I have strep throat. And I can tell you now that it's not any fun. :) It's messed up alot of my plans for this week; and I feel tired ALL the time. And hungry, but I don't feel like eating, as that makes the throat feel worse.......Yes, I am afraid I've turned into an invalid. :) Hopefully I'm not too bad to my family around me. John has it too, so we've been trying to entertain each other. But there isn't too much to do, besides watch TV, play on the gamecube, and read; and that gets pretty old pretty fast. :) But trying to do any work tires us out so much. Hopefully it's not going to last to long. Even writing this little bit has tired me out, so I'm going to go lie down again. At least this way, I should be able to catch up on my sleep. :)
Monday, June 25, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
Just An Update, And Hopes For This Summer
So I haven't updated this blog for a while, and I thought I probably should. :)
The summer has been flying by, and I haven't gotten to half of the things I wanted/needed to get done. But I have gotten to that other half :-), so am grateful for that. My garden is all planted and struggling along beautifully, lol. Still waiting on painting my room (which I shall be moving out of at the end of the month. But hey, at least my sisters' will be able to enjoy it, and I will as well when I move back in about a year. If I'm still here at home then; and I believe I will be if the Lord doesn't come back or take me home :). Still a little foggy about what color to paint it, as it's a bit difficult to get four women to agree on one color. lol. Trying to keep up on the cooking. Lately I've been able to put up green beans and corn. I think I will get to do some tomatoes as well; and if I can find some jars I'm planning on putting up some of our crab-apples. Should keep me fairly busy, for a little while at least.
I have been very grateful for the Lord's strength this past month. I cannot see how we could have made it this far without His help. The verses that have been sticking out to me of late are all about His mercies, righteousness, and loving-kindnesses. Psalm 98, 95:3,4 and 90:1,2. I have worked on a couple songs as well, based on thoughts and feelings from the past month; but doubt if I will ever share all of them, as most of them are between me and the Lord.
I'm also hoping to get some more work done on my book(s) this summer, so better start soon or it'll be over before I ever start. :)
The summer has been flying by, and I haven't gotten to half of the things I wanted/needed to get done. But I have gotten to that other half :-), so am grateful for that. My garden is all planted and struggling along beautifully, lol. Still waiting on painting my room (which I shall be moving out of at the end of the month. But hey, at least my sisters' will be able to enjoy it, and I will as well when I move back in about a year. If I'm still here at home then; and I believe I will be if the Lord doesn't come back or take me home :). Still a little foggy about what color to paint it, as it's a bit difficult to get four women to agree on one color. lol. Trying to keep up on the cooking. Lately I've been able to put up green beans and corn. I think I will get to do some tomatoes as well; and if I can find some jars I'm planning on putting up some of our crab-apples. Should keep me fairly busy, for a little while at least.
I have been very grateful for the Lord's strength this past month. I cannot see how we could have made it this far without His help. The verses that have been sticking out to me of late are all about His mercies, righteousness, and loving-kindnesses. Psalm 98, 95:3,4 and 90:1,2. I have worked on a couple songs as well, based on thoughts and feelings from the past month; but doubt if I will ever share all of them, as most of them are between me and the Lord.
I'm also hoping to get some more work done on my book(s) this summer, so better start soon or it'll be over before I ever start. :)
Monday, June 4, 2007
Today's Update
Just a quick update. We just got back from visitation. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be. :(
I have to head back over to practice music at 12:00. So that means I have 30 min to spend with Jesus, and then it's on my way.
"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation."
I have to head back over to practice music at 12:00. So that means I have 30 min to spend with Jesus, and then it's on my way.
"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation."
