Happy Feet

 

Happy Feet

 

This weekend Justin and I made it to the movie theater, and as the previews rolled across the screen, one in particular caught my attention. More maybe as I remember it today than even at that moment: Happy Feet 2.

I have never seen Happy Feet, and likely will not see the second one, but that preview did two things. It made me wish I could have a fuzzy baby penguin of my own (almost as much as I want one of those mini giraffes from the Direct TV commercials), and it made me think of the things in life that really make me happy-all the way down to my toes.

 

Happy Cells

 

One of those things which make me very happy, is the sunshine in summer! This year's temperatures are breaking records (and pocket books) as we try to keep cool and stay safe in the incredible temps. But one thing does not change for me, regardless of the 100+ degrees. When the sun kisses my skin, all of my skin cells rejoice, and it's as if I can feel the vitamin D reviving the energy of those cells. Can you relate? It's invigorating, and I find myself at times, craving the warmth and rejuvinating energy from the sun.

 

How about after sitting for long periods of time at school or work, and then getting up and stretching the muscles in your arms, legs, and torso? Wow! Those muscle cells are jumping around, and thanking you for popping them back to life. It feels so good, and each time it happens, I wonder why I don't do it more often. Very. Happy. Cells.

 

Happy Heart

 

Recently, however, I have rediscovered the depth and breadth of the rejuvinating power of spending time in God's word. Not just reading a verse or two, or filling in blanks in a bible study book. But reading. Soaking. Studying the pages of scripture. For some, this is the status quo of your walk right now. You know the invigorating and insatiable draw of God's Word when it opens like a water hose and gushes refreshment and joy into your soul. For others, this is something you've known at various times in your walk with God. Maybe in college. Maybe right after you were saved and were on fire for the Lord. Maybe it was last year, but for some reason the habit is slipping as quickly as the summer months tick away. For me, I am easily intimidated by what I think it will take (time wise, committment wise, etc.) and if I can't do what I think it takes, I put it off, choosing rather to not try than to fail my personal expectation.

 

But, oh, what energy and excitement there is in knowing God in His Word. Studying whole passages or characters at a time help us to see God's character and learn from His mandates, love, and promises, as well as the mistakes and failings of those who followed Him in His Word. There is a spiritual "happy feet" dance that my heart does when I see His attributes come alive in the pages of the Old and New Testament, and convict and challenge me personally: when I begin to crave the Son.   

On one hand, I continue to learn (as all adults say to the next generation), "the more I know the more I realize I don't know." But at the same time, the more you know, the more God turns your heart to desire things of His nature, and the more exciting it is to live as His! Claiming His promises, obeying His mandates, and pursuing His best in each element of each day becomes like sunshine to my skin cells, or the tingling stretch of a muscle.

 

I hope that today you can say your heart is happy, and that your spiritual cells snap with the joy that is knowing our God in such a personal way. But if not, know that He is not far off, but near. "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." James 4:8   Make it a priority today, and ask God to give you, happy feet.

 

 

It's a H.O.M.E.

We've been in our house now for 2 months. Hard to believe. And yet, it does feel like home. Every day I'm excited about something in the house, and so thankful all over again. Here are just a few of the highlights.

I love Having a pantry. Yes, a walk in, multi-shelved pantry to store food, snacks etc. What a treat!
I giggle about my dOorbell. I know it's a small thing, but one facet of 'house' defined is a doorbell.
We are soon getting a storM door! There is something comfortable about an open front door to greet the sun and friends and family.
And what a thrill to have a clothEs bar in the laundry room - so nice to hang wet clothes instead of draping my furniture with them.

Of course there are many more things to thank God for, including space to host family and friends, and an office for our books as well as rooms to let weary heads rest. A place to call our own, and use in ministry as the Lord leads.

*Sigh*

Very thankful. Every day.

"Good morning, Beautiful."

That’s what I heard as I rolled up to the second window at McDonalds. “Good morning, Beautiful.”

It was delivered so exactly as I arrived at the open window to pay, that it must have been perfectly planned by the two high school boys waiting with mischievous and satisfied smiles lighting their eyes as I pulled to a stop at their window. I smiled to myself, my mind repeating the words again in my head as I dug out my debit card and passed it through the window.

“Good morning . . . beautiful?”

Did they regret saying it the minute it crossed the tip of their tongue? Whether they were going off of my voice or had surveillance of the drive thru line to know I was female, were they not totally shocked when in real life I was just a 27 year old wearing no make up with wet hair lying limp against my head? I began wondering if they made a mistake, or were being facetious? Maybe they were trying to be smooth like the Starbucks people who call everyone “hun” or “love” or “sweetie.”

Whatever it was, I laughed to myself as I pulled away, (remembering too, that normally it only takes one person at the window to take money), and thought they are either really silly and just like to get reactions out of people, or they are laughing their heads off over their mistake.

I will never know. But, it was an amusing way to start the day, for them and for me. :)

Things I Love!

1. A quiet evening at home on the couch with hubby, perusing cell phone options on line.


2. Mornings when both Justin and I are home and getting ready to go to work!


3. Afternoons, just hours before departing for a mother/daughter reunion in another state.


4. Brisk walks over the lunch hour in dressy slacks and tennis shoes.


5. Answering questions about my Christmas card photo taken in Uganda.


6. Packing light in my new Vera Bradley (on sale) duffel bag.


7. Knowing sweet husband will pick me up at the airport when I return.


8. God's blessing, over and abundant beyond anything I can ask or think!


9. His Word and time alone with Him.


10. Peace. That passes all understanding.

(And I wasn't trying for ten...just came out that way :)

It's a Faith Thing

Bend

Push Off

Flailing Limbs

Scream, Blink, Rejoice

Faith

~

Did you know that life sold out for Christ is a bigger adventure than you can know while you're standing on the edge?

Did you know that when Christ takes hold of your heart, it will beat to the drum of all the nations represented at the throne of Christ in heaven one day?

Did you know that when your soul begins to understand the True Light of "Christ in me" it will no longer be satisfied with artificial light.

Did you know that by faith - in the Creator, Sustainer, Healer, Lover, Savior, Director, King and Father - you can learn your true purpose and meaning on

this earth: to love God and glorify Him ALWAYS so that

those around you see Him when they look at you

SO THAT they will also believe and Glorify His Name!

~

Are you just looking at the water from a distance?

Are you barely sticking your toe in the river?

or Have you jumped with abandon into the flow of His mercy, love and glory!

THANKS GIVING

Give thanks.
With a grateful heart.

Give thanks.
In humility.

Give thanks.
With awe for what our God has done.

Give thanks.
For your family.

Give thanks.
For all the friends you have.

Give thanks.
Never forgetting, our God is so good.

Give thanks.
Not reservedly.

Give thanks.
With all that is within your soul.

Give thanks.
With awe for what our God has done.

Give thanks.
That Jesus saved you.

Give thanks.
For the complete victory.

Give thanks.
Never forgetting, our God is so good.

Give thanks.

*What is your favorite song of thanksgivng or praise this season?

Have You Found Your Place?

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