The evening was growing late, as I sat down to do some reading and writing last night. I was reveling in the beauty of all the words and phrases before me, but from somewhere, a continuous tapping "greeted" my ears. Within a few moments, it was proving itself distracting, at best, and annoying, at worst. I looked around the room to find my brother, Bryan, working on his math...supposedly. :) He had managed, however, to slip into a pair of headphones and was enjoying some music, too. Not one to ever be a simple observer--a participator at heart--he was drumming along with his pencil. The whole scene might have been thought irksome, had not it proved comical within only a few more glances. As I watched the little fellow, I saw him drum not only the desk edge but, also, reach up and occasionally strike the shade of my mother's prized stained-glass lamp, as though it was a lowly high-hat. :) Oh, how I struggled not to laugh! He did, however, get quite an "exhortation" in the value of paying attention to his schoolwork and keeping his thoughts on the task at hand. :) I'm sure you'd have to be the oldest of five children in a home schooling family to understand the situation in which I found myself, but I thought it was rather humorous and that it might afford you a smile, too. :)

I've had plenty to keep me busy, throughout every day of this past week. A full listing of all my activities would, likely, produce only boredom, so I'll do you the kindness of not recounting every single detail. :) I will, however, tell you of my activities, last night...

My brother, Brent, and I sing in a Renaissance choir, and our holiday season just began...or at least, the rehearsals just began for all the Christmas concerts. I love the music, and the fellow musicians are really delightful. I've been given an excellent opportunity for growth, this year, because I'm singing alto in a formal setting, for the first time in about thirteen years. :) Long story short, the group had plenty of sopranos, the alto section needed help, and I was able to sing both parts...so...the new alto is "yours truly." :) Also, I'm quite fond of singing in foreign languages--especially the romantic Latin-based ones. This year, we're incorporating German, too, and I must be perfectly honest...it'll be a real stretch for me. I feel sorry for any German language experts out in the crowd! I'll be sure to let you all know how it turns out. :) All in all, everything should come together very nicely, by the time December greets us with its wintry winds.

I made myself promise I wouldn't write another chronicle; I'm really bad about that, I know. :) I do have a really humorous story to share, though. It comes from one of my sweet Grandma's "As the Farm Turns" emails, earlier this week. :) It is reprinted with permission, just in case any of you were wondering. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

On Friday, I had to run some errands in town, and while I was gone, Byron decided to move a round bale of hay down to the horse barn. He put the hay fork on the front of the tractor and got on it to go get the hay (he has to travel behind the house and on down the dirt road through the middle pasture and on to the north pasture to get it). As soon as he got on the tractor, a mouse tried to run up his pants leg. Needless to say, he had a conniption fit and knocked it off the tractor. Then, as he was coming up the driveway to the house, he saw the mouse (or his "brother" on the floorboard of the tractor again). He kicked the mouse off the tractor and it fell beneath the rear wheel so he ran over it. He then saw that the wheel missed it, and it was running in the grass toward the little gardening shed (behind the house). He decided he was going to try to run over it with his front wheel so he yanked the steering wheel to the right as he chased the mouse. He forgot that he had the hay fork on the front of the tractor and, all of a sudden, he heard a loud crash-bang! Alas, he ran the left fork into the wooden door of the gardening shed and it split the door and the metal front right side of the shed was pushed in with it. He then hastily decided he needed to back up and, as he did so, the door and the metal siding come out with the fork (way too far out)! He did repairs with lots of "jerry-rigging" and with lots of mutterings under his breath -- or out loud -- am glad I was not here!ha The door will close now, although it is askew, and the metal front side of the building has lots of new screws, and it is a little the worse for wear! I got so tickled at what he had done, that I almost laughed myself silly! Bet he doesn't go chasing mice with the hay fork on the front of the tractor again! Talk about "over-kill!"

