Comforts of Home

Spring is in the air here in North Carolina. Not sure how long it will stay, but it has been an absolutely glorious weekend!!

As most of you know, we have recently moved. It has taken us 2 months to get our house in order. When we bought it, it was in dire straits, but now we almost have it like we want it. Praise God!

Thanks to the beautiful weather we had this weekend, I finally got a jump on the outside of our new home. It was in rough shape. After a long hard look (allowed by the warm air and sunshine), I was able to determine what needed to be done in order to improve it. I spent all day yesterday raking mounds and mounds of leaves, shoveling dirt and moving rocks. Much to my surprise, we have a lovely patio that I wasn't sure even existed! I jokingly ran into the house and announced to my family that I had "found our backyard"! They were just as surprised as me when they went out to view my discovery! It is amazing what years of neglect can do to a property.

Our new house was most certainly neglected by it's previous owners, but lots of elbow grease, determination, and love, and it is slowing changing into a place that feels good to us; A place that feels like home, inside and out. When your life begins to feel not-so-great, maybe a few things are being neglected. Maybe now is a good time to step back and take a good hard look at your surroundings. Do you see your Creator anywhere? Have you been speaking to Him? Listening to Him? Neglecting Him? Sit a spell and have a one-on-one conversation with Him. You may just find a whole new place of comfort that you never even knew existed!

I am learning that home really is where the heart is. That sounds cliche', I know, but it is so true. Now that I have experienced living in 3 different places since December, I realize that home is not a structure or a building of any sort, it is wherever my family is with me. My family is what fills my heart. My God is what fills my heart. Both were with me every step of the way. Neither ever left me feeling neglected. For that I am truly thankful.

Here's wishing you determination, love and a heart filled with a sense of home.
Love and Blessings,
Starr

Evidence

"Tattoo Me On You". I remember hearing a Heavy Metal Christian song with those lyrics. Don't know who recorded it, but I really liked it. I can hum it it my head, but since you can't get in my head, I won't be able to sing it for you. Oh well.

I bring that up because my 19 year old son,Chase, got a tattoo today. Actually, I think it's pretty cool. This is a son that, as a child, had to be practically hog-tied to receive a shot or even a throat check from the doctor. Go figure.

It looks awesome! It is a cross with a treble clef running through it. That just says "Chase" to me. It tells the story of who he is. He is deeply devoted to Christ and to his love of music. He eagerly uses his musical gifts to glorify God and to worship Him in a profound way. If I had a digital camera that was working, I would take a picture of it for you. Maybe soon.

I know a lot of people have a variety of opinions when it comes to putting permanent markings on the body that God gave us. I do too. I don't think certain tattoos are appropriate at all. Nor do I think an over-abundant amount of them on one person is becoming. But,I am proud to the core that my son chose to demonstrate his love for God by permanently marking his arm with a distinguishing design that just says "I Love Jesus and I Will Serve Him With My Talents".

The tattoo shop we patronized is actually owned and operated by a member of our church. Isn't that amazing!? I would gladly recommend them to anyone who asked as they are very reliable and trustworthy to work with. It was just an entirely "God Thing" experience.

Brings to mind a verse from Galatians 6:17. "....I bear on my body the [brand] marks of the Lord Jesus Christ [the wounds, scars, and other outward evidence of persecutions-these testify to His ownership of me! " (AMP)

I'm sure Chase will be persecuted by some for having gotten the tattoo. I am more sure, though, that he will proudly display it as a banner of God's ownership of his soul and body. And, above all, I am sure glad that God blessed me with a son that I am pleased with; One who lives as an example of what God can accomplish in a life willing to surrender to Him.

What outward evidence of His ownership of you are you displaying today? Maybe it's your godly attitude. Maybe it's your smile or your willingness to help another human being. Think about it and be proud to wear that banner!!

Love and Blessings,
Starr

Snow Day

Frigid. Bright. Sunny. Mushy. This is today.

Lazy. Sleepy. Snug. Secure. Comfortable. This is today.

Entire family at home together. Unusual. This is today.

Missing my parents who are four hours away. This is today and this is tough.

