spring ... or not?!!

.... yes,
{as of this 'drafted' writing back on april 19th of 2018,
which i never posted, therefore, i'm updating it below}although, on that day it did not feel like it!

woke up to about 2 inches of blowing, swirling 

bright, white s-n-o-w!
it's been a long winter, and I,
for one,
am looking forward to warmer days.
i do have to admit, however;
that we have not had a lot of snow this year
and i was so hoping to wake up to,
oh,
at least 8 to 12 inches before winter said it's final good-by ...
alas, it wasn't meant to be.
it's already in the low 40's and the snow is fast disappearing!

update ... 7 . 12 . 2018

a very HOT july day, so spring finally made an appearance
and winter has definitely migrated ... north!
honestly, with the heat we've had so far this summer,
i'm longing for an icy day!

well, y'all,
i'm working my way back after a very difficult season of life,
which still hasn't come to completion just yet,
but God is ever faithful!
He never leaves or forsakes us in the midst of trial and circumstance!

i've missed being here, sharing, and i'm wondering
if i have any readers left,
or if facebook has hijacked you all away.
i so much prefer the more intimate way to communicate on a 'blog'.
anyone out there with me on that?
there's also way too much drama for my taste.
leave a comment below and let me know if anyone is still here!

blessings to you!
- deborah -

Enjoy the journey ....

So many things in our everyday lives, you know, the busy-ness of it all, can get us a bit off track, take our focus off of what is most important. 

I came across this devotional it really helped to clarify specifics in my relationship with the LORD.  We are all on a journey and it is wise to take the time to evaluate just where we are in our walk with Him.  Hope this helps you as much as it does me in my prayer time! 

I have missed blogging here, and as you can see from my last post, I've been away for quite a few years on a 'journey' myself, but on this road of life I have not been alone, growing and learning with every step. I dare say I am a bit rusty with my writing so please bear with me as I dive into this again!

For now, I pray you are learning and growing through your life's journey ... and whatever the road God is taking you down, whether bumpy or smooth, uphill or down, able to see clear and straight ahead, or with curves and obstacles you can't see around, His presence is always right there with you!

Just knowing that brings a secure feeling of comfort to my, often times, anxious and fearful heart!

Well, I do hope to see 'some' of you still online here and if so, I'll be looking forward to see your comments! Blessings to all who may venture this way!!

Prayer Journey

-Katherine Kehler


Have you ever taken the time to evaluate your journey with God?

Are you growing in your love relationship with Him?

You may be thinking, “Can you really know if you are growing spiritually?”

Yes, there are ways you can evaluate your spiritual growth.
One way is to think through your prayer journey.

Are you praying more? Because prayer is talking with God,
ask yourself if your communication with Him is getting better.

I encourage you to take the time to think through your prayer journey.

The following are some of the elements in my prayer journey that show me if I am growing spiritually:

Trust in His Promises

Am I trusting God and His promises more that I did twelve months ago?

“Up to this time, you have not asked a single thing in my name;
but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy may be full”
(John 16:25)

Ask Specifically

Am I asking for specific things, or do I pray generally?

You will recognize when your prayers are answered if you ask specifically.

“For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him.
And then helping you do what He wants”
(Philippians 2:13)

Intercession

Am I praying for others on a regular basis?

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers,
intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone”
(1Timothy 2:1).

Cultivate a Quiet Heart

Do I have a quiet heart?

Panic and peace cannot occupy the same place.

“When He gives quietness, who then can make trouble?”
(Job 34:29)

Resting, Trusting, Leaning

Do I trust and rest in God, or do I let circumstances determined my feelings?

“But I have stilled and quieted my soul…”
(Psalm 131:2).

Thankfulness, Praise and Worship

“A single grateful thought toward heaven is the most complete prayer.” 
- Gotthold Lessing

Spiritual Warfare

Do you dress yourself with the armor of God each day?

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities,
against the powers of the dark world and against the forces of evil in the heavenly realms”
(Ephesians 5:12).

Pray Without Ceasing

Talk to God about everything.

“Pray continually”
(1 Thessalonians 5:17)

“The real reason for prayer is intimacy with our Father.”
- Oswald Chambers


Father, we know You want to have a close, growing relationship with us.
Lord, we also want to know You more.
Deep within our souls we want to know You.  Amen.

black and white wednesday || a reminder

flowers ...
such a special gift God shared with us to color our world,
and such a beautiful way to remind us that spring will eventually get here!
this one is pretty in color, but i think it's also striking in b/w!

yes, i'm linking up with
black and white wednesdays
again this week. :)
always so fun to see what others share!

go give some love to sandi, as she's been sick this week ...
also see some other striking b/w images, and feel free to join right in!

blessings,
deborah xoxo

*and, for a little encouragement to you, sandi ...
here's a bit of color to cheer you and brighten up your day!
hope you feel better soon!