Love Notes

I haven't been home much lately. My daddy is battling cancer right now and I have been traveling back and forth to the coast to be with my parents. I was away all week last week, and as I was preparing to leave for the trip last Monday, I got an idea.

You see, I had felt that my time away from my husband was leaving an empty space in our family. My bright idea was in effect an effort to let him know how much he is loved, even though I was not there in person to tell him every morning. As I got out of the shower, the bathroom mirror was steamed over and I took the opportunity to write a love note to him with my finger over the fogged glass. I knew it would show up every time he got out of the shower all week long while I was gone. He would be able to read my "hidden message" and know I was thinking of and missing him. Am I brilliant or what!!

We talked on the phone every day, but I never mentioned the mirror endeavor. I was sure he'd seen it though. After all, how could he miss the huge words scrolled all over the mirror right in front of his face? I felt good inside about the message I had left behind to greet him every morning!

I finally returned home late in the evening yesterday and after cleaning the house up a bit and doing a few loads of laundry, I decided to take a shower to relax before hitting the bed for the night. It was then that I remembered the love note as I saw it appear magically before me on the fogged up glass.

I smiled to myself at my cleverness and proceeded to the bedroom. I couldn't stand his lack of response any longer!

"What did you think of the note I left for you on the mirror, honey?", I asked my man.

"What note?", He replied, in typical man fashion.

"You mean you didn't see it? Come here and look. How could you have missed it?"

As we both walked into the bathroom, there it was, as plain as the nose on your face, but amazingly, my husband was seeing it for the very first time! He was surprised that he had missed it, but in his defense, he was correct in admitting that he doesn't even fully wake up until he gets halfway to work! He was so busy running around every morning trying to get ready, that the love note in front of him never even got noticed.

You know, God has a love note for you every morning also. He gives you a brand new day to be alive and serve Him and make a difference in the world. He gives you breath and the ability to help others. He fills every day with blessings and all sorts of demonstrations of His love for His children. Are you too busy to see them? Are you sleep-walking through your day missing all He has in store for you?

It is right there in front of your face! He loves you with an everlasting unfailing love. He wants you to know it. He longs to tell you and see your response. He never wants for you to go even one minute without feeling that engulfing love.

Tomorrow when you get up, stay on the lookout all day long for those love notes. They will make your day, let me tell you! They are there in plain sight, you just have to notice them.

Love and Blessings,
Starr

A Season Of Change

Fresh and new. That is how everything around me appears today. It has rained for days. Clouds have covered the skies and dreariness has prevailed. Thank God it is over for a season.

My life has been just the same. Darkness has been the normal course of most every day. Changes came that were unwelcome. Funny how those intruders can sometimes turn out to be just what is needed to bring refreshment to a weary soul.

At this moment, flowers are in bloom all around me. Grass is green from the rains. The air seems cleaner somehow as the sun shines brightly over the earth. Dark clouds have been replaced by beautiful snow white shapes in the sky. The heavens are smiling and so am I.

The former ways are being consumed by a new thing. The dross is being revealed and tossed away. The birth of a new attitude and new opportunities are on the horizon. How wonderful that the end result will be a deeper righteousness; a deeper and more effective servant's heart.

I am watching and waiting; stunned with wonder at what I can already see. God is working and something beyond my comprehension is about to take place. Positive change has come and will continue to be manifested in the life of my family.

In my expectation, I ponder why we resist change with such vigor.

Change always requires repentance. Change asks us to give up things that are sometimes very near and dear to us. Change brings refreshment, though. Even if it takes us through storms we want to avoid. There is goodness is everything that God filters into our lives. It all has to get by Him before it reaches us.

Just like today, the rains will eventually subside for a season. The sun will shine brightly again and new life will be waiting to reveal itself to us in a spectacular fashion. We can walk in the promises of our Creator God, The Great I AM, where there is only light(1 John 1:6).

Praise God for the storms, for without them there would be no refreshment. Life is hard, but God is good. Jesus said to David, a man who endured many storms, that one who lives in righteousness and in awe of God is "like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth." (Samuel 23:2-4)

David knew what the prophet Jeremiah spoke of, that "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is (His) faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:23)

Growth takes change. Growth is what is required of us as Christians. Growth is a good thing. "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

It's all good, friends! Great works are happening all around you! Get ready, for positive change is coming!

Read also Habakkuk 1:5 and Ephesians 4:22-24.

Have a wonderful day in the Lord Jesus Christ today and every day!
Love and Blessings,
Starr

Comforts of Home

Spring is in the air here in North Carolina. Not sure how long it will stay, but it has been an absolutely glorious weekend!!

As most of you know, we have recently moved. It has taken us 2 months to get our house in order. When we bought it, it was in dire straits, but now we almost have it like we want it. Praise God!

Thanks to the beautiful weather we had this weekend, I finally got a jump on the outside of our new home. It was in rough shape. After a long hard look (allowed by the warm air and sunshine), I was able to determine what needed to be done in order to improve it. I spent all day yesterday raking mounds and mounds of leaves, shoveling dirt and moving rocks. Much to my surprise, we have a lovely patio that I wasn't sure even existed! I jokingly ran into the house and announced to my family that I had "found our backyard"! They were just as surprised as me when they went out to view my discovery! It is amazing what years of neglect can do to a property.

Our new house was most certainly neglected by it's previous owners, but lots of elbow grease, determination, and love, and it is slowing changing into a place that feels good to us; A place that feels like home, inside and out. When your life begins to feel not-so-great, maybe a few things are being neglected. Maybe now is a good time to step back and take a good hard look at your surroundings. Do you see your Creator anywhere? Have you been speaking to Him? Listening to Him? Neglecting Him? Sit a spell and have a one-on-one conversation with Him. You may just find a whole new place of comfort that you never even knew existed!

I am learning that home really is where the heart is. That sounds cliche', I know, but it is so true. Now that I have experienced living in 3 different places since December, I realize that home is not a structure or a building of any sort, it is wherever my family is with me. My family is what fills my heart. My God is what fills my heart. Both were with me every step of the way. Neither ever left me feeling neglected. For that I am truly thankful.

Here's wishing you determination, love and a heart filled with a sense of home.
Love and Blessings,
Starr

Evidence

"Tattoo Me On You". I remember hearing a Heavy Metal Christian song with those lyrics. Don't know who recorded it, but I really liked it. I can hum it it my head, but since you can't get in my head, I won't be able to sing it for you. Oh well.

I bring that up because my 19 year old son,Chase, got a tattoo today. Actually, I think it's pretty cool. This is a son that, as a child, had to be practically hog-tied to receive a shot or even a throat check from the doctor. Go figure.

It looks awesome! It is a cross with a treble clef running through it. That just says "Chase" to me. It tells the story of who he is. He is deeply devoted to Christ and to his love of music. He eagerly uses his musical gifts to glorify God and to worship Him in a profound way. If I had a digital camera that was working, I would take a picture of it for you. Maybe soon.

I know a lot of people have a variety of opinions when it comes to putting permanent markings on the body that God gave us. I do too. I don't think certain tattoos are appropriate at all. Nor do I think an over-abundant amount of them on one person is becoming. But,I am proud to the core that my son chose to demonstrate his love for God by permanently marking his arm with a distinguishing design that just says "I Love Jesus and I Will Serve Him With My Talents".

The tattoo shop we patronized is actually owned and operated by a member of our church. Isn't that amazing!? I would gladly recommend them to anyone who asked as they are very reliable and trustworthy to work with. It was just an entirely "God Thing" experience.

Brings to mind a verse from Galatians 6:17. "....I bear on my body the [brand] marks of the Lord Jesus Christ [the wounds, scars, and other outward evidence of persecutions-these testify to His ownership of me! " (AMP)

I'm sure Chase will be persecuted by some for having gotten the tattoo. I am more sure, though, that he will proudly display it as a banner of God's ownership of his soul and body. And, above all, I am sure glad that God blessed me with a son that I am pleased with; One who lives as an example of what God can accomplish in a life willing to surrender to Him.

What outward evidence of His ownership of you are you displaying today? Maybe it's your godly attitude. Maybe it's your smile or your willingness to help another human being. Think about it and be proud to wear that banner!!

Love and Blessings,
Starr

Snow Day

Frigid. Bright. Sunny. Mushy. This is today.

Lazy. Sleepy. Snug. Secure. Comfortable. This is today.

Entire family at home together. Unusual. This is today.

Missing my parents who are four hours away. This is today and this is tough.

Hungry. Bored. Burned out on television. This is today.

Breaking down to finally go play outside with my six year-old. This is hard on an old soul. This is today.

Refreshed. Glad to be alive. Vibrant in spirit. This is today.

This is good!

Here's hoping you the good comfy spot in your day.

Love and Blessings,
Starr

I'm Still Standing

Regardless of popular belief, I am still here. In spite of all I am facing right now.

I wanted to update you all so I won't risk loosing you altogether. I hope I'm not too late. Here goes...

We sold our home and have moved into a very small condo that my mother-in-law owns. We are living out of boxes and piled on top of each other, but thankful to have been blessed with a place to go.

Our new place of permanent residence is hanging in the balance as we await home inspections, appraisals, loan officers and underwriters to see things in a positive light and find favor with us.

Thanksgiving weekend, we took my dad to the emergency room because he was acting a little disoriented, sluggish and complaining of headaches The doctors dropped a bombshell and told us they suspected brain cancer. He was transported to Baptist Hospital (a wonderful healing place from which I now sit at a computer in the family resource room in order to catch you up) where he stayed for one week, was released and has now began radiation treatments. The cancer has spread to his lungs as well. They are currently treating only the brain because it is the most severe of the two and they are attempting to reduce the extreme swelling there. Next step will be to treat the lungs with radiation and chemo. We are expecting a miracle and hope you will join us in that prayer.

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know we have witnessed some totally miraculous healing miracles this year, so I'm sure God can give us one more and heal my daddy. I am not ready to lose him just yet. He is only 65 years old and has lots of love and life and a positive attitude to share with the world. His name is Gary Clodfelter. Mention him as you pray every day if you find it in your heart to do so.

In addition to this, I got a severe case of bronchitis, my little one got a bad cold and a stomach bug, my oldest is struggling with anxiety, my sister has been sick with a severe cold and an infected tooth, my husband is stressing over our family struggles, my mom is just trying to stand on God's promises (as we all are), I had to find a new home for our family dogs whom we loved deeply and have had for many years because we have no place for them with us right now, and to top it all off, my 6 year old's hermit crab died.

Well, now that I have thoroughly depressed you, I want to tell you to smile! I am still smiling. I am still hoping and waiting for God to do His work in this storm of life because I am holding on to Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11. I know he will work it all out for our good and we will come through as stronger and more effective witnesses for His glory.

The Bible tells us to stand firm and see God's deliverance. Not to be afraid and not to be discouraged. He is with us wherever we go. (2 Chronicles 20:17)

I AM standing! I am strong in Him! But, in all honesty, I am leaning slightly. Though, I WILL NOT Fall because my Savior is behind me all the way and will support me with His strength when I am at my weakest. I wait expectantly to see what He has for me in the future and am excited at the possibilities that are ahead of me and my family. Good things are on the horizon!! I can see the flicker of the sun in the distance! Do you see it?

Stand strong with me and lift up your prayers on our behalf. We are traveling daily to the hospital for daddy's treatments and are running on fumes from our exhaustion. Even though I am so very tired, I am enjoying the time with my parents every day. I woudln't trade that for the world. I am praying for all of you as well and will try to keep you posted as I am able. I currently have no internet access except for at this hospital. Praise God they offer it here. Just another small blessing in the midst of the storm.

And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ,after you have suffered for a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power forever and ever! (1 Peter 5:10-11)

Have a wonderfully blessed Christmas.

I love you all dearly!
Starr

The Spirit Of Fear

Ok.....Now that you all know that I'm not so great at playing the Waiting Game, I have another confession to make. I am a big scaredy-cat. Yes I am. Though, Not scared of ghosts and goblins and such.

Let me put it this way: Not knowing what the future holds is not only irritating me from the "waiting" standpoint, it is slightly freaking me out in a scary sort of way.

It's not that I don't trust God to take care of me and my family. It is just my human nature seems to be escaping from deep inside to rear it's ugly head out into the world. It's the bad kind of fear that I am experiencing.

Did you even know that there was anything BUT bad fear? Well, I'm here to set ya straight, my friends.

First, there is the kind of fear that scares us to death, That kind that makes one shake, tremble and get all googly-eyed. The kind that intimidates and places dread into your very core. That's the bad stuff I'm talking about. We need to avoid that kind of fear at all costs. (even though I'm not doing such a good job at it right now.) That fear is what sets in and grips us tight when we face uncertain things. Fear that maybe things won't work out like we want them too. You've felt it, haven't ya?

Then there's that kind of fear that we are supposed to feel. SUPPOSED TO FEEL??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? (I can hear your thoughts, people!) Yep.....SUPPOSED to feel. Let me explain:

The kind of fear that comes from God is a GOOD thing. It is a feeling of reverential awe, profound regard of God. That kind of fear does not grab you around the throat and choke the life out of you. That kind of fear brings you a peace that passes all understanding. That kind of fear should be DESIRED above all else. It BRINGS life!!!

Desiring fear sounds a little strange, I know. But, if you desire peace, then that good kind of fear is a fear that you need to experience. The fear of being so profoundly stunned by the awesomeness of your CREATOR that nothing else matters!!! The kind of fear that assures you that He has it all under control. He sees the certain future He has in store for you. He is seated well above any negative circumstance you can ever face in your life.

Do you fear Him enough to believe that??

One of my very favorite verses in God's word is found in 2 Timothy 1:7- " For God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power, and of love and of a sound mind."

He did not give us that "SCARY" kind of fear. He gave us a sound mind to get the revelation that we are to admire Him to the point of being so respectful of Him, we fall down in fear in His presence.

That same scripture speaks of a sound mind as an alternative to fear. What do you think of when you think of a "sound mind"?

How about wisdom? Read this verse:
Psalm 111:10- " The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs all eternal praise."

WOW!!! How cool is that!!! Godly Fear = Wisdom. Wisdom = Good Understanding. Good Understanding = A Sound Mind. A Sound Mind = Peace. Peace is the OPPOSITE of Ungodly fear.

That's the only kind of fear I EVER want to experience!! The kind that leads me into such a state of mind that I can only ache to spend my entire eternity praising Him and experiencing His peace!!!!!

People, let's hunger for that kind of fear!!!

Read this in Proverbs 29:25:- "The fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."

I'm breaking outta this snare!! I am soaking myself in the Fear of the Lord!!! I am going forward head-first into the unknown knowing only that I will be kept safe!!!

Will you join me?

Have a wonderful day in HIM!!

Love and Blessings,
Starr