2012 Christmas Letter

It’s pretty crazy that it’s “that time of year” yet again.  2012 has definitely been full of ups and downs, we have ridden the high waves and crashed at the shore, and we have also had some calm waters in between.  And yet, God never fails to amaze us and show us his mercy and grace.

Bruce continues to countdown his days until retirement and planning fishing trips.  He had a wonderful time this year with the guys on their annual Mammoth trip.  It was a blessing for him to be able to go.  After a long three-year battle with dementia and what was possibly Parkinson’s disease, we said goodbye to his dad in October.  It is definitely hard to let go of a loved one, but we know without a doubt that dad has a perfect body and mind and is spending eternity with Jesus.  No greater blessing than that!

Terri is still enjoying the benefits of staying at home and all that entails.  One would think that not having a “job” you wouldn’t be so busy, but no, she fills her time with plenty.  She loves her camera, is building a photography business, loves on Jr. High and High school students at church and takes care of the home.  Her newest additions, Phoenix and Ruby, the sun conure siblings, and of course, Titus the tortoise, Roxy the bernese mountain dog and Lily, her yellow lab keep her happy and without a dull moment!

Ryan has had a pretty amazing year.  He still works at Bob Marriott’s and in August he rededicated his life to Jesus and is fully submitted to his calling of being a children’s pastor!  He has been accepted at Life Pacific College (the same one where his Aunt Tawni went!) and will be starting in January.  He moved back home in August and has an amazing girlfriend Caitlyn.  We are so proud of him and looking forward to what God has for not only him, but him and Caitlyn too!

Dylan.  Our fun loving, compassionate, down to earth, straight to the point son.  He has had a changing year too!  Because of Dylan, we have changed churches and have been so blessed.  He is still at Fullerton College, just narrowed down his major, which will be in Management and should be transferring in about a year.  He still is looking into a career in the police department, but wants a degree before he pursues that direction.  He left his job at Downtown Disney and now works in the shipping department at Bob Marriott’s and loves it.  Regular hours and no late nights, is a major benefit.  He loves routine!  Him and Renee are still going strong and she is a joy to be around.  She keeps him happy and that’s what is important!

You are all loved much, and we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Bruce, Terri, Ryan and Dylan Harris

“But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.  God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.”  Galatians 4:4-5

Missing

Today marks 11 years ago that I said goodbye to my favorite person in my life.  My dad.  He was my hero.  Although I didn't get to spend most of my first 16  years of life with him, when he did come back into my life, I had some amazing 16 years.  My dad always made me feel so special.  No, he wasn't the perfect dad by any means, but he was my dad, and I miss him so! 

I miss his gentle kisses on the top of my head.
I miss his flicks on the back of my head.
I miss the cards.
I miss the voice mail messages.
I miss that he was the first one to call me on my birthday, Mother's Day and Christmas morning.
I miss the single flower he would give.
I miss the names he would call everyone.
I miss that he didn't get to see how much his grandson is so much like him.
I miss sitting by me in church.
I miss making him coffee in the middle of the day.
I miss his smell.
I miss his love.
I miss his hugs.
I miss my dad.

I know that he was taken from me too early, but I also know that he is in Heaven with a loving and gracious God and that I will someday soon see him again...until then, I will cherish each memory and moment that I had with him...love you dad!

Termite

"He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."  Ecclesiastes 3:11

My Valentine

As I reflect on Valentine's Day, I can't help but think of my husband and the love he has poured out on me over the years.  Bruce is a dream come true to my life.  I would have never thought that I would be blessed by such a man.  He has dedicated his life to loving me unconditionally and shows me daily by his sacrifices of himself to give me more and more.  Much more than I could ever deserve.  I have to admit, Bruce has always been my biggest support.  He has been right by me side through great times and most importantly, he has been my rock through some of the longest, darkest days.  He never expects anything in return, just loves me for who I am, who I was and who I am becoming.  He is always pushing me to do better and without him, I know that I would not be who I am today.  I love him dearly!
Most importantly, this man I call my own, has always shown me the love of Christ.  He always looks at me and sees me through the eyes of Christ.  When I don't deserve it, all I get is love.  When I am hard on myself, he points me back to the truth.  Through the years, I have been able to get the whole concept of how God loves us more than we could imagine and more than we deserve, because of my husband. 

