Words of Life

Several months ago my mom started compiling a verse chain to document passages of Scripture which spoke to her soul during her quiet time. As the days passed and note cards rapidly began to accumulate on her ring, she encouraged me and several others in our family to use this tool as well.

As I read my Bible, I keep a stash of blank white note cards on my desk to jot down verses which refresh and challenge my soul. Already I have thick stack of these cards; I see them as sweet morsels of Scripture overflowing with words of life to embrace again

And again.

Some may bear rich meaning now, others have been slipped onto the ring to deliver refreshment in times to come. Rather than resting unopened in my journal collecting dust, they sit clasped in a place where I can see them, hold them, and revisit the depth of their meaning.

The words written on their face document struggles; they recall victories; their message points to His promises. In the midst of the raging battle they speak of love, hope, and security to deliver my soul from fear. Countless times the Lord has brought comfort through the verses he burdened me to add to my chain in those times of quiet.

I am so thankful for God's Word and for how He uses it in our lives.

Jewels on a Gravel Road

I have probably spent more time reading other blogs than posting on my own. However, I came across this post from an excellent blog; it is a little story with a wonderful take-home point which spoke to my heart.

Where will I choose to set my gaze today? Will I dwell on my disappointments and uncertainties, or will I instead seek to embrace and admire the glorious One: his faithfulness, his promises, his character, the hope he holds?

(photo courtesy of AirNinja.com )

Like searching for jewels on a gravel road, the going may be rough and full of bumps. But by giving the proper vision and perspective, the Lord can illuminate precious treasures along a pathway we only perceive as dust, dirt, and grime.

May I turn my gaze toward the Jewel in my path today.

Hope Attained

Today, gathered together as a family, we remember the life of my dear grandmother. Our hearts rejoice in the saving work of Jesus Christ in her life. Through the death Christ died, the physical death of his chosen ones has no power, no might, no grasp on their eternal souls. Hallelujah!
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But, although this is a joyful time, our hearts also ache at her departure. Over the course of several years we have sadly observed the harsh hold of Alzheimer's disease bring her to a rapid decline. In my selfish desires I wish I could have had a deeper, fuller relationship with this godly lady.
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What it must be like to enter the throne room of Christ and enjoy him forevermore! I envision her now rejoicing in his glory, using her lovely voice to sing endless praises to the King with all her heart and strength. She has a new mind--no longer blurred and hindered by disease--in order to remember and dwell on the glory of God.
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Thank you Lord, for an everlasting hope. It does not just end here. Rather, what we see as the end is only the beginning.

Savoring the Stress of State Competition!

My younger brother Daniel and I had the privilege of performing in the state piano competition this past weekend!

Our second time competing in state, the overall experience went very smoothly since we knew the ropes and what to expect. Upon arrival we leisurely went to the practice rooms and warmed up on one of the many dingy upright pianos before cooly walking into to the audition site. Well . . . I wish I could say it went exactly that way. However, outward appearances can be deceiving!

Each contestant is required to play three memorized pieces for a judge. After months and months of practice I do not like the thought of "one try" at a competition and all of the factors which it rests on. Cold, stiff fingers . . . a picky judge . . . or a crummy piano could alter desired outcomes. Or maybe just the opposite. Whatever it is, the proccess requires split-second flexibility and quick adjustment. Because of this I prayed that the Lord would give me perspective, ability, encouragement in whatever circumstance I faced.

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However, this year I found it particularly exciting to audition in the huge concert hall. What a perk! Last year I performed on a not-so-great piano in one of the small offices. This year I was pleasantly surprised to progress to a higher notch.

There I stood, anxiously awaiting in front of the double doors of the hall, my heart thumping wildly. Finally, the music of the previous player had concluded, and the door opened. My eyes grew wide upon catching a first glimpse of the room. I walked down the stairway leading to the stage down below as if a red carpet had been unfurled at my feet. The judge sat beyond the stage like a speck off in the distance. Ahead a full-sized grand piano waited in the spotlight. Although its booming bass and muffled soprano notes required compensation -- which maybe I could not offer as accurately on a "first try" -- I caressed the black and white keys and pulled from them the music which had swirled in my head for days, weeks, months! Amid the blurr of thoughts and notes in my brain as I brought the piece to execution, I tried to focus on the scene and the lasting memory I would take away from this experience.

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What an honor it was to sit there and play. After watching others perform I realized the honor it was to even be numbered with such exceptional pianists in this state. Our jaws dropped to the floor upon hearing some of the incredible pieces these kids performed. In all honesty I was just about laughing because it was so unreal!

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Needless to say, the experience this year has greatly inspired me. I thank the Lord for blessing that time and for providing such a wonderful opportunity for critique and growth!

¿Te gusta la comida mexicana?

This week the assignment for our Spanish class involved preparing an authentic Mexican meal for our family. Steven and I donned our chefs hats and made enchiladas with enthusiasm this evening . . . while snapping our fingers to the peppy beat of Latino music in the background.

¡Qué deliciosa! I think we had a winner!

Signs of Spring

Yesterday the warm, cheery sunshine beckoned me outside. I carefully studied my little garden plot, and look what I found!

The irises already peek from the bed

I found an occasional leaf poking through from the tangled reeds from last year's plant.

Running to the garage, I came back with a trimmer. I clipped and piled up some of the old, dead flower stalks and piled them to the side. As I did so, the sweet fragrance of the dead, dried bee-balm stalks filled the air like a lovely perfume. Underneath the remains of its dried stalks I could see a few little leaves of new, fresh bee-balm plants beginning to poke up from the ground. How amazing think of the many concepts this season illustrates. The concept of old becoming new, death birthing life, and the dead becoming alive (such as Jesus' resurrection celebrated on Easter).

Death.

Life!

In reality, I would not consider myself an avid gardener. I just like to stand back and watch things grow! Perennials give me the most joy since they faithfully come back year after year. Every spring I burst with excitement upon noticing their little heads shoot up from the soil beneath. Despite the cold, harsh winters of the north, they endure the snow and sleet while firmly rooted in the ground, ready and preparing to spring up and flourish when the time is right.

Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

~Colossians 2:6-7

Let's cling to Him and keep our roots embedded in the nutrients He offers so we can be ready to flourish in the seasons ahead.