Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Happy 63rd Anniversary to my parents, Charles and Barbara Huffman! What a journey they have had with five children and five grandchildren! I have seen her face light up as he walks into the room. I have seen him faithfully love and care for her at home and now against her most difficult battle with Alzheimer's Disease. I have seen them both sacrifice repeatedly for their family. May God bless them on this very special day and their days ahead!  I love you, Dad and Mom...forever! ♥~thl

One of those weeks...

It hasn't been an easy week.  It hasn't been my best week.  Unmet goals.  Unfinished projects,  Unexplained circumstances. Unexpected events.  No...it hasn't been a perfect week.  

But it has been a week of blessings. I awoke each morning. A precious friend's call brought much love and laughter. I heard my Dad's dear voice more than once.  My husband and children are healthy. The One Who knows me best still loves me unconditionally...anyway.

It hasn't been a perfect week.  But it has been a precious week.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl          

Not alone...

It was finished.  I had written an entry to post tonight but it just didn't seem timely.  It's similar to times when I have someone on my mind so I check on them...and learn they needed someone to listen and care.  Tonight is one of those moments.

I don't know who may read this.  Maybe a few folks.  Maybe even less.  Maybe a few more.  But it seems appropriate to simply share that this journey is tough...but we are never alone.  Yes, there are lots of smiling faces around us...but there are also many breaking hearts behind them.  Sure, there are wonderful moments to smile, laugh and celebrate.  I love those moments!  But it's also true that there are also moments that knock the breath out of us.  Those are very real moments, too.  I believe that we all face great moments....tough moments....and many moments somewhere in between.  Life is a precious gift....but it isn't always easy.

Tonight I just want to share that there's not one moment on this journey that we are alone.  That has brought me through some pretty challenging days over the years.  I don't always understand this journey.  I don't always like how things happen.  I don't have answers to countless questions, either.  Yet knowing that Someone cares, Someone listens, Someone understands and Someone holds me in His loving hands...makes all the difference.

I haven't written eloquently tonight.  I haven't shared anything new or profound.  Yet we all need an occasional reminder that we are never alone...and always loved.  Tonight seemed like the time to reach out and say it again.  Hold on...He truly cares.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Sound reminders...

Anyone who knows me well knows that I struggle with insomnia.  There are several contributing factors to this chronic situation, of course.  Yet I recently discovered an inexpensive and helpful tool.  It's a sound machine which plays various sounds for different time intervals.  Some of the sound choices include rain, a thunderstorm, a brook or a summer night.  It is not a total cure but it has helped me find rest much easier.  I began thinking.

As the machine plays, I become focused on the relaxing sound and often fall asleep long before the interval is finished. Instead of making lists, plans, strategies and solutions to every situation in life, my focus changes to something peaceful and soothing.  I wonder how much better each moment of my life would be if I would focus more on the One Who loves me, holds me, cares about me and guides me.  Instead of my initial reactions being quite strategic, I believe responses of quiet surrender to Him would be much more peaceful.  

Something I enjoy about my sound machine is that it brings back many precious memories of simpler times.  May I realize and remember the simple truth of His constant love and presence. I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl  

Refreshing rain...

As I walked outside this evening, I noticed the sky was darker than usual.  It started to rain very lightly so I helped our son get our fur babies inside.  Within a few minutes, Micah and I were caught in a downpour.  It didn't take long for us to become soaking wet.  After several hot summer days, the rain felt quite welcome. I am not one to stand in rain very often, but I admit that the refreshing, cool water soothed my soul.

I began thinking.  I need to simply stand in His Presence, soaking in His amazing love much more often.  It's wonderful to know that He loves me.  It's even more soothing to my soul to focus on Him and experience His love.  Absorbing His grace, mercy, peace, hope, forgiveness and strength enlightens my journey with joy and purpose.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Simple...and special...

It was an ordinary day and I am thankful for the beauty of it all: cooking for my family, playing with our fur babies, watering the flowers, singing along with the radio and looking toward a beautiful night sky. It is the simple things that make life precious. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone. ♥~thl

A little kindness...a big difference...

I am reminded today that kindness goes a very long way: smiles of strangers, manners shared by others, a friend going the second and third mile even when they are busy and unexpected encouragement from someone at just the right time. Thanks to those who touched my life with kindness today. May we always be kind. You never know what it means to someone else.♥~thl

Extra...ordinary...

The day has been busy.  Work has been done.  Yet I cannot close my eyes.  Though life seems simple and my work seemed plain, I am thankful for each blessing You gave.  Housework meant we have a place to call home.  Dishes meant there was food to serve.  Laundry meant my family is near.  Bills to pay meant there is a job to provide for our needs.  Though life seems quite common as day and night came, I am aware of how extraordinary life truly is. I awoke.  I walked.  I worked.  I breathed.  Thank You, dear God, for each gift I received.<3~thl

Seasons of beauty...

