tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39650736139292918072024-03-13T00:11:48.054-07:00Here I AmJezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-28547363800259679332019-02-10T11:55:00.002-08:002019-02-10T11:55:36.334-08:00Trust. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart..."<br />
"Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture..."<br />
There are many commands to trust the Lord in the Word, and there are many promises given to those who do.<br />
The Lord share with me a recipe for Trust last year - and I was reminded of the vitality of it again recently -<br />
T - Turn it over: whatever it is that is troubling you, turn it over to the God who cares for you and is infinitely able to hold it.<br />
R - Repent: Lack faith and trust in Him is sin and separates us from Him<br />
U - "You": Our trust should be centered (just like the U is in the centre of the word) on God: His ability, His love, His faithfulness, His wisdom.<br />
S - Stay. Remain in that place of trust and rest. Actively remain.<br />
T - Thanks: Give thanks. Give thanks before receiving. Give thanks in the midst of the unknown.<br />
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<br />Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-33087143989010028112019-01-13T13:22:00.002-08:002019-01-13T13:26:43.847-08:00Faithfulness over Fear<i>Ezra 3:3</i><br />
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Although they were surrounded by enemies, who didn't want them back in Jerusalem, and detractors, who didn't believe in what they were doing, the Israelites were faithful to what God called them to do: rebuild the Temple.<br />
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They felt afraid, but they didn't allow fear to stop them from being faithful.<br />
How am I allowing fear to stop me from being faithful to what God has called me to do?<br />
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<br />Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-16440181965035470142019-01-03T13:12:00.002-08:002019-01-03T13:15:41.064-08:00A post-Christmas post on a pre-Christmas ponder<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
In preparation for Christmas, I was reading in Isaiah 8 (leading up to Isaiah 9: one of the prophecies fulfilled in Jesus's birth) and when reading the following verses I stopped to ponder...</div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">Isaiah 8:11-9:1</span></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">(13-14)“The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, He is the one you are to fear, He is the one you are to dread, and he will be a sanctuary…”</span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">This implies a choice for us. To regard someone with a certain character trait means we have to focus on that, choose to see that person in that way – in line with truth. This goes beyond our feelings, but is anchored (and anchors us) in truth, in reality. The Lord Almighty <b><u>is</u></b>holy, and we are faced with the choice to regard him as that, to line up our thinking with truth. When I think about the word ‘regard’, I think of a lens through which we view others’ actions and words, how we see them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Holy – I’m reminded of the verse later in Isaiah where God tells us that His ways are not like our ways, His are infinitely higher (55:8-9). Fear – I’ve often struggled with the frequent commands throughout God’s Word to ‘Fear God.’ Even as I think on it now, the verse “Perfect love casts out all fear” comes to mind, so maybe as we begin to love Him more, rightful fear is swallowed up in love. I was wrestling with the word ‘dread’ – God is deserving of a feeling of dread by sinful hearts, like Adam hid from Him in the Garden, dreading the conviction that comes with the light of His presence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">When we do regard Him as holy (view Him with an understanding of His character as He presents Himself to us), when we do fear Him (so that we do not fear the darkness, the false judges of our lives: our own feelings, others’ perceptions), when we do dread Him – then He will be our <b>sanctuary</b>: our place of safety, rest and security.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">He is stronger than any of the world’s changing philosophies, than our ephemeral emotions, than the enemy’s strategies and schemings; Holy, Fearful, Dreaded keeps the enemy at bay and His child safe and held.