My Thankful list today in photo's.....



Two of my grandchildren....

My first little granddaughter Libby that I have not even met yet. They grow so fast she is already 10 months old.

Her brother Charlie who is the image of his dad. A quote from this character..."I was raised in the woods by wolves"

This is a weird photo I know but I am thankful for food. I am thankful that somehow I have food, the internet and electricity, gas in the vehicles. God provides. (and that they counter was so clean for this photo)

I love my house. We have been here a year and a half. And I love it. Unfortunately the outside doesn't look like this now. It looks lived in! LOL.

And lastly in this case the best for last....


Daughters of Kings are Princesses and I am a Princess and I get to wear a crown. Most of the times it is a bit busted and tarnished but my daddy the King doesn't notice.

Thank you daddy for all these things and thank you for letting me be your child even though I don't deserve it.

More thankful posts at Sonya's

Word Filled Wednesday

"For I know the plans I have for you." declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found in you." declares the Lord, "and I will bring you back from captivity..."

May these young men and the children that receive the backpacks filled with food feel God's precense and seek him with all thier hearts.

Please join Amy Deane and her hostess Christy for more wonderful illustrations of God's word.

The Journey to Chapel

For a few days I have been going back and sharing a few of my posts and thoughts from the beginnining of The Journey here.
I began My Journey Back because I was at a time in my life that I felt like I had lost myself.

My Cowboy and I have been so absorbed in ministry that it consumes us. Take my word for it. That is not a good thing.
I remember something like if you allow anything to take away from your personal relationship with God that it is not good. Maybe there is actually a verse somewhere but at the moment I can't remember one. I just know that awhile back that is how I felt.

And, I hate to admit it I am there now. I don't know that I actually ever really got back to myself. Got back to the close right relationship with God.

And I wonder I question does he Bless when we are out of sync. Out of sync with him and ourselves and each other?

But I do know that he is moving mountains and opening doors that I had given up on.
One of those timing things. A prayer that I prayed over 6 ago. It was then that I felt God was leading us to start a youth church.

It is now that we are starting a youth church. Not where I expected. Not for the youth I expected to serve, teach and disciple.

But for youth that are incarcerated. Youth that many people have given up on.
It is for the young man in the photo below serving a sentence for felony offences related to drug and alcohol dependency.


Where we serve is a treatment facility. But it is still prison. There is no fence or razor wire around this facility but it is still prison. Each of the youth residents here are serving a sentence for a crime.

And each of the youth here need to hear that God loves them and that he hasn't given up on them.

I stumbled on a song this morning while I was looking for music for our services. This song touched me and so I want to share it here. In case you are like some of these kids. Maybe you haven't committed a crime. Maybe your addiction is something other than drugs or alcohol. Maybe your addiction is like mine serving and getting absorbed. Maybe you have strayed away from your relationship with Jesus.

Here's a reminder for you that he waits.



May we all fall.

Thankful Thursday

Welcome to Sonya's Thankful Thursday...here's my list of thankfulness.

1. I am thankful that God has opened the door for us to do chapel services at the youth prison facility where we volunteer. Here's photo's.

2. I am thankful that in my weakness He is strong. And that He is ever patient with me when I worry and whine.

3. I am thankful for the chance to go to great women's events at my daughters church. Flavour on Tuesday night was amazing. We learned we are Warrior Women.

4. I am thankful that the much needed rain stopped yesterday and we had some sunshine and warm weather. My tomato's loved it!

5. And I am thankful for my wonderful family and that I get to keep my grandbaby.

And lastly one more thing this really goes along with #1 so! I am thankful amazing videos on youtube like this one we will use in an upcoming chapel service.

Wordfilled Wednesday

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven;
a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot....

Giving Praise today for the Blessings God has given me. Small Blessings like this little flower sprouting so late and giving me
beauty in the midst of a rainy cool fall.

For more Wordfilled Wednesday posts visit Christy this weeks hostess.

