What Can We Give Him?

It's a timeless question.What do you give the man who has everything?And when that man is the Lord Himself it becomes an even deeper conundrum.What do you give the ONE who has everything,owns everything.?What do you give Him who holds all of time and eternity in His very capable hands?The answer is found in the following words penned by Christina Rossetti:

In the bleak midwinter, frost wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter, long ago.

Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign. In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

Angels and archangels may have gathered there, cherubim and seraphim thronged the air; but his mother only, in her maiden bliss, worshiped the beloved with a kiss.

What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; yet what I can I give him: give my heart.

We celebrate God's greatest gift at this time of year.Christmas.The birthday of our Saviour Jesus Christ.We gather with family and friends around a table laden with food or a tree laden with packages.Yet,the reason we gather is often lost in the commercialism of the season.We give gifts to each other and that is good.But what about the Guest of honor?The Lord Jesus Himself.Enjoy,even relish time with your loved ones.But don't let the One who loves us with an everlasting love go away empty handed this year.

Blessings~Sharon

Merry Christmas

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.~Isaiah 9:6

Light in the midst of darkness.Love, pure and holy love was born that night in Bethlehem.Hope was born.We celebrate hope,the Light of the world,at this Christmas season.We celebrate Jesus.He is the only reason for the season.May His light,His hope,His love fill each of your hearts this season.And may you rejoice just as they did so long ago in Bethlehem.Merry Christmas to all of you.

~Image courtesy of Source of Joy Graphics~

Anger Management

Once again our Granddaughter Hope has provided fodder for a blog entry.Smile.We were watching her today as we do every weekend.I was in the kitchen cleaning up lunch dishes.We'd had sloppy joe's made with ground turkey on whole wheat buns and pears.I was enjoying the rare winter sun streaming in my kitchen window as well as the simple act of washing dishes by hand(my dishwasher was full).Hope was out in the living room playing a Sony driving game(some game where you race ATV's over various tracks both pro and amateur).As I finished up the dishes Hope came walking into the kitchen and gave me a hug."Is your game over?"I asked.""No"she replied.""I just find that it helps me to get rid of my anger if I hug someone."Hope was living out a biblical principle without even realizing it!I knew I had a blog entry with her statement.Big grin.I probed further.The source of her anger?Running out of time on her racing game.As she left the room I pondered what had just transpired.And I reached some conclusions.Would'nt it be nice if the worst thing we had to be angry over was running out of time on a game?And ,even better than that,would'nt it be wonderful if all the anger issues and results of that anger could be solved by simply hugging another human being?It's quite possible that all the world's ugliness,sin and sadness,caused by anger,could be eradicated in it's entirety.That's something to think about the next time we as humans are tempted to get angry over something.

~In your anger,do not sin.Do net let the sun go down on your wrath.~

Ephesians 4:26 NIV

Blessings~Sharon

Prayin' Grammas

"I am reminded of

your sincere faith,

which lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and,I am persuaded now lives in you also."

Paul speaking to his "son"in the faith,Timothy.

II Timothy 1:5

As I stepped into the shower and was reveling in it's warmth yesterday I was pondering the night before.We were babysitting our granddaughter overnight.Beofre we all went to bed we joined hands by her bed on our soft,comfortable hunter green couch.She and Bapa Steve and I had prayed for good sleep,sweet dreams and a good breakfast the next day.Hope had also thanked God for answering her prayers and healing Bapa's back.I pondered what a gift it was to be able to pray with this child.To have her know us as her grandparents.To know she prays for us and to have her know we pray for her.We were simply enjoying each other and the benefits of being children of the most High God.Access to the throne.This was extra special to me as I never knew any of my grandparents.They all passed before I was born I am told.But I would love to pull back the curtain on my life.To see things from the perspective of a heavenly timeline.To shine a huge floodlight into the now dark and dusty corners of my ancestral past.I would love to see,to know if I had any prayin' grammas.I wonder if as they baked their bread,tended their gardens or reared their own children did they pray.Did they ask the Father to save the future generations to come?Did they ask His blessing upon us?Did they pray for me?One whom they never knew was to exist.Did they pray for me to have faith in Jesus?I wonder if they loved writing and music and nature and did they ask God to bless and gift future generations with that same love?I'm blessed to pray for and with our granddaughter Hope.But I wonder if I had any prayin' grammas?Maybe I'll know someday.Maybe I won't.But I think I'll just enjoy what I've got.A faith in God and family and friends who love me.And I'll continue to be a prayin' gramma.

Blessings~Sharon

Image courtesy of Snapshots of Joy

Snow

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.I hope that you enjoyed a good meal,surrounded by those you love.We did.Though it was small(my husband and myself,daughter and granddaughter)and though it was short-lived(husband had thrown his back out and needed a nap)it was wonderful anyhow.Our daughter is a really good cook so we enjoyed our meal immensely.And we were thankful to have been able to gather with even a small portion of our family.We were even blessed with a crisp,sunny day.That does not often happen this time of year in Oregon and we loved it!So,now it's beginning to look alot like Christmas.I love it!Some of our neighbors have hung large,lovely wreaths on their doors.They look so very festive with their huge red bows.Our town has added it's Christmas decorations to the street lights on First Avenue/Cascade Highway.Christmas ads abound.Okay,I could do without the ads.The only things that's missing is some snow.It's been cold enough here to snow.Or it was anyhow.But there was not enough moisture in the air.Now that we have the moisture,the temperatures have risen to well above freezing.Life is like that sometimes.But I digress.I want to see some snow.I grew up in Sacramento,CA.I always wondered why they played "White Christmas"in a place that never sees snow.Then,in later years I discovered the first part of the song which talks about orange and palm trees swaying..That I could identify with for we had both trees in our yard.Then I moved to Oregon in 1991.It was an El Nino winter that year.Very dry.Cold.No snow.The next winter was completely different.I was newly married and Salem saw 16 inches of snow that winter.16 inches right outside my door!What bliss for this former Californian now married to a former Michigander.Husband took every opportunity he could to do doughnuts in the local grocery store parking lot.I held on for dear life.Big grin.We have not seen a winter like that since then.We have had some snow but nowhere near 16 inches.I love the way snow covers everything with it's pure whiteness.The way sounds are quieted.Muffled under it's blanket of cold powder.I love watching it fall.Hoping to see it stick and rejoicing when it does.It's novelty has still not worn off.It reminds me of Christmas.Of celebrating our Saviour's birth.Rejoicing in His goodness.Being grateful for His many gifts.And like that snow that covers the earth,falling gently from His heaven,we have His grace,to cover our sin.Our flaws.Our moments of humanity.I think that's why I really love snow.It reminds me of Him.