My prayer on this Valentine's Day, and really, not just today, but every day, is that you begin to see your husband through Christ's eyes.  He may not be perfect in all the ways you, want, but he is the perfect one for you.  See him for who he is, and not who you want him to be.  He loves you.  He chose you.  Just as God loves, your hubby loves.  Choose this day to show Him, and him, how much you love!

Happy Valentine's Day...

Now these three remain:
faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV

Merry Christmas-2011

Merry Christmas to all our friends and family!  Each and every one of you has a special place in our hearts.  2011 has been a roller-coaster ride for us.  We have been blessed through all the hard decisions and changes that have taken place, from aging and ailing parents to our oldest son moving out and getting back into ministry, by an Almighty God who loves us so and continues to show us each day that He is our Rock on which we stand.  To Him be the Glory!

Bruce's birthday this year marked his two year mark of being able to retire!  Although, it may not be that he retires in two years, it would be possible and therefore takes the stress of the load he carries for his family every day off of him.  It's been a tough year of dealing with aging parents for him.  Dad is now in a nursing home and it seems as if the doctors have found and fixed most of mom's issues.  She now has a pacemaker and is doing dialysis three days a week.  Things seem to be getting a little, just a little, better!  He was able to go fly-fishing a bit this year.  He  went on the annual Mammoth Lakes trip with the guys and had a great time.  His plan is to do much more in 2012...we are in the process of getting these dates on the calendar!

Terri continues to stay at home and never has a dull moment!  She is still able to stay at home and is so blessed to be a wife and mom.  She is a Bible Study leader for some great women on Tuesday mornings and also a Mentor Mom for Mothers Of Preschoolers (MOPS) at church on Thursdays. She has definitely had one of the biggest transitions for a mom this year, with Ryan moving out, but knows without a doubt that God is good and He is in control.  She is really looking forward to being a part of a new marriage ministry at church.  Good things are coming in 2012!


Ryan has had a big year!  In June, him and his buddies, William, Adam and Cody went on another baseball stadium road trip.  This year they did the west coast.  They went to San Diego, Anaheim, San Francisco, Oakland, Seattle and Los Angeles.  They had a blast!  He then turned 21 in September.  October, although it was tough for mom and dad, he moved out!  He is loving life and we are so proud of the man he is becoming!  Ryan is a full time student at Fullerton College and is in the process of changing his major to Business.  He continues to work at Bob Marriott's about 30 hours a week and still gets in his Wednesday body boarding sessions with the guys!

Dylan turned 19 this year
and is a neat guy!
He started working for Planet Popcorn this summer at Downtown Disney and is working lots of hours!  Him and his girlfriend, Renee, have been together for about a year and a half now and they have an amazing relationship.  As much as they are alike, it is amazing how perfect they are for each other.  It is so fun watching them grow up!  Dylan is at Fullerton College and working toward a degree in Political Science.  He is thinking about joining the police academy in 2012.  He is a bit jealous that his brother was able to move out and wishes it were him.  But what would this house be without the cynicism, the sarcasm, the nudges, the hits and the picking on mom be like?!?!

As 2011 comes to a close.  Our prayer is that you will find the peace of our everlasting Father and know that He is in everything.  Focus on the good things, keep your eyes looking for the positive in all things, and you will be blessed.  Jesus Christ came as a baby in a manger, lived on this earth for a while to be our example and died on a wooden cross so that we may have eternal life!  He loves you and He loves me.  May our lives fully reflect that!

God Bless you and Merry Christmas.

Bruce, Terri, Ryan and Dylan
Roxy and Lily too!

Wings

It's hard to believe that my son is now 21 years old.  Time has gone by way too fast!  I know that is such a cliche, but you know, when you face this milestone, it really has gone by way too fast.  Not sure that I am ready for it, but ready or not, he has decided that it is time for him to spread his wings and be on his own.  Yes, my son is moving out!

Final steps.  Is it really happening? 

Once the bed goes in, you know this is real stuff.

I had a friend ask me if this is a good, bad or hard thing?  I said it is all of those!  It is a good thing that he grown up and ready to take on his own responsibilities and that is ultimately what we want for our kids.  We have spent their whole lives getting them ready for this very moment.  And I am extremely proud of the man he is becoming, but it is a bad thing in that we always think we know what's best for them, and only want what's best, so the unknown is the bad part!  Hard...I think that is without saying.  It is hard letting him go. 

