The Most Important Thing

~Wise Hearts Still Seek Him~

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May your day be merry and bright!

Christmas blessings to all!

Christmas Eve Candle Light Service - 12/24/08

Its been 3 weeks (2 Sundays) since our church has been together. The weather has been unusually 'seasonal' - as it has been across most of the country. Lots of snow and freezing temperatures making travel on the more rural roads dangerous, so we had cancelled our services.
I was beginning to wonder if Redeeming Life Fellowship would be able to have a Christmas Service in its first year of being! We were down to the wire - only one opportunity left - Christmas Eve.
I dreamed and prayed and was looking forward to seeing all our friends and experiencing the beauty of Christmas Eve together.
Well...TONIGHT WAS THE NIGHT AND IT WAS SOOOOO WONDERFUL! ! !
Almost everyone was there! I just couldn't smile big enough! I couldn't hug them enough! I didn't want the evening to end.
Charisa led the carol singing; Kirk (one of our pianists) accompanied her. Elisabeth sang, "What Child is This" -
The Christmas Story was read in sections, each section followed by carols. We had 4 candleabras and the lights of the Christmas Tree (we rent this building, and the tree was there already) to sing by and at the end, we all lit candles while singing, "Silent Night" - just voices. It was soooo beautiful. The feelings of anticipation and fulfillment were rolled into one. You could feel the hearts of the people raised not only in memories of Christmas, but in sincere worship.
Afterward, I passed out Candy Canes tied to packets of Hot Chocolate and Christmas cards. More hugs and Christmas blessings. I didn't want the people to leave! Everyone looked like they were as excited as I was to be together and as he was leaving, one gentleman said, "This is my family!" - and I knew exactly how he felt.

God With Us

As beautiful as the Christmas season is for some, it is a time of heartache, pain and loneliness for others. The expectation of great joy and peace on earth seem to accentuate the opposite experience in many people's lives.
Some people say it is the most difficult time of year - emotionally and mentally. Their hearts are gripped with the overwhelming sense of loss or emptiness - discouragement and despair.
I'm sure many of the people in Bethlehem felt the same way the night that Jesus was born. Life under the rule of Rome, the required census, the long journey for many, the overcrowded city, the realization that Rome was going to demand more taxes. Life was not a pleasant experience, to say the least. People were hurting. I'm sure many people wanted to give up because their journey in life was so hard to walk.

Dear heart, I wish could sit at your table and look into your eyes - right now. I would echo the message the angels proclaimed that night:
“Do not be afraid, for behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy
which will be to all people.
For there is born to you this day
in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

They were giving these shepherds a message that would bring great joy - the joy of the reality of the Living God in their 'midst'. He was there with them in the middle of all the discouragement, poverty, hardship, and painfulness of life - He was in the 'stable' of their lives.
I want you to know, HE IS HERE WITH YOU IN THE MIDST OF YOUR DIFFICULTY! Be encouraged! You can have HOPE! The Lord God of heaven and earth IS HERE WITH YOU and He is longing, with an outstretched hand, to help you take the next step. He presence will bring you JOY! His PEACE with surround you! His LOVE will overwhelm you!
The rest of the angels' message must have rung in the hearts of the shepherds all the way to Bethlehem -
"GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST AND ON EARTH PEACE, GOODWILL TO MEN!"

I can see them dancing all the way to see the Savior in the manger!
Three years ago, today, our 22 year old daughter, Odessa, was skiing with her fiance, when she lost control and hit a tree. She walked off that mountain into the arms of her Savior that night. I know what its like to experience great pain during this time of year. But, dear heart, I want you to know that I also know the joy the shepherds experienced because I knew then, as I know now, that the Savior is with me - and all that is His to give (love, joy and peace) are with Him too.
Lift your eyes to the heavens! Hear the song of the angels and then run to the 'stable' of your heart! May you dance and be filled with hope, joy and peace as you meet Him there.

Snow Reflections

We've had quite the winter weather conditions here this past week. Snow, snow and freezing road conditions. I love the snow, but haven't been out in it much, except to feed the birds. I don't have the 'gear' for it anymore. Snow comes so seldom here.

