Stop, Drop and Roll!

29 Wednesday May 2013

Posted by Barbara Isaac in beauty, Carelessness

Tags

Stop.

When you know you are going the wrong way and your very life is at stakes, it’s time to stop. Like you totally would if your coat caught on fire–you wouldn’t pretend every thing is fine; you’d try getting the coat off of you, or at least get the flames to stop. Your life would depend on it. STOP. DROP. AND ROLL.

That’ll get the fire out hopefully.

And sometimes in life, we’ve got to do the same stopping. Especially when beauty goes on auto-pilot. It’s right there, in the light turning, in the leave slowly dancing to the ground, in the droplets of rain on the window, in the pumpkin pie baking in the oven and the giggles of the kids on the street. In the creaminess of cheesecake caressing your tongue. In the fuzzy blanket that lays on your lap. But you don’t see it any more.

Stop.

Stop and look.

Because your life depends on it.

Do you see how the light catches the little icicle that hangs on the lowest branch of that tree right there? Now, if you turn your head a bit, yeah, just like that…. see it? That rainbow, God made it for your smile.

Stop and look.

Because your life depends on it.

Do you hear how your shoes crunch in the snow? That wind in those trees up there? God put it there to make you marvel. And praise.

Stop and look.

Because your life depends on it.

Oh, do you smell that wet dirt all around you? It’s the scent of life. Breathe deep, and enjoy.

Stop and look.

Because your life depends on it.

And the luscious taste of summer on your skin? Warm, lazy, delicious.

Stop and look.

Because your life depends on it.

Beauty all around. Right now. Right here.

Stop and look.

Because your life depends on it.

And the warmth of that puppy nestled in your arms, so lush, and cozy, alive, and needy.

Stop, look and laugh.

Because your life does depend on it.

Cultivating Thankfulness with Ann

#646 Sunflowers

#647 A great worship song that brings me close to Him

#648 Essential oils

Sometimes, I link up with any or all of these wonderful writers: Hearts 4 Home, SDG, Hearts Reflected, WLW, EOA, Things I can’t say, Growing Home, Play Dates with God, Monday Musings, Hear it on Sunday, Inspire Me Monday, Tell me a Story, The Better Mom, a Mama’s Story, Into the Word, In and Around Mondays,OYHT, Gratituesday, Titus2Tuesdays, Extraordinay, Lessons from Ivy, Denise in Bloom, Sweet Blessings, Faith Filled Friday, Finding Joy, WholeHearted Home, Mom’s the Word,

Mexico and Heaven

15 Monday Apr 2013

Posted by Barbara Isaac in beauty, Death, Thankfulness

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

God, Mexico

In December we book an all-inclusive vacation in Mexico for March of the next year. It’s so far away on the calendar that I just tuck it away really far in my heart and my head.

Christmas comes around and it’s a busy, wonderful family time. Life is full of good things, and sometimes difficult things, but either way it’s full and I hardly ever think about Mexico.

The new year comes around and with it I unwrap a lot of new promises, and I am so excited about life in the Now. Mexico isn’t even on my mind.

Until i’ts February and an ice-storm comes to visit. I remember that Mexico is coming up and it makes me smile.

And then the microwave breaks down, and a deer destroys the front of our car, and one of my children is hurting and it’s even colder out there. I crank up the heat, dress in layers and begin to dream about Mexico. Sun. Heat. No broken microwave. No food to cook actually. No broken car. No driving actually.

No hurting children.

Mexico is so needed. But it’s still out of my reach.

And time marches on, and I am telling my soul to live in the Now, because Now is just for right now and will never come back. And I do a pretty good job at it by the grace of God. But knowing that Mexico is right around the corner helps a lot. It keeps me focused.

Today I am packing, because I am flying out to Mexico tomorrow.

Mexico is no longer in the future, I can let myself taste of it and be glad.

Going to heaven to be with my Lord Jesus is a lot like planning to go on an all-inclusive vacation in Mexico.

