Scripture Memory: Feb 1

Hey Blogworld!

Well - for those of you who have decided to join me on this scripture memorization journey (and yes - there are some of you out there), HERE is my February 1 memorization.

I'd LOVE to hear from you on how your memorization is going!! Email me or post a comment here. You can read all about the challenge here.

Remember to post a comment here on this post and share with us what verse or verses you are memorizing for the first part of February! :)

Eph 5:16-17 (NLT)
"Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do."

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Portobello Mushroom Lasagna

Thought I would post a recipe today for all my vegetarian friends. A lasagna alternative. While I REALLY enjoy good lasagna... this is a terrific recipe using mushrooms to replace hamburger or sausage. If you love mushrooms as much as our family does - you'll enjoy this recipe without missing the meat! :)

(Recipe courtesy of Ina Garten from TV Food Network)

Portobello Mushroom Lasagna

Ingredients

* Kosher salt
* Good olive oil
* 3/4 pound dried lasagna noodles
* 4 cups whole milk
* 12 tablespoons (11/2 sticks) unsalted butter, divided
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1 1/2 pounds portobello mushrooms
* 1 cup freshly ground Parmesan

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 1 tablespoon salt and a splash of oil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain and set aside.

For the white sauce, bring the milk to a simmer in a saucepan. Set aside. Melt 8 tablespoons (1 stick) of the butter in a large saucepan. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Pour the hot milk into the butter-flour mixture all at once. Add 1 tablespoon salt, the pepper, and nutmeg, and cook over medium-low heat, stirring first with the wooden spoon and then with a whisk, for 3 to 5 minutes, until thick. Set aside off the heat.

Separate the mushroom stems from the caps and discard the stems. Slice the caps 1/4-inch thick. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large (12-inch) saute pan. When the butter melts, add half the mushrooms, sprinkle with salt, and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and they release some of their juices. If they become too dry, add a little more oil. Toss occasionally to make sure the mushrooms cook evenly. Repeat with the remaining mushrooms and set all the mushrooms aside.

To assemble the lasagna, spread some of the sauce in the bottom of an 8 by 12 by 2-inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of noodles on top, then more sauce, then 1/3 of the mushrooms, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Repeat 2 more times, layering noodles, sauce, mushrooms, and Parmesan. Top with a final layer of noodles and sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.

Bake the lasagna for 45 minutes, or until the top is browned the sauce is bubbly and hot. Allow to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes and serve hot.

Happy Cooking,

Thank You's

My parents raised me right. From a VERY young age I was taught to write Thank You cards to friends and relatives. I had to send them for birthday presents, Christmas presents, graduation gifts... just about any time someone gave me anything at all. I'm actually quite surprised I didn't send Thank You cards for people who sent me Thank You cards.

Honestly, though, what an amazing skill to teach your children!

I've always been very partial to card-sending and I have this strict lesson on Thank You card writing that my parents instilled in me early on to thank for it! I've even passed along my love of card-sending and Thank You card writing to my daughter. In fact, at this very moment she is playing the role of a pen-pal to my mother, her grandma, who only lives about 7 miles or so away from us! What a great experience it's been for her. And she LOVES getting letters and cards in return from her beloved grandma! It's been a very fun last couple months for her as she looks so forward to their tender exchange.

I had a conversation recently with someone about the very subject of Thank You card sending. This person has been the recipient of many of my cards over the years and counted each and every one of them as a blessing in her life. Unbeknownst to me, she had been saving them all the years of friendship and they each had special meaning to her. I had no idea that this simple act was making such a big impact on her life. But it was obvious that it has!

I thought I was the only one who kept cards from others over the years. I have two very LARGE boxes of thank you notes, sympathy cards, thinking of you notes and just because letters in my closet. My dear husband doesn't share my adoration for these priceless memories, but because my life was shaped by MANY of the loving words that adorn these special pieces of paper... I keep every single one of them. Just like my friend.

See...















To me, there is just something about a card from a friend that makes my day. It says to me:

they care about me
they're thinking about me
they took time out of their busy life for me
they appreciate me

In this modern day technological-frenzy world we live in, there's just something special about getting a hand written note from someone that you love. Come one now - anyone can send a text or an email... but a hand written note says "I care".

