Tonikakes Place

Quote of the Weekend

2011-05-07T18:12:00.000-05:00

"Run, John, run the law commands,
But gives me neither feet nor hands;
Far better news the gospel brings:
It bids me fly; it gives me wings." John Bunyan

God's promises wash over me each day!

2011-03-24T08:54:00.003-05:00

Thank you Lord God, for being a husband to me for the past 10 years. You have..."...called me back from my grief...loved me faithfully...blessed me...have mercy on me...you have kept the enemy away....you have made me to live in peace and kept terror far away." Isaiah 54:4 - 14

You have...
"...restored what the locusts have eaten" Joel 2:25

You have...
"...not let the enemy have any more of me..." Isaiah 62:8 and 1 John 5:18

Lord God, you...gently whisper to me, "do not be afraid" ...your voice of truth. 1 Kings 19:12

Lord you remind me....
"...be still, I fight for you..." Ex 14:13-14
and
to live a life of love, and that it is your job to change hearts.

Lord, you are giving me "...a heart to know you..." Jer. 24:6-7

Lord, I often think like "a child who doesn't know her way." I cry out, and you answer. You "...give me what I asked for. You give me a wise and understanding heart." 1 Kings 3:5

Lord, when I was wandering, lost in the darkness, "...you came to seek me and save me..." Luke 19:10

You show me that if I trust in you I will not be shaken. Psalm 125

You show me that you have plans for me, "plans to prosper and not harm, plans to give hope and a future. I call to you, I pray to you and you listen...you found me and brought me back from captivity." Jer. 29:11-12

Lord, you shelter and protect me...
You "shelter me from heat and are my hiding place from the storms that come." Isaiah 4:6

Your unseen footprints are all over my life... Psalm 77:19

I am a jewel, safe in the care of your treasure pouch. 1 Sam 25:29

Lord, you give me strength to step away from temptation, and deliver me from the evil one. Luke 22:40

Thank you Lord that the enemies that enslaved me will be far away. Isaiah 49:19

Lord, you always know what I need before I ask. Matt. 6:8

You "guide me", you "satisfy my needs", you strengthen me - you are the well of life that waters me. Isaiah 58:11

Lord, you meet all my needs richly! Php. 4:19

You "care about me", I give my worries and cares to you Lord God, each day and sometimes each hour...each minute.... 1 Peter 5:7

When there are storms all around, you walk on the waters of my heart and give me peace, passion, laughter, joy...

You strengthen me and protect me with your Spiritual Armor. I can't go out into the battle field each morning without you.
You give me warriors to fight alongside me with the ammunition of the prayers of the saints.

I do not walk alone...you "never leave me or forsake me." Heb. 13:5

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Phil 1:4-13

I do not fly alone, I trust you Lord God to keep me aloft!

Oh One, Oh One, Won, Won!!! A New Year Prayer

2011-01-01T10:43:00.003-06:00

It's 2011 - time goes faster and faster when there is less sand in the hourglass...

Thank you Lord God for 2010 with all it's joys, pains, trials and sorrows. Every path in life that you send me down, leads me always to the center of your heart - and that is the only place to be. You grow me, teach me, comfort and counsel me, you give me strength in weakness. Praise you Father God! As I get quiet, shutting out the noise of this world that is relentlessly pulling me into it's current -- in the quiet -- I find you there. In the noise and the chaos, you are still there, but in my human weakness, the distractions make it more difficult to hear you.
Thank you Lord for the quiet refuge in the shelter of your wing each day. Thank you for your word - ancient writings -- new each day. You pierce my heart! May your word rise up in me, in my heart and soul, in my mind always, on my lips and in my ears, before me and behind me -- all around me -- your word...your truth.

Thank you for Jesus alive in me - the Passover Lamb covering me, that no fiery arrow can pierce. Thank you Lord that the enemy can have no more of me, because I am yours. Thank you for Jesus, my breastplate of righteousness. He stands before me and says, "She is MINE!"
Thank you that you give me each step I take on this journey, and you give me shoes of faith and peace. It reminds me of those light-up shoes little children wear that spark and glow with each step. Only, instead of being battery operated, mine are Holy Spirit flaming!