I thought the story was so funny! The most humorous part is that it's completely unlike my usually assiduous Grandpa. :) Don't we all have moments like that? Those times of "What was I thinking?" come to all our lives, at one time or another. :) Perhaps, you are all completely sensible individuals and could teach me "a thing or two." Alright, I might as well be completely honest...one of my greatest faults is thinking too much. I'm sure I need no help, whatsoever, to become more contemplative than I already am. :)

Before I say good-bye, I'll share a favorite Scripture with all of you. Perhaps, it will cheer your countenance and encourage your heart, as it does mine. :)

"Thus says God, the Lord, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread out the earth and what comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it; 'I am the Lord; I have called You in My righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. I am the Lord; that is My name; My glory I give to no other, nor My praise to carved idols. Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.' "

--Isaiah 42:5-9--

Isn't that a wonderful promise? How very desperately I long to be used by the Lord as a "light for the nations." I think that's one reason I'm growing so excited about the ministry that is soon to be given in Scotland. The most precious times of my life have been spent in serving my glorious Savior, and only in recent years, have I come to know the deeper beauty of ministering in His name to foreign lands. I pray we will all grow to be "lights to the nations," starting with the hearts nearest to us, even now. So be strong and of good courage, my friends!

Enough said for one day, I suppose. I'll close this "longer-than-it-should've-been" letter and say farewell, for now. :) I hope you all enjoy a wonderful day!

Even I was taken aback tonight, when I realized how long it's been since I last left a post with all my dear ones here. I'm really sorry about that. I guess life just "ran away with me" this week. :)

I've just returned home, for the first time in about fifteen hours of weekend service. It was a long day, but I feel God was glorified through its every moment, and that thought brings my heart great delight. :)

I trust that God is keeping you all near to His heart. I pray for all my readers in "the vast space out there" and hope you are being much-blessed by our loving Heavenly Father. I'll not stay long tonight--just long enough to say hello and wish you well. :) I look forward to offering a more lengthy hello soon! :)

God be with each of you!

This seemed, to me, a good night in which to share some photos with all of you. :) I hope you'll enjoy a glimpse of our family life.

This is my sweet Anna (8). She and all her friends had gathered at a home to enjoy a "welcome home" tea for a little girl named Yvette. Yvette had a nearly-fatal accident years ago, and God somehow allowed her to survive, bringing Himself immense glory , in the process. The little girl will never be "the same" again, but in one sense, I think she will be better. Her heart is an amazing testimony to loving God, even through the worst that can find us. She serves in her family's ministry with tireless dedication, and she's only twelve years old. That , my friends, is humbling. Her life is one of the greatest gifts the Lord has ever given my sister, Anna. Their friendship has been an absolute joy to witness. Yvette had spent about a month traveling the U.S. with her parents, and she wanted to show her friends all the photos from the journey. She hosted a tea, and I was fortunate enough to be invited, too. I have the great honor of being her mentor. :)

This is just a picture Bryan took while we were visiting the zoo, a few days ago. I've been visiting this beloved zoo for years and years, and I must admit, I'm uncommonly fond of it, or at least, of the memories that surround the place. :) I like this building, especially. It's the aviary, and there are all manner of marvelous birds housed there. (In truth, I'm probably more drawn to the unusual construction of the building and its air conditioning.) :)

Now, you must understand, I absolutely adore these kids. I'm such a blessed sister. They are, from left to right, Peter (6), Bryan (12), and Anna (8). You still have yet, I believe, to meet Brent (17 nearly), but he's a dear, too. This picture was taken at the San Antonio Zoo, also. I think they're somewhere near the the Komodo Dragon or Reticulated Python exhibit. (Not my favorite area of the park, I concede.) :)

Ah, yes...a picture of my beloved harp. God provided it through an absolute miracle of His grace. Isn't He so good to His children? Any of you "music lovers" would have a great deal of fun in our living room. At the moment, it's filled with two grand pianos, a guitar, an electric bass, nine violins, one viola, a cello, Irish whistles, recorders, two concert harps, and a more expansive worship library than you could hope to find anywhere else in the city. :) One of the pianos belongs to a missionary couple that was serving in Sri Lanka. (They arrived there only a week before the infamous tsunami of 2004 struck. They ended up being the main liaisons between the government there and all the aid organizations seeking to serve the people.) They sold everything they owned, before going on the mission field and were going to sell us this piano, too. It's a lovely instrument, but we felt very strongly that they should keep it for the sake of their young daughter, who was showing an uncanny aptitude for music, even at the age of three. Obviously, they would be unable to carry the piano across the ocean with them, so we offered to "board" it in our home, until they returned to the U.S. They returned here, last year, after having poured themselves out as an offering for the Lord and the people of Sri Lanka. Just today, I received a call that they were finally safely settled in a home and were able to receive their instrument. I'm so happy for them, and I've been blessed to have the piano with me, for the past two years. It has been a constant reminder to lift them in prayer, and I'll cherish its company for a few more days until it departs on Wednesday.

