Lovely, rainy days...

While rainy, fall days aren't my favorite, today reminded me of the gift of each moment.  A precious family member's message made my day with her kind and thoughtful heart.  She not only touches my life...but lives of others who are so very dear to me.  A conversation this afternoon reminded me how the love of a genuine, faithful friend can reach into our hearts and make a cool, leaf-dropping, rainy day absolutely beautiful.  

It is through hearts of kindness, compassion, joy, love and authenticity that lives are deeply touched...perhaps even transformed.  As a new month begins, I am challenging myself to count my blessings more mindfully each day.  But I also want to be a blessing to someone else daily.  We don't need to wait until holidays to be grateful and kind.  May we cherish each moment....every day...and celebrate this journey...by being thankful and helpful...to someone else.  There are countless opportunities to care.  Be a blessing!<3~thl

Seasons of love...

It's the last day of September and leaves are falling. Rain is drenching the ground and cooler temperatures are easing into the season. Summer is gone and daylight is decreasing. But His light still shines. His creation is beautiful. His love surrounds me and I know He is faithful in every season. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

True reflection...

My heart has been searching for a very long time.  I am not sure why God placed me on this earth...but I trust Him.  I cherish each breath.  I deeply desire to make a difference for Him while I am here.

  

Yet there is much I do not understand.  I am very aware that He is God and I am not.  I am grateful that He is ready, willing and able to handle all that my mortal mind and heart do not comprehend.  He is faithful and loving.  He gives me what I don't deserve and doesn't give me what I do deserve.  I am amazed by His grace and mercy. While I seek Him on this journey...His purpose, His plan, His peace, His provision and His protection...I learn to trust Him more and more.  

Yet my heart aches daily as I observe how we treat each other.  I listen.  I notice.  I witness.  I wonder why we ignore, abandon, degrade, dismiss, disrespect and willfully hurt each other. Why do we pat ourselves on the backs with titles, labels, positions, what we know, with whom we associate and how important we claim to be...while we wound hearts, lives and souls of others?  Oh, I know the sting of being pushed aside or put down by others.  Quite frankly, I know the horrible shame of hurting others, too.   

Jesus said in John 13:35 , "By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." Maybe I am simple-minded but it seems that if we truly love Him, we must truly love each other."  We can't talk it...and not walk it.  

Sometimes I wonder what people will say when I am gone.  Did my life make a difference?  I am not well-known.  My passions and abilities have not placed my name in lights.  I do not bear titles, positions or associations that seem important to man.  My simple prayer is that two words will be spoken.  May each heart, life and step of my journey reflect His love in such a way that others simply know "she cared."  Nothing matters more to me than loving this life and living it with love...His love. I have much to learn.  May I learn....may we all learn...that we truly reflect Him most when we love each other...as He loves us.<3~thl 

Prayer at dusk...

How like You, O God, to remind me of Your love and faithfulness! When I look up to see Your beautiful handiwork, I am assured that You are always there...morning, noon and night. You are God...and I will praise You! I will rest and rejoice in You! ♥~thl

There...

When nights are still, You are there. 
When days are long, You are there.
When moments are challenging, You are there.
When this path twists and turns, You are there.
Thank You for light, love and life as we journey Home. Thank You for always being there.♥~thl

Rain dance...

After an extended time of dry weather, it is finally raining!  Oh, how we have needed it.  More is on the way and I am very grateful for this refreshing and replenishing rain.

I began thinking.  Sometimes life brings dry seasons, too.  We feel weak, weary and worn.  Our hearts, minds, souls and lives seem to be withering away.  We search for restoration, refreshment and renewal.

I am so thankful for The One Who knows my heart best...yet loves me most.  I am grateful that He is aware of my every need.  I am amazed that He sees value, hope and purpose in my life, even when I have fallen or failed.  

I am learning to hold on to Him in every season.  For even in seasons of thirst, He knows...He sees...He cares...and He loves...faithfully.  He gives me strength when I am weak...and hope when I am weary. I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone...as I dance in the rain.<3~thl

Middle of the road...

