Light words...

Recently, a friend of ours saw one of our adult children.  They asked about our family and even shared very encouraging words...words of kindness, value and respect.  It meant a great deal to all of us...more than that friend realized.  I began thinking.

How many times do we say positive words to others?  How many times do we say positive words about others?  How many times do we encourage each other on this journey?  We never know what someone else is thinking, feeling or experiencing.  Maybe...just maybe...our words will touch a life far beyond anything we could ever imagine.  A few words may change a life...forever.  May we be lights along this journey...every day.<3~thl

His help...yesterday, today and tomorrow...

Dear God~
Please help me learn from yesterday.
Please help me heal from today.
Please help me prepare for tomorrow. 
Thank You for holding me continually. 
I am amazed.
I am grateful.
I am never alone.♥~thl

May I....through Him...

May I see through His eyes.
May I listen through His ears. 
May I speak through His words.
May I sing with His joy.
May I reach out with His hope.
May I live through His light.
May I love through His heart.♥~thl

When...and You...

When the world says I'm not good enough,
You say I was worth dying for.

When society says I have nothing to give,
You ask me to give You everything.

When others say I don't belong with them,
You say I always belong to You.

When this journey seems  lonely at times,
You whisper that You love me and hold me...forever.

I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

I know...

I know there are times of darkness on this journey.

I know there are times when evil seems to thrive.

I know there are times when pain and sorrow abound.

I know there are times we wonder if hope is alive.

I know there is confusion in a place we once thought safe. 

I know there are hearts heavy with loss and fear.  

I know there are many questions without answers.

I know there is Someone Who sees each tear.

I know there is trouble, just as He said there would be.

I know He sees us seeking ways to cope.

I know He is aware of our desire to heal...

I know He is our one and only hope.

I know each day is a precious gift from Him.

Yet I know so little about this path to trod.

But I know that whatever happens as my days unfold,

It will be worth it...when I finally see the face of God.<3~thl

Times of tragedy...

April, 2007...a tragic day when Virginia Tech, only minutes from my home place, faced a horrific massacre.  My family members had been in and out of that building for years.  Friends from church, our neighborhood and community worked at VT...and were in terrible danger.  Lives were destroyed and damaged.

August, 2015...a tragic day when a reporter and photographer from WDBJ7, from Roanoke, VA, (the city where I was born and where friends and relatives still reside), were murdered during a live news segment.  Shock, disbelief and senseless loss were recognized all over the nation as the Roanoke and Southwestern Virginia community grieve this tragedy.

I began thinking.  Two terrible tragedies so close to my homeplace.  Precious lives destroyed for no good reason.  Sadly, tragedies do not cease after the news coverage of these events.  There are shootings, wars, crimes and violence all over the world

Yet there are other daily tragedies.  Some people are giving up hope.  Some people feel unloved, abandoned, rejected and worthless.  Some people are searching for somewhere to belong...unsuccessfully.  Some people are weary, worn and without purpose in their journeys. Some people are broken inside while hiding it outside.  We never know what someone...anyone...is feeling, facing, or experiencing...at any moment.

Oh, how I wish I could have stopped horrible tragedies I have seen in my lifetime...9/11, Virginia Tech Massacre, Columbine, WDBJ7's loss of two young lives yesterday...and others.  I know I could not have prevented them.  Yet...I do believe that our daily actions...our daily attitudes...our daily choices...our daily lives...would make a tremendous difference in this world.  Caring more, listening more, reaching out more, loving more, respecting more, responding more and living more compassionately...may touch lives much more than ever imagined.  If only we could love one another as He loves us, lives may be changed now and eternally.  O God, please heal our hearts, our lives, our country and our world!<3~thl

Feet and speak...

While taking care of our fur babies today, I enjoyed the usual hugs, kisses, playing and leading them inside or outside.  They are so enjoyable.  At one time, I noticed Boomer lying by my feet in such a content and peaceful state.  He seemed to have no other place to be than near me.  

During a "before bedtime break," Beethoven began barking at something in the dark.  I heard nothing and saw nothing.  Even Boomer didn't join the barking, so it seemed to be nothing of major concern.  Yet as soon as I said, "Calm, Beethoven" in my calm voice, his barking immediately ceased.  (I promise it doesn't always go that well.)  

