“I will go before you,
And make the crooked places straight;
I will break in peices the gates of bronze
And cut the bars of iron.
I will give you the treasures of darkness a
And hidden riches of secret places.
That you may know that I the Lord,
Who call you by your name,
Am the God of Israel . . .
I have called you by your name;
I have named you,
Though you have not known Me . . .
I make peace and create calamity, I the Lord do all these things . . .”
Some Sundays have more family time than others . . . it just is that way. I find that Mondays go so much better though when things are more low-keyed and we have more family time in the evening . . .
Tonight I decided that I must defiantly make use of the fine, fair weather (This is warm enough to be outside with just a jacket and no mosquito’s out and about, pesking (isn’t that a word ?. . . I think it should be 
), ok, I’ll use “pestering ” you. ) It is rather hard to kept on strumming away smoothly on the guitar when you’re “swatt’en” them “skeeters” Ok, I must not feel like talking proper tonight Anyway . . . Japheth joined me after we tucked the kido’s to bed, I left the upstairs bedroom window open so that some of them could hear the singing going on outside. I love it when we can play together . . .
I hadn’t played for quite a while because I was so discouraged . . . Being still in Kindergarten in my abilities on the guitar I could only strum in 4/4 timing . . . I just couldn’t get the 3/4 stuff . . . and about two months ago I was hit with the realization that I was just butchering the timing on many songs. And that is one reason why we didn’t play together very much. So I kinda quit playing . . . I just didn’t want to think about it . . .Well, tonight being so calm and quiet and delicious outside, I couldn’t resist taking the guitar down and sitting on the front porch steps . . . and in bit here comes my dearest friend with his bass guitar. And guess what?!?! . . . I made some progress . . . I just started to get the hang of it just a wee little bit!!! And though it is little it is enough to lift my spirits and say like the Little Blue Engine, “I think I can, I think I , I think I can . . .” that is - if I keep taking some time to practice. . . .And so God gave me some hope.
Looks kinda dead still, doesn’t it? . . . . Spring is a bit late in coming this year . . . But soon it will BURST with new life . . .
This pic is for my pregnant friends . . .I don’t know about you, but when I am pregnant, most times I feel kinda blah and “dead” like . . . BUT JUST WAIT!!! . . . What’s about to happen is breathtaking . . . What an awesome God . . . Creator . . . to make life just so . . .
Blessings - Aimee
The choices we make daily . . . will decide our outlook on life in a “few” years . . . these ladies made wise ones . . .and we have a Godly example of contentedness and cheerfulness in our midst . . .
Yesterday I was challenged to be content in a new way. And I quote from yesterday’s sermon, “Our reason to be content is not because we have enough, but because God has said that He will provide enough!” Remember . . . God’s ways are so much higher than our ways . . . and we so, so often think that we don’t have enough . . .
Let your conversation (Lifestyle, the way we live our lives) be without covetousness;
and be content with such things as ye have:
For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper,
And I will not fear what man shall do unto me. - Heb 13:5-6
Quoting again here, “So it seems apparent to me, that true contentment lies not it just being satisfied with what I have, but from resting in the knowledge that God will always be sufficient for me, and has already provided what He knows I need.”
“Let me illustrate it this way
(take the large can)
This is sort of like our expectations.
I come to God’s throne of grace with my petition.
-after all, God said that He will give liberally
And God pours some blessings into my life.
(Pour blue cup full into large can)
(look in can, Look back at ceiling)
Uh God, I have six children to feed.
(look in can, Look back at ceiling)
And uh God, the van’s tires have hit the tread wear mark.
(look in can, Look back at ceiling)
We need to order school supplies for next year.
(look in can, Look back at ceiling)
We need a piano for the children to learn how to play.
Etcetera!!!
Notice what happens, we notice what is missing and focus on that far more than on what He has given, and we long for more because we have expectations.
Not much contentment here.
Now let’s see what happens from a different perspective.
(take the small can)
Heavenly Father, you know what We need to live. I know that you have promised to never leave us or forsake us, and Lord, this week we need to get some groceries, and we need to pay the heat. If you could provide the necessary funds for these we would be grateful.
(pour the same amount of water into the smaller can)
Thank you Lord! . . . For the electricity too . . .For the special donuts on Thursday! . . .For the money to fill up the gas tank again! . . .For the healthy smiles on my children’s faces! . . .For the vehicles smooth running again this week. . . .For the food on our table . . .
You get the picture.
Which one do you think is content with the blessing they have received?
I believe that we often perceive the size of our needs to be greater than what God knows them to be.
It belongs to us to change the size of our desires, and not to demand a fuller bucket. “ (There are exceptions . . . there are times God prompts us to ask for big things . . .)
Ok, now you got a bit of my husbands sermon yesterday . . . no he is not an ordained preacher, but is in a bit of leadership training . . .and at our church some of the lay members are called to preach on occasion.
