This One's for the Girls Giveaway!

With Mother’s Day just two weeks away, I thought it would be fun to have a giveaway that’s totally girly. How about a $15 gift card to Bath & Body Works? Can’t get much more girly than that, huh? :)

To enter the “This One’s for the Girls Giveaway,” leave a comment on this post by noon (CST) on May 13th (Mother’s Day) to be included in the drawing. If I don't know you personally or can't contact you via your own blog, you must include your email address in your comment to be eligible for the giveaway.

Any comment will work, but to make it a little more fun, why not fill us in on your very favorite Bath and Body products (or similar products from different stores).

As for me, I like to splurge on bubble bath. I enjoy the ones with a light fragrance the most. My current faves are Moonlight Path, Black Raspberry Vanilla, and Sea Island Cotton. I also love having sweet-smelling antibacterial hand soaps stationed at my sinks. I recently tried the new Fresh Picked Strawberries scent, and it’s definitely a winner.

Another of my favorite products is for totally practical reasons. C.O. Bigelow’s Chapped Hands Remedy has become a must-have for me because it works. It’s one of the only things I’ve found to keep my hands from getting painfully chapped in the winter. It’s a little pricey for a small tube, but I use it only at bedtime—and that’s enough. It works and is well worth the price. I stock up when I have a coupon or when it’s on sale.

I look forward to hearing about your favorite pampering products. Any other bubble bath lovers out there? :)

If you don’t have time for a nice long bubble bath, how about a short soak in the Word of God? Our souls need attention, too, don’t they? Even a few minutes spent reading words from the Author of Life will leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready to march into the challenges of the day. And this works for both girls and guys! :)

How about it? Let’s enjoy refreshment from the Word every day!

"Jesus answered, 'It is written: "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."'" Matthew 4:4

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, comes out later this week. Sign up is free and to the right!

*Flickr photo by grantlairdjr

Crazy for Cookies

Sometimes a gal’s just gotta break out of the norm, and today’s one of those days for me. Spring is in the air, and I’m feeling a little wild and crazy. Crazy for cookies, that is :)

I don’t share recipes here very often, but sometimes something so yummy comes along that it would be a crime not to share it. I know my blog is all about refreshing spirits and nourishing souls, but believe me, after you’ve tried these, your spirit will be refreshed :)

Don’t let the name of these down-home wonders put you off. My mom baked some for our Easter visit, and it was love at first bite for all of us. I’ve already shared the recipe with my Facebook friends so if any of you have tried them, leave a comment and let us know what you thought. But for the rest of you, here’s the recipe to what will become your newest cookie delight :)

Dishpan Cookies

2 c. white sugar         4 c. flour
2 c. brown sugar       1 ½ c. oats
2 c. oil                       2 tsp. soda
4 eggs                       1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla             4 c. Honey Bunches of Oats (or store brand)

*Add chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, nuts, or coconut—or a combination of any of these.

**This makes big batch. Half of the recipe makes about 40 cookies. If you halve the recipe, you can keep both teaspoons soda if you’d like—a mistake has proven that the cookies are still incredibly yummy with all the soda :)

Cream sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients and 4 c. Honey Bunches of Oats. Drop by spoonfuls on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 325. Don’t over bake.

So who else is crazy for cookies today? Shout out your all-time favorite—and if you’re feeling extra-crazy, go all out and share your recipe! :)

And you know me—I’ve got to offer a little soul nourishment, too. While you’re dreaming of your newest cookie delight, take time to delight in God’s Word as well. After all, the joy it gives won’t wind up on your hips! :)

“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.” Jeremiah 15:16

*Friend me on Facebook if you'd like! If I might not recognize your name or picture, be sure and include a note that you're one of my blog readers.

*Flickr photo by waitscm

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, comes out next week. Sign up is free and to the right!

Moving On

Change is afoot in our family. My parents recently decided to put their home on the market and look for a smaller place that will be easier for them to maintain now that their advancing years play havoc with their energy levels.

