Palms

Psalm 139:1-4

"O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord."

I don't know about you, but the above verse is rather scary to me... especially that last line about knowing what I want to say before I even speak the words. (So sometimes I have a mouth, okay?)

This verse makes us completely... exposed. The good and the bad. Strengths and weaknesses. Honesty and false statements. Joy and heartache. My Father knows it all.

("Is this really a good thing?" I wonder...)

However, the next part of the passage completely blows my mind.

Verses 5-6

"You hem me in- behind and before;

you have laid your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

too lofty for me to attain."

My pastor used this passage in his message yesterday, and I had to revisit it when I woke up this morning. He created a visual image of what this passage is depicting:

When one holds something of ownership, one will lay out his hand flat out and merely support the object. However, when one holds something of worth/value, one will support the object with one hand but also use the other hand to cover the object; for protection, for safety.

The beginning of Psalm 139 leaves me vulnerable and exposed. If I didn't know my God, I would be fearful in the realization that He knows even my innermost thoughts. However, the next couple verses remind me that God not only is my Father, but He loves me! Not the kind of love I exhibit for say, ice-cream; but He loves me with a love that is inconceivable to humans.

Despite my weaknesses, my faults, my sins...He embraces me in the palm of His hands, displaying His love for, pride in, protection over me. And you!

I know one thing... I can't be reminded of this Love enough. What a great way to start the day today- just reveling in this Perfect Love and overflowing with thanks to the Giver of this Love!

Change.

"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." John F. Kennedy

When some people hear the word "change", their skin crawls and their armpits begin to sweat. However, in the past few years, I've realized I'm a person whom embraces change with open arms. Although I'm a very structured creature who appreciates a schedule and organization and routine more than most (some might call me a "nerd"), I am also fond of rolling with the punches every now and then.

I can say that with each new day, I am becoming more and more aware that change is a-comin'. I do not know to what degree this change is going to take place, but I can tell it's approaching. And I'm excited to say the least.

Sacred? No.

Worried? Nope.

Fearful? Naw.

Doubt? Nada.

I know that my God works all things for the good for those who love Him.

Of His promises, I am confident. Of His presence, I am becoming more and more aware. Of His faithfulness, I am constantly reminded. Of His plan, I am receptive.

I'm sorry to write and be so entirely vague. I will reveal more details as they present themselves. I just needed to declare my trust in Him, my dependence on His word, and my anticipation for what is to come.

Every Hour I Need Thee

This entry is taken from The Cornerstone Devotion. Her words express exactly what is on my heart in a much more eloquent way than my own words could articulate. Whether you are an educator like myself or serve this life under another occupation, I believe these words are a powerful and crucial reminder to us all.

Ah, the month of May. State testing will be finished. Spring break is a distant memory. The countdown is on and we know exactly how many days of school are left. It's time for teacher cruise-control: being more laid-back, more informal, more creative. The hardest days are behind us, and we can relax and enjoy what's ahead.

But don't forget that we are most vulnerable to an attack from the enemy NOT when we're at our weakest point, but when we're at ourstrongest.

What believing teacher doesn't say a prayer before the first day of school? Who doesn't murmur "God help us!" during standardized tests? Our awareness of how we are totally dependent on God is highest in stressful times because we can't imagine doing it without Him. We know we need Him to survive and don't dare try to do anything on our own.

But now, as the warm spring air fills our classrooms, it's tempting to let our guard down and try to get through the day in our own strength. It's the easiest time of year, right? We can handle it! And so we miss the opportunity to commune with the divine in our daily tasks. We shut God out and just try to make it through the last few weeks.

I'm experiencing this phenomenon on two levels this year: as an instructional coach whose school year is winding down, and as an author who has just about finished writing a second book. A few months ago when a blank computer screen taunted me, I was always on my knees. I was completely dependent on God to place every word in my heart and tell me what I need to write. But now it's tempting to think the creative work is done, and I need to focus on editing, I need to choose the cover, I need to handle the publishing technicalities. My human nature keeps concluding Thanks, God, you did great so far, but I think I've got it from here. If a minor disaster occurs, I'll be sure to check in, but otherwise, I'll be handling things myself.Kthxbye.

And so it's a conscious, daily decision to STOP. To silence my mind and feel with my spirit. To ask God:

Would You make Your presence known to me? Would You be a full part of every moment and guide me each step of the way? Don't let me get overconfident, God. Don't let me think I can do this on my own. Everything turns out better when You're involved. And every moment becomes more precious and enjoyable, knowing that You're there. Keep the song placed in my heart: "I need Thee, oh I need thee, every hour I need Thee."You placed the lyrics for that hymn in the heart of a housewife as she went about her daily routine; you directed her to write it so that we would have inspiration in even the most mundane tasks. Inspire me, too, Lord! Fill me with your presence and give meaning to every hour. Let things of great beauty come from times of monotony. Help me to be receptive to Your spirit in everything I do.

I pray that this prayer stays on your heart as you finish the school year, so that the Lord is with you every moment of every day, filling you with peace and contentment and purpose.

Best. Song. Ever.

Fabric Fun

An eternity may lapse in between my own blog posts, but I am a self-diagnosed

blog-following-junkie. As part of my daily routine, I read up on blogs, blogs, and more blogs. (You'll find a list of some of my favs to the right!)

I follow a multitude of decorating blogs, and just this week I came across a newbie:

House of Turquoise

She posts decor photos that are nothing less than uh-mazing!

The pics below depict fabrics whose colors are intoxicating on a dreary and chilly Saturday like today. May their patterns and vibrant colors cast out Winter's dreariness and help welcome a highly anticipated Springtime!

Aren't they just fabulous?!?