Blessings~Sharon

~Image courtesy of Snapshots of Joy~

Happy Thanksgiving

Bountiful Harvest

We praise Thee, O Lord, for the bountiful harvest,That now has been gathered and garnered with care;Rewarding the toil of the sower and reaper,While all in its blessings may share.

For the bountiful harvest,We praise Thee, we thank Thee and bless Thee, O Lord:For the bountiful harvest,We praise Thee and bless Thee, O Lord.

We praise Thee, O Lord, for the bountiful harvest,We praise Thee for sunshine, the dew and the rain;For soft summer breezes so gracefully bending,The bright golden billows of grain.

We praise Thee, O Lord, for the wonderful tokenThat shines as it shone on Thy servants of old,The pledge and assurance that seedtime and harvest,From earth Thou wilt never withhold.

We praise Thee, O Lord, for Thy wonderful mercies,And while to Thy glory our voices we raise,O Thou that regardest the prayers of Thy people,Accept our thanksgiving and praise.

~Fanny Crosby~

My Funny Family

I've been blessed.I was born into a family that values humor and laughter.And I married a man who is extremely funny.People who have run into one of my younger sisters have said the thing they remember about me from High School was my sense of humor.Funny thing is I don't recall being all that funny in High School.I remember being shy.But I digress.As I said I married an incredibly funny man.Our granddaughter has inherited the funny gene too.Recently I overheard the following conversation between my husband(also known as Bapa)and our granddaughter Hope."Bapa,will you get me a glass of water?I can't reach that high.""Okay Hope,but do you have 27 cents?"Hope then replied"No Bapa,I don't have any cents,only dollars."Laughter from the adults ensued.I've known some adults who had more dollars than cents(sense).Huge grin.That's one for the journals I think.I hope this little story from my life has brought a smile to your face today.Or even a full belly laugh.It's so healthy on so many levels.No wonder the writer of Proverbs said that a merry heart was good like medicine.Have a blessed day.

Sharon

~Image courtesy of Snapshots of Joy~

Stand In The Gap

Dear Readers,

Today is the International Day of Prayer for the persecuted church around the world.I encourage you to take some time to pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ who are living under persecution of all kinds.They face things daily that the church in America cannot fathom.

Blessings~Sharon

Beauty,Blessings,Bliss

I was blessed in many ways this week.It all came as a surprise which made it that much nicer.Early in the week I received my copy of the newly republished Victoria magazine!If you are not familiar with this magazine I urge you to check it out(www.victoriamag.com) .If,like me you are a lover of beauty in it's many forms,you will love this magazine.They had ceased publication a few years back.I was saddened by this.I'd enjoyed many years of reading pleasure and beauty each month as my dear husband had bought me a subscription.I am glad they have returned.

Then I received a CD in the mail from Ruth Wood(and friends)over at Comfort Cafe(www.comfortcafe.net) simply by telling them what Comfort Cafe meant to me.That,for me,was a simple task.They are a ministry dedicated to encouraging women who are hurting in any way.I have been so very blessed by their ministry in the last few years.It has been a source of comfort as we have walked through some really tough times since 2002.And,as I am sure you are well aware,women and men handle stress very differently at times.The CD I received is incredible(Eyes On You).I urge you,my readers to check out the ministry and the CD both.

Lastly,I was blessed in a way that could have had quite a different outcome.We had gone to get groceries on Thursday.On the way home we had noticed the temperature gauge on our van was getting up into the hot zone.So we drove into Lyons from Mill City and stopped at the ponds we had fished at years back.We got out of the van to check the radiator and add water and anti-freeze.I was stunned by the beauty that surrounded me.Apparently we had never been to these ponds in the fall.The trees around the ponds were golden and rust.The sky above cloudless and cerulean(my new word...hee hee hee).The wind was brisk and out of the north/northeast.The sun was warm.And I,while husband filled the radiator,was in sheer bliss.I sat on a sun warmed,flat rock.Soaking up it's toasty,golden rays.I joyfylly turned my face to the wind and let it blow on me full force(I've loved the wind since I was small).I wondered why we did'nt just get out like this more often.Some leaves skittered across the gravel parking lot.Like children rushing to get home from school to begin afternoon play.Steve thought it was an animal running up behind him.Huge grin.The van was fine.We drove home.And I pondered the beauty,blessings and bliss I had received this week.All gifts from God.Thank You Lord.

I'm Grateful

I'm grateful today.Grateful for the rain that is falling outside.It is refreshing and replenishing the earth that God has so graciously given us.I'm grateful for the antibiotics I'm on right now.They are ridding my body of the staph infection I have somehow obtained.I'm grateful for our apartment.Though small it is warm and dry.It is a shelter from the storm.I'm grateful for friends and family that I have been given in abundance.They are gifts to me from our Creator.I'm grateful today.Grateful to God for His goodness that flows in abundance upon our lives.Grateful to Him for salvation.We can look forward to eternity spent with Him because of the grace gift of His Son.I'm grateful today.Grateful for our black,fur covered clown.Our cat,Shadow.He provides a much needed source of fun and amusement in our lives.I'm grateful for Autumn.Our town is alive with a riot of Autumn color.Who knew that the passing of summer,a death if you will,could be so beautiful?If we stop,and really look at our lives,we will find so much to be grateful for.Gratitude in itself is a gift.Something to thank God for,don't you think?What are you grateful for today?