I think these are the only interesting photos I have available to share tonight. Perhaps, more will surface later. :) I pray God will bless each of you and continue to hold you in His precious hands. All my love, dear ones! Have a wonderful week!

There's a delightful breeze sweeping through the Hill Country tonight. What a blessing! I just returned from a jog with my sweet brother, Bryan (12), and our time was made so much more pleasant by the company of the cooling winds. :)

Earlier today, most of my family departed for Austin. They're not to return until late tomorrow evening, and Bryan and I are "holding down the fort", in the meantime. I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but our home possesses quite a resplendent menagerie. :) It'll require a good portion of care, since there are only two humans here, but I don't mind. :)

My family's collection of animals actually brings me a good smile. As soon as my students complete their lessons, they always take the "long way back" to their car and are sure to stop by and visit all the the furry friends, on the way there. :)

The majority of my evening has been dedicated to recording. I've not had the studio equipment "up and running" in, at least, a year and a half here. Our home went through a huge remodeling project--actually, it's still "in the works"--, and I had to move all my gear to a safer location. Finally, I was able to close in some walls, however, and I arrived home from worship team practice, late last night, and found that my dear dad and brother had spent their entire evening reinstalling all the equipment for me. I'm a really happy girl. :)

I wish I could say that I'm in the middle of recording a beautiful CD; I'm still in the copyrighting process and have to provide "scratch" copies of all my work to the Library of Congress, for the task at hand. It actually goes against everything in me...I'm the type that would try a song two weeks straight, if that's what was needed to get a good "take." The hard, cold truth, however, is that I have to do less than perfect cuts, "just to get them done" and sent in. Apparently, the good copies come later--At least, that's what all my "professional" friends tell me. :)

Anyway, there's always at least one or two notes that I just find irksome, in the final cut. Perhaps, no one but me would notice, but all of you would certainly be afforded a good laugh by watching me unavoidably cringe when I hear one of "those spots" coming. :)

Life, this week, has really been busy--it's nearly swept me off my feet, at times, though I hate to admit it. One of my oldest and dearest friends and her family have really needed me, in the past many days. Her beloved mother was on her deathbed, and I've tried doing all I could to be of service to her. Well, I was saddened, Tuesday morning, by the news that the precious elderly woman had finally "left us." An incredible saint of God has returned to the true home of her heart. She's far happier now, I know. I must, however, honestly tell you, her death actually grieved my heart more than I thought it would.

God's been ever so gracious, though. He's given me all the strength I've needed--minute by minute, and I've been able to offer encouragement and comfort to all my dear ones who have lost such a loved one. Pray for the Spencer family, please, if the Lord brings them to your mind, during the days to come. Pray, also, that God will lead me to love them in whatever ways are best.

I'd best be off, for now. There's lots more to be done, before I'm able to "call it a night." :) I'm truly grateful for all of you, so thank you for stopping by and offering your sweet friendship and encouragement, whenever you can. God be with you all!

"You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God..."

--II Corinthians 3:2-5--

All our lives have been inscribed by the hand of God and written not with ink, but with His precious blood. May we ever only find our sufficiency in His strength, and may He use us to write His love upon the hearts of others... Good night, my friends!

I'm enjoying the gentle lull of this Monday afternoon, long-since established as my substitutionary Sabbath day of rest. As far back as I can recall, my life has been enveloped by weekend ministry. I've always cherished the opportunities for service, but such a schedule can sometimes leave the servant in need of the rest and renewal they seek to bring to the hearts entrusted to their care. Therefore, I've always tried to set aside my Monday, at least, as a time to simply "be still, and know that He is God." I think our Father's pleased when we can just quietly enjoy His presence in our daily lives.

Yesterday was a wonderful day. :) The morning worship services went beautifully. Despite earthly complications and distractions, when is a precious time in God's presence not beautiful? :) My heart was given a great joy, when I stood--ever so quietly--and made my way to the front of the sanctuary to play the invitation song. A dear friend stole quickly and silently from the rear entrance of the room and gave me a hug. I haven't seen her in months, and she had just returned home, just that moment, from her travels. When I started singing the invitation, I had the memory of a sweet friend's embrace still warm upon my shoulders, and the gesture of kindness just reminded me how very much our Father must long to see us. Can you imagine how thrilled He will be to take us in His arms, when we, at last, come home from our sojourning of this vast earth? I love the tenderness of long-awaited reunion...

