Female in Motion

John 3:30 is my focus verse/phrase for 2019. Not sure yet what form(s) this concept may take. God has placed these words repeatedly in my mind. I will do my best to obey. Thank you, Lord!

I saw something tonight, I just have to share with you. Picture this, the McDonald's drive-thru. It was very crowded, and I hadn't eaten since breakfast. On my way to Wal-Mart for more gift wrap and bows, I stopped for some McNuggets. Up early, with many hours of cleaning and prepping under my belt, I was tired and not feeling very festive at all. Admittedly, I thought how I just wanted the next 24 hours to be over. As I said, not very festive. And then it happened. I saw a young worker exit the employee door and walk out to the far end of the restaurant parking lot. He took two large boxes out a vehicle, picked up one, and struggled to push the other with his leg and foot. There was a large, fancy SUV behind me in line. It contained one of those young, very well-dressed man with a fancy stereo and haircut to match. I watched this gentleman leave his car and step quickly toward the employee with the boxes. He picked up the one on the ground without a word and walked ba...

The holidays are tough enough to get through. Do what you can. Give yourself some grace. Take a deep, slow breath. Spend time in solitary prayer. You can't be everything to everyone, so just be kind to yourself and others. People may be going through something we know nothing about. Forgive all. Especially yourself.

"Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured."--Mark Twain Last week, as they laid former President George H.W. Bush to rest, his dear friend, former Senator Alan Simpson, gave the eulogy. The gentleman from Wyoming told of something #41 told him once. "He never hated anyone," Sen. Simpson said of President Bush. "He knew what his mother and my mother always knew: Hatred corrodes the container it's carried in." My own experience with bitterness reveals that it pins you in place. No forward progress or growth is possible as long as the unfinished business of anger lingers in your life. Further, I've discovered that when I practice the hard work of forgiveness, it allows me to move my focus where it belongs--serving God and helping people. The gift of forgiveness doesn't benefit the one who wronged you, but rather the gift is for you. Believe me, you want this gift....

Photo courtesy of Twelve Timbers Matthew 6:34 (KJV) Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. When the Jews wandered in the desert for 40 years, God provided food for them. Manna fell from heaven each night and in the morning, the people gathered just enough for that day. If they tried to save some, it spoiled. The lesson taught to them by their Heavenly Father was to trust Him for all their needs and to focus on one day at a time. This daily blessing was completely from God--no other. It was freely given to all; they just had to accept it. Manna is a picture of the grace that God rains down on us each day. We simply have to pick up what we need, and it will suffice. Worry, if left unchecked, will ruin your today and tomorrow, too. Don't borrow tomorrow's troubles--stay in the day. *** Notable Quote: "It's easy to look at the things of this wor...

Photo courtesy of  KDAR FM. Lord, my tank is empty tonight. I am so tired.  And I am grateful; that I have a job to do, people that love me, a church to worship with, and a blog to pour out my soul. Thank You, Father, for the mission that you have chosen me to do, the path you have me following. Forgive me when I stumble in sin and when I grow weary of this world.  With You as my guide, I will be obedient, because You want the best for me--in that I trust. What is ahead? Only my Savior knows. You are showing me how to make a difference in other's lives--but mine first.  Fill me up, Lord. In Your name, Amen.

Photo courtesy of Odyssey Exodus 10:2 (KJV) And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the LORD. God is not mysterious. He wants to be known and loved by you and me. I have the same yearning. It's truly stunning that He knows everything about me...and loves me still. There is a song playing frequently on The House FM . "Known" by Tauren Wells is my new favorite. "I'm fully known and loved by You You won't let go no matter what I do And it's not one or the other It's hard truth and ridiculous grace To be known fully known and loved by You" The Bible displays God's desire to be known. In verse after verse, our Father's attributes are revealed. He knows that the closer we are to Him, the more we will desire to know Him and the more intimate our relationship will be. Just like dear frien...

