It’s A Tad Bit Chilly

We are having unseasonably cool temperatures here in Ohio. The highs have been in the low to mid 70’s and the lows, at night, in the 50’s. I love this, but my  heat miser, “summer should be hot and humid”, friends most definitely do not. The weatherman is calling for these cooler temps all the way through mid August. From that point it will only be a month until Fall officially begins…my favorite time of the year.

So, today, in the midst of an Ohio cool spell, I’m thinking of Autumn. Do you want to join be for one brief moment?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t Get Left Behind

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve been seeing several ads and promos for the upcoming movie, Left Behind, that opens on October 3rd. The movie stars Nicholas Cage, who plays one of the lead characters, based on the best selling Left Behind series, written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. The book series came out well over a decade ago, and has been read by millions the world over.

The Left Behind books are based on the book of Revelation in the Bible. The book of Revelation was written by the apostle, John, concerning the end time events that would occur. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I believe that the Bible is the divinely inspired word of God, and the book of Revelation is God, through John, telling us what is going to happen.

The events begin with the Rapture. This is when all those who are believers in Jesus Christ, will be taken out, raptured, from this world. In less than it takes time to blink, we will be gone. Just…. like…. that. In the mass exodus of believers, there will be chaos and confusion as to what happened. We can only imagine what it will be like for those left behind. Unmanned airplanes, cars without drivers, children gone from playgrounds, or from their beds, business men and women that never make it to the meeting. Houses now empty. Family members separated. The world in turmoil, on every continent, through every time zone. Gone. All gone.

Then begins the years of Tribulation. A time like this world has never seen. A time when the earth groans under the evil that plagues it. A man will come to the people and say he is bringing peace. He says he will heal this world. He is deceptive and cunning and the masses will believe him, because they long to believe in something…someone. Yet, he is the offspring of the Deceiver and he manipulates with his lies, those that were left behind. He ushers in the most horrible time that history will ever know, until time ticks down to the great battle of Armageddon, where quite literally all 0f hell will break loose.

God will not be mocked.

The Great Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, will come in all His power and glory.

²⁷ For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. (Jesus Christ) ²⁸ Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.²⁹ “Immediately after the distress of those day “‘the sun will be darkened,and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’³⁰ “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.³¹ And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.  Matthew 24:27-31 NIV

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¹⁷ And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair,“Come, gather together for the great supper of God, ¹⁸ so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and the mighty, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, great and small.”

¹⁹ Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army. (Jesus Christ) ²⁰ But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. ²¹ The rest were killed with the sword coming out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh. Revelation 19:17-21  NIV

Some have heard of the Rapture, the Great Tribulation, and even the Battle of Armageddon, and yet they turn their backs on God and His Son, Jesus. They tell themselves that none of this is true. They deny God, and slander the name of Jesus. They live their lives in the most cavalier way, wasting precious minutes, until there is no more time left.

Do not be deceived.

As the producer of the movie, Paul LaLonde, said, “Left Behind is based on a true story. It just hasn’t happened yet.” 

 

 

 

Oh, That You Would Bless Me

I first heard of Jabez, well over a decade ago. Before the year 2000, I didn’t know who Jabez was, or how what he said was important. He was hidden away in the book of 1 Chronicles, his name and prayer, wedged in between family genealogy. Let’s face it, the who begat who is kind of dry reading. It wasn’t until Bruce Wilkenson wrote his book, The Prayer of Jabez, that this Bible character became real to me.

So, many weeks have come and gone. Time has passed. Yet, this man’s prayer has come back to me, over and over again through the years. In the midst of family ancestors, God saw fit to mention Jabez’s prayer to Him. Jabez wasn’t anyone that would be considered special. From what I understand, he was just an ordinary kind of a guy, just living his life. But, right there in 1 Chronicles 4:10, this is what is written, “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

Some people think that Jabez should not have asked God to bless him, feeling that might be a bit selfish. I disagree. Scripture clearly states that God granted Jabez’s request. Why would God have allowed this short prayer, nestled into family ancestry, if He did not think it was worth reading? Small? Yes, but powerful. I think this tells us something about Jabez, but it also tells us something about God.

God loves us. He is Sovereign and He is Just, this is most definitely true, but doesn’t He enjoy hearing His children cry out to Him? Realizing that He is indeed the One who is in control? And with understanding know that all good things come from Him?

I believe that thanking God for all the ways that He chooses to bless, every single day, is music to His ears. The more ways our eyes are opened to all the daily gifts that God gives, the more we are blessed. There are times when I slow down and make the conscious decision to write out the blessings, and thank God. God knows me, intimately. He knows that He created me with a love and appreciation for the aesthetic. When I stop and notice the Queen Anne’s lace elegantly bowing to the wind in the pasture, and thank Him for it, when I see the morning dew sparkle like a million diamonds on the field of grass, when I walk down the driveway to get the mail and go through a cloud of dozens of yellow butterflies…….He has to smile. Some would chide me and say, “God is almighty, He doesn’t care about whether you like flowers and butterflies.”  I would reply, “I believe you are wrong.”

I Chronicles 16:34 

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 28:7

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Colossians 3:17 

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

I Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

James 1:17 

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

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Today I am thankful for:

*friends that invite my family over for lunch* laughter and pizza*afternoon naps*safety in the storm*family*celebrating a friend’s birthday*flowers of the meadow*the smell of rain soaked soil*green grass everywhere*beautiful ruby throated hummingbirds*the hoot of the Great Horned Owl*muddy dogs*dirty dishes in the sink, eating well*bare feet on summer days*gray storm clouds*an unseasonably cool breeze*no humidity*errands completed*excitement over son going to college*growing up *growing in Him*fruit smoothies*sleepy heads* soft worn rugs*God and His Son, Jesus—for it is through them that all of these blessings are possible. Amen.

Calico Love

She landed on top of me at exactly 6:17 this morning. Thump. So much for sleeping in this Saturday morning. It won’t happen for me, since I have a calico that is in love with me. One that wants to knead her claws on my stomach and then crawl up me until we’re nose to nose. Then she bats me with her paw. Did I mention it is 6:17, or by this time, maybe 6:20ish in the morning?

She follows (stalks) me into the bathroom. She rubs up against my bare legs and meows. She never takes her eyes off of me. I am a little unsettled. She flops over at my feet, asking for a belly rub. I bend over and pet her before washing my face and brushing my teeth. She seems satisfied……for now.

Calico love runs deep….maybe even bordering on the psychotic. Just saying.

Good Saturday morning! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another Day In The Life….

Day Five of the lower back pain. Ugh. I probably should go to the chiropractor but, I don’t have the time. I also don’t feel like spending money for that right now. So, I will suffer in silence, or in my case, intermittent whining. This whole thing has been a reminder to me, how in life, if one small thing is out of order, it can affect everything else. I am hoping that I will just wake up one morning (soon!) and I will be healed…and not have to walk like I am 95 years old for the first couple hours of each day!

 

 

This morning has been great (other than the back pain). It is sunny outside, with buttery sun puddling on the kitchen and living room floors. We are having another  “cold front”….so the temps are only in the 70’s with low humidity. There is also a slight breeze, which I find very enjoyable. My heat miser friends are not happy. According to them, “July is in the middle of the summer! Summer is supposed to be hot!” I secretly, in my own mind, am thinking, “Suck it up, Buttercup!” I love weather like this and I would do the happy dance, if I could, without causing further pain in my back.

 

 

 

 

Yesterday, I spent some time rearranging things in a corner of the living room. I have a beautiful, hand crafted, oak shelf. I had various knick knacks on it and thought to myself, “I can do better than that”. So…….I decided to bring out about half of my Boyd’s Bear collection to fill up that shelf in the corner. I have a… eh…hem…..rather large bear collection, that has been growing over many years. I like to look at them, so for now some of them are at home in the corner of the living room. My daughter said I am going to grow to be an old lady with lots of teddy bears. I informed her that these are not just any teddy bears….and there are a lot worse things to collect than bears. I obviously will not be willing my sweet, cuddly collection to her! Hmmpppffff!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anyone that knows me, knows that I am an avid animal lover. My son’s dog, Lonnie, is a terrier mix. When we got him from the Humane Society three and a half years ago, I didn’t know much about terriers. All I knew was that he had the biggest brown eyes and he was looking straight at me when we took the tour to see what animal we wanted to take to our “fur-ever” home. Little did I know that “fur-ever” really meant FUR forever.  I love this dog. I mean really love this dog. He is awesome. Of course, I found out after the fact that terriers are renowned shedders. Lonnie is white with a black mask. Let me just say that I do a lot of sweeping and vacuuming at my house. White fur is abundant. I don’t mind though….he is worth it. Maybe I will knit him a sweater out of his own fur for a Christmas present. Not really. I was just kidding, people. Sheesh.

 

 

 

 

I need to sweep and vacuum off the deck carpets today, probably wipe down the tables too. I invited a friend over for a birthday dinner tomorrow evening. We are fairly new friends (this past year), but I feel like I’ve known her a lot longer. We are close in age, and that is always nice because then the other person gets references from childhood or young adulthood that others might not get. She is also very cool when it comes to music and photography. So, in my mind, I categorize her as my cool, artsy, friend. Does anyone else do that besides me? You know, like she is my funny, awesome, always has me laughing friend. Or maybe she is my fellow bookworm, always has good quotes and facts, kind of a friend. Or this is my crazy, “I’m gonna go postal”, never a dull moment friend. Lord only knows what title I get from my friends. They probably just consider me a little weird, but lovable. I can live with that.

 

 

 

 

Well, it is off to get things done today. I know this wasn’t one of my “normal” blogs, but today I just wrote what I was feeling. I never know where that may lead!

Alpha And Omega

Life has a lot of twists and turns. As much as I attempt to make plans and fill my calendar, life changes. Sometimes the news is hard and painful…. just in the past month there has been a death in the family. At other times the news is good… this month has also brought an announcement of a pregnancy, and two invitations to weddings. We will start packing to send one son off to college, and get senior pictures made for our daughter.

Life is stitched together, one day at a time. One moment at a time. There are a lot of twists and turns, and we are all at the mercy of the unknown.

Thankfully, no matter what happens, I know the One who is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end…….and all the days in between.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 NIV

 

The Word That Comforts

On Monday, my back was a little sore, yesterday it really hurt. After not being able to get comfortable while laying down, and getting little sleep because of it, my back is aching today. I am only in my mid 40’s, but am feeling much older today…at least my lower back is. I have no idea what I did to cause this. I am spending my time puttering around the house today, doing a little of this and a little of that. It feels better to stand than to sit, so I will stay at least moderately busy.

Sitting here at the kitchen table, while typing, is starting to hurt….so, instead of spending my normal amount of time blogging, today I leave you one of my former posts. The words are comforting in a world that is ever changing.

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God Is Already There

 

 

 

We live in uncertain times. There are plenty of anxious

moments to go around. Fear of the unknown runs rampant.

The questions of daily life can loom large, leaving us wondering what tomorrow will hold?

Most of us, unless you are the daredevil, fly by the seat of your pants type, like some security.

We like to know there is some stability in this ever changing world we live in…

When desperation drives us to our knees…

When the hurting parts of life seem to painful to bear…

We want to not fear what tomorrow holds.

And The Word is strong and true…it leaps, alive, off the page.

Fear can be replaced with courage. Anxiousness can be replaced with calm assurance.

Not to worry about the future…

God is already there.

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leaveyou nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?  Psalm 56:3-4NIV

Keep Adding To The List

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep adding to the list.

Write them down as a testament to all the ways the Lord gives.

Practice, daily, until it becomes as normal as the breath you take.

Breathe in the moments and breathe out the thankfulness.

The sparkle of early morning dew on the grass, that shimmers like a million diamonds and then is gone….but, I was there to witness this fragile, delicate beauty, in that moment. The sun streaming through the fog. The neighbor walking the dog in the early morning quiet. Light shining through the turquoise mason jar on the window sill, sending color onto the counter. Clothes that smell fresh, like lavender. Hugs and kisses. Morning coffee. Cards written to friends. Knowing love. Seeing God as He walks in the every day. Simple things, yet not simple at all.

Practice.

Practice to be ready.

Strengthen the ability to give words of thanks……in all things.

Because the storms will come.

Eventually, the hard surf will pound you against the rocks.

When the storms of life threaten to overwhelm, this list will become precious.

Priceless words that remind of all the ways that the Lord has blessed.

God was faithful then, and He will be again.

 

Smiling Saturdays

I heard the rain on the roof this morning, not a hard rain, but gentle and soothing. It was time to get up. I had chores to do and errands to run. On my quest to see God in each day, to be thankful for even the smallest of things, my eyes have been opened in ways that I could have never known at the beginning of my journey.

The first stop was at the bank. There is something to be said for small town banks. My son and I were met with friendly smiling faces, and helpfulness. A smile is such a small thing, but doesn’t it make all the difference?  We were even offered coffee, tea, or water while we waited.

Next, it was to Tractor Supply to pick up feed for the chickens and the horse. While loading the heavy bags onto the flat cart, one of the men (whom I had not seen before, he must be new?) asked if he might help me? I thanked him for his assistance. After he helped me I noticed him helping an older couple with loading their purchases in their car. His kindness made me smile.

Lastly, was a quick stop at Aldi’s grocery store. I smiled at the people that were doing their Saturday morning shopping. Most times I got a smile in return. Smiles are contagious, right?

It has been a good day so far. I’m thankful for smiling Saturdays. 🙂

 

 

Worry Less And Wonder More

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some days I am full of stories and pictures that I would love to share with you, my readers. I am always thinking of moments and the minute details of the day. I want my readers to see the world through my eyes, through my words. I keep trying…..

The day started at 6:15am. I like getting up early when the world is quiet and still. At this time of the morning, during the summer months, it is already light and I can see the glow of the morning leaking between the drawn curtains. After getting ready and making my way to the kitchen, I start the coffee and straighten the house. I admire the beautiful antique rug I got from the lady who runs one of the antique stores in the next town over. It is soft and worn…just perfect for bare feet. The sun streams through the living room window and I can’t help but notice that the sofa table needs dusting, as does the top of the piano.  I wish I didn’t always see what needs to be done.

The jaunt over to the chicken coop and barn was nice. The abnormally cool air, for mid July, felt wonderful on my bare arms. If the entire summer could be in the low seventies with low humidity, I would be thrilled. I think that is why I enjoy Autumn so much, just a tad over two months away…. The Morning Glories are twisted around the railing at the end of the deck, with delicate pink and purple blooms. The lavender is full and the bees hungrily eat, I hear their steady hum in my ears. Aside from the heat, there is much to enjoy about the summer months. I do love living in a place that allows me to see the beauty of all the different seasons.

My to do list is long, and I am well aware of all that must get done. I desperately want to put a check mark next to items on the list. I want to get things finished. The stress of it all drains me some days. I was outside the other day and the thought occurred to me, why do I worry so much about things? As soon as I check off everything on the list, new things will pop up and beg to be added. Do I chain my life’s happiness to an unending list? Am I defeated if I don’t get it all finished? This is something I am working on, or maybe I should say not working on?

My son just asked for my help to take some stuff out to his car. While outside I stopped and stared at the big puffy clouds and the bright blue sky. I noticed the weeds in the flower beds, and even though they are so hated…they actually are pretty with their yellow flowers. The thought occurred to me that maybe I need to just stay outside more, nature reminds me that the list is not as important as I think it is. My worries make my life small. They force me to live in frantic mode instead of thankful mode. I don’t believe that God ever intended for us to live life like it is a panicked emergency.

Over and over again I attempt to learn this lesson. It is important, and I need to get it. Not just with words, but actually live it. These words are an unending loop in my mind. “Rest, don’t stress. To love, not to list. Be joyful, not panicked. Worry less and wonder more.”

Life is meant to be lived fully and big. God wants us to depend on Him for an abundant life, not through our own power of getting it all done.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 NIV

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I love reading Ann Voskamp’s blog, A Holy Experience. She speaks to my heart with her poetic words. Yesterday she had a guest blogger, Ginny from the blog, Small Things. Ginny’s post spoke to me, right where I find myself. Maybe you need to read her post too? Click here.