July 28, 2014

By the Sea

If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,  even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.   Psalm 139:9-10

We had a beautiful time at the beach. We fished (I caught a 4' shark!!), went crabbing, went swimming, went "junking" (and I found a cool antique iron, a red dish, and a lime green vase)...we ate lots of seafood, and there were several loud rounds of Pit played. A good time was had by all.

Today was back to the normal routine. I'm grateful for safe travels and the time by the sea...and I'm equally so to be home again.

July 23, 2014

Covenant

I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.   Genesis 9:13

This was the view I had today....


A glorious reminder of the covenant, of His grace and mercy, always with us.

Amen and amen.

July 22, 2014

Hands

She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
Proverbs 31:13

The hands are willing...and I'm still learning! On my bucket list is learning to knit, and so far I have learned how to make socks, a basic shawl, and I'm working on my first sweater.  Its fun!

Today I continued on my third pair of socks, grateful for the time off from my regular work to enjoy knitting with abandon.

:)

July 21, 2014

A Gorgeous Day

Yours is the day, yours also the night; you have established the heavenly lights and the sun.
Psalm 74:16

It was a gorgeous day.

Its nearing the end of July, a time when the sun usually blares and the humidity nearly drowns. But today was unseasonably comfortable!  A little sun, a little rain late day, and as I write this I'm sitting on a porch, rocking, soaking  up the stillness in a cool, gentle breeze.

Life is good.


July 20, 2014

Looking Up

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Psalm 19:1

About a year ago we went to Phoenix for the boys' spring break. It was the first time I had been that far west and I was amazed at the expanse of sky that was there! I grew up the the mountains, in a wooded neighborhood, and I live in a wooded neighborhood now. I'm just used to being nestled among the trees, and they offer their own kind of beauty and comfort. I wouldn't want it any other way.

But, I also love being in the expanse of vastly open sky, and today I found myself in a place where you can see forever in every direction.  It was beautiful and in that expanse where I felt rather small, I was reminded of just how big God's creation is...and how far reaching His arms.

Its good to be out of the forest, looking up.


July 18, 2014

Rest

for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.
Hebrews 4:10

As much as I love my work, what was good about today was that I got enough done to take a few days off to rest! My projects are in good order, I got caught up on sending out invoices,  and now it's time for a few relaxing days ahead. I'm looking forward to spending time with my guys! Im grateful for time to rest.



July 17, 2014

Fulfillment

May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!
Psalm 20:4

Indeed. He does.

:)

July 16, 2014

Play Ball!

but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Today the eldest played baseball, the first time since the accident. It was just a scrimmage, but still, a game. You know, with fast balls flying by his face.

I didn't faint.

That was God's strength at work, not mine. I'm not entirely sure I had any of my own.

His grace is everywhere...even in the folding chair behind home plate.

July 15, 2014

Thankful

The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
Psalm 118:14

I've been running wide open this week...really, for many weeks! I am blessed with lots of wonderful clients and plenty of work to do, and I give God the glory for that and giving me the strength to go the extra mile. After the slow years during the economic downturn, having a steady flow of projects is something for which I am very thankful.

God provides. He is my strength, my song,  and my salvation.

July 14, 2014

Midnight

At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules.
Psalm 119:62

Well, it's almost midnight.

Its been another long day. Yet, even at this late hour I will rise to praise Him, before I rest my head, because He is the giver and sustainer of everything.

July 13, 2014

Sowing

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
2 Corinthians 9:6

This year I planted the garden with a prayer and an expectation for a bountiful harvest, and I have not been disappointed! Today alone we picked 17 cucumbers, squash, greenbeans, tomatoes, okra and more. All this from a little side yard kitchen garden!

If you sow bountifully,  you'll reap bountifully.  That's true in the garden, and it's true in life.

Today I spent some time on a project that will sow into life. Its a special gift that will be quietly given to someone whose needs are tremendous right now. I'm happy to be able to do something to help.

Opportunities to sow into life are all around...finding them and doing something is a blessing.

Sow bountifully...


July 12, 2014

Home

So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.
2 Corinthians 5:9

It was a quick but fun trip to my childhood home, and the time away, though brief, was refreshing. Tonight I'm back at home with my boys, glad for a weekend day still ahead to rest up before the work week begins.

Two "homes" in two days...and both are where my heart is. ♡

July 11, 2014

To the Hills!

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?   My help comes from the Lord , who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2

Today I took a trip up the mountain to my hometown. It was perfect timing - I needed to go meet with someone about an art commission,  I've been long past due a visit to my aunts, and there was a regional quilt show going on. It all made for a busy, fun day!

