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Then Sings My Soul Saturday ~ El Roi


It's Then Sings My Soul Saturday when I link up with Amy of Signs, Miracles and Wonders.

I'm in the midst of studying Ann Spangler's "Praying the Names of God" with Jill of Forever N Ever N Always. This week we've been focusing on God as El Roi, the God who sees all.

I love Selah. Their song "His Eye is on the Sparrow" is a great reminder of God as El Roi.

Happy Saturday to you!

Blessings,

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Friday Photo Flashback ~ Wounded Warriors


Friday Photo Flashback

I'm linking up with Alicia of More Than Words for another Friday Photo Flashback.

My parents came to Arizona for a visit. My dad was recuperating from recent knee surgery. I tore ligaments in my ankle as I was exiting a dark movie theater. Greg and I were trying to beat the crowds. We thought we were so clever going down the stairs to an exit. But I slipped and fell. I know ...just call me Grace (not).

We actually flew to San Diego for the day. This photo is Dad and me taking a much needed break from walking.

I'm so thankful for El Roi. The God who sees met my need during this time.

I was trying to make hospital rounds with my crutches and backpack. An orthopedic surgeon I knew came up to me and asked me to come to his office. He did another x-ray and had me fitted with a boot that was so much easier to negotiate.

Have fun visiting others for Friday Photo Flashback at Alicia's.

Blessings,


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Thankful Thursday ~ El Roi


It's Thankful Thursday and I'm linking up with Laurie of Women Taking A Stand. Laurie shared a story that is worth reading so I hope you'll take the time to visit her. Her theme is God's faithfulness.

I'm involved in a study with Jill of Forever N Ever N Always. We are reading Ann Spangler's book "Praying the Names of God". This week's focus has been on El Roi, the God who sees. How thankful I am for El Roi.

In the midst of the stress of moving both my husband and I are not feeling well. I think all of the changes are taking a toll on our bodies. I haven't done so much lifting in a long time and my muscles ache.

This morning I called my prayer partner Helen. She told me that she was bringing her special brew of vegetable soup for Greg and me. That was music to my ears! Nothing like a good bowl of soup made with loving hands to strengthen our bodies and soul.She also mentioned that she had an extra lamp for us. Since we sold all of our furniture, this will come in handy. Thank you Helen!

This act of love reminded me that God is El Roi. He knows exactly what I need when I need it. And He used Helen as His instrument to bless and encourage me.

Helen moved into her home not too long ago so she knew what it was like. She was able to understand the emotions of moving. Her simple act of kindness blessed me more than words can say.

Do you miss out on blessing others because you don't know what to do or say? We can't meet every need of others but when the Lord prompts you, I pray that your answer will be ...YES LORD! eLisa of Extravagant Grace has created many wonderful Scripture graphics and this one was so perfect.

I'm so thankful for my bloggy friends too. During this time of transition, El Roi has seen my need and provided me with such encouraging friends. So many of you have been a gift from the Lord.

I want to give a special shout out to one person who has been such a sister to me and I'm still just getting to know her.

Sonja of Bits and Pieces is a fellow Norwegian but lives in Texas. Go figure!

But Sonja and her sister Carol Joy always seem to be there just when I needed a word of encouragement and love. I hope you will visit her and tell her I sent you. You will be blessed. And btw, her mom was from Tromso, Norway and her dad was a traveling preacher who brought his bride to the US. They have such an awesome Christian heritage, including having Corrie ten Boom in their home. I wish I could have been there to listen in. :)

I'm so glad to have Thankful Thursday to look forward to each week. Please visit other thankful hearts today on Women Taking A Stand.

Blessings and love,


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Word Filled Wednesday ~ El Roi


I decided to join in on Word Filled Wednesday this week. You can link up at Lori's blog All You Have to Give.

For the past two weeks I've been studying Ann Spangler's book called "Praying the Names of God". The first week I studied God as Elohim (Creator) and it caused me to become more aware of His creation.

This week I'm focusing on God as El Roi (the God who sees all). It's not too late to join in this study at Jill's Forever N Ever N Always.

I took this photo while visiting one of my favorite places; Carmel, California. This is the Lone Cypress along Pebble Beach's 17 Mile Drive.

It reminded me of both God as Elohim and God as El Roi. What a comfort to know that He is the Creator of all things and yet ...He sees me.

Blessings and love,


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Wednesday's Walk ~ Fishing


Wednesday's Walk Down Memory Lane is back. Yay! Jenilee of The Goodwin Family blog is hosting it. Thank you Jenilee!

This is one of my favorite pictures of my husband Greg. Years ago, we had a boat on Lake Powell which is on the border of Arizona and Utah. We loved to water ski and fish and even camp out under the stars.

