"Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind...

'Pooh?' he whispered.
'Yes, Piglet?'
'Nothing,' said Piglet, taking Pooh's hand. 'I just wanted to be sure of you.'"

A.A. Milne in Winnie-the-Pooh



The house is slowly
coming awake,
as one-by-one
footsteps                                                                                                                                               above                                                                                                                                           and down the stairs,
bring sleepy, half-smiling faces
my waiting way.
I begin, by degrees, to pull myself
from the quiet
up, out, and away
into
the full and busy day
that stretches out before me.
Into the awaiting
moment-by-moment
of the "present"
being graciously
held out to me....

The priceless gift,
of yet another day....

This week's end is being filled
with family and friends,
both here and away.
There's lots of food being prepared this morning.
Two lives to celebrate. 
Rosie, turned 22, the day before yesterday--Feb. 12th
and little Celeisa, turns 3, today.
My hard-earned Valentine baby.  ;o)

Julia, made new outfits for the little girls, yesterday.
So, they're being scrubbed, dubbed, and fancied.
Good-and-readied, to be tucked into them.

I've been enjoying reading through the Daily Bible
and sharing in precious times of discussion
with a beloved friend.
And, have been going over and over
the book of Habakkuk, in it's entirety,
with the children a time--sometimes, two--a day,
for going on 25 to 30 times now.
So sweet.
Even the littlest ones
have much of the book memorized,
just from this simple reading.
We'll move onto something else, soon.
But, how blessed we've been
by the time in Habakkuk.
What an intensely honest exchange
between Habakkuk and His God.
So thought provoking.
So encouraging.
And, moreso, after each successive reading.
And, the reading of other Scripture that comes to mind,
while savouring Habakkuk....                                                                                                          such riches, too.

Habakkuk, cries out to God,
in painful questioning about injustice.
He's Trying to understand something
that just doesn't make sense to him
no matter which way he looks at it.
And, seems contrary
to everything
that he's ever learned about God,                                                                                              throughout his life.

God, answers back with these words...

Look at the nations and watch
and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something
in your days,
that you would not believe,
even if you were told.

Then He says....
I am raising up the Babylonians
that ruthless and impetuous people......

Habakkuk, had great difficulty understanding how His God, whose power is infinitely greater than anything on earth (and I will add, whose self-defining character trait is love) could possibly be silently passive, in the midst of such immense and relentless sorrow and suffering.

God does hear him, though the book begins with Habakkuk saying:

How long, O Lord must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, Violence, but you do not save?....

And God (who is surely listening) answers his plea:

...the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false,
though it lingers, wait for it;
It will certainly come
and will
not delay.

I so appreciate the fact that Habakkuk was able to bear his heart and soul unreservedly, to God. Honestly, and forthrightly, laying everything that seemed inconsistent or just outright wrong, to him, right on the line.

And that God, was indeed not, preoccupied with other things--having forgotten Habakkuk, nor was He overlooking the undeniable devastation, the horrors and resulting suffering that were taking place. Not only was He watching and taking account, but for some reason beyond Habakkuk's human understanding (and I'm assuming that he was a pretty smart bird, with no small amount of knowledge of God and His ways) He was allowing this inconceivable situation.

I especially love and appreciate how Habakkuk (perhaps critically for his own sake, unbeknownst to him) stays engaged with God--even though he's not able to figure it all out, no matter where he looks or how hard he tries. He remains engaged, even though, in his humanity, he doesn't like what's happening one bit, and it seems, may not be feeling any too kindly towards God.

I have related to Habakkuk's change of heart that comes to pass, through this determined engagement and ongoing dialog with God.......He speaks to God in honesty and sincerity, and frustration. And, he doesn't turn away, harden his heart, or leave, but transparently goes back and forth in his most sincere questionings, with God Himself, over things that don't seem fair, or right, or seem to be far harder and last far longer than seems reasonable, and/or could seemingly never prove to be a means to achieving any good. Seems they rather, in fact, seemed to be entirely contrary to what Habakkuk would have percieved--based upon his previous understanding of God and His ways--to be God's best, or even God's good. This ongoing engagement seems to be a critical aspect in the outcome of Habakkuk's intense communion and resulting turn around, with Him.

