comments please...

Had an interesting discussion with my boyfriend, dear David, last night. I'd asked him if he'd ever read my blog, to which his answer was no... not a surprise-- but not all to upsetting to me either. What he said next churned my pride a bit and has led me to seek the wisdom of other bloggers. He said that he believed that there would be a much better use of one's time than sitting at a computer and writing something that no one would really care about reading. (GRRRRRR!!!!) (Those weren't his exact words, but at midnight, when this conversation was going on, I think the exact wording got lost in my anger... but you get the gist!) Now, I know that my life isn't exactly novel worthy, nor is my faith anything extraordinary-- but... God has given me the gift and love of writing-- should I put that down because there are other things to do?? Yes, the yard work will get done, the house will get cleaned... all the other chores will be accomplished-- can't I sit and write for a few minutes each day- using this great gift that God has blessed me with?? Ok, so what do other bloggers think??? Does anyone really care about what we write?? Is this just a huge waste of time??

(On a side note, I know I've slightly (maybe more than slightly) made my dear David sound like a bit of an... ogre...grump...OCD pain-in-the---.... but the truth is that in spite of his shortcomings, and we all have them- he really is a good person who does love me (and visa versa) deeply. So in the unlikely event that he does actually read this... I love you DD!!! :-) )

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

My friends will tell you that I often have some "interesting" dreams- quite often with a bit of potential prophecy or Godly wisdom. The dream I had this past Tuesday night was certainly one of those dreams, although I only remember the very end of it. In the dream was a group of teens from a church (not sure which church, but clearly Christian). They had just done some sort of program for a large group. The ending of their program is what has stuck in my head, and has led me to this weeks "Then Sings My Soul Saturday"song... their words were simple and direct... absolutely speak for themselves and I believe, are directly from God...

"... and in the last few days- the final days, God's love will be remembered as the most amazing adventure ever."

This is the song that has been in my heart this week.

The Great Adventure by Steven Curtis Chapman

Saddle up your horses

Started out this morning in the usual way

Chasing thoughts inside my head of all I had to do today

Another time around the circle try to make it better than the last

I opened up the Bible and I read about me

Said I'd been a prisoner and God's grace had set me free

And somewhere between the pages it hit me like a lightning bolt

I saw a big frontier in front of me and I heard somebody say "let's go"!

CHORUS Saddle up your horses we've got a trail to blaze

Through the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace

Let's follow our leader into the glorious unknown

This is a life like no other -

this is The Great Adventure

Come on get ready for the ride of your life

Gonna leave long faced religion in a cloud of dust behind

And discover all the new horizons just waiting to be explored

This is what we were created for

(Chorus)

BRIDGE We'll travel over, over mountains so high

We'll go through valleys below

Still through it all we'll find that

This is the greatest journey that the human heart will ever see

The love of God will take us far beyond our wildest dreams

Yeah... oh saddle up your horses... come on get ready to ride

(Chorus)

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Friday Fill-Ins

I know that doing the "fill-in's" seems like cheating on writing every (almost) day... but it keeps me disciplined and at least sort of keeps my creativity moving... so...

here we go...

1. It's cold and wet and icky here. I know the rain is good for the garden, and I'm thankful for it- but seriously enough is enough. I so can't wait to get outside without getting drenched-- hopefully this weekend... looking forward to temps in the 70's again!
2.I love tomatoes. Funny thing is that when I was a kid, I totally wouldn't touch them unless they were in ketchup, which oddly enough I wont touch now... hmmm! Give me tomatoes any way... but especially in salsa or in a simple fresh salad. Mmmmm, I'm getting hungry!!
3. My favorite health and beauty product is soap and water. Yes, I'm seriously old fashioned! I just cant see the point of spending a ton of money on (animal tested) chemicals and then putting them on your body, when simple soap and water do just fine.
4. My drive to church is a nice long ride. Leave it to me to find a church that I totally love, and have it be a 50 minute drive each way. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful drive- mostly country living, lots of farms... even some alpacas!! But there are times when I get out of a late meeting, or it's nasty weather-- that's when the drive gets to me. But... I love my church, my church family and my priests-- wouldn't give it up for the world!
5. Well, first of all I cant stand sentences that start out like this. Usually it's the beginning of a lecture or scolding... kinda makes me cringe. I'll just change it to say, "Well, first and always, our God is an awesome God whose love surpasses anything we can imagine...
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3: 16-19
6. A group of teens from a church; those were the cast of characters in a recent dream and it was a great message from God about his amazing love. See tomorrow's "Then Sings My Soul Saturday" post for more about the dream.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to maybe working in the yard for a bit if the weather (and my headache) clears, tomorrow my plans include making a new recipe for Onion Dip , starting to move the furniture around in my living room/bedroom/ entry way and maybe working outside some more and Sunday, I want to spend the day with David!

