Why My Backyard Fence?

When I was a child, neighbors would visit with one another over their backyard fences. There would be a fence on either side and one in the back. These fences were not barriers to keep others out, but rather a means to define one's property. Sharing with a neighbor a smile or perhaps a story, or even a piece of pie was not uncommon. I love people and hope to bring joy and encouragement to my Friends and Neighbors over "MyBackyardFence." And, yes, I now live in the Oregon Outback. Beautiful place.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day

I found this poem on Prayer Central and I could not have said it better myself so I decided to share it today.

A Mother’s Prayer

Before a child is first conceived, A cry goes up, "Lord, Let it be."And from His throne room way up there, God’s ear is tuned to a Mother’s prayer.

Then as the tiny seed takes shape, She whispers, "God, please keep him safe."And the angels all stop and stare, To see God listen to a Mother’s prayer.

Through pain and blood on that special day,"Lord, give him life," she’s heard to say. And with a deep and gentle care,God listens to a Mother’s prayer.

Then daily as this little child grows,"Keep evil away!" the angels are told.And by the swords and shields they bear, God has heard that Mother’s prayer.

Then one day as the child is sleeping,"Let him know Jesus." she mutters while weeping. The angels are shouting and the trumpets blare, As the Father above hears a Mother’s prayer.

As the world presses in on this teenage life, She calls for his destiny through agony and strife. Then God responds, to a faith so rare, That compels Him to answer this Mother’s prayer.

Now all grown up and on His own,She prays for him by letter or phone. And God stands by with His right arm bare, To listen and answer the Mother’s prayer.

Before a grandchild is conceived, A cry goes up, "Lord, Let it be."And from His throne room way up there, God’s ear is tuned to a Grandmother’s prayer…

copyright -Wayne Dillard

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Do overs

I am so thankful that we get "do overs" in life. My Pastor was sharing about his granddaughter this morning. She is a beginner toddler. In other words, she is just beginning to walk. He talked of how she will take a step or two then totter a bit and fall down. Of course the falling down is actually sitting down or being caught in the arms of a parent or grandparent. He explained how the falling down didn't mean she was a failure. She is just learning to walk. I know in my own life, at times, I consider myself to have failed when I fall down or in other words, don't do something "right". When I use unkind words or have an "attitude". When I get grouchy when I am inconvenienced. Or... I just flat out want it "my way" and am being selfish and self-centered. I don't do these things on purpose, but will realize at some point that I have "fallen" into that state of mind or that state of "sin nature". Then I hate the fact that I allowed myself to be that way. Well, hmmm! Maybe I should realize I do belong to the human race and God knows I am dust and... he gives me "do overs" every day. He says, "That's okay, Honey. Get up and try again." I will try again and again because I love Him and my life is guided by love for Him and others and He knows my heart. He actually knows it better than I know it myself. I am so blessed that He promises "never to leave us nor forsake us". We will fall down at times but those beautiful arms of the Savior will catch us and stand us aright and aim us in the right direction and say, "Go for it! You can do it!" And we really can! Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."