world that is obviously starving for authentic and active love.  What opportunities lie before us in this time of broken lives, broken societies and a broken world as we not only claim to love Him...but live it and share it!<3~thl

"A new command I give you:  Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another."  John 13: 34>35

Twenty-two years and counting...

Twenty-two years ago today, (April 30), my husband and I purchased our home in Harrison County, Kentucky.   As Tim slept during days and worked during nights, I drove our four year old daughter and sixteen month old son to our new home each morning.  While the children played for a few hours, I moved car loads of items for our kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms.  One week later, we moved the rest of our belongings and have lived here ever since.  As I reminisce about the many seasons we have experienced during this time, I am amazed and grateful for the precious people and memories along the way.

I am thankful for the neighbors who became friends.  I am thankful for the school system that prepared our children exceptionally well for their college and career choices.  I am thankful for those in the church community who allowed us to feel welcome. I am thankful for the medical community that takes excellent care of us. I am thankful for the friendly people in the stores, restaurants and other places of business.  I am thankful for a community that cares about each other and embraces faith and family.

Thank you, Cynthiana and  Harrison County, Kentucky.  We certainly don't know where we will be in another twenty-two years, but I do know that we have been incredibly blessed to be a part of this community for over two decades...and counting.  We are thankful for all of you who have touched our lives!<3~thl

Countless questions...

Days before graduating from college, one of my professors asked what I had learned while there.  Without hesitation, I shared that I learned how much I do not know.  I wasn't sure how he would respond since he was a very intelligent man far beyond my abilities.  Yet he surprised me when he said that my answer was one to remember all through life, for when we feel we have all the answers, we stop learning.

Many years later, I continue to hold onto the truth that there is much I do not know.  Life experiences have left me with countless questions.  Answers are not always available.  I certainly have much more to learn. Yet the One Who has every answer chooses to hold me closely, forgive me repeatedly, calm me patiently and love me faithfully.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone. I will trust Him.<3~thl

Concern, courage and compassion...

This weekend, I learned of the death of one of my high school teachers.  Not only was I in her English class, but she also co-sponsored our National Beta Club. As I shared memories with my family over the past few days, I was reminded of the many ways she touched my life.  She cared.  She was courageous.  She was compassionate.

I sincerely believe that Mrs. Taylor was well respected because we all knew she cared...genuinely and consistently...about each of us.  She had a way of reaching out to each student individually. I heard her ask athletes about the game.  I heard her ask musicians about choir or band.  I heard her ask other students about their families.  She made each student feel valuable and welcome.  Her consistent, genuine concern and professional role influenced countless students for decades

Mrs. Taylor was courageous.  She cared about the students and that meant supporting us in and out of the classroom.  I remember how she and another Beta Club sponsor encouraged me to submit a paper for publishing consideration.  I declined.  She insisted.  I submitted it.  It was published.  She taught me to take risks, even when I didn't believe in myself.  I also remember when another employee at the high school treated me very disrespectfully.  When Mrs. Taylor heard, she immediately inquired about it, advised me how to handle it and made him aware that she fully supported my work and me as a student.  She even loaned me some of her classroom resources for confirmation.  Again, when I didn't feel it was worth the risk, Mrs. Taylor's courage gave me courage.  

Mrs. Taylor was compassionate.  Not only did she brilliantly teach us how to think...but she taught us how to think about others.  One day, I was not feeling well and knew I had to endure the illness for the rest of the day.  My home was twenty-five miles away.  Leaving was not an option. Yet as soon as she walked into the classroom, she realized something was wrong.  Before class began, she made a way for me to leave class and rest for the remainder of the hour. She was like that with her students.  She noticed and she responded. As a former teacher, my heart is especially touched by yet another compassionate deed.  One student was having an especially difficult time with some of the material.  In her classy, competent and compassionate way, Mrs. Taylor discreetly asked me to work with him during class.  She knew we were good friends and made sure we "just happened" to sit near each other. He felt comfortable and respected...and his work improved consistently.  She noticed.  She responded with compassion.

I will always remember and be grateful for Mrs. Carol Taylor.  Each time I write, I remember her.  Not only did she teach me to love writing, but she taught me about caring, courage and compassion.  I look forward to seeing her again someday.  Until then, Mrs. Taylor, I thank you, I love you and I thank God for you.  You truly made a difference! <3~thl

With me...

