HAPPY FRIDAY....

It's already Friday, YAY!!  I am a little behind today but that's OK.  Sometimes I wonder when it will occur to me that "hurrying" is no longer something I have to do.  Some things just die hard.  We are having such warm weather here; almost 80 degrees again today.  I guess I might as well give up on Winter here in So. California.  We just haven't much at all.  Not that we ever really do here, but I haven't even had to use my heavier throw blanket on my couch for TV viewing yet....Actually, if I wasn't wanting some "winter" weather I could really appreciate how gorgeous it is here.  It does cool off just beautifully at night.  In fact clear down in the upper 40's or low 50's.  So the house does get really chilled, and then stays that way even when the sun is heating things up.

I had a small pre-cancerous spot removed yesterday from the bridge of my nose, and so I guess that means I will spend the next week or so with a red, somewhat horrid looking spot.  I am usually not a very vain person.  I try to look my best and all, but I just don't give it much thought.  I regularly color my hair and keep it shaped, get frequent mani's and pedi's, wear some light make-up every day,  and I do try to at least be somewhat fashion conscious, but other than that I call it a wrap.  It is what it is.  But looking in the mirror this morning I thought to myself, "Oh wow, this is NOT going to be a pretty sight at all.  How will I show my face on Sunday at church?"  But as I have dwelt on it during the day today as I went about my chores, the Lord seemed to be drawing to my mind that nothing is ever hidden from Him.  Do we think just because it isn't bright red and sticking out for all to see that nobody notices other little imperfections that we are sporting in our lives?  Our mean spirited at times tongues, our petty jealousies, or our hearts that are selfish and mean spirited.  Think maybe He is telling me to look and care more about what is going on in my heart?!  I'm pretty sure I heard it loud and clear.

I have almost finished the first book in the new series I am reading.  Seriously, I have hardly been able to put it down.  I honestly just can't imagine living in those days.  How hard it must have been to be the wife of a King like Ahaz ,whose heart did NOT belong to God.  Who worshiped idols and offered HUMAN sacrifices to them, and lived a sinful, selfish, indulgent life that went against everything you believed in, who had MANY concubines.  It has been most thought provoking.  How grateful I am to be living in the days and times we are, and for so many of things we take for granted.

We are going to help our oldest son move tomorrow.  It is just around the corner so the trips back and forth should be quick.  I am glad right along with them that the kids won't have to change schools.  I am looking forward to seeing them all tomorrow...I miss them!

I do two devotionals a day.  I have the time in this season of my life, so why not?  I take my time with the one I do in the mornings, but at night I keep it short as I am pretty sleepy when I crawl into bed which is when I do it.  I have found this to be the perfect time to be going through the devotional by Sarah Young called Jesus Calling.  I am sure many of you probably have it.  I LOVE it.  It is like a love letter from Jesus to us.  I wanted to share one that especially touched me this week for those of you who do not have this book.  The underlined part just seemed to jump off the page at me.  How true it is!

Come to Me and rest.  I am all about you, to bless and restore.  Breathe Me in with each breath.  The way just ahead of you is very steep.  Slow down and cling tightly to My hand.  I am teaching you a difficult lesson, learned only by hardship.  Lift up empty hands of faith to receive My precious Presence.  Life, Joy, and Peace flow through this gift.  When your focus turns away from Me, you grasp for other things.  You drop the glowing gift of My Presence as you reach for lifeless ashes.  Return to Me; regain My Presence.....Sarah Young


Matthew 11:28-30  "Come to Me, all of you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.  


I occasionally like to read from the Message as well.  It is a contemporary rendering of the Bible from the original languages, crafted to present its tone, rhythm, events, and ideas in everyday language.  I liked the way they put this particular portion of scripture too.


Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me.  - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.".....the Message


This post was really all over the place I know, haha.  Just thinking aloud I guess.  Hope you all have a wonderful week-end!  I will leave you with this darling pic of Sam and my girl.  How I am missing them both today!

ON THEIR WAY TO A SUPER BOWL PARTY....TOO BAD IT DIDN'T HAVE DIFFERENT RESULTS, HAHA