Something supernatural takes place in the exchange, which we see come around in about chapter three. Deep within, his heart experiences a change. By degrees, through this honest grappling with the God of the universe, he begins to slowly, once again, come to see things through eyes of faith. Something, that it seems from the sounds of chapters one and two may have very well seemed nearly lost to him at times. It's beautiful. So beautiful, to see the depths of transformation that take place, considering Habukkuk's correct observations about the seen, and God's unchanging character and staunch reference to the unseen (and the present in light of the future). I'm sure that Habukkuk believed himself to be going anywhere *but* chapter three, when he was in the throes of chapters one and two. How often I have found/and find, myself, in this very same place with God. His ways have often not been, nor are they ever, always, my own. He simply chooses and uses people and situations that I would never choose, because they hurt. It's hard. It's lonely. It's just as beautiful to me to see my own heart come around by degrees, as He draws me to Himself , when I might be inclined to run from, or even blame Him (and perhaps do some of both for a time), and then listens and listens and listens, with compassionate, loving, understanding, as he delights in having brought me, once again, to the place where I finally, begin to pour out my "complaints" (many times in passionate discombobulation) in the midst of His allowance. Those things that I never would have chosen for myself, or those I love.

It ends with these beautiful verses, that I committed to memory and held tightly to during the intense transitional period, of God bringing me over from life without Him, to life in Him, nearly 27 years ago, now. So many changes in my life were occurring. So much growth was taking place, at times in the midst of, or following immense sorrow and pain. Things that often came about through circumstances that I wouldn't have chosen and couldn't understand. Things that I could have easily been inclined to feel (and sometimes did) that He should be protecting me from, if He was God and He really loved me.

There is something vital in the sharing of intimate engagement with God. Especially when we're going through hard times. Things will begin to change as we go to him, who we are, as we are, and speak plainly and honestly---which in time, we inevitably come to see that we can do far more freely with Him, than with any human being that we know. Why? Because, He already knows. And, He loves us unconditionally.

Which is another thing that I so love and cherish about my relationship with Him. Love it. Love it. Love it. He can read my mind. So often I think, think, think, and therefore, feel, feel, feel, and am nearly at a loss for the appropriate words to express all that's taking place inside of me, to anyone. What a gift to be able to just quietly (or tearfully, or loudly, confusedly, even angrily) be with God and know that He is taking in even the minutest details of the complex labyrinth of my inner life. Things that I don't even understand myself, and really can't apart from Him. That He's listening--hanging on my every word. And, that like in Habakkuk's life and seemingly hopeless situation, is able to bring about change. Life-changing change, in us, through us and on into the lives of others. It's amazing. Ours is a Gospel of which we need not be ashamed--for certain.

Those verses of the changed heart, at the end say:

Though the fig does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vine
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food.
Though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord
I will be joyful in God my savior.
The sovereign Lord is my strength;
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
He enbables me to go on the heights.

Habakkuk 3: 17-19......

Because, as Habakkuk 2:4 says:

the righteous will live by his faith

Just as beautiful, comforting, and encouraging to me, now, as they were those many years ago. He never forgets us. His love for us never changes, despite what painful, confusing circumstances, hardships, and loses in life may say. Only He is able to work all things together for good in our lives. It's a mystery, really, that even though outward circumstances may seem to stay the same, the inside can and will change. And through the "eyes of internal change", the outside circumstances also begin to be seen (and felt and experienced) in an entirely differnt light. He desires this intimate engamement with us far more than we could ever know. Immeasureable riches, that can be obtained by no other means, come to us through this one vital relationship, wherever we are, whatever is happening or not happening in our lives, at any given time.

I'm really grateful that my children will have these words hidden away in their hearts as they journey along, in Him, too. Because, I know that the way will not always be easy for them either, in this life. Above all else, I pray that they know Him--by heart--as Love. People will change. People will fail them. People will hurt them. They will fail themselves. He--never. Never. He loves them and will be ever and always there for them. Anyone or thing, that whispers otherwise, is simply UNtrue. My prayer is that each one of us will always remember that, come what may.

Also, while I'm here, I'd like to tell you a couple of other things. I use to type out the blog posts in the later evening time, while the little ones were snugged into the bed beside the table where I had my laptop set up. Well, that was back in the long ago and far away days of DSL. Now, we are living in the (fickle-ish unpredicatable) world of Satellite Dish. A whole 'nother planet from DSL :o) So, there is no internet connection in that quiet, set-apart place and time that there use to be. It just doesn't work in my room. And, sometimes, there is no internet connection *at all*, not even in the main living area. And, when there is, it's always on the slow-ish side, compared to DSL. Anyways, the changes have made it a little more challenging for me *to* blog, time-wise, quiet-uninterrupted-place-to-think-and-write-wise (that I use to have each evening), and, internet speed and sometimes availability-wise. I just thought I'd share this little bit, for anyone that might be wondering.

That said, well, (thing I'd like to tell you number 2. So you can *feel with me*, if it's also happened to you, and/or for me, if it hasn't ;o) I had this entire post written out--at Flickr--with all those photos, and due to one little tiny hiccup with Flickr, I lost it. All of it, when I hit send (as in send completed post on over to the blog). Now, if I would have been on Firefox (like a smart gal) it probably would have been saved. But, no, I was not on Firefox, but (was foolishly on) Internet Explorer (who has heartlessly eaten more than a few projects of mine, before...sighing and shaking my finger at myself while nodding my raised eye-browed, pursed-lipped, scrunched-nosed, head back and forth in *I told you so* ;o) This said, the *thought* of re-doing it anytime soon, was well....more than a little bit disheartening. Because, by the time I had finished I had those feelings that I can only seem to refer to as *the everlasting flexed arm hang* welling up and washing over, inside of me ;o) (for those of you that remember your days of the Physical Fitness Awards, in school--and hey, I was always going for the *Presidential*. I'm sure you were too ;o)

Anyways, I was determined to share, on or before, Valentines Day, so got a good night's sleep and began typing away, again. I had actually planned to do a window star tutorial the very next day (the day following (the day of the *first completion* of the blog post, but in the end, the day I *re-wrote* the entire blog post. Remember? :o) So, after all was said and done, I was too tired (of re-typing and re-copying and re-pasting) to actually do the go-ahead with the star tutorial. Therefore, many thanks to Laura and Katie, and their just recently discovered (by me) Duo Fiberworks blog, and window star tutorial. Yes?

I was also too tired to even think about including any links whatsoever in the post when I re-wrote it. But, thanks to the wonders of rejuvination, and the fact that I am hereby back, *fresh as a daisy*, I would like to pop a couple important ones on now :o)

My inspiration for deciding to go through a book of the Bible numerous times. At least 20, a lovely lady, who has grown to be dear to me through the reading of her blog, that you might like to visit, if time allows, Kathie, at Island Sparrow. In this post a while back, she shared about her *plan*, which she credited to the beautiul Ann, without an e, V.  shared on her wonderful blog, Holy Experience, a while before *that* (which I had somehow in the ongoing ebb and flow of life, happened to *miss*). So, though I have enjoyed and benefitted greatly from reading and re-reading books of the Bible in their entirety in the past, I hadn't done so in a good long while. And, I don't know that I had ever done so 20 times or more. 

All of this said, I can't tell you what a huge blessing the implementation of this simple plan has proven to be. So much so, that it was a marvel even to me. Because, you see, when the beloved friend that had agreed to read through a book of the Bible 20 times *with me*, chose Habakkuk, I kind of secretly *cringed* inside. Habakkuk?? 20 times, Habakkuk?? Nevertheless, I did say yes, cringing or no (not exposing my secret self, and all it's balking ;o), *and* before I knew it, I found myself thinking (and praying) about that "horrible" book about those ruthless and impetuous Babylonians, and all their dastardly deeds amidst Habakkuk's forthright questionings, morning, noon, and night. Awake and asleep. A fire had been lit inside of me--a passion. Which, of course, as such things have a way of doing, sent out flames that hopped right on over to my children. So, thank-you to each one that blessed me--beyond measure--by being part of God's plan, to get me there and through Habakkuk, those gazillion times. I really am grateful. And, really was blessed. Immeasurably so.

Claire, and I, were blessed to have been asked to sing, at the homegoing--to the arms of Jesus--of one of the dearest, sweetest, ladies I have ever had the privilege of meeting--Pauline. The songs we were asked to sing were two of the three hymns that loved ones gathered 'round her sang--to and over her--with heart-felt conviction, during the last moments of her peaceful passing, from this life to the next (and, she how very special that she was coherant right up until near the very end). Amazing Grace, and Softly and Tenderly. 



At Christmastime, we enjoyed going caroling, as a family, with lots of friends. We went to a nursing home (the time there was so sweet, I had to pull myself away and was the last to go), and another evening, downtown--in and out of restaurants, a pub, and to the local public library. 

Though Pauline's precious son, and his lovely wife, are very dear friends and we meet with them most Sundays for fellowship, up until the afternoon of caroling at the nursing home I had only "seen" her, vicariously, through the eyes of Phil and Jeanette's hearts--which overflowed with love and caring devotion for her. 

'Midst a flurry of jumbled activities upon arrival at the nursing home where she lived, having not yet been introduced to Pauline, my eyes caught sight of a radiantly beautiful woman, sitting so delicately small amidst the large crowd gathered for the time of singing. She was looking my way, smiling  warmly, and softly waving me over. As I knelt beside her wheelchair and took her hand, I was immediately enveloped by the sweetness that flowed out to me--someone she didn't even (yet) know (that she knew, likewise vicariously, through Phil and Jeanette :o). 

I was so touched by her gentle spirit, gratefulness, sweet cheerfulness and  sincere interest and concern in/and for others there, both visitors and fellow residents. All I could think as I listened intently, gazing into her eyes was....she's so beautiful. 

All I could feel, was loved.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Maya Angelou

So, last night, I went to and shared in, one of the most beautiful memorial services that I've ever experienced. There was much sadness in the parting, to be sure.....tears and the engulfing sorrow of saying goodbye--even if just for now, to one so dearly loved for so very long. But, there was also so much joy. I kept starting to cry as Phil (who I love so dearly. And, you would too, if you knew him) shared all the precious details of his dear mom's life. She was 88 years old and it was a marvel to me to hear of how much she had given, by choice and from her heart, out to others during that time, even though her own needs were so great for many of those years.

I'm thankful for that set-apart time I had to be with her, face-to-face. Though such a short time, she made an everlasting impression.

I've been thinking about her, and the impact she's had on her son's life (one of the kindest, gentlest, most humble men I know), her beautiful daughter-in-law, her grandchildren, and great children, all through the day, today. We really can't comprehend the impact that our lives will have/and are having, on those that we love. Even the smallest things that we do (though I guess it is the smallest thingsthat add up to the bigger things that matter most. Right?) over time, lay a foundation and begin to build upon it. God takes our little, and is able to make much of it. Despite limitations (and I know there are some really, really heart-wrenching, seemingly hopeless situations--but they're not. Not to Him. Not in Him. And I say this in much tenderness and love) and things being far less than our desired ideal. He (only He) is able to mulitply our faithfulness in the things that can seem nearly insignificant at the time--and for years of repetition, on end.

Jeanette and Pauline.



Phil, Jeanette, and Pauline.



And, that special something
that I recently mentioned in the comments.
For those that happened to notice...
Did I say that it was a someone?
Well, it was.
One of the precious friends that I've met
through the delight and wonder of blog world,
and have grown to love, so dearly through our sharing,
in writing,
over the past 2 years or so.
My sweet, loving, gentle, kind, and caring
beautiful, friend, 
åslaug, 
made her way
all the way
from Norway
to our home
and our family.
And straight away
fit right in
and became a part.
For ten wonderful days.
Ten days that seemed to pass
in the blink of an eye.
And then, 'midst kisses, hugs, goofy smiles, and finally, tears,
she was gone.
Off-and-on-her-way, back to home and her beloved family.
We miss her, and we're praying,
that God would see fit to allow her another visit
in the summer. And perhaps, a bit longer this time.
Thank-you-so much, Tore and Anita, most truly,
for sharing her with us.
For saying, yes, to her coming.

So, having missed you all, having enjoyed and appreciated and been so blessed--at just the right time/s, through each one of your loving, encouraging, notes in the comments, email and snail mail letters,  here's a little bit of a (long over due, I know) visit, through the window of åslaug's stay. Thanks so much for taking the time to come by--and to say hello.

åslaug, from afar.



åslaug, laughter.



Going through old photographs.



Celeisa, my littlest love and Valentine. Turning 3, today.



Celeisa, loving åslaug.





Stranded, Toad. åslaug to the rescue.



