Monday Eve

I am pooped. Jason and I just finished eating a delicious dinner of stew beef, mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. I messed up and let Gracie have a sample of our dinner (just a small bite of each food) and she is now laying in the kitchen floor crying for more. Jason is to my right, belly full. . tired from a long, hard day of golf . . and is now snoring. It's 7:34. Basketball is blasting on the TV, but I am not a fan. I plan on turning in tonight early as well. No better way to begin a week than rested!

A tragedy hit home yesterday. There was a train wreck at a nearby park that claimed the life of a 6 year old little boy. I did not know the child, or family, but his dad is the pastor of a church here in town. I did know some of the children that were on the train that -PRAISE THE LORD- are ok- just alittle banged up. Here is a link to the story. Please pray for this family and all those that were involved in this accident.

God reminds me daily of His grace and goodness. In the midst of tragic, heart wrenching events, God still sits enthroned over the heavens and earth and is in control. Japan weighs heavy on my heart day and night. I see photos and hear the news and I just . . . see how fragile life really is. But, Believers, we are not hopeless. Far from it. We cling to Jesus- He hears our cries. He knows them before the words form in our mouths- when they don't form in our mouths. I am praising God because He is the source of my strength. Yours, too.

Thoughts on Lent

I am glad Tuesday is coming to an end! I have not got adjusted to the time change yet. I felt that hour slip right away on Saturday night/Sunday morning. This week is so busy, so I don't hardly have time to be too terribly tired! The good thing is I have 2 of the busy days behind me and only 1 more to go!

I typically don't do anything for lent. It is not something that our church observes strictly. Last year, I decided that I was going to give up soft drinks and tea. And, I did. But, I have realized this year that I totally missed the point. God started speaking to my heart in the weeks leading up to this Easter season. I just felt His presence heavily anytime I would ponder lent and what it meant to me personally. I just kept praying and seeking His counsel and up until this past Wednesday, I had yet to hear specifically what God wanted me to do. But, I trusted that He would reveal in His timing, and He did. He showed me that it was not about what I gave up, per say, but what I did with the time of sacrifice. Even the little things, meaningless things to everyone else, are big things to Him when they are forsaken in the right spirit. And, what I mean by that is this- when I for go that "thing", whatever it is, the very second I make the decision to not do it my thoughts and prayers automatically go to God. His sacrifice. Just, simply, Him. A whole new meaning for me. A new experience during this season that is so refreshing and fulfilling. I also am doing the weekly Sunday readings offered here, which I began this past Sunday.

What a blessing! God welcomed me into our time together with other gifts as well.

I am very much looking forward to this precious time. I am just thinking about over and over again this last leg of our Savior's mission. Time was of the essence, for certain. And, I can't help but feel that way now. I know that folks have always said in the wake of natural disasters, etc. that Jesus must be coming soon. People have been saying it for years. But, I BELIEVE that He is coming quickly- very soon. We must not waste any time in reaching those who are lost.

Weather, Running & Counting

What a beautiful Monday we have had here in South Carolina. It was a welcome change to the cold, windy and rainy weekend we had. Jason and I were both a little under the weather towards the end of the week, so we just hung out around the house. Sunday always ends up being a busy day with church activities, but I had a meeting also on Sunday afternoon, so I feel like my week started a day early. Hopefully our week will be pretty low key.

I want to learn to be a runner. I feel like it would be so enjoyable for me. I use to dance, beginning when I was 3 and all the way until I was a senior in high school. It was great exercise and it kept me in great shape. Since then, I have not really exercised regularly at all. I have off and on, but not consistently. In my mind, I picture myself as the greatest runner ever :) Perfect form, pencil thin and toned. I have a long way to go in reality. As the weather gets warmer, I am going to give it my best effort. I do have a very important wedding in less than 7 months now- no time like the present!

Still Counting . . .

#56 God revealing His kingdom & its work
#57 a burdened heart
#58 a clean house
#59 to be ahead before the week begins
#60 growth and maturity
#61 a husband giving to a ministry without question
#62 the faith of a young man and his willingness to act
#63 a parking space near the doctors office
#64 caffeine and Advil
#65 a sweet little red truck pulling in our driveway