Recently while our daughter and I traveled around a turn, we saw a young lady standing in the road.  Looking at her cell phone, the lady never noticed our vehicle.  Thankfully, Rachel is a cautious driver and slowly drove around the young lady.  Not once did that gal see, hear or respond to the car driving around her. She seemed...lost...totally oblivious to her surroundings.  I immediately prayed that she would move out of the road so no one would accidentally hit her later. 

I began thinking.  I wonder how many people cross our paths each day whose lives are in danger.  Perhaps they are focusing on external situations.  Maybe they are suffering internally...much deeper than anyone realizes.  Maybe they are standing in the middle of a crossroad, waiting for help because they no longer have direction or purpose.  Maybe...they are completely lost.  

I can't stop thinking about that young lady.  I wonder about her story, her situation and her safety.  I will continue to pray for her.  I also pray that we will be more alert, aware and responsive to the lives we meet each day.  Each life matters. May we never stop caring.<3~thl  

Dressed in His love...

After recent shopping marathons with my daughter, I went from total disgust...to sighs of relief and gratitude for finding what I needed. I absolutely love dressing up! Yet I am very discouraged when searching for clothes. Yes....I am especially selective. Even more so, I am extremely sensitive...about my many imperfections.

I began thinking. Of course, it is important to become more healthy. I struggle and strive for that daily. Yet I also need to realize that Someone loves me...anyway. Though imperfect, scarred and weary as I am, He still loves me, holds me and values me. I am hopeful. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

Waiting in Him...

I wait...in Your peace.
I wait...in Your hope.
I wait...in Your healing.
I wait...in Your promises.
I wait...in Your arms.
I wait...in Your love.
I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

He...not me...

I am learning...that there is much I will never know.
I am releasing...what I can no longer carry.
I am accepting...what seems unfathomable.
I am holding...in my heart what my arms cannot embrace.
I am making a stronger stand...by walking away.
I am saying more...by speaking softer and living louder.
I am more of me...by becoming less of this world.
I am more of His...by being less of me.
I am loved...when I am unlovely.
I am most free...when I accept that He loves me.
I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Great...grueling...and grateful...

There are great days. And then there are grueling days. Dear God, please help me to be grateful for the great ones...and gracious in the grueling ones. There is often nothing left to do...but just depend on You. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

Waiting...and knowing...

As I wait, I sense Your Presence. As I wait, I feel Your love. As I wait, I know Your peace. As I wait, I learn to listen. As I wait, I understand more. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never, ever alone. ♥~thl

Lessons in listening...

While in different locations the past few days, I have deliberately listened to others.  Whether someone was speaking directly to me...or I was in situations where I could not ignore public conversations, I tried to hear their words and their hearts.  It's amazing what we learn when we simply listen.

It occurred to me that there is Someone Who cares enough to truly listen to me.  He hears what I say.  He hears what I do not say.  He hears my heart.  He knows me best...yet loves me most.  Seeking Him more deliberately in silence is more precious, peaceful and purposeful than I imagined.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Sweet silence...

My silence continues as I wait...as I wonder...as I listen. Even when direction is not yet revealed, I find peace in Your Presence, hope in Your Holiness and light in Your love. You are with me. Always. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

Golden silence...

Thank You, Lord, for teaching me that it is best to stay silent until my words are chosen carefully.  Then they may be spoken clearly and kindly. Oh, how I have learned that lesson many times as both a speaker and a recipient.  Now, I ask You to please calm my thoughts, heal my soul and guide me in this time when I truly need to be silent.  I will listen for You are my strength, my healer and my guide. I wait...for You.<3~thl

Writing in progress...

I know some pages are already filled.
Some neat.  Some torn.  Some lessons learned.
Stacks of days, weeks and months already lived.
The years have so quickly gone.

I often wonder how this will unfold.
What will the title of my life be?
At times, I thought I knew the theme.
Then I realized the Author is You.