It is no secret that I love growing flowers, plants and trees.  A glance of our shrub beds, deck, house and yard quickly reveals that I obviously enjoy "dirt therapy."  While watering today, I noticed that some flowers are in full bloom while others are not.  When blooming ones eventually cease, others begin.  I began thinking.

This journey finds many of us in different life seasons.  Some may be in seasons of anticipation while others are in seasons of celebration.  Some may be in seasons of growth while others are in seasons of loss.  Some may be in seasons of searching while others are in seasons of renewal.

Perhaps we compare our lives with others much too often. We may even find ourselves feeling better or worse about our own journey because it is so different than the journey of others.  Yet, like the different seasons of blooming I see around my home, there is beauty in each season.  Some are easier than others.  Some are much more enjoyable than others. Some are very difficult and challenging.  But there is always purpose in each moment we are given.  May we never lose focus of the One Who loves us, holds us, values us and guides us through each season.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Simply heard...

They are some of my favorite memories.  As Dad worked on our family cars during my childhood, I was more than willing to "assist" him. Sure, I learned a few things about cars over the years, but Dad taught me much more than car mechanics.  He also taught me about laughter, life, love...and music.  Not only did Dad whistle as he worked.  Dad also sang as he worked...and Dad sang beautifully.  He taught me "folk" songs handed down for generations as well as choruses of faith and hope.  Before I even began playing piano around age four, I was singing songs and choruses Dad had shared with me.

One song that Dad taught me included these lyrics.  "Whisper a prayer in the morning.  Whisper a prayer at noon.  Whisper a prayer in the evening to keep your heart in tune."  I may have learned that song around age two or three but it remains vivid in memory decades later.  The message it held then means even more to me now.  Though my prayers are not fancy and certainly not profound, I believe with all my heart that they are heard.  Knowing that He hears me...morning, noon and night...makes this journey much more peaceful and purposeful.  My prayers are simple but there's nothing ordinary about the One Who listens, loves and leads me...anyway.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Relaxing and relying...

Tonight, I...
rest in You,
rely on You,
trust in You,
hold onto You,
listen for You,
seek more of You and
depend on You.

You never let go.
I am amazed.
I am grateful.
I am never alone.<3~thl

Back on track...

It may not seem like much to others...but it was significant for me.  After a leg injury three and a half months ago, I finally began working out again today. I was even able to walk a mile on my first day!  That may sound meager compared to what I used to do.  But step by step, healing has taken place and I am getting back on track.  I began thinking.

Sometimes my journey in life may not seem like much to others, either.  I am not well-known.  I am not in the spotlight.  I don't seem to accomplish much compared to what others do.  Yet God is fully aware of where I have been, where I am and where He will lead me.  His love brings hope and healing on my journey.  Even when I feel far away from where I think I should be, He continues to hold and love me...anyway.  Step by step, He guides me through twists and turns, falls and failures, shocks and surprises.

It may not seem like much to others...but it is very significant to me.  An incredible God can use a simple life to walk with purpose and peace every step of the way.<3~thl

Each blessing...

Each breath is a gift. Cherish it. 
Each moment is valuable. Treasure it.
Each day is an opportunity. Seize it.
Each relationship matters. Honor it.
Each heartbeat is precious. Be grateful for it.♥~thl

Hope, peace, strength and faith...

I am thankful for hope in storms...peace in uncertainty...and strength in weakness. I know He holds me through it all. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am not alone.♥~thl

Time away in beautiful NC...

What an incredible time Tim and I had in North Carolina last week! Visiting with precious friends, enjoying the beauty of the beach at Outer Banks, walking the wonderful campus of Mid-Atlantic Christian University and spending time reflecting on God's beautiful creation touched my heart deeply. I have always loved NC...and I am so thankful for each amazing moment we spent there. Thank You, God, for our safe travels and our precious friends who shine for You!♥~thl

In His reach...

Tonight I am thankful for His protection and peace. Although our day was long with unexpected twists and turns, we were never out of His reach. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

Journey of gratitude...

Another day of my journey is coming to a close. I am grateful for each step. I am grateful for each breath. I am grateful for His love, faithfulness, grace and mercy. I am grateful for His hope and healing. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

Seeing...and believing...

When I see the beauty of Your creation, when I see the love of Your children , when I see the hope of another day in Your embrace...I know You are present, faithful, loving and true. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone. ♥~thl

Knowing, hearing, holding...

He knows my name. I know He is my Father. He hears my every prayer. I hear His faithful Presence. He holds me in His arms. I hold onto Him. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

Broken yet blessed...

It has not been an easy season lately. My heart is broken and there is so much I do not understand on this journey. Yet He holds me and loves me through it all. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone. Thank God...I never take one step on this journey alone! ♥~thl 
Proverbs 3:5>6

Deep breaths...

I often find myself needing to take a deep breath.  It's not merely because of asthma.  It's also because of life's busy pace and the stress involved.  Then I remember that even more than deep breaths, my soul craves deep reliance on Him, the Breath of Life.  As my physical breath is given by Him, so is peace in Him.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Smiles and tears...

