tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151051162024-03-07T01:16:16.956-06:00lieseldieselWhile my photo site is a place for my visual reflections, which is at the site http://lieseldiesel.smugmug.com, this is a place for my thoughts and musings. What's in the name? Lieseldiesel is the nickname my grandpa Ralph called me from as early as I can remember. Spending many a summer with my grandparents on their farm in North Carolina, I have fond memories of him calling out, "Liesel... Liesel Diesel... come help me get those chicken eggs".Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.comBlogger303125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-70596101863827466102014-01-13T16:21:00.002-06:002014-01-13T16:24:21.279-06:00TWO YEARS since my last blog post!Just recently, I had reason to go online to look at my blog. I'll tell you why in a minute. But I was surprised that it had been OVER two years since my last blog post. Yet the lack of activity on my blog does not translate to a lack of activity in my life! Quite the contrary. And I think that's why I was posting the "year in the life" the last two posts. Perhaps it was to defend my lack of blog posts ;-) Yet, I think this blog post may not be so much about the past as to the future.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-84039861946366206202012-01-05T08:33:00.006-06:002012-11-16T08:18:46.915-06:00<strong>Another Year!</strong><br />
<br />
I realized today that it had been one year since I last posted a blog! My how time flies!! So, I thought I'd sit down and reflect on the past year. In keeping with past posts, I'm going to list out, by month, different events that I remember.<br />
<br />
2011 in review:<br />
<br />
<u>January</u><br />
Built a pump house over the well pump at the farm<br />
Began taking New Land Owner classes from the Colorado County Ag Extension service<br />
Hopewood Farm becomes a non-profit corporation in the state of Texas<br />
<br />
<u>February</u><br />
Purchased a 12 foot lowboy trailer for the farm<br />
Began taking the Urban Rancher classes from the Harris County Ag Extension service<br />
Purchased a Colt Anniversary III 1911 pistol in celebration of 20 years employment at Chevron<br />
<br />
<u>March</u><br />
Cleared land for the log cabin site<br />
Site for the log cabin was staked out<br />
Volunteered at the Texas Quest adventure race<br />
<br />
<u>April</u><br />
Built a two bay lean-to next to shed at the farm for tractor, 4 wheeler, and side by side<br />
Pad site was created for the log cabin<br />
<br />
<u>May</u><br />
Traveled to Salt Lake City for business<br />
Took first load of timber to be milled down for the log cabin<br />
Concrete was poured for the foundation of the log cabin<br />
<br />
<u>June</u><br />
Went to Canton to find items for the log cabin<br />
Traveled to Midland for business<br />
<br />
<u>July</u><br />
Satterwhite Log Homes constructed log cabin<br />
Traveled to Salt Lake City for business<br />
Made 2 knives<br />
Tractor Supply opens in Columbus, TX (woohoo!!!)<br />
<br />
<u>August</u><br />
Put up electric fence so cows could graze on property<br />
Shingles installed on the log cabin<br />
Plumbing/electrical rough-in at the log cabin<br />
Hopewood Farm now has a website domain name!<br />
<br />
<u>September</u><br />
Interior walls up, painted at the log cabin<br />
A/C installed at the log cabin (whew!)<br />
<br />
<u>October</u><br />
Put up deer feeders and deer cameras on property<br />
Kitchen cabinets installed at the log cabin<br />
Septic/propane installed at the log cabin<br />
<br />
<u>November</u><br />
Deer hunted first day of deer season (no kill)<br />
Moved furniture from mobile home to log cabin<br />
<br />
<u>December</u><br />
Countertops and appliances installed at the log cabin<br />
Had Christmas at the farm!<br />
<br />
I look forward to what God has planned for 2012!<br />
<br />
All for now,<br />
LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-72322162997834453092011-01-05T05:28:00.009-06:002011-01-05T09:22:19.903-06:00<p><strong>Signing Back On: Can't Stop a Good Thing!</strong></p><p>At a friend's encouragement of my blogging, I had reason to revisit my blog a few days ago. And when I did, I re-read my 2010 wishlist - to which I had to smile at how God guided me through the year. </p><p>Now, let me reiterate that I try not to be just about doing things. But reviewing the list reminded me of how God provides. And it made me realize that my hopes shouldn't be like a Christmas list to give to a Santa-god. But more of a "is this what you would have for me?" petition to God. I'm now seeing it as a way to submit a prayerful request and to see if it aligns with God's will. Putting it up to a light, so to speak.</p><p>A friend recently posted on facebook, "when God made the world he intended on today happening. powerful to live, love and walk in that truth..." Exactly! </p><p>So I present to you 2010 in review:</p><p><u>January<br /></u>Played in a drum circle<br />Learned how to play a trap set (drums)<br />Shot my first buck and doe!<br />Taught a mosaic workshop again at Laity Lodge</p><p><u>February<br /></u>Traded in my 1996 Toyota 4Runner (with 225,000 miles) for a 2007 Toyota Tundra Pickup<br />Badged again with the Houston Life Stock Show and Rodeo</p><p><u>March<br /></u>Co-led as mission trip to Costa Rica<br />Went turkey hunting for the first time<br />Went to HFBC Hunt Retreat (a long time desire)</p><p><u>April<br /></u>Started a new position at Chevron Pipe Line Company<br />Created another art installation for the Church Easter exhibit</p><p><u>June<br /></u>Met Rich Stearns (author of "Hole in the Gospel")</p><p><u>July<br /></u>Taught a mosaic workshop again at Laity Lodge<br />Went to my first (and probably last) Roller Derby<br />Picked pears at a friend's farm</p><p><u>August<br /></u>Purchased 21 acres near Fayetteville, TX (recreational/retirement land)<br />Bought the obligatory 4 wheeler and side by side for the property</p><p><u>October<br /></u>Attended a "How to Build a Log Cabin" workshop<br />Bought a TRACTOR! ;-)</p><p><u>November<br /></u>Suprised my dad by installing a 1940's Fairbury Windmill on the property</p><p>So, you can see that some things from my previous "wish" list happened, some didn't. And I'm perfectly fine with that. I embrace it, in fact.</p><p>Because what was further instilled in me during 2010, that I hope to carry with me for a long time, is that God has a plan that is perfectly suited for me. My part is to trust. But to discern the will of God takes more than a bucket list. It takes calling on the Holy Spirit for a renewed mind. I just can't do it with my simple human mind. And when I do that I need to be ready. For when I call on the Holy Spirit, He will only fill what I have emptied. Meaning, He won't fill an already filled space. If my mind is cluttered with an "I want", "I was hurt", "I need" then there's no where for the Holy Spirit to go. And if I have a "well, I've done this then you should do this God", then all I see Him as is a Coke-Machine-god. And I'm totally missing what God wants with a relationship with me.</p><p>At the end of last year, I felt a stirring on some passages that God gave me a while ago (Psalm 37:5-9, Isaiah 58:6-10). After pondering them and discussing them over email with a friend, I realized that I wanted to leave all my insecurities in 2010. The anger, the wrath, the fret, the yoke of oppression, the finger pointing, and malicious talk! Just love God for God and let Him love me for me. "Free me to give and receive love as never before."