This fall has been extra special to me. I have enjoyed the local wildlife more than usual. We have been so blessed to witness nature at her best.
The mornings have been crisp and cool. The sunsets have been extremely colorful at the end of the day. The nights have been so beautiful. The dark skies of Norse have allowed us to view the planets and stars at their most visible. The nights are so peaceful.
During the days, at various intervals,skies are filled with the sound of wild geese traveling south for the winter. It is a blessing to looking up into the sky and see them in their V formations traveling so gracefully against the clear blue sky. Often at night fall seeing them land on local ponds for a rest.
The deer have gotten so use to seeing us around our home that they no longer run from us. They will lay in our yard near cedar trees and watch us as we go about our business. There is a trust of sorts that we will not bother them. The cotton tail rabbits and jack rabbits accept our old fruit; but still run if we approach them.
An old raccoon is thankful for the fruit and vegetables we leave for him; but like the rabbits is not sure of us yet. The local birds come for seed that we have for their benefit as well as enjoying the little water fountain we have for water. There are several Cardinals that are a wonderful scarlet red this years.
If you have not guessed, I consider these days and wildlife as gifts from the hand of God. Watching the wildlife in itself brings peace to one's soul and mind. Seeking God among His creations allows me to be still and ready to listen not just ramble in speech; but to actually sit still and listen.
After 54 years of life, I still find that God can amaze me as much as He could when I was a child. I find myself willing to learn and thankful that there is so much yet to learn. I feel so hopeful and believe that blessings will be revealed in the day ahead: the prayers I pray to be answered in ways that one might know that only the hand of God could have done it.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
This past week we went to Mississippi. We took my mother-in-law and her sister to visit an old plantation sight and to see where many of their ancestors were buried.
The purpose of the trip was to let them see the places that their mother and aunts had spoke of so often We were able to hear from them the family legends as well as glean facts from the locations. It brought great joy to me to see my mother-in-law's eyes dance with delight to see some of the places she had heard of as a child.
It became a bonding time for our family: my mother-in-law, her sister, a cousin, my husband and myself. i was able to see the things that they all had in common as well as the things that separated them and made them individuals. The history of the family was filled with a common string: those who have much, much is required. The thought that you have been given so much, not necessarily financially; but in education, natural abilities and hard work required you to share with others for a common good.
Many served as senators, representatives, judges and lawyers for common people who could not afford legal help. Many started churches in their homes wherever they lived. When coming to a new place if there was not a church, they would open the doors to their home twice a week for services. Often they would leave a son or two behind when moving again to continue to pastor the church they had started. Many of the churches that they started in their home are still active. Such was the church we attended on Sunday for its 150 anniversary.
150 years ago, Peter Parker, travelled from Alabama to De Soto, Mississippi. His family and five other families built the first Baptist Church there. Peter was its first pastor and remained there for ten year. His grandson George Beverly Parker, was the Sunday School Superintendent for over 31 years ,his wife Willie Creagh Falconer Parker took care of the Cradle Roll until her death. Many of their children's families attended the church until their deaths as well.
On Sunday, my mother-in-law and her sister were able to stand there with some of the cousins representing both Peter and George Parker. It was a special time for the past and the present to meet. While there, I felt great pride that God allowed us to be a witness to His ever present hand in the life of this family.
There were inscriptions on the tombstones that reminded us that God was the foundation of a good reputation and home. These were men and women of great character that past down to the next generation a love to God and country, a love for family and community and the character to try even if it means failing and to try again. These were people who early recognized that with an education, one could achieve much and thought it to be every man, woman or child's right to be educated no matter race, creed or color.
These ancestors also played important part in the history of the state of Alabama and Mississippi. No matter what job they had, they put their family first and for this I believe their children grew up strong and confident.
There is so much that could be said or written, but that would take a long time so I will write just a little at a time.
The purpose of the trip was to let them see the places that their mother and aunts had spoke of so often We were able to hear from them the family legends as well as glean facts from the locations. It brought great joy to me to see my mother-in-law's eyes dance with delight to see some of the places she had heard of as a child.
It became a bonding time for our family: my mother-in-law, her sister, a cousin, my husband and myself. i was able to see the things that they all had in common as well as the things that separated them and made them individuals. The history of the family was filled with a common string: those who have much, much is required. The thought that you have been given so much, not necessarily financially; but in education, natural abilities and hard work required you to share with others for a common good.
