Happy Fall

I have always loved the temperatures in the early Fall, however, I usually do not enjoy it as much as I have this year. When I look in my back yard I just feel the greatest since of peace as I watch the leaves fall slowly to the ground. It generally bothers me to have the leaves on the ground and not cleaned up, this year not so much. Something about the sound of them crunching under foot also has a peace to it. I can assure you that my husband does not feel this way and would like to find the time to get them all up as soon as possible. Last week I was in the mountains and the colors were breathtaking. I was in awe of Gods handy work.

Perhaps at this time in our life when things are unusually crazy and difficult God is using this season to show me some things. The leaves fall slowly and land so softly, if I will slow down and rest in His arms I too will land much softer once we reach the end of this difficult time. The crunch of the leaves under foot, well, I have to enjoy the walk and listen in the stillness to enjoy the sound; Just as my walk with Jesus. Instead of rushing through this season of life I need to slow down, and get what God is going to teach me even when the winds blow and everything seems to be falling.

Summer, my favorite season, will come back around and I will be so ready for it. But just think of all the greatness I would miss if I didn't enjoy the seasons in between.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1-3

Sweet Heavenly Father, as you walk with us even through this season of life, allow us to learn the lessons you have for us and remember to trust your heart. Just as the trees must go through the process of the leaves withering and falling off to become all brand new in the spring, so we too must go through a times of transformation. Although painful at times, You sweet Jesus make us even more beautiful in our next season. With love and gratitude, Amen.

Sweet Blessings,
Margaret

Encourage

Hi, I hope you have missed me! All five of you who read this blog,ha. Life has been a little crazy and I have failed at keeping this site updated on regular basis, which may be why I don't have very many readers. Anywho, I am here today.

I think most of us have gotten back into some what of a normal routine with school, athletics, etc. Soon we will start back up Fall Bible Studies as well. I would like to encourage you to add something to that.....
I know you are thinking yeah right like I have time for one more thing, but this will be as much for you as for someone else.

Here it is, be an Encourager.I'm certain you probably already are, but I think I mean more by it than the word on the surface means. We all (especially women)need someone that holds us accountable in our christian walk, someone that is there on those days when we just don't feel we can live out who we are called to be. Be that one special person that can be called on to lift their spirits when times are tough, someone to laugh with when times are fun, and someone to cry with when its not so fun. How is this for you? Because you need to find someone to be that person for you as well. Maybe its more than one person.

Here is some scripture that I thought spoke of this:

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life (Proverbs 10:11).

Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers (Acts 15:32).

We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith (1 Thessalonians 3:2).

Therefore encourage each other with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25).

I hope all of us will reach out to someone today and encourage them.

Sweet Blessings,
Margaret

Live By Faith (Part 3) & Other Tidbits

Hi Sweet Friends! Let me start by telling you how blessed my Thursday was last week. My replacement cord for my computer came so yay I am back! The air conditioner was fixed Praise the Lord on Wednesday it was 90 degrees upstairs! And, we finished the guest bath downstairs! It looks so pretty I may even post a picture soon, since I did show it all torn out and Greg looking under the house. I also had dinner and a movie date with my husband that evening. So, I am a bit happier and relaxed now.
So, on with our topic.....

If you remember when we ended the last post I told you we would be discussing Hezekiah. Hezekiah became king of Judah during a very tough time for Israel. The Northern part of Israel had already been captured and now Judah was next on the list. Hezekiah had all good intentions to do Gods will, but when times got tough he became weak and his faith that God was in control began to fail. In walks a wise one, Isaiah, and gives Hezekiah a good talking to. Isaiah reminds Hezekiah that he needs to look to God for his strength not his men or the horses. You can read all of this part of the story in Isaiah 31. It was easier for Hezekiah to put his faith in what he could see and was tangible.

2 Corinthians 5:7 "We live by faith not by sight". By the time of the attack Hezekiah's faith had grown and he told his men in 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said. If we are focusing on God he may give us a gentle reminder or something tangible that reminds us he is in control and hasn't forgotten you and this can be so sweet. Other times I bet you, just as I, can look back at trials in your past and see that God was right there in control the entire time.

Isn't it amazing how we can find such great wisdom from these individuals in the Old Testament? Lets write this down and keep it where we can see it all week:
“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.”- Psalm 119:114. Then lets live it!

I hope you have a great week.

