Hearts like His...

My heart is overflowing with joy because of the kindness of others.  In a season of life that can be overwhelming, discouraging and sometimes frustrating, I have been made aware of the love, thoughtfulness, faithfulness and authenticity of precious hearts reaching out to weary lives.  It is that kind of love...that kind of life...that kind of humility...that kind of servant's heart...that truly reflect Him.  It's more than words. It's a way of life.  Thank You, God, for shining brightly through hearts that know and serve You beautifully.<3~thl

True gifts...

Tonight I am humbled and grateful for hearts that truly care, for smiles that truly touch, for hope that never ends and for life that amazes me each day. May I always remember to love living and live loving. ♥~thl

Soft light...

Our tree is up and decorated for Christmas. Somehow, it looks especially beautiful this year as it lights up the room and vaulted ceilings. Something I notice continually is that soft light is much more attractive and welcoming than harsh, bright lighting. I began thinking. It has been the gentle, kind, tender hearts that have touched my life most effectively. May my light be clear yet kind, illuminating but not insensitive and genuine yet gentle....in a world that needs true love. ♥~thl

Black Friday, Dark Friday...

It is quiet tonight after a very busy black Friday for many people. I know about another dark Friday that ended with a deafening silence. Yet it was not the end of His purpose, plan or Presence. May I remember the hope, love and peace that surround me each day of this journey. In darkest night and in brightest day, He is with us...always.♥~thl

Working together....

As I watched our family work together to prepare and clean up our Thanksgiving meal, I thanked God for a sweet reminder of His love. What would have taken much more work and time to complete alone was done more efficiently and effectively together as a family. I am thankful that I never face this life journey without my Father loving, holding and helping my every step. I may not always understand it but I can always trust Him. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

Thanksgiving...Thanksliving...

Today is Thanksgiving...but it is my prayer that each day will be Thanksliving.  For it is on the mountains and in the valleys, in the storms and in the sunshine, in seasons of drought and seasons of plenty, in health and in illness, in alone times and in surrounded times, in heartache and in a heart of joy...that we learn how precious this gift of life is to us.  May we love living...and live loving...and be grateful for a heart that beats, a friend who cares, a love that is genuine and our God Who holds us each step of this journey.

Happy Thanksgiving Day to all of my friends and family, near and far.  May your lives be touched with hope, peace, love, joy and gratitude every moment.<3~thl

Thankful and thinking...

It's difficult to not be back home for Thanksgiving.  I wish I could be with my Dad and Mom over the weekend.  I would make sure that Dad has something special for Thanksgiving dinner.  I would make sure Mom gets lots of hugs and smiles.  But my love for them crosses the miles and they know I will see them soon.  My heart breaks as I miss them but they are always with me in love, prayers and thoughts.

It's difficult to not be Home with loved ones for Thanksgiving.  I know it is beautiful in the Presence of God and so many loved ones now there.  I would hug the One Who loves me most then find all my precious family and friends whom I miss each day.  But my love for them crosses the bridge just one breath away and I will see them someday soon.  My heart breaks as I miss those I love so dearly and miss so deeply.  Yet I know they are in a wonderful place and I hold them near in my heart and thoughts.

Meanwhile, I am very thankful for family and friends near and far. As Thanksgiving day draws near, I am reminded of precious lives who have made a difference in mine.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Inspired...

While using my nebulizer recently, I noticed a word on the equipment I had never noticed before now. Inspiration. It didn't take long for me to realize the precious connection between a machine that helps me breathe...and the inspiration term attached to it.

I am deeply thankful for the One Who gave me breath in the beginning, Who keeps me breathing presently and Who inspires me to continue depending on Him each moment on this journey. He gives me physical breath, which I have learned to appreciate more each day. Yet His unconditional love inspires me as He breathes peace and purpose into my life each step of the way. Truly, the Breath of heaven holds me as this journey leads me Home.

I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

Planning...

We took the turkey out of the freezer yesterday so it will have several days to thaw in the fridge. Daily plans are in place for the week.

I began thinking. If we invest this much effort into Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday preparation, I wonder how much thought and effort we place on this life journey. What is most important today? What is our greatest investment before we leave this world?

It's no secret that I love to cook. Yet I hope that my greatest passion in life will not be centered around favorite recipes...but making a difference in the lives of others...for Him. ♥~thl

Rejected...yet received...

I have been reminded recently that although the world may reject someone, God doesn't ignore that life. He is faithful. He loves, holds and heals us when others walk away. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

Roses and snow...

Snow showers are predicted for later today...but I enjoyed more reminders of His hope and promises again this afternoon! Beautiful pink roses continue to bloom, grow and share their beauty on our back deck.  Spring will arrive. Seasons come and go. There is beauty today and tomorrow. His love remains. His love endures forever. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone. ♥~thl

Unplanned...

It was exciting as I worked on my "list of lists" today.  This includes the Thanksgiving menu, the shopping lists, the preparation list and the order of preparation list.  It may be quite obvious that I enjoy some degree of order in my life. Yet it is not uncommon for me to entertain a random idea and enjoy it immensely.  In the big picture, however, I do appreciate order, planning and organization.

I began thinking.  No matter how much I enjoy order, life does not always go according to plans.  Things we never imagined would happen...do.  Things we hoped would happen...don't.  Our plans may be made with great intention and purpose.  It is actually important to have a sense of direction in life.  Yet I learned long ago that the fulfillment of my plans is not my ultimate goal.

He has taken me where I never thought I would go.  He has not taken me where I thought He would.  He has carried me through seasons I never expected.  He has allowed seasons I never wanted.  Yet His plans for my life cause me to lean on Him, trust Him, believe Him and follow Him.  I may never understand why...but I always know...Who...knows best.

Obviously, my life does not unfold as smoothly as my list-making endeavors.  But my life is in His hands. So my journey includes seasons, surprises and special lessons I never imagined.   I am amazed. I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Included...

In a world that so frequently excludes, I am grateful for God Who always includes me with His love and faithfulness.  Knowing that the Creator, the Master Designer, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Great I Am...cares about me makes this journey precious and purposeful.

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

November roses...

Though it is the middle of November with rain arriving soon...and snow showers predicted for this weekend, I noticed beautiful pink roses growing outside our back door today. What an incredible reminder that even in the middle of storms and uncertainty, God lovingly provides hope, beauty and promises which surround us each moment. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone. ♥~thl

May I celebrate...

May I...

listen more than I speak,

pray more than I stress,

encourage more than I doubt,

care more than I criticize,

live more gratefully and

love more generously.<3~thl

Missing her...

Oh, how I miss you, Grandma Genny! Fourteen years ago today, you went Home to a place of no more tears, no more sickness, no more sadness and no more storms. Your life here touched countless lives forever. I can hardly wait to see you again. Until then, please hug Jesus and all our loved ones for me. Thank you for being an amazing Grandma who shared love, laughter, music, great cooking and wonderful memories with so many of us. I love you, Grandma! See you soon! ♥~thl

Found in Him...

In Him, I find peace. 
In Him, I find hope. 
In Him, I find security. 
In Him, I find strength. 
In Him, I find joy. 
In Him, I find life
In Him, I find love.
I am amazed.
I am grateful.
I am never alone.♥~thl

Holding on....

You hold us in the storms. You hold us in the shadows. You hold us in the suffering. You hold us in each season. You hold us in our sorrows. You hold us...always. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

Seasons of love...

Today I was reminded of life's rapidly changing seasons.  The early morning brought rain and thunder.  Late morning brought strong winds.  The afternoon brought sunshine and cool temperatures.  Yet through it all, I was fortunate to be protected in a warm, dry home.

I began thinking.  How wonderful to know that whatever life brings, I am held in the arms of the One Who loves me, protects me and provides for me. Windy or warm, sunny or stormy, calm or cool...I am in His care.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

It's time...

It's time..

to change what I can,

to stop wasting energy on what I can't,

to celebrate each moment,

to stop wasting precious time,

to focus on what really matters to me,

to put what doesn't matter behind me,

to enjoy being amazed,

to stop being distracted,

to embrace each joy of this journey,

to dismiss what prevents joy on this journey,

to love living....and live loving.

It's time to love life as the gift we've been given.<3~thl 

Veteran's Day gratitude...

If you enjoy and appreciate our freedom, thank God and thank our veterans! Many of my relatives served this country, including my favorite veteran, my Dad, Charles W. Huffman! Dad was wounded and became very ill while serving in the Army during the Korean War. Thanks to each veteran who served and sacrificed. Thank you, Dad! I love you and am so grateful God brought you back home safely. ♥~thl
‪#‎freedomisnotfree‬ 
‪#‎theyserveandsacrifice‬ 
‪#‎iamgrateful‬ 
‪#‎Godblessourveterans‬

Voice lesson...

During my college career, I was fortunate to join the concert choir during my freshman year and enjoyed tremendous opportunities until my college years were complete.  Lessons were many.  Work was continuous.  Memories are priceless.

One of many valuable lessons our director taught us involved our dynamics as vocalists.  He often reminded us that if we could not hear ourselves, we were singing too softly.  However, if we could not hear our neighbors, we were singing too loudly.  I tried to instill this with every choir I later directed, whether adults, teens or children.  Yet as I remember those insightful words, I also realize their truth in this life journey.

We all have been given a voice with our purpose, value, abilities and gifts.  God designed these to honor Him and serve others.  Our "voice" should not be so silent that we allow the world to remove it.  Yet it is equally important that we are respectful of other "voices" He equipped to share on this journey.  May we not be so consumed with our own voice that we dismiss the purpose, value and gifts He has given others.

I love hearing voices blend in beautiful harmony.  It never ceases to amaze me that God's gift of music includes the perfect mix of male and female voices in soprano, alto, tenor and bass parts.  Whether voices are masculine, feminine, high or low, strong or soft,  they unite and deliver incredible, miraculous messages that touch the heart as nothing else can.

May we remember to lift our voices together...in unity, harmony and delivery.  Each voice matters to Him.  May each voice also matter to us.<3~thl

Present page...

A blank page lies before me as a new week unfolds. I do not know what tomorrow may bring or whose path I will cross. But my story is not without an Author Who holds me continually. May each word, line, paragraph and page become His story as every moment unveils His faithfulness and love. ♥~thl

Planning ahead, celebrating now...

It's definitely time for planning. Our family discussed the Thanksgiving menu last night. (Each person requests a favorite dish..or two.) Plus my Christmas shopping list is already categorized and being processed. I may not like cold weather...but I do enjoy organized holidays. smile emoticon May the moments ahead be cherished...as well as each moment we have...today. Each breath is reason to celebrate! ♥~thl

Grateful journey...

An attitude of gratitude may not make life's situations any easier.
An attitude of gratitude does make life's journey more beautiful.<3~thl

Grateful for gifts...

I have learned, in good times and tough times, to be thankful at all times.  From morning until now, I have seen His gifts all around me.

I opened my eyes and was able to see.

I awoke to a husband and son sleeping soundly.

I read a good morning message from our daughter.

I am breathing...even easily...today.

I walked around our house and yard.

I played with our precious fur babies.

I was able to cook meals.

I heard the voice of my Dad on the phone.

My Mom is still with us.

I was able to communicate with friends.

Our house is warm and dry.

My beautiful rosebush is blooming in November.

I heard wonderful music today as I worked.

I have a comfortable bed to sleep in tonight.

I know that God is with me each moment.
I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Step aside...

Today was a day of victory!  After an unfortunate month off, I was finally able to begin working out again.  I certainly didn't accomplish anything of marathon standards, but I set a starting goal...and met it.  I am so grateful for this small, yet very significant accomplishment.

I began thinking.  Life's journey also brings delays and victories.  We may seem to do well and then face an obstacle that slows down the pace...tremendously.  There may even be times when we feel we are not making progress at all.  Yet there is purpose in healing, waiting, listening and seeking Him in every situation.  For in His timing, we are renewed, restored and refreshed to continue our journey in whatever season we encounter.  Steps may be slow and small initially.  Yet each step that leads us closer to Him is significant and special.

It isn't always easy for a driven person like me to change the pace on my journey.  Yet it is in the unexpected delays and detours, God has taught me the most beautiful, meaningful and loving lessons.  I have missed working out for the past several weeks.  But I have learned to slow down, soak in His presence and accept that the most precious steps are those which find us simply sitting at His feet.<3~thl

Mrs. Martha...

It wasn't an easy day.  But it was a precious day.  When Mrs. Martha's family called last weekend and asked if I would play piano for her funeral, I was deeply touched.  Mrs. Martha, Mr. John and all of their family have been special to us since we moved here twenty-two years ago.  Although we were saddened to hear that Mrs. Martha was gone, we were at peace knowing that she was no longer struggling with Alzheimer's Disease...and that she is now in a place of no more pain, disease, sadness or tears.  So it was a privilege to honor Mrs. Martha, and her family, by simply playing piano for them at this very moving time in their lives.

Yet, as we left the service today, I felt encouraged.  In the middle of this family's grief, they were ministering to everyone who attended the service.  They exhibited authentic love, faith, gratitude, hope, peace, compassion, kindness and joy.  They celebrated Mrs. Martha's life...on earth...and now in the Presence of God for eternity.  Stories were shared with laughter, tears, lessons learned and memories to treasure.  

Today I saw hope shining even in the darkest hour.  I saw love extended in the middle of grief.  I saw compassion in the middle of heartache.  I saw peace in the middle of loss. I saw faith in the middle of sadness.  I saw joy in past, present and future circumstances.  I saw a family living with love for God, for each other and for their community.  

It wasn't an easy day.  But it was a precious day.  I am grateful for this family who taught many of us that each day...even the tough days...are opportunities to love living...and live loving.  We love you, Mrs. Martha.  Give Mr. John a hug for us.  We love you both and we will see you soon.<3~thl 

May I...

My heart aches for those who are hurting.
May I share His love with them.
My heart aches for those who are overwhelmed.
May I share His hope with them.
My heart aches for those who are weary.
May I share His strength with them.
My heart aches for those who are searching.
May I share His peace with them.
My heart aches for an uncertain world.
May I serve Him...each moment.<3~thl

Each day...

In the pace of today, I sense His presence.

In the cares of today, I feel His peace.

In the joys of today, I recognize His hope.

In the tasks of today, I realize His strength.

Each moment today, I am surrounded by His love.

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

Another day...

Another day has come and gone. I keep thinking about all the plans and work ahead of me in the coming months. I already feel so inadequate since I wanted to have everything in order by now. Then I hear those familiar words..."Peace I leave with you...My peace I give unto you.."...and I pause. My focus should be on Him...completely. May I remember His peace, His hope, His joy and His love today and always. He is with me. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

The beginning of November...

November 1 arrived and I am wondering how this year has passed so quickly. It has not been an easy year on many levels. But I am so thankful for each moment, each faithful friend, each opportunity and every assurance that He is always with me. May I cherish today...and each gift from Him...with gratitude and celebration! May I love living and live loving! ♥~thl