</p><p>I was comforted with “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise." (Isaiah 43:18-21).</p><p>I choose to trust because of who I know God to be (righteous and blameless) and because I know He has already chosen to love me. And my actions are based on a response to His love. But when they aren't, the good news of grace is that nothing is irredeemable. It takes repentance, then surrender. And I can't express how peaceful surrender is, when I know that it is to a perfect God who loves me more than I'll ever know.</p><p>And the marathon of surrender will continue to teach me for the rest of my life; and ending with a wonderful finish line... Heaven!</p><p>All for now,<br />Lisa</p><p><em>Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight</em>. -- Proverbs 3:5-6</p><p></p><p><br /><br /></p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-81497069750582055962009-12-22T06:35:00.011-06:002009-12-22T09:49:53.593-06:00<strong>A Year in Review, a Year to Behold, and a Signing Off</strong><br /><br />On January 29 of this year, I wrote a blog entry in which I recorded a <a href="http://lieseldiesel.blogspot.com/2009/01/bucket-lists-lists-seem-to-be-current.html">bucket list</a>. While I don't "live by it", I did find it fun to write. It also gave me cause to write a <a href="http://lieseldiesel.blogspot.com/2009/01/thankful-list-after-writing-my-bucket.html">thankful list</a>, which again, gave me an opportunity to realize how thankful I am to God for giving me so many different opportunities in this life on earth.<br /><br />With that in mind, I figured now would be a good time to reflect over the past year and write down a year in review.<br /><br /><br /><blockquote><p><u>Things done this year from the 2009 Bucket List</u><br />Visit Spain (and a priviledge that it was a mission trip)<br />Fly in a glider (soaring)<br />See an American eagle in its natural habitat<br />Climb up the Grand Canyon<br />Learn how to tie different knots<br />Shoot a machine gun<br />Go deer hunting<br />Go rappelling - Aussie style!<br />Play a wii<br /><br /><u>And some things I didn't expect</u><br />Climbed the 3rd largest cathedral (in Sevilla, Spain) (I've already climbed #1 and #2)<br />Took the Jeep 4 wheeling (again)<br />Rode the MS150 in Texas<br />Rode the MS150 in California<br />Went to my sister's 30th High School reunion<br />Went dove hunting<br />Went paintballing<br />Completed an artwork for the church's Easter art installation<br />"Badged" with the Houston Lifestock Show and Rodeo<br />Learned how to weld<br />Learned how to play the djembe and congas<br />Became "director" of a 1 year olds class for the children's ministry at my church<br />Took a photo with David Crowder (another CCM artist)<br />Saw a meteor shower</p></blockquote>And looking forward to 2010, here's some things I'd love to do:<br /><br /><blockquote><p><u>Here's my hopes for 2010 from my 2009 bucket list</u><br />Learn to fly fish<br />* Vacation in Costa Rica (maybe even surf!)<br />Swim with dolphins/whales/manta rays<br />Catch a firefly and put it in a jar<br />Learn to sail (by myself)<br />Learn to start a fire (without matches)<br />* Go back to Ireland, and be sure to kiss the Blarney stone this time<br />Visit Peru (and climb Machu Picchu)<br />** Get married<br />Go deep sea fishing<br />Learn how to make beer, wine, or even moonshine!<br />Peg a speedometer of something fast!!<br />See a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans<br />Ride on the Ferris Wheel at the Texas State Fair<br /><br /><u>And some new things</u><br />Visit Alaska<br />Ride a zip line (again)<br />Learn how to build a log cabin<br />Participate in a drum circle<br />Learn to play the trap set (drums)<br />Teach mosaics at Laity Lodge (again)<br />Kayak on Corpus Christi bay<br />Do an artwork for the church's Easter art installation (again)<br />Buy some recreational/retirement land<br />Go rappelling - Aussie style! (this time, not get talked out of it half way down!)</p><p>* These may have more of a missions focus now, but this remains to be seen... or unfolded!<br />** Hope springs eternal! </p></blockquote>You know, life is definitely more than "doing things" but, we have a short time here and I want to enjoy ALL that He has created for us. And I want to make sure to enjoy it with the perspective that I am an alien here - meaning, with a God-honoring perspective and in a way that makes me think not about earth but about our eternal home.<br /><br />This is probably more than all for now... this is probably all.<br /><br />Signing off,<br />LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-54261727896023307772009-11-16T06:26:00.000-06:002009-11-16T08:28:08.152-06:00<strong>I Have Decided</strong><br /><br />That 2009 will complete my time in the blogging world. It has been an incredibly fun and rewarding and revealing time for me. But as most things in this world, there is a time and a season to it. And I believe this is the end of the time and the season.<br /><br />Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to read and even a bigger thanks to you who have taken the time to respond.<br /><br />All for now,<br />LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-37877321743855288722009-11-10T06:53:00.001-06:002009-11-10T12:58:49.279-06:00<strong>What Can Faith Really Do?</strong><br /><br />Ever ask yourself that? I have. Plenty of times. I heard this song and it spoke to me. I hope it speaks to you also.<br /><blockquote><p>What Faith Can Do<br />by Kutless<br /><br />Everybody falls sometimes<br />Gotta find the strength to rise<br />From the ashes and make a new beginning<br />Anyone can feel the ache<br />You think its more than you can take<br />But you are stronger, stronger than you know<br />Don't you give up now<br />The sun will soon be shining<br />You gotta face the clouds<br />To find the silver lining<br /><br />I've seen dreams that move the mountains<br />Hope that doesn't ever end<br />Even when the sky is falling<br />And I've seen miracles just happen<br />Silent prayers get answered<br />Broken hearts become brand new<br />That's what faith can do<br /><br />It doesn't matter what you've heard<br />Impossible is not a word<br />It's just a reason for someone not to try<br />Everybody's scared to death<br />When they decide to take that step<br />Out on the water<br />It'll be alright<br />Life is so much more<br />Than what your eyes are seeing<br />You will find your way<br />If you keep believing<br /><br />I've seen dreams that move the mountains<br />Hope that doesn't ever end<br />Even when the sky is falling<br />And I've seen miracles just happen<br />Silent prayers get answered<br />Broken hearts become brand new<br />That's what faith can do<br /><br />Overcome the odds<br />You do have a chance<br />(That's what faith can do)<br />When the world says you can't<br />It'll tell you that you can!<br /><br />I've seen dreams that move the mountains<br />Hope that doesn't ever end<br />Even when the sky is falling<br />And I've seen miracles just happen<br />Silent prayers get answered<br />Broken hearts become brand new<br />That's what faith can do<br />hat's what faith can do!