I want to be a tree.

I want to be a tree.  A dogwood tree.  Yep.  You read it right.  No, I'm not crazy.  Just a little 'touched'.  :)
The other day my daughter heard a knock at the door, and after ensuring the person knocking posed no threat, she opened it to see what the person wanted.  You see, we live in between two churches, and often people knock on our door to see if we will help with something assuming we are associated with the churches.  Much to my daughter's surprise, the elder woman merely wanted a picture of the little dogwood tree in our front yard.  It was just so beautiful in its fully-bloomed splendor that it caught her attention, made her smile, and touched her heart with its beauty.  So she had to have a picture of it herself and to share with others.  The delight in her face when my daughter told her to take as many pictures as she liked was something that stuck with my daughter enough to make an impression.
This little tree is one we've watched grow in the eight years we've lived here, and I delight in it every year as it reflects God's glory in every season.  The transitions are wonderful, and this year the result of Spring's arrival made for a spectacular display of beautiful flowers.  While we are used to God showing off in our little tree, each season brings an anticipated and appreciated renewal of His love and beauty, it's nice when I hear of other people who appreciate the little tree.
What's funny is that when it first blooms, the flowers are green.  Yes - green.  And not necessarily a pretty thing.  Here's what it looks like, taken just before it started to turn white.  Nothing spectacular, right?  But it still draws the attention of those passing by as it continues its transition.

Even though the tree isn't spectacular at this point, I know that it soon will be.  When the time is right, it will be filled with the splendor of white blossoms, catching the eye of people passing by.  In this case, enough for them to be inspired.
That made me think of the way God works, and how He's often worked in my own life.  I've been "green", wondering if at that time I'm being used for God's glory, waiting for God to perfect me and make me "white". When I'm close to Him, I feel close to "white".  Always in transition, hoping God can use me in every transition of my life.
You see, I want to ensure His Kingdom work is getting the attention of passers by enough for them to stop and take notice.  I want to be drawing others to Christ either indirectly or directly, so they would take a moment to feel God's love, smile, and be drawn in their heart to His plan for their lives. Then I want them to be so eager that they want to take a "picture" of that moment and be eager to share it with others.  That's how it's done.  Through our spoken testimonies, unspoken daily examples, and our support of others working for God, we can be part of bringing others to the saving knowledge of Christ.
I stopped in my tracks and questioned myself.  Am I showing off God's splendor or hiding it?  Am I living in a way and doing all I can to help others stop in their tracks and say "That's what I want!  I want that beauty in my life."  I want to help others have the moment where they ask "Can I take a picture of this?" (their moment of joy and splendor in the Risen Savior).  So they can look at it (their relationship with Jesus Christ), and say "This is beautiful.  I want to share it with others."  
In the transformation from bare, to green, to white, the transition of Christ's renewal appears in this little tree. As I grow more in Christ, as we all grow more in Christ, we become more like Him.  2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV) puts it this way "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."  
Where are you in this transformation - this shift of 'one degree of glory to another'?  Has the veil of denial, doubt, unworthiness, or even the veil of not knowing anything about Jesus Christ kept you 'bare', or even 'green'?  Are you waiting to be made 'white' in the beauty of salvation in our Lord?  If you are 'bare' - it's time to stop and claim the life God wants for you. To claim salvation and eternal life in heaven with our Lord. If you feel 'green' - it's time to be reassured that in spending time in God's Word and focusing on your relationship with Jesus Christ you are still being used by God, refined to His image, and no matter your situation - beautiful.  
And in His timing, His moments of splendor, we are used - either behind the scenes or out in the open - to bring the splendor to others, making them stop in their tracks.  Creating a moment, a snapshot in time, to give hope and a smile to one person... who will do so for another... who will do so for another... and so on.  Until we are all "white".  Like this:

I want to be a tree.  A dogwood tree.