I've been watching my grown boys though. The snow hasn't stopped them! They're out driving in it like its always been there - I remember doing that at their age. I had to get to 'my events'! Today one of them gathered a bunch of friends and they are out 'having fun' in the snow (his version is 'doing donuts' with his truck!)
Anymore, I'm afraid of the ice. I don't like the feel of it under my feet and I certainly don't like the feel of the ground if I hit it with any part of my body!
What I have enjoyed is the way snow seems to slow life down. A lot of events are cancelled, travel limited or stopped. Its a quick exercise in "What's a real priority"?
Since childhood, I've loved the 'hush' that a blanket of snow brings with it. It makes me want to tip-toe outside - not wanting to disturb anything. There's a sense that everything is resting - and it is - and it moves my heart into that same place. I am more prone to sit and meditate at any time of the day or evening - when there is snow outside. For some reason, I don't feel guilty for sitting down in the winter.

"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." Matthew 11:28-29

"The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat." Mark 6:30-32

Seasons of resting are obviously part of God's design for His creation. Being aware of the availability, the need and the benefits of rest should move us toward taking time to rest more often!

Snowy Yard - Beautiful Day!

Our front yard beyond the feeders :)
The back yard - I caught a gust of wind carrying the
top layer of snow in a dance!

The clouds are so heavy you'd never know there is a range of
gorgeous
snow covered
mountains
beyond my backyard!


This is a rare occurance in Sequim.
OH HOW I LOVE THE SNOW! ! !
So, today is a perfect day to decorate for Christmas.
We got our tree yesterday and I set up
the new Willow Tree Nativity set
that Jeff gave me for my birthday.
I added
Three Wisemen from John Spring's collection
What a delight!
And, in all my excitement, my heart is
still and peaceful, overflowing with joy!
Its that precious time for quiet reflection
on all that 'Love' means.
God's love pouring out to us in a myriad of ways saying,
"Look here! Look over there!
See the beautiful gifts I make
for you to enjoy my dear child!
I SOOOO LOVE YOU!"
And one day, when the time was right,
He sent Jesus, a baby -
the most precious gift
He could give to show someone
just how much He loves.

Oh Lord, you're beautiful!
Your heart is exquisite beyond words and imaginings!
Thank you for Your demonstrations of perfect love.
May I love as You do!
Amen

The Beauty of Living in God's Design

Tonight, my husband bought tickets to a local church's Christmas Musical Program. It was very well done. I was impressed with the overall presentation which portrayed the hearts of all that were involved.
Our daughter, Charisa (now Mrs. Charisa Silliman) directed the 1st-5th graders in a song. This is the first year she has worked with this group, and I had no idea all that she had put together for them in the one song! She had them doing actions, playing a kazoo for one verse and giving a 'Broadway Bow' at the end! It was SUPER! I'm so delighted for you, Charisa! Well Done!
This church is very large and very professional and I have enjoyed the music they perform any time I've attended, but this evening, I was thrilled - but not just with the music! It is the first time I've attended a presentation that was directed by their 'new' Director of Music. If any of you have read much of my blog or my website (http://www.captivatingwoman.com/) you know my heart loves to cheer people to find their God-given design and to live in it with all their heart. This young Director was the absolute epitome of this!
As I said, I was THRILLED to watch him! And I might have thought, "What a glorious opportunity for a young man!", as many would probably think. But, I've been involved a little with directing music (choirs, mostly) and that would seem to minimize the facts. This Director was once a boy who probably loved to hear and play music; practiced to become as skillful as he could possibly be; studied in college for years (even enduring the 'non music' courses) to get to the place where he would be qualified to stand in the midst of such a large and talented group of vocalists and musicians; and, to be able to mix all of that together into this evening of flying in his soul on the wings of God's design for him. It was stunning!
I applaud him following his heart and for putting in the hard work to become the champion he is today! May God bless you, Joel, as you have blessed hundreds this Christmas with your life! And, may many be encouraged by Joel's example to find God's design for them and to pursue it with all their heart. Because, in that discovery and pursuit is absolute joy that never ends, and it springs up splashing on everyone around them!

