12.26.11

Happy Anniversary, Darling.
You were then, and are today, the love of my life.

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:14 NIV

Emmanuel...God with us!!

From my home to yours...Merry Christmas!!
Let us rejoice!! He is born!!

Tap, tap, tap...is this thing on??

I'm hoping that someone (anyone?!) is still out there...maybe?! But one way or the other, I hope to be back soon!

Blessings,
Gigi

Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.
1 Corinthians 16:6 NIV

For now, anyway...

because I haven't had much to say...
because November 9th is drawing near...
because I need some time...

Blessings,
Gigi

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV

Where WOULD we be?

We sang this song yesterday in church...and I've been thinking about it ever since choir practice last week.

(Note: this is not my church's choir)

"I would be lost...without the cross."

Miriam-Webster dictionary defines the word "lost" this way:

1: not made use of, won, or claimed

2 a : no longer possessed b : no longer known

3: ruined or destroyed physically or morally : desperate

4 a : taken away or beyond reach or attainment : denied lost to the faith>
b : insensible, hardened <lost to shame>

5 a : unable to find the way b : no longer visible c : lacking assurance or self-confidence : helpless

6: rapt, absorbed <lost in reverie>

7: not appreciated or understood : wasted lost on me>

8: obscured or overlooked during a process or activity <lost in translation>

9: hopelessly unattainable : futile lost cause>

source: Miriam-Webster dictionary online

I know I can apply 3 and 5a to my everyday life...and as I sit and ponder the other meanings, I can certainly find application for them as well!

How about you, my friends? Where would YOU be without the cross?

We observed The Lord's Supper yesterday during service and our Pastor shared a quote prior...but because I can't remember the author, it won't be verbatim! The gist of it was that Jesus, Who was without sin, took up the cross on behalf of you and I. At any point, He could have said "Did you drop this? Is this yours?" But He didn't...He carried it all the way to Calvary, where He laid down and was nailed to it, and died, in our place.

Oh yes...I would be so lost without the cross. Thank you, Jesus.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 NIV

The journey

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV

Bittersweet

Today is my parent's 58th Wedding Anniversary. It's also the 3 month anniversary of my Mom's Homegoing. A celebration of so much love amidst so much sadness.

I'd be grateful if you'd keep my family in your prayers through this time.

Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.
Psalm 71: 20-21 NIV

Just one word

Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."
Revelation 4:8 NIV

I will exalt thee!!

Wow, it's been almost a month since I've put up a new post! I've been spending a lot of time with my Dad, keeping him company, taking him to various doctor's appointments...my poor little blog has taken a back seat, I'm afraid, to these other demands on my time.

But it's a sunshiny Monday morning, our King is on His Throne and I give Him all the praise, honor and glory for all the blessings in my life!

What are you praising Him for today? Leave me a comment - I'd love to help you praise our Heavenly Father for His goodness!

A psalm of praise. Of David. I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you. They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.

Psalm 145 NIV

More than enough

It's Monday...God is on His throne and He is oh-so-good! I thought maybe we could all just use a little extension of yesterday's service and continue our worship, what say you?! So let's just praise Him, glorify Him, bow down before Him and tell Him that yes, Jesus...You're more than enough for me!

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18 NIV

Happy Birthday America

We were founded as a godly nation...a Christian nation. It is my prayer that we are called to revival in our country - back to the premise our forefathers spoke of so fervently. Please pray for our land, my brothers and sisters. Pray for our leaders, from our President on down. Our heavenly Father promises in His Word that if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. And we NEED Him near to us...now more than ever!

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
Galations 5:13 NLT

From my home to yours, have a happy, safe and blessed Independence Day!

~*~For my Dad~*~

My Dad...for as long as I can remember, he's been one of my favorite people on Earth! He's smart, wise, full of great advice, the best listener and funnier than all get out! Put the two of us together and it's a laugh-a-thon and most times we're not even sure why!

He's the kind of Dad you can go to when you just want to talk or you have a problem that needs fixing...never too busy for his kids.

I learned to look *up* from my Dad. To this day, I'm a stargazer. I inherited a love of walking from my Dad. I love a good thunderstorm - and the more thunder and lightening, the better! Thanks, Dad!!

