Not on my Watch

From 6/27/12:

"I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."

- Matthew 28:20

"When He comes, He will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf.  The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!  Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland."

- Isaiah 35:5-6

"Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God."

- Psalm 42:5-6

"Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies."

- Proverbs 20:15

"The Lord is good!  His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation."

- Psalm 100:5

Thoughts: 

There have been some days in the last month or two that I've had to make myself muddle through my devotions.  I know that isn't what God has in mind but my brain was scattered for awhile, I had a hard time sitting down and "devoting" time and mind and heart and soul to being with my Savior.

Every time I managed to get in some "face time" He would lead me to the scriptures I needed.  I would feel comforted.  I would feel closer to Him.  But getting started was the hard part.

I know it sounds odd when I say this, but I know, without a doubt, that we have been under attack in a battle of Spiritual Warfare for just under a year now.  About the time we catch our breath we have another crisis thrust upon us.  I don't blame God.  But I do question Him sometimes.

Mark Lowry once said that he thought it was okay to question God inquisitively, just not accusitively.  (No, I'm not sure that's a real word either but it is what he said.)  And you know, nothing has been more than we can bear just as He promised.  I do feel like I'm running out of endurance sometimes.  But what's the alternative?  Abandoning God?  Right.  NOT ON MY WATCH.

Father, be with the larger Brassette clan as they mourn the loss of Pa.  Give them strength and comfort and peace in knowing his suffering is over and smooth sailing lies ahead.

Blessings y'all!

Extreme Quilter

From 6/23/11:

"Fools' words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating."

- Proverbs 18:6

LOL - I love some of these verses!

"We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about His power and His mighty wonders." 

- Psalm 78:4

From 6/25/11:

"The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them." 

- Psalm 34:7

"Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes." 

- Proverbs 19:2

"To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper."

- Proverbs 19:8

"If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord - and He will repay you."

- Proverbs 19:17

"You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail."

- Proverbs 19:21

So yes, I've been AWOL for over a month.  That's crazy!  Right after my last posting, I think, my Granddaddy had what they originally diagnosed as a stroke.  Eventually it was "downgraded" to a ruptured blood vessel in his brain.  After two weeks of fighting and surgery and craziness, the ventilator was turned off and he passed quite gently from this life into the next.  I haven't been able to write about it or even talk about it much so I suppose I've sort of avoided blogging.  I think I'm finding my voice again so we'll see if I can get back into a routine again.

Mark and I finally made reservations last night to go camp in Utah over Memorial Day weekend.  We've been trying to go for several weeks but illness, activities, and unexpected events have kept us from "getting out there".  It is wonderful to have something fun coming up to focus on!

My girls (10 of them as of now) are bridging up from Juniors to Cadettes at the end of next week.  We hosted some younger Girl Scouts yesterday (Daisies and Brownies) and it made me reminisce about when my girls were littles as well.  My how they've grown and my how proud of them I am.

I guess I'll close by saying the I can still feel the Lord piecing my heart back together after each and every heartache.  I don't know what you do when difficult things happen if you don't have faith to turn your eyes to the Lord.  I call my blog A Patchwork Heart ... you know Heavenly Father is the one piecing it back together ... which makes Him and extreme quilter.  YEAH BABY!

Blessings y'all!

Intelligent Life Forms

From 6/20/11:

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God."

- Colossians 1:10

Consider reading:

Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles Cowman

My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers

"Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge."

- Proverbs 18:15

From 6/22/11:

"Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent."

- Proverbs 17:28

(buh ah ah hahaha - Proverbs cracks me up!)

From 6/23/11:

"Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things."

- 2 Timothy 2:7

My Thoughts:

Do you think we are like a constant running reel of comedic outtakes for the One Most High? Do you think we are his Steve Martin or Jeff Foxworthy? Do you think he goes, "Oh really?" Or the pop culture overused, "Seriously?"

Do you think He finds us as intelligent as we think we are? I mean, my kids are brilliant but they pull some really dumb stunts. Poor guy. It's not like He can just shake His head and say, "They get that from their mother's side of the family!"

I'm amusing myself today.

So yesterday my Granddaddy May experienced what they are now calling a mini-stroke. He is currently in ICU in Nacogdoches, TX. They think he's going to be okay but he is in the hospital for at least a week and then they'll run another CAT scan. Continued prayers are appreciated. Include my Grandma too please, his wife of over 60 years.

Father, one day at a time. I trust You. I rely on You. Continue to give me Your peace and patience in Your Presence.