Photo courtesy of  TeachHUB I loved school. The routine, the challenge, even the tests were things I enjoyed. During the summer, I ached to return to class. Since finishing college, I have thought often about returning to learn new subjects. Work, finances, and life are roadblocks to me becoming a student again. In the meantime, I will read and research what interests me. Studying the Bible is one thing I never grow tired of. I can research the lives of the saints, the history of worship in the temple, or trace the journey to the promised land by the Jews. When I need encouragement, I can look up verses about joy, loss, pain, patience, and fortitude. Check out all the Bible verses regarding learning: Deuteronomy 4:5 (KJV) 5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. 1 Samuel 12:23 (KJV) 23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in cea...

Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV)   Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do , forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Sometimes, I just want to kick myself. I said or did the wrong thing; made a mistake; failed. After I pray for forgiveness--what's next? It's not just what you leave behind, it's what you reach for in the future. When you free yourself from old burdens, you are free of that weight. Next, you will be able to attain more, better, bigger blessings. Forget the past and reach for your good future. The prize is your eternal soul. Be encouraged, friend. *** Notable Quote: "Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently."--Henry Ford

Photo courtesy of davidjeremiah.blog 1 John 1:7 (KJV) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. There is a dark, gloomy corner of my basement. That's where my laundry room resides. The overhead light from the middle of the room just can't seem to reach that murky place. The Hubster added a lamp, but all we had was a 40-watt bulb. Couldn't even call that a light--it seemed to be more dark than light. I had trouble losing socks and other small items, and couldn't identify and pre-treat stains. (Did I mention I'm a laundry fanatic?)   Recently, the weak bulb burned out, and I replaced it with a powerful, 100-watt bulb. What a difference! What was once dim and dreary, is now sharply defined. Socks are discovered; stains are vanquished at last. Darkness is where guilt and shame reside. They grow like mushrooms--popping up and rapidly expanding as we ...

Last week marked six years since my first chemotherapy dose. Looking back at photos of that time, I can't believe how long ago it was (seems like a lifetime), and how fast it went by. I was asked how the first dose went--what it was like--and it brought me back to the first day. After researching, I had a backpack loaded with helpful items. The tech checked me into my suite and I settled into the heated recliner. She suited up and brought in four IV bags. Bag #1: Benedryl and saline--To help me stay hydrated and prevent an allergic reaction to chemo. Bag #2: Steroids and saline--These prevent nausea and other stress responses to chemo. Bag #3: Taxotere: Used to treat breast cancer; neuropathy and permanent hair loss are side effects. Bag #4: Cytoxan: No longer available in the U.S.; causes inflammation and loss of nails. As the first bag went in, I just felt a cool sensation. No pain at all. And then I had to pee. And then I napped. The next five hours were basically na...

2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Last week, I wrote about strength. This week, the other side of the coin--weakness. Every time I fail, or flop, or generally mess up, any semblance of strength that I possess evaporates. My heart cries out to God for help. And He is there. His mercy flows over me and I find the relief I seek. Thank you, Lord. I'm so glad You're there. *** Notable Quote: "Trouble and perplexity drive us to prayer, and prayer driveth away trouble and perplexity."--Philip Melanchthon

Photo courtesy of emerge.coach Exodus 16:15-16 (KJV) And when the children of Israel saw it , they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was . And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat. This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents. While the children of Israel wandered around the Sinai desert for 40 years, God provided for them. He sent fresh manna every morning...but only enough for one day. This provision from the Father was conditional. The offer was only good for 24 hours. If the Jews kept the manna overnight, it spoiled. Strength is another of our Savior's qualified gifts. He gives us just what we need to face each new day. I believe it's all I can handle. Any more than that, and I would start feeling invincible--like a superhero. Fa...