After a thoroughly enjoyable meal and fellowship with my sister-in-Christ and a few other dear friends, I met my mother, and we headed deep into our city's downtown area. Halfway through the drive, I stopped for a few moments at an HEB store and purchased some cheery blossoms. You see, I was a woman with a mission. :) The bright bouquet was filled with blooms of gold, vermilion, saffron, coral, and even celadon, and its sunny warmth was meant for the bedside of an old friend.

Two days ago, I was just putting a meal on the table for some dinner guests, when my phone starting ringing insistently in my pocket. Answering it, I found that the voice on the other end was my piano tuner's. For the last seventeen years, he's been the reason anyone is capable of being blessed by the worship my family has led in so many churches. :) Without him, the music would have seemed very dismally discordant, indeed. :)

Throughout the many years of the friendship that grew between him and my family, we've tried with all gentleness and sincerity to show Him the way to Jesus. He's been a member of a Unitarian Universalist congregation for as long as I can remember...You can't know how desperately I long for those I love to know the heart of my precious Savior. God has given many opportunities to simply share His ways, His Word, His love, and so much more. For that I am very grateful, and I still pray that God will bring my friend's heart to love Him--in spirit and truth.

Well, the piano tuner couldn't talk long--only long enough to let me know he'd had a heart attack and was somewhere in one of the downtown Baptist hospitals. The news certainly caught me off guard, and my heart was left in a very tender state, through the duration of the meal that night. Oh, but such gratitude was given to God, for my friend had been given the miracle of continued life.

The following day, Mother and Daddy were able to go visit him in the ICU, and yesterday was the first opportunity I'd been given to see him. As Mother and I drove deep into the heart of San Antonio, great, mountainous clouds could be seen forming, all across the horizon of my beloved city. I could tell a great storm was soon to find us, and the blackness of the clouds only deepened, as I neared the hospital.

Mother let me out at the emergency entrance (because it was partially covered), and I didn't reach the safety of the interior doors a moment too soon. The squall descended in fury over the city, and I felt as though I was going to be swept off my feet completely. Even though I survived the sudden coming of the storm, I figured my little bouquet certainly couldn't have. :) As I wove my way through seemingly endless hospital hallways, however, I checked on the flowers, and they were just fine--just a bit more "lively" than usual. :)

Within a few moments, I reached the doorway of my friend's room and was welcomed inside with a weak wave of his hand. I set the little arrangement on his table and stood there, talking a few moments with him. He couldn't believe someone had actually cared enough to bring him some "get-well-soon" flowers. You must understand, he's a quiet--almost eremitical--sort of fellow, and his true friends could be counted on one hand. Such a warmth flooded through my spirit, as I saw how deeply he had been touched...by the love in what I would have considered a very simple gesture of kindness and goodwill.

I was just turning to go, when he reached out his hand to try and grasp mine, and suddenly I found I was nearly crying, reflecting the rain drops now streaming down his window. In a fleeting moment, I thought how rarely we stop and realize how much people long to be touched. This world is a lonely place, even for those who have the Lord indwelling their heart--for we are to be strangers in this earth we roam--but can you imagine the loneliness that must engulf a heart, void of the comfort our Savior's presence brings?

Oh, yes, I took his hand...and prayed silently that he would learn to reach out to another hand--the hand of the One Whose love was my heart's source.

We have such a great responsibility, as children of God, to be His hands that touch a waiting world. Does that always mean grasping a frail hand in a dimly lit hospital room? I think not... There are flowers to be given, notes to be written, phone calls to be made, loving greetings to be spoken, shoulders to be offered in strength, embraces to uplift in times of sorrow, and smiles to daily remind humanity that there is something--Someone--higher, greater, and far lovelier that anything this world yet has known.

Be Christ's hands today, my dear friends, and ask Him how he would have you touch this world with His heart. It's a mystery to me...to think that the holy God would allow us to have some part in His dealings with the sons of men, but He does. He somehow grants us the joy of being His body here on earth, and I never want to make Him wish He had entrusted such care to someone else. I offer my humble "tryings"--sometimes failings--and He continues to glorify Himself through the lowly hands of a girl whose heart is with Him. Be willing to invest yourself in loving the many people He has placed around you--such an existence leaves immense joy in my spirit and newfound hope in others'.