New Year wishes...

May the new year bring...
wonderful health,
precious peace,
genuine love,
unending joy,
tremendous hope,
continuous kindness and
opportunities to share them all.
Love living.  Live loving.
Be blessed.  Be a blessing.<3~thl

Labor and life...

Twenty-four years ago today, my body began a very, very long journey of childbirth.  It would be another day and a half before our precious son would arrive.  But I was so thrilled because I knew that once we held him in our arms, all the pain, work and time would be worthwhile.  Micah Charles is a tremendous blessing, far beyond anything we ever imagined.  Contrary to popular myths, the pain was not forgotten after the birth of either of our children.  Nor were the wonderful moments dismissed. For both have helped me learn additional life lessons.

Life's journey is not easy.  It brings more surprises, shocks, sadness and concerns than we could ever anticipate.  It also brings joys, celebrations, smiles and wonderful moments. Yet knowing that this journey eventually brings an arrival far greater than anything we can imagine gives us tremendous hope, encouraging perspective and valuable motivation. It will be worthwhile....when we see His face...when He holds us in our arms...and when we realize we are in the Presence of the One Who loves us most.

The childbirth experiences I have known were beautiful and worthwhile, even in the middle of challenges.  This life experience also holds challenges.  Knowing He will hold me gives me every reason to concentrate and celebrate life, too.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

A real reminder...

As we have been reminded again recently....

Cherish each moment. It is a gift with no guarantees for another one. 

Tell others you love them.  It may mean everything.  It may be the last time.

Listen to the hearts of others.  Each life matters and each heart needs to know.  

Celebrate each opportunity.  Even the smallest moments have incredible value.

Make memories.  They make this journey more precious than we realize.

Be real.  Laugh from your toes.  Cry from your heart.  Care deeply.  Always.

Love living.  Your life is valuable, purposeful and a miracle. Embrace it.

Live loving.  The love you share touches, influences and changes others...and you.

Hope.  Always hold onto hope.  Seasons change.  Hearts heal.  This is not the end.

Believe.  He holds us.  He loves us.  He is with us through it all. He cares.

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

New Birth, new beginnings...

It seems so interesting and amazing that Christmas and New Years Day are close on the calendar. Yet I find it more meaningful for another reason. Because of His Presence, we are given a new beginning. What a precious gift that brings amazing changes, new life, new hope and new direction. He has come. Life is precious and purposeful. Hope is alive. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

Faithful Father...

Although illness caused major changes in our plans this week, I am grateful for the love and understanding of family and friends.

I am reminded of God's great love and understanding when our plans differ from His path for us. How amazing that He still loves us, restores us and renews us. He is faithful, forgiving and merciful. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

Daily days...

Though this special day is over, I pray we will share love, laughter, joy, hope, peace and kindness each precious day of the year. How we spend the "daily days" truly speaks clearly of our hearts. May we cherish each moment and celebrate each opportunity as we love living and live loving.♥~thl

He was....and is...

He was delivered to us...so that He may deliver us!
He came to a world of sin...to carry the sins of the world.
Light led others toward Him...so that His light may lead us to Him.
Emmanuel...God with us.
I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone. ♥~thl

Merry Christmas to all my family and friends! You are loved! ♥~thl

Welcoming...

Although we experienced strong storms tonight, we later welcomed Christmas Eve..at just the right time.

Although Mary and Joseph experienced major concerns and circumstances, they later welcomed the Christ Child...at just the right time.

Although our journey often brings storms, challenges and uncertainty, He is always with us. May we remember that He will also welcome us Home...at just the right time. May we welcome Him...honor Him...and love Him...all the time. ♥~thl

Pausing to ponder...

As Mary prepared to give birth to God's son...
As Joseph prepared to be Jesus' earthly father...
As Jesus transitioned from Heaven to earth...
As God orchestrated His plan perfectly and purposefully...
As mankind would soon know the Son of God...
God knew.  God loved.  God cared.  God gave.

As we hurriedly, excitedly and even wearily prepare for Christmas,
May we pause, ponder and praise Him for His greatest gift.
God knows.  God loves.  God cares.  God gave.<3~thl

Darkness and Daylight...

Today was reported to be the shortest day of the year, referring to daylight hours.  Winter officially began this evening, too. Time passed so quickly between the longest day of the year, the beginning of summer...and now.