Cultivating Thankfulness with Ann Voskamp

#579 The joy of planning a vacation

#580 The provision to go to Mexico

#581 Making my husband his favorite home cooked meal

When you Feel like You’re Drowning…

03 Sunday Mar 2013

Posted by Barbara Isaac in beauty, Christ centered, Thankfulness

≈ 15 Comments

Tags

Contentment, God

and there’s no place to go, because all you see around you is more and more wicked storm

and all you know to do is scream as loud as you can for help, but your voice doesn’t match the screaming of the storm and no one hears your cry, no one comes to the rescue

Edward Munch-The Scream

and people all around don’t see you any longer

and death seems easier than the never-ending fight,

when pretending it’s not there won’t make it go away,

when pain is forever constant and there are no more distractions,

and even hugs don’t touch the raw suffering of the soul that stares you in your face,

and the next breath is excruciating with no relief in sight,

and hope has disappeared,

these things remain:

THE VERY CORE OF GOD

All He is, all He was and all He’ll ever be

Given to you, so costly, through His blood covenant

THE VERY LOVE OF GOD

Earth-shattering, Undescribable, Unsearchable

That will carry you through all the way till one day

You’ll be home with Him, forever in His arms

THE VERY WORD OF GOD

Unchanging, Immovable, Unending,

Creative Power above at work down here for you

These are enough.

Power enough to keep you safe,

Gentleness enough to soothe the pain,

Strength enough to carry you.

Enough to still the storm,

Enough to let you know that He is.

Yes, He is.

He is enough.

Enough to let your heart find its rest in Him.

Come what may.

Cultivating Thankfulness with Ann Voskamp

# 515 The delight in finding self-control

# 516 A new client to challenge, love and help

# 517 A break from hurting knees

God’s Surprises

15 Tuesday Jan 2013

Posted by Barbara Isaac in beauty, Christ centered, Gift

≈ 36 Comments

Tags

God, Gratitude, Relationship

He is sweet like that, my God. He loves to catch me by surprise and overwhelm me with undeserved and extravagant kindnesses.

Like when He outdid Himself with a sunset that took my breath away while I was running in the midst of Maine’s blueberry fields.

And when He extended overwhelming mercy to me when I had been more than nasty to my husband.

And the time He dropped 50 pounds of potatoes at my doorstep after I gave my last two potatoes away.

I remember the day He softly whispered His forever love to me when I was pouring my lonely heart out to Him with heavy, painful tears, and He convinced me that having Him was the better part.

And how He stirred my heart to dare receive my house paid in full from His hand and two months later I got a check for that very amount plus nine dollars.

I love how He surprises me.

I love how He so intimately and deliciously loves me.

Cultivating Thankfulness with Ann Voskamp

#437 A warmish day in January

#436 My old, worn out Bible where I can find the verses I need

#435 DIY fun craft ideas

Back to Basics

05 Saturday Jan 2013

Posted by Barbara Isaac in agenda, Resolution

≈ 31 Comments

Tags

God, new year

A new year has started.

Really, it’s just another year, like the 53 I already had. No big deal. And actually, it’s just another day, and then another. January 5th comes and goes, and isn’t much different than December 28th, or May 13th for that matter. Yet stepping into this new year has caused me to do a lot of pondering–partly because I love new beginnings, and partly because I so did not want to set myself up for failure. My mind is assaulted with hundreds of thoughts that have rushed in and they seek to occupy it, shape it, rule it.

I look at the empty calendar and it’s already filled in my head, from beginning to end. It resembles a cluttered table, and my chest feels tight just looking at it. I stand at the beginning, yet there is no more room.

And the pressure rises from within the walls of my mind. I won’t be able to do it all. I can’t do it all. I don’t want to. How will I add more?

And the Word rises from with the depths of my spirit, ” For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

And that settles all. Silly me! I wipe all the clutter off, and the table stands naked. Ready for Him to place His good works on there. The ones He intends for me to do. The ones that will bear fruit. I can let go of all the rest.

