Dear God, show us the road
that you have chosen for us,
and give us the courage
to walk down it... Amen

Thursday, December 31, 2009

It's all about HIM

My word for Twenty Ten shall remain...Hope...as we live with it, and for it...

He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us so,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all

We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
So Heaven meets earth like a unforeseen kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…

He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Monday, December 14, 2009

Lost, hopeless

Coming very soon...the dark place I've spent much of the last few months.
Hope, Light arrives...He's never late, always on time.




Friday, October 23, 2009

Rest inside...

You can Hope
You can Rise
You can Stand
He's still got the whole world in his hand...

The arms that hold the Universe are holding you tonight. You can rest inside, it's gonna be allright. And the voice that calms the raging sea is calling you his child. Be still and know He's in control. He will NEVER let you go...

Friday, October 2, 2009

Happy Birthday Cody

Happy Birthday Dilon Cody Harrell! 18 years ago, 3:39 a.m., Wednesday morning after 37 hours of labor...
He is my light!!!



Thursday, August 20, 2009

words of courage from a faraway land...

Please visit Ann here...
I know some about agoraphobia...fear, anxiety...I want that courage.

God in Heaven give me courage for the day, Grace for the moment, Hope for tomorrow.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Sharing a pattern...


This chart Honors all breast cancer survivors, and is in memory of those lost.
During the naming of my chart business, Kim Argenzio won the drawing. I chose to honor her sister, Kathy, who lost her battle, but won the Grand prize...she sits at the right hand now. Healed in a perfect body.
I love you Kimmie! All those who are battling, and who have lost someone dear...this is for you.
Deena, Cora, have blogs also.






Friday, August 7, 2009

I AM...

Inbox today from Jill-


"God replied to Moses, 'I Am Who I Am.'"
(Exodus 3:14, NLT)

In the Bible, God has many names that describe His character and attributes. In the same way that someone named "Joe" might also be called "father" or "husband" or "the boss," God has names that describe Him and His relationship to His people.

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew name for "God" was considered so holy that the people wouldn't even say it. So, when God appeared to Moses in a burning bush and sent Him to lead the Israelites out of captivity, Moses asked God, "Who should I say sent me?" After all, He couldn't breathe the name of God in public. God replied by saying, "Moses, my name is I Am." In other words, "I am anything and everything you need. I am your joy. I am your peace. I am your strength. I am your victory. I am your way of escape. I am whatever you need."

Today, God is saying the same thing to us! What is it that you need? The Great I Am, the Almighty God is on your side. He is ready to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. Open your heart of faith to Him today and receive all the blessings He has in store for you!


Father in heaven, today I call on You-the Great I Am. I surrender myself to You - spirit, soul, and body. I ask that You direct my steps and supply every one of my needs as I move forward in obedience to Your Word. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
(I love you Jill)

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Abiding in the Shadow of the Almighty

It is arrogant of us to have fear, because we are saying God can't handle it.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD,
He is my refuge and my fortress:
my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler,
and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with his feathers,
and under his wings shalt thou trust:
his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night;
nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness;
nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side,
and ten thousand at thy right hand;
but it shall not come nigh thee.
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold
and see the reward of the wicked.
Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge,
even the Most High, thy habitation;
there shall no evil befall thee,
neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, Mt. 4.6 · Lk. 4.10
to keep thee in all thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in their hands,
lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Mt. 4.6 · Lk. 4.11
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder:
the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Lk. 10.19
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him:
I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him:
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him, and honor him.
With long life will I satisfy him,
and show him my salvation.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Jesse-Ray was saved yesterday at church...

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Enduring...

God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
-Read James 1:2-17

Friday, June 26, 2009

Wonders...

He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. He bestows rain on the earth; he sends water upon the countryside. The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. -Job 5:9-11

Saturday, June 20, 2009

So Much, So Little...

I do have so much to share with you.
  • Last week Jesse-Ray was at 4-H camp. First time he's been away from us. I so missed him.
  • We had flooding here at the house. (I have pictures)
  • I got the estimate for damage to my car - $4000.00.
  • We are going to Washington fora family reunion/mini vacation.
  • I'm almost finished with a free sampler chart. Will be sharing it here later next week. The title - "Warrior"
  • I celebrated my blogoversary-
Wishing all the Father's a very special day.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Can it be...

