Hungry But Can't Find Anything!

This week has been busy and draining! Each morning, I still get up for my morning "quiet time" to focus on what God has to share with me. Yet, each day I have not quite "got-it". Talking with my mom on Mother's Day, I told her that reading through the Psalms has not really spoken to me...she suggested that I just skip it and move on. I guess that isn't something I want to do...I want to say I've read them...(does that really mean anything, I don't know). Yet, still thirsting for more I have started reading one of my summer book choices. The yadayada Prayer Group is a story that begins with a couple of friends attending a Christian Women's Conference. So far (and I haven't gotten very far...too many interuptions) it's fun along with my own anticipation for this summer's Women of Faith Conference.

At the same time, still sticking with my morning tradition (and New Years Resolution) I came once again to the Psalms. Yet this morning, I changed the routine and read from Wendy's Blog first. There it was...the inspiration I needed...
Psalm 124:1 What if the LORD had not been on our side?...
Psalm 124:7...The trap is broken, and we free!

Noah The Musical

What a wonderful time we had on our anniversary. It was rather unexpected, actually. We weren't really going to do anything special; my husband needed to work cattle.

Alas, the rain came! It not only canceled the big day of working cattle, but it also canceled my son's baseball practice. Whew Hooo! The rain opened new opportunities (never curse the rain...it makes the hay grow...our cows need hay). I've been wanting to see "Noah, the Musical", my husband found the time and desire to go. Even though it was an anniversary outing, we took our youngest son (the only one living at home) with us!

"Noah the Musical" is a wonderful production! So many truths brought out...
* We all have the time to do what's right...yet do we?
* The time is coming when our Saviour will return, are we mocking
Him by doing our own thing...are we ready?

"As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in
the days of the Son of man, They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they
were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the
flood came, and destroyed them all (Luke 17:26-27)."

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.