I began thinking.  If our sweet twenty-three month fur babies have learned to be at peace with me, I can certainly find peace and assurance at the feet and words of the One Who knows me best and loves me most.  As long as I know He is with me...as long as I keep my focus on Him...as long as I cling to His promises...I know I can face the remainder of this journey.  May I never lose sight of His loving Presence and may I never forget His promised Peace.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Messy learning...

Then it happened.  I had worked for hours cooking this evening.  As I tried to place the food in the fridge, one of the containers broke.  My first response was to catch the opened container, which was full of  hot contents.  I had a choice...drop the container onto the floor, losing the food I had worked on for so long....or burn my hand.  The results included some food spilled in the fridge and onto the floor...and a slightly burned hand.  While I began feeling frustrated for allowing this to happen, our son came into the kitchen and cleaned up the mess.  Completely.  He never complained. Not once.  He cleaned up the fridge and floor quietly, efficiently and lovingly.  

I began thinking. I certainly have made other messes in my lifetime.  Some were unintentional.  Some were careless.  Some were unavoidable.  Some were naive.  Some were immature.  Some were results of being blindsided.  Yet whatever the reason, they were messes.  

I am grateful for the One Who still loves me in the middle of my life messes.  He picks me up, cleans me off and continues to claim me as His child.  Quietly.  Efficiently.  Lovingly.  I certainly try to learn from the messes but I inevitably walk into more as my journey continues.  Yet He forgives me and holds me...anyway.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl 

In it all...

In the heat of the day,
In the cool of the evening,
In the bright sunlight,
In the darkest night,
In the piercing wind,
In the refreshing breeze,
In the brutal cold of winter,
In the warmth of summer,
In drought and in flood,
He holds me.
He loves me.
He is with me.
I am amazed.
I am grateful.
I am never alone.♥~thl

Then and now...

It was one of those days. Allergies were flaring. Plans changed. Peace and quiet seemed non-existent. Concerns increased. Yet at the end of the day, I look around me. I am still breathing. My family and I are safely home. The noisy day has turned into a quiet evening. God still hears my prayers, my heart and my thoughts. It was one of those days. He held me in His loving hands continually. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

Because...

He hears...
He sees...
He knows...
He holds...
He forgives...
He loves...
He leads.
He heals.
Because of His Presence,
I am hopeful, amazed, grateful
and never alone!<3~thl

My '69 VW...lessons for the journey...

It was my dream.  I needed a car for college and work. My heart was set on a Volkswagen Beetle. I worked at the bank, saving every penny I could.  Then it happened.  My Dad found a 1969 VW in Roanoke, Virginia.  I was thrilled!  Now I had to learn to drive a standard "stick" shift.  My car was a "four in the floor" so I was determined to learn the coordinated skills of taking my foot off the accelerator, pushing in the clutch and changing gears...then taking my foot off the clutch while accelerating again.  It seemed simple.  But I had to practice...lots.  Dad assured me that once I learned, I wouldn't even think about changing gears.  He was right!

Driving my VW in the beautiful Virginia mountains had another advantage.  I learned to stop on sloping hillsides and mountains...and start again without drifting backward.  It took practice...but I finally learned to do that, too. Driving to work was especially fun.  Going down winding mountain roads meant learning to "gear it down" and going back up mountains meant learning when to "gear up."  I began thinking.

This journey of life also finds me traveling at various speeds.  Sometimes traveling steep paths require me to slow down and become more aware of twists, turns and extra caution.  Sometimes climbing up mountains enables me to enjoy the journey more freely and enthusiastically.  Sometimes, I actually seem to be on a rare straight stretch, (like the only two straight stretches on my twenty-five mile drive to work), and I find myself going in "fourth gear" with windows down, music playing and wind blowing through my hair, singing my favorite songs on my VW car stereo.  Sometimes stormy weather arrives and I am reminded to drive most cautiously, focusing on Who holds me continually.

I have been on this journey for a long time now.  I often recall Dad's words about changing gears without even thinking about it.  I have learned through each mile, each terrain, each storm and each straight stretch...that changing gears is necessary...constantly.  This journey is not all storms.  Nor is it all straight stretches.  There are mountains, valleys, sharp turns, unexpected joys and unavoidable sorrows.  Yet through each moment, I have learned to focus on the One who holds me always.  I still own my 1969 "Herbie VW Huffman Lorenz"...but even more amazing is that God still loves me and calls me His daughter.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Love and Life...