That I'm so very blessed with a Father in Heaven, who's Grace is Greater than my pain, an earthly Father who's spent his life for his girls, who's smile brightens the darkest day, a husband that was so clearly sent by God, to love me, honor me, be my best friend, love and care so deeply for our children.

So we should celebrate this day every day, as I try to do. I am blessed-




Why not read "The Power of the Praying Wife". I remember first reading it, praying it, and seeing changes that were undeniably God. You'll see it too...spend the next 15 days in prayer, spend the remainder of the year being Thankful-

Father in Heaven, I thank you, for Jesus' blood, my Daddy, Mark...

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Neglect and the Pursuit of Happiness

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.


Looking into the ground, the beauty that once was, now filled with weeds, much like my soul. Thoughts of disgust fill my insides as I look into the gardens, neglected, over-run. I pray for God to send me words, speak to me, as I begin the process that will bring pain to back, arms and legs. To give me Grace for the day, the journey, that seems to have no end, no Joy-
On the pursuit of Happiness, the journey could be long if one expects to find it without the willing mind, heart, soul to truly search.
I've gotten lost, forgot what it is that I'm seeking. His Grace is here, His Faithfulness no end. I'm wondering how this happened. In dreading each day, wondering how I will proceed, find joy, I forget to look at the finer things. Life, these boys, this husband, home. Happiness truly is in the eye of the beholder. Don't forget to seek it...

God, if this is the place you need me, help me find happiness in it, remember your promise, accept your Grace for the day.

(photos - out of place pumpkin vines, unattended Friendship Garden)

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Forgive Everyone for Everything...

Friday, May 15, 2009

Finding Joy, Mercy...

Joy is the infallible sign of the Presence of GOD...


Today Sheryl reminds me that Mercy is always running to me, to us, all of us-
Romans 8: 38, 39



(photos - Scotch Broom in bloom - Mamaw's Peony - a cutting from plants at her home place over 100 years old. Planted six years ago...this is the first time this plant has bloomed. More to come as they develop.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Road Work Ahead...

The one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. -Philippians 1:6

The title is catchy...the sign just before tells me to slow down-
Although the story itself doesn't explain my situation, the title and scripture do.
I have been packaging and mailing my sampler patterns for several days now. I was in a hurry...not realizing that I had left out an important piece of information. Possibly the most important piece - The instructions. Excited, wanting to get them mailed off quickly, I failed to check my work. I let them down.
I am reminded that I, too, must follow instructions, listen to God speaking, so that I won't make a mistake. If I rush through life too quickly, I may miss an important piece of information.

(Author not noted)
As I drove toward El Paso, I fumed over the argument I'd had with my husband the night before. I was sure I was right, but he would never admit it. My frustration increased when I passed an orange caution sign that read: "Road Work Ahead." I was late, in a hurry, and irritated by the delay of having to drive slowly. As I moved at a snail's pace through the desert, I told God how angry I was about the night before. After a while, God gently whispered to me that like the road I was traveling on, my husband is "under construction" and that I need to be patient with him.

I thought again about the argument, but this time I saw it from my husband's perspective. I was horrified by the lack of love I saw in my own behavior. I was ashamed even to ask for forgiveness, but then I saw how patient and gentle God had been with me. I realized that I am also under construction, and I received God's forgiveness gratefully. Forgiving my husband was easier when I realized how much God has forgiven me.

God, open my eyes to see clearly your patience and forgiveness so that I can offer the same to others. Amen.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Producing Fruit...

It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
-Philippians 2:13

I have my sampler patterns ready...click on the picture to the right to see-

By:
Jane Ebersole (Pennsylvania, USA)
While chatting with a friend, I mentioned that I had begun taking art classes and that I was not doing well because I am not naturally creative. My friend surprised me by saying, "Jane, the Creator lives within you! Of course you are creative."

That truth began to change my thinking. Scripture verses to support her assertion came to my mind, such as when Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit" (John 15:5, nrsv). Before long, I was creating - making inspirational cards by using watercolors, pens, and verse. As I worked, I prayed that those who received the cards would see in them the hand of our ever-present Creator who is at work in and through us.

