Passion and Preparation
March 8, 2010
The Lord brought these verses at a most timely moment:
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” —Hebrews 13:5-6
Daddy read aloud Hebrews 13 during family worship, and it was a wonderful reminder that God gives us exactly what we need at the exact time we’re in need of it! (Proverbs 15:23.)
Before this was read, we had been discussing the future – including marriage and children and the generations to come. Breezy and I are eagerly looking forward to having families of our own and implementing into the lives of our children the many wonderful things our parents have taught us.
Yet, in the Lord’s good timing, He has not given us our families yet. We must wait patiently on God, and serve Him in where He has placed us.
We are passionate about the future, but are we passionate about today?
It is easy to look at the future and imagine how wonderful it will be, because “the grass is always greener on the other side,” right? Right?
We may imagine that it is so, but that doesn’t make it true.
We know not what the Lord’s plan is, but we do know that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28) and that “He will never forsake [us]” (Hebrews 13:5).
The future is the future for a reason – it is not today.
Let us be content in today. Content in where the Lord has placed us. Content in what the Lord has blessed us with. As Corrie Ten Boom said, “Every experience God gives us, every person he puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.”
Today we can prepare for the future and become better equipped for the Lord’s will. Right now we can be living each and every day for the glory of God and faithfully serve Him where He has placed us and with what He has blessed us with.
“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” —Luke 12:48b
Let us be passionate about today, glorify our Savior in devoting every minute to obeying Him, building His Kingdom and preparing for His will in His timing!
An afternoon of reading with a cup of tea . . .
February 9, 2010
“In the same way that God designed all of creation in its undeniable perfection and beauty, He handcrafted each girl’s situation with exquisite precision. He chose the exact parents, position, and opportunities that would best fulfill His purposes for her life and bring Him glory. . . continue reading.”
—Anna Sofia & Elizabeth Botkin at Visionary Daughters
“I don’t think that any woman could prepare long enough to perfectly execute this list [in Titus 2:3-5]. But it is my duty to aim to follow this standard that God has set. . . . And what better way to practice being a keeper at home than to learn the ins and outs from my mother, who has wells of wisdom on the subject! And who could think of a better way to prepare to submit to a husband, whether he’s right or wrong, than to practice in a daughters relationship to her father? . . . continue reading.”
—Stephanie at In His Time
“It is when we create things for God’s sake that our work most clearly promotes His glory, rather than threatening to compete with it. Thus the true purpose of art is the same as the true purpose of anything: it is not for ourselves or for our own self-expression, but for the service of others and the glory of God.”
—Philip Graham Ryken in Art for God’s Sake
Time.
January 26, 2010
Where has the bird of time flown off to? Why does it seem that whenever we look for it, we find that it has fluttered off into the distance? One moment it is here right beside us, and the next it is flying off into the horizon never to return again.
Time fades more quickly than we would like it to. We would love to stop time and savor the special moments when the joy around us seems as though it can be no happier.
It seems as though every day there is something that we wish could last longer.
Yet time cannot be stopped, it keeps on going. Life is a gift from our Lord. It is as a vapor that lasts only for a moment (James 4:14). We are given only a time, only a season on this earth in which things come and go.
That is why every moment is important: it is a gift of God. Every hour is important. Every day is important. We are responsible for how we use our time. Are we using these blessed moments in a fruitful way?
I can always see areas in which I can and need to improve the way I spend my time. I am far from perfect. But I do know the One who is perfect, and in Him, with His strength, I can do all things (Philippians 4:13).
At all times our focus must be on our Creator. God is in control, and it is because of Him that we must be faithful with the time He has given us on this beautiful earth. We must use our time wisely.
In this culture fascinated with entertainment, it is easy to become distracted. That is where regret may come into play. We can find ourselves caught up in the moment and forget the most important things around us when we loose our focus and misplace our priorities.
Looking back we see how the Lord has worked in our lives. We can see the many changes in our lives and in the lives of those around us. We may miss those past days, but hopefully we will not look back with regrets. That would be a terrible end of the story.
It is up to us how we use our time and, by God’s grace, we can use it for His honor and glory.
Will we waste it or spend it wisely with no regrets?
A Farewell & A Welcome: The beginning of 2010 . . .
January 1, 2010
It does seem odd that 2009 is now finished, having just completed it’s course in our time zone. This past year has been one that I shall never forget! It has been one filled with surprises, joyous fellowship, unimaginable projects, and the love of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
This year has had its ups and downs, but looking back I can see how the Lord uses even the little things to prepare His people for what He has in store for them – whether they are around the corner or on the other side of a steep and treacherous hill.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, and are called according to His purpose.” —Romans 8:28
We began 2009 with many plans and goals. Some we accomplished, some have been postponed, and some may never be even started. But God is faithful, and has blessed us with far more than we could have ever planned, expected, or anticipated! What a comfort to remember that,
“The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” —Proverbs 16:9
We have been able to look back and see our Creator’s mighty hand working things according to His perfect plan and purpose. We can delight in the Lord in both joyous times and sorrowful times because we know that He is sovereign and in control. We must trust in Him with all of our heart,
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” —Proverbs 3:5-6
With thankfulness and joy I say farewell to 2009 . . . not because things were unpleasant, but because I am ready to find out (in His timing) what God has in store for the future!
Saying goodbye to this past year does not mean that it shall not be spoken of again, as I am sure that this will be a year spoken of for many decades to come, but that we are saying hello to a new year!
As we enter the year of our Lord 2010, may we be drawn ever closer to the Lord Jesus Christ, and be found faithful to what He has called us to do!
Snow & Berries: Beginning of Winter
December 7, 2009
This morning we awoke in a beautiful snow-coated land. The widows were foggy, but through the glass we could see a white powder covering the world outside.
The the grass peaks up through the inch-high bright snow and the sun has yet to show it’s happy face this morning, but it may be out of kindness so that we can enjoy seeing the white outdoors a little longer.
There are still snowflakes fluttering about, adding a bit more to the layer that has already taken its rest on the plants. It is the beginning of the Winter season.
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning
And Your faithfulness by night,”
Psalm 92:1-2
Thank you . . .
December 3, 2009
Thank you all for your oh-so-sweet comments about my birthday! I feel so blessed – your words made the day extra special!
My birthday was a lovely day! The celebration was simple . . . and I really liked it that way. (We did enjoy our Coca-Cola and chocolate!) We were able to sew, and although I still have plenty of sewing to do in the next week, I did get a good start.
The project that I am working on now is a green bag that I can carry my camera and lenses in (as well as my Bible and notebook, making it an extra handy bag to carry, especially at conferences). The interior is a floral pattern in Autumn colors.
Once the bag is finished, I will post pictures and share about a few of the specialties about it (this bag has some interesting ingredients, but you’ll have to wait to find out!).
I also wanted to thank all of you for voting for my blog at The HSBA Post under Best Photos and Artistic Content Blog. I am truly honored that you chose to vote for my blog. Thank you.
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, praising our great Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for all His wonderful works! We have so much to be thankful for, let us not take a single moment for granted!
There is still time for you to join us for A Homemade Christmas!
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P.S. We are having a Christmas sale on our paper dolls – the sale ends on December 5th!
While living the life my Lord has blessed me with, I am at home with my family enjoying being a daughter, homemaker and artist. My highest goal is to give glory to God and enjoy Him forever. It is He that has saved me with His amazing grace and is continually molding me; to Him I owe everything. Read more . . .