Many served as senators, representatives, judges and lawyers for common people who could not afford legal help. Many started churches in their homes wherever they lived. When coming to a new place if there was not a church, they would open the doors to their home twice a week for services. Often they would leave a son or two behind when moving again to continue to pastor the church they had started. Many of the churches that they started in their home are still active. Such was the church we attended on Sunday for its 150 anniversary.
150 years ago, Peter Parker, travelled from Alabama to De Soto, Mississippi. His family and five other families built the first Baptist Church there. Peter was its first pastor and remained there for ten year. His grandson George Beverly Parker, was the Sunday School Superintendent for over 31 years ,his wife Willie Creagh Falconer Parker took care of the Cradle Roll until her death. Many of their children's families attended the church until their deaths as well.
On Sunday, my mother-in-law and her sister were able to stand there with some of the cousins representing both Peter and George Parker. It was a special time for the past and the present to meet. While there, I felt great pride that God allowed us to be a witness to His ever present hand in the life of this family.
There were inscriptions on the tombstones that reminded us that God was the foundation of a good reputation and home. These were men and women of great character that past down to the next generation a love to God and country, a love for family and community and the character to try even if it means failing and to try again. These were people who early recognized that with an education, one could achieve much and thought it to be every man, woman or child's right to be educated no matter race, creed or color.
These ancestors also played important part in the history of the state of Alabama and Mississippi. No matter what job they had, they put their family first and for this I believe their children grew up strong and confident.
There is so much that could be said or written, but that would take a long time so I will write just a little at a time.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Been thinking
Lately, I have been thinking about King David and his life. He was known as the "Apple of God's Eye". For someone so loved by our Father and Creator, this man went through a lot. He experienced depression, betrayal and great loss.
He was the youngest of Jesse's boys: he had a gentle spirit with a warrior's heart. David was a man of great faith: he trusted that God had a plan for his life and it was good. David was a man who served under a harsh jealous King who accused him of things that David did not do. When he was King, there were those again who were jealous and coveted all David had. They sought to destroy him.
One thing about David, he remain constant in his faith. He believed that if he strayed, like a good Father, God would point out his sin and give him the choice of whether to repent or to harden his heart. Because of his relationship with God, David quickly chose to repent and surrender himself to the mercies of God.
David knew that it was "better to spend one day in the courts of God than a thousand else where". He knew that God's mercies were great and renewed with every dawn. He knew that man was not by nature a merciful being that man would seek revenge or destruction of another.
When he stood up to the Giant. He was certain that he was doing what God required of him. When he played the harp to soothe King Saul, he knew this was where God wanted him. When he danced with great joy before the Lord, he knew this was how God wanted him to enter into His courts: dancing and with great praise. When he chose not to slay King Saul, he knew that God would show him the same mercy. When Nathan spoke to him about his sins, David knew immediately that God wanted him to come in repentance, so he ran and threw himself on the horn of the altar.
Because of the love that David and God shared, David knew that God was always present. David knew that God knew him ever so intimately. Because of this all the days of his life he held fast to God and His word. Even in loneliness, sorrow, depression and confusion of old age, David knew that God had not forsaken Him.
I ask myself: Do I have faith like David to believe that no matter where I am or what I am going through, God is present? Am I willing to run to the altar and hang on until I get a word from God about my life? Am I willing to fight the Giants in my life simply because I know that this is what God says to do? Am I willing to show mercy to someone who has hurt me deeply and seeks to destroy me?
If I cannot answer yes to all of these questions today, I pray that God will be patient with me and guide me to the place where I can answer yes.
He was the youngest of Jesse's boys: he had a gentle spirit with a warrior's heart. David was a man of great faith: he trusted that God had a plan for his life and it was good. David was a man who served under a harsh jealous King who accused him of things that David did not do. When he was King, there were those again who were jealous and coveted all David had. They sought to destroy him.
One thing about David, he remain constant in his faith. He believed that if he strayed, like a good Father, God would point out his sin and give him the choice of whether to repent or to harden his heart. Because of his relationship with God, David quickly chose to repent and surrender himself to the mercies of God.
