Monday, October 10, 2011
The Creator - Marcia Lopez ©
It has been a while since I have posted anything. Sorry about that. I wanted to share a song with ya'll. I hope that if anyone is out there who is struggling that this song will touch your heart and let you know that God loves you. Life sometimes can be very difficult. No matter how messed up or broken things seem, Jesus loves YOU. He loves you more than He loved His own life. He can change any situation in your life and bring forth something beautiful. Hope this song ministers to you. Love you all! Be blessed and encouraged!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Beauty of a Scrap Quilt
When I was in the 6th grade, my grandmother came to live with us. She had Alzheimer's disease and was no longer able to take care of herself. I don't really remember much about her when she was in her right mind. My mom would tell me stories about what she was like before she got sick. She had left a wonderful legacy. She was always known as a loving, soft spoken woman who never had anything bad to say about anyone.
My grandparents were farmers and they had 5 kids. My grandmother learned how to use everything at her disposal and waste nothing. She could take ordinary things and turn them into something beautiful. One of my favorite things that my grandmother made, was a scrap quilt that she had made for my mom. I guess some people call them patchwork quilts. We always called them scrap quilts. I really like that name better. This quilt was not made out of nice neat quilters squares like the ones you see today. It was obvious that this was a scrap quilt. The pieces were all different shapes, sizes, colors, and types of cloth. You could tell that the pieces had been taken from old pieces of shirts, pants, and even ties. No piece of cloth was wasted. Somehow, every scrap of clothing was used.
I loved this quilt. I use to lie on my mom's bed and run my fingers over the different pieces of material. I could just picture in my mind where each piece had come from. My grandmother, though she would never have admitted it, was a master quilter. She could take any piece of cloth, trim off the bad edges, and work it into a beautiful quilt.
God has really been bringing those quilts to my mind lately. I have been thinking how God is the master quilter in our lives. The different things we go through in life are like the different types of fabric. Sometimes we have beautiful pieces of silk ties in our life. All seems right with the world and life is wonderful and exciting. Other times we go through rough patches in our lives when it seems all about conflict. The fabric of our lives seem thick and rough like corduroy. The list goes on as we experience the soft and gentle days of cotton or the hard working durable times of denim. Each day of hardship or enjoyment is used by the Lord. He trims off those parts of our lives that will cause some sort of damage to his plan. Then He takes the remaining pieces and sews them into the quilt we call our life.
Lately, I have to admit that we have been walking through a very difficult time as a family. I have been crying out to God and asking Him to hold us close. I know that He uses every situation to trim off those unusable edges. I know that He will make our lives into something beautiful and useful. Our lives can be something that brings joy and warmth to others if we just turn it over to God. Help me to surrender every area of my life to You God. Help me to remember grandmama's quilts when I'm having a hard time. Help me to remember that anything in Your hands can be something beautiful.
My grandparents were farmers and they had 5 kids. My grandmother learned how to use everything at her disposal and waste nothing. She could take ordinary things and turn them into something beautiful. One of my favorite things that my grandmother made, was a scrap quilt that she had made for my mom. I guess some people call them patchwork quilts. We always called them scrap quilts. I really like that name better. This quilt was not made out of nice neat quilters squares like the ones you see today. It was obvious that this was a scrap quilt. The pieces were all different shapes, sizes, colors, and types of cloth. You could tell that the pieces had been taken from old pieces of shirts, pants, and even ties. No piece of cloth was wasted. Somehow, every scrap of clothing was used.
I loved this quilt. I use to lie on my mom's bed and run my fingers over the different pieces of material. I could just picture in my mind where each piece had come from. My grandmother, though she would never have admitted it, was a master quilter. She could take any piece of cloth, trim off the bad edges, and work it into a beautiful quilt.
God has really been bringing those quilts to my mind lately. I have been thinking how God is the master quilter in our lives. The different things we go through in life are like the different types of fabric. Sometimes we have beautiful pieces of silk ties in our life. All seems right with the world and life is wonderful and exciting. Other times we go through rough patches in our lives when it seems all about conflict. The fabric of our lives seem thick and rough like corduroy. The list goes on as we experience the soft and gentle days of cotton or the hard working durable times of denim. Each day of hardship or enjoyment is used by the Lord. He trims off those parts of our lives that will cause some sort of damage to his plan. Then He takes the remaining pieces and sews them into the quilt we call our life.