Thank you Lord for growing me and showing me not just to pray for comfort and for things to go well, but to pray for your wisdom, your strength, your guidance and direction when things go badly. And, on this planet, things do go badly from time, to time, to time......

Thank you Lord God for your assurance that this is not the forever place, but that YOU are my forever place!

And so Lord God, as I stand with my back to the closed door of 2010 and now have one foot in the land of 2011 - I stand in awe of You. The bright light of your Holy Spirit is overwhelming! I cannot see wheat lies ahead, but feel the deep joy of knowing you illuminate each step along the way.
I know that this next season of my life will hold laughter and tears. Lord, you know how much I love the laughter, and I know you are there to catch each tear... There will be fears and struggles, and if I am not careful, they can be overwhelming. But, you faithfully let me feel your arm around me, holding me close and assuring me that you will never leave me - that you will get me through rough waters, and strong winds - - YOU, my shelter in the storms. You, Lord God, walking on the waters of my heart and calming the storms in me.

I look forward with excited anticipation to the beauty you place before my eyes each day, that lands softly in my heart. I pray for wisdom in 2011, that only you can give. I pray that I stand in the bright light of your Holy Spirit and that there be no dark corners in me. I pray you reveal more of you to me each day, and awaken me to you Lord God.

I pray that in 2011, I live each day passionately for you!

Philippians 3:12 - 14....I press on to make it my own, because Jesus Christ has made me His own.....forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God, in
Christ Jesus.

Farewell Summer

2010-09-11T08:54:00.001-05:00

Farewell summer! Can you hear me bidding you farewell? You were fun, you were full, and now it is time for you to go, and take the heat and humidity with you.

I am grateful for a summer loaded with work, rest, and fun. There was no break between the end of the school year and the beginning of Summer School…no time to take a breath. We were whisked from academics to academics with just a brief weekend in between. I truly enjoyed teaching newcomers from around the world, how to speak English during those brief four weeks.

When Summer School ended, I had intended to have Denton in my rear view mirror, and to take my annual trek to New Mexico to see my sister and other family who live there, but, instead I was restricted to Denton for the summer as I tended to “ouchy” dental issues. God is good – through it all, I was able to spend the rest of the summer (5 weeks) having lots of long slow mornings, drinking in my time with God and his nature all around me. My days were also filled with friends, family, and of course time with my precious “grands”. Sprinkle among all that, a few workshops and it made for a very full summer.

A new school year has begun, and I am teaching a new grade this year – Third Grade, Bilingual. Yep – I teach mostly in Spanish, and at the same time am trying to get my sweet students into English. Third graders are the most precious children! I love their innocence, their eagerness, their tenderness. It is a huge challenge teaching them -- and God gives me exactly what I need each day to meet that challenge.

This week, I got to give my testimony at The Village Church, Denton, on Tuesday night. I am in awe at how God has rescued me, over and over, and has brought me to this place where I can walk intimately with Him. I’ll tell you what though, as I live each day, I find that it is constantly filled with trials and unexpected twists and turns.

As I was reading the bible this week, God showed me John 16:33 – I am not alone, for the Father is with me…In me you may have peace. In the world you WILL have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world. (Jesus speaking…)

Living in this world is a battle, a spiritual battle, over your heart – over my heart. There is an enemy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Can’t you see it all around us; in the news, in families and homes, on the streets, in our own hearts?

Below….is the last page of my testimony….

Christ has also shown me that I cannot fight this battle alone, but that I need strong warriors to battle alongside me.

The Old Testament Book of Nehemiah describes the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem. Walls provide boundaries and protection from the enemy. The city was vulnerable without the wall intact.
Within this account, I clearly see how it parallels the process of rebuilding a life. Without walls and boundaries we too are vulnerable to attack from the enemy. And, as Nehemiah couldn’t build the wall alone – neither can we.
Nehemiah 2:20 says….. The God of heaven will help us succeed. We, his servants, will start rebuilding the wall.
…and….v. 28…Each one repaired the section immediately across from his own house.

