What we are learning...

What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly:
tis dearness only that gives everything it's value.
Heaven knows how to put a proper price on it's
goods; and it would be strange indeed if so
celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be
highly rated.
Thomas Paine 1776

Summer Bliss

I'd rather have roses on my table, than diamonds on my neck.
~ Emma Goldman

Comfort and Simple Faith

Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thes. 5:16-18


As I read these verses I remembered a book I read a few years ago called "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom.  I remember it being a comfort to me and as soon as I could get to the library I checked it out again. To my delight they also had another book about her life and faith.  I guess this post is a study on my thoughts and inner struggles this week and the encouragement I have found in reading about Corrie whose faith in God was simple and yet carried her through the lowest lows and highest heights of human existense. 


Here are just of few of the simple truths she is known for saying and encouraging with in addition to her favorite scriptures:


Jesus is Victor. 



The Lord has no problems, only plans.



She wrote:  I look at the faces around me, and experience deep sympathy.  I know I have work for the kingdom of God.  After what He did for me on the cross, then I am happy that I can suffer a little.



(If you are unfamiliar with her story, she suffered much, soooo so much in a concentration camp where she lost her father, sister and nephew).  When I read her words "suffer a little" and then compare it with any present suffering I experience - my sufferings wouldn't even register on a chart. 


From her stories I gain perspective and draw up strength.  I am encouraged to hide the Word in my heart and live with a childlike faith.


I highly, highly recommend reading her story or rereading it, whichever the case may be!
Blessings,
Olivia

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

a crown of contentment

"I would rather be what God chose to make me than the most glorious creature that I could think of; for to have been thought about, born in God's thought, and then made by God, is the dearest, grandest, and most precious thing in all thinking."

George MacDonald (C.S. Lewis' mentor)

I have a confession to make.  Sometimes, seeing the amazing women around me is simply inspiring!  Yet at other times, seeing these same amazing, caring, creative, multi-tasking, beautiful women around me (and in blogland) I fall into the habit of comparison. 

Yep, and it's not pretty when I'm asking myself if I measure up... I thought I would have some how "matured past this" by this point in my life. 

My heart's desire is to be a girl who wears the crown of contentment.  Content to be me, content to live the purpose God designed for ME  and not someone else. 

Today something in me changed...

Suddenly my eyes are opened and I'm telling you I'm not willing to go one more day without contentment in my heart!  Looking back over the times I've been mislead by comparison I'm seeing through different eyes than before.  Now I'm trusting in the one who formed me that his plan is perfect!  It's about faith - I realize, believing HE knows best!  He meant to make me just the way I am.

Searching for Inspiration

Do you ever have those times where you're waiting... and you don't know what for? 

I tend to go through phases and their quite amusing to look back on!  In recent history there was my "homesteading phase" where I was reading about and delving into all things "farmgirl" (this one has been off and on for the past 5 years but turned into "homesteading" as soon as I found a name for it!).  Now you know the real reason for the chickens! 

Then there was my Beatrix Potter - drawing & painting phase inspired by the movie "Miss Potter".  For some reason this phase inspired me to want a bunny! 

When I read Anne of Ingleside and found one of my favorite quotes "some folks think babies a luxury, but here at Ingleside we think their a necessity!" I of course was in a baby phase (wanting #4!). 

I've also had a music phase - piano lessons for 2 years (so we now have a piano!).  A blogging phase...a photography phase...a secret garden phase...  And all throughout each of these times I seem to be more inspired in every sense of the word. 

Well, what do you do when you just don't feel inspired?  It must be time for a good book or a great movie!  Have any suggestions!?  I better be careful what I wish for though because once it becomes a phase we usually end up with long lasting results! 

Quote of the Day

Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, famine and injustice in the world when He could do something about it... but I'm afraid he might ask me the same question.  (Anonymous)

This quote, along with a couple of  scriptures have been invading my every thought lately.  They are redefining (it was once more clear) my whole perspective on being a christian.  I have always wondered when I stand before God when my life is over, what will I actually be judged on.  What will be left when my life is said and done - only those treasures I have stored up in heaven.  This is what the bible says:

Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me... I tell you the the truth, whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.  Matthew 25:34-40 (shortened)

This is the answer that was hidden right in front of me!  It's not as though I have never shown compassion.  But have I shown love and compassion to the measure that I was able to?  Have I sacrificed my own comfort and dreams to meet others needs?  I confess I have fallen short.  I am so regretful for the lost time.  So now what will I do with the answer?  Seek out the widow, the orphan and the stranger, anyone who has need and show them love in tangible ways. 

A little over ten years ago, before I met my husband and started a family I had a passionate heart for missions.  I went to South Africa on a mission trip with my church for 2 weeks and served.  It was amazing, and I was seriously considering a move there to teach children for a commitment of 6 months to a year.  Then I met Scott and fell in love.  We have been blessed with a good marriage, our own catering business, a life together with four healthy beautiful children to raise in the country.  I have been so thankful for what I have and also have felt that our lives are so full!  Yet, instead of realizing we have our dream come true and offering it all back to God, saying we are completely yours and will share open-handedly what you have given... we got comfortable.  Quite cozy and comfy.  Well, I am praying that the Lord will bring the passion back that was once so full.  I pray it will spill over to my husband, and children and then out into the world. 

So these are my thoughts.  Please, please feel free to comment and share your thoughts with me.

Blessings,

Olivia

Quote of the day

We can do no great things, only small things with great love.  Mother Teresa

I'm letting this sink in today as I look out over the week.  Prayerfully, I am preparing my heart to spend my week in a way that can overflow with compassion for others.  So often I am guilty of being self involved and not looking to help others near to me or far away.  But this is an irony because God has given me a heart of compassion.  One that is easily moved to tears at the pain of others suffering especially children.  Too often I get caught up in my own little world (and by doing so I am keeping it little).  This week I am challenging my habits and seeking to show love.  I can't wait to share what opportunities to give of my time and resources come up as a result of being ready and available!