He and my Mom have lived lives of service to others. Never bragging, never publicizing what they've done. My Dad is a very private person and keeps his good deeds to himself - between he and his God. But I've watched my whole life - more than half a century now. And I hope I've learned well. He's still teaching and I'd like to think I'm still paying attention!

Happy Father's Day to my Dad. He and my Mom were my first best gifts from the Lord. Called me blessed!

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4 NIV

A girl's first best friend

Long before anyone else enters the picture, a girl's best friend is her Mom. Confidante, playmate, defender, teacher...you name it, Mom is it!

Everything I know about being a woman, a friend, a wife and a Mom, I have learned from my Mother. She taught the the BEST way - by example.

On Tuesday, May 31st around 6:00 in the morning, the Lord called my Mom Home.

God looked around his garden
and found an empty place
He then looked down upon this earth
and saw your tired face
He put his arms around you
and lifted you to rest
God’s garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best
He knew that you were suffering
He knew you were in pain
He knew that you would never
get well on earth again
He saw that the road was getting rough
and the hills are hard to climb
So he closed your weary eyelids
and whispered, “Peace be thine”

I used to live in fear of losing my Mother. Until I lost my Sweet Hubby. Somehow, since then...loss has taken on a new meaning for me. So when I kissed my Mom goodbye Tuesday morning, I told her to be sure and dance with my sweetie for me. I have no doubt he was there to greet her along with the parents she has missed for so very long. I smile when I think of the reunion it must have been!

Years ago, I thought I would have my Sweet Hubby to lean on during this time in my life. But that was not the Lord's plan for me. Instead, I take comfort in the knowledge that one glorious day we'll all be together again. And I give thanks to my Savior for blessing me with the both of them.

*Please scroll down and pause player before watching video*

My son, obey your father's commands, and don't neglect your mother's instruction. Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you. For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life.
Proverbs 6:20-23 NLT

Let us never forget...

In honor and tribute to all who have laid down their lives in sacrifice to our country; let us never forget that freedom ISN'T free...but has come at very great cost to many over our Nation's history. Thank you to our fallen heroes.

~~**~~National Day of Remembrance 2011~~**~~

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13 NIV

For a friend

I have a friend who is going through a lot right now. She is feeling oh-so-broken. Anybody been there? Yeah...

This is for her. She already knows all of this. But sometimes when you're in the midst of it all, a reminder is nice. And I want her to know how very much she is loved. And prayed for. Better days are coming, sweet girl...

*Please scroll down and pause player before watching video*

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT

30

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How I love you...how I miss you...how I wish you were still here with me...

Your True


Feel my pain and see my trouble. Forgive all my sins.
Psalm 25:18 NLT

Mine

The saying goes that "A Mother holds her children's hands for a while, their hearts forever."

I still hold my Mom's hand, and she still has my heart.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you. Always.

My Mom, July 1965

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Proverbs 31:28-29 NIV

Worth repeating!

I saw these words on a friend's Facebook profile yesterday and as I read them, I realized just how much power they carried...

He's not a baby in a manger anymore, not a broken Man on a cross. He didn't stay in the grave and He's not staying in Heaven forever. He's alive!

He's ALIVE!! I don't think we can hear it or say it often enough! He's ALIVE!!
JESUS IS ALIVE!! Hallelujah!!

*Please scroll down and pause player before watching video*

O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"
1 Corinthians 15:55 NLT

Indeed!!!

He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.

Matthew 28:6 NLT

Finally!

He stepped down as the front man for Newsboys and handpicked Michael Tait to take his place. And Michael - best known as part of the dc Talk trio - has done an amazing job!


And yet...I can't help but miss him - the voice that has sung all of my favorite Newsboys songs over these many years.

But today - his single Reach came out and all I can say is finally...! It's good to hear from you again, Peter Furler!!

*Please scroll down and pause player before watching video*

He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.
Psalm 147:4 NIV

Chosen

Blessed Holy Week. A prayerful time of reflection, worship, praise and thanksgiving for the sacrifice made by our Heavenly Father in the form of His only Son...our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Because He bore my sin on that cross, I can truly say I am NEW!!! I am CHOSEN!!!

