Welcome

The commencement of our new journey! A new school, new town and new opportunities. It is always exciting to see where God is leading. 

So welcome... Welcome to our new home. 

We look forward to the giggles, smilies, and sunshine that are going to fill these walls. However, most of all we look forward to you! Seeing your smile, hearing your story... So welcome, welcome to our home.

"But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

For Mom

Today we celebrated motherhood. Today I celebrate my Mom.

Mom is beautiful. She has short, wavy hazelnut colored hair, offset by her immense brown eyes. When you’re with her you know that thing may not always work out the way you want, but she will be there right beside you, praying and supporting you. Early in the morning when you look beside her bed, you can find mom praying. You know in her prayers she’s praying for you!

Sacrificial, and caring, these are words you can use to describe my mom. From the time we were little Mom gave up having a career, new furniture, and brand name clothes to raise my sister and I. Daily she taught us from the Word or God, instilling life lessons and values that could come from nowhere else except your mother’s knee. Was it worth it to her? In a heartbeat she will tell you “yes”.

People. Mom loves people. She could easily spend all afternoon with a stranger with still plenty to talk about. Seeing people brought to Christ is another one of my Mom’s passions. She has taught us that though it is sometimes hard and awkward, to unashamedly speak up for what the Holy Spirit has convicted us of. She encourages us to take the opportunities around us and use them for God. If it comes to standing up for someone when no one else will, or even speaking the truth when it is not wanted, she encourages us to do so. She is never afraid to help out up front of people, not because she’s not nervous, but because she wants my sister and I to willingly volunteer whenever there is a need. Mom instills values by example, not just talk.

Most of all mom has hands like no one else. These hands are starting to show the work of forty years, but what a heritage these hands have. When she was a young woman, before my sister or I was born she used these very hands to feel the movement of the life inside of her. These hands held newborns that cried incessantly. These hands comforted little girls when it was past their bedtime, but couldn’t go to sleep. These hands became prune-like from the hot dishwater when two little girls ate, but didn’t wash their own dishes. These hands wiped the sweaty brow a fever brings, brought glasses of refreshing water, eased the pain of life. These hands held mine when I first learned to walk, cleaned up the messes after bicycle accidents and hung on tightly when I was first learning to drive. These hands created topic sentences for writing papers, taught how to count back change, and give a handshake. These hands wrote the dedication in my first Bible and helped me pick out my church clothes, making sure they were clean and pressed. These hands by a gentle squeeze let you that things will be all right. These hands placed in mine by sacrifice and hard work opportunities I could have never had otherwise. These hands have cooked thousands of dinners, cleaned hundreds of bathrooms and sacrificed their gloves. These hands have been cut, burned, scraped, and chapped. These hands are under appreciated, but they would happily do something to show you you’re appreciated. These hands that have done so much, are my mothers.

Each time one of her hands reached out, it changed me. Without them I could never be who I am today. I wouldn’t know how to cook nutritious meals, sight read music, or have an adult conversation. I would be happy with average, content with normal, satisfied by a “good job”, but I’m not. These hands have shown me to strive for excellence, think outside the box, and not to be satisfied unless it is your personal best. They have also showed me compassion, love for your neighbors, and how to be a hard worker. Most of all my mother’s hands taught me to love God. In the book of Proverbs chapter 31 it says, “ Her children rise up and call her blessed; Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.’ ” My mom truly fits this description. Many women have done well, but none has well as my mother.

Happy Mother's Day Mom, you are greatly loved...

Love, From a Parent's Perspective {Tuesday Muse}

Disclaimer: I'm not a parent myself, so I don't know the depths of their love. However I have seen this love in action, and I still see it day to day.

It was a hot summer afternoon, my sister and I were young.

Visting family in the "lower 48", we were attending a picnic. The congenial hum of voices, cousins playing, and the Oregon country side set the mood. Children have a known infatuation with water and it wasn't long before we were begging to "swim" in the hot tub.

Our parents agreed, soon swim clothes were donned and we found ourselves laughing and splashing in the water. A group of protective parents stood close to the pool diligently monitoring our actions.

