29
December
2006
nothing to do with it . . .
By Barbara
I was a tad frantic this morning - made several phone calls to folks I thought could help - none were able to do so.
You see, I work for a “secure” facility. Our doors are kept locked. We all have keys to enter the premises.
We all do - until this morning. We all do - except for me. You see, I somehow had lost my keys. It’s a pretty recognizable set of keys, too - kept on a purple carabiner (snap tool, I think the Guardsmen call it) with a long tailed rust colored suede leather fob. I use that so I can spot it, or feel it easily, you see.
So, phone calls were made to my pastor asking him to go to the church to look there - to Lessa to ask her to check my house - to Ladybug to ask her to look around where I had parked this morning when I picked up TAT - to the school where I had dropped off TAT - to hubby moose to ask him to check the house when he goes home for lunch . . . I even went out to look in this lot - but knew it was kind of hopeless because the plow had come earlier and if it was in the snow, I would not be able to find it until the next thaw (oh, in about three months or so).
Finally I could stand it no longer . . . I drove to the school myself to check - then went in to tell them what I was doing in case someone called about some strange lady wandering amongst the cars in the lot. No keys.
I drove towards home - stopping at our cluster mailbox - kicked around the snow in front of it where I had stopped last night to check the mail. (thankfully, the city plow hits our street last on the list so the snow was just thick - and cold - and WET!)
Then I drove into our driveway, parking where hubby moose generally parks. Wait - what is that poking up out of the snow? Could it be? Yes!!! It was - my keys - actually, the long tailed suede fob!
Called everyone to let them know - well, except Lessa - she has gone back to bed by now, I’m sure - I’ll call her sometime after noon.
When I came back to work bearing keys held high - everyone said “you’re LUCKY!”
Nope, friends, LUCK had NOTHING to do with it. Prayer had EVERYTHING to do with it.
I believe in a Sovereign God who cares even about such a thing as lost keys. He allowed me to find them. And, it was thanks to the prayers of my pastor and his family and myself. The inablity to sit still at this desk a moment longer which led me home to find them - yup, I attribute that to His Sovereignty.
Praise the Lord!
(first published at my website.)
Written By: barbara
Posted under: Women's Voices . 
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26
December
2006
By Vasthi Acosta
She worked hard at her studies. She crammed for the SAT’s. She loves and memorized God’s Word. She served her church and community. She filled her life with friends, family, music and books.
And then, she put all of that into her college application. Her personal essay focused on the benefits and gains she experienced from having been homeschooled. I wonder how many essays had a similar focus. I’d guess at least one or two more.
Her dream school was her father’s alma mater, and last Thursday she got her email.
Not a letter or a thick envelope. Just an email that started with the word — Congratulations!
And the celebration ensued. Chocolate was consumed. Toasts of sparkling cider rendered. Prayers of thanksgiving offered.
My daughter, Zila, will be attending the ivy league college, Columbia in the fall.
Now, I just have to find a way to pay for tuition. But He who has been faithful to open this door, will be faithful to see her through.
My daughter received an early Christmas gift and it was a doozy. Celebrate with me.
Written By: Vasthi Acosta
Posted under: On Being a Parent, Stay At Home Parents . Email This Post
24
December
2006
I’ve missed posting regularly this month, and am looking forward to getting back to it come the New Year. I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season with people you love (or at least can tolerate!).
I’m taking next week to do some blog maintenance, but there will be two new posts so watch for them. And after the New Year, I hope to have some new special things to add to Violet Voices.
My thanks and appreciation to those of you who have joined this blog as Voices this year. I really couldn’t manage the blog all by myself, and your stories and viewpoints are so valued by myself and our readers.
Love you all,
Meredith Efken
Written By: Meredith Efken
Posted under: Women's Voices . Email This Post
12
December
2006
By Vasthi Acosta
Ever sit in a church service singing a worship song that elevates you, and you feel the grandeur of God? Or you are driving along, a song comes on the radio and you start crying or maybe, laughing, because the song reminds you of someone or something?
Ever have the lyrics of a song spur you to action? How about hearing the crescendo of a piece of music and suddenly you feel dwarfed by the majesty and splendor of God?
Music speaks to me and often, I hear God’s voice in it.
A worship chorus states, more eloquently than I ever could, what my heart wants to shout to the Lord, another reminds me that Jesus is the lover of my soul, or how He binds the broken hearted, sets me free.
Even a secular song, like Ain’t no mountain high enough — reminds me of the scripture that reads: For I am convinced . . .that neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39.
Recently, as I listened to Held, a song by Natalie Grant, I felt a holy nudge to call a friend, who was losing her mother to cancer. I didn’t question the nudge, I just acted. Although, I didn’t reach my friend on the phone, I did leave a message that I hope comforted, encouraged, and spoke strength into her life.
God speaks in many languages. Music is one of them. But with music, we can partner with Him to speak blessing into the world.
Now as I ponder, I realize that it is through this partnership that such great pieces like Handel’s Messiah, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, and even, Natalie Grant’s Held came to be. What a privilege!
During this time of Christmas carols, listen closely, do you hear Him?
Written By: Vasthi Acosta
Posted under: On Being a Parent . Email This Post
11
December
2006
by Meredith Efken
I’m a guest blogger over at Camy’s Loft today! Go check it out. She’s giving away a couple of copies of my newest book, @Home For The Holidays!
Written By: Meredith Efken
Posted under: Women's Voices . Email This Post