Photo courtesy of www.freestockphotos.com

The Glory of God

I awoke this morning to an angry looking sky much like the one in this picture.Rainy season has started here in Oregon.Thankfully such a dreary sky did not dampen my enthusiasm for my devotional time spent with the Lord.And even more wonderful than that is the fact that it did not impair God's ability to bless me through the following devotional writing.Smile.I hope you are equally blessed:

When God's power is manifested in the world,in His creation or in His people,God is glorified.When we pray that our lives may glorify Him,we are asking that the self may be put down,for it is not possible to show the power of God and at the same time to glorify what George MacDonald called"the bastard self."

We must be prepared to lose ourselves,whatever that may entail,that God may be all in all.Losing an argument for His sake,losing something we held dear,losing face,reputation,a position of power or superiority,losing a claim on someone or on his affection or respect-can these be a part of the answer to our prayer to glorify God in our lives?

Assuredly they can,for assuredly the Son Himself laid aside all such assets when He came to do the will of the Father.

"I have glorified thee on the earth"(John 17:4,KJV),He said-and that glory was manifested through weakness,loss and suffering.What a priveleged position we are called to share.

Lord,lift up our eyes,away from ourselves and our small losses,up to the glory yet tobe revealed.Teach us that it is only out of weakness that we are made strong,only as we suffer that we may reign,only as we lose that we may gain.

~Taken from"A Lamp Unto My Feet"by Elisabeth Elliot~

Photo courtesy of www.freestockphotos.com

Prayer in Busy Days

Things have become increasingly busy here lately.We watch our almost 7 year old granddaughter every weekend now.We've had many appointments of various kinds lately.When things get busy it is often very easy to let the truly important things slide in favor of the more urgent things that press into our day.It is often difficult during such times to see God's face,to sense His abiding presence with us.I found the following selection in a book called"Beautiful Living."This book contains the writings of J.R. Miller,one of the most revered authors in both America and England at the turn of the 20th century.They were compiled by James Bell...

It is in prayer that God shows His face to His children,that they have visions of His beauty and glory,that the sweet promises of His love come down as gifts into their hearts,and that they are transformed into His likeness.If you wish to be blessed,allow many seasons of prayer into your busy,harassed,tempted and struggling life.It is in these quiet moments that you really grow.Somewhere in every stressful,frantic day get a little"silent time"for prayer.It will bring heaven down into your heart and make you strong for His service.

Blessings~Sharon

What a Difference

What a wonderful day we had yesterday!We took an oh-so-much-needed day trip over to the lovely Oregon Coast.We cannot do this very often due to our very modest income.But it was going to be hot both here and quite warm at the coast so off we went.Husband Steve figured a few degrees cooler would be a small respite.The drive over was incredibly lovely and we really enjoyed the newly paved road.Smooth sailing it was!We reached Lincoln City and were surprised to see FOG!And what we thought was going to be a small temperature difference was actually quite a large one.Probably a good 20-30 degree difference!It was so chilly we could se our breath and I loved it!It was soooo very nice.We had lunch at Mo's(famous for their clam chowder).I always order Fish n Chips as I LOVE it.It's a wonderful once or twice a year splurge meal.We sat on long wooden benches and enjoyed the coastal decor as we ate.The sun began to break through the fog in earnest.Bits of fog still clung to the coastline but the sun's warmth and brightness began to sparkle on the water and heat up the sand.Sheer bliss.We finished our meal at about noon and stepped outside.We could still see our breath!I relished the coolness and drank it all in.We drove back up towards the outlet stores mall and Steve dropped me off at the Tree of Life Bookstore.They have a great bargain rack in back.I found what I wanted and went outside to wait for Steve.He had gone to get some clip on sunglasses at a nearby shop.As I sat there I once again welcomed the cool ocean weather(can you tell I'm middle aged...?LOL).It was great fun people watching too as I sat there,bag of books clutched tightly in one hand and purse in the other.The friendliest folks I ran across were the ones who were going about emptying all of the many trash cans that overflowed along the shopping mall's many walkways.Steve suddenly appeared in our van and we went to find a place to look at the ocean.Not an easy task.It seemed no one works on Mondays in Oregon anymore.LOLWe finally found a place to park near the water and we watched it from inside our van.The water reflected the grey fog above but was still lovely!We had no coats or we may have braved the outside of the van for a short walk.After that we drove home and entered 96 degree weather.But it was good to be home.God had given us a wonderful day.Smile.

Blessings~Sharon

Seasonal Changes

Though recent temperatures say otherwise,summer is nearly over.The sun sets earlier now.It is colder in the mornings.I hear a symphony of crickets each night as I drift off to sleep.Their familiar chorus eases my mind and lulls me to sleep.I slumber peacefully.The season of harvest is upon us.The time of pumpkins and scarecrows.Of cornucopias spilling their abundance over a freshly mowed pile of hay or upon a glistening dining room table.It is the season of God's bounty and of our gratitude for His bounty.And we rejoice in His goodness to us!What are you rejoicing about today?

Blessings Abundant~Sharon

Books Books,Books

But beyond this my son,be warned:the writing of many books is endless and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.

Ecclesiastes 12:12(NASB)

I completely understand excessive devotion to books.I am a confirmed and life long bibliophile!I have loved books since childhood.Reading came so easily to me that I do not even recall learning how to read.It is as if I came from my mothers womb knowing how.Now I know that is impossible.It's just that I did'nt struggle to learn it.I am grateful for that.It is a gift from God.A world of adventure awaited me in books.Places I have never seen.Things I have never done.It also developed within me a love for God's word(once I was saved).And that is such a good thing.In addition to God's word I also enjoy reading a variety of other things.Fiction,non-fiction,poetry.The list is endless.I am just so thrilled that the Christian market has just exploded with every genre of book you can think of.It is so beneficial and such a blessing to read something that is honoring to God.There is much stuff written that is not.I am currently reading a book on journaling by Ronald Klug"How To Keep A Spiritual Journal."It's from our local library.I hope to get my own copy some day.It's full of helpful tips on how to keep a journal of your walk with God as well as other types of journals.I highly recommend it.How about you?What are you currently reading?

