Faithful

So far this week has consisted of little more than relaxing in a low chair at the waters edge-waves gently crashing at my feet, great food, even better company and some serious matches of corn hole, spoons and Rummikub.

My feet are so funny tonight, though. Yes, you read that right-my feet! I have always found it funny to see sun burned feet. I always thought to myself, how does that happen? Well, I found out today, first hand, how that happens! Half of your foot sun exposed while the other half digs deep into the sand- just not deep enough to cover the whole foot. I realize how ridiculous that sounds, trust me. But right now, both of my feet look pretty ridiculous! Can you believe this has never happened to me??!! Ha!

I told you that I couldn't wait to spend as much time as I could with my Lord- time that He has chosen to reveal so much. I don't even know how or where to begin, and so I'm not until I can organize those things which I have written down over these last few days to make sense. Hopefully to encourage you, or lift you up. Most of all though, I pray it challenges you, like He has me; opening our eyes and our hearts to what our purpose is in this life. The Lord has shown me that I have had it all wrong. I think most of us have it all wrong. But by His grace, He is beginning to peel back layers for me so that I can see with new eyes. Praise You Father! I can't wait to share with you!

I have had sisters in Christ heavy on my heart this week also. Many of them in the midst of serious illnesses, some in personal struggles, warfare and confusion and others that seem to be searching, never finding. In whatever you may be battling this day, this hour- this very minute; I pray the Lord's peace and comfort over you. I pray that you know that there is a God in Heaven who loves you more than you can even imagine- who desires for you to know Him, to spend time with Him and to love Him. Know that He is faithful, even when we are not.

I love the story of Noah. His is one of my favorites. What I love the most is how God displayed a rainbow as representation of His covenant between Himself and flesh of the earth that He would never again send a flood to destroy the earth. It is a constant reminder. When I see a rainbow, that's what I see.

Today some rain fell from the sky and this is what remained . .

" For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations."

Psalm 100:5

One haircut down . .



2 more to go!!

My sweet little girl, who wasn't so sweet yesterday. She hates to get her haircut. If I make a move to get her kennel in the morning on a weekday, she knows it's either for one of two things- vet or haircut. From the minute I got the kennel in the back of the car yesterday morning, she wanted to run and try to avoid me. Needless to say we were late and I was not happy with her or she with me. The picture is one I took at lunch when I thought she would be in a better mood b/c she was back home- you can tell she is still obviously aggravated with me. A few treats later and she was over it!

So looking forward to tomorrow when we pack the last bags in the car and pull out of our driveway headed towards the coast! Here is my calender for next week:




NOTHING!!! No meetings, no must do's or have to's, no agenda . . . nothing!!

I am so looking forward to all the quiet time I will have with my Lord. My favorite time! Uninterrupted. Not constrained by all the activities that fill a day. Just He and I for as long as it needs to be. I have already been praying about what time of day that will be- it varies at home. I love to have the house all to myself - that's ideal and doesn't always happen. But when you are totally alone- no movement other than your eyes moving across Scripture and your pen moving across paper to capture the message- you are in a different place. (I am, at least!) I anticipate that time greatly, because I know God has something to say to me. I hope to share some on here!

I pray your weekend is filled with blessing upon blessing.

The LORD has appeared of old to me saying:"Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you." Jeremiah 31:3

Hello Again!

So apparently blogging is alot harder to commit to than I had originally anticipated. I promise I have great intentions .. but then again you know what they say about good intentions!

We are getting ready for a much needed, much desired vacation with our family next week. We leave Saturday for a whole week at the beach and we can hardly wait. What makes our annual beach trip so special is that we go as a family. Honestly, we wouldn't have it any other way! Jason and I, my Mom and Dad, my Brother and his girlfriend Clary, my Grandmother, my Uncle and Aunt and their 2 boys can't wait to head to Myrtle Beach for a week of fun, family and relaxation. We have all been counting down the days. Of course, this week has been busier than most- just trying to get stuff together, wrap up loose ends at work (who am I kidding!), get haircuts (me, Jason and Gracie- we all go to 3 different people! Yes, this is a task!), washing clothes (lots of clothes), getting the car ready (thank you Mama!!)- all the typical pre-vacation preparations. I am just looking forward to having that shoreline before me!