For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Romans 8:29 NLT

*Please scroll down and pause player before watching video*

Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, "Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Praise God in highest heaven!" The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. "Who is this?" they asked. And the crowds replied, "It's Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."
Matthew 21: 8-11 NLT

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And speaking of prayerful - thanks to all who entered my *Prayerful* giveaway here at ItTR! Three beautiful prayer journals will be finding new homes with:

Jody (Post #3)
Julie (Post #9)
Dawn (Post #13)

Congratulations!! Now...it's decision time! I'll need to know which journal you've decided on - and remember, you have your choice of one of Jennifer's original Prayer Journals or one of her new Journal Prayer Combo designs! Also...Jennifer will be personalizing your journal, so please let me know what name you'd like on yours. And lastly, I'll need your mailing address! Thanks!

You can get this information to me via an email through my profile! I look forward to hearing from you!

Strength in weakness

Stress, pain, disappointment, sorrow...

Life.

Sometimes it can seem like the hardships come one after the other, without respite, no time to even catch your breath. I think at one time or another, we've all been there and know what that feels like. I know I have.

Right now, tonight, I have someone specific in mind that I am lifting up in prayer. Perhaps you do too. Maybe it's a co-worker, or a friend or family member...maybe it's you.

What I want my friend to know, what I'm praying that they will realize, is that they're NOT alone - though it can often feel that way when you're in the depths. And the enemy sure wants us to feel all alone...he delights in our separation from our Creator, even if it's only imagined or self-inflicted on our part.

So tonight, I'm claiming 2 Corinthians 12:9, one of my favorite verses, for my friend. I have been praying it for her all day today. I am standing faithfully upon the Truth that is His Word...He IS everything she needs. His grace IS sufficient. His power IS made perfect in weakness.

We were created BY Him to NEED Him. How I pray tonight that she will yearn for Him.

*Please scroll down and pause player before watching video*

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV


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Still a few more days left to my Prayerful Giveaway! You won't want to miss an opportunity to own one of Jennifer's beautiful prayer journals from IntegrityGraphics, I promise you! Check them out here to see what I'm so excited about!!

In the meantime, if you have anything that I can pray with you about, please let me know. I can be reached either through comments or via my profile. *God Bless*

How You love me!

They're one of my favorite groups and JJ and I had the opportunity to see them once again at WinterJam this year!

Sidewalk Prophets...and they're well named! They truly do take God's Word to the streets.

Being as today is Music Monday, I'd love to share their latest release and video with you!

*Please scroll down and pause player before watching video*

Their lyrics...so powerful...so true.

I am the thorn in Your crown
But You love me anyway
I am the sweat from Your brow
But You love me anyway
I am the nail in Your wrist
But You love me anyway
I am Judas’ kiss
But You love me anyway
See now, I am the man that called out from the crowd
For Your blood to be spilled on this earth shaking ground
Yes then, I turned away with this smile on my face
With this sin in my heart tried to bury Your grace
Lyrics from sidewalkprophets.com

Thank you, Jesus - you endured all that FOR ME...and still you love me! He loves US! Is that not the greatest gift you have ever received?

He was despised and rejected--a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.
Isaiah 53:3 NLT

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 NLT

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**Don't forget! You have all week to enter my Prayerful giveaway! For details, click here!

Prayerful

I hadn't planned on a post for today...but I received news last night that had me reaching for this, yet again:




And I knew that the time was long overdue for this post. You see, I had planned on writing up something special at least a week ago. And then this happened:


Yes, that's my Mom (with Baylor keeping her company!), sporting some of the evidence on her face of the fall she took two weeks ago. So I've been a little busy, running back and forth daily taking care of the wounds that you don't see in the picture (which are healing nicely, by the way!). Because of that, I'm a bit tardy with this, but better late than never, right?!

I've posted before about the fact that I use a prayer journal. It helps me stay focused and most importantly - it helps me remember! It's a rare day when I'm not called on to pray for someone, or that I don't think of a petition that I need to bring before the Lord or a praise for answered prayer and if I don't write it down - well, it's as good as gone from one moment to the next!

Typically, I've purchased a nice journal at the beginning of every year and it's served me fine. Until...

