When I was a child....

When I was a child, my Mom read to me from a big Bible Story book.  Well, it was big to a small girl.  The cover was rather plain, but inside, now that's where the wonderful things were.  It not only contained stories, which still thrill me, but it also had the most beautiful pictures.  I didn't realize until I grew up that it contained paintings from the Masters.  Gorgeous, lovely, inspiring paintings! They were truly magnificent.  As my Mom would read I would stare at the pictures and be taken to a different time and place.

I don't know where Mom got the book from.  I doubt she understood the profound impact that book had on me.  But I know she would like it.  If I tried I might be able to get her to understand.  But she's 91 and her mind doesn't always comprehend what I try to tell her.  But I do know she intended for me to know the awesome truths held there in that book.  She did want me to love God and serve him.

She did a good thing.

I think maybe parents now a days are way too busy to read many Bible stories to their children.  I hope and pray I'm wrong.  But I know life is terribly busy.  A thousand things are calling to them. There are wonderful stories on YouTube and Roku.  But there is just something about holding a child in your lap or right snug beside you and reading to them.  Close enough to steal a kiss or hug.  




Before I forget... the paintings.  They, I believe, were the seeds of my love of beauty and the arts. I'm a creative person.  Once years ago, we went to New York and I got to see the original paintings of the Masters. It was unbelievable!  My husband had to drag me away.  I was so moved.  They spoke to me just as they had as a child. I can't paint but I love crafts and creating.  But I do enjoy art and music. Those seeds planted so long ago have enriched my life and through me my children's and grand children's.  I think art and stories make a person realize they are part of something bigger than themselves.  That we have a creator.

Funny isn't it?  Something as simple as sitting in a chair reading with full attention to a small child could help influence their lives for eternity.  What a wonderful thing!  

Come Away

This is something the Lord gave me a bit ago. I was rereading it and realized it is for more than just for me.  Hope it touches you like it did me.

"I speak to you through song, through beauty and nature, the sun, the stars, a baby's smile, a child's laughter.  I surround you with my voice every day.  Do you hear?  Are you tuned into me?  do you listen?   I'm whispering turn this way, turn that way.  Do you not hear?  Are you listening?  The wind blows and I whisper your name.   Come away with me Love, I say.   For a moment, for an hour, for a day.  Come away.  Hear me.  I surround you with my wonder.  Do you hear?   Do you see?  Close your eyes and see.  Close your eyes and hear me, Love.  I'm in a baby's cry.  I'm in the wind.  I'm everywhere.  You have been taught the enemy is everywhere but I say, I'm everywhere.   You have to have eyes to see.  Ears to hear.   Fear not!   Fear not  ! But lift your head, your redemption is nigh.   See me! Hear me!  Do you hear the sounds of heaven?  I'm near you.  I'm in you.  Sanctify your ears and hear me.  Hear me whisper your name. Come away Love.  Come away for a moment, an hour, a day.  Come away Love.  Come away with me.  Play.  Sing.  Dance.  Just be.  Just be with me.  
Rest.  Renew.  Relax. 
Come away for a moment, for an hour, for a day.  Come away.  Let me lift your burdens.  Let me lift the load!  Come away.  Come away.  Taste see that I'm good.  Feel.  Feel my love, my warmth, my heavenly touch soothing your brow.   Rubbing away the roughness, smoothing your troubled soul.  Come away, Love.  For a moment, for an hour, for a day.  Come away with me.  Practice my presence.  Hear me. hear my breath.  Hear me breathe on them (he means my girls and those I pray for everyday. Who does He mean for you?)  soft as a baby's breath.  Harsh as a mighty wind.  Whichever I desire.   But hear me.  Keep your ears open to hear me. hear me speak all day, in the middle of the night.  Loud.  Quiet.  Whichever way I choose.  Don't miss me.  Don't miss hearing.  All day listen, listen.  I'm speaking.  I'm speaking to you and all who has ears to hear.  Says the Lord!"

Coconut Pie Blessing

I LOVE Coconut pie.  From the flaky crust to the sweet filling,  rich with goodness, that makes your mouth smile, to the piled high light brown meringue to the toasted coconut on top.   I love every bite of it.  Makes my mouth water to think about it. YUMMY !!!

Today I pray that God will bless your life that way.  A delicious foundation (crust) with many layers of goodness.  Filled with sweetnesswith a taste you love  (filling).  Covered with richness of blessings and fun (Meringue).  And even more topped off with glimpses of his great love for you  surprising you with the deepness of flavor that knowing He loves you adds (toasted coconut pieces) .

And it's not a diet pie.  No deprivation in God's blessings.  Whole goodness.  No fake flavors or ingredients.  That is what the enemy gives.  Actually he deprives.  God blesses fully, abundantly.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). John 10: 10 (Amplified version)

Be blessed dear reader.  Be Coconut Pie Blessed!