Blessings~Sharon

Bountiful Harvests

You crown the year with a bountiful harvest;

even the hard pathways overflow

with abundance.

Psalm 65:11(NLT)

Image courtesy of Designs by Tyra 2005

An Answer

I saw my PCP yesterday afternoon.I was incredibly glad I did.Turns out I have Strep.I don't think I've ever had Strep.I don't think I ever want it again.It explains all the odd symptoms including the rash on my abdomen.Apparently this thing can migrate to other parts of one's body and cause rash,fever,etc.I am not sure where I got it from.It may have been my granddaughter who has had it fairly often for some reason.She is always full of hugs and kisses for me when she sees me.But I do not know.I am on Amoxicillin for it.I pray it is over soon.My body may feel like crud but my spirit is soaring today.I thank God for that.I had anawesome time with Him this morning.Amazing how time spent with Him can help us through so much on a physical level.Pray for me if you think to.I have much to do here but need to rest instead.Thank you.

Blessings~Sharon

Please Pray For Me

It's been raining here lately.Alot.The leaden skies have poured down their precious moisture and I have rejoiced.It's felt good.Refreshing.It's also been raining in my life personally.I see my local PCP today at 12:50 PT.I have something odd going on physically.Low grade fever,mild sore throat,sniffles and headache.And a red,warm to the touch and swollen abdomen(left hand side mostly).So I once again covet your prayers on our behalf.I am believing God for good things on this.I want to once again be free like this butterfly pictured above.Free to soar.To fly high above.Warmed by His sunshine.And blessed even when it rains.

Blessings~Sharon

photo courtesy of www.freestockphotos.com

Petitioning the Father

It's been rough here the last few days.We've had many errands to run and some were doctor's appointments of various kinds.In addition to that we babysit for a full 8 hours yesterday.Don't get me wrong,we love our granddaughter.But we're not in our 20's any more.And our bodies remind us often.But what has been harder than this was the emotional drain I felt the last few days.I received word from a friend here in town this week that her husband has prostate cancer.She also mentioned that a mutual friend of ours who now lives in Colorado has stage 3 breast cancer.A dear e-mail friend of mine just passed away a month ago from colon cancer.I know she is with Jesus now but I miss her presence in my life.Much like the man pictured above(at the Wailing Wall),I have had many reasons to petition the Father this week.To pour out my heart to Him on behalf of my dear friends who are feeling a range of emotions right now.I've even asked the Father why He is allowing so many of my friends to be affected by this awful disease.I don't have any answers yet.I may not have them this side of heaven.But I must continue on,petitioning the Father to grant my friends peace in the midst of the storm and strength for what lies ahead.And healing.Healing on every level that God may be glorified in it!In closing,please lift up Dave and Mary and their family and friends as well as Steve and Patti and their family and friends in prayer.I know they will appreciate it.I sure do.

Image courtesy of www.freestockphotos.com

Rejoicing While Waiting

It's another lovely summer day here in Oregon.It's not going to be too terribly hot and the skies are clear and so very blue!Though it is still August on the calendar I think we may have an early Autumn.It's been down into the 40's in the morning.Some trees are already beginning to subtlely shed their verdant green coats for their fiery red and gold ones.I am happy as the season to come is my all time favorite.It has always blessed me to go from Summer to Autumn.Summer's heat always wears me down.Makes me sluggish,weary.I eagerly wait through the heat knowing it will soon cool down.Sometimes it's the same with unanswered prayers.We pray,laying our requests before God.If the delay is too long,we may begin to grumble,just like we may do when summer's heat lasts too long for us.But just like the arrival of Autumn's chill and fiery color,God's answers will arrive.Always on time.Right when they're supposed to.And,while we wait,we need to rejoice(I need that reminder alot).Rejoicing when the heat is on is imperative,I think.It makes the waiting time more bearable.It brings honor and glory to God.It can even bless those around us.My devotional this morning said something similar.In closing I want to share it with you here:

...and again I say,Rejoice.~Philippians 4:4

Rejoice,My child,rejoice.

Let praise fill your heart and overflow from your life.

Believe in the efficacy of prayer-even your own feeble ones.

My ear is open to the sighs of My children.

While you wait to see the changes prayer can bring about,rejoice in faith

and drive away the scavengers of doubt that would take away your

sacrifice of praise.Praise and faith stengthen and nourish

one another.That is why Paul says,"with thanksgiving let your requests be

made known to God.

Taken from"Volume 1 Echoes of Eternity:Listening to the Father"

by Hal Helms

Photo courtesy of www.freestockphotos.com

Love

"Love is kindled in a flame, and ardency is its life. Flame is the air which true Christian experience breathes. It feeds on fire; it can withstand anything rather than a feeble flame; but when the surrounding atmosphere is frigid or lukewarm, it dies, chilled and starved to its vitals. True prayer must be aflame.

~E.M Bounds~

Rest For The Weary

It's been another good day here.I've had energy.Joy.All the things needed to have a good day.It was not so just a few months back.Undiagnosed sleep apnea left me dragging through the day.Exhausted.Not rested.Lacking in joy.Weary.Through the grace of God I was tested for and received a diagnosis of OSA(obstructive sleep apnea).I now sleep at night with a bi-pap mask on my face and extra oxygen too.It's not as scary or horrifying as it sounds.It has given me a new lease on life.I saw my sleep doctor today.I have good news.I am now down to only one sleep event per hour.A sleep event is where someone actually stops breathing briefly.At it's high I was up to 69 events per hour.No wonder I was sleepy all day.My body was weary.I was not getting quality rest.But I am now.Thank you Jesus.My daily life and the bi-pap's computer smart card are showing the results.My body was not the only thing to suffer during this time.My spirit was suffering too.I was too tired to get up early and spend time in God's word.Not so now(what a gift).I have recently been using some online bible studies at Anne Graham Lotz's website(www.annegrahamlotz.com) .She is Billy Graham's daughter and these studies are great.Very conducive to journaling if,like me,you love to write.I am currently doing her study entitled"An Open Letter to the Weary."It is excellent and I highly recommend all of these studies.If you're weary today,weary in spirit,take heart,and be encouraged by the following scripture.They are from the study I mentioned earlier.