My sister, a petite young thing, was having a marvelous time, until she slipped.

She went down, down, down.

Mom went in.

As quickly as possible she pulled her soaking child from the clutches of the water and held her tight. Now both thoroughly saturated clung to each other. Relief flooded through both of them.

A nightmare was avoided because her child came first. In only a way a parent can understand self, it mattered little when brought in light of her child.

Love, because... Mom didn't care if she got soaking wet. All she wanted to do was save her baby.

God's love. He gave His only Son.

"...The great love of God for the world, so great that to raise it from its degradation, He gave His only-begotten Son to a most shameful death. ...In giving His only-begotten Son to save sinners from eternal ruin, God was making a greater and more wonderful sacrifice than ever man could make." - The Desire of Ages

Perspective in this video... (If you can't get it to play here is the link.)

Do you see it now? God gave His Son, the supreme sacrifice. Yet we keep rushing by on the train. We don't really care. The amazing thing is God still does.

He wants you!

Today linking up with A Rural Journal.

Courage

Courage - what does it mean? According to C. S. Lewis, "Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point." Tests. Trials. Tribulations. No one is exempt. It's what we do during these circumstances, the choices we make, how we react; that determine true courage.

Courage |ˈkərij; ˈkə-rij|
/noun/
The ability to do something that frightens one.
Strength in the face of pain or grief.

Jehoshaphat was courageous, but he was also afraid. Courage and fear, antonyms that go hand in hand. Fear in and of itself is not wrong.

It is what we choose to do with fear.

It is how we react.

And it is wrong to succumb to fear.

Strong and courageous men and women are often afraid. However in spite of this fear, they go forward. They press on. Fear builds courage.

Back to Jehoshaphat. He and his people knew that alone they were defeated. They had no might against the multitude coming upon them. They admitted they didn't know what to do. However, they did know their God heard their cries. With an unshakeable confidence the people put their trust in the heavenly King. The outcome of the conflict was His.

Now it wasn’t their battle.

It was God’s.

This is what God said to them and says to you and I today, "Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you."

You will not need to fight.

They were surrounded, outnumbered, and threatened. Yet they did not have to fight. They stood still and watched the salvation of the Lord. Courage, they didn't trust in themselves, but in God. Every odd was against them. The flames of doubt could have leapt high, but they continued to trust.

We see courage expressed in our daily lives. The lump you get in your throat when you hear the heroic stories of  911 as men and women willingly risked lives for others. The times people put aside self for their fellow man. Heroic stories are built upon the foundation of courage. However, all the acts of men can never compare to the the most courageous act ever.

It was a dark night in the garden. The weight of every sin in the world pressed in upon this pure life. Jesus was sweating great drops of blood and this was only the beginning. From here He would go to be betrayed. He would be scourged, mocked, and then beaten again. One blameless would life would shoulder the iniquities of the world.

One life.

One man.

One chance.

That was it. One mess up was all it would take. And this is where it should shatter your heart, where every fiber of your being should be broken. It was a choice. Everything He was going through could have been avoided. Every tear, heartbreak and brutal beating could have been thwarted, but at an infinite price. Y-O-U.

You would be forever lost. Courageously He breathed His last breath with you on his mind. "For God so loved the world..." It was a choice.

There are two paths and now the choice is yours...

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."

-Robert Frost

Courage, my friend...courage in the Lord... 

People. Places. Perspectives.

People. Because in the end it all comes down to people. The people who mean the most to you. The ones who make you smile, laugh and cry, all at the same time. The friends who are family.

Those are the times when you realize how beautiful life is. How precious is each day. Memories you will always treasure. The times you wouldn't trade for anything in this world.

It's a feeling, a gratitude hard to put into tangible words, but you get the idea. I'm thankful: for friends and family who care, for serving an all knowing God, and for new chapters in life.

Spending time in a different state for spring break. Lots of stories and so much fun. Late nights and laughter. Most of all praying together, seeing people touched by Him.

Perspective. A new one. God never ceases to amaze me, watching and seeing where He leads.