Sunday, June 3, 2007
The God Of Love And Peace
Well, we're back from church. The Lord's presence was SO strong there. The praise team leaders had put together a collection of Ms. Babs favorite songs. It was nearly impossible to sing those songs without thinking of her; it was so tough to sing without totally breaking down. Which I definitely didn't want to do, as I'm a member of our praise team, and I didn't want to make it harder on the church body or her family by bawling up front through all the songs. But it was also so...I don't know the words to explain....but it was wonderful...beautiful...amazing. And the elder who spoke, his message was great. He spoke of Psalm 46;Romans 11:33-12:2; and Matt. 13:20; About God being a God of war, ready to do war for us, the Lord of hosts; but also the God of peace, and we can rest in that peace. But we have to choose. It's like the song, "Blessed be Your Name"-'My heart will choose to say, blessed be Your name'. He also spoke of being transformed, being completely changed through Christ. It was really good.
So now that we're through the tough part of today, we have to make it through tomorrow, which may possibly be a million times harder. Or it may not. I don't know. But I do know that, like today, the Lord will help us make it through. He's been teaching me so much in these last two weeks, and not the least is just trusting Him, and leaning on His power.
These seem to be my life theme verses right now, so even though I've already shared them, I will do so again. Psalm 27:1,13-14, and II Cor 13:11; "The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?....I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord." "Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you."
So now that we're through the tough part of today, we have to make it through tomorrow, which may possibly be a million times harder. Or it may not. I don't know. But I do know that, like today, the Lord will help us make it through. He's been teaching me so much in these last two weeks, and not the least is just trusting Him, and leaning on His power.
These seem to be my life theme verses right now, so even though I've already shared them, I will do so again. Psalm 27:1,13-14, and II Cor 13:11; "The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?....I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord." "Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you."
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Quietness.....
I can't get to sleep. I should, as I only had about four hours sleep in the last thirty-eight hours. Has it really been that long? This whole day ran together, melting into yesterday......This morning it was easy to get things done, it helped with the grief. I had other members in my family that couldn't cope this morning. So it was mainly me doing stuff. But by afternoon it was me that couldn't handle one more thing, and my sisters kicked back in. It has been such a blessing that my grandmother is here. She came for my sisters' graduation (which we are now postponing); she has helped remind me of the little things that need to be done. I would be content with just making sure meals were prepared and the house stayed relatively clean. But she's reminded me about sweeping the floors, and even that it should be about time to get another load of laundry in. Don't get me wrong, I'm not falling apart, but I guess I should say that she encouraged me to keep doing those everyday things that need to be done. And she actually took care of lunch today.
As I'm typing, I hear playing in the background MercyMe's The Love Of God. Such a beautiful song. And wonderful to be reminded of it, again and again......I don't know how the next couple weeks will play out, it will be hard; but one thing I do know, God is Evernear, Everloving, Comforting, Gracious and Compassionate, and He will guide us through this time.
Tomorrow, we will be celebrating Ms. Babs reunion with her King, and to be honest, I'm scared. I don't want to go through more possible pain. She played such a major role in my coming to know true worship; you could say she was the Lord's instrument in teaching me all that I know now. And it will be so hard without her. But I also know that the Lord will help me through it, and He may very well make it one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
I keep remembering all these wonderful times and experiences with her. I took vocal lesson's from her daughter (my self-adopted 'big sister'); and there'd be times when she was working away in the kitchen while I was having my lesson; I'd be singing something from My Fair Lady or Sound Of Music, and all of a sudden she would burst into song with me. Then she'd apologize, saying "I just couldn't help myself!" There was another time that she and Annie were going to New Orleans for a Hillsong tour, and graciously took me with them. We had a wonderful time, discussing worship, children, housekeeping, and the goodness of the Lord. I'll always remember those two days. I have to smile through my tears remembering, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I shall miss her so much, as will everyone in her family, our church body, community, and all those who came in contact with her. She was a woman who truly lived for the Lord, and for others.
I want to thank all those who have been praying for her these past five years, and for all the prayers lifted up for her family and those close to her left behind.
"Quietly, so quietly, I come before You, Lord. I see how much I need You, like I've never seen before......Strengthen, Lord, this pilgrim child. Sometimes my flesh is weak...But as I hush my hurried heart, I hear You tell me what to do. In repentance and rest is your healing, in quietness and trust is your strength."
