An Amazing Jouney

This photo represents the end the of an amazing journey. Terrence (right) graduated from high school. Our homeschooling days are over. From here we move forward into a new "thing". Terrence will be moving to South Carolina. I am going to miss him.

What will I do with myself? For starters I'm going "do" for myself. I'm going to exercise more, I'm going to rest more. I'm going to have more quiet time. For the first few months It's going to be all about me. I have to regain myself, remind myself of myself, find myself. Take care of myself.

I'll be spending my days alone with myself, by myself. I'm going to miss him . I'm going to miss mothering him, seeing him, spending the midnight hours talking with him. Going to lunch with him.

Oh God, what will I do with myself? Lead me, guide me, comfort me. Care for him, take care of him. I love him, I'm going to miss him.

In PalaceStyle,

Victoria

Hello chosen, holy, and beloved women of God, (Col 3:12)

God, in His word, has so much to say about our heart. Here is a short list of what I've learned:
the heart can;

rejoice (1 Samual 2:1)
be troubled (John 14:11)
be turned by those we associate with (1 Kings 11:4)
reveal our true selves (Ps 27:19)
make fools of us (Ps 28:26)
and know God (Jerimiah 24:7,amazing)

Although I was fascinated by all of this, the most hopeful and troubling was that our hearts can be turned by those we associate with. The hope in that is by speaking the word to my family, my friends and my acquaintances I can turn their hearts towards God, in every situation.

What troubles me about this is we can turn hearts away from God and His purpose for our life as well. Our words, our deeds, our attitudes, our issues can prevent others from experiencing the love, mercy, and faithfulness (to name a few of God's attributes) of God, and someone else's words, deed, etc can turn our hearts away from Him and His purpose for our life.

What then? Choose your words and your friends carefully. Not in a manner in which to judge, but to protect (guard) you heart, to allow it to be filled and overflow the love of God to our families, friends and aquaintances.


In PalaceStyle,

Victoria

How Did I Get Here?

I have wandered out into the desert. Away from the comfort found in the presence of my Father into a dry, dust place.

At first I tried to keep myself comfortable here by entering into dynamic praise and worship, but only at church. I would pray daily, but neglected to immerse myself in the words of God to cleanse and refresh myself.

I looked up from my business lost, longing to be with my Father. This dry and dusty place surrounds me, engulfs me, overcomes me. How did I get here? And how do I get out of here?

I long to be in a lush, green, cool, place. A quiet place, with just the sounds of nature; birds, wind, water, and the voice of my Father comforting me, encouraging me, leading me.

I hear Him calling my name. He sees me!! He calls for me!! I run to Him!!! and I am safe!!!!

Have you ever found yourself in a dry and dusty place, not knowing how you got there and wondering how to get home? God is so faithful even when we are not. He is with us (Matt 1:23)and for us.

In PalaceStyle,

Victoria

The Girls in My Life

Cheriese, Draeanna and Danielle

These are the girls in my life. You "met" my Mom in an earlier post, and I'm sure you'll meet my sisters and sisters-in-law in later posts. But today it's Cheriese, Draeanna, and Danielle I'd like to introduce you to.

Cheriese is our thirty something daughter. Oh what a blessing to have her. She is an amazing woman. A wife, mother, sister, auntie, friend, etc, etc. She teaches Government and Economics. She's so smart.

Danielle is our soon to be 21 years old daughter. She reminded me of that today when she asked if I would like to help pay for her party. Danielle is a Communications major and hopes to one day produce or direct live sporting events; Superbowl, the Olympics, that sort of thing.

Aw! Little Draeanna. She is Andrae's ( from the Princes in the Earth Today post) oldest daughter. She's 4 years old. She loves being with her Aunties. And she love taking pictures.

Each one of these amazing girls has her own journey to live, her own salvation to work out, her own relationship with the Father to pursue. Our role is to lead the way to the Father and to Jesus by living a lifes pleasing to God, before them.

In PalaceStyle,

Victoria

The Lovely Marietta

Suprise!! Mommy didn't expect me to actually take this photo. She'd be so suprised if she knew it was on my blog. Oh, but she doesn't use her "puter" (as she calls it) much. Isn't she lovely? The handsome young man is our last born (the baby), Terrence. He's a jewel.

This is a gift my dear mother (mommy) gave me a few years ago for my Christmas. The message inside reads "I was never as blessed as the day you were born." Isn't it lovely? So is she.

In PalaceStyle,

Victoria

Looking Back

I've been journaling since 1993. So much has happend during that time. Lot's of laughs and tears.

My new journal is black and leather bound. It's a bit too stuffy. I need something cute, beautiful even. Ooh. Maybe one with pockets, an attached book mark and matching pen.

I was saddened by some of the entries I made back then. Entries about being overweight, and not using my time wisely. The sad part is all these years later I still have those same struggles.

Recently, God has been calling me to retreat with Him but I didn't really "get it" until I read my entry from Febuary 2, 1996. Here's what I wrote: "I was reading over my journal pages from Feb. 1993. I'm in some of the same situations now that I was in then; 1. my weight. 2. the way I spend my time."

I hadn't grown. This broke my heart.

I am saying "no" to all activites and events that will interfere with my retreat with God. There are a few really great things happening soon; a new Beth Moore Bible study at my church, and a Kay Arthur, Beth Moore and Pricillia Shrier conference. As much as I would love to participate, I'm not going to. I need to spend time with my (heavenly) Father and He wants to spend time with me.

In PalaceStyle,


Victoria

Project 365

This is a photo of a tree in my backyard. I start Project 365 today, 9 days late as indicated by the date stamp on the photo. Well, better late than never I guess. I hope to take a photo every day. I wont post them here but you can view at Flickr soon.