I know it wasn’t an easy decision. Mom and Dad have put a lot of themselves into their little corner of the Missouri hills. They’ll really miss the place they’ve called home for over twenty years now. All of us will miss it, too. Their home in the Ozarks has been a place of refuge and refreshment for each of us. My Fall Family Time post gave you a peek, in fact, at Mom and Dad’s home in the hills as well as the wonderful family times we’ve enjoyed there.

We most recently visited on Easter weekend. Right before we headed home, I stepped out in the backyard to take some photos and soak up the beauty once more, unsure of how many more opportunities like that I’ll have.

After a few minutes, Dad came out and joined me. Not only was it a beautiful afternoon, but their view always sends my spirit soaring. All felt so peaceful as the wind chimes added perfect accompaniment to nature's glory. Dad pointed out a couple of sights in particular and then said, “We’ve had a good run here.”

I think that moment will stay with me forever. I get sad even now thinking about it. I know they are ready to move on, but I also know it will not be easy when the time comes. Goodbyes can be hard, can’t they?

For now, it’s time to look ahead to the next good thing God has in store for Mom and Dad. More beauty, more joy, more peace, I’m sure. More work for the Kingdom and more glorious days walking with the King. Yes, that’s what’s ahead for them—more!

Might God be showing any of us that it’s time to move on in a certain area of our lives? If so, let’s thank Him for a good run and then follow His lead. After all, more is ahead!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

*Do you have a moving-on story to share?

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, comes out the first week in May. Sign up is free and to the right!

*Flickr photo by Zach Dischner

Standing in Grace

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand . . .” Romans 5:1-2a

The apostle Paul, who wrote the above words to first century believers in Rome, could sure power-pack a sentence, couldn’t he? Just look at the topics he touched on: faith, justification, peace with God, our Lord Jesus Christ, gaining access, grace. Wow, what crucial and life-changing issues.

Each part of the passage above is worthy of reflection, but today let’s take a closer look at the last few words—“this grace in which we now stand.” Just think about it. As believers, we are standing in grace. Yes, standing in grace! How thrilling is that?!

Of course our very salvation, eternal life, and status as children of God are all gifts of grace—given to us because Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross. But every blessing that comes to us is a grace gift, isn’t it? John, who referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved, said, “From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.” (John 1:16)

I don’t know about you, but I’m not only standing in grace—I’m dripping in grace. The gift and privilege of being a child of God, of being right with Him because of what Jesus did, is more than enough to have me feeling bathed in grace all the time. But all the blessings He continues to pour out on me keep me dripping in grace with every step I take.

I pray that His grace will shine through me each day. I pray that any joy I feel in His blessings will reflect back to Him, the Giver of all good gifts. May all who cross my path see me as I am—see me standing in grace. May all who cross my path see Him . . .

“. . . and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13b

*What's one of the recent grace gifts God has given you?

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, comes out the first week in May. Sign up is free and to the right!

*Flickr photo by Anemone Jones

So Much to See, So Little Time!

Anyone else longing to travel? The older I get the more I realize how far behind I am in seeing the world. And now? There’s just so much to see and so little time!

Summer’s already teasing me. We haven’t been in the habit of taking a real trip every year—after all, life has a way of eating up vacation funds. But now that college and wedding expenses are behind us, vacations are more of a possibility.

Since the best time for my husband to travel is in July, we have a tendency to pick Colorado mountain destinations where we can escape the Kansas heat. But there are so many other places I long to see as well. Maybe after retirement? Sadly, Don tells me he wants to teach until he’s seventy! Good grief, doesn’t he realize I’ve got traveling to do? :)

Here in the good ole USA, I’d love to someday visit Washington, D.C.; New York City and Boston, along with other East coast historic areas; Alaska and Hawaii; Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons; West coast cities and scenic destinations; historic areas in the deep South; Florida, Tennessee—I could go on and on. As you can tell, I want to see more of our country!

And if that’s not enough, I’d even like to get up the courage (and the money!) to brave international travel at some point. Like everyone else, I’d love to visit Rome, Paris, and London (and other points of interest in those cities' respective countries), but other places intrigue me as well.