Photo courtesy of www.pcog.org. Philippians 4:8 (KJV) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. I've always had a big imagination. Sometimes, when I'm working on something creative, my thoughts come so quickly, I have trouble sorting them out. My process is to write everything down, then sort out the good from the bad. There are times when I try to sleep, but my thoughts race and jumble together--regrets of the day, old memories, former failures. Earlier in my life, I believed I had no choice but to relive and suffer through. That was a lie from the dark one. The Bible is chock full of ways to handle my thought life. I love the imagery of the quote from 2 Corinthians 10:5 "...taking every thought captive." I don't h...

Photo courtesy of the Toronto Star This joke is an old favorite of mine: One day a group of scientists got together and decided that man had come a long way and no longer needed God. So they picked one scientist to go and tell Him that they were done with Him.          The scientist walked up to God and said, "God, we've decided that we no longer need you. We're to the point that we can clone people and do many miraculous things, so why don't you just go on and get lost."          God listened very patiently and kindly to the man. After the scientist was done talking, God said, "Very well, how about this?  Let's say we have a man-making contest."  To which the scientist replied, "Okay, great!"          But God added, "Now, we're going to do this just like I did back in the old days with Adam."          Th...

Photo courtesy of HuffPost. 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV) But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Both my parents are right-handed, and so are my two older sisters. Mom noticed right away that I used my left hand often. She didn't try to influence me one way or another but simply observed. I was different, and she was okay with that. Then my little brother came along. We did everything together, so when he started using his left hand, Mom thought he might be mimicking me. As a smart mom, she made sure that every opportunity he had to choose a dominant hand was on an even playing field. Our parents made sure we had all the left-handed tools we needed, but we still live in a right-handed world. School was especially hard. Desks were almost always right-sided and don't get me started on spiral notebooks. Household utensils and...

Psalm 39:4-5 (KJV) LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am . Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. I enjoy happy endings. The hero kisses the girl. The best friends ride off into the sunset. The good guys win. When I read a book or see a film that has an unsatisfying conclusion, I hunger to "fix" it, by rewriting it in my head or even on paper. We all have choices, of how we live. Very few of us have a choice of how we die, though. For me, it is more important to fill my days with love and people and my relationship with God. He gives me a daily dose of grace to pour into others His love and understanding. I am humbled and grateful at where He has placed me; this time, these people, this life. Whatever the end is, whenever that might be, I pray for peace and significance...and a satisfy...

Photo courtesy of VideoBlocks Psalm 103:12 (KJV) As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. You are not being punished for past sins. God wants to use us. That is His heart's desire, but He wants us to freely submit. Let the past go. Christ will show us the way. *** Notable Quote: "Let us fly from the Past on the wings of Faith."--James Lendall Basford

Psalm 25:5 (KJV) Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. During the early years of our marriage, The Hubster worked as a welder in an elevator factory. He was covered in metal dust upon his arrival home daily. After taking a bath to remove all the work grime, he quickly refilled the tub so that our toddler daughter could join him with her tub toys. This evening ritual was capped off by The Hubster feeding his firstborn her dinner, while I cooked ours. Those early times as a family were precious, and ones that we looked forward to--all day long. I wonder if our Savior waits each day for us; to hear our prayers, worship, and praises. He wants to fellowship and be near us. Spending time together is His favorite thing. How long will He have to wait? *** Notable Quote: "I've never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful."--Author unknown

Psalm 77:11-13 (KJV) I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God? I remember the beginning of Female in Motion. Of course, you've heard the story related, year after year. It was a year after I began writing that I determined to continue and a year after that I joined a writer's group and learned about real writing and editing. I will remember my Savior and His great sacrifice. I will remember the joy He alone gives. I will remember the courage that obedience to the Father provides. I will remember the Lord's love and acceptance. I will remember the gifts that He bestows. I will remember. *** Notable Quote: "Everybody needs his memories. They keep the wolf of insignificance from the door."--Saul Bellow

Wabash Depot, Chillicothe, MO. My grandfather arrived home from WWII at this station. Psalm 68:5-6 (KJV) A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. God setteth the solitary in families:  The Hubster, my mother and I attended a family reunion in Missouri last weekend. It's a marvelous thing to be among those who know you best. They've seen me at my worst and best and love me still. When you become a Christ Follower, you are welcomed into the family of God. Believers are accountable to each other, and an encouragement. In my congregation, we call it "church family." We are supportive, in the good times and bad. People begin as believers in all sorts of conditions, with many types of family situations. When you accept Christ as your Savior, God becomes your Heavenly Father and members of your congregation become brothers and sisters in Christ. There is an old saying that you can't "pick your family," b...