Wake Up

So I'm sitting here this afternoon, after having what seems to be quite a lengthy time of prayer over some very serious situations those I care about dearly are having in their lives.  And the outpouring of my heart for these friends and family swells up to overflowing and falls out of my eyes.  The tears fall down my face as I cry out to the Lord for each one.  For healing, understanding, miracles, and strength.  So much hardship, pain, confusion, exhaustion, hurting in their lives.  My chest is heavy and my face soaked.
Yet as I get updates on each situation, the strength of each person is coupled with their belief that our heavenly Father God has everything under control.  While they each face life-changing, life-threatening, forever life-altering situations, the common bond of each one is that they know Jesus Christ is there with them.  That God is right there with them.  That they carry the load with the help of the Holy Spirit, Who has taken up residence in their lives, in their homes, in their minds, and in their words.
While the memories of how God carried me through every rough situation I've endured come back to me, I want to be right there with each and every one of these dear ones.  The reality is that I can't be with each one.  They are spread out too far for me to physically be there.  So I make it a point to be with them in prayer.  That's my duty and my privilege.  To let them know that they are being remembered, thought of, prayed over.  I remind them in the tough times when they feel that they can hardly bear their own situations, that the Lord is with them.  That there are those who love them lifting them before the throne of the One Most High, Almighty God, and even those they don't know who care enough to do the same, near and far.
Their response is gratefulness for my simple prayers and the prayers of others.  When I communicate with them my desire for God's mighty hand in each situation, another common bond is found with them.  Though they know each other not, the common bond of knowing Christ as their Savior is what must bring this common response.  While their flesh (and mine) cries out for healing and for miracles, and while they all agree with me that they wish their situations had never come upon them, they each respond with: "Whatever Your will is, Lord, we will endure.  With You carrying us through, we will make it.  Whatever the outcome."
Talk about strength!  Talk about trust!  Talk about faith!  There is no certainty in the situations of any of my friends and family who are battling for their health, their futures, some for their very lives.  And yet they stand boldly, proclaiming God is in control and they will join with Him to face what is ahead.  What is it other than the certainty of living forever in God's Holy Kingdom that enables them to say these things?  They, in the midst of their trials and burdens, have taken up their cross, have cried out to me and others around them, to trust in the Lord with all our hearts.
The song I've copied below is one I listened to today as I reflected on my loved ones.  It is by the group "All Sons & Daughters", called 'Wake Up'.  It says it all, and speaks of the testimonies of those I hold in prayer so fervently.  While they are seeking God's healing, while they are awake, standing up, hands up, carrying their cross, their hearts are God's, and they boldly say "not our will but Yours be done, Lord".
Lord, may my faith and trust in You be strong enough, my walk with You sure enough in every circumstance to say "not my will but Yours be done, Lord", and if You want it to, may my life be the reflection that brings others to You so they can say the same.  Amen.

Listen Here - Wake Up

Lyrics
We have seen the pain
that shaped our hearts
And in our shame
We're still breathing, 'cause

We have seen the hope
of your healing
Rising from our souls
is the feeling
We are drawing close
Your light is shining through


Wake up, wake up,
wake up all you sleepers
Stand up, stand up
stand up all you dreamers
Hands up, hands up
hands up all believers
Take up your cross, carry it on

all that you reveal
with light in us
will come to life
and start breathing, 'cause

We have seen the hope
of your healing
Rising from our souls
is the feeling
We are drawing close
Your light is shining through

Wake up, wake up,
wake up all you sleepers
Stand up, stand up
stand up all you dreamers
Hands up, hands up
hands up all believers
Take up your cross, carry it on


here we stand our hearts are yours,
not our will but yours be done,
here we stand our hearts are yours,
not our will but yours be done,
here we stand our hearts are yours,
not our will but yours be done,
here we stand our hearts are yours,
not our will but yours be done,

Wake up, wake up, wake up
wake up all you sleepers
Stand up, stand up
stand up all you dreamers
Hands up, hands up
hands up all believers
Take up your cross, carry it on
Carry it on

When You're Smiling

So the winter has come and gone, and I left this poor little blog to the barren cold, much like the snow and bitter cold we had over the winter months. While the nation's winter was declared stricken by the "polar vortex", we were hunkered down in the safety and warmth of our home, privileged to have electricity and all the modern conveniences up and running the entire time. While we didn't see the extreme snow everyone else in the country saw, we did have our share of snow and below zero temperatures, the likes of which we've not seen in our 9 years living here in Arkansas. Alas, as time passed, snow melted, and life began it's routine once again.