Blessings y'all!

Lesa

Direct Line

From 6/16/11:

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."

- Proverbs 16:24

Books to look into reading:

Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes

The One Year Great Songs of Faith

The One Year Book of Personal Prayer

"God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called."

by Shannon Ethridge, Completely His

From 6/18/11:

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

- Philippians 4:13

** Current Thoughts:

These are some of my favorite words from the Bible and from others. I am so glad I decided to keep a running journal / faithbook of my daily readings and passages. I have since bought all three of the suggested books.

It is kind of funny that I am currently reading the Disciplines of a Godly Woman. The author isn't my favorite. She and I are not like-minded and unfortunately I had read another essay she had written in a different source that I did not appreciate at all. However, I am very much enjoying the discipline concepts she sets before me and even though I tend to skim her dialogue and create my own reasoning, I am finding the book thought provoking and a great aide to me in my attempt at Christian growth.

I've been praying a lot for the following (join me if you wish):

- Encouragement for my sister Keli

- Relief of pain and anxiety for my mom's cousin Reggie (terminal cancer)

- Comfort and strength for Reggie's wife Machele (who also just lost her father)

- My cousin Courtney who is back at TIRR for more therapies

- Vacation Bible School

- Brian and Rachel Peacock (our new youth minister and his wifey - house hunting, smooth transition)

- Delivery from my sin of overeating (yep, it's for real) and my love of food (grrrr)

- Our new family budget

- Mark and the kids' health and safety

Father, I love my direct line to You. Thank You that my days can begin in Your Presence and that I am more and more calling on You to walk beside me all day long.

Blessings Y'all!

Lesa

Remodel Job

From 6/16/11:

"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."

- Psalm 32:8

"With most remodeling jobs, it's necessary to make a mess before the job looks good enough."

- The Simple Life by Wanda Brunstetter

"Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city."

- Proverbs 16:32

"Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed."

- Proverbs 16:3

"When people's lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them."

- Proverbs 16:7

** I tell you what the Lord has been doing a complete overhaul on my heart over the passed year or so. Daily visits with Him have transformed my thinking, my living, my heart. Talk about a remodel job. Every time my thoughts adjust to see someone as God would or to seek His will or for Him to be glorified in something I do, I feel the difference. I feel His pull ... as if He is the compass magnet pulling my thoughts to where they should be.

There is still much work to be done. Like rotted boards or rusted metal there is still damaged parts that need to be repaired or replaced. But over all I think this remodel job is going well.

Father, continue to patch me back together and keep reminding me to listen to the sound of Your voice.

If you have time and need some honey for your heart, check out the following link I compiled this month:

http://grandjunctionchurch.org/ladies/ladiespage0312.pdf

Blessings y'all!

The Hope of all the World

From 6/15/11:

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;

He leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul:

He leadeth me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

- Proverbs 23:2-3

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.'

Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."

- Matthew 11:28-30

"And His name will be the hope of all the world."

- J - E - S - U - S -

- Matthew 12:21

** I love all of the different names that Jesus is referred to in the Bible. Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords, Immanuel (God with us). Hope of all the world ... wow. How great would it be to be called the Hope of all the world? It doesn't say the hope for everyone but your pesky neighbor. It doesn't say the hope for everyone but the gay couple at the mall. It doesn't say the hope for everyone who goes to your church.

The Hope of all the World ...

Just a few times today, I challenge you, to whisper, "Jesus, the hope of all the World." Exalt Him as He deserves. And offer grace to those you don't normally feel gracious toward. I dare you.

Full Throttle Love

From 6/11/11:

"God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them."

- Hebrews 6:10

"Thou shalt love the Lord they God with all they heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind; and they neighbor as thyself."

- Luke 10:27

"We can make our own plans but the Lord gives the right answer."

- Proverbs 16:1

"We can make our plans but the Lord determines our steps."

- Proverbs 16:9

From 6/14/11:

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

- Matthew 18:20

** Anybody else find it hard to grasp the concept of loving God (or anyone or anything for that matter) with everything you own? All thy heart, all thy mind, all thy soul? Another versions asks for all thy strength too I believe. I mean, that's a whole lotta lovin'.

I guess the closest we can come to gauging that all-out, unconditional love is either our primary partner if life, our spouse, or our children. And even with those strongest of earthly bonds, our love for our Heavenly Father should surpass that.