You hold me.
You still me. 
You know me.
You guide me. 
You hear me. 
You heal me.
You strengthen me.
You carry me.
You love me.
I am amazed.
I am grateful.
I am never alone. ♥~thl

Needing Him completely...

I search for You continually. 
I lean on You consistently. 
I hope in You authentically. 
I disappoint You frequently. 
I plea for Your strength daily. 
I am forgiven by You undeservingly.
I am grateful. I am loved faithfully, gracefully and mercifully. ♥~thl

Questions and the answer...

Oh, how I wish I had answers, God.
I wish I had answers to so many questions.
I know it's an imperfect, fallen, sinful world.
But honestly, I still have questions with no answers.
If only I could find make sense of this journey....
Perhaps I could live more effectively, purposefully, peacefully.

Oh, how I am thankful that I have You, God.
I know You have the answers to my questions.
But I also know that Your love holds me in this imperfect world.
Yet while I struggle for answers, I find peace in knowing...
You are God.  You are with me.  You are my hope, strength and peace.
You, my God, are my answer.  I will trust You for the rest of my journey.<3~thl

He is...

In uncertainty, He is certain.

In unrest, He is peace.

In weariness, He is strength.

In pain, He is comfort.

In struggles, He is hope.

In abandonment, He is faithful.

In loss, He is present.

In each moment, He loves.

I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am not alone.<3~thl

Rest well...

Rest well.  I share those words with our children each night. Although they are adults and not living at home, I still care about them very much.  I also realize how important rest is for their health.  I began thinking.

My Heavenly Father wants me to rest, too.  It's not easy for me to do that with insomnia, many projects to do, so much going on in life and not enough time to get everything done.  Yet He didn't suggest that we rest when it is convenient.  He said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  (Matthew 11: 28)

I need to rest well...in Him.  I cannot walk this journey alone.  I cannot accomplish everything by myself.  I cannot carry the concerns, heartaches and responsibilities on my own.  I need to listen to Him, lean on Him, trust in Him...and rest.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am not alone.<3~thl

Strength training...

Each day, I learn about strength.  It is His strength that sustains me.  When I am weak, He carries me.  When I am broken, He holds me.  When I have fallen, He reaches me.  When I am discouraged, He restores me.  When I am in pain, He embraces me.  When I am lost, He seeks me.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Peaceful place...

Today, I focus on peace. Although much is unexplained, uncertain and unfamiliar, I choose to find peace in Him. Moment by moment, I am aware that He holds me and loves me continually. I am grateful. I am amazed. I am leaning on Him. ♥~thl

Holding hope...

Today I hold onto hope. He holds me. He loves me. He continues to write my story. I trust the Author will lead me as each page is filled with His purpose and peace.♥~thl

Breathing through Him...

Today...I will simply, gratefully, joyfully, mindfully and miraculously breathe. I will inhale His love and exhale trusting Him completely. I breathe...because of Him. ♥~thl

A new day....

Today is a new day...a gift...an opportunity to...
listen,
encourage,
care,
smile,
hug,
believe,
hold,
cherish,
hope,
serve,
help,
share,
learn,
forgive,
pray,
heal,
live,
love
and trust Him Who makes all things new.<3~thl

God and groceries...

It may have seemed small at the time....but it greatly blessed me.  I smile each time I think about it.  Her kindness touched my heart more than she may ever realize.

A few days ago, I went grocery shopping.  That may seem ordinary to many people.  But my family will confirm that when I go grocery shopping, it is quite an experience.  I don't shop for groceries weekly.  I usually shop for groceries once every four to six weeks. My list is in categories and order of store layout. There are codes beside of them for sales or coupons.  I also tabulate each item as I go through the store.  As if that's not enough, if an item is unavailable, I also have a system for transferring that to the next list.  This may sound like work, but it maintains organization, saves time, (seriously), and it saves money!  Of course, there may be occasional quick trips, when needed.  But my routine has worked well for years.

My husband was kind enough to help me on this trip.  It had been a challenging week and I was in a rush to get done.  I knew he had to leave for work soon so I was watching the list, grocery cart and my watch. I was grateful for all we were able to do but I was not enjoying the pressure for time. As the sweet cashier worked diligently, I suddenly heard someone some distance away call my name!  When I looked up and saw one of the managers waving and smiling, everything seemed much better!  I began thinking.