In the midst of all of the hullabaloo, my husband and I decided to continue on our journey to live a more healthy lifestyle. We joined an amazing health and wellness company called Xyngular (check it out here), and did an 8-day challenge to detox our bodies and begin our new journey. My husband lost 20 pounds and 8 inches, and I lost 8 pounds and 6 inches. (Before and after pictures are available upon request.) More than losing weight, we're happy knowing that we have restored energy, and are getting all the nutrients we need each day to help keep us healthy and boost our immune systems. It helps that it's all-natural, and we have several friends that are being helped in so many different ways with so many different conditions. Feel free to ask me about it at any time. I'd love to see you jump on board to a healthier lifestyle!

Enter Musica here!

Now, having said that, I'll give you an update on my health overall, being off the prescription medications now for several months. The new supplements have been helping greatly with my energy level, and as long as I continue to use them I no longer need a nap during the day. They've helped my chronic fatigue so much!

As for my energy level, I've tested the energy-boosting supplement by taking it as suggested, then going off of it for a week. Let me tell you...this stuff really makes a difference in my energy and focus! I'm admittedly ADD, and there are times when my mind goes so fast with so many ideas and thoughts that I can't focus on anything and am completely nonproductive. It's been so bad at times that I can't decide what to act on and find myself sitting on the couch staring out the window in a daze totally non-functional. When I take the energy supplement my mind stops racing, I can focus, I have sustained energy, and can actually get stuff done! This is something I want to be sure I take every day so I can stop wasting time spacing out.

I usually smile through everything, good and bad, and try not to let people know when the day is bad. I don't want to bring others sorrow. I want to spread joy, hope, fun and laughter. When I can feel this good, I can keep smiling and stop lamenting over the havoc life throws at me. Because we all know that "when you're smiling the whole world smiles with you".

Here's to smiling!

When You're Smiling 

"When You're Smiling" was written by Goodwin, Joe / Shay, Larry / Fisher, Mark.
When you're smiling
When you're smiling
The whole world smiles with you
When you're laughing
When you're laughing
The sun comes shining through
But when you're crying
You bring on the rain
So stop your sighing, be happy again
Keep on smiling
'Cause when you're smiling
The whole world smiles with you

Songwriters
Goodwin, Joe / Shay, Larry / Fisher, Mark
Published by
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, THE SONGWRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA

My Refuge

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day have all come and gone.  We've definitely had a winter here this year, with our share of cold, very cold, snowy and icy days.  I remember growing up in the below freezing weather of Montana, with endless snow.  It's interesting that I was used to that, and it didn't seem to bother me.  But now that I'm older and haven't lived in that climate for over 25 years that I no longer tolerate the extremely cold weather.  I prefer to stay indoors, in the warm shelter of my home.

We enjoyed the days we had together while the icy roads kept us in.  We cherished the time with our children and granddaughter over the holidays.  We said a temporary goodbye to my husband's grandmother, the matriarch of their family, as she passed on to her heavenly home just before Christmas.  The long trip to and from her funeral, then the opposite direction to and from Christmas with our little family made us all very road weary, and we were grateful to come back home.  There's something about coming home to our own bed, to our dogs, and to our own home that is so comforting.

I'm one to take refuge in the protection my home offers from the weather and from the craziness the world throws our direction from time to time.  What about you? 

The other place I take refuge, no matter where I am and no matter what's going on around me is in God's Word.  There is nothing better than the wisdom and promise of God's Word to keep me grounded and settled.  Because sometimes life can be unsettling, right?  So it's here we can settle our hearts, souls and minds.  Here's a Word from God to tell you where you can find your refuge:

Psalm 18:2 (ESV)
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

May the Lord be your rock, your fortress, your deliverer, your refuge.  

Beautiful Things...