As for Ryan, I think he is pretty happy with his new place!

I love you son, and pray that God blesses you on your journey.  May you continue to love Him, honor Him in all that you and know that even though you may not have your bed in this house, it will ALWAYS be your home.

"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6-7

Always

Dad has had a rough week!  Monday morning he fell in the
backyard and took a major header!  He has two three inch cuts that
have about 10-15 staples in each!  He actually cut an artery in the
right side of his head that they had to stitch back together too.
Thankfully, the neighbor boys heard him yelling, were able to get in the backyard, the gate has a lock on it, but it wasn't latched, got him into a chair and called the
paramedics.  Mom, was still asleep, and being deaf, had no
idea he was out there.  Once the boys called the paramedics, they went in and were able to wake mom. He could have bled to death had the boys not heard his cries!  Such a scary moment.

After spending 9 hours in the emergency, he went to a convalescent home to be
observed because of the head trauma and blood loss.  Dad spent two nights there he didn't think
he needed to stay and demanded to go home.  The convalescent home told us that the doctor was releasing him, but we realized that they were releasing him because he was demanding it and he gave them a run for their money during the night so they were more than happy to let him go! 

Well, within an hour of getting home, he was on the floor again!  We were able to get him
back in bed and he slept for about five hours, and then got out of bed without
calling for help and down he went and back to the ER we went! They took another CT scan, and it showed no new injuries and no internal bleeding.

He is now in a different covalescent home and what I believe is going to be good.  During the CT scan on Monday and Wednesday, they did find that he has two enlarged ventricles.  The upside of this, is most of his problems could be caused by this.  If that is the case, a stint can be put in to help with the flow of fluid leaving his brain and down the spine.  So, we are praying that maybe, just maybe, things can get much better for him.

I have to say, that this has definitely been a long and hard week, BUT what I can say, God has been right here, each step of the way.  Tuesday, I was pretty worn out, I had a tea to go to and quite honestly, I had to literally put one step in front of the other to get there.  And of course, it was just what I needed!  I was given the verse, "Rejoice in the LORD, always!"  Philippians 4:4 (NIV) and I knew it was just for me.  God doesn't want us to just rejoice in Him when it is easy.  He doesn't want us to only rejoice in Him when things are good.  He wants us to rejoice in Him ALWAYS.  At all times.  He wants us to delight and gladden ourselves in Him.  He wants us to always be glad in Him!  And as The Message translation says, "Celebrate God all day, very day.  I mean, revel in Him!"  And so, I choose to rejoice in Him, not only yesterday and today, but even tomorrow even though I do not know what tomorrow brings, because that can change literally any second, I do know, that God has me and Dad and the rest of us in His hands, and He loves us so much, that He will guide our way. 

Rejoicing...ALWAYS!

Proverbs 31

I have a friend who has been choosing one of her friends on Facebook and posting as her status what she admires in them.  Earlier this week, I was one of her friends that she chose and I was so blessed and yet overwhelmed and humbled by her words, that it is all I have thought about for a few days!  Yesterday as I was talking to my hubby about it, it hit me as to why it impacted me so much!  Her words, have been my life mission!  They are just what I would want my boys and husband and really everyone else, to be able to say about me at the end of my life.  Here are her words:

"When I think of Proverbs 31, Terri Lynn Harris comes immediately to my mind. A worthy woman. You are true to your friends. Pure to you husband and children. Loving to strangers. Content with what you have. You have opened up your home for others since the day I met you. You are a bright light in a dim world and I wanted to tell you that today. God Bless you Terri."

At first, I thought, wow, that's not true, what is she thinking!  BUT, as I read it again, I said to myself, "that really is my heart, that is who I strive to be."  So, why do I always doubt when someone says something kind to me, or says something about me that they see or feel?  I don't know!  It drives me crazy!  I have often prayed, "Lord, help me see me the way Bruce sees me."  My husband is an amazing man, I am so thankful that God decided he was for me!

