A Bouquet of Thanks

A bouquet of THANKS to each one that voted and left their opinion ~ you helped me just as much as my dear husband did ~ he said that BOTH WAYS looked equally good :o)


The next gallery change isn't until the end of September so my solution is simply to create another butterfly piece that is similar, but going in whatever direction this one does not!

Blessings,

Living a Set Apart Life

It's been a very long while since I've posted an ABOUNDING HEARTS story . . .

On my daughter's recommendation, I am sharing about a couple that many of you may already know about ~ Eric and Leslie LUDY.

I must admit I hadn't ever heard of them and knew nothing of them or their amazing story that they have been asked to share over and over again all across the land and then began to put into books.

Their book SET APART FEMINITY made a huge impact on my daughter's life when she first read it, with her Bible by her side!!


She has now read most of Eric and Leslie Ludy's books and can't say enough good things about them. Using the Scriptures, this husband and wife, share their own life experience of having had God write their love story and from their website:

"This is a powerful, candid, conversational book in which I pass on a compelling vision for femininity that can forever alter your existence and take you far beyond the unfulfilling trends of modern culture ...

It’s a radical call to a counter-culture lifestyle in which every aspect of your femininity – from the way you relate with guys to the focus and direction of your life – is shaped by an intimate relationship with the King of kings. It’s the kind of heroic femininity that the world-changing women of history understood. And it’s well within your grasp, no matter where you’ve been."

Leslie Ludys' book AUTHENTIC BEAUTY was the 1st one she read, given to her by a friend of ours when she was in her early teen years . . . eventually leading her to want to read as many of their books as she could ---

Blessings,

. . . You . . .

I catch my breath when I feel Your presence.
Your forgiveness never ceases to amaze me.
You captivate me with Your power and grace.
Your patience is unfathomable.
You are faithful to restore.