Of course, when they started rebuilding the wall, their enemy taunted them. Chapter 4:2 says..…”Sanballat was very angry when he heard that we were rebuilding the wall…he flew into a rage…saying,” what does this bunch of poor feeble Jews think they’re doing?…Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap – and charred ones at that?”

And that is what the enemy tries to fool us into thinking – that we can’t….
…and v. 9 says “But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves.
And v.14…Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your homes!”

And they all returned to work on the wall and while some worked, others stood guard. The whole time they worked they carried their weapons with them, and when a brother was in trouble…
v. 20 says……”When you hear the blast of the trumpet, rush to wherever it is sounding. Then our God will fight for us!

It is soooo important that as we are rebuilding the walls of our lives, that we constantly run to God, that we have a group of warriors that we do life with that will pray for us and hold us accountable. And when the enemy is attacking, we need to sound the trumpet – today, that may look more like texting your friends to immediately pray with you….to remind you of God’s promises in the scriptures, and to phone or meet with you to hold you up.
“…and our God will fight for us…”

And, most important of all…..I am constantly reminded, that Jesus paid the price for all my sins. That He alone is righteous, and Jesus stands between the enemy and me and says, “She is mine!”

I end this testimony with …
Psalm 40: 1 – 3
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord.

Thoughts

2010-07-15T10:05:00.002-05:00

Thoughts come flowing, jumping, skipping and popping into the mind. Some thoughts sneak up and you wonder where they came from!

Some are very negative and some compelling. They draw you in, and invite you to dwell there -- turning them over and over and over -- examining the thought from every side. The problem with that is, the more you dwell on that negative thought, the further it drags you down and the more REAL it becomes. The next thing you know, you believe what used to be a random thought -- which now has evolved into a lie. That lie, if believed, can take you to the depths of depression, or even to act on it, resurrecting old familiar behaviors that always lead down a dark path of destruction...
.....or.......
When one of those random negative thoughts sneaks up and threatens to hijack your emotions, you can quickly open your hands and push it away -- giving it to God -- praying -- singing -- and praising the Lord of Heaven's Armies! And God, faithfully exposes the dark thoughts and lies to HIS light -- as only He can.

Only God is God. Nothing and no one trumps Him. What He says -- goes.
God's word - - - Bring it!

Job 26:11 The pillars of heaven tremble and are astounded at his rebuke. By His power He stilled the sea......and how small a whisper do we hear of him...But the thunder of His power who can understand?

Does your heart soar?

2010-04-10T10:02:00.006-05:00

I am so thankful to God for the passions He has placed in my heart -- that He has given me a purpose - - that He gives me strength and good health to get up and go to work each morning -- that as I work, he puts a smile on my heart...

Yesterday, in Math class, I taught my fifth graders how to make a kite out of a Kinkos bag. http://members.cox.net/gengvall/k_sled.html All were intrigued, some doubted...all were engaged. We measured and cut. We glued and reinforced with tape. They learned what a "gusset" was and what a "bridle" is. They learned how to make an "overhand knot" and that it will not slip! They learned that measuring accurately was essential for the success of the project.

As we finished our kites and were lining up to go outside, I could feel and hear nervous twittering among the students.

One brave student, timidly said, "I don't know how to fly a kite."

I quickly reassured the group, and explained the process. I assured my students that I would be the "kite-doctor", and would have tape, scissors, and extra string -- in case of an emergency -- and that I would help.

Peals of laughter and squeals of delight were heard all around, as we walked and ran onto the field behind the school. Immediately hungry breezes scooped up kites to the left and to the right!

My voice could be heard; "...tug on your string" - - "...quickly, move away from the building" -- "...yippeeeeee!!!"

Kites were flying!!!

I could see one of my students holding tightly to her line and she seemed to be trembling. I went up to her and asked if she was ok. She told me, "Ms. Porter, I have never flown a kite before!"

We flew kites all day long! Some of our kites soared so high, that you could scarcely see a tiny brown dot, seemingly about to be lost in the atmosphere.