Thankful Thursday

I'm just starting to come back to life after a couple days with a stomach bug (which I'm starting to think might actually be an ulcer) and then one of my wonderful migraines (hormonal... welcome to "40 something"). In spite of feeling nothing less than putrid (that's the only word for it), I am still finding time today to thank God for so many things... it is after all "Thankful Thursday"...


Thank you God for...

• giving me the energy to finally climb out of bed without pain to sit and write, giving praise to our wonderful God


• for a rainy day (several actually) which is giving nourishment to my happily growing garden (which is weed free thanks to a weekend of weeding)


• my wonderful guy- just for being who he is... even though there are days, ah many days, that he makes me nuts


• for my fur babies who seem to know when I'm feeling nasty and lay exactly where I need them to... little "human" heating pads


• for a wonderful visit this past Saturday with Jan-- beautiful day at CTK, great conversation, great food.... even a bride and her dad on horseback . (Bride- Becky... photo taken by Jan)
• for orange gumdrops...mmmmm!!!
• for God's provision- always
• for the healing hand of God
• and always for the incredible blessing of having God at the center of my heart, working each and every day for HIS Glory!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY- May 25th

Outside my window... beautiful sunny day, blue skies and not a hint of rain for the day.

I am thinking... I should be outside working instead of writing, but oh well...

I am thankful for... so many things, but right now am especially thankful for the love of a wonderful guy!

From the kitchen... if I can afford it, want to try a new recipe for Caesar dip that I found recently... looks SO good!

I am wearing... my jammies, but not for long-- will soon change to my jeans and red tank top- finally warm enough for those

I am creating... (hoping to create) haven't done any painting in a while, may try to get out the paints this afternoon in the garden and see where God leads me.

I am going... not far this week-- likely to David's for a bit tomorrow, but other than that will enjoy hanging at home

I am reading... (again) The Healing Reawakening by Francis MacNutt

I am hoping... and praying for absolute healing for a man in Sweden named Ulf, who suffers from Dystonia, as Fr Nigel and his sister Julie head there to pray with him tomorrow morning (5am- 7am EST... 10am- noon, in Sweden)-- will be on my knees joining them in prayer during that time.

I am hearing... the sound of the fan humming, and the purring of a sweet kitty in my lap

Around the house... so much to do... UGH... more yard work (it's endless) and trying to rearrange the furniture in my bedroom and living room to make it more "summer friendly"

One of my favorite things... a quite day at home-- much to do, but the holiday seems to bring on a quieter pace in the world around

A few plans for the rest of the week: finishing up the plans for the meal my friends and I are doing for Ronald McDonald house in a couple weeks- what a blessing to be able to do this... , continuing to look for a job (please God?!), planting more seeds in the garden (jalapeno pepper- so I can make salsa, and spaghetti squash- one of my favorite's!), and of course spending time with my wonderful and loving God.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

"A Mother's Love"... this is a painting that I did in memory of my wonderful Mom... I miss her so much!!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

This is the song that has been in my head and heart all week. We sang it in church on Sunday. To see hands lifted and hear voices strongly and beautifully proclaiming the incredible love of Christ just filled my soul to overflowing!!

Lift High the Cross

Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim,
Till all the world adore His sacred Name.

Led on their way by this triumphant sign,
The hosts of God in conquering ranks combine.

Refrain

Each newborn servant of the Crucified
Bears on the brow the seal of Him Who died.

Refrain

O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,
As Thou hast promised, draw the world to Thee.

Refrain

So shall our song of triumph ever be:
Praise to the Crucified for victory.

Refrain

Friday Fill-Ins

Cant think of what to write about today, so instead of doing nothing thought I'd make my first attempt at "Friday Fill-In's"... We'll see how it goes.
Happy Friday everyone.

And...here we go!

1. Moving slowly today... not feeling all that energetic. Will be a busy weekend with yard work/garden, so haven't pushed myself.

2.The best things in life really are free.... like the love of my wonderful guy, the peacefulness of purring kitties, sunrises and sunsets, the smell of lilacs, God's amazing love... the list goes on!

3. My best quality is my compassion.

4. People tell me that I'm obsessed with details. I however just don't see that-- maybe I used to be, but now I'm at the stage in my life (think it hit when I turned 40) where I just say, "Whatever"!!!

