Sabbath Keeping

"He has told you, O man, what is good;

and what does the LORD require of you

but to do justice, and to love kindness,

and to walk humbly with your God?"

~ Micah 6:8 ~

"I am convinced that the jealous, the angry, the bitter and the egotistical are the first to race to the top of mountains. A confident person enjoys the journey, the people they meet along the way and sees life not as a competition. They reach the summit last because they know God isn't at the top waiting for them. He is down below helping His followers to understand that the view is glorious where ever you stand." ~ Shannon L. Alder ~

"In feature films the director is God;
in documentary films God is the director."
~ Alfred Hitchcock ~

"Your current circumstances are part of your redemption story He is writing."
~ Evinda Lepins ~

"There are no 'if s' in God's world.
And no places that are safer than other places.
The center of His will is our only safety -
let us pray that we may always know it!"
~ Corrie ten Boom ~

"Doing the will of God leaves me no time for disputing about His plans."

~ George MacDonald ~

"When you are convinced that everything that happens is the will of God,
what is there to do but wait until God has mercy?"
~ Maaza Mengiste ~

"in many cases, our need to wonder about or be told what God wants in a certain situation is nothing short of a clear indication of how little we are engaged in His work." ~ Dallas Willard ~

"The will of God is not something you add to your life. It's a course you choose. You either line yourself up with the Son of God...or you capitulate to the principle which governs the rest of the world." ~ Elisabeth Elliott ~

"In Gethsemane the holiest of all petitioners prayed three

 times that a certain cup might pass from Him.

It did not."

~ C. S. Lewis ~

"Your spouse, your children, your job are part of the plan. 

They are not the plan." 

~ Sandra ~

"Like when you sit in front of a fire in winter - you are just there in front of the fire. You don't have to be smart or anything. The fire warms you." ~ Desmond Tutu ~

"We are weak Christians simply because we have refused 

to be bondservants of Christ." 

~ Dr. Paul Gitwaza ~ 

"It will be very interesting one day to follow the pattern of our life as it is spread out like a beautiful tapestry. As long as we live here we see only the reverse side of the weaving, and very often the pattern, with its threads running wildly, doesn't seem to make sense. Some day, however, we shall understand. In looking back over the years we can discover how a red thread goes through the pattern of our life; the Will of God." ~ Maria Augusta von Trapp ~

"For everyone who calls on the name of the LORD

will be saved."

~ Romans 10:13 ~

Prayer Praises ~ Lori ~ Heather ~ 

Please keep in prayer ~ Vicki ~ Alicia ~ Nancy ~ Julie ~ Stephanie ~ Rainey ~ Diana and her Hero ~ Brenda ~ Bonnie Jean and family ~ Pat ~ Joe and Mandy ~ Anita ~ Faith ~ the people who have been attacking me these few weeks ~ Sandra ~

Sabbath Keeping

~ Levi ~

"I will praise the Lord who counsels me."

~ Psalms 16:7 ~

"We're not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us,
we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be."
~ C. S. Lewis ~ 

"Nothing is small or great in God's sight; whatever He wills becomes great to us, however seemingly trifling, and if once the voice of conscience tells us that He requires anything of us, we have no right to measure its importance. On the other hand, whatever He would not have us do, however important we may think it, is as nought to us. How do you know what you may lose by neglecting this duty, which you think so trifling, or the blessing which its faithful performance may bring? Be sure that if you do your very best in that which is laid upon you daily, you will not be left without sufficient help when some weightier occasion arises. Give yourself to Him, trust Him, fix your eye upon Him, listen to His voice, and then go on bravely and cheerfully."~ Jean Nicolas Grou ~ 

"My father, teach us not only thy will, but how to do it. Teach us the best way of doing the best think, lest we spoil the end by unworthy means."
~ Rev. J. H. Jowett ~ 

"God will not look you over for 

medals, degrees or diplomas, 

but for scars."

~ Elbert Hubbard ~ 

"True holiness consists in doing God's will with a smile." ~ Mother Teresa ~ 

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

"Now it is you alone that I love,

you alone that I follow,

you alone that I seek,

you alone that I feel ready to serve,

because you alone rule justly.

It is to your authority alone that I want to submit.

Command me, I pray, to do whatever you will,

but heal and open my ears

that I may hear your voice.

Heal and open my eyes

that I may see your will.

Drive out from me all fickleness,

That I may acknowledge you alone.

Tell me where to look 

that I may see you,

and I will place my hope in doing your will.

Amen."

~ St. Augustine ~ 

"And when the earth shall claim your limbs, 
then you shall truly dance."
~ Kahil Gibran ~ 

"Let us go and wake up the universe...and sing His praises." ~ Mariam Baouardy ~ 

"The will of God 

will never take you 

where the grace of God 

cannot protect you."

