A Plan for the New Year

The new year approaching has been on my mind. Some new things will take place in the new year - like for one, I start taking classes again and will be preparing for the nursing program. And there are a few things on my heart that I would like to accomplish or to be a part of. I really want to start visiting with the elderly and shut-ins again. I think I've needed to take an emotional hiatus from that ministry the past few months to heal from losing Mrs. Jessie. My heart is eager to begin again and receive the blessings that that ministry brings.

Now, I've always been one to over-schedule myself and fail to make proper time to nourish myself in the Lord while serving and doing for others. I love serving others, and increasing my own joy by seeing the joy of others increase, but it does not do me any good if I am not also spending time with God in His word and seeking to be filled with joy in Christ alone.

Ever so faithful, the Lord has provided me a resource to help guide me in the New Year. I came across A NEW YEAR'S PLEA: PLAN! by John Piper. In this article, Piper sets forth scripture and the importance of why we need to plan both in our prayer time, Bible study, ministry, and even in our work and personal/family life.

"Nothing but the simplest impulses gets accomplished without some forethought which we call a plan.

All of us know this and practice it in relation to the basic physical necessities of life. We take steps to see that we have enough to eat and clothes to keep us warm. But do we take our spiritual needs that seriously? Do we apply the same earnestness in planning to maximize our ministry as we do in planning to make a living?"

I'm so glad the Lord has chosen this time to teach me this - to admonish my heart to be more of a planner when it comes to my time, ministry, family, work, school and most importantly in my relationship with Him.

I'm eager to see what this New Year will bring and what the Lord will teach me. And even though, I rarely adjust well to change, I welcome it because I know that is how I grow and move to new places.

Proverbs 16:3, "Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established."

Hopeful Post-Christmas Melancholy (Post from Desiring God blog)

I came across this while reading Piper's blog and felt compelled to share it on my blog as well. I pray it blesses you as it blessed me.

Hopeful Post-Christmas Melancholy

December 27, 2008 | By: Jon Bloom
Category: Commentary

(Reposted from last year)

Each year Christmas night finds members of my family feeling some melancholy. After weeks of anticipation, the Christmas celebrations have flashed by us and are suddenly gone. And we’re left standing, watching the Christmas taillights and music fade into the night.

But it’s possible that this moment of melancholy may be the best teaching moment of the whole season. Because as long as the beautiful gifts remain unopened around the tree and the events are still ahead of us, they can appear to be the hope we are waiting for. But when the tree is empty and events are past, we realize we are longing for a lasting hope.

So last night, as Pam and I tucked our kids into bed, we talked about a few things with them:

• Gifts and events can’t fill the soul. God gives us such things to enjoy. They are expressions of his generosity as well as ours, but gifts and celebrations themselves are not designed to satisfy. They're designed to point us to the Giver. Gifts are like sunbeams. We are not meant to love sunbeams but the Sun.
• Putting our hope in gifts will leave us empty. Many people live their lives looking for the right sunbeam to make them happy. But if we depend on anything in the world to satisfy our soul’s deepest desire, it will eventually leave us with that post-Christmas soul-ache. We will ask, “Is that all?” because we know deep down that’s not all there is. We are designed to treasure a Person, not his things.
• It is more blessed to give than receive. What kind of happiness this Christmas felt richer, getting the presents that you wanted or making someone else happy with something that you gave to them? Receiving is a blessing, but Jesus is right—giving is a greater blessing. A greedy soul lives in a small, lonely world. A generous soul lives in a wide world of love.

It’s just like God to let the glitter and flash of the celebrations (even in his honor) to pass and then to come to us in the quiet, even melancholic void they leave. Because often that’s when we are most likely to understand the hope he intends for us to have at Christmas.

I pray you have a wonderful New Year!

Kathryn Scott's "Search Me Know Me"

I just heard this song by Kathryn Scott and I really like it. Here are the lyrics:

Search me know me
Try me and see
Every worthless affection hidden in me
All I'm asking for is that You'd cleanse me Lord

Create in me a heart that's clean
Conquer the power of secret shame
Come wash away the guilty stain of all my sin

Clothe me in robes of righteousness
Cover my nakedness with grace
All of my life before You now I humbly bring

What a prayer to pray.

