Do you know your farmer?

Woohoo! I love encouraging people to garden! :)

Take Time Tuesdays

Chapter Five ~ This One Thing I Do

"There is only one relationship that matters, and that is your personal relationship to a personal Redeemer and Lord. Let everything else go, but maintain that at all costs, and God will fulfill His purpose through your life." Oswald Chambers

As soon as I began working on this chapter, I felt a great "YES" well up inside of me. This is my great desire. The author shared, "Paul's goal and passion was to know Christ not by gaining more information, but by personally experiencing His presence. " This is the desire of my heart. I do want to have a pure devotion to the Lord and make Him my one thing. I'm so thankful for His grace and patience as I continue to learn and my life is transformed to living this out daily!

Isaiah Chapter 43 is one of my favorites in the Bible! Reading it often brings tears to my eyes, as I realize how much He loves and values His children... So, when the author highlighted verses 10-13, I knew I had to share them with you too:

"You are My witnesses," declares the Lord, "and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I Am He. Before Me no god was formed, nor will there be one after Me. I, even I, Am the Lord, and apart from Me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed - I, and not some foreign god among you. You are My witnesses," declares the Lord, "that I Am God." Yes, and from ancient days I Am He. No one can deliver out of My hand. When I act, who can reverse it?" NIV

Just typing these words makes me so emotional. To know I am CHOSEN by our amazing and wonderful Heavenly Father. Chosen! He wants me and you to be His witnesses; that we would know He is God. It is almost too wonderful to accept and embrace. Me, a sinner saved by grace, chosen by God! Can we ever really understand how great His love is for us? Yet, I can love Him throughout my whole life by being devoted to my Lord! What an honor...

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." Colossians 1:9-12

While the study had us focus on verses 9 and 10, I couldn't stop there for the whole passage touched my spirit in a significant way and gave me a new way to pray for those I love ~ my husband, our children, our family, friends and even the neighbors around us. He wants our lives to bear fruit in all we do, to grow in our knowledge of Him and to have the strength, endurance and patience to fight the good fight and finish strong while giving thanks of great joy to Him always!

As I sat here writing, my "fortune" from last night suddenly entered my thoughts. To be honest, I've been waiting for some wonderful "thing" to happen today ~ an unexpected gift or visitor at my door, an e-mail to brighten my day or bring wonderful news, someone on facebook to say something to make my day - but it's already 4:20pm and just nothing until I typed the words from Colossians. PRAYER! I used to be a real prayer warrior, but it has slipped away from me in the busyness of my life since we moved to Seattle 3+ years ago. Yes, opportunity is knocking at my door. It's time to become a prayer warrior again! Not a high profile job like we humans like to have, but a job in the trenches filled with great honor and tremendous responsibility. I am humbled, Lord, and hear You clearly; including the "act soon". Thank you. This is a very wonderful thing to happen today!

"We cannot know God if we are rushing here and there, with countless calls pulling us in various directions... We must 'take time to be holy,' to get to know our Lord as a person with whom we delight to spend time." John Phillips

Okay, so the time has come to visit Mary and Martha. I so want to be Mary, but I struggle as Martha. So much to do, so little time - yet I know that without dedicated, focused time in His Word and sitting at His feet, I will never achieve the One Thing in my life: pure devotion to Him. This is one of my biggest battles. I so desire to be more like Mary and let go of Martha. May He help me overcome!

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow to attain to the resurrection from the dead." Philippians 3:7-11

Is it my desire to live a life of wholehearted devotion to Christ and this passage in Philippians is well known to me. I have told the Lord that this is what I want - and I think I've "tasted" some of this in my years, but when you read it and meditate upon what it is saying... Wow! If you agree, you're telling the Lord that you are willing to give up much, willing to suffer to know Him more; with the goal of being completely devoted to Him. What a struggle for me humanly. My heart says yes, but my head says, "but what about this or what about that?" It is my desire, but I'm realizing that I struggle against myself and what I've told the Lord I desire. Sigh. I still have much to learn...

This quote by Warren Wiersbe blew me away this week:

"In David's case, his battles were won in his private times of worship with the Lord. David had many responsibilities, and there were many demands upon his time; but his number one priority was seeking God's face. He said, like Paul, "This one thing I do" (Phil 3:13). Without satisfying worship, there can be no successful warfare. How did David know that God was a light, a deliverer, and a fortress? He learned it while gazing on God's glory in his time of worship and meditation... How he longed to leave the battlefield and dwell in God's house! But, wherever he was, he took time to come into God's presence, meditate on God's gracious kindness and contemplate the person of God."