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-21429436485926219362018-12-24T05:39:00.000-08:002018-12-24T05:47:15.913-08:00A thrill of hope - Christmas Eve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-US">Since I can remember, I’ve deeply loved Christmas Eve, especially after everyone has gone to bed, and the house is quiet. Many Christmas Eves have found me listening to Christmas carols at the foot of a lighted Christmas tree. A quiet, holy blanket settles on my soul at this time – reminding me that in Jesus my every need, known and unknown, felt and yet unfelt, is fully met. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">This Christmas Eve is no different. The family has all gone to bed (as a matter of fact, Mia, our large dog, has settled herself onto my side of the bed…) – and I am here, soaking in the precious and wondrous truth that the God who set life in motion, who is still expanding the universe, reached out for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Over the past couple of days, I've been pondering Isaiah 8 & 9. The second half of chapter 8 establishes that when we are not grounded in God, we are lost: in darkness, distress, despair, even cursing God, and seeing nothing good in heaven or earth. Then comes chapter 9: "<u>Nevertheless</u>.." I love how often God's word pivots on a word, and this time, it's <i>nevertheless</i>. Even though we were far, even though we said "No," even though we had declared ourselves His enemies - He said 'Nevertheless' and sends His Son, the Child, the Light, the Answer that we all so desperately need - whether we know it or not. And He is all: Counselor, Father, God, Prince of Peace.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiV4Be9eWzJ_-Mck2jvmg9wVkozyxIZhSLpTRehVbUzEjdeLp2JD1fV2TJUVHQH8nbJOOsE6VD-rNb0DbcHnLYvsg9DER4alqd0H3UxgNXylodPE-OJsklEnRtrazCgSgo6rcVTYjg0Q/s1600/IMG_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiV4Be9eWzJ_-Mck2jvmg9wVkozyxIZhSLpTRehVbUzEjdeLp2JD1fV2TJUVHQH8nbJOOsE6VD-rNb0DbcHnLYvsg9DER4alqd0H3UxgNXylodPE-OJsklEnRtrazCgSgo6rcVTYjg0Q/s200/IMG_0126.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Let me share what I hear with you, the words of one of my favourite Christmas carols, "O Holy Night": </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><i>"Long lay the world in sin and error pining, </i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><i>Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.</i></span></div>
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<i>A thrill of hope. The weary world rejoices.</i></div>
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<i>For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.</i></div>
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<i>Fall on your knees. O hear the angel voices..."</i></div>
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And those voices resounded with "Good news of Great Joy that will be for all the people..." (Luke 2:10)</div>
Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-20280827263051360432018-12-24T04:57:00.001-08:002018-12-24T04:57:23.358-08:00A call... (thoughts from September)I have often struggled with 'me'. Often wishing, thinking that I should be different than I am, bemoaning my traits, belittling the 'me' that I am. Trying hard to force my shape into that of the cookie-cutter ideal I see. But I never stay in that shape, and I'm not happy in that shape.<br />
Yet, there is a balance -- as Jesus tells me to deny myself, so I cannot just assume that as I am is as He wants me to be...<br />
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I read a poem this morning by Mary Oliver titled "The Other Kingdoms":<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Consider the other kingdoms... the creatures, with...their infallible sense of what their lives are meant to be. Thus the world grows rich, grows wild, and you too, grow rich, grow sweetly wild, as you too were born to be." </blockquote>
Her words reminded me of Jesus' words to His disciples, His words to me: "Consider the lilies of the field... consider the birds of the air.."<br />
As I follow His lead, I learn - but it is in the following.Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-39184988013458335392014-06-03T15:36:00.001-07:002014-06-03T15:36:06.786-07:00"The grand point is not to wear the garb, nor use the brogue of religion, but to possess the life of God within, and feel and think as Jesus would have done because of that inner life. Small is the value of external religion unless it is the outcome of a life within."<br />
CH Spurgeon "Spiritual Parenting" p. 154Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-63463674397412994222012-07-06T13:24:00.001-07:002012-07-06T13:24:10.728-07:00Joy Dare - July 7<i>Gift of Challenge, Conflict and Change</i><br />
These three are summed up in one for me right now : parenting. Actually, two - and marriage.<br />
Parenting holds the challenging reality that I am shaping other eternal creatures lives, the conflict of growing personalities bumping into one another (and mine) and change, well, kids don't stay the same for very long, do they? Nor do they allow my plans to stay in place long, either.<br />