Can I be honest? I struggle to "get" this concept. I think I've always struggled with it and maybe I'll always have to work on it. I will tell you though that the more time I spend in His Word and reflecting on thoughts about His Word, and in prayer and communication with Him, the more natural it feels and the stronger the bond to Him grows.

I love hearing His voice in an urging or an idea He plants within me. I love feeling His presence when I sing praises to Him or fall on my knees in prayer. I love the peace that's mine for the asking when life's storms rage.

Father, thank You that I can press the RESET or RESTART button each morning or even with the mere whisper of a prayer to You.

Blessings Y'all!

Unbridled Tongue?

From 6/9/11:

"A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare."

- Proverbs 15:1

"A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them."

- Proverbs 15:18

"Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!"

- Proverbs 15:23

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health."

- Proverbs 15:30

** Many talk of the virtues of a Proverbs 31 woman. Well, my friends, I submit to you that this chapter of Proverbs offers some really great advice on our tempers, tongues, and attitudes. How many times have I made a situation worse my running my mouth? Too many. How many times have I held my tongue and diffused a touchy situation? A few. Need a reversal of fortune there.

Father, let my voice always reflect You; Your love and compassion and mercy.

Blessings Y'all!

Construction or Demolition?

From 6/8/11:

"A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands."

- Proverbs 14:1

** Do you tear down or build up?

"Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated."

- Proverbs 14:17

"Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren."

- Proverbs 13:22

** No better inheritance could one leave than a life lived in the service of and with a love of the Lord.

From 6/9/11:

"But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."

- James 4:6

"Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips."

- Proverbs 27:2

** In the movie, "Straight Talk", one of Dolly Parton's little catch phrases is: "Sometimes you've gotta toot your own horn." I guess that's more of a worldly thought than one from Jesus. (I still loved that movie and all her little quips with her Southern drawl.)

As a stay at home mom I know how easy it is to get bogged down by task after task of caring for our families and our homes. I think it can be a thankless job. My children rarely appreciate a meal I put on the table (and I promise that is more about them than my cooking). My husband is pretty good about thanking me for clean underwear and meals and taking care of the kids.

I think we should encourage each other too. If you've got a friend who stays home and makes her life's work her family and home, let 'em know that you feel them ... you know the value of what they do. Urge them on!

I've come to realize lately that committing these redundant tasks to the Lord seems to make the load lighter and the path a bit easier. When I don't really wanna delve in, I lift up my eyes to Him, offer a breath of prayer, and somehow, He eases what is burdening me.

Father, as I breathe out a prayer, You breathe into me peace. Help me make it all for You.

Blessings Y'all!

P.S. On a totally off topic note, another of Dolly Parton's phrases that I love:

"You gotta tinkle or get off the potty."

I'll leave you to do with that one what you will. LOLOL

Tongue and Prayer?

From 5/28/11:

"He trains my hands for battle; He strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow."

- Psalm 18:34

From 5/31/11:

"Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles."

- Proverbs 21:23

"The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends."

- Proverbs 11:30

From 6/1/11:

"A man that hath friends must show himself friendly; and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

-Proverbs 18:24

From 6/2/11:

"The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer."

- Psalm 6:9

** On that date I wrote: "Thank You, Father, for the love and blessings that fill my life. Thank You that my prayer life with You is growing!"

From 6/7/11:

"Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything."

- Proverbs 13:3

** Let the church say AMERN! (Madea style.) Halleluyer! Use that tongue for good! Share your testimony, teach others, spread the love of God and the sacrifice of His Son. How many years does it take some of us to realize the power (and abuse) the tongue can unleash? Sermon this weekend was on blessing others with our words. These verses of what else our words can do just happened to come up today.

"Have you spoken a word full of hope and cheer?

Have you walked with a slower pace,

Till the weary of heart who were stumbling on,

Took new courage to run the race?

Oh the things we may do

You and I, you and I

Oh the love we can give if we try

Just a word or a song as we're passing along

They will count in the great by and by."

From "Oh, the Things We May Do"

by Lizzie DeArmond & J. M. Hagan

Father, inspire me when You need me to bless others. Give me the words and nudge me along. Let me bless those who need it most.

Blessings Y'all!

He Will ROCK You!

From 5/21/11:

"When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a LASTING FOUNDATION!"

- Proverbs 10:25

** "Our salvation is Rock Solid, Blood Bought, and Fire Proof!" Amen?

From 5/28/11:

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

- Philippians 4:11

** He can make this happen. Ask Him for His peace to flood over you.

"Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind."

