Where to start...

First of all I'm sorry there has been a pause in the writing of the blog this summer...It always amazes me how time flies when you're having fun! :)  It has certainly been busy in my life...as summer usually is...but isn't that a good thing - being busy?  Yes, sometimes we all need life to slow down, to have a moment to reflect and sometimes even refocus on the priorities in life.  However, right now in this chapter of my life, I like to stay busy. It makes me feel alive, be optimistic about life and it helps me keep a positive outlook!   When I'm busy I tend to see God's hand at work more often.  I tend to see the blessings He gives me on a more regular basis...or even just notice the "small ones" that I so often overlook. 


Looking up at the Custom Tower on the
first night!

God has provided in so many ways this summer!!  One of the blessings that I would like to specifically mention is His gift of going to Boston a few weeks ago..

I LOVE to travel!!  I especially enjoy traveling to cities that are close to water :)  Think Boston falls in this category?  I also really enjoy planning trips, figuring out the cost of everything, working out the budget for the trip, figuring out the where, when's and how's of the trip, yep I love the details.  However, going to Boston on a mini vacation, in a NICE hotel right next to the water, was something that was on the bucket list to do when I have the money to pay for a vacation like that...like maybe once I hit retirement age :)

Happy Easter! Thank You Lord!

 

Thank You, Lord,
for a costly cross...
an empty tomb...
a triumphant Savior...
and a heart set free
for all eternity!

 

 

"...Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes..."  Those words are ringing in my ears as I glance at the blizzard blowing outside my windows.  As I watch the millions of snowflakes make there descent down to earth I am again blown away by the thought that each one is unique.  Each one a special creation of the Creator!

  He is truly the God of creativity!  Billions of snowflakes, tiny, frozen, water crystals each designed to look slightly different from another one! 

As I sit inside by our warm woodstove, reflecting on this incredible design, I've begun to think of the people in the blogger world who are also so unique and designed with such amazing creativity!   I follow several blogs that make my heart smile when I see they have a new post, because God has given so many girls the precious gift of being able to write what God shows them!  You know what I'm talking about, that author that writes exactly what you needed to read, written in such a way that you are immediately caught up in the post. 
Yes, that is very special gift...filled with creativity...after all we are made in the image of a creative Creator :)

So....I thought I would share some of my favorite blogs written by some of these amazing girls!  As you get ready for the special holiday tomorrow and enter the weekend, I hope that these blogs and articles encourage and bless your hearts as they have mine over the years!

A Bright Light In A Dark World  by Shannon

 

APJ (A Passion for Jesus)  by Laurie

 

Written Upon My Heart  by Rebekah

 

A Girl With Wings  by Abigail

 

Altogether Separate by A group of girls

 

Hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day remembering our creative and loving Creator!!

 

 

Some Inspiration....

God's Amazing Love

His love is unquestionable,

Its power unconquerable,

Its meaning undeniable,

Its mystery unexplainable,

Its sacrifice incomparable,

Its price unimaginable,

Its absence unthinkable![1]

 

 

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"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." ~ John 3:16 (emphasis added)

Jesus ~

 the Light of the World, came so we could find our way to God.

 Jesus ~  

the Lamb of God, died upon the cross so we could receive the Salvation of God.

Jesus ~ 

the Bright and Morning Star, rose from the dead so we could live forever with God.[2]

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I am.....

G - God's

R - Redeemed

A - Accepted

C - Chosen

E - Expression of love.

"God chose you from the beginning." 2 Thessalonians 2:13

 



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Footnotes: 1. dayspring free printable

                  2. ibid

What is Romance?

I've been reading Leslie's book "The Lost Art of True Beauty" for my devotions lately and it has been such a blessing.  This morning I read several things that I wanted to share with you.  They go right along with the post I did in January regarding the relationship we can have with our Heavenly Father through prayer.


"Contrary to popular opinion, romance is not a relationship - although it can add fullness and spice and excitement to a connection between two people.  Romance is not hearts and flowers and violins, although an evening of hearts and flowers and strings can be soaringly romantic. Romance is instead an attitude, a set of habits, a way of encountering the world.  You are romantic when savoring experience is a priority for you, when you are willing to invest time and energy into making your experiences more vivid and memorable." ~ Thomas Kinkade

      "(Eric's) romantic qualities go far beyond the realm of human romance.  Eric loves life.  He has a passion for living, an excitement to be alive each day, a hunger to experience the fullness of all God has for him on this earth.  He savors the romance and adventure of living a Christ-scripted life.  He deliberately adds a zest to life wherever he goes, whatever his circumstances.  He excels at enjoying the romance of life probably better than anyone else I've ever met.  And in the 17 years I've known him, I've become somewhat of a hopeless incurable romantic too - caught up in the epic adventure of a God-centered life.  It's a most exciting way to live.
      Eric and I believe God doesn't merely intend for life on this earth  to be endured; rather, He intends for life on this earth to be savored - every experience can be purposeful, meaningful, and significant.  Every day is an opportunity to discover more of Him."  ~ Leslie Ludy

That romantic relationship that I wrote about in my previous post on prayer and the relationship it brings with Christ, can be lived out when we see the gifts God has given us and choose to savor experiences, get excited with the little things and love the life He has given us!

As you ride through your weekend, may He bless you with lots of little blessings and may He bless you with the eyes and heart to see them!

For His Glory!