I am a mess.  A T-Total mess!  Anyone who knows me knows this, and knows that I readily admit to it.  Having A.D.D. is my excuse, but frankly, I think I'd be a mess without it too.  There are days when my focus is controlled, I stay on-task, and get lots done.  Then there are days I can't seem to focus on one thing long enough to get anything done.  I drive my dear husband crazy during the times my mind noodles around like a huge pile of spaghetti, never-ending, winding around and around.  Only because I can't contain all the thoughts and have to get them out - all of them - as quickly as I can and not necessarily in any sensible order.  And the poor dear is usually the only one around for me to talk to.  He says he loves it, but I don't know how he could.  I'm an incessant talker, babbling on, and he nods, grins and says "uh-huh" and "oh" at all the right times.  He loves me in spite of my silly little self. 
Not only am I a mess, I'm good at creating a mess as well.  I decorated the house for Fall, and had it all cleaned up before he got home.  Which was a great feat on my part.  Especially since part of the decorating included creating outdoor decor for the front porch.  When I told my husband I was going to trim the bush by the kitchen window, he knew a mess would ensue.  And it did. 

 

The picture of the pile of branches on the ground, (with a little photo-bomb in the bottom right corner from Molli), shows the mess pretty well.  As I looked at the pile of discarded branches I thought - hmm...I could make something out of that.  I touched up some old pumpkins I had with some paint to make them look new, arranged the branches in two urns, added some artificial berry branches, and voila!  Instant Fall Decor for the front porch!  I intentionally made them look wild and untamed for a more natural feel.  And, maybe it is a little reflection of my personality - a little wild and untamed. 

Here they are, adorning the front windows of the house, with scarecrows resting on the chair.

 

Yes, those are Christmas lights hanging on the house.  And yes, they've been there since last Christmas.  Don't judge me.

Well, all this got me to thinking about God.  As God works in us, he trims off the 'branches' we don't need anymore in order to form us into His image.  We look at the old pile of 'branches' (sin, sorrow, unforgiveness, hardship, pain, etc.) and think they aren't of any use to us or God any longer.  So we toss them aside.  But then God reminds us of how He used those branches to help us grow in Him, and He creates the beauty from them in our testimony of life in Him.  He takes the mess we are, in whatever state we are in, all the dust that covers us and makes us think we're ugly, and somehow arranges it in only the way He can.  Then voila!  Out we come, beautiful little things he loves and calls His children.  Then He sets us out on the world's front porch for all to see, examples of how He can work in everyone's life to create beauty in every circumstance.

No matter what you are going through in your life, please know that God is right there with you, and can be the strength you need to endure.  If you are willing to let Him in, to let Him take control of your life, to guide you, direct you, and hold you, then you will be able to see the beauty He creates from your dusty circumstance on the other side of it.  It's hard to do.  You have to be honest, transparent, and it can be a struggle.  But it is SO worth it.  Let Him make you a new, 'beautiful thing'.

There's a song I love called "Beautiful Things" by Gungor.  It's perfect for this post.  Here it is for a listen: Musica.  
Love and peace to you all!
Lisa

Side-tracked in the Hills

It's been a while since I've been able to get on here, but I wanted to finish sharing my War Eagle Mill day-trip experience.  If you know me, you know that I'm definitely a poster child for A.D.D., and am often distracted by what I see as we drive through the countryside.  This can lead to a number of detours along the way.  It's so easy for me to get side-tracked in the hills, because there's SO much to see there!

We were headed away from the Mill, when I saw a little 'house' stuck to the side of a tree at a 'Y' in the road.  I thought about it long enough to tell my husband that I thought it had books in it, and how it would be neat to see if it was what I thought it was.  So, a few more yards down the road, as I pondered the box out loud - much to my husbands amusement (and most likely annoyance) - my husband glanced at me and asked the question he already knew the answer to. 