I look at the days empty of purpose and my mind has already filled them, from beginning to end, with goals, desires, dreams, accomplishments, victories… mixed with strong emotions of fear, excitement and discouragement, all jumbled together in a big messy knot. And my chest feels tight just staring at it. I stand at the beginning, and it’s already all messed up.

And the pressure rises from within the walls of my soul. I can’t figure me out. I am just a loser. I don’t want to try anymore. How can I stop the cycle?

And the Word rises from with the depths of my spirit, “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

And that settles all. Silly me! I loosen the knot, and the twine is just one long string that can be directed wherever the owner desires. Ready for Him to lead me each day in the way that He pleases. The one He intends for me to take. The ones that will bear fruit. I can let go of all others.

So I take a deep, unhindered breath and I drop to my knees. I close my eyes and open my heart and consecrate the days, the works and the heart that is me to Him and Him alone, the author and perfector of it all.

I can let go of all the rest.

Cultivating Thankfulness with Ann Voskamp

#423 Wine and Cheese night!

#422 Letting God settle me

#421 Getting all the laundry done

#420 A cold walk in the snow

No Ordinary God

24 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by Barbara Isaac in meaning

≈ 15 Comments

Tags

God, mindful

I have a love/hate relationship with ordinary. Because ordinary is wonderful, and safe, and routine, and comfortable. But ordinary is lame, and lazy, and boring and far from exciting. I need it, I crave it and then I loathe it.

I guess it’s obvious that balance is something I have to work on in my life.

But the God I serve and love, He is anything but ordinary. All the time. Even His ordinary everyday stuff has no ordinary in it.

Like Sunsets.

Or Sunrises.

Or Fall.

Or Apples.

God’s everyday routine is extra-ordinary.

Because when He shows up, all the colors are brighter, and the wool is softer, and the heart is bigger, and the hands reach out.

And when He is behind the scene, the hugs are warmer, and the sun is brighter, and the pain is comforted, and hope is birthed.

The scent of God on any project, any person, any day makes it delightful, sought after, desired, fulfilling.

Because God is anything but ordinary.

And if I clothe myself with Him, I am not either. Even in the most mundane tasks of my day.

Like doing dishes

And answering mail

Or sitting in traffic.

When He shows up, it all makes sense.

When we clothe ourselves with Him, it is all worth it.

Cultivating Thankfulness with Ann Voskamp

#409 The joy of realizing my grown-up kids like coming home!

#408 Christmas cookies in the oven

#407 Christmas music in the house

#406 Christmas Caroling with friends on a cold night

My Story

21 Friday Dec 2012

Posted by Barbara Isaac in life

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

God, Picket fence

My story doesn’t look anything like yours. I couldn’t make it look like yours if I tried.

My story is messy. It’s filled with detours, and U-turns, and slides in the mud, and falling down and getting up and frustration and laughter until I cry.

My story is woven with bruised hearts, flesh denied, flesh yielded to, genius ideas and lame results.

And I am who I am today because of all these. And then some.

My story is not pretty.

And sometimes, I worry that it’s not good enough. Because I know without any doubt that I will never measure up to yours. I am not pretty like you, and I can’t talk in public without shaking in my boots. I don’t have the perfect little house with the white picket fence and the kids looking like they jumped out of a magazine. My story is filled with skeletons that scare even me.

But my story is mine, and it scares me, down to my toes. And it’s real, down to my toes. And it’s mine, all the way down to my toes. And I own up to it, even in the secret uglies and the dark places. It made me who I am. I have given up wearing my shame like a badge. And I am wonderfully becoming.

Cultivating Thankfulness with Ann Voskamp

#405 Pedicure with my daughter

#404 My cozy winter sweaters

#403 1 Peter 1

#402 Homemade Pumpkin Butter

No Agenda

14 Sunday Oct 2012

Posted by Barbara Isaac in Christ centered

≈ 14 Comments

Tags

God, Time

Just me and You, Jesus.

No agenda.

