GUEST BOOK

Please scroll to the bottom of the screen and add yourself to my guestbook.
Including a picture would be great!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

You Give Me Hope!

Dear Blogging Friends,

Thank you for the reminder of Psalm 139. The Lord searches me and knows me. He hems me in. He lays His hands upon me. He reminds me that I can never flee from His presence. As the psalmist, David, said, "...even there [anywhere], Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold hold me fast."

Thank you for your words of encouragement. They lift me up and strengthen me. It is amazing how people whom you've never met in person care so much for you. Know that I love you and pray for you...and I thank God for you.

Thank you for directing me to your blogs. As I looked for the song, "Reachable" that I read about in someone else's blog, I visited Steven Curtis Chapman's website. I had heard of the tragic loss of his daughter, but had not heard or read his family's interviews. WOW...what incredible faith this family has. Their faith does not necessarily lessen their grief, but yet they maintain their hope and share that hope with others. If you want to be humbled and lifted up at the same time, visit his website and listen to his Good Morning America and Larry King Live interviews, and read the article in People magazine. This coming Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday he will be also be on Focus on the Family. (By the way, I can't find the song "Reachable"...does anyone know what CD it is on or where I can find it online?)

I had to change my password again. (Our company's network prompts us regularly to do so.) This month I chose my password to be based on Psalm 9:10 -- "Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You." Our God is so good. He is with us wherever we go. He is our "stronghold in times of trouble." Not only that, but His works are wonderful. Which means that I am wonderful. You are wonderful. My children are wonderful, as are yours. What we do may not always be wonderful, nor what is done to us, but we are all wonderful in His sight. He loves us through it all.

As I reflected on Psalm 139, I came across verse 14 -- "I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." I have just started reading "Living Life on Purpose" by Lysa TerKeurst. I know God has so much more in store for me, and I need to take a step back from the busy-ness of my life to listen for His direction. And, then, be willing to follow, wherever He leads. Please pray that I will Hear Him and follow, no matter how difficult it may be.

My husband is also reading a book right now, called "Why Your Life Sucks". Now, if that isn't enough to cause doubt and fear in a relationship, I don't know what is! What I pray for is that as my life changes and takes new shape, and as I continue to seek and find joy in ALL circumstances, my husband will see that and want it for himself. God fills the void...not the empty words and promises in that book on how to not make your life suck. May he learn that and may we take this journey together. And ultimately, may my boys follow God's path for their lives as well.

I feel much weight on my shoulders as I know much is at stake. Thanks to God that He walks this way with me and shoulders the burden -- as I take on His yoke rather than try to carry it myself.

Blessings to you all,
Michelle

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, it sure sounds like you are seeking the Lord with all of your heart. I know that's all He asks.

Keep Pressing On!

Thanks for stopping by my blog :)

Linds said...

I am so glad that the Paslm helped, Michelle. All we can do is keep our eyes on Jesus and not on the boulders and rocks in our path, and take one step at a time.

All Heaven hears our prayers! You are not alone.

Larissa said...

I'm glad you're feeling better. Growing a is a life long process, I have found out, and it never stops. Thanks for your encouragement as well.

Christy said...

I am glad you are doing better. We are in the same boat financially and I know it is so, so hard.

Keep seeking God.

Sharon Lynne said...

Thanks for your good ideas about what to do if one's computer gets confiscated by teen/young adult men.

I will pray that you will know God's will for you. And that you will have the courage to do what you know is right.

Sometimes if we can't hear Him...I feel something in my heart say, "For today...just do what you know is right."

Sometimes "right" can be as simple as being patient and kind.

Dawn said...

I hunted and hunted for "Reachable" because it is so apropos to our kids' lives. I could not find it anywhere. I even called the radio station and they couldn't find it. I finally wrote to Steven Chapman and believe it or not, he sent it to me - the words! What a wonderful guy he is - I cried through the GMA interview, but haven't had a chance to see the Larry King one yet. I quoted the words back in one of my blogs - I can't remember which one, but I'll try to find it for you. IT is the most awesome song when your kids are drifting.

That book your husband's reading - sounds yucky! I hate that term anyway.

Dawn said...

I found it in Part VII of my side of Kev's story - but I don't know where to find the music. I hear it on the radio occasionally. Here are the words:

REACHABLE
Steve Chapman/Times & Seasons Music

There’s a boy in his mother’s prayers
Cause lately she’s been aware
That he’s been drifting
Too far from the shore
And she’s beginning to believe
The boy is getting out of reach
Oh weary mother
Don’t you worry anymore

Cause the boy is reachable
I know he’s reachable
And to God he’s visible
And all things are possible
Cause if the Lord can reach his hand of love through time
And touch a cold sinner’s heart like mine
The boy is reachable
Oh…he’s reachable

It has a verse about girls, too, but I was just talking about Kev at that time - the girl one meant a lot to us too!