Here are the words of advice from Solomon in Proverbs 31, while I know that we can not be exactly everything that this perfect woman is, but there is so much that we can glean from these words.  Proverbs is an advice book for us.  It is not a commandment or a law that is to be followed exactly.  Look at it as a gentle guidance from someone you respect.  I came into marriage and mothering with not a lot of healthy, good examples.  I have often felt that I was on my own and to learn how to be a good wife and mom.  It is not an easy job by any means, but I truly believe in this scripture, and that if we strive to be anything close to this woman, as a wife and mom, we will have amazing marriages full of love and respect!

"Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?  She is worth more than precious rubies.  Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.  She will not hinder him but help him all her life.  She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.  She is like a merchant's ship; she brings her food from afar.  She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan he day's work for her servant girls.  She goes out to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.  She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.  She watches for bargains; her lights burn late into the night.  Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.  She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.  She has no fear of winter for her household because all of them have warm clothes.  She quilts her own bedspreads. She dresses like royalty in gowns of finest cloth.  Her husband is well known, for he sits in the council meeting with the other civic leaders.  She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.  She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future.  When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions.  She carefully watches all that goes on in her household and does not have to bear the consequences of laziness.  Her children stand and bless her.  Her husband praises her. There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!  Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.  Reward her for all she has done.  Let her deeds publicly declare her praise." 

                                                     Proverbs 31:10-31

Inside My Heart

It definitely has been awhile since I have sat down and put words to my thoughts.  These past 6 weeks have been quite full!  My father-in-law is definitely doing much better.  Back in December he was having a hard time walking, well, more like a general weakness in his lower body.  It just continued to get worse, so we ended up in the emergency room after several falls at home.  He was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, high blood pressure from not taking his medication properly, along with taking too much Vicodin.  He ended up in a rehabilitation hospital for about three weeks trying to get his blood pressure back in control and working on building more strength in his legs.  He is now home and doing much better.  His dementia makes things pretty dificult for the family, but everyone has stepped up and is doing their share. And we are now on a new journey!

One  thing that has really spoken to me through this journey is how blessed I am to have such amazing in-laws.  I am often asked why I would do what I do for my father-in-law, or how do I keep going?  I have had many a conversation with my husband, and have to say, I am blessed to be able to care for him.  I would have to say, the absolute number one thing that I have gotten from this man is unconditional love!  My in-laws have always been proud of who I am as a person, a daughter-in-law, a wife and mom. I have never felt that I have had to perform or be someone I am not to them.  I wholeheartedly know without a doubt that they are truly proud of me for who I am.  I have not done anything special to earn their love and respect.  They have truly shown it to me.  I absolutely love being in their home.  I always feel at home and can settle in and truly know it is where I belong.  And for that, I am truly grateful!  And so to answer the question of why I choose to do what I do and how I keep doing, how could you not do for someone who truly needs you and loves you and appreciates seeing you there with him and continue on this journey...only God gives us what we need and desire, and for now, I am proud to be the daughter-in-law that God has called me to.

2010 Christmas Letter

As 2010 comes a close, it is always  fun to reflect on our year and see where God has blessed and encouraged.  This year has had many changes, and we know that in all things,  God’s glory is truly what matters!

As for Bruce, you can go back to the last 5 or so years, and it’s still the same.  Just the way he likes it!   He didn’t do a whole lot of fishing this year, but was able to reconnect with some of his old fishing buddies and went up to the Sierra’s and had a great time!  Except, of course, coming home with a pulled hamstring and that  hasn’t been fun!  He is still anxiously awaiting that retirement date, unfortunately, with the economy,  and it may mean a couple more years of working.  Bruce’s highlight for the year, is making it through the worst part of this recession.

Terri’s 2010 has been pretty good. She had been praying for God to show her where her ministry would be and is now  a Bible Study Leader on Tuesday mornings at church and has gotten a group of amazing young moms.  She has had fun getting to know them and some other young college age women to talk with and help them to be able to see how important they are and how much they truly matter to Jesus!  She is still loving being at home,  most days, it’s a whole new ballgame with two “adult” children living in the home and all that that brings!  She also has finally picked up her camera again and is ready to do some learning and explore some new options.  Terri’s highlight of the year would have to be her trip to Seattle with Ryan to see the Mariner’s vs. the Angels series over Mother’s Day weekend. It was truly a blessing.  Fun times!

