Going Home

I am homesick the most when things are hard in my life. I'm pretty independent by nature but every once in a while I feel like I need to go home and re-center, hide for a while. I had the opportunity this last weekend to go home and take a breather, boy did I need that!

It really felt like I was butting heads with everyone and everything that came up I took as a personal attack! Sometimes I don't know how people can live with me! Anyhow I was able to get away for the weekend and my husband and I drove down to the coast to my parents house. We were both born and raised on the ocean so seeing the water as we drove over the hill into town was so calming.

Every month my mom who is a worship leader would facilitate a night of worship and invite local Christian musicians and other worship teams to play and share their faith. Because of some problems inside the church, the monthly meeting were put on hold. This last weekend my parents hosted a night of worship at their home and had some great musicians and friends play and worship together. I'm telling you it was like rain after a drought. I had so missed these people who I "grew up with" and fellowshipped with for a long time. There is nothing like a reunion of believers, those who have deep love for each other. It brought tears to my eyes but there was no crying, because we were all so happy to be together. These musicians are phenomenal to boot. It was such a blessing.

The funny thing was that it opened my eyes to something I hadn't realized I was doing. I was getting frustrated with new friends I met because I expected them to be like the old ones I knew. I expected that deep fellowship, the kind that comes from knowing and walking with people for years, out of brothers and sisters I've known for only months.

This is where I need grace and love to come in....I keep talking about this in my blog because it seems to be my recurring theme.....more grace more love, keep teaching me Lord....

Long story short, I got a break, it was great, great people, great worship, I lost my voice, and wouldn't have it any other way!!!

Romans 12 among other things

I love Romans 12. It is so full of good stuff that it could take a person months to meditate on each verse. It is just so good. Here are some excerpts from The Message:

v. 9 Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it.

v. 16 Get along with each other; don't be stuck up. Make friends with nobodies; Don't be the great somebody.

v. 17 Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone

v. 12 Don't quit when things get hard; pray all the harder.

My husband woke up early this morning so we read this together before he left for work. I really do love reading the Bible with him in the morning, it just starts our day out right and in perspective.

What Iv'e learned in 296 Days

296 days ago my husband began his first day of being clean from drugs. 296 days seems so small on paper, but I feel like I've lived a lifetime since then.

I've learned that money will always come and go, it is not the end of the world when you have less of it.

I've learned that God provides in ways that we never thought he would.

I've learned that we can live on much less than we thought was possible.

I've learned that "recovery" is a family process. Each person learns to recover from the effects of drugs in their life, not just the addict.

I've learned that I can make it alone if I have to because God promises to care for me.

I've learned that when you lean hard into God when your world is falling apart He is more than faithful to come to your rescue and not just repair but restore.

I've learned that God doesn't just restore, He gives you more blessing than you can take!

I've learned that children are the mirror of Gods forgiveness.

I've seen neglected children blossom and grow from their father's new found faith and love.

Where there was only death and complete despair God has turned into ABUNDANT life, joy, peace, growth.

I've learned that I love who I am again.

I am learning that a house is only walls and a roof, a home is family.

I am learning that giving God your tithe is freeing and not frightening.

I am learning that there is no greater power than the power of Gods perfect Love.

I KNOW that God never disappoints, will never let me down, will never forget about me.

And I'm still learning...

Angels and Long Hair?

I was at the Christian book store the other day and commented to the cashier that her hair was beautiful. It was natural but SO very long, kinda like that old country singer Crystal Gale. She thanked me and we chatted about hair like all girls do... how long does it take to blow dry?... do you ever put it up?...have you ever cut it? She simply replied that it would be against Gods law to cut her hair because her hair gives her authority over angels and when they see her long hair they must be in submission to her.....What?! Enter awkward silence. Oh, I responded, I never heard that before. And just shrugged it off. HELLO?! Anyone ever heard of this before??? I really don't believe that I get less angelic protection because I'm layered and highlighted.....

DISCLAIMER

Warning: random thoughts from a running mind..... The views expressed here are not always the views of the sponsor although we do sometimes agree...... We reserve the right to buck, challange and question all questions...... Most things will be thought through thoughtfully unless the writer is not interested in the topic......