"I know God will not give me anything I can't handle.
I just wish He didn't trust me so much."
~ Mother Teresa ~ 

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." 
~ Romans 8:37-39 ~ 

If you'd like a name added to the prayer list, please let me know but no anonymous requests, please. Names must be given each week; around the world, people are praying, one for another.

Prayer Keeping ~ Maxine ~ Townsend family ~ Quesenberry family ~ Smith family ~ Timi and family ~ Jane and Lance ~ Steve and Gwen ~ persecuted Christians ~

Dear Sandra,

~ Sadie, looking forward ~

There's a new magazine and blog called FOLK, Live Authentic and says it's "the story of modern, authentic American life. We bring a fresh, youthful perspective to today's American culture while preserving the past through sharing the American story, and the story of those living authentic lives." It says a lot more and, while losing me at the "fresh, youthful" part, I'm picked up at the "preserving the past" and "living authentic lives" part. From what I've read, I'm at least old enough to be everyone's Mother if not their Gran and that's fine with me. At least I'm still alive to give a nudge to the yunginn's every now and agin. -smile-
If you go to the Journaling Agenda page, there's a weekly blog writing prompt and, as long as I remember, I'm joining in. The first week of this new year is "write a letter to you" so here's mine:

Dearest Sandra,

It's been a year! A year of leaving, learning, growing, standing still, tears, laughter, sorrow, joy, sadness, happiness, big decisions, big risks, a year of holding on and letting go, a year of God and His enormous grace, mercy and love poured out upon you. You, in your ignorance, would have changed Dave's death into life so you could have his protection and provision still. God, in His infinite wisdom, chose otherwise and it has been His protection and provision that has overshadowed you these past long months.
While Dave lived, one of God's last gifts to you was leading Dave to Christ. On Monday morning, Dave asked, "How do I get right with God?" and you spoke of God's gift, His Son Christ, and what that meant for all eternity. Dave made his peace with God and on Saturday morning went Home. Dave asked for two things: to die at home and not to die in the agony of the last stages of cancer. He'd taken care of Cathy, his first wife, in her last stages of cancer and he knew what lay ahead. He told you he wanted to spare you both even though you assured him you wanted him no matter what. In His infinite mercy, God gave Dave his last desires. Dave died of a massive heart attack and he died at home. Those first months you spent in shock. Oh, you did all those things that needed doing and did some of them correctly but made mistakes as well. You listened to others say, "don't you think it's time you got over it? It's been a few months." or "you're a prickly personality" or "you need to get on with life". Yes, and them cozy in bed at night, snugged against their husband!
You gave yourself a year to grieve, a year to focus on the grief and the loss, the aloneness, the knowledge that you were now your own provider and protector...at least, with skin on smile... . That year was given up to tears and the adjustment of being alone, save the animals. You told yourself you'd move on to mourning and leave the grief behind and, mostly, you have but there are times still, the grief catches you unawares and you're poured out, empty, all over again. 
Dave lives on, in Glory, with all those Saints and great cloud of witnesses gone before. God left you to carry on, to ponder, pray and discern His new will for your life. You've an inkling and are spending this first week of the New Year making a calendar, plans and goals for growth in this new direction. There are those who don't feel God speaks to us in this day and age; they are right. You're one who believes God does speak to us you in this day and age and you are right. He speaks in a whisper and you listen, shutting out the noise of daily living, turning off the television, radio and computer; if necessary, turning off the telephone to focus on His voice. He opens a door here, a window there and guides your feet on the narrow path.
True friends have been so kind and acquaintances have been...well, they have been acquaintances. So many times they have approached you and asked intensely personal questions. Why they think they have the right to ask personal questions simply because you know each other is beyond my kin! Some of them haven't spoken to you in years, yet the need to know your personal business overcame any sense of propriety and ask they did. Perhaps, as you answered them, you were gracious but even if you weren't, you can still live with it; you did nothing wrong.
You learned you don't have to do something because someone else tells you that's what you need to do. 
You learned to say, "No, that's not acceptable" and then describe what was acceptable. 
You learned to go toe-to-toe with doctors, nurses, hospital administration and not back down; you learned patients and families have rights, true rights, and not just in word alone. You learned you didn't much care what someone thought of you as long as Dave's needs and comfort were met.
You learned to buy property; to negotiate and bargain. 
You learned to buy and sell cattle but don't think you'll be doing that again! smile You've taken care of the animals, farm, house and learned to ask for help; you learned to listen and heed wise counsel. 
You learned there are millions of people who aren't ready for death, either to someone they love or to themselves. 
You learned you have something to give...the hard-won knowledge gained from Dave dieing so suddenly and without being prepared. That knowledge is being put to paper; "death comes to us or for us, it's best to be prepared." 
You learned love transcends time, life goes on, friends love unconditionally, the prayers of those whom you'll never meet this side of the veil have held you up before His thrown of grace, mercy and love. 
You learned the "righteous will never be forsaken nor His seed beg for bread".
The opportunity to travel afforded you new friends whom you hope to see again but, in the meantime, your prayers, one for another, hold all close.
Most importantly, you've learned...re-learned...God is able in all circumstances and situations if when you get out of His way.
So, dearest Sandra, last year has gone, the new year still has nappies and you're dreaming new dreams, have new plans and goals and are forging ahead. Some things won't change - God first; self, family and friends second and all else trailing behind. As long as you keep your perspectives in the right order, it will all work out according to His plan and glory. Sandra, be gentle with yourself, show yourself love, honor and respect, claim His blessings and promises so you can fill to overflowing and, in turn, bless others.
God bless you, Sandra, and the work of your hands and heart; may the worst of 2013 be claimed from the best of 2012.
You are left in His most capable hands.
Amen.