In marriage there is a continual challenge to love another more than myself, the conflict of two living as one flesh, and the need for me to change and to be changed. This is my Father's will for me - and it is good, very good - not always easy. (A thought on conflict too: it is not always a negative thing. It is through conflict that we are shaped: "As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another" Proverbs 27:17)<br />
These four relationships are not only jewel-like gifts in themselves, but the challenge, conflict and change that they present drive me back to my Father for wisdom, grace - and oh, everything.<br />
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So thank you, my Father.Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-41851198696698283142012-02-03T11:48:00.002-08:002012-02-03T12:15:24.643-08:00Still counting.(Although I have not been posting these here - I have been counting and thanking.)<div><br /></div><div>115. the first thing in the morning snuggle of the littlest boy.</div><div><br /></div><div>116. a deep breath of dusky summer air</div><div><br /></div><div>117. the stirring of wind-touched trees</div><div><br /></div><div>118. ... and ears to hear the sounds</div><div><br /></div><div>119. a good place to live and make a home</div><div><br /></div><div>120. the Father's protection over my boys</div><div><br /></div><div>121. a new season of life and all the surprises that my Lord has planned ahead</div><div><br /></div><div>122. new and good friends</div><div><br /></div><div>123. the coolness of a rain-drizzled morning after days of hanging heat</div><div><br /></div><div>124. a child's footsteps in the morning</div><div><br /></div><div>125. a colourful stripey cup</div><div><br /></div><div>126. a God who came</div><div><br /></div><div>127. the He is full of compassion</div><div><br /></div><div>128. good books</div><div><br /></div><div>129. laughter</div><div><br /></div><div>130. the astounding variety of bird calls</div><div><br /></div><div>131. the laughing call of a kookaburra</div><div><br /></div><div>132. memories floating by on my computer screen</div><div><br /></div><div>133. the dry cracking buzz of a cicada in flight</div><div><br /></div><div>134. the focussed interest of a boy- intent on catching skimmer bugs to give them 'a happy life' in his aquarium</div><div><br /></div><div>135. the sun rising and casting more light</div><div><br /></div><div>136. the early light creeping down the trees</div><div><br /></div><div>137. the sure knowledge of His great love</div><div><br /></div><div>138. the mist hanging low on the hills</div><div><br /></div><div>139. the opportunity to teach</div><div><br /></div><div>140. a child's excitement that wakes him early and keeps him up</div><div><br /></div><div>141. quiet that bookends my day</div><div><br /></div><div>142. being home</div><div><br /></div><div>143. garbage trucks trundling away my rubbish</div><div><br /></div><div>144. a dad and his wife who look for ways to bless us all the while pouring love and attention into the boys</div><div><br /></div><div>145. the boisterous sounds of boys at play</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I want to keep counting, to keep naming, to keep being aware - because I am finding that in this simple act of naming His gifts given to me, I am seeing Him.</div><div><br /></div>Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-41882973743465690962012-01-27T11:48:00.000-08:002012-01-27T12:07:54.924-08:00It's been a while..."Moses returned to the Lord and said, 'O Lord, why have you brought trouble upon this people...and you have not rescued your people at all.'" (Exodus 5:22-23)<div><br /></div><div>How often I have brought a similar charge to lay at God's feet, verbalized or silently. When circumstances get to the point where I feel like I am in far beyond my ability, when relationships are challenging or stale, when long-standing situations seem stagnant - then I accuse God, like a petulant child. </div><div>What I do not do is wait - trustingly wait. Believe and watch.</div><div><br /></div><div>God answers Moses, not with a rebuke but with an affirmation of his own character, "I am the Lord." He bookends his reply to Moses with the assertion of who he is, because He is the reason we can believe, we can trust and we will see his deliverance. Even when Moses reminded the Israelites of God's character, "they did not listen because of their discouragement and cruel bondage" (6:9); that did not deter God. </div><div><br /></div><div>My moments of discouragement do not discourage God - He reminds me to lift my eyes to his unchangeable self and to still and quiet my soul "like a weaned child with its mother" (Psalm 131:2). For He does not change - He is.