If a friendly store manager touched my heart that much by simply calling out my name with her sweet spirit and loving heart, I indeed thank God for her.  What a difference she made in my life at just the right time.  To also realize that God, the Creator, King of Kings, Master Designer, Lord of Lords and Wonderful Counselor also knows my name...and actually loves me...gives me hope, peace and purpose!  He knows me.  He loves me.  He cares about my every heartbeat.  He allows my every breath.  I am amazed. I am grateful! I am loved. <3~thl    

Way back when...

Speaking of #tbt, this picture was taken "a few" years ago during my Senior year of high school. Time passes so quickly. Cherish it! ♥~thl
‪#‎cherokeecheeksevenat17‬
‪#‎nchsnowknownascchs‬
‪#‎youngthenyoungatheartnow‬
‪#‎imaygrowoldbutiwontgrowup‬
‪#‎gratefulforeachmoment‬

We remember 04.16.07...

April 16, 2007 was a horrible, tragic and unimaginable day for the Virginia Tech community.  With many wounded, 32 lives brutally ended plus the suicide of the shooter, the lives of many will never be the same.  I am thankful that two of my brothers, who are employed by Virginia Tech, were kept safe.  I am also grateful that many friends, Church family and people of the community remained safe.  We will not forget.  We will prevail.  We are Virginia Tech.  Our prayers continue for each life affected.<3~thl

Grace for the ungraceful...

It was wise of my parents to avoid giving me the name of Grace.  I love the name.  But due to my lack of smooth physical transition, I would not wear the name well.   I have tripped on sidewalks, fallen up stairs and run into walls.  Thankfully, I am more graceful playing a piano than I am walking across a room. 

An example of my imperfect balance occurred recently.  During a routine chore, I managed to sprain my leg.  I didn’t fall out of a building, although I sprained an ankle doing that. I wasn’t riding a horse, although I had a broken leg from that.  I wasn’t in an accident, although that has also been experienced.  Instead, I was simply lifting something heavy and turned the wrong way too quickly.  I am well aware, from personal, repeated experiences, that broken bones and sprains are possible and painful.

  

I began thinking.  Whether it was a broken foot or a severe broken leg, healing took time.  Whether an ankle, knee or leg was sprained, those injuries also required time for healing.  Yet we often believe that our broken hearts, broken spirits or broken lives should be hidden or even ignored.  While broken bones, pulled muscles and wounded bodies are routinely accepted and treated, broken hearts and lives are perceived much differently. 

I am grateful for the One Who loves us through our brokenness.  I am grateful that He understands our pain, wounds, scars and struggles.  I am grateful that He faithfully comforts, holds and heals us. Though my walk is imperfect, the One Who loves me most offers grace and mercy to me anyway. I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am loved.<3~thl

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

With Him...

With each step, He leads me.
With each day, He sustains me.
With each night, He protects me.
With each breath, He amazes me.
With each moment, He holds me.
With each trial, He strengthens me.
With each blessing, He delights me.
With each heartbeat, He loves me.
I am grateful.  I am amazed.  I am never alone.<3~thl

See you later, neighbor...

We will always remember.  They touched our lives immediately and were a tremendous answer to prayer.  We have loved them ever since.

Twenty-two years ago, our young family moved to Harrison County. We had just purchased our house and were missing friends, families and the community we had known.  We knew no one here until Lynden and Janice Platt literally knocked on our door one evening. Within minutes, they welcomed us to the community, invited us to their church and began a friendship we will forever cherish.

Lynden soon showed us our property boundaries, rushed Tim to the hospital after a minor accident and helped us bring home a swing set for our children.  If we had questions, they were there.  If we needed directions, they were there.  If we needed someone to care for Rachel's goldfish while we were gone, they were there. When their garden was overflowing with vegetables, they shared with us.  Even in the middle of very difficult times in our lives, they were there.

Last night, Lynden left this world and went Home.  He is now in the arms of the One he served faithfully.  Although it is difficult to realize we will not see him again for awhile, I am grateful  that we will remember him in many precious ways. I remember his kind and gentle spirit. I remember his smile.  I remember his willingness to help others.  I remember his joy when he spoke of his wife, children and grandchildren. I remember his faith.  I remember his kindness.  I remember a man who worked hard. I remember a man who loved the Lord and The Church.

We miss you, Lynden.  We know you are healthy and healed now and you will never hurt again.  Thank you for the precious memories.  Thank you for making our family feel very welcome in the neighborhood.  Thank you for being a great friend and neighbor.  We look forward to seeing you again some day soon.  Who knows?  We may be neighbors again on those beautiful streets of Heaven.  Until then, rest in His loving arms as you hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." May you also know that you are very special to those who now say..."We'll see you later!"  You made a difference and you will never be forgotten.