Love...living.

Live...loving.<3~thl

Cherish both.

Celebrate daily.  

Every moment, heartbeat and breath...

are precious and priceless gifts.<3~thl

Radio review...

I'm still learning.  Driving home today in our recently purchased vehicle, I realized that I have much yet to learn.  Remember the old preset tabs we pushed to change radio stations?  That's not the case anymore.  Now we have a screen with FM/AM and some type of satellite radio options displayed.  As I drove, a talk show dominated the current station.  That did not satisfy me...at all.  Yet I knew it was unsafe to watch the fascinating screen as I searched for options.  So I did what any middle-aged mom in a new vehicle did.  I simply used the up and down arrows on the steering wheel until I found a better station, which was older rock music.  I began thinking.

How many times do we tune out what we don't want to hear in life...while we search for what we would rather hear instead?  Do we listen to others' hearts?  Do we listen to what we need to live a better life for Him?  Do we really listen to Him?  Or do we prefer to hear what is much more acceptable, comfortable or enjoyable?  

It is no secret that I love classical music.  However, as a gal raised in the beautiful mountains of Virginia, I grew up hearing, and appreciating, great country and even bluegrass music.  I also enjoy rock music...as well as contemporary Christian artists.  I am quite versatile in musical preferences.   

May I also be versatile in not only hearing...but genuinely listening...to hearts, lives and needs on life's journey.  May I especially seek the voice of the One Who speaks in the silence of the night, the smile of a child, the tears of a friend...or the heartache of the hurting.  I'm still learning as He patiently guides me.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Direction question...

Its roots were outgrowing the container. So I transplanted it to a larger container tonight. Now the plant has room to grow.

I began thinking. Sometimes it is wise to evaluate the roots...status...effectiveness in our lives. Am I growing? Am I becoming what He designed and created me to become? Am I heading the right direction to accomplish His purpose in my life? Do I need to make changes in order to make a difference? Tough questions. Tough answers. Yet I know He will lead and guide me as I listen and learn. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

Seasons to grow...

While shopping today, I noticed the obvious signs of summer plants fading rapidly. As disappointing as that seemed, I also noticed the beautiful new fall plants blooming and growing. I began thinking. While some seasons of life sadly fade away, new seasons bring opportunities, growth and beauty. I find peace knowing that He is with me during all seasons. Knowing I can trust and hope in Him makes each season precious and purposeful. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone. ♥~thl

Because...

Because of Him...
I breathe,
I hope,
I live,
I endure,
I survive,
I overcome,
I love,
I continue,
I believe.
Because of Him,
I can face tomorrow.
I am amazed.
I am grateful.
I am never alone. ♥~thl

Heavy weights...

It was time!  Our two precious fur babies, Boomer and Beethoven, have healthy appetites.  It is no surprise that we purchase dog food often.  With large dogs, it is necessary to use large bags of dog food...fifty pounds, to be exact.  

Tim purchased more dog food a few days ago. Before he left for work, we needed to move it out of the vehicle to use that night.  He had to leave early and didn't have time.  So I asked him to open the SUV hatch and without hesitation, I quickly picked up the food.  At first I wondered why Tim looked so shocked.  Then I understood. In a rush to meet the need, I lifted, held and carried that fifty pound bag of food toward the house. Tim laughed as he drove away when I made a comment about being a country gal.  In all fairness, I admit that I didn't make it to the house with that large bag.  Instead, I found a halfway point...our picnic table...and carefully placed the food on top of the table.  I reached my limit.  I was very grateful when our son later told me he took care of getting the food to the house.  

I began thinking.  How often do we carry around more than we should on this life journey...alone?  I'm not referring to bags of dog food.  Instead, the burdens of life may include worry, insecurity, shame, guilt, comparison and so many other concerns.  Life is so precious but not always easy.  We feel.  We hurt.  We wonder.  We don't have all the answers.  

I am so thankful to know that Someone cares...all the time.  He holds me when I am weak and worn.  He listens to me when I have no words.  He dries my tears that remain in my heart.  He leads me when I am lost and reach my limit.  He carries me...and my burdens...all of them....even the very heavy and hidden ones.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Monumental moments...

