The Shell

Upon the sandy shore an empty shell,               

    Beyond the shell infinity sea;

O Savior, I am like that empty shell,

    Thou art the Sea to me.

A sweeping wave rides up the shore, and lo,

    Each dim recess the coiled shell within

Is searched, is filled, is filled to overflow

    By water crystalline.

Not to the shell is any glory then:

    All glory give we to the glorious sea.

And not to me is any glory when

    Thou overflowest me. 

Sweep over me, Thy shell, as low I lie;

    I yield me to the purpose of Thy will;

Sweep up, O conquering waves, and purify,

    And with Thy fullness fill. 

~by Amy Carmichael  

 

 

 

 

Family Life - September & October 2024

 Fall is a favorite season of mine and this year, though busy, was beautiful and filled with sweet memories, family time, and the continuance of the Lord's sanctifying work in our family and in my life personally. 

For one of my morning devotions in early October, the Holy Spirit had me in Psalm 34:4, "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." 

The Greek word for "all" has the meaning of "everyone, not failing by one, encompassing all; the entirety." Isn't that a beautiful picture? It comes though from seeking the Lord, laying the fears at His feet, and allowing Him to lay them to rest in the truth of His promises. This will mean a surrendered and dependent heart and one that is humble to understand and acknowledge our needs, which our prideful heart is hesitant to admit to. So step toward the Lord, dear sisters, in humble need and He will dazzle you with how He will meet your needs, heal your heart, and satisfy your deepest longings.  

And now, a photographic recap...

In early September, Dad, Olivia, Hope, and I took a trip out west for an 
event. On the way home, we took the opportunity to visit some cattle 
ranches. I enjoyed seeing a new part of the country and getting lovely
pictures of the scenery.

Having some beautifully fruitful devotion time with some coffee!

With the pro-life fundraiser approaching, I spent
a good amount of time with paperwork and texting individuals!

While in town for the fundraiser, my sweet cousin, Chase, took 
me to dinner and we had a great opportunity to catch up on life.

The fundraiser went so smoothly and it was a joy and blessing to be 
apart of the planning and execution of the evening.

Leah's 16th birthday!

Remembering WW2 2024!

Years ago, in Linden, Tennessee, a group of families put on a yearly World War
2 event, to honor veterans and remember the sacrifice they made. About 6 
years ago, our family attended, but that was the last year they held it, but 
this year, in honor the 80th anniversary of D-Day, they brought it back! 
Ella is devotedly passionate to that period, studying battles, 
individuals, and the worldview of the time, and so we worked it out 
that she and I went down as volunteers to take part in the day.

Visiting with a  veteran and having him sign one of her books
on the war.

Hope, Leah, and Joel took part in the Kentucky Junior Cattleman's 
competition this year, participating in contests such as cattle 
photography, judging, and creating a sale ad. 

After months, and months, and months...and months of planning, meeting
with potential contractors and countless discussions, we officially broke 
ground for the addition of an apartment for my grandmother!

The results of a Sunday afternoon with a camera!

"The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: Thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage." Psalm 16:5-6

Because He Overcame!

 

The names of our Lord are precious, numerous, powerful, and strengthen our faith. Proverbs 18:10 says “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run into it and is safe.” We find refuge and comfort in the names of the Lord, which are a depiction of His character, and the proclaiming of His attributes are part of worship, praising Him for Who He is as His names describe Him. I have found that a simple way that I can do this during my morning devotion prayer time is to praise Him through His names by using the alphabet for reference, so for example, Alpha, Bridegroom, Creator, Defender, Everlasting, Father, Giver of all good things, Hope, I AM, Just One, King, etc. Though this may sound silly, it has been a helpful way for me to balance praise and adoration of Him as my King while laying my needs and petitions before Him as my Father.

    Recently, my focus has been on the Lord as The Overcomer. Isn’t that a precious name? It has been a precious meditation for me. I rejoice and glorify Him who sits on the throne because He overcame, He overcomes, and will overcome in the final day! All things are because He overcame!

“...and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of Lords, and King of Kings” and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14b

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“And one of the elders saith unto, Weep no: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed (same Greek word as overcome in John 16:33) to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” Revelation 5:5

I can take so many different scripture passages from any book of the Bible and find “Overcomer” in them.

“Now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ…” 1 Peter 1:6-7

~Because He overcame, my heart can be at rest amidst the trials of this life!~

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15

~Because He overcame, we have eternal salvation through the Perfect Lamb!~

“The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.” Proverbs 34:10

~Because He overcame, we are supplied with all good things!~

“For the Lord’s portion is His people; Jacob is the lot of His inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; He led him about, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye. As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh then, beareth them on her wings: so the Lord alone did him…” Deuteronomy 32:10-12a

~Because He overcame, His love and protection know no limits!~

“If my people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

~Because He overcame, He offer full and free forgiveness and restoration!~

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.” John 14:1

~Because He overcame, He is capable of meeting and overcoming each and every fear!~

Rest today in Him Who overcame the ultimate curse of death through His death, Who overcomes, through His grace, the challenges we daily meet, and Who, on the last day will completely overcome death, hell, and Satan himself with the ultimate show of magnificent power! That is the God we serve, ladies! He Who was and is and is to come! He alone is worthy! He alone can open the seven scrolls and break the seals...because He overcame! Revel in Him as your Overcomer! Meditate on what that means to you, how He has overcome specifically in your life, and rejoice and glory that we are in Him Who is the final Overcomer in the last day! We have the ultimate reason to rejoice and glory in the name of our God!