<br />Even if you fall sometimes<br />You will have the strength to rise </p></blockquote><br />All for now,<br />LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-86176863478806574482009-10-26T06:40:00.000-05:002009-10-26T07:46:17.892-05:00<strong>Not a "First Song" But a Good One</strong><br /><br />I heard this on the radio this morning, yet it wasn't the first song I heard. But I so needed to hear it. <br /><br />Truth be told, I guess I've been feeling a little more lonely than usual lately... perhaps with all the traveling, all the changes, all the constants. But the song reminds me that there is one thing I too often forget to do.. come to the cross. That's where my heart belongs.<br /><br />Perhaps you need to be reminded of it also.<br /><blockquote>Where Your Heart Belongs<br />by Mainstay<br /><br />You lost yourself in finding out<br />The wonders of the world will let you down<br />You gave yourself to those who never<br />Cared about your soul, they only cared for their own<br />Seems everyone has left you<br /><br />You're not alone, I hear you call<br />And I've been waiting here for you through it all<br />You're not alone, come to the cross<br />Let me show you where your heart belongs<br />You're not alone<br /><br />You went down the darkest roads<br />And you know just how it feels to lose your hope<br />But don't give up on everything<br />When everyone has given up on you<br />And it feels like everyone has left you<br /><br />You're not alone, I hear you call<br />I've been waiting here for you through it all<br />You're not alone, come to the cross<br />Let me show you where your heart belongs<br />You're not alone<br /><br />I will never leave you<br />Come back to my open arms<br />To the only love you need<br /><br />You're not alone, I hear you call<br />And I've been waiting here for you through it all<br />You're not alone, come to the cross<br />Let me show you where your heart belongs<br />You're not alone, you're not alone, you're not alone<br /></blockquote><br />All for now,<br />LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-62159573484177532512009-10-22T06:37:00.000-05:002009-10-22T08:12:12.233-05:00<strong>Another "First Song I Heard This Morning"</strong><br /><br />I heard this song as the alarm went off this morning. I couldn't help but smile thinking how true it was. I've felt His arms particularly strongly the last few weeks - especially being on a mission trip. But when I felt it strongest I was walking alone on a pretty sidewalk in Madrid, Spain. There was nothing notable about the walk, but I couldn't stop smiling. I simply felt God's presence. Safe in His arms.<br /><blockquote>In My Arms<br />by Plumb<br /><br />Your baby blues<br />So full of wonder<br />Your curly cues<br />Your contageous smile<br />And as I watch<br />You start to grow up<br />All I can do is hold you tight<br /><br />Knowing clouds will rage<br />And storms will race in<br />But you will be safe in my arms<br />Rains will pour down<br />Waves will crash all around<br />But you will be safe in my arms<br /><br />Story books full of fairy tales<br />Of kings and queens and the bluest skies<br />My heart is torn just in knowing<br />You'll someday see the truth from lies<br /><br />Knowing clouds will rage<br />And storms will race in<br />But you will be safe in my arms<br />Rains will pour down<br />Waves will crash all around<br />But you will be safe in my arms<br /><br />Castles they might crumble<br />Dreams may not come true<br />But you are never all alone<br />Because I will always<br />Always love you<br /><br />Clouds will rage<br />And storms will race in<br />But you will be safe in my arms<br />Rains will pour down<br />Waves will crash all around<br />But you will be safe in my arms<br /></blockquote><br />All for now,<br />LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-16657300129858303482009-10-05T06:39:00.000-05:002009-10-05T10:47:36.297-05:00<strong>October Will be a Busy Month</strong><br /><br />October has started out very well - especially with the David Crowder concert (and meet and greet) and a wedding of two good friends this past weekend!<br /><br />Shortly I leave for Spain for a mission trip, mainly working with College-aged students. We will also make a trip to Morocco for 4-5 days for a scouting trip for future mission trips.<br /><br />When I return, I will be volunteering with the Wildlife Rehab and Education center. We will be building flight cages for native wild birds currently being rehabilitated at the WR&E center (such as hawk, owls, and pelicans). I'm really looking forward to this.<br /><br />I also hope to get to see the "Speaking Louder Than Before" tour with Jeremy Camp, 10th Avenue North, and Bebo Norman. That will be a great way to round out the month. And a nice way to set up for November... which should be full of camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, bday celebrating, and, of course giving thanks, on that 4th Thursday!<br /><br />So, you may not hear from me too much. But stay tuned - you just never know when I might be an itching to blog.<br /><br />God is good!<br /><br />All for now,<br />LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-19568764533343529692009-09-11T06:42:00.001-05:002009-09-11T06:42:00.178-05:00<strong>What in the World Will I Do?</strong><br /><br />Yesterday, I received yet another very profound article from Hudson Russell Davis entitled, "<a href="http://www.crosswalk.com/singles/11608053/page0/">When the Expected Arrives - Part 1</a>". If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll remember that I first started reading Davis when he released articles entitled, "A Confession of Longing" and "A Longing like Starvation" back in late May 2008.<br /><br />Yesterday's installment was no different. He has a keen way of getting to some very deep feelings and thoughts - and presenting them so clearly and concisely. Sometimes when I read his articles I feel like I'm reading lines on my own heart.<br /><br />I particularly liked this quote:<br /><blockquote>Life is lived just where we are with the hope and expectation of what our hearts desire and we are to live there in peace. It is the greatest test of faith to be laid low by a desire for more and in the midst of it all still know peace. It is a testimony to our faith that we can trust Him in the now while hoping and expecting more in the future. In this we can be content but not satisfied. What we dare not do is lift our voices to accuse God of being unkind. </blockquote>And then this hit me like a done of bricks:<br /><blockquote><p>We live by faith and not by sight. We live with a desire not a realization. We pursue what we have not yet attained and sometimes after the long period of expectation—an occasion of realization—the expected arrives. Then that traveler, so familiar with the roughed landscape through the wilderness of loneliness must exchange what sustained out there for those things that sustain a marriage.</p></blockquote><p>I've pondered often much of what he wrote... about what exactly I will do once my waiting is done. Once the prayer for a husband turns into a reality of the husband. I have prayed often that during this time of wait I don't put my husband on a pedastal or create such a realistic fantasy that the fantasy becomes more enduring than the reality. Will the dream of a husband be better to me and more natural to me than the reality of a husband? After all, I've been in wait over 20 years. Has it become such a natural part of me that I'll miss it once it's gone (meaning, once he arrives?). </p><p>What in the world will I do? I can't wait to find out. :-)<br /><br />After all, I don't want to marry a perfect husband. Just a perfect-for-me husband.