Friday, September 11, 2009

Courage Lives On...

Psalm 91
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.

If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”



Today is September 11, 2009. Has it really been 8 years?

Many people say that Americans have forgotten what it was like that day. They have forgotten the trauma, the disbelief, the shock of what happened to our country as militant terrorists proceeded to carry out a plan to disrupt and destroy the peace and stability of our nation.

Have we forgotten? I don't think so. I believe that over time we become seared. We live in a society and culture that models and preaches service to self.

I believe that it is only when we lift our eyes up to our Lord, and rise above the radar line of this realm and its everyday events, and ask for God's eyes to see what HE sees... that we will never forget, not get seared, and stay alert and ready for what God has called us to carry out in this world.

Today I am pondering that day back on September 11, 2001 more than ever. I find myself in the ranks of a group of moms that is growing rapidly! "Marine Mom."
And also many other "Military Moms." Our sons and daughters have stepped up and answered a calling or a desire from deep within to go out and serve their country.



God bless our military people. God protect all of our servicemen, policemen, firemen, the first responders to all traumas and tragedies that do occur in our world. God keep them and empower them to remember their duty and their calling. To protect the innocent, to fight and conquer the evil, and to preserve the justice and freedoms that are ordained by God the Creator and Sustainer of all life. May they have righteous hearts that strive to serve God in their very honorable and yet very aggressive calling. Pray for them. Thank God for them.

They are our sentinels at the gate, they are the night watchmen, they are the warriors that keep us safe. Stand firm with our military persons. We may not like war, and we may not support all of the reasons these men and women are sent out, but we MUST support their sacrifices, their willingness to go and do what others will not. They have answered the call.

What will be our part??? Today is a memorable part of America's history. It is a sad day.
But it was a wake-up call. Don't be caught slumbering again because you have become seared, dulled to what is always possible. God help us. May it never happen again.
May our Marines, soldiers and sailors be kept in His hand and brought back home to the land they love and would die for.



If you see a First Responder today, or a Military person, thank them. It's the small things in life that sometimes mean the most to these people.

I LOVE MY HONORABLE MARINE. God bless him and keep him in the palm of HIS hand.


Remembering the lives of those who were killed on this day.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

A Merry Heart....



"He who is of a merry heart has a continual feast." (Proverbs 15:15b)

Today...this verse appeared in my daily Scripture Snippet.(to the right) What a very small statement, yet how LARGE is the message. The book of Proverbs is full of these mini-messages that pack a truth about our life here on earth.

Merry
One online definition said:

Full of high-spirited gaiety; jolly.
Marked by or offering fun; festive:


Another offered this:
cheerful
uninhibited and innocent joy

a merry heart
.... a "spirit" of happiness, carefree, seemingly free of worries.

Has A Continual Feast
....a never-ending, "doesn't run out" setting placed before one to fill up on.

What is the HUGE message in this little verse?

When I am kneeling before my Lord, lifting my hands up...giving away all that would keep my heart from being "merry" this day, becoming innocent to all that would seek to darken my day, cloud my thoughts, and cover my light...He reaches down and takes it away, as He has promised. And in it's place He sets a "feast" to give me the joy that consistently feeds my spirit all day. Why? Because I have given all to Him. I have released the cares, relented my tendency to hold on and try to "fix", and there is no anxiety...no fear, because I am given a merry heart. Once again, I know....that my Heavenly Father, whose banner over me is love...will handle everything and make it work for my best, and I can rest....and feast.

Is your heart merry today? Is your spirit feasting on all God would give you? Are you filled up so that you can share and invite others to this continuous feast?

He waits.... The One Who holds everything and owns everything desires to give you that merry heart.



God is good. All the time. Yes..He is good.

Going to see my Marine. Blessings!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Wordless Wednesday - Outdoor Wednesdays - White Wednesdays



Sharing with others on Wordless Wednesday here:

http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/


and Outdoor Wednesdays with Susan here:
http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/




and joining in just for fun the theme of White Wednesdays hosted by
http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/








now deserted chicken coop



"White Christmas" hosta



Join in....Got any wordless...outdoor....white...inspirations???

Happy Fall Days.
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Saturday, September 5, 2009

Oh No.... You NEVER Let Go!! Praise GOD!

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know you are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?


Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You.

Praise God!
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Friday, September 4, 2009

Soon, Woobie....Soon!



Today, Justin is coming home for Labor Day holiday.
Someone is watching and waiting...patiently.



Gideon is curious about what Woobie is looking at.... there's nothing out there!!!


Maybe if I look out a different window....?


I'll wait outside...that's even better!


What if he got lost??!!!


whew...think I'll rest a while...this is taking forever..


arooooooh...I almost forgot my camo hat! oooo-rah!




Master Obi-Justin!!!
Yes, I'm back again, little Padawan Woobie.


Don't you just love Happy Endings? :-) Woobie does...

Happy Labor Day Weekend with your loved ones.
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Thursday, September 3, 2009

....but I will remember You


As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God.
I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I go and stand before him?


Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!

Now I am deeply discouraged,
but I will remember you—
even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan,
from the land of Mount Mizar.

I hear the tumult of the raging seas
as your waves and surging tides sweep over me.
But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me,
and through each night I sing his songs,
praying to God who gives me life.


Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!


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Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Wordless Wednesday and Outdoor Wednesdays

Sharing with others on Wordless Wednesday here:

http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/


and Outdoor Wednesdays with Susan here:
http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/





This weekend brought cooler temperatures!! This morning when I went out on the deck, it was 60 degrees. It felt glorious. The dogs are loving it as well.
It speaks of the change of seasons fast approaching. Enjoy these previews of what's on the way....Hope it makes you smile.








Annie Grace In Memory







Sam In Memory

Looking Forward To the Autumn season....Looking Back at Treasured Moments
a personal entry into my e-blog journalling. :-)


Katie and Justin - Lake Lure


"Kat and Hogie" - Our beautiful corner.


Leaf Patrol - At ease little Marine - Kurt and Justin, Farmgate


Cousins -festival finale of the Middle ages unit study (homeschooling)


Blessings and Anticipation of Autumn to all!

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