David knew that it was "better to spend one day in the courts of God than a thousand else where". He knew that God's mercies were great and renewed with every dawn. He knew that man was not by nature a merciful being that man would seek revenge or destruction of another.
When he stood up to the Giant. He was certain that he was doing what God required of him. When he played the harp to soothe King Saul, he knew this was where God wanted him. When he danced with great joy before the Lord, he knew this was how God wanted him to enter into His courts: dancing and with great praise. When he chose not to slay King Saul, he knew that God would show him the same mercy. When Nathan spoke to him about his sins, David knew immediately that God wanted him to come in repentance, so he ran and threw himself on the horn of the altar.
Because of the love that David and God shared, David knew that God was always present. David knew that God knew him ever so intimately. Because of this all the days of his life he held fast to God and His word. Even in loneliness, sorrow, depression and confusion of old age, David knew that God had not forsaken Him.
I ask myself: Do I have faith like David to believe that no matter where I am or what I am going through, God is present? Am I willing to run to the altar and hang on until I get a word from God about my life? Am I willing to fight the Giants in my life simply because I know that this is what God says to do? Am I willing to show mercy to someone who has hurt me deeply and seeks to destroy me?
If I cannot answer yes to all of these questions today, I pray that God will be patient with me and guide me to the place where I can answer yes.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Lately, I have ben listening to the new Third Day Album with my husband. It is so hard to pick just one song to call a favorite. In fact, I like the whole album.
All of the songs lead you to one direction: the ever present love of God. One of the songs states,"If you ever feel like giving up, I'll be there. If you ever feel so alone, I'll be there. I'll be there to hold you"
It reminds me that God is with me at all times: those times when I feel that nothing goes right and that overwhelmed feeling sneaks up. Being one who battles depression, I catch myself using the words, "I'm tired' I have learned this is my spirit's code for depressed or oppressed. It has nothing to do with the physical; but instead everything to do with the emotional and spiritual.
I have to stop and take a deep breath and find a place of quiet. In that place, I have to pour myself out before God and enter into His presence. I have to be still... then I realize that it was not God who withdrew His presence, it was I who walked away and took on the cares of this life. I needed to remind myself that no matter what occurs, God is present.
Depression comes when I do not release those cares that weight me down. The human spirit was meant to be free and in communication with our Father Creator. When we take on burdens and let them mount up, we are overwhelmed and become deaf, blind and mute in our relationship with God.
Depression is a genetic thing for my tribe: the wiring in our brains makes us predisposed; but the Spirit of God offers hope and victory. I am thankful that God allowed the creation of medicines that help with the chemical side of thing. But I know so well that without God in my life, the medicines would only take care of the chemical imbalance and not the total situation.
I am thankful that God is always present, that He is aware of everything that goes on. I am thankful that like every good parent, He gives us the freedom of choice full knowing that we might not make the right choices all of the time. And like a good parent when we do make the right choice, He is there to get us back on track: I am thankful that He rejoices when we choose right and walk in the path He desires for us.
I keep thinking that in His Presence there is everything we need
All of the songs lead you to one direction: the ever present love of God. One of the songs states,"If you ever feel like giving up, I'll be there. If you ever feel so alone, I'll be there. I'll be there to hold you"
It reminds me that God is with me at all times: those times when I feel that nothing goes right and that overwhelmed feeling sneaks up. Being one who battles depression, I catch myself using the words, "I'm tired' I have learned this is my spirit's code for depressed or oppressed. It has nothing to do with the physical; but instead everything to do with the emotional and spiritual.
I have to stop and take a deep breath and find a place of quiet. In that place, I have to pour myself out before God and enter into His presence. I have to be still... then I realize that it was not God who withdrew His presence, it was I who walked away and took on the cares of this life. I needed to remind myself that no matter what occurs, God is present.
Depression comes when I do not release those cares that weight me down. The human spirit was meant to be free and in communication with our Father Creator. When we take on burdens and let them mount up, we are overwhelmed and become deaf, blind and mute in our relationship with God.
Depression is a genetic thing for my tribe: the wiring in our brains makes us predisposed; but the Spirit of God offers hope and victory. I am thankful that God allowed the creation of medicines that help with the chemical side of thing. But I know so well that without God in my life, the medicines would only take care of the chemical imbalance and not the total situation.