Is. 30:15
As I'm typing, I hear playing in the background MercyMe's The Love Of God. Such a beautiful song. And wonderful to be reminded of it, again and again......I don't know how the next couple weeks will play out, it will be hard; but one thing I do know, God is Evernear, Everloving, Comforting, Gracious and Compassionate, and He will guide us through this time.
Tomorrow, we will be celebrating Ms. Babs reunion with her King, and to be honest, I'm scared. I don't want to go through more possible pain. She played such a major role in my coming to know true worship; you could say she was the Lord's instrument in teaching me all that I know now. And it will be so hard without her. But I also know that the Lord will help me through it, and He may very well make it one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
I keep remembering all these wonderful times and experiences with her. I took vocal lesson's from her daughter (my self-adopted 'big sister'); and there'd be times when she was working away in the kitchen while I was having my lesson; I'd be singing something from My Fair Lady or Sound Of Music, and all of a sudden she would burst into song with me. Then she'd apologize, saying "I just couldn't help myself!" There was another time that she and Annie were going to New Orleans for a Hillsong tour, and graciously took me with them. We had a wonderful time, discussing worship, children, housekeeping, and the goodness of the Lord. I'll always remember those two days. I have to smile through my tears remembering, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I shall miss her so much, as will everyone in her family, our church body, community, and all those who came in contact with her. She was a woman who truly lived for the Lord, and for others.
I want to thank all those who have been praying for her these past five years, and for all the prayers lifted up for her family and those close to her left behind.
"Quietly, so quietly, I come before You, Lord. I see how much I need You, like I've never seen before......Strengthen, Lord, this pilgrim child. Sometimes my flesh is weak...But as I hush my hurried heart, I hear You tell me what to do. In repentance and rest is your healing, in quietness and trust is your strength."
Is. 30:15
When My Heart Fails Within Me, Thou, O Lord, Art With Me
"Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, for You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me." Psalm 63:3,4,6-8
"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation." Is. 12:2
"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me....Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." John 14:1,27
"'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.'...Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." II Cor. 12:9,10
"Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." II Cor. 13:11
These are some of the verses the Lord led me to last night; as, like David, I "was weary with my sighs; I made my bed swim, I dissolved my couch with my tears." "But let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy; and may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You." While I rejoice with those who have gone on to be with our wonderful Savior, my heart bleeds for those of us left behind; My eyes have wasted away with grief. I pray God's grace may abound exceedingly to the family, that He will indeed comfort and uphold them with His righteous right hand.
"Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord...Blessed Be Your Name.....You Give And Take Away....My Heart Will Choose To Say; 'Lord, Blessed Be Your Name'."
"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation." Is. 12:2
"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me....Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." John 14:1,27
"'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.'...Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." II Cor. 12:9,10
"Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." II Cor. 13:11
These are some of the verses the Lord led me to last night; as, like David, I "was weary with my sighs; I made my bed swim, I dissolved my couch with my tears." "But let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy; and may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You." While I rejoice with those who have gone on to be with our wonderful Savior, my heart bleeds for those of us left behind; My eyes have wasted away with grief. I pray God's grace may abound exceedingly to the family, that He will indeed comfort and uphold them with His righteous right hand.
"Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord...Blessed Be Your Name.....You Give And Take Away....My Heart Will Choose To Say; 'Lord, Blessed Be Your Name'."
Wait For The Lord And Be Of Good Courage
So time drags on.......I'm waiting for my parents to get back in.....my grandmother's here right now, and most of my brothers...and it's not like I've never spent a night alone before....but I'm ready to see them again. I'll probably get off soon, and go read in my room as long as I'm able to hold up....This is a hard evening....
All these verses keep crowding into my head, a very good thing, and I'm so thankful that the Lord is bringing them to my remembrance. Also this one song, "I Will Lift My Eyes" by Bebo Norman. The Lord has really used that to help me lean on Him.
The verses I'm thinking of right now are Psalm 27- "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? When evildoers come upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident. One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice, and be gracious to me and answer me. When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, O Lord, I shall seek."......Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a level path because of my foes......I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord."
That about sums it up.....