Around a month ago, I was at my church's Wednesday night service. I had arrived a little early and decided to spend a few minutes in the bookstore. I turned a corner and spotted these pretty covers and wandered over for a closer look and discovered that they were prayer journals! I chose two different designs - one for me and one for my friend, JJ, who had a birthday coming up several weeks later! I got to talking with the lady tending the bookstore that evening and learned that the person who designed and created the journals was a member of our church and had designed them after a Refuel class on prayer left her wanting a more streamlined approach for her own prayer journaling needs. Love that!! (Jennifer, if any of this is incorrect, blame me!)

I transitioned from my "standard" journal to my new one right away and loved it so much that I went looking for contact information...and found it: (go ahead and click...I'll wait for you to get back!!)

Integrity Graphics

Goodness! Did you just get lost in all that prayerful beauty?! I know I do every time I look at her site! And here's the best part...she's a real sweetheart! When I emailed her about how much I loved my journal and asked if I could blog about it and link to her Etsy site, I got the nicest reply!

Now, remember I mentioned sometime earlier (this week? last week? I barely remember my name at this point!) that I might have something up my sleeve? Well, you know there's no "might" with me!!

So if you'd like to have one of Jennifer's beautiful prayer journals - and c'mon, who wouldn't?! - here's how to enter my giveaway:

• Between now and next Friday, April 15, 2011 just leave me a comment as to which of her gorgeous journals you would choose for your very own! That's one entry.

• If you have a prayer request you'd like to share, please leave it as a separate comment and that will be an extra entry...and NO LIMIT on prayer requests. I'm honored to pray for you, always.

• Share a link to this post on YOUR blog and come back and leave me a separate comment that you did so and that's an extra entry.

• Leave me a separate comment and let me know if you're new to prayer journaling or if you're an old hand at it! That'll be another entry.

Oh...I mentioned that Jennifer is a sweetheart, right? What I didn't tell you is that she offered to gift one of you with a journal out of the kindness of her heart. I love that. But please know that I will be making this purchase. In fact - I am giving away 3 journals in this giveaway, and as my disclosure, I am hereby stating that these journals are being purchased by me with my own funds. And they will each be beautifully personalized however you'd like - so you might want to be thinking about that (i.e., is it for you or will you be gifting it?)!

Speaking of gifting...JJ loved hers! I chose the cover specifically with her in mind. I think it was perfect.

I can't think of a better gift for a graduate heading off to college, a new Mom, a newlywed...the possibilities are endless. And of course, YOU need one too, right?! Ladies, did you notice that she also has designs for men? Remember - Father's Day is right around the corner and wouldn't a prayer journal be a treasured gift from the children to their Daddy? And men - the same for Mother's Day!

What's that you say? You've never used a prayer journal before? Perhaps now would be the perfect opportunity to get started! I can promise you this - you have nothing to lose and everything to gain! The only cost to you is the time it takes to post a comment or two (or three)!

And Jennifer now has a brand new design - the Journal Prayer Combo in addition to her standard Prayer Journal. If you win one, choose your preference! (Jennifer, I know we talked about this concept on the phone; I think it's fabulous and I'm so glad you did it!!)

• Sometime before midnight on April 15th, I'll use this to draw 3 numbers. The posts/posters that correspond to those numbers will be the winners of the journals. Please be sure to leave me some way to contact you in your comment(s). I'll post the winning names on Monday, April 18th...God willing and the creek don't rise!

Thank you, Jennifer, for such a beautiful creation! I'm still so excited over mine...it keeps me pinpoint focused and has truly blessed my prayer life!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6 NIV

What if?

Food for thought...


*Please scroll down and pause player before watching video*

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

The greatest teacher

My church has a double sided sign on the street...you can see it in the picture below:

And by the way, the building directly behind the sign houses our Sunday school classrooms...our worship center is way off in the distance - see it?! But they're all connected...it's a large church!

Anyway, today as I was driving by, I looked at the sign, as I always do. One of our church members lovingly changes the quotes - front and back - each week. The quote on the side I saw this afternoon was this:

"The greatest teacher is not experience, but example."

I thought how true that is and how true it is especially for us Christians trying to set a godly example for others so that they might be drawn to Christ as a hummingbird to sweet nectar!

Then I heard what song was playing on the radio and it all just came together. I LOVE when the Lord writes my blog posts for me!