I am thankful to my parents for instilling such a selfless lesson of love in me. I consider card-sending just another way I can serve others and I will continue the tradition proudly. For those who've blessed my life with cards, letters and notes... THANK YOU. I've been truly blessed!

Col. 2:7, "...let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done."

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

The Silence

I just love my morning quiet time with God. Many of you who know me - know that I really don't do "quiet" well - so this has always been a slight challenge for me. It may be my A.D.D. or something - but I have a real hard time being still... and... well... quiet. But my mornings with God are so RICH that I yearn for this time daily to hear from Him.

I've learned to keep a journal over the last few years so that I can write down things that God is revealing to me during my quiet times. And it's been an amazing experience.

A couple days ago God really got my attention about something I've struggled with for a long time, and that's the Silence of God. If you're a Christ follower you probably know what I'm talking about. You've been praying about something, for a long time, and it seems like He's just silent. You're not hearing the word no, and you're not hearing the word yes... in fact, you're just not hearing anything at all.

I've gone through countless times in my life when I LONGED to hear from God and He chose to remain... silent. And it wasn't pleasant.

There are times when my husband and I get into disagreements about something. And sometimes, these "disagreements" turn into heated debates. It happens to us all, right? Words are exchanged that are unloving and before you know it - a disagreement over a very silly issue has exploded into something far bigger than either of us anticipated.

My husband is the "calmer" spouse. I would say he's probably more "rational" than me and certainly goes out of his way to avoid conflict. Me, on the other hand, I am the "over-reactor", the one who's more "bull-headed" and enjoys a spicy debate every now and then. When I get upset - I"m often ready to tackle the issue at hand, whereas he tends to push it off until we've had time to cool down.

He's much wiser than me.

So it's no doubt that his avoidance of certain situations during a heated debate are... well... frustrating. Sometimes when I'm defending my side, all I really want is for him to defend his side. When I raise my voice to convince him as to why he should see it my way - often my desire is for him to raise his voice to convince me as to why I should see it his way. Debaters are funny this way. Sometimes, we just want you to RESPOND in SOME way - ANY way so that we know you've heard us.

I think sometimes God is like that. He's the calmer one. He's more rational. And sometimes... He chooses to be silent.

Isaiah 55:8 says, "'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways', declares the Lord."

God doesn't think like we think. His ways are not the same as our ways and certainly His timing in answering our prayers is different than our timing.

2 Corinthians 6:2 says, "'At just the right time I heard you. On the day of salvation I helped you'."

AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME. God's time.

Make no mistake about it - He hears you.

He hears your cries for a job.
He hears your prayers for a sick parent.
He hears your plea for a baby.
He hears your petitions for a spouse.

He hears you. He knows the desires of your heart. And He's going to answer your cries. But sometimes, He chooses to be silent for a little while because His ways are not our ways and His power is not limited by our time frames and deadlines.

Here are the words I wrote in my journal the other day concerning the silent seasons of my own life. I pray that you consider them as encouragement during the silent seasons of your own life.

"Dear God, thank you for the silence. It forces us to...

...come in closer to you
...bend our ear to listen better
...sit before you with our knees bent - eyes fully focused on you
...sit upon your lap and BEG for you to speak.

Amen."

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Ambrosia Cake

Okay - so I haven't actually made this yet - but I plan to. Soon. Most likely for my small group. (Sorry, guys, you tend to be guinea pigs to many of my homemade dishes!)

It's Ambrosia Cake. Yummy! Saw this made a couple weeks ago on Food Network. It's a Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade recipe. Gotta love semi-homemade cooking! And this one is a calorie-conscious one too!

If you make it - I'd love to hear how you liked it!

Happy Cooking!




Ingredients

* 1 (12-ounce) store-bought angel food cake
* 1/2 cup fat free vanilla yogurt
* 1 (16-ounce) container lite whipped topping, divided use (recommended: Cool Whip Lite)
* 1 (8.25-ounce) can peach slices, drained, cut in 1/2 (recommended: - S and W)
* 1 cup seedless grapes, sliced in 1/2
* 1/2 cup sugar free apricot preserves (recommended: Smucker's)
* 1 (11-ounce) can Mandarin orange segments, drained (recommended: Dole)
* 1 cup plain shredded coconut, plus 1 cup toasted
* 1 (8-ounce) can pineapple slices, drained and cut in 1/2 (recommended: Dole)
* 1/4 cup frozen cherries, defrosted

Directions

Cut the cake horizontally into thirds and place the bottom layer on a serving plate. In a small bowl add the yogurt and a 1/2 cup of whipped topping and mix well to blend. Spread on the bottom layer and top with the sliced grapes. Add the middle layer and spread with the preserves and cover with the orange segments. Put the last layer on top and frost entire cake with remaining whipped topping. Toss 1 cup coconut with the toasted coconut and press into sides of cake. Arrange pineapple and cherries on top.

Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve at room temperature.

Chloe's First Movie

I have been telling myself I would do this for a long time now. And sad to say - 4 years later I'm finally getting around to it! :)

Back in '06 my husband purchased me a MacBook for Christmas. Chloe was pretty excited in checking out some of the cool features of the computer, and it was no surprise that iMovie was her favorite! She was only 7 at the time - but she was pretty tech savvy, making her way around that computer better than me! (Okay - that's not saying a whole lot!)

On this particular night in January '07, she was checking out just how this whole movie thing worked. Trevor and I were pretty much oblivious to the whole thing. We didn't realize we had a comedian in our midst performing her first act!

So - here's the video. It's 6:13 minutes long - but it is well worth it! I imagine you'll get quite a chuckle out of it, as did we! NOTE: you'll want to go to the bottom of the page before watching to pause my playlist first. You'll hear a lot of commotion going on in the other room... some of it's the television and some of it's Trevor and I.

EnJOY,

Follow

Hey friends in blogosphere! :)

Did you know that you can choose to FOLLOW 'The Journey' and keep up with all the latest updates and posts? Simply click on the FOLLOW button located on the bottom right of the blog. You can add YOUR name and YOUR blog or just your name and email address. Every time the blog is updated, it will notify you via email.

I love followers AND I appreciate comments. Where are you from? How did you land here on my site? Talk to me!

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Prayer Request

My heart is heavy this morning for a woman I don't even know. For a family I've never met. Her name is Joanne Heim. And even though I don't know her, I do know that she needs our prayers. In fact, she needs a miracle.

I've seen the request for prayer on many of the blogs that I follow including Angie over at Bring The Rain. It appears that Joanne had a stoke a couple days ago. Her daughter found her after she'd collapsed and was seizing on the basement floor. She has significant brain swelling and needs as many prayers as possible!

You can check out Joanne's site here... her husband is updating the blog as new information is available.

Thank you friends!

Scripture Memory: Jan 15

Here is my January 15 scripture memory verse. (Wow - did the 15th sneak up on us or WHAT??)

Happy Memorizing for those of you who are joining in me in this journey!

Phil 4:6 (NLT)
"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done."

Me, worry? Lord - I need your help!

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Colorful Rice

I am a rice lover and always look for ways to spice it up a bit or make it a little more unique. For instance, years ago I started boiling the rice in chicken stock, instead of just plain water. It really makes a difference in the flavor!

I found this recipe online (courtesy of Food Network... Sandra Lee) and it is YUMMY! If you want a little something different - I suggest this one! Really flavorful and fun!

Colorful Rice

Ingredients

* 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth
* 1 (6-ounce) package wild rice
* Olive oil cooking spray
* 1 teaspoon fresh chopped garlic or crushed garlic from jar
* 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
* 1/2 cup diced celery
* 1/2 (8-ounce) package sliced white mushrooms, chopped
* 1/2 cup dried cranberries, optional
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional
* 1 (8-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
* 1/2 orange, zested

Directions

In a large sauce pot bring the chicken stock to a boil over medium heat. Add rice, cover, turn the heat down to low and cook for 20 minutes or until rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and spray with olive oil cooking spray. Add the garlic, onions, celery and mushrooms and saute until tender about 5 to 7 minutes.

Add rice, cranberries, pecans, water chestnuts and orange zest. Mix to combine and cook until all ingredients are heated through. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.
















EnJOY!

Encouragement

"But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." Hebrews 3:13

I love the new year. There's just something about it... it's like a fresh start, a do-over, a new beginning. Since I am a person who likes to set goals and measureables, make lists and seize the moment for change, the new year tends to be one of my favorite times of the year!

As 2010 was nearing an end, I began thinking through some of my "new year's resolutions.". I only have 2 main ones, but they're pretty challenging to say the least. I'm going to share one of them with you today.

I have a sticky note that I've place on my refrigerator to remind me of my commitment and help me to stay on track. It says... rather simply... WHO have you encouraged today?

As Christians, I believe the love we have for others ought to naturally flow out of the love we have for the Father. We have an amazing opportunity to lavishly pour out love and encouragement to others because of God's unfailing love for us. To allow ourselves to selfishly hoard that love and not freely give it away is robbing others from experiencing God's love, mercy and grace. By loving other and encouraging each other daily, we are being the hands and feet of Jesus. We are sharing Christ with others and we are pleasing our Father.

My goal for 2011, is to not let a day go by without encouraging someone. It doesn't have to huge. I've discovered that encouragement comes in all shapes and sizes. Encouragement could be...

Sending a card
Making a meal
Giving a ride
Paying a visit
Providing a hug
Smiling
Sending flowers
Expressing how proud you are of an accomplishment
Baking cookies
Shoveling a driveway
Cleaning a house
Offering childcare

The possibilities for encouraging (and loving) one another are endless!

My prayer for my life is that I will be an encouragement to everyone I see. That my words would be uplifting and bring honor and glory to Him. That God would use me to be His hands and feet to a world that so desperately needs Him!

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Scripture Memory: Jan 1

So - here is my first scripture memorization (see original post here). I'm a little late - so I'm keeping it simple as to be able to memorize it in 4 short days. :) Hope to "see" you on the journey!

Col. 3:23 (NLT)
"Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people."

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Scripture Memorization

Okay - when I saw this concept, I knew I had to steal it. So please, don't let me take credit for this. At all. Here is where it originated from and of course you all know how much I LOVE Beth Moore! It was such a good idea - I knew I had to share it! I hope you'll join me in this!

What is "this" you ask? It's a commitment to a year-long scripture memorization and here's how it works:

Every 1st and 15th of the month you will choose a different piece of scripture that you'd like to memorize. Because the month is already nearing the half-way mark, my January 1st memorization will be quite shorter than the others I plan to memorize the rest of the year. Your memorization can be one verse, or several verses combined - that part is totally up to you! The goal: by the end of 2011, to have memorized 24 pieces of scripture! The scripture memorization should be, as often as possible, a verse that speaks to you in the current season of life you are in are.

Inspired by this blog post by Beth Moore from her Living Proof Ministries blog, I have created my own Scripture Memorization Spiral! Here is the finished product. Note: I am NO creative genius - If I can make it cute - SO can you! (This was a very inexpensive index card spiral I picked up at the store for $1.99 and embellished a bit to look... well... a little more girly!)































The ultimate goal, as described on Beth's blog, is to keep it simple and meaningful. Enjoy the process of deepening your biblical knowledge and growing in Christ!

Now - here's the deal. I'd love to know how many others will be joining me on this scripture memorization journey! If you'd like to join me, post a comment here on the blog. Include your name, where you're from and what your first piece of memorization will be. Then - on the 1st and 15th of every month I will post mine here on the blog AND also on facebook. I'd ask that you comment on my post every 1st and 15th as to what YOUR next scripture memorization is, again, including your name and where you are from. It will be exciting to see how many people are participating and, at the completion of 2011, how many scriptures were memorized!!

I can't WAIT to hear from YOU!

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,

Step Into The Water

I was studying in my quiet time the other morning and I ran across something that spoke so deeply to my heart that I wanted to share it with you.

