Morning Glory

Mornings are by far my most favorite part of the day. Don't get me wrong, I love evenings and beautiful sunsets as well as the delicious summer nights (mainly in cold country), but there is something about the newness of the morning. The last several months I have worked a late schedule, which I do not prefer, and though I often am not able to go to bed as early as I'd like, I've still made it a point to awaken early.
This morning Jake and I went on a hike of our own and I was glad we did. The weather was inviting, definitely much cooler than it's been [fall is coming, you can smell it in the air :)]. It was great! It was good 'think' and meditation time.

When you're out in nature it seems a mind is freer to 'think, ponder and wonder' about things often overwhelmed by normal day-to-day routines. Heading up the mountain I decided to take a path which was 'CLOSED.' Hmm... well, I sometimes like to push the boundaries, uh... just curiosity is all. :-/ It seemed the sign must have been misplaced because the hike was beautiful. It went along the 'Tapatio Cliffs' paralleling a road across from the Pointe Hilton Resort. It was beautiful! Uh, well... after a while I got to a section of the trail that was not far from the edge of the cliff and then I remembered this was the trail Kathy and I had taken before (except we came from the opposite direction). We came to a fork, just before the hike by the ledge and I allowed Jake to lead the way, he chose the high road. Whoo... this was a better choice, a lot higher and just above the lower cliff, it was steep, but not next to the ledge. A better choice none-the-less. One wrong step and you might be tonight's dinner special at your local 'Road Kill Café' though. (I wish this picture did the trail justice, trust me, in three dimension, it's much more intimidating. If you don't believe me, come on out.) :)

Like many others, Jake like's to live life on the edge. Any time we walk on a sidewalk or path he will walk on the curb or on the ledge if I'll let him. Uh, not a good thing sometimes, especially when a cliff is a few inches away. :-/ But sometimes I will let him look over. In this picture he had just caught sight of a lizard, one of his favorite things to chase. He likes the rush! Haha. He will settle for a rabbit though if there's one in sight. Needless-to-say, Jake locks his eyes on his prize and no matter where it leads him, he's going to follow the critter. As noted in one of my entries before, this is not always a good idea and has gotten Jake into some prickly places (mainly cactus).

It made me think of us as humans and how we are so often distracted from our path and how our attention and focus may veer from our prize/goal to a temporary 'want.' Probably not a good idea. So I thought... head North, that's a sure direction that never changes.

Another day I'll blog, in detail, as to why I am so intrigued by the COMPASS, NORTH and our JOURNEY.

What a Trade

There was a time when I was not extremely comfortable among the church; and classrooms, workplaces and coworkers were much more accepted in my life. But today, things are different. Praise God!!

There is no other place in this world where I am more comfortable than in the presence of God's people, God's Holy place and among the Spirit of the Almighty; wherever it might be. There is no greater joy in my life than knowing a life has been transformed by HIS SOVEREIGN GRACE AND ALMIGHTY POWER! Oh what a change grace has wrought.

Sunday's used to be a welcomed day of rest, but now it's no longer just a day of rest, rather a day for spiritual renewal and fellowship with friends. There is no other day in the week which I love more than Sunday.

(How I adore God's special little treasures.
God help me to be a good example by which they will not stumble.)

God has been working in our church in a most wonderful way; despite the enemies fierce attacks, we are holding on to His promises and believing in faith for souls. Recently a young man from our Indian work in Mesa was saved, along with many others, but today 'Chico' got up to testify. He spoke of the way God had sought him, followed after him in love and wooed him to come to Him. You see, Chico was a gang member and had been involved in drugs and alcohol among countless other things, but God, in His love and mercy stretched out His loving hand to him. Oh what joy to see the tears roll down Chico's face as he testifies and asks, "Why, why would God love me, why would he want me? I cannot understand it, but oh the peace I have. I'm not going back - NEVER!" Chico's wife Leticia is currently incarcerated, she was saved prior to, but desperately needs our prayers as she will be facing a court hearing on Friday. Please pray for her. God knows all the details.

My heart resounds the words of this beautiful song...

I've been given something that does not contain a price
This jewel has been a precious one,
It's rays have touched my life
It's a heritage of holiness and to it I will hold on
Lest I lose this precious vision, that Generations have passed on

I don't wanna' lose the vision,
I don't wanna' take for granted
The heritage of holiness that has been passed on
I don't wanna' lose the fire
I don't wanna' lose the glory and
I LONG FOR HIS OUTPOURING all across the land

If this plan of salvation would have required a price, I am afraid I would not have been able to afford it. Rather, Christ paid my price with His precious life and I was offered this treasure for the mere worth of my sinful life, and oh... what a change. I have gotten the best part of the trade. A life ruined and wasted, for a life rich in mercy, forgiven and new. Oh what a wonderful story of love... the story of Christ, my Lord is truly THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD!!! But more than just a story, it's my reality. I'm living proof.. it works!
Glory be to God!!

Children are a Treasure From the Lord

Special moments.

(Kids in a church make all the difference)

The other day Natalie said, "Janet, it's OK if you're picture's not in my baby album, I won't forget you, I promise because I really like you. You're my special friend."
Awe!! Kids are the BEST!!

I was reminded today of how much I long for young people to be in our church. It's been a little while since we've had a youth ministry in our church and I am praying that somehow God would change my work schedule to accommodate this desire. We are surrounded by families in our community and lots of kids/young people... my heart is hungry to see them in church. Please pray with me.