Sweet Blessings,
Margaret

Hi Friends,

My computer is still out of service, but Lauren is letting me use hers for a bit so you wouldn't think I ran away! So, lets continue talking about faith and giving God control of our lives.

Perhaps the problem with our "letting go and letting God" starts with our heart. We proclaim our love for Him with our mouths when we worship, our minds when spending time in the Word, but is our heart totally there? Mark 12:30 "Love the Lord your God with ALL your heart soul, mind and strength". Jeremiah 29:13 says "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with ALL your heart". Neither verse says some of your heart or part of your heart, but ALL.Verse 14 goes on to say "I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back from captivity". Isn't that what worry does? It holds us captive. It keeps us from experiencing freedom and fullness in Christ.

We love God, we believe in Him, we confess Him as Lord of our life, but when we face trials or times get tough where do we turn? Who do we turn to first?
Next time, we'll look at Hezikiah his doubts and his faith.
I will try to get back to you before another week. Thanks for your comments, I love to read them.

Sweet Blessings,
Margaret

My Computer is Under the Weather

Hi Girls. My computer is temporarily out of order! I will be back in a day or so with more on faith. Maybe the broken computer is all part of Gods plan as I am soaking in His Word instead of the internet.
Sweet Blessings,
Margaret

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands....

I grew up singing this song, teaching it to my children, and now with the children at The Gate. I tell others who are in doubt to remember God is in control, I read it daily, and I tell my children over and over. So, why do I continue to doubt and worry? Am I alone here? for some reason I don't think I am. Okay, maybe I'm hoping so.

I want so much to pray about whatever may be worrying me, and then truly leave it at His feet. It is so hard.

I bet we could have a lot of conversation on this. Click on comments and tell me your thoughts. You can leave anonymously if you would like. Providing my computer doesn't die or paint doesn't take me over completely in this house I will be back to discuss more in the next day or so.

Sweet Blessings Friends,
Margaret

He Loves Me

He loves me
He loves me not
He loves me
He loves me not
He loves me
He has always loved me
and He loves me with an everlasting love!

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness."
Jeremiah 31:3

Have a great weekend resting in His love.

Sweet Blessings,
Margaret

Little Surprises in the Craziness

The past several days have been so full and crazy at our house. Well, okay things are usually a little crazy here, but lately more so than usual!

We have had to rip out entire floors from a room finding more problems than we thought when we finally reached under the house. Lauren's car decided that high school and college was all it could handle and decided to call it quits. We have been switching rooms around as Lauren moves back home while she completes grad school which has meant cleaning out closets that should have been done long ago. To add to all of this there is still the everyday life of building a new company, assisting in the running of a nonprofit, making sure we eat, and at least trying to keep the sawdust to a minimum and the tools out of the walk way. Oh, and the several trips to drop bags of unwanted items to a thrift store and about ten bags of trash in the middle of the kitchen floor. I also may or may not feel like I am having a bit of a difficult time trying to make sure all family members have my attention and do not feel left out during all of this or slighted in anyway. This is a huge task in itself when it involves girls! Whew, how did mom do it with four girls? I also may or may not be having a difficult time remaining patient and not getting frustrated with my house a little less than organized and clean to say the least.

In the middle of all of this:









God has tucked a few little surprises like a day of this:






Where we got to sit on the beach and watch this:




I am certain that God gives us little surprises everyday we just don't always take the time to notice or acknowledge them.

Little things, like being able to enjoy a little of this:



In the midst of everyday craziness perhaps we need to be more intentional to see these surprises and give thanks. I guess it is one more grace lesson for this little lady who is still and I am guessing always will be a work in progress.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows.
James 1:17 NIV

Sweet Summer Blessings,
Margaret

I Am Special?

