To The Praise of His Glory!

Without sorrow, how can we know joy?  Without loss, how can we know gain? 

On January 8, 2011 we lost baby Lucas unexpectedly after only seeing his little face for thirty-one hours.  This was the deepest sorrow we could ever have in our hearts.  The last twenty two months have been a journey of learning to believe and trust that God is still there and that He will heal and comfort and continue to love us. 

On October 20, 2012 Gabrielle Elise was given to us and our sorrow was turned into joy and our previous loss helped us to truly know and understand our gain.  There will always be sorrow in our hearts for our loss, but there is also now new joy!

I was so pleased to learn that the beautiful name of Gabrielle means "God's Strength" and Elise means "Consecrated".  Such promise and such hope her little life is bringing to us.  God has a wonderful plan for each life, no matter the number of days.  Our precious Lucas blessed our lives in so many ways and he will always be a treasure in our hearts.  

                                                                             Ephesians 1:12
                  That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

My precious "Ellie" is to me a "Praise To His Glory", as we have from the very beginning put our trust in Jesus Christ.  How can I look at her and not praise His Holy Name?  She will always be to me a reminder of how precious life is and to be thankful for each moment that we have together.  She is to the praise of His glory, because she reminds me of how God has been faithful to lead us through a path of healing and restoration. 

I pray that all of our lives will be a "Praise To His Glory" as we trust in Him and reflect His goodness and mercy and love.  Amen ~

Above all else . . . .

"Lord,
    Help me to bless others today, especially with my prayers."  Amen ~

These are the words I wrote in my journal this morning and then I began to list the names of my family and friends and their needs for physical healing and circumstances.

                                                       Family Member .... "Mind"
                                                       Family Member  ... "Legs"
                                                       Family Member ... "Ears"
                                                       Family Member ... "Heart"
                                                       Friend ... "Eyes"
                                                       Family Member .... "Circumstances"
                                                       Friends .... "Retreat"

                        After looking at this list, this prayer came to my heart,

Lord,   
Above all else . . . may they have a closer walk with You.
           May their minds be renewed in You.
           May their legs carry them to the path you have called.
           May their ears hear your voice calling to them.
           May their heart be sensitive to anything that pulls them from you.
           May their eyes be focused on You alone for their needs.
           May they know that the circumstances in their life are stepping stones to You.
           May they daily choose to retreat with You.
                                       Amen ~

                                                                    Jeremiah 42:3
Pray for us unto the Lord thy God . . . that the Lord thy God may show us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do.

                                                                    Ephesians 3:19
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.  Amen ~

Always know . . . my love.

Dear Kimberly,
   I cannot allow another day to slip by without telling you how much I love you.  My heart is so sad, that our relationship has been broken for so long.  I never dreamed as a mother, that so much time would slip by without speaking to my daughter.  I will never understand how this happened?  We will both have our own perspective and I'm sure it won't be the same, however we must remember that tomorrow is now gone and we only have today. 
   Every morning I pray about many things and for many people, but God knows my prayers for you have been at the top of my list. 
   I pray that you are just where the Lord wants you to be and your heart is joyful in Him.  I pray that no matter what. . .  you will always know my love for you and that I will always have you in my heart.  You will always be my precious daughter.
   Forgiveness is the purest reflection of our Lord Jesus Christ and I pray that we may someday walk hand-in-hand as well as heart-to-heart because we chose to forgive.

Love,
   Mom

I chose this venue to write you only because I didn't know any other way.  I will not "publish" this on FB or E-mail.  Just praying that you might be lead to pull up my blog and read it. 

  
  

Lord, Please Turn Her Around . . .

Everyday I am saying a prayer for precious little "Ellie" to turn around in her Mommy's womb.  My daughter recently had an ultra-sound done and it showed that the baby is busy discovering all the different positions possible!  LOL  Of course, this is kind of scary for us as we would desire that the delivery be natural and as God intended.  Katie still has a few weeks left in her pregnancy and we will continue to pray, "Lord, please turn her around."

                                                                  The Acts 26:18
                                                                  (Paul speaking)
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them who are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Everyday I have precious people that I am praying for.  I ask God to draw them to Himself and turn their hearts around.  They are out there in this dark world discovering all the different possibilities Satan has for them.  This is so scary for me to think about as each day is so precious and we never know how much time we have left in this world.  God has such a wonderful plan for us and the greatest tragedy is for us to have hearts that are turned the wrong direction and away from Him.  "Lord, please turn them around." 

                                                                 Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
   On behalf of precious baby "Ellie" I ask that you turn her around and may she be in her rightful place.  Thank you for the gift of life!  Lord, I also have loved ones that I pray will turn their hearts to you.  I pray that they will choose to walk in your light and not darkness.  I pray that your plan and purpose for their life will be fulfilled.  "Lord, please turn them around."  Amen ~ 

Clothing Me In Garments . . .

My sister, Karen loves to go shopping at The GW Boutique!  (Goodwill)  She delights in clothing me with garments from her favorite store!  She knows my size and my personal taste and always has her eye out for a great bargain!  I can't begin to tell you how much she has blessed me with surprise boxes in the mail just filled with fabulous finds!  I love to look over each garment and marvel over her selections and her sacrifice of money and time. If you took a tour of my closet, you would discover that the majority of my clothes are from "The GW Boutique".  She always makes sure I have everything I need.  When I receive a compliment on a blouse or jacket, I am not at all ashamed to tell them, "This came from my loving sister, Karen who shops at GW."  She has blessed me so much! 

                                                                    Isaiah 61:10
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.


My Lord, Jesus Christ loves to clothe my soul with the garments of salvation that He purchased Himself for me (and you) on the cross.  He loves to deck me all out with His jewels and gems.  I love to visit The WG Boutique (Word of God) and discover all that He has given to me!  If you were able to tour my soul, you would discover that my garments of Praise all came from Him.  He sees that my soul has everything it needs.  When I receive a compliment on the love, joy and peace in my soul, I am not at all ashamed to tell them, "This came from my loving savior, Jesus Christ.  He has blessed me so much! 

                                                                      Isaiah 61:3
To appoint unto those who mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.

                                                                    Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
   Thank you for making my soul joyful and for clothing me in beautiful garments that come from my salvation that You purchased for me.  I pray I will wear them well today.  Amen~

Shower Of Blessings . . . .

Today I will be preparing the invitations for the "Baby Shoe Shower" we are having for my little granddaughter.  I have been trying to make up my mind which ribbon and buttons will go on the invitations.  My mind is racing and I am flooded with all kinds of creative ideas how we can bless Katie and the baby.  We are asking everyone to come and shower her with a little pair of shoes!  We are preparing little "Shoe Favors" and of course "Shoe cupcakes" will be served.  Ask me. . . .  if you will. . . . . am I blessed?   

                                                                    Matthew 7:7
                                                     Ask, and it shall be given you;
                                                         seek and you shall find;
                                             knock, and it shall be opened unto you;

Today before I begin preparing for my day I will accept God's invitation to come to Him and ask on behalf of others for His blessings upon their lives.  Some truly need a new pair of shoes for their feet, that they may walk closer to God and in His footsteps.  May they hear His knock on the door of their heart and come to His table and feast on the delights He has prepared for them.   Ask Him . . . . if you will . . . . you will be blessed!

                                                                    Morning Prayer

Dear Lord,
    I'm asking that each reader today will receive a new pair of shoes from You.  That they will walk closer to You than ever before and they will open the door and invite You to come in.  Amen ~ 

                                                                   Revelation 3:20
Behold I stand at the door and knock; If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me.

My Inspiration

For the last couple years, I have looked to a website called "Pinterest" for my creative inspiration.  Here, you have people from all over the world pinning pictures, recipes, music, art and everything you can imagine!  I love to just sit and scroll up and down at all the postings and dream and imagine.  If I come across something I can put into my real world, I will pin it onto my own personal board and keep it for reference.  Often, I will pin a picture or idea and I will get a message from another pinterest poster that they "liked" what I pinned and saved it to their board as well.  It's like sharing back and forth with friends that you have never met that share the same interests.  It's totally awesome! 

                                                                     Psalm 119:9-16
Wherewithal shall a young woman cleanse her way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.  With my whole heart have I sought thee; oh , let me not wander from thy commandments.  Thy word have I hidden in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.  Blessed art thou, O Lord; teach me thy statutes.  With my lips have I declared all the ordinances of my mouth.  I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.  I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.  I will delight myself in thy statues.  I will not forget thy word.


For over thirty years, I have looked to God's Word for my heart's inspiration.  I have read books and articles published by Christians all over the world.  I listen intently to the Godly teaching of others, hoping to hear something that will be put into practice in my own life.  Once in awhile I will share a message or word that will inspire someone else and they will receive it and keep it in their own heart.  I take such delight in reading God's Word and to hear His voice encouraging me and inspiring me in a very personal way is so totally awesome!  

                                                                    Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
   Each day you simply delight my heart with your presence and with your encouraging word.  You also bless me with marvelous ways to be creative with my hands.  May I be an inspiration to others in both ways.  I love you Jesus!  Amen ~

To "Be" together!

Our Women's Retreat is coming up in just two months and I'm so very excited to be a part of the praying, planning and preparation for this glorious week-end!  The great attraction is that we will "Be" together with one another and with our Lord!  The planning committee will be behind closed doors making all kinds of plans to bless and encourage each lady that attends.  We will prepare for some special moments and the retreat time will be so precious!  I am so looking forward to it!

