Before the Morning

I have added a link which tells the story which lead to "Before the Morning" by Josh Wilson. It is about 10mins long, but well worth the time.

I read Hinds Feet on High Places last weekend and had a really incredible time with God through the pages of that story. The story of how Sorrow and Suffering help bring Much Afraid (the heroine of the story) to the High Places. It is an allegory of the Christian walk, and extremly powerful. If you haven't had the opportunity to read this story, please take the time to find it. The author is Hannah Hunard.

This story reminded me of places in that book; and seeing people faithfully live it out is even more incredible.

One more amazing note: the book is divided up into two parts- Part 1: Weeping may endure for a night"; Part 2: "Joy cometh in the morning"; which of course comes from Psalms 30- a psalm of David...the child's middle name in the video clip is David.
hthttp://www.facebook.com/joshwilson?v=app_6009294086tp://

The Breath Of God

Then after an awful pause, the deep voice said, "Susan." Susan made no answer but the others thought she was crying. "You have listened to fears, child," said Aslan. "Come, let me breathe on you. Forget them. Are you brave again?"
"A little, Aslan," said Susan.
- Prince Caspian, C.S. Lewis

This spoke to me. As one who has battled fear, the idea that the Lord's Spirit can breathe on me and take away fears is wonderful...hopeful.

I think back about just a few places in scripture that mention the breath of God.

• "Then the LORD formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath or spirit of life, and man became a living being." Genesis 2:7 AMP
• "Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." John 20:21-22 NIV
• "All scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness," 2 Timothy 3:16 NIV

So I have begun to ask God, "Breathe on me." What life, courage and wisdom is promised through the Breath of the Most High! Yes- Lord, humbly, I ask you to breathe on me.

"...the whole earth is full His glory!" Isaiah 6:3b AMP

I came across this picture on earthshots.org. It is just beautiful! The color and texture--a really incredible shot by Karen Chappell. I'm not familiar with earthshots or with Chappell's work--but I am humbled by such a picture. How creative, incredible, and refreshingly beautiful is our God!

Yes, indeed--the whole earth is full of His glory! Holy is our God!

Article on Nanny...and a pretty cute picture too!

http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_177888.asp

Loss, Relief...and Celebration

I attached this picture because I love the stained glass heart. I got it at the Captivating Retreat. Dennis and I both have bookshelf lamps and I attached the heart on the knob of the lamp. Every morning and every evening when I turn the light on or off...there is the heart.

My grandmother, Nanny, died yesterday. I wish I had something beautiful or profound to say, but really I would do a complete injustice to all that I have experienced with her.

In truth I have had some of the most important experiences of my life with her. My Nanny developed Alzheimer's in her early 50's. She was 75 when she passed. That's a long time. In a span of nearly 25 years I have had the opportunity to serve her--to watch my mother server her-- in ways that have shaped my life. There is a humility that comes when you serve someone who depends on you...when they cannot do it themselves...when they can't tell you what they feel or what they need. And while this sounds like taking care of an infant (which sometimes it was a little like that) there is something more humbling still to do this for an adult. To watch the years on their face as you help them eat, clean them up, brush their hair--it makes you feel small. It made me reach outside of myself for help...for God's grace when I couldn't understand what she needed, when I was tired or afraid.

Our hearts are so valuable. The last thing Nanny spoke to me that made any kind of sense was about Jesus. While her mind was going--her heart knew. She said she was so grateful that He loved her and that the only reason we were able to love was because He loved us.

Yesterday I felt the most bizarre combination of emotion. It swept over me like a hurried breeze. Sadness over her loss. Relief that she would hurt no more. And celebration of her being with her God--Who loves her.

What do you Love?

I am re-reading Waking the Dead by John Elderedge. It is one of my favorite books. Today it had an assignment for me...:

"Take a moment, set down the book, and make a list of all the things you love. Don't edit yourself; don't worry about prioritizing or anything of that sort. simply think of all the things you love. Whether it's the people in your life or the things that bring you joy or the places that are dear to you or your God, you could not love them if you did not have a heart. A life filled with loving is a life most like the one that God lives, which is life as it was meant to be (Eph. 5:1-2). And loving requires a heart alive and awake and free." (Elderedge, John, Waking the Dead, pgs. 47-48)

So I decided to do just that! I want to share with you the things I love and wonder...do any of these resonate with you? I would love for you to send your "loves" in the comments if you feel comfortable, of course.

I love:
...nature- being surprised by it. Like flowers popping up in the desert, elk in the snow, the chipmunks and birds in my back yard. I love the beach- the sound of waves crashing on the shore literally lowers my blood pressure. I believe that it reminds me of my Savior's voice- the sound of rushing water. I love the feel of sand beneath my toes and the foamy water tickling my ankles. I love the slow, long sips of coffee in the morning and red wine at sunset...prairies, sea oats blowing in the sticky, salty breeze, a crisp fall morning, walking in cool grass on a summer night, the music of cicadas and tree frog that I've only ever heard in the South, the feel of my momma's and daddy's arms about me in a loving hug...my husband's heart-which now brings tears to my eyes. It is beautiful and strong. I cannot even speak to it fully. There are no words- only God will be able to tell him on the white stone he will receive.
...my cats- God teaches me constantly through them. I love seeing how they show forth God's creative glory-millions of tiny strands of fur, pointy, satellite dish ears, soft paws, the sweet sound of purring, the gentle lift of black tummies as air goes in and out and my favorite little sweetness- the shape of their mouths that stay in a constant smile....

Well, my list can go on and on; but these are some of the things that stir my heart in awe of my God. I love how He loves me- passionately, relentlessly, powerfully- beautifully. He is my God- my treasure- my Reward!

...so tell me...What do you love?...

Bara and Yatsar

This is one of the coolest concepts I have ever read. In Beth Moore's Believing God bible study Beth gives us a glimpse into how we were made.

"Two different Hebrew words are used in the Genesis account for the means by which God caused things to exist: bara and yatsar. The Hebrew word bara represents an act only God can accomplish. It is the solely divine act by which God creates something from nothing. The Hebrew word yatsar, often translated formed, can represent a thing formed from previously existing materials. Interestingly, both bara and yatsar are used in reference to the process by which God brought forth man." (Moore, Beth, Believing God, Week 2, Day 4, pg. 42)

So with this in mind let's take a look at the two places she is referring to:

1. Genesis 1:27 AMP- "So God created (bara) man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created (bara) him; male and female He created (bara) them." (emphasis mine)
2. Genesis 2:7 AMP- "Then the Lord formed (yatsar) man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath or spirit of life, and man became a living being. (emphasis mine)

There are a couple of things that excite me about this.

1. There is more than just our outward appearance (our bodies) that make us male or female ("male and female He created (bara) them"). In the image of God He created male and female--out of...in the Strong's Concordance the word has several descriptive definitions, but one of them is "of birth, of something new, of miracles." It is miraculous- and only something God can do!
2. God is eternal. To be created (bara) in His image would mean that this created piece is eternal. The formed (yatsar) piece fades away. "Therefore we do not become discouraged (utterly spiritless, exhausted, and wearied out through fear). Though our outer man is (progressively) decaying and wasting away, yet our inner self is being (progressively) renewed day after day. For our light, momentary afflictions (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory (beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!) Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

I believe that this is saying that the yatsar is what is fading, but what was bara is being renewed day after day. What do you think?

The word of God is so amazing to me. While there is simplicity in so many things, I find day by day that our God is incredibly intricate. When I think "Oh yea, I've got a handle on You and Your heart now..." then He blows me away with something brilliantly deep and complex and beautiful about His nature- His heart.

Seriously, what do you think?

God is Love

I just wanted to share with whoever may read this tonight...God is
love. And His law...it's the law of love. Hmmm...the law of love- what
peace there is in that statement.

God is love- He cannot separate Himself from it. He's so beautiful-
isn't He?!

Our God. Our Love!

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Mawwage

Ah the famous lines from The Princess Bride!
Actually, my brother gets married tomorrow. I wish him and his
beautiful bride to be all the happiest!

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJMqHDynnoY&feature=youtube_gdata

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What was said to the rose...

These roses hang on a trellis in my back yard. They reminded me of these lyrics this morning:
"And what was said to the rose to make it unfold
Was said to me, here in my chest
So be quiet now, and rest"
- "Here is Our King" David Crowder Band

The Lord gave me a beautiful picture.

"But unto you who revere and worshipfully fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings and His beams, and you shall go forth and gambol like calves (released) from the stall and leap for joy." Malachi 4:2 AMP

The rose opens up to the rays of the sun; and we (those who revere and worshipfully fear the name of the Lord) open up into a beautiful display- reflecting God's glory to those around us.