Words of comfort for the wee hours...

Well, another Christmas has come and gone and is tucked away into my photographic family archive.

There are many things I feel I could write about, but I think I'll just keep them between me and the Lord for now. I'm still having trouble sleeping so I'm trying to spend time with the Lord in prayer and in his word. I wanted to share a verse that I read and just absolutely love!!

2 Samuel 22:47 (ESV)

47"The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock,
and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation,

The Lord lives! Oh what sweet words! May God be exalted indeed!

All for Jesus

I am praising God this morning for this time of year, that we can celebrate the incarnation of Christ and ultimately the sacrifice Jesus made for those who belong to the Lord.

Ephesians 1:7 (English Standard Version)

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

My mind has been on Jesus these past few days because of some conversations I have had with friends lately. I shared part of my testimony the other day and I was reminded again of the depth of God's love for me and the incredible sacrifice Jesus made and responsibility that He bore - for me and my sin. OH! That I would remember this and carry this with me every minute of every day!

There is such comfort in knowing that I am His!

Psalm 100:3 (English Standard Version)

3Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

So as we enter this Christmas season, the Lord has renewed in me the true reason for this celebration.

Oh what a joyful time of year!

In light of all this, my mind and heart has really been on those I met while I was in India. Especially the little kiddos in the orphanage. They are so hungry for truth there and I long so much to be able to go again and share the gospel with the Indian people.

Inside a classroom at the Christian school in Chennai

I pray the Lord will allow me such an honor again to labor for him among the people I love so much.

"I think my wife's a calvanist"

My friend Christy posted this on her blog, and I thought I too would share it. I think it's pretty funny.

Dreaming of cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudel...

Christmas Eve has finally arrived, and in ever, true 'Amber' fashion I was up into the wee hours of the morn working on some homemade Christmas gifts. I've been disappointed in myself this year because typically most of my gifts are things that I've made, but I honestly don't know what happened to the time this year, and well, time escaped me. So unfortunately I bought most of the gifts I'm giving - which I know the recipients could care less whether it's from the store or my hands, but for me, I just enjoy slowing down and taking the time to piece together something from my heart.

And now that I have all of you gagging, here are some pics of this years' Christmas project. I used some of the portraits I took of my nieces and thanks to Jeanne Winters' blog, I was given the idea of doing a collage on canvas for each of them.






I also found these pics from last year. My brother Jason built this picket fence bench and I painted flowers to match her room on the toy bins for Lauren for Christmas last year. I love it when we can do a project that is big like this and involve more than just me : ) For Madison's first Christmas my dad and I built a dollhouse bookcase for Madison - it is one sort of like my dad built for me when I was little. I'll try to find the pictures of that. Of course that was 10 years ago and I'll have to hunt down the picture or negatives. I hadn't gone digital in my photography yet!

Willison Family Christmas Dinner

Okay, so I seem to be backtracking and getting caught up in posts, But last Friday we (Me, my mom, my brother, sister-in-law, and two nieces) traveled to Louisville (pronounced Lewis-ville) Illinois for the Willison Family Christmas dinner. We are so blessed with a wonderful family, that is large and close to one another - and we always, always, always have such a wonderful time when we all get together!

It is so wonderful to see the families grow each year. Mom pointed out that with the Willisons there's always a baby at a gathering! I love big families! So anyway, here are just a few pictures. If I have more time, I'll try to post some more!





I am completely blessed with such a wonderful family! It would have been even better if Jason and Amy could have joined us, but we'll all be together soon!!

Oooooh!

I've been working so much lately and that has resulted in an immense amount of pictures and graphic design files on my computer, so much that I can't do anymore until I clear off some space for my workhorse to do what I tell it to. Anyway, I came across these pictures I took not long ago. Actually this was just before the remnants of Ike ripped through our area. I came home to a beautiful sight above the house. Anyway, I hope you enjoy them!

My unexpected gift to myself…

So last night, I went shopping for a special Christmas gift for a dear person in my life. I’ve struggled with what to get her and spent nearly two hours traveling up and down each aisle in Target trying to get an idea for a special gift.