Lately, I have to admit that we have been walking through a very difficult time as a family. I have been crying out to God and asking Him to hold us close. I know that He uses every situation to trim off those unusable edges. I know that He will make our lives into something beautiful and useful. Our lives can be something that brings joy and warmth to others if we just turn it over to God. Help me to surrender every area of my life to You God. Help me to remember grandmama's quilts when I'm having a hard time. Help me to remember that anything in Your hands can be something beautiful.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Surgery Rescheduled
Hi blogger and Fb friends and family. Sorry it has taken me so long to update. Many of you I'm sure have been wondering how Nathaniel's surgery went. Of course as you can tell by the title of this post, it was rescheduled. I will quickly try to update you on the week we had last week. Saturday the 29th started off with a bang as Isabella and I both made a trip to the emergency room. I tested positive for strep. Much to my surprise, Isabella tested negative for the flu. She must have had strep also. They didn't test her for that though. After being in the emergency room for several hours, I was given a penicillin shot. Isabella was prescribed an antibiotic. We left the emergency room and went to pick up Isabella's prescription. The pharmacy in Carlsbad did not have that certain medication on hand. We decided to head to Odessa, TX and get it filled there while we were dropping the other kids off at their grandparents.
As soon as we arrived in Odessa, Isabella began to get worse. She was up all night long running a fever and couldn't keep anything down. Then, you guessed it, Nathaniel began to get sick. By the next morning, Isabella was able to keep some liquids down and Nathaniel seemed to be totally fine. I chalked it up as a virus and we headed to Lubbock for the surgery. When we pulled into Lubbock that evening, Nathaniel had begun to run a fever and was very sick. We went straight to the emergency room. His fever was 103.6 degrees. He tested positive for the flu. We were told to show up for his surgery the next morning but that they would probably reschedule. He was given a prescription for tamiflu that we immediately filled at the 24 hour pharmacy. It made a huge difference! By the next morning, his fever was completely gone. Of course they did reschedule the surgery. We will be trying this whole thing over again on March 14th. Hopefully this time, everyone will be well. :) I don't feel like we had a wasted trip. I can see the Lord's hand through it all. If we would have decided not to go, we wouldn't have been able to get Nathaniel's tamiflu at 3:30 in the morning when he really needed it. I am very thankful that we were in Lubbock where they had a 24 hour pharmacy. The Lord always knows what He is doing.
When we got back into town Tuesday, Zachary and Kaitlyn both became very sick. They both had the flu and were out of school all week. Also, many of you have probably heard about the snow storm and record breaking temps that hit New Mexico last week. School was cancelled for 3 days last week. So, my children only have 2 days they have to make up instead of 5. I believe the forecast is calling for more snow this week. Maybe this time, my kids will be able to enjoy it and nobody will be sick.
As soon as we arrived in Odessa, Isabella began to get worse. She was up all night long running a fever and couldn't keep anything down. Then, you guessed it, Nathaniel began to get sick. By the next morning, Isabella was able to keep some liquids down and Nathaniel seemed to be totally fine. I chalked it up as a virus and we headed to Lubbock for the surgery. When we pulled into Lubbock that evening, Nathaniel had begun to run a fever and was very sick. We went straight to the emergency room. His fever was 103.6 degrees. He tested positive for the flu. We were told to show up for his surgery the next morning but that they would probably reschedule. He was given a prescription for tamiflu that we immediately filled at the 24 hour pharmacy. It made a huge difference! By the next morning, his fever was completely gone. Of course they did reschedule the surgery. We will be trying this whole thing over again on March 14th. Hopefully this time, everyone will be well. :) I don't feel like we had a wasted trip. I can see the Lord's hand through it all. If we would have decided not to go, we wouldn't have been able to get Nathaniel's tamiflu at 3:30 in the morning when he really needed it. I am very thankful that we were in Lubbock where they had a 24 hour pharmacy. The Lord always knows what He is doing.
When we got back into town Tuesday, Zachary and Kaitlyn both became very sick. They both had the flu and were out of school all week. Also, many of you have probably heard about the snow storm and record breaking temps that hit New Mexico last week. School was cancelled for 3 days last week. So, my children only have 2 days they have to make up instead of 5. I believe the forecast is calling for more snow this week. Maybe this time, my kids will be able to enjoy it and nobody will be sick.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Goodbye 2010
Wow! Isn't it hard to believe that we are already at the end of January 2011? Wasn't yesterday New Years Eve? Well for me, this month has just flown by! Though I hate to admit it, I have been in sort of a fog this past month. I feel like I am just beginning to come out of it. I also have to admit to you that I am glad to see 2010 go. It was a very difficult year.