For I have satiated the weary soul,and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.

~Jeremiah 31:25 NKJV

And let us not grow weary while doing good,for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

~Galatians 6:9 NKJV

Blessings~Sharon

A Gift?Yes!

It's another beautiful summer day here.We awoke to crystalline,blue skies,sunshine and a wonderful north wind.We ran some errands early.As Steve and I chatted we both discovered we had desired to clean our carpets this week with the steam cleaner.For whatever reason we had only just now shared our mutual desire.Smile.We drove back home slowly through town,savoring the sun's warmth and the cool wind.Simply delicious.Definitely divine!The wonderful smells emanating from local Mexican restaurants tickled our noses with their tantalizing scents.We arrived home and began the task of vacuuming our rugs in preparation for the real task of steam cleaning them.As I helped with the vacuuming I was amazingly pain free in my right knee.I had recently been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in it.I was actually loving the vacuuming.I know that sounds strange.Who,in their right mind,loves housework?Big grin.As I vacuumed I realized that,this too,was a gift from God.Though many would not see it this way,I do.And here's why.My husband and I have endured many afflictions in our bodies over the last 5 years.Things that God allowed.Things that laid us low on every level.Physically.Financially.Emotionally and spiritually.There were days that we just muddled through.Sometimes we did not even feel well enough or pain-free enough to do the simplest of tasks.Then there is the emotional and mental aspect of chronic pain or illness that wears you down.Depression is common when faced with life altering illnesses and pain(s).All of this combined can definitely affect one's spiritual life.Where is God?Why did He allow this?Does He still love me?Will I ever be pain free?My husband and I have faced all of this.Whether shared or unexpressed,we've both felt it.And the end result has been immense gratitude for the little things.Like a sunny day.A cooling north wind in the summer.Or even feeling good enough to clean one's carpets!All gifts from God,however simple.What simple gifts has He bestowed upon you today?

Blessings~Sharon

In Memoriam

A couple of months back,on May 10,I posted about my friend Sharon in New Jersey.She had been diagnosed with colon cancer.I requested prayer for her.I received word yesterday from her husband Terry that Sharon went to be with Jesus on July 17th.Interestingly enough I had sensed she had passed on before I even got word from her husband.I never met Sharon in person.We were internet friends.We originally met through an infertility support group.We began to discover we had more in common than simply our names and childless status.We both had MIL's named Evelyn.We loved cooking and flowers.We both loved old movies.And Jesus.I cried some when I received word of her passing.Though I know she passed quickly,quietly and without pain,into the loving arms of our savior,I will still miss her presence.We used to e-mail almost daily at times.And if I,who never met her in person,can feel this so deeply,what must those who really knew her be feeling?So please keep her husband and family and friends in prayer as they deal with this passing of such a treasured wife,sister,and friend.Thank you.

Photo courtesy of www.freestockphotos.com

Got Jesus?

Steve and I drove to our local library yesterday to check out some movies.As we drove we passed by several yard sales.We love them but often will simply drive by if we don't see anything we need out on the front lawn.We passed by one as we did'nt see anything we needed.Nothing had piqued our interest.As we drove away Steve said"Got Jesus?"I said"What?"He said"Got Jesus? was on the man's shirt at the yard sale we just passed."Immediately the thought came to me that it is not always whether we have Jesus.Often the question should be"does Jesus have us?"Have a blessed Saturday.

Photo courtesy of www.freestockphotos.com

Is It Really Summer?

Last week,we who live in this part of Oregon,were baking under cloudless skies and triple digit temperatures.This week,angry looking clouds,much like the ones pictured above,have blessed us with their cooling rains.And breezes,normally reserved for our coastline,have graced us with their presence as well.It has been interesting to me how these same clouds and rain,that are often grumbled about in winter,after weeks and weeks of their presence,can now be such a welcomed thing.

Summer's rain,gently,softly falling to earth from pale,leaden skies.

Soaking into parched,sun-baked,hardened ground.Barren ground.Void of life.Void of growth.

A welcomed respite from the searing,blazing sun and heat.

Our hearts and minds,Jesus,like that hardened earth,needing a gentle rain from You.

A gentle grace-rain.To soften us,refresh us,prepare us for new life and new growth.

Thank You Jesus for the rain that waters the earth and Your grace rain that waters our lives.

Written by Sharon L Goemaere

Photo courtesy of www.freestockphotos.com

Summer Ambivalence

Summer is so very fleeting;

Hearts rejoicing;Quickly beating.

Ocean's spray;Sea-salt air.

Blissful days without a care.

Sun filled days.Star filled nights.

Thanking Jesus,our hearts take flight.

Cool mountain streams,

over rocks so gleaming.

Warm sun's rays,

on earth are beaming.

So very hot,but have no fear.

Autumn's chill will soon be here.

Written by Sharon L. Goemaere

Photo courtesy of http://www.freestockphotos.com/

His Amazing Love

The following worship song by Chris Tomlin(www.christomlin.com) has been in my head for days now and I just had to share it with you all.If you know this song then I'm sure it's notes are already playing in your head.Smile.If you don't know it I encourage you to find it and take a listen.It's beautiful and it will bless you.

There is an endless song,Echoes in my soul,I hear the music ring.And though storms may come,I am holding on,To the rock I cling.

How can I keep from singing Your praise?How can I ever say enough?How amazing is Your love?How can I keep from shouting Your name?I know I am loved by the King,And it makes my heart want to sing.

I will lift my eyes,In the darkest night,For I know my Savior lives.And I will walk with You,Knowing You see me through,And sing the songs You give.

How can I keep from singing Your praise?How can I ever say enough?How amazing is Your love?How can I keep from shouting Your name?I know I am loved by the King,And it makes my heart want to sing.