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, Father.</div>Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-67322702922070751742011-11-06T12:01:00.000-08:002012-01-27T11:48:49.960-08:00An encouragementYesterday at church the pastor shared some wonderful truth from God's word that I have been pondering...<div><blockquote>2 Peter 1:4 "Through these [His glory and goodness] He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature..."</blockquote><i>I have to go now, but I'd like to share more here later.</i></div>Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-20550791070490345582011-08-23T00:40:00.000-07:002011-08-23T00:43:50.151-07:00Do you ever wonder?Do you ever wonder if you are doing the right thing?<div>Do you ever wonder if homeschooling is the best thing for your kids?</div><div>Do you ever wonder if you are the best teacher for your kids?</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Do you ever wonder if this is really what God wants you to be doing?</div><div>Do you ever wonder how you got here? And where here is?</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I do. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> Help me, Lord, to see. And hear.</div>Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-90085805553792224612011-07-23T13:56:00.000-07:002011-07-23T14:01:10.421-07:00A morning prayer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SCccJiUjQDDx8lSa7EEYin-ji01dp-CZogkYGyuL-53oFnpcRck_iBGsHetkhLOJTKsKwfwooPrniDk58NJDpFrw_w8VKjWq8MeqvmelbbVuyMAAOXujD-EQWvbOXQ1Jt60ppA4J9nQ/s1600/IMG_4837.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SCccJiUjQDDx8lSa7EEYin-ji01dp-CZogkYGyuL-53oFnpcRck_iBGsHetkhLOJTKsKwfwooPrniDk58NJDpFrw_w8VKjWq8MeqvmelbbVuyMAAOXujD-EQWvbOXQ1Jt60ppA4J9nQ/s320/IMG_4837.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632655638182089282" /></a><br />Lord Jesus,<div>I give you this day - this day that you have given me - fill it as you see fit. </div><div>Help me to accept with joy the people, the circumstances You allow into my life this day.</div><div>May I see You, honour You and bring pleasure to Your heart and glory to Your name.</div><div>Come fill me, Holy Spirit.</div>Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-5072792432408516232011-07-08T13:04:00.000-07:002011-07-09T13:36:10.925-07:00Faith<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAfcASk4qgYHmlHzKSulYlc94AJkcAzcvPwKyhcrtpnsrNHXeztZwE4OnmO6SBawNqa_ifUagyAoke66HSPXSRZwC3-SU3W8n5lxo6V0Bu_S59ITWoCPubW3AdwDXtsI6mrYJfYuiGh0/s1600/IMG_3383.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAfcASk4qgYHmlHzKSulYlc94AJkcAzcvPwKyhcrtpnsrNHXeztZwE4OnmO6SBawNqa_ifUagyAoke66HSPXSRZwC3-SU3W8n5lxo6V0Bu_S59ITWoCPubW3AdwDXtsI6mrYJfYuiGh0/s320/IMG_3383.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627078764618300354" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">"Where lies the secret strength of faith? It lies in the food it feeds on; for faith studies what the promise is - an emanation of divine grace, an overflowing of the great heart of God ..."<br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> </span></span><i>-- CH Spurgeon</i></span><div><div><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(If you want to read the whole of this thought, you can access it at </span><a href="http://www.brandonstaggs.com/spurgeon-morning-evening/07-08-AM.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Brandon Staggs website</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and there are more "Morning and Evening" devotions online at </span><a href="http://www.spurgeon.org/morn_eve/this_morning.cgi"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Daily Dose of Spurgeon</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.)</span></div></div>Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-77475272306016747482011-07-07T13:22:00.000-07:002011-07-07T14:41:16.293-07:00WorryIt comes in at odd times. Some mornings it slinks into my waking thoughts, whispering in my heart's ear. Some nights it trumpets me awake with crashing and crushing thoughts. When there are unexpected late returns or illness, it teases my imagination into fearful possibilities.<div><br /></div><div>But I have a choice. Like my grandmother used to say, "You can't stop the birds from flying over your head, but you can stop them from making a nest in your hair." Those fleeting thoughts of worry, of doubt, the temptation to mistrust my Heavenly Father will come - but I do not have to invite them in for a cup of tea. I can, and I must, turn to my Father and put my hand in His and put my trust in His unfailing love.