When all is Silent Give Thanks

Starting the week off sick made for a long, groggy, and bumpy seven days! While my body is recuperating and the silence still pulses through my soul, I’ve learned . . .

When you have no words or direction, just give thanks!

While I wait to hear or see evidence of the way ahead, I am thankful for you. You who come here day after day. You who leave comments. You who make me laugh! You who journey along side me on this path called life.

This week my favorites are YOU! 

Here's to a few of you.

1. Beth in NC in response to my post Stop for the One Tuesday:

I can't link about it because of the person involved, but this morning I reached out to someone that a lot of Christians are afraid to approach because she is so wounded (and ticked off at Christians). She was overwhelmed and overjoyed that I called her. 

She has a long road to freedom, but needs a lot of prayer and holy intervention.

 Bless you!


Thank you, Beth. May we all have the boldness to do the right thing even when it might not be what others would do. Your kindness just helped this person step further down that road of healing.

2. Anna at www.mylifeandkids.com in response to an old repost If God Created S-E-X

Hey Alene, Your post was one of the top 5 most popular at last week's #findingthefunny! We're featuring you tomorrow - hope to see you then!


Anna, you crack me up! You all need to check her out. She runs a post on Wednesday's about funny life stories. So I reposted a 2 year old post If God Created S-E-X. Still to this day the comments are what crack me up. Check them out - you'll probably get some good ideas too! Plus, I have to say I'm so thankful I can laugh at this story now.

3. Amy at Make Me a Mary sent me this email: "I want you to know how glad I am that you recommended this book to me. I would love to know more about your ministry in the inner city. How did that evolve? How does one even begin to help? Are there opportunities to come down there and help in the summer? Or do you know of opportunities like that elsewhere? I would love to take my kids on a mission trip, but I can't afford overseas for all of us. (I live just outside of Fort Worth.) These books I've been reading are really messing with me. First it was Kisses from Katie, and now I'm reading Interrupted on my Kindle and I'm listening to Radical in audiobook form. Oh, my. I've wasted my entire life thus far. I'm ready to get busy!"


Talk about some encouraging words to be thankful for. You all need to stop by Amy's and while your hopping about stop by Amazon and get those books she listed. THEY WILL MESS YOU UP! And what I'm learning in the silence of my soul - we all need to be messed up. Our hearts need to be stirred. We need to feel the urgency as Amy says, "to get busy!"


4. And there is nothing better than when I ran across this video on my soon-to-be daughter’s Facebook page. An incredible video of my son leading worship in front of thousands of youth. Can you see this momma smiling, crying, singing? Oh my, this is just what the Great Physician ordered.

When all is silent give thanks, praise and worship.


Linking up with Rachel at Finding Joy for Friday Favorite Things.

When Seeking Leads to Silence

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I am totally thrilled to be sharing over at Heather's Raining Silence today. I have to tell you - this post comes at a fitting time because a still quiet silence has permeated my soul. There are no words. No completed thoughts. And even my tears drop in silence. I seek and search and yet silence. So as I've done before, I get out my trusty, truthful, and tried journal and still a silence invades my soul. I long for a word from God and more silence.

Have you been there? You seek and search for meaning, but yet every page you turn or door you open leads to silence.

So as the world seems silent at the moment, it is my choice to either live in this silence or keep writing so the silence doesn't overtake me. Please join me over at Heather's today.

Here's a little snippet of what I shared about "the silence of a page":

I opened my new colorful bound journal and sat staring. All I could see were lined blank pages looking back at me. The pages beckoned me to write. The pages held so much promise. Yet, the pages were silent. . .

 for the rest go HERE.

If you are experiencing silence too, just remember as found in Job 34:29 MSG, "If God is silent, what's that to you? If he turns his face away, what can you do about it? But whether silent or hidden, he's there."

In the silence, whether written or in your soul, He's there!




Linking with the community over at Bonnie's, click on over.

Take a Day to Reflect and Smile

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One thing about living life as Positively Alene is the fact that I wake up each morning knowing it is going to be crazy! And then somewhere amid my seeking, searching, and serving to be positively myself in the moment, I see little snippets of love from God.