I can sing in the troubled times.Sing when I win.I can sing when I lose my step.And I fall down again.

I can sing 'cause You pick me up.Sing 'cause You're there.I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord,When I call to You in prayer.

.I can sing with my last breath.Sing for I knowThat I'll sing with the angelsAnd the saints around the throne.

How can I keep from singing Your praise?How can I ever say enough?How amazing is Your love?

How can I keep from shouting Your name?I know I am loved by the KingAnd it makes my heart I am loved by the King,And it makes my heart, I am loved by the King,And it makes my heart want to sing,I can sing.

Morning's Glory

Dawn slips silently over the mountain as if creeping on cat's paws.

Earth awakening.Rising from slumber to a new day.

Sunlight, slowly spilling it's amber warmth across our faces.Our shoulders.

All of creation rejoicing.Praising it's Creator.

Awake world!Much to do!

Time to arise!Rejoice!Praise!

Time to sing!Time to dance!

Return to your Creator the praise that is due Him.

Lift up your arms and rejoice!

A new day is begun!

Written by Sharon L.Goemaere

"The heavens declare the glory of God:the skies proclaim the work of His hands."

~Psalm 19:1 NIV ~

Photo courtesy of http://www.freestockphotos.com/

Summer Bliss

It is such a beautiful morning here that I thought I would share some quotes about summertime with you.Enjoy!

"Long stormy spring-time,wet contentious April,winter chilling the lap of very May;but at length the season of summer does come."~Thomas Carlyle

"To see the summer sky is poetry,though never in a book it lie,true poems flee."~Emily Dickinson

"Ah,summer,what power you have to make us suffer and like it."~Russell Baker

"In the depth of winter I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer."~Albert Camus

"Then followed that beautiful season...Summer...Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light;and the landscape lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood."~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

A Glorious Day

Yesterday was a glorious day.I cannot recall when I have enjoyed an Independence Day with as much joy as I did yesterday.My day began early as is my habit.I knew it was going to be hot later on so I did much of my work up early.I was blessed by a late morning call from one of my sisters down in California.I don't get to see all my sisters down in CA often so phone calls are always a real treat for me.We chatted for almost an hour until her husband's rumbling stomach told her it was time to go feed him.Smile.I made lunch for my husband myself and then we took a nap as the heat of the day continued to climb higher.We awoke and left for our town's annual Fourth of July Parade.We met our daughter and granddaughter there.The sun was beating down from clear blue skies.An occasional breeze brought much needed relief to our 90 degree plus temperatures.My husband Steve,bless his heart,volunteered to go buy shaved ice for us all at a nearby stand.While they were in line I sat in the back end of our van enjoying the pre-parade preparations being made.Though many people had arrived very early to get the best seats I saw many were still arriving.Husband and granddaughter arrived with shaved ice in hand.I had chosen grape.As a child I loved grape snowcones with a passion.Turns out there was about 100 flavors of shaved ice. But I was just happy for something frozen.Our granddaughter Hope chose lemon.Brave girl she is at 6.Smile.My husband shared that while he and Hope stood in line she began to rub his arm.She then loudly announced to all within ear shot"Bapa,your arms are hairy,you need to shave them!"Laughter ensued from one end of the line to the other.I just love kids.they can take a miserable situation(standing in 90 degree plus heat in a long line) and turn it around so very quickly.Soon we all settled in to watch the hour long parade.It was incredible.Loads of floats from local businesses.Fire trucks galore.Classic cars.Military vehicles.And thankfully children armed with squirt guns(to douse roasting people with) and loads of candy to toss at waiting children.Our granddaughter really scored in the candy department.Big grin.All too soon it was over.We stopped at a couple of stores for supplies then slowly made our way home where we grilled burgers.Cheeseburgers.And they were much better than any a fast food restaurant could produce.At some point daughter and granddaughter left to go the local high school for contnuing festivities.I took an extra shower.What a blessing that was as we have no AC.Later I settled in to watch a little tv with my husband.It was too hot to cuddle so we each positioned ourselves by a fan and watched some tv.A little before 10 we made our way outside with some chairs.The cooling night air was like a sweet caress on our warm skin.A myriad of stars began to blanket the sky above.And then the fireworks began.And they were incredible.Purples.Oranges.Greens.An amazing array of colors and sizes.And the night air scented with the smells that only summer seems to produce.The smell of cooling plants.And fresh barkdust.And fresh hay and mint in nearby farmer's fields.We watched with the awe and wonder of children though we are middle aged.And we visited briefly with the Mexican neighbors to our left.We all enjoyed the color and the sounds of the night.And then when it was all over we all went to our respective apartments.And some of us slept.And we thanked God for giving us such a glorious day.

A Heart Committed

"My dear Jesus, my Savior, is so deeply written in my heart, that I feel confident, that if my heart were to be cut open and chopped to pieces, the name of Jesus would be found written on every piece."
Author:St.Ignatius of Antioch

A Cancelled Check

I've been thinking alot about the past lately.I'm not really sure why.Maybe it's a middle age thing.Maybe not.Maybe it's me trying to make sense of some of the things that have gone on in my past.Maybe not.Or maybe,just maybe,it is God trying to show me that the past is just that,the past.And maybe He's trying to gently remind me that we can spend too much time in the past.Trying to figure things out.Trying to re connect with a part of us that, though gone,may still,in some ways affect us today.My former pastor,from my youth,used to say this about the past(and life in general"yesterday is a cancelled check,tomorrow is a promissory note,today is ready cash spend it wisely."I cannot fix my past,either things done to me or by me.It is past.Things that happened then are not to be focused on now.Unless it is to help me make better choices now.To propel me forward.Sadly enough,my focus on the past lately served little purpose that I can see.If anything it robbed me of a sense of a better tomorrow.Will Rogers said"Don't let yesterday use up too much of today."That's exactly what I had been doing.I had been letting thoughts of the past rob me of too much of today.It was,in a sense,sucking the life right out of my spirit.It was crushing my creativity.I'm thankful to Jesus for revealing that to me.I want to continue to move forward.To pursue His destiny and calling for my life.But too much time spent mentally in the past was ruining that.Making it null and void like a proverbial cancelled check.And all the while the Lord was whispering"Forget the former things;do not dwell on the past.See,I am doing a new thing!Now it springs up;do you not perceive it?I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."(Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV).So,Lord willing(and He is :-))I am going to make peace with my past completely and continue to move forward in what He is doing.I do not want to live my life like a cancelled check.How about you?