This summer seems to have hurried right past me. It wasn't that we had major plans and lots going on, but more little day to day details that I think pushed this season right on through. I have been on break from my Biblical Counseling class since May, and am looking forward to getting back in September. I have a few books I still need to read and some work I need to get started on, but just looking forward to digging deep in God's word. Isn't that where we find Him, after all- His commands, His warnings, His directions for us, His provision, His gift, our source of strength and hope, our peace, our assurance. Our God is everything! I love the words to the song "To Ever Live Without Me" by Jody Mcbrayer-

It was all about a man

It was all about a cross

It was all about the blood that was shed so I would not be lost

It was all about the love

That was bigger than a life

It was all about a freedom that was given through your sacrifice . . .

I pray that we serve Him better-that we can be used as vessels of honor-that we seek to please Him in all that we think, in all that we say and in all that we do-that we fall before His majesty in humility because of who He is-that we die to self daily-that He would reveal where He may be at work around me and you so that we may join Him- that we would have patience to wait on His instruction-that we would be obedient. That we love Him. That we trust Him. That we follow Him. That we catch a glimpse of His glory.

All in the Name of Jesus

Over the last week, I have been engrossed with a new book.

It's a hard book to read, but it is one that has filled me with blessings.

I was doing a Bible study a couple of months back, and the writer suggested that in addition to doing the Bible study, each night he read from Foxe's Christian Martyrs a story about one martyr. I thought to myself then, wow, that is a fantastic idea. And that's all it ended up being at the time .. just an idea. I looked online for the book, found it and just never placed the order. Well, last week I was meeting a friend in Spartanburg for dinner and had to run by Christian Supply to grab some stuff. As I am walking towards the back, Foxe's Christian Martyrs catches my eye! Not in its usual place, I am sure- and not by accident.

A week and many chapters later - I am in awe. I can't put into words what God has laid on my heart with each story. People who were tortured beyond comprehension, and ultimately killed- all because of one name. Can you fathom it? Though Jesus warned in Mark "You will be hated by all for My name's sake" - He also promised "He who endures to the end shall be saved."

As I was getting ready this morning, I began to think about my blog post today. I thought Lord, what would you have me share with whoever you have reading this blog? He immediately turned my attention to my night stand, where my book stays. I don't want to share too much from the book, though there are numerous accounts, but there was one story about a lady, a mother, that continues to circulate in my mind.

From Foxe's Christian Martyrs . .

" One of these was Perpetua, a married lady twenty-six years old with a baby at her breast. On being taken before the proconsul Minutius, Perpetua was commanded to sacrifice to the idols. Refusing to do so, she was put in a dark dungeon and deprived of her child; but two of her keepers, Tertius and Pomponius, allowed her out in the fresh air several hours a day, during which time she was permitted to nurse her child. Finally the Christians were summoned to appear before the judge and urged to deny their Lord, but all remained firm. When Perpetua's turn came, her father suddenly appeared, carrying her infant in his arms, and begged to save her own life for the sake of her child. Even the judge seemed to be moved. "Spare the gray hairs of your father," he said. "Spare your child. Offer sacrifice for the welfare of the emperor. " Perpetua answered, "I will not sacrifice." "Are you a Christian?" demanded Hilarianus, the judge. "I am a Christian" was her answer. Perpetua and all other Christians tried with her that day were ordered killed by wild beasts as a show for the crowd on the next holiday. They entered the place of execution clad in the simplest of robes, Perpetua singing a hymn of triumph. The men were to be torn to pieces by leopards and bears. Perpetua and a young woman named Felicitas were hung up in nets, at first naked, but the crowd demanded that they should be allowed their clothing. When they were again returned to the arena, a bull was let loose on them. Felicitas fell, seriously wounded. Perpetua was tossed, her loose robe torn and her hair falling loose, but she hastened to the side of the dying Felicitas and gently raised her from the ground. When the bull refused to attack them again, they were dragged out of the arena, to the disappointment of the crowd, which wanted to see their deaths. Finally brought back to be killed by gladiators, Perpetua was assigned to a trembling young man who stabbed her weakly several times, not being used to such scenes of violence. When she saw how upset the young man was, Perpetua guided his sword to a vital area and died."

All in the sweet, Holy Name of Jesus.