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

I'm so thankful to the Lord for His blessings.  I'm amazed at how He uses ordinary people who become extraordinary because of who they belong to; children of the Most High God. 

I've been friends with the Burgess family since their daughter Ellie was in my Bible Study Fellowship children's class.  She was only two years old at the time and since then she's grown into a young lady.  Although this family has since moved from Arizona to San Antonio, Texas they continue to be an important part of my life. 

Todd and Jamie

I received a box of blessings from them which included a coffee grinder and an assortment of coffees.  Only Jamie would remember how much I love my coffee.  But also included in the package was a CD of songs she had compiled especially for me. 

I'm going to share one of the songs called "No More Night" sung by David Phelps.  I cried (remember I'm getting emotional lately) as I listened to the words to this song.



I also wanted to share a few photos of Jamie with you. 

Jamie and me

Jamie and her five kids

I pray that you will be a blessing to someone today.  There's so many people who are hurting and in pain.  Sometimes all it takes is a phone call or a card.

• Janette of Janette's Sage emails me words of encouragement.  The link I provided to her blog will also give you an example of the kind of Godly woman she is.
• Anna May:  your listening ear was just what I needed yesterday.
• Kathleen of Sassy Granny called me at just the right time; only God. And guess what? She's coming back to Phoenix to visit her sister who lives fairly close to me. So I will get to see Kathleen in person this week.  Woo hoo!  The link I provided to her blog shares the story of her homecoming.

There are so many more examples I could share with you from this week alone.  God is good and He sees into our hearts and knows all that impacts us.  How amazing is that?  I long for "No More Night" but in the meantime may we encourage one another to be a blessing to someone this week.

Thank you Lord for those who make the heart choice to step out of their comfort zone to touch another person's heart.


Blessings and love,

It's another Friday Photo Flashback when I link up with Alicia of More Than Words.  We get to share  pre-digital camera photos.  It's always fun to pull out my boxes of photos to find a few to share.

The photos I posted were from a trip to Norway in 1985.  My parents were going to visit many of our relatives and so I got to tag along.  I figured Mom and Dad were fluent in the Norwegian language so it would make things so much easier.



This photo was taken in Trondheim, Norway.  From left to right is my cousin Kjell's sister Hildur, Tante Agnes, me, Tante Haldis and my mom. I was amazed at how energetic these ladies were.  We actually hiked up hills to get to an ice cream shop.  I know we worked off all the calories.



This is my mom and dad overlooking the family farm in Sumstad, Norway.

Sumstad is my maiden name.  Here I am with Dad and Mom in front of the town's sign.

Maybe you have some photos you'd like to share?  It's not too late to link up with Alicia at More Than Words.

Blessings and love,

Sandy of .faith hope and love is a blogging friend that I've only recently come to know and love.  And believe me, Sandy is all about love.  She recently sent me seven questions to answer and I'm happy to oblige. 

The seven questions posts are an opportunity to get to know one another better and I'm all for that.  So, here are Sandy's questions for me:

1.  When did you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

I invited Jesus into my heart when I was seven years old.  I was about to go into the hospital for open heart surgery and this was 1960.  At that time, the risks were much higher than they are today so the pastor's wife, Mrs. Anderson took me for a drive in her car.  She explained the Gospel to me as we sat in the car outside my elementary school.  I understood and readily prayed the prayer.

Although I knew that Jesus was my Savior since that day, it wasn't until many years later that He became Lord of my life.  My paternal grandmother died January 1, 1994.  As I was sitting at her memorial service celebrating her entrance into heaven, I felt so convicted by the Holy Spirit that I wasn't growing in my faith and I needed to return to church.  Since that time, I have had such a hunger for God and the Word.  My life has changed in so many ways and I will never turn back to a life of mediocre Christianity.

2.  What is the first thing you're going to say to Jesus when you see Him face-to-face?

I don't think I will be able to speak as I'll probably fall on my face before Him.

3.  What qualities do you look for most in a friend?

Someone who I can be myself with and let down my hair.  In fact, no makeup would be preferable.  I look for loyalty and someone I can easily pray with.  It's important that they not be a gossip and all I share stays between us. 


4.  What type of clothing do you enjoy wearing on a regular basis?

I love to wear t-shirts and jeans.  My favorite shoes are flip flops in the hot months and clogs in the winter.


5.  Do you have any hobbies?

I love to hike the mountains, dabble in photography, reading and blogging.

6.  How many brothers and sisters do you have and are you close?

My brother Steve is 18 months older than me and my sister Christine is seven years younger.  So, I'm the middle child.  Steve and Chris both live in Florida and I'm the only one in my family who is out west in Arizona. But the three of us remain close.  In fact, my brother calls me several times a week which I love.  And my sister and I get to talk often too.

Christine and Steve

Steve and me

Me, Katie (niece) and Chris (my sis)

7.  Describe yourself in seven words or less.

Loyal, friendly, warm, caring, romantic, loving, and strong

Thank you Sandy of .faith hope and love for tagging me.  You will be blessed to visit her blog.

Blessings and love,

It's week 6 (final week) of Makeover of the Heart study with Tracy Berta At the Well.  I'm actually one week late.

As a person who normally keeps my emotions under control, I have to confess that I feel so exhausted.  But I do believe the Lord has been peeling back some of the layers I built up around my heart.  So it's a good thing!

I am a work in progress!

• I listened to all of Tracy's videos
• I've done the Bible readings
• I read and answered all of the questions on the handout sheets

I am realizing more and more that love is a choice. 

What can happen when I choose to open my  heart?

• I risk being hurt
• I feel more deeply
• I'm more vulnerable

But in the process I also get to:

• Trust God with my heart
• Receive more love
• Give more love

This past week has been a difficult one for me.  I see God at work in my life as He opens new opportunities.  However, I need to step out in obedience even though I don't know where it all leads.  I like to know where I'm going.  You know, give me a road map and I'm off and running.

But walking by faith requires ...trust and obedience. 


It always seems to come back to my 2010 theme.  After all, this is my year to learn to live fearlessly.

A few of the important lessons I've learned through A Makeover of the Heart are:

• God wants me to trust Him completely with my heart.
• God is trustworthy and knows what is best for me.
• God has a plan for my life and I don't need to know every detail.
• I am to live a life of prayer.
• I am to be still and  know that He is God.

I highly recommend Makeover of the Heart.  It's a great online Bible study and can still be accessed for all six weeks.

Since I'm a work in progress, I may take a few steps back now and then.  But I know the Lord won't leave me there and I'm so grateful for that.

How about you?  Are you trusting God with your heart?

Blessings and love,