All these verses keep crowding into my head, a very good thing, and I'm so thankful that the Lord is bringing them to my remembrance. Also this one song, "I Will Lift My Eyes" by Bebo Norman. The Lord has really used that to help me lean on Him.
The verses I'm thinking of right now are Psalm 27- "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? When evildoers come upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident. One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice, and be gracious to me and answer me. When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, O Lord, I shall seek."......Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a level path because of my foes......I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord."
That about sums it up.....
Friday, June 1, 2007
The Lord Will Be The Stability Of Your Times.....
Today, I got up by seven!!! OK, so not so impressive; but when you consider that it's been at least 8:30 to 9:00 this past week, I'm doing a lot better. I've just felt so wiped, and even when I have turned in early, can't get to sleep till after 12:00. That's probably why I can't get to sleep come to think of it, 'cause I'm sleeping in so late........
My sister's graduation party is tomorrow. My sister-in-law and I are supposed to be in charge of getting it all planned out, but to be honest, I'm not completely sure I've helped that much.
In a few minutes, I need to go water plants and the gardens. I'm praying for rain, as we're heading for another drought this summer otherwise. I also need to keep laundry going, make lunch, plan for supper, clean the kitchen in between, make sure the house is ready for my grandmothers arrival this afternoon, and get my room ready for her to stay in. I guess that means I'll be sleeping on the sofa in the living room or in my sisters room on the floor. And if I choose the living room, I need to vacuum out the sleeper sofa, and get clean sheets for it..... =) Ha ha.... I think I should have plenty to do today. I also might have to meet someone in town and help get some things set up for tomorrow....
These past few weeks have been rough. The Lord has really carried me through, but it seems every Wednesday I break down. I felt I could really identify with David in Psalm 6:2-7; "Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am pining away; Heal me, O Lord, for my bones are dismayed. And my soul is greatly dismayed; But You, O Lord-how long? Return, O Lord, rescue my soul; Save me because of Your loving kindness. For there is no mention of You in death; In Sheol who will give You thanks? I am weary with my sighing; Every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my tears. My eye has wasted away with grief; It has become old because of all my adversaries." But Psalm 5:11 was comforting-"But let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy; and may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You." And Psalm 105:1-4 "Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad. Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually." Isaiah 35:3-4 "Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble. Say to those with anxious heart, 'Take courage, fear not. Behold, your God will come with vengeance; the recompense of God will come, but He will save you.'" Isaiah 33:6 "The Lord will be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge."
My sister's graduation party is tomorrow. My sister-in-law and I are supposed to be in charge of getting it all planned out, but to be honest, I'm not completely sure I've helped that much.
In a few minutes, I need to go water plants and the gardens. I'm praying for rain, as we're heading for another drought this summer otherwise. I also need to keep laundry going, make lunch, plan for supper, clean the kitchen in between, make sure the house is ready for my grandmothers arrival this afternoon, and get my room ready for her to stay in. I guess that means I'll be sleeping on the sofa in the living room or in my sisters room on the floor. And if I choose the living room, I need to vacuum out the sleeper sofa, and get clean sheets for it..... =) Ha ha.... I think I should have plenty to do today. I also might have to meet someone in town and help get some things set up for tomorrow....
These past few weeks have been rough. The Lord has really carried me through, but it seems every Wednesday I break down. I felt I could really identify with David in Psalm 6:2-7; "Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am pining away; Heal me, O Lord, for my bones are dismayed. And my soul is greatly dismayed; But You, O Lord-how long? Return, O Lord, rescue my soul; Save me because of Your loving kindness. For there is no mention of You in death; In Sheol who will give You thanks? I am weary with my sighing; Every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my tears. My eye has wasted away with grief; It has become old because of all my adversaries." But Psalm 5:11 was comforting-"But let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy; and may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You." And Psalm 105:1-4 "Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad. Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually." Isaiah 35:3-4 "Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble. Say to those with anxious heart, 'Take courage, fear not. Behold, your God will come with vengeance; the recompense of God will come, but He will save you.'" Isaiah 33:6 "The Lord will be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge."
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