This particular lesson was entitled, "Step Into the Water". It started out with this... "Be bold and willing to move when God directs - even it the "water" (your different circumstance) has not parted yet."

Here is my own, personal reflection...

Joshua was Moses' assistant who took over the leadership of Israel. Joshua was 90 years old when Moses died and passed his baton of leadership over to him.

First of all - imagine for a moment being Joshua. Moses was considered to be the greatest of all the Old Testament prophets, one in whom the Lord knew intimately. My Bible commentary says, "Not until John the Baptist was there another prophet greater than Moses." Can you even imagine being Moses' successor??? Can you even imagine for a second trying to fill THOSE shoes??? WOW!

To top it all off... Joshua's very first assignment as told in Joshua 1, was to lead God's people across the Jordan River to the land that was promised to them.
God was leading Joshua and the Israelites to overtake Jericho which was west of the Jordan River, a river which flowed heavily with water. And even though he was quite certainly scared, God promised him that "everywhere you go, you will be on the land I have given you" (1:3). Joshua, even though he MUST have been overwhelmed by the task put in front of him, had the promise of God to carry with him. Joshua 1:5 says, "No one will be able to stand their ground against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you." I don't think it's a coincidence that the Lord says THREE times between verses 6 and 9 in chapter 1, "Be strong and courageous". THREE times. You think He was trying to get his attention about something? I don't know about you - but MANY times I need God to tell me something three times before it finally sinks in! Shamefully, sometimes more than that!

We go on to read about the success that Joshua had in leading the Israelites across the Jordan River. The priests were given instruction to, "Lift up the Ark of the Covenant and lead the people across the river"(3:6). And so they started out. Joshua explained what was going to happen next, "The priests will be carrying the Ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth. When their feet touch the water, the flow of water will be cut off upstream, and the river will pile up there in one heap" (3:13).

I want to stop there for a minute and consider the fear that these priests must have had. A new leader, new territory and now you want us to have enough faith to risk our lives by getting into the water?! I can hear them now trying to make excuses for why staying home and watching a little football seemed like the safer choice! But - that was not God's plan and that's not what happened. We read on about the priests obedience and the sacrifice they made for the higher calling from God. We read about the fulfillment of God's promise to Joshua in chapter 3, verses 15-16, "Now it was the harvest season, and the Jordan was overflowing its banks. But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the River's edge, the water began piling upstream, and the water below that point flowed on to the Dead Sea until the riverbed was dry." Then the people crossed over near the city of Jericho.

There are many lessons in this story of Joshua leading the people across the Jordan River. Lessons on faith, obedience and trust. But there is something else I think God wants me to learn here. It wasn't until the priests put their feet into the water that is parted. It wasn't until the priests took that first step of faith... stepping into a rapid flow of water... that the water finally stopped flowing and temporarily dried up allowing the people to cross and ultimately God's promise to be fulfilled.

I believe the same promise that was made to Joshua is the same promise God's making to us! He will be with us. He will not abandon us!

It got me thinking... What is it that God is calling me to do for Him that seems a bit frightening? What am I doing right now in my life that requires THIS kind of faith? Joshua faith? What am I so afraid of? Perhaps God is calling me to TAKE that first STEP of obedience so that He can part the waters in my life!

My lesson furthered my thinking on this... "Is God asking you to do something beyond your abilities and comprehension? Maybe you see only the waters ahead. Step out in faith if He is leading you to move. He will part the waters to accomplish His assignments. Future generations will be blessed because of your faithfulness to trust in God's provision in your life." (Chris Adams)

I've been thinking about those first steps and what they might be in my own life...

Maybe God is asking me TRUST Him more with what is His anyway.
Maybe my first step is believing that He is who He says He is and He can do what He says He can do.
Maybe my first step is strengthening my prayer time.
Maybe my first step is saying no to some things so that I can say YES to the bigger things God has for me.
Maybe my first step is letting go of the things I hold so tightly to and allowing God full control of not just some of the areas of my life - but ALL of them.

