I lift You high in praise!

“I lift You high in praise, my God, O my King! and I’ll bless Your name into eternity. I’ll bless you every day, and keep it up from now to eternity. God is magnificent; He can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to His greatness. Generation after generation stands in awe of Your work; each one tells stories of Your mighty acts…..my mouth is filled with God’s praise. Let everything living bless Him, bless His holy name from now to eternity!” Psalm 145:1-4, 21 the message

wow!  I’m blessed just to be able to praise my God!  No matter what is going on in our lives, we can always choose to praise Him.  Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

have a great weekend. love.

a devotional for 09/09/09

Today should be a very special day, with the special date, 09/09/09.  Did you know, many have chosen today to get married?  (on a Wednesday?!) My favorite radio personalities suggested it was because they would not forget their anniversary that way.  I’m not so sure.  What I do know is that the Lord began my day, this day, with the most magnificent sky.  I’d say sunrise, but with thunder clouds all over, it was more a morning sky than sunrise.  And it is still happening, two hours after the time of sunrise.  It is stunning.  I am encouraged, and strengthened once again by my Creator’s handiwork.  A visual reminder of the glorious power and creativity of the Master.  my Master.

I have a devotional, called “Wednesday words from Leigh”, that drops into my in-box each Wednesday morning, sometime probably when I am still asleep.  I’ve been getting it for years.  Each week she gives me something to think about, pray about, marvel at.  You can find her at leighmcleroy.com. Click on her Wednesday blog button, however right at this time, the devo from today is not posted yet.  (it’s called “As good as it gets?”) Wish I could have just copied her words for you here, but I’m unable to, probably due to copyright restrictions. it’s all good.  So, take a moment and go over yourself to her website.  You will be blessed.  Enjoy this precious day…..God alone is great, and worthy to be praised!

a finished happy place

Days off are weekly for me.  Usually I have so much to do on those days, that I yearn to return to work to “rest”.  I am notoriously bad about writing lists of things to do that could never get finished.  I tend to “bite off more than I can chew”.

Not so yesterday.  I actually found myself without a list of to dos.  And I found myself stuck at home for several hours, and discovered the energy finally to get my teeny tiny study in order.  I am deliriously happy.  I have always called the little tiny space “my happy place” – for several reasons.  It is seriously a happy place.  It can’t help it – it just is.  I have a great view of the lake.  and my pecan trees.  ( that I think actually may produce pecans for me this season!)  I have a pocket door on it.  When i’m in it, usually no one knows where I am.  (I find that so funny, cause our home is really not all that big.)  And – it’s all mine.  :)  Not that I am all about me. truly I am not.  However, a small space to call your own is a wonder unto itself.  Especially when you’ve mothered for as long as I have.  We are just used to doing for others, sharing, all those good, wonderful relational things.

I also house most of my books here.  That really makes me happy.

When we moved here over a year ago, I unpacked in such a hurry since I was to have surgery two weeks later.  A few boxes were tucked under my “happy place” desk area, and were still there as of yesterday morning.  And my four deep drawers were a disaster.  truly.  I don’t really procrastinate much, but sure had on this project.

but now. . . . Ah, now, it is a place of order. Everything, and I do mean everything is in its place.  I love order, and organization.  love the result of it, though I am not often very good about accomplishing it.  Life moves so fast, it’s hard to tackle such projects that take a while.  Yesterday’s adventure took several hours.  My body was a bit sore from all the stretching and lifting, but IT. IS. FINISHED.

I love it.  What needs help in your home these days?  Let me encourage you to plan on tackling that issue soon – there is great joy in accomplishing projects, and a deep satisfaction in the finished work.

So, I looked up “finish” in my search on biblegateway, and found a few favorite mentions of this concept.  My this holiday weekend be a time where you finish something God has given you.  His blessings to you as you press on toward the prize………

Psalm 25:21
“Use all your skill to put me together; I wait to see your finished product.” the message

Proverbs 15:9
“A life frittered away disgusts God; he loves those who run straight for the finish line.”  the Message

Isaiah 30:18
“But God’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you. He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you. God takes the time to do everything right—everything. Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.” the message

Acts 20:24

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”

2 Corinthians 8:11
“Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.”

Philippians 1:3
“Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God’s Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.” the message

2 Timothy 4:7
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Hebrews 12:1
“Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began andfinished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” the message

James 1:4
“Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

how rich you are

Just read this early this morning, and it blessed.  I pray it blesses you, too.  From my devo, God Calling:

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  Hebrews 13:5

My children, that word is unfailingly true.  Down the centuries thousands have proved My constancy, My untiringness, My unfailing Love.  “Never leave.”  “Never forsake.”  Not just a Presence is meant by this, but…

My Love will never leave you, My Understanding will never leave you, My Strength will never leave you.  Think of all that I am:

Love – then forever you are sure of Love.