Sunset at Long Beach

I don't want to forget to show you the beautiful sunset from Monday evening!

There and Back Again ;)

You guessed it - I've been to Long Beach and back again ;)
I love spur-of-the-moment things and this trip was one of those. I'm always on the lookout for a sweet squeeze in between hectic or demanding schedules where I can go and spend some time in the wake and roar of the ocean.
Monday was absolutely spectacular! The weather was very unseasonal - hardly a breeze, warm, sunny with clouds in the sky.
The beach was like a cleaned chalk board - no marks in it - so beautiful!
The ocean was amazing - the waves were cresting so far out. There was a little fishing vessel, I believe it was 'trolling'(?) parallel to the shore, so it gave quite a perspective on the action out there.
A rainbow formed from a little spot above the water until it was a full arch connecting sky, sea and land! What an unforgettable experience!
My soul revels in a day and an experience like that. Sometimes it feels as if my soul would leap right out of my body! ! !
How thankful I am to be able to 'come away and rest awhile' in the plethora of God's works of creation. It makes me feel like I am in the center of a vast museum of a Master Artisan - and I, too, am a work of His fingers. Its where I belong - its the perspective I need to keep!
(You can click on a photo to see an enlarged image - Have fun!)

Photos

Today, my husband was on the hunt for our Christmas lights - we wanted to sort through them and decide which ones to put on the outside of the house. I think as far as he got was finding the lights, and sorting through to see which ones actually worked or not. I found a box of them in the garage - looked like it had been neatly 'repacked'.
We got sidetracked because he was also looking for a Christmas music box I have and he ended up going through lots of boxes in the garage - there's so much STUFF in there and I keep hoping that someday soon we will go through it all for the last time and clear it out!
In his search for the music box, actually called a Music Bell Symphonium, he found a box of photos - A LOT of photos! As I am prone to do, I brought it in the house and we stood for, I don't know how long, going through photos that went a way, way back!
I think photos are wonderful. They help me remember. They stir my heart. They help me re-evaluate how I'm feeling about a person. Often over the years, they have caused me to fall in love all over again with my children, and lately, I'm noticing how young we were in those pictures!
But, the best thing photos do for me, is they remind me of how fast time has flown by and that it hasn't slowed down any and these moments I have here with my family are truly precious. I am reminded to say and do the things I would normally put off - for another day. Instead, I do it NOW - and RIGHT NOW, I'm going to stop this blogging and go visit with my daughter who has been gone all day.
PHOTOS - a look into the past which leads to a reconsideration of the present that leads to a beautiful change for the future. Cheers!

NEW! ! ! Bird Sanctuary Dream Blog

I have begun a new blog! It is called "My Bird Sanctuary Dream" and you can find it at http://www.birddreams.blogspot.com/ ! I will keep reports there concerning the development of my Bird Sanctuary Dream Coming True. See you there!

Need Awareness

'Tis the season when there is a huge thrust by compassionate individuals and organizations to reach a hand out to those who are in need. We see the Salvation Army at every high-traffic retailing center. There are Coat Drives, Toy Drives, Food Drives, Stocking Drives and even Quilt Drives.
I saw a news clip a couple of days ago that brought attention to the huge need and the insufficient resources to help people with Thanksgiving. The number of people waiting in line at a food bank was 2100, I believe, and the line formed all the way around the block!
I have always known, in a broad sense, that people are hurting and the homeless have a miserable existence. I was more aware of their existence around the holidays, but as too what their life is REALLY like? - I didn't really know - UNTIL...I watched the movie "The Stone Pillow". I do not suggest this for families with young children, but for adults it is a 'must see' if you want to gain any kind of insight into what homeless people deal with on an everyday basis. Lucille Ball stars, but it is not a comedy, tho' there are some brief moments when her 'ways' will make you chuckle.
We have so much - and there are so many that have not. Get on board with some organization or pray and ask God what He wants you to do. I sincerely suggest that you do more than 'give' money or things. Get involved. Rub shoulders with and look into the eyes of the people that need your help. Go and share LIFE with those who are poor. You will never be the same again!
Jesus said that the poor will be with us always. He also said that when you give to the poor, you have given to Him; and in Proverbs 14:31 says, "Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker,but helping the poor honors him."
Lord, give us eyes to see and hearts to understand Your heart for the poor and needy. We are ready to step into a realm that is unfamiliar to us in order to bring Your love, grace, peace and joy to those who are looked down on, despised and rejected. We desire to honor You, Lord. Amen"