Pages past are days gone by.
Pages now are being formed.
Pages ahead are blank and still
Awaiting Your touch and lead.

My story isn't finished yet.
I wish some could be changed or removed.
Yet I am grateful, hopeful and assured...
It's best when I surrender to You.

Write my story, O God, my Rock.
May it be one that is real and true.
Restore.  Renew.  Refresh.  Rebuild.
May this life speak most of You.<3~thl

Enjoy the ride...

It hit us like a brick.  Somehow, our entire family came down with illness.  Whether colds, viruses, allergies or other conditions, someone was constantly sneezing, aching, chilling or sniffing.  It's wasn't the best weekend.
 
Other than concern for my family, I was disappointed that we had to postpone plans with friends.  We had looked so forward to visiting a special place to relax and enjoying a meal with them.  I was not happy to be home, folding laundry, watching old movies and wishing I could be somewhere else.

Then the thought came to me.  If we couldn't be where we wanted to go, why couldn't we make the most of where we were?  My husband agreed.  So I called in our order and away we went.  No, I wasn't ready to go out in public.  My hair was nothing but messy curls and waves.  I had on almost no makeup.  I was wearing old clothes and according to my husband, I was "really, really pale."  At least I got out of the house for about half an hour.  No one was traumatized by seeing me since I stayed inside while Tim picked up the food.  We made the most of the situation...and enjoyed the ride.

I began thinking.  Sometimes this journey is exciting.  We plan.  We celebrate.  We laugh.  We make memories.  Other times, we struggle.  Plans change.  We make adjustments.  We aren't amused.  We make choices.  Do we allow disappointments to define us?  Do we allow struggles to destroy us?  Do we allow adjustments to defeat us?  Or do we make the most of the situation...and enjoy the ride?

There is a far greater place I long for daily.  It's a place where no one will be sick or sad, abandoned or abused, isolated or ignored.  It's a Home where His love is ever present and His joy is overflowing.  But I am not there.  Many loved ones are there and I miss them so much. Yet for now...for this moment...in this season...at this time...I am here.  I choose to cherish this journey...celebrate each moment...do the best I can, where I am, with what I have, to the glory of the One Who loves and leads me.  It's not always easy.  But this journey is so much more beautiful when I realize there is joy and purpose each step of the way.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl  

Grandparents remembrance...

Today was Grandparents' Day. Part of me felt sadness for having no grandparents left on this earth. Part of me felt loss for never knowing my maternal grandfather. Yet a larger part of my heart felt much gratitude for the precious grandparents, (and step grandfather), I knew and love so dearly...and how each touched my life. I look forward to seeing them again someday...and hopefully meeting my other grandfather. What a glorious day that will be! I am hopeful. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

Seasons change, beauty remains...

The night temperatures are cool. Fall is in the air. Several football games were broadcast today. Suddenly my pumpkin candles seem appropriate to use. Even chili sounds inviting. Ragweed and goldenrod are making my allergies obvious. smile emoticon Summer isn't officially gone but the seasons are changing. May I seek beauty in each season, purpose in every plan and His Presence in every moment. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

Cloud watcher...

I am a cloud watcher.  I'm not referring to different types of weather clouds, although I find those fascinating, too.  I enjoy looking at clouds and allowing my imagination to find something familiar, beautiful and creative in their shape, appearance and colors.

This interest began at a young age.  My best friend and I used to "cloud watch" when we were in elementary school. There was a thirty minute wait for the school bus to travel from the high school to our school before going home.  So we either talked, watched clouds, or did homework...quite possibly in that order.  We always found a way to make the wait enjoyable.

While traveling home several days ago, I looked toward the sky and saw one of the most interesting clouds I have ever observed.  It looked like Jesus lying down after the crucifixion with his Mother, Mary, kneeling beside Him.  I definitely have a vivid imagination but it seemed quite visible as my husband and daughter also saw the resemblance.  