December 2012, after chemo dose #4. Psalm 5:1-3 (KJV) Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. I love praying for others; it gives me purpose. When someone requests my prayers, I consider it a challenge to see how many times I can pack it into my day. My mom and I have been spending some time together in prayer lately. It's so precious to share prayer time with her. It is humbling when I hear that others are holding me up in prayer. What a special feeling! I learned to accept the blessing of prayer when I went through breast cancer treatment. Have you plugged into the power source of prayer? *** Notable Quote: "To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world."==Karl Barth

Photo courtesy of Playbuzz Psalm 27:5 (KJV) For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.  I only ran away from home once, and here's the story: As a headstrong kid, (I know, shocking!) I got sent to my room for a while to cool off. Seems like I was 4 or 5 at the time. After wallowing around in self-pity for a while, I concocted a plan to run away. Sneaking into the kitchen, I quickly packed a few snacks. After a brief stop in the garage for my trusty red wagon, I headed to the furthest destination I could think of, my own backyard. There was a row of colorful irises planted all along the south side of the house, just under my bedroom window. I pulled the wagon over, grabbed a book and started to read. Soon I was joined by my best friend, our Boston Terrier, Bootsy. He snuggled close as I read aloud. "No one in this family understands me but you, Boots," I wailed to ...

Photo courtesy of Christian Courier Psalm 23:1-6 (KJV) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. The 23rd Psalm is one of the most read and recognized Bible passages. It compares a Follower's walk with Christ, to a sheep with a shepherd. You can see it as you read back through. "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters," hearkens to the docile lamb. The passage that has rece...

The Hubster and me with longhorn sculptures in Texas. Psalm 16:8-9 (KJV) I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. The Hubster, my mom and I visited Texas last weekend. We visited family while there. It's nice to get out of town now and then, and the time away was refreshing. Time spent with family is my favorite thing. I returned to work today with a glad heart. *** Notable Quote: "All God asks is that we do the best we can, every day."--Mom

Crazy in love with my new cousin. Photo courtesy of Bonnie Logan. Psalm 148:11-13 (KJV) Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. I love kids. All of them. They make me feel young and carefree. This past weekend, I got to do some cool things with and for children. On Friday, Rainbows United, the company I work for, hosted a Fashion Show at Camp Woodchuck. The kids had so much fun and they all looked great. I was honored to be able to organize the Baking Brigade that made all the goodies the kids enjoyed. On Saturday, our church hosted a baby shower for our newest MBC family member. Little Evelyn was a perfect angel on her big day. We played games and ate delicious cookies. Our darling girl got some wonderful new stuff for her nursery. I was in heaven when I got to hold and ...

Pet bed by Peticula Psalm 66:8-11 (KJV) O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard: Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved. For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. While visiting my mom recently, a familiar song played on her kitchen stereo, "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden." This country love song was a hit back in 1970. It reminded me of those who preach the "Prosperity Gospel." Proponents of this movement believe that God wants you to succeed and have a prosperous life. There is nothing in the Bible that says God owes you a cushy life. He gave us abundant life, not a comfortable one. Think of the disciples. Did they live lavish lifestyles? Not hardly. Most of them were homeless and broke. The apostles were hunted men, who were arrested and tortured many times. Most were martyred for their...