The great Initiator of all good, creative works desires to dwell in us. God lovingly cultivates the soil of our lives to produce fruit through us - sometimes in ways we never dreamed possible.


Lord, help us to discover your creative powers within us. Use us and them only for your glory. Amen.


Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Here I am...

Thank you all for checking on me. So much running here.
I promise to share all the details soon.
Here we are at Daddy's b-day/retirement party with Katie. And there's one of Cody at Prom acting silly. someone stuck their head in the picture last second:(




Thursday, April 23, 2009

Seeking...

May I quote?

"God's Word is a surgeon's scalpel--able to skillfully separate thoughts, intentions and motives--when it is read by one with a seeking heart."

I was visiting - Whatever He Says - when I found this post from the archives.

What exactly am I seeking? Hoping for, wishing for. If I seek only Him, his word, it will be a lamp unto my feet. Mercy, Grace will be my reward.

Today, what are you seeking?


(photo - Click Tunnel)
More to come on our Easter Afternoon

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

While I'm running, waiting...

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."


Birthday - 40 me
Retirement & Birthday celebration - Dad
Work -
Baseball - Jesse-Ray
Soccer - Jesse-Ray
Track - Cody
Track injury - Cody
Prom - Cody
Cody gets his braces off...more dental work to follow. Going to see an Endodontist, loss of private insurance means a great cost for me - ouch!

Today is the first in many weeks that I've actually fixed a home cooked meal. I miss this-
Is there a plan, a reward for this overworked anxious mother?
I remind myself...
While I'm waiting
I’m waiting
I’m waiting on you, Lord
And I am hopeful
I’m waiting on you, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait.
I will move ahead, bold and confident. Taking every step in obedience. While I’m waiting, I will serve you. While I'm waiting, I will worship. While I'm waiting, I will not faint. I'll be running the race, even while I wait.
I’m waiting
I’m waiting on you, Lord.l
And I am peaceful
I’m waiting on you, Lord.
Though it’s not easy
But faithfully, I will wait.
Yes, I will wait.
I WILL SERVE YOU WHILE I’M WAITING, I WILL WORSHIP WHILE I’M WAITING ON YOU LORD.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Confronted...

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. -Psalm 51:17

James 3:2 says that we all fall in many ways. It's true, isn't it? No one could ever say, "Well, I've never failed the Lord."

But what do you do when you're confronted with your sin? When God uses a messenger, a circumstance or His Word to hold up a mirror to you, what do you do in that critical moment?

Because we all do fail the Lord, the issue then becomes, how do I respond when my sin is revealed to me? That is the great dividing line in all of humanity.
More here



Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Happy Birthday Deena!!!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Return to Him...

He is risen...the tomb is empty. He has gone to prepare a place for you...if it were not true He wouldn't have told you so.

Are you ready for Him-
Today, tomorrow, remember His sacrifice for you.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Crucified...

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
- Romans 5:8
In a dream I was there, when they crucified Jesus.
In my dream I saw his great agony.
I ran to the man that was piercing his body.
And when I pulled him away, that soldier was me.

Though only a dream
I crucified Jesus
It was my sins he bore
On calvarys tree
When he prayed alone
In gethsemanes garden
I believe he prayed
That night for me

Simon Peter was there, and his heart was so troubled.
And many that Jesus, had touched by the way.
They beheld their Lord, there bleeding and dying.
And in the dream I could see, that soldier was me.
(The Primitive Quartet)
Thoughts from Ann



Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Daily Exam...

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test. 2 Corinthians 13:5

As I was driving to work this morning, during sun rise, my thoughts go to His promise...That He will supply our needs, that He will never leave us, that all things work to the good of those who love the Lord.




If I can endure for this minute whatever is happening to me, no matter how heavy my heart is, or how dark the moment may be

If I can remain calm and quiet with all the world crashing about me,
secure in the knowledge God loves me when everyone else seems to doubt me

If I can but keep on believing what I know in my heart to be true,
that darkness will fade with the morning and that this will pass away, too.

Then nothing in life can defeat me for as long as this knowledge remains
I can suffer whatever is happening for I know God will break all of the chains
that are binding me tight in the darkness and trying to fill me with fear for there is no night without dawning and I know that my morning is near.
Helen Steiner Rice

photo - last Tuesday morning

Friday, April 3, 2009

Sow Bountifully...

