Don’t Be Afraid to Crawl

“Like a new born baby
Don’t be afraid to crawl…”

As I drove home tonight after meeting with my family and a good friend, I heard a song that has always been special to me. The lyrics speak to me, in their honest simplicity–but it was a single line of those lyrics that jumped out at me this time. “Like a new born baby, don’t be afraid to crawl.”

I have been wanting to try some craft projects, with the possibility of even making some items to sell. But I thought I’d start by creating a set of coasters for a special couple for Christmas. Well, Christmas has come and gone, and I had not even begun making the coasters–until tonight. That line of text in the song and some encouragement from my friend nudged me to move forward.

So I got out my supplies and tried my best to make a gift that this special couple would like. It will be a set of four coasters with a Christmas theme. I used stamp and ink along with permanent markers to create images on travertine tiles. Now I must bake the tiles to set the ink, and add felt backings so that the coasters will not damage furniture. Travertine tile is an absorbent material, so it should be very practical for holding drinks.

Here are what the tiles look like so far:

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The point of this post is to share my joy in the fact that I was able to begin a project that seemed overwhelming for quite some time. I’m grateful for the gentle–and yet clear–nudging, which gave me the motivation to start “crawling.” 🙂 Who knows, maybe my crawl will progress into steps, and even into a walk? We shall see! God is good, and I praise Him for what He enabled me to accomplish.


Lyrics from Untitled Hymn, by Chris Rice

Photo Credit for image of baby crawling: Tatjana Kaufmann/Moment/Getty Images

My Faithful Shepherd

The shepherds of the Alps have a beautiful custom of ending the day by singing an evening farewell to one another. The air is so pure that the songs can be heard for very long distances. As the sun begins to set, they gather their flocks and begin to lead them down the mountain paths while they sing, “‘Thus far has the LORD helped us.’ Let us praise His name!”

Finally, as is their beautiful custom, they sing to one another the courteous and friendly farewell “Goodnight! Goodnight!” The words then begin to echo from mountainside to mountainside, reverberating sweetly and softly until the music fades into the distance.

~ from Streams in the Desert, December 31st


God has brought me through this past year, and I must believe that He is able to and will be faithful to lead me through 2015. I have a mixture of feelings about the year ahead: fear, excitement, uncertainty, hope, worry, resolve. But the important thing is that God is in control, that He has guided me to this point, and that He will not abandon me now. He is my faithful Shepherd, and I rest in His love for me and His promise to guide me along the right path.

“Thus far has the LORD helped [me].” – 1 Samuel 7:12

“The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” – Psalm 37:23

❤       ❤       ❤


Photo Credit: WallpapersCraft

In the Moment

I’m sipping on my iced coffee.

I feel it spiraling down into my stomach.

It tastes good. 🙂

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I hear the dryer tossing our clothes.

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My husband is getting ready in the bathroom.

He’s listening to a sermon on his iPad.

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He’s in my life, encouraging me, reassuring me.

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I’m closing my eyes.

I’m being in the moment.

I’m thinking positive thoughts!

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I’m going to see my family soon.

Everything is going to be okay.

The pets are content on the couch.

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I’m looking out of the window at our backyard.

It’s going to be a good year.

God is on my side!

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Photo Credits: iced coffee, laundry, Bible and iPad, girl with eyes closed, and God is on my side are from a Google search / Other photos: Me 🙂