I am thankful that God is always present, that He is aware of everything that goes on. I am thankful that like every good parent, He gives us the freedom of choice full knowing that we might not make the right choices all of the time. And like a good parent when we do make the right choice, He is there to get us back on track: I am thankful that He rejoices when we choose right and walk in the path He desires for us.
I keep thinking that in His Presence there is everything we need
Friday, August 29, 2008
Seeds Planted Part 2
God is very interested in my family. At a meeting, my other daughter and son-in-law were given a word of encouragement. They were already at a place where God was leading them and they were given a confirmation that they were going in the right direction.
Almost immediately, what was spoken to them came to past. They were ready! God wanted to teach them a lesson about authority: what it meant to be under someone and what it meant to be over someone. I think of the book "The Tale of Three Kings" This book gave insight to authority from the eyes of King David. His experiences under Saul and his experiences over his kingdom and his sons. The son-in-law learned his lesson well and has been blessed because of it.
My daughter has put herself in place for God to bless her as a wife and mother. She is growing spiritually and in confidence.
In the past she has struggled with things that had taken her self esteem and she had forgotten that she belonged to the Living God. She reacted in her flesh and it brought her sorrow. Today, she walks in the knowledge that she is a daughter of the Most High God. It is a difference of night and day!
She is confident in her role has a mother and wife. As a couple, they are seeking God for their family and as the scriptures say, when you seek, you will find.
God has touched all of my children with His presence. It is a great joy to watch Him work in their lives and the lives of my grandchildren.
Almost immediately, what was spoken to them came to past. They were ready! God wanted to teach them a lesson about authority: what it meant to be under someone and what it meant to be over someone. I think of the book "The Tale of Three Kings" This book gave insight to authority from the eyes of King David. His experiences under Saul and his experiences over his kingdom and his sons. The son-in-law learned his lesson well and has been blessed because of it.
My daughter has put herself in place for God to bless her as a wife and mother. She is growing spiritually and in confidence.
In the past she has struggled with things that had taken her self esteem and she had forgotten that she belonged to the Living God. She reacted in her flesh and it brought her sorrow. Today, she walks in the knowledge that she is a daughter of the Most High God. It is a difference of night and day!
She is confident in her role has a mother and wife. As a couple, they are seeking God for their family and as the scriptures say, when you seek, you will find.
God has touched all of my children with His presence. It is a great joy to watch Him work in their lives and the lives of my grandchildren.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Harvest of Seeds Planted
About a year ago, a prophecy was given to one of my daughters and sons-in-law. They were told that in the next year that a great change in their life would come to past.
Almost immediately, things began to happen. The son-in-law lost his job! He was able to find a job that he liked but it paid less money than he had been making. So the family under went many changes and struggles for this past year: to top it off, he was told that this job was to be ending soon. Once more, the family had more pressure add to what was all ready happening.
Our very faithful God took control of their situation once they came to a place of realizing that even though things were tough: they had each other and that they were not alone in their struggle.
Exactly one year to the date of the prophecy, the son-in-law was hired at a job that promises a future and good pay with benefits. Not only that, they were able to move into a good school district and neighborhood after selling their house.
I am reminded of the verses in Daniel. You know where the angel appears to Daniel and told him from the first moment he prayed that his prayer was answered;but he (the Angel) had to fight with the king of Persia. That is what I feel took place in this situation: Spiritual Battle had to be done. Not only was spiritual warfare involved; but it was a time of character and faith building.
Faith building because one becomes aware that God is interested in their life and that He will do as He has promised. You have to stretch yourself and BELIEVE! Character building because in trials we learn things about ourself. We learn what is of God and what part of the world we still have in us. We learn who is truly on the throne of our life: God or our flesh.
I pray that all have learn that blessings just don't happen by some circumstance: that they occur when we are in communication with God. Just like seeds planted so long ago that were nurtured and water, our garden is full and ready for harvest.
I praise God for His loving kindness toward each of my children as I watch them harvest blessing from seeds planted in faith
Almost immediately, things began to happen. The son-in-law lost his job! He was able to find a job that he liked but it paid less money than he had been making. So the family under went many changes and struggles for this past year: to top it off, he was told that this job was to be ending soon. Once more, the family had more pressure add to what was all ready happening.
Our very faithful God took control of their situation once they came to a place of realizing that even though things were tough: they had each other and that they were not alone in their struggle.