<br /><br />All for now,<br />Lisa </p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-49914212481603545602009-09-01T13:15:00.002-05:002009-09-01T13:21:34.698-05:00<strong>An Untitled Hymn to Go Along with a Psalm</strong><br /><br />My friend, Heather, just updated her facebook status with a verse in the Psalms. A song immediately came to mind so I figured I'd post both!<br /><br /><em>This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.</em><br />Psalm 91:2<br /><blockquote><p>Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)<br />by Chris Rice<br /><br />Weak and wounded sinner,<br />Lost and left to die,<br />O, raise your head,<br />For Love is passing by<br /><br />Come to Jesus,<br />Come to Jesus,<br />Come to Jesus<br />And live<br /><br />Now your burden's lifted,<br />And carried far away,<br />And precious blood<br />Has washed away the stain... so<br /><br />Sing to Jesus ,<br />Sing to Jesus ,<br />Sing to Jesus<br />And live<br /><br />And like a newborn baby,<br />Don't be afraid to crawl,<br />And remember when you walk<br />Sometimes we fall... so<br /><br />Fall on Jesus,<br />Fall on Jesus,<br />Fall on Jesus<br />And live<br /><br />Sometimes the way is lonely,<br />And steep and filled with pain,<br />So if your sky is dark<br />And pours the rain... then<br /><br />Cry to Jesus,<br />Cry to Jesus,<br />Cry to Jesus<br />And live<br /><br />O, and when the love splills over,<br />And music fills the night,<br />And when you can't contain<br />Your joy inside... then<br /><br />Dance for Jesus,<br />Dance for Jesus,<br />Dance for Jesus<br />And live<br /><br />And with your final heartbeat,<br />Kiss the world goodbye,<br />Then go in peace,<br />And laugh on Glory's side... and<br /><br />Fly to Jesus,<br />Fly to Jesus,<br />Fly to Jesus<br />And live<br /><br />Fly to Jesus,<br />Fly to Jesus,<br />Fly to Jesus<br />and live, </p></blockquote><br />All for now,<br />LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-65023083863917828972009-08-20T06:24:00.002-05:002009-08-25T09:23:42.294-05:00<strong>First Song I Heard This Morning</strong><br /><br />You know how when you just wake up you're not quite moving? I try to take those moments to listen to see if the Lord is saying something to me. Just in the quiet of the morning. I don't think I had ever heard the song that played after my alarm went off this morning. It was a peaceful song. I had to look up the singer and the lyrics. Here they are... enjoy!<br /><blockquote>Healer<br />By Kari Jobe<br /><br />You hold my every moment<br />You calm my raging seas<br />You walk with me through fire<br />And heal all my disease<br /><br />I trust in You<br />I trust in You<br /><br />I believe You're my healer<br />I believe You are all I need<br />I believe You're my portion<br />I believe You're more than enough for me<br />Jesus, You're all I need<br /><br />You hold my every moment<br />You calm my raging seas<br />You walk with me through fire<br />And heal all my disease<br /><br />I trust in You<br />I trust in You<br /><br />I believe You're my healer<br />I believe You are all I need<br />I believe You're my portion<br />I believe You're more than enough for me<br />Jesus, You're all I need<br /><br />Nothing is impossible for You<br />Nothing is impossible for You<br />Nothing is impossible for You<br />Nothing is impossible for You</blockquote><br />All for now,<br />LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-40494236773444575882009-08-10T06:33:00.000-05:002009-08-10T09:38:00.693-05:00<strong>Could Not Have Been a Better Devotional for Me!</strong><br /><br />Today's <a href="http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/desert/1414181/">Streams in the Desert </a>was just absolutely perfect for me! I could not have said it better! He has put me in a place of utter confusion only to make my path straight. Something only God could do... oh how He loves me! And oh how I cling to Him closer than ever.<br /><br />I will add it here for your convenience!<br /><blockquote>Making Straight the Crooked<br /><br />"Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked" (Eccles. 7:13).<br /><br />Often God seems to place His children in positions of profound difficulty, leading them into a wedge from which there is no escape; contriving a situation which no human judgment would have permitted, had it been previously consulted. The very cloud conducts them thither. You may be thus involved at this very hour.<br /><br />It does seem perplexing and very serious to the last degree, but it is perfectly right. The issue will more than justify Him who has brought you hither. It is a platform for the display of His almighty grace and power.<br /><br />He will not only deliver you; but in doing so, He will give you a lesson that you will never forget, and to which, in many a psalm and song, in after days, you will revert. You will never be able to thank God enough for having done just as He has. --Selected<br /><br />"We may wait till He explains,<br />Because we know that Jesus reigns."<br /><br />It puzzles me; but, Lord, Thou understandest,<br />And wilt one day explain this crooked thing.<br />Meanwhile, I know that it has worked out Thy best--<br />Its very crookedness taught me to cling.<br /><br />Thou hast fenced up my ways, made my paths crooked,<br />To keep my wand'ring eyes fixed on Thee;<br />To make me what I was not, humble, patient;<br />To draw my heart from earthly love to Thee.<br /><br />So I will thank and praise Thee for this puzzle,<br />And trust where I cannot understand.<br />Rejoicing Thou dost hold me worth such testing,<br />I cling the closer to Thy guiding hand.--F.E.M.I.</blockquote><br />All for now,<br />LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-43036483417650384332009-07-28T06:34:00.002-05:002009-07-29T11:30:05.230-05:00<strong>The Top 12 Indicators that the Economy is Bad</strong><br /><br />I received this in an email. Thought I would post just for grins...<br /><blockquote><p>The top 12 indicators that the economy is bad:</p><p>12. CEO's are now playing miniature golf.<br />11. I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.<br />10. I went to buy a toaster oven, and they gave me a bank.<br />9. Hot wheels and Match box car companies are now trading higher than GM in the stock market.<br />8. Obama met with small businesses... GE, Pfizer, Chrysler, Citigroup, and GM to discuss the Stimulus Package.<br />7. McDonald's is selling the 1/4 ouncer.<br />6. People in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and are learning their children's names.<br />5. The highest paid job is now jury duty.<br />4. People in Africa are donating money to Americans.<br />3. Motel 6 won't leave the lights on.<br />2. The Mafia is laying off judges.<br /><br />And the Number 1 indicator<br /><br />1. If the bank returns your check marked as "insufficient funds," you have to call and ask if they meant you or them.