All the Paths

 

“All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.” Psalm 25:10

    I love the Word of God and am so thankful for the many significant passages the Lord has used in my life to encourage, convict, supply direction, and challenge me. Daily Bible time was part of my school schedule throughout my formal education years. Though it was a requirement then, but through that, the discipline and desire grew in me to make time for God’s Word in my schedule, outside of checking it off a school checklist. As I have grown in my faith and sanctification, I delight in seeing how the Holy Spirit has infiltrated my life with scripture and implanted passages in my heart. Many passages have deeply affected my life in different seasons, but one passage stands out strongly.

    I believe it was sometime in the latter part of 2019 that I first listened to the book “Queechy”, by Susan Warner. In chapter 28 of the first volume, two of the main characters are together and one is attempting to uplift his cousin’s depressed spirits with the promises of the Lord found in the book of Psalms. After reading Psalm 25:10, he points out to his sad-hearted companion that “ALL” the paths the Lord leads us on are mercy and truth.

    This last few years have been a very unique season for me and my family and they have been dotted with trials, deep tragedy, and unprecedented difficulties. There have been many moments when my own life has been identified with inner and outward turmoil and pain. There have been many days when I could strongly relate with my sad-hearted friend in “Queechy, as she wrestled through the slough of life’s pain. However, it is only too often that in our deepest heartaches, the Lord teaches us the most treasured lessons in His graciousness and mercy. So it has been with me. Again and again, the Holy Spirit has taken my thoughts back to Psalm 25:10, which is now one of my dearest scriptures. He realigns my heart and settles my spirit in the truth of the passage.“All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth…” 

    All His paths, not some of them, or most of them, or only one now and then, but He promises all of them. He will never place me on a path that He has not designed and is allowing for the eternal good of me, His most beloved daughter. My anxious heart is quieted by placing my eyes upon my Master, with the assurance that He is in control. This passage causes me to trust Him more, to set my eyes upon the Son “Who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). I can rest my weary and grief-wracked mind in the everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27) of my Savior, my Father, and my God, Who only works all things for my best (Romans 8:28). I can believe that He sees the larger picture that I cannot and is working accordingly to accomplish His good will in my heart and in those around me. I know Him trustworthy of the promises He gives and believe that what He is doing, is being done in love and that every path, whether painful or joyous, is given to me in the mercy and truth of my most loving Father and Lord. 

Family Life - Summer Recap

The months have flown by, and I decided it would be better to do a full summer Recep than try to catch up on the 4 months separately. May through August were full and held a great deal of activity individually and as a family, but I will let the pictures tell the story for themselves.  

In early May, Emma was a bridesmaid in a friend's wedding in 
Tennessee and I went along to help with Caleb. While Emma was getting
her hair and makeup done the morning of the wedding, Caleb and I went for a walk.

James is quite a character!

We celebrated Joel's 14th birthday in May!

For Mother's Day, our church offers gifts to our mothers, and this
year I had the opportunity to make necklaces to be apart
of the gift options.

As we continued the process of cleaning out Grandma's house
in preparation to sell, we became well acquainted with U-Haul
as we transported items and furniture back home to put in storage. 

She is just the sweetest!

Grandma's garage, full and ready to be moved out.

It was such a sweet treasure to work with Mom the last few
weeks at Grandma's house.

While taking a load of items to donate, I stopped for an iced coffee.

Grandma's house sold within just a few days so the date was
set for July 1st to have the final load out.

The night before, we kids drove up to spend one last night at 
"Grandma's house".

We ate dinner together and watched a Roy Rogers movie. 

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In July, I stepped into the role of event coordinator for 
pro-life ministry, Speak for the Unborn's fundraiser! I had
never directed an event of this magnitude and it was a stressful
and wonderful learning experience with lots of time spent on the
computer, texting or calling, and note taking! Thankful as the Lord
expands my skill set.

In August, we hosted a baby shower for Katie, my cousin Matthew's
wife who is expecting their little boy in just a few days!

We went with a woodland theme...

In August, I was able to spend a few days with my friend, Emily 
and her family in Kansas. It was a huge blessing to have that time
with her, hashing over life, appreciating each other's friendship laughing
and taking in the Kansas scenery. 

So there it is, a photo recap of the last several months. They have been full, fast-paced and tiring, but Christ has filled and filled again. If I did not feel the need for help, my fleshly heart would not turn to Him as often as I do and I struggle being dependant enough as it is! He is so wonderful and I am thankful for how He is leading and guiding me...even though I understand very little of the paths that He is designing. I know, completely, unutterably, and truly, that I can trust Him. He will be glorified!