Apple Picking

  

 Faith. I thank God for this little girl He gave to me.  I love her of course as a daughter but she is so much more than that.  She is my buddy, my playmate and my prayer partner even.  One day recently, as I was putting on my sneakers to go running, first she asked me if I had my phone in my pocket and then she told me to "BE SAFE!"  Hows that for a caring little girl?   While my teenage children are busy and out and about I still have my little 8 year old to hang out with. 

      Faith and I went apple picking at my friend Sharon's home in Enosburg.  A little piece of paradise we found there.  So quiet and full of fall colors and warm sunshine. 

 I'll always remember this day of gathering apples, climbing trees, exploring, talking, running laughing together. 

Of course Grover was there too and he just adds to the fun. 

 Around every corner, Faith would find something new.  A park bench, a flag, a fountain, a path, another tree to climb, a treehouse, a brook, even a little cabin in the woods. One of my favorite days this fall.

Even the Sunflowers Bow in His Presence

The sunflowers I planted by our mailbox are magnificent.  I planted them but God created them and grew them tall and strong.  They are mature and full grown.    Doing as they are supposed to do.  Reaching their roots deep into the soil to receive all the nutrients the earth has to offer.  And then lifting their faces towards the Sun to absorb it and get the full benefit of its powerful rays! 

And then:

They bow their heads in the presence of the sun.  So mature.  As if in awe.  I can't help but think that it will be the same way with us.  God is growing us too.  We need to reach down deep into the roots of God's word and be fed.   Psalm 1:3 says:   "He is like a tree planted by streams of water which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.  Whatever he does prospers."  We need to mature and grow by staying in the word.   And then some day, we too can stand before the SON, and bow our heads, fully mature.  The work in us complete.  We will be a reflection of the SON.   Just like him.  1 Corinthians 13:12  says, Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.  Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.   Yes, I will be able to see him clearly but just as the sunflower does, it will be my joy to bow in his presence.!

What's in a Word?

     Words that bring a smile to my lips and hope to my heart.  Some words have so much power and evoke so much feeling with in me.  Words like:
   Beautiful        MIGHTY         
 VICTORIOUS!  Morning   Forever           
        ROCK
Author   SALVATION  redeemed
Star                  Wings                          Faith        Word   
 Just standing alone.   Or within verses - they are enough for me.  More than enough to fill me up, to comfort me, to help me remember what is important.  It has always been that way for me.  The gift of a word, a handwritten note, a card, a book.  They are the gift that blesses me the most.
     It's no wonder, considering that in the beginning was God and the word and they are one and the same.  (John 1: 1&2)  So powerful is the word that it can cut you down or build you up.  Depending on how you use the words in your mind.  So remember, the words that cut, and hurt and destroy are just as powerful! 
I choose the ones that will build and heal and keep me strong.  Words like the ones above that fill and heal.  What words do you choose to focus on?
     "For the word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight."  Hebrews 4:12

Two People who have blessed many!

     What can I say about my parents? They are amazing. Fred and Audrey FitzSimmons.  Here they are. Then July 7 1950.

Daddy is strong, smart, all American and more.   Mama is faithful, loving, thoughtful.  Both of them are ALWAYS  there for eachother and each one of us 9 children, 40 plus grandchildren and more!  We had the privilege of celebrating their 60 anniversary in July!  I remember when it was 25 years.  I was only 10.  It seemed an enormous milestone.  But 60!  And going strong. 

And now: July 7, 2010:

     We had a great time at Joe and Jens annual family reunion and barbecue.  A big cake and gifts.
But best of all were two moments. Cutting their cake:

                            and dancing with each other surrounded by this extra large, crazy family!

It brought tears to my eyes and such a feeling of pride to be a part of something so strong and lasting.  I can only hope and pray that my family will be so blessed after so many years.  Psalm 112 1&2 says:  Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in His commands.  His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed."  I can not think of 2 people more loving and giving than my parents.  God has truly blessed them with a tremendous family and lots of love.
I love you Mumma and Daddy!  Thank you!

                                                   Enjoying a new photo album together.

The Lord is my rock! (2 Sam 22:2)

  

 For the last year I have found myself drawn to rocks, ledges, stone walls, pictures of castles, stained glass.  Actually anything that had to do with castles.  I love them.  They represent strength, fortitude, things that last, protection, royalty.    I kept questioning it and wondering why I was suddenly so attracted to them.  I went to a conference on prophesy and learned that when God starts showing you things like this;  Pay attention!  He is talking to you!  Not in a burning bush but in a quiet way as only the holy spirit can do. 

      So I paid attention.  I put lots of rocks in my garden to remind me of Gods strength.  My sister found me a lego castle at a yard sale which my step son Adam put together for me.  Another reminder.  I keep on my desk.  Even hot glued it together so the kids can't take it apart.  Stronger that way. 

     And of course I began to write down verses that spoke of rocks.  Here is one of my favorites.  2 Samuel 22:2  "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation.  He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior."

     I've had dreams of being in castle like structures.  He says in Numbers 12:6 "I reveal myself to him in visions. I speak to him in dreams."  So I write the dreams down.  I pay attention.  I don't want to miss a thing that he reveals to me.

      Well, kings live in castles and I am the daughter of a King.  So maybe God just wants me to keep that in my mind.  All things that have to do with a King. He gave me the poem to write.  He encouraged me to name my blog that.  Maybe He wants me to let others know that they are royalty too.  They just need to call upon the name of the Lord Jesus and they will be saved.  You too are sons and daughters of a king.  Claim your inheritance!

    " Look to the ROCK from which your were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn."  Isaiah51:1