I usually make my gifts that I give, but this year I have been so incredibly busy that October and November raced by and before I knew it, here it is 4 days until the big day. No time to make a quilt or piece together a scrapbook – I have to go commercial at this point.

In my hunt for a creative gift or even a grand idea for one, I came across a hand mixer that had three different attachments – one in particular was of great interest to the baker in me. It had dough hooks that would cut through cream cheese straight from the refrigerator!! I’ve used one and was amazed at the ease with which it cut and blended, and you can only imagine my glee when I saw that this particular hand mixer was on sale for $17.99. I caved and decided that it would be a gift to myself – and a time saver in the end, as I won’t have to wait for cream cheese to soften before baking a cheesecake. (I’m sure at this point you are wondering why on earth such ramblings about a hand mixer are important and questioning my own sanity and wondering how a person can be so excited by such a simple thing – but trust me, it doesn’t take much to make me happy : )

Defeated, idealess and feeling a migraine coming on that I’ve been fighting all week, I made my purchase and happily carried my new kitchen gadget to my car. Upon realizing that I had spent the time equivalent of a full-length feature film dodging shoppers and wondering aimlessly, I decided to call it a night and head home.

Now I have a reputation that I confess I am not proud of. I tend to drive a bit fast. And even though since graduating from college and being more settled I have slowed down, I still tend to chase pavement a bit quicker than I should every now and then.

Lost in deep thought and traversing I-164 for the Bluegrass state apparently I blew right past an Indiana State Trooper who clearly did not have the Christmas spirit for a gift weary and migraine plagued gal.

It’s really sad that I can identify law enforcement solely upon the shape of the headlights in my rear-view mirror – but that is just the case. I was ripped from my deep thoughts and plunked right back into reality when Trooper Scott hit his blue lights.

So this year for Christmas instead of enjoying my hand mixer with the special dough beaters, I’ve decided to punish myself and take it back because now I’m supporting our local law enforcement for the holidays. So, kudos for our law enforcement for keeping our highways and byways safe from unruly drivers such as myself!

Perhaps I will acquaint myself a little more with cruise control.

Please MOM!!!! PLEEEEEAAASSSSEEEEEE!!!!!

A throw-back to one of my all-time favorite silly Christmas songs!!!

Bug's Christmas Recital

This is a video of my youngest niece's Christmas recital. She was a Christmas Cowgirl. Lauren is the one on the far left at the end of the line.

Sorry it's small - I'm still trying to refresh my Final Cut Pro video editing skills.

Praise God for This Man

This is audio from a sermon by Paul Washer titled "Shocking Message" for youth today that was made into a video and put on YouTube. I've heard this sermon many times, yet fall under conviction each time I hear it.

I praise the Lord for using Paul to speak the truth of scripture against our/my culture.

Silly, Silly, Silly!

I read this joke while reading the Girl Talk blog (you'll find the link to it on the right) but it was a good laugh so I thought I would pass it along! : ) And, it's complete with a silly picture of me and the girls.

Smart Blonde Joke

A cop pulls over a blonde, and says, “Ma’am, you were speeding. May I please see your driver’s license?”

“Oh, well, you see officer, I don’t have a drivers license,” the blonde replies. “I never really had the time to go to the DMV and stand for hours in line…and anyway, all you get are terrible pictures.” The slightly taken aback cop says, “Well, then, may I see your proof of registration?"

“Well, officer,” the blonde says, “this isn’t my car. I wanted to borrow it from my neighbor, because it’s so much faster than mine and I was late for a wedding – that’s why I was speeding – but he said no really rudely, so I hit him over the head with a tire iron and stuffed him in the trunk.”

The horrified police officer backs away and calls for backup, and the police chief himself comes out, along with a squad, to see about this.

“Ma’am,” says the chief, “may I see your driver’s license?” The blonde hands it to him and it hasn’t expired or anything, everything’s okay. “May I see your proof of registration?" The blonde hands that to him, and it’s her car, and everything’s okay. “I hate to bother you,” the chief says, “but may I look in your trunk?”