*Please scroll down and pause player before watching video*

My Will by dc Talk
*Lyrics*
I'm setting the stage for the things I love
And I'm now the man I once couldn't be
And nothing on earth could now ever move me
I now have the will and the strength a man needs

It's my will, I'm not moving
'Cause if it's Your will, then nothing can shake me
And it's my will to bow and praise You
I now have the will to praise my God

Complexity haunts me for I am two men
Entrenched in a battle that I'll never win
My discipline fails me, my knowledge it fools me
But You are my shelter, all the strength that I need

It's my will, I'm not moving
'Cause if it's Your will, then nothing can shake me
And it's my will to bow and praise You
I now have the will to praise my God

I'm learning to give up the rights to myself
The bits and the pieces I've gathered as wealth
Could never compare to the joy that You bring me
The peace that You show me is the strength that I need

It's my will, I'm not moving
'Cause if it's Your will, then nothing can shake me
And it's my will to bow and praise You
I now have the will to praise my God

We've got to be children of peace
Don't you know we've got to be children of peace

And it's my will, I'm not moving
(We've got to be)
'Cause if it's Your will, then nothing can shake me
(Children of peace)

And it's my will to bow and praise You
(Don't you know we've got to be)
I now have the will to praise my God
(Children of peace)

And it's my will, I'm not moving
(We've got to be)
'Cause if it's Your will, then nothing can shake me
(Children of peace)

And it's my will to bow and praise You
(Don't you know we've got to be)
I now have the will to praise my God
(Children of peace)

It's Your will, it's Your will, not mine.
It's Your will, it's Your will
It's Your will, it's Your will, not mine.
It's Your will, it's Your will

And it's my will, I'm not moving
(We've got to be)
'Cause if it's Your will, then nothing can shake me
(Children of peace)

And it's my will to bow and praise You
(Don't you know we've got to be)
I now have the will to praise my God
(Children of peace)

Don't you know, we've got to be children of peace Don't you know, we've got to be children of peace

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Matthew 5:9 AKJV

Oh Glorious Day!

Can you believe? April already!! I'm not even going to say 'where has the time gone' because, really, what's the point?! It's gone!

Holy Week is fast approaching and I know we're all giving more thought to the final days of our Savior as He finished His work here on earth before returning to His rightful place and all He had given up for us. It's a time of such mixed feelings - incredible profound sadness at the suffering He endured on my behalf and yet indescribable JOY at His resurrection and ascension and the promise of what that holds for you and me! Oh!! Think of it!! I mean, sit for a moment and REALLY think of it!! It just takes my breath away!!

So I dare you, yes - I dare you (!) to listen to this song and not be smiling from ear to ear by the time it's finished! My hands go in the air in praise of our King when I hear the words of this song! Tell me I'm not alone!! (Come on - tell me!!)

*Please scroll down and pause player before watching video*

O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"
1 Corinthians 15:55 NLT

Be sure to check back with me in the next few days! I want to share an exciting "find" with you...and I just may have something up my sleeve! ;) Have a blessed week!

The angel by my side

And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there.
Matthew 18:20 MSG

This is where I was last night - along with my good friend, JJ! Tell me...does it get much better this side of Heaven than to be praising and worshiping along with 10,000 brothers and sisters in Christ??!!

And through it all, I had an angel by my side. My friend JJ. She has always been a blessing in my life, but especially so since I lost my Sweet Hubby. Boy, oh boy, has she shown what she's made of! There will never be enough words in my vocabulary to tell her how grateful I am that she's in my life.

One of the artists last night was Francesca Battistelli. When she sang this song, all I could think of was how thankful I was for the "angels" in my life. And most especially the one sitting right next to me. (Who also happened to be celebrating her birthday!!) So, since it is Music Monday - I wanted to share the song with you and also put it up to thank JJ for her company last night, for her friendship all these many years and for all the ways that she has actively lived out Proverbs 17:17 in my life.

*Please scroll down and pause player before watching video*
(just a note: some of the spelling/lyrics in this video are incorrect, but...oh well!)

Happy Birthday plus one, JJ! It was a wonderful night - even better than last year's WinterJam! And God willing, I'm already looking ahead to WJ2012 with you by my side!!