Ryan turned 20 in September and is growing into a pretty amazing young man.  He still enjoys his job at Bob Marriott’s Fly Fishing Store, and tries to fish whenever he has a moment.  He works there every moment he is not in school.  Ryan has declared his major in Biology with an emphasis in Zoology!  He wants to be a Zookeeper and is working towards transferring to Humboldt State in the future.  His newest love this year has been golf.  When he gets an interest, he goes all out, and now,  is known to go out the door at 6am to play a round before work or even at 9pm to hit the driving range…oh to be 20 again!   Ryan’s highlight of the year would be his road trip he took with  his buddies Adam, William and Cody.  They spent a week traveling  to see 4 different baseball games in 4 different states: Arizona, Texas, Kansas and Colorado.  They truly had an amazing time!  What memories!

Dylan has had a year of growing up…started dating a wonderful girl, Renee in March, turned 18 in May, graduated high school n June and started Fullerton College in August!  He went to school part-time this semester and still works at Palace 4 Paws at Downtown Disney.  He is a pretty amazing guy too!  I guess I am partial, but if you ever get the chance to sit down and have a conversation with him, he will blow your socks off!  Dylan is one compassionate person and the heart of him is one that makes you want to be a better person.  And of course, his dog, Roxy is still absolutely his best friend!  Dylan’s highlight of the year would have to be Renee.  She has brought him much joy and gives him a reason to be the person he is.

We would have to agree that the biggest blessing of 2010 was our trip to Kauai, Hawaii!  What an amazing trip we had.  It was so fun to be able to have a once in a lifetime trip.  We went tubing down old sugar cane canals, sailing down the Na’Pali coast with snorkeling and an awesome spinner dolphin show on the way, yummy food and good times hanging out in the sun.  It will always be remembered, and hopefully will not be the last time.

We pray that your 2011 will bring much joy as you seek to know what God would have for your life this coming season.  May God grant you all that your heart desires as you lean daily on Him and let Him guide your every thought, attitude and motive.  Jesus loves you and so do we!  May we continue to grow in love and character together in 2011!

                                                      Bruce, Terri, Ryan and Dylan Harris
                                                                 (Roxy and Lily too!)

“Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through who also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”  Romans 5:1-4

Choosing Joy

Webter's Dictionary Definition of Joy states:   the emotion evoked by wel-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires: DELIGHT;   the expression or exhibition of such emotion:  GAIETY;  a state of happines or felicity: BLISS;  a source or cause of delight;  to experience great pleasure or delight:  REJOICE, GLADDEN, ENJOY.

Last Sunday, our Pastor began our Christmas season theme of JOY.  I must say, I am pretty excited about this, being that  one of my 2010 visions was learning Joy!  I want to get to the place where I truly live each day full of joy.  What is joy and how are we supposed to live with joy everyday?  I don't know all the answers, yet, but I am sure that God will reveal all this to me.  I wait with great anticipation to see where He will lead.  Sure, it is the end of the year, but hey, I believe in God's perfect timing and so here it is! 

I want to share a glimpse of how I've gotten to this place.  This year has been just slightly overwhelming with changes.  I'm not one who embraces change.  I don't like when things don't go as planned. I want it all to just stay the same.  But really, can that be?  Nothing ever stays the same, and if it did, what fun would that be, right?

These past few weeks I have had a general overwhelmed feeling.  I prayed and asked God to show me areas that I could let go of adn where I needed to refocus and redirect my energies. I made the painful decision to give up one of my bible study groups and a very part-time job I was doing, and although, it was a hard decision, I know it was the right decision.  Since doing this, God has given me some confirmations! 

First, church on Sunday morning was amazing.  One thing that stood out to me was, that challenge + risk + hope, brings JOY.  We have to be challenged and take the risks involved and know that our hope will bring us ultimately to JOY!  Wow, so in all the struggles and worries, we can still have JOY?  Yes!  This is exactly what I needed to hear, there is JOY in the midst of it all!   

Monday, I get a text from a friend asking me if I feel distracted?  Absolutely!  My mind is so full of what's next on the to do list, that I can't focus, or enJOY what I am doing right now.  That's what I want to change!  Anyway, through the conversation she says I need to pray about the "right things."  She went on to say "Sometimes we engage in things in our lives that we think we should be in and God doesn't want us there.  Sometimes we get in too deep, sometimes we do it for other people.  Only you and God can decide what role you play in each."  That was exactly where I had gotten! 