<br /></p></blockquote><br />All for now,<br />LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-64330766910789594192009-07-23T06:13:00.001-05:002009-07-23T06:13:00.410-05:00<strong>Taking Good News</strong><br /><br />Having just finished the Houston Project this year with my church, I am coming down from the high of a great blessing of being the hands and feet of Christ in a very focused way. And I was able to take lots of photos too! I just love the faces of the nations! "Let the nations be glad" as Piper would say.<br /><br /><a href="http://lieseldiesel.smugmug.com/gallery/8904355_U9XdE#590805789_Xdwuy">Day 1</a><br /><a href="http://lieseldiesel.smugmug.com/gallery/8916151_AsEZn#591807690_XBKK6">Day 2</a><br /><a href="http://lieseldiesel.smugmug.com/gallery/8925697_kbL96#592522900_f63kv">Day 3</a><br /><a href="http://lieseldiesel.smugmug.com/gallery/8934955_rkksj#593265990_yVWyv">Day 4</a><br /><br />And I have quite a few friends that are on mission trips right now... all over the country... Kenya, France, and other parts just to name a few. I have been praying for these folks.<br /><br />With all of this happening, a song keeps coming to my mind (nothing new for me... I pretty much live in song lyrics!). :-) The song is Twila Paris' "How Beautiful". It's based on the scripture:<br /><br /><em>How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"</em><br />Romans 10:14-15<br /><br />you can listen <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJfSp_rceFs">here</a><br /><br />Have you taken the good news to anyone recently?<br /><br />all for now,<br />LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-6467464677199169252009-07-22T06:26:00.000-05:002009-07-22T09:39:17.989-05:00<strong>U2's 40</strong><br /><br />I'm not a big U2 fan, but a friend told me about this song... based on Psalm 40. If you're read much here, you know God has really been speaking to me through this Psalm. So, to hear it put to a modern melody brings a new understanding of it.<br /><br />You can listen/watch <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjtpplE39_g">here</a><br /><br /><blockquote><p>lyrics:<br /><br />I waited patiently for the Lord.<br />He inclined and heard my cry<br />He brought me up out of the pit<br />Out of the miry clay<br /><br />I will sing, sing a new song<br />I will sing, sing a new song<br /><br />How long to sing this song?<br />How long to sing this song?<br />How long...how long...how long...<br />How long...to sing this song<br /><br />He set my feet upon a rock<br />And made my footsteps firm<br />Many will see<br />Many will see and fear<br /><br />I will sing, sing a new song<br />I will sing, sing a new song<br />I will sing, sing a new song<br />I will sing, sing a new song<br /><br />How long to sing this song?<br />How long to sing this song?<br />How long...how long...how long...</p></blockquote><br />All for now,<br />LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-84482553759629096452009-07-15T06:39:00.002-05:002009-07-15T07:53:36.897-05:00<strong>A Conversation about Hope Deferred</strong><br /><br />I forwarded a great article on <a href="http://www.crosswalk.com/1325674/page0/">hope deferred </a>to a friend of mine (who is currently single). Her response was good:<br /><blockquote>you know this was a great article about hope deferred. I really want to persevere during this time in my life and not let the desire for a husband consume me, especially when there is guy on the horizon or when friends start dating or get engaged. I know I have compared my life to others and thought, well how come they get that blessing and I don't? What did you think of it?</blockquote>Here's my response back to her... pretty much says all I had to say:<br /><blockquote><p>To say I haven't done that would be a lie. Yet to say I have done that a million times would be an understatement. :-) But I trust in God's grace and mercy. The important point is to recognize the lie and to agree with God's truth.<br /><br />A few points I really liked in this article: </p><ul><li>You have asked of God, and now you must trust Him and entrust your desires to Him. Now you must let go of them. <em>Surrender</em> them to God, your Father </li><li>What we find here in Romans is that years of waiting on God should produce more hope, not less. </li><li>One thing I’ve learned to do is praise God in the middle of my dashed hopes. </li><li>"chain of hope” in Romans 5:3-6</li></ul><p>In Sunday school, my teacher said, "our roots grow deep in adversity". Call waiting on a husband "adversity" - or whatever you like. But I agree. It is not until you are tested that you can truly see your character. When I was in Gethsemane, there was an ancient oil press there... to press the olives. The guide said something very insightful, "the quality of the oil cannot be known until the olive has been pressed." I think we are a lot the same.<br /><br />One of the biggest questions you have to ask yourself is does waiting produce more hope or less?<br /><br />Of course, this all goes back to another question... what do you really think about<br />God? What is His character? If you have questions about that, then the rest crumbles.<br /><br />And then the next question... what is He about? Our comfort or His glory? ouch.<br /><br />So, then, I rest in the fact that He is always at work, always good, always for my best, and apparently me being single right now affords Him the most glory.<br /><br />And that's where I rest. In trust. And waiting.</p></blockquote>All for now,<br />LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-62441255477567052992009-07-02T06:28:00.002-05:002009-07-02T07:21:43.334-05:00<strong>Living in the Waiting Room</strong><br /><br />I actually started this blog entry on 15 June. Over two weeks later I'm finally able to finish it. Not because of laziness. Quite the contrary. I love blogging and look forward to it. But there was a thought missing. And idea not quite blossomed. Only now can I finish it. Yesterday's <a href="http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/desert/1405453/">Streams in the Desert</a> devotional helped me to finish forming the thoughts. I'm big on letting the revelation come in due time. And I didn't want to rush it. Hmmm... perhaps this alone was an exercise in living out waiting...<br /><br />I have been studying Psalm 40, which is such a picture of David waiting on the Lord... and receiving strength because he was waiting on the Lord - ALONE - and not waiting on something or someone.<br /><br />What does it mean to wait on the Lord? I am realizing that waiting and obedience have the same effect. They both are surrendering to the Lord. Waiting is obedience.<br /><br />If the waiting room is the refuge of the Lord then I run into its shelter. But what does that mean? What are the aspects of waiting? I read these somewhere and have forgotten where I saw them. But I want to talk about each of them:<br /><br /><strong>1. A demonstration of love</strong><br />Waiting says "I trust you and know you have the best way". It says I love you enough to wait on you. A friend of mine who just got engaged was telling me that while she waited to say the direct words, "I love you" to her fiance, she told him, "I do these things because I love you". It made me mindful of action showing love. After all, Shakespeare once said, "He does not love who does not show love".<br /><br /><strong>2. An acknowledgement of our source of power and life</strong><br />When I read this point, Moses immediately came to mind. He would not go anywhere without God's presence.<br /><em><blockquote><em>Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here."