The good news is that daylight now begins to increase until summer.  Additional good news is that our winter weather has included many warm days. As I look outside and see unending rain, I am grateful that it is not snow!  Yet colder temperatures and snow will return.  After all, it is winter.

I began thinking.  I have a choice.  Either I can completely focus on the concerns of winter weather or I can be assured that each day brings us closer to spring.  Isn't life like that?  We face challenging seasons such as illness, grief, change and uncertainty.  Of course, those seasons bring valid concerns we must realistically address.

Yet what an opportunity to realize that it is all about perspective.  Each specific season is not the only one on this journey.  There is hope before, during and after the season.  There will be a place of no more pain, suffering, sadness and searching.  He knows that we will experience troubles here but He is always with us. He continually provides strength, peace and love.

We may face more darkness at times.  We may feel the chill of life's cruel and unfair seasons.  Yet I am thankful that we have a choice to believe what He says, be aware of His Presence and always be hopeful.  As the Christmas season surrounds us, may we be reminded of the true and powerful reason we celebrate.  We are amazed.  We are never alone.  We are always loved.<3~thl

He is and He will...

He told Mary she would give birth to the Son of God.  She did.
He told Joseph what was true and what would happen.  It did.
The shepherds were told that He had been born and to go worship Him.  They did.
All He said came to pass.

What He places on my heart, I believe.
Where He has led me, I have followed.
When His timing has differed from mine, He knew best.
What He says...is true.

I do not know what the future holds.
I do not realize His plan or timing.
When I remember what He has said and done, I believe.
He is Who He says He is.  He will do what He says.

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

A resemblance....

Our daughter recently posted a picture that compared a photo of me at five years of age...and a current picture of her.  It was very interesting to see how much she resembles me...although I definitely see lots of her Dad in her, too.  She smiles like him.  Her hands and feet are just like his. She is built smaller like his family. She is definitely a good combination of her parents.

We also see many similarities in Micah.  Most people see the resemblance of his Dad when they first meet him.  Yet he looks much like my high school and college pictures. He has my smile and my "puppy dog eyes."  He is tall like the Huffmans.  But his brown eyes and dark skin definitely resemble his Dad more than me.  He is also a good combination of his parents.

I began thinking.  How much do I resemble my Heavenly Father?  Do I speak as He would speak?  Do I love as He loves?  Am I grateful for all He does?  Do I listen to others' hearts as He listens to mine?  As we celebrate His birth, I pray that I will focus most on His love and life.  May my life be more like His each moment of this journey.<3~thl

Following His light...

Although it was dark, the Star continued to shine. They followed it...continually, faithfully, confidently.  They knew the light would lead to Him.

Although our journey holds dark moments, His Light continues to shine.  May we follow it...continually, faithfully, confidently.  His light leads us closer to Him...each step of the way.<3~thl

Alone?

I wonder....

Did Mary feel alone?  She carried the Son of God while others didn't understand.

Did Joseph feel alone?  He responded to major uncertainties as others watched.

Did Mary and Joseph feel alone?  This young couple delivered a baby without loved ones near.

Did the shepherds feel alone?  Their job seemed unnoticed and mundane.

Did Jesus feel alone?  From Heaven's glory to a world of sin, He was criticized and condemned.

Do we feel alone?  Especially at Christmas?  While others celebrate, our hearts may ache.

"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, (which means 'God with us')." Matthew 1: 23

He is with us...always.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

He is...

Tonight, I simply choose to be still...to cherish the silence...to enjoy each precious breath that He gives me from one moment to the next.  Tonight, I focus on Him...the Breath of Heaven...the Giver of Life...Love Himself...King of Kings...Lord of Lords...the Great I Am...my Audience of One.  This moment...this season...this life...is all about Him.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am loved...anyway.<3~thl

Lists and lessons...

As I crossed off the last item on my shopping list, I felt a sigh of relief...yet regret.  For months, I planned, organized and shopped for another Christmas season.  My goal is to have all shopping done by November 30.  That did not happen this year.  Another goal is to have all Christmas cards addressed and sent by December 1.  That hasn't happened, either. In my driven and systematic nature, I sometimes struggle with missing set goals on time.  When they are not met with efficiency and punctuality, I question my abilities and value.  Then I remember....

The most amazing plan was God designing, creating and loving...us. Yet ever since time began, we have made countless mistakes.  We do what He says not to do.  We don't do what He says to do.  We ignore His plan and seek our own.  We fall and wonder where He is in the middle of our mess.  I often imagine that He watches me and shakes His head from side to side wondering "What was I thinking?"