2010 felt much like a marathon to me. We were constantly pushing ourselves physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Many times I had to cry out to God for that second wind. He of course was always faithful. Just when I felt like I couldn't make it any farther, He was always there encouraging me. He was truly the oxygen that I was breathing. If it weren't for Him, I am sure I wouldn't have made it through. Many times I just felt like quitting. I became so tired of the fight. When 2010 was almost at an end, I took one more deep breath and pushed my way through. All of a sudden, 2010 was behind me and 2011 was staring me in the face.
I am sure we have all watched a race at some point in our lives. No matter how conditioned the athlete is, he is always breathing hard at the end and possibly a little shaky. New Years Eve was the finish line for me for some reason. When I reached it, I just kind of collapsed. I was so drained that I have been breathing hard and a little shaky ever since. I am so thankful that God did bring us through. Thanks for all of your prayers and support. I am finally feeling a little rested and ready to start another race.
Speaking of new races, Nathaniel will be having his surgery in only 6 short days! I will keep all of you updated so check back here often next week. Also, I plan on posting a couple of my songs on here pretty soon. Any of you who really know me, know that music is one of my passions and how I talk to the Lord most of the time. I am excited to share with ya'll, so check back often.
Remember, no matter what you are going through, God can be your oxygen. Psalm 9:10 says, "Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." He won't let you down!
2010 felt much like a marathon to me. We were constantly pushing ourselves physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Many times I had to cry out to God for that second wind. He of course was always faithful. Just when I felt like I couldn't make it any farther, He was always there encouraging me. He was truly the oxygen that I was breathing. If it weren't for Him, I am sure I wouldn't have made it through. Many times I just felt like quitting. I became so tired of the fight. When 2010 was almost at an end, I took one more deep breath and pushed my way through. All of a sudden, 2010 was behind me and 2011 was staring me in the face.
I am sure we have all watched a race at some point in our lives. No matter how conditioned the athlete is, he is always breathing hard at the end and possibly a little shaky. New Years Eve was the finish line for me for some reason. When I reached it, I just kind of collapsed. I was so drained that I have been breathing hard and a little shaky ever since. I am so thankful that God did bring us through. Thanks for all of your prayers and support. I am finally feeling a little rested and ready to start another race.
Speaking of new races, Nathaniel will be having his surgery in only 6 short days! I will keep all of you updated so check back here often next week. Also, I plan on posting a couple of my songs on here pretty soon. Any of you who really know me, know that music is one of my passions and how I talk to the Lord most of the time. I am excited to share with ya'll, so check back often.
Remember, no matter what you are going through, God can be your oxygen. Psalm 9:10 says, "Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." He won't let you down!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Hello everyone! Hope ya'll all had a wonderful Christmas. I know that I haven't posted in a while. Sorry. We have spent the holidays with Robert's family in TX. It had been 8 years since we have been with his family for the holidays. We never got to come here for the holidays when we lived in GA. So, we spent Thanksgiving with his family, then Destini's birthday, Zachary's birthday, and Christmas. We are all partied out! :) Also, during that time, I made a trip to Lubbock for Nathaniel's appointment with his urologist. The appointment went well and his surgery is scheduled for Jan 31st. This just happens to be the day after Kaitlyn's birthday. I hate to put such a crunch on Kait's birthday plans (she will be 14 and that's a big deal). However, the one thing I have learned is that you schedule the surgeries when it is good for the doctor. I will keep ya'll updated the closer it gets to the surgery. Also, I hope to start back my little devotional blogs pretty soon. ;) Happy New Year!!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Harvest Time
Our business is beginning to pick up. More people have heard about us and are beginning to stop by the shop. As people are waiting to have their phones activated, Robert will try to carry on a conversation. The topic lately has been if they are ready for Thanksgiving. Out of all the people who have been asked this question, I have not heard one yet who has replied in a positive way. Most of them just say,"No!" There is no other comment, just that one word and a stare. Their eyes however, speak volumes. It is a look of pain, defeat, frustration, and dread.
I know that there has always been hurting and struggling people, ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the garden. Maybe, this is the first year that I have really been able to see others pain. So many times we get so caught up in our own lives and struggles that we miss the people passing by that we could help. Each of us has something that we can give to help someone else in need. We can give of ourselves. Maybe we could rake leaves for an elderly neighbor, bake cookies for someone who lost their job, or sing for a family who is spending the holidays in the hospital.
The most important thing we can do is share the love of Jesus. Each of us can do that and it is free. Jesus if the only true gift that keeps giving. He never leaves us no matter what. With so many people hurting, now is the time for us to share God's love. Luke 10:2 tells us that, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field." People need to know that they are loved. We need to tell them.
Lord help us not to act like Christians have some perfect life. Help us to be transparent and share our battle scars. Those who are still walking through battles need to know that You are faithful and will help them through. Help us not to be so focused on ourselves and our struggles that we miss the great harvest in front of us. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness and love. Thank you that You never leave us.
