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.

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

What it means..............

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; - Hebrews 5:8

Learning from suffering. What it means to me -
Obedience -

• Dutifully complying with the commands, orders, or instructions of one in authority
• The act of obeying; dutiful or submissive behavior with respect to another person
• The trait of being willing to obey

Not one person wants to be hurt, feel pain. Yet I seem to bring it to self so easily. If I do not listen, obey, is that not sin? Read the definition of Obedience...what does it mean to you?
I found this blog, (see below) with an interesting example of Obedience.

God does not call us to obey his commands to punish us. God is not trying to take the fun out of living. To the contrary, God is trying to make our lives joyful by unburdening us of the responsibility of getting it right by ourselves. When we submit ourselves to God, we free ourselves to live the life God has called us to live, which is infinitely better than anything we could dream up on our own. We have a king to rule over us. May his will, not ours, be done.

The words of this song say much-

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, I WILL SERVE YOU WHILE I’M WAITING, I WILL WORSHIP WHILE I’M WAITING,I WILL SERVE YOU WHILE I’M WAITING, I WILL WORSHIP WHILE I’M WAITING ON YOU LORD.

Lord, while I wait, give me courage, understanding, that you are in charge, and help me follow only your directions.

Can I say that...

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; - Hebrews 5:8

Can I say that? Throw my hands in the air, scream, "God, are you there?"

There are days when it comes to me, the words, feelings, I need to share with you. There are also times, when I need to be silent, let life be still. Forgive my absence.

I wasn't expecting the news. Inbox from Candy, "Dillon has died". Alive in Christ! I smile, at first, thinking of that little guy, running and laughing, holding hands with the Father. Then, smile fades, my heart begins to ache for the family of this small child, taken too soon. I called Julia to offer my smudged words, that doubtfully help. Then, I call Jill.

Jill, I've know for many years. She gave advice on "cabin" things...we chatted a bit here and there, then one day. One day, she needed me. That sparked a friendship filled laughter, tears, prayers, Joy, most of all blessings. He sets our paths to cross with someone, for whatever reason. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28

We were discussing changes, just playing catch up, her last trip, Mark's new job. Ah, yes, this new job. This is where my screaming comes into light. Jill's always been such a...motivator, she helps me in so many ways. I remember back in November, standing in the hall of Linda Moore's beautiful log home, she beems with Joy as she tells me some very important bit of "thoughts" she's having. Todd too, they just bloom beautifully together.

(Jill, if you are reading this, you know I'm not putting you on a stand, all of this is God through you...I love you, for who you are, for the encouragement you give, not only to me, but just in the way you smile with your eyes at even a stranger.)

I, for selfish reasons, [ones that were deeper even than I realized] did not want him to take this job. The danger, the extra worry it would bring "me", (selfishly). I did, however, ask God to provide the way for Mark, no matter this wasn't what "I" wanted for him...afterall, his ways are not my ways. I hid away, from even myself, another reason I didn't want this job. Took some time for me to realize it, and ask forgiveness, and accept whatever God's plan for us, he would protect us, and keep us. So, the pay is really not good, but what is more money really worth? Really, if one is not happy, becomes miserable in a position with better pay, is that a good thing? I know that we were nearing the end of six months with no job, but still, I was calm about it. We really are doing OK! Of course it's only human to have a small part inside that worries, wonders.

Mark was to draw his last unemployment check, then the call comes. He has been offered this job, this job that I didn't want any part of, because I didn't want "my" husband to be a "CO". NO, not me. Not only is it dangerous, it's just because this is not what I wanted.


Back to Jill...she reminds me that she knew God had an amazing plan for Mark, but she had no idea it would be this. How, "He" has chosen the best candidate to share "His" word, witness, to these, who some may say are unworthy of Grace. Are not each of us "unworthy"...you see, Mark, is so real. He's the complete package, what you see is what you get, no cover up, fancy presentation, just warm smile, squinting eyes, soft spoken, doesn't get excited about anything. He's the one...yes, witness in plain clothing. I didn't want to know this, believe this, but if it be "His" Will for Mark, I will accept. Wait anxiously for him to walk in the door with stories, that will always make me cry...tears of sadness for the victims, tears of Joy for this man, this man that I so love. I'm proud to be his wife. Thankful God sent our paths to cross so many years ago.

I thank Jill for making me realize that I'm human, yes, I'm human, I can be angry, and then remember that God always understands it, me. She makes me see my worth. I'm also thankful God sent our paths to cross. My life is richer with her as my friend. She's the real deal. I've stood back and watched the way she is with people...That's God you know.

Today, will others see "HIM" in you...

(Please pray for the imprisoned)

I thank you God, for sending friends to help me see the truth. For protecting me, and keeping me humble.

(photo of Mark last August)

Little Dillon

I just got word about Dillon. So many of you have been following his story. He is healed, in Heaven. Please lift up this family as they grieve. Our sorrows are heavy for them, but little Dillon now walks, laughs, freely, with our Gracious Father in Heaven.

Wake up...

I made time...to visit one of my inspirational blogs today. This place, is so very important to me. The words here comfort.
What ever he says I begin with Joy in the morning, and continue to read the next three posts. I'm so ashamed I am this behind. The words here penetrate deep down inside...

God in Heaven, here me sing. Fill my heart with Joy in the morning.

Happy birthday Mommy...I love you!

A unique giveaway

Sorry about my absence. Last week was a blurr. I have lots to share. But for now I need to share this with you.

Sheryl over at "The Perch" is doing a giveaway...not just any give away...go over for a visit and see for yourself. While you are there, take some time and get to know her. It's a blessing to visit her. A true witness for God.
(more later on my anniversary, and farm chores)