Energized

A new Alpha course began today with training of hosts.  Met some lovely people I didn't know before.  Started the day barely able to walk, but as I appealed to God and reminded Him that He has straightened my body out other times so I could do what I said I would do, well, let's just say He held up His end.  Sometimes I don't get my way, but today I made it and was energized with the anticipation of how many people will be better off because of Alpha and the power of God's presence.  He is so faithful.

Enjoying the joy of others

Yesterday I was surprised with an unexpected visit with a very special friend of mine, Sandy.  She is the epitome of everything you would want in a friend.  She can switch from silly to serious in one sentence so chatting and laughter are as much a part of being with her as talking about the deep things of life with or without accompanying tears.  She would tell you anything positive about her as a person is credited to her Creator.  I know what she means, but not every person is so obviously full of Jesus.  I love her.  As we talked yesterday, she lit up as she told me she now works Saturdays in a quilt shop.  She has made several quilts even though she spends the majority of her time caring for her two grandsons as her daughter Debbie goes to school and works.  My heart is so full of joy that she is loving her quilting.  I can just imagine her enjoying it as much as I do.  There's something else so special about Sandy.  She chose to call me and go out for coffee instead of going to the quilt shop in Ankeny which was her original plan.  A lovely spring day shared with Sandy - such joy.

I'm thinking of all things beautiful - especially YOU

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Smile - spring is coming

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Alpha Baptism

Tonight we participated in the baptism of 32 Alpha folks.   It was so beautiful to share this significant event with them.

Wow, I did a page with the stuff I've had access to for . . . oh, about a year now.  I guess my attention span calls for a simple look.  Most of all, I love this picture.  I can still recall my feelings of anxiety when I realized Peepaw was really letting him use the electric drill by himself.  Yikes

The important and the not-so-important

A "nugget" from Beth Moore's 'breaking free' study is more than gently stirring in my spirit.  More like a kitchen aid mixer on high speed.  Legalism leads me to judge others and it is so ugly in God's eyes.  Mercy triumphs over judgment was the chorus of a song we chanted in Toronto many years ago and it is a message I need to not only agree with but live by.  On a lighter note, Charlie and I will celebrate togetherness this evening with Culver's two for one cheeseburgers and of course, their chubby crinkle cut fries.  Love soggy ones.

Communication in 2010

I've never written with a nib dipped in a vial.

I have a beautiful "real" ink pen but I rarely use it because who needs to write their grocery list with such a pen.

I remember when it was common to get 2 or 3 handwritten letters a week.  At one point in my youth, my Gramma North wrote to me every day.  And I wrote her nearly as often.

This world of personal communication is way beyond what I could have ever imagined.  So I'm trying to adjust and actually enjoy the idea that my wishes for people could be read by many.  Of course, it's just an idea at this point.

I am blown away by this artist's rendition of "dust to dust" inspired by Nooma's teaching entitled DUST.  This touched my heart as I was reminded that Jesus is the reason we have a future beyond dust.  It's only right that He is shown leading the way into heaven.  There are so many ways God speaks to us and I'm grateful for the artist willing to let us download this free of charge.  Bless the artists, Jesus.  And help my eyes to see and ears to hear Your messages for such a time as this.  

My life is blessed by so many sisters in Christ . . . you know who you are

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