I know that there has always been hurting and struggling people, ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the garden. Maybe, this is the first year that I have really been able to see others pain. So many times we get so caught up in our own lives and struggles that we miss the people passing by that we could help. Each of us has something that we can give to help someone else in need. We can give of ourselves. Maybe we could rake leaves for an elderly neighbor, bake cookies for someone who lost their job, or sing for a family who is spending the holidays in the hospital.
The most important thing we can do is share the love of Jesus. Each of us can do that and it is free. Jesus if the only true gift that keeps giving. He never leaves us no matter what. With so many people hurting, now is the time for us to share God's love. Luke 10:2 tells us that, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field." People need to know that they are loved. We need to tell them.
Lord help us not to act like Christians have some perfect life. Help us to be transparent and share our battle scars. Those who are still walking through battles need to know that You are faithful and will help them through. Help us not to be so focused on ourselves and our struggles that we miss the great harvest in front of us. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness and love. Thank you that You never leave us.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Square Pegs
Hey fb and blogger friends! First I wanted to thank everyone for your prayers and concern for Nathaniel. We are still in the process of trying to get him in to see the specialist for his bowels. I will post as soon as we learn anything new. Next I want to address the issue of me not posting regularly. As much as I have tried, I just can't seem to get organized. So, for right now, my posts are just going to be random. You will have to check back everyday and see if there is something new or not. I wanted things to be more regular and sort of permanent, but it just isn't happening. Oh well, if you enjoy the devotions or know someone who might, feel free to link this to your fb page. The link is below the post and to the right. You can also share to twitter, your blog, or email a friend. Also, feel free to share this blog with anyone that you think would like to help pray for Nathaniel. Thanks guys, ya'll are awesome! Now on to the scripture! :)
John 14:23-24 Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me."
We have all heard the saying, "You can't fit a square peg in a round hole". I have been thinking about that saying alot lately. It really does fit in with the scripture above. It is very easy when someone acts in an unkind or thoughtless way toward us or our family, to become upset quickly and want to retaliate. I have faced this issue a number of times when dealing with Nathaniel and those who don't understand his needs or our decision to have him. Just like the verse above says, people who don't love the Lord won't "obey" Him. They can't!
We as Christians can't expect others to act like Christians when they aren't. We, on the other hand, should be expected to act like Christ. After all, if we truly love Him, then He has made His home with us and we should have His character. It is this Christ like character that shows others who Jesus is. Believe me, I realize that sometimes it is very difficult to act kind toward those who mistreat you. Luke 6:27&28 says "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse, pray for those who mistreat you." It is very easy for us to be kind to those who deserve it. It is something else to be kind to those who don't. I challenge you this week to respond with kindness and the love of the Father, when someone pushes your buttons.
Lord forgive me for all the times when I have repaid anger with anger. Help me God to realize that I am the tool in your hands. You are the Master Craftsman. My behavior draws people to You and then You change them from the inside out. When someone consistently acts like they aren't a lover of Christ, it is probably because they aren't. Please help me to remember this and use me to show them who You really are. Help me to show others Your love, even when it is hard. Give me strength and wisdom in each situation. I love You Jesus!
John 14:23-24 Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me."
We have all heard the saying, "You can't fit a square peg in a round hole". I have been thinking about that saying alot lately. It really does fit in with the scripture above. It is very easy when someone acts in an unkind or thoughtless way toward us or our family, to become upset quickly and want to retaliate. I have faced this issue a number of times when dealing with Nathaniel and those who don't understand his needs or our decision to have him. Just like the verse above says, people who don't love the Lord won't "obey" Him. They can't!
We as Christians can't expect others to act like Christians when they aren't. We, on the other hand, should be expected to act like Christ. After all, if we truly love Him, then He has made His home with us and we should have His character. It is this Christ like character that shows others who Jesus is. Believe me, I realize that sometimes it is very difficult to act kind toward those who mistreat you. Luke 6:27&28 says "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse, pray for those who mistreat you." It is very easy for us to be kind to those who deserve it. It is something else to be kind to those who don't. I challenge you this week to respond with kindness and the love of the Father, when someone pushes your buttons.
Lord forgive me for all the times when I have repaid anger with anger. Help me God to realize that I am the tool in your hands. You are the Master Craftsman. My behavior draws people to You and then You change them from the inside out. When someone consistently acts like they aren't a lover of Christ, it is probably because they aren't. Please help me to remember this and use me to show them who You really are. Help me to show others Your love, even when it is hard. Give me strength and wisdom in each situation. I love You Jesus!
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