But this I say, "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully"...



I am missing you all, and am most grateful for your kinds messages. I hope to be back regularly very soon...








Thursday, March 19, 2009

Trying to prove...

I'm Wonder Woman
  • a woman who can be a successful wife and have a professional career at the same time

The successful career part isn't me, but working 13 hours a day after being home for 13 years certainly entitles me to something-
(I'll let you know how it works out for me)

Just a quick post to say nothing really...I'm sure missing this, you all.

Slow me down Lord-

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

When God says...

When God Says, “Pssst!”

Inbox from Tracy - a kind thank you for sharing.

by Gloria Copeland

Did you know your children are in your heart? It’s true. You carry your children in your heart the same way God carries you in His heart.
You can feel what’s going on with them even when they’re on the other side of the world. If they’re hurt, if they’re lonely, if they’re toying with sin and getting off track—when things are wrong or things are right, you can feel it.
I remember once when Ken and I were in Australia. We were flying from one city to another and suddenly thoughts of our son, John, flooded my heart. John was a teenager at the time and he was all boy. He rode everything with wheels—cars, trucks, motorcycles, dune buggies. And it seemed he was always turning something over.
That day on the plane, I was concerned about him. I knew how much the devil would like to sneak in and steal his life, and I was concerned that John’s misadventures could give the devil the opportunity to do it.
But the Holy Spirit broke in on my thoughts. He spoke to Ken and said, My mercy hovers over John. When Ken relayed those words to me, all my fears vanished.
My mercy hovers over John. I’ll never forget that promise. As I’ve prayed for John throughout the years, that wonderful word from God would often rise up and remind me that John’s life was secure. It would assure me that God would keep him and hold him steady until the day he got things straight in his life.
My mercy hovers over your child. That is a wonderful word from God. If God will do that for my child, He will do it for yours. The covenant God has made with you in the blood of Jesus extends to your children and your children’s children. Psalm 103:17 says, “But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children.”
Our grandchildren are covered in our covenant with God. Everything God gives to me, He’ll give to them. All the protection that I have, He passes on to my family.
If you’re a believer and you’re willing to trust God for the deliverance and salvation of your children, you will not be disappointed.
Study Zechariah 10:7-9. There God tells us about the outpouring of the Spirit of God in the last days—the days we’re living in. He says:

And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see it, and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the Lord. I will hiss for them [your children], and gather them; for I have redeemed them.... And I will sow them among the people: and they shall remember me in far countries; and they shall live with their children, and turn again.
You may not even know where your children are right now. They may be in another city or another country. It doesn’t matter. This scripture says when you rejoice in the Lord—not when you’re depressed or worried or afraid, but when you trust God so totally that you’re filled up with joy—then your children will see it and turn.
“I will hiss for them.” What does that mean? It means God will signal for them. He’ll say, Pssst! Come here! And they’ll come running.
Let me tell you something. God knows how to get somebody’s attention. He knows how to signal for the ones His people are praying for. Kenneth’s mother prayed for me and then one day God said, Pssst, Gloria! I heard Him and was born again.
I didn’t know much about God before that time. I knew there was a God, but had no real knowledge about Him. Yet He still knew how to get my attention. He called and here I am today preaching His Word!
He’ll do the same thing for your child. It doesn’t matter what kind of wickedness that child has fallen into, God can still reach him. I know a man who pastors a great church in Sacramento, Calif. His name is Phil Goudeaux.
He used to be part of the militant black power movement. In fact, he was in charge of security for the Black Panthers.
He didn’t know God and he didn’t want to know God. But one day when he was in college, a young white fellow came over to his lunch table and started telling him about Jesus. This Black Panther leader couldn’t believe it. The nerve of this guy! He tried to get rid of him. He threatened him and even tried to hit him...but he couldn’t.
For weeks this little white fellow followed this big “bad” black guy around talking to him about Jesus. Finally, the Black Panther prayed with the fellow just to get him off his back. After that he tried to forget about it...but he couldn’t. Two weeks later, all by himself, he made Jesus Christ the Lord of his life.
God knows how to get somebody’s attention! He’ll knock them over and speak to them right out loud if He needs to. He proved that in the life of a man named Saul. Years after that man was saved, he wrote, “...I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12).
God apprehended Paul one day on the road to Damascus. According to the dictionary, to apprehend means to “capture or arrest”. God captured Paul’s attention. The last thing he wanted to be was a follower of Jesus. He was a declared enemy of Jesus. But God was able to apprehend him anyway.
Don’t you worry. God knows exactly how to apprehend your children. And when the time comes, He’ll do it. After all, you weren’t in your prayer closet when He found you!
But until then, you must stand fast in faith for them. No matter what they get into, no matter how far off the track they seem to be, just keep saying what the Bible says about them. Keep your eyes focused on the covenant mercy of God and not on the symptoms of ungodliness that you see in their lives.
Don’t ever give up on your child. If you’ve grown weak and discouraged lately, it’s time for you to get that fire back in your bones. Dig into the Word of God and dig out the promises He’s given you for your children. Lay hold of those promises and don’t let go.
Learn to call things that are not as though they were (Romans 4:17). When you hear bad news about your children or you see them do something that hurts your heart, just say:
“God, I thank You that Your tender mercy hovers over my child. I thank You Lord that he is born again, filled with the Holy Ghost and obedient to You. I thank You that Your Word is in his mouth (Isaiah 59:21), that he is taught by Your Spirit and great is his peace (Isaiah 54:13). I am not moved by what I feel or what I see. I am moved by Your Word and I call it done in Jesus’ Name!”
I’m going to say it one more time: You have a covenant with God that covers your children. So rejoice! God will be faithful to you. One day your boy or your girl will be going about their business doing their own thing when suddenly—Pssst!—they’ll hear the voice of God.
When that happens, they’ll come running.
You can count on it.

