He makes all things new

I married my husband again this past Saturday and our special day was everything we wanted it to be and more so.

My cup runneth over.

It’s hard to decide where to begin. How could I possibly describe our day from start to end in one post? Maybe it does not need to be one post.

A little side note: it feels strange to return here with it being so long since I last wrote. But now is not the time to talk about the uncertainty of this blog's future. I shall continue to leave it in God’s hands.

When my husband and I first met with our Executive Pastor to tell him of our desire to renew our wedding vows, we expressed how we wanted the day to be all about God. The renewal of our vows was not about us but about what God had done in our lives and in our marriage since we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior. All praise and glory for the twenty-five years we celebrate together must go to Him.

And all praise and glory did go to Him.

He shall even receive all praise and glory for working out every single detail as we planned for our special day. As I look back, I see how He filled the gaps by sending just the right person at just the right time to come along side of us to think of the one detail we had not yet thought of. He guided us in the decision making process and kept us free from worry… with Him at the center our day would be everything He wanted it to be. It would be what He always intended for this day was written in His book long ago.

I realized the evening before we would marry again that we were about to do the very thing Satan had tried to prevent for twenty-five years. Satan decided to step up his game, friends. But our God is stronger.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

After a difficult night, on the morning of our vow renewal day I gathered our family around an oak table in the living room with our hands held tightly together and declared to Satan, “You are not welcome here. You will not steal our joy. We know how the story goes… God wins. And He wins here today too.”

A few hours later I stood in the dressing room of our venue in a wedding dress God had chosen specifically for me with my eyes closed and listened to family and friends in the room next to me join our worship team in singing:

“Let our praise be Your welcome
Let our songs be a sign
We are here for You, we are here for You

Let Your breath come from heaven
Fill our hearts with Your life
We are here for You, we are here for You”

Here For You, by Matt Redman

We welcomed God into that place. His presence filled the room. It was all about Him, just as it should be.

Then our two children, now young adults, each put an arm in one of mine and together we took the walk I had been anxiously waiting to take toward my husband. As we walked across a lovely white runner, which included the words from Mark 10:9 thanks to my mother, our voices continued to give Him praise as we sang:

“For all Your goodness
I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons
For my heart to find”

10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord), by Matt Redman

Oh yes, God. There are ten thousand reasons and more for my heart to find.

How do I describe the emotions which came as I reached out my hand to take my husband’s hand in mine with our boys standing beside us, with family and friends surrounding us and with God in our midst? I loved my husband so very much on the day when we first said “I do” but never did I imagine how my love for him would grow over the next twenty-five years. Only God could write such a story.

There is so much more to share with you. Isn’t that so like God? With Him, there is always more. And I will share the “more” with you as time allows and as we receive photos from our photographer.

For now, can you guess how our ceremony ended? From the moment we decided to renew our vows, we knew the ceremony could end only one way. We turned toward our family and friends with joy overflowing and sang, “How Great is Our God!”

Our special day was much more than a renewal of our vows. God gave us a new marriage; a transformation only He could do. All praise and glory went to Him and will continue to go to Him.

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Should I Make Myself Write?

A recent post by a sweet friend has me asking myself if I should just make myself write. There's no inspiration to write these days. If I were to write something I am not sure what the something would be. I really don't know where to begin with the thoughts twirling and twirling around in my mind.

Should I make myself write? Would the inspiration then come?

Then I recalled words written by another friend. I read Mary's post, The Importance of Real Connections in a Non-Connected World, this morning after my time with God and before tending to the daily routine of getting ready for the work day. Imagine my surprise to find her writing about me. Thank you for the encouragement, Mary!

"My good friend Beth at Simply Beth has been writing and talking about real life connections and their importance. She has stepped out intentionally to make this happen and it has encouraged me in my own life. It has been a beautiful journey to follow and learn from Beth as she sits with friends over coffee, hangs out with her neighbors, puts family first and works on being present to others in her daily life. She models what friendship should be and I am blessed to learn from her bravery and challenged to carry this out in my own life."

So here's the thing. Maybe I could make myself write. There's some writing but not much these days. Instead of making myself write though, I am making time for real life connections. First and foremost, I make time for my husband. Actually, God first and then time with my man.

Then there are days devoted to meeting online friends in real life. Like breakfast at an adorable restaurant (best ever coffee and pancakes) with the lovely Mel of Barefoot Mel. Winning a giveaway on her blog revealed we only live thirty minutes from one another. Yippee!

And I anxiously await sharing a meal again with Dawn of Journeys in Grace this weekend.

 And we spend lots and lots of time with friends we are blessed to have as neighbors.

I love any opportunity to hang out with my BFF who will forever be known as "my Hawaii friend." The photo is from the morning we left for Hawaii as I did not think to take one of us together when recently met to share a meal and have a glass of wine while my husband took our youngest son to a Chicago Blackhawks game.

There's also a wedding to plan. Yes, I refer to it as "Our Wedding." It's a renewal of vows. It's a desire to say before God once again, but for real this time because the first time we didn't know God like we do now, that we will love one another until death do us part. Want to follow along as I plan? Come check out my Pinterest board.

How about a sneak peak at our photo session for the Save the Date cards? The photo below happens to be a favorite from our session. Hubs didn't like his squinty eye so we won't be using it for our card. I love him so very much!

I admitted to my friend Mary in the comment I left on her post (shared above) that I honestly fear a loss of online friendships, friendships I hold dear to my heart, because I am not writing. Less writing has gradually meant less time on other blogs.

Really though, less time on other blogs is not because I am writing less but because I am being intentional in others areas.

God has called me to a different season. It's a season where He isn't asking me to write. Mostly it's a season where I feel I'm learning to love God with all my heart, my soul and my strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). Could there be any better season?

At my Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class last night our teaching leader reminded me of this truth: "We can't add God to our life; He must be our life."

I need Him to be my everything. I want Him to be my everything.

Can I admit I almost backed out of my yes to God to become a Group Leader for BSF in the fall? I wrote about my yes to God here.

But as I learn to love God with my heart, soul and strength, I know it includes trusting His ways are always best. If His ways include me shepherding a group of women as we study God's Word together, then my yes will stay a yes. Satan isn't winning in his attempt to tell me I'm not ready.

So . . . the writing? It will continue to take a back seat. I will not fear what I may lose as a result for God is filling my days with much goodness.

You are forever part of the goodness in my life.

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Friday Randomness {on a Monday} (Vol. 23)

I do realize I'm sharing Friday Randomness on a Monday but I'm off schedule with posts and decided why not. 

May your day and week be blessed and joy-filled. I wish you grace upon grace.

Scripture speaking to my heart

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." ~ Hebrews 4:16

A few of my favorite blog reads

"All I want them to see is Jesus.  A layed down lover who is nothing in herself, but was offered grace freely....The breath of God living in me out of mercy so undeserved." ~ When You Just Need to Slip Through Cracks of Grace by Jen of Rich Faith Rising

"When I choose to trust God’s plan to be the best plan in the midst of the change, my spirit knows peace." ~ Seasons: The Changing of Seasons, by Jeanne Tekanaka

"I want you to like me. I want the women who attend this weekend to like me too. I want them to like Winsome. But I'm seeing how like gets in the way of love." ~ Like . . Love's Worst Enemy, by Kim Hyland of Winsome Women

"How do we forgive ourselves when who we are turns out to be less than whom we can accept?" ~ When You Don’t Know How To Forgive Yourself, by Karin of Sunrise With A Six Pack

"YOU ROCK!! That is what I would say to you if you were standing in front of me." A Shout-Out to all of my Fellow Military Spouses, by Jana of Jana's Three Dresses // Military Spouse Appreciation Day has passed by Jana said so well what I wanted to say to all military spouses.

(in)Courage Community Groups

"Do you ache for companionship, or to have a friendship with another woman who encourages you? Does you heart call for a group of friends to sit with you on the bench as your toes play with the grass beneath you feet?" ~ Are You Looking For Encouragement? by Diane Bradley // I'm joining Diane and many others in encouraging you to consider being a part of one of the community groups offered through (in)Courage. There is a group for nearly every stage of life and various interests. There is surely a group for you. I'm excited to be co-leading the Military Wives community group for the upcoming session.

Inspired blogger

I'm always inspired by what my friend June shares at her place and simply wanted to share her with you. I have also been truly blessed from the encouragement and prayers she has sent my way outside of our blogs. She has touched my heart deeply. You can visit June here.

The Love Dare Challenge

If you've missed it, I'm blogging my way through The Love Dare book. You can catch up on the first three dares here: Love is patient, Love is kind and Love is not selfish.

I'm going to allow myself to be vulnerable and share what is on my heart. The views on my last post were down significantly which has me second guessing continuing with this series. After time in prayer, God reminded me of how this has nothing to do with the number of people who read a post. He has placed this love dare challenge on my heart because my message is and will always be that choosing love, God's kind of love, leads to transformation. It changes lives. God's kind of love always wins.

My marriage was not in a bad place but this challenge is doing something incredibly beautiful to my relationship with my husband even though he is on the other side of the world. It is also doing a transformation in my own heart that was truly needed.

So this series will continue and I pray God uses it to lead others to the transformation only He can give.

Online friends become INRL friends

I had the opportunity to meet two online friends this past week. Last Sunday I met my friend Kristin Taylor and her family at Navy Pier while they were visiting Chicago. We had a wonderful afternoon together, which included a ride on the ferris wheel.

On Saturday I spent three hours at Panera getting to know my friend Ceil Ryan of Surrounded by the Spirit. She noticed through my blog that I live nearby and reached out asking if we could connect in real life. I'm so glad she did. We had a fabulous afternoon together and I'm pretty sure we could have talked for three more hours.

She gave me this lovely rose for Mother's Day too.

In honor of Mother's Day

I had a quiet Mother's Day. It began with a beautiful gift from my son and his girlfriend. We had breakfast together and then took our two dogs for a walk before I headed to church. My oldest son is currently at sea so I did not anticipate hearing from him. Early afternoon I did get a message from him saying, "HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MOM!!! I wish I could be home to celebrate with you."

The rest of the day was spent writing and ended with a late dinner celebration. My son and his girlfriend take such good care of me. They also gave my rose a few friends. So sweet!

In honor of Mother's Day (even though the day is over) I also thought I'd share a picture of the day I became a mom. We were rather young at the time.

And my forever favorite picture of me and my boys.

Being a mom . . . oh, what joy. Thank you, God, for the precious gift of being a mom to my two boys. It's a title I will never give up.

Two of my favorite Mother's Day posts:
Dandelions and Weeds in Crystal, by Amy Breitmann
To The Mom Whose Children Are Grown, by Duane Scott

Finding joy in a deployment #JoyDare #1000gifts

I continue to count His gifts . . . His graces . . . but since it has been several weeks since I've shared them here I've decided not to continue to list them in a post.

But I will leave you with this from the lovely Ann Voskamp:

"God is always good and I am always loved. Everything is eucharisteo.
 Grace, thanksgiving, joy. Eucharisteo."

Friday Randomness (Vol. 22)

Scripture speaking to my heart

"The joy of the LORD is your strength" ~ Nehemiah 8:10

I'm sure this appeared in a previous post as the scripture speaking to my heart but God has been using it to speak to my heart again.

Favorite Quote

"O believer. Let gratitude be awakened; let humility be deepened; let love be quickened." ~ Charles Spurgeon (Shared by Lisa Buffaloe)

Joy - My One Word

"As we've all heard time and time again, life is about celebrating the small things and relishing in the uncomplicated pleasures. These moments will stay with us long after the stress has settled. To spark your own love affair with life again, here are 50 simple ways to welcome joy back in..." ~ 50 Ways to Love Life from Darling Magazine // I was going to pick a favorite but I loved all 50 ways.

"The thing is: we only repeat the sounding joy, re-joice, re-joy again and again, when we remember to give thanks — and again repeat." ~ The Best Gift for the Overwhelmed: Sometimes You Need Joy-in-a-Box, by Ann Voskamp // I just want to meet her and hug her to say, Thank You.

"We need to fight for joy and be joy-warriors." ~ Ann Voskamp || Watch a moving video with Ann Voskamp and Tara Jenkins from IF : Equip here.

I love that God choose JOY as my one word for the year.

Circles of Faith + Three Word Wednesday

On Monday I shared with Circles of Faith and on Wednesday one of the co-founders of Circle of Faith shared with us for Three Word Wednesday. Read here and here if you missed these posts.

I truly love the hearts of the two ladies behind Circles of Faith. If you have not already, come meet them here and follow them on one of their social media outlets. You will be happy you did.

A few of my favorite blog reads

"Create your art and continue to put it out there! God is the one who makes a place for your talent." ~ Pursuing Passions and Experiencing Rejection by Diane Bailey // I thought a quote from Jennifer Duke Lee's new book Love Idol went well with this post: "She risked failing, for the sheer joy of trying."

"The feeling of not being included, not being valued, can hurt us whether we're five or fifty five. It can strike us when we see on Facebook that a group of friends had a get together without us. It can strike us when there's a conference or retreat that everyone's going to except us. It can strike us when our gender, or our skin color, or our age is used as an excuse to exclude us or make us feel devalued." ~ When you're feeling overlooked and left out, by Elizabeth of Just Following Jesus // Encouragement for something I know we have all felt at one point in our life.

"Be awed by His unlimited, unconditional love, His unmerited, undeserved favour ~ poured out freely." ~ Calling for hush, by Joy Lenton @ Poetry Joy // A beautiful poem.

"I am praying for God to help us find joy in our reflection. We are made in the image of the One who is Beautiful and He, God, delights over our bodies the way He has created them to be." ~ Delighting over our significant image, by Tracy of One Degree Ministries // Don't skip over her video. She gives a beautiful message.

Just for fun

Have you ever photobombed? Alison of Embrace the Struggle had me smiling with her post Enter the Photobomber.

A giving opportunity with a giveaway

Head on over to read this post ~ Clothed in Love Matching Gifts of Love Opportunity, by Kristin Smith via God-Sized Dreamers. // Because I want to contribute I've decided I will pick a winner from those who leave a comment and send you one of the $20 priced items from Delonna Gibbs' Etsy Site. Winner will be announced on Wednesday, April 16th.

Online friends become #INRL friends

When you mention you are headed to a particular city there is surely a writing friend who will chime in saying she lives in the area. I just think that is SO cool! Don't you?

I had the opportunity to meet my friend Satin of My Heart, His Words while in San Diego. We had breakfast at a lovely place called Sulaluna Cafe. Their coffee is SUPER good. My son and his wife joined us too. Afterwards we did what girls do . . . we went shopping (my son went golfing)! It was a delightful morning. I adore this lady even more than I did before we met in real life.

Song of the week

"And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known."

~ In The Garden

One of my grandma's favorite hymns . . . she is missed dearly.

Hymn Radio on Pandora has me inspired to pick up the piano again — time to make use of the beautiful one sitting in my living room. Oh, how I'd love to use the gift (even if rather rusty) to worship Him.

Finding JOY in a deployment #JoyDare #1000gifts

#234 ~ Canvas and Cocktails night with friends
#235 ~ Finding my inner artist
#236 ~ Blending colors
#237 ~ Adding stars to my painting
#238 ~ A painting made by me (oh my!)
#239 ~ Seeing the inner artist in others
#240 ~ A day of shopping with one of my best friends
#241 ~ Buying a few new outfits with a gift-card from my boss
#242 ~ Finding a beautiful dress made for an evening in Hawaii
#243 ~ Sharing bread and wine with a dear friend
#244 ~ The love of a brother-in-law and sister-in-law
#245 ~ A warm and sunny day; perfect for an extra long walk
#246 ~ Singing praise to Him while I walked
#247 ~ Spring . . . it's surely here
#248 ~ The American flag held by my husband while on the other side of the world
#249 ~ My plane touching down safely in San Diego
#250 ~ Being able to hug my son again
#251 ~ My sons willingness to listen to me talk about my faith
#252 ~ A quiet morning in San Diego
#253 ~ Stories from others . . . seeing pieces of you in their stories
#254 ~ Coffee ~ always coffee ~ really good coffee
#255 ~ The joy of meeting writing friends in real life
#256 ~ Thrift stores
#257 ~ Sexy shoes . . . high heels
#258 ~ A girls day
#259 ~ Cocktails on Coronado Island by the fire
#250 ~ Game night
#251 ~ Sunday morning church with my son, DIL and their friends ~ Glorious!
#252 ~ Fish tacos. Yummy!!
#253 ~ Relaxing by the pool
#254 ~ A walk ~ a cute cage ~ and delicious sangria
#255 ~ Movie night . . . time alone with my son and DIL
#256 ~ A delightful partial family photo
#257 ~ Grandma to a cute little puppy
#258 ~ Good-bye's ~ they only happen because we are together again
#259 ~ A new ability to sleep on the plane
#260 ~ Daily evening walks again

Friday Randomness (Vol. 21)

Scripture speaking to my heart

"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you." ~ John 15:16 (NKJV)

Ann Voskamp - One Thousand Gifts

"These are for you — gifts — these are for you — grace — these are for you — God, so count the ways HE loves, a thousand, more, never stop, that when you wake in the morning you can't help turn humbly to the east, unfold your hand to the heavens, and though you tremble and though you wonder, though the world is ugly, it is beautiful, and you can slow and you can trust and you can receive each moment as grace. Eurcharisteo. Eucharisteo. Eucharisteo."

Joy-filled quote

"A life of intimacy with God is characterized by joy." ~ Oswald Chambers

Featured Three Word Wednesday Writer

I'm doing the happy dance over sharing my friend Satin of My Heart, His Word with you. She is a sweetheart and soon (very soon) I will meet her in REAL LIFE. I just love when writing friends become in real life friends. I've only known Satin for a few months but our friendship has blossomed quickly. I adore her and can't wait to give her a hug.

Me: What do you enjoy most about Three Word Wednesday?

Satin: I love the community that comes with Three Word Wednesday. Having a place to come on Wednesday's and share my heart with a community of people doing the same thing, is pretty amazing. Encouraging each other, sharing what God is doing in our lives — it's a gift and something I look forward to weekly!

Me: Who or what inspires you?

Satin: At the moment, I think the one thing that inspires me the most is watching God move in mighty ways, through my obedience. Watching Him take the impossible and make it possible, turn ashes to beauty and bring life to seemingly dead circumstances is inspiring. I'm inspired to live each day to the fullest, trusting God as He leads me along this journey. I am daily reminded of my need for Him and His keen ability to meet me right where I am!

A few of my favorite blog reads

"Here’s to the girl who never thought she had a voice…" ~ Here's to You, by Lauren of Marked By Grace // Another one of those posts you just need to read. It's beautiful!

"I have a choice. I can cooperate with the grace of joy that fills me, or ignore it. How I choose will not only make my life a dance, but it can also bubble over to everyone I meet." ~ The Grace of Joy, by Ceil Ryan // My heart is won over when one talks about my one word JOY.

"We need to decide whose opinion of us ultimately counts, because a multitude of sources will tell us what we should do or how much we should weigh to be beautiful or accepted. But Jesus’ opinion saves, forgives, and sets us free." ~ Whose opinion counts? by Tracy of One Degree Ministries // Jesus' opinion is the only one that counts!

"Don’t change just to be someone else. Be your beautiful, unique you." ~ Cut from the same cloth – embrace your uniqueness, by Amelia Rhodes // Let's embrace our uniqueness, shall we?

"And I’m not a people person. At all. I struggle with small talk. It actually makes me sweat. I can carry on a four-hour conversation about something that touches me deeply, but put me in a room where I need to converse casually and there is suddenly not a thought in my head. Not one." ~ The Currency of Zero, by Cindee of Breathe Deeply // Cindee appears again this week as one of my favorite reads.

"Whether you are dreaming of world change or a silly bicycle, there are four types of dreams — Those that are fulfilled, those that are delayed, those that are denied, and those that are suppressed." ~ Where Did That Dreamer Go–Because We Need You, by David Rupert via Outside the City Gate // May your dreams become fulfilled dreams!

My favorite, favorite blog read

"Over and over again, my fellow speakers shared stories of our God who sees and knows us better than anyone else has or ever will. Stories of God showing up and showing off His great love for us in ways only He can. The way He uses clouds and running and notebooks to say, 'I see you. I love you.'" ~ A Gift from the One Who Sees Me, by Erin of Home with the Boys // A truly beautiful God story.

Ways to show love to your family

Jennifer of Scribbling Fresh Words gives you 39 ways! Read them here. She just turned 39 too!

Online friends become #INRL friends

She posted a message on Facebook wall on Tuesday saying, "This week? Appetizers? I will make it work. YOU pick the day and time!" And on Thursday we met for dinner. What a delight it was to finally meet my online friend Angie Ryg and to now be in real life friends. .

An inspirational video and a super cute one for fun

What do you long for? Watch this video by that pastor and author I admire, Pete Wilson. I highly recommend reading his book Let Hope In.

I cannot help myself—this kid is adorable. If you are in need of a pep-talk be sure to watch. Actually, you should watch no matter.

Song of the week

A beautiful joy-filled song shared with me by my #milspouse friend Anna.

Center of My Joy, by Richard Smallwood

"Jesus, You're the center of my joy
All that's good and perfect comes from You
You're the heart of my contentment
Hope for all I do Jesus,
You're the center of my joy "



Finding JOY in a deployment #JoyDare #1000gifts

#212 ~ My youngest son making his first turkey
#213 ~ Homemade biscuits
#214 ~ Footloose video celebrating 30 years...good memories
#215 ~ Friends who get you.
#216 ~ Rejoicing because my name is written in heaven (Luke 10:20)
#217 ~ A two hour drive that allows time for listening to the book Love Does
#218 ~ St. Patrick's Day belated celebration with Army wife friends
#219 ~ Sharing highs and lows from our week
#220 ~ Coffee with a young Navy recruit to give her encouragement
#221 ~ An online friend who creates pretty images for you
#222 ~ Not letting the cold keep me from welcoming spring
#223 ~ God's never ending love
#224 ~ An encouraging email from my mom
#225 ~ Discounted study Bible's
#226 ~ Being told by a friend that I'm one of her 1,000 gifts
#227 ~ For failures because they have taught me how much I need him.
#228 ~ A tub that finally drains properly
#229 ~ My Three Word Wednesday writing family
#230 ~ More snow...it's okay, spring will come
#231 ~ A fresh haircut and color
#232 ~ Meeting an online friend
#233 ~ News from my son that he was hired as a full-time chef. Yippee!!

Friday Randomness (Vol. 20)

Scripture speaking to my heart

"I am the way and the truth and the life." ~ John 13:6a

Joy-filled quote

"Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God." ~ Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Ann Voskamp - One  Thousand Gifts

"I turn my hand over, spread my fingers open. I receive grace. And through me, grace could flow on. Like a cycle of water in continuous movement, grace is meant to fall, a rain...again, again, again. I could share the grace, multiply the joy, extend the table of the of the feast, enlarge the paradise of His presence. I am blessed. I can bless. A life contemplating the blessings of Christ becomes life acting the love of Christ."

Featured Three Word Wednesday writer

This will surely be a monthly thing because I'm not doing very well with featuring someone every week. I'm hoping to share another fabulous writer with you next week.

A few of my favorite blog reads

"Your broken and small are big and mighty in the hand of Christ. You are salt that brings forth the richness of Christ into a hurting world.." ~ Why A Small Life Doesn't Mean Useless, by Diane Bailey // Oh, how I loved this post!

"Choosing love is always a success in God’s eyes–no matter the outcome or response." ~ A No-Fail Plan for Your New Week, by Holley Gerth // Holley speaks such beautiful truth. We never fail when we choose love.

"Then this one lie becomes like a weed in my heart. And it doesn’t need water to grow. In fact, it likes drought." ~ Hope In The Weeds, by Meredith Bernard // But there is hope in the weeds! I'm so glad God led me to Meredith. You may remember I shared one of her posts last week too. She has quickly one my heart.

"What if, for one day, Jesus were to become you? What if, for twenty-four hours, Jesus wakes up in your bed, walks in your shoes, lives in your house, assumes your schedule?" ~ A Heart Like Jesus, by Max Lucado // The 40 Days to Easter Devotional series over at FaithGateway is so worth catching up on. I've loved every single post.

My favorite, favorite blog reads

"Like a vapor disappearing and reappearing, floating aimlessly between here and then and when they see me, they see but for a second and then I’m gone and they’re gone and nothing has changed." ~ For When You’re Different From Others, by Duane Scott // Beautiful, beautiful post!

"Yes. Savor the hard stuff. Enter the deep. For that is where treasure lies. Where dross is drained away and love roots deep, where self withers and trust grows, and we learn to abide." ~ Savor the Hard Stuff by Cindee Snider Re // Don't miss this one. A beautiful and moving post by a friend I truly adore. There will be tears.

"Take that glint sharp edge of His Word and hack that snake creeping up the back of your neck." ~ The One Thing You Absolutely Must Do Today, by Ann Voskamp // Amen to every word she wrote!

One of my posts...Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

I guest posted over at my friend Rebekah's of A Soft Gentle Voice this week. If you missed the post would you come on over to her place and read here? I've shared Rebekah with you in previous posts and if you have not taken some time to get to know her yet you are missing out on a real gem.

When your husband hijack's your blog

Not my husband. LOL. But my friend Elizabeth's husband hijacked her blog and honestly his post is all kinds of loveliness. It's short and oh so sweet. Come read here.

A Mosaic of Sojourners

I'm speechless and do not know how to even begin to share with you how humbled I am to be included in an e-Book from the writing team of Outside the City Gate called Pieces of Faith: A Mosaic of Sojourners. Never could I have imagined my name and words appearing in the same book with these writers: Diane Bailey, Amy Breitmann, Tammy Hendricksmeyer, David Rupert, Duane Scott, Nacole Simmons and Kelli Woodford. I'm awe-struck.

The book is "a labor of love, a collaboration voices, is not us standing in our Sunday-best, but writers and artists gathering the truthful pieces of ourselves, our stories, and giving them away."

You can read more about the book here, here and here and subscribe here.

A spoken word poem

I promise you...if you have not seen this video you will want to be sure to watch and listen closely. From IF:Gathering ~ "Esther Generation" by Amena Brown Owen and Ann Voskamp

How do you spend time with God?

Guest writers from the Circles of Faith community (me being one of them) are sharing how they spend time with God. Come join the discussion here. I'd love to hear how you spend time with God.

Favorite new song

"Lord, today You know what I need to do,
But You can do more in my waiting than in my doing I could do.
So I won’t run anymore.
I’m waiting on You."
~ Those Who Wait, by Bethany Dillon

I'm finding JOY in a deployment #JoyDare #1000Gifts

#182 ~ Traffic...for it allows more time for my audio book
#183 ~ A road trip
#184 ~ The boondocks (the word makes me smile)
#185 ~ 80's dance music
#186 ~ Spotify
#187 ~ An oh so quiet hotel in the boondocks
#188 ~ Reflections on a pond
#189 ~ A game of pool...time with family
#190 ~ A full moon
#191 ~ A night full of classical guitar music
#192 ~ Seeing my son on stage
#193 ~ Bagels and cream cheese
#194 ~ Weak coffee...it's still coffee
#195 ~ A much needed nap
#196 ~ Skyping with my husband and son within the same morning
#197 ~ Breakfast with a friend
#198 ~ Snail mail from writing friends
#199 ~ Poets
#200 ~ A Mosaic of Sojourners
#201 ~ Missed alarms
#202 ~ Sleeping in
#203 ~ Loved ones becoming U.S. Citizens
#204 ~ Security systems that keep you safe
#205 ~ A walk (you may see this one again)
#206 ~ Time on the phone with a sweet writing friend
#207 ~ Headphones
#208 ~ Scripture cards from a friend
#209 ~ Rain...more signs of spring
#210 ~ McDonald's biscuits...indulging myself
#211 ~ A message from my husband that says, "I just wanted to see your typed words before I head to bed." ~~so in love~~

Friday Randomness (Vol. 19)

Scripture speaking to my heart

"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you." ~ Luke 17: 6

JOY-filled scripture

"You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life. As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending, and I know true joy and contentment." ~ Psalm 16:11 (Voice)

Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts

"Isn't this the crux of the gospel? The good news that all those living in the land of shadow of death have been birthed into new life, that the transfiguration of a suffering world has already begun. That suffering nourishes grace, and pain and joy are arteries of the same heart -- and mourning and dancing are but movements in His unfinished symphony of beauty. Can I believe the gospel, that God is patiently transfiguring all the notes of my life into the song of His Son?"

A quote I stumped upon

""If asked whether I am finally letting God love me, just as I am, I would answer, 'No, but I'm trying." ~ Brennan Manning, All Is Grace: A Ragamuffin Memoir

This was enough to convince me to read Brennan Manning's book next.

I'm really, really trying to let God love me, just as I am.

A few of my favorite blog reads

"We are made to be together. Not just in the moments when our homes and our hearts are exactly how we’d like them to be. We’re meant to be together as we are. That’s how we live grace." ~ Holley Gerth, Hospitality Starts with Your Heart

"Without a compassionate heart there is no hope for love. Without love there is no hope.
Love is the tie that binds." ~ Meredith Bernard, Woman to Woman: Put It On

A post on FaithGateway, a site I recently found my way to, that you simply need to read. ~ Max Lucado, Leaving Nazareth

"The day the snow started falling, he packed his bags." ~ Duane Scott, For When You Doubt Your Life's Purpose. // I could highlight the entire post but I will let you read on from there.

My favorite, favorite blog reads

"We need more women who are proud of who they are, not trying to hide something. We need more women who will hold up some kind of sign, as if to say: I am preapproved. I am good, as is. I am done with "not enough." I am done with "too much."" ~ Jennifer Dukes Lee, When You’re Tired of a Photoshopped, Airbrushed, Instagram-Filtered Existence // I'm just in awe of this lady. God is using her to change lives.

"I must be beautiful in thought before I am beautiful anywhere else." ~ Lisa-Jo Baker, How to weed out the lie that you are not beautiful // Oh how I pray we can all weed out the lies that we are not beautiful.

An encourager with a new website full of encouragement

My friend Jennifer Peterson has a new website: Scribbling Fresh Words
Get her free e-book, 31 Ways to Brighten Someone's Day, when you subscribe to her blog.
You can also follow her here and here.

Favorite new song

"Breathe in
Breathe out
You will
You will find Him here"
Here, by Kari Jobe

A lovely image by a new friend

A GIFT IN WIND, IN WATER, IN WHITE: Bruce Barone, A Journal of Gratitude
I loved the colors!

Just think...

Check DaySpring Facebook post here. A nice uplifting message.

I'm finding JOY in a deployment #JoyDare #1000gifts

#149 ~ Last minute plans made to meet with a friend for coffee
#150 ~ Seeing my husband's feet while we Skype...it has been far too long
#151 ~ Audio books
#152 ~ A warm blanket to cuddle up in
#153 ~ Shelves to keep me organized
#154 ~ An evening at the play which brings much laughter
#155 ~ My son's laugh...he holds nothing back
#156 ~ Melting snow
#157 ~ Time with the birthday boy...my youngest son turned 22
#158 ~ A call from my oldest son who says amidst tears, “I need you, mom” 
#159 ~ Sorrow…I pray God will use his tears to draw him closer 
#160 ~ Another charm for my Pandora bracelet from my husband
#161 ~ Listening to my youngest son and his father catch up over the phone
#162 ~ Photos...memories that line up on my desk
#163 ~ Signs of spring
#164 ~ Smiles
#165 ~ A walk…rays of sunlight, birds singing and the promise of spring 
#166 ~ Beautiful sounds made by my youngest son as he strums away on his guitar 
#167 ~ Green grass
#168 ~ Puddles
#169 ~ MAIL DAY!
#170 ~ My son's strawberry blond hair
#171 ~ The way my son moves to the rhythm while he plays the guitar
#172 ~ Blessing church friends who are in need
#173 ~ Fresh covering of snow
#174 ~ Trees that sparkle
#175 ~ The American Flag waving as the wind blows
#176 ~ Early morning face-time with my husband
#177 ~ Shoveling away the white snow with my son
#178 ~ New beginnings
#179 ~ My husband's words showing up on my computer, "Good morning, my love"
#180 ~ Dreaming
#181 ~ A big yellow bow that hangs until he comes home

Three Word Wednesday: Grace. Thanksgiving. Joy.

For Lent I'm giving up my eating disorder. Obviously, it's not something I plan to pick back up once Lent is over. To find complete freedom from my disorder I'm in need of a transformation of my heart. I need to put an end to the not-worthy's and not-enough's that have infected my heart for so long. As my Executive Pastor preached this past Sunday, "The heart of the problem is a problem with the heart."

Thankfully, Jesus specializes in transformations of the heart.

I've realized this Lenten journey of mine cannot only be about what I'm giving up. I need to let Christ in so He can do the transformation in my heart that He came to do. For this to happen Christ must become greater and I must become less. Let's face it, when I'm caught up in the not-worthy's and not-enough's, I've made it all about me and not about Him.

My plan from the get-go for 2014—more of Christ, less of me.

I have two primary goals for the year: 1) read through the Bible for the first time and 2) count my blessings—His gifts—1,000 gifts.

More often than I’d like to admit I push these goals to the side.

I push Him and time in His word to the side to finish a post, catch up on social media or read other blog posts. Let me do this one thing first and then I will come follow you.

Pick up my gratitude journal and pen to write down the blessings found…did I find any today?

There is not enough time to do all the things I need want to do.

I'm beginning to notice familiar infections taking root in my heart.
I feel worthless.
There is no joy.

There I go again with the not-worthy’s and not-enough’s. If I let these infections take root I know where I’m headed. I remember those days all too well—the days of wanting nothing more than to stay in bed.

Even though I'm so darn tired, I cannot ignore the pull to sit with Him. 

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." ~ Matthew 11:28

So I start over again with my goals. I return to His word even when all I can muster up is lying on my bed while listening to a narrator read God's word to me.

"God saved you by his grace when you believed." ~ Ephesians 2:8a

By His grace I have been saved.

Grace. How do I respond to His amazing grace?

“Eucharist [thanksgiving] is the state of the perfect man. Eucharist is the life of paradise. Eucharist is the only full and real response of man to God’s creation, redemption, and gift of heaven.” ~ Alexander Schemann

I respond to His grace with thanksgiving.

"Grace, thanksgiving, joy. Eucharisteo.
 A Greek word…that might make meaning of everything"
 ~ Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are

Maybe Ann Voskamp is on to something with the counting of His gifts…His graces…and giving thanks.

#158 ~ An early morning call from my oldest son who says amidst tears, “I need you, mom”
#159 ~ Sorrow…I pray God will use his tears to draw him closer

#165 ~ A walk…rays of sunlight, birds singing and the promise of spring
#166 ~ Beautiful sounds made by my youngest son as he strums away on his guitar

As I count His gifts…give thanks…joy returns to my heart.
A transformation of my heart begins.

Christ becomes greater.

So, yes, I will start over again. No longer will I push God to the side. (Maybe that means there is more I need to give up...those things I put before Him.) I will give thanks, in all things. And in God’s presence I know fullness of joy will be found (Psalm 16:11).

Grace. Thanksgiving. Joy.

"All is grace.
 God is always good and I am always loved.
 Everything is eucharisteo." ~ Ann Voskamp

Friday Randomness (Vol. 18)

Scripture speaking to my heart

"I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe. You have approached even the smallest details with excellence; Your works are wonderful; I carry this knowledge deep within my soul." ~ Psalm 139:14 (Voice)

A Lenten Journey

My Lenten Journey: read here if you missed my post.

Scripture: "If He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all -- how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things." ~ Romans 8:32

Reading: "Our life's purpose is to give God glory. We do that by reflecting His image to the world through our worship and our service to His kingdom. By His death He justified us, and through the refining fires He sanctifies us for the work of His purposes. But this refining is a process. You can't hurry the holy." ~ Holey, Wholly, Holy: A Lenten Journey of Refinement, by Kris Camealy

Quote: "Pluck idols. Plant Christ." ~ Jennifer Dukes Lee
Just read here and here.. She has started something beautiful and God is using her in mighty ways. It's a beautiful thing to watch unfold.

JOY-filled quote

"Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy. Peace does not dwell in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely in His hands." ~ Elisabeth Elliot

A few of my favorite blog reads 

"But, deep inside, in my secret heart of hearts, I've always wanted something I could never quite keep a hold of — not long enough to make it my everyday home.  For my soul and for the me that wanted to be free.
I've always wanted to know who I really could be — if I was free to rest." ~ Dare To Rest. Dare To Be Real, by Bonnie Gray

"No matter how far we run, hide our face, stop our ears, squeeze our eyes shut, and plead the cursed words away--we come back in order to live. Once again a story is setting sail and so we are willing to take it by force, rather we drown or thrash, we do not care." ~ When Storytelling Is Saving Your Life, by Tammy Hendricksmeyer

"I have used my own voice to beat myself up and to doubt what God says about me.  I've spent way too much time listening to the voices in my head....
It’s time to take back the voices: The ones that lie." ~ When You Give A Girl a Red Marker, by Amy Breitmann

My favorite, favorite blog read

"My biggest frustration with the world of writing and platform building and influence is that what it requires seems so far removed from a life that bears the fruit worth reading about—a life of depth and stillness and meaning." ~ In the End, Three Things Remain, by Holly A. Grantham

The what-if questions Holly asks in her post are very much on my heart.

A beautiful community

There are beautiful things on the horizon for Outside the City Gate. Come be a part of this growing community here and here. I'm so blessed to be a part of their Facebook team. What I enjoy most is working with the talented writers/photographers who contribute their images for the weekly Sunday Scripture post, like Lisa, Amanda, Cindee and Nina. Connecting with them and reaching out to potential new contributors brings me great JOY.

Because I adore her

I drink from the Sweet B mug she gave me every morning and there will be a road trip this summer to visit with her again because it's just a must. If you have not met my friend Lauren of It's A Wilderness Out There...And In Here Too hop over to her place now. The comment I leave after reading her post is usually the same: "You've done it again. I loved, loved, loved this post."

An encouraging friend

My friend Satin of My Heart, His Words has touched my heart multiple times this past week with her encouraging emails. To say thank you to her I thought I'd share her with you.

Favorite new song

Place My Hope, by Ellie Holcomb

I'm finding JOY in a deployment #JoyDare #1000gifts

#138 ~ My husband sending home the book Safe in the Shepherds Arms by Max Lucado. It arrived with perfect timing...God's timing.

#139 ~ Quiet time at Panera.

#140 ~ He collects all my tears. "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." ~ Psalm 56:8

#141 ~ Friends who check-up on me.

#142 ~ My followers who leave loving comments on my posts. I appreciate all of you.

#143 ~ Hope.

#144 ~ A teddy bear from my husband, and a new charm for my Pandora bracelet too.

#145 ~ A second new oven. Thankfully this one works!

#146 ~ Books.

#147 ~ Planting seeds. The Parable of the Sower.

#148 ~ Praying for each other and with each other.

Friday Randomness (Vol. 17)

Scripture speaking to my heart

"Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity." ~ Luke 6:38 (MSG)

What am I reading?

I'm reading The Good Life by Chuck Colson and there is sure to be another book giveaway on the horizon.

"We have to lose our lives to save them. Losing our lives means getting ourselves out of the way." (pg. 26)

Quotes from the week

"The hardest part about writing is penning the first sentence. From there on, it's a wild and dangerous fight to the end." ~ Duane Scott

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, "What! You too? I thought I was the only one." ~ CS Lewis (Shared by Karin of Sunrise with a six pack)

Two favorite blog reads (notice a theme?)

"In Him, we have all the approval we ever wanted. And then some!" Jennifer Dukes Lee ~ If You are Hungry for Love (A Lenten Journey to Change Your Life) // I'm so ready to join Jennifer on this journey. First thing to go was my scale because my approval is not found there. I've already been pre-approved by God.

"God needs you to be free from the lies you believe about yourself that you are not beautiful. He needs you to believe that He created you to look exactly the way He designed you for His glory." Own Your Beauty ~ Whole Magazine

My favorite, favorite blog read

"The goal of our life isn't always to rush ahead to someplace different. Sometimes we simply need to learn to settle in where we already are." Emily Freeman ~ A Word to Writers: On Changing Your Mind

And I really needed this... "If you are a writer, on a blog or otherwise, and if you have the freedom to make these kinds of choices, please forthelove don’t continue something just because you said you would."

If I promise to write about something and either never finish the series or never write about it, thank you for your grace.

Thank you for sticking close, friends

"To be a friend means a lot of things, but at the least it has to mean we will not leave. We will stick close." Winn Collier ~ Circle Close

Sharing because I just adore her

"Life is so fragile and dark days can get us down. But when you put life back into perspective and remember to look up, you'll see the light." Rebekah Hughes ~ When You're Hard Pressed, but Not Crushed

And I have to share one more

"Lasting change comes when our hearts are focused more on the Healer who does the good work in us and less on the problems in ourselves we pray that God will heal." Jennifer Camp ~ So I've Got Issues

Soon to be hanging in my home...

It's so lovely. ~~happy dance~~

Purchased from Duane Scott. 
50% of proceeds go to Help One Now.

Video of the week

This child simply makes me smile. Moms...don't miss this and share with other moms you know.

Favorite new song

"Captivate us, Lord Jesus
Set our eyes on You
Devastate us with Your presence
Falling down
And rushing river, draw us nearer
Holy fountain consume us with You
Captivate us Lord Jesus, with You"
~ Captivate Us, by Watermark

I'm finding JOY in a deployment #JoyDare #1000gifts

#130 ~ A free day all to myself.

#131 ~ A new oven, and a sister-in-law who goes shopping with me to pick out my new oven.

#132 ~ Receiving needed hugs from church friends.

#133 ~ A few great finds at the local Family Christian store.

#134 ~ His mercies that are new every morning. (This may be a repeat but that's okay.)

#135 ~ Seeing the adorable movie Frozen with my son and his girlfriend. My son and Olaf are much alike.

#136 ~ An evening of Bible study in the dark.

#137 ~ Booking flights to go see my oldest son! It's an added bonus that he lives in San Diego.