seek continually {photo verse}

"Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His presence continually."
Psalm 105:4

A good read (click on the title to read in full): What does it mean to seek the Lord? by John Piper

His face—the brightness of his personal character—is hidden behind the curtain of our carnal desires. This condition is always ready to overtake us. That is why we are told to “seek his presence continually.” God calls us to enjoy continual consciousness of his supreme greatness and beauty and worth.

This happens through “seeking.” Continual seeking. But what does that mean practically? Both the Old and New Testaments say it is a “setting of the mind and heart” on God. It is the conscious fixing or focusing of our mind’s attention and our heart’s affection on God...

...This setting of the mind is the opposite of mental coasting. It is a conscious choice to direct the heart toward God. This is what Paul prays for the church: “May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ” (2 Thessalonians 3:5). It is a conscious effort on our part. But that effort to seek God is a gift from God.

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he is like a tree...

Lord, please help me - no matter what the season may hold - to stay firmly rooted in You.

Whether it be a time of plenty or a time of drought, I place my trust in You.

You are my hope.


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{beauty & joy} lately

Change is in the air. With just a glimpse outside I am reminded of nature's marvelous annual celebration of "newness". But as I turn inward, I cringe. Other than the stunning Spring wonders taking place, I am not a fan of change. Never have been.

Change pushes me far beyond my comfort limits and reveals my true character; my heart, my inner-thoughts, my impatience, my faith (or lack thereof) and my pride. Unfortunately, it isn't pretty. I am reminded I cannot do life on my own. I need my Savior.

The past couple of months have been hurried and brimming with change. I'm weary and a little scared. Where will this change lead me and my family?

Yet, with all the uncertainty that surrounds me, I sense the absolute, never-tiring, never-failing presence of God.

"By day the Lord commands His steadfast love, and at night His song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life." Psalm 42:8

And so, after many deep breaths of prayer, my heart is calmed and, through God, I find the strength to say, Lead me, Lord. I will follow.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I love that, after forcing myself to stop focusing on my difficulties, I can always find many things to be thankful for... Yes, blessings surround me.

Sweet, sweet solitude - a time to ponder the leaves

Grandpa pushing Wesley on the swing... "Higher, Grandpa! Higher!"

The boys clamoring up the ladder so they can race down the slides - over and over again.

What joyous laughter!

Shhh... I need to take this call.

No caption needed. :)

"He gives strength to the weary..." Isaiah 50:29


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a time for change {new blog name}

Welcome to Choosing Gratitude!

After a year of careful thought, wise council and prayer, I have decided to change the name of the blog from Red Letter Living to Choosing Gratitude. The blog and all of its content will stay the same. You can expect the same focus and tone of writing (and pictures) as I continue on this path God has chosen for me and my family - discovering the beauty and joy in our journey.

It is simply a name change.

The reason behind the change has a long explanation, but, simply put, I want to dispel any concerns that I am affiliated with the Red Letter Christian movement. I believe the whole Bible is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16).

Thank you to all who follow my blog and thank you  for your patience during this time of transition.

I am so very grateful. :)

If you wish, you can continue to follow the blog by clicking one of the subscription buttons (with updated links) at the top right portion of your screen, sign up to receive blog posts via e-mail or like the new Choosing Gratitude Facebook page!

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to trust

Lord, I am not certain what today holds, but it is my prayer - my plea - that my plans {my to-do list, my thoughts, my desires} align with Your will. If not, make it so.

If my path is crooked, straighten it to lead only to You.


"Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make straight your paths."
~Proverbs 3:5-6

"God does not give us everything we want, but He does fulfill His promises, leading us along the best and straightest paths to Himself." ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer


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the winding path

Two years ago today, through a simple phone call, my life took an abrupt turn in another direction; a totally different direction than I would have ever planned.

Seven months later I wrote a (very) short story, The Path, reflecting that moment - the moment when my hand was gently taken and led a different way. I would like to share that story again with you today.

Looking back, I can definitely say that the path has been a difficult one to trod, but oh my dear friend, it is over-flowing with beauty and joy.

Click here to read the short story, The Path. 

Thank you to all who have walked along side me and my family.

To those who have just begun to walk this path or have been plodding along for a while, you are not alone. You are loved and prayed for.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

'"All the paths of the Lord are loving and faithful" Psalm 25:10 I have pondered this verse lately, and have found that it feeds my spirit. All does not mean "all - except the paths I am walking in now," or "nearly all - except this especially difficult and painful path." All must mean all. So, your path with its unexplained sorrow or turmoil, and mine with its sharp flints and briers - and both our paths, with their unexplained perplexity, their sheer mystery - they are His paths, on which he will show himself loving and faithful. Nothing else; nothing less.' ~Amy Carmichael

"All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies." ~Psalm 25:10

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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