Our thoughts, prayers and love surround Janice, Tim, Stephen and all of the Platt family.<3~thl

Timely gifts...

There's been a great deal of discussion this weekend about our son's upcoming graduation.  As tangible plans and preparations develop, I find myself wondering how quickly time  has passed.  Wasn't it just yesterday I was carrying both of our children in my arms at the same time?  Wasn't it just yesterday I was teaching them to read, write, count, color and sing?  Wasn't it just yesterday our little ones were a flower girl and ring bearer in a wedding and my greatest concern was if they would stand still during the ceremony?

If there's anything that doesn't stand still, it's time.  When our children were small, someone told me to enjoy those years because I would turn around and the children would be grown.  They were right.  Now I understand why it was much more important to read bedtime stories than do more laundry.  Now I understand why our little family trips were more important than staying home and working around the house.  Now I understand why it was more important to play in the yard instead of clean house again.  Now I understand why each moment was so precious and each hug mattered.  I thank God for each moment we shared as a young family.  I thank God for each moment we have as an adult family.  All too soon, things change and time passes by even more rapidly.

May I remember to cherish each moment on this journey.  Days may sometimes seem very long.  But years seem much too short. May I celebrate the gifts of life and love. There is certainly no time to waste.<3~thl

A certain connection...

What seemed like a minor inconvenience became a precious reminder.  When it happened, I was more concerned about timely repairs...instead of how tremendously blessed we are each moment.

Three nights of vicious storms recently hit our area.  We were very blessed that we were kept safe and that there was no damage to our house, vehicles or other property.  The only loss was our phone service...for almost two days.  For many reasons, including extended families who all reside out of state, we continue to have land line phone service.  It's very useful with an unlimited long distance plan and phones that work during power outages.  When we learned there was no service due to storm damage in our area, I was immediately relieved and grateful for cell phones.  When we were told that land line service may be lost for five days, I became concerned.  Two days of deafening silence became even more concerning.  Yet late this afternoon, I picked up a phone to hear the very welcome, familiar and amazing sound of a dial tone.  I began thinking.

It is crucial for us to remain connected with extended families, friends and life situations which require immediate accessibility.  Yet isn't it even more important to remain connected with the One Who created us? Isn't it incredible that the One Who we need most in our lives...is always available to us?  Knowing that God hears us, loves us and holds us each moment of every day makes all the difference.  His Presence is certain...with no dead zones, power outages or storm damage interference. He is always with me.  He never lets go of me.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Steps and seasons...

It's been a stormy week...but peace still surrounds us.
It's a very dark night...but morning's light will shine again.
It's a long day's end...but a new day is about to begin.
It was a harsh winter...but spring made its appearance.
It's not always an easy journey...but He is walking with me.
It's a life of hope yet hurt, smiles yet sorrow, pain yet peace.
Wherever He leads me, I trust Him to guide me.
It will be worth it all.<3~thl

Muddy moments...

It could not be avoided.  Due to raging storms, I had more concerns than fierce lightning, heavy rain and window-rattling thunder.  Our precious "fur babies," Boomer and Beethoven, were taken inside earlier than usual.  Now it was time to get them out and let them walk around before going inside for the night.  That meant I would be with them...petting them, loving them, playing with them, caring for them...and getting muddy with them.

Those who truly know me realize I am a country gal at heart.  I plant flowers, grow citrus trees, help mow our yard and have checked oil, adjusted and popped a clutch, plus helped replace a roof in the past.  I don't mind getting dirty...but being covered with mud...is another story.  I also love to wear dresses, own well over a dozen curling irons and straighteners, enjoy cosmetics, cologne and classical music. It's all about finding balance. Country gal?  Yes.  Southern gal?  Yes.  Muddy Mom?  No.  So I did what any dog-loving, mud-covered, fair-skinned gal would do.  I jumped in the shower!  After steam, suds and scrubbing, I felt clean again.  I began thinking...

Life gets messy, too.  We realize there are times to work, plant, grow, adjust, repair and get our hands dirty.  There are also times to celebrate, dress up, dance and enjoy this journey.  Yet sometimes, we find ourselves covered with more than we anticipated:  ridicule, attacks, abuse, rejection, criticism, blame, shame, guilt, abandonment, unworthy or unwanted.  We feel overwhelmed and unacceptable.