Blessings~Sharon

Friends and Family

We've had a nice time here recently.Our granddaughter Hope,age 6,has graduated from Kindergarten!They had a ceremony and everything.Big grin.Though we were unable to attend, our daughter April had recorded it so we will get to see it soon(we hope).They just left this morning to drive down to southern CA for a family vacation.Pray for traveling mercies and that they can relax and have fun.

Yesterday we had the blessing of seeing long time friends Pat&Brian Swan from Canada as they made their way back home to BC,Canada where they are farmers.They had gone down to central CA where Patricia's family lives for a vacation.Pat and I have been friends since the late 1980's.We both lived in Sacramento then.Were both single.Attended the same church and had many other things in common.We both married within just a few years of each other.She and husband Brian are 2 of our favorite people in the whole world.They both love to laugh.Brian has a charming Canadian accent.They are wonderfully down to earth.And they love God!Their visits are always short but always welcomed and always fun.It is our hope that sometime we may get to travel north to see them and beautiful BC.

A happy father's day to all of you dad's out there.I never knew my dad and my husband does not care too much about holidays so I don't think we will do anything special today.He was happy with a"happy father's day"from me and his daughter.Don't even know if we'll hear from our son in AZ.We hope to but won't hold our breath on that.Smile.He's working at more than one job so time to call even his parents is limited.

There is not much else going on in our lives at present so I think I'll close this post.Hope all of you have a blessed weekend with your Fathers and husbands.

Needs

What do people need?As believers in Jesus Christ the obvious answer would be Jesus Christ Himself.And that is so very true.But people also need a sense of purpose.A sense of destiny.They need a reason to get up in the morning.Something to hope for.To look forward to.This is the stuff that was going through my mind a couple of days ago as I puttered around the apartment.I had a case of cabin fever but high gas prices have kept us home alot.And I do mean ALOT.God has placed my husband and I in a hard place,a rocky place.A barren place at least by American standards.Living on husband's SSI(due to his heart health issues&mild stroke)does not allow for much,if anything, beyond the necessities of life.And we are grateful daily that we have that!So,even though it was not a necessity(or was it?)we went for a drive.In the country.Which,living where we do,will put you there in about 5-10 minutes any direction.That in itself is a blessing.I eagerly anticipated what we might see and I was not disappointed.Plants and trees were in bloom and full leaf.The day,though cloudy, was somewhat bright.As we drove through the countryside I began to pray to the Father.I asked Him for grace.For strength.I had needed these things in abundance.I asked Him to forgive the unbelief that had stealthily crept into my heart.Lies from the enemy that said our God-given dreams would never come to pass.Whispers of discouragement from his little imps whose only job is to do his evil bidding.Essentially a major assault on my spirit.We continued our drive through the verdant countryside.Past babbling brooks and freshly plowed farmland.I continued to pray and discovered that what I most needed beyond the remedy to the cabin faver was to reconnect with my Savior.My Jesus.The One who loves me most.And the only One able to meet all my needs no matter what they are.What is your need today?Jesus can meet them all.

I've Got Sunshine...

This pic I found very accurately reflects our weather here lately.I just wish I could recall where I found this pic so I could give credit for it!Here in Oregon we thoroughly appreciate sun-filled days.Even our springtimes can be filled with much rain and skies the color of a#2 pencil lead.So we have been basking in the days and days of sun and unseasonably warm weather.I love this time of year for many reasons.The smell of mint and hay and fresh cut lawns.The fragrance of flowers in bloom and backyard BBQ's.Especially the smell of BBQ's!The riots of color that seem to erupt from even the most humble of homes due to the beauty of plants in bloom.Pink roses and purple Rhododendrons vie for one's attention.Where to look and at what?So much to look at.To observe.To take in.To drink in.Petunias and peonies.Gorgeous hanging baskets of fuschias.So much to see.To smell.To rejoice in and thank God for.Longer days.Warmer nights.The brighter moods of everyone around you due to all that lovely warm sun.Thank you Jesus for eyes to see.Ears to hear Your lovely birds each morning as they praise You in song.Thank You Jesus for noses that can smell all the wonders of late spring.For hands that can feel the softness of a rose petal or a neighbor's dog out enjoying the day with his owner.Thank You Jesus for all the joys that are late spring/early summer in the northwest.

Blessings~Sharon

Happy Memorial Day

I just want to wish each of you,whether military or not,a blessed and happy Memorial Day!But I especially want to wish those who serve our country in any capacity and their families a most blessed Memorial Day.I do not come from a military family but I truly do appreciate those who fight for our freedoms here and abroad.Whether on the front lines or behind a desk somewhere I appreciate you and I salute you.Thank you.And I thank each of your families too for surrendering their hold on you.For allowing or even encouraging you,whether male or female to wage war for our freedoms and so that others around the world may one day enjoy the same freedoms we so often take for granted.Thank you.May God bless each of you this day and beyond and may God continue to bless America.
With Much Love~Sharon

Jars of Clay

A new week has begun.7 more days.Full of the unknown at this point.As I read my Bible this morning it felt dry to me.Like a dry,barren desert.Void of water.Void of life.As I prayed for friends and family needing healing I prayed that healing would come so that they may better reflect His glory;better serve Him.God spoke"My glory is best reflected in those who still serve Me,love Me in spite of their affliction.Wow!Sometimes He is glorified better through obviously flawed people?He is better praised through the less than beautiful vessels(world's standards of beauty anyhow)?Yes!This makes me think of pottery that is unglazed.Pottery that is not quite symmetrical.Imperfect physically.But somehow still beautiful.Still able to be used.Still reflecting His glory.And still able to carry the treasure that is His presence within these earthen vessels.What a blessing that is.What hope that offers all of us really.That He can still use us in spite of our flaws,imperfections and failures as humans.Glory to His name!

