When You...

When there are no words to say...

When there are no answers to share...

When there are no places to run...

You hold me.

When there are rocky steps to cross...

When a bruised heart waits to mend...

When there is breath to find again...

You heal me.

When night turns into morning...

When a soul sings with strength once more...

When hope and joy embrace the path...

You renew me.

When twists and turns of this journey unfold...

When tears and laughter surround my steps...

When life's rhythms or silence accompany the way...

You are with me.

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

Music memories...

Someone once mentioned that music is something we already know will be present in Heaven.  I greatly appreciate that for I have always considered music a beautiful gift from God.  Honestly, I cannot imagine a moment....a day...a world without music. I am deeply and forever grateful for music.

Music brings back so many memories.  From earliest days, I recall Dad as the worship leader in my home church. I remember Mom singing and whistling as she worked around our home.  I remember Dad teaching me songs as "we" worked on the family car.  I remember both of my grandmothers playing piano. I remember extended families gathering around the piano to sing carols on Christmas Day.  I remember my Grandmother's player piano sitting in the corner of her living room, which she let me play countless times.  I remember my parents purchasing a piano for their home...which now sits in mine.  I remember choirs singing in churches and schools.  I remember youth group trips that turned into music marathons on the church bus.  I remember standing in front of crowds singing as a toddler.  I even remember crawling upon my parents' piano bench, reaching my young hands out to the piano and playing my first song, which brought Mom upstairs in record time.  I remember auditioning for the college concert choir and going on multiple tours.  I remember playing piano for college and church services, individual solos, weddings and funerals.  I remember directing adult choirs, children's choirs and teen choirs. I remember piano lessons, voice lessons, theory classes and times I simply had to sing or play...alone...when nothing else helped.

It isn't uncommon for me to listen to classical music that takes my breath away.  It isn't uncommon for me to play "air piano" or sing with an "air microphone" as I listen to rock music while working in the kitchen.  It isn't uncommon for me to enjoy hymns, contemporary songs, country ballads or show tunes as the stereo plays...continually.

Yet my heart continually longs for music I have not heard...yet.  I hear Him each day in the gentle rain, the laughter of children, the cool summer breeze or the birds singing in spring.  Yet I deeply long to hear Him sing...the Maker of music, the Great I Am, the One Who loves me most, my Audience of One. I pray that as I sing or play music...He will hear a heart grateful for His love, mercy, grace and hope. Someday, I will stand before Him as He not only speaks...but sings...and I will know I am finally Home...hearing the most beautiful music of all...for eternity.<3~thl

Quiet strength...

In the stillness of this moment...
In the calm of this night...
In the peace of His Presence...
I wait.  I listen.  I hope.
He hears. He knows.  He cares.
I am amazed.
I am grateful.
I am His.
I am never alone.<3~thl

Seasons of seeking...

As the snow melts, I feel mixed emotions.  Part of me is very pleased that the brutal weather conditions are gone.  Part of me misses the scenery of a beautiful blanket of white covering our surroundings.  Part of me wants the melting to end soon because the ground has become a muddy mess.  Part of me is grateful for the moisture that is seeping into the ground, which should nurture the grass, plants, trees and flowers this spring.

I began thinking.  Even in the most brutal, messy or challenging seasons of life, we have a choice.  Of course, it is necessary to recognize the reality and importance of the situation.  Yet it is often helpful to also see positive aspects of difficult times.  Perhaps we learn to appreciate what really matters most.  Perhaps we become more aware of the love and support of true friends.  Perhaps we learn that real hope, peace and strength come from the One Who holds, heals and helps us through these times.

Life lessons don't always arrive in one season.  Yet I am deeply grateful that whether in the beauty of spring, the heat of summer, the transformation of fall or the chill of winter, I am never alone.  I am amazed.  I am grateful...for His Presence...in every season.<3~thl  

Pencil points...

While working on music recently, I realized my pencil was getting dull.  So I took several pencils to my son's room and within seconds, the electric pencil sharpener took care of my concern.  I began thinking.

During childhood, we could only use pencils for school work. (Ink pens weren't allowed until high school.)  Pencil sharpeners were mounted on the teacher's desk with specific times for cranking the handle until our pencils were ready for the day's work.

If a pencil became dull or broken at home, however, there was no pencil sharpener available.  Yet all I had to do was take the pencil to my Dad who pulled out his pocket knife and sharpened my pencil...carefully, kindly and consistently.  The grooves where he painstakingly worked on my pencil reminded me of his love, patience and willingness to help anytime my brothers or I needed him.  For some reason, it always seemed like the pencil stayed sharp longer, too.  Maybe that was because I was always so proud of the "labor of love" I saw each time I used pencils Dad sharpened for me.  My pencil seemed more special as I worked on classwork and homework.