So then yesterday, I read Beth Moore's study of Daniel, and she says, "I understand how difficult this is.  But you must let it go.  Don't just release it.  Renounce it.  Push it off. You must, or it will eventually destroy you...get to it, because it's getting to you!"  As Isaiah 1:16-17 says, "Stop doing wrong, learn to do right!"  It's my time to have JOY in doing the "right" things, and not what I "think" I "should" be doing.  And to top of the day, I get an invitation to do a study over the Christmas break from our Tuesday morning bible study, and guess what the book is..."Choosing Gratitude...A Journey to Joy" by Nancy Leigh de Moss!  It is a study about being thankful and learning how to live that way!  Of course I'm in!

So, I have the Christmas lights on the house, decorations in the yard, tree is up and the inside of the house is all ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus!  I am excited to sit back and see, "The Lord is Good!"  Remember, we are His gift, and we are the only gift He wants!  I pray that we all find and experience His JOY as we celebrate the birth of Jesus!

Blessings to you,
Terri

As Luke 1:45 says, "You are blessed because you BELIEVED the Lord would do what He said!"

Celebrate The Memory

Today would have been my Dad's 63rd birthday.  Unfortunately, he isn't here to celebrate with.  Nine years ago he went home to be with the Lord after a long battle with heart disease.  Every year this day comes and instead of it being a good day of remembering him, it always seems to be more of a sad day in remembering that he is not here!  As I was talking with God this morning, I felt that I needed to focus on the good I got from my Dad, so here are my thoughts on what I learned from my Dad!

1.  I learned that the greatest gift in life is to love.  He was a man who gave his whole heart and never regretted.  He loved to the ends of the earth. 

2.  I learned that I couldn't do anything to earn his love.  He loved me anyway!  Although my Dad wasn't around much for the first 16 years of my life, the day he can back, it felt as if he were never gone.

3.  I learned that a flick on the back of my head was a good thing.  It was his love pat and something that would be deeply missed.

4.  I learned that everyone should have a nickname and that it really makes one feel special.  There are so many: Termite, Cryin Ryan, Bubba, Baldy, Spaceshot, BubbleButt, Nickel, Lady Di, it goes on and on!

5.  I learned that working hard and giving your all makes a world of difference to those around you who are watching everything you do.

6.  I learned that the way you treat people is how you earn respect.

7.  I learned that smoking is a terrible addiction that is extremely and almost impossible to break and that it definitely shortens your life!

8.  I learned that one man giving his life to Jesus, can affect so many! 

9.  I learned that ultimately no one can make you happy, you have to be happy with yourself.

10.  I learned that very few people get the honor of having that one special person that they fall in love with and will love literally until the day they die. 

I definitely miss my Dad, but I can honestly say, I am so thankful that I had him in my life even though it was for such a short time!  It is a true blessing to have been his daughter and to have been so loved.

Blessings,
Termite

"There is a time for everything, a season for very activity under heaven. 
A time to be born and a time to die. 
     A time to plant and a time to harvest. 
A time to kill and a time to heal. 
     A time to tear down and a time to rebuild. 
A time to cry and a time to laugh 
     A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. 
     A time to embrace and a time to turn away. 
A time to search and a time to lose. 
     A time to keep and a time to throw away. 
A time to tear and a time to mend. 
     A time to be quiet and a time to speack up. 
A time to love and a time to hate. 
     A time for war and a time for peace."    
                                                           Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Perception

Florence Chadwick was a swimmer and she was pulled into the boat after giving up.  Because there was so much fog, she could not see how much further she had to go.  She was exhausted and decided to give up.  Once on land, when she was told that she only had half a mile to go before the shore, she said: 

"All I could see was the fog, if I could have seen the shore, I think I could have made it."  Florence Chadwick

Our Youth Pastor, John Riley spoke on this last Sunday morning and it really touched my heart!  Isn't this how so many of us live our lives?  We only live for the moment.  We can't see past the one thing (our fog) that is so consuing.  Every decision is based on the hear and now.  Long term thinking, or long term waiting is not what we practice.  If we believe in a Sovereign God, why do we limit ourselves?