Students told me that this was the best project that they had ever done, and that it was the best day ever!

Yes, my heart soars!

Lies!

2010-03-16T09:47:00.005-05:00

What lies are you hearing and believing?

Untruths that are believed can be devastating!

John 8:44... the devil, ...he was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

1 Peter 5:8...Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

The little girl, raised in an abusive home, heard many lies about herself...and believed. Once married, the young woman believed it must be true when her husband told her she was a loser and never good enough to please him.

.........And, the enemy gloated....tapping his toxic fingertips together...smiling a satisfied smile of venomous success.

But, what happens when we stop internalizing those "secret" lies, bring them out of the dark, and place them in the light of truth? What if, for a week, we write down each lie that creeps into our thoughts, and put it on paper, before it tucks itself away in our hearts? What if we ask God to give us His TRUTH -- His light, to shine into that darkness? What if...?

And so, in just the past 12 hours, God has shown me some of these lies that try to darken my heart, and he has shined the bright light of his Holy Spirit -- like 10,000 suns into my heart, and exposed them to His truth!

Lie: You are a fatherless orphan!

TRUTH:

John 14:18 "I will not leave you as orphans;I will come to you.

2 Cor. 4: 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

Psalm 27:10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.

Psalm 10:14 ...you have been the helper of the fatherless.

Ephesians 1:5 ... he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will...

2 Cor. 6:18 ... and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me,says the Lord Almighty."

Job 29:12...because I delivered the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to help him.

Lie: You are a loser.

TRUTH:

2 Cor. 4:9 ...persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

Psalm 139: 13 - 16 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.14I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.15 My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.16Your eyes saw my unformed substance;in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

2 Cor. 5:21 ... For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

1 Cor. 3:16 ...16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?

John 1:12 ...12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

Lie: You better run and hide, cause I'm coming to get you!

TRUTH:

1 Samuel 25:29 Even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, your life is safe in the care of the Lord your God, secure in his treasure pouch.
Psalm 32:7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Psalm 17:8 ...hide me in the shadow of your wings
Psalm 119:114 You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

There is no "truth" in being a victim....in hiding in the lies.

Dreams

2010-02-15T08:40:00.002-06:00

Have you ever had one of those dreams where you are struggling to walk down stairs, but they are too steep? You cling to the rail and look down, and there are steps missing -- you are about to fall -- your heart is in your throat!

I have those dreams, every so often. I had that dream last night. But, last night my dream was different. I was tired of the gripping fear of falling -- and decided to just -- let go...
As I let go of the rail, I began to fall, headlong into the air and towards the floor below. As I fell, my heart did not race. As the floor drew closer and closer, there was a strength inside me -- not of me -- but definitely there. And....just a few inches short of hitting the floor, I stopped, and floated along the surface - hovering....

As the dream continued, I thought, "Wow! I didn't hit the floor and get hurt!" So, in my dream I decided to step out on the landing of the 2nd or 3rd floor of the building. I climbed up on the rail and jumped! Again, there was no fear -- and I stopped about six inches short of the ground! A soft landing -- no gripping fear!

Our real life fears are kind of like that. Those things we fear losing, we lust after, and will do anything to protect....so we grip tighter and tighter. But, the result is crushing anger when efforts to control fail. The cycle repeats itself -- until we finally l e t g o !

Let go -- and trust God!

Isaiah 41:10
...fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

I find that life is a continual -- letting-go... I tend to want to "grip"....when God wants me to hang on loosely to things of this world, and cling to Him. I thank God that He shepherds me and grows me in Him -- more each day.

Psalm 23
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures.He leads me beside still waters.
3He restores my soul.He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

My brother...

2010-01-23T19:31:00.006-06:00

My brother, George Clinton Porter III, but really -- always my "Georgie"....died this past week. It started out as a week of hope, then quickly turned into a weekend of despair, and finally a Sunday of deep and painful sadness, that reached the core of my being...

The last generation came to a close with the death of my mother a few years ago, and since then, Georgie is the first of MY generation to die. A piece of "me" is gone...........