A friend loves at all times, and is born, as is a brother, for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17 AMP

Just You and me

It's almost 2 a.m. and like a lot of nights - most nights - I'm awake. Praying. Tonight (this morning?) I did something a bit different. I turned on Pandora radio on my phone...just a little soft music in the background while I gathered my thoughts. Of course, as happens so often, the music became a beautiful conduit for my conversation with our Creator.

These past few days have been filled with prayer requests. Illnesses, impending death of a friend of a friend, financial struggles...and with each day I add to my journal and take these concerns to the Throne Room - seeking His grace, mercy, peace, healing - on behalf of others. Many times I just ask Him to help me know what to say (and sometimes what NOT to say as well!).

Tonight, as I was lying there just...listening...a song came on. It was perfect. A prayer unto itself. I love that. And I wanted you to know - to share it with you.

*Please scroll down and pause player before watching video.*

Goodnight. Sweet dreams. Know that you are always in my prayers.

I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him.
Psalm 62:1 NLT

Unchanged **updated 3/13/11

As we lift up and prayerfully surround all those impacted by today's horrific earthquake, tsunami and nuclear power plant radioactivity issue in Japan, as well as those affected by the subsequent tsunami in the Pacific region, let's remember that the God of yesterday, today and tomorrow is still on His throne. He is unchanged! Amen! May we see His glory shine through the dark days ahead!

*Please scroll down and pause player before watching video*

The Red Cross has set up a website to help aid in connecting loved ones. That address is www.redcross.org./safeandwell

Are you able to do a little bit to help financially? Here are just a few suggestions:

Text the letters REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to the Red Cross or visit their website at www.redcross.org

Text the letters JAPAN to 50555 to make a $10 donation to Global Living.

Text the letters JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to make a $10 donation to the Salvation Army.

Text the letters TSUNAMI to 50555 to make a $10 donation to Convoy of Hope.

Text the letters WAVE to 50555 to make a $10 donation to World Relief Corp.

***I had a representative of Hope Letters make me aware of their effort to bring *HOPE* to the school children and relief workers in Japan*** Please read the following excerpt from their website:

Hope Letters is a voluntary online initiative to collect words and letters of hope aimed at a community (i.e., school children, emergency workers, or the public at large) and deliver them in their local language in a practical method. Hope Letters aims to rely on volunteers to translate messages into the language of the recipient and then use local organizations to deliver the electronic or paper messages, because Internet and computer access may not be available.

Hope Letters started on March 11, 2011 in response to the 8.9 earthquake that hit Japan and the ensuing massive devastation. from hopeletters.wordpress.com 2011

I *hope* we can ALL take a few minutes to visit their website to send messages to the children and aid workers in Japan. Amidst the devastation, think how much words of HOPE could mean to someone who may have none, or be running on close to empty...

Here is their website: http://hopeletters.wordpress.com/

And my thanks to the person who left me the comment letting me know about this wonderful work! God bless you and the volunteers making this possible!

Facebook has a Disaster Relief Page which has some suggestions as well...check it out, if you Facebook.

Let's all do *something* - we are the Body of Christ!!

There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.
Luke 21:11 NLT

Where's the sin?

Isn't it interesting how we're all so different? We're all born with our own personalities and go on to be further shaped by our upbringing and life experiences...

If we're Christian and in active fellowship with other Christians, then we're further influenced by them as well. Hopefully, the influence is sound and of a good, kind and godly nature. But...what if it isn't?

I was in this position yesterday. Listening to someone cry out about issues within their church that they knew were not biblical...knew were far from how Christ would want the Body to act on His behalf. It's painful to listen to. I'm absolutely sure it's painful to have to wrestle with. I am praying for this couple. I know that the Lord will put them where they're supposed to be - whether they're already there and will effect change from within or be it someplace else. Can I ask that you pray for them too? Names aren't important...we know that! And besides - I'm sure there are (unfortunately) more people just like them would could use prayer about this very thing. So, maybe we should just lift them all up...

And while we pray for them...I chose this song for today's Music Monday selection. This was one of the issues raised during our conversation. It's no sin to be poor. Or homeless. Or hungry. We are all called to help. We ARE His Body.

*Please scroll down and pause player before watching video*

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' "Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?' "And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'
Matthew 25:34-46 NLT

A smidge early

Okay, I know it's not Spring...yet! I'm just sooo tired of Winter - and I know I'm not the only one! But Spring will be here in just a few more weeks, my friends!