Since my family immigrated from Ireland and Scotland generations ago, those destinations hold a special appeal. (I’ve enjoyed getting a taste of Irish life over on Irish American Mom. I learn something new from Mairead [rhymes with parade] every time I visit.) Switzerland and Germany sound appealing, too, and visiting the Holy Land would be so meaningful—though travel there sounds a little more scary to me. I can be a chicken :) Given that fact, I’m not sure I’d be up to an African safari, but that also sounds amazing.

Like I said, so much to see, so little time. I realize I won’t see all of these places in my lifetime, but surely I can make it to some of them. And to be totally honest, traveling to and navigating around unfamiliar places does indeed make me a little nervous. You know, all those chances to get lost and/or make other mistakes :)

I don’t want to let my fears hold me back, though. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in over a half century of living, it’s that the Lord walks with me each step of the way. And even better than that, He goes before me and guides me if I’ll only look to Him.

So even though there’s so much to see and so little time, my heavenly Guide will help me make the best of it. How about you? Anyone else ready to travel?

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

*Is summer already teasing you? Where would you like to travel?

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, comes out the first week in May. Sign up is free and to the right!

*Flickr photo by Per Ola Wiberg ~ Powi

A Twist in Motives: The Problem of Pride

It can come out of nowhere—or be so subtle I don’t even notice it at first. A twist in motives.

My heart and thoughts can be in the right place as I start an activity—writing, singing, serving in ministry, helping someone, or even in online interactions. And then bam—a desire to impress pops up. Pride has slipped in, unwanted yet there. Whether ever so slightly or a glaring example, my motives have taken a twist. I hate it when it happens.

I'm not alone, though. A twist in motives can sneak up on any of us at any time, especially when we’re doing something we can do rather well. It’s natural—and okay—to feel good about a job well done. The problem occurs when we start to puff up and get prideful, secretly wondering if we’ve impressed certain people. It's crazy how we get prideful over the talents and abilities God alone has given us, isn’t it?

Thankfully, the Lord has made me acutely aware of my prideful tendencies. Most of the time I immediately recognize a prideful thought and can go to battle against Satan as he tries to snare me in his trap. I confess to the Lord my twist in motives and ask Him to help me want "to bless and not impress.” (That’s a phrase I keep handy at all times—a phrase I strive to live by.)

I don’t know if any of you have a similar struggle with pride trying to weasel its way into your heart, but I think the apostle Paul may have. Whether he battled pride or a different problem, he told the believers in Rome, “So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.” (Romans 7:21)

Let’s continually be on guard against the enemy's attempts to get us to slip into pride, his plans to corrupt our initial desire to serve or bless. Let’s be on the lookout for a twist in motives.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 KJV

*I'm so thankful the Lord uses me in spite of my human weaknesses. Anyone else?

*Flickr photo by .Bala

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, comes out the first week in May. Sign up is free and to the right!

Pain Before Pleasure

Sometimes new things—good things—hurt. Think of the pain that precedes or accompanies some of the happenings in our lives. Whether it’s a move, a promotion, the birth of a child, goals achieved, weight loss, or our young adult children leaving us to start responsible lives of their own, most of the time pain comes before the pleasure is realized.

In my writing life, this has certainly proved to be true. I make mistakes as I venture into new and challenging territories. I experience the pain of rejection in order to realize the pleasure and joy of publication. I put in hours and hours of labor to see my work come to completion, and the strain on the brain (as well as the tushy!) can be quite painful at times.

Pain before pleasure also marks my personal life. For instance, I don’t like the planning and packing that must precede a vacation or the fact that my arthritic joints cry out against the uncomfortable positions I must assume to pick fresh strawberries from our patch. When my girls were growing up, I dreaded the discipline I had to dish out in order to see them become responsible and caring adults. The examples could go on and on.

