Words said, Letters read!

Not necessarily in this order I read today ... blogs, books, articles, Psalm 150 and yet another letter which I post here today ... can I just say that I love to read most anything I can get my hands on?

I did spend a fair amount of time here http://nationaldayofprayer.org/ in preparation for teaching tomorrow and for a very important day in history. As for the letters read, they were the following words said.

July 29, 1996
Family,
Hello. How are ya'll? Me? Well I've been better. I know a total of seven people. I've met some new people, but no lifelong friends! I miss you all. It's 7:55 am do you believe it, and I'm awake! I'm going to breakfast now, I'll write more later. Well, I'm having an okay time. It's weird trying to adjust to such a different environment. I watched some guys play doubles volleyball, that was fun. I know one of the guys, Randy. He rode up with Jessica and I. I wrote to Cory already once. A couple of friends from church are here. That's cool! Mom, thank you so much for that verse. I carry it with me at all times. At night I keep it under my pillow. I wrote to Mike and Joyce this morning. You guys better write to me and send me pictures I can put on my wall next to my bunk bed. I miss you all a tremendous amount.

I love you all,

Carrie

write back soon please

ps please keep me in your prayers!

Psalm 150 (Amplified Bible)

PRAISE THE Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in the heavens of His power!

Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness!

Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp!

Praise Him with tambourine and [single or group] dance; praise Him with stringed and wind instruments or flutes!


Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing cymbals!


Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)

If I knew I Could I Would ...

Five minutes of free writing ... not stopping to edit or change ... I'm linking up with Lisa Jo!



start... if I knew I could I would, open up my very owned and operated hermitage. Yes, a prayer retreat center of sorts. A place for people to come away from the demands of life. A place to hear God's voice. I would love to know that I am instrumental in the lives of fellow followers of Christ by creating a cozy, warm, open space to enjoy God's creation. Just a cottage of sorts, for one. No electricity, just a hot plate for warming up water for tea, or to wash your face. Candles, many candles and crosses, many crosses, rugs to kneel on, comfortable chairs, rocking chairs and beds to rest ... finish

make sure to join me here ... http://thegypsymama.com/

Betty

I went to a free writing class at the Hennepin County Library. The instructor asked us to write a story of the history of our lives … mine went like this. Once upon a time there was a girl who had 7 older brothers and sisters. She was known by her father as “Betty”. She was cute, charming and carefree. Most of the time she dressed like a boy and played with the boys. Because of this, in her time, she was considered a “tomboy” which seemed to Betty to be a compliment. She loved to climb trees, play in the neighbors tree house, and play kick the can with her brothers and all the neighborhood kids. Her older brothers were quite protective of her. Betty had one neighborhood girlfriend, Jean who lived right next door. One thing that was disappointing and sometimes even discouraging for Betty was her best “girl” friend when to a different school each day. This was hard for Betty ‘cause she did not get to spend much time with Jean. Betty always knew though that she had a best “girl” friend.

day 27

Thirty-One Days of Praise: Enjoying God Anew (31 Days Series)

I taking the power from this book today ... day 27

Also I am thinking about a simple gift given from Susan this Easter. It was a package of note cards. A visual reminder of our friendship and how she encourages me. Yesterday at work her words were "we make a great team."

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17

Divine Time Out, Punishment or Gift of Joy

In the chapter on Sabbath Silence by Allender, the author states “The Sabbath is like every other gift—it requires practice and discipline to grow in delight.” Keeping the Sabbath day holy is one of the disciplines I have continued to study and learn for the purpose of changing the way I  look at practicing my Sabbath. This is why I choose the book Sabbath The Ancient Practices Series from Book Sneeze http://www.booksneeze.com/ where I participate in blogging for books.

If  you or someone you know desires more of God through a Sabbath Rest I would recommend this book. In Allender’s chapter, Acting out the Sabbath in Ritual and Symbol he gives some very practical ways of beginning your Sabbath the evening before. This was an easy quick read, and was much of the author’s opinions, rather than a study of the Sabbath through the scriptures, but a book to have in your library for reference none the less.

Because this is an old testament command and not merely a good idea, I believe that this book could have done a much better job of representing the Scriptures and what God Himself states on the discipline of the Sabbath.

Thomas Nelson has provided me with a free copy of this book for review purposes

How about you how do you practice your Sabbath?

whitespace

read this post here ... amazing .... http://www.faithbarista.com/2011/03/whitespace-a-photo-journal/

As I study the Sabbath and whitespace I am hearing God more often.

One More Letter

As a writer of a blog I tend to do a fair amount of reading daily books, blogs, and newspapers. Often what I post about is from something I may be reading. Always as my subtitle states, these are my conversations with Him. I was talking with Him this morning and reading His letter to me when I got this idea for writing. I went into my archives of letters I have received and have saved and I happened upon this one sent to me for my oldest on Saturday, August 11 (not sure of the year).