Just being with You.

Cultivating Thankfulness with Ann Voskamp

#326 My vivid imagination

#325 Eggs and fruit salad for breakfast

#324 A crisp morning walk

I Don’t Wanna Go

06 Monday Aug 2012

Posted by Barbara Isaac in beauty, change, Christ centered

≈ 18 Comments

Tags

Calling, God, God's presence, walk

Everything in me wants to stay home and dig into my book. But He calls me. Like He does every day. It’s that time of day when God and I meet together and talk things out; when He fills me with the strength I need; when He straightens some of the crookedness in my soul, and He infuses me with Himself.

It’s the time I can’t breathe without.

But today, I just don’t wanna go. I am lazy. I don’t wanna lace my shoes, get in my car, drive to the spot where I park and then start walking up the hill and talk with Him. It’s hot; I am tired, and my book is calling my name.

But I go.

Begrudgingly, I go. I go because I know it’s the right thing to do, and I go because I would feel guilty otherwise. Not very good motives, but I go anyway. I show up.

And when I get there, He is waiting for me.

He takes me deep into the woods, one little step at a time, and He gently begins to wash my mind, and my heart, and even my soul with His sweet presence.

I cannot hold on to my pout.

My tiredness is swept away as He tells me of His love for me.

I drink Him in.

I breathe Him in.

Deep.

His heart is filling me. His life within awakens me. And I can’t help but giggle like a school girl. I raise my hands to the sky and twirl and twirl and twirl until I am dizzy with joy.

It is well with my soul.

Cultivating Thankfulness with Ann Voskamp

#237 His unwillingness to let me go

#236 Conquering a lazy spirit

#235 The joy of reading a good book

#234 The pearls my husband gave me

Linking up with Play Dates with God, Extraordi nary, OYHT, GratiTuesday, Titus 2sday, SDG, Tell Me a Story, Hearts 4 Home and What Joy is Mine

Early Morning Secrets

03 Tuesday Jul 2012

Posted by Barbara Isaac in Christ centered, everyday, Soul

≈ 22 Comments

Tags

God, nourishment, walk

It’s dark out there, and my sleepy body longs to remain in the warmth of my bed under the feathery comforter. But I know better.

I rub my heavy eyes and lace my shoes. Double knotted, that’s what works for me. It looks chilly out there in this early summer morning. I grab a long sleeve shirt just in case I would need it.

I gently close the door behind me and venture into the dawn of the day before it can be called dawn. I inhale deeply in the cool morning air.

Me and You, Lord.

I know He is waiting for me; this is our meeting place. As I walk through the streets of my neighborhood in the early hours of the day, I welcome Him in the deepest parts of me.

Nothing is off limits. He is comfortable there. So we walk. And we talk. With words, and without words.

He knows all of my secrets. But I delight in telling Him. And He delights in listening.

And then I listen–wisdom enters my being.

The darkness of the night makes way for the dawn of day. My steps are taking me back to the place that I call home. I inhale deeply and notice that my breath is stronger. Invigorated. And I know that my heart bears the imprint of its Maker.

He touched me.

The Lover of my soul has fed me my portion today.

Cultivating Thankfulness with Ann Voskamp

#172 My new app that lets me walk and walk and walk and still find my car at the end

#171 My early Morning Meetings with God

#170 The Voice of God in my Heart

#169 The crisp morning Air

#168 the quiet Presence of God in the early Morning

Linking up with GratiTuesday, Titus 2sday, Graceful Summer, Still Saturday, Jumping Tandem, Faith Filled Fridays, Women Living Well, Hear it on Sunday, God Bumps and Just Write

My Life As An Adventure

~ Living Life out loud ...

Tag Archives: God

Stop, Drop and Roll!

Mexico and Heaven

When you Feel like You’re Drowning…

these things remain:

God’s Surprises

Back to Basics

No Ordinary God

My Story

No Agenda

I Don’t Wanna Go

Early Morning Secrets

Follow “My Life As An Adventure”

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