I’m not sure who wrote this song, but it has blessed me many a day, including todoay . . . I think it is a good “Mom” song
“The Lord has a will and I have a need.
To follow that will, to humbly be still.
To rest in it, nest in it, fully be blest in it,
Following my Father’s will . . . “
“The poor and needy seek water,
but there is none,
their tongues fail for thirst.
I the Lord will hear them;
I the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
I will open rivers in desolate heights,
and fountains in the midst of the valleys ;
I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land spring of water . . . ” Isaiah 41:17,18
Oh, Lord, today I am so needy . . . help me focus on what I can do for others, to brighten their day . . .
(and so this came to my mind . . . now don’t you wish, you’d let me know that you read my ramblings . . . I do hope though that those of you that I did mention and don’t come here very often will “happen” upon this post . . . cause you have blessed my heart . . . )
This is kinda random . . . nothing alphabetical about it . . . and I didn’t mean to leave anyone out . . . this brain can only remember so much . . . and much of it is full of “baby fuzz”
Marie . . . you will always have a special place in my heart . . . I remember going over to your house and watching you put the finishing touches to a wonderful supper, playing with cousins and just being in your home . . . and I too grieve with you in your sorrow . . .
Angela - you are a sweet little mama, not letting those storms in your life make you bitter, but allowing God to transform it into something beautiful . . . .
Carrie, you will always be a favorite cousin . . . we’d use “Stewarts path” through he cornfield to get to your place . . .remember the times of playing “house” and jumping off the roof of you guy’s shed . . . You are a wonderful fun\lovin’ mom!
Dear Aunt Elva . . . always getting teased . . . another link to the past loved ones gone on before, I love your pictures of the olden days when we cousins were little, God knew we’d get much enjoyment out of those . . . take courage and live on . . .
Dear Cheryl . . . we go way back of course, to the days of pigtails and Sunday school . . . old friends are the BEST . . .you cheer me, by just being you, flexible and so comfortable to be around and share one’s heart with!
And oh, Krista, what can I say . . . it was hard to “give you up” to Lonnie and in those latter years, you watched me “drift” away . . . You were the first one of our class to become a mother and the adjustments of all that . . . you are a friend though the thick and the thin . . .
Juanita . . . you who have closely watched and cheered these years of my mothering . . . your hugs and prayers and smiles are precious . . . may God grant you, your own family . . .
Judi . . . from the very first your songs ministered to me there in the Four Seasons cabin, your dedication to the Lord and long hours of prayer on behalf of others . . . you’ve often brightened and lightened my load just by caring . . . thank- you for being a shoulder I can cry on . . .
Aunt Frances . . . stories of Pop and Grandmother you pass on to us youngsters . . . love and care for us your nieces and nephews, cards and phone calls . . .
Aunt Mollie . . . Early morning walks and talks on our dirt road . . . your flowerbed bank blooming each summer . . .
Aunt Edith . . . letters in the mail, handwritten
Lez . . . such a faithful reader and commenter . . . words and “company” do cheer a body so . . .
Dorene . . . whenever we sing the song “Come to Bible School” pictures of your dad and my Summer Bible school days flood my memory . . . I have a basket woven by your mom . . . have you picked up that talent . . . you are a blessing, allowing God to use your hands and heart for some little needy one\ones
Elaine . . . experiencing once again that word full of joy and dread, pregnancy . . . God bless you, my sister . . .
Cretora . . . I love your openness and honesty . . . I love reading from ladies in my season of life who have their hands full and homeschool, you cheer me girl . . .
Wilson . . . remember . . . . remember now your Creator, in the days of your youth and manhood, . . . remember our water fights (chickenwater and mudpuddle water . . .) ah, you were a fun guy . . .
Matthew . . . (I can’t get used to calling you Matt) I remember those schooldays and watching you struggle against the odds, praying for your dad . . . keep up the fight
Richard . . . I remember you as such a young and innocent boy . . . now with many questions and doubts . . . God doesn’t change . . .
Julie . . . from bear paws to youth group to Faith Builders . . . oh yeah . . .you are one of the most friendly, hospitable people I know . . .
Cheryl Y - I thank you for being a friend to my sis . . . a woman of God
Heidi . . . what a joy you are to me . . . filling the place as best you can of my long ago friends and acquaintances who live somewhere far away in another state that I can’t see often enough . . .
Cheryl W - It’s a joy to have many friends whether you’ve met them or not . . . God’s blessings on your life and day, today!
Martha F. - thanks for opening up and writing . . . I love your smiles and chuckles, your zest for life . . .
Sylvia H. - a special admiration for contacting me, a stranger and sharing a bit of yourself
Donna K - Such a gentle, gracious lady . . . you remind me of a special aunt of mine . . . I remember your times of sharing with the “bakery crew” . . . your an example to follow . . .
Aunt Donna - so creative . . . and brave raising all those boys and homeschooling them yourself . . .my “hat’s off to you”!
