Uncluttered

I was spending time with God this morning some while I was sitting still and reading the Word, some while I was hanging laundry outside in the sunshine... But I continually found myself asking Him to quiet my soul and help me to have more time and energy for the things and people in my life that are most important and most of all for more time with Him.

I sat down for my moring coffee and FB check and this song was in my newsfeed....

Coincidence? Nah, definitely a God Sighting!

Happy Monday friends, hugs to you <3

Fantastic Friday!

Dear Tummy,

Sorry for all the butterflies, its all ^ his fault! <3

Masterpiece

Ephesians 1:4 - " Even as, in his love, He chose us (actually picked us out for Himself as His own) in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even abovereproach, before Him in love."

Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God's own Masterpiece (His handiwork) recreated in Christ Jesus..."

You have been chosen!

All of us have a desire to be loved and accepted. We work hard on our relationships here on earth and put great stock in what others think of us, at least I do. But this week while reading in Ephesians, I was smacked in the face with the reminder that even though God knows me best and knows all about me, I MEAN ALL ABOUT ME, He still chose me on purpose. He picked ME out to be His!

Not only was I chosen regardless of the mess I am and make of things, I am also told I am a Masterpiece... WHAT???? Looking in the mirror and at my heart, I can't say I have ever used the word Masterpeice to describe myself. But God does. I don't know alot about art, but what I do know is that Masterpieces take thought and time to create just so. It starts as a thought and keeps being played around with in the artists mind as to what it should look like, and the details... the shadings, and shapes, the colors and curves.. each detail needing special attention and time. Very few pieces of art are declaired a "Masterpiece" and yet scripture tells me that I am one.  So are you, my friend! God, the creator of all things, took special time, thought and attention on each detail of you to make you who you are. You are loved that much!

List maker..

I am a list maker. I love to make a list and check things off as I go. The sense of accomplishment that I get when I see those tasks crossed off is an emotional "high" and puts a smile on my face.

I have two lists going on this Monday morning. One is my task list that I have already begun crossing off as I go. The other is my prayer list and this morning, it is quite long. It contains lots of people who are very important to me and while I am a regular prayer person for people with requests, this morning is different.

Today, a sweet boy I know and love, is swearing into the United State Marine Corps with his mom and dad standing by and watching with pride and tears. My heart is hurting for them and full of pride along side them. I pray for his safety and for his well being. I miss him already.

A dear friend is fighting daily with cancer and my heart is heavy for her and her family and friends that are hurting.

A marriage is falling apart because selfishness has entered the scene and a man found "greener pastures" without responsibilites. This newly single mom is struggling while putting one foot in front of another for her child's sake.

My husband is out working hard, long hours while he is tired. I pray for his safety and for his spirit to stay uplifted. I thank God for him and all that he does for us and what he is to me!

My children. This is a big one. My heart is hurting lots these days. A mother's heart is not meant to be trampled on, yet it will take it over and over again and continue to love. I am asking God specifically this morning to guard my heart and my tongue today.

Genuinly hurting people, whether it be personal choices or by no hand of their own. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually hurting people.

With all of that being said, I am thankful this morning to have a Heavenly Father to lay these requests before and know that He is hearing me and listening to His child's pain and cries. While I will never understand why these things happen to people, I do know that something good and for the glory of God will come of all of these situations.

In the mean time, this list will remain untouched with my Sharpie marker, for now...