- Ecclesiastes 4:6

** Tranquility ... what a beautiful word!

"You have given him his heart's desire; you have withheld nothing he req

uested."

- Psalm 21:2

** Before we even know what we want or need, You, Father, have us covered!

"You have endowed him with eternal blessings and given him the joy of your presence."

- Psalm 21:6

** Fill me with joy in Your Presence, Father. There is none like You.

"I love You, Lord; You are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection."

- Psalm 18:1-2

** Bookends of messages of the Rock. Rock solid is our Savior and His love. Bask in His glory and absorb the peace of His presence.

Father, any other place besides Your Presence is sinking sand. Let us all find joy, stability and security in You.

Blessings Y'all!

Shut de Door ... or de Mouth

From 5/14/11:

"For the Lord seeth not as a man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."

- 1 Samuel 16:7

From 5/19/11:

"Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right."

- Proverbs 20:11

From 5/21/11:

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."

- Proverbs 15:1

"People who wink at wrong cause trouble ... "

- Proverbs 10:10

"Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT."

- Proverbs 10:19

** lolololol

"The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense."

-Proverbs 10:21

** lolol - I'm telling ya, Proverbs cracks me up quite often! My mouth is bigger than my fanny which is considerable enough these days. And it gets me into way more trouble. It is amazing how many lessons we have to have repeated before we "get it".

I love that adage / pop culture sign that reads:

"Lord, keep your arm around my shoulders and your hand OVER MY MOUTH."

Let the church say ... AMEN!

Father, duct tape is okay if your hand is unavailable. Teach me to listen more and chatter less!

Blessings y'all!

Perfectly Designed

From 5/4/11:

"I have chosen the way of truth: Thy judgments have I laid before me."

- Psalm 119:30

"He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness; but a false witness deceit."

- Proverbs 12:17

From 5/5/11:

"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."

- Proverbs 4:23

From 5/7/11:

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."

- Proverbs 17:22

From 5/11/11:

"Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life."

- Proverbs 9:11

** As I sat in Bible Class tonight I couldn't help finding comfort with the fact that a whole lot of people I love and respect all over the place were doing the same thing as I was. I love being a part of God's family. I love having a place to belong. I love to love on people that don't always deserve it, might not even know they need, and may not even appreciate it. And then, every once in awhile, someone does. And that one moment of knowing you've made just one person's day a little brighter is enough to sustain you and urge you forward!

Father, thank You for gathering believers together. Thank You for your perfect design and your perfect plan.

Blessings Y'all!

Random Thoughts

From 4/18/11:

"Thou are my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance."

- Psalm 32:7

"You will say, 'How I hated discipline! If only I had not ignored all the warnings!' "

(oops, didn't write verse reference)

"...let my emptiness ... thirst for You, ... "

- E.B. Pusey

From 4/19/11:

"And the Lord shall guide thee continually."

- Isaiah 58:11

"Because You are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings."

- Psalm 63:7

From 5/3/11:

Seven Things the Lord Detests (From Proverbs 6:16):

1. Haughty Eyes

2. A Lying Tongue

3. Hands that Kill the Innocent

4. A Heart That Plots Evil

5. Feet That Race to do Wrong

6. A False Witness

7. Sower of Family Discord

** There sure are a lot of things not on that list that humans detest. As a matter of fact they use God's Will to justify detesting their own set of sins or misgivings. My thought is that the best thing we can do as Christians is to offer grace and mercy (even if we deem it undeserved) and help each other along the treacherous roads of this life. But that's just me.

Father, help me give the gifts of mercy and grace to Your people on this earth. It's been freely given to me from You and I most certainly should pay it forward.

Blessings Y'all!

Sanctuary Pt. 2

You can download this song on iTunes. It is peaceful and calming. It is the one I mentioned in my blog yesterday. Hope it touches your heart like it has mine. - Lesa

"Sanctuary"

As performed by Cyndi Thomson

Sanctuary, safe with You

Oh my love what did I do,

To make You want to stay with me?

Without You now where would I be?

My Sanctuary.

Sanctuary, place of rest

I lay my head against Your chest

Here on earth, my island of

Peace and legendary love.

My Sanctuary.

I wish on dreams, I fly on stars

Across the sky, to where You are

Where the Angel River runs

Beyond the night and to the sun.