This week at The Gate we are having Bible School for the younger children. Instead of the typical Bible School material we have taken Max Lucado's children's book "You Are Special" and "Splash" and created our lessons for the week.
What a strong lesson in this little story about Wimmicks. The Wimmicks are created by Eli. Eli portrays who God is to us as our creator. You see Punchinello learns that if he goes to Eli everyday then the stickers(some get stars,some get dots) that people put on him will fall off. It doesn't matter what they think only what Eli (God) thinks.
A children's story sure, but what a great lesson for us big kids too. Don't we tend to worry more about what others think of us, and allow that to shape who we are,or if we are accepted, rather than remember that we ARE who God created us to be? He loves us. No matter how great our hair is or isn't, if we are short or tall, skinny or chunky, in stylish clothes or hand-me-downs. I am so guilty of this, I am certain I am the only one right? Its my heart that matters, and honestly most days I spend more time working on how I am going to appear to everyone I see that day than I do working on my heart which is what God is going to see and cares about the most. You know what? Everyone sees my heart. When they do will it be a heart like his or not so much.
Today we will share the story of The Woman at the Well. I feel so sorry for this woman. She is condemned and judged by others because of her past mistakes (her dots), but how amazing a transformation when she realizes that she is talking to Jesus, he forgives her, she will receive a spiritual drink of living water and my friends her dots fall off too!
"Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14
The whole "dot" thing will make much more sense if you read Max's book "You Are Special". If you have children or grandchildren its definitely one that you will want to get and read to them over and over. Lauren is 21 and Spencer Margaret is 17 and I read it to them, they loved it! You can listen to it on You Tube by clicking here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Scj3A1cLVzY .
God's love is amazing friends. I hope you will feel that love today.
Sweet Blessings,
Margaret

one of THOSE days

Do you ever have one of those days? You know the kind. Its still early in the morning, did I mention Monday morning, and you think okay I can tell I am going to need a little extra strength for this day, maybe this week!
After a nice weekend with some time to enjoy the beautiful sunshine, and much needed time alone with my husband that's where I found myself this morning. I mean lets just be honest here for a bit, don't we all have those days where we just want to crawl back in bed and cover our heads, or we think I don't want all of these responsibilities today? As I was getting the last one out the door this morning I thought, "I need some extra time alone with Jesus". Is this always my response when I feel this way? Honestly, no. But, this morning it was thank goodness. This is the scripture that God gave me on my way upstairs to get my Bible:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
We can't look down, we can't look back, we can't even crawl back under the covers, or we will always fall. We have to look up. We have to look to the author of our life. He knows what we are going to face today, and He knows we need him to help us through it. He wants to help us, and He just loves when we call on him.
The old hymn "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" just came to my mind. Perhaps if you are having a tough start to the week you could sing a chorus or two of that.
Love to you and and hope you have a great week.

Sweet Blessings,
Margaret

The Best Boo Boo Medicine

Greg and I were talking this morning about an event that one of the girls had in the not too distant past, and I could not remember it at all. However, I have another incident that happend many years ago and I remember it like it was yesterday. Just me or do all women over 40 have minds that work like this? Be nice!

It was a beautiful afternoon in the early summer. Lauren, who was five years old, was riding her bike in the cul-de-sac with her friend Elizabeth. Moments later Elizabeth's mom was yelling for me. Lauren had fallen off her bike. With Daniel and Spencer in tow, then three and one years old, we ran over to check on her. There stood Lauren with a paper towel on her forehead full of blood. Before even having the time to look at it and evaluate how bad it was Daniel said "Mommy Lauren needs a Band-Aid!" She needed much more than a Band-Aid, she need for the cut to be cleaned well so she would not get an infection, and she ended up needing a few stitches.

We tend to do this with our sins or perhaps our past hurts don't we? We think we can put a Band-Aid on them so to speak, and they will be covered up and no one will know. But, just as Lauren ran the risk of infection or even a scar if her forehead had not been properly cared for, the same can happen to our hearts, our lives. Our sins need to be washed clean by asking Gods forgiveness, and in turn they will be washed away. If we do'nt do this they can fester and grow. They can grow into more sins while trying to cover past sins. They can cause insecurities and doubt. They leave us with scars. My friend unforgiveness for our sins or unforgiveness you hold towards yourself or another person can ruin your life.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NIV)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)

What sins are you covering up? What pain or past hurt are you attempting to bandage yourself? Give them to our sweet and merciful God. He has a healing power no ointment or Band-Aid can clean or cover.

Sweet Blessings,
Margaret

The Beauty in the Ordinary

How often do we go through an entire day not seeing the good that God gives us. There is so much beauty in the ordinary every day. Yet, we miss it. Do we not even recognize it? Perhaps we take it for granted? If this is the case we certainly fail to thank Him for it don't we. This is where I find the ordinary every day beauty:
In a young child's smile, in a babies coo, the birds chirping, the sun shining, the breeze blowing, the ocean roaring, the flowers blooming, the rain falling. The list is immeasurable. Perhaps this is where we start, right here today. Lets be more intentional to see the good, maybe then the bad will not overwhelm us so much. Don't forget when you see it to thank our amazing God for it.