So she pops the trunk and there’s nothing in there. The chief comes back to her window. “We’re sorry, ma’am. The officer over there said that you didn’t have a driver’s license, this wasn’t your car, and that you’d killed a man.”

“You know what,” says the blonde, “I bet he told you I was speeding, too.”

A Little Perspective For Myself...

Yes, so I think upon reading my last post that I am going to ban myself from posting anything in the midst of a full-on, old-fashioned come-apart! I apologize for the ramblings - but needed to get all the junk out of my head. Now that I feel human again, and I'm not quite as busy, I feel I can post now with sound mind.

It's so funny how I get so incredibly scatterbrained, out of sorts and overwhelmed when life gets so busy. A dear friend pointed out that it seems to be magnified when we aren't getting the sleep we need. And that was last week to a tee for me.

But upon reflection, I see now that my focus and perspective has been off. I had been so focused on the jobs and responsibilities that laid before me, that I failed to keep my mind and focus on the Lord.

So I've chosen to make this post an interactive one. For those of you who follow my ramblings, how do you make time for the Lord and keep your focus on Him in times when family, responsibilities, careers and life in general pull you in different directions?

What scripture brings you the most joy and comfort in the midst of an overwhelming "to do" list?

Surely I'm not the only one with this struggle. And my thoughts today are on the fact that as a single woman, I don't even have nearly the responsibility that many of my friends do that have spouses, children, and homeschool, and even have jobs. So I know I need to get a handle on this in case the Lord has those things for me in the future.


So the pictures that I have posted today are from a recent trip to the zoo and aquarium in Cincinnatti. (If you don't like even the sight of snakes - I will warn you now to not look at the last picture! It's the third one down.) Anyway, just a bit more of God's amazing creation by an amazing creator. How can I not know in the midst of the storm that it's all going to work out??

Just when I think I've learned the lesson of trusting in the Lord, taking a deep breath and not coming-apart, the Lord shows me just how much farther I have to go.

Where are you Peace?????

In the midst of one of the worst days I've had in quite a while, which just happens to be at the tail end of one of the most horrible weeks I've had lately, I'm trying oh...so...hard to find a bit of peace in between photo assignments here at the paper. The picture above is from one of my favorite places, the Berkshires in Western Massachussetts, and I remember that day vividly. I went hiking with a friend in the snow on one of the mountains there (I'm blanking on the name). But OH! It was so beautiful and peaceful and quiet.

So many things have occurred this week and then, aside from a wonderful brunch with a dear friend this morning - my day completely unraveled. I don't like to cry at the office - and only have once (when I was working on a photo story about a cancer patient and his relationship with his daughter who was just 10 at the time - very emotional for me) but I just couldn't contain it today. I was assigned another emotional photo assignment, one of a few this week alone, and I guess too many times I hide my emotions behind the lens.


One of the cemeteries here has an annual Holiday Luminary Display where folks can come out and place a luminary at the grave of a loved one. Fresh and still raw from losing Mrs. Jessie and with thoughts of my dad since the holidays are here, it's a bit hard for me to hold back the tears when talking with others who have also experienced the pain of losing a loved one. The gentleman in the photo above just lost his 10 month old daughter a few months ago. I cannot imagine the pain and pray I never do. Before I left, I placed a luminary at my dad's grave and Mrs. Jessie's grave too. It's a really hard thing to justify photographing someone in the midst of their grief. Yet, I had a job to do and struggled greatly while doing it.

>>Pause my writing to shoot the basketball game<<
So, now that I'm at the tail end of my day, I really just cannot wait to go home and just be. (I'm waiting for some technical stuff to be finished on the paper's website so I can link up the pictures and finish the day.) I really don't think, at this point, I even have the energy to reflect upon the day anymore -- but I found myself crying out to the Lord that I just don't have it in me to be strong anymore. I so want things to change for myself - but shouldn't I be content in where God has me today? Or is the Lord confirming my current path to change through this discontent? Jeese, do I even make any sense??? All I know is, I am not strong enough to work three jobs at one time, yet every three months it seems, all three jobs I work have their busy time all at the same time.

