What to do with a full heart...

This has been a really great week - in spite of some scary stuff that has happened to our family. I won't go into the details here; however, suffice it to say, we are very thankful those we love are unharmed.

My question of the day is...what to do with a full heart? I guess I just have to share its fullness...

This entire week has been an incredible affirmation of God's extravagant love. I've had some great success with the job search and Joe and I are looking forward to good news before long. We are really trying to not count chickens before they hatch, put the cart before the horse, etc.; and, I'm struggling because it is difficult. We are trusting God to provide the wisdom we need to walk through the doors of His will as they are opened.

The sun is shining brightly today and the sky is finally blue! The temp today was actually in the low 40s, the snow is mostly gone. And, I know I definitely saw birds flying North - all promising signs that Spring teasers are on the way. Love it!

I was able to spend quality time with my Mom today and we got to laugh together, a lot - which was a blessing. I love to make her laugh!

We enjoyed a great dinner of ribs and sweet fellowship with our friends - even though both of the women at this gathering were somewhat hormonal - sorry guys! This week, I also was able to spend time with my good friend that I haven't seen for quite a while. It was a sweet time of sharing and laughing; and, I was able to appreciate how much I miss her and all of the times she has been a great support for me and has offered a listening ear.

And, I have heard from faithful friends (several) with voices of love and support - they never think this simple act of words is a big deal and it is huge. God continues to provide those special moments of encouragement when I need them the most. I don't know why this surprises me.

And, finally, Joe and I are so very blessed to be surrounded by family and friends that believe and are willing to take the chance that God hears their prayers. I'm so thankful for each of you.

Full Heart? Absolutely!

Laying it at His feet...

I woke up this morning with a heavy heart. Joe and I have people in our lives whom we love that are a little lost right now, stumbling and trying to find their way. They continually have been on our hearts the last few days. So, during our prayer time together this morning, I just laid these special people we love at the Lord's feet - not knowing how to help them and trusting that He will.

We just bought Selah's new CD - Deliver Me. It is so awesome. I was listening this morning and this song came on.  I must have played it, over and over again, for about 30 minutes. It just really touched my heart today and the words took me to my knees - Another love whisper from God, another lesson about letting go of stuff, about not hanging on, about trusting and believing that God loves us more than we know.... I hope you enjoy this and it speaks to you, too. As you listen, I pray you feel God's love embracing you.

Click on the link below or copy/paste it into your browser. And, you may want to grab a kleenex or two...or three...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw1QppF2Huo

Will someone please open the door????

While we were at the retreat this weekend, we made a new friend. For the past four years, we have seen her at the monastery where she always runs to meet us with a warm welcome and a smile.

We learned more about her this weekend than we have previously known. She is one of the few females in this community, she does come in from outside on occasion and she is very patient. She is 15 years old, although she looks much younger. And, her name is Tipper.

Tipper's main friend and companion had to go out of town this weekend and she had to stay behind. Her companion's office is in the building where we met and we would see her wandering through the hall at certain points throughout the day. Her bowl of food and water were kept in a nearby kitchen; so, she had access when she needed a bite to eat or a cool drink. We would see her outside the building and she never went far.

As I watched Tipper I realized she could teach me a lot about my relationship with God. She is faithful and I could see her looking for her friend and I could sense the disappointment and a little apprehension when she couldn't find him. Even though she wasn't sure where he was she was constantly looking for him and longing for his presence. She would stand outside the door to his office and just wait expectantly for it to open. It made me sad to think she didn't understand. But, I choose to believe she trusts he had not forgotten her.

Like Tipper, I find myself waiting for doors to be opened - the right doors, the doors that will guide me to the next step in my faith journey. The door that may be slightly ajar, an invitation to explore what is on the other side. It is a matter of trust, patience and faith - believing the door will open my heart to the opportunities that God has waiting for me. And I, too, will wait patiently and expectantly - even when the waiting is long - knowing that sooner or later the door will open and, with God's help, I will be on my way.