Western Kansas Sunset by Paul Moore Psalm 116:15 (KJV) Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. I miss the way he loved his family. I miss his deep chuckle. I miss his "Dadisms." I miss his weekend breakfasts. I miss sitting on the kitchen floor, eating smoked oysters on crackers with him. I miss him reading the Sunday funnies to me. I miss our talks about business management. I miss how he loved my daughters. I miss watching him grill steaks and burgers. I miss cranking homemade ice cream with him. I miss summer road trips with him. I miss how he loved my mom. I miss how he thought I could get geometry if I just relaxed. I miss catching fish with him and my brother. I miss how safe he made me feel when I was afraid. I miss my father. *** Notable Quote: "Sorrow makes us all children again--destroys all differences of intellect. The wisest know nothing."--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Photo courtesy of Rainbows United Inc website Psalm 143:8 (KJV) Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Every workday, I get "Toddler Therapy."  I stop by the Infant and Toddler classrooms with my coffee and say good morning. The children are usually eating their breakfast, or playing with toys, or singing and dancing to a video, or generally having a good time. We greet each other and I usually say or do something quite silly and/or immature. It's the way I start my day on the right track. Before I leave the house, I read a short Bible lesson and pray with the Hubster. During my drive into Wichita, I pray and sing along to praise music on The House FM. That also gives me a good start. When I begin in this fashion, it gives me the foundation for a great day. And when I don't...it's not that great. I trust God, so I try to listen for His ...

Courtesy Google Images Psalm 126:2-3 (KJV) Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.  Our church is funny. I mean, we like to be together and share jokes. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to throw a pie in some one's face. That doesn't happen in too many small-town Baptist churches. A sense of humor--it's a personality trait often found at the top of potential mate checklists. I must admit, when I met the Hubster, that was a major plus. That, and the fact that his kisses made me weak in the knees (still do!). I love to laugh. Finding humor in hard situations has helped me keep my sanity through some difficult seasons. Laughter is an emotional release; like a pressure cooker. One of my favorite things to do is laugh at myself. I have plenty of opportunities. Whether a pratfall or a slip of the lip, t...

Psalm 142:1-7 (KJV)   I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.   I looked on my right hand and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me. David was depressed. He was hiding in a cave because King Saul was trying to kill him. There was no safe place to go. Everyone was against him. There was no one he could trust. He had ev...

Orange Fuzzy and I celebrating a milestone. Five years ago, on May 20, 2013, I took my last radiation treatment and completed my battle with breast cancer. Studies show that if you survive five years after cancer treatment, you have a much better chance of it never recurring. There is also a recent study that states breast cancer patients with an elevated risk of recurrence (like me) do better if they take anti-cancer medication for 10 years, instead of five. I am a two-time cancer survivor and both my mom and sister are breast cancer survivors. What they don't tell you is that there are serious side effects from Arimidex, the drug I have taken for the last five years: bone pain, arthritis-like symptoms, depression, mood swings, night sweats, dramatic weight gain, fatigue and a few others too personal to mention. I want to live. I have things to do; items to cross off my bucket list. And I love my life right now. My oncologist gave me the choice. God, the Hubster and I...

Interactive map courtesy of kwch.com Exodus 20:18-21 (KJV) And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it , they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was . I watched a tornado form in the sky as I drove home from work tonight. Cloud-to-ground lightning struck all around and strong winds blew debris against the car. Traffic was light on the road--just me, the highway patrol and the storm chasers. Once I crossed the city limits, though, there were cars lining the street, with families out watching the storm move in. It seemed to be a carnival atmosphere. The storm sirens sou...

Courtesy of the JavaCupcake Blog Last month was my boss' birthday. His favorite candies are Snickers and Rolos, so I determined in my mind to find the perfect birthday cake that had all the best elements of those confections. If you know me at all, you know I'm busy and try to do what I can in the most efficient way. So I found myself in the baking aisle of Dillons. And there it was. A Betty Crocker Delights Triple Chocolate Fudge cake mix. And I knew what I had to do. While searching Pinterest for a quick and simple frosting recipe, I ran across this peanut butter masterpiece by the JavaCupcake blog--so light, so fluffy, so decadent! Once I chopped up a bunch of Snickers bars and dropped on some Rolos, the cake was perfect. The way my co-workers inhaled it, I knew it was a hit. I tried the new recipe again, which I have named Candy Bar Cake, at a church dinner last weekend. Again to rave reviews. Friends begged for the recipe, so now I share it with all of ...