It only takes a moment to remember...
our words should be reviewed before released,
our actions should be decided before delivered,
our attitudes should be considered before confirmed,
our hearts should be tender instead of tough,
our lives should make a difference instead of destruction.
May we pause...and pray...about how we treat each other.<3~thl

Star Light...

I looked up toward the sky tonight.
The stars were many, shining bright.
Each one had purpose in its place.
Beauty was evident all over space.

I look up toward His light each day.
He hears my heart and words I say.
May each step I take toward Home
Remind me that I am not alone.

The One Who made the sky and sea
Made and loves us...even me.
He hears, He cares, He knows my name.
With Him, this journey is not the same.

I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.<3~thl

Fur Babies fun...

While playing with our sweet fur babies, Boomer and Beethoven, I took turns chatting with each one.  We have great conversations.  Beethoven loves for me to rub his chest and tell him that he is a good boy.  Boomer does his usual "paw nudge" so I know to rub his back...repeatedly...and tell him that he is a sweetheart.

As I was playing with Boomer, I lost my balance and fell onto the ground.  Thankfully, I didn't fall toward him as he rested.  Boomer immediately jumped up and stood in front of me until he knew I was unharmed. Once he noticed I was laughing, he smiled and sat down again.

I began thinking.  It is no secret that both of our fur babies are very protective of our family.  During tonight's fall, Boomer did not hesitate to jump up and protect me.  Oh, how we can learn from these precious dogs.  When we see others struggling...falling...or hurting, I wonder how quickly we move to help them.  Are we compassionate, involved and loving?

If two sweet dogs can show love, concern and protection for their family, it seems people should do the same for each other.  I love sweet lessons from our fur babies.<3~thl

Storm promise...

The storm has passed. 
The night is still. 
He held me close. 
He always will. 
I know more storms will come and go. 
I am not alone. He told me so. ♥~thl

School days...

I remember those first days of school as a child...and teen...and college student. It was much more difficult to watch our children go to school as children, teens and college students. This is the first time in twenty-one years that we don't have a child going to school. Yet our love surrounds them daily at work or wherever they may be. I am sweetly reminded that my Heavenly Father loves me continually, too. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

Imperfectly loved...

Today was one of those days I enjoy every now and then. I wore no makeup whatsoever. I let my wavy, wild hair dry naturally. smile emoticon Other than outside on our deck or in our yard, I went nowhere. Thankfully, no one besides my family saw me. smile emoticon I accomplished a few things but nothing major. I began thinking. I am thankful for a God Who sees me just as I am...blemishes, scars and imperfections...and somehow loves me anyway. Even if I accomplish nothing significant according to worldly standards, I know He has a purpose for me. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

Fountains of love...

It was a gift from my family several years ago.  I used it for quite awhile and then became so busy that I didn't take time to enjoy it.  Last week, I placed the beautiful tabletop water fountain back on my nightstand.  As I watch the water flow from the top of the fountain, down toward the centered candlelight and over the polished rocks, I feel such peace. Now it is becoming a nightly ritual.  I look forward to ending the day with a time of peace and relaxation.

It is a gift from my Heavenly Father.  I often become so busy that I don't take time to cherish it.  He cares about me morning, noon and night.  He patiently waits for me to share more time with Him.  As I watch the beautiful ocean waves dance on the shore....as I watch the rain cross the beautiful mountains...as I watch the sunset each day...as I hear the birds singing after a long winter...and as I look into the face of a newborn baby...I feel such peace.  I am reminded of His love that surrounds me each day.  May it become a journey of more time, more listening and more sharing with Him.  I look forward to walking each step of this journey in His peace.

I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Forever Fridays...

It was our tradition when the children were younger.  Every Friday night was "special supper night."  We began this when we first moved to our current residence.  Rachel was four years old.  Micah was almost one and a half.  While their Dad worked night shift, I loaded the children in the minivan and drove to town.  We were so excited as we entered the drive-through for happy meals...one with Barbie and one with Hot Wheels.  As the children grew, the selections and options changed.  But one thing was for certain.  We always enjoyed our simple but special times together on Friday nights..  Just knowing that we had something to look forward to made the rest of the week better.