</div><div><br /></div><div>I must rehearse again and again all the ways He has met our needs, and so often our desires, with faithfulness and abundance. And I must go beyond my own experiences too, to His unchanging promises. So I have to remind myself of what He has said. </div><div><i></i></div><blockquote><div><i>"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in Me." John 14:1</i></div><div><i><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjk9jOvrJYvlADbf-63lCypYFKX6hc_DtlUuSTtdW8HNwF9bbAJ63ZdbeaFWwB20-myaMwHNkIdavAz3y_im7fEDsb3b9-4YELyQQBdCXb4ifHlhClDDlIhwl23tJNHOZBVG1lh5wPQ7o/s1600/IMG_4772.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjk9jOvrJYvlADbf-63lCypYFKX6hc_DtlUuSTtdW8HNwF9bbAJ63ZdbeaFWwB20-myaMwHNkIdavAz3y_im7fEDsb3b9-4YELyQQBdCXb4ifHlhClDDlIhwl23tJNHOZBVG1lh5wPQ7o/s320/IMG_4772.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626727962641264802" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0RFpj4dg5KlpWkiq-S9wV47_qIIezTiOLtKzFvSObR9RG4VKvIFYRXEbHcAX2gh1aSLzuihWo0RKHoNgEWpQS1by7tQvuhQCovydf73U1Yqr-52sVb_QipMwqJ6ZLhlyOYFWIHy5_wY/s1600/IMG_4774.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0RFpj4dg5KlpWkiq-S9wV47_qIIezTiOLtKzFvSObR9RG4VKvIFYRXEbHcAX2gh1aSLzuihWo0RKHoNgEWpQS1by7tQvuhQCovydf73U1Yqr-52sVb_QipMwqJ6ZLhlyOYFWIHy5_wY/s320/IMG_4774.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626727969783542210" /></a><br /></i></div><div><i>"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns; and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:25-26</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance." Psalm 16:5-6</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div></blockquote><div><i></i></div><div><br /></div><div>For He is good. And He does not change.</div>Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-15040186404719962462011-06-12T13:17:00.000-07:002011-06-12T13:44:48.957-07:00105 and more<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IFYHZzScIJdnIPQlhlY3cCcCj-eJnPUjkY1vg0yl0Au31cqG0PGHQkSHUimDLWzuXO8azb2Bch9HyzCqRUbTzUmSY0o0hRx_PAUaqFqlS8lRZUDEW0yO_vmNKj1ABcAPV5-0khAK1h0/s1600/Photo+153.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IFYHZzScIJdnIPQlhlY3cCcCj-eJnPUjkY1vg0yl0Au31cqG0PGHQkSHUimDLWzuXO8azb2Bch9HyzCqRUbTzUmSY0o0hRx_PAUaqFqlS8lRZUDEW0yO_vmNKj1ABcAPV5-0khAK1h0/s320/Photo+153.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617436986475032818" /></a><br />105. laughter<div><br /></div><div>106. the wisdom of others</div><div><br /></div><div>107. the honest enthusiasm of a child</div><div><br /></div><div>108. the muted splendor of a morning sky</div><div><br /></div><div>109. a mother who travels around the world to wash my dishes, do my laundry, love on my kids and just generally be a blessing</div><div><br /></div><div>110. healing for a pony</div><div><br /></div><div>111. an anniversary present of a fuzzy hat</div><div><br /></div><div>112. 10 years of Your grace and countless glimpses of Your love through this man</div><div><br /></div><div>113. A sister who rejoices in giving - and delights in blessing her nephews</div><div><br /></div><div>114. These Truths: that You provide, that You hear, that You are pleased with faith (even if it is the size of a mustard seed), that faith does not see with these eyes of flesh...</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh my Father, You are so good. Please strengthen my faith as I lift my eyes to You.</div>Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-8447223382502916022011-05-30T05:08:00.001-07:002011-05-30T05:20:25.624-07:0096...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_bX7Xg_aJzpCP3QVZPQVF_NTcU9Sc8kTSve5dxdL267nCjIyZFSY42OXBINLn9TJ1074Qmc0NuvYxkYTlgBFbu16F55wPiM_Um-FRQPPoIDeFEeCDp6aJ4cqN49jEngKHkGfSSeVg1o/s1600/IMG_3126.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_bX7Xg_aJzpCP3QVZPQVF_NTcU9Sc8kTSve5dxdL267nCjIyZFSY42OXBINLn9TJ1074Qmc0NuvYxkYTlgBFbu16F55wPiM_Um-FRQPPoIDeFEeCDp6aJ4cqN49jEngKHkGfSSeVg1o/s320/IMG_3126.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612482068475538866" /></a><br />96. hard work<div><br /></div><div>97. the steady sound of rain and the glow of morning sun in the same moment</div><div><br /></div><div>98. a garden to plant in</div><div><br /></div><div>99. a garden to anticipate the harvesting of</div><div><br /></div><div>100. good neighbours</div><div><br /></div><div>(from the boys)</div><div>101. that I could have my big two brothers and my Mum and my Dad to help me do things <i>(Nate)</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>102. goats, Flash, cats and ponies <i>(Ben)</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>103. opportunity to work and friends that love <i>(Sam)</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>104. warm blankets on my bed</div><div><br /></div><div>Good night! :)</div>Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-83106298766831241692011-05-24T13:21:00.001-07:002011-05-24T13:26:54.797-07:00How can I?This is my question for the day (and most likely 'days').