Touches of Fall Around The House...

"Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn."
-   Elizabeth Lawrence

 

The Lord's Prayer...a Personal Version...

I wrote this post two years ago in response to a devotional I had read.  The devotional challenged me to write a personal Lords Prayer.  It was one of the first things I wrote publicly...although I'm pretty sure crickets were chirping for almost a year before I ever got a comment on my blog (grin).  I've been revisiting the Lords Prayer so I thought I'd share my version again with you.

My Psalm of Gratitude to God

God You are in control of all we do and have.

You give us heat when we're cold
food when we're hungry
a place to sleep when we're tired.

You give us opportunities for knowledge when we're longing to learn more.

You listen when we cry and
You listen when we're full of joy.

You are here with us - full of unconditional love.

I am proud to be your daughter!

To those who don't know You-
You are there waiting for them to acknowledge You.
When they look up and see You, Your arms are open and ready to envelope them in your love and forgiveness.
You don't ask, "Why didn't you come sooner?"
You're just there waiting!

You are the Peacemaker.
Peace within my heart and soul.
Without You my soul is turbulent,
but with You my soul is calm.

Thank You God for being there when I need a steady hand to guide my way

Thank You for loving me when I'm unlovable.
Thank You for filling my heart with love for You.
In turn my heart is full of love for others as well.

Your love truly does envelope me and for that I am thankful!

Rest. Renewal.

re·new

: to make like new : restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection renew our strength in sleep> or 

: to make new spiritually : regenerate.

With paintbrush in hand and boys playing outside with their friends these last two weekends I've had some time to think.  The quiet and repetitive motion of the strokes of a paintbrush give way to thinking about renewal.  As the walls take on a new life... I think about my own.  Changing seasons spur thoughts about  beginning again.  Starting Fresh.  Sometimes I need that too.  Just as I step back and assess the paint job...I
need to step back and evaluate my life and make changes.  Renew.  Renewal.  To make like New.

Just like the One has taught - Rest and Renewal - are essential for growth.

May this Labor Day be a day of Rest and Renewal for you as it will be for me.

Until Next Time,

Jackie
*photo courtesy of flickr.com