Sanctuary, circle us

With only honesty and trust

Hear our prayers, keep us warm

The perfect calm and darkest storm

My Sanctuary

I wish on dreams, I fly on stars

Across the sky, to where You are

Where the Angel River runs

Beyond the night and to the sun.

Sanctuary, safe with You

Oh my love what do You do?

Far away, or close to me

With my last breath Your arms will be

My Sanctuary.

Sanctuary

From 4/13/11:

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness."

- Lamentations 3:22-23

"Even when the burdens of life take us down, through Christ we can be renewed in spirit every day." - The Simple Life by Wanda Brunstetter

From 4/17/11:

"And my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the Lord."

- Jeremiah 31:14

"Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up."

- Hebrews 12:3

** I love starting my day snuggled on my bed under the quilt I made with a hot cup of white mocha and my Bible and devotional books. Oh yeah, and two spoiled rotten little pooches curled up next to me. I haven't even had this routine for a year yet but I can't imagine how I got by without it before.

Right now, I do a memory verse each week as well as read from the following books:

Jesus Lives by Sarah Young

His Princess by Sheri Rose Shepherd

Women of Faith Daily Devotionals

The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

I look up all of the Scriptures I encounter in those books as well as read one of the devotionals written in my Sanctuary Bible.

I love the word "Sanctuary". That is one of my favorite ways to describe God. Considering Him and His word my Sanctuary brings an immeasurable amount of peace. I recently found a song called "Sanctuary" that I'll have to share the words to on here. I will try to do it tomorrow or over the weekend.

Father, Sanctuary, You are my hiding place.

Blessings Y'all!

Say No to Satan's Big Toe

From Today:

"How much wiser we are when we live the life out of every day, recognizing all God gives us in the moment." - Luci Swindoll

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16

From 4/10/11:

"The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him." - Nahum 1:7

"Faith is not belief without proof but trust without reservation." - The Simple Life

"... for anger gives a foothold to the devil." - Ephesians 4:27

** If we could give instant recall to that verse every time we are tempted to let our anger get the best of us, would we not be slower to anger? Getting angry lets Satan get his big toe right in the door. I don't know about you, but that makes me picture the scene in the movie, "Signs" where Mel Gibson is in the corn field and he turns the flashlight around and catches the leg and foot of an alien slipping back behind the stalks. Cweeeeeepy! Don't let that toe, foot, etc. get a foothold in your life.

"Get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior." - Ephesians 4:31

"You have given so much to me, give one thing more, a grateful heart." - George Herbert

Father, thank You for my spiritual gifts. I pray I use them as You would have me do. May You be glorified through my blogs and my life.

Blessings Y'all!

Worries Add Not a Thing

From 4/7/11:

"For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." - Psalm 91:11

"God does not shield us from life's storms; He shelters us in life's storms." - Wanda Brunstetter

"Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." - Luke 12:21

"Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" - Matthew 6:27

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God's peace, ..." - Philippians 4:6-7a

From 4/8/11:

"The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you." - Matthew 12:37

** I am going to try to share devotionals in their entirety from now on. Some days I have one verse written down even though I may have read 100. Some days I have a whole lot written down. I may eventually get to where I'm sharing the actual day's devotional thoughts but I'm not there yet.

It amazes me how God will work on a theme sometimes and then other times it feels random but somehow, for what was going on in my life it all fit together just right. He speaks to us through His Word. If you haven't experienced that, you may not be paying attention.

Father, how amazing are You that without email and texting You can still very effectively communicate with those of us in this fallen World!

Blessings Y'all!

Relationally Speaking

From 3/30/11:

"Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." - Colossians 3:12-13

From 3/31/11:

"Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth." - 2 Timothy 2:25

"They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone." - Titus 3:2

** Ever really read the book of Proverbs? Sometimes the writing there cracks me up!

"The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense." - Proverbs 10:21

From 5/7/11:

Everyone should listen to Fernando Ortega's "Oh God You Are My God" at least once a day. It is peace on earth.

**Father, I am blessed beyond measure. Thank You for your grace, mercy, and immeasurable love.

Blessings Y'all!

My Cup Overflows

From a bookmark I made and am using now:

My Cup Runneth Over - Psalm 23:5

"Dear Lord,

Help me to have a servant's heart; to be a woman who pours a drink more refreshing that coffee or tea. May the cup I offer to the women you have placed in my life always overflow with your love and acceptance."

by Karla Dornacker

** I love the wording, "my cup runneth over". I've been involved with a retreat with that title. I love the usage of the phrase in the movie, "Hope Floats". I say it to my children when my heart feels like it could burst from love and pride in them.

