A Smile

A Smile

It begins inside

Tugging up each side

Gliding across your face

Climbing upward in a race

Until it reaches the eyes

Which have now become a sparkly prize

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Was it this?

Was it that?

So many hang in my mind

Oftentimes making me blind

The words, the stares

In my mind just tears

One by one, slowly but surely

Pieces of me fall away daily

Gotten so, don’t even recognize me

Strugglin’ to remember who ‘tis I be

Got to remember that I am

The one for whom He crucified the Lamb

Thought for the Day

Is anything too hard for the LORD?...

Genesis 18:14

...Nothing is too hard for you.

Jeremiah 32:17

Thought for the Day

Set your mind on the things above, 

not on the things that are on earth.

For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:2-3

Inspiring Morsel

People are often unreasonable and self-centered.

FORGIVE THEM ANYWAY.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.

BE KIND ANYWAY.

If you are honest, people may cheat on you.

BE HONEST ANYWAY.

If you find happiness, people may be jealous.

BE HAPPY ANYWAY.

The good you do may be forgotten tomorrow.

DO GOOD ANYWAY.

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.

GIVE YOUR BEST ANYWAY.

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.

It was never between you and them anyway.

~Mother Teresa

What Would Happen If We Looked Inside?

I often wonder what would happen if we looked at people the way that God does. What would happen if I looked at myself the way that God does? What would happen if you looked at yourself the way that God does? Would our interactions be less rushed? Would we seek to listen more than we speak? Would we be a bit more patient? Would we more readily lend a hand? Would we seek to understand more than we seek to be understood?  Would we love more?

What would happen?

I wonder.

Do you?

Thought for the Day

A love note...

...I have loved you with an everlasting love;

therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.

Jeremiah 31:3

Live. Laugh. Love.

Weeks ago I picked up a journal from a craft store. On the cover are the words Live, Laugh, Love. I began using the journal to write bible study notes, thoughts, and prayers during my time with God. I won't call it quiet time, because it is usually far from quiet as I steal a few moments to seek Him and listen to Him, but I tread on anyway because my spirit needs it, like roots need water. One morning as I looked at those three words it occurred to me that though I am living, many days I am not laughing and if I'm really honest with myself, I am not loving either. So, on this day I am reminding myself to not only Live, but also to Laugh. And laugh heartily and often. I am also telling myself to never forget to Love. Do it from the very essence of my being, not worrying about whether it will be returned or accepted, just love anyway. Live. Because it is a gift. Laugh. Because it refreshes and nourishes the soul. Love. Because without it I'm nothing, but with it I'm everything!

Thought for the Day

Be completely humble and gentle;

be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2

Even when you don't feel like it.

Thought for the Day

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! 

Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!

Psalm 143:10

Thought for the Day

Today is Different

Today is different. It is the first day back to school for the 2016-2017 school term and unlike our previous first day back to school. This time, we have a daughter beginning her first year of college and a daughter starting kindergarten. I’ve mentioned this fact a few times in passing, but now it is here, it is a reality. It goes without saying that it is certainly a season of change for me, and our family. This change is marked with different emotions, there is sadness that she’s not here with us every day, but at the same time, there is excitement for her that she is beginning a new leg of her life’s journey. It’s one to be proud of because we worked hard to get her to this step, and it’s just so new. The newness of it is refreshing in a way, reminding me that anything’ s possible and that life is what we make it. I’m excited about this new season, and about the new school year ahead—this year we also have a junior in our midst, a middle-schooler who is beginning her second leg of the K-12 journey, a 5^th grader who will be working on her final year of elementary school and our bright eyed, curious kindergartener. As with all things, there are some challenges that we face, but I am still excited about all of the possibilities. Thank you Lord for bringing us to this point with your gracious kindness, mercies, love and abundant provision. Continue to lead us on step by step, day by day, moment by moment.