Today's Miracles - snow on the mountains ~ shining sun ~ Carly, giving nose kisses ~ fire in the wood stove ~ good weather for feeding livestock ~ peace ~

Sabbath Keeping

"Here I am, I have come to do your will."

~ Hebrews 10:9 ~

"I couldn't live in peace 

if I put the shadow of a wilful sin 

between myself and God."

~ George Eliot ~ 

"Let us make our way together, Lord;

wherever you go

I must go;

and through whatever you pass,

there too I will pass."

~St. Teresa of Avila ~ 

"You are seeking your own will, my daughter. You are seeking some good other than the law you are bound to obey. But how will you find good? It is not a thing of choice; it is a river that flows from the foot of the Invisible Throne, and flows by the path of obedience. I say again, man cannot choose his duties. You may choose to forsake your duties, and choose not to have the sorrow they bring. But you will go forth, and what will you find, my daughter? Sorrow without duty--bitter herbs, and no bread with them."

~ George Eliot ~

"There is no chance, no destiny, no fate,

Can circumvent or hinder or control

The firm resolve of a determined soul.

Gifts count for nothing, will alone is great;

Each wellborn soul must win what it deserves.

Let the fool prate of luck. The fortunate

Is he whose earnest purpose never swerves,

Whose slightest action or inaction serves

The one great aim. Why, even Death stands still,

And waits an hour sometimes for such a will."

~ Ella Wheeler Wilcox ~ 

"To get alone--to dare to be alone--with God, this, I am persuaded, is one of the best ways of doing anything in the world. ... If we are ever to be or to do anything, if we are ever to be full of deep, permanent, rational enthusiasm, we must know God. If we are ever to know each other, we must know Him first. ... I believe that we do most for those whom God has begun to teach us to love, not by constantly thinking of their goodness, their grace, their simplicity, but by never thinking of them apart from God, by always connecting their beauty and purity with a higher Beauty and a higher Purity, by seeing God in them. Let us learn to make every thought of admiration and love a kind of prayer of intercession and thanksgiving. Thus human love will correct itself with, and find it root in divine love. But this we can do only if we are willing to be along with Him."

~ Forbes Robinson ~ 

"Doing the will of God 

leaves me no time 

for disputing about His plans."

~ George MacDonald ~

"The will of God is not something you add to your life. It's a course you choose. You either line yourself up with the Son of God...or you capitulate to the principle which governs the rest of the world." ~ Elisabeth Elliott ~ 

"We're not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be." ~ C. S. Lewis ~

"It was too perfect to last,' so I am tempted to say of our marriage. But it can be meant in two ways. It may be grimly pessimistic - as if God no sooner saw two of His creatures happy than He stopped it ('None of that here!'). As if He were like the Hostess at the sherry-party who separates two guests the moment they show signs of having got into a real conversation. But it could also mean "This had reached its proper perfection. This had become what it was meant to be . Therefore of course it would not be prolonged.' As if God said, 'Good; you have mastered that exercise. I am very pleased with it. And now you are ready to go on to the next." ~ C. S. Lewis ~ 

"And you shall seek me and find me, 

when you search for me with all your heart."

~ Jeremiah 29:13 ~ 

If you'd like your name added to the prayer list, please let me know. Names will be kept for one month, unless notified otherwise. Around the world, people are praying.

Prayer Keeping ~ Maxine ~ Lizzy ~ Pamela ~ Sandy ~ Katie ~ Raeann ~ Geoffrey and Terry ~ Misha and J ~ Jane and Lance ~ Stephanie and family ~ Steve and Gwen ~ Quesenberry family ~ Jill ~ Renee ~ Yvonne ~ Debbie ~ Jessica and Erik ~ Maryann and family ~ Wayne ~ Greg ~ me ~