God knows I doubt, question, fret, and even feel clueless about this life He has given me. Yes, I've been known to argue too. You see, I want it all to make sense and for every piece to fit together nice and neatly. I long to be a perfectly completed 1000 piece puzzle, but I'm more of a mosaic -- jagged chipped edges and all.


So, here I am. . .
one month into a new year
still . . .
seeking
searching
serving . . .
begging for clarity


Forgive me, but today I just need to take time to reflect on who God is and smile.


He is the God who called me to an inner city church where I question what I have to offer.
He is the God who sent me to the substance abuse treatment facility with a word to share.
He is the God who made me with crazy curly hair.
He is the God who gave me this mind that does silly and humorous things without thinking.
He is the God who says it's OK to lighten up and have fun.
He is the God who let me share with Leigh at Speaking Thru Me yesterday.
He is the God who took an old post and put it in the top five to be re-featured HERE.
He is the God who made me with personal space issues! Yep, read it here.
He is the God who will continue to guide me this year as I step out and make changes.


Changes are coming. I'll be sharing some of those soon. (need all those pieces in place)


But first, maybe today is a day we just need to sit back and reflect on God's love and smile!


Reflecting, I'd love to know what you see?




Joining up with Walk with Him Wednesdays.

The Purpose to Thrill to God's Word More

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I loved all the personal emails yesterday. Obviously the struggle with "more" hit a nerve. Most of you were asking, how do you balance it all? Well, as a sojourner in this life with you - I'm still struggling and trying to figure that out. To get caught up on what we are referring to read THE BATTLE OF TWO PURPOSES and ECONOMY OF MORE PURPOSE.

Have you set some pretty high goals for yourself this 2012 year?
Have you put a plan in motion and ran with it these first 20 days of January?
Are you questioning what you are doing?
Are you wondering how God can fit into this new purpose of yours?

Right now, it may seem like a foggy, blurry picture. It feels like nothing is getting clear and you can't figure out how to make it all work. Maybe you long for a vivid picture, a clear path and direction? Well, the good news is clarity will come as you seek to have and do it all, while you keep God as the thrill of your life. Is it easy, NO! But can it can be done? YES!

Psalm 1 of The Message starts off by saying in a nutshell (that means Alene's paraphrase), "How well God likes you -- because you don't do this, and you don't do that." We can all list those things we don't do, right? We list them easily, because we are proud we have conquered them. But then the scripture says,

INSTEAD you thrill to God's Word,

you chew on Scripture day and night.

What I felt God whispering to me was, "I have given you your strengths, desires, and purposes. I want you to live them out and learn to bring me the excellence of those gifts. I am so proud of you when you don't get hung up on your goals, but yet still make time to THRILL TO ME AND MY WORD."

Even in the midst of running after our "more" -- goals, dreams, success, excellence -- if we don't remember to thrill to God's word daily then we've missed our true purpose. And whatever our heart "thrills" to most of the time, becomes our God.

Are the goals to be more and reach more bad? NO, when we remember to keep God our ultimate number one thought and thrill! The more we thrill to His word the more vivid the path becomes.

What are you thrilling to this year?

Find us over at Gypsy Mama's today for Five Minute Friday.

Whatever You Do will Rock Your World

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Years ago, a woman I barely knew was sent to prison and asked for me to come visit her. It totally took me by surprise. What was this lady thinking? I remember asking, “Why me, Lord? Why me? Please don’t rock my world like this!”

I had no idea the journey I was fixing to begin. You see, I’d never been to a prison and I didn’t want to go now! In my prayer and quiet time I felt God continually nudging me to go. I kicked and screamed, but finally submitted.

As the day came I was in a panic. What was I suppose to say to this lady? What would the prison be like? All I could envision was the slamming of the prison doors behind me as I walked in. And to be honest – this freaked me out!

I began begging God to let me out of this assignment, but He didn’t relent. He confirmed every step of the way that He was going with me, but that didn’t make this journey any easier. Arriving at the prison a guard confronted me. I had arrived at the wrong time. I had entered the wrong way. He was a gruff man and scared me to death. He finally said, “Lady, you need to come back in a few hours.”

As I headed back to my car (actually, I was stomping like a two-year old) I was thinking, “God, this is crazy! I am not coming back here.” And once again He snatched my heart and said, “Yes you are, child!” Being the sweet argumentative one that I am, I told God he had a few hours to prove to me that I should go as I headed to a fast-food restaurant to get a drink and read my Bible.