Hungry. Bored. Burned out on television. This is today.

Breaking down to finally go play outside with my six year-old. This is hard on an old soul. This is today.

Refreshed. Glad to be alive. Vibrant in spirit. This is today.

This is good!

Here's hoping you the good comfy spot in your day.

Love and Blessings,
Starr

I'm Still Standing

Regardless of popular belief, I am still here. In spite of all I am facing right now.

I wanted to update you all so I won't risk loosing you altogether. I hope I'm not too late. Here goes...

We sold our home and have moved into a very small condo that my mother-in-law owns. We are living out of boxes and piled on top of each other, but thankful to have been blessed with a place to go.

Our new place of permanent residence is hanging in the balance as we await home inspections, appraisals, loan officers and underwriters to see things in a positive light and find favor with us.

Thanksgiving weekend, we took my dad to the emergency room because he was acting a little disoriented, sluggish and complaining of headaches The doctors dropped a bombshell and told us they suspected brain cancer. He was transported to Baptist Hospital (a wonderful healing place from which I now sit at a computer in the family resource room in order to catch you up) where he stayed for one week, was released and has now began radiation treatments. The cancer has spread to his lungs as well. They are currently treating only the brain because it is the most severe of the two and they are attempting to reduce the extreme swelling there. Next step will be to treat the lungs with radiation and chemo. We are expecting a miracle and hope you will join us in that prayer.

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know we have witnessed some totally miraculous healing miracles this year, so I'm sure God can give us one more and heal my daddy. I am not ready to lose him just yet. He is only 65 years old and has lots of love and life and a positive attitude to share with the world. His name is Gary Clodfelter. Mention him as you pray every day if you find it in your heart to do so.

In addition to this, I got a severe case of bronchitis, my little one got a bad cold and a stomach bug, my oldest is struggling with anxiety, my sister has been sick with a severe cold and an infected tooth, my husband is stressing over our family struggles, my mom is just trying to stand on God's promises (as we all are), I had to find a new home for our family dogs whom we loved deeply and have had for many years because we have no place for them with us right now, and to top it all off, my 6 year old's hermit crab died.

Well, now that I have thoroughly depressed you, I want to tell you to smile! I am still smiling. I am still hoping and waiting for God to do His work in this storm of life because I am holding on to Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11. I know he will work it all out for our good and we will come through as stronger and more effective witnesses for His glory.

The Bible tells us to stand firm and see God's deliverance. Not to be afraid and not to be discouraged. He is with us wherever we go. (2 Chronicles 20:17)

I AM standing! I am strong in Him! But, in all honesty, I am leaning slightly. Though, I WILL NOT Fall because my Savior is behind me all the way and will support me with His strength when I am at my weakest. I wait expectantly to see what He has for me in the future and am excited at the possibilities that are ahead of me and my family. Good things are on the horizon!! I can see the flicker of the sun in the distance! Do you see it?

Stand strong with me and lift up your prayers on our behalf. We are traveling daily to the hospital for daddy's treatments and are running on fumes from our exhaustion. Even though I am so very tired, I am enjoying the time with my parents every day. I woudln't trade that for the world. I am praying for all of you as well and will try to keep you posted as I am able. I currently have no internet access except for at this hospital. Praise God they offer it here. Just another small blessing in the midst of the storm.

And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ,after you have suffered for a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power forever and ever! (1 Peter 5:10-11)

Have a wonderfully blessed Christmas.

I love you all dearly!
Starr

The Spirit Of Fear

Ok.....Now that you all know that I'm not so great at playing the Waiting Game, I have another confession to make. I am a big scaredy-cat. Yes I am. Though, Not scared of ghosts and goblins and such.

Let me put it this way: Not knowing what the future holds is not only irritating me from the "waiting" standpoint, it is slightly freaking me out in a scary sort of way.

It's not that I don't trust God to take care of me and my family. It is just my human nature seems to be escaping from deep inside to rear it's ugly head out into the world. It's the bad kind of fear that I am experiencing.

Did you even know that there was anything BUT bad fear? Well, I'm here to set ya straight, my friends.