It was one of those days.  We all have them.  Well-intended words pierced my heart much deeper than others realized when speaking to me.  Repeatedly.  I began thinking.  How many times have I spoken to others without carefully weighing my own words?  Sometimes...many times...smiles may be seen but tears are hidden behind them.  May we speak and treat each other with gentleness and compassion...all the time.<3~thl

Good night...

I love the stillness of the night and all the peacefulness it brings. I am reminded of His Presence even in the dark, even in the solitude and even in the absence of activity. I am grateful for this time to truly be still and listen to Him. ♥~thl

Trusting steps...

Tonight I simply reflect on trusting Him.  I can't change the past.  I don't have answers for all that is unfolding presently. The future has its own uncertainties and questions.  Yet knowing that He held me before...He holds me now...and He will hold me in the days ahead....makes this journey more peaceful and purposeful.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.  He is with me.  Always.<3~thl

Caring for plants...and people...

Our daughter and I went plant shopping tonight.  For the first week in July, I was pleased with the remaining selection still available.  Obviously, many plants had been sold  but we enjoyed finding all the items we wanted.

As we walked around the store, I noticed some plants were quite healthy while other plants desperately needed extra care.  Some needed more water.  Some needed more light.  Some needed less light.  Some needed to be replanted so they would have room to grow.  I began thinking.

While some plants were thriving well, they needed daily care of the employees each day.  While other plants were lacking, they needed basic care plus additional nurturing for their specific needs. Whatever the case, each plant depended on someone to take care of them.

Perhaps some people feel they are thriving well.  Others may feel they are lacking the care so desperately needed.  Others may look very healthy but like a recent plant I had, are very fragile due to hidden concerns and obstacles.

We never know what is happening in another person's life.  They may be as healthy as they seem.  They may be struggling more than they seem.  They may be facing serious, hidden challenges.  As we depend on Him for our hope, healing and direction, others may depend on us to guide them to Him.  Things are often not what they seem but I am grateful for the One Whose love is certain and genuine.  I am amazed.  I am grateful. I am never alone.<3~thl

Summer night...

Tonight I am enjoying a sweet, simple summer night. Our family sat around the supper table sharing old stories. Our dogs gave me countless hugs and kisses. I have precious friends and relatives. I am going to sleep in a clean, comfy bed. Life is a continuous gift. I am grateful and amazed.♥~th

Living in America...

Today reminded us how our own families have been touched to arrive, live, serve and grow in America. From riding ships to a new life here...to five Lorenz sons simultaneously serving their country during war time. ..from my Dad's wounding in wartime...to my Cherokee heritage...from lifetimes of hard work...to families enduring tragedies, death and disease...living in America brought opportunities for faith, hope, healing and growth. This is my country...land that I love. May we be grateful and respectful of our America...again! ♥~thl

Happy Birthday, America!

Happy Birthday, America! May we remember the price paid by many for our freedom. May we be grateful, respectful and united...again! ♥~thl

Happy Birthday, USA!

As the daughter of a Dad who served this country, was seriously wounded and fought major illness, I am very much aware of the price of our freedom.  I was born and raised in these United States of America, lived in two states and traveled to many others.  I have seen Blue Ridge Mountains, blue skies and bluegrass.  I have seen people unite in times of tragedy and celebrate in times of triumph.  I have seen parents weep over the loss of their children and children weep over the loss of their parents.  I have seen families unite and families fall apart.  I have seen our country face war repeatedly in my lifetime.  I have seen our country attacked beyond anything ever imagined.  I have seen people pray for this country and for others.  I have seen our country defend her people and people defend their country.  I have seen  tears streaming down many faces because we truly love this country for which so many have served, fought, bled and died.

Yes, there is much turmoil in our land.  My heart breaks as we forget that we are called the UNITED States of America.  But I believe...and I will continue to believe...that there is hope for this beautiful land we call home!  We have united before.  We can do it again.  We have remembered to love our neighbor before.  We can do it again.  We have remembered to respect God, our country and each other before.  We can do it again.  We have remembered to stop shouting and start listening before.  We can do it again.  We have remembered that this country is worth saving before.  We can do it again. We have remembered to pray, protect and be proud of these United States of America before.  We can do it again.  There's no greater time than now!

Happy Birthday to the United States of America!  May we unite as families, friends, neighbors, citizens and a country!  May God bless America.  May America bless God!<3~thl

Few words, full heart...

Words are few tonight.  I wish I had answers.  I wish I could understand.  I wish I could find a way to calm the chaos on this journey of life.  For now, it is one moment, one step, one day and one breath at a time.  Yet I know one thing for sure.  You, O God, hear my prayers, know my thoughts, see my journey and touch my heart.  Your Presence, purpose and peace surround me. I will hold onto You as You lead me. Even when words are few, I feel the fullness of Your love. I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl