“God is interested in the great reversal.  Not clean hands and a dirty heart, but a clean heart with dirty hands.  It reminds me of this verse:  ‘Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:  to look after orphans and widows in their distress (dirty hands) and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world (clean heart).’  James 1:27”  Thin Places by Mary E DeMuth

As this past week we read posts from the blessed heartbroken, those who traveled to the Phillipines to visit the Compassion projects and met the people, so much bubbled in me.  So much want to GO myself, with Builder and children.  Travel to “that” place, meet those children, see their world. 

I know this verse above, I believe it and seek to do it.  In all this affluence, all this abundance doing it here seems so much less.   Then I looked into the eyes of the not so little ones entrusted to me, the little ones who visit for a few hours a week and it comes to me.  There are widows abandoned by their men, children orphaned by their fathers, the heartbroken, and the simply sweet young hearts of our own to look after, right here, right now. 

The real ache, the real trouble with this verse, keeping oneself from being polluted by the world.  To be sure to use this abundance and affluence to HIS glory, for the care of whoever He brings our way, or puts on our hearts, and to teach the precious “hope for the future” that dwells right here with us.  Wisely, as stewards.

counting:  a few of the gifts from  #571-583

Bubbly laughter of children

Cookie Dough birthday gift
Flowers outside my kitchen window
Baby birds in the birdhouse
God’s word, ever true
Books that make me think
Guidance in decision making
Safety
Hurts revealed
Sleeping children
Sunshine
Hearing the Spirit speak, and hearing Him say, “Yes, it is ME” through the message on Sunday morning
Growth in the garden, hope for growth in my heart
Discouragement, an opportunity to purpose to be steadfast in hope
Scriptures with the children

if you would like to listen to this song, scroll down to the bottom of the page to still the playlist that is set to fill this little corner of cyberspace with quiet worship of Jehovah, the God who loves.

“Great” nephews have been spending time with us the last few weeks, and recently brought a bag of hopeful campfire fun.

Our city is under a fire ban so we are not able to use our fire ring, and roast hot dogs & marshmallows over the fire…

but we improvised!

and had a GREAT time…

We’ve also had a delightful time with the 3 year old twin sons of one of our oldest daughter’s friends from high school.

It is with joy and hope that we pulled out an old favorite,

to read again and share with the younger ones who God allows us time with.

Summer is off to a great start!

Last week I shared my joy over some recent lab results.

After conversing with Builder a few times about this topic (I was actually pretty excited) we’ve come up with a few more small changes to add to my daily life.  And I am planning on making an appointment in a year to see how those changes will affect these “numbers.”

Changes~
Continually increasing my water intake, and continuing to steer away from soda, sweeten drinks
Walking at least 3 times a week, Stretch & Strength 2 times a week
Going outside every morning that it is possible, to read for 15 minutes (vitamin d & Mother Nurture)
Taking a vitamin d supplement in our smoothies
Consistently taking a calcium supplement
Increasing the amount of soluable fiber in my diet (need to do more research on this one)

So tell me, are there small changes you are making in your life, with the hope to reap some happy results?