Odds and ends

I’ve been trying to get some things finished up and make time for stuff I’ve put off.

With all the changes of late, I’m needing to get some projects either done or gone.

Throughout my life, I’ve had “projects”.

Normally, some form of craft.

As a child my mother taught me to embroider, just simple stitches, but I would gladly run for my work to show grownups.

I also remember decorating all kinds of things with buttons.

Our elderly lady neighbor taught me to crochet.

Mom is left-handed so she couldn’t teach me as I’m right-handed.

I had mounds of paper crafts, everything from drawings to construction paper cut-outs.

As a teen I branched out into painting.

Watercolor was my favorite, but I did acrylic and oil.

I also dried flowers.

After I got married I started scrapbooking and did a little rubber stamping.

I also sewed.

My favorite craft is crocheting.

Anyone might guess this if they saw what I get for Christmas!

As of right now I have three sewing projects which have gotten pushed aside.

However, I have been able to finish up most of my crocheting.

The final project is making a replacement table runner for my dining room.

It’s nearly finished and I’m excited to see it in use.

As I prayerfully work through my projects, I’m so thankful for the opportunity.

Part of the reason I make things is my desire to “work with my hands”, but the main reason is the joy of doing something useful, to glorify God.

For life has taught me that things are always changing, but the possibility of using what I have for Him is constant.

Whether I’m piecing scraps of old jeans for a blanket or cooking a meal for our family, I’m blessed to be able to give my time to God.

I want all that I do to bring honor and glory to God.

Proverbs 31:30 NKJV — Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the different gifts and abilities which You bless each of us with. Thank You that these things can be used for Your glory. Lord Jesus, unto You do I want all my efforts to be focused on. Lord, I don’t want to do anything from my own desires or my own ideas, but instead I want to be centered upon You in all things. Lord, it is easy to get caught up with the busy of life and to forget to check my heart and my schedule with You. Please do not allow me to stray into my own ways, but instead call me, that I might return quickly to You. Thank You, Jesus for Your patience. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for teaching me so much each and every day. May my life bring glory to Your name. Amen.

The joy of family

It was a lovely week, which ended in a lovely weekend.

Our Anne was able to come home for the week.

My mom’s foot has healed so well that she is no longer under restrictions.

Thus, Anne could be here.

Our Bell was also here for a few days, Thursday through most of Saturday.

To add to the blessings, we got to watch Bubba and Faye on Saturday while their parents had a day together.

Although, Bell had to leave Saturday night, everyone else stayed over.

Yesterday, we all drove South.

Anne was to return to Grandma’s.

Handsome and I needed to restock the booth, and of course Tim and Sis were returning home.

The house felt empty when we got back, but I know that’s simply the “drop down” after all the excitement.

Not unlike the feeling one gets when Christmas is over and it’s time to pack it all away.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to see how valuable each stage or season is.

To cherish time with others, but to also realize there is value in alone time.

To see God working in us when we are together and when we are separate.

Because He knows every season and is working through each one.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV — To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

And I want to hold tightly to Him in all things.

Not unlike the small yet wonderful embrace of my grandson or granddaughter, I want to cling to Jesus with that kind of innocent pure love.

But that kind of relationship requires me to let go of other things.

I can’t cling to Jesus if I’m trying to hold on to the world, or even other people.

He has to come first for me to give Him my best.

I’m so thankful for it.

Because I can find joy, pleasure, and wisdom in any stage.

Philippians 4:11 KJV — Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Paul spoke in respect to physical needs, but the truth is applicable to all of life.

I’m still learning this lesson, but it’s a beautiful journey and a blessed walk.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your Word and Your truth. Thank You for my family and the gift of time together. Lord, thank You for teaching me so much daily and showing me how blessed each stage is. Lord, I want to cling to You more each day. Please continue to help me learn how to let go of other things and hold fast to You. Lord, I praise You for all Your wonderous works! I love You, Jesus. Amen.

From yesterday…

I was struck by the combination.

Her profile especially reminded me of her mom.

Her lighthearted jokes reminded me of her dad.

And her words reminded me of my childhood.

Because we were little girls together.

This beautiful woman and her charming family sitting in our living room were visiting us and time seemed confused.

Within the combination of all the old things, new relationships and new connections were springing.

The clock moved too quickly and our visit came to and end.

We prayed together.

The joy and love remained, a gift of true friendship and encouragement.

I look forward to keeping in touch.

Only God can bring the kind of love that spans time and many miles.

Only in Christ’s body of believers do we find enduring and uplifting fellowship, such that your faith is strengthen and your desire to “run the race” is fueled.

My heart is so thankful to God for so many wonderful people.

And this week, I’m extra blessed by His gift of reconnecting me and my family with her and hers.

Proverbs 17:17 KJV — A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your faithfulness. Lord, it is through You that any of us are faithful. It is through Your love, that we love others. Thank You! How incredibly blessed I am to have so many wonderful people in my life. Thank You for each and every one. Thank You for my childhood friend and her family. Thank You that You have renewed our relationship and blessed us with a visit. Lord, thank You for my husband, our children and grandchildren. Lord, thank You for my friends and family, our neighbors and those who You bring across our path for just a season. Lord, thank You for all the people You use in our lives. Please continue to reach them daily. Please continue to help me love them all as You do. Lord, I want to live in such a way that they know how precious they are. Thank You, for Your faithfulness and love. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Blessings from God

We were so grateful for the gift of time with our family this weekend.

Of course, it went by quickly, but we enjoyed it.

The babies have grown and learned so much in the short time we’d had them last.

I was thrilled to hear our granddaughter clearly calling, “Grammy! Grammy!”.

I just don’t have enough kisses or hugs to bestow all my affection for these two little people.

One evening, we pulled out the swimming pool and I held my husband’s hand and laughed as the littles splashed themselves and each other over and over.

Jase was with us, enjoying the show as well.

Later, we placed Bubba into the backpack and I held Faye’s little hand and walked around the neighborhood.

As we were arriving back at the house, my heart was spilling over with thanksgiving for the blessings of God.

I simply don’t praise Him enough.

He has provided for our family for so long.

He has walked with us through so much.

He has been faithful and I know He will always be.

I’m especially thankful to God for children.

There’s nothing that compares to the beauty and innocence of a child.

Their need for love, protection, and guidance remind me of my need for God.

And every child is a precious gift, created by God, distinctly different from any other God has ever created.

I have been so blessed to be the mother of four and now I’m finding a whole new meaning of the word as a grandmother.

Talk about a tangible blessing!

Psalm 127:3 KJV — Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your blessings! Lord, I especially thank You for children. What wonderful gifts they are. Lord, please continue to remind me to depend completely upon You, as a small child depends on their parents. Lord, please continue to teach me to listen well, to obey quickly, and to be thankful in all things. For from You I have all I need and through You I am able to do all that is required. Thank You, Jesus! Thank You. Amen.

Embrace change

Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV — To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:

It’s important that we realize change is part of life.

For those who don’t live in the tropics, the weather is a continual reminder of change.

Four seasons, each vastly different, each one important.

Our lives need change, our very bodies thrive on it.

We were not created to sleep continually, when someone does it’s a sign that something is wrong.

We were not made to eat continually, even animals who graze have times where they lay down and chew their cud.

For us to be healthy and whole we need change.

But it’s not always comfortable.

It’s certainly not always fun.

But the season each of us is in holds value and is an opportunity.

Where we struggle is when we try to resist change, holding on to a specific time or season of life, rather than embrace the place one is.

God knows what is best for each of us and His wisdom is far above our understanding.

Therefore we must trust Him and seek His face for the place we are in, thanking Him.

It is with a humble and grateful heart that we can truly embrace change.

Let us praise God for change.

Let us be aware of the changes, whether it be the season, the time, or the place we are in.

Let us be thankful for the blessings of yesterday as well as those of today.

Let us trust God for tomorrow, guarding against fear of the future.

For truly there is a time for everything and the Lord is Master of it all.

Ecclesiastes 3:2-8 NKJV —
A time to be born,
And a time to die;
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;
A time to tear, And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak;
A time to love,
And a time to hate;
A time of war,
And a time of peace.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your wisdom and truth. Thank You for Your Word and how You help us through each day. Lord, please continue to shine through each circumstance, to teach and guide me. I want to be more like You in all things and I thank You for the change You bring in my life, that I might grow. Lord, You know many things are difficult, please help us to cling to You and to walk in Your ways. Lord, please help us not to charge ahead in our own plans, but instead to rest in and wait upon You, even while we work. Lord, please keep us from devising our own plans or using others to “make” things happen. Lord, if there is any place where we are using another for our own benefit, please show us that we might stop manipulating others. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Thank You for Your love and faithfulness. May the knowledge of glory of You fill the whole Earth! Amen.

Time

My times are in Your hand;

Deliver me from the hand of my enemies,

And from those who persecute me.

Psalm 31:15

And He changes the times and the seasons;

He removes kings and raises up kings;

He gives wisdom to the wise

And knowledge to those who have understanding.

Dan. 2:21

And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.”

Acts 1:7

The Lord is in charge of the times and seasons.

Our lives, as well as the lives of countless people before us, have existed inside the restraints of time.

But God doesn’t.

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

2 Peter 3:8

God is outside of time, because it was something He created.

And inside this time frame He placed the human race.

Understanding that God both created time as well as every single person, it is logical to conclude that we should pay attention to what He has to say about time.

Col. 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.

And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed…But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Romans 13:11&14

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Eph. 5:15-16

God’s Word is full of wisdom and He clearly states what is true, what is right, and the way to live to the fullest in the time we have.

Not with lives spent focused on pleasure or self-love, not with chasing after wealth or power or status, but a life devoted to Christ Jesus, Our Lord and Savior.

Time spent in relationship with Him is never wasted.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for time. Thank You for giving us Your Word, that we might find life and that more abundantly. Thank You for walking with us through all times and having such love and grace for each one of us. Lord, it is only through You that we can find truth, purpose, or anything worthwhile. Lord, only in You do we find the meaning of life and the use for time. Please help me to spend my time wisely and to be drawing every day from Your wisdom and walking in Your ways. Thank You. Amen.

Using my time wisely

These are a few of the things I’ve been making while having to stay in my room due to the air quality.

I hadn’t planned on being confined, so when it became obvious that I would be, I began praying.

Seeking the Lord, for His plans during this time.

I wanted to use my time wisely.

Of course I continued to home school.

But I felt there were other things the Lord wanted me to do as well.

So, my yarn box came out of the closet and I began working.

I’m actually very grateful to God.

He helped me so much!

I’ve been able to make six Christmas gifts while under confinement.

Nothing fancy, but definitely a blessing.

Christmas is a long way off, but since we have three birthdays that month, I’ve learned to work earlier.

Last year I didn’t think about shipping times, so several gifts were very late.

This year I’m trying to get it done in plenty of time to avoid a replay.

As I am able to leave my room and return to my household duties, I’m still praying for wisdom.

Just because I’m able to do more, doesn’t mean I always know the best use for my time.

But, I know how to find out what is.

Time with Jesus.

He always answers and guides my day if I let Him lead.

Of course there are times when I don’t.

I get busy with my own agenda and off I go…

I normally end up with something going sideways which brings me back to the Shepherd.

I’m so thankful to Him for His faithfulness.

Although there is such tragedy and difficult things happening all around us, I am encouraged by the personal testimonies of people helping and loving one another.

I’m not able to go out and do those things.

But I can stand in prayer for them.

I can do what God puts on my heart daily and trust Him.

I can use my time wisely, and honor God with my praise.

I can thank Him for all the ways He is helping the hurting and saving the lost.

I can be obedient in today and let go of the things I can’t do.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for being in today. Thank You for being a part of each day. Thank You for shining Your truth into my heart and mind. Lord, I want to use my time wisely, because I don’t know how much I get and I don’t want to waste any. Thank You for always being so faithful, for guiding and directing me, especially when I’m heading in the wrong way. Lord, please keep my feet firmly in Your paths. Please keep my eyes fixed upon You. Please keep the throne of my heart as only You deserve to be there. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

Colossians 4:5 NKJV — Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.

Love is spelled T-I-M-E

Beautiful…

God’s creation never fails to impress me.

Yet I almost missed getting to see it.

My hubby,  his dad, and our son were planning on driving in the mountains and doing some shooting.

I wasn’t thrilled.

I wanted to spend time with them, but they were going to be gone most of the day.

I had a very long list of things which needed to be completed, but I just wanted to be with my family.

Struggling with myself on this conflict my husband asked a simple question :

“Why don’t you come with us?”

Of course the list of things stood in my way, as well as my own fatigue, but I didn’t have a good reason not to go.

Nothing had to be completed which  wouldn’t be able to be finished another time.

Yet,
I still
wavered.

Then the Lord spoke to my heart.

“Don’t miss an opportunity to love.”

I found my extra warm clothes and jumped in the truck.

We had a terrific day.

My husband teaches Hunter Safety and was able to give our son a lot of instruction in the safe handling of a firearm.

Jason was so excited to know I was standing there watching him learn and then we walked over and he showed me where he had hit the target.

We enjoyed the time, the success of practice,  and the beauty of God’s creation.

Although, I’m working on the list I didn’t do, I’m enjoying the fruits of yesterday.

And in reflection, it came to me, something I was told when our first child was a newborn:

Love is spelled T-I-M-E.

No wonder it was a good day.

Love is time spent together.

No list of ‘To Do’s can compete with the joy of loving and being loved.

“Thank you, Lord for reminding me of the true joys in life. Thank you for my family. Please help me to remember no amount of stuff will fill my heart or the hearts of my family. Please continue to help me choose love.”

Knowing that they are loved

“And every day Mordecai paced in front of the court of the women’s quarters, to learn of Esther ‘ s welfare and what was happening to her.” Esther 2:10

Do you think Esther had any doubt that Mordecai loved her?

Being given a piece of every single day just to find out how she was doing is a good indication that she was loved.

Because love is spelled:

T-I-M-E.

How do I know?

I have seen it.

I have felt it.

And I have watched the consequences of its lack.

Did you ever grow a seed in school?

When you are with everyone else and caring for it day after day it grew and flourished.

However once it went home there wasn’t anything to remind one of waterings.

When it out – grew the plastic cup there wasn’t anyone to suggest it be transplanted.

I remember looking down at the withered little plant and wondering what happened.

Well, neglect doesn’t help anything to grow,  including love.

People in the Bible are not perfect but Mordecai is a good example of how to let someone he loved know that they are loved.

He applied time and attention to her-
daily.

As the school year draws near and the schedule begins to fill up I am praying for clarity.

Clarity in priorities.

I want my family and friends to know that they are loved and I want to apply the time and attention to make this happen.