Our Hope

Laurie, this is for you!

Believe!

As I am faced this week with my daily cross, I am reading through the book of Mark. As I approach the eleventh chapter, I again am reminded by my Lord to believe.

As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. And Peter remembered and said to him, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered." And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."

Believe! This word seems so easy, so small, just rolling off of my tongue.

But it is the hardest thing to do in the midst of a trial. Last week a dear friend suffered a massive heart attack. He is still unresponsive. Yet, we can believe God to do the impossible. We MUST believe God. We must believe Him to perform his will, but we must pray in light of what our desires our as well; as long as our desires line up with His Word.

So, Lord, we come today and ask you to heal our brother, Tim Borland. Bring physical healing to his body. Open his eyes and wake him. Reduce the swelling in his brain. Make his body whole. Restore Him Lord. And as I lift our brother up to you, I also think of my precious boy-man. Open his eyes spiritually and renew his heart. Give him a willing mind. Heal his hurts. Restore our relationship. Bring him to his knees at your feet.

Busy, Busy, Busy

The Puebla Ponderosa is working hard on the Ranch house. I haven't had time to blog...busy painting, laying laminate and much more. I will be back. With pictures.

Those of you who are in the midst of trials, know I am continuing to think of you and pray for you.

Blessings.

Mommy's Helper

My Dear Marie,

I know your heart's desire. You see, mine was the same. I remember being your age and all I wanted to do was grow up and be a mommy and wife. You must keep your eyes on the Lord and seek first his kingdom. Do your best to honor and obey your mom and dad to prepare you for the greatest role you will have one day. It is the greatest role!

The Lord has created you with such a precious spirit that will one day be a gift to the Godly man God brings your way. Every day I pray for you and your future. He will provide you with exactly what you will need. You have so many gifts that can be cultivated and used to glorify your Savior. Keep up the cheerful heart ever relying on Jesus.

Marie, you are a gift from above. No man knows the miracle God has done in your life. The world says you have nothing to offer. The world says you won't accomplish anything. God says, "Trust in Me and I will direct your paths."

I love you dear daughter and am honored to be your Mom.

I Wonder

There are little things in life that you miss out on when your children are not with you.

"Hoss" is getting glasses.

I wonder what he looks like? I would have given anything to be able to have taken him to the eye doctor.

There are many things I long to see in my dear son. I wonder if he has grown taller. Does he have facial hair yet? He is turning into a man...and I can't be there to see these things.

May he be given a willing mind and soft heart by the Great Healer!

The Little Blessings

It is just amazing to me how God supplies our every need. But even more amazing how He gives us special little gifts that we don't even ask for. My Father is so loving and merciful.

Two weeks ago our neighbor had about 25 window treatments in his trash. For those of you who know "Mr.Cartwright" well, he is the king of "treasures"...if you know what I mean. Sometimes these "treasures" are not usable...but this time, the Lord blessed us with new window treatments for our windows. The story goes like this: Our neighbor helped his son in law replace a client's window treatments. My gifts are the ones she wanted taken down and thrown away. They are like brand new. And on top of that, expensive ones that I would never be able to afford.

Get this: We have four windows that fit one blind. We have two large windows. They each fit 3 blinds, bracket to bracket without space to give. They were meant for the Ponderosa. God blessed me with these. Moral of the story: Trust your man when he goes garbage picking...no really. The real moral of the story: God is gracious, and I believe He gives special gifts to us in such a way to remind us the little things matter.

So, a few days later, I am with the girls driving and happened to pass by a...um..um....someone's trash by the road....I guess my hubby is a good teacher. I have always wanted to get a leather horse swing for the kiddos, but there is no way I would pay $80.00. Wa-La! Someone was "getting rid" of theirs. Now we have a new swing. It was a great opportunity to remind the girls of God's love. We stopped and thanked Jesus right then for showering us with blessings.

My Wondrous Weaver

I have been slowly strolling through Warren Wiersbe's book,

The Bumps are What You Climb On.

If you are going through a trial right now, which most likely is all of you, this book is one of encouragement.

Job 7:6 "My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope." One of the chapters explains are lives as believer's as a loom. Christ is the weaver and we are His handiwork. Here are a few excerpts to encourage you as they have me.