If you get nothing else out of this week's study, I hope the above quote touches your spirit in life changing ways! I get caught up in the busyness of life, but I am the one who has things messed up. I try to squeeze God in here or there or in between the other things. And, I wonder why my faith and spiritual armour isn't stronger... Well, now I know if I didn't before. In every area of my life, God needs to be my one thing! If I accomplish only one thing each day ~ coming into His presence, meditating on who He is, spending time sitting at His feet and learning from Him.


A time for reflection this week: Take a few moments and examine your life and determine what your main focus is...

• Mine has been raising our children in the Lord; developing their gifts and talents and encouraging them to use them for the Lord's Kingdom purposes.
• Encouraging others
• Teaching and training children in their service to the Lord

BUT ~ has my #1 priority been to know God above all else? My answer is YES and NO. I want to know Him, but I have not devoted the time or energy to REALLY know Him. I still have much to learn.

What is your main focus?

This chapter contained so much this week. So much meat to chew on... I have much more to share, but it's more important for you to spend time seeking who God is and to decide what you want in your relationship with Him. I'm going to share a couple more quotes that really touched me this week.

"The Father, the Husbandman, watches over your union with and growth in the Vine. You need be nothing more than a branch. Only a branch! Let that be your watchword; it will lead in the path of continual surrender to Christ's working, of true obedience to His every command, of joyful expectancy of all his grace. Is there anyone who asks: "How can I learn to say this aright, 'Only a branch! and to live it out?" Dear soul, the character of a branch, its strength and the fruit it bears, depend entirely upon the Vine... Therefore worship and trust Him; let Him be your one desire and the one occupation of your heart" Andrew Murray

How often I've tried to be the vine instead of the branch...

And, from Tozer:

"Yet for all God's good will toward us, He is unable to grant us our heart's desire till all our desires have been reduced to one."

May your great desire be pure devotion to our amazing Lord! Abundant blessings...

Celebrating 24 years of marriage, December 14!

The market is a magical place as they close up shop for the evening... Love the lighted pear, carrot and strawberry!

It's us outside by the market tree

We started a new tradition this year ~ buy an ornament on our anniversary! Will be fun for Blaine and I through the years ahead...

Downtown Seattle ~ where last night it seemed there were more homeless people than shoppers. A sad sight amidst all the Christmas lights and decorations...

The Christmas star at Macy's

Christmas tree at Westlake

Toasting to each other with organic green tea :)

It's us!

Gluten-free chicken lettuce wraps at PF Changs

Ginger chicken with broccoli

*This dish was not as tasty as usual last night. After being served, our server didn't come back and ask how things were. She came by with desserts, but we told her no. She then brought the check and we told her we were disappointed with this dish. She took our check away, the manager came and talked with us and told us he took care of it. Our server brought our check back again and we owed nothing. They wanted us to return again. We were completely surprised and didn't expect this at all. Wow! Thanks, Lord.

My fortune (can't eat the cookie though)

Blaine's fortune

We watched this movie after we got home. A must see for everyone!

Homemade apple crisp ~ yummy!

Blaine and I decided that we should go out on mini-dates each evening this week. Stayed tuned and see how we do... Thanking God for 24 years of this crazy and amazing adventure!

Take Time Tuesdays

Blaine and I celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary tonight, so my Tuesday post will be slightly delayed in publication time. Normally, I prepare it Monday night for posting early Tuesday - but I will be writing and posting it tomorrow during the day...

So cold...

It's been SO COLD in the Seattle area for the past week! I've wrapped my baby vine maple trees and pray they get through this cold weather... And, it's not even officially WINTER yet!

Take Time Tuesdays...

Chapter Four ~ Unshakable Simplicity

"I've told you all this so that trusting Me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." John 16:33 The Message

"Nothing influences the quality of our life more than how we respond to trouble." Erwin G. Tieman

Thank you for your patience over these past few weeks, as I've worked through some difficulties in my life and also traveled out-of-town. I'm back and even though the holidays are approaching ~ I'm ready to take time out of my weekly schedule to focus on becoming a Woman of Simplicity!

I had no idea what the topic of this week's study was until I sat down to work on it - finally... I was shocked! God continually amazes me as He teaches me exactly what I need to be learning on this incredible journey with Him! I shouldn't be surprised, should I? I'm pretty sure I've been living this chapter ~ most of 2009...