 Moments. Smiles. Laughter. God. Friends. Life. Love. Happiness. Sunshine. Family. Forever.

Sunrise Directions {Tuesday Muse}

Blush pink. Bashful blue. Belligerent black. 

Blessings in a sunrise.

I wish you could inhale the fresh salty air, hear the great Pacific lapping at the rough-hewn rocks, and watch the tide recede. It's so peaceful. The ocean is serene. 

 You see the waters reflecting the glory of the sky. Pictures and words can't justify the moment. It's calming and you are reassured. Reassured, that the directions He has for you are far better than anything you can imagine and that He will guide.

Trust Him today. He cares.

Linking up with A Rural Journal.

Taking Flight

Because sometimes life is complicated. No kidding. You can fluff it up, make it sound pretty, but at the core it's hard. The not so obvious challenges get you. Things you thought didn't bother you, bother you.

Patience. Tenacity. Resolve. Life takes it all and more. 

Look at the wooden eagle. Tied to the ground, it will never know the feeling to soar above the earth. It will never have that gleam of life sparkle from it's eye. It will never utter the eagle's wild call. But it has no cares, no perplexities, no worries, never a trial to overcome. Through torrential rains, violent winds, white-out snows, and the few rare times the sun beats down, it will faithfully command its post. Not because it wants to or because it feels that is its his calling, but because it is lifeless. It has no choice. So it stays. A memorial of all an eagle stands for, but none of those things itself.

A living eagle will have to face challenges. It will know the fight life takes. Somedays it will roost soaking wet, thoroughly exhausted from the days effort for survival. It will know the hardships of battling the against the wind, but it will have that spark of life, it will own the wild and untamed spirit. It will be able to soar in the heavens knowing it is free. Everything it does exemplifies the majesty of the Creator's hand. 

Life is a lot like these two eagles. When go along with the world we are lifeless, just like the wooden eagle. Sometimes it's easier, we are seldom labeled as different, seldom asked to make stand that will set us apart. However, when tied to this world, we will never have that spark of life, we will never know what it's like to soar. We will never be free. So we stand as a memorial of infinite possibilities, but none of those things ourselves. 

Then we have the living eagle, full of vigor, energy, and life. It doesn't mean it's life is easier, no in fact I would be so bold to say it's harder, but it is alive and free. 

We can be like this living eagle. We can have the freedom and security in knowing that each of us has a special purpose. Yes, there are hardships. There will be days when we go to bed mentally and physically exhausted, just plain worn out. Days when we're not sure how to carry on. Days when everything that's going on doesn't have a place and doesn't all make sense. But through everything, when our wings are weary, we can run to Him. We can let Him carry us. He'll take us above the storm. He's waiting... for y.o.u.

But then again, life is way different. Each of these eagles didn't have a choice. It couldn't choose to be alive or wooden. We have choice. You and I can choose to be a mere memorial of what life stands for, or we can choose to spread our wings and fly. We can be free! 

My mind is made up. I know that I have been called, I am chosen, and I will answer. So I spread my "wings". I begin my flight, uncertain of what waits ahead. My wings are shaky and weak, but I know He will come and pick me up. In fact, He will carry me.  

Because life is complicated; look to Him. I don't know what you're going through, but He does. He knows exactly what you're feeling. Let Him set you free. Let's spread our wings together. He will guide. Take that first jump. 

I'm flying.  Are you?

"Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go.” " 
Isaiah 30:21

Peace

Another week is passed. Another day done. Another month is finished and a new one begun. 

And I'm thankful. Thankful for a day of rest, a day to spend with Him, a day to put away the cares and perplexities of life. His ways continue to amaze me. So I praise Him. Praise Him for all the blessings He puts in my life, the little things that make me smile. 

Because even on the cloudy days, the times when I can't see His hand, I know I can trust His heart. He will never let me down, never leave, never forget me. I thank Him for the special day He's set aside for me to spend time with Him. 