So, brothers and sisters in Christ, worship the Lord, reveal His glory to the world around you- you who are image bearers of the Most High. You speak of the beauty of the Lord just as the roses on my trellis. How gracious of our God!!!

Please enjoy other pictures of flowers from my back yard below!

The rose trellis

Pink Peonies

I have no idea...but they are pretty cool...

Dark pink Peonies with spider iris

Crooked Creek & the Colorado Rockies

Road out of the Rockies- We saw big horned sheep on this road!

Skies Clearing After A Snow Storm

Crooked Creek-It looks like a Currier & Ives doesn't it?

View from my cabin-Timberwolf

Deserts & Canyons

Descent from the Rockies

The Painted Desert

Grand Canyon

Tracy & Stasi

Almost Home

I know it has been a few days. Mostly we have just been on the journey home. Yesterday we drove 751 miles!

We just drove past a sign that said it was 88 degrees. I love that South! I was amazed that throughout the soutwest it was snowing. Dennis and I are both in shorts now! Hooray!

The red rock of the desert was beautiful, but I love the green grass and trees I see about me now.

We're headed home to our own bed, the heat of east Tennessee, our two snuggly cats, and a lot of laundry!

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First turn toward home

We have just turned on to I 40, which means this is the first turn toward home.
Tonight we stop at the La Posada Hotel in AZ. The cool thing about this place (other than the fact that it is in the desert) is that several famous people have stayed here including: Mary Pickford (of the silent film era), Albert Einstein, Clark Gable and Shirley Temple. Pretty cool huh!

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Coyotes

Two nights ago I woke up and heard the howl of a coyote. It was a bit eerie at first, but then another joined, and another, and another...they sounded like they were singing. It was really beautiful. They were in the forest behind our lodge.
I tried to imagine what they were doing. Maybe just breaking out in song, or perhaps they started dancing too...hehe I've been reading some CS Lewis lately- can you tell?

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Snow!

We're in the Grand Canyon now and yes...it's snowing! Like blowing snow...like slushy, icy roads- snowing!
We are in the Maswik Lodge near the rim and in the forest outside our window are Elk. Huge-300 to 400lb Elk! This is pretty cool!!! I wish you could see it. How cool is God!

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Zion, Page & Grand Canyon

We can now add wild turkey and buffalo to the list of animals we've
seen. I love seeing all these animals. Yesterday, at Zion we saw
several mule deer so close that if I had taken one step closer I could
have touched them!

Lake Powell was very beautiful. Basically, it is a series of canyons
filled with water. It acts as a reservoir.
We took a boat into Navajo Nation country and saw Rainbow Bridge- a
natural arch formed by water. It is so tall that the Statue of Liberty
could sit beneath it.

We're now driving to the Grand Canyon and the country around us
reminds me of pictures I've seen of the African Savannah. We are
driving across Navajo country, which incidently is the largest Indian
Reservation in the US.

See you at the Grand Canyon!

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I will woo her into the desert and speak tendery to her there.

The title of this entry can be found in Hosea. This is God speaking
about wooing His bride to Himself.

I love the desert. What?! Yes, yes, I love it! It's not like the Gobi
out here; but it is a desert. I am amazed at how alive it is.
Yes, it is arid and dry; but it is covered in vegetation. Even the
ground is alive! A series of bacteria grow over several years which
creates some of the most nutrient rich soil around.
Wild animals abound. From big horned sheep to fox to mule deer,
bobcats, cougars, coyote to kangaroo rats to lizards, snakes and frogs.
When I look across the blankets of red rock what a beautiful suprise
to see wild flowers springing up here and there. Bright red Indian
Paintbrush, yellow Broom, white Daisies, and a purple flower whose
name I don't know quite yet peak up at the edges of rocks.
And speaking of rocks- they do Circ du Soile-like balancing acts, pop
up in the middle of fields like the wildflowers. They're the shapes of
people and animals. And the other day I saw one that must have been a
mile wide in the shape of a heart.
Yes! I love the desert. There is a peaceful quiet here. What a wild
and beautiful place for the Lord to speak tenderly to His people. He
speaks to me here. This earth reflects His wildness which is
captivating, and His beauty which is majestic, breathtaking, and
enthrolling.

Today we will be leaving Bryce Canyon, traveling to Zion and then on
to Lake Powell.

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Arches & Canyonlands

First off, I'm so sorry that we can't get the pictures to go through.
I'm trying to get that fixed.

However, in the meantime, yesterday was awesome! We were able to spend
about 4 hours in each park.

In the Arches National Park rocks where the shapes of people, sheep
and marching elephants.
My favorite part was a primative trail where we saw a kangaroo rat! We
stopped for a rest here and this sweet little bird flew into a Juniper
bush right in front of us and sang the most beautiful song.
Canyonlands took my breath away. Vistas that stretched for miles with
the La Sals in the background, then mesas, then a drop off into canyons.

We are in Green River this morning and are headed to Capitol Reef an
Bryce Canyon.

If I can't get the pictures working rest assured there will be an
incredible album posted when we return!

Love you all!

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The Road Before Me

I'm on one of those roads that stretches out before you with no end in sight. In the distance there are mountain and to my right- mesas. The way the sun kisses this land is stunning. It looks wild here and at the same time- inviting. 

Yes- the earth is full of the glory of God. This earth is reflecting both His wildness and His beauty! Shout rocks-shout! 

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CAPTIVATING
Our Lord is captivating! Wow! How awesome is our God!
The Captivating Retreat was incredible! The Lord spoke to the deep places of my heart and I am grateful! What a beautiful time of retreat! I went by myself and now I know why that was important. God wanted to spend time with me- without distraction and the temptation of people pleasing and people validation that I have sought in the past.
God is concerned with me. He thinks of me. And he wants to spend time with me- His Beloved! (He thinks of, loves, and wants to spend time with you too!)

Dennis and I are descending the Rockies as I type. I'll try to send pictures through the phone. Hopefully I'll connect the picture of Stasi Elderege to this entry!

My precious friends and Captivating Sisters: go in the presence of the Lord and rest!

A Memorial

Wow...I cannot believe that it is almost here! Our adventure through the Southwest is here!

A dear friend prayed for me this morning. It was so sweet to be reminded. Reminded of God's love for me, that He thinks of me, that He is in pursuit of my heart.

She asked that God would create "markers" for me throughout this trip, as reminders of what He is teaching me--of those sweetnesses between us. I thought of all the times in the old testament when the Israelites would put up a memorial to remind them that the Lord did...whatever He did at the time. Like in Genesis 28 when Jacob set up the stone as a pillar that would be God's house or in Joshua 4:

"So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them, "Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, "What do these stones mean? tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." Joshua 4:5-7 NIV

I love her prayer! That the Lord would set up memorials for me, to remind me of what He has done--of Who He Is!

I hope to blog about our adventure through the Southwest in the coming days. To share with you these little remembrances of the Lord Who Loves Us!

Check back beginning April 25th and follow our adventure!

This Makes Me Laugh to the Point of Tears

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp_Ju_vbPro

This is one of the funniest clips I have ever seen. Not really a Charlie Sheen fan, but the way he delievers these lines makes me laugh! Please click and enjoy! So funny!!!

Surrender

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIkQ7YVys_A
This is a link to a YouTube video of Mikeschair's release of "Let the Waters Rise." I've never been a real fan of music videos, but this song is incredible. The video might speak to you, but it is the song that resonates with my soul.

Of course you all know how much I love the sea so the images that this song depicts are beautiful to me. Take a look at some of the lyrics:

"There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees
So let the waters rise
If you want them to
I will follow you
I will follow you
I will follow you

I can swim in the deep
Cuz You'll be next to me
You're in the eye of the storm
And in the calm of the sea
You're never out of reach

God, you know where I've been
You were there with me then
You were faithful before
You'll be faithful again
I'm holding Your hand"

To me--this song sounds like the the most beautiful picture of surrender to God. It is a surrender that might be accompanied by pain; but it is also a surrender of complete trust, affection and love.

Getting Ready for a Road Trip!

Hello All! It has been a very long time since I have written. So much has happened since you last heard from me.

I received the book Waking the Dead by John Elderidge for Christmas. I can not say enough wonderful things about it. I highly recommend it.

Anyway, I entered a lottery to be chosen to attend the Captivating Retreat in Fraser, CO this April. Captivating is the book written by John & Staci Elderidge.

I was accepted!

Well, Dennis and I have decided to make a whole road trip adventure out of this excursion. He will meet me out there and then we will road trip throughout the Southwest. We will be camping, hiking--enjoying nature and standing in awe of the LORD of creation.

I will be blogging throughout our trip. So check in--or sign up as a follower of this blog and you can travel along with us!

Tune in at the end of this month and join us on this adventure! We are very excited!

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free" Galatians 5:1.

Hey All,
I'm testing out my mobile blogging capabilities!