</em><br />Exodus 33:15<br /></blockquote></em><br />Too often have I rushed off, half-cocked when I felt the Lord direting my path. However, if He says He's going to do something, He will do it. We don't need to do it for Him. But make sure you're there <strong>with</strong> Him and that you haven't gone out on your own - trying to do something <strong>for</strong> Him.<br /><blockquote><p><em>Because we can do nothing without Christ, we ought to believe, expect, wait for, and depend upon His operation in everything that we do through His Spirit dwelling in us.</em><br />–Andrew Murray</p></blockquote><strong>3. In a position to receive and respond</strong><br />This is probably the most powerful point of waiting. It is not our job to "do" anything, but just receive and respond. How can we if we are not focusing on Him. Casting our eyes upward during this time of waiting puts you in a perfect position to receive and respond. I found a great prayer in today's devotional which can be prayed to put yourself in a position to receive and respond:<br /><blockquote><p><em>Now, Lord, not my will, but Thine be done. I know not what to do; Iam brought to<br />extremities; but I will wait until Thou shalt cleave the floods, or drive back<br />myfoes. I will wait, if Thou keep me many a day, for my heart is fixed upon Thee<br />alone, O God, and my spirit waiteth for Thee in full conviction that Thou wilt yet<br />be my joy and my salvation, myrefuge and my strong tower.</em><br />--Morning by Morning</p></blockquote>I suppose I'm a little tired right now from a season of protracted waiting. Yet a friend said something very insighful:<br /><br /><blockquote>We all consider "waiting" to be exhausting. But, if we read the verse Isaiah 40:31 and truly BELIEVE it, then "waiting" for us should be a time of gaining new strength. Perhaps we are exhausted in our efforts of waiting on the LORD because we are not really waiting on the LORD. Rather, in our heart of hearts, we are waiting on the thing, person, or our circumstances to change. Our strength will be renewed if we wait on the LORD! That is so exciting to me. Be patient and in the meantime have God-time.</blockquote>I suppose that goes back to the very first point of what I learned from David.<br /><em><blockquote><em>I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.</em><br />Psalm 40:1<br /></blockquote></em><br />David waited patiently for the Lord - not what the Lord had in store. ouch.<br /><br />All for now,<br />Lisa<br /><br />P.S. For all the waiting the David did, especially in Psalm 40, I can't help but identify with the ending verse of Psalm 40 - a kind of "I'm waiting, but can you hurry?" :-)<br /><br />Yet I am poor and needy;<br />may the Lord think of me.<br />You are my help and my deliverer;<br />O my God, do not delay.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-45635993016283028602009-06-08T22:31:00.008-05:002009-06-11T09:52:51.617-05:00<strong>Dissecting Psalm 139</strong><br /><br />Psalm 139 came to my attention, again, in this past Sunday's sermon on End Times. On Sunday, I knew I wanted to look back in my journals, blog, and calendar because the whole chapter has meant so much to me (but I really didn't know when I'd have time). Why I chose today to look at only makes me smile, now that I have taken the time to investigate it. Isn't time with God always like that? Always makes you smile after you've taken the time to spend with Him.<br /><br /><em>Chronology:</em><br /><br />On the below dates, I somehow blogged or noted in my calendar the below events. Some of the below I understand now, but some may be revealed in the future (which is marked by the (?)). But regardless, it amazes me how keenly aware He is of every detail in my life (which is definitely one of the points in Psalm 139).<br /><br /><br /><br /><ul><li>June 8, 2008 - HFBC, <a href="http://hfbcpodcast.com/audio/2008/promisedland/HFBC_6_08_08.mp3">"God Provides" sermon </a>- Psalm 139:23-24</li><li>June 9, 2008 - found <a href="http://lifechick.blogspot.com/2006_06_01_archive.html">Angels' website</a>, "B: Leading Ladies... B is for beauty", Psalm 139:13-18 (really when it occured to me that Psalm 139 was becoming a theme)</li><li>July 30, 2008 - <a href="http://lieseldiesel.blogspot.com/2008/07/no-purity-no-power-my-pastor-is-going.html">blogged</a> after being convicted of pride and arrogancy - Psalm 139:23-24</li><li>August 29, 2008 - "test" was one of the <a href="http://lieseldiesel.blogspot.com/2008/08/more-words-crucible-crucible-for-silver.html">words</a> I received - Psalm 139:23</li><li>Feb 17-18, 2009 - <a href="http://lieseldiesel.blogspot.com/2009/02/meditating-on-psalm-139-psalm-139-for.html">blogged</a> the entire chapter after I did the Missions Committee devotional on "the only way it comes is through Jesus Christ"; and very keen on the word "inheritance" (?)</li><li>June 7, 2009 - HFBC, <a href="http://www.hfbc.org/theendtimesantichrist-parttwo">"End Times" sermon </a>- Psalm 139:7-10</li><li>June 8, 2009 - looked back to see, and unknown to me at the time, that it was one year - to the date - that I was first given the idea of Psalm 139!</li></ul><em>Viewpoint:</em><br /><br />I'm going to attempt to share what the different sections mean to me. But that's like a blind man trying to describe a rainbow. Just too beautiful for explanation; it has to be experienced. I invite you to do the same.<br /><br /><u>verses 1-6:</u><br />seem to focus on who God is - His character. Most of the sentences being with "You". I have been learning a lot in the past year or so about His never-failing character. In fact, I have a whole page in my journal which is devoted to one-word descriptions of our Lord: Faithful. True. Lover. Healer. Judge. Protector. King. Friend. Beginning. End. Provider. Creator. Patient. Powerful. Real. Persistent. Forgiver. Promise. Precious. Majesty. Authority. Sufficient. Complete. Self-existent. Banner. Secure. Beautiful. Comforter. Love. Grace. Mercy.<br /><br />you get the idea. He's BIG! David got it also. And I think that's always a good place to begin... looking at just how big our God really is. It definitely puts things in proper perspective.<br /><br /><u>verses 7-12:<br /></u>describe God and His ability to be in all places at all times. The God who created time is not bound by it. That's why He is forever the same, never changing. And it can be intimidating and reassuring all at the same time. There is no where I can that He is not there. David says, "If I say, 'Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me', even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you." I think He truly understood that God was always there.<br /><br />(Now what's really funny is that I have itunes playing in the background and what came on "coincidentally" while I was writing this section was "Always on My Mind" - Willie Nelson's version. I had to bust out laughing. God's timing is so amazing. We just need eyes that see.)<br /><br />I remember Rich Mullins sharing about one time when he was in a bit of a rebellion that he asked God to "blink... for a really long time". I can identify with that. There have been times (more times than I'd like to admit) that I've wanted God to just blink. But He cannot and does not... because He has chosen to not. Now that's love of the covenental kind.<br /><br /><u>verses 13-18:</u><br />tell of God's power - and to create beauty! US!!!! Yes, you and me. David was speaking very personally here... and praising God for creating Him just the way He was. What I also love about this section of passage is that David says, "Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." It reinforces the whole idea to me that God has been at "rest" since creation, end of day 6. Everything was created, including time. But He created time and we live in it and must wait as things unfold. Things already created, just waiting to happen. This, again, reinforces to me the idea of trust, rest, wait.<br /><br /><u>verses 19-24:</u><br />David focuses inwardly to conclude this chapter. But this is how it started off with me: examining myself - via the Holy Spirit's prompting.<br /><br />I think it very telling that David starts off this section with hatred - for those who hate God. But then the last two verses, to me, describe a man who realizes His hate and asks God to search him to see if there is any offensive way in him and lead him in the way everlasting. What this says to me is that I think he may have "gone off" on others, maybe being a big judgmental, and when he realized his judgmental spirit, he caught it and humbled himself. Man, how many times has pride, judgment, and arrogancy clouded my eyes?<br /><br />(Another song "coincidence" - would you believe Chris Tomlin's "My Chains are Gone - Amazing Grace" just came on?!? Don't you think David must have been overwhelmed with God's grace as he wrote those last two verses?)<br /><br />The last 6 words are the most grace and mercy filled: "Lead me in the way everlasting". I mean how could we even entertain the idea of a perfect and Holy God being anywhere near us, save grace and mercy? Thank you, Lord, for Your perfect grace and mercy.<br /><br />Enjoy who you are and who God has made you to be. There is no one else like you. He only makes originals. And as Psalm 139 confirms, God is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. But God <em>gave us</em> the ability to choose. As Andrew Murray points out, as believers, we will do one of two things - either deny self or deny Jesus.<br /><br />What do you choose today?<br /><br />All for now,<br />LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-39040729231312328892009-06-08T06:11:00.000-05:002009-06-08T16:07:43.110-05:00<strong>Puncturing Illusions</strong><br /><p>I actually thought of this blog title way back on 30 April, 2009. Although I don't remember much of what I wanted to blog about then, I have a full idea of what I want to write now.</p><p>I think I absorb the most by looking reflectively at things; after they happen. I know I write a lot here about my reflections since last May - which was such a watershed for me. And not to stop there, many a significant event has happened since then, only for me to recognize and acknowledge God's unrelenting work in me.</p><p>I looked online for "reflective learning". I was suprised at how many results came up (1,200,000)! The <a href="http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/writing/medicine/reflective/3.xml">4th result </a>listed had some interesting information:</p><blockquote><p>Reflection can help you to:</p><ul><li>better understand your strengths and weaknesses </li><li>identify and question your underlying values and beliefs </li><li>acknowledge and challenge possible assumptions on which you base your ideas, feelings and actions </li><li>recognize areas of potential bias or discrimination </li><li>acknowledge your fears, and </li><li>identify possible inadequacies or areas for improvement. </li></ul><p>Reflection can lead to greater self-awareness, which in turn is a first step to positive change – it is a necessary stage in identifying areas for improvement and growth in both personal and professional contexts. Taking time to reflect can help you identify approaches that have worked well, and in that way reinforce good practice.</p></blockquote><p>I don't want to turn this into a self-awareness exercise because I this it is more about the Holy Spirit's work in me. Yet, truly, all this has really been puncturing illusions that I had been living with for years. Illusions of who God truly is; who I am (faults, habit, blind spots, and chains and all); who He has created me to be, His design for love and marriage; and most importantly the power of transformation. Praise Him!</p><p>I've learned a lot, despite my kicking and screaming - for the crucible that I have been in, for growth that sometimes hurts; for truth that can sometimes be painful and for the protracted trust, rest, and wait that He calls me to... all of which I have, at times, demanded that He relent. Ye loves me too much to give into my demands; especially desires that turn into demands which turn into felt needs.</p><p>The most of what I have learned: All of Him is more than enough for all of me. I'm trusting Him for the rest and wait.</p><p>All for now,<br />Lisa</p>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-62138743887106720162009-06-01T06:13:00.001-05:002009-06-01T14:12:35.861-05:00<strong>May Seems to Be the Month of "Trust" for Me</strong><br /><br />I received yet another wonderful <a href="http://www.crosswalk.com/root/singles/11603523/page0/">article </a>in my inbox from Hudson Russell Davis. He's the Crosswalk author that has written so many wonderful articles about the art of being single... especially when one's singleness is protracted years beyond what one would have expected.<br /><br />Ever read an article and notice yourself nodding in agreement almost all the way through it? Well, I have before and did it again when I read his latest article. I find myself nodding in agreement through most of Davis' articles. He writes truth, without blushing. I appreciate that.<br /><br />What I noticed as I was reading his latest article was it reiterated so many of the themes that God has been showing me for some time now. I looked back and May tended to be the month that it hit:<br /><br />May 2006 --> <a href="http://lieseldiesel.blogspot.com/2006/05/season-to-simply-trust-its-been-while.html">A Season to Simply Trust</a><br />May 2008 --> <a href="http://lieseldiesel.blogspot.com/2008/05/surrendering-letting-go-but-not-giving.html">Surrendering: Letting Go But Not Giving Up</a><br />May 2009 --> <a href="http://lieseldiesel.blogspot.com/2009/05/i-believe-him-i-trust-him-i-just-read.html">I Believe Him; I Trust Him</a><br /><br />Not sure what else to say, other than thank you Lord!<br /><br />All for now,<br />LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-17870741915889190412009-05-27T06:20:00.001-05:002009-06-29T10:27:18.609-05:00<strong>I Believe Him; I Trust Him</strong><br /><br />I just read this song on another blog... had yet to hear it. Really powerful!<br /><br />Let me just say this.... I believe Him now. There is no evidence to prove one way or another, yet I believe Him. And I trust Him too. His words are true, and all His promises are sure.<br /><blockquote>Believe Me Now<br />by Steven Curtis Chapman<br /><br />I watch you looking out across the raging water<br />So sure your only hope lies on the other side<br />You hear the enemy that's closing in around you<br />And I know that you don't have the strength to fight<br />But do you have the faith to stand and...