In the 1st grade of school, I had a teacher that made an impression on me from Day 1. I remember her as being tall with light colored hair and what a first grader would call 'an older lady'. She was somewhat strict, but I loved the order in her classroom. She began everyday with prayer and I remember feeling that she was different from other ladies.

One of the endearing things about her was that around this time of year, she exposed us to the whole world of feeding birds. As a 6 year old, I had never thought that the little birds would need help when the snow was 3 feet deep from November through March on the east coast of Canada, so learning about how to do this was fascinating and she made it sound so easy!

The love of feeding and enjoying the birds has never left me - however, I have not yet been successful in my mind. I have attempted many times to begin a 'feeding program' but have given up after awhile.

You see, I have really wanted more than just a few feeders in the front yard. I've always wanted a Bird Sanctuary, and this year, I think my dream may come true! So, keep watch! I will post my 'Bird Sanctuary Dream Coming True' here - all that I learn, all that I am successful with and even my bads.

Here's a song I learned in church when I around 6 years old:

God sees the little sparrow fall,
It meets His tender view;
If God so loves the little birds,
I know He loves me, too.

He loves me, too, He loves me, too,
I know He loves me, too!
Because He loves the little things,
I know He loves me, too.

He paints the lilies in the field,
Adds perfume to each bell;
If He so loves the little flowers,
I know He loves me well.

He loves me, too,He loves me, too,
I know He loves me, too!
Because He loves the little things,
I know He loves me, too.

God made the little birds and flowers,
And all things big and small;
He'll not forget His little ones,
I know He loves us all.

He loves me, too,He loves me, too,
I know He loves me, too!
Because He loves the little things,
I know He loves me, too.

At Our Home

Our oldest son, Jeffrey, came home from Seattle. Charisa and her new husband were here. Of course, Andrew, Michael and Halleleyah were here ;) and Rebekah, Jeff and I. The weather was glorious and it seemed like time stood still for awhile.
The food was a fitting match for all who have sweet memories of Thanksgiving Dinners - I think I enjoy making the dressing, watching the Turkey brown, mashing the potatoes and mixing up the Cranberry Jello Salad more than I enjoy eating - but, OH how I enjoy hearing the 'oohs' and 'ahs' of everyone around the table as the first forkfuls reach their mouths! The Thanksgiving Dinner is the 'cherry-on-top' of their wonderful day.
And, wonderful it was! I LOVE hearing and watching my family playing and laughing together! I think I've said once before, "Its like music to my ears." Each person brings their own beautiful, colorful personality to the mix and is loved, appreciated and discovered anew by all. Watching them all yesterday caused me to realize that these are all the same 'kids' I've had the privelege of knowing for all these years and they haven't 'changed' - they've only become more beautiful, stronger, wiser, more successful than ever and I love the maturing of who they are!
To be able to sit and soak up the beauty of who they are is a joy that is beyond words. I could have spent my whole day just hugging each one of them over and over again.
How very thankful I was yesterday - for all that God has blessed my life with - but especially my family - I AM TRULY BLESSED - and THANKFUL EVERYDAY!
Photo courtesy of Rebekah - Thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

from

our home

to

yours!

I Will Trust When I Cannot See

It is Sunday morning and I am not in church. I so miss all my friends there, but I still have this 'virus'. Is that what it is after two weeks? I am definitely learning the part where we can remain in His love and we can trust in His care when it doesn't seem obvious.
That reminds me of a song I learned in the days when I attended Prairie Bible Institute - LONG time ago - 1977! A man on staff sang it one Sunday morning and I have never forgotten it.