Once there, flipping through scripture I came across Matthew 25:37-40 NIV:

“Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'”

As I read that you would think that this would have convinced me, but, I once again begin to argue with God. “OK Lord, you say the things we DO are as if we are doing them for You. But if I just don’t do it, if I don’t go to the prison then what does it hurt. I just haven’t done anything for anybody. Right?” Like God was going to confirm that nonsense. Instead He said, “Child, keep reading.”

"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'” (Matt. 25:44-45 NIV)

You can imagine how my heart quickened and my spirit wept when I read the words, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” I begged the Lord for forgiveness as I made my way back to the prison that day.

You can already guess. I traipsed myself back to that prison. This was definitely a jail house rock experience for me. God came through in unexpected ways and rocked my way of thinking. I learned that using your gifts, talents, finances, and time for Christ and His cause to reach others will come in ways you least expect it.

My job is to keep my eyes open to how I can unselfishly become the hands and feet of Christ and serve the least of these – the broken, hurting, imprisoned, hungry, grieving, impoverished, abused, addicted, lonely . . . 

A journey with that focus will definitely rock your world!

Have you obeyed recently and had God rock your world?

Wake Up that Sleepy Little Town in You

My mom lives in a sleepy little town in south-central Texas. You can go to visit and it's quiet. I mean, you can hear the birds singing, the crickets chirping, and the cows mooing. We laugh and tease a lot because there is only one stop-light in the small town. It's definitely a nice get-away from the busy city. It is so relaxing and you can always count on there not being a line at a restaurant, gas station, or grocery store. That was until . . .

the sleepy little town woke up!

A few years ago the Eagle Ford Shale formation was found right under that little town. Can you imagine? A treasure of oil right there. Right under that sleepy little town. Since the discovery oil rigs have been erected, 18-wheelers have hit the roads, and hundreds of people have moved in. With all the buzz that sleepy little town now is loud, noisy, blowing, and going. Needless to say, that sleepy little town has come to life. Hotels are popping up and restaurants have lines out the door at lunch time. All great things for business owners and those previously looking for work. It's interesting how in a few months time that sleepy little town has found a true treasure and capitalized on it. And the crazy thing is . . . the Eagle Ford Shale was underneath the surface the whole time, unnoticed and untapped.

As I visited the not-so-sleepy little town over the holidays I had to wonder -- what happened to bring this town to life? There's life, excitement, and movement in that town now. And then I asked . . .

What do I have lying dormant in me underneath the surface that is just waiting to be discovered and then thrive in full action? Or even, what do you have within you that has gone unnoticed long enough? What in you is waiting to spring forth just as a new oil well being tapped?

Maybe it's time to put into practice the ritual of pinching ourselves daily and saying, "wake up!"

Waking up can be scary, though. It means we have to realize we have more in us than we think. It means it's time to do something. It means we recognize it's time, as I like to say, we put on our big girl panties and step out of our comfort zones. Oh, it's scary alright. Being awakened can even feel awkward. What if others don't like us when we are awakened? What if others judge our awakened state? All those "what if" questions paralyze us from truly living awake and so we live with much needed resources lying just under our surface -- untapped, unused, and unnoticed.

But what if we awoke? What if we ignored all the "what if's" that paralyze us?

I think then the stirring of our inward soul couldn't help but notice that sleepy little town within us. That little town reminding us it's time to call forth every gift, talent, strength, experience, and passion and awake with purpose. Awake to live. Awake to life. Awake to be all the buzz that God created us to be.

Oh yes, let's put into practice the measure of truly waking up to all we were called to be.

Through Your Ever so Small Beginnings He Can do Great Things

After a trip to moms where plates of fried cabbage and bowls of black-eyed peas were served to ensure our health and prosperity for the New Year (yes, I live in the south), I now sit here as the New Year rolls in.

A new year.
A beginning.
A fresh start.
A do-over.
A challenge.

There's something about the excitement of the new, though also a fear that rings. After weeks and days of praying, seeking, and searching for direction and goals to run toward this 2012 year, I'm left wondering.