I am very thankful for the One Who sees my stains, cleans me up, heals my wounds, holds me close and loves me anyway.  He forgives, redeems, rebuilds, restores and renews my life. Storms may come and go, but He is with me...and will never forsake me.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am clean...again.<3~thl

Thinking then, knowing now...

I used to think it was essential to express my opinion.
Then I learned it was more important to express compassion.

I used to think it was essential to make others laugh.
Then I learned it was more important to make others feel loved.

I used to think it was essential to use strong words when speaking.
Then I learned it was more effective to speak with gentleness.

I used to think it was essential to make my stand known.
Then I learned it was more important to kneel and pray.

I used to think that it was essential to run from this world's cruelty.
Then I learned it was more important to embrace His loving arms.

I used to think that I could never make a difference in this world.
Then I learned that He makes all the difference in mine.

I used to think that I have forever to live my life here.
Now I know that living for Him changes my forever.

I used to think I had to have all the answers.
Now I simply trust the One Who does.<3~thl

Homesick...

Recently I saw pictures from a birthday party back home in Virginia. It was for a lady in my home church who had reached a wonderful milestone.  Each memory I have of her includes her beautiful smile, wonderful laughter and precious spirit.  As I saw the pictures of her, her family and the church family, my heart overflowed with joy and love. It didn't take long for me to tell my husband that I am homesick for the sweet folks back home. I began thinking.

Not a day passes without me thinking about many loved ones who have gone Home.  Grandparents, relatives, my first sweetheart, church family, a college roommate, neighbors and dear friends are always in my thoughts.  I remember their laughter, smiles, kindness and wonderful moments shared together.  It doesn't take long for me to realize that I am also homesick for my loved ones and the beautiful place they now call Home.

May the ache in my heart remind me of loved ones I miss dearly.  May the beat of my heart remind me of the opportunities I have momentarily.  May the hope in my heart remind me of the One Who is waiting for me eternally.  May the gratitude in my heart remind me to cherish life deeply.  I am homesick.  I am blessed.  I am grateful. <3~thl

Moments matter...

A new week begins with hope, peace and love. May we make each moment matter! ♥~thl

Love arose....

Love was born in a manger.
Love walked this earth.
Love touched hearts and healed bodies.
Love taught truth and gave hope.
Love changed lives.

Love hung on a cross.
Love died for our sins.
Love was placed in a tomb.
Love arose with nail-scarred hands and power over death.
Love changes everything...forever!<3~thl

"Because He lives, I can face tomorrow!" (Gaithers)

He cared, even from a cross...

He was now hanging on a cross.
He asked forgiveness for the very ones who placed Him there.
He assured a thief that he would be with Jesus in Paradise that day.
He spoke loudly as He surrendered His spirit to His Father.
He breathed His last breath.
In the final moments, He offered forgiveness, grace and mercy to others and total surrender to God.
His death had come.
But hope was not gone.<3~thl

He felt...

He felt.  He felt...friendship as He washed the feet of His followers.  He felt...sad as He was betrayed by the kiss of a "friend."  He felt...the last meal He would eat before His death.  He felt...agony as He prayed before He was taken away.  He felt...compassion for a soldier and restored his ear.  He felt...shredded, bruised, bloody and mangled as He was beaten.  He felt...weakened and helped as He carried His cross.  He felt...barbaric, brutal, piercing, torn flesh as He was nailed to a wooden cross.  He felt...the weight of all our sins.  He felt...total separation from His Father as He paid the ultimate sacrifice.  He felt...concern for His grieving mother.  He felt...thirst.  He felt...the increasing darkness of death's chill.  He felt...total surrender to His Father's plan and purpose...emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually.  He felt...genuine, sacrificial and faithful love...for us...even me.  I am amazed.  I am loved.  I am grateful.<3~thl

He knew...

He knew.  He knew who would betray Him.  He knew who would deny Him. He knew who would shout "crucify Him."  He knew who would fall asleep when He needed them.  He knew who would condemn Him to die. He knew who would spit on Him, beat Him and torment Him.  He knew who would place a crown of thorns upon His head.  He knew who would drive the nails into His body.  He knew He would face a brutal, excruciating death. He knew the horrible price He would pay for sins He did not commit.

He knew...what.  He knew when.  He knew...why.  He knew...where.  He knew...how.  He also knew who.  He knew who He loved so much that He would die for them...for us...even for me.  I am amazed.  I am loved.  I am grateful.<3~thl