Cynthia Heald shares her insight regarding the most pressing problem women face:

"The greatest challenge women face is life - life that not only brings joy, but also pain and uncertainty."

And I like what she said to follow this, "I think it is important to understand that choosing to live life simply devoted to the Lord does equip and enable us to remain unshakable in the midst of stressful and trying circumstances."

I've had my share of pain and uncertainty in the past, but this year took it to a whole new level. I cannot imagine getting through it without my faith and devotion to Christ. It would have been completely unbearable. And yet, I have a long way to go still to be a woman of unshakable simplicity...

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

"For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39


There is such comfort and security in knowing that NO MATTER WHAT, we shall NOT be separated from God. That said, human emotions are still my greatest challenge and obstacle in living in His peace each day; especially during great trials and sorrows. During our great trial this year, I drew closer and closer to Him, to His promises, to the assurances in His Word ~ yet I struggled with my human emotions and having to let go of someone I dearly loved; who has been a part of our family for so many years ~ who still is, but has chosen to live a life away from us. While the wounds are still raw and we pray are slowly beginning to heal, I am holding to His Word and His peace much more than ever before. I try to help others do the same, but I'm learning that while I can share or encourage others to move in that direction ~ I cannot make them choose the same path I am following. This brings more trials and more pain, but I am learning to trust Him at an even greater level than ever before and continually pray for everyone involved... He is so able to heal and restore and set people free! I keep trying. When will I learn that it's not my job? He has already overcome the world ~ how can I do any more? I can't, but He can!

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." Romans 5:1-5

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave on the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." James 1:2-8

"...though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy." 1 Peter 1:6b-8

It's verses like these that have been my anchor and have given me great strength when I have felt at my weakest. There is great joy in knowing that God is shaping my life; my character; my faith and He doesn't give me more than I can handle. Yet, I know I fall so short of what He desires for me in each trial. But looking back over the many trials in my life, I can see how my faith is growing stronger and hope is nearly always present. This gives me the courage to go forward knowing there will be more trials to face while I am here on earth - yet I am also aware that my faith and trust in Him grows with each storm that is faced and I am delivered through for His glory... What great importance there is for each of His children to meditate upon His Word so we have our daily food which causes us to grow and His Word hidden in our hearts when the next 'crisis' in this life arises! Just typing His Word to share with you fills me with a great joy!

"All people - believers as well as unbelievers - experience anxiety, frustration, heartache and disappointment. Some suffer intense physical pain and catastrophic tragedies. But that which should distinguish the suffering of believers from unbelievers is the confidence that our suffering is under the control of an all-powerful and all-loving God; our suffering has meaning and purpose in God's eternal plan, and He brings or allows to come into our lives only that which is for His glory and our good." Jerry Bridges

If you agree with this quote above, when we suffer, we shall remain people of hope. Yes, even in our family situation we know that God can use it for His glory and our good. Blaine and I are believing that He has a purpose and a plan ~ and we pray He will one day bring restoration and reconciliation. And, in the midst of it all ~ we pray He brings joy, hope and His amazing love continually to our boys that they are able to overcome and be strong, God-fearing men as they continue along their journey. We believe He will do just that. And, we believe He will transform Blaine and I for the next phase of our journey with Him ~ using our pain and suffering that we may, hopefully, one day minister to others who are facing their own trials.

"Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

These words mean a great deal to me right now. I continue to hope. I'm not willing to give up. Yes, there are times when I feel that my physical body is slowly wasting away, but my spirit grows stronger within me. This fills me with a wonderful and great joy! The more I focus on Jesus, the more this strength grows. It does not mean I don't continue to suffer, but I trust my life more and more into His hands for my wisdom does not match His ~ and there is much that happens in this life that I could never comprehend. I am learning to fully trust Him more and more.

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him." Lamentations 3:22-24

When I looked up this scripture for the study, I was surprised to find it underlined in my Bible. Some time along my journey, these verses were brought to my attention and I considered them important. And reading them again, I am overwhelmed with how much God loves me and cares for me anew each morning... It is because of His amazing love that I have not been overwhelmed in this life. He has never failed me - not once.

A final scripture to share:

"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Matthew 6:34 The Message

Okay. Guilty as charged. This is a big obstacle that trips me often. I'm always thinking of the future; planning and preparing for what I'd like to have happen or hope will happen or what might happen... And yet, I'm realizing more and more that I'm missing on being fully here today. This will be one of my resolutions for 2010 ~ learning to live in today and let tomorrow worry about itself for God will be in the midst of that day too, but I have plenty to take care of today...