Chubb, and Celeisa. Warm snow day.

Reindeer boots.

Things we don't have in Norway. Things we do.

Rosie, wearing, and sewing, an Edwardian apron, for åslaug.

Edwardian apron, completed. Making ready for the mid-day meal.



Parade, on mantel.



Sunlight and lace, on pastel.



åslaug, making window stars, for home.



åslaug, and Julia. All the colors, of window stars.



Early morn sunlight, through window stars.



Sewing a Birdie Sling, for åslaug. 



Birdie Sling, and laughter.



Birdie Sling, completion.



Gathered 'round, thoughtfully.







Looking at åslaug's lovely Norway photos. åslaug, Julia, and Lori.



Playing spoons. Looking at photographs.



Chubb and Julia's pottery. Perfectly green. Thank-you George and Kathy. We love you and miss you.











Julia, in the quiet.

James, listening.



Michael, meditation.



Joseph, ponderance.



The spellbound audience.

Sweet cheeks.



Twin's creation. Left by Christian and Gottleib. Happy birthday, precious little friends.





Sister sharing, huddled 'round Maggie.



Chubb, studying.



Studying Chubb, studying.

Julia and åslaug. (One of many) goofy smile(s), before tearful farewell.

I hope that each of you are very well. Though time hasn't allowed for me to post much these past couple of full and busy months, I'm still here, and am thinking of you and praying for you, with much love. Thanks for thinking of me, and praying for me, too. Thanks for your warm and friendly, loving notes of encouragement. They are such a blessing to me, every single one. More than you could know.

The Lord bless you and keep you, and your sweet families. May He continually hold you closer-than-close, in His unfailing, never-changing love (which He always does--so I guess my prayer is that you'll always know it and never doubt it.) You're more precious to Him than you could ever know.

Happy Valentines Day, sweet friends  :o)
Tenderly, Jewels

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Since a number of you have written asking (which of course you would. I would have, too ;o) how to make the bright and cheery window stars, I'm going to share the information for that here, now. I had actually hoped (and have hoped in the past) to do a window star tutortial, but....just haven't seemed to be able to make it happen. So, when you asked (again) I went and tried to find one-- and did :o)

I make most of mine that very same way as it's done in the tutorial, with the exception of just smudging the glue on each point with a glue stick--I think she's much more careful (and uses far less glue than I do--messy gal that I am ;o) Just so you know that you don't *have to* be quite so careful. So, here's the tutorial.....

for the window stars

And, Michelle found another, even more basic (and cleverly so) tutorial, for those that are interested in giving star-making a go. Thanks very much for your thoughtfulness, Michelle.

A second window star tutorial

And, a few of you have written in response to this post and my unintentional miscommunication, thinking that, I too, was in Norway. I'm really sorry for the confusion. But, no, I'm in the US. Which is what made dear åslaug's visit even sweeter, and the Danish Proverb, that "The road to a friend's house is never long", even more real-to-life true. So, sorry for any confusion there.

Also, while I'm here, I'd like to tell you a couple of other things. I use to type out the blog posts in the later evening time, while the little ones were snugged into the bed beside the table where I had my laptop set up. Well, that was back in the long ago and far away days of DSL. Now, we are living in the (fickle-ish unpredicatable) world of Satellite Dish. A whole 'nother planet from DSL :o) So, there is no internet connection in that quiet, set-apart place and time that there use to be. It just doesn't work in my room. And, sometimes, there is no internet connection *at all*, not even in the main living area. And, when there is, it's always on the slow-ish side, compared to DSL. Anyways, the changes have made it a little more challenging for me *to* blog, time-wise, quiet-uninterrupted-place-to-think-and-write-wise (that I use to have each evening), and, internet speed and sometimes availability-wise. I just thought I'd share this little bit, for anyone that might be wondering.