Are these my goals?
Are they the Lord's?
Are they attainable?
Are they reasonable?
Are they real?

As I make decisions spurring me on to be the leader that God has set within me, there's an awakening. An awakening where at the core there's anticipation. And through the anticipation there's still a deeper question.

A question I seem to continue to throw back at God continually.
And just maybe it is a question you are asking too . . .

Am I capable?

It's then through the noisy fireworks, the laughter, and the countdown of the last 2011 day that I'm reminded that God speaks in the smallest of voices as He whispered to me a few days ago, "Ask Me." And so all those questions that haunted me, that slowed me, and have frustrated me I laid before Him.

Then in that still small voice (that inward voice that grips your soul) through Zechariah 4 I heard the Lord say, "The place where I'm calling you will not be entered by force, nor by strength, BUT by my loving Spirit. You are not to despise these small beginnings, but STOP and rejoice that you have opportunity to begin. Through your beginnings I can do great things. Begin and then give it to Me."

As we enter 2012, are you feeling incapable of the goals you've set forth for the new year? Oh my heart feels you.

If you're still left questioning, wondering, and really wanting to back down, I think, just maybe, the Lord is whispering to you too. Please treasure and borrow the precious whispers the Lord gave me and remember . . .

Through your ever so small beginnings He can do great things.

Best Blog Posts of 2011 {for some reason or another}

What are you doing this week before the kick-off of 2012?

For the most part I am slowing down and reflecting as I sip multiple cups of coffee. Reflecting on where I've been, what was accomplished in 2011, and how I met or didn't meet those goals I set just 365 days ago. But at the same time there's much prayer, planning, and preparing for 2012 which is JUST 4 DAYS AWAY!

I have to tell you I am waiting with much anticipation on 2012. I know God is going to move BIG! I can feel it.  I can sense it. And I hope you to do.

But before I begin the 2012 race. Here's just a few of my favorite posts of 2011. You will see each are for different reasons, but with a point. Grab a cup of coffee, hop around and enjoy!

January - Jump Out in Faith
     While this post resonated with friends out in cyberspace, I want to ALWAYS challenge myself to be brave enough to JUMP out. That's when we see the miracles and blessings.

February - It's the Last - Last Day
     This is totally for the moms out there. Our babies grow up so fast and while we run wholeheartedly in 2012 let's not forget our family. 2012 will bring more last days and first days. Enjoy them all!

March - We'll Rebuild this City with the Rock and Rolls
     A fun post of how I love being out on the streets in our city, loving on people, and rebuilding the city

April - What's Your Story
     After meeting a homeless man at church, my life was changed. My heart was opened and laid bare as I heard him say "I have a story to tell and no one to tell it to!" In 2012 I want to be more in the moment and be aware of others hearts.

May - The Gift of Encouragement
     ALWAYS encourage, encourage, encourage. May I NEVER forget.

June - Blessed from the Most Unlikely
     As my girls and I were stranded with car trouble we were blessed by a man we'll probably never see again. I think of that man often and want to live my life like that -- blessing others when least expected.

July - Are You a Cracked Pot?
     A reminder that when we grow, we will crack our outer pots. Sometimes it is painful, but so worth it.

August - He Loves Us
     Hearing my name out on the street was the best feeling ever. Realizing that after a few months of being faithful about going out and loving on people, they will remember you. God shows his love in so many unique ways.

September - What do You want to Be?
     While struggling with this question, God gave me the answer. BE HOLY. So I decided to take up some painting and create something. For starters, I didn't do so bad. Well, that's my perspective anyways.

October - 31 Days of LIving with Purpose {why am I here}
     I have to tell you October was a month of growth for me. I grew in purpose. I grew in discipline as I set out to write for 31 days straight. I grew with conviction that so many of you out there struggle with the same questions I do. You live life seeking, searching, and wondering 'why am I here'. I didn't meet the 31 day challenge as my daddy passed away on the 24th and with that I learned about grief in a whole new way. What a month of learning to persevere! You can check out the series HERE if you are wondering why are you here?

November - That Time of Year {who am I}
     After years of knowing where I'm called and feeling secure in living out my purpose that question "who am I" crept back in. While it threw me for a loop, it also captured the most readers. I continually get the most blog hits when I refer to this subject, as well as when I write about "a prayer for safety."