<br /><br />Believe Me now<br />Believe Me here<br />Remember all the times I've told you loud and clear<br />I am with you and I am for you<br />So believe Me now<br />Believe Me now<br /><br />I am the One who waved my hand and split the ocean<br />I am the One who spoke the words and raised the dead<br />And I've loved you long before I set the world in motion<br />I know all the fears you're feeling now<br />But do you remember who I am?<br />Do you..<br /><br />Believe Me now<br />Believe Me here<br />Remember all the times I've told you loud and clear<br />I am with you<br />And I am for you<br />So believe Me now<br />Believe it's true<br />I never have, I never will abandon you<br />And the God that I have always been<br />I will forever be<br />So believe Me now<br /><br />I am the God who never wastes a single hurt that you endure<br />My words are true, and all My promises are sure<br />So believe Me now<br />Oh, believe Me now<br /></blockquote><br />All for now,<br />LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-82981073080969515742009-05-18T06:21:00.004-05:002009-05-18T13:27:59.767-05:00<strong>Thoughts from 10 Dirty Fingernails<br /></strong><br />Though my backyard is relatively small, the greenery can get out of hand very easily, especially if you're not looking! :-)<br /><br />This past weekend I decided to forage my way into the very back of the yard to trim up some vines and branches that had gotten WAY overgrown. This was an attempt to make a pathway to a neighbor's tree that has grown branches into my backyard - and even encroaching on the 85 year old crepe myrtles. I eventually need to tackle those encroaching branches, but first things first!<br /><br />Saturday was a hot and humid morning, but I was enjoying getting my fingers dirty. There’s nothing like spending a little time digging into God’s green earth that puts everything into just the right perspective. I thought about turning on some tunes, but the silence, broken only by a bird singing, was nice.<br /><br />At first, I didn’t think the vines were that overgrown. Although it had been at least two years since I last trimmed them. Well, as I started tackling the vines, I realized they had grown over the fence and down the fence line! Wow – and the vines were as thick as a rope!<br />It’s those kinds of moments that give me such a unique spiritual perspective. I thought about how Jesus says...<br /><br /><em><blockquote><em>"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.</em><br />John 15:5-8<br /></blockquote></em><br />...because earlier last week I had started removing some vines. And just a few days later, the vines and branches where I chopped a path were already brown and withered. It really brought home the point that branches that are thrown away wither and are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. They don’t last.<br /><br />Then I started thinking about vines that just grow, without direction. They may grow, but they won’t bear fruit. It made me mindful of the verses earlier in the chapter:<br /><blockquote><em>"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.<br /></em>John 15:1-4<br /></blockquote><br />Lord, thank you for being the gardener. And for pruning me so I may bear Your fruit. Fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.<br /><br />And thank you, Lord, for even using a hot humid day in my backyard to teach me something about You.<br /><br />I love you Lord.<br /><br />All for now,<br />LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-80200372560616648602009-05-13T06:22:00.001-05:002009-05-13T14:44:08.099-05:00<strong>Ever Have a Song Roll Around in Your Head For Days?</strong><br /><blockquote><p>I Will Rise<br />by Chris Tomlin</p><p>There's a peace I've come to know<br />Though my heart and flesh may fail<br />There's an anchor for my soul<br />I can say "It is well"<br /><br />Jesus has overcome<br />And the grave is overwhelmed<br />The victory is won<br />He is risen from the dead<br /><br />[Chorus:]<br />And I will rise when He calls my name<br />No more sorrow, no more pain<br />I will rise on eagles' wings<br />Before my God fall on my knees<br />And rise<br />I will rise<br /><br />There's a day that's drawing near<br />When this darkness breaks to light<br />And the shadows disappear<br />And my faith shall be my eyes<br /><br />Jesus has overcome<br />And the grave is overwhelmed<br />The victory is won<br />He is risen from the dead<br /><br />[Chorus:]<br />And I will rise when He calls my name<br />No more sorrow, no more pain<br />I will rise on eagles' wings<br />Before my God fall on my knees<br />And rise I will rise<br />And I hear the voice of many angels sing,<br />"Worthy is the Lamb"<br />And I hear the cry of every longing heart,<br />"Worthy is the Lamb"<br />[x2]<br /><br />[Chorus:]<br />And I will rise when He calls my name<br />No more sorrow, no more pain<br />I will rise on eagles' wings<br />Before my God fall on my knees<br />And rise<br />I will rise<br /></p></blockquote><br />All for now,<br />LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15105116.post-35385787939172766632009-05-01T06:28:00.000-05:002009-05-01T06:28:00.310-05:00<strong>Thoughts from a Recent Camping Trip</strong><br /><br />One of my favorite things to do is to go camping, paired with doing some sort of adventure (hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, rapelling)! I love the outdoors, the fun, the activity, and the fellowship. I guess you can call me a people person because I would have never thought of going camping alone until recently.<br /><br />On my last camping outing I did just that. I ventured alone to our camping site early and stayed two days and a night alone - before the rest of the crew arrived. It was an odd site to be at a campsite alone (I think the ranger checked on me more than usual, which I thought was very sweet).<br /><br />But I wasn't alone.<br /><br />Yes, there were tons of animals around, which I was more accutely aware of due to it being quieter than usual around the campsite. I just know a deer visited me during the night. But I had one of the most awesome, yet unexpected, times alone with our Lord.<br /><br />I wasn't nearly alone.<br /><br />It was early morning of my second day. It had gotten colder during the night before and was actually really chilly in the early morning hours. I didn't have much wood to start a fire and the wood that I had didn't burn very well. But I was cold. So, I got the fire going, but had to tend to it pretty regularly or it would go out. I was trying to get the campsite up so I was doing a few things around the camp and then would go back to the fire to stoke it (and warm up). I finally sat down in a chair and took a little break to enjoy the fire.<br /><br />It was then as I just stared into the beautiful flame that I had an "aha" moment. Isn't tending the fire much like my relationship with God? If I "walk away" for too long the relationship will suffer. And if I walk away I'll miss the "benefits" - the warmth, the glow, the energy. I was beginning to understand.<br /><br />And there was more. <br /><br />As I put a big log onto the fire, the flame almost went out. I hurried around to get some kindling wood to supplement the big log. I thought about the analogy to prayer. Big long prayers are good; short quick prayer are good - and both are needed.<br /><br />Thank you. Lord, for even using a campfire to teach me something about You.<br /><br />I love you Lord.<br /><br />All for now,<br />LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09295549001336546392noreply@blogger.com0