A final quote to meditate upon:

"We can be sure that the development of a beautiful Christ-like character will not occur in our lives without adversity... We may think we have true Christian love until someone offends us or treats us unjustly. Then we begin to see anger and resentment well up within us. We may conclude we have learned about genuine Christian joy until our lives are shattered by an unexpected calamity or grievous disappointment. Adversities spoil our peace and sorely try our patience. God uses those difficulties to reveal to us our need to grow, so that we will reach out to Him to change us more and more into the likeness of His Son." Jerry Bridges

I've still got a long road ahead of me and so much to learn still. I am so thankful that He is continually transforming my life ~ and how I pray I will hear those words one day, "Welcome home good and faithful servant."

Abundant blessings as you simply devote yourself to Christ...

Reflections of a challenging time...

I am still amazed when something is happening in my life (trials/challenges) ~ and in an unrelated Bible study that I am working through, God speaks directly to me and the situation. And even more specifically, to an area that I am learning and growing through. Well, you'll have to stay tuned for tomorrow's Take Time Tuesday, won't you?!

Before I share regarding this week's study, I have been wanting to share a very big something that occurred while Blaine and I were in Colorado and on Elizabeth and Josh's wedding day. It has been a great difficulty in my life to have a very close relationship with my daughter and then suddenly she is nearly a stranger to me. Gone is the daily chatter, bantering about style, sharing our experiences in life, encouraging her in her faith, family laughter and craziness together. We love Elizabeth and Josh and pray God will guide them, provide for their needs and draw them to Him ~ and continually transform each of our lives. We pray our wonderful Lord will knit our lives together in His timing...

The morning of the wedding, Blaine and I were quite sad. Due to the timing and location of the wedding, Benjamin and Nicholas were not able to be there. My parents were not able to travel that great a distance either. Other family and friends were not there to celebrate with us. We were thankful that Blaine's parents and his brother, Richard, were able to fly in that day and drive up to the wedding... It's just not what we had imagined it would be. Blaine and I had plans for that day, but found out the day's schedule would not allow for them to happen ~ so we let them go. It had been a long journey and we were weary and we didn't know what the day would hold for us. Okay, Lord ~ I really need a sign. I reached for my "Streams in the Desert" and opened it to November 22nd.

"Do you believe that I am able to do this? (Matthew 9:28)

God deals with impossibilities. It is never too late for Him to do so, as long as that which is impossible is brought to Him in complete faith by the person whose life and circumstances would be impacted if God is to be glorified. If we have experienced rebellion, unbelief, sin and ruin in our life, it is never too late for God to deal triumphantly with these tragic things, if they are brought to Him in complete surrender and trust.

It has often been said, and truthfully so, that Christianity is the only religion that can deal with a person's past. God "will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten" (Joel 2:25), and He is trustworthy to do it unreservedly. He does so not because of what we are but because of who He is. God forgives and heals and restores, for He is "the God of all grace" (1 Peter 5:10). May we praise Him and trust Him. from Sunday School Times

Nothing is too hard for Jesus
No man can work like Him.

We have a God who delights in impossibilities and who asks, "Is anything too hard for Me?" (Jeremiah 32:27). Andrew Murray



While great sadness remains in my heart, we knew that morning that God was in complete control. Elizabeth and Josh belong to you, Lord. You are able to work everything out for Your Glory. We don't know when or how, but we do know You can accomplish it in Your timing - some day. In the midst of that unknown, we are able to continue on each day trusting You and believing Your Word. Your Word does not return void.

And, these words shared in Streams in the Desert also reminded me that even in life's darkest hours I need to keep Christ as my center; His peace as my companion - for I know that He is with me always. He has overcome this world and all the challenges this life holds for us. And while I know all that in my head, sometimes it takes a bit for my heart to catch up... To really embrace it and make it my daily walk. He was and is the God of impossibilities and I am SO THANKFUL He is!

I am closing the chapter on this part of our journey and preparing myself for what lies ahead! My faith has grown stronger through all of this. I am steadier in my beliefs and the Biblical values I hold. Through all of this, we have friends who have stayed close and supported us, friends who have detached themselves from our lives, we've experienced great changes in our family life and the choice of one person has possibly changed the future course for the rest of the family. And still, I have a great peace that God is able in the midst of much. We know not what the future holds, but I know that He is my joy, my peace, my strength and my source to love others in ways that He has loved us (though I have so much to learn in this regard). I'm excited to walk with the God of impossibilities each day of the rest of my life... He is good! He is always good!