The principle of pain before pleasure also dots the landscape of my spiritual life—and yours as well, I’m sure. To come into relationship with Jesus, we must first feel the sting of our sin as we realize our need for a Savior. Then lessons in unconditional love and forgiveness come with the price tags of hurt and anger, while deeper relationship with our Lord often grows from periods of heartache, fear, or desperation. Yes, pain comes before the pleasure of salvation, freedom, peace, comfort, and a host of other blessings.

Let’s consider our salvation and hope of heaven a bit further. Even though we experience some pain and sorrow as we realize our sinfulness, Jesus took on the real pain for us. He suffered and died to pay the price for our sins, to make a way for us to live in victory today and to have the assurance of eternal life with Him in heaven.

As we celebrate Easter each year, we see the ultimate example of pain before pleasure. Jesus’ death before His resurrection. Darkness before light. Sorrow before joy. New life to all of us who will turn from the old sinful nature and give our hearts to the One who gave His all for us. Pain before pleasure—a pleasure for us as we gain a Savior and Friend, as we gain eternal life. A pleasure for Him as we accept His gift and become His children.

Let’s live in that pleasure today and every day. Let’s live in the joy of Easter!

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

*If you're in a painful phase right now, take heart -- pleasure will come again. Anyone have examples you'd like to share from your own life of pain before pleasure?

*Flickr photo by mikebaird

Ask—But Surrender

“‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.’” Luke 22:42

These words of Jesus, so familiar to His followers down through the ages, reveal one of the most private glimpses we’ve ever had into the life of our Savior. As He wrestled in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before His crucifixion, the raw pain He experienced nearly pulsates from the pages of scripture.

In the verses that follow this plea but ultimate surrender of our Lord, we are told that He was in anguish and began praying even more earnestly, with his sweat becoming like drops of blood falling to the ground. The thought of the task—the sacrifice—that lay before Him was almost more than He could bear. But bear it He would if that was His Father’s will.

What an example of prayer and surrender Jesus set for us while He agonized in the Garden. He poured out His heart to His Father, and asked to be spared the impending suffering. We, too, can pour out our hearts’ desires to our Father in heaven. He longs for that kind of intimacy with us. He wants us to be completely honest, to talk with Him about everything that concerns us. He wants us to pour out our hearts to Him.

However, Jesus’ example in this prayer didn’t stop with pouring out His heart’s desire. He then surrendered that desire into His Father’s hands. He said, “. . . not my will, but yours be done.” Jesus displayed for us the ultimate act of trust. Asking but surrendering. Are we ready to follow His example?

What cup in your life, in my life, is almost more than we can bear? Let’s unashamedly take it to our Father and ask Him to spare us from it. But then—in complete surrender—let’s say, “Father, not my will but yours be done.” Let’s live out the ultimate act of trust.

Let’s follow our Savior’s lead once more. Let’s ask—but surrender.

“Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.” Psalm 4:5

*Flickr photo by F.C. Photography

Morning Symphony

Morning Symphony

Much is reborn in spring,
Among them the morning symphony.
Nature’s music long muffled
By cold days and closed windows
Now greets me with gladness again.

The sweetness of the birds’ songs
Sends my spirit soaring,
Those pure, clear notes that nature sings
Point me to the Creator
To the grand Conductor
Of the magnificent morning symphony.

The cheep-cheep-cheep, the caw, the coo
The sliding chords and yodels
Take their turns with who-whoo-whoos
And leave me marveling at the glory.

Other sounds add different layers
Add interludes and accents,
A dog’s frenzied barking, a chattering squirrel
A train whistling in the distance
All keep me guessing what more
The masterpiece holds this morning.

And then soon I hear
The flutter of wings
A bird whooshing by overhead,
Next chiming church bells create a chorus
To which I’m compelled to add my voice.

No two days exactly the same
New music unfolds with each sunrise,
The morning symphony no longer muffled,
The voice of God,
A life-giving melody
Renews and inspires my spirit.
Yes, much is reborn in spring.

“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.” Psalm 40:3

*What do you like best about spring?

*Flickr photo by Abby Lane