God in Heaven, shield our children, whisper softly, that they may follow only you...give them mercy all the days, nights.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Running...

Going with Tessie to get pretty hair extensions
Baseball practice
Soccer practice
Baby shower for "Gracie"
home to work on my patterns
Rid the car of last Sunday's salt remnants
Enjoy 70 + degrees.

Slow me down Lord...help me find Grace, Hope, Joy in this day.
Where will you find Joy today?

Thursday, March 5, 2009

It is okay to be at a place of struggle. Struggle is just another word for growth...

Monday, March 2, 2009

Surprise giveaway winner...

I've designed a sampler especially for this giveaway.

The winner is...Kim Argenzio over at Cabin Creek Farm
Jesse-Ray drew the name for me!

You can choose the name and date of your choice to be placed on the sampler. You will receive the finished sampler, and the chart created especially for you.

Thank you all for voting...
"Threades of Grace" it is.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

True Fasting

Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD? "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness [a] will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Isaiah 58:1-12


Ash Wednesday -
In the Western Christian calendar, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs forty-six days (forty days not counting Sundays) before Easter. It falls on a different date each year, because it is dependent on the date of Easter; it can occur as early as February 4 or as late as March 10.

Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of repentance. The ashes used are gathered after the Palm Crosses from the previous year's Palm Sunday are burned. In the liturgical practice of some churches, the ashes are mixed with the Oil of the Catechumens[1] (one of the sacred oils used to anoint those about to be baptized), though some churches use ordinary oil. This paste is used by the priest who presides at the service to make the sign of the cross, first upon his own forehead and then on each of those present who kneel before him at the altar rail. As he does so, he recites the words: "Remember (O man) that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

What will you give up, abandon, this forty days before Easter?

I encourage you to attend the Ash Wednesday service of your choice. If you've never participated, it is truly a cleansing, renewal.

Preparing for Easter-

Dear Lord, Make me more Obedient during this time, help me to let go, cleanse, stay pure.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Choose a name...Surprise Giveaway!

I'll be offering sampler charts soon. I want to have a name separate from Blair Creek Cabin. There are two choices - (Thank you B!)

Threads of Grace -

Works of Threade -


Leave a comment with your choice, and I'll enter all the names for a drawing...it'll be a surprise giveaway! (Be sure I have your email address)
I'll choose the name for my charting endeavor based on voting, and will announce it along with the winner
Monday, March 2.

I didn't realize so much work would go into this project. I am thankful for each of you who have sent encouraging messages.
~Kindness matters~

For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable. (He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.)
Romans 11:29