Georgie was:

10 years older than me. He was 6'6", tall, dark, and handsome! I always looked up to Georgie -- literally and figuratively.
Georgie could do "anything", in this little girl's eyes.
I remember mother saying she needed to feed him a loaf of bread before we went out to eat dinner, cause he ate so much. He always cleaned our plates for us when we could eat no more!
Georgie would spin me and my sister around as we hung on to his arms while we squealed with delight.
Georgie taught me how to shoot -- and he is a very good teacher!
He gave me away at my wedding in place of my dad...
He was so tender and loving -- a great communicator. I will miss his e-mails and letters that always ended with "love and kisses".
He loved his wife and his children soooo much!
He sent a crazy number of "forwards" each week -- drove me crazy -- but I already feel the empty place in my e-mailbox...

His funeral this week was a warm gathering of family and friends, paying tribute to and honoring a very great man.

I thank God for my brother. I am glad that he can be home with my Lord, breathing deeply with heavenly lungs and a brand new body...in that place of "...no more tears."

Thoughts

2010-01-06T20:03:00.003-06:00

Lately... as I lay down to bed, but am not yet asleep, I find myslef sitting on the bank of a river. It is nearing sunset. There are shadows, the sun is sparkling it's amber light on the occasional ripple of the water, and here and there an autumn leaf floats by on the surface.

Random thoughts float into my head. When one comes into focus and I begin clinging too tightly to it -- I then quickly and purposefully, let it go, and watch it float down the silvery river away from me, around the bend, and out of sight. I giggled as one of the thoughts I released to the river's current, turned and waved good-bye to me.

I'm wondering -- will I stay on the bank of this river, or will someone come floating down in a canoe and pick me up? Will I get to the other side?

For now, I'll just enjoy this river, my thoughts, and the autumn of my life.

Journal Entry...12.04.2010 - Prayer vs. Sovereignty

2010-01-04T21:42:00.003-06:00

Thank you Lord for good sleep -- 5:00 A.M. sure comes early...
It was a bit hard to drop into that river of sleep last night. Anticipation of going back to school today kept me on the edge of awareness for quite some time.

Thank you Lord for friends and time together. It was good doing lunch with Judy, and then visiting with Lydia in the evening.

Thank you Lord God for my Pastor Matt, who preached Sunday - it was really good...He talked about the sovereignty of God and prayer -- and how important both are.
You are sovereign Lord, and your word tells us over and over to PRAY! Matt used a verse from Exodus where you are planning to send the people back to Egypt, and Moses begs you not to. The scripture uses the word "relent"...that You relented!

Another scripture came to my mind. I couldn't find it last night -- but it is the one where the woman asks for healingfor her daughter, and Jesus says something like, I came for the Jews...(I think)...then, she said something like -- even the dogs get the crumbs that fall from the Master's table. And You healed her daughter! Did you relent there too??

So, in reflecting on all of that, I think that I don't do nearly enough asking - praying - seeking - knocking - imploring....I just take it for granted that you are sovereign and that you've "got-it".

Help me Lord to pray in ALL things, and to pray for your hand in all things in my life. My mind is constantly mulling-endlessly about so many of the trivialities of life, yet I fail to lift each one to You in prayer. Help me God to focus on those things that matter, and turn each thought into prayers to you -- My Mighty God -- The Lord of Heaven's Armies.

Matt. 15: 21 - 28
21 And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon." 23 But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is crying out after us." 24 He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." 26 And he answered, "It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs." 27 She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table." 28 Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed instantly.

Quiet Time - Pastor Matt on my mind...

2009-12-19T14:14:00.002-06:00

I have been so sad, but thinking now that sadness must end, and that thankfulness and rejoicing must begin.