                                                                    John 17:24
Jesus, prayed, "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, "Be" with me where I am that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me; for You loved me before the foundation of the world."

                                                                   John 14:2
In my Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so , I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may "Be" also.

                                                                    1 Corinthians 2:9
But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

                                              
I am so excited to know that Jesus, himself prayed, planned and prepared for me to someday "Be" with him and to see his glory!  Jesus is actually preparing a place for me and for you to "Be" with him and our eyes have never seen, nor our ears ever heard, nor entered into our heart the incredible things which God is preparing for us simply because we love him.

                                                                  Morning Prayer

Dear Lord,
    It's so amazing that you have prayed, planned and are now preparing for us our eternal celebration!  Your heart's desire is that we can "Be" together! I cannot fully comprehend what that will be like however, I will spend my life praising you until that glorious day arrives when we will "Be" together.  Amen ~ 

"Heart Keepsakes"

Anything with a "heart" on it will catch my eye every single time!  I was so tickled to find out how to make a heart on my postings on face book.  For those of you who don't know, you just use the < key with a 3 next to it and when you push enter it makes the cutest little heart!  This just makes me so happy!  Call me silly I know!  I have some jewelry that reflects what I hold dear to my heart.  I have a ring with a broken heart on it and I never take it off, as well as my heart bracelet, given to me by my daughter, Kimberly.  On special occasions, I wear a heart pendent necklace with my grand children's names engraved on the outside.  These are my "heart keepsakes" and a reflection of what I hold dear in my heart. 

                                                           Proverbs 4:23
             Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it.

My heart is my most treasured possession because it belongs to God and above all else I must guard it.  My heart is a wellspring that flows into every detail of my life and my relationship to the Lord and to others is according to the condition of my heart.  I must keep it diligently for the sake of Jesus Christ and His glory!  God has made a way for us to love Him with all of our hearts!  I believe that I am God's "heart keepsake" and so are you!  We are His treasures possessions.

                                                            1 Peter 3:3-4
Do not let your adornment be merely outward, arranging the hair, wearing gold or putting on fine apparel-rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

                                                             Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
   Help me to keep my heart with all diligence, having a full understanding of the treasure I possess in You.  Keep my heart for your sake!  Amen ~ 
   

Living In A Heavenly Place

In our pursuit of possibly purchasing a home, I found a home listed that is the exact model of our current home we are leasing.  I dearly love this house!  How exciting to think we could own it!  As I scanned over the pictures in the listing I took note that the walls were plain white with no molding.  The windows were missing coverings and drapes that I currently have.  The family room did not have a fireplace with a home entertainment center.  Where is the flower box in the front courtyard?  Looks like there is no refrigerator in the kitchen, nor cabinets and sink in the laundry room?  I'm suspicious it doesn't have the intercom system nor the security system.  This house only had the rocks and block fence with no view.  I'm so spoiled with the green grass and beautiful trees and shrubs in our backyard, not to mention the view fence with nothing but natural desert landscaping and mountain views.  Are there lots of bunnies and birds and little creatures running around?   No where did I read that landscaping services and water are free to the owner!  Nor did I find a clause that says, "Any necessary repairs will not be the responsibility of the resident."  Perhaps I should give this some more prayerful thought . . . . ???

                                                                         1 Timothy 6:6

                                         But godliness with contentment is great gain.

I live in "Heavenly Places" in Christ Jesus.  He blesses my heart and gives me such joy and I bask in His wonder.  My real pursuit is in Godliness and He has caused my heart to be content.  I already have everything I need in Christ.  There is no need for me to pursuit anyone or anything else.  All He asks of me is to have a thankful heart and to worship Him and to be content.  I think I can do that . . .

                                                                         Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
    Thank you that I live in a "Heavenly Place" and my dwelling is in You.  I am so very content in my heart because You give me such joy and peace.  You alone will I pursue with my whole heart!  Amen ~

Accomplishments vs. Influence

The great accomplishment at the Olympic Games is to win the "GOLD"!  The sacrifices and the cost of this goal for each participant is not even measurable.  For many athletes, their performance will become their future "identity". 

In watching the Olympics, I have not been focused on the accomplishments of the athletes, as much as their influence they are making to the world watching.  I study their responses to their wins and losses more than their final scores.  To me, their greatest victory is to respond to their own performance with humility and thankfulness.  I love to watch their behavior and gestures of compassion and encouragement to their competitors.  This can be a much greater victory than winning the "Gold".  

Our true "Identity" comes more from our influence on others than our accomplishments  and the rewards are far more significant. 

                                                                  Hebrews 12:1

Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

                                                                Morning Prayer

Dear Lord,
    Help me today to focus more on the influence that I am making upon others, than to my own record of accomplishments.  Love is always your goal for me and I will be pure "Gold" in Your eyes.  Amen ~