December - I Want to See
     December was crazy in my household. From my son getting engaged, to my daughter being in the hospital for 4 days, to having no Christmas decor up until the 22nd - everything seemed askew. Somewhere in there Christmas didn't seem like Christmas. My heart continually craved to see God's hand and boy did I. As I craved to breath and see, Christ came to give me a new PERSPECTIVE. 

When Christmas Finally Came

Ever have one of those years when the spirit of Christmas never dwelled within your heart? Or try as you may with gifts and decorations, the season never settled in your home? Well, let's just say that has been my Christmas season this year.

I'm not sure why the disconnect. I guess it could be a number of things:

- first Christmas without my daddy
- first time in a decade I didn't go on a three-day shopping spree after Thanksgiving
- circumstances didn't allow my house to be decorated by Dec. 1st
- my son got engaged and I had to plan a celebration
- or maybe the fact that my daughter spent 4 days in the hospital

Whatever the reason and why Mr. Grinch stole the Christmas spirit from me is still a mystery. But as of December 20th I still had no decorated tree, nor a present in site. But somewhere in these last 4 days  - Christmas happened.

It didn't happen in the form of packages, boxes or bags. It happened in the realm of giving to children, men and women. It didn't happen because my house finally got decorated and the boxes neatly wrapped.  (neither happened) No, it happened when I was out loving on those who wondered if Christmas would even come or if family would even remember them with a note or a call.

Christmas came when my church hosted a children's movie night "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and gave 300+ presents to children from the community. Christmas came in the form of hugs from children, sticky candy on the floor, and smiles as big as Texas from those receiving gifts. Christmas came alright and it came big!

Christmas came as I visited the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility a few days before Christmas and  my church provided 120 meals for the men and women residents there. Christmas came as I led the prayer before the meal for the women. Christmas came when the women cheered that we would be coming every Sunday beginning in January for studies and worship. Christmas came as they hugged me and thanked me with the sincerest of hearts as we left. Christmas came alright and it came big!

Christmas came and it had nothing to do with packages, boxes or bags.
Christmas came and it had nothing to do with me, myself or I.
Christmas came when I was loving on those who needed Christmas love this year.

Oh yes, Christmas finally came and it came big!


Merry Christmas!


Tell me about your Christmas experience this year. When did Christmas finally come to you?

{Unwrapping Jesus} did Mary ever feel guilty

Well, we are on the final countdown to December 25th. It's been a December to remember as everything has been out of sorts. Can anyone else relate with me here? One circumstance after another has left my heart screaming SIMPLIFY! But as my heart screams, my inner voice repeatedly says I feel so guilty for doing so.

Guilty because the house is not adorned, as usual. We finally put up one little Christmas tree with lights and bare minimal ornaments. There's no garland, poinsettia's, or ribbon -- just three stockings awkwardly hung over the fireplace. (Yes my children are young adults, but they still wait on Santa!) And while my children laugh and chuckle at how different this December is, part of my soul feels guilty.

Shouldn't there be lights, garland and Christmas bows galore?
Shouldn't Christmas music sweetly fall upon every moment in this house?
Shouldn't the gifts be wrapped and under the tree?
Shouldn't the kids have surprise after surprise?
Shouldn't things be the same as usual?

During my guilt-ridden pity party of sorts, I began to wonder if Mary ever felt guilty.

Did Mary feel guilty knowing she was carrying the Savior of the world and nothing went right?
Did she feel guilty being on the road and not having a home to birth the Christ child in?
Did she feel guilty that the pregnancy wasn't perfect and people were talking?
Did she feel guilty the KIng wanted to kill her first born?
Did she feel guilty when the Messiah had to be born in a dirty, filthy manger?

Oh I wonder, did Mary feel guilty? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

The Engagement {part 4 - babblings from the morning of}

It's here! It's the morning of the BIG proposal and there are a gazillion thoughts and emotions running through this teary-eyed sappy momma's mind.

While the day will be busy getting all the final preparations made and setting up for the surprise celebration, my thoughts wander.

How did he grow up so fast?
Is he ready for marriage?
What will the future bring?
Where will their life together lead them?

And while I don't know the answers to those questions, I do know I have to trust. Trust HIM!

