He is worthy of our praise!

Since January, I have been reading the One Year Chronological Bible. This bible is written in the order of a time line...all in the order that it happened. It is also broken down into 20 minute readings so we can finish it in one year.

To make it even better (as if it can get better, but yes it has) I have been participating in a blog with women who are reading through this too. Wendy, our blogger, has relentlessly posted her thoughts each Monday through Friday; the rest of us comment with her.

Some weeks, much like this one, I have a hard time gleaming much from our reading. Yet, it is so neat to read what others have to share with the group. This week we were reading about King David and how he danced when bringing the Ark of the Covenant into the City of David. A beautiful comment was made by Debbie - North Carolina. Rather than parphrase what she had to share, I just "Copy" "pasted" what her pastor shared about Praise and Worship.

Worship and praise is the only part of our corporate gathering that is for God and God alone. God doesn't come to church to hear the Word, he is the Word. He doesn't come to see who is there and how much they are giving in the offering, He knows that already. He comes because he is seeking such to worship him in Spirit and in Truth. When we are worshiping we are speaking to God, When we are listening to the Word, God is speaking to us. So for those people who are interested in just the Word and not worship, What they are saying is God I have nothing to give you, so I'm only showing up for what you have to give me.

I am so thankful for this group of women...each one of them brings a special part of herself to the group and we all grow closer to God. WOW, it's great!

uuuggggghhhh,... it's Monday already

Do you ever have something you need to do but really don't want to do? Along with this feeling, do you procrastinate and try to put it off as long as possible? That's where I am today...but it isn't that it's ONE thing...it's a bunch of things. I'd rather just skip this week and call it done! Instead I have to simply move into it and do the best I can.

It's going to be a busy week. From past experiences, I already know how easy it is to get caught up in the stuff and forget what is really important. Quiet times in the morning help me to re-focus on my priorities...yet tomorrow I won't even have that time...a late night tonight and an early tomorrow...I dread it. Focusing on Wednesday doesn't help me get the Monday and Tuesday things done...uuuuuggggh! I need a cup of tea!

....and morning comes

Regardless of what happens...the sun will rise again tomorrow and a new day will begin. The previous events have not been forgotten, but life still continues. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." Is 55:8-9
As wounds begin to heal..."May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Rom 15:13

Small Town

There are lots of wonderful things about living in our small town located near the Arkansas border and on beautiful Bull Shoals lake. Like most small towns, we know each other. It's easy to get to know each other, ...Monday through Friday morning you can simply go for coffee or a soda at the local gas stop, or visit one of the cafes for breakfast. The local school is another hub, ....basketball, softball, baseball, ....school plays...skate night...Poetry Slam...you know the stuff that brings entertainment to our community.

There's the local church's too. Each church has it's yearly events such as the Methodist craft sale right before Christmas, the dinners served every first Sunday at the Baptist Church, the singing and special speakers at the Light House Church...the list goes on. The local restaurants have their Sunday regulars too...nothing like dinner with our family and friends.

Pulling all of this together, you get my town. A town made up of special people. They are all different; unique in their own way. A town that pulls each other through a crisis...we purchase gifts for those in need at Christmas, we give to those who have experienced a loss such as a fire. When there is a death, the community shares in your grief and contributes to the memory of your loved one with cards, food, and flowers.

Why then must we bicker...a church family that split feels like a divorce amongst family members. It affects the whole town...and leaves me with a heavy heart.

Unfailing Love

Psalm 59: 16 -17
But as for me, I will sing about your power.
Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.
For you have been my refuge,
a place of safety when I am in distress.
O my Strength, to you I sing praises,
for you, O God, are my refuge,
the God who shows me unfailing love.

David knew his God, he knew where to run when he needed help. He knew his source of hope was simply found in God. This should be the first place we seek for hope...yet I often seek solace in advice and comfort given from friends. When God is sought in the first place...and in the only place...then I am sure to have sound advice.

The Stone...

The stone which the builders rejected, this became the chief corner stone.
Luke 20:17

He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone.. John 8:7

And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb Luke 24:2

Wow, they ....we... didn't see it. He is our rock, our reedemer...the foundational corner stone of our faith,... the one without sin,... the only one who would conquer death, and He lives!

The words to a song we use to sing in church...

"He's my rock and He is my redeemer, He's my strength and my salvation. In you O Lord, I recieve my reward, and His love is everlasting."

He is our chief corner stone, He was the only one who was without sin, He is the one that conquered death and rolled the stone away. Knowing all of this, do you allow Him to reign in your life or do you use Him to throw at others? How many stones have hit you that others throw in His name? What happens if you think about it.

This thought has really been on my mind. The story in John 8 is about a woman that was caught in adultry. They wanted to have her stoned...yet, Jesus forgave her. Which side are you on?

The Garden

It was a beautiful day today! The sun was out...temp's around 70...and I got to play in my flower garden. The wind was blowing pretty hard making it difficult to get a picture...but it simply added a wonderful challenge.

My husband built this particular garden for me two years ago. (I have a few others; some came with the house and I built one with a rock border) He built this one with railroad ties and filled it with really good top soil. The rest was up to me. On the back side of our farm is an old farm house; I relocated some of the plants to my garden. There are also spots where an old farm house use to be and I relocated some of those too. Then, there is also some of the plants from my husbands family farm. A little TLC and plenty of mulch, the garden looks beautiful this year.

Each year, Evie and JD worked in the garden with me. The kids would help me dig up plants to relocate and then help water the garden. In the cool evenings, it was always fun to see where most of the water would actually end up...in the garden or on the kids. Enjoying the garden today, we sure thought of Evie. We miss her; not a day goes by that we don't think of her. This garden serves as a beautiful reminder of the fun we had.

Planning Summer Vacation

This spring brings thoughts of summer vacation. We really haven't gone on a vacation in some time. Last year was really out of the question, too many major life hurdles. Every summer, our May and June are busy working on the farm. We not only have to cut hay for our own cattle, but my husband custom bales for other farmers, too.. This ususally keeps us busy from sun up to sun down until the month of July.

In the past, we have gotten away for an occasional concert, but really, not a family vacation. Wanting to break this cycle, I bought season tickets to Branson's Silver Dollar City. Our first trip for the season was last weekend; we had a blast! The second oldest daughter, her boyfriend, and the two boys joined us for a great trip. We toured the cave, rode rides, and listened to some great music. As we were headed back to our vehicles, the kids were already talking about our next trip! Why did we wait so long? Life is so short; it's really worth creating the memories!