All I'm hoping for now is some rest and renewal and perhaps a lull in the chaos that is my life right now.

Oh those views!!!!

Being a lover of all things Space related and Christmas related, I decided to share a really cool website I found today!

What a better way to count down the days to Christmas than with images from the Hubble Telescope of God's amazing creation!!

Enjoy : )

Oh So Thankful

Well, it has been quite a while since I've last written, mainly because the Lord has been stirring my soul with so many things (and showing me my sin) and I've been too overwhelmed to write about it. Perhaps sometime soon, as I process a bit more, I can blog on some of the places my mind and heart has been lately.

So with today being Thanksgiving - for two more hours anyway - I thought it would be appropriate for me to list some of the things I am thankful for in this current season of my life. (I'm a list kinda gal so this is quite exciting for me : )

1. The Lord loves me enough to show me my sin and bring me to repentance, granting me forgiveness and hope in Christ.

2. A wonderful loving, supportive and fun family!

3. Amazing friends who point me to Christ, sharpen and encourage me.

4. Two beautiful nieces who bring me such joy!

5. Sunsets.

6. Health.

7. Heat that keeps me warm and a roof over my head.

8. A reliable vehicle that gets me where I need to go.

9. A church to worship at!

10. Music that aids me in worship.

11. The education I've received.

12. Friends who truly love me.

13. My mom

14. My two little pooches.

15. A warm bed to sleep in tonight and plenty of food to fill my belly.

So that's just a few of the things I'm thankful for - there are many many more but I'll stop here. And now for my picture for the day. I was having a string of hard days not long ago and on my drive home the Lord blessed me with an amazing sight. It was the most beautiful sunset I've seen in a while. So I drove further into the country to take a few pictures. Enjoy : )





May the Lord reveal even more of Himself to our hearts.

Those Mighty Milestones!

This week has been one of the busiest ones I've had in quite a while. Since my brother and sister-in-law are out of town this week, my mom and I are taking care of the girls, getting them to school, dance and girl scouts. Mom still isn't doing well after her surgery, and I've gone with her to either a doctor's appointment or medical test every day this week. She finishes up with a stress test in the morning. On top of it all, I've been trying to keep up with my work. Not that I'm complaining, but I seriously have a renewed respect for all moms everywhere!

But today, as I was trying to get my head together to remember everything on my mental "to-do" list I suddenly began to feel overwhelmed. Way too many things left to do and not enough time to do it all before the girls got out of school. And once they're home, there's no chance at all of me getting to my things until after homework, dinner, dishes, laundry, bath time, a bit of entertainment and finally bedtime. So what became a crazy, busy hectic day was completely made worth it in one little moment.

One of the things Lauren has to work on this week for school was learning to tie her shoes. My brother told me this morning that she was close to doing it all the way - but not quite there yet. I almost forgot during homework time (which was also cleanup time from dinner) but I saw the reminder on her homework paper, grabbed her shoes and seated her high up on the bar to see how much she knew.

She made an "eleven" with the strings, then made an "X", then a bunny ear sprouted quickly from the right side. With a little instruction and a few attempts, she nimbly stuffed the final bunny ear through the hole and learned to pull it tight. At the sight of the completed product, her little face just lit up with pride and excitement at the fact that she just tied her shoe on her own!! I couldn't resist but to take a picture (mainly to drive home to her how proud we are of her achievement!) It totally made today - and this whole week worth it!

I love little moments like that, and I'm so glad that the Lord has made me an aunt to share in such joys. I love these girls so much!!!

Mightier than the sea!

Psalm 93:4 (English Standard Version)

4Mightier than the thunders of many waters,
mightier than the waves of the sea,
the LORD on high is mighty!

In my quiet time this morning I read this psalm and verse 4 wrapped around me and made me think of a picture I saw recently. The picture above was taken by NASA from the International Space Station and it is actually a picture of hurricane Ike. I saw this image while looking through news image galleries and just had to save it to my computer. It is now the background image on my screen. I shared with a friend recently that I would LOVE to travel to outerspace. I can't imagine beholding a view like this! What a wonder!! To take in a wide-angle view of God's creation! This image will be the closest I ever get - but still, every time I see this image, I just have to praise the Lord for his creation!! AND for His love - because on that ginormous terrestrial ball - is little tiny 'ole me and the Lord has lavished His love and His grace on my life and brought me to repentance and salvation through Christ - me. A teeny tiny speck on the timeline of eternity. Amazing!