That said, well, (thing I'd like to tell you number 2. So you can feel with me, if it's also happened to you, and/or for me, if it hasn't ;o) I had this entire post written out--at Flickr--with all those photos, and due to one little tiny hiccup with Flickr, I lost it. All of it, when I hit send (as in send completed post on over to the blog). Now, if I would have been on Firefox (like a smart gal) it probably would have been saved. But, no, I was not on Firefox, but (was foolishly on) Internet Explorer (who has heartlessly eaten more than a few projects of mine, before...sighing and shaking my finger at myself while nodding my raised eye-browed, pursed-lipped, scrunched-nosed, head back and forth in *I told you so* ;o) This said, the *thought* of re-doing it anytime soon, was well....more than a little bit disheartening. Because, by the time I had finished I had those feelings that I can only seem to refer to as *the everlasting flexed arm hang* welling up and washing over, inside of me ;o) (for those of you that remember your days of the Physical Fitness Awards, in school--and hey, I was always going for the *Presidential*. I'm sure you were too ;o)

Anyways, I was determined to share, on or before, Valentines Day, so got a good night's sleep and began typing away, again. I had actually planned to do a window star tutorial the very next day (the day following (the day of the *first completion* of the blog post, but in the end, the day I *re-wrote* the entire blog post. Remember? :o) So, after all was said and done, I was too tired (of re-typing and re-copying and re-pasting) to actually do the go-ahead with the star tutorial. Therefore, many thanks to Laura and Katie, and their just recently discovered (by me) Duo Fiberworks blog, and window star tutorial. Yes?

I was also too tired to even think about including any links whatsoever in the post when I re-wrote it. But, thanks to the wonders of rejuvination, and the fact that I am now I'm back, *fresh as a daisy*, I would like to pop a couple important ones on now :o)

Of course, the links to dear åslaug's blogs (plural). She has two :o) You'll enjoy going to visit her, if and as time allows.

I hope today is a wonderful day for you.The sun is shining delightfully bright and clear, this morning. Makes my heart sing. It's so beautiful. I'm getting things situated so that I can head out for my walk down the road, with Julia, and spend some precious time just *drinking it in*. It's finally snow-free enough after more than a few too-good-to-be-true, extremely warm-ish days, that I can again do so.  And, I am glad, glad, child-like glad, inside, that it's so. Just so you know ;o) And, I'll be sure and wave to Pete for all of you when I go past ;o)

Thanks again for all of your friendly, kind and caring notes of hello. Though time doesn't allow for me to comment on everyone's--so I hesitate to do so on any, lest anyone feel left out and/or hurt--It's nice, so nice, coming by and visiting your blogs, as time allows, and getting to know you, too.

Lovingly, Jewels

Comments

[Adrienne]

Ah, dear friend, it is so good to hear from you again and to the photos of your precious family and friends. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Habakkuk. Such incredible lessons to be learned. Easily understood in our time. ~Adrienne~

[Tracy]

Dear Jewels - it's always so good to read your letters. Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day! :)

[Karen Deborah]

What a beautiful post so dear, so encouraging and the peace of the reminder of who God is; came at just the right time as my heart has been so overwhelmed and fearful with where our country is going. YES Habbakuk and yes to go to the Lord who hears and knows and is ready for us, to lean.
thank you so much.
God bless you for your love.
Beautiful portraits of family and friends. When I die I hope my friends sing me home too. It is the best way to go.
I love to see your beautiful home the fresh faces, the simple joys, the beauty of handmade creations and the joy of your home. It has been a long time but you are so worth waitng for.

[Marqueta]

Dear Jewels,

What a precious Valentine treat! So glad to see a new post from you, dear friend, and to see that your family is well. It looks like you've been enjoying life to its fullest, as usual!

We wish the girls very happy birthdays, and love all the pictures of everyday life.

Thank you for sharing with us all,

Love,

Marqueta

[Kelley]

Oh Jewels, I am so glad to see a post, I have missed your posts so!
I think of you often and pray for you and your family!
Wishing you a most blessed Valentine's Day!

[Kimberly]

How wonderful to have such a lovely new post from you! Such beauty, joy & love!
The pottery is so beautiful! How is George doing? Was he not ill, cancer I believe, before you moved?
Happy Valentines and Birthdays to your family of love!

[Chas]

Jewels...
I am so happy to 'see' you today. My very nearly perfect Valentine's just got much better. Thank you for sharing and blessings to you and yours on this Valentine's evening.
Love,
Chas

[Amber]

Thanks for posting - I always enjoy reading what you write, and looking at the pictures of your dear family. Thanks also for the thoughts about Habbakuk - what a book that is! I love it too.

Happy Valentines Day.

