(written 10.20.08)

It’s All About You…

Help me to remember, Lord
That You are in control;
No matter what this day may bring
Or how life takes its toll.

In every circumstance, I pray
That YOU will lead me to
Your precious arms that hold me tight
And take me safely through.

And may my goal always remain
Eyes fixed on You alone
After all, I’m only here so that
Your glory may be shown.

(written 11.18.08)

Last night, i was in a place of total appreciation for the little things in life... dinner out with my family (as a treat), a good cup of coffee, things like that. It was refreshing. I could literally feel my eyes sparkling.

Today, I am reminded that we need to always write down precious moments. Instead of telling yourself, "I will write about this later," actually stop and take the time to write it down. Even this morning, as I write, I can't remember all of the little details that made that moment in time so special. You know, it was one of those "life is good" moments that we should never take for granted. God is definitely in the little things. My life has been so overwhelmed lately with details that just seem to make me crazy!!! It is nice to sit for a little while and just remember some of the things that make life worth living.

About a week ago, I watched a friend's son sing his heart out. What a blessing to watch someone who has completely turned over his life to be used by God. Someone so gifted, who has decided that he wants Jesus to be the reason for his song... Tears just flowed from my eyes as I watched and listened to what God can do in a life surrendered. God is so good! And to think that He has chosen me? How awesome and humbling! May we accept His GRACE, not waiting until we are "good enough," but knowing that He wants us to come literally just as we are...

I went into my 8-month-old daughter’s room this morning to find her standing up in her crib, holding the rail. In shock, I thought to myself, “where did the time go?” I can remember being in the hospital delivering that little miracle just like it was yesterday. Time passes so fast, and we miss it in our day-to-day worries.

One of my favorite John Lennon lyrics says, “life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” How true! How often do we sit down in the middle of the day just to play with our kids or enjoy a good cup of coffee instead of worrying about “tomorrow”? My challenge to everyone reading this is to take an hour today and just enjoy “where you’re planted”. We only get one chance to live each moment, and I don’t want to look back and wish I had taken more time to notice the little things.

1 Timothy 1:16 says, "...I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life."

We all have a story.

After 35 years, I have finally come to the realization that God has given me a story to tell. Although I have made my own choices down the path of life, He has always known what those choices were going to be. My testimony is a GIFT that He wants to use as a blessing and encouragement to others. The place where I am "planted" is a true miracle, a clear example of what God can do in a life.

Why "grow where you're planted"? God does not want us to "run" to try and find greener grass. If we are living for Him, within His will, we are to allow Him to use us right where we are. Life is hard, but God is always only a prayer away. There was a time in my life when I thought I could find greener grass, and God set me straight. The plan for this blog is to be a continuous story of how we can grow and be used exactly where we are at any given time.

This blog is a work in progress, as we are all works in progress. My desire is for it to be a ministry, ever-changing, constantly growing toward stronger fellowship with our Maker and Savior. If you saw the movie, A Walk to Remember, you will recall that Jamie wanted to "witness a miracle" in her lifetime. I want to witness many miracles of how God can change lives.

Again, we all have a story...