Mom,

One more letter, I'll be back soon. I'm ready to come back too. I'm not sure that I want to live in Minnesota for the rest of my life, but I know that I don't want to live in Cleveland.You know, there is not much happening here. Maybe after school I'll move to Colorado. I'd love to live near mountains. She is doing OK but again today she's been trying to get out of her chair all day to walk. She says, "I walk sometimes." I'm at a coffee shop now. I needed to get out of the house for awhile and it is within walking distance.

I don't know what I'm going to make for dinner. I'm running out of things to cook. Last night I made cream chicken over noddles; maybe I'll make spaghetti tonight, or ravioli, that sound's good.

Hopefully everything will fall into place when I get back. I'm not too concerned. I can't wait to get back into the groove. There was plenty to do on Saturdays when the Olympics were on TV. Now that they're over there is nothing on TV. So I am just reading. He said that when he leaves she gets in a bad mood so I haven't told her that he is gone. She hasn't asked but if she does I will certainly tell her he left for Colorado and then who knows what will happen. I made lunch today and she didn't want to eat because she is "going out for supper" however, one thing I've learned is that if you push her up to the table with food in front of her she will always eat. I've given up making poached eggs for her because I always make them "too hard." I'm sure I have made it sound awful but it is not that bad. I really am enjoying myself. And I've been running a lot since there is not a lot else to do. Maybe I will actually be able to make it through that whole Marathon without stopping, we'll see. I miss you very much. Thank you so much for all your notes and church mail. It really has been nice to get mail. Kisses for everyone please, and I will talk to you tomorrow on the phone.  
-love, the oldest-

Arrest to Execution

GOOD FRIDAY


In less than 24 hours Jesus went from arrest to execution …

I remember the prayer and agony at Gethsemane

I remember the betrayal by Judas and the arrest of Jesus

I remember the unauthorized inquiry at Annas’ residence

I remember the unofficial trial at Caisphas’ residence

I remember the interrogation by Pilate

I remember the audience (with me being one of them) and the mockery before Herod

I remember the final judgement of Pilate

I remember the scourging

I remember the nailing of the hands and feet to the cross

I remember the darkness I remember the death of Jesus

Worldwide Wednesday

                                             http://www.jacobguenther.com/p/pictures.html

Beth, If you want to follow me you have to truly give up your desires. You must walk with me on the journey to the cross. The path is not pleasant but it is real.

“Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Pracetorium and gathered the whole Roman cohort around Him. And they stripped Him, and put a scarlet robe on Him. And after weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they spat on Him, and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head.” Matthew 27:27-30

Oh Father, I want to follow You! I kneel before you and say, “Help me to daily follow You.”

Check out more of Worldwide Wednesday here: http://mistysmornings.blogspot.com/2011/04/worldwide-wednesday-and-my-first-linky.html

waiting for all things new

Broken and weary ... battered and bruised .... waiting for All Things New as I remain In His Arms

Praying for those in Japan

Praying for those who have yet to know Jesus

Praying for those who have left their faith behind

Praying this song today ...for me, for you, and for others.

Come broken and weary. Come battered and bruised. My Jesus makes all things new, all things new. Come lost and abandoned. come blown by the wind. He'll bring you back home again, home again. Rise up, oh you sleeper, awake, the light of the dawn is upon you. Rise up, oh you sleeper, awake, he makes all things new.

Come frozen with shame,. come burning with guilt. My Jesus, he loves you still, he loves you still. Rise up, oh you sleeper , awake, the light of the dawn is upon you. rise up, oh you sleeper, awake, he makes all thing new. The world was good, the world is fallen, the world with be redeemed, so hold on to the promise. The stories are true that Jesus makes all things new. All things new ...


check it out here ...
https://store.rabbitroom.com/music/resurrection-letters-vol.-ii

"Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy."

551 and counting to 575

GRATITUDE PAGES


551. returning to work today and grateful for routine

552. the smile on Makalia’s face when Chole wanted her to be her partner in Phy Ed

553. “I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free”

554. the golfer’s whistle in the early morning

555. “His eye is on the sparrow and I know her watches me”

556. spring winds

557. waking up to conversation with my youngest

558. a good morning attitude

559. learning to see the glories of God’s love

560. Him using me just as I am

561. That through the gospel I am led to the greatest gift in God himself

562. the sound of children laughing

563. the piano being played

564. Hannah’s art … breath taking

565. Grateful I am slipping but He keeps me from falling.

566. Grace for a day beginning with Christ

567. Grace for an evening ending with Christ

568. The darkness and stillness of the morning

569. books read to grandchildren

570. a daughter-in-law’s birthday celebrated

571. Conversations with Him while falling asleep, in the middle of the night, and when first waking up in the morning

572. gluten free blueberry muffins

573. being called to love the unlovely, to forgive the unforgivable

574. an afternoon nap

575. a visit from my friend Kaye

Weekends are for Rest

Every breath, every heartbeat, every function of every day is a gift from His loving hand to us!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Persistent Prayer

You are my High Priest and Prophet.

You are my King of Kings.

You are constant, forgiving, You do not disappoint and Your love endures forever.

You save me from my sins
     in study and in recreation
     in bringing dishonor
     in quenching the Spirit
     in not loving in return

I am grateful for the way You model love to me.