I have learned that life's journey is also sweeter when I am more focused on the love, patience and help my Heavenly Father extends to me.  When I take time to notice what He painstakingly does in my life, each moment seems more special, precious and purposeful.  When I see a beautiful sunset or the moonlight reflecting on the new fallen snow...when I see a newborn baby smile or the kindness of an elderly person...when someone's thoughtfulness touches my heart at just the right time...or when a song reminds me of a tender memory...I know He is carefully, kindly and consistently reaching out with His love.  If I fail to see the hand-shaped "grooves" of God's Presence, I am missing the most beautiful point of all.  He is with me.  He continues to write my story.  I am never, ever alone.<3~thl

Little touches, big blessings...

It is the little things that mean the most. Today I was blessed with kindness, concern, friendliness and even an invitation to do something I love...for others. When someone sees another's life as valuable, worth their concern and including them beyond words, it touches hearts deeply. May I touch others' lives for Him, as He has touched my life through others. I may not be famous or prestigious but I love loving others. May that make a difference, too. ♥~thl

Blessed breathing...

While many people like snow, I am grateful for Rxs and the nebulizer machine that keeps me breathing in this weather. Asthma has taught me that each breath is a precious gift...and that however I am able to breathe, I am deeply grateful. Snow is beautiful but breathing is very precious, too. I am grateful for His protection and provision every moment. ♥~thl

Snow angels...

Tonight I am thankful for all those who are helping others in this dangerous winter storm. For neighbors who help each other, for friends who check on each other, for family that is there for each other, for those clearing roads, for first responders, for people who truly care about each other. It is in times like these that we realize the many blessings we have. It has not been an easy day or evening but it has been richly blessed. May we share gratitude, concern and compassion for each other continually.♥~thl

Winter storm wish...

It's on the way.  The predicted snowstorm is getting closer and in a matter of several hours, our surroundings will be covered in a major blanket of white.  Although I am not a fan of winter, there are two things that fascinate me about times like this.

I am amazed by the way snow falls consistently.  Whether on grass, roads, vehicles, trees or rooftops, the snow covers it with no exception.  It reminds me of the One Who loves me...no matter where my journey has been or how many scars I wear.  He continues to love me...anyway.

I am also amazed by the silence snow brings.  Somehow, the world seems more quiet, calm and peaceful. It reminds me of the peace I find when I am totally still in His Presence.  Words are not always necessary for Him to hear my heart, calm my soul and capture my focus.

Perhaps the inconveniences of this storm may be turned into opportunities to relax, reflect and rest in His love and peace.  Soon the world will return to life's normal busyness and demands.  Yet for this moment, I hope to be still...and let God love me...in the beauty and silence of the season and a storm.<3~thl

Steps..onward....

Steps...
forward, backward, upward, downward, sideways.
All are part of this journey.

Stops...
occasionally happen when obstacles interfere.
We pause.  We learn.  We proceed.

Sometimes...
others try to halt our steps.  I wish I knew why.
Rejection.  Exclusion.  Isolation.  Accusations.

Someone...
Knows me.  Created me.  Holds me.  Loves me.
Guides me.  Has a plan for me.

Steps...
forward, backward, upward, downward, even stopped.
All are part of this journey.
He will lead me...onward.  Order my steps, Lord.
In You will I trust.<3~thl

Presence steps...

It happens at just the right time...every time. While pondering serious questions, something inevitably happens that reminds me of His faithfulness and sovereignty. I never take one step without His Presence. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

Precious Presence...

In my steps,
In my silence,
In every situation,
In all the celebrations,
In sunshine and in storms,
He is with me.
He holds me.
He loves me.
I am amazed.
I am grateful.
I am never alone.<3~thl

Unseen steps...

Sometimes our steps are slowed...seemingly stopped...by external or internal circumstances. Today was one of those days. This week may contribute to more of the same. Although steps are not seen, I believe we may learn and grow as we wait, trust and believe. Even when I don't understand, He still holds me...and cares.♥~thl

Stepping back to step forward...

Sometimes it is wise, necessary and healing to step back, pause and reevaluate a situation. It doesn't mean I have failed, missed my goal or plan. It simply means I have learned to adjust the direction of my steps more effectively and essentially. Each step matters. Each moment counts. Every breath is a gift to cherish and celebrate.♥~thl

Steps of certainty...

Some steps confirm what I believe.
Some steps make me question what I see.
Some steps are beautiful while others are broken.
Some steps are precious while others are painful.
Yet each step I take is with purpose and  promise.
I hope.  I feel.  I bruise. I believe.
This journey is real...and I am never alone.<3~thl

Winter's spring cleaning...