“I Will Trust When I Cannot See”J.W.P

When I cannot understand God’s leading,
When I do not know the reason why
He should choose the path that lies before me,
Still to Him in faith I can reply:

I will trust when I cannot see,
When I’m faced with adversity,
And believe Your will is always best for me–
I will trust when I cannot see.

When I feel the sting of disappointment
And my dreams lie crumbled in the dust,
When my best adds up to loss and failure
And the things that happen seem unjust:

I will trust when I cannot see,
When I’m faced with adversity,
And believe Your will is always best for me–
I will trust when I cannot see.

When I face the furnace of affliction
And the pain seems more than I can bear,
When I think it strange–this fiery trial–
Still I’ll tell my blessed Lord in prayer:

I will trust when I cannot see,
When I’m faced with adversity,
And believe Your will is always best for me–
I will trust when I cannot see.

Lest any of you think that I put my 'virus' in the category of 'furnace of affliction', I want to be sure to let you know - NOT! ;) It is the whole concept of trusting God when I cannot see what He's doing or when I cannot understand the reasons for what I'm going through - no matter how big or small.
I trust all of you have a wonderful day in the Lord! I pray that you will be touched by His presence in worship, in the teaching of His Word and in fellowship with each other! May you receive all that you need for the coming week and lots of extra to share with everyone you meet!

Singin' the Cold Blues, But Not For Long ;)

I am amazed at how long this 'cold' thing hangs on! I am still low on energy - big time, and my 'core' (ribs, lower/middle back and upper chest) ache most of the time. I can't get enough breath to sing a full line and can only sit at the piano for two or three songs. Its been over a week and I am so tired of feeling below normal!
I've missed some special things too! I didn't lead worship last week, nor will I be able to this week. I missed the first Talent Night at our church (which was my idea) and I'm told it was really a great success! I didn't go to Bible Study last night - WAAAAAAA ! ! ! ! ! ! !
I don't mean to sound like such a complainer - it just seems like this thing has been interrupting my life for a long time! I do have some moments of time when I feel better, but not for long :(
I have been listening to messages, music, doing some writing and sitting on the back deck soaking in the beautiful weather we've been having. I have so many things to be thankful for, and I truly am. I'm just tired of explaining to people why I'm not doing or going as usual and missing out on wonderful experiences with family and friends.
Halleleyah and I made a simple 'Fall-ish Wreath' today. I was pleasantly surprised by her desire to help and interest in the project. She grows more beautiful everyday and I am loving watching the 'woman of God' that is emerging before my eyes.
So...today I can be happy for the beautiful day, a sweet time with Halleleyah, a good supper idea, a dear friend who is willing to lead worship on Sunday, some laundry done, and a newly decorated wreath for the entrance to our home. WOW!
Now, what was I missing? ;)

Randomly Rambling with a Head Cold

Its Saturday night, and very late - 10:41pm. Its late because normally I would be sleeping in anticipation of getting up early on Sunday morning to be at church by 8:30am. But, I don't think I'm going to church in the morning.

Its also late because I am sick with a soggy head cold. That's why I'm probably not going to church in the morning. I should be sleeping, but when you've laid around all day, I don't feel sleepy. I feel tired - but, not sleepy.

I am truly thankful that I didn't 'have' to push myself today. Everyone living in this home is quite able to take care of themselves and so I didn't have to look out for their needs at all. It was a blessed experience, really.

I spent time with the Lord - enjoying His presence - that is a great blessing for the body, soul, and spirit. And, how delicious it is when there is no pressure to hurry and get along with the day!

I discovered a precious video today. "In the Arms of Angels" is a 13 minute video that I found on Netflix. Maybe you can find it and watch it too. Let me know what you think.

Well, I'd better try and get some sleep. They say the body heals when it is sleeping.

So, 'Good night' to all and I'll be back later - hopefully not rambling so randomly ;)

Happy 18th Birthday Michael! ! !

Kisses from the Family Ladies X :) X :) X :)

Birthday Song and CakeEmpty Plate - Great Success! ! ! Merino Scarf from Charisa and David/Funny Card from Rebekah
(Jeff loved the card)

"Oooh...is this what I think it is?!"
WOW! - We scored! The family and Rebekah pitched in to

get Michael an 'ipod touch' thingy ;)

We So Love You Michael! ! !