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us."II Corinthians 4:7(NIV)

Photo courtesy of www.freestockphotos.com

Light

There are two ways of spreading light:to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.

~Edith Wharton~

Here's another way to put it:You're here to be light,bringing out the God-colors in the world.God is not a secret to be kept.We're going public with this,as public as a city on a hill.If I make you light-bearers,you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket,do you?I'm putting you on a light stand.Now that I've put you there on a hilltop,on a light stand-shine!Keep open house;be generous with your lives.By opening up to others,you'll prompt people to open up with God,this generous Father in heaven.

~Matthew 5:14-16(TM)~

Father,make us shine brightly for you in this very dark world.Amen.

Photo courtesy of www.freestockfotos.com

Valley of Shadows

I recieved some news today that has left me stunned.Shocked and saddened.A Christian friend of mine has just been informed by her doctors that she has only a few months left to live.Colon cancer is slowly attempting to take her life.It appears she may have had it for awhile now.Unaware except for some occasional stomach cramps.She and her husband had recently gone with his mother on a trip to Alabama from New Jersey where they live.When they returned my friend(also named Sharon)was extremely fatigued.Not feeling well at all.Doctors found a rather large tumor on the left side of her transverse colon.That would explain so much of what she's been feeling.She's stunned and afraid.She does'nt want to leave her husband behind.I understand that feeling.So please keep my friend Sharon and her husband in your prayers.I still believe God can heal her.I will continue to pray for that.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil,for you are with me,your rod and your staff,they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4(NIV)

A Gorgeous Day

When I awoke this morning I knew it was going to be a beautiful day!This picture reflects almost perfectly the kind of sky I saw as dawn slowly crept into town on silent cat paws.Just a few miles from here are lakes and mountains that very much resemble this.As I write this it is many hours later.And still lovely out.Sunny.Warm.Breezy.The kind of weather I have been eagerly anticipating for awhile now.This spring has been very gray.Damp.It gets like that in Oregon.But eventually the leaden skies give way to sunshine and blue.We hung a windchime from our apartment building today.It is a mosaic of glass pieces that form a bluebird in flight.I found it ages ago at a garage sale.It is lovely.I cannot wait for the sun to slowly wind it's way around the building to cast it's lovely glow on my chimes.It's beauty will be complete then.We have also planted some flowers in pots by our front door.Lavender pansies in one and mixed Dianthus in another.They are simply lovely.I jst love spring.We also hung bird feeders yesterday.Two of them.From a shepherd's hook.I asked my Heavenly Father to bring some birds to the feeders.He graciously answered my request.I was beckoned to my living room this morning by my husband Steve."Birds"he quietly said.I peered out the window to see house finches and sparrows eagerly eating the seed we had provided.They were so lovely I just kept saying"thank you Jesus."That is until our cat Shadow ran into the living room on lightning quick legs and scared them off by jumping into the window!They know there is provision here now and I think they'll be back.As I type this a neighbor is out mowing their lawn.It may be his first mowing since last summer.The scent of freshly mowed grass is intoxicating.Yep,it's a gorgeous day.God is good!

Blessings,Sharon

Guilty By Association

Steve and I watched a movie this afternoon that he had recorded at about 2 am this morning.It was called"Guilty By Association."I don't actually recall who starred in it or how old the movie was but it was a really good movie.It was about a woman sentenced to 20 years in prison simply for knowing a man who used and sold pot.It was wholly or partially based on actual events.I have never done drugs of any kind or been to prison(or jail even for that matter).But as I watched this movie I saw it as more than just a movie about the need for laws regarding this kind of stuff to be changed.I saw it as something that glaringly showed the importance of choosing your friends and associates wisely.This woman(a mother of two) did prison time for someone else's crime simply because she knew and associated with this guy and his druggie friends.When it came down to it his "friends" basically implicated her in order for them to get reduced sentences.She ended up getting the longest sentence out of all of them(though I think she only did time for about 8 years due to a law former President Clenton passed as I recall)simply because her boyfriend's"friends"essentially turned on her.These were not true friends on any level.True friends,in my opinion enecourage you to live godly lives.They pray for you.They are"there"for you come what may.True friends point you to Jesus.They urge you to live for Him.I have been blessed in my 45 years on this earth to have such friends from my youth to the present.I can recall many godly friends in my teen years whom I still remember today.Their godly influence has helped shape the person I have become.Not perfect.But not on drugs or in prison either.:-)These types of friends have prayed for me.Talked with me when I had questions.Reminded me that living for Jesus is what matters.That following His example of friendship is of the utmost importance.That godly friends are rare gifts to be treasured.They also reminded me of Jesus"example in John 15:13"Greater love has no man than this,that he lay down his life for his friends."Friends,they can be a blessing,or a curse.Choose your friends wisely.

Blessings,Sharon

A Puritan's Prayer

I ran across the following prayer in a book I began to read recently("Brokenness:The Heart God Revives by Nancy Leigh DeMoss).It really made me stop,slow down and think about things in my own life and heart.I wanted to share it here in the hopes that it will cause you to stop and reflect too.

Lord,High and Holy,meek and lowly,

Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision,

where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights;

hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory.

Let me learn by paradox

that the way down is the way up,

that to be low is to be high,

that the broken heart is the healed heart,

that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,

that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,

that to have nothing is to possess all,

that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,

that to give is to receive,

that the valley is the place of vision.

Lord,in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells,

and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine;

Let me find Thy light in my darkness,

Thy life in my death,

Thy joy in my sorrow,

Thy grace in my sin,

Thy riches in my poverty,

Thy glory in my valley.

~from The Valley of Vision:A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions~

Blessings,Sharon