5. In nearly 10 years, I sure hope (pray) to have some sort of job in ministry- hopefully healing ministry, but I'll take whatever God gives me.

6. Inner peace is what I need right now! (Oh yah, and a job!)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed in a little while- (yah, I know, I have no life), tomorrow my plans include meeting my friend Jan at CTK for a picnic and hike (see, I do have a life! LOL) and Sunday, I want to (need to) spend the day weeding the garden!

Thankful Thursday

"Count your blessings, name them one by one...

Count your many blessings see what God has done!"

This week I am thankful for...

• 
  
  a new start... finally resigning from a job that has been an un-Christian thorn in my side for four LONG years... Thank you God for leading me (ok, knocking me over the side of the head with a two by four) to finally do this!


• 
  
  God's provision during this time of transition


• 
  
  the beauty of each new day... and the chance to begin again each day


• 
  
  my growing garden...!!! (In need of weeding... on the agenda for this weekend- and beyond.)
• for my little 8 yr old hero Ben's healing... a semi-easy recovery from a surgery that would leave most adults out of commission for weeks (but he's got such a great attitude that he's back in school just over a week later!) and for assurance and trust in God that his cancer will never ever again return
• for God's protection and love
• for God's protection and travel mercies for Fr Nigel as he travels to England, Scotland and Sweden over the next two weeks to bring God's healing love to a hurting world.
• for mashed potatoes for breakfast.... YUM!
• for REALLY warm weather -near 90 today!!
• for incredible friends who support me in my time of transition and always
• for being inducted as a FULL member of the International Order of St Luke this week... Fr Nigel says that we're not supposed to be proud, but very humbled by this honor... and I am humbled... but cant help but feel a bit proud of my accomplishment
• for the healing hand of Christ and the knowledge that He does still heal today
• and always for the incredible blessing of having God at the center of my heart, working each and every day for HIS Glory!!

Wordless Wednesday

"fellowship"

The Simple Woman's Daybook-- May 18

For Today... May 18th

Outside my window... the sun is trying really hard to peek out from the clouds, the wind is gently blowing... looks like the potential of a beautiful day.

I am thinking... about what more I want to plant in the garden... basil is a must, maybe some oregano, tomato plants coming soon (too cold right now), sweet potato plants, perhaps a hot pepper plant (to make salsa), cantaloupe seeds going in today... any other suggestions?

I am thankful for... my growing garden

From the kitchen... blueberry pancakes for breakfast

I am wearing... my jammies

I am reading... chapter 3: "Prayers of the Heart- Love, Compassion and the Healing Ministry" of Going Deeper- my Order of St Luke study guide... class tomorrow night- haven't started the chapter yet, but looks good from the title

I am hoping... to find a new job, where my God given gifts and used and appreciated

I am creating... a "heavenly" paradise in my back yard

I am praying... daily prayers of Rogation Week from the Book of Common Prayers. Wondering what Rogation Week is?? Here is a good explanation and here (#19)- are the prayers from the BCP.

Around the house... hoping to scrub down the (screened in) front porch sometime this week, maybe even put up some pretty curtains on one side

One of my favorite things... tomorrow's Tuesday Healing services at CTK... am especially excited about tomorrow as I'm going to be formally inducted as a full member of Order of St Luke-- it's been a long year of study looking at the gospel accounts of the healing ministry of Jesus... and I'm SO ready for this induction... not to say the classes or the learning stops- but now we'll, as a group or individually, be able to bring healing missions to churches or groups that may be interested in learning more about the healing ministry. Pretty exciting!!

A few plans for the rest of the week... yard work... yard work... ah, more yard work (that includes working in the garden, which I absolutely love doing!), hopefully spending a day with David (not sure when his day off is this week), tackling the previously mentioned porch, looking for a GOOD job, tomorrow's healing service at CTK, getting together with my friend Jan at CTK on Saturday for a picnic and hike and of course spending time with my wonderful and loving God!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Consider the Lilies

Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Matthew 12:22-28

We have such an incredibly awesome God... He knows our hearts so well... better than we do... He knows our needs- physical, emotional, spiritual- before we do... He knows our tears before we cry them. He provides for us in every way, at every moment... we really don't even have to ask. He provides for the "little things" like food and shelter (which seem like big things to us) but He also provides for the "big things", like confirmations, affirmations, comfort and fellowship.