I began thinking.  Sometimes I forget that what happens on this earth is not all there is in life.  Sometimes I become so involved, overwhelmed and busy taking care of the immediate that I forget to consider what is imminent.  There is life beyond this one.  Oh, how I need to look up more often and not only observe the beautiful clouds...but focus on the One Who makes them and will someday appear in the clouds.  

Yes, I am a cloud watcher. As I continue to enjoy observing the formations, may I never forget to look up in anticipation, hope and assurance of the One Who cares...and holds me until He returns. I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

May we remember...

I remember that September 11, 2001 morning...
planes flying into buildings,
smoke billowing into the sky,
people running for their lives,
people running to save lives,
constant sirens,
unending news reports,
buildings crumbling to the ground,
shock, confusion, sadness,
praying for my country,
longing to hug my children,
silence in the sky,
a country united.

Fourteen years later...
people destroying their lives,
people screaming at each other,
people shooting each other,
shock, confusion, sadness,
hope crumbling to the ground,
longing to hug my children,
looking to the sky,
praying for my country,
may we never forget,
may we remember we are the UNITED States of America.
May God bless America.
May America bless God.<3~thl

My daughter...

Her words were precious.  I had not been able to visit my Mom for a few months.  That's a very long time when she is in a nursing home battling Alzheimer's Disease.  As I kissed her sweet face, she said, "I know you're my daughter."  My heart jumped with joy since I was not sure if she would even recognize me. As I later laughed with her, she gave me "that look" while calling my name clearly and emphatically...."Terri."  Then she smiled.  What an incredible gift I will cherish for the rest of my life.  I began thinking.

It means everything to me that my Mom still knew me and called me by name last weekend.  It also means everything to know that my Heavenly Father loves me and knows my name, too.  In a world that has become busy, chaotic and impersonal, it is easy to feel insignificant and anonymous. Yet the Creator, the Great I Am, the Master Designer and the King of Kings...knows me...simple, plain, ordinary me.  

I keep hearing my Mom saying those words..."I know you're my daughter."  I will not forget her sweet, sincere expression as she smiled at me in the way a mother looks at their child.  As this journey of life continues, I pray I will remember that He also calls me His daughter.  May I live the remainder of my days in such a way that He is honored and praised.  Who knows...maybe He will even smile as He speaks my name sometime, too.<3~thl

Motorcycle Momma...

I have always loved motorcycles.  As a young child on, I enjoyed riding them.  I have secretly wanted to drive...and own...my own "bike."  Seriously.  This weekend made me want to ride even more.

At a small country store several miles from my Dad's house, we stopped to fill up our gas tank.  With holiday traffic, the gas pumps were crowded.  As my husband tried to back into an available spot, a total stranger began speaking and directing us.  He was respectful, friendly, helpful...and a biker.  I was impressed.

On our trip back to Kentucky, we made another quick stop.  Again, traffic was busy and parking spots were scarce.  We parked beside a motorcycle...which greatly pleased me.  The driver and his lady were preparing to return to the road.  As they were putting on helmets and gloves, I waited to open my passenger door.  Within seconds, the man motioned for me to get out while they waited for me.  Again, I was impressed.  I thanked the bikers and told them how much I liked their bike.  "It's a dream of mine!" I added.  (It is highly unusual for me to strike up conversations with strangers!)  After chatting for a minute or so, we all went our separate ways...smiling.

I began thinking.  Obviously, we don't all have to be bikers to be kind, respectful and courteous to each other.  However, the friendly and polite bikers we met last weekend made our trip more enjoyable.  I was encouraged, though, to realize that manners, kindness and friendly personalities definitely still exist.  How wonderful it would be if each of us would reach out to someone else on a daily basis pleasantly, politely and personally.  We never know what kindness may do in another person's life.

By the way...I have driven a Volkswagen Beetle, three sedans, three minivans and an SUV.  I also dream of having my own Jeep Wrangler someday.  Who knows?   Maybe I'll soon become a "Motorcycle Momma" with a pink helmet...hoping to bring a smile to someone's day, too.<3~thl

Goodnight kisses...