"First, since life is moving rapidly, our circumstances will change. Second, since our lives are like a weaver's shuttle, there is a pattern and purpose involved. God controls the shuttle and God has a pattern for our lives. As long as God is on the throne, there is hope."

"You and I are still on the loom. God isn't finished with us yet. As you and I look at the process, we see the shuttle running back and forth through the web, and we see some kind of a pattern developing, but only the weaver can see the finished product. Never judge the weaver by an unfinished product."

"And never judge another person's life or give up on him. You may be a parent and have wayward children; or perhaps, you are a pastor or missionary who is weeping over people who are rebelling against God. Let the Divine Weaver handle the situation. He can untangle the threads; he can untie the knots; and He can weave life together so that the finished product brings honor to His name. Just keep praying and trusting , and let the Weaver do the rest."

"He is weaving our lives according to His perfect plan. Sometimes we get discouraged because all we can see is the wrong side of the weaving. But God sees both sides, and He is working all things together for your good and His glory. When time finally ends and the shuttle is at rest, when the Weaver takes the weaving off the loom, then you and I will understand just why He wove the design as He did. And when we understand, we will fall down and praise Him for His wisdom and goodness."

Friend, I am on the shuttle with you. Let's look to the Weaver and trust His goodness.

Book Review

Being versus doing? Which is more important?

That was the question in my mind after I read Andy Andrews latest book, The Final Summit.

There is a great meeting that takes place as many humans, all who have died, except one. They are presented with the responsibility of finding the one principle that will save humanity...in two words.

As the travelers are brought together as this final meeting place, I wondered was this suppose to be heaven? Gabriel is present as well as others who have died in the past, but I would not consider all those present people who will be in heaven. Each time a traveler comes forward to give his or her opinion they debate over if the present idea will be the two word key. Each idea is so thought provoking. Even in my own life. The ending is a surprise and yet, not sure whether I agree.

Andy Andrews has a way of presenting necessary information to the growth of character in a person's life in a fashion that challenges the reader.

My only negative about this book is that there was never a hint or message to the ONE who changes one's life. All the areas of character that were brought out are not possible apart from Jesus Christ. He is the answer to the salvation of humanity.

Being must precede doing.

Otherwise, this is a thought provoking read.

Am I Blind?

Lately, I feel like I can't see....

*past how I feel. But I know

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called usby his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (II Peter 1:3-4).

*past the worries and fears for my precious son. But I know

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)

*past the fear of others...what they think. But I know

"But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine". (Psalm 33:18-19)

*the future. But I know

"The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is on my side as my helper. I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord

than to trust in man.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord

than to trust in princes." (

Psalm 118:6-9 )

*how God thinks He will use these trials in my life for my good. But I know

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4)

Lord, please make blind eyes see. Help me to trust. Help me to fear You. Help me to not be anxious, but thankful.

Book Review

I just finished reading my second children's book to review.

Bill Myers has written many books in his career as author. Personally we have enjoyed McGee and Me the most. Recently, his book, TJ and the Time Stumblers, made it into my hands. The idea of children who are time travelers would excite most 8-9 year olds, especially boys. Most of the way, Myers does a great job of keeping the attention of the readers, yet at times it seems a little difficult to follow.

TJ and the Time Stumblers presents real life situations in a un-real way, in a word, safe. Their friendship is tested. There are high emotions at times. Conflict arises. Herby and Tuna must deal with difficulty along the way. This is real life.

Yet, as a mom who home schools and desires her children to have a Biblical World view as well be challenged, this book lacks depth. I would rather my children read about people who have lived and existed, with real life issues. Fun reading? Yes. But nothing more than that.

Maybe I just lack the ability to enjoy this type of book.

I was given a free copy of this book as a Blog Reviewer for Tyndale.

More Tears

No letters or phone calls. This is what we have been told today regarding "Hoss".

We must love from afar.

He is rejecting any love from us and my heart hurts. Badly.

The letters coming from him are full of anger, hurt, pain and more anger.

So our response must be love full of compassion. Not for his sin, but for his relationship as SON!

For he will be this forever. No matter what he thinks.

This I know. He is our SON!

Though this parent-child thing is in question, friendship will be possible one day.

We're Back

It has been a long while since I have been able to post. Blogger was down. I'll be posting soon.