While I see God's provision each and every day, there are times when He has my head spinning, so to speak! This week, has been one of those weeks!!!... Just to mention a few... Last Monday, when I'd made the decision, at God's urging to resign from my current job, (which has been an un-Christian thorn in my side since the day I started working there four years ago) leaving me with ZERO income, I was more than a bit frightened- trying to trust God, but still not sure... I prayed saying, "Ok Lord, if you want me to do this, You need to give me strength and courage." I left the prayer at that and went on with my day, trusting in Him to provide. The next morning I went to the weekly healing service at CTK (my usual Tuesday spot) and was blown away when Fr Nigel's homily was on... yes, you guessed it... COURAGE! When I spoke with Fr Nigel after the service and asked him when God had told him to speak on courage- it turned out to be about the same time I was praying my prayer!! We were both blown away- but not surprised, by that! The messages- answers kept coming last week-- one right after the other.

Yesterday was a tough day, I made the mistake of letting someones judgement get the best of me-- yes, even after God reminding me this week that His opinion was the only one that matters. I gave up on leaving my job and spent the day rather depressed and angry. (Ya think that "it" was happy about that!? UGH! Can't let that happen!) I wasn't even going to go to church today-- but really pushed myself knowing that seeing my "family" at CTK and worshiping our wonderful God would be the very best thing for me. As I went into the sanctuary and was about to sit down, I looked over to see my dear friend Laura! (Hi Laura!!) Now, you have to know that Laura lives a good two or three hours from CTK... her being there was no coincidence! God knew my need!! (Sometimes I think Laura is actually an Angel... she always seems to be at CTK exactly when I need a lift and she ALWAYS says exactly what I need to hear!!) Without even asking Him, He sent me my friend today. He spoke through her so clearly and His message was received and planted deep in my heart. God spoke His love through Laura today! (Thank you God... thank you Laura!)

This is exceptionally long today-- sorry-- but I just felt that I wanted to share about God's wonderful provision. We don't even have to ask-- He knows... and He loves us SO much!!!

Happy Sunday everyone.... God loves YOU SOOOOOOOO much!!!!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

I've been spending a lot of time working in the gardens and yard this week...(the yard took a huge beating during last December's ice storm -lost at least 6 trees and I'm finally just starting to see that there is light at the end of the clean-up tunnel).. and with the help of my amazing guy I've been putting in a vegetable garden and tending (read weeding) the flower garden I have in memory of my Mom. It's been a busy week (not done yet, by a long shot)... but as I've been outside working amidst the trees, growing veges, flowers, shrubs, chirping birds, buzzing bees... nature-- even digging in the moist soil and dragging downed branches to the road - I've found myself in awe of God's awesome creation.

I think about what a great God we have that He loves us SO much that He would provide us with such beauty and majesty. This song has been in my head all week-- the dogs looked at my funny when I started singing it out loud during our walk around the yard one day... but I just couldn't help myself... Our God is so great and so good and so loving...

How Great is Our God

by Chris Tomlin

The splendor of a King,
Clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice,
All the earth rejoice

He wraps himself in light,
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at his voice,
And trembles at his voice

CHORUS(1):
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God,
and all will see How great,
How great
Is our God

VERSE(2):
Age to age he stands
And time is in His Hands
Beginning and the End,
Beginning and the End
The Godhead, Three in one
Father, Spirit, Son
The Lion and the Lamb,
The Lion and the Lamb

CHORUS

Name above all names
You are Worthy of all praise
and My heart will sing how great
Is our God

CHORUS

Faith-Filled Friday

Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." Matthew 9:2

Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour. Matthew 15:28

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. Matthew 21:21

"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. Mark 11:22

I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12

We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

Are we seeing a common theme here??

FAITH...!!!

Yes, this week God has been speaking to me a lot about "having faith" in HIM. From messages at church, to emails, to various blogs I've been reading, to conversations with friends, to a few down right nasty two by fours that really hurt- but did wake me up. He's letting me know that I need to start trusting in HIM fully, without reservation, without even the smallest bit of doubt. He's telling me, "Step out of the boat, reach out your hand to Me-- trust Me, I won't let you fall."

For months-- ok, years-- I've been praying for God to lead me into ministry, "I want to serve You Lord... show me the way... open doors for me... use me for Your Glory." Now, I know that ALL prayers are heard and answered in some way-- but truthfully I've been struggling with my seemingly lack of direction with my calling. I've taken the School of Healing Prayer classes (even though the topics sometimes terrified me) and I've joined the Order of St Luke to learn about healing. I've attended church each week- several times a week, I've done mission projects, I've witnessed to others about the love of our wonderful God... I've been obedient-- or so I thought.