Photos courtesy of Rebekah Sfair - Thank you! ! !

A Word About the Election Results

I am a Canadian citizen and have not been politically 'active' for many years, which means I haven't had a voice in the elections by the privelege of voting since I moved to the United States. That doesn't mean I am oblivious or insensitive to those around me who have dealt with the issues solemnly and prayerfully. Over the years, I could see the concerns in their eyes and the effects of being put between a rock and a hard place when it comes to deciding who to support for leadership. Honestly, I don't know how the majority of people make a choice, especially if they have no foundational truth in their lives to draw on.
Since the week prior to November 4th and since the results of the election, I've witnessed and heard about the intensity of people's reactions like never before. Those who voted for President Elect Obama are dancing, cheering, heaving great sighs of relief waiting for him to keep all of his promises. The majority of people who voted for John McCain are in despair, are fearful and struggling with anxiety about the future of their economics, the morality issues and their freedoms.
There are many in this nation whose lives consist of 'being close to the action'. They practically live at the White House, know all the political figures like they were family and have their minds saturated with the history, the laws, the trends, the implications of every decision that is made. I greatly respect those who are the 'watch dogs' keeping a hand on the pulse of what is happening in the inner circles that affect all of us out here.
Again, I am not politically active or an activist, which leaves me at a bit of a disadvantage when it comes to all the legistics involved in the election of the President of the United States, and the valid concerns about who sits in the Oval Office. However, there are some thoughts I have for those who are my dear brothers and sisters in Christ regardless of what color your political party banner.
Whether you are estatic or in despair, ask yourself, "Are my emotions revealing that my trust is in the 'man' who is in office and not in God who sets up and removes men in leadership?" Do you put alot of weight of expectation on what President Elect Obama will do for you, or for the country? Are you throwing your hands up and laying down as dead or as if God is now dead, because John McCain isn't in office to save you and your issues and your country? Is that where our trust should be?
Dear heart, the man in office is not the one who controls your world. Remind yourself that Jesus is the King of kings and the Lord of lords and His Kingdom will not pass away. As my husband said yesterday, "God didn't slip off the throne when Obama was elected." Jesus didn't turn the keys of provision and security over to Obama when he became president. Don't let the circumstances overwhelm you or cause you to lose caution and become presumptuous! You cannot put your trust in the man in the office!
At a time like this, whether you supported Obama or McCain, I believe we need to be on our knees. This is an opportunity for us to draw close to God and exercise our prayer life like never before. President Elect Obama needs prayer! Paul exorts us to pray for those in leadership - 1Timothy2:1-3. Pray for God to give him wisdom, help, light in the darkness of the problems he has to work through. If you agree with President Elect Obama, do not let your guard down. Pray for him and all his advisors.
The election results revealed the heart cry of this nation. People are very concerned about the economy, security, wastefulness of tax dollars and health care. This country and the whole world is in a time of unrest, instability and people want to find someone who will take care of them and all their worries.
As Christians, we KNOW the One who is the perfect, absolute answer to the needs that they have. We can lovingly point people to God who is the Provider, the Lover of their souls, the Healer. This is an opportunity to share our testimonies of our experience with the living God who holds our world in His hands.
This is also an opportunity to show the love and life of God by being gracious to whomever you come in contact with. Ask God to fill you with His love, joy and peace so that His face will shine brightly through yours. Look for opportunities to give, to support, to comfort. Ask God for wisdom when speaking with people. Allow Him to speak through you a word from His heart that contains power to change lives from the inside out!
We have a mission that is not affected or altered by the circumstances around us. We are to let our lights shine in the darkness of this world. We are to be salt to bring palatibility people's lives, and to excite their appetites for more of Him.
Beloved, this is not a time to give up or to become complacent. If 'your man' got into office on November 4th, you are not home free. If 'your man' didn't get into office on November 4th, all is not lost and you have no business throwing the baby out with the bath water! God is calling us to pray. This is a time when we could see a revolutionary change in our country - not because of who is president, but because Christians are on their knees seeking the heart of God, being changed by the Spirit of God and moving the hand of God like never before.

