Welcome to my website!
This site reflects little bursts of inspiration and thought - through writing and photography. I like to credit anything that blesses you as simply God flowing through me...and anything that doesn't...well, that would just be my mere thinking out loud! :)
May there be more of God's inspiration than Kim's thoughts...and may you be greatly encouraged and blessed as you browse through this collection of offerings!
Feel free to scroll through the above mini-gallery by placing mouse on the arrows. (Note: Some devices do not show or allow this option. Also, some devices such as I-Phones show blog pics separated differently than you will view them on a PC. I have yet to figure out why, but then my humble technology accomplishments are doing well to even have a blog!) Check out the gallery of photos if you like color and photography. At the bottom/left of each page is a small arrow to view previous posts. There are many.
Before you get to all that, click below. Take a breath. Enjoy!!
Song by Eva Cassidy
Photos, well, by me!
A home with our name on it
It has been somewhat of an adjustment being "homeless"; surely not from a lack of kindness or love shown, but rather because there is something about human nature that wants to know "you can always go home!" In a transition such as ours, it becomes tempting to feel a little insecure and somehow without foundation. I repeat - it is human nature that teaches us these things! In the midst of this change, I am seeking to take "schooling" from my heavenly Father who has assured me that our "home" is in Him. We are never alone and never without when we allow Him to take up residence in our heart. When He lives in us, He in return, becomes our instant provision.
As we were contemplating how we might juggle leaving one house and not closing on another for another 3 1/2 weeks, His provision came through in the form of generous family offering to share their home with us. Though humbling, we knew it was a gracious and Godly gift - a sacrifice on their part that they did not have to make, but willingly did. With grateful hearts we arrived at their house around midnight, after a week-long packing/moving/cleaning marathon. We were exhausted and stretched physically and mentally far beyond our comfort zones.
The room in the photo above met us with soft glowing lights, our mattress set up and made, complete with mints on the pillows. Our luggage had been placed near our bed, towels displayed in the bathroom, and a second bedroom and living area beautifully arranged for our daughter who lives with us. The rooms were perfectly welcoming and simply beautiful...all lovingly offered with our needs in mind.
I was overwhelmed with gratitude. We all stood amazed at the goodness of our heavenly Father and the family of God who had all opened their arms and hearts so fully to us. It has helped me to get a glimpse of what God's "church" can truly be. In the light of imperfections that infiltrate Christianity, there is a bright beam of clarity here in how our Lord might want us to "act". What if we all were so sensitive in offering our hearts or homes - or love? I am thankful for those examples still listening to that still, small voice. As a result, we have learned to depend on Him just a little bit more. We have more fully trusted that He loves us enough to call us by name and be our shelter and provider.
Thank you, Lord. Thank you, dear family.
Sailing....
"Just a dream and the wind to carry me, soon I will be free....."
Words penned and sung so magically by Christopher Cross. I feel that we are in a never land these days. Floating between old and new. Sailing in uncharted waters to a new destiny. In transition. Homeless, but with a roof and plenty of love. Our lives have been pulled out by the roots. We have been carefully placed in a bucket of water until we can be replanted in new soil where we can begin to grow again. It's an odd feeling to suddenly not know a sense of home! I long for the freedom of a new start. That is the dream. That is the freedom. I am grateful for the sailboat that carries us. The Wind that sends us forward is none other than God Himself. His canvas can indeed do miracles that I can only wait to see! I look forward to the painting that will appear as the brushstroke of a Master recreates new beginnings. The horizon looks beautiful and promising as the sun sets and the silhouette of our tiny ship inches slowly away from the old and towards a new burgundy sky. Lord, help me to relax and enjoy the ride....
God still cares...
We finally have a signed contract on a house! Not just any house....a perfectly beautiful house! At least it seems that way to us, and unless God chooses to shut the door, we are receiving this with open arms and very happy hearts! There are some interesting God stories that go with this. I thought I would write about one or two here.
This retreat-like home is located at the end of the cul-de-sac that has the street name, "Stilhouse Ridge." It's almost as if that word has been constantly reminding us that there is "still" a house for us regardless of the rather lengthy and frustrating search we have been on! We have sold the house we are currently living in and the new buyers are moving in on August 24th!
