Stop On By

Make sure you stop by www.thequietplaceblog.org today to check out my post on forgiveness. God has been teaching me a lot lately.

Teachable Moments: A Forgiving Heart

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I have to say that there hasn't been a time in my life where I feel God has not met me where I am at. I've been through a lot of hard times, I've struggled with a few different things over the years. Yet, no matter what it was, how badly I was feeling, or if I was right or wrong, God has always met me on my own level.

Right now I feel treasured by my lord who has brought himself down to a level where I can understand him. Where he lifts my chin, wipes off the tears, looks into my eyes, and says "Hillary I understand what your feeling, I see what your dealing with, and I am going to help you. If you follow my lead, your going to get through this." There is nothing more encouraging to me than the assurance and steadfast love that God provides us.

Ladies, we are not alone in our weak moments. We have a God who is present with us. We have a God who sees us, AND who hears us. When we take the time to confide in God, he builds us up.

Don't forget to confide in him.
He waits eagerly for you.

Genesis 16:13

She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”

Deuteronomy 4:23-24

Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden. For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

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November

There is something special about November, the way the fall trees turn bear and wake up clothed in white snow. That first morning when the seem to be dying foliage is dressed in splendorous white covering everything as far as your eye can see.  That is a special joyous moment for me. This year that moment is even more special because of where I am this morning. Here in Michigan with my best friend. I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to come up here and spend time with her face to face. That is a rare opportunity these days and I am cherishing every moment of it. These are the times made of memories. The times that will always be remembered as special.

I am at a great time in my life. Once things change, they will change for good, and I don't want to ever forget what it was like to be at this stage in life. It's a precious time that adults always refer back to, "when I was young...". I want to have something good to say, and I know now that I do. 

When I was young I didn't take my friendships for granted. 

When I was young I took hold of the unique opportunities, and I never regretted it.

What special time are you in right now? I encourage you to make the most of it. 

Proverbs 4

Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;

pay attention and gain understanding. 

I give you sound learning,

so do not forsake my teaching.

For I too was a son to my father,

still tender, and cherished by my mother.

Then he taught me, and he said to me,

“Take hold of my words with all your heart;

keep my commands, and you will live.

Get wisdom, get understanding;

do not forget my words or turn away from them.

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;

love her, and she will watch over you.

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.

Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

Cherish her, and she will exalt you;

embrace her, and she will honor you.

She will give you a garland to grace your head

and present you with a glorious crown.”

Listen, my son, accept what I say,

and the years of your life will be many.

I instruct you in the way of wisdom

and lead you along straight paths.

When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;

when you run, you will not stumble.

Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;

guard it well, for it is your life.

Do not set foot on the path of the wicked

or walk in the way of evildoers.

Avoid it, do not travel on it;

turn from it and go on your way.

For they cannot rest until they do evil;

they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.

They eat the bread of wickedness

and drink the wine of violence.

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,

shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;

they do not know what makes them stumble.

My son, pay attention to what I say;

turn your ear to my words.

Do not let them out of your sight,

keep them within your heart;

for they are life to those who find them

and health to one’s whole body.

Above all else, guard your heart,

for everything you do flows from it.

Keep your mouth free of perversity;

keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

Let your eyes look straight ahead;

fix your gaze directly before you.

Give careful thought to the paths for your feet

and be steadfast in all your ways.

Do not turn to the right or the left;

keep your foot from evil.

Blessed By Beatrice

Today my roommate and I had the honor of having lunch with Beatrice. Beatrice is a wonderful four-foot eight-inch 94 year old church lady. Last Sunday she invited my roommates and I to Sunday dinner after church. Today we had the pleasure of following her to her home for lunch. It was quite comical to follow her in my car as she sped almost recklessly through the curvy small town streets. I almost lost her trail as I was restrained by the stop sign. Thankfully we were able to catch up to her and thankfully we didn't have much farther to go. 

When we arrived we stepped into her little kitchen and began helping her prepare for lunch. As we got up to walk outside and see the yard, I caught the dining room table in the corner of my eye. I was surprised and delighted to see the table set fully with china and crystal glasses. I felt honored that she would invite me to be apart of her special dinner. I was completely unaware of the glorious lunch we were about to have together.

When we came back inside we helped Beatrice set the table. She pulled a glazed ham roast out of the oven and a few other dinner salads from the kitchen and dish by dish we placed them on the decorated table linen.

As we sat down at the table Beatrice proceeded to say grace, thanking God for our meal and praying over us in the sweetest most loving way. Her words and presence blessed my heart.

Lunch was delicious and was the most unexpected occasion I never imagined. I had no idea that we would end up spending four hours getting to know one another over fine china and apple pie.

Today I am thankful for new friends and for wise women like Beatrice.