While back home in Virginia this weekend, I kissed my Dad good night at bedtime. I did that every night as a little girl, teenager, college student and now as a middle-aged woman. I also kiss my Mom "see you later" each time that we leave the nursing home. I find it very comforting and encouraging to know that God is holding and watching me as I sleep, too. Perhaps He even sings as I rest...or touches my face with a Heavenly Father kiss. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

Obvious blessings...

Time with my parents...in Virginia...in the mountains...makes life's precious blessings more obvious. Cherishing each moment of life...means everything. ♥~thl

Purposeful designs...

As I view His beautiful creation, I am reminded of His purpose for everything He made. The song of the birds, the warmth of the sun and the shelter of the mountains...help me see that His design is perfect and precious. May my life become what He intended...reflecting Him alone. ♥~thl

Holding on...

Lord, I am holding onto You...in times of triumph and times of tears, in times of love and times of fear...in times of unknown and times of hope. I am holding onto You, my Rock and my Shield.♥~thl

Drought conditions...

It has been very hot and dry in our community.  I am unaware of official statistics but according to the appearance of our yard, I suspect that we are beginning to experience drought conditions.  Yet tonight, I heard a slightly familiar sound from a distance...thunder.  Then I saw lightning and within minutes, I heard the beautiful sound of rain hitting our roof.  The timing was excellent.  Our yard welcomed the cool, refreshing water into its thirsty, parched sod.

I began thinking.  Life is a precious gift but this journey sometimes seems to lead us to dry and desperate conditions.  We feel weary, parched, thirsty and weak.  Drought seems to envelope our hearts, minds, souls and bodies.  Yet we continue to look to Him.  We realize that He continues to hold us.  His hope embraces us.  His love surrounds us and quenches our thirst with power, peace and promises. He refreshes, renews and restores us. His timing is excellent.  His Presence is everlasting.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Stain removal...

It was a large basket of clean laundry.  There were two...perhaps three...loads that had been waiting for my attention. It was not going away. So, I pulled it across the floor and began the task of folding washcloths, towels, sheets and countless clothes.  I don't mind.  I actually enjoy doing laundry.  There's just something about watching piles of dirty laundry transform into neat, clean stacks.

I began thinking.  I have certainly worn my share of stains on this journey of life.  Some were barely noticeable while others were quite obvious.  Some were better hidden in darker shades while others seemed to absolutely ruin lighter hues of my life.  Although I tried to wash them away, no amount of soap removed them.  They would not go away.

I am thankful that Someone sees my mistakes but chooses to love me anyway.  He knows my story.  He sees the stains. He even made a way to remove them from my life.  He knows I will need more grace and mercy on this journey.  He realizes there will be more piles of dirty laundry as I make more mistakes along the way.  Yet He assures me that I am not a mistake. He holds me, loves me and cleanses my messy life over and over again.  I don't know why He chooses to continue loving me but I am thankful.  There's just something about knowing a Savior Who transforms stained souls into purposeful people.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl 

Old plans...new day...

I had so many plans for today.  But then....life happened.  Plans changed.  Some were delayed.  Some were rescheduled.  Some changed completely.  Yet I am still breathing.  A new day is on the horizon with new plans and goals.  I am grateful.

I had so many plans for my life.  But then...real life happened.  Plans changed.  Some were delayed.  Some were rescheduled.  Some changed completely.  Yet I am still breathing.  A new day is on the horizon with new plans and goals.  I am grateful.   I am never alone.<3~thl

Reaching out...held up...

Sometimes the only words I can say are "Pleeeeeeeease, Lord, pleeeeeeease hear me and hold me."

I am then reminded. When our children were small, they would often look at us and reach toward us.  That's all it took.  Without hesitation, we would immediately wrap our arms around them, lift them up and hold them closely.  We would tell them that we loved them...comfort them...sing to them...and help them feel safe and secure.

I believe that God hears us...sees us...and holds us without hesitation.  He loves us, comforts us, sings to us and assures us that we are safe in His Presence.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl