The old hymn that plays as I write this morning..."I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus, the Nazarene. And wonder how HE could love ME, a sinner condemned, unclean. How marvelous, how wonderful, and my song shall ever be, how marvelous, how wonderful is my Savior's love for me".
It doesn't matter how far we go...but how much nearer we come because His love compels us. When someone loves us, and we believe and sense it in our minds and hearts, it is impossible to shut them out. A couple of weeks ago the thought came to me that God didn't have to go to such great lengths to show us His love....He didn't have to keep on trying to prove His love to us, but He did it anyway. He didn't have to create a world for us to enjoy, or the love of a family to be a picture of His love for us. He didn't have to give us children to love and nurture so we would understand the love He has for His only son, and how He in His mercy and grace for us, gave His son in our place. Picturing that, as a parent, is unfathomable for me. It makes me realize that I don't even come close to understanding how much He loves me. Scripture is clear when it says that God's love is "far beyond all we could ever ask or think". . . and how much more we so easily become immersed in all that this world offers and mistake it for God's best instead of being consumed by all He is and wants to be in our lives. Consider how much He loves you today...It's amazing!

Helloooooo again!

I have had lots of reader's ask where I've been. That would be the "question of the century"! Suffice to say "I'm back...well, somewhat." Some lessons take longer to learn than others, right? Be patient with me and I will try to get back into this saddle and sit up straight. Ever read Gulliver's Travels?

God's Recipe

The thought just came to me ... why don't we just follow God's recipe for everything ... wouldn't things always turn out right then? The other day my Whitney (daughter #2) was laughing about how her boyfriend doesn't do things in an "orderly fashion." Surprise, surprise! He had decided he wanted to bake a cake and instead of following the directions he just threw everything in the bowl all at once, then wondered how come it didn't turn out like he had imagined. Isn't that just like life. Either we get the "cart before the horse," or just "take over the reins." Then we wonder what in the world went wrong when we find ourselves disappointed in the results. Ahhh, just a thought. Thank-you, God, for giving me this crazy, "technicolor" mind of mine that only you "get"... these analogies go a long way with me ... for the friends that I treasure and most of all for the way you love us all.
Beauty of Our Friendship

Friendship is a Priceless Gift that cannot be bought or sold,
But its value is far greater than a mountain made of Gold.
For gold is cold and lifeless, it can neither see nor hear
And in the time of trouble it is powerless to cheer--
It has no ears to listen nor heart to understand,
It cannot bring you comfort or reach out a helping hand
So when you ask God for a gift
Be thankful if HE sends not diamonds, pearls or riches
But The Love of Real True Friends.

The Rod is not the Staff...

It has been a while since I've been in front of this computer. So my purpose was to go back over the past week and see what I've missed...alot. Emails that I should have responded to days ago. Facebook "stuff" and now this blog. Don't have much time, so will just share what made an impression. I am always amazed at the people that read this, and I wish more would make comments just so's I know who's been here, but I understand you don't have any more time than I do most days.
One thing that I will take home though, is that it's incredibly encouraging and upbuilding to see the growth that God gives in lives of my friends. Believe it or not, I have my down days too, and more times than not God uses YOU, yes you, to remind me that it's about all of us. We all touch and affect each other. The truth of it is that He will finish what He started no matter how I feel, hopeless or happy. He is not "detoured" by me at all...and is only after finishing His perfect work IN me and you. He is the master physician, orchestrator, fixer-upper, and He has the perfect plan where we are concerned. You know those "rods" spoken about in the 23rd Psalm....those are to keep us in line. When we fight and try to go the other direction, he has to use them and it hurts sometimes, but protects us from ourselves in doing so. So, I'm very grateful that He doesn't give up on us, and we shouldn't give up on each other either. Love you all. Have a wonderful time in church tomorrow.