Melodyejoy’s Weblog

I had the privilege last night of singing in the community choir for the last half of MWS’s concert.  It was an amazing experience!  We practiced three times and our director, DB (as I affectionately call him), had us ready to sing 12 songs — all memorized. 

DannyO got a few pictures — but mostly the memory is in my mind — a night of worship to our great God!

That's me (on the end, on the stool

I am not a patient woman.  I want results.  I want order.  I want answers.

This season of my life is difficult.  I am waiting.  Not always patiently, but I am waiting… for answers, for direction, for focus.  Today at EBC, Tim and Elaine Petty were our special speakers.  They are missionaries — but they are missionaries as they work in their God-given vocations in Washington, DC.

Something they said really spoke to my spirit.

• Experience delight, joy and contentment in the Lord, no matter what your life circumstances are.
• Have a thankful attitude
• Have lives and homes that say “welcome.”
• Do your job with excellence, even if no one is watching
• Notice the “invisible” people
• Help others achieve their goals

I must indeed make a difference on this earth, even as I am waiting.   I need to be joyful and practice contentment…   May He find me faithful.

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope.”  Psalm 130:5

My Gifts, Brent and Amanda

As I was praying for my children, Amanda and Brent today, I was reflecting on the antics (that’s all you can call them) of these “reality show” parents and the long-term negative impact visited on their innocent children’s lives. 

Our children are gifts from God and should be treasured.  The time they spend with us passes so quickly — foolish antics and selfish ambition have no place in our lives.

I remembered a song… Jenny Rebecca.  I believe it was originally sung by Barbra Streisand.  The choir I accompanied sang it several times and it was so poignant — I usually wept.    I found a great performance of it on youtube.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRRi2O43lLk&NR=1

Jenny Rebecca, four days old.  How do you like the world so far?
Jenny Rebecca, four days old. What a lucky, lucky, lucky lucky girl you are.
For you have swings to be swung on; trees to be climbed up.
Days to be young on; toys you can wind up.
Grass to be lying on; sun up above.

Pillows for crying on when you’re in love.
Ponies for riding on; wind in your hair.
Slides to be sliding on; leaves in the air.
Dolls to be caring for; love to be giving.
Dreams to be daring for; long as you’re living.
Jenny Rebecca, four days old.  What a lucky, lucky, lucky lucky girl you are…

My quiet place...

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee..”  Isaiah 26:3

I came to know Jesus as a 5-year old.  I remember the day vividly.  Throughout my teen years I walked closely with God, memorizing scripture, praying.  In my early 20’s, newly married, I kept walking, striving to be the Proverbs 31 woman.

Sometime, though, in my late 20’s, early 30’s, I lost my way.  It was a private struggle.  I stopped reading the Bible and praying.  I no longer depended on God for my every thought and deed.  I slipped into habitual sin. 

However the mask I wore was firmly in place.  To my friends, I continued to be a spiritual giant; a woman who was dealing with a chronic illness, raising children, serving the Lord in very public ministries.   I continued to say the right words, assume the correct posture.

Privately, though, I forgot how to pray.  I stopped taking my Bible to church.  I no longer recalled memorized verses when I was being tempted.  More likely, I succumbed to the temptation.  My Bible sat, discarded, gathering dust, pages sticking together.  I had a deep hole in my being.  Habits were formed that weren’t edifying to me or my friends and family.  I became careless with my words.  I gradually stopped even attending church.  I wasted 15 years!

God continued to love and pursue me.  About 5 years ago, His grace and mercy caught me by surprise.  He still loved me!  It was not an immediate transformation.  I began my journey by praying… really praying… as an intercessor, an advocate, a grateful child.  Within six months, Dan and I found a church that we were comfortable attending. 

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:13

Slowly I began the habit of opening my Bible each day.  I separated the pages, asking for forgiveness each time two pages stuck together.  I began to recall verses I had memorized years before. 

“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”  Psalm 40:2

I am not perfect, but the facade is gone.  I have a vibrant prayer life.  I use my concordance regularly.  Amanda and Brent have the benefit of me reciting scripture to them.  I still struggle with some things… OCD, worry, but… I know that I know that I know…

“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.”  Psalm 40:3

Every year, usually the first week in October, my darling hubby, Danny O, takes a week’s vacation to cut, split, and stack firewood.  This effort has saved us thousands of dollars in heating costs over the years.  The kids always knew, when Dad cut, everyone pitched in to help split and stack. 

Since Dan and I are the only two people currently residing at 328 Fords Corner Road, it is left to us to complete this monumental task.   I am so tired tonight, I could weep, but I took pictures to document our day. 

I don’t have the skill-set to cut the wood, but I am an expert at pushing the log-splitter lever.  After four days of hard work, we nearly have enough wood to last the winter.  God has indeed blessed me with my darling hubby of 29 years.  He works so hard and I truly appreciate him!

This Autumn day was lovely, as the sun softly shone through the red, yellow, orange leaves.   I enjoyed sitting on a stump, watching Danny cut the wood.  I think he enjoyed my company

Danny O cutting down the dead, standing tree

...cutting the wood into pieces

Proof that I CAN run a log-splitter (do you like the hat?)

Queen Anne's Lace in the field

What a glorious color palette!! The back field/tree line

Side-view of our house

I have a virus… possibly the flu.  I don’t feel bad enough to call 911, but I am sick.  My head aches, my hair aches, my muscles ache, I get dizzy when I stand up.  I didn’t even get on the computer yesterday!!  I had so many things I wanted to accomplish on my “to-do-list.” I guess I will just have to make a new one tomorrow.  Okay, enough whining…  I am going back to bed and perhaps I will feel better tomorrow.

As an aside, it is never good to have that many “I’s” in a paragraph.  It sort of makes me look selfish and narcissistic…  but I’m sick!!! 

I wish I felt better