On this page I (from time to time) write about those things I hold dear.  Many have told me that I express myself so much better in writing; therefore, Notes from the Heart is a page where I can share some of what is important to me.  This is also a space for me to delve into the Scriptures and the truths that they hold for all who would hear and believe.

Stephanie

Thankful

Not much to say today...certainly nothing earth shattering or revelatory! However, I can tell each of you who read my Notes from the Heart and the rest of the FTFI website that I am so very thankful for you, your support of me and the ministry, and your encouraging words each time I see or speak to you. You are often just the push I need to make it through a difficult day or week, to keep walking the mission and vision out--one foot in front of the other.

I pray that as you have sown into my life through words, through actions, through prayer...so you too will have those who will do the same to and for you. Stephanie

A Sunday Afternoon Ramble

I don’t know about you, but I grew up on Sunday afternoon drives through the countryside that were usually followed by a nap or a visit with family out on a front porch or patio. We were never allowed to do anything rowdy on Sundays; we were taught that Sunday was ordained by God to be a day of rest. I am so very thankful that I learned that lesson early on, but I have found that I must continually remind myself to enjoy the day the Lord has made, to be quiet before Him, and to rest on His Sabbath.

This past Sunday I chose (yes, I said chose) to take an afternoon ramble through one of the picturesque neighborhoods in Columbus, Ohio. The weatherman was already calling for a drop in temperatures, and so a warm day out of doors seemed to be in order. It is spring….and I wanted to catch a peak at God’s creation coming back to life again after a winter of dormancy.

It turned out to be my date with the Lord. It was just the two of us. I put on walking shoes, picked up my camera, got into the car, and drove to a favorite park of mine where the dogs are allowed to run loose, families are often seen picnicking, friends play games of Frisbee, pick-up basketball or tennis, and fisherman (both young and old) try to hone their  casting skills in the pond.

As I walked, I snapped pics of daffodils, forsythia, tulip poplar, Bradford pear, tulips, crocus, hyacinths, Persian violets, pansies, azaelas, and whatever else caught my eye.  I smiled at families and dog owners alike.  I took previously unknown paths.  I meandered up and down avenues and even ventured into a street or two just to capture the right photograph.  All the while, I was enjoying my Sabbath day of rest.  All the while, I was realizing that I was entering a season of spring as well…one where I was meant to be revitalized and energized by my Creator. We walked and talked, and He ministered to my heart in the quiet of a day filled with His beauty.

Would that I, would that you, would take the time and make the choice to keep our Sabbath day of rest! Oh, how much better we would face the challenges that each week holds for us if we were just to spend a few hours of deliberate rest in the presence of our Creator, our Father God. Be still, and know that He is God…

Musings from the Road (#1)

Friday the 13th was a busy day for me. After sleeping on and off for a few hours I awakened before my alarm...at 3:25 AM. Had to finish packing and make it to the airport by 6 AM.

     With pre-printed boarding passes I made my way to the counter and began the check-in process for my flight to Orange County, California (a.k.a. Santa Ana; a.k.a John Wayne International Airport). Two flights later...a wee bit of sleep...and a venti hot chocolate from Starbuck's to sustain me...I made it.

     As always the flight over our great United States put me in awe of our Creator. Plains (although I slept over most of those), desert, and mountains (snow-capped, of course) were viewed through my small window on the world and seen pre and post wing....but oh how beautiful they were. We serve a God of vast imagination!

     After picking up luggage I made my way to the curb to wait for my ride.  While standing there I had the prime opportunity to watch humans from varied walks of life and nations acting...well...human. Each tried to have their own way. From parking in a no parking zone to talking on a cell phone (without a hands free device) to refusing to "buckle up" these humans pushed their boundary lines as I stood there and watched. (However, I will also have to say that I saw many a sweet reunion in the process.)

     The funny thing was this...there were 3-4 Orange County Sheriff Deputies standing there at all times, ticket books in hand. I even watched one deputy get up in the face of (with only the driver's side window between) and yell a very nasty ultimatum to the man who was behind the wheel. The same man then parked his truck in the no parking zone, got out, and moved over to a lady whose bag he took and then placed in the bed of the truck. However, that did not mean he moved his vehicle or did the "right" thing. He then proceeded to have a "smoke" and a chat with the lady, all the while knowing that he was bending the law....or should I say breaking the law....under the eyes and noses of those whose job it was to defend and protect.

     His direct rebellion started me thinking. How often have I pushed my limits, even broken the laws of the One who rules and reigns in my kingdom, my true kingdom, the Kingdom of God? How often have I, knowing that what I was about to do, was in direct opposition to God's Word, His Commandments, knowing full well that it was not just His representatives (e.g., the deputies in my story) that stood beside me.  For, I have the Greater One resident within me. He never leaves me nor forsakes me, right?! So, when I walk in disobedience, when I insist on my own way, when I flaunt my bad or selfish behavior...my primary audience is the Very One to Whom I owe my citizenship in the Kingdom. What audacity!

     Watching these scenes played out before my eyes at the airport caused me to renew my desire to always walk in line with God's Word. Watching the ugliness of "human nature" displayed just feet away from where I stood got my attention.  It is God's nature in me that I must continue to develop.

     Why? Just as I was a "watcher" of the behavior of men and women who were coming and going at the airport, so there are those who will always be watching me as I come and go through life. What will they see when they look on? Will they see my human nature or my God nature displayed?

     Selah....pause and think about that...

Standing...and Then Standing Some More

The Word of God tells us that we are to stand...stand firm! This, sometimes, is easier said than done. That is when tenacity....sheer determination...and a reliance that the Lord is on your side comes into play. Without those three it will be much easier to fold under pressure.

Another key to standing when the 'going gets tough' is to keep yourself surrounded by believers who will encourage and support you. I have found that the Lord uses others to speak words of grace and strength when we most need them. This is why it is so very important to nourish our God-given relationships.

When I was in bible school I was known for saying something. I often would ask others: "Who are you going to call in the middle of the night when you are out on the field and need help?" The reason behind this question was that I saw some who were so focused on getting through school that they forgot or ignored those the Lord had placed around them...people who would be able (and willing) to stand the test of time.

I am so very thankful for all those the Lord has placed in my life...those who continuously encourage me personally to be all that God created me to be. Often times I do not even think that some of them know that they were God's messenger to me, at that time. For example, I just had a conversation with a former roommate who now lives in Sweden. The Lord used her today to bless and encourage me -- geographical location and time were inconsequential. I stepped away from our conversation strengthened...better able to keep STANDING.

I pray that you will be surrounded by those who will hold up your arms when you become weary, those who will offer you water when you are parched, those who will pour the oil on your wounds when you have been in the battle, and those who will pray for you when you are in need. May you be blessed by God-given friends who love the Lord with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength and who love you just as they love themselves. Stephanie

Relax...God's in Charge

Wow! That catches your attention, doesn't it? At least it does mine. It is so easy to begin to think that we are the ones in charge...but what a lie that is! For, it is the Lord God Who holds us in the very palm of His hand. It is the Lord Who Provides. It is the Lord Who makes a way where there seems to be no way.

I can try to solve a problem in a myriad of different ways....through my own strength, my own "know how", my own ability... The only problem is that brings everything back to ME, not God. It is just another of those I, me, my, mine traps we can fall into...and boy, doesn't the enemy enjoy watching us fall.

Today...tomorrow....and for the rest of your life....don't forget that you serve an awesome God Who knows the end from the beginning, Whose plan is always the best.

Just know...that I am speaking to myself first. It is imperative that I keep the Lord first...keep Him the one in charge....NOT ME!