As of Friday, August 7th we were in the middle of some rather rocky negotiations with the seller of a different house that we had discovered upon costly inspections needed an entire 25 thousand dollar septic system put in. We had began a long process of negotiations whereas we continued to go up in our offer (with constant refusals on the seller's part) until we absolutely could not offer any more. In fact we were at the ceiling point leaving hardly anything for us to paint and fix some necessary things inside the house. We decided to pull the plug and not negotiate any further.
That very day (Friday) another house popped up on the market and we really liked the photos on the brand new listing. I happened to be in Potosi (about an hour south of St. Louis) doing a book signing/sale at a county fair there, but my hubby went to take a look at it. He was very impressed and thought it would be worth my closing my booth to drive up to see it - as soon as possible. So, the next morning (Saturday) I shut down my little 10 X 10 booth and made a quick drive to meet my husband and the realtor. There was no doubt in either of our minds that we wanted to get a contract in immediately - and did just that! Scott remained with the realtor to do the paper work and I ran back to Potosi so as not to miss more of my responsibilities there. By 10:00 that night (last night) we had a signed contract by both parties; the fastest I ever remember negotiating and buying any house - and we have bought a few!
Something fascinating is that all the things that seemed to be lacking in the previous house were present - and even pleasantly exaggerated in most cases - in the new property! I had been concerned about leaving our well-loved, very spacious victorian current home and feeling "closed in" with something that might have low ceilings, small rooms and limited windows/light. The new home has every one of these things way beyond our liking! I had asked the Lord to provide room for not only our daughter with disabilities to comfortably live with us, but also for our children when they are home at various times throughout the year. This home generously offers the space we need and more! My husband wanted some privacy after living in a very busy city area for over a decade. We will have 3 acres of woods at the end of the cul-de-sac, a beautiful large front porch and 2 decks, one being connected and tucked just outside the master bedroom!
The funniest part? The owners of the new place just put in a BRAND NEW SEPTIC SYSTEM! It appears they more than took care of all aspects of the house, but had also just completed the work on the very same problem that had been unresolved in the previous house we'd looked at! I am convinced God not only cares for the details of our lives, but has a great sense of humor!
I write because it will one day help me to remember His goodness in this "land of the living" and count my blessings. In the old testament, God told many people to build altars when He guided and blessed them so that they would not cease to remember how good He is! Tonight, I build a little story altar in memory of my God's amazing grace and care over my life.
Though we have not had the final inspections on this new home, I somehow believe that God has our back in this. He seems to know better than I what we need most, but also keeps working with us as we learn to trust and walk blindly through an often dark world. It is important that we keep our eyes on and continue to acknowledge the Light of the world and the One who cares the most for us!!
Something to think about!
Tis the season to gaze at these Star Lilies. And oh how I like to "gaze". They are simply stunning! I am sure you too have something that you truly enjoy looking at or even thinking about. It is therapeutic to set our minds on those thoughts.
The Bible says that God thinks about US!! How cool is that?? If He thinks about me nearly as much as I think about some of these beautiful displays, then I am above all most grateful!! The Bible says even more - that His thoughts about us are VAST! I don't know about you, but that pretty much makes my day!
"How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! how vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand." Psalm 139:17, 18
Now that is something to think about!
Amazing and blazing!
We talk about how God is invisible. However, there are just endless blazing colorful splotches that tell of His presence and "visible-ness" all around us. I could never in words describe such an amazing God, but perhaps photos of reality can begin to make us contemplate the magnificence of our Almighty!
Butterfly on my nose...
The world is a complicated place! Life brings new challenges every day. Sometimes it is overwhelming....and yet I am reminded of a thought that an old song reflects: "...On a Clear Day, You Can See Forever..." Often it is difficult to see blessings through the storms. It is so very easy to focus on our sadness or pain and miss the butterfly that has landed on our nose! Life's hardships are indeed hard. Sometimes it is all we can do to endure.
