Joshua 1:9

Sunsets & Glory

2011-04-01T09:56:00.000-07:00

Beauty ministers to us. Have you ever had a sweet sigh of satisfaction as you watch a sunset; as if you are being enveloped into its glow and you are sinking into the earth with it? Truly the "whole earth is full of His glory"! (Isaiah 6:3)

These are some sunset photos that I want to share with you. Let the beauty of the Lord's creation minister to you.

"But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head." Ps. 3:3 AMP

Creation

2011-01-23T18:18:00.000-08:00

I love reading the account of creation. I pick up my amplified Bible and sit in a cozy white chair near the window...and begin...

"In the begining God (prepared, formed, fashioned, and) created the heavens and the earth."**

I pause. I take in a deep breath and breathe out into a smile...it keeps getting better.

"The earth was without form and an empty waste, and darkeness was upon the face of the very great deep. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters."**

Stop. Think of this. Close your eyes...what do you see? As for me, I try to imagine what this looks like. I turn quickly to Hebrews 11:3- "By faith we understand that the worlds (during the successive ages) were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible."

Our God made this by His word...

"And God said..."

"...Let there be light; and there was light."

"...Let there be a firmament (the expanse of the sky) in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters (below) from the waters (above)."

"...Let the waters under heaven be collected into one place (of standing), and let the dry land appear. And so it was."**

And the story goes on to include tender vegetation- plants yeilding seed, stars, "two great lights--the greater light (the sun) to rule the day and the lesser light (the moon) to rule the night."** It sounds like poetry to me.

Then living creatures: the "waters bring forth abundantly and swarm with living creatures"**, birds burst forth onto the scene. Then the voice of God is heard again just after the splashing and fluttering wings of creation...He blesses them. "Be fruitful, multipy, and fill the waters of the seas and let the fowl multiply in the earth."**

More living creatures: "livestock, creeping things and (wild) beasts if the earth according to their kinds."**

"And God saw that it was good (fitting, pleasant) and He approved it."**

The impossible was suddenly possible. There was no experimental tests, test-tube sheep or genetically enhanced fish. All this was "not made out of things which are visible." (Hebrews 11:3)

In the "Magician's Nephew", by C.S. Lewis the reader learns how Aslan (the Great Lion) created Narnia. In this story he sings this land into existance.

"The earth was of many colors; they were fresh, hot and vivid. They made you feel excited; until you saw the Singer himself, and then you forgot everything else.

It was a Lion. Huge, shaggy, and bright, it stood facing the rising sun. Its mouth was wide open in song..." (from the chapter: The Fight at the Lamp-post)

And this is my favorite part of the story. I see God through His creation. It brings to my mind Isaiah 6: 3--"And one[seraphim] cried to another and said, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!"

We learn about God in how He creates, in what He creates, in how He blesses His creation, in His approval of what He creates. Truly, the whole earth is full of His glory! And we are a part of glorious reflection...

"Let Us (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness..."**

So what is our response to this?

Hebrews 11: 6--"But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him (out)."

Our response should be like that of the children in the Magician's Nephew. Everything else that would distract is suddenly dwarfed in view of the Creator. Oh, that we would "earnestly and diligently seek Him out." He is our "very great reward." (Genesis 15:1)

**From Genesis 1 AMP

Before the Morning

2010-07-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-23T18:08:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

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

Loss, Relief...and Celebration

2010-06-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-05-29T07:19:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-28T06:04:00.001-07:00

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:

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)
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.

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!
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

2010-05-17T19:46:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-14T11:20:00.001-07:00

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...

2010-05-08T07:46:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-06T10:48:00.001-07:00

Descent from the Rockies

2010-05-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

The Painted Desert

2010-05-06T09:34:00.000-07:00

Grand Canyon

2010-05-06T09:30:00.000-07:00

Tracy & Stasi

2010-05-06T09:28:00.000-07:00

Almost Home

2010-05-05T08:32:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-01T17:53:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-01T09:53:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-04-29T19:02:00.001-07:00

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

2010-04-29T15:39:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-04-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-27T05:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-25T18:32:00.001-07:00

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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2010-04-25T13:47:00.001-07:00

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

2010-04-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-04-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-04-05T13:38:00.001-07:00

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

The Rescue

2009-11-03T17:46:00.000-08:00

Just after I called Dennis to tell him I was on my way home something happened with "the boys".

Pumpkin was playing with a toy mouse near the refrigerator. Dennis noticed that all of sudden he started backing away from the fridge and then began crying. When he went over to get a better look he noticed that Pumpkin's claw was stuck in a metal piece on the side of the fridge.

Dennis sat down and held him so that he couldn't pull his claw back and injure himself. Pumpkin was hissing, squirming and biting, trying to get free.

Dennis did pull his claw free, but it had been frayed on the end.

Then the sweetest thing happened. Remy walked over to Dennis, stepped up on his legs and sniffed Pumpkin and then licked him.

I think it is so cute that Remy was concerned for his little brother.

The Beach

2009-10-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

St. Augustine- listen to the sound of the waves and wind.

I love the beach! There is something wild and yet peaceful about it. Just the sound of the waves and the soft warm sand beneath my feet instantly soothes me.

On the bind of my most recent Coastal Living magazine there is a quote by Jimmy Buffett. He says, "The ocean has always been a salve to my soul." This resonates with me.

When I was a junior in High School I wrote these words about a particular spot on the Gulf of Mexico:

"The lights illuminate the metal walkway and dance across the rolling tide,
glistening on the sea. It is so beautiful. A picture could not even capture
its beauty. It is a graceful, light and lovely beacon reflecting off of the
sugar white shore and the deep green and white tide as it falls
into the black night. When I am at the end of its long walk, I am
overcome by a sense of freedom and fear as I stare into the gracefully
powerful abyss. The lull of the gently roaring waves along with a deep
breath of almost sour sea air is my inspiration to write.
God, Your beautiful rhythm is found in the dunes, Your peace and beauty in
the stars, Your love in the warmth and light of the beacon pier, Your vastness
in the sky, and Your power and greatness in the crashing of the waves. I see You
stand strong and stable- unchanging. Just as the pillars that hold the pier up
from the raging waters, so do You hold me above my peril."

I love to see God's glory in creation- don't you?

"And one called out to another and said, "Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory." Isaiah 6:3 NASB

Pumpkin- a lesson in Discipline

2009-10-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

Here's our new little buddy. Yep, this is Pumpkin. I know he is not orange. It is October and black cats and pumpkins are seen so often together that his name is Pumpkin.

I've had an interesting experience with two situations over the past two weeks that at first seem unrelated...there not.

My husband and I just rescued this new little black kitten, which incidentally is why I have not been blogging as of late. Pumpkin came home with us a week ago Monday. We had read up on how to introduce your current cat with your new one, I had asked questions, we felt prepared...we were not prepared.

Remy proceeded to hiss, slap his paw, growl and snarl at not only this new little kitty; but us too--his mommy and daddy that love him! Can you believe it? And those of you with cats answer a resounding--YES!

I, however, was horrified. At one point I had even picked Remy up to bring him to meet the kitty and I promptly got slapped. Dennis then had to discipline the cat, because I just stood there and cried.

****

Recently, I have been working with a group of young ladies, who are not that unlike my feuding felines. And I have responded to them much like my response to Remy's slap. As these two separate events finally collided on pages of my life God reminded me about discipline.

Discipline comes from the word disciple. God reminded me of His Word:

"My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in." Proverbs 3:11-12 NIV

"And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?" Hebrews 12:5-7 NIV

"He who spares his rod [of discipline] hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines diligently and punishes him early." Proverbs 12:24 AMP

I had never thought of discipline being out of love. The more I thought about it- the clearer it became. A parent corrects a child that runs out into the street, because he/she love them and doesn't want harm to befall them.

Parents, teachers, grandparents, and a whole host of supportive adults helped discipline us, because they loved us; because they wanted us to be the healthiest, happiest, and most productive we could be. Without correction how would we know if we were doing something wrong? How would we know how to do it better? How would we grow to be healthy blessings to those around us? Our lives were improved because of the discipline and love we received from these adults.

I thought about these young ladies. It would serve them better for me to take charge of the class and help facilitate discussion. They are not benefited at all by me allowing them to run roughshod over each other and me. It's a good thing for them to leave our time together with some instruction.

I am happy to report that with some discipline of my own, my husband and I have been working with our cats. You can see a picture of them today on the side bar. They are sleeping on the bed together. Remy is now grooming Pumpkin and I even heard some purring earlier today. We gave them discipline and boundaries because we love them--and they are the better for it!

Remy- How God Reminded Me of His Love!

2009-09-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think God puts the most curious situations together, and then reveals the Aha! meaning behind His plan at the most perfect moment.

I had been wanting a pet for a long time. My best dog, Muffy, died when I was in college and I still get a little teary eyed thinking about it. Since then I had not had a pet. I love pets- dogs, cats, hampsters, frogs, turtles...it really doesn't matter. It became more important to me to have a pet since there are not children in my future for various reasons- my health being the most significant. I very much wanted something to mommy. I informed my husband that I fully anticipated Christmas gifts from our future pet and a surprise "mother's day card from the cat."

Well, over the course of a few months God brought certain things to light. He waited until it would best capture my attention before revealing something He has been trying to get through to me for years.

My husband, who would rather not have pets- except for maybe a turtle- finally said, "Tracy, you can get a cat." The words I had been wanting and waiting to hear for quite some time. The more I thought about this cat the more I had decided to love it. I didn't have any idea what it would look like- would it be a cat or a kitten?- would it be fat or skinny?- would it lounge around or would it be playful?...I really didn't know and at that point I didn't care. I was merely determined to love it- and I had never even seen it.

Time goes by and I anticipated going to pick out my new cat. I almost couldn't stand the wait; and a few times I begged my husband to just go ahead and get it. Needless to say he encouraged me to wait (we had flooring to replace first).

I had spotted a few cats at PetsMart that I was certain were just right; but we had to wait till the carpet was installed and I was back from my trip to Louisville. I prayed that God would give us the right cat. I went back to PetsMart later and the ones I had my eye on were gone. Sigh...

The carpet was installed and now I was free to find my cat. I called a number that a friend had given me of a lady who had a little kitten for adoption; but I was not able to see it that night which, in my impatience, lead me to petfinder.com. It was full of adoptable kittens. I found one that perked my interest. I got an appointment to visit a rescuer that Tuesday.

The first cat I thought would be a pleasant match ignored me. Here I am ready to love this animal and it could care less. Then this beautiful Turkish Angora cat walks right up to me nuzzles my nose and allows me snuggle up to it. This cat was elegant. Completely white fur that feels like angora (hence the name) with a pink nose and paws. This was the cat- it must be.

Then I felt this touch on my shoulder and I turned around expecting to see the rescuer's son behind me. Instead it was a plain black kitten tapping me on the shoulder. So I think- "well isn't this cute." I set him in my lap and continued my attentions to the lovely, graceful cat.

The black kitten looked up at me and then snuggled down into my lap. I started petting him while he sat contently on my lap. He was so tiny. You could still feel his bones. He was rescued very young and was on a bottle.

The rescuer said, "I always like the black cats. I know that there are so many of them, but I love them. They are kinda like the black labs at the rescue center. They always get picked last because they are so common."

She said that she would make the offer to her husband to see if he would give up Oscar, the elegant cat; but if he wanted to keep that one- then what? I said I would probably take this little kitten. I picked the kitten out of my lap and place him back on the couch. He climbed back into my lap. I said, "Well, maybe he has chosen me."

I went home thinking about the two cats and which I would rather have. I was in my prayer closet talking to God about it.

"The Angora is the most beautiful cat. What a joy to have this graceful creature in my home. The other one is not nearly as pretty, kinda skinny and plain brown eyes," I thought. Then I felt a twinge of pain as I thought, "I have plain, brown eyes."

"But I look at what is on the inside not the outward appearance"--sometimes I think God is almost audible. I almost looked around the room to see if He was sitting in there. Even more poiniant- that was the very point of my devotional that morning. So I finished my prayer asking that if God did not want me to have the graceful Angora that he would not let the man want to give it away.

I visited two more cats the following day, because this was a big decision for me and I wanted to make sure that I had viewed all my options.

At this point you are probably wondering why I didn't just take the kitten. Well, sometimes I can be a little hard headed. I'm awfully glad that God protects me from myself and that He takes me to where I need to be, and gives me what I need.

Thursday night I called the rescuer back to find out what her husband had decided. He thought she had lost her mind to suggest getting rid of his favorite cat. I told her that I completely understood. I told her that I would be so happy to have the little black kitten.

Before I hung up I felt compelled to tell her that I intended on naming the cat Remy. You see, I was able to name him. He didn't already come with a name. He was too little. I was adopting him and I wanted him called by the name I gave him. Sounds familiar doesn't it... "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!" (Is. 43:1b, NASB)

Through this little cat story God made it very clear to me that before I was here, alive, around- He loved me. "Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love." (Eph. 1:4, Amp.) This kitten was just 8 weeks old and I was determined to love it several months before I had seen him.

God also does not look at the outside, but the inside of a person. His word says, "For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him" (2 Chronicles 2:9, NIV, emphasis mine). It also says, "The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, searching all the innermost parts of his being" (Proverbs 20:27, NASB).

And finally, He wants us with Him so badly that He is preparing a place for us even now. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:1-3, NIV). He's probably waiting on the carpet!

So, it took a little while for me to get it; but He taught me a lot about Himself and His heart toward me through this little cat story.

"Spontaneity"

2009-09-22T18:50:00.000-07:00

I used to be more spontaneous when I was in high school. Who wasn't, right? I have always had a "planner" side to me; but I could still change plans at a drop of a hat...you know, if the girls were going to a movie or if my friends from the pool picked up a game of kick the can or something.

After I took my big jump off of the platform (mentioned in the post below) I became much more of a planner. Everything was scheduled and organized, structured. My life felt more in control that way.

This past June my husband and I went to St. Augustine with some friends. They live in Atlanta, so we were going to drive down to their house and head to the beach the next day. We arrived at their house at 11pm and had plans to go on to bed and leave in the morning.

As we sat around laughing and talking about all the things we had planned someone said, "It would be ok with me if we just left tonight."

We all looked at each other and grinned. One of our friend said, "I'd be ok with it too."

They looked at me. I said, "It would be ok with me too."

I couldn't believe it. I was so tired. What was I thinking? Something about going against "the plan" appealed to me though. We threw all of our stuff in the cars and took off.

We drove all night. The night sky filled with stars was breathtaking. The top was down on the convertible and the wind was blowing through our hair. It was so freeing. I felt so alive.

We stopped off at an IHOP near the Florida state line and watched the sunrise over a cup of coffee.

This was just the start to the spontaneity. As it turns out we left the "calendar of events" at home. So we just went with the flow. Pick up football games in a Florida-rain-made-lake at our resort, last minute trivia games at local restaurants, midnight swims in the pool--it was great. It was great not having a schedule. It was nice to realize that there didn't need to be a plan. We had fun just letting go.

To my surprise I didn't feel out of control. I just felt relaxed. I remembered how much I had enjoyed it. Spontaneity isn't just for High Schoolers. It's for us thirty somethings...really, your never too old for it.

Sometimes it's just nice to be a little spontaneous.

Florence

2009-09-15T19:37:00.001-07:00

This is one of my favorite stories!

When I was a senior in high school I went to Italy. We traveled from Florence to Assisi to Venice to Rome. It is truly one of the most beautiful countries I have ever traveled. The rolling Tuscan hills, the canals of Venice, the art, the people--the food!

I'm not sure if any of you have ever been to Florence, but I have to say they have one of the most confusing street layouts of any city on the planet. I've been to Florence twice in my life and both times I have gotten lost. This is the story of the first time I was lost.

A dear friend and I were exhausted from traveling. The jet-lag, the constant walking tours...we were worn out. So here we are in this market place in Florence with tired legs and sleepy heads. We told our chaperon that we were going back to the hotel to take a nap.

"Do you know your way back?" she said.
"Yes."

We walked around the striped Duomo; a left here, a right there... where are we?
"No, no, it was back this way... are you sure...no..."

Some how we ended up on a street next to the river. There were bridges in two directions and neither one of them looked at all familiar. We walked into a store and asked the clerk where we were. She didn't speak English; therefore we received a business card with a tiny map on the back. It was not helpful.

We walked back down the side walk and came upon at least 10 cabs. We ran to the first one, "Hotel Ambasciatori."
The cab driver didn't even look up. He was reclined in the front seat. "It's too far."
Too far...where were we...

My friend and I are both type 1 diabetics. After all the walking and the travel exhaustion our blood sugars were dropping. I had some crackers in my bag. I rationed them between us. I think this was the point I thought, This really could be getting dangerous.

We picked ourselves up off of the pavement and began walking again. As we walked the winding streets I started to notice more of the city. The architecture was beautiful. The people were beautiful. The way the sun shone on the side of one building and then cast shadows on the sculptures was so alluring. I knew I was lost in the city, but at some point I got lost in the adventure.

We wandered back to a spot outside of a pizza place we had eaten at a few nights before. For an instant we were so excited that we actually recognized something. Then we remembered...we still had no idea where we were. Behind us was a park. We turned and saw an older Italian couple walk hand in hand toward us. The sunlight trickled through the tree leaves spilling on to the pair. We asked them if they spoke English to which they gave us and sad shake of the head.

Finally we plopped down on the curb. We really may never get back, I thought. With our heads resting in our hands we repeated, to anyone passing by, "Does anyone speak English...English...does anyone speak English."

A large group of people walked by and this guy popped his head out of the crowd. "English. Yes, yes. Our guide!"

We jumped up and this guy ushered us to back of what was apparently another tour group. His tour guide understood everything we were saying and promptly told us that the landmark we were looking for was right around the corner. Yes...right around the corner.

We thanked her and took off running. We were laughing and running. I'm not sure if it was the revelation that we were saved from passing out in the streets of a foreign country, or that we were no longer lost, or if it was the deliriousness of travel exhaustion matched with an afternoon trek through Florence; but we were beside ourselves. We laughed, literally all the way home.

We got back to our room, opened the door and found the other members of our party staring at us with the where have you been look on their faces.

No- we did not get a nap that day. Who would want to remember a nap? I would have nothing to write about if I had gotten my way that day. I am so grateful that I did not get my way that I am almost laughing at the thought of it now.

I got a story--an adventure! I'm so grateful that often God does not give us what we are after. It would be boring. A nap--boring. Getting lost in one of the most beautiful cities in the entire world with a your diabetic friend--a total adventure!

Be Strong and Courageous!

2009-09-11T14:24:00.000-07:00

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 NASB

I need to know God is there. What about you?

Once when I was in college I went with one of my roommates to the swimming center on campus. We were supposed to be...well...swimming. Instead we got in the water and watched people jump and dive off of the diving platforms (like the ones they use in the olympics). It looked like so much fun! These weren't even pros...they were just college kids jumping.

My friend and I watched, giggled, and after enough people had taken the free falling plunge, we decided...well, we could do that too.

I began my climb up the platforms. There were three levels--let's refer to them as small, medium and large. So where do I go...to the top. Yes sir, I climbed my happy, courageous, little hiney to the top platform (which I have been told since this incident was about 2 stories high.)

I walked out to the edge. Looking down truly didn't bother me as much as looking out in to the emince open space that was in front of me. My stomach fluttered. There was a group of students in the water that cheered me on with the typical, "You can do it" and "It's not that bad--just jump!"

I stepped back and thought, "Don't think about it Tracy. Just go." And I did. I took a few quick steps and felt the exhiliration of free falling...until I hit the water.

Apparently, I was traveling about 35mph just before I hit the water. I hadn't pointed my toes, so the shear force of the air rising toward me from the pool pushed my legs just far enough apart that I smashed my knees into the water...at 35mph.

I screamed under water. I used my arms to pull me to the surface and then to the side of the pool. By that time the Lifeguard was there and my friend was by my side. Someone had gone to get the diving coach for help.

I will honestly never forget what this guy said...I'm laughing just thinking about it. "Now why did you do this? Are you a diver or just a free-spirit?" Hahaha...ummm the later.

I ended up on cruches for several weeks and then had to have orthoscopic surgery on both knees during the summer.

Sadly, I have experienced a lot of fear since this incident. I'm not sure that I realized how truly tramatizing this event was for me. I became afraid of heights, very timid about exherting myself at all in anything that my be physically strenuous, and terribly afraid of falling from any height.

But the fear didn't stop there. That's the really disgusting thing about fear...it spreads. I became more and more afraid of more and more things.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous!" These words seemed to allude me.

Ok, how? The situation with the diving platform alone seemed to scream "Don't do it! See what courage got you."

I told a friend about the platform diving incident one day and she ask, "Why did you do that?"
To which I responded, "I have no idea."

In Joshua's story he hadn't been watching the other Israelites jump off the cliff into the Red Sea and hope for the best. He did not take up Moses' position on a whim. Instead he had seen God part the sea! And the Lord said, "Moses my servant is dead. So now arise (take his place), go over this Jordon, you and all this people, into the land which I am giving to them, the Israelites" (Josh. 1:2 AMP)(my emphasis).

God did not tell me to climb the platform, walk to the edge, not think at all about the consequences and jump. I did that. That wasn't courage...that was foolishness and impatience.

God wants to give us courage. He says often in His word to "Take courage." As if He is giving it to us- to take it.

I realize that as I sit here and write this blog that I'm jumping again. I have been timid about getting my writing out there... afraid even. But there is a huge difference in running forward in impatience, and urgency, and jumping into a dangerous situation; and being encouraged by your Father God to jump into His arms.

I get a very vivid picture in my minds eye of a small child on the diving board with daddy out in the water, arms out stretched saying, "Jump. Daddy's got you. I promise I'll catch you. Come on, now. Jump."

I need to know He is there..." for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."