Music tends to cement the memories for me. I remember cruising around listening to Michael Jackson's Thriller album and Lionel Richie's "Three Times a Lady".

Greg loves to fish but he hasn't done much of that lately. Maybe it's time to unpack the fishing rod?

I'll be back for another walk next week. I'm so glad to have the opportunity to look for many of my old photos and share memories.

Blessings,


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Help Me ~ I'm Not In Control


It's In Other Words Tuesday and Mi Pa of Miriam Pauline's Monologue is our host today. She has chosen the following quote for discussion:

I was almost going to skip this week's IOWT post but when I saw the quote she had chosen, I knew I had to participate.


You see, "Same Kind of Different As Me" was the Bloom Book Club choice earlier this year. BTW, it's such fun to read a book along with Angie and Jessica. The two sweet gals post videos where they discuss the book and what they learned. Being mothers of young children, they often end up taping in their bathroom so they can have some privacy. Don't you just love it?

OK, back to our quote for this IOWT.

I have always prided myself on being able to be organized and I can usually figure most things out. Hmm ...I notice that word PRIDE in there!

But lately I've been at the end of my rope, just like the quote.

My experiences are different from Denver Moore's. But I realize that when I get to the end of relying on my own resources, abilities and power, that's when I look to God.

When I come to Him by faith believing that He can do all things, He has the opportunity to intervene. It's always in His timing and in His perfect way which may be ...quite different than I expect.

As many of you know, I moved this past week from an almost 4,000 square foot house to a 1,100 square foot rental home. It was very difficult for me to leave but I realized that material possessions do not last. And maybe the Lord needed to loosen my grip on them.

I like to live in an orderly environment. I really hate chaos as I'm a pretty peaceful person. Disorder drives me crazy and right now that's what I'm living with. There are boxes that take up most of the garage and I can't find anything.

However, I've found very helpful resources online such as Bible Gateway and Crosswalk. Most of my books are somewhere in the garage along with many of my Bible study helps. My Amazon Kindle has been so helpful too. The Lord has shown me that I don't need to hold on to every book I've ever read. So, I'm starting to give them away or sell them at Half Priced Books.

The Lord is also teaching me that simplicity can be a good way to live. Why do I need every kind of kitchen tool known to man? And how many different sets of dishes do I need? After all, I'm really not much into entertaining. But I do love the Farmer's Rose Norwegian china that belonged to my mom.

Greg and I decided that I could create a little Norwegian style house to make it seem more like home. I don't know how long we'll be here but I'm learning to trust the Lord with those kind of decisions.

He has a plan and a purpose for my life and frankly, I want to get out of the way. He knows my heart better than me. So I pray that ...His desires will become my desires.

I'm learning that not being in control isn't so bad after all; especially when the God who created all things (Elohim) and the God who sees (El Roi) is ...in control.

Blessings and love,

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Blog Parade



I'm joining in on Abigail's 32nd Street Blog Parade. I started writing this post several days ago and just realized today is the last day to participate.

I learned about it on Kim's Homesteader's Heart. I love to visit her when I need a good laugh.

Abigail's blog parade includes many prizes and giveaways if you participate. So if you want to have some fun, I hope you'll join in too.

Here are the questions along with my answers:

What is your favorite time of the day and why?

I love early morning. I never set my alarm clock but I always seem to wake up before it's light outside. This time alone allows me to spend in prayer and reading the Bible. Believe me, my husband is very happy when I get up early and have my quiet time as I'm always in a much better frame of mind all day. And that certainly helps when a husband and wife work together. :)

If health wasn't an issue, what food would you live off of?

I love McDonald's vanilla ice cream cones. Even a small cone is enough to satisfy me, especially on those hot Phoenix summer days. I'd rather have ice cream than a meal but since I am aware of my health ...I don't.

If you could have one wish granted (besides wishing for more wishes), what would it be?

That all of my loved ones would be saved and walking with the Lord in their daily lives.

What's one thing that you get teased about alot?

My depth perception is bad. I'm always slamming things down unintentionally. My husband gets a kick out of it.( And btw, this isn't the kind of depth perception I suffer from; lol.)

If you could choose one movie, book or TV show to spend your life in, which would you pick? What type of character would you be?

The Walton's TV show. I was the only one in my family who enjoyed watching the Walton's. I would probable be like Mary Ellen Walton, the oldest sister who studied to be a nurse. It just seems like these were simpler times.

If you could have one talent that you don't already have, what would it be?

I would love be able to have a good voice and sing well. Both of my parents were very musical. They both had great voices but I guess I didn't inherit that trait. My mom played the piano by ear. As for me, I sing a joyful noise unto the Lord but others would probably prefer not to hear it. :)

If money were no object, where would you go on vacation?