<div><br /></div><div>How can I, like our first mother Eve, be a bringer of life? In this place, at this time, to this husband, to these children, to these neighbours, to these friends - how can I follow in the footsteps of Him Who is the Life?</div>Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-3988468472196458402011-05-20T03:08:00.000-07:002011-05-20T03:33:06.158-07:00Words, words, wordsIf you were a fly on the wall at my house lately you might have heard me quietly singing (muttering) to myself: "Words, words, words I'm so sick of words. I hear words all day long first from him now from you." <div><i>(Envision an impassioned Audrey Hepburn in "My Fair Lady" if you are wondering where that random phrase comes from.)</i></div><div><br /></div><div>But really, it is my own words I am feeling sick of. Sometimes I get lost in my own words - and I wonder how much good I am really doing for my children with all these words. Are they drowning in the torrent of my words? Sometimes they get that glazed over look which is the warning light - I've lost them. </div><div>I have been made aware of by friends over the years that I restate things, oh, a few too many times. (And my husband agrees.) It is part of my search for just the right words... but there is only one truly right Word. Jesus. He is the Word my children need - that I need. It is His Spirit who must breathe life into my words if there is to be lasting benefit from my many failing words. </div><div>Maybe my words need to be fewer so my children can hear Him better. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; "><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16)</span></span></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; "><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; "><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45)</span></span></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; "><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 21px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">May I be filled with Your Words so that I speak life to my children - to all whose lives I touch.</span></span></i></span></div>Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-79530121630124969252011-05-07T12:59:00.000-07:002011-05-13T14:49:27.938-07:00Mother's Day - a reflection<div>Motherhood.</div><div>I am not a Hallmark card kind of mother. No painted fingernails, just nibbled ones. I don't think I am one of those people for whom motherhood comes naturally for that matter.</div><div><br /></div><div>What is motherood really about?</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Discipleship. </div><div><br /></div><div> A one foot ahead of the other following of Jesus into servanthood. In motherhood Jesus gives me the opportunity (sometimes it feels like every minute) to deny myself, take up a cross and follow Him. Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying my children are a burden. I think it is my own selfish nature that is the burden. My children are one of God's graces to me.</div><div><br /></div>Thank you Lord for the gift of being a mother.Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-49877822503340626632011-03-08T01:32:00.000-08:002011-03-08T02:39:47.583-08:00Slow down<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVbvq5YoSQXPeVqJkGr8LDsZ_ny9HufaGg4Ms7R7B9swNpPZcWwfO5gvrCmiFgAaWgHWMx6WxKkN3vRUrd4WwmUxcBvxSiYVvLWWX008zNZTHNtnLIHTI_oZMbKy7Zs5FeZehH1bCRlU/s1600/IMG_4286.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVbvq5YoSQXPeVqJkGr8LDsZ_ny9HufaGg4Ms7R7B9swNpPZcWwfO5gvrCmiFgAaWgHWMx6WxKkN3vRUrd4WwmUxcBvxSiYVvLWWX008zNZTHNtnLIHTI_oZMbKy7Zs5FeZehH1bCRlU/s200/IMG_4286.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581654436876506242" /></a><br /><div>I have just put the boys to bed.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div>It is often at these moments that I glimpse what is vitally important<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span><i><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span>a slow tasting of time with them.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span></span>Sometimes I believe I am too busy to slow even then - there's <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>the dishes to do, the rooms to be tidied, the laundry to be put <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>away, there's the... and the .... and the... and the list goes on.</div><div><br /></div><div>To slow down, to take the time to really see and to truly listen - that is my privilege as a mother. It is my privilege to see how their hearts are growing. To listen to their stories.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>But, oh, how rarely do I really do that. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>There is always the next thing to be done - </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>usually something that feels terribly urgent, but is not vital. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> At least not in God's economy.</div><div><br /></div><div>As their breathing slows, I take the time to breathe. Relishing the very breath that God has given me. Reminding myself how very dependent I am on the Breath of Life - the God of heaven and earth.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank You, dearest Father - for bedtime. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> For all the precious reminders to slow down. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span></span>And live.</div></div></div>Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-53895779174753658102011-02-20T11:32:00.000-08:002011-03-08T01:32:13.764-08:0083 and counting...It is as if I can almost taste the transformation possible through this practice of giving thanks, but my practice is too far and few between. I want it to become a lifestyle to me - as necessary as breathing.<div>But I am not a good habit former - it is difficult for me to daily connect-the-dots that make a new habit. But I guess that is why the Lord tells us that His grace is sufficient for us - His power made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><i>Lord I ask You for Your grace to enable me to be consistent.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9UGfwARqyQXYiLNH1iy6MmEiDkS4blGo2hZJKvbhCj0m7_4ohlF1NdwrxBXjs2cEDOiBrCv8eDJRLLEA3dY8QZ9chzEork9A97HkZ5c990LsjDNyUsgXXmQyp06eyoI2A93t7jsFT-8/s1600/IMG_4173.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9UGfwARqyQXYiLNH1iy6MmEiDkS4blGo2hZJKvbhCj0m7_4ohlF1NdwrxBXjs2cEDOiBrCv8eDJRLLEA3dY8QZ9chzEork9A97HkZ5c990LsjDNyUsgXXmQyp06eyoI2A93t7jsFT-8/s320/IMG_4173.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575861021908947730" /></a><br /></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>83. the light beauty of a butterfly</div><div><br /></div><div>84. the growing man-strength of a 7 year old - to carry groceries, to help a brother, ...</div><div><br /></div><div>85. the silver whiteness of the moon</div><div><br /></div><div>86. the bright eyes of a child who has done well at something</div><div><br /></div><div>87. running water in my house</div><div><br /></div><div>88. a peaceful place to live</div><div><br /></div><div>89. a faithful husband</div><div><br /></div><div>90. fun had on Adventure Friday</div><div><br /></div><div>91. deep words</div><div><br /></div><div>92. books</div><div><br /></div><div>93. a glimpse of kindness and then reciprocation</div><div><br /></div><div>94. other people's good ideas</div><div><br /></div><div>95. Your goodness which wraps around me . . . Thank You.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-78575570057053370582011-02-07T11:35:00.000-08:002011-02-11T02:33:20.011-08:00Another Monday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2abMMAMeuWgMut3SYhoGylb6un7zEv_Pz8YogDd1YkKaYt3a14ujj1ofNqHVz7A-8nO32mcAnzizSeaYOy6XQYAaXdKPAeupVEuyMrIViqoj5U3wtxb2iu3HwgB9XPLN0i7UcEZPE0SU/s1600/IMG_3635.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571038334439805378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2abMMAMeuWgMut3SYhoGylb6un7zEv_Pz8YogDd1YkKaYt3a14ujj1ofNqHVz7A-8nO32mcAnzizSeaYOy6XQYAaXdKPAeupVEuyMrIViqoj5U3wtxb2iu3HwgB9XPLN0i7UcEZPE0SU/s320/IMG_3635.JPG" /></a><br /><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote>73. a waking glimpse of blue sky and sunshine <div><br /></div><div>74. mist draped hills - beauty surrounding us</div><div><br /></div><div>75. a roof that keeps out the rain</div><div><br /></div><div>76. sweet words from my sleepy boy</div><div><br /></div><div>77. hearing S reading aloud and enjoying it</div><div><br /></div><div>78. a soft bed</div><div><br /></div><div>79. sleep - the restfulness of closing my eyes</div><div><br /></div><div>80. meeting a new friend, who has the mark of a kindred heart about her</div><div><br /></div><div>81. the caress of a gentle wind - reminding me that Your Spirit is all around me</div><div><br /></div><div>82. This day...</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, this day - whatever it may hold is a gift from You, Father. Thank You. </div><div><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><span style="WHITE-SPACE: pre" class="Apple-tab-span"></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><span style="WHITE-SPACE: pre" class="Apple-tab-span"></span><i>Please help me to abide in You this day. </i></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><i>To draw from no other source but You. </i></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><i>Please gently remind me when my heart goes elsewhere. </i></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><i>Help me to be ready... with joyful gratitude.