Being a poor keeper of linear time, I had to think hard to realize it's been over 2 years since I came up to visit my aunts! Life gets busy...I'm just glad everything worked out for making the trip this weekend.

The meeting went well, the quilt show was lovely, and the time spent with family is priceless. The drive up and now through the mountains was so beautiful. I forgot how encompassing being surrounded by the Blue Ridge feels. It was like being nestled down into a place of great comfort...like home.

July 10, 2014

Good

You have been good to me, Lord, and I will sing about you.  Psalms 13:6

We had surgery follow up visit #2 today. Its been one day short of two weeks since his surgery,  and if you looked at him and didn't know what had happened,  you would not know anything had happened.  It really is amazing to me!

He will go back in 4 months just to check things out,  but meanwhile he can go back to playing ball. He wilk have to wear a protective face guard at bat, but summer can get back on track.

God is so good!!

July 09, 2014

Follow

You bless all those who follow your commands from deep in their hearts.
Psalms 119:2

It's been a long, good day and as I write this I'm still working. Deadlines...a good thing because that means I have plenty to do and for that I will always be grateful. God does indeed provide!

Keeping me company is the radio, and in particular this song

M.youtube.com/watch?v=1ohvhmGSfxI

Love it

:)

July 08, 2014

Kindness

When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.
Matthew 6:3-4. (The Message)

That's what was good about today. I got to help someone. And someone else got to help me.

No fanfare. Just people being kind, doing something to make life better for someone else. Paying it forward.

Doesn't that make every day good?

:)




July 07, 2014

Oh Deer!

As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.
Psalm 42:1

Tonight we once again took the boat out to fish, the eldest and I.  I love being out there...it's so peaceful.  We hadn't been out long when we saw a deer in a clearing near the water's edge. It was alone...not skittish, just slowly making its way. Of course I thought of this verse. And the music written around it. God sends us all kinds of reminders of Himself...eyes to see. Made the time on the lake even more peaceful.

We stayed until dark. I caught 3.75* plus a stick.  :) He caught 10. He's the fish whisperer.

We had a blast. ♡

(* 3.75 = 3 in the boat, one almost in the boat which counts as .5, and .25 for one of the biggest hits ever)

July 06, 2014

Making Plans

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.  Proverbs 16:9

I spent some time today planning something that, Lord willing, I will get to do later this week. It's something I haven't done in over two years, but if I get to it will be fun!

Making plans made it a good day today. :)

July 05, 2014

Peace Filled Day

The Lord gives strength to his people and blesses them with peace.  Psalm 29:11

After a few weeks of lots of pressure and stress, the last two days of rest have restored me immensely.  The garden has been tended to by the eldest, who is feeling back to himself after his surgery. The house is pretty clean thanks mostly to my husband. Some of the cooking has been done by the youngest.

All I've done mostly is knit! And rest.

To not have an agenda, to have my son feeling so much better, to lay down the work deadlines, and just BE is such a blessing!! After all, we are human beings, not human doings. Sometimes you just have to clear the calendar.

Its only a long weekend, but I feel like I've had a week long vacation. I've been strengthened and blessed with peace.

July 04, 2014

Freedom

you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.  John 8:32

As we celebrate Independence Day, 4th of July, I think  about what really makes us all free.

Freedom indeed came at a price...on a hill...on a cross.

July 03, 2014

Laughter

On your feet now—applaud God ! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence.  Psalm 100:1-2 MSG

My friend Jean Smith has been working on a 100 piece art series she named "Laughter Project". I don't remember exactly when she started it, but it's been at least a year long journey. She is incredibly talented and dedicated!

Today she posted a video compilation, having recently completed the 100th piece. It was one of the first things I saw this morning and it made my day, right from the start.

You can see it here:

www.facebook.com/laughterart

http://youtu.be/4ThWriwOrR0


It will make your day good too!

July 02, 2014

Focus

But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more. Psalm 71:14

Isn't that a beautiful verse?

No matter what is going on around me, with this as a foundation joy will be ever present.

Its all about where your focus is. And mine is on Him.

July 01, 2014

Help

My help comes from the Lord , who made heaven and earth.  Psalm 121:2

And today help came through His servant George who showed up at my door with 2 chicken pies and a carton of icecream.  I've hit the wall of exhaustion today...not having to figure out or fix dinner tonight is truly God sent!

God's timing is perfect once again. :)

And once again I am grateful.

Blessed

Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.    Deuteronomy 28:6

Today I felt especially so. My son is healing, we are being showered with love and support from so many people. It's truly uplifting and humbling.

Despite being way behind on work I'm catching up, and I had a presentation today that went really well. I especially like this client - they are kind and fun to work with. The project is going to turn out well.

It was a good day all around. And I feel blessed.   ♡