All things new!
As we close out an amazing summer, I look to the Lord for direction and leadership. My boys are starting school, Kenny is in a new job territory and I am starting a new Bible study and Personal Training schedule. New beginnings are exciting yet blurry; new territories ignite a spark of creativity and goal setting within, yet often fear of failure lingers in the back of my mind. I personally would love to set new spiritual, social, physical and mental goals without any fear of failure just thoughts and actions based on success.
The Lord reminds us in Jer. 29:11, that He knows our future and it is one filled with hope and success. I choose to trust and each day take the next step in His plans. Just take the step that is in front of you and walk upright in the trust that He is with you wherever you go!
Happy new beginnings!
D
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
We are truly meant for the valley. My family just spent our Spring Break in the most beautiful, quiet mountain retreat; Leatherwood Mountains. These mountains are formed between a long and beautiful meadow; where streams run and deer graze. It is quite a special place!
The valley here, is quite beautiful, enjoyable and peaceful. It is where my kids play football, jump in the streams, catch minnows and crayfish together. Kenny and I ride our horses here, picnic and sit together soaking up the sun....I love the valley! I love being quiet and reflective, it is a side of me, my family and I rarely get to experience. I love watching and listening to the sounds of God's symphony around me while in the valley. Yup, I love the valley and I was meant for it.
But, there is nothing like the mountain top experience. Our house sits at the top of the mountain and it has quite the views. As the wind whips through the trees and the hawks fly we can hear new sounds, see new sights and experience new emotions. I tell you this, I was meant for the mountain top!
Isn't this life, we move from mountain tops to valley experiences. The valley offers experiences that the mountain top cannot. We travel through the valley and get to see and feel things that the peaks cannot offer us. We can run in the valley yet while at the top we actually have to hike a bit more cautiously, as the fall could be fatal.(Pride before the fall) This is a new perspective I am sure but it holds a bit of truth when compared to our lives. While in the valleys of life, know this, we call on God with a deeper more heart felt need and respect. We listen more, yet are relational. We can be very still yet we keep moving. We actually spend a lot of time there, and it becomes familiar yet remains mysterious. We can sit and listen, often humbled and learn while traveling in the meadow. The good news is, we travel, we move, we learn while we are there.
When at the top, we usually experience great emotional highs that often exempt God or at the very least, just invite Him to join us in our elation and new experience. Don't get me wrong, I love the top of the mountain. I love what it brings my soul. I actually find myself brought to tears at it's beauty and power. We have to keep perspective however when we are at the top... egos in check and pride aside! God is quite amazing, as He designed it all and dwells in it all, we just have to be reminded more when we are at the top!
God's word reminds us, He will never leave us or forsake us, for He is with us wherever we go. I think He'd want me to remind you of that truth... I know He reminds me of it quite often. So, whether you are traveling in the meadows of life or standing at the top of a mountain, know this, He is there and remains very close!
As I write this, I ask you to pray for those in the meadows of life. I specifically ask for you to pray for Melissa Taylor and her family. Becky Nunn, her mother, and dear friend of mine, has stage 4 cancer and new cancer growths elsewhere. She is in the valley and experiencing new sights and sounds; new emotions and fears and is traveling through it very slowly and painfully. This story is one of many I know life will offer us, but one we will all grow from and learn to trust more, because of. God's plan is beyond what we can see or hear or understand but truth remains and is never far away. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. Truth has a name that we can all call on while we travel this life of mountains and valleys.
Blessings to you all ... soar, walk, run, listen, remain aware and draw near to God.
Denise
The valley here, is quite beautiful, enjoyable and peaceful. It is where my kids play football, jump in the streams, catch minnows and crayfish together. Kenny and I ride our horses here, picnic and sit together soaking up the sun....I love the valley! I love being quiet and reflective, it is a side of me, my family and I rarely get to experience. I love watching and listening to the sounds of God's symphony around me while in the valley. Yup, I love the valley and I was meant for it.
But, there is nothing like the mountain top experience. Our house sits at the top of the mountain and it has quite the views. As the wind whips through the trees and the hawks fly we can hear new sounds, see new sights and experience new emotions. I tell you this, I was meant for the mountain top!
Isn't this life, we move from mountain tops to valley experiences. The valley offers experiences that the mountain top cannot. We travel through the valley and get to see and feel things that the peaks cannot offer us. We can run in the valley yet while at the top we actually have to hike a bit more cautiously, as the fall could be fatal.(Pride before the fall) This is a new perspective I am sure but it holds a bit of truth when compared to our lives. While in the valleys of life, know this, we call on God with a deeper more heart felt need and respect. We listen more, yet are relational. We can be very still yet we keep moving. We actually spend a lot of time there, and it becomes familiar yet remains mysterious. We can sit and listen, often humbled and learn while traveling in the meadow. The good news is, we travel, we move, we learn while we are there.