It may be winter but I have begun spring cleaning.  Although my present projects are small steps, there will be more time for larger projects when spring arrives. It also gives me opportunity to do something now that represents hope and belief in what lies ahead.

I began thinking.  Life's journey is a beautiful gift but also includes challenging seasons.  Yet it is important to realize that each step takes us closer to a time of no more illness, pain, sadness or sorrows.  Holding onto hope and celebrating life, love and joy are tremendous opportunities to continually seize and cherish.  

When I see the bright sun in the sky, I am reminded of Who placed it there.  When I hear snow dripping off the roof, I remember Who brings warmth into my heart.  When I wrap up in layers to face brutal temperatures, I realize that He is holding me each moment.  When I see my breath in cold air, I have no doubt Who faithfully gives me each one.  When I see small projects completed before spring, I am certain that He will bring new life, new beauty and new opportunities beyond what I presently face.

It may be winter...but I believe...in hope, love, Him...and spring.<3~thl

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Last weekend, my family and I made a quick trip to Virginia to visit my parents. I couldn't help but try to capture the love of my Dad and Mom as we celebrated her special day. Today...January 14...is Mom's 81st birthday! Although the recent journey has been challenging, it is a blessing to see her tremendous spirit, their unending love and Dad's precious faithfulness. Happy Birthday, Mom! We love you and will see you again soon! May your day be extra special...just like you!♥~thl

Some steps...

Some steps I walk in silence.
Some steps I walk in peace.
Some steps I walk in faith alone.
Some steps I walk in deepest thought.
Some steps I walk in silent song.
Yet I know, without a single doubt,.
Each step I walk is never without His love.
I am amazed.
I am grateful.
I am never alone.<3~thl

Small, significant steps...

Sometimes my steps are small.
Sometimes my steps are slow. 
But I have learned that life is not a marathon. 
It's a journey to cherish, embrace, celebrate and savor. 
So although my steps are not always fast or strong, each one is precious to me. 
I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

My steps...in Him...

In each step, He holds me.
With each step, He loves me. 
Before each step, He assures me.
After each step, He sustains me. 
Each step is precious. 
Every step is meaningful.
What a joy to know that these steps lead me closer to Him.
I am amazed.
I am grateful.
I am never alone.♥~thl

Trusting steps...

Tonight I am thankful for each step He gives me on this journey. I may not have all the answers but I trust the One Who does. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

Step by step...

Each step matters.  Each step counts.  Each step is a gift.  

Some steps are refreshing, like splashing water in a cool, mountain stream.  

Some steps are pleasant, like a stroll in summer's lush, green grass.

Some steps are painful, like walking barefoot on a rocky path.

Some steps require patience, like shifting slowly through sand toward the ocean.

Some steps are uneven, like trying to move when one foot is broken.

Some steps are quiet, like tiptoeing around a baby's crib.  

Some steps are joyful, like running toward the arms of a loved one.

Some steps are difficult, like weary, worn feet after a long day's work.

Some steps are frightening, like moving in a dark room, trying to avoid large objects.

Yet all steps are purposeful on this journey as they take us closer to Him.

How reassuring to know that when we can no longer stand, He not only holds our hand, but reaches down, picks us up and carries us Home...in His arms.  

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

Loving through listening...

For those who know me best, it is no surprise that I love horses.  I have loved them since childhood and I will love them for life.  Ironically, I have spent the last twenty-two years residing near horse farms, a horse park and a horse track. So it was thoughtful when my husband recently gave me a book about horses.  The book is full of wonderful information, including many details I did not know.  I began thinking.

Reading about horses is very informative and enjoyable.  I have no doubt that I will continue to search for more books and information about my favorite animals.  Yet there is a difference in learning about horses...and riding or owning horses.  One approach teaches us about them.  The other teaches us to know them.  One offers knowledge.  The other offers experience.

In a fast-paced society where we communicate so easily with others, there remains a vast difference in knowing about someone and knowing someone.  We may learn more about them through social media, emails or texts.  Yet there is no substitute for sitting down with our friends, family, neighbors or co-workers...and hearing their hearts.

One of my present goals is to take time to listen...truly listen...to the hearts of others.  I enjoy getting to know people.  More than ever, I believe there are many hearts, lives and stories that need to be heard.  As this new year unfolds, I pray that lives will be shown compassion, love and kindness by our actions and not words alone. Knowing Someone cares and hears my heart gives me every reason to share the same with others.  Dear Lord, help me listen to others as You listen to me.<3~thl

Good enough...

They are heartbreaking words.  "I've never been good enough."  I heard someone speak them recently.  Part of me wanted to immediately assure the individual that they are special and valuable.  Another part of me, honestly, understands all too well how that has felt.  In a world of comparison, competition, selfishness and exclusion, I suspect more people feel this way than we realize.