First, there is the kind of fear that scares us to death, That kind that makes one shake, tremble and get all googly-eyed. The kind that intimidates and places dread into your very core. That's the bad stuff I'm talking about. We need to avoid that kind of fear at all costs. (even though I'm not doing such a good job at it right now.) That fear is what sets in and grips us tight when we face uncertain things. Fear that maybe things won't work out like we want them too. You've felt it, haven't ya?

Then there's that kind of fear that we are supposed to feel. SUPPOSED TO FEEL??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? (I can hear your thoughts, people!) Yep.....SUPPOSED to feel. Let me explain:

The kind of fear that comes from God is a GOOD thing. It is a feeling of reverential awe, profound regard of God. That kind of fear does not grab you around the throat and choke the life out of you. That kind of fear brings you a peace that passes all understanding. That kind of fear should be DESIRED above all else. It BRINGS life!!!

Desiring fear sounds a little strange, I know. But, if you desire peace, then that good kind of fear is a fear that you need to experience. The fear of being so profoundly stunned by the awesomeness of your CREATOR that nothing else matters!!! The kind of fear that assures you that He has it all under control. He sees the certain future He has in store for you. He is seated well above any negative circumstance you can ever face in your life.

Do you fear Him enough to believe that??

One of my very favorite verses in God's word is found in 2 Timothy 1:7- " For God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power, and of love and of a sound mind."

He did not give us that "SCARY" kind of fear. He gave us a sound mind to get the revelation that we are to admire Him to the point of being so respectful of Him, we fall down in fear in His presence.

That same scripture speaks of a sound mind as an alternative to fear. What do you think of when you think of a "sound mind"?

How about wisdom? Read this verse:
Psalm 111:10- " The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs all eternal praise."

WOW!!! How cool is that!!! Godly Fear = Wisdom. Wisdom = Good Understanding. Good Understanding = A Sound Mind. A Sound Mind = Peace. Peace is the OPPOSITE of Ungodly fear.

That's the only kind of fear I EVER want to experience!! The kind that leads me into such a state of mind that I can only ache to spend my entire eternity praising Him and experiencing His peace!!!!!

People, let's hunger for that kind of fear!!!

Read this in Proverbs 29:25:- "The fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."

I'm breaking outta this snare!! I am soaking myself in the Fear of the Lord!!! I am going forward head-first into the unknown knowing only that I will be kept safe!!!

Will you join me?

Have a wonderful day in HIM!!

Love and Blessings,
Starr

Just Waiting

Waiting is not something I do very well. I am one of those people who wants it done yesterday. Not tomorrow. Not a week from now. And, heaven forbid, a year from now! When I get my mind made up, I want to get on the ball and accomplish the task at hand.

I realize that patience is a virtue, but I am still working to acquire that one. I want to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I want to see it NOW!!!!!!
Forget the process of getting there. Show me the end result.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 tells me that "The end of the matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride". I am ashamed to say that I have way more pride that patience. Guess I need to work on that.

Lots of things are hanging in the balance right now for our family. We are currently waiting for our house to sell. We are still unsure that we are doing the right thing But, are trying desperately to follow God's leading. We don't have any idea where the house is that God has for us. No one is exactly knocking down the door to buy ours either. So, we continue to play the waiting game.

I really despise that feeling of "not knowing" what the future holds. But, when you think about it, we never really know anyway, do we? We just kind of think we do just because everything falls into a routine. It's when that comfortable routine gets all topsy-turvy that we get anxious.

One thing I have learned is to keep on keepin' on. Keep living life. Keep enjoying all the moments in-between when things are uncertain. Keep trusting in The One Who holds it all anyway. I am certainly glad that ONE is not me. I wouldn't even want that responsibility, would you? In that case, why do we so eagerly grasp things with our own weak hands and refuse to loosen that grip when God calls us to let things go and let Him work? I think it must be that pride thing creeping in again.

Oh well, No one ever said this life would be easy. In fact, God told us just the opposite.

John 16:33 NIV says: "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you WILL have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world."

What good news! These uncertain times will not last forever! I can honestly say that I have heard God in my siprit over and over again telling me to just wait and be patient, that He has things more wonderful in store for us than I can ever imagine. In that respect, I am excited. Even in the midst of my waiting, with no signs of the light at the end of the tunnel, no promise of when, where, or how.