But I have to tell you that having a gazillion questions, doesn't negate how excited I am. Seriously, excited! Like WOW.

My little boy is getting engaged!
We love his girl!
She's already part of our family.
Now we get to make it official.
I admire the love I see in them for each other.
I LOVE how they seek God in all they do.
I adore the fact that she compliments my son in all he does.

Yep, I'm babbling away because I'm too stinkin' excited!

Some of you might possibly think I'm crazy. But I could use some words of advice. Anyone want to share? Memories? What to be mindful of now that we're planning a wedding?

I gotta go get ready for the big surprize.
I'll be so glad when we can talk about this. It's awkward holding stuff this good in.

And even more awkward that by the time I post this it will be old news. :(



Engagement Part 1 - if I could keep him little
Engagement Part 2 - the ring
Engagement Part 3 - keeping the secret

The Engagement {part 3 - keeping the secret}

"Mom, I need you to keep this ring and hide it!"

As my son handed me the gift bag with the ring in it, more emotions lept from my heart. I think on the inside I was screaming, "NO. You know I'm not that responsible. I can't find things I use every day, much less hide something and find it a month later." But on the outside once again, I was glad I got to be a part of such a special event.

But you have to know -- this secret -- it's killing me.

While I secretly write here to capture the moment, I'm ready for the secret to be revealed. I'm tired of avoiding my boy's girl for fear I'm going to blow the secret.

Are you a good secret keeper? You've probably guessed it, I'm not.

How are you doing with all those Christmas secrets? Are you having to avoid certain people so you don't spoil the surprise?

Don't you just love all those awkward moments that happen while you're trying to keep sweet, special secrets?

The Engagement {part 2 - the ring}

Read The Engagement {part 1 - if I could keep you little}.

My mind was trying to wrap around the fact that my "boy" was turning into a man and had marriage deep in his heart. When he first brought up the subject, I figured I had about a year to prepare my heart and mind for this big step. After all, he doesn't graduate college until May 2012.

However, my boy wasn't worried about mom's time table. He was ready NOW.

One of the next conversations we had was about setting up a date for him and me to go look at rings. I couldn't believe he asked me to go with him. I can not even put into words how honored I felt to even be asked, much less get to be there for such an important decision on his part.

The engagement is a surprise, so naturally his girl couldn't go. And the ring was to be a surprise too, so thankfully he wanted a women's point on view on rings and I got asked.

We ventured out. I think his girl might have wondered what was up when we set out on our "mother/son date." She was texting the whole time we are out, so we decided to tell her we were going to eat.  We surely didn't want to keep fabricating these lies. (forgive us, Lord!)

Arriving at the jewelry store, it's hard to describe all the emotions I was feeling -- honored, excited, sad, anxious, privileged, and totally in awe of this little boy young man. We lingered at the counter, my son wanted my reaction on a ring he had spotted earlier so I had to turn around. Then I finally heard,

"Mom, you can turn around."

Oh. My. Word! The brilliance, shine, beauty, and sparkle -- all from one ring! It's as if that ring were highlighted from Above as my son put it in front of me. But I think deep down what was shining more was the love that this symbol represents. I'm still tearing up writing this, excuse me. There are not dictionary words to describe the beauty.

The beauty of my son's heart.
The beauty of his girl -- inside and out.
And the beauty of the ring that will symbolize their undying love.

There is something so special about a wedding ring. Do you remember the thoughts you had when you received yours? What does your ring symbolize to you?

Linking up with Emily at Chatting at the Sky for Tuesdays Unwrapped. This is our last Tuesday and one in which I am so thankful for boys, their girls, love, engagements, and rings.

The Engagement {if I could keep you little}

I wrote these posts in advance to chronicle the days of this mom's little boy getting engaged. The engagement was a surprise, so I'll be posting this week what led up to the big moment. It was a special journey! However, itt seems like yesterday we were capturing his growth on his bedroom wall (HERE). 


Snips and snails
and puppy dog tails
 . . . that's what little boys are made of.

If I could keep my son little . . . somedays I would, others day I wouldn't trade watching him grow into a man for nothing. And since keeping him little is not going to happen, I have to tell you . . .