We tend to only focus on the fog.  Think about that.  When there is heavy fog, we can only see right in front of ourselves.  We can't see past the fog.  Even in light foggy mornings, we only see the fog, we don't see the sun that is looming in the distance.  We only see the one thing that is right in front of us, the fog.  When we face our "fog" what do we, we give up, because it is too heavy! It is the only thing we can see, we know that the sun is out there, just waiting to break through, but we can't see it.

Our "fogs" can be different for each of us.  Sometimes it's heavy, death, divorce, illness, unemployment.  Sometimes it seems trivial, or what others may see as trivial, to us it may be overwhelmed with housework, spouses, children, jobs, basically life issues,  BUT, in our fog it is real to us.  It is overwhelming, stressful and scary.  We can't understand why we are in this fog.  We think we will never be able to see the other side, so it seems easier to give up.  Just give in and let life pass us by, because, really what's the point of all this?  And yet, we find out it's just a little bit further to get to the shore!

So, what to do when in our fog?  I believe the first step is to get to the realization point that we are giving up.  Sometimes, that is the most critical point.  Realization.  Take the time to acknowledge that all you see is fog.  Whether it is heavy or light, it is fog.   And we are in it!

After realizing you are in a fog, accept it.  Accept that you are in the fog, you don't know how thick it is going to be, but you are gonna keep pressing through until the fog gets lighter and lighter.  It may be within minutes, or days, weeks, months or even years, but it will get lighter.

And then, let go and let God.  I know that is cliche, but really, it is what it is.  It truly is our only Hope!  We have to give our fog to the One who can walk us through it, every little step.  Inch by inch.   We have to get to the point of saying, "God, only you know what I need, and what is best..  Give me Your ears to hear and Your eyes to see!  May my will be Your will so that You are glorified in all things.  Amen."

Our lives here on earth are only a small fraction of our lives spent in eternity with the One who loves us.  Let's step into the fog when it rolls in and know that God is in the fog!

                   Photo by The Mighty Neptune

Blessings to you!

Terri

"Lord, how they have increased who trouble me!  Many are they who rise up against me.  Many are they who say to me, "There is not help for him in God."  But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.  I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill.  I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.  I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. Arise, O Lord; Save me, O my God!  For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone;  You have broken the teeth of the ungodly.  Salvation belongs to the Lord.  Your blessing is upon Your people."  Psalm 3:1-8

Friendships

"A true friend is one that you can always count on to support you as you obey God. There are friends who will back you up when you try to do what is right. Thanks for being a true gift from God, a friend who helps me and others when we try to do what honors God."

I received this in a text last week, and to be honest, I didn't know how to respond. This was from someone who I dearly love, but I had not felt that I had been this kind of friend over the last couple months. I found myself pulling back, not giving of myself for awhile, and then this comes out of nowhere!

I got this early in the morning and I thought about it all day. I didn't respond until late that afternoon. Honestly, I didn't know how to respond. Why would she feel that way when I didn't feel that I was being that kind of a friend? So, I responded with "Wow! That's a lot to take in!" She tells me that I'm a smart woman and I can take it, so of course then the process of searching within begins...

This is the person I want to be. It is someone I am when I am willing to be open and honest and vulnerable. We need to be this kind of friend, and we need to have these kinds of friends! Having a friend that you know without a doubt that you can call on at any given moment is a treasure. She is this and I definitely don't want to lose her friendship. We may go through valleys in our friendship, but those valleys lead to a deeper more intimate relationship.

I am learning to let go of my insecurities and fears and being willing to let God do what only God can do! He has blessed me with some open and honest friendships and I need to embrace all of it. The laughter, the accountability, the tears and most importantly, the love.

So my prayer is this: Lord, help me to be a true friend. Someone that can always be counted on to support frieds who obey God. Let me be a friend who will back others up when they try to do what is right. Thanks for giving me a true gift from God, a friend who helps me and others when we try to do what honors God. Amen.

"A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17

God Walking

A few weeks ago, I took my 1 year old Lab Lily on a walk. It had been a while since we had walked and it started out challenging. She wanted to go full speed at first, from the beginning, I had to hold her leash at a close distance and keep it taut. She was jumping around, not paying attention, losing focus and I had to keep calling her name, tugging on her collar and even give her a kick on her butt at one point.