Summer flowers in Fall

I have a few flowers that I planted really late this summer. And they are blooming. I spent a lot of time in August watering them and hoping that they would get a chance to bloom.
It kind of reminds me of how it is sometimes when you God gives you the opprotunity to do something or when something happens that really isn't in the timing that you expect.
I cannot count the times that this has happened. When we pray most of the time we are asking God for specific things. Kind of asking him to give us what what we want. What we think we really need.
I spend a lot of time these days asking God what it is he wants me to do. What it is he wants us to do as a couple. And as founders of a ministry. We spend alot of time waiting on God's timing.
Just like I waited so long for these to bloom I wait just about as patiently most of the time for Gods plans for our ministry to unfold.

I really had a hard time writing this post today. Partly because my mind is jumbled. I hope that even though my thoughts are jumbled that you are Blessed and encouraged today. I pray that God shares himself with you today and that you find Joy in our Savior Jesus Christ.

And like these flowers that took in so much water, I pray that we all take in the Living Water and that; whatever it is, however it is that God plans to use us that we Bloom Where We Are Planted.

May your day be Blessed. Thank you for visiting me.

How the Journey Began...

The Journey began with the resolution to do these three things.
The Journey continues.
How am I doing?

I pray you are encouraged today. Have a Blessed Day. And remember there is nothing between you and Jesus. Just look at the word JOY see Jesus nothing zero zip YOU.

Praise Jesus today ...check

I wrote a post here today today it's short actually just a photo collage run over and see it then follow the link for some amazing Monday Mosaics. Here's mine.

When the Journey began. . .

Today I am thinking about how the The Journey of this blog began.

I remember most of the thoughts, feelings and emotions that brought it about.
I remember the desires and longings.

Some of these emotions are documented. Some of them are still just buried within in me.

I know the reasons. And there is someone else who knows those reasons. And the reasons why I am in this nostalgic mood.

The one that knows those reasons is the one that hopefully leads me and directs me.

I pray that the words that leave my head, and my heart and that appear here are words that are uplifting and encouraging; disciplined and loving,kind,respecful and gentle. That they are shared in a spirit of compassion.

Through the months since I began sharing The Journey that I am on I have found some wonderful friends. And in the last few months some followers that hang on even when there are times that I am without words.

I love you all. I love all the kind comments. I try my hardest to let you all know when I visit.

Because for me some days it is the visits I receive here and the kind written words that get me through the day.

My Journey continues I hope with each one of you. With those of you that have encouraged me without even knowing it. Those that give words of wisdom. Those that just share thier family time and just make me smile.

A few months ago I began slowy making some changes to the things I write about here. I made changes to topics and began writing here more about homemaking. My Home Sanctuary shares the heart of a homemaker. A mother, a wife and sometimes a daughter.

While My Journey should be and remain focused on my Spiritual Journey.
Occasionally and probably more often than not The Journey will also focus on our ministry.

It is because of the ministry that I began this blog. I hope that you will join me. Over the next few days I will be writing more about The Journey and where I am now and why.

As I looked back over my first post I began to remember some of the thoughts and feelings I had. The hearts desire that I had.

Today I look at God. And today I ask God to give me my hearts desire. Not in the that I ask him to give me what I want. But that he puts in my heart what he wants.

Today I invite you on The Journey

Thankful Thursday

Welcome to my Thankful day hosted by Sonya I love this Thursday meme because we just focus on 5 special things to be thankful for today. I think it's fun because just doing 5 makes me think. Oh I could make a long list. We could all make a reaaaallly looooong list but think about shortening it to just 5. So do I prioritize my list today? Do I just randomly write? Do I spend 5 minutes or 5 hours praying about things I am thankful for? hmmm..... Here's my list of 5.

#1 I am thankful that my God loves me. I am thankful that my God is patient with me. I am reaallly thankful that he is reaallly patient when I whine. He knows what I am talking about.