Strength – then forever, in every difficulty and danger, you are sure of strength.

Patience – then always there is One who can never tire.

Understanding – then always you will be understood. 

Can you fear the future when it holds so much for you?  Beloved, “”Set your affections on things above” (the higher, spiritual things), “and not on things on the earth” (the lower, temporal things), and you will see how rich you are.

*note to blog readers – indeed, never forget His unfailingness, and love…..may your day be blessed in every way.

the last first day

I have quite a few friends that are sending a child off to kindergarten.  for the first time. (Including my niece, sending off her triplet girls!)  I have such sweet memories of those days.  Four of them, to be exact. Kindergarten was such a big deal.   I have pictures of each and every first day – the very first kindergarten year, to senior year for each of my children.  One more picture is waiting to be taken.  One last first day of school.  for the last of my precious offspring. tomorrow.

“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24.  This is the verse I have used to wake up my beloved daughter each day of school since she began preschool.  It is one of her favorites.  I will say it to her once again tomorrow.  For her last first day of school.  We are officially entering her last year of high school.  And I’m so very proud of her.  Of all my children, but tomorrow is hers.

I plan on not crying.  We’ll see how that goes. Right now I feel like I can accomplish that.  She would be so happy if that is the case!  Or maybe I could at least hold the tears till she drives off.  It certainly is a monumental moment – even though I’ve had three previous last first days with my sons, this is the very last one. the. very. last.

last child.  last first day.  I’ve been a mom for 27, almost 28 years, and I can’t imagine not having a child in school.  I will soak up each day this year.  Each memory.  And I suppose, I will ponder many moments in my heart, as well.

As before, she will not leave this house without prayer for her day.  Know that I am also praying for you – especially if this is your first day to send off your precious child.  It’s really a big deal.  But God is into big deals.  And honestly, He is totally capable of handling new starts.  Even the last ones.  To God be the glory, great things He has done…….

Sara – I love you so!  Have a great senior year!!!  love,

your mom

*update – guess what?  I didn’t cry! modern day miracle…..

random Friday thoughts

*We have been back from vacation for almost a week.  Left the beauty and coolness of the mountains to return to hot, sticky, oppressively muggy South Texas.  I’m good with it – for I’m refreshed and renewed from 5 days of not sweating.  Family time was great, and I’m blessed.  so blessed…..

*We’ve spent this week on school preparations, and today should be the last day we shop for a few new things.  About to head out to one of our favorite resale shops.  Do you resale?  oh, you really should!  I’ll talk more about that someday soon……

*Promotion Sunday at our church is this weekend, and I’ve also spent much time this week preparing for that.  A new group of senior girls, many I already know well, and already love.  Pray for them?  For me? I always approach teaching the Word with wanting so much to bring God the glory, and absolutely know I cannot possibly do it well without Him.  I need Him to show up each week!  I need Him to help me understand the lessons so I even have a chance at teaching them to 12th grade girls.  I have such a heart for each one of them to fall in love with Christ, and the Word.  For this to be the year that they absolutely, beyond a shadow of a doubt, know they need Jesus, and rely on Him. always.  That they receive the love He gives them, and shares that with others.  Pray that for me, will you please?   Included in this year’s class that I get to teach, is my very own daughter.  I am especially thrilled to get to study the Word with her!  It will be a fabulous year.

*I just ordered a new book, and it came yesterday – haven’t had time to look at it thoroughly, but it’s beautiful.  It’s called Interior Wisdom – Designing Your Home and Heart for the Lord. by Leah Richardson.  I think you’d be blessed by a visit to her website.  LeahRichardson.com.

*I’ve also gotten to hang this week with my Adam – and loved it.  He is approaching his very last semester at A&M, and will graduate in December with his masters.  I’m so thankful, and proud.  I will ponder with you later about all the benchmark events happening this year, but as I spend time with my people, I realize afresh how grateful and thankful I am for them.  I guess before I head out the door, I just wanted to remind you of that very same thing.  Cherish the time you have with your own people – love them lavishly, and be sure to tell God again thank you.

Have such a great weekend.