I began thinking.  Each step of this journey is a precious gift.  Yet it's not always easy to see beyond daily routines.  It's not always easy to remain excited as we go to work, clean house, do laundry, meet deadlines, pay bills and take care of life's responsibilities.  I still love Friday nights.  Knowing another work week is behind us and the weekend is ahead of us just makes me feel better.

There's another Day we can eagerly anticipate.  It is a special time that makes life's precious, but sometimes difficult, journey seem purposeful, valuable and worthwhile.  There is a day coming when there will be no more suffering, no more war, no more disease and no more death. There is a day coming when routines, challenges, disappointments and heartaches will no longer exist.  Instead there will be eternal joy, love, peace and praise in the Presence of our God!  Sometimes I feel quite insignificant according to worldly standards.  But there is coming a day...when I will see the One Who knows me best yet still loves me most.  Knowing we have something so amazing to look forward to makes this journey much better.  I believe in hope, in healing and in Him...the One Who gives me purpose today and hope forever!<3~thl

There...

I am so thankful that You are there.

You hear each thought, each word, each prayer.

You know my journey, purpose and plan.

I know to trust Your loving hand.

Through mountains high and valleys low,

I feel Your Presence as on I go.

When I can not walk with strength of my own,

I know You are there and I am not alone.

You hold. You lead. You care. You see.

Each step I take, You're leading me.

In times of joy or times of sorrow,

You are with me...yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Thank You for Your faithful care.

I am so thankful that You are there!<3~thl

Communication information...

Today was eventful in Kentucky!  A problem with AT&T caused many wireless and wireline phones to become inoperable. According to tonight's news, problems were in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana and Alabama.  We were inconvenienced without use of our cell phones for several hours. Thankfully, my family has a different company for internet so we had some form of communication available.  I began thinking.

It constantly amazes me that the Creator of the Universe, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Great I Am and our Heavenly Father is always available to hear us, hold us, strengthen us, forgive us and love us!  No electronic devices needed.  No paperwork required.  No background check.  No secret service.  No security check.  No preliminary interviews. No extensive process.  He simply longs for us to talk with Him, love Him, listen to Him, surrender to Him and serve Him.

Knowing that He...in all His glory, majesty, honor and perfection...loves me...simple, sinful, imperfect and insignificant me....is absolutely mind-boggling!  Any time I want, need or choose to talk to Him, He is there!  I call that a wonderful plan which no phone company can ever match.  Now that's news worth sharing...and living...daily.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

A humble servant...goes Home...

Tonight I remember the life of a man from my home church family.  One week ago, I learned that he was ill.  Tomorrow, his service will be held inside the church building and then he will be laid to rest behind the building in the LGCC cemetery.

Joe was a gentle, kind and humble spirit.  From my earliest memories at LGCC, I do not remember him ever saying an unkind word about...or to...anyone. Nor do I remember Joe ever bringing attention to himself or his many talents and abilities.  Joe simply served with humility with all honor and focus toward God.  Whatever he did, he did quietly, politely, efficiently and patiently.  It was never about him.  It was all about loving God and loving others.

I saw Joe two months ago at LGCC.  I had no idea that was the last time I would see him on this earth.  He spoke with encouraging and kind words.. Then he spoke to our family, hugged me and left.  He was smiling, as always.

For the rest of my life, I will remember Joe with a smile...hope...and the reminder of his truly humble, genuine, Christ-honoring life.  He said much without a sermon.  He served without a spotlight.  He followed faithfully and gave of himself humbly.  His gentleness was indeed evident to all.  We miss you, Joe. Thank you for your wonderful example of a light which fully reflected God.  We'll see you soon...and can hardly wait to see your smile...again.<3~thl

Please keep the Joe Duncan family in your prayers today and in the days ahead.  (For KCU alumni, Joe is the father of Dale Duncan, who grew up in Newport, VA and now lives in OH.)

He is able...

He placed the sun in a perfect place. 
He breathed life into each of us.
He makes each snowflake unique.
He creates rainbows, puppies and newborn babies. 
He knows. He hears. He listens and cares.
I believe that He is also able to work in my life. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone. ♥~thl

The One...

I know the One Who made the stars. I know the One Who made the moon . I know the One Who gives me breath. I know the One Who hears each word. I know the One Who knows my name. I know the One Who holds my hand. In all He does and all He is, I am amazed He loves me...anyway. I am grateful. I am loved. I am never alone.♥~thl