Moments with MarLo

We talk often about the faith of Abraham in the story of how he was willing to sacrifice his precious son, Isaac. I cannot imagine God asking me to sacrifice my child or the faith required to follow through on such a request.  I pray I never have to find out. But there's a part of the story I've never heard discussed but have often pondered.  What does the story look like from Isaac's perspective.  Isaac walked silently up the mountain.  He understood a sacrifice was to be made and when looking around he asks his father where was the sheep?  Abraham simply replies that God will provide and they keep walking.  But then Isaac finds himself bound and laid upon the altar in place of the lamb.   The story doesn’t share what Isaac thought of the situation.   Was he scared or angered at his father.    Did he cry out or beg for mercy?  Or was he, as is implied in the story, simply silent and trustin...

I remember as a child getting excited about Christmas. Dreaming about the possibility of gifts I might receive. Today, I decided to take advantage of some free time and wrap up Lydia's gifts.  I was not prepared for her response upon the site of them.  I knew she would squeal with delight. I expected the requests to open "just one."  What surprised me, however, was how her eyes filled with tears as she placed each of her gifts beneath the tree.  Almost breathlessly she responded, "oh, I don't know why I'm crying."  It caused me to think about the gift of Christ.  The gifts He continues to pour into my life.  Have I, with child-like abandon, responded with pure delight at the simple fact that I have received a gift from the heart of Christ?   May we all take note of this simple response from this precious child.  It wasn't the number of gifts or the potential of what each package contained, rather the understanding that she is loved. ...

One of the things I have struggled with lately is my attitude at work. Some of my grumbling stems from the work itself but more so how I sense a lack of respect for who I am by those assigning me the tasks.    I have been asking God to help me with my heart condition.  I know I am to do the work as Christ did, as a servant with a glad heart, a s if "unto Christ ." I have tried to respond in gratefulness while inside I wrestled with my seething pride. Then, just this morning my good friend, Melissa Milbourn  sent me the following scriptures. Psalm 37:6-7 “He’ll validate your life in the clear light of day and stamp you with approval at high noon. Quiet down before God, be prayerful before him. Don’t bother with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top.” (MSG) Luke 14:11 "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." (NLT) 1 Peter 5:6 “So be content with who you a...

A sanctuary is a place of refuge, a nature reserve, a holy place 1 .  Lately I have sought sanctuary.  I have found a portion of it in a little park near where I work.  However, the sanctuary I seek is not found in a place.  Rather, it is my wholehearted desire to meet with Jesus.  I seek Him in the park, I seek Him when I rise in the morning, as I go through my day, and as I lie down at night. It’s not only a place of refuge but one of relationship. How my soul responds to these words: “Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God's Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God.” 1 John 4:13 (Message) I am seeking a continual relationship with Jesus, the One who knows me better than anyone else. Have you walked with Him lately?  Have you sought His intimate relationship?  Go now for He is waiting for you. _______________ 1 Dictionary.com

Today marked the start of a new year bringing it with some incredibly sweet moments.  I love my birthday not for the gifts but for the opportunity to pause and celebrate life. My day included lunch with a wonderful friend, Melissa Milbourn , who lives 2 1/2 hours away!   (Road trip! Yay!) Melissa and MarLo An abundance of Facebook posts, text messages, phone calls, and emails from family and friends  offering witty, sentimental, and incredibly thoughtful birthday wishes!  (Words are my love language so I felt nothing but love all day long!) Time spent shopping with my adorable little fashionista, Lydia.  (Shopping might be my second love language.)  Lydia  Who slept most of the trip (both there and back!) Love the sleep mask! A quick rest stop where we had too much fun taking photos of each other! Followed by dinner with my Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Aunt Alice!   We had S'mores for dessert then ...

I still remember the day my heart longed to have a child of my own.  The day I begged God to some how, some way, show favor on me with a child. Fourteen years later I gave birth to God's answer to my prayer. Today Lydia turns 9! Each passing year tugs at my heart.   I delight in watching her grow into a beautiful young girl, while at the same time I'm incredibly aware of how few the years are between today and the moment she'll spread out her wings. To know Lydia, to soak in her sweet beauty, look into her brilliant eyes, or receive a smile surrounded by adorable dimples is to see the handiwork of God.  She makes me laugh (often), she's the first to notice if someone needs help, she's also witty and loves a good practical joke. She is a graceful dancer, loves fashion, enjoys cooking, and would own a cheetah if that was allowed. She loves to hang out at home, watch movies, eat ice cream or anything dark chocolate, and pray. Lydia is a gift enjoyed eve...

Heart's at Home's Third Thursday Blog Hop is asking the following questions. How are you like your mom? How are you different from your mom? My mom is one of my best friends.  I look forward to talking with her every day and am blessed to have her so close. But as much as we enjoy spending time with each other we aren't exactly the same. We are alike in the following ways: We both love to read, especially a good mystery or books that inspire our faith. We love to travel although I prefer to fly and she would much rather drive. We love to serve in our communities and church.  She has served on several Boards and is currently serving with two different outreach programs. I currently serve on Hearts at Home's Board of Directors. We love being moms! (She also loves being a grandma!) There are a few ways we are different. She is an introvert and I am an extrovert.   She loves to cook (and she is amazing!) and I have an aversion to the kitchen. She has a typ...