It is my sincere prayer that each person will realize how much their life truly matters.  I also pray that we become more aware of how we treat each other on this journey.  Our words can be destructive.  Our jokes can be painful.  Our actions can be damaging.  Our indifference can be cruel.

He loved us enough to die for us.  May we love Him enough to treat others with kindness, respect and love.<3~thl

Peace in preparation...

Recently, my husband and I went grocery shopping.  That may sound quite routine but it is a major endeavor.  We go to the grocery store every six to eight weeks.  Sure, there are other times we stop for more milk or fresh produce. Yet we have found that making large trips less often saves money, keeps supplies organized and prevents unnecessary purchases. It requires planning ahead as well as keeping an updated list but it works exceptionally well. I also tabulate each item as we shop so I know what to expect later.  I began thinking about this process.

There is no doubt that I learned a great deal from my parents as they provided for a family of seven.  With five children, (four of them were sons), they worked hard to make sure we had what we needed. Mom stayed busy working at home.  Dad worked hard at his job, then returned home to help with chores and projects..  We were taught to never waste, to work hard, to share, to be responsible and to appreciate what we had.  Needs always came before wants.  I know they sacrificed so that our needs...and occasional wants...were met.

I am constantly amazed how God takes care of us.  Often, I am so busy trying to take care of family, house and other projects that I forget to thank Him for all He does.  I even forget to share my deepest concerns with Him sometimes.  Yet there's never been a day I went without His love, mercy, grace, protection and provision.  There's never been a time I had to wonder if the sun would shine or if He was holding me on this journey.  There's much I haven't understood.  The journey has not always been easy.  I have questioned Him, pleaded with Him, disagreed with His timing and inquired about His plan.  Yet I know He is faithful.  He knows my name.  He knows my need.  He knows what is best.  He even knows that I love to ask questions.  He is God.  I am not.  He has sacrificed far beyond what I deserved.  He holds me.  He heals me.  He carries me.  He is always present.

In my busy plans and activities, I must pause to thank Him for all the He does.  I thank Him for holding my life together far better than I can ever do alone.  May I be more mindful and faithful toward Him, the Great I Am, the Everlasting Father.  I am amazed.  I am grateful. I am never alone. <3~thl

Peace seeking...peace keeping...

It's one of my favorite songs.  I have sung it, played it, directed it and prayed it countless times.  It is usually heard during Christmas but I believe that it needs to be shared all year long.  Interestingly, I have not posted it recently.  Now seems like the perfect time to share it...believe it...sing it...and live it.  Our world needs peace.  Our hearts need peace.  May we find it in Him...and make a difference...peacefully.<3~thl

"Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father, brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me.  Let this be the moment now.
With every breath I take, let this be my solemn vow:
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me."

("Let There Be Peace On Earth" Jill Jackson/Mark Miller, circa 1955)

May be....and may we...

Behind a smile...may be a broken heart.

Behind an image...may be a shattered life.

Behind laughter...may be silent sobs.

Behind a life of success...may be a searching life.

Behind one's story..may be a story needing heard.

Behind what we perceive...may be a different journey.

May we truly listen.

May we genuinely care.

May we realize the value of each life.

May we remember He loves them, too.<3~thl

A prayer for each one...

In the quiet of this night, I pray for each life to feel loved, wanted, valued and needed. I also pray that our actions, words, responses and choices toward others confirm that we sincerely care. Hearts are aching to hear it. Lives are longing to find it. May we take time to live loving. ♥~thl

Counting...

It finally happened.  The countdown has begun.  As of today, January 2, 2016, there are only 78 days until Spring!  So far, our winter has been quite mild but there is plenty of time for more seasonable weather.  Yet knowing that each day brings us closer to a season of new life and growth gives me hope.

I began thinking.  As much as I love Spring and counting the days until that beautiful time of year, I am even more excited about another journey of hope.  Life is not always easy.  In the past week, we have learned of a relative's death as well as the deaths of a couple college friends.  This season has been sad, shocking and confusing.  We don't understand why so many things happen the way they do.

How comforting to know that this is only one season of life's journey.  How assuring to know that we will see loved ones again in a place of no more sickness, sadness, death or goodbyes.  There is hope for today and tomorrow.  For in a season we may not enjoy now, we know there is a beautiful season we have yet to experience. I am counting on that wonderful new life which makes this present journey worthwhile.

Yes, I enjoy counting the days until spring.  Yet making each day count on this journey we now have is much more important. Each moment...each breath...each opportunity...each life...matters.  May we live with hope, love, faith and purpose.  Make it count!<3~thl