When we start a new year we often have new thoughts, new hopes and new dreams. Yet, time and time again the walkway seems unlite, cracked and often times not even there.  We read, pray, toss and turn to no avail to see the way. I have found the haunting field glasses of Hebrews 12:1,2 to give me an awareness that eyes are upon me and beckons me to walk forward by faith. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

I am a great admirer of C.S.  Lewis and see him as one of those witnesses that surround me with great cheers to keep running toward my goals.  I would like to share my friends words! 

“The great thing to remember is that though our feelings come and go God’s love for us does not.” ― C.S. Lewis

“Remember He is the artist and you are only the picture. You can’t see it. So quietly submit to be painted—i.e., keep fulfilling all the obvious duties of your station (you really know quite well enough what they are!), asking forgiveness for each failure and then leaving it alone.You are in the right way. Walk—don’t keep on looking at it.” ―The Collected Letters of C. S. Lewis, Volume lll: Narnia, Cambridge, and Joy 1950-1963

“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice.”- Isaiah 42:3 (NIV) I have often read, quoted, and meditated on these words penned by this famous , historic prophet. I could never quite bring a visual shot of this in view.

Recently I read in a devotional; “Early civilizations developed methods to transform reeds into paper, papyrus, and also to weave them into baskets, mats, and rope. Reeds were functional and beautiful. In contrast, a bruised reed was not beautiful and appeared to be useless.”

I can’t seem to get this concept by this writer out of my thinking. I love woven baskets and some of them are quite pricy and skillfully made. Just imagine I order a beautiful pricy hand woven basket online. I wait with great anticipation and excitement thinking of the many uses of this basket and deciding on a perfect use and the day comes and I see Fedex at my door. 👏🏻💃 I open and a reed from my basket had been damaged in its travels?  💡

 

 

 

 

 

A loving daughter writes about her Mother, “We almost lost her.  She had colitis and then found out some of her intestines had died. She had to have emergency surgery.”  (See photo below) She goes on to give thanks to all that prayed. Which includes  some of you. You, as part of the lily story  always giving hope, peace and joy shared this beautiful basket of love. It arrived on their 66th wedding anniversary. See him on the phone? Just imagine the call of love he was making. I had to smile as this love story continues to unwind. She hadn’t eaten for over a week but those goodies her sweetheart ❤️️ shared sure set her heart afire.

They have been through many storms. Just to many to name. They have pastored and built churches. They struggle with health issues as they journey through their 80’s. They are linked in Heart by the giver of life. She, like her Dad and brother have always been ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus, being the reason we celebrate Christmas. Her beloved husband always by her side. He is a rock seemly cut from The Rock.

As I pause and gaze upon her loving hands so happy to hold her husbands face once again I am reminded that all of us can have the hand of God holding us in all our ups and downs of life. Christmas is a great time to share stories that are story just because Jesus was born.

Again, we give thanks to each lily for being a part of many stories in 2016.

 

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”- Hebrews 10:23-24 (NIV)

I love the old hymn, “Count Your Blessings, name them one by one….” I have added➕ each of you to my blessings’ list 📝 and I’m on a real high number. It would break the bank. 🤗 For each of you in your own creative way *has spurred me on to do good deeds.

A very special gift  of “SPUR” you have given me in 2016 through your kind encouraging words, prayers, support in so many ways. Giving me rides, great meals and  dining in great places. Secret Santas! Always a whole month of Birthday celebrations. Special treats of coffee and cookies.  So many beautiful gifts given to share with others.  Awee,  as I said *my list of counts are very high when it comes to counting all my Lily family’s good deeds connected to mine in the count. Thank you.

You have made me believe I am a 🌟🕯in  the 🌑.

Each year on December 25 some of us rally in great robust strength and excitement to celebrate the birth of one called Jesus. Who is He?

Do you know Him?  The Prophet Isaiah said that Israel’s God would return in plain sight, and that the whole world would know about it; but nowhere in that exile does anybody say it’s happened. What say you?

Has anyone seen Him?  Does anyone know HIM? Hey, is this him?

Christmas will soon be here and the Christmas Plant Sale at Monroe Technology Center can inspire you with your beautification and gift giving. The sale features fresh wreaths, roping, greens and swags. There are hundreds of poinsettias in all sizes and colors; seasonal flowering plants; herb and succulent gardens as well as custom floral creations to choose from. Additionally, there are handmade stockings for your cat and dog friends; other hand painted items; and airplants featured in 3D printer containers made by Chris Mar, one of our very own LCHS graduates!
Sale profits go toward student scholarships. So, if you are in the Leesburg, Virginia area please visit us and enjoy complimentary cookies and cider made by the Culinary Arts department. Dates and hours are November 30, 10-7pm; December 1, 10-5pm and December 2, 10-4pm.

 

“But the [a]Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.” John 14: 26 (AMP) 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊

The Holy Spirit teaches all things and He will help you remember things that Jesus has told you. He comes from God The Father, as an Advocate of His Son, Jesus.

How has the Holy Spirit given you comfort?

Have you ever experienced His acting as an Advocte on your behalf? Is so, how?

What type of Counsel has He given you? Was His counsel of value to you?

Why do you think a Dove is representive of the Holy Spirit? 🕊🕊🕊