So tonight even though we lacked an awe inspiring sunset, I could see His hand, in the way the water laps at the rugged rock, the sky touches the mountains, and the wind tousles the water. So I give everything to Him. Lay my troubles in the Master's hand and just rest. Because I'm confident that I can never perplex or overwhelm Him and He will bear my burdens. 

I find peace.  

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.' "

Matthew 11:28-30 NLT

Wednesday Reflection

Perseverance, Because I'm Weary

There is nothing quite like physical exercise to change your perspective when it's been a day that requires perseverance - the perseverance to remain steadfast despite the difficulties and delays that cross your path... 

Which is why 'Perseverance Trail' was aptly named for our Sunday afternoon hike. 

While walking there were so many parallels of life and our christian experience that came to mind. Memories of Pilgrims Progress came flooding back. 

You begin the trail with a gradual incline. On either side of your path the scraggly underbrush meets your eye. Somehow even before spring sends it's paintbrush of green it's still beautiful. Progressing on the trail second growth Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock reach for the distant heavens. You cross a bubbling brook, the sunshine playfully illuminating the sparkling waters. We have now covered about half a mile, a sign reminds us that there are still two miles to go before we reach the top. However the vigor of youth keeps us encouraged and enthusiastic, and we don't let this harbinger of what is to come slow us down. Laughter and smiles cross our faces.

The slope steadily increases, although we still don't give it much thought. Caught up in our chatter we continue to press on. Gradually the terrain begins to change. The trail is distressed from a recent windstorm. Majestic trees have been uprooted and mud clogs the trail. I try to make it through without getting too much on my Nike's. Soon it becomes rather easy again  with a well worn gravel path leading us on. Now a new element is introduced - snow. This makes everything more difficult. Our chatter has ceased as now we must focus on maintaining our pace and foothold. 

Again the trail steepens. I work on placing one foot in front of the other, keeping the camera safe while trying to observe my surroundings. Rocks jut out of the path becoming new footholds. Hiking with two teenage boys keeps the pace steady. Mini ravines have been carved into the trail, providing a place for the rain to escape, but also a prime opportunity to twist your ankle. I momentarily lose my balance. Fortunately, I quickly regain it. A narrow switchback is cut into the side of the steep hill. My face is ruddy, my legs feel the incline, and my throat longs for the coolness of the water stashed in my pack. We don't stop.

Questions cross my mind. Is it worth it? Why would I want to hike miles uphill to see a lake? 

As if nature could hear my doubtful thoughts, the sound of a roaring waterfall meets my ears. Now I know the lake is not far off. We continue our journey up. I'm tired. I'm thirsty. I want to complain, but I don't. Again I slip on the snow covered board walk. My shoes and socks are damp. Then we reach a fork in the trail. A momentary debate ensues over which direction to head. We decide on the road less traveled and turn right. The sign encourages us that we have almost reached our destination. 

We continue over the slippery, snow covered trail. As we draw closer to the lake the snow begins to recede once again revealing the weathered boardwalk. The trail lays before me - narrow and seemingly unending.  

We press on, aware we are almost to the lake. Weary, I catch my first glimpse of the lake. My doubtful questions are erased and I pause to capture the eery beauty before me. 

Now we continue with renewed strength. Merry conversation and laughter fill the air. We've seen what is to come and we feel encouraged; continuing directly to our usual finish line. 

Once arrived, the breathtaking beauty speaks volumes. We behold with wonder the astonishing works of the Creator's hand. "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 

The reflections are perfect. Our brief discomfort on the journey, our light affliction was well worth the work.

In every aspect this hike reflects our walk with the Lord. Persevering effort is required. Each of our experiences unique, but the parallels speak to all. When we begin the journey we are filled with exuberant excitement. The trail seems to be plainly defined before our feet. Slowly the terrain becomes more challenging. At first we don't seem to notice and press forward with a merry heart. 

Then we come to the first uprooted tree. A few get tired and turn back. They see difficulty, get their shoes dirty and worry that they might fall. They notice the steep upward progression of the trail. There are those who attempt the crossing without much thought and get bogged down in the mire. Seeing the cares, perplexities and trials that lay before them they forget to look to Jesus and see only the difficult climb. Gradually they are engulfed. Those that keep their eyes fixed on their divine Guide succeed, finding renewed strength from clinging to the Guide.