[Carrie]

Dear Jewels,
Somehow I guessed - ok, hoped? :-) - that there might be a post from you today, although I didn't guess that it would be a birthday one. Happiest of happy birthdays to your little one, and your bigger one.
So grateful for the friendship you offer, through the computer, to those of us that will never get a chance to meet in person. Your words are read over, and over, savored and cried over, and I have hope, that somehow, I can create the beauty and peace and love in my family that you have in yours.
God bless you,
Carrie
Carrie

[jamie]

Thank you thank you thank you for that wonderful post! We have had a very trying few months... and while I have never doubted God's love for me, I have needed to hear that He loves me, He loves us, no matter what.

[Bea]

Dear Jewels,

Thank you for such encouraging words, for pointing us in the direction of our LOVING God.

Happy Valentine's Day..

Bea

[Elaine/Muddling Through]

I've missed your posts. You are always a breath of clean, fresh air. Thank you for those Habakkuk thoughts. I haven't visited him lately. I'll have to go back and "sit a spell". :) God bless you and your beautiful family for the blessing you are to all of us who visit.

[moey]

Happy birthday, Rosie! Happy birthday, Celeisa! It looks as though you all had a fabulous time with your dear friend from Norway. Happy Valentines Day to you all.

[The Harris']

Dear Jewels,

You are a true blessing to my family. I committed to building the walls of truth in my life this year. One of the first scriptures I memorized was Habakkuk 3:17-19. I have planted these words deep in my heart so that the Lord will constantly direct my path for my family. God Bless You.
The Harris'

[rhonda jean]

Hello Jewels dear. Aslaug fits so well into your family, she almost looks like one of the sisters. I'm so pleased she visited with you.

I send love to you and the family. Hanno sends his warm regards.

[The Butterfly Catcher]

Dearest Jewels, thank you for showing and sharing His Love today! Happy Valentine's Day!

[Country Lady]

I'm so glad everyone is doing well.

It is wonderful that you were able to give a tribute of song to such a special lady and to the Lord she has gone to be with.

I will now read Habakkuk with new eyes.

God bless!

[Michelle]

I was stealing just a few minutes of computer time between suppertime clean-up and getting my little ones off to bed and was pleasantly surprised to see your post in my feed reader.
It's good to know you all are well and how wonderful that åslaug was able to come for a visit.
Happy belated birthday to Rosie and by the time you read this, little Celeisa. My own baby turned 5 in January and I'm really missing having a preschooler in the house.
Until next time-may you and those you love be blessed!
P/S Just wanted to say thank you for sharing the quote from Maya Angelou-it's so very true.

[Deby]

Beautiful post, sweet Jewels...wonderful precious pictures...and thank you for the study on Habakuk---isn't God's WORD so precious....
nice to read your post, you have been missed, dear lady.
Deby

[Ericka]

Oh, so wonderful to hear from you! Thank you for taking just a moment (I know how fleeting they are!). Many warm thoughts towards you and your family, prayers for God's grace poured out continually!

[becky k.]

A very precious post.

Happy Birthday to the celebrating girls!

I love how you celebrated your dear friends in their various stages of life.

[jen]

Jewels,
I was so blessed by your words today adapted from Habakkuk. My family is going through some hard times right now and part of me is so raw and emotional. I trust that God will get us through, but it still hurts and is hard to see what God will do through our present situation.
It is such a tremendous blessing to have a woman like you encouraging us younger moms to keep 'walking'.
Your pictures are always so beautiful and give us such a delightful look into how you spend your days.

[amy]

Oh Jewels, thank you. I cannot tell you how timely and perfect this post was for me. I come here daily to check and see if you have posted, and if you haven't I spend a moment listening to your lovely music. Tonight I came by, the last time I would check for over a week, as we are leaving early in the morning to drive two states away to my step-mother's memorial service. She passed away very unexpectedly two weeks ago, at the age of 44. This post spoke to me words I needed to hear. Right when I needed to hear them. Thank you so.

[Vanessa]

Your blog was so beautiful and encouraging to me today! Thank you for the reminder of God's faithfulness!

[Kimberly]

Ahh, how good to hear from you again! Happy birthday to your girls! I am so glad that you had such a nice visit with Aslaug, looks like she fit right in and had a wonderful visit!I am coming back tomorrow to read thru your thoughts on Habbakuk. I just had time to skim and look thru your pictures tonight.