And the bees sure do make me smile! How about you?

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT

I'm still here! No, really...I am!

And I haven't forgotten about my poor neglected blog OR my poor neglected blogging friends!

I've just been taking some time away to - well - just be. I hope you understand. I think you do.

I promise I'll be around to see you all soon. And I'll be back to posting soon as well... :)

In the meantime, how about a little "brotherly love?"

Matthew and Baylor

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.
1 John 4:7

Again

I wasn't going to do it. Honestly.

Even though friends and family were encouraging me to, I wasn't going to do it.

Too much loss. Too much pain. Too many tears. Too many goodbyes.

And then I saw this face online.

Those eyes...I had to meet him. Just had to.

So meet him I did. And just like the day I met my Lulu, he sat absolutely silent amidst all the barking and howling dogs watching me approach. His eyes never leaving mine. And I knew. Just as I knew with Lulu.

His name is Baylor and he is 2 years old. He'll be 3 in September. He is a Blue Pit mix...just as Lulu was. But where Lulu was mixed with Schnauzer, Baylor is part Boxer. He is a big, strong boy - weighing in at 60 pounds. A gentle giant, though...a big teddy bear.

Here he is meeting my vet of 22+ years the day after I adopted him...

Yep, he's a people lover alright! And people love him! He was the shelter "favorite" and everyone was sad, yet happy to see him leave. Bittersweet!

He has settled in nicely...seems to be loving his new home and the freedom he has in his very own backyard! And as you can see, he had no trouble adjusting to bedtime!

I've found that he's a good listener...when I talk (and cry) about my Sweet Hubby and Lulu, this big boy climbs in my lap - all 60 pounds of him. Help!!

So, thank you all...dear friends, for your wonderful comments about my girlie, Lulu. They warmed my heart, they truly did. She was, and is, so very loved. And missed. But I know where she is and who she's with and I am very much at peace. Lucky girl.

Please welcome Baylor into your hearts through my blog!

God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.
Genesis 1:25 NLT

Goodbye Sweet Friend

You weren't mine from the very beginning...but you came into my life at a time when your presence was most needed. It was almost a fairy tale beginning - our eyes met and that was that. You were 6 years old when you came home to live with me two days after I buried the love of my life, my Sweet Hubby. I remember so well what you looked like...you with your "crazy hair!"

That didn't last long though...I think you liked your "new look!"

Having you here meant never coming home to an empty house. You were my constant companion. My "Velcro girl" from the very beginning. You loved everyone, but you and I were "connected" in a special way. You were my sweet girlie and you knew it!

Six months ago yesterday, you took ill suddenly. Ultimately, you were diagnosed with Lyme disease, Poly arthritis and Lyme Nephritis. We were fortunate to find a wonderful veterinary internal medicine specialist here who took you on as a patient these past six months and enabled you to enjoy the quality of life that I had only hoped for when you first got sick...something that the vets at the emergency hospital didn't hold out much hope for.

With the help of Dr. Kremer, I got to watch you chase grasshoppers all summer long. You got to lay on the deck in the summer sun - one of your favorite things to do! We got to take trips to visit Matthew, your favorite person in the world (beside me, of course!). Yes, you had quality of life.

But last week, things started falling apart. Your labs were grim...the worst they'd ever been. It looked like we were entering the end stages of renal failure. This past weekend was very hard. It broke my heart for you.

We had an appointment with Dr. Kremer scheduled for yesterday at 2 p.m. I called them and let them know it would be our "last appointment." They were ready for us when we got there.

I have known all along that I made the right decision by choosing to take you to Dr. Kremer, but yesterday proved it once again to me. At 2:25, while I told you how much I loved you and to say hello to Daddy for me, you peacefully slipped away.

How do you say goodbye to someone you love? How do you say "thank you" for all that they did for you? I hope you know. I like to think you do. And last night, when I managed to get a bit of sleep, I dreamt that my Sweet Hubby sent me flowers. In my dream, I knew they were because I had lost you. I woke up feeling that you had "arrived" safely and I am at peace.

But I will miss you forever, my sweet girlie...my Lulu.

My Lulu
11/14/08-1/24/11


He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever."
Revelation 21:4 NLT