Hello from Michigan!

The colors are absolutely gorgeous,

even tho' its a little past the peak of the season.

I couldn't resist sharing some of it with you!

The Trip Through The Thunderclouds

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds,

to meet the Lord in the air:

and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:17

Whenever I think about 'meeting the Lord in the air', I remember a flight I was on a few years ago between JFK airport, NY and Buffalo airport, NY. I was in one of those smaller planes that has one aisle with two seats in each row and about 12 rows (?). Those are the ones in which you feel like you're in an 'old' plane - and you wonder if it will make it to the next airport!

I was by the window and a man sat beside me on the aisle. He ordered a drink because he was nervous. I got a soda because I was thirsty.

We took off on time, but the pilot said our time of arrival might be delayed due to the weather conditions. Nothing unusual so far. I was just along for the ride.

We weren't in the air 10 minutes when we began to experience turbulance. The guy next to me was starting to make stressing sounds and he reached for 'the bag'. I had never been close to anyone who had motion sickness in a plane before, so I tried to be interested elsewhere. It didn't take much effort though, because as I looked out my window, I found that we were not under the weather conditions, nor were we above the weather conditions. We were flying right through the middle of the thunder heads and it was AMAZING!
I became mesmorized by the formations which made our plane seem like a toy. It felt like I was in a video game and with the vibrations the plane was experiencing, it felt like we were on a track instead of in the air, which just added more to the whole experience of feeling like we were in another world of some kind. We were cruising through this world of snow white caves and mountains, past huge outcroppings and along a landscape that was breath taking!

Periodically, my mind would register with 'reality' - my soda glass held high in the air so as not to spill - I held it in the air the entire trip! My cheeks were getting sore from the huge grin stuck on my face. The man next to me was making very strange sounds and filling 'the bag'.

Mostly though, my attention was fixed on the 'other worldiness' outside my window and my mind was totally alive to imaginings like I'd never before experienced - even as a child!

Well, all that to say, it was an experience I will never forget. I saw the 'heavens' in a way that I'm sure few people ever do, and since then, I've thought many times about 'meeting the Lord in the air'. What will the sky be like on that day? Will we experience clouds in heaven like that? How long will we be there - in the air? Will my imagination be as free or more so - it was exhilerating to think, imagine and feel all that I did with such glorious intensity and freedom!

Now, whenever I see thunderheads in the sky, I long to be able to ascend and fly through them. Each time I take a trip, I hope to have another opportunity to fly through that 'world' again.

On Wednesday, I'm flying to see my sister, and I'm sure you know what I've been dreaming of!

Can anyone else relate? Has anyone else had a similar experience or similar desire?

Perfect World - Perfect Heart

Sunday Morning Sun -Perfection,Lord!
(10/12/08)

Morning sun light of creation
Grassy fields of velvet flow
Silver clouds a shimmering curtain
He's designed a perfect world
I'm amazed at His talents
I stand in awe of one so great
Now my soul begins to sing out
To the source from which it came

CHORUS:
Bless the Lord who reigns with beauty
Bless the Lord who reigns with wisdom and with power
Bless the Lord who reigns my life with so much love
He can make a perfect heart

(words and music by Bill Gaither)

This song has been a favorite of mine since I was a teen. Growing up on Cape Breton Island afforded many opportunities to be overwhelmed by the perfect creation of the Perfect Creator. I would, and still do, soar in my spirit when I would think, for a moment, on the beautiful display which reveals God's beautiful heart; and, then to think that His hand in my heart would create just the same quality of beautiful life. I so love Him and His magnificent, glorious-ness and, to this day, I have never found any fault or imperfection in what He does.

The Olympic Mountains (from my backyard)

I raise my eyes toward the mountains.

Where will my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to slip;

your Protector will not slumber.

Indeed, the Protector of Israel

does not slumber or sleep.

The LORD protects you;

the LORD is a shelter right by your side.

The sun will not strike you by day,

or the moon by night.

The LORD will protect you from all harm;

He will protect your life.