Courtesy of Brett Wilson Psalm 131:1-3 (KJV) LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child. Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever. Public speaking is something I can do. When I had to make a short presentation before a group of new hires at work last month, I was confident. Until later, when someone gave me some constructive criticism. Swallowing hard, the words soaked in and I realized there was room for improvement. I was humbled. It's not a new condition. I'm humbled quite often. Life can be filled with teachable moments. Think about Moses. He was destined to be Pharaoh: strong, ambitious and perfectly positioned. And then he found himself alone in the desert, chasing sheep, ignored and unknown...for forty years. The Lord used this humbling time to ...

Photo courtesy of Stacy N. Sergent 1 Thessalonians 4:11 (KJV) And that ye study to be quiet... Recently, God has been pressing on me the concept of intimacy. Closeness with my Creator and Savior is a priority and a goal. I also crave intimacy with my family and The Hubster--true, close relationships. No holds barred. In order to achieve this goal, I will need to get quiet. Shutting down the white noise of the world, work, electronic chaos and even the battle within has to happen. Silence has never been my forte. When my mouth isn't open, my throat is humming. When I'm not busy purring a tune, a googolplex of thoughts plays dodgems in my brain. Quiet is an unknown entity. I want to be ready to accept God's guidance, as well as His encouragement and admonition. My takeaways are intimacy and progress. *** Notable Quote: "Progress, not perfection."--A common phrase in 12-step programs

Thanks for the photo, Stefi! Acts 27:3 (KJV) And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself. Sometimes, you just need a day away to breathe, laugh, get pampered; a day of refreshment.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons John 10:27 (KJV) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  There were a few Bible prophets that "walked with God." This signified a much deeper relationship than mere belief in our Heavenly Father. These men were known by the Creator of the world. Us knowing Him is one thing, but Him knowing us is completely different. God knows everything because He is God. To know and be known by anyone is remarkable. Intimacy is gained when we invite others into our lives--pull back the curtain. When we reveal our true selves, it makes us vulnerable; but the by-product is a much deeper and closer relationship. If we wish to live a life of significance, we must be transparent with our Savior and our loved ones. Only then will we hear, "I've never loved you more than I do now." *** Notable Quote: 1 Corinthians 13:12 (KJV)  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part;...

1 Corinthians 1:18 (KJV) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. What is so good about Good Friday? Growing up in church, I thought it was a mean joke. How could it be a good day if Jesus died? It was all the Christians fault--the Crucifixion. They should have stopped the Jews...right? Only thing is, He wasn't murdered. He willingly gave His life up. So, why did He do it? The sacrifice that Jesus perfected on the cross was all about love--agape, free, all-compassing, unmerited grace-filled love. The big kind. He's all about the love. Just say thanks. *** Notable Quote: "To love God is the greatest of virtues; to be loved by God is the greatest of blessings."--Author unknown

Photo courtesy of Inspiration Ministries John 19:23-27 (KJV) Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home . They all had reasons to be there that day. For the Roman soldiers, it was just another day at work...

Courtesy of Sashank Purighalla Psalm 20:7 (KJV) Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. I remember the day I decided to let go of my security blanket. Both times. Blankie was very special. And green. It made my thumb taste delicious. I miss him sometimes. The second time was different. The Hubster had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma a few months before, and we met with a counselor to help us deal with our future. He showed me that I had wrongly placed my security with my husband, and not with my Savior. That was a very hard day, but the more I released my husband, the more God showed up--in a big way. We place our trust in money, homes, possessions, and people--each one is temporal. Only Christ remains. If we allow God to show us exactly how powerful He really is, I believe our lives would be totally transformed. Let God be God. *** Notable Quote: "The Shepherd knows what pastures are best fo...