So that's not really what I wanted to write about - but still it amazes me. So, I read Psalm 93:4, thought of this image and was reminded that through all the destruction that Hurricane Ike brought - wiping out towns completely along the coast, redefining the shoreline....God is STILL mightier than that! This verse brings me comfort because the last two days have been one crashing wave after another - honestly this whole month has been one crashing wave after another and yet He is mightier!! The Lord is on high! His hand determines the waves and drives the winds and allows them to fall where He ordains. It has been an incredible reminder to me that even in times where I feel I am going crazy because I am so overwhelmed - I am still hidden in the shadow of His wings, I can rest in the Almighty and know, I am His and I am in His sovereign will and His perfect plan.

I love that the Lord reminds me of these things when I need him most. I guess that's why he's mighty and in control : )

...and the waves continue...my mom is coughing up blood this morning, she is having such a hard time recovering from the surgery. Please, if you will, keep her tucked in your prayers.

The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2

The workings of grace...

In previous posts I have share that the Lord has been and is working on my heart to have more grace towards others.

His challenge continues.

I have prayed that the Lord would help me, through His own grace on me, to see others as He does. To love them as He does and to have compassion on them. Sometimes in a fallen world, this is hard. Especially when I am verbally assaulted in a situation when my conscience is clear. The flesh in me so much wants to match words for words, but thankfully through the Holy Spirit I was able to show restraint, yet also defend myself and let it be known that I will not tolerate anyone treating me in such a manner and with such utter disrespect.

Needing comfort and direction, I turned to God's word for encouragement in dealing with the particular situation.

Romans 6:14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

It was good to read this verse. It was encouraging to know that the Lord will continue to sanctify me in this area. Since I was born a sinner, my first inclination will always be to act or react in sin. But as the Lord continues to sanctify me, I do believe that I am strengthened more and more in the Holy Spirit - therefore, the fruits of the spirit will be more evident in my actions. But God's grace makes this all possible - and because of that sin will not be the master over my life.

2 Corinthians 1:12 [ Paul's Change of Plans ] Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace.

This is my challenge from the Lord, that my conscience may be free in my dealings and interactions with others. That I represent myself, my words, my deeds and my thoughts in a way that glorifies God, and represents Christ to others.

Some may think that I'm going overboard, thinking way too much into this or setting myself up to be a doormat - but having grace towards others is important to me because before the beginning of time God chose me, set me apart, and lavished His wonderful grace on me. ON ME!? of all people! If such love, kindness and mercy has been shown on me - a worm, how can I not extend the same to those around me? Would I not be a hypocrite to receive such a blessing, yet not give such a blessing to others? Often times others have no clue - as I really have to remind myself to be gracious when I'm in traffic!!

But too, I am seeing many benefits in this pursuit. I am becoming more patient. I get less stressed over things, less work-up and too, I am learning a bit more of God's love for me.

Now, to explain the picture. I'm determined to have a picture with each post and who honestly can't feel better when they read the Word and see a cute girl with kool-aid mustache!??! This is my youngest niece Lauren, and this picture makes me smile. It sure makes me feel better.

Huntley Brown's email

Worthy to be read.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/huntleybrown.asp

Amber gets political...

It's a rarity...but brace yourself...I'm going political, publicly.

I am utterly amazed, dumbfounded and baffled at the ignorance in our country. And for the first (and perhaps ONLY time) I actually have some respect for Howard Stern. In doing some internet research on politics and the like, I came across this sound bite from Mr. Stern.

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2008/10/13/howard-stern-exposes-why-so-many-people-support-obama

Yes, it does allude to racism, I get that, but I am astounded at the ignorance of people. And frankly it worries me even more.

