Fire for HIM

Reflecting over the past few days, "little things" had been making me extremely angry.  Being that I am usually of a calm temperament, this emotion has brought me to scratch my head in wonderment.  It was as if 'something' was simmering on the stove of my heart.  These "little" events or aggravations turned up the heat and caused what was already cooking to boil over, making a mess of my emotions.  As I restrained myself from analyzing (my comfort blanket) but did some soul searching, I was able to find the ingredients simmering beneath the surface. What I found was a potentially toxic remedy I had allowed to be concocted.  If you have ever seen baking soda and vinegar mixed together, the reaction of my ingredients was much like that.  I had allowed the bitter and the sour to be stirred together.  What happened?  You may ask.  One particular 'incident' was when my eldest child hid another child's new toy.  I let THAT act make me so...

Recently, an evangelist was speaking on vision and talked about the passage of Genesis 30.  It seems so many are talking and writing on vision.  What a great topic to stir us to move forward!  In Genesis 30, Laban tried to trick Jacob out of his inheritance.  Laban told Jacob he could have all the spotted or streaked animals, but then Laban hid those animals with his sons to keep them from Jacob.  In return, Jacob gave the animals left in his care an image to focus on in order to change the situation.  Then Jacob took some fresh branches from poplar, almond, and plane trees and peeled off strips of bark, making white streaks on them. Then he placed these peeled branches in the watering troughs where the flocks came to drink, for that was where they mated.   And when they mated in front of the white- streaked  branches, they gave birth to young that were streaked, speckled, and spotted.   (Gen. 30: 37-39 NLT)     ...

(Disclaimer:  Although not graphic, the following blog may be disturbing to animal lovers) A few years ago, a black and white stray cat had five kittens in our hydrangea bush.  After fostering her and the litter for Animal Rescue Foundation, we kept two of the kittens (one tabby gray, one fully black).  Both have always been very docile and loving.  They were made to live outside due to their potty habits indoors, but they were fixed and have been pampered greatly by the six of us throughout their lifetime.  The children would even make them beds next to theirs or carry them in their purses when they were kittens.  The cats became comfortable being carted around in cotton pillow cases and would relax and fall asleep on jousled walks with the kids.  I tell you all of this to let you know they were a treasured part of our family. Driving  my children to school on Friday, I saw a fully b...

I was recently at a conference where the speaker was referring to the different stages of freedom.  That "stuck" part of the process of freedom call "I can't" came to my mind.  A log jam was the description of the speaker.  I could see myself standing on the edge of the log jam...on top of the pile of logs.  I was wishing and waiting on the "break free" and waiting.  "The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him." Psalm 28:7 I realized that the log jam represented my trying to do in my own strength what the Lord asked me to do in His.  Suddenly, an active video of freedom formed in my heart and mind.  I no longer had to struggle to kick out of the jam, I simply had to raise my hands in surrender.  As I did, I flew as if on wings.  He was waiting in this glorious river of freedom.  Together, we swam as one.  He was the leader.  He led me in a dance of freedom in the water and in the sky.  Colors a...

Today, some difficult things were happening in my morning.  Rather than let circumstances squash my joy, I knelt before Lord.  As a result, this song rose from my heart: You check the time Results have come and gone But God is still on the throne Hal - le  - lu - jah To - the - Lamb He died and rose again All else is yet to bear such significance So you tried and said and did Your heart is heavy, Son. But remember what I said is the end... Hal - le - lu - jah To - the - Lamb He died and rose again All else is yet to bear such significance (x3) Kids may kick and fight Puff their chest in might Get on your knees and see what He says He says... Hal - le - lu - jah Give Him Glory He died and rose again Look up and see His power today So your pockets pull out void Your vats are running low How will the food go on the table? (Sing Hallelujah from above again) I see the heads hung down Staring at the ground Wondering what to do with thi...