It is strange that I never equate the verse listed here with Psalm 23. Whenever Psalm 23 is mentioned I immediately go to, "The Lord is my shepherd ... I shall not want". The old, familiar tune of the hymn inspired by this Scripture begins playing in my head. When I began writing this entry, I pulled out my hymnal and saw this edition has 5 verses for this hymn, including one that uses verse 5 of the Psalm.

The Lord's My Shepherd by Scottish Psalter

The Lord's my Shepherd; I'll not want:

He makes me down to lie

In pastures green, He leadeth me

The quiet waters by.

My soul He doth restore again.

And me to walk doth make

Within the paths of righteousness

E'en for for His own name's sake.

Yea, tho I walk in death's dark vale,

Yet will I fear none ill;

For Thou art with me, and Thy rod

And staff me comfort still.

My table Thou hast furnished

In presence of my foes;

My head Thou dost with oil anoint,

And my cup over flows.

Goodness and mercy all my life

Shall surely follow me;

And in God's house for ever-more,

My dwelling place shall be.

Father, Shepherd me. Remind me to let You lead and protect. It isn't all on me. It's all You.

Blessings Y'all!

Fixer Upper

From Today:

I thought part of my reading for today spoke to the premise of my new blog. I really liked the following, written as if Jesus is speaking directly to me/you.

Quotes from Jesus Lives: Seeing His Love in Your Life by Sarah Young

"Brokenness" p. 44

"Pick up the pieces of your broken heart - scattered all around you - and bring them to Me."

"When you feel on the brink of giving up, remind yourself of My great faitfulness: I never give up on you!"

"Stay close to me as I work on mending your broken heart. Of course, your repaired heart will not be exactly as it was before, but in some ways it will be much better. Your renewed heart - stripped of its cherished hopes - will have more space for Me."

** Sometimes I feel guilty for even scoffing at the rough things I've had to endure over time. My life has been a fairy tale compared to so many out there. I hope that the little things I've dealt with will give me some glimpse of insight that may encourage, inspire, or fill with hope another wandering soul.

Father, let Your light shine through me. Let me lead others to the beacon that is Your guiding light. Help me help other broken-hearted souls.

Blessings Y'all!

Take My Yoke Upon You

From 3/26/11:

"Day after day, and night after night they keep on saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty - the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come." - Revelation 4:8

"God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us." - Acts 17:27

From 3/28/11:

"Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls." - Matthew 11:29

From 3/29/11:

"God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth." - Matthew 5:5

"I hope to have eyes that see where to apply a bit of gentleness here and there to soften life's blows for others." - Patsy Clairmont

** I can't help but notice how often I note: "Lord, I need work in this area." And then, every once in awhile, like a little gift, wrapped in a big bow, I'll come across a commandment I'm actually doing pretty good at. And there I find hope; hope that He will make me who He wants me to be and at the hand of the ultimate Potter, this lump of clay may be made into something He can be proud of.

Blessings Y'all!

Patchin' Me Up

So, this is a new blog! I've been wanting to start a spiritual blog and here it is! I guess it is pretty funny that I'm starting a second blog considering I haven't blogged on my original one since the 12th of this month. Oh well, I've felt this was a calling of sorts and who am I to argue with divine design?

Mostly I just want this page to include the notes I make during my daily devotional time. I don't think I'll be able to blog every day, but I hope some of the things the Lord puts on my heart will speak to others as well.

The title of my blog, "A Patchwork Heart" comes from a Bible lesson I entitled that. Several months ago ideas started pouring into my mind for topics or themes for Bible class lessons or even ladies' retreats. "A Patchwork Heart" comes from my love of quilting and from the fact that time and time again in my life, my Heavenly Father has put the broken pieces of my heart and my life back together again.

I think sharing my faith and my shared moments with God with others will be good for me and hopefully bless someone else in the process. It won't necessarily be in chronological order.

From 4/1/11:

"Let prayer be the key to the day, and the bolt to the night."

- "The Simple Life" by Wanda Brunstetter

"You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." - 1 Peter 3:4

From 4/5/11:

"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: you must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." - James 1:19

Just curious if this eludes anyone else? I think I listen pretty well. The older I get the more I appreciate the value of thinking before I speak. I don't rush into anger I don't believe, but I don't think I can say I'm slow to get angry.

"Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will be also." - Matthew 5:21

Father, this week I will meditate on awareness of Your Presence.