But that's not how a parent truly feels.  I have been a child...a teenager...a young adult...and am now a parent of two adult children.  Although I didn't always obey my parents as a child, they somehow managed to still love me.  As I have watched our children learn from their decisions, my love never changed for them, either.

When the One Who created me still loves me after all my mistakes, including missed goals...there is reason to believe that He still has purpose, value and a plan for my life, too.  He knew my goals would not always be realized on time.  He knew I would often make a mess of my life.  He knew I would be driven to do more yet be disappointed when I accomplish less.  But the one thing He wants me to remember...is that He loves me...anyway.

In this season of lists, lessons, and the journey of life, may I never lose sight of love...His Love...that makes all the difference.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Precious Presence...

In the middle of the Christmas rush, we have recently received bad news, sad news and concerning news.  For some reason, this time of year seems to include more tragedy, heartache, burdens and concerns than other seasons.  Perhaps busy schedules, overwhelming lists, shrinking budgets and tired bodies take a toll on us more than usual.  Perhaps celebrations, paused for challenges, influence us more strongly.  Maybe the end of another year leaves us less prepared for more realities of life.  

While I was in college pursuing a counseling/psychology degree, I learned that it is during this season and the following month or so that more people struggle with depression, loneliness and other challenges. That made me even more aware of the seemingly ironic pattern of seasons of celebration and growing concerns.

Then I remember the first Christmas.  There is definitely reason to celebrate the arrival of the Son of God.  Yet that time did not come easy, either.  Confusion was present.  Reputations were doubted..  Difficult journeys were taken.  Danger was possible.  Details were uncertain. What was promised from God was questioned by man.  Yet...He was Present.

Yes, God was Present, which brought peace, purpose and power to what He promised.  His Presence did not make life easy.  But His Presence made life precious and possible.  That remains true today.  He holds us.  He heals us.  He comforts us.  He strengthens us.  He leads us.  He loves us.  Whatever we face, He is with us.  Emmanuel...God with us.  We are not alone...no matter what life brings.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I believe.<3~thl

Because of Him...

Because of Him, there is love.

Because of Him, there is hope.

Because of Him, there is peace. 

Because of Him, there is strength.

Because of Him, I believe.<3~thl

Simple significance...

Simple....seemed so significant...as God's plan unfolded.
A simple, young woman followed God's call, and became the mother of His Son.
A simple carpenter...humble and human...trusted God and became Jesus' earthly father.
A simple manger...in rustic, lowly conditions...became the birthplace of the Savior.
A simple group of shepherds...infamous, common workers...received the first birth announcement from Heavenly hosts.

Simple...may seem so insignificant...on this journey.
Simple...surrendered to the hand of God...is greatly significant.
May I trust Him and honor Him...simply.<3~thl

So many questions...

Mary didn't know all the details.

Joseph didn't have all the answers.

Families and friends didn't understand the situation.

Shepherds didn't anticipate the events of that night.

So many questions.

So much trust in Him.

I don't know all the details.

I don't have all the answers.

I don't understand every situation.

I don't anticipate most of what happens.

So many questions.

May I learn to trust in Him...completely.<3~thl

The Light...

The light...
found a young woman who would become His mother.

The light...
found a young man who would become His earthly father.

The light...
led them on the long journey to the place of His birth.

The light...
surrounded them as they delivered Him into their arms.

The Light...
finds us, leads us, surrounds us and delivers us with His nail-scarred hands.<3~thl

In a moment...

In a moment...
what He spoke happened.

In a moment...
what was presented, she accepted
.
In a moment...
his uncertainty became reality.

In a moment...
their lives were surrendered to His plan.

In a moment...
the Son of God became a baby.

In a moment...
Love was born. Hope was here.

In a moment...
the star He had seen made was shining on Him as a newborn babe.

In a moment...
everything changed...forever.<3~thl

Stain removal...

It happened to one of my favorite items of clothing.  It didn't happen to something old or insignificant.  Instead, it happened to my pink blouse.  I looked down and saw two black marks which led me to an audible gasp!  Known as "the stain queen" in our house, I immediately began the process of treating it.  But I kept wondering why this happened to a favorite item and not one less valued.  