Slowly the path becomes more perilous and more difficult. More are falling by the wayside. Those remaining are becoming weary. It.is.hard. There is no way to change the facts. When they examine the big picture, when they see how far they've come, when they remember their faithful Guide, they press on. 

This is not the kind of hiking their city friends are enjoying. This path is not paved or wide. In fact, trail is surprisingly narrow and doubts being to arise. This is not the trail of no self denial, no sacrifice, and no helping others. When these doubtful thoughts assail them, their long-suffering Guide points out a sign. He's the Master. He's made this journey before...He knows. With renewed strength they continue the upward climb. 

Yesterday I found myself weary. Tired and lacking the motivation to persevere. Life stresses have the tendency to get in the way. I was caught in the self trap - I was weary. "I" had come this far, "I" had done this or that, but I knew "I" was defeated. "I" needed to turn back. I was forgetting the vital element that would have meant my defeat long ago. Wrapped up in self, I was forgetting Him. Forgetting His faithfulness and how He has always led. How through good and bad He has always been there for me. How He has always picked me up when I've fallen. How he has loved me. 

I'm weary of this generation that is half interested, who half heartedly applies themselves to their God given ambitions. I'm tired of this sin laden world. I'm faint, but God has called. He has instructed that we persevere; that we press on despite the difficulties and delays and give it our best shot. Let's not hold anything back, let's give it all to Him! I want to go to my heavenly home, He's given signs. Don't fall away. Don't lose sight of your goal. It's far better than anything you can ever imagine. Persevere, persevere, persevere... 

"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God that prepared for them that love Him." - 1 Corinthians 2:9

Wednesday Reflections

Sunshine and the Salty Sea {Hello Monday}

Remembering that since January there has been eighteen plus inches of rain; forgetting what sunshine feels like. Wondering if the cloudy skies will ever clear; forgetting what a blue sky looks like. Then He surprises you and sends a breathtaking azure sky and sparkling sunshine for you to soak in. 

Hello to taking the blessings when He sends them, seizing the moment. By afternoon the clouds had rolled across the sky, and liquid sunshine was falling once again. 

A welcomed surprise.   

                            

 

 

Alaska. Amazing mountains, rugged beaches, and lovely blue, blue sky.

Monday, a new week, and a fresh start.  

Live, love, laugh; life is precious! 

His Love

love

/noun/

A feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection.

"Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.

Love doesn’t strut,

Doesn’t have a swelled head,

Doesn’t force itself on others,

Isn’t always “me first,”

Doesn’t fly off the handle,

Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,

Doesn’t revel when others grovel,

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,

Puts up with anything,

Trusts God always,

Always looks for the best,

Never looks back,

But keeps going to the end.

Love never dies." 

-The Message 

True. Timeless. Love. Accepting people where they're at. Looking for the best. Never giving up. Human love is so flawed, so faulty. Divine love is perfect. 

“God is love.”- 1 John 4:16 His love is written in nature. Even though the world is marred by the curse of sin His love is still reflected. "There are flowers upon the thistles, and the thorns are covered with roses."

Perfect implicit love, pure trust in Him. “… I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.” –Jeremiah 31:3 

The definition: A feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection. He loves us with an everlasting love! He has a deep personal attachment and affection for each one of us. Sin has left its scars, its pain, its mark. In Him we can be renewed, changed, completed. Give Him your brokenness, run to Him. 

Are you grasping it? Do you see? The Maker of the Stars cares about YOU. You are precious, you are valued. If you are only willing to come to Him; He loves you! He died just for you. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

I have scars, sin has left it's crimson stain. I've hurt Him, my actions have pierced His soul. My sins held him to the cross that dark night. Yet He still wants flawed, broken, wretched me. Through Him I can be healed, changed and renewed. Jesus loves even me! 

"Amazing love! how can it be

That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?"