Exactly one year to the date of the prophecy, the son-in-law was hired at a job that promises a future and good pay with benefits. Not only that, they were able to move into a good school district and neighborhood after selling their house.
I am reminded of the verses in Daniel. You know where the angel appears to Daniel and told him from the first moment he prayed that his prayer was answered;but he (the Angel) had to fight with the king of Persia. That is what I feel took place in this situation: Spiritual Battle had to be done. Not only was spiritual warfare involved; but it was a time of character and faith building.
Faith building because one becomes aware that God is interested in their life and that He will do as He has promised. You have to stretch yourself and BELIEVE! Character building because in trials we learn things about ourself. We learn what is of God and what part of the world we still have in us. We learn who is truly on the throne of our life: God or our flesh.
I pray that all have learn that blessings just don't happen by some circumstance: that they occur when we are in communication with God. Just like seeds planted so long ago that were nurtured and water, our garden is full and ready for harvest.
I praise God for His loving kindness toward each of my children as I watch them harvest blessing from seeds planted in faith
Sunday, August 3, 2008
What is it that I am to learn?
This past week, my husband broke his right leg. He has several fractures on the tibia and fibula above the ankle.
For a man who thinks working at his computer while sitting in a chair is resting, so far it has be real tough. Willie is the type of guy when he sleeps he makes lists for the next day ! He is a very social person and enjoys having fellowship with those who like doing the same things as he does. In fact, this guy just enjoys people and soon after meeting someone, he can add them to a list of ever growing friends.
As a Preacher's Kid, he moved several times in his youth, acquiring the skill of making friend quickly. He enjoys learning about new a different things and will research subjects until he gets a good idea what they are all about. He is a good friend that is loyal and willing to go the extra mile to help another.
His greatest joy however, is his family. Willie is very proud of his children and absolutely adores his grandchildren. He is often sharing with them various experiences and encouraging them to learn from life, as well as the fact, one should never stop learning.
God allows us to be put into a place or situations sometimes that requires us to learn something new. Willie might be learning how to slow down and rest a little. But what is it that I am to learn?
I believe it is to learn how to be cheerful as I serve him ( or anyone): how to express not only my love as I care for him; but to express the love of Jesus toward him as well.
I am to pray for his healing not because i am tired but because it will relieve his pain. I am to seek his comfort and realize that as I comfort him, God is adding to our relationship a new area of trust that will last us through our old age. Everyday, I learn patience and realize that God has chosen to use Willie to work them in me at this time. I am learning that when I pray to be more like Jesus, opportunities open up for me to experience the chance to learn how to serve and do it joyfully.
Please pray for Willie to be healed so that he might continue in the things that bring him joy and for me be a better servant: one who finds joy in the opportunities that God place before her.
For a man who thinks working at his computer while sitting in a chair is resting, so far it has be real tough. Willie is the type of guy when he sleeps he makes lists for the next day ! He is a very social person and enjoys having fellowship with those who like doing the same things as he does. In fact, this guy just enjoys people and soon after meeting someone, he can add them to a list of ever growing friends.
As a Preacher's Kid, he moved several times in his youth, acquiring the skill of making friend quickly. He enjoys learning about new a different things and will research subjects until he gets a good idea what they are all about. He is a good friend that is loyal and willing to go the extra mile to help another.
His greatest joy however, is his family. Willie is very proud of his children and absolutely adores his grandchildren. He is often sharing with them various experiences and encouraging them to learn from life, as well as the fact, one should never stop learning.
God allows us to be put into a place or situations sometimes that requires us to learn something new. Willie might be learning how to slow down and rest a little. But what is it that I am to learn?
I believe it is to learn how to be cheerful as I serve him ( or anyone): how to express not only my love as I care for him; but to express the love of Jesus toward him as well.
I am to pray for his healing not because i am tired but because it will relieve his pain. I am to seek his comfort and realize that as I comfort him, God is adding to our relationship a new area of trust that will last us through our old age. Everyday, I learn patience and realize that God has chosen to use Willie to work them in me at this time. I am learning that when I pray to be more like Jesus, opportunities open up for me to experience the chance to learn how to serve and do it joyfully.
Please pray for Willie to be healed so that he might continue in the things that bring him joy and for me be a better servant: one who finds joy in the opportunities that God place before her.
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