One morning I was reading Isaiah 62.  I was struck to the core of how those words spoken over Jerusalem could be said over us as individuals.  It could be spoken over our country.  Let us pray this over our nation today. Regarding our hearts, regarding America: Regarding Zion, I can’t keep my mouth shut, regarding Jerusalem, I can’t hold my tongue, Until her righteousness blazes down like the sun and her salvation flames up like a torch. Foreign countries will see your righteousness, and world leaders your glory. You’ll get a brand-new name straight from the mouth of God. You’ll be a stunning crown in the palm of God’s hand, a jeweled gold cup held high in the hand of your God. No more will anyone call you Rejected, and your country will no more be called Ruined . You’ll be called Hephzibah (My Delight), and your land Beulah (Married), Because God delights in you and your land will be like a wedding celebration . For as a young man marrie...

Have you had technical difficulties?  Lengthy tech problems?  Well, lately my blog has been just that. It has been one BIG tech problem.  My blogs have been stacking up...waiting for the canvas to write them. Tonight, the server allowed me to blog.  My thought was, "It's a miracle." I had just finished rambling on to my husband, and he had told me to blog what I was saying.  He rarely says that.  I had been going on about how it was so surreal about the hurricanes hitting all of the places that represent finance and politics, with a hurricane by the name of Sandy.  SANDY!  Who has ever heard of a hurricane named Sandy...and so huge and coming ashore at those locations, at that.  Landing just shy of Atlantic City of all places.  "Are not two [ a ] little sparrows sold for a penny? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s leave (consent) and notice."  (Matt. 10:29 AM...

I was thinking about why many people see a broken mirror seen as 'bad luck'?  We are afraid og letting go of the familiar, even the deception regarding self. Are we HOLDING onto the image of self = stamina, sense of well being?  Is it true that the image we have seen for so long, surrendered and broken is a bad thing? THINK ABOUT IT:  When we look into the reflection in the mirror and gaze into the eyes of the Father, we see ourselves through the window of love from the ONE who made 'you'. "The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing."  (Zephaniah 3:17)

Recently, I was hiking at Jenny Lake in Wyoming.  Although I had done the hike previously, I did not remember how beautiful the scenery was.  My heart knew that Jenny Lake was a place of treasured memories with my family.  I remembered the moments rather than the cascading waterfall, giant boulders along the trail, and towering lodge pole pines.  On my recent visit, my husband and I were hiking up to the waterfall.  The scenery was breath-taking.  However, the trail was treacherous.  Basically, all hikers were expected to find sure footing within the jagged pieces of boulders. It was a trail cut into the mountain, with sharp points of sandy rock sticking out.  Each step seemed to be a slippery slope.  With this being nerve racking, I felt the need to look at my feet most of the time to ensure that my foot was placed in a safe location.  I wasw afraid to fall.  While spending much time looking at my feet, a lot of the scenery was m...

Life sometimes catches you in a current, much like rafting waters.  That is how it has been lately.  A fun ride without the time to complete some needed chores or tasks.  Although I have many nice blogs prepared from my trip to Wyoming, I ran across a journal of mine that I needed to share.  I was reminded that this life is not about perfection. Paul had a lot that he could have looked back on and felt horrible about.  However, he chose to RUN THE RACE.  He ran the race, told us he was running the race, and encouraged us to pick ourselves up and move FORWARD.  Phillipians 3:12 1 - Paul says I am not perfect 2 - He tells us he is growing or 'pressing' on 3 - He is reaching for the Son He goes on to tell us where he finds the wind in his wings.  See Phillipians 4:13 (AMP) "I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I ...

I did not depart...I only went to Wyoming.  Some GREAT posts to follow. 

Many people spend years ‘treasure hunting’ and find nothing. With the suggestion and help of a very kind friend, my office was gutted about a week ago. Afterwards, I realized that treasures were revealed when the clutter was gone through and discarded. At the wise insistence of my friend, we arranged furniture and supplies to ‘make room’ for the things I love to do. Now I find myself taking the time to do some of the things that were too buried to enjoy. Although it is sad to say, I found un-filed paperwork from dating back to 2004. Interruptions in life had caused me to pile up the papers that I was behind on rather than dealing with them in the moment. I tucked them away until I could deal with them. Well, the day of reckoning arrived. It felt so good to discard these un-needed items. In the midst of the process, I found true treasures that had long-since been missing. What if we did that with our heart? Most of us have areas that we have tucked away until we decide to ‘deal’ wi...

This blog is in many ways a continuation of Monday's blog, but it digs deeper. What if we saw a caricature of ourselves minus the things we wanted to see changed.  Our body young and strong, without disease; our mind clear and steady; our heart bleeding for others rather than set on our own selfish ambitions.  Eyes to see the truth, ears to hear His voice, and hands serving.  What if?  What if our emotions were not tossed with the wind, but rather were locked into the Truth of the Word that we had invested time and focus to soak into our very being?  What if?  I challenge you to look in a visual mirror today.  What do you WANT to see?  When all else is shaken loose from you, what is the "you" that is left behind?  Better yet, what "you" did God create?  Why did He create you?  Answer these things with the truth of the Word today.  Then SEE IT.   See you, with every tether cut loose and a "self" in an Olympic state...

Yesterday in church, a sweet lady in her golden years hugged my neck and said, "See yourself at my age - just imagine what level you will be."  I was taken back.  I had never thought to stand in my "senior shoes" and look in the mirror.  She was paying me a complement.  I had just prayed for someone, and she was telling me to see the vision of who I might become and the freedom and wisdom I would truly walk in...just if I continued on the path of fervor after the Lord's heart.  Wow!  What a challenge to be told to look at life in a 'flash-forward' stance.  Our campus pastor at my university would often tell us to look at decisions we might make with the perspective of 'hindsight in foresight position' - I have never forgotten those words and have applied them so very often.  I was saying this quote of Pastor Shuler to someone recently, and they said, "What exactly does that mean anyway? I hear you say it often."  I explained the above...

While riding in the car, the old song, "Go Tell It on the Mountain" began to ring through the vehicle.  I began to think of three major steps to both the natural and spiritual parallel to this song. 1. Look UP:  "...And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up , and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." (Luke 21:25-28 KJV) 2.  Hike UP:  "The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law. At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments." (Psalm 119:61-62) 3. STAND and SHOUT:  ...

We were traveling back from our 1,200 mile journey via car.  The sun began to set, and the sky became a gorgeous canvas of bright pinks, yellows, and blues.  All of us were speechless at the beauty before us.  In the midst of the colors, a jet cut across the sky, leaving its smoke trail behind him.  I was stirred to think of the parallel of the process of successful jet flight, and us reaching toward our God-destined purpose. 1. Tools are needed to create a working jet/ God gives us tools to knit together what He intends us to walk in. 2.  Mechanism:   The mechanical aspects of the jet must be in working order/ We must be a willing vessel and ready to move into position. 3.   Fuel for the tank is vital for a successful flight/ Feeding on the Word is vital for strength and stamina. 4.  The runway provides a clear and safe place to begin the journey/ Positioning ourselves for movement is crucial. 5.  Pull back on the controls ...

What BLOG means to me: Be free Lift up your head Open the heart Give encouragement

It is time to DIG DEEP.  "   I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it.     It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well " (Luke 6:47-48 NLT) Websters defines "dig" as "to turn up or remove..." and "deep" as "extending far downward, inward, or backward".  What if we really dug deep and removed the shifting places, replacing the truth of Christ there for us to stand on.  Cleaning out closets can be a daunting task.  Funny how the same theme rolls over and over in our lives until we get it.  I actually had started both this blog and the task of closet cleaning several months ago.  I set both aside without completion.  While visiting with my mother this past weekend, I picked up a home magazine.  The feature article was about closet clea...

Lessons Learned on Vacation: Part 1 Funny how we learn so very much about ourselves in the midst of challenge and fatigue.  We learn a lesson - even when we are not in the mood to learn it.   It is much like the analogy of walking through mud.  " Trust in the LORD with all your heart , And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."  (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV) Lesson number 1:  Just ROLL with it.  I found it v-e-r-y annoying to just 'roll' down the road without kn-ow-ing what was ahead.  Needless to say, my nerves were frazzled at the end of the day. Lesson number 2:  Learn to TRUST I was stressed that I could not see what was lying ahead.  I had to trust that decent lodging and food were easy to find and within the budget.  We had not made reservations...due to the last minute change of destination.   Being puzzled at the heigth of my aggravation...

Freedom Morning Waking Before the Sun Anticipating Its Rise Putting My Hand to the Plow Smiling at the Morning Moving Forward Light Hits My Eyes Streams of Sunlight Filters Toward My Face Warmth Pleasantries Ahh...I Shall Stay Here Forevermore 

Wow!  Although I have written many in my head, it has been a while since I last blogged.  These last few weeks, I have been learning to get my feet back under me.   It has been a wonderful time of soul searching and character building, but I was not so sure at the time.  On this side, it is refreshing to hear, "You look really great.  Your countenance has changed."  After the work put forth, that is quite a nice echo in the ears. My blog prior to this was very candid (to prevent redundancy, see last blog for details).  Needless to say, I felt I was at end of myself.  I began writing the following blog, while helping my daughter learn that she can somersault.  This particular daughter is very tactile and has been since she was very, very young.  When we watched, Herby: Fully Loaded, she would somersault over and over again all over the room with excitement.  She was more entertaining than the movie, even thought the mov...

I am at a place where I do not REALLY have anyone that I can vent to.  I used to.  But now, my problems seem so insignificant in comparison to those around me.  It would just sound like a pity party.  Mostly, it boils down to my expectations of myself, others, and circumstances.  I have found that this 'season' of my life demands me to go to God or go crazy.  I am left with the choice to drink of the Word or eat dirt.  Which would you choose?  Sometimes I find myself chowing down on a big piece of sod.  Suddenly...or sometimes not so suddenly, I stop and and ask myself what am I doing?  I know better.  Chewing on the trials in life does not bring sustenance!  At the end of that meal, I find myself embittered, weak, and still starving for goodness. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28 NIV) However, His love is always there.  He has the answer, and He com...

Immersed:  this is a word that keeps tumbling around in my heart and mind.  Webster's defines "immerse" to mean, "to plunge into or as if into a liquid; to baptize by dipping under water; to involve deeply, engross, as in thought."  What is we "immersed" ourselves into God's love?  According to the definition, it is not a toe-tipping sample of an experience.  It is rather a "baptism" of fluid: to deeply ponder and let it swell over you.  When I visited Hawaii almost two years ago, David and I went to a beach with gigantic waves.  To get out into the water, one had to wade through t he waves.  Almost instantly, they were up under your arms and still so clear that you could see your feet.  Before I knew it, a wave crashed into me and splashed over my head and into my nose.  Hours later, salt water was stilling pouring from my sinuses.  I do not mean to gross you out.  I use this story to help paint the pictu...

The Sun In My Face Wind In My Hair Putting Frustration Behind Me The Night Is Young Tomorrow Is New I Still Have Time To Obey You Minutes Are Not Lost All Is Not Ashes Rain Will Fall - Whether I Let It I Turn and Face You Listening To Your Voice and Guidance Time To Brush Off and Move On

How does the rose vine climb higher?  I noticed the detailed arms reaching out from it's vine today.  I have one in my window.  The arms that hold onto the wall and allow the vine to climb higher have been spinning their green and holding fast to push the rose upwards.  They are delicate spirals, which contain such strength and determination. Lord, let me spin and delight in You and Your plan today.  Ever turning my face toward Your Light of Life and drinking in Your Word, I will rise higher and allow the dirt to stay at my feet.  I love You, Lord.   In You is goodness, grace, and infinite mercy.

Flash of Bright Yellow Fluttering Like Leaf Painted Lines of Black Blue Patch With Shimmer Gliding With Great Grace and Ease Dipping On the Breeze of Spring My Eyes Alight With Wonder At the Treasure in My Path From the Corner of My Eye Little Red Circles Dancing Reminds Me of Heaven's Savior His Tremendous Love Fills My Heart

"My body and my heart may grow weak, but God is the strength of my heart and all I need forever." (Psalm 73:26 NLV) Webster's Dictionary defines strength as " capacity for exertion or endurance; power to resist force: solidity, toughness; power of resisting attack: impregnability; legal, logical, or moral force; degree of potency of effect or of concentration..." Wow!  God is our strength .  He makes my heart full of strength and is able to meet my needs.  That is a mouth full of TRUTH.  Say it today.  Let your spirit hear you say it.  Take it to heart and believe that He will carry you through.  May God bless you today-

Consider a stone in the river....  " And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:5) I have always been somewhat of a rock hound.  One of my favorite trips was traveling out west with a group of students from ORU.  We were lead by our God-fearing Earth Science teacher.  What an experience!  It was wonderful.  We started out our mornings with breakfast and worship and spent our days digging in the dirt or hiking canyons. Just a glance at a river rock today, made me start thinking of many Summer vacations to Colorado with my family.  We would put our feet in the cold water and search for our favorite river rocks.  They were a rainbow of color, and the closer to the middle of the river, the smoother the stone.  Even though rocks have different components, they all start as part of a larger mass.  Over time, the shaking of th...

"...God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels." (Ephesians 6:10-12 MSG)     I had purchased some Gerber Daises for a friend of mine.  I have not made the delivery yet, so we have been caring for them in the mean time.  They usually have their fuzzy middles facing up and their hot pink pedals stretching out like rays of sunshine.  Today, we pulled into the driveway, and each of the blossoms were bowing low to the ground.  They needed water.  My children hurried to water them to bring them back to life. It has been my life's desire to always be pleasant ...

"But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits." (Psalm 5:11 AMP)   God has made a covering over us.  Picture a giant, golf-sized umbrella over your head.  He covers us.  It is not always easy to trust Him in every circumstance, but He IS there - over us.  When we submit to Him, we give Him permission to hold His umbrella over our heads, wherever we go.     In the midst of a physical battle, I felt barraged by hell's rocks of fury.  I was exhausted and found myself wondering about the presence of heaven in all of it.  Most of us have been there.  If you have not, maybe you will.  I do not wish it on anyone, but we find ourselves stronger and better rooted on the other side of these ...

"In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will rest ore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation." (I Peter 5:10 NLT) Lately when I worship, I see myself spinning on ice with my head held back in abandon.  The Word has many scriptures on dancing before the Lord.  When my heart reaches out to Him or I know He is there, I begin to see a dance of worship in my mind that corresponds to my heart yearning to spin before Him.  The ice I have seen this week is like a frozen pond out in a forest.  The sun is shining.  It is beautiful.  My mouth is curved up in a smile, and my body is spinning wildly and with graceful movement.  I do not know how to ice skate.  I have been a few times, and my efforts are less than fluid.  Ballet doesn't exactly transfer to the ice without training.  My home...

                                             " By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days." (Hebrews 11:30 KJV)  Giving up can be a huge temptation.  I often feel that little tap on my shoulder, so to speak, to just throw in the towel when something is very difficult and my energies are expended.  My mind wants to say, "Oh, well."   I feel like I have done all that I can do.  But something beautiful can come out of that.  I can allow Him to give me strength to do more - to reach the goal at hand. A sweet friend gave me Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers for my birthday.  I have been so encouraged by the elaborated stories of the women within the lineage of Christ.  Seeing them in t...

Yesterday, my three year old daughter was walking behind me on a sidewalk at a school.  I knew she was following me, but I wanted her closer to me.  I wanted to touch her.  I put my hand behind me and continued to walk forward.  When she did not grab my hand right away, I looked back at her to see if she saw me reaching for her.  When I realized that she was looking around and not at my hand, I turned around and gently took her hand and we walked together. Immediately, I was reminded of how the Heavenly Father does that for us.  He is ALWAYS walking ahead of us, aware of us, and desiring that we follow Him into GOOD things.  He longs to hold our hand and have us walk with Him, in ALL circumstances. My prayer for this week is that I not wait on Him to find me.  I want to run to catch up to Him, grab Him around the waist, hold His hand and walk with Him in JOY.  " But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lo...

I wanted to jump off the end of the pier... I picked up a Kleenex box and gazed at the picture on the side.  It was of a long wooden pier out over shimmering, blue water, with gorgeous mountains far in the distance.  I had the sudden urge to run down the length of the pier and into the water.  My senses longed to feel the joy of the bubbling water surround me.  I wanted to swim and swim, reach the other side and run toward the mountains.  Hesitancy and planning are the usual behaviors for me, so this impromptu longing was far from my practiced nature.  However, God is taking me to a new season.  A season of moving forward, at a marathon pace, is what my heart has been conforming to desire.  As I thought about this, I reflected on how He prepares us and plants desires within us for the place He wants to take us.  "As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness. "...