My son and I photographed a wedding together one evening. We had a good hours drive on the way home and it was a great night for visiting, if I could keep my eyes open. After a moment of silence he began, "Mom, that's the kind of wedding my girl and I are going to have."

Blurry eyed I turned towards him, "What?"

And there begin the first of many conversations about the engagement and marriage of my little boy. I'm thankful he wanted to share the journey with me. That way it gives this poor mom's emotions time to sink in. Maybe if I cry a lot now, I won't cry on the big day. Well, maybe?

I'm not sure how all this works. This young man is the first of my three to get engaged or married. I need suggestions. I need advice. I need help! Anybody want to share?

The journey will be exciting. I love his girl. They compliment each other perfectly. It's just that . . .

Somewhere along this journey my little boy has grown in to . . . a man!


Joining up with Lowercase Letters for Miscellany Monday. Thank you, Carissa.

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The Lowly Babe Came for the Lowly

Infant holy. Infant lowly.

As the bright lights twinkle this holiday season, my mind keeps going to the stable. A stable unprepared to meet a King. Not that a stable is ever ready to welcome a King, but a stable that was a last minute birthing unit for the King of kings because the Inn was full.

I raised lambs, horses, and cattle growing up. The sounds, the smells, the filth all flood my memory. I would have never taken someone there to impress them. But yet it was that environment where we find the lowly babe, our Savior, being born.

Can you envision that? Our King didn't come to impress us, but came to free us, the oppressed. He never once thought about how his lowly birth would look or what others would think. He simply wanted to implore our hearts, change a world, and offer us grace.

Looking at the lowly babe there in the stinky, smelly, dirty stable I'm reminded that he came for me.

The lowly  . . .

the broken
the hard-hearted
the shameful
the unforgiven
the angry
the prideful
the lustful
the abandoned
the quiet
the loud

Hallelujah, the Lord's favor came to the lowly stable that night. A stable not worthy of a King's entrance. Yet I'm reminded that the lowly babe came for me in the most humblest of ways.


I pray earnestly that I can learn from the babe to be humble and reach out to the lowly -- the broken and downcast.




Linking up at Word Filled Wednesdays and A Holy Experience.

Tuesdays Unwrapped {unwrapping freedom}

Yesterday as I headed out in the brisk cool December air for jury duty, something hit me about what an honor it was to serve. Maybe I was trying to pump myself up for the day as I've never been chosen, which reminds me of the horrible feelings of middle school. Well, OK - I was chosen then, just always as the last one on the team. Can you feel my pain?

But yesterday morning, I wanted to be thankful. With the craziness of the season here my tendency was to panic. My house is still adorned with Fall decorations (seriously!), I haven't bought a single gift yet, and there are many Christmas activities to get planned. But instead of anxiousness what I was feeling was the honor of serving.

Our freedom isn't cheap. It cost us and usually at the worst possible time. A scene from Braveheart is coming to mind "FREEDOM!"

Our country's freedom came at a price too. It cost the lives of many men and women and I'm sure their service came at the most inappropriate time too.

Those freedoms ring true this holiday season, as well.

Think about it. Look what the Christ child gave up for our freedom:
He gave up a heavenly home for a manger.
He gave up Abba Father God for imperfect parents.
He gave up eternal living for death on a cross.

Are you longing to be free today? If so, then unwrap what it will cost and step into that freedom.

Are you longing to live in a free country? Then step out and serve your community.
Are you longing to be debt free? Then pay down the bills and don't use that charge card this Christmas.
Are you longing for a better marriage? Plan time to spend with your spouse.
Are you wanting to be free of your emotional stress? Figure out what you need to lay down at the manger of the Christ Child and do it.

Unwrapping freedom is so worth the  cost! I'm ready to pay it, how about you?


Joining up with Emily at Chatting at the Sky today for Tuesdays Unwrapped.