The LORD will protect your coming and going

both now and forever.

Psalm 121 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Our Neighbor's Apple Tree

"Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand,

O You who save those who trust in You

from those who rise up against them.

Keep me as the apple of Your eye;

Hide me under the shadow of Your wings... "

Psalm 17:7,8

Where Does My Help Come From?

"I look up to the mountains-
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth!
Psalm 121:1,2

As beautiful and majestic as creation is, it cannot help us with our trials in life. Mountains can leave us awe-struck, but they cannot pay our bills, feed our family or mend broken relationships. When we need help, we need something more than the tallest, most rugged mountain, the deepest, widest ocean, a heaven filled with billions of stars or a field full of wild flowers...

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First Snow!

We woke up this morning

to the glorious sight

of the

First Snow

on the

First Sunday

of October!

"People are like stained glass windows:

They sparkle and shine when the sun's out,

but when the darkness sets in,

their true beauty is revealed

only if there is light within."

- Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Garden Child and Mums

Autumn

certainly has

my attention

this year!

It fills my senses

as if I've just run into

a long lost friend.

Today

I just had to buy

some gold and purple 'mums'

DO YOU KNOW TRUTH?

What is TRUTH?

Do you know the TRUTH?

Do you believe the TRUTH?

Do you believe the TRUTH is valuable enough to protect at all cost?

CLICK HERE for the rest of the article!

Last Rose of Summer

The color and fragrance of the roses in my garden seem to be accentuated as the summer has gently stepped into fall. Each one is appreciated like a treasure, a miracle because they are fewer, rarer these days. With the cooler weather, somehow, they seem more vibrant, tenacious, exquisite!
Its been a wonderful year for roses, but now, as I walk daily inbetween the plants with the tilted autumn sun on my back, I revel in finding them reaching for me, seemingly wanting me to embrace them as they seem to want to embrace me.
I wonder, does the breath of God smell like the fragrance of the rose?

Not Perfect - But, Beautiful!

No, the Gerber Daisy in my garden is not perfect -

It has been chewed on here and there

No, the photography is not perfect -

It is out of focus

BUT, ISN'T SHE BEAUTIFUL?

She still makes my heart leap!

She still enriches my life!

She still proclaims the glory of God!

That's exactly what He thinks and feels

When He looks at YOU!

My Red Maple Today - Sept. 27, 2006

Bright Autumn Sun illuminating
Brilliant Colors exciting
Crisp Cool air invigorating
Spicy Smells warming
Fresh Fruit abundant
Peaceful Hearts smiling

In the Garden this morning

DEW ON MY ROSES - SEPT.26, 2006

This morning I went outside in my yard and experienced the beauty of the presence of the Lord in my garden like the hymn writer wrote about.

I come to the garden alone

While the dew is still on the roses

And the voice I hear falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses

And He walks with me

And He talks with me

And He tells me I am His own

And the joy we share as we tarry there

None other has ever known

He speaks and the sound of His voice

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing

And He walks with me

And He talks with me

And He tells me I am His own

And the joy we share as we tarry there

None other has ever known

Oh blessed Lord! What a wonder you are!

Times are Changing

Our family loves being with my sister and her family, but, as time goes on and all the 'kids' are growing into young adults, the dynamics change from what we once knew as 'big group family times' to wondering where is everybody going to be at any given time.

Sharon, her husband Phil and one of their daughters, Becky, came for Charisa and David's wedding - all the way from Kitchener, Ontario, Cananda! In times before, it was great fun for all the cousins to be playing instruments together - piano, guitar, violins, and mandolins - and of course, there would be singing!

This trip tho', Becky and I did a wee bit of music - I helped her with the piece she was going to accompany Charisa with as Charisa sang to David. Other than that, it was pretty quiet -- EXCEPT during the 'gap' between the wedding ceremony and the Reception Dinner. Andrew had his guitar (he had played his own rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" for the wedding Processional) and he brought it into the dining hall. Well, as you can see, we all enjoyed his incredible gift! ! ! It was a special time of some very sweet, cherishable moments and he blessed us trememdously!

Thanks, Andrew! We all love you!