As we continued to walk around the neighborhood, she gradually got back into our routine. It's not like she doesn't know how it is supposed to be done, she just had to test the waters and see how far she could go without being brought back in line. She wanted to do it her way, but I wanted it my way, because I knew the dangers of letting her just do it on her own. I was there to guide her and show her how it is done. Little by little, she submitted, and then we were walking side by side, enjoying our surroundings and being comforted that we can do this together as long as we work together.

Which, makes me think of our walk with God. There are so many times that we let our schedules and busyness keep us from walking with Him. We let the pressures of life, our tiredness and quite honestly pure laziness from spending time in the arms of our Savior. We think we can do it our way and on our own. We know what we're doing, but do we? When we finally realize we can't do it all on our own, we know we need God, and then we have an akward time of getting back in the routine.

So, we decide to make a decision, today, I am going to spend more time with him. I am not going to go at this alone anymore, but when we sit down to do it, our minds are jumping all over, we can't settle our bodies down to focus, we want to hear God calling our name, but we just won't sit long enough to really listen. Sometimes it takes a swift kick in the butt to get back on track!

And that is exactly what God does. He will continue to gently call our names and urge us to come back to Him. We just have to be willing to let Him in. When we finally submit to His calling, what a difference it makes! We can enjoy our surroundings, the situations we are in, the circumstances we face, because we know that we have the comfort and security of the One who knows us and loves us no matter what and will guide us every step of the way. Walking right next to our side, and guiding us all the way home! He will meet us right where we are at any given moment, He just wants us to seek Him. May today be the day you submit to His voice and let Him guide you.

Blessings,
Terri

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

Stand Up

"Then the king deply regretted what he had said; but because of the vows he had made in front of his guests, he couldn't refuse her." Mark 6:26

This week as I was read'ing Mark Chapter 6, this verse really made me mad. I read it and thought to myself, Herod is is an idiot, why couldn't he stand up against something that he knew was completely wrong?" I continued to be bothered by this and just pondered it for a few days.

Well, during our bible study session, Sherry Mortenson speaks on Herod a little. Here is a man, who was married, divorced his wife to marry his brother's wife (Herodia) and then is turned on by his step-daughter while watching her dance! John the Baptist comes in and confronts Herod about his lifestyle and his wife Herodia, is angry, she wants John killed! In the end, Herodia's daughter is offered anything she wants and her mother, Herodia tells her to ask for the head of John the Baptist, and she gets it! Interesting, huh? So why does this affect me?

Well, when put into layman's terms, here is a dysfunctional family, Herod is a man who took what he wanted, when he wanted, reacts to his desires with no concern for how others are to be affected, and completely impulsive! This is what I relate to. I come from a background of Herod's!

I grew up without my Dad from the ages of 2-16. He was an acoholic and after my mom left him, he went on to two other women and had more kids with them, not counting the one woman and child before me and my sister. My mom remarried and had another child with him and that ended in divorce, because of impulsive choices on his part. Which then enters my dad again, and my parents remarry, and in the end, is not a good thing because of impulsive choices on my mom's part. All three of my parents, only thought of themselves and what they wanted with no consideration of how the rest of us would be affected.

With a total of 7 of us kids, we all have our own histories. I can only speak on my behalf, but I grew up with no one protecting me, and no one being willing to stand up for me when I was being wronged when they were fully aware of what was happening. I have always felt that I have to protect myself and trust no one, because if I trust, they will let me down! So why trust? I'm gonna lose either way, right?

Wrong! As with the disciples, we all have our moments of unbelief, but, our unbelief amazes Jesus! I didn't realize that my having to be in control of all things at all times is a lack of trust, and therefore is unbelief! Oh, I say I believe in Jesus, but if I stay in fear of losing (or loving completely)those close to me, I am living in unbelief! I don't believe that Jesus can and will stick up for me when I am wronged, I have that underlying feeling that I have to always be in protect mode and only trust myself, but am I really capable of trusting myself, no, because I am not God! Nor do I want to be...I want to believe that He is God and He is in control and He loves and protects me and that is enough.

So, what's the next step, I surrender my will, and let His will reign, from this day forward!

Blessings,
Terri