God showed me clearly this week, that the one element that I haven't been obedient in is TRUSTING HIM... oh yah...!!!

We can to the "outward" obedient stuff- which is all good, but what He really wants is our heart! ...oh yah...!!!

This weekend I'm going to be stepping out of that boat and reaching out my hand to Him in absolute trust... I cant say I'm not a bit scared... not so much about whether or not He'll provide, but I guess rather about what others will think- and as I write this I realize that the only thing that matters is what God thinks... if He knows that my heart is HIS... all will be well with my soul.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Thankful Thursday-

The Little Things

This is my first Thankful Thursday post, although I'm thankful for all of my blessings each and every day, and let God know that every opportunity that I have.

Thank you God for the little things...

• for purring kitties who love to cuddle and help me type :-)



• for rainy days like today (although could do without the wind) that bless my garden.



• for the love I receive from my wonderful boyfriend, who knows when to push, (and push and push...) and when to stop and give me space.



• for the inner peace (God's peace) knowing that a difficult (almost impossible) decision I've made is the absolutely right one.



• for the deep knowledge (clearly from God) that in spite of the difficulties that decision will likely cause- I must always , "consider the lilies".



• for the most wonderful church family ever... I love you CTK Sunday Chapel!



• for the most wonderful priests on the Earth, who guide, love, inspire and pray with us... I love you Fr Nigel and Fr Joe!!



• for the smell of lilacs which fill my back yard and fill me with wonderful memories of my dear Mom.



• for sunrises, and the chance to start again


• for chocolate dipped strawberries (a really thoughtful gift from my boyfriend)


• for incredible friends- just because...


• for the indulgence of a loooonnnngggg hot bath after a loooooonngggg day of yardwork etc.


• for a big bottle of orange kool-aid... don't know why this makes me happy, but it does!


• for the incredible blessing of having God at the center of my heart, working each and every day for HIS Glory!!

20 Of My Favorite Things

One of my favorite past times is "blog browsing". I love to read what others are thinking about and doing. More often than not it inspires me to do, or make, or learn, or think, or grow...! Today I stumbled upon this blog and read about her 20 Favorite Things and decided that would be a fun topic for blogging today.

Happy Tuesday everyone! (Tomorrow- "Wordless Wednesday")

20 Of My Favorite Things

1. Color- periwinkle blue
2. Dessert- chocolate anything
3. Smell- my boyfriend's aftershave :-)
4. Flower- lilac (and lily of the valley and forget-me-nots)
5. Animal- cats and dogs
6. Month- June
7. Beverage- homemade lemonade
8. Pair of shoes- my black clogs
9. Snack- "Mommy Crack Dip" (you MUST try this-- go now... now!)
10. Song- Days of Elijah
11. Book- The Bible (and Book of Common Prayer... and Hand to Hand: From Combat to Healing by Fr Nigel)
12. Fruit-fresh cut pineapple
13. Hairstyle- pony tail when I'm in the garden, loose and comfy otherwise
14. Piece of clothing- my big ripped soft comfy sweater (only wear this at home)
15. Store to clothes shop- Sally R's :-)
16. Season- Spring
17. Hobby- water color painting
18. Thing to collect- frogs (ceramic)
19. Movie- The Sound of Music
20. Restaurant-Panara Bread-- the best chicken Caesar salad EVER!

Time to Start Living Again!

I realized today that it's time to start living again--

It's time to move out of my darkness and look for the incredible Light of God that is always surrounding me, if I choose to seek it. I think I've been "enjoying" the safety of the darkness... but I realize now that nothing can grow in darkness.

It's time to trust in God, and go out on a limb and chase my dreams... as Fr Nigel said in church yesterday, "We have to go out on the limb- that is where the fruit is." His message yesterday, (although I didn't really "get it" until today) really inspired me to move forward with my dreams-- even if the process makes no sense what-so-ever. I fully expect criticism from friends- but I know they love me, so even though I'm likely to ignore their comments :-) they are appreciated. The process wont likely be an easy one-- but I'm trusting in God's words, "Consider the lilies..." I trust You Lord!!

This blog has been silent for too long-- all because I cared more about what someone (many someones) thinks, and less about what God thinks. That was wrong-- very wrong! To silence my passion for writing just because of a few "poorly timed" comments, was really putting the judgements of others above that of God. Lord, forgive me for this!

So life-- I'm back!! Darkness- go away, I'm living in the Light of the Living God.

Watch out world... here I come!!!