Terribly Interesting

This Blog is updated each Tuesday. I have often told my husband that I belong in the city or in the country, but not in between. I know that sounds odd. It's just something in my wiring. We have moved to the country, but I feel more connected to God and others here than I ever did in the suburbs. I know it may sound unusual, but it was God's magnificent provision for my heart. I feel like I have spiritually come out of hibernation. I can hear God so clearly. I can speak His word more easily. I can love my friends better than I did before. I wasn't sure what ignited this. I know it was obedience and quiet. My mind keeps thinking of John the Baptist and his time in the wilderness. When he came out of the quiet desert place, he had something to say. He had "Meat" to bring to the table. He was not a man who brought frilly desserts that make people feel good. He brought something to chew on. He brought something to digest. In my service, that's what I long to do. I...

Gomer was blessed to have a wonderful few days this week with her friend Andy and many more who showed up on work day. We laughed. We prayed. We sanded. Here is the dramatic unfolding of the weekend as told via photography. 

Laomai and I decided to share with you about our ladybugs. With a hundred year old house you would expect to find bugs, but all we have found are those of the lady variety. Lots of them. I love that they are here. This one lives on my lamp with his wife. I am sure that they are madly in love or I wouldn't bother writing their story. It is a beautiful one . To keep up with my Under the Tuscan Sun theme, here is an excerpt about . . . lady bugs! Katherine to Frances:  "Listen, when I was a little girl, I used to spend hours looking for ladybugs. Finally, I'd just give up and fall asleep in the grass. When I woke up, they were crawling all over me." Frances: "So? " Katherine: "So go work on your house and forget about it."  "What are four walls, anyway? They are what they contain.  The house protects the dreamer.  Unthinkably good things can happen, even late in the game. It's such a surprise. "

There is a part in Under the Tuscan Sun when Katherine sees Frances looking at a villa for sale on a bulletin board.  Katherine: "It's a nice little villa. Are you going to buy it?" Frances: "The way my life is going that would be a terrible idea." Katherine: "Terrible ideas. Don't you just love those." The bus gets stuck in front of the villa because of a herd of sheep. She hops off and goes in. The lady refuses to sell to her until a bird poops on her head. It's a sign from God.  The rest is history. I feel like that. Nothing could have made me choose this journey on my own. A lot of days I feel like a bird pooped on my head. I am beginning to consider it a special anointing. As I look around, I am amazed at what God did while I wasn't looking. I am overwhelmed by the time and commitment people have given to serve here. Terrible ideas. How often do the things of God not look the most appealing. How often we settle for the shore of fun ori...

I wanted to share something from one of my favorite books this week. Enjoy "How can you say . . . 'Brother let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye?" Luke 6:42   O My people, I have called you to repentance and confession and forgiveness and cleansing; but you have listened to my words as though they were slight rustlings in the tree tops--as though they were of little consequence and could be brushed aside at will. Behold, I say to you: You cannot resist My Spirit without suffering pain; and you cannot turn a deaf ear to My words without falling into the snare of the enemy.   You have not cried to me with all of your hearts, but you have complained that I have not heard your prayers. As it is written: He [the Lord] is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6). And again: "You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with ALL your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13.   Loo...

These fabulous people have been graciously serving Gomer for several days each week the past few weeks. Much sanding has been done and the heat gun is a big hit! Andy (below) has run plumbing for our washer and sink as well as done electrical and septic work! He is our hero! Thank you Andy, Stephen, Reagan, Ryan, and our dear Molly!

This Blog is updated each Tuesday. If you thought my nostalgia has worn off since last week, you are mistaken. Through a series of events my memory has been refreshed time and time again. I cannot even begin to tell you how grateful I am for the Life God has graciously lavished upon me. I never thought I would end up living as much as I do. Sometimes I wonder why I was chosen to get to have all I have. I am amazed by the restorative kindness of God. This past week I was deeply grieved by the passing of a dear friend of mine who gave up a fifteen year fight with breast cancer. As I sat in the funeral home pondering her life of serving and giving to others, I found myself reflective.  I thought about the loss of my second brother to cancer..to addiction, a friend who lost her 2 year old in a car wreck, losing MaCille. I thought about losing twins and hearing the words tumor in your uterus. There is a deeply funny thing about death..it causes you to long for life. As I emerged, transfo...