None of us are promised tomorrow.
I am thankful that God has given me my pastor for the past 7 years, and now for another day.
None of us are promised that life will be happy and always good, but are told that troubles and sorrow will come into our lives.
I am thankful that my pastor practices what he preaches.
God has numbered each of Matt's days.
God has breathed life into me, and He has numbered each of my days.
I don't think that God planned for me to be sorrowful and to not trust in Him on day 19,435.
God is sovereign.
God has a purpose and a plan.
Today I will trust Him.
Today I pray the Lord show me His perfect purpose for my life, and help me to live each moment passionately for Him.
Matt's awesome preaching of the Truth has brought God's word to life in my heart. I thank my God and praise Him alone.
Through this weighty struggle of the Chandler's personally -- and it's effect on all our church, I am thankful that we are brought to our knees - that we continually seek the heart of our Father - running to our Lord and finding there that He catches each tear. I am thankful that I can "ask", "seek", "knock", and that when I do, my Lord God is always there with open arms.
I am thankful for another day of strength and healing for Matt.
I'm looking forward to seeing him strong and well, and preaching God's good word.
I'm grateful now to watch Matt live out God's word as he "fights the good fight".

This earthly nightmare...

...your heavenly piece of

an incomprehensible puzzle.

"I AM". Exodus 3:13-14

The Heart

2009-12-12T20:21:00.002-06:00

Not a soul battle,

but a heart battle.

My soul is bought and paid for...

My heart battles each moment

of each day...

Creator or creation?

...give me a "God" shaped heart.

Praying for Matt...

2009-12-04T05:43:00.003-06:00

Oh Lord, today is Matt's surgery. Your will be done. You are God. You are in control. You breathed life into Matt 34 years ago, and you ignited your Spirit in him. He is in your powerful hands.

And Lord God, I plead for his life as he goes through this brain surgery today. I pray for your presence in the operating room - guiding the surgeons hand. I pray a hedge of protective angel warriors all around that place, that no fiery arrows can come near. I pray for precise cuts, strong and complete probes, and removal of this mass. I pray that Matt's vital functions, emotions, and creativity go unharmed. I pray for an amazing recovery and miraculously manifested new beginnings.

Psalm 57:7 My heart is confident in you oh God, my heart is confident.

I pray for Lauren oh Lord - your arms around her, whispering into her heart, to be still and know that You are God. I pray the comfort and peace of your Holy Spirit continually washing over her today.

Lord, I pray for my dear friend Janet. A mother's heart....I am so reminded of Your mother, Mary -- A mother's journey is not an easy one...I pray you give her strength today Lord, as she anxiously waits. The baby that moved in her womb, the little boy that got into things, the young man that seemed at times hopeless, the man that you called, the young Pastor that loves you Lord and whose Holy Spirit inspired words touch so many - ...her baby boy......I pray you give Janet a strength and peace that only you can give, as she trusts her baby boy into your strong hands.

Lord, You are God. You are in control. We faithfully trust in You.

Psalm 2:12 Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.

My Favorite Season!

2009-11-07T10:46:00.002-06:00

This morning, as I make a bowl of hot old fashioned oatmeal, I add sweet cream butter, brown sugar, chopped dates, and my favorite ingredient of all -- P E C A N S! (...and that is pronounced - pc-ahhh-ns....) **sweet southern giggle**

As I held the pecan halves in my hands, and broke them into smaller pieces into my oatmeal, I was carried back to another time...another place....

When I was young, on our farm...I would go horseback riding with my cousin Lisa. Fall was the best season to ride! The air was crisp, the leaves were golden, and fell in a magical carpet before us as we rode beneath the orchards of pecan trees. We would laugh and giggle, as young girls do...and share our dreams...

As we rode, the broad arms of the trees would reach out to us, and offer their sweet pecans. We would reach up and grab a handful of pecans, press them together in our tiny hands and listen to them "c r a c k". We would hungrily break off the shell, clean off the sweet-meat inside and hungrily pop the nut into our mouths -- oh my - the most w o n d e r f u l taste!!

Last week when I was Trick-or-Treating with my grandsons, we were walking beneath some pecan trees -- and that childhood memory rushed back to me, as I picked up two pecans and cracked them between my now older and arthritic hands....

And, as I eat this oatmeal, laden with rich pecans, I thank my Creator for my often troubled childhood -- that also had many sweet memories. I thank Him for my grandchildren, and for today....I thank Him for growing me in Him.