100

Today my dear aunt Maudie would have been 100 years old.  wow.  She almost made it, just recently (July 2nd) leaving us to join Jesus.  I still can’t really believe she’s not here.  She’s always been here.  all my life.  Interestingly, when I was born she was just a tad younger than what I am now.  I missed the entire first half of her life.  But, she was so precious to me.  to us.  Happy birthday, dear Maudie – I hope you’re stunned by all that God has for you there……

Today, at the sweet place where she spent her last three years, they honored her by wearing purple (her favorite color), having ice cream cones (oh, yes, she loved those!) and releasing 100 purple helium balloons…..I just think that is so appropriate.  So fitting.  Such a sweet thought.

So, I just thought I’d share.  thanks for listening.  Enjoy your day. Make it count.  Maybe have an ice cream cone…….

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”  Psalm 90:12

“Time is given us to use in view of eternity.”  anonymous

summertime.

The last few weeks have flown by!  Have you experienced it as well?  The best news is that the faster time flies, the faster autumn will be here!  :)  We have had more HEAT here than any previous summer – for like a century or something.  so. hot.  but I digress….

In the last few days, we’ve had 7 additional house guests (two of them, our very own boys! mom’s so happy!)  so fun.  so very fun.  We’ve cooked LOTS and done LOTS of laundry.  This summer, work continues to be full, challenging, and most satisfying.  I’ve completed two tremendous Bible studies.  Church is wonderful.  And in spite of the heat, I run every day.  Bike ride too.  Walk the dogs several times a week.  Determined to try and stay fit, and NOT let the temperature dictate what I can or can’t do!  (also experienced a pretty bad fall last week while running – not sure I want to elaborate on that right now! so humbling…….)  I’ve also read a few novels, and right now am thumbing through some magazines as well.  Looking for new recipes.  (I LOVE cookbooks, and even got a new one I’m so happy about!)   As I type this, Sara is frosting sugar cookies, sports is on the tv, (Adam), laundry is going, the dishwasher is going, and Mark is on the phone, working.  I will make spaghetti soon.  My summer heart is so full and happy.  right this very moment, life is perfect.

*I’d better go, enjoy this perfect day.  As you and I both know, this will not last long!  I pray His perfect day in your world as well.

“From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.” John 1:16

weak strength

from my devo this morning (Walk with God, by Chris Tiegreen)

“If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!” Proverbs 24:10

IN WORD: Paul struggled with a thorn in his flesh.  Three times he asked God to remove it, but the now-familiar answer was clear: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).  Paul heard straight from God’s mouth how to persevere in a trial.  It is God’s strength that carries us through.

Jesus assured us that we would have trouble in this world (John 16:33).  How negligent would our Father be if He knew this and did not prepare us for the tough times!  We are not designed to cruise through this life with ease.  We are built for endurance by the God who has planned an eternity for us.  He knows trouble will come.  He simply must prepare us to handle it in grace and His strength.

Newly manufactured products are often given a stress test.  An extreme amount of pressure is applied to them – more than they will experience in regular use – so that their strength can be verified.  God does the same for us, as painful as it is.  But there’s a difference.  He’s not testing us for our strength.  He is testing us for our inclination to depend on His strength.  His power is the only power that can carry us through.

We would agree with the proverb above.  We do falter in times of trouble, and our strength is small.  But we have learned a secret.  Small strength allows room for God’s power.  It sends us in search of a Sustainer and a Deliverer, and there is no more worthwhile search.  We will find Him if we are under no illusions about our own self-sufficiency.

IN DEED: Are you going through a trial?  It is more than a lesson in tolerance.  It is for your endurance and it is a lesson in dependence.  Know your weakness.  Know your potential for faltering.  Then know the power of your God.  Blessed is the person who can say, “How small is my strength!”  with the knowledge that there is a greater strength available.  And blessed is the Giver of sufficient grace. Where we are weak, He is strong.

amen.  blessings to you today.  you have been prayed for.  My you be strong in Him.

It’s not too late!

Listen, if you live in the Houston area, you still have time to get tickets to Travis Cottrell’s Live Jesus Saves tour!!!!  Tonight, 7:00 pm, at Jersey Village Baptist Church!  Tickets still available!  $10.  such a bargain, for one of the greatest worship leaders of our time.  I’m just saying.  Go to jvbc.org for more details.  Or traviscottrell.com  You will NOT want to miss this!  I promise!

OH!!!  And I’m about to go pick up my girl!!!  Your prayers have been MOST appreciated!  What a great day this is!  Saturday blessings to you!!!