As I began to look at doubt and worry today, some butterflies of blessing came to mind. My Bible instructs me to "make a joyful noise" and to "sing a new song"! It commands me to "come into His presence with thanksgiving" and "enter His gates with praise"! God's word gives us time to mourn and grieve, but it also challenges us to "put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness"! The old hymn, "Count Your Blessings", (name them one by one) is perhaps extracted from Psalm 40:5 in proclaiming the wonders that God has done in our lives, regardless of the heartache that this temporary life affords.
I believe there is a reason for those instructions! If we allow our sin nature to gain control of our thoughts, it can create a vortex of negativity and hopelessness. God has given us defensive weapons that can counteract those dark, heavy invasions of our mind and heart! One of those weapons is HOPE in the promises of eternity! Another is His word, which in and of itself is powerful for the pulling down of strongholds! When we choose to focus on what He offers, it is difficult to stay in the places of heartache and hopelessness. He says that even when storms rage in our lives, there is a safe place! He, as light and colorful as a butterfly, is always present! We must simply choose to accept the reality of His nearness!
The life we know on this earth will pass quickly. The reason we live is for the purpose of making choices that concern eternity! It is about making decisions that affect forever. Choose to see Him - even when it is raining! Even when the water is rising and you feel you are sinking. He is not far, but near. His mercy is enduring - forever. His steadfast love is new every morning. His faithfulness is sure. He is an anchor for our soul and a shelter in the storm. He is the Rock of the ages and a sure foundation. He is our provision - our "more than enough". Set these banners before you and recognize the beauty of who He is in comparison to the fleeting troubles of this world. It is true....there is a "butterfly" - Right. On. Your. Nose.
Contemplating change...
Thinking about change - something that is not always easy, but often has some excitement or anticipation of things to come. We have sold our house and shopping for another place to live. So so many choices! Sooo many things to consider! Our prayers have generally been, "Lord direct us," as we just do not have answers as to where we need to be.
Most of us consider the fear factor of change. Maybe it's because we do not want to make a choice that will bring difficulty to our lives.
I sit today and simply hold my hands and my heart to God, who knows all that is best. There is something very restful about the realization that God already knows the future and if we are seeking, knocking and walking in His light He will direct us down the path that will bring us closer to Him.
This old hymn comes to mind:
TAKE ME LIFE AND LET IT BE
(Text: Frances R. Havergal. Music: Henry A. Ceasar Malan)
Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days - Let them flow in ceaseless praise, Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee, swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King;
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee, filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold - not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect and use every pow'r as Thou shalt choose, every pow'r as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it Thine - It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart - it is Thine own, it shall be Thy royal throne, it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love - my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for Thee, ever, only, all for Thee.
Profound truths...
I read something today that I tucked in my "things to remember" file:
"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give."
Love that.
Endurance and dividends!
Hay bale-in' time is here! It might be a bit late for some, but it seems we've finally found a couple of dry days for many farmers to finish up the hot, dusty process! I'm sure there are a few sitting in front of a good fan or AC tonight feeling good to have that job behind them! There is also a sense of accomplishment and a great looking field or two out there tonight!
There is a lot to be said for hard work and endurance to the end! I am sure it crossed Jesus' mind in that dark, lonely garden, where He agonized before enduring the cross, to want to quit before the completion of His mission here on earth. Thankfully for us all, He made the choice to follow through to the end.
It is pretty amazing what we can do when we believe in something and choose to complete a particular goal. Sacrifice costs plenty, but when offered for the sake of another, always pays big dividends. Harvesting hay is hot, dirty work! However, it provides much for livestock needing to get through the winter, which in turn will actually sustain us!
Christianity is a choice. It requires obedience and often a measure of sacrifice and hard work. There might be varied levels of ridicule, rejection and even persecution to those who embrace it. It is not the popular choice of the world. It goes against the grain of humanity and our fleshly interests. Some have actually been killed - simply for choosing to love a God who first loved us!! It is a choice of peace that somehow stirs great hostility and even violence. But it is a choice that involves great reward! There will not be a better sound than when we hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant" from the One who has promised the sower an eternal harvest!
"...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12: 1-2