</i></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><blockquote></blockquote></div>Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-43078381358754357272011-02-05T18:04:00.000-08:002011-02-06T11:42:45.322-08:00A weary heartThis is one of those days where I feel weary. <div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Heart-weary of the multitudinous demands on this dusty frame. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Self-weary of the 'old' nature that broadcasts how far I am from who I want to be. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ear-weary of the noise level created by three boys. <div><br /></div><div>But Jesus says, "Come to Me all you who are weary and I will give you rest."</div><div><br /></div><div>He speaks to me in my weariness - in precious particular ways.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>He is my strength - the joy of the Lord is my strength. (Neh. 8:10) He knows the weariness <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>of serving, for He came to serve. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>My old nature can drive me to the arms of my precious Saviour, my Redeemer.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I can turn in <i>gratitude</i> to my Father who has blessed me with these three healthy, <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>lively boys of His.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>He will meet my needs - abundantly, when I come to Him.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Thank You, Lord.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>If you want to share how our Lord meets you and speaks to you in your weariness, </i></div><div><i>I'd love to hear.</i></div>Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-8176928392601434042011-01-31T11:21:00.000-08:002011-02-03T03:56:50.262-08:00His perfect faithfulness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TFr-HC8AVMNBUWCIcBMUCS1NGssp0QJw_TshFXZJ50l_Ffmo5B2dWXHDqgc1W8YyLqcaLC1DwifY2GVd1Z4hWxkwJV03UQYg5w3njHN6MVOn14uCqVW4EjK2e5d69eYK1OHWkkThJ9E/s1600/IMG_4167.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TFr-HC8AVMNBUWCIcBMUCS1NGssp0QJw_TshFXZJ50l_Ffmo5B2dWXHDqgc1W8YyLqcaLC1DwifY2GVd1Z4hWxkwJV03UQYg5w3njHN6MVOn14uCqVW4EjK2e5d69eYK1OHWkkThJ9E/s320/IMG_4167.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569430025377202354" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>For in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>things planned long ago.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><i>Isaiah 25:1</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; ">I praise You Lord, for You are perfectly faithful to Your plans and purposes. You will not allow anyone to alter them.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; ">I praise You for You are perfectly faithful to Yourself - You do not change. You are not changed by circumstances or situations.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; ">I praise You for You are perfectly faithful to me - Your desire for me does not change and Your desires for me do not change.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "><i>Thank You my perfectly faithful God!</i></span></div></span><div><blockquote></blockquote></div>Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965073613929291807.post-85523202881603879642011-01-02T15:25:00.000-08:002011-01-02T15:40:03.399-08:00To Begin<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>"</i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Psalm 100:4</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It has been a while since I have been here to write out my thankfulness for His gifts. I have so very much to give thanks for - how amazing it is that our God reminds us to enter His presence with thanks. My Father knows. He knows that without being reminded I would come to Him in so many other attitudes: shamed, burdened, bothered, rushed, apathetic. Choosing thankfulness lifts my eyes to my Father's - thank You. Through thankfulness I am humbled by His goodness to this beloved piece of dust. Perspective is righted. Thank you.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This day, I thank You!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Your Word which speaks life to my heart</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Your Spirit Who breathes life </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Your Son Who is the Life</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Yourself, my Father, my God, the Source</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>Jezmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17685077593991493595noreply@blogger.com0