You know, as I think about it...to get a high school diploma - we take tests. To get a drivers license - we take tests (written and performance). To become a U.S. citizen - folks take a test. For anything with an ounce of responsibility - even birthing a child - mom's take a class, but to elect a man into the most powerful office in the world, you register and then willy-nilly push a button. Often times getting their information about the candidate from short sound bites from the opponents during prime-time mind-dulling "entertainment."

As this election season moves on, I find myself getting more and more worried about the direction of this country. Obama worries me and so many in this nation are so blinded and are quick to brush off things that raise blazing red flags in my mind.

I'm glad my hope, salvation and future is rooted in Christ.

Sunday Morning Thoughts...

I haven't posted any pictures yet, and since photography is what I do, I thought my first official image posts would go to my two wonderful nieces! They spent the night at "Auntie Am's" house Friday night and then we had a portrait session downtown after doing nails and hair! They are so much fun and keep me laughing all the time! I just love them, and I'm so thankful that the Lord brought me back to Henderson to be closer to them and the rest of my family.

It truly is a blessing, when so many others my age are miles and miles away from their families. I wouldn't want it any other way right now.


Ah! I could just eat them up and pinch their cheeks off!!!

So this morning, I wasn't feeling the best, was too tired and I'll be honest - too lazy to get up for church after working late last night and then being unable to wind down and go to sleep until after 2 am. But the church I've been visiting the past few Sundays has a live feed of their sermon on their website.

So, in the spare room at my mom's there I was cozy under a blanket, with the Bible at my side, my computer on my lap and my little pooch curled up at my feet. I allowed my thoughts to take in the scene, at how wonderful it is that even though I wasn't there, I was still able to receive the blessing of hearing the sermon.

It was on James 4:11-12:

11 Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

I have many thoughts on this, as this has been something the Lord has been dealing with me on and something I've been thinking a lot about lately. Pastor Ted said that this not only applies to slander against a brother, but also speaking truth about a brother that wasn't ours to speak. This is where my thoughts and questions have been lately.

There are times we may share something, then immediately think 'Why did I say that?' It's in those times that we have to examine our hearts and our motives. Did we speak out of our own pride at setting ourselves above the deeds of others? In doing so, we become their judge - taking the place of God. And James writes, "Who are YOU to judge your neighbor?"

Our words are powerful. My words are powerful. There are many other truths that Ted brought out in this scripture, these are just a few that I'm processing, convicted of and asking forgiveness for.

I love it when the Lord confirms his message to me when He uses a sermon to speak to the very things that have been on my heart the past few weeks. I pray He will place His mighty hand over my mouth and keep me from judging and speaking against my brothers, sisters and neighbors.

Me for Joy?

So, in my insomnia last night - which has become the norm lately - I read a puritan prayer on Joy. I'm fighting for joy and seeking the one true and pure source of joy, which is found in Christ. But one line grabbed a hold of me:

"Thou preparest me for joy, and joy for me."

Hmm..so me for joy?

Would that mean that the Lord, through working in me, sanctifying me, cleaning out the junk, giving me strength and victory over sin - would and could use me for joy? I know his word twice calls us the "apple of his eye" and he delights in us - His creation, his children. But I find it very humbling that he would prepare me for joy. It's hard to think of myself as one who has the capacity to bring joy to others - but why sell myself short? I am a child of one very amazing and powerful God!

But what brings immense comfort to me right now, is that He also prepares joy for me.

Man, I needed to hear that.

I really like reading through the Puritan Prayers in the book, "The Valley of Vision." It is beautiful, scriptural and brings new language to God's word. And gives me the very words I need to express to my Father, when I struggle right now to find my own.

A Hearty & Warm Welcome!

I needed a new start to the world of blogging.

So this is my new start.

I titled my new blog "This Ransomed Life" because the Lord has been reminding lately that a price has been paid for my very life -- a big price. A debt I can never repay - but a price paid out of an incredible love.

I have been overwhelmed by God's love for me.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

I pray that this simple blog will be a simple way to show the world the very things the Lord is doing in my life -- and how he continues to grow me, teach me, stretch me, correct me, and love me.

Sit back, relax, and welcome to this ransomed life! ;-)