When at the top, we usually experience great emotional highs that often exempt God or at the very least, just invite Him to join us in our elation and new experience. Don't get me wrong, I love the top of the mountain. I love what it brings my soul. I actually find myself brought to tears at it's beauty and power. We have to keep perspective however when we are at the top... egos in check and pride aside! God is quite amazing, as He designed it all and dwells in it all, we just have to be reminded more when we are at the top!
God's word reminds us, He will never leave us or forsake us, for He is with us wherever we go. I think He'd want me to remind you of that truth... I know He reminds me of it quite often. So, whether you are traveling in the meadows of life or standing at the top of a mountain, know this, He is there and remains very close!
As I write this, I ask you to pray for those in the meadows of life. I specifically ask for you to pray for Melissa Taylor and her family. Becky Nunn, her mother, and dear friend of mine, has stage 4 cancer and new cancer growths elsewhere. She is in the valley and experiencing new sights and sounds; new emotions and fears and is traveling through it very slowly and painfully. This story is one of many I know life will offer us, but one we will all grow from and learn to trust more, because of. God's plan is beyond what we can see or hear or understand but truth remains and is never far away. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. Truth has a name that we can all call on while we travel this life of mountains and valleys.
Blessings to you all ... soar, walk, run, listen, remain aware and draw near to God.
Denise
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Off and Running
If you are new to my blog, Hang on because there are many for you to read through in my archives below. Now that should get you a bit excited or exhausted, you can decide, but nonetheless, WELCOME!
I am off to Ga. in the morning and truly, am ready to see my mom and help her in anyway possible. Her accident was one that made us all stop the pace of Christmas break... which was coming to an end. The ringing in of the new year was much more reflective now that she lie in intensive care with a broken neck, multiple bruises and a wounded spirit. However, the memory that remains from this ordeal is of a conversation she had with her surgeon just before she went into surgery. Connie, in her slurred speech, made eye contact with her surgeon saying, "Dr., I have been praying for you" and he replied without hesitation, "Connie, I have been praying for you too, let's do this thing" and off they went into surgery. This type of confidence and peace can only come from our divine creator. The One who sees is the One who knows and with that we are reassured of our futures. For so many of us, (us included) our futures are unknown and our paths seem to be hidden by some fog; but I am confident that, "the Lord gives wisdom and peace and from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding" Prov. 2:6 So, as I travel tomorrow I will trust in whatever he lays in my path and pray that I have ears and eyes to understand I am in His presence.
Blessings to all this new and wonderful 2009
Denise
I am off to Ga. in the morning and truly, am ready to see my mom and help her in anyway possible. Her accident was one that made us all stop the pace of Christmas break... which was coming to an end. The ringing in of the new year was much more reflective now that she lie in intensive care with a broken neck, multiple bruises and a wounded spirit. However, the memory that remains from this ordeal is of a conversation she had with her surgeon just before she went into surgery. Connie, in her slurred speech, made eye contact with her surgeon saying, "Dr., I have been praying for you" and he replied without hesitation, "Connie, I have been praying for you too, let's do this thing" and off they went into surgery. This type of confidence and peace can only come from our divine creator. The One who sees is the One who knows and with that we are reassured of our futures. For so many of us, (us included) our futures are unknown and our paths seem to be hidden by some fog; but I am confident that, "the Lord gives wisdom and peace and from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding" Prov. 2:6 So, as I travel tomorrow I will trust in whatever he lays in my path and pray that I have ears and eyes to understand I am in His presence.
Blessings to all this new and wonderful 2009
Denise
Friday, January 2, 2009
Welcome to a New Year and new adventures
Family, friendships and fellowship that's what it's all about in 2009! This year has started with a test of faith and I know despite what life sends our way, the Lord is with us wherever we go! A matter of fact He is already ahead of me (us), protecting, paving and promising me (us) of His plan. I believe that and pray He reminds me of that often this year!
My mom is having surgery this morning because she was in a bike accident on Jan 30th and broke 2 vertebraes- #1 and #2- at the base of her skull. The helmet was her protection from possible paralysis or even death. God is her protection during this trial and has provided great wisdom to all involved. I praise Him for designing each of us with different passions and professions!
I pray the Lords presence is felt by mom and Tom as they trust in His provision over this surgery as well as her recovery. May He who is able, provide peace that surpasses all understanding and strength to the weary!
On another note, my 6 week old baby goat, Jessie, is still hanging on and we believe he is a fighter and will live! He is taking bottles every 4 hrs. and is getting stronger. If we could control the "runs" then he would gain some weight back but until then we continue to provide nourishment and love!
Blessings in the fire .... we wont get burned, but may feel the heat for awhile!
Denise
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