#2. I am really thankful for sisters like Sonya that come up with these amazing ideas to encourage us to think about Thankfulness. Thank you Sonya.

#3. I am thankful that families can homeschool. I am an advocate for homeschooling. I did not have the opportunity to homeschool my children. I pray for the families that get this opportunity. I am Blessed to see the dedication of families.

#4 I am thankful that God is opening the doors for our boys ministry. I am surprised that is where he is placing me. And after last night I am in awe. Two different boys actually sought me out to talk to. And the boys are beginning to ask to be in our communnity service project. Thank you God.

#5 And last and not least (this is not the list in order of priority_ I am thankful that God provides for us and the ministry. This goes back to the whinning on number 1. Our rent is paid and the lights are on. I am thankful. I am thankful that God provides.

Today I am blessed to read the other posts located over at Sonya's blog and today I am enjoying a day off from specific activities so I can clean house, work on a new project and just rest in that chair on the beach that is in my banner. Boy I wish I could really do that!

I love fall and I hope it stays around a loooong time! Happy Fall and Happy Thursday!

Wordfilled Wednesday

 

...as it is written "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold your King is coming seated on a donkey's colt."
John 12:14-15

Visit Pennyraine.com/blog for more wonderful WFW posts

Cleansing rain the window view...

The view from my window today...

Cleansing rain, renewing, refreshing.

Re-vive our hearts oh Lord as we head into your autumn. Give me a glimpse of yourself and the work you want to do in me and through me. And may the works of my hands be for you, O Lord not for me, but to your name be the glory because of your
love and faithfulmess. Psalms 115:1 paraphrased

"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father."

I saw this lovely image this morning at Renae's. And this verse immediately popped into my head. Thanks Renee for sharing your lovely vintage photo's.

I have written posts here and here today. Please visit my other blogs.

Simple Sunday

Simply praising the King and in awe I am the daughter of a King!

Sigh....

I love the new look. Thanks to Denise at Shorty Bear's Place. I loved her new fall look and mentioned it and she shared her new wonderful new place for templates.
I know this isn't a fall look like everyone else has. In fact there was a really pretty fall look that I like.
But; I saw this and it spoke to me. Because right now I need to rest. I need to rest in my fathers arms.

I have been silent for awhile. No posts in a few weeks. And, I hope all my friends and followers have not given up on me.

There are many things going on here with me. And our ministry; because it is our life. There many things going on and not going on.

Most days I struggle between happy,grateful,thankful,fearful,frustrated.

As a believer or a follower of Christ we are not promised that everything would be perfect. We are not promised that everything, everyday will go the way we want.

I am resolving to trust and obey.

I am resolving to get back to blogging and writing something everyday. Even when there are no words. Even on those days when all I can do is lean on the Holy Spirit. On those days when these words get me through.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And we know that in all things God works together for the good of those who love Him. Romans 8:26-28

I love him. I rest. I trust. I obey. I ask. I seek. I wait.

I pray that today if you are lost or confused; if you are just not sure which way to go; or turn, or if you just need someone to care about you that you will turn to God.

That if you have questions or if you still just can't fathom that he is real. That he is alive and that he can live in you through the Holy Spirit that you will search him out.

Maybe you have read His word the Bible. Maybe you have watched t.v. and listened to His Word. Or even heard Christian radio. If you still have questions if you still are confused or hurt or yearning for something. If you need more encouragement or more proof then visit some of my friends. Visit some of my followers and some of the other amazing blogs that are my favorites. Because many of them devote thier blogs to Christ.

Reach out and trust in Him. Trust in God and His son Jesus Christ. It is through Christ that I make it. It is through knowing the truth and having faith and trusting.

And while I am on this Journey trying to live the way God wants me to. Trying to be the woman he wants me to be and trying to be faithful it is my hope that I will write something here. Or share something here that both pleases God and is a Blessing to someone who reads it.

Thank you for stopping in today. I hope that my new peaceful look brings a smile to your face and a peacefullness to your day.