I began thinking.  I often wonder about what was thought, felt and said as Jesus prepared to leave Heaven for this world.  He would be mistreated, rejected, mocked, beaten and killed. I cannot imagine the pain He endured or the knowledge of all that would happen in His life here.

I also wonder if He saw the faces, hearts, minds and lives of countless people His love would touch.  Perhaps He saw a child who would never walk without His touch.  Maybe He saw a brokenhearted teen who needed to know He cares.  Perhaps He saw a shattered family who lost a child...and needed hope.  Maybe He saw a precious lady, lying in a bed, whose body was weary and who knew He would welcome her Home.  Perhaps He saw a life that had endured more than anyone realized...and was clinging to Him for strength to survive.  

I believe that His journey had everything to do with restoring lives, renewing hope, removing stains and rebuilding futures.  He knew that the journey would not be enjoyable.  But He loved us enough to make a way to hold us, heal us and make us new.  His blood stained body brought many gasps.  His horrific death was undeserved.  But He knew why it would happen...and He came to us anyway.  Love came.  Love cleansed.  Love saw stains...and Love removed them.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am loved.<3~thl

Auditioning but not alone...

It wasn't my best moment.  Communication had progressed with the director.  The audition was scheduled.  (Just for the record, I do not do well with testing, auditions or anything that puts my abilities, knowledge or life direction on the line.)  The day arrived.  Thanks to weather changes, asthma, sinus issues and allergies, my voice was eighty percent gone.  So I did what any responsible musician would do.  I emailed the director and asked what was the best option as I secretly hoped she would cancel the audition and grant...oh, let's say about ten years...to recover.  Being the understanding person she is, she told me to come in and audition anyway.  There went my backup plan.  

My voice was seriously limited.  As a soprano accustomed to hitting high notes, it was discouraging to sound more like a bass.  Yet I had been encouraged by a dear friend to join the community choir for years and now seemed like the right time to do so.  I tried everything I could to recover...hot showers, hot tea, warm-ups.  Nothing worked.  I was concerned.

Our daughter also auditioned that evening.  She is known for her angelic voice and here I was, "Mom with the raspy, basement voice," auditioning by her.  Rachel was encouraging.  I was terrified.  I am a perfectionist.  This was not going well...and definitely not perfectly.  I drove by Rachel's house, wondering why I was going through this "detour to disaster."  I warned her that I was ready to acknowledge her acceptance and my...non-acceptance. I would be happy for her.  Besides, so much is going on in my life, it will be best for me to wait.  I knew deep within, however, that being unable to sing with the choir would be disappointing for many reasons.  I love music.  Music is one of my greatest passions.  Yet I am not a quitter so here I was...determined to handle this like a southern lady...gracious, strong, polite...until I could privately crash at home.  

Arriving at the studio, we realized there were steps...many, steep steps.  It looked like 9,125 steps, at least.  There were probably only fifteen.  An asthma attack once I reached the top of the steps didn't help.  By the time I used my inhaler, (which makes one's voice more raspy), tried to recover, (meaning, short of breath), and realized my voice had now been reduced to ten percent,  I was not feeling victorious.  

Yet telling a southern, Cherokee, middle-aged mom that she can't do something actually feeds her determination to do it even more.  I had to try.  Let's just say that the director and accompanist had hearts of gold.  Both Rachel and I were later invited to be a part of the choir!

When I told a dear friend about my experience, she said, "Honey, the only thing you had on your side was God."  I agreed and began thinking.  My life journey has held many tough days and amazing days.  Yet when I consider all that has happened, I have no doubt that the only way I survived...was God.  Whether I am speaking or silent, breathing or broken, celebrating or sobbing, determined or distracted, He is the reason for my strength, hope, joy and peace.  His love embraces and sustains me.  His Presence is my reason...to keep on singing...no matter what...every day.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

People in crowds...

It was so crowded. Shopping this time of year is not what I consider enjoyable. I recently watched people in a store and my heart became heavy. Most seemed preoccupied. Some were rude. Some were oblivious to others around them. Manners, patience and kindness were scarce. Then I saw him. A gentleman most likely in his late 80s was helping someone else. My heart stirred with gratitude. May we see people in crowds instead of crowds of people. Each life matters to Him. May they matter to us. ♥~thl

She listened...

It is quiet, dark and peaceful. Yet so much lies ahead in the coming weeks.

I wonder how Mary felt knowing that in just a few weeks, her life would change even more...forever. She listened to Him. She trusted Him. Even when questions stirred within her, criticism surrounded her and the Son of God moved inside her, she knew God held her continually.