{unwrapping Jesus} I Will Not Panic

As I turned the page in my daily calendar, it revealed December 1st. Immediately, I could feel the panic, hustle and bustle weighing in on me. How was I going to fit anything else into my already busy schedule? Don't get me wrong -- I love this time of year; there is something magical and precious about it. The season beckons family, friends, baking, parties and extracurricular activities, all of which sound dreamy and inviting -- until you and your family can no longer function due to holiday stress. And let's face it: when you are stressed out, chances are your husband and children are stressed too. Does this sound familiar? If so, read my article I'm Dreaming of PEACEful Holidays. It all too well describes my every December 1st. But this year, I want the stress, hustle and bustle to roll off me. I want to focus on the Christ-child. The ordinary Babe who came into this world in such non-peaceful circumstances, yet He came to bring PEACE. I want that PEACE. I find myself longing for that peace. Are you longing for that peace this season? Are you dreading the full schedules and chaotic days ahead? It's alright to admit it, it is then we can do something about it. This year I want to unwrap Jesus daily, in every moment. I want to breath His very being and presence.  Joining up with Faith Barista for Unwrapping Jesus Thursdays.

Go Lower

I woke up Monday with such a yearning in my soul for more of Jesus. I lingered in His presence. I journaled until my tired hand cramped. I sat. I pondered. I reflected.

Then I pulled out that handy-dandy 2012 list of goals I've been working on. It's that time of the year, remember? Who am I?

As I jotted down a few steps to conquering what I thought God was laying on my heart, I felt a sense of accomplishment. OK NOW, I'm getting clearer steps to  these goals. Goals for writing. Goals for serving. Goals for leading. Goals for "personal stuff." The steps were coming together and I was excited, because I'm not a fine details kind-of-gal.

I closed my journal feeling like I had made some head-way. I got up ready to conquer the day feeling like I had already done a days work. Reflecting is hard! It was then that I heard it. That still small voice in the pit of my soul. The whisper.

Go Lower

There's no way to describe the moment. I stopped. Paused. Tried to catch my breath. I went back to my journal, pulling out my reflections and goals. There is was again, the whisper.

None of this matters. Go Lower.

Putting down my journal, I walked away in total confusion. What, Lord? Lower?

I made my way to my computer to get busy on the days work of answering emails and meeting deadlines when I saw a notice that one of my friends had mentioned me in a tweet. Curious, I clicked wondering what the post said.

I can only say it was a total confirmation of that still small whisper that I heard. I might have even gasped out loud.

The message is a must read. Read the post Climb Like Jesus here. Thank you, Kendra! (BTW - if you are looking to up your capacity in 2012 Kendra's Peak Start sessions are a must!)

I have to admit, going lower and climbing like Jesus goes against my gut. I've been taught set those goals, strive for more, climb that ladder, reach for the top. And Jesus makes it so simple . . .

Go Lower

The Footprints I See

I have seen and read the poem "Footprints in the Sand" numerous times. But I can say, this week, I finally understood what the author was trying to convey. It was a week ago today that my daddy went to walk the streets of gold with Jesus. While daddy left great footprints here on this earth, the sadness, pain, and tears following his departure have left me numb.

A numbness unfamiliar to me. A emptiness that paralyzes.

For some reason I remembered this poem and the comfort it has brought has been tremendous. While I don't feel connected to Jesus, while I can't sense His presence, and while I long to know He is there I was reminded through these words that He is.

"I don't understand why in times when I needed you most,

you should leave me." The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never, never leave you during your times of trial and suffering. When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."...Mary Stevenson

I'm so thankful that Jesus is not only there but He is the one carrying me through these days. Are you struggling or going through trials? If so, remember Jesus has you. He is carrying you. He is loving you. He is watching over you. He promises to never leave you or forsake you!

I'm so thankful those are Jesus' footprints that I see!

31 Days . . . what's love got to do

I've been hanging out over at Tidden Tales the past few days taking part in her Love Is servies. Thanks Mia for giving me an opportunity to share something so dear to my heart . . . L-O-V-E.

I wrote earlier in the week about a challenge I'm fixing to embark on. You'd think I signed up to run a marathon or something by the anxiousness I'm feeling over this.  Wondering what the challenge is? Well, I'll try living and writing about 31 days of living with purpose.

So, dear sweet friends . . . I'm wondering what was I thinking?

Now I'm wondering what you are thinking.

What are your challenges with living with purpose?
Is being purposeful something hard to follow through with daily?
Do you struggle to know your purpose?
Do you need ideas to live with purpose?
What does love have to do with it?
Do you even care about purpose?

Surely, you have questions too! Pleeeeeaaassse, tell me you do.

I'd love to hear them.