*Freezing Time*

If only we could just figure out a way to slow it down a bit!

It feels to me the last 18 years have passed in what seems like no more than 8…flying, flying by. Just yesterday I said yes to St. Philip on the pier in Astin Park and just yesterday I found out I was to be blessed with two more boys, of course not at the same time, thank His goodness!

And then the day after that my young man Tyler married his sweet Michelle…and the day after that, Jackson in full “character”, burst on to the scene!!

Not to mention, all the stuff in between then and now; it is all of the sudden time to celebrate our precious Quinn’s 1st birthday!

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the last three months of 2010 and thinking of the season just past, I have spent the morning pondering how we all get so caught up in “life” that we forget to live it!

In this new year I am promising myself that I will live it, resting in each moment, hearing each musical note played, cheering each new step taken and brushing off each fall, celebrating each triumph while accepting not fretting over each failing; but most of all, making note of each entry in the daily book of life…

Now if I’m only promising myself, it's OK if I occasionally start running…as long as I gather up and carry the rushed moments to the next breath stop! Just had to say that for the record.

So what does God say about living life in the moment?

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord...” Psalm 37:23

….I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance

(to the full, till it overflows!)

John 10:10 AB

So if we slow down and try to take His ordered steps, we will live in abundance, to the full, till Joy overflows!!

Seems simple enough and we all know that His grace is enough for any missed step!

A beautiful borrowed tidbit…

“A grace-filled life is living between the steps. It understands the remarkable gift of today.”
My new motto for 2011!

Joyfully attempting to live life during and between the steps, b

Packing away "Christmas"

As I trudge through the week after Christmas, resenting the fact that it is now time to take down the all too dry and not so fragrant or noble fir, the twinkling lights that have brightened my evenings for the last month and the icicle garland that reminds me it is cold somewhere….. it is that clearing process that helps me to see the full beauty of my surroundings and all that I am blessed with every day! I actually look forward to the fresh look of clean surfaces and a home back in order after packing “Christmas” neatly away for another year. But I must remind myself that I am only packing away the beautiful things that remind me of this blessed season, not the saving grace that was born to us all so long ago!!

In looking for a scripture fitting for the new year and new beginnings as we face or welcome 2011, I was blessed with this from Malachi….

But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. Malachi4:2 ESV

And thankfully then came across this bit of commentary….enhanced blessing!

You that fear my name – those who look for redemption through the Messiah----THAT WOULD BE ME!

The Sun of righteousness - The Lord Jesus, the promised Messiah; the Hope of Israel---MY SAVIOUR!

With healing in his wings - As the sun, by the rays of light and heat, revives, cheers, and fructifies the whole creation, giving, through God, light and life everywhere; so Jesus Christ, by the influences of his grace and Spirit, shall quicken, awaken, enlighten, warm, invigorate heal, purify, and refine every soul that believes in him, and, by his wings or rays, diffuse these blessings from one end of heaven to another; everywhere invigorating the seeds of righteousness, and withering and drying up the seeds of sin. The rays of this Sun are the truths of his Gospel, and the influences of his Spirit. And at present these are universally diffused----DON’T YOU JUST LOVE THIS PART!!!

And ye shall go forth - in all the occupations of life, but particularly in the means of grace; and: Grow up as calves of the stall - Full of health, of life, and spirit; satisfied and happy---LONGING TO BE A CALF?!!

My prayer for all is that we don’t pack Christmas away, just the reminders! As His light continues to shine, may you all welcome 2011 leaping like calves from the stall, full of health, of life and spirit, satisfied and happy! Joyfully leaping myself, b