Wait, maybe there is a promise. Jesus is the How. So, who cares about the when or the where!!

Habakkuk 1:3 NIV: "Look at the nations and watch- be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told."

I think what He has for us would be too wonderful for description. That is why we have to wait for it. I also believe that we will see it here in this lifetime, sooner than later. Why? Because He wants only the best for His children.

You know, when something is lost, something better is gained. That's how God's economic plan works!!


I would like to share a poem with you today. I got it from my former pastor, Rick Auten, many years ago. It is written, to the best of my knowledge, by Nancy Lee Demoss. The words say it all. I hope it touches you as it does me.
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WAIT!
by Nancy Lee Demoss

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate...
and the Master so gently said, " Wait."

"Wait? You say wait", my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!"
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.

My future and all to which I relate,
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait?
I'm needing a 'yes' a 'go-ahead' sign.
Or even a 'no' to which I'll resign.

You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
we need to but ask, and we shall receive.
Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply.

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
as my Master replied again, "Wait."
So I slumpled in my chair, defeated and taut,
and grumbled to God, "So I'm waiting... for what?"

He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine...
and He tenderly said "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause the mountains to run.

I could give you all you seek and pleased you would be.
You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint.
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.

You'd not learn to see through the clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me,
When darkness and silence are all you can see.

You'd never experience the fullness of love,
When the peace of my spirit decends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of my heart.

The glow of My comort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond just getting what you ask,
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.

You'd never know should your pain quickly flee,
'WAIT' means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But oh, what a loss, if I lost what I'm doing in you.

So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see,
that the greatest of gifts is to truly know me...
and though oft My answers seem terribly late,
my most precious answer of all is still 'WAIT'."
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Are you waiting with me? Leave a comment so I'll know I'm not in the waiting game alone! God is with us, dear friend. And, we're in it together!!

Love and Blessings,
Starr

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This and That

Well, I certainly have been missing ya!! I hope the feeling is mutual. Life has been full lately; In a great way!.

By the way, I haven't forgotten about my series on "The Simple Life". Ironically, I have been so entertained with living it, that I haven't been posting my thoughts on it!! But, I WILL. I Promise!!

Funny story I want to share. It really has no meaning, but it is humorous.

We have an on-going joke in our family that I am my mom's favorite and my sister, Melanie, is my dad's favorite. (At least I am assuming it is a joke! LOL!)

Anyway, My mom sent out an email survey the other day asking what one thing did we think she would take with her if she were stranded on a deserted island.

My sister answered by saying, "Well, if you were stranded with me, you would bring Starr. If you were stranded with Starr, you wouldn't need anything else!"

We all got a big kick out of that!

Actually, my mom said she would bring my dad because he would probably be able to figure out how to build a boat out of "island junk" and they would be able to get back home in no time!

I am betting when they returned fromn that lonely island, she would head straight for my house! You know, since I'm her favorite and all.

My dad would call my sister first thing for sure!

Enough of that!

Speaking of children...............

I am really enjoying homeschooling Austin, my six-year old. We are doing all kinds of fun learning activities and he is taking a science class and a little class at the library. We are just having a blast! I am so thankful that God has allowed me the opportunity to do this with my children. I feel so blessed. I wouldn't trade it for anything!!

Love on your kids all you can. Too soon they will be grown and gone. My 18 year old, Chase, has shown me that. It's weird when you look at your first born and see a man.

Seeing a godly man is a definite confirmation that devoting your life to them as they are growing certainly pays high dividends.

I thank God for the wonderful family I grew up in and can see that all their love and hard work raising Melanie and I gave us both very fruitful lives. We are now reaping the same benefits with our own children. A blessing come full circle.

One more thing, On my calendar today it says this:

Behind the face of every person we can see the face of Jesus, and hear Him say, "I died for this person."

What a thought to carry with you! Think on that today as you look into the eyes of those around you; Favorites or not. (ha ha!)

Keep it Simple!
Love and Blessings,
Starr