“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you,and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12)

Happy Summer to you.

Sweet Blessings,
Margaret

For Lauren

We always knew she was very smart
she was showing signs from the very start
she loved Big Bird and the rest of the crew
very quickly her vocabulary grew

On to kindergarten she couldn't wait to go
along with Nikki at Memorial Baptist they would grow.
reading very quickly she made us so proud
loved an audience or to her dolls she would read aloud
the year quickly ended and across the stage she did walk
how beautiful and smart this graduate was the talk

From first through the fifth grade she gave it her all
never letting a circumstance cause her to fall
the teachers they loved her thought she was sweet
impressed by her hard work to teach her a treat.


On to middle school her next mission
learning to play the violin with a great rendition
eighth grade brought a move and new school
I believed she used this as a tool
new friends and hard work here she also would thrive
leave it to her to do more than just survive
once again across the stage she did glide
for this mother her pride she could not hide.


The next step so big mom was afraid
how could my baby be in ninth grade
was it not just yesterday it was k-five
now this girl was getting ready to drive
four years how fast they did fly
and soon to colleges we would apply


Peace College we did decide
accepting the presidential scholarship she took pride
how did she get this you may ask
honor roll every year was part of the task
boasting NC Scholar award and top 10% of her class
ECU next and even here she succeeds
a service sorority and own apartment proceed


Time again to walk the stage
this time a different story when we turn the page
she is all grown up and we can’t believe it
what God will use Lauren for we cannot even perceive it.

A Very Proud Mom

My oldest daughter graduated from college this weekend. I cannot believe how fast time goes. I am so proud of her. She worked so hard all the way through school and college. I have never seen anyone study so hard. She will be very successful in life. The poem above is what I wrote for her graduation party invite.

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"

"I Will Rise" by Chris Tomlin

I hope you all had an amazing day just to know He loved you that much.

Sweet Blessings,
Margaret

What Gift Can You Give?

Our hearts ache for those in need, but we don’t give. We feel sorry for those who cannot read well, but we don’t help them learn. We want children in a bad family situation, or lack of family to change their course in life, but we don’t mentor. We talk about our love for Christ, but we aren’t passing it on. Do we have a right then to talk about how bad things are? Didn’t God call us for such a time as this? Where is your heart? Perhaps its time we search and find where it is God wants to use us for HIS glory.
As we celebrate Easter and his gift to us is it possible that we ask him to show us what gift we can offer to others? It doesn’t have to be money, time is a very valuable gift!

Happy Easter my Sweet Friends,
Margaret

Have you heard Natalie Grant's song "Perfect People"? Its from her Album Relentless. It is amazing. This song is so true. Here are the lyrics....

Never let 'em see you when you're breaking
Never let 'em see you when you fall
That's how we live and that's how we try
Tell the world you've got it all together
Never let them see what's underneath
Cover it up with a crooked smile
But it only lasts for a little while

Chorus

There's no such thing as perfect people
There's no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are, broken and scared
Lift up your heart and be amazed
And be changed by a perfect God

Suddenly it's like a weight is lifted
When you hear the words that you are loved
He knows where you are and where you've been
And you never have to go there again

Chorus

Who lived and died to give new life
To heal our imperfections
So look up and see out let grace be enough

Have a great week.

Sweet Blessings
Margaret

Something to Say, Words to Write, Called to Lead?

Do you ever feel you have something to say, but don’t know how to say it?
Something to write, but cannot find the words? You want to lead women to the heart of God, but need more direction? If so She Speaks Conference is a great opportunity to learn a better way to do all of the above.
Here is my reason for the interest and confidence in this conference:

Everyone needs to pursue their passion in life in order to fulfill Gods plan for them. My passion is sharing Jesus with others, primarily women. Why? Because I do not know how anyone can survive life without him. I certainly wouldn’t be here if it were not for Him.
Over the past several years I have attended many conferences that featured a P31 speaker sharing their story and teaching the Word of God. It has been what God has primarily used to give me the courage to begin to share my story as well. You see, I have been, and to be honest still am to some degree, guilty of wearing that famous mask that so many women tend to do. You know the mask right? The mask that allows everyone to look at you and say, “Wow she certainly has it all together”. What a sinful nature, it’s prideful, not humbling. Using our “story” is what allows us to live out one of God’s greatest promises to us in Romans 8:28, that “He will use all things together for the good…..” This means even the dirt we tend to sweep under the rug so no one can see it.
I have felt Gods calling on my life for quite awhile now, a stirring in my heart that He wants to use me. I have had all intentions of going to She Speaks for the last few years. The first year I had scheduling conflicts, the second year my business was not doing well and I couldn’t get a way, the third year I had health issues and had to have surgery (I had already sent in my money and had to cancel my registration). I believe this is the year!It would be great if it was with this scholorship. As I continue to hear God’s call on my life, perhaps its time I quit ignoring that call and pursue my passion, perhaps even more importantly HIS passion for me.
I have seen God use many of my sweet friends from P31 to minister to women. I have seen lives changed through this ministry. I cannot think of another organization that I would rather have to help me learn a better way to tell my story, learn the words to write it, or the direction to lead. I plan to do that July 30th-August 1st.

Sweet Blessings,
Margaret

Because He Says its for Girls: This is For Him...

What You Didn’t Have To Do
There are many fathers
Some are even great
But our story is much different
My youngest was almost eight

Your children were much older
You thought this part was done
Then in your life walk my three
I’m surprised you didn’t run

I know it hasn’t always been easy
Although they were really cute
A few slammed doors
Not helping with chores
Many a broken heart
And then there is always your favorite
The comments a little too smart

There are many things you didn’t have to do
But let me see if I can name just a certain few
Sharing your chair
complaints over hair
Wiping tears, consoling fears
Throwing parties bigger than expected
Vacations with great memories collected
Buying clothes, buying a car
Wow your beginning to sound like a super star

This is a short list
Over the years you’ve done much more
None of this compares to what really lies at the core
Its something unexpected you didn’t have to do
You have loved them like they're a part of you
Hardly what I call a step-father
God ordered an extra daddy this we know to be true
And I love you even more for what you didn’t have to do.

for my sweet husband, my best friend.

If you are a single mom considering a special someone I hope that God allows them to be someone that is an "extra dad" for your children as well not just a "stepdad".

Sweet Blessings,
Margaret

Scars

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and I was spending it with my cousin. I was only eight years old, but remember it quite well. You see, the fun came to a sudden end when she ran over me with her bicycle! It was only an accident of course. I think I was skipping on the sidewalk and she came up behind me just a little too quickly. I still have a scar on my knee from the little accident. Perhaps that’s why I have always remembered what would have otherwise been a normal Saturday in the life of an eight year old. I had a scar to remind me.
We all have scars. Some are just visible to the eye while others are not. While I boast the scar on me knee that reminds me of that little mishap, I also have scars that you cannot see that reminds me of other wounding in my life. The essential thing is what I use that scar for, that reminder. Romans 8:28 “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” I can choose to use my scars to harbor grudges, self-pity, fear, and much more negative; or I can utilize them for the good. My scars can perhaps help someone that has been wounded in much the same way, allowing God to bring healing to that individual’s life, or perhaps those scars will only be used for my sake. Either way, we know God can use them for good if we allow him to. When Thomas doubted the resurrection of Jesus what was it that allowed him to believe? Yes, of course, the scars. In John 20:26 Thomas said “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” of course further down in verse 27 Jesus has appeared to the disciples and he says to Thomas “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side.” Jesus used his nail scared hands and side to help Thomas believe.
Do you have a scar that needs to have the bandage removed? Sometimes that is when the greatest healing takes place. Allow God to be your healer. Perhaps you in turn will be used by God to aid in the healing of others with a similar wound.

Who Is A Woman of Vision...

Where We Went....



Who We Are....





....This was Why We Went
What an indescribable three days. We laughed, we cried, we became more educated on important issues, and we grew closer.

We took on Capital Hill!

It sounds like we had a successful day from the information we have gotten back. We met with Senator Richard Burr and Congressman Walter B Davis's Aide. They listened and they agreed. It would be difficult not to agree with Bills on Child Trafficking, and Women and Children's health issues.