Wordfilled Wednesday on Thursday

 

A day late but hopefully you'll enjoy this Thursday version of Wordfilled Wednesday

 

 

 

 

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practise
is like a wiseman who built his house on rock." Matthew 7:24

blessed be His name

Another song from our worship service Sunday. I chose this video because the photo's and verses are beautiful. I usually use ones with lyrics. I enjoyed this one. I hope you do.

Have a Blessed Day with Him

Missions on Monday

Draft just a few short sentences in case anyone drops in. I am glad to be back BTW. I posted this video because it is one of the songs we sang yesterday in worship at our Chapel Service.

Yes I said "our" we are now doing a weekly chapel service at the boys facility where we volunteer. More to come with photo's later. But I just couldn't wait to give you a sneak peak.

I had a hard time getting photo's. Need to move things around next week. I haven't gotten them cropped or fixed but here's a couple.

Book Review

The newest book by Max Lucado. I have to admit this is the first book by Max that I have read. Yes you read that right. I have never once read one of his books.

Now I know what people are talking about.

Fearless was an amazing book. We all face things like: job loss, health issues,doubt worry and concern for our children. Other things like self doubt, fear of disappointing God, fear of violence, fear of death.

Max Lucado eloquently addresses these issues with personal stories and stories of other peoples struggles. And takes each of these issues and leads us directly to promises and scripture that will equip us to trust in God and Fear less.

I was drawn into this book. It was an easy book to read. Not a self-help filled with strategies and acrostics and methods.

I is a book that takes you directly to scripture that reminds you or introduces you to God's promise. It takes you directly to individual scriptures and stories. And in Max's ability to tell a story he takes these stories from the Bible and makes them real. Brings them eloquently into present day language and describes the situation where you can understand and relate.

Chapter 14 was one of my favorites it addresses how we tend to put God or Jesus in a box. In this chapter Lucado takes us to Matthew 17 and the journey that Jesus took Peter, James and his brother John on. It describes how they reacted and what Jesus was trying to explain to them. When they fell on their faces in fear Jesus responded by saying to them. "Arise, and do not be afraid." And as they came down from the mountain Lucado summarizes their experience '...Here's my hunch. Peter, James and John descended the mountain sunburned and smiling, with a spring in their step, if not a slight swagger. With a Messiah like this one, who could hurt them?'

In today's world when we face daily challenges and struggles and issues that are out of our control. It is easy to feel troubled and anxious. Even as a believer a follower of Christ we all have days where life seems to just swallow you up and you need to feel God's love. God's protection and his strength. And many times you don't know which scripture to go to.

This book addresses so many different challenges, struggles and issues that people really do face. And it takes you directly to God's answer. To trust and Fearless.

If you know someone struggle with trusting God. I highly recommend this book. And, now that I have read it I look forward to reading more books by Max Lucado. Now I know what all the talk is about.

This is a great book for a small group or other group it contains a discussion guide at the end and there are additional resources available.

Be sure to check out these links:

www.TheFearlesBook.com

www.MaxLucado.com/TownHall

www.ThomasNelson.com/Fearless

This book is available at Amazon and you can go here to read a few pages.

Busy week

Has your week been as busy as mine. It has been crazy busy. And filled with incredible Blessings and opportunity personally and for the ministry.

Below is a photo of how I have spent most of the week. I had to babysit alot! I know he is adorable.



You White Wednesday and 2nd Time followers might remember the table. I was moving it and it ended up right beside my computer table temporarily but it became a wonderful play area. He had the best time. And yes he is a he. Sorry the toy is pink he doesn't realize it. Please don't tell him. It was free. Free is good.

I added one more photo for you. Because my week has been so busy I need a few minutes of peacefulness, relaxing and just enjoying God's promises and provision.
This photo says those things to me.



One of my joys. Thanks for letting me share. I have not forgotten about announcing the Gift a Way winners. I will do that this weekend. Please forgive the delay.