Well, we made it to North Carolina in one piece. The drive was beautiful, what parts we got to see. Unfortunately, our rental car had tire issues, which delayed the trip enough so that it was dark by the time we got into the Smoky Mountains. I was so disappointed!!! But it's okay, we'll be driving back on Monday and it will still be beautiful then.
I'm having a great time, and I will write more later, probably when I get back home on Tuesday night. I'll post pictures, too. TTFN!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
An Ever-Present Help
November 4, 2008. A day that will change the course of American history, for better or for worse. You and I are part of that.
In one hour I am heading down to the poll to cast my vote for the man who I think will make the best president. My decision was made after much research, careful thought, and prayer. I hope you can say the same. Whether you vote for McCain or Obama, I hope you have based your decision on fact, truth, and strong principles. If you are voting for which candidate best represents your personal convictions, more power to you. That's part of what makes America great.
Last night I was overwhelmed by the gravity of this election. It seems like each election year that comes around, more and more is at stake. This year is no exception. As I was struck by the emotion of it all, I was reminded of Hebrews 4:16: "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it." I got down flat on my face on my bedroom floor, and for 30 minutes I wept before His throne, and prayed for our nation. I prayed for God's hand of blessing on the United States of America, that He would not withdraw His favor from us.
I recognized His power with one of my favorite verses: "Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, O Lord, and this is YOUR kingdom. I adore YOU as being in control of everything. Riches and honor come from YOU alone, and YOU are the ruler of all mankind. YOUR hand controls power and might, and it is at YOUR discretion that men are made great and given strength." 1 Chronicles 29:11-12.
I prayed that He would work His perfect plan for our country, whether it means victory for my candidate or not, because of this: "'My thoughts are completely different from yours,' says the Lord. 'And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.'" Isaiah 55:8-9.
I thanked God for His sovereignty, and gave the future again to Him. Though I am a bit nervous about the outcome of the election today, I have peace, because I serve a God who loves me and is worthy of my trust. "The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever."Psalm 138:8. "You, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head high. I cried out to the Lord and he answered me from his holy mountain. I lay down and slept. I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me." Psalm 3:3-5.
So get out to the poll today. Take advantage of this great privilege of voting, remembering that it came with a price. Vote in such a way that your conscience is clear before God. Pray that God's will would be done in this election, and pray for protection for our nation. And then rest in Him, leaving the outcome in His hands. Happy Election Day, 2008! "May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7.
In one hour I am heading down to the poll to cast my vote for the man who I think will make the best president. My decision was made after much research, careful thought, and prayer. I hope you can say the same. Whether you vote for McCain or Obama, I hope you have based your decision on fact, truth, and strong principles. If you are voting for which candidate best represents your personal convictions, more power to you. That's part of what makes America great.
Last night I was overwhelmed by the gravity of this election. It seems like each election year that comes around, more and more is at stake. This year is no exception. As I was struck by the emotion of it all, I was reminded of Hebrews 4:16: "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it." I got down flat on my face on my bedroom floor, and for 30 minutes I wept before His throne, and prayed for our nation. I prayed for God's hand of blessing on the United States of America, that He would not withdraw His favor from us.
I recognized His power with one of my favorite verses: "Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, O Lord, and this is YOUR kingdom. I adore YOU as being in control of everything. Riches and honor come from YOU alone, and YOU are the ruler of all mankind. YOUR hand controls power and might, and it is at YOUR discretion that men are made great and given strength." 1 Chronicles 29:11-12.
I prayed that He would work His perfect plan for our country, whether it means victory for my candidate or not, because of this: "'My thoughts are completely different from yours,' says the Lord. 'And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.'" Isaiah 55:8-9.
I thanked God for His sovereignty, and gave the future again to Him. Though I am a bit nervous about the outcome of the election today, I have peace, because I serve a God who loves me and is worthy of my trust. "The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever."Psalm 138:8. "You, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head high. I cried out to the Lord and he answered me from his holy mountain. I lay down and slept. I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me." Psalm 3:3-5.
So get out to the poll today. Take advantage of this great privilege of voting, remembering that it came with a price. Vote in such a way that your conscience is clear before God. Pray that God's will would be done in this election, and pray for protection for our nation. And then rest in Him, leaving the outcome in His hands. Happy Election Day, 2008! "May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Pleased
Those of you who know me well know that I am a live-by-the-list kind of girl. I get up in the morning, I do my Bible study, and I make my list for the day. If I have a daunting task, like deep cleaning the kitchen, I break it down into smaller tasks on the list, just so I can have the satisfaction of checking it off as I go. Can anyone relate to me on this? Very few things are as satisfying to me as reaching the end of a day and seeing my list all checked off. I have to be careful, though, or I can become a slave to my list. I will get to feeling as though I have accomplished nothing if my list doesn't have enough items checked off.
Today was a very satisfying day, largely because I started the day with a LONG list (1 full page, single spaced, 11 pt. calibri font. At the end of this day, there are only 6 items not checked off the list!!! I did way better than I had expected! I am happy, because it takes a lot of pressure off of me for tomorrow. My list will be much shorter tomorrow than I had anticipated.
I have noticed that as I have had children and gotten older, my need for a list has increased. I used to be able to keep my list in my head. Not anymore! If it's not on the paper within 30 seconds of it entering my mind, it is doomed. So I am thankful for paper and a pen. I am thankful for lists. And I am pleased with my day. I know I will sleep well tonight!
Today was a very satisfying day, largely because I started the day with a LONG list (1 full page, single spaced, 11 pt. calibri font. At the end of this day, there are only 6 items not checked off the list!!! I did way better than I had expected! I am happy, because it takes a lot of pressure off of me for tomorrow. My list will be much shorter tomorrow than I had anticipated.
I have noticed that as I have had children and gotten older, my need for a list has increased. I used to be able to keep my list in my head. Not anymore! If it's not on the paper within 30 seconds of it entering my mind, it is doomed. So I am thankful for paper and a pen. I am thankful for lists. And I am pleased with my day. I know I will sleep well tonight!
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