The speakers were awesome. The theme of the conference was "Every Woman Has a Story". Many of them shared theirs. I will share more of my personal story from the trip in a later post. This one was long enough with the pictures.
God was so good to give us beautiful weather, and a safe trip. I left not knowing what to expect, and I came home in awe of 8 great women who I now call close friends,of the pain in the world that God can so miraculously turn to good using ordinary women to help,and of how so many give of their life so selflessly. I also learned about so much more pain and sorrow in this world than what I thought was possible.
If you are interested in learning more about who Women of Vision is or how you too can become part of Women of Vision log on to www.womenofvision.org or leave me a note and I would love to share with you.

Sweet Blessings my friends,
Margaret
ps thank you Laury for taking pictures and sharing them

Something is Peeking Out From the Snow...and Our Trials?

This morning as I was looking out the kitchen window to the backyard guess what I saw peeking out from under the snow? Green, I saw green! The daffodils are starting to come up! Yes, that excites me, because I am very ready for spring and that seems to be the first real sign I have seen. It gives me hope and reminds me that the weather will once again turn warm and the flowers and trees will bloom.
It can be much the same way when we are going through a tough time in our life. We feel like we don't see an end to our struggles, we need relief. And, then we remember we aren't alone, we look, and there He is. God is right there with us and it can be like a gentle reminder that we are not doing this sometimes tough life alone. God has been there all along, we just forget and tend to try and go it alone. The Lord tells Joshua in Joshua 1:5 "No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." Just as the daffodils peeking through the snow are a beautiful reminder that spring will come around, we can be reminded that something beautiful can also come out of the trials we face although it is difficult to understand in the middle of them. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."So, just as I will try to remember that there is the promise of Spring coming (sooner than later I hope), lets be reminded that we are not going through the tough times alone, God is with us, and we can make it through.
For more encouragement Read James chapter 1. I am doing a Disciplers Bible study on the book of James and its amazing. Chapter one speaks a great deal about trials and temptations, and is a good reminder that God will give us what we need to make it through.
Have a great day and keep warm.

Sweet Blessings,
Margaret

Why Surrender All?

My Body so weary and achy
I am feeling I cannot endure
Then I remember His words
And begin to feel more secure.

So why can I not remember
That in my weakness he’s strong
That as long as I’m leaning on Jesus
Nothing can really go wrong.

As I feel I am losing control
I remember the words very clear
come unto me child for I am always near
Yet continuing to think my plan is best
I never stop to take a short rest

“Love Never Fails”
That’s what Corinthians tells
And if love did fail
what use was the nail
The blood shed scars he would suffer
“It is finished” he would say
That day on the hill so far away

So, His love for me should say it all
I should not even begin to question His call
What call you ask
The biggest of all
I surrender my all.

So often the old hymn "I Surrender All" comes to my mind and I think it is God trying to tell me, "okay time to surrender again". I am such a control freak, but it is definitely one thing (there are so many,ha)that he is working on me about. Well, the day that I wrote the poem above was one of those days He was at work on me.
Is there something you are not surrendering?

Sweet Blessings,
Margaret

A Thirsty Soul

It was one of those hot summer days, you know the kind we are really longing for right about now. My husband and I had spent hours outside doing yard work. When we decided to call it a day I found my way to the kitchen to get something cold to drink. I poured a glass of fruit juice, but that didn't help my thirst, then my favorite, a nice cold glass of Diet Coke with lots of ice, but still I was thirsty. I didn't start with the logical solution for a deep thirst which is water.
Our hearts can be much the same. We continuously try to quench our thirsty soul with many things. We think a big house will satisfy, new furniture, new car, new clothes, and sometimes even people. The list could go on, and it would be different for everyone. The only thing that will satisfy a thirsty soul is a relationship with Jesus. To feed our soul daily with His Word and a conversation with him through prayer. In John 4:13 Jesus says "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst."
If I had started with a glass of water first my thirst would have been quenched much quicker that hot day, and the only way to truly satisfy my thirsty soul is with Living Water.
How about you? Have you had a drink of Living Water today? I don't know about you, but I long for a spring of water to be welling up in my soul.
John 7:37-38 "If anyone is thirsty let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."I hope you have a weekend flowing with Living Water!
Sweet Blessings,
Margaret

New Girl on the Block

Hi friends. Yes, I am the new girl on the blog block. I do not really know what I am doing, but I love sharing things that the Lord gives me whether its a scripture, devotional, or even home decorating, so I thought I would give this blog neighborhood a try. If things show up that don't belong or don't show up that should, just be patient with me I am a work in progress. Here we go then, lets get to know each other shall we.
Sweet Blessings Friends,
Margaret