Cheryl T. - an encourager . . . willing to go out of your way to pray and minister to others
Dorcas S. - filling many a day with laughter and humor, as I follow along and read the episodes of your life. I appreciated the writing class this past fall . . .
Barb K. - a “new” friend, sharing in the joys and trials of mothering . . . reveling together in the enjoyment of Ladies Retreats each year . . . thanks for caring and praying . . .
Nettie - Seeing God at work in and around your life is an inspiration and challenge to “Let God” reach in deeper in my life . . .
Carolyn - through the years, you have been persistent on reaching out to me and keeping in contact . . . you are a gal after my own heart . . .
Joy - you are your name, joy . . . and David, you are strong in spirit . . . Weldon, you take after them both . . . Trenton, patient and enduring, Dawnita - full of joy and smiles
Ginny - yeah just to know that you are also walking down the path of number six, trying to keep all “them ducks in a row”, is a lift to me . . . Blessings my friend . . .
Monica - God does have a plan . . . He has a purpose for your life . . . You are a BRIGTHT light for him!!! It made me cry to see you and your sisters reach out and minister to the young moms in your church fellowship . . .
Rachel Z - just knowing that I am not alone, that others go through these baby days with much need of strength and wisdom( and God sees them though) . . . is sweet to the soul . . .
Kristina - Shall we go camping again . . . in the valley . . . in the rain what fun memories with you and your family . . . I am blessed to know you . . .
Aunt Doris Jean - what a dear, entertaining my school children on your vacations up here . . . cheerful as the summer is green when there’s plenty of rain!
Aunt Jeannie - a welcomer to this in-law . . . thanks for accepting me into your family
Dianne - a rememberer of birthdays . . . tangible greetings from the old-fashioned mail-box
Carita - a jewel of a young lady . . . you will make a wonderful wife and mother . . .
Michelle B. - a lover of children, one who stands up for Jesus bravely amidst family and friends, one who welcomed me warmly when I moved to this community . . .
Michelle F. - you truely are an inspiration to me to keep on training, and loving, and growing . . .
Sharon - my sisters old classmate and now my friend and “neighbor” It’s a joy to visit with you and see you . . . a taste of home You are a blessing . . .
Deborah - mother of many little ones, God bless you REAL good, someday maybe we can meet again
Deb - you are a special joy in that you were brave enough to let me know that you’re “out there” It’s fun to have some of the same friends as my older sister
Naomi - day in and day out, you care for your children . . . that does not go unnoticed . . .
Kaylouann - you joy and thrive on fixing food, some of us need encouragement in that, thanks for letting us see into your life, and for being our friend . . .
Lavonne - Enjoying each moment of being a mom . . . such tender loving care!
And of course a few words to my Honey . . . You are a listener . . . one who walks with me . . . always takes my calls and makes me feel loved . . . you cheer me on in stormy weather, and try to hold the umbrella over me to keep out the worst . . . I love you . . .
And to you all, . . .my friends . . . I thank - you . . . you have inspired and encouraged me in one way or another just by being you . . .
God bless you!!! . . . and may He brighten your day and lighten your load . . . - Aimee
A rose has thorns on its stem.
. . . and so my thorny day eventually blossoms with rosebuds too, though I have to claim every promise in the Book as mine every chapter, every verse, every line . . .
Dear restless heart, be still. Don’t fret and worry so.
God has a thousand ways His love and help to show.
Just trust and trust and trust, until His will you know.
Dear restless heart, be still, for peace is God’s own smile.
His love can every wrong and sorrow reconcile.
Just love and love and love and calmly wait awhile.
Dear restless heart, be brave. Don’t moan and sorrow so.
He has a meaning kind in chilly winds that blow.
Just hope and hope and hope until you braver grow.
Dear restless heart, recline upon His breast this hour.
His grace is strength and life: His love is bloom and flower.
Just rest and rest and rest within His tender power.
Dear restless heart, be still. Don’t struggle to be free.
God’s life is in your life; from Him you may not flee.
Just pray and pray and pray, till you have faith to see.
- Edith Willishinn
It’s a cold world out there . . . tonight it has a wind chill of 45 below. Brrrrr!
. . . And in more ways than one “So, carry your candle,run to the darkness seek out the helpless,confused and torn. Hold out your candle for all to see it . . .Go light your world” - Chris Rice
“And I saw something like a sea of glass
mingled with fire,
and those who have the victory over the beast,
Over his image
and over his mark,
and over the number of his name,
standing on the sea of glass,
Having harps of God.
They sing the song of Moses,
the servant of God,
and the song of the Lamb,
saying,
‘Great and marvelous are Your works,
Lord God almighty,
Just and true are Your ways,
O King of the saints!
Who shall not fear you, O Lord and glorify your name?
For You alone are Holy . . .’ ”
- Revelation 15:2-4a