Prepare me for the work and will of loving others today.

Display your love and forgiveness through me this day.

Seriously In a Dependent State of Mind this Week

Father,

Do what You will with me
Make of me what You will
Change me asYou will
Use me as You will
both now and in my larger life ....

Hoping to do the will of my Father,  nothing more, nothing less, nothing else .... one day at a time!

Seeeking God for the City day 35

Almighty God, we thank You for hearing prayers from all over the planet. You do it every day. But there shall come a day-a day of great chaos on earth-when You surpass what we have asked. You will answer even our small prayers in great ways. Enlarge our praying to match Your wonderful purpose. Bring massive, sudden changes to our families and our cities, far beyond what we have dared ask, so that we shake our heads with grateful amazement. As You answer our feeble prayers, make a holy spectacle of Your tender, kingly power, Cause people, even the hard-hearted ones, to stand in jaw-dropping awe. Satisfy those who have waited patiently for Your good ness with tears of joy.

Evening Prayer

Father, thanks for filling me up with Your hope today. I am so grateful that I found myself satisfied in Jesus!


Now as I lay my head on the pillow I will rest awhile in a quiet place feeling satisfied ....

Morning Prayer

Father, today I will put my hope in You! I will be filled up to the fullness of God. This God of the gospel, this God who is satisfied with nothing less than my experience of fullness in Him! I love when I come to You and Know that I will never hunger or thirst again. May I be completely satisfied with Jesus today!

In His Arms, B.

it's dark now

Outside my window ... it's dark now
I am thinking ... about what I will teach tomorrow
From the learning rooms ...I am learning from other bloggers
I am thankful for ... some laundry done
From the kitchen ... it's rice and beans yet one more time for dinner
I am wearing ... my old navy army green cargo pants and a couple of shirts
I am reading ... The Praying Life
I am hoping ... to have a new position for Fall
I am creating ... another blog post
I am praying ... for Jesus to give peace to troubled hearts
Around the house ... the golfer and I sit and watch a movie
One of my favorite things ... warmer temps
A few plans for next week ... read, go for a walk, plan and pray more
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you ... 

        

Much Needed This Year

March 28, 2011       Psalm 118


It's been a good start to a good day. To be quite honest because I have not felt well for over a month I was actually not looking forward to traveling to Dallas. I was looking forward to Spring break though. In fact now as I sit on the plane in route to Dallas I am getting quite excited to see Jacob, Carrie, Annika and Eden.


Spring break has been a much needed time this year to reflect. I have two months left of my fourth year at Edinbrook Elementary. I really sense the need for a change in classrooms and a change in my direct supervisor for year five. I wish I felt confident that a change would be possible but for some nagging reason I am not hopeful of a change. That's where God comes in! What seems humanly impossible is indeed possible with God. So today putting all nagging aside I am dependent on the God who never changes yet walks with me through the ordinary days. Yes, I want to be dependent on a dependable, unchangeable God for a change in classrooms for the 2011-2012 school year. Knowing that my dependence on this very God comes first because of belief, then trust and finally faith, I will remember when thinking about next Fall that "faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we don not see." Hebrews 11:1


As usual I am remaining In His Arms, B.

A week in Texas and A week continuing to count!

506. the beauty of the sky
507. a safe landing in TX
508. a grand daughter’s smile
509. evening prayers “We will all pray and mom you pray for Sidney’s tooth!”
510. daddy prays on his knees thanking God for work
511. an evening walk with TX daughter
512. late night stories shared by mom and daughter
513. a good night’s rest
514. an early morning read from Psalm 119
515. a trip to the mall
516. indoor playground fun
517. an afternoon movie and nap
518. fun out front on the swing with Annika
519. a bedtime story with Eden
520. an early morning read from Jesus Calling
521. toast for breakfast for all
522. You are the gift of immense proportions
523. Blessed by the gift of the women from DBC (daughter’s church) who watch the grandchildren for moms morning out
524. the gift of an afternoon walk with the girls on a sunny day
525. the ministry of Time to Revive here:  http://www.timetorevive.com/
526. an early morning read in the word
527. all packed for DBC retreat
528. talking with Him about my feelings
529. safe arrival at Allaso Ranch
530. Friday night dinner and fellowship outside overlooking Allaso Ranch lake
531. rest
532. bottom bunk rest
533. His word in the quiet of the morning
534. the testimony of a young mom
535. the dogwood trees
536. small bunch of purple flowers
537. amazing grace
538. “Beautiful One”
539. the seed I’ve received I will sow
540. Living for You alone
541. life events either by design or circumstance
542. walking paths Psalm 25: 4-5 “Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow. Lead me by Your truth and teach me, for You are the God that saves me. All day long I put my trust in You.”
543. that I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.
544. leisure reading
545. serving communion to Jamie and Susie
546. a safe relaxing drive back to the Davis home
547. outside front yard play with the little girls
548. big girl conversations
549. pouring down rain and God lighting up the sky
550. safe arrival and home with the golfer