What shape will others see when I am gone?  I keep seeing all the wonderful tree sculptures all about.   Just as the buds blanket the branches of the world around them, these statues of wood that have served their seasons become obvious.  Each one tells a different story.  My eyes are drawn to the shape of their growth or struggle for survival.  The green spreads through the branches around them, life growing and preparing to make seeds and fruit.  Those too old to grow anymore are left barren, their shape pointing upwards to their Maker.  Reaching outward, outward and twisting in all directions...each tree taking a different shape.  Its skin showing, bark no more, the gray tower speaks of the life it lived.    What shape will others see when I am gone?  The twists, turns, and stature  Will I look balanced, or will I show that weather and man has pruned me with no thought of the intended sha...

Beautiful Day  Soft and Chilly Morning Green Mist in the Afternoon Roaring Fire View Across the Meadow Warms the Soul Sweet Rain of Love Fun in the Puddles Wheels Splash Waterworks on Car Girls' Laughter All Around Sun Breaks Through Blue Sky Background Grey Clouds Painted Gold About Evening Draws Nigh Silver Silhouette of Nature Budding Branches Reach High

Today is a cloudy day.  It has been a cloudy day in more ways than one.  Clouds seem to block the sun, but they always have a potential of rain. You see, I did something I try never to do.  I went to sleep last night, without releasing the weights of the day.  This is never good for me.  It forms clouds blocking my heart.  Yuck! Yesterday, before I allowed junk to roll in and rest in my back yard, a song was pouring up from my heart.  This morning, the lyrics of that song kept tumbling in my mind.  My heart was stirred at their meaning. My eyes down Heart heavy with the world Weary, tired, and longing for nothing... Then I saw the Lilly turn I looked up The branches swayed with the wind I looked at the clouds And saw the sun break through I felt your love - I felt your love I saw the light I heard Your truth I saw Your love break through You are amazing Speaking to me Sayinw you made me lovely You said, "My uniqueness is from You" "My p...

Yesterday, I was walking in an older district of our town.  The homes have well groomed yards and are often grandiose in scale and architectural detail.  It is quite a sight-seeing experience, especially with trees already blooming for the spring. The wind was blowing.  Suddenly, in the midst of all the beauty, something caught my eye.  It was not a swing, a gate, a dog, or a beautiful bay window.  Caught in the branches of a tree, was a red Mylar balloon.  It was difficult not to just stop and stare at this unusual sight.  It was not what my senses were expecting.  I continued to desire to look at the image, and  I longed to know more about it.  How long had it been there?  What kind of balloon was it.  Who did it belong to?  All of these questions reminded of another experience and thought that had been mulling around in my head for the last couple of days.  We had a red visitor at our house on Saturda...

My wedding band at the jeweler's, in a little box, was awaiting instruction from its owner regarding its future shape.  Two prongs around the diamond had been warped...and the ring had to be melted down for repair.  The jeweler said it was opportune time to redesign the setting.  The ring had been left there for four months while I decided what I wanted to do with my precious treasure.  I had to find a design before the jeweler could repair my ring. And then I found myself crying and crying.  I simply could not stop sniffling.  The diamond in my wedding band was lost.  My redesigned ring now contained a vacant setting, minus an ugly center prong in the middle.  I just kept staring at that empty setting, with my terrible decision staring back at me: the center prong.  Mulitiple men at the jeweler's store had told me it was time to repair...

Some people seem prone to frustration.  Lately, the Lord has been dealing with me about finding practical remedies to solve life's little or big irritations.  He has called us to joy and peace.  "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid."  (John 14:27 NLT) This morning, I did not hear the alarm at all.  I think I had a dream that David's phone was ringing.  Needless to say, we overslept.  While making a mad dash to gulp down breakfast and head out the door, one of our precious ones decided to have a meltdown because they did not like the breakfast selection.  Both parents stayed focused and somewhat calm.  Breathe, breathe, breathe.   Although late to school, at least we had not been locked out.  Yeah! Breathing.  I am still breathing...and so is my kitty.  Yes, next the cat was found trappe...