Hubby:  "Do you want me to turn around so you can go see it?" 
(He knows I do.)
Me:  "No, it's okay.  There's really no good place to turn around here." 
(Yes - I do.)
Hubby:  "I can turn around right up here if you want to check it out." 
(He knows I want to - badly.)
Me:  "No.  It's not that important.  Just go on." 
(It's getting to me - I want to see it.)
Hubby:  "But you want to go see it, don't you?" 
(Oh how he knows me too well.)
Me:  "Kind of.  But I don't have to." 
(Well of course I want do!  And now I think I have to.)
Hubby:  "But you want to.  You want to touch it, don't you?" 
(At this point he's making fun of me.)
Me:  "Yeah.  I do.  Is it okay?" 
I'm all giddy with excitement by now and can hardly sit still.)
Hubby:  "Of course it's okay!  Turning now!"
(Insert sheepish grin here because he knew he was going to have to turn around anyway and wanted to see how antsy I'd get.)
Me:  "Oh thank you-thank you-thank you-thank you!" 
(I'm literally bouncing in my seat at this point.)

As he pulled far enough off the road to be safe, he waited in the car as I jumped out to see the little house.  At first glance from the car, all I could see was the sign that said "City of War Eagle Public Library".  I knew that the little house couldn't be the actual public library, when it dawned on me that it must be on of the "Little Free Library" houses I'd read about long ago. 

This may not excite you, but I'm an avid book lover, so the thought of a convenient place for people to share that same love is really cool to me.  As I mentioned, I'd read about the "Little Free Library" program before, and thought it was a clever idea, with people sharing books for free, all being exchanged through a clever little mini lending library.

Isn't it cute?!

If you are interested in finding out more about the "Little Free Library" program, you can read more about it at their website:  littlefreelibrary.org.

Traveling with me must be exhausting for my husband!  Ha!  But bless his heart, my wonderful hubby made me happy with that little side-track adventure.  Brownie points for him, and pure delight for me!

Now go enjoy a book!

This is the day which The LORD has made

"This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 (NASB)

Today was Labor Day, and it was a beautiful, sunny, cooler (83 degrees F) summer day.  My wonderful husband decided to take half the day off with me.  Hooray!  We don't get much time off together, so we take it when we can.  Since he'd never been to the War Eagle Mill, we headed there to see the Mill, do some hiking and enjoy ourselves.


Let it be noted that I've received no remuneration for this post or any content therein, by War Eagle Mill or anyone else.  I just can't help but share this beautiful place!


If you've never been, you really need to go.  Of course as the water was running, so was the water wheel that allows the mill to grind the natural, organic grains they are famous for.  It's neat to see a working grist mill, and nice to see their support of healthy products.

For their Labor Day Celebration they had a wonderful country singer, Ronny Gibbons, on their front porch, entertaining everyone.  It made for a very nice atmosphere, and we made sure we tipped him for his hard work and talent.

War Eagle Mill also has a cute little restaurant on the third floor called "The Bean Palace Restaurant".  They boast freshly made, USDA organic food.  We had their Beans, Cornbread and Slaw meal.  After all, when the place is called "The Bean Palace", isn't it only courteous to have the beans?  You could tell that the cornbread was made with their own ground corn, and it was delicious - as were the beans.  Sorry there are no pictures of the restaurant or food.  I was too busy eating and enjoying conversation with my darling husband to take pictures.

Next to the Mill is a neat one lane bridge that's been there since 1908.  Here you can see it as you look over the Mill's water wheel.  Apparently the river water must have been wonderful, because there were people swimming, playing, and sitting in it, rejoicing in the day as well!

Of course, after we finished our delightful meal, we had to walk across it and see the incredible views up and down the river.  That handsome man is my amazing husband, and love of my life.  We held hands as we crossed and enjoyed the beauty like two young lovers exploring God's splendor.  Have I mentioned that I love this man? 

The beauty around us was so inspiring, and as we looked back over the river to the Mill, we were blessed with this view.

It was like having a piece of the New England countryside that I remember from years ago delivered right to me today!  So beautiful - yes?  Yes!

I hope that you have been able to get out and enjoy the splendor God has brought to you!  If not, do it soon!  Take that time.  Be glad!  Enjoy your life! 

For indeed, this is the day which the Lord has made, we certainly rejoiced in His might splendor, each other's company, and were quite glad in it!

Love and peace to you all!

(If you'd like more information about The War Eagle Mill you can find them online at  http://www.wareaglemill.com.)

(While I don't profess to be a photographer by any means, I wanted to remind everyone that all pictures on my blog are my original work and thereby protected under copyright laws.)