There are so many first steps that we can take. If God is leading - then we have to be willing to move. The ball is in our court.

What step will we take toward the amazing things God has in store for each of us? How will we respond to His instruction to step out into the flowing waters and trust Him with the rest?

God is waiting on you... what's your first step of faith?

Incidentally... after Joshua fulfilled his assignment of leading the Israelites, Joshua's glory day came... Joshua 4:14, "That day the Lord made Joshua great in the eyes of all the Israelites, and for the rest of his life they revered him as much as they revered Moses." WOW! Being obedient to God is worth it! It may not always bring this type of glory and that's okay.. it's not man's approval we seek anyway - it's God's. After my race is run I pray that God will be so pleased by me that I might hear... "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" (Matt. 25:23)

Press on friends,

Chicken & Rice Casserole

I love chicken. It's usually 'what's for dinner' in the Bender household more than just about anything else. So - because of that, I'm always in search of yummy chicken recipes.

I found this one last week and we tried it this week...it was really a hit. My family enjoyed the taste, while I enjoyed the one dish wonder! I LOVE casseroles as they are SO easy and make clean-up a cinch!

This one is courtesy of Paula Deen from TV Food Network. Gotta LOVE her! (Note - the only ingredient I omitted was the pimentos.)

Hope you enjoy!

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients

* 2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
* 1 medium onion, peeled and diced
* 3 cups diced, cooked chicken
* 2 (14 1/2-ounce) cans green beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
* 1 (4-ounce) jar pimentos
* 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1 (6-ounce) box long-grain wild rice, cooked according to package directions
* 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar
* Pinch salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Heat butter or oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add onion and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl.

Add all remaining ingredients to bowl and mix together until thoroughly combined.

Pour into a greased 3-quart casserole dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
















Happy Cooking,

Fingerprints of God

As I was reflecting on the past year and thinking through all of the new years resolutions I'd like to make for 2011, it got me thinking of all the blessings I have in my life. I have a wonderful family... great parents, a committed husband, an amazing daughter and more friends than I deserve. I have a small group who supports me and encourages me to be better, Godly grandparents and mentors who strengthen me and keep me going.

I... am a blessed person indeed.

There is no doubt that God has been with me every step of the way. As I've described to others many times... I can definitely see the fingerprints of God on my life. It got me reflecting on Psalm 139: 1-18...

"You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and You lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, 'Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,' even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to You.

For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are Your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand — when I awake, I am still with You."

Indeed God has been there with me. He knows me. And I don't know about you - but that brings me GREAT comfort. That means - there is NOTHING I'm going through that He doesn't already know about. There's NOTHING I have to face alone. There's NOTHING I have to hide from Him. We cannot be separated because of my relationship with Him.

And it still amazes me that the God of the entire universe is still the same God who knows the intricate details of my life. He knows each hair on my head. He knows the number of my days. He knows my sin and loves me anyway. I read this the other day, "He {God} does not have to know us so well, but He chooses to."

This blows me away!

Here's just SOME of the evidence of God's fingerprints on my life...

~ July, 1985. Summer camp in Lapeer, MI. Counselor, Gail, took me under her wing and led me into a relationship with Christ. Her words to me in a letter years later, "I saw something unique in you... something that drew me to you." God's fingerprints.

~ January 5, 1992. The day I lost my best friend as the result of devastating murder, still unsolved to this very day. After sinking into a deep depression, God sent me comfort and support via Godly friends and family who pulled me through and kept me going. They were my reminder of life's frailty and didn't give up on me. God's fingerprints.

~ December, 1996. The car accident that should have taken my life. As described by one on-looker, "You were headed right for the tree! But it's like something took your car, picked it up, and steered it in the opposite direction!" God's fingerprints.

~ December 21, 2009. Surgery day for my husband that could have been his last day this side of heaven. Doctors later give a detailed account of the severity of his condition, "He was in BAD shape and we weren't certain of his survival." God's fingerprints.

I could go on and on recounting the many ways God saved me. I am most thankful for these fingerprints of God. They are evidence that He never left my side.

You know me God, and I am thankful for the fingerprints you've left on my life!