I would love to take Greg to Norway and spend time on the Sumstad family farm. We'd have to go in the summer as it is located in northern Norway and the roads get very snowy and icy. I would love to explore and spend time fishing and walking and reading.If you were an awesome singer, what genre would it be?

I'd love to be a contemporary Christian singer but I also love many of the older hymns. On the other hand, I also like country music.

If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, what would it be?

I would like to go to the Apple store and get a new computer with all the bells and whistles. Come to think of it; an iphone would be nice too. :)

If you could live in any point in time, when would it be?

I'm glad that I live at this point in time. Although I enjoy learning about history and often think of what it was like when Phoenix was first being settled, I can read about it and see plenty of photos. I believe God planted me in this time for His purposes so I'm happy to be here for such a time as this.

If every outfit in your wardrobe had to be one color, what would it be?

I'd probably choose black since it's a very slimming color and I have lots of it in my wardrobe.

If you were one of the seven dwarves, which one would you be?

Happy cause that's what I want to be.

What's the last album you listened to?

Selah's Greatest Hymns. I love all of their music but the older hymns are very special to me.

What's something we'd be surprised to know about you?

I experienced the Northridge earthquake that rocked southern California on January 16, 1994. I was attending a nurses' training conference for Medtronic pacemakers and was rudely awakened at 4:30 in the morning. I had to hold onto the bed so I wouldn't be thrown out of it. I live in Phoenix so this was totally new to me. But it was quite an experience to remember. Medtronic gave me this t-shirt to remember the event.

I encourage you to visit Abigail at her 32nd Street Blog Parade.

Blessings and love,



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Laced with Grace Giveaway


Laced With Grace

Laced with Grace is a Christian devotional website. It's a place where you will find love and encouragement for your heart and soul.

The purpose of Laced with Grace is to point to the Word of God and to allow it to ...transform you.

Iris of Grace Alone was given the vision for this ministry. However, the Lord provided Christian women from different backgrounds and denominations to participate and contribute. The one common denominator we all share is our love for the Lord and the knowledge that we are saved by grace. Our works cannot earn us a place in heaven. Jesus paid the price for our sins. So it is out of the overflow of our grateful hearts that ...we are honored to serve.

Lori of Lori's Reflections recently redesigned the Laced with Grace website. I think she did a terrific job. Way to go Lori!

I've had the distinct pleasure of spending time with Iris and Lori. Iris lives in Arizona and Lori is originally from the Phoenix area so she visits family from time to time. :) Did you notice that we are all wearing white and black? It wasn't planned but we got a big kick out of it.

Spring is the time of new beginnings. With the debut of the new Laced with Grace blog design, it's time for a giveaway. The prize is a $50 amazon gift card that will be emailed to the winner.

Simply click on the link to read about how you can be in the running to win. The deadline to enter is March 12 so head on over and add a comment. Tell us what you think of the new design. You can enter up to 17 times so start commenting today.

Be blessed as you read the devotionals on Laced with Grace.

Blessings and love,


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Praying the Names of God ~ El Roi


I'm joining with Jill of Forever N Ever N Always as we study Ann Spangler's book "Praying the Names of God". Today we focus on God as El Roi; the God who sees.

I have to admit that there have been times when I've wondered about this. Sometimes I feel small and insignificant. Does God really see all that is going on with me? I feel like a little girl again (like my friend Jamie's daughter Karli on her swing). In Genesis 16, Hagar felt that way when she ran away from her mistress Sarai. It wasn't her fault that she'd been given to Abram to bear a child since his wife hadn't been able to have a child of her own. She ran away after being mistreated by Sarai.

Yet Hagar learned that God had seen her and knew of her distress. He knew all that had happened to her and how she was feeling. He also knew her future; what she and her son would become. Nothing gets past the God who sees all; El Roi.

So, why do I even question this?

It can be easy to listen to the lies of satan instead of remembering what God's Word says. It takes faith and not feelings. I find it all too easy to live by my feelings, especially when I'm tired, stressed out and having to move.

It becomes hard to remember to lay it all down before the Lord and ...to trust Him.

(photo credit: Mahaly)

When life is going along smoothly, I can sing and praise Him. But life isn't always easy. And that's when I especially need to remember that ...God is El Roi.

El Roi knows the number of hairs on my head and He sees everything that is going on in my life. My part is to trust Him even when I can't see with my eyes what He is doing. By faith, I know that He is at work and He has my best interests at heart.

Lord, I praise you and thank you that you are El Roi. Even when I don't see you at work, I know that you are. You hear my prayers and know what is best for me. Please help me to walk by faith, trusting you with all of my needs. Forgive me for attempting to fill my needs on my own instead of giving it all to you. I ask that your desires for me will become my desires. Amen.

How about you? Do you see God as El Roi? Do you really believe that He sees every detail of your life?

Blessings,

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