I am thankful for her example of trust, love and surrender. May I learn, live and love accordingly.♥~thl

Stirring, soft, selfless light...

Those who know me best know that I am very selective about lighting.  I love lighting but I definitely prefer soft, gentle lighting to harsh, bright lighting.  I also appreciate how light is presented.

During our full time ministry years, we served in wonderful communities with beautiful buildings.  One of my favorite memories is the lighting that appeared from within Church buildings during night hours. When we served at Germantown Christian Church, I found it breathtaking to view beautiful stained glass windows illuminated from light within the building.  The scenes and stories reflected His light in tender, rich hues.  If the lights were out, the windows were dark.  But if the lights were on, those windows presented loving truth.

One of my greatest childhood memories is the lighting used by my home church, Level Green Christian Church in Newport, Virginia, at Christmas time.  In each of the tall, stately windows is a single, soft candle glowing all night long.  This simple, humble scene promotes His peace...His light...His love...quietly and effectively.  I literally gasp with amazement each time we drive by that familiar, beautiful place I love so dearly.  My soul is stirred as I am reminded how soft lighting inside reaches out in the darkest nights to reflect hope, warmth and love.

It's no secret that I am not a spotlight person.  It's not my personality.  It's not my desire.  It's not my goal.  My deepest hope and prayer are not for me to be seen in the light...but...only His light...to be seen in me.  I simply want to reflect Him...softly, tenderly...with my story simply leading to His love, His hope, His peace and His Presence.

Yes, I am selective about lighting....soft instead of harsh, reflective instead of reactive and His instead of mine.  May His light shine above all else now...and forever.<3~thl

A special Star...

I remember that star.  It was simple.  It was shiny.  It was special.  With five children at home, I know my parents had plenty to keep them busy.  Yet for some reason, they chose to make the star for the top of the Christmas tree that year.

In that time, we didn't have Walmart or huge stores to buy everything we thought we needed.  We lived simply.  We made most of what we needed.  We had a huge garden.  Mom canned food for the winter.  Dad worked hard as a carpenter.  Mom worked hard as a homemaker.  It was a treat to go out to eat once a month or so.  We had what we needed and we knew the difference between wants and needs.

I am sure there were tree tops for sale at the store in town.  But the only star I truly remember during my childhood years...is the star Mom and Dad made.  Dad designed, measured and cut it precisely and perfectly.  Mom used aluminum foil to wrap around it...with no creases, wrinkles or tears.  It was a genuine labor of love.  It was beautiful.  It is remembered...vividly.

Noticing advertisements online, on television and in the paper, I realize that we have lost the gift of simplicity.  The abundant offerings for "the perfect Christmas" will soon be forgotten.  Sure, I enjoy decorated trees, Christmas music, surprising loved ones and making memories each year.  Yet it seems challenging to remain focused in such an atmosphere of hurry, worry, expense and expectations.

I want to remember the Star of that first Christmas.  I want to remember how Someone loved us so much that He sent His only Son to this earth.  I want to remember that through simplicity came a Savior, through miracles came a Messiah and through love came our Lord.  I want to look upward and see a beautiful, simple, perfect Star Who was given as a labor of love...for us.  May I remember Who really matters...every day...vividly.<3~thl

Prayer request...

Please pray for my father in law, Paul Lorenz,(Sugarcreek, OH), who has been hospitalized since last weekend with double pneumonia.  With heart concerns, the situation is even more complicated.  Please also pray for his wife, Sandy, his three sons and their families, his siblings and his two step-daughters and their families, as we all try to do what is needed to help him recover.  Thank you!<3~thl

Lives of light...

As lights illuminate our home, neighborhood, town and countryside, I can't help but smile.  I remember all the "lights" that have been shining on my life journey.  It never ceases to amaze me that wherever I have been, someone cared...someone smiled...someone encouraged, someone influenced my life.  Whether family, friends, school teachers, ministers, church youth leaders, work colleagues, neighbors, college family, church families, medical personnel or folks in places of business, I always saw His light shining through them each step of the way.  

It is my prayer that we remember to reflect Him wherever we go each day.  We never know what someone is experiencing but we do know that He cares.  So should we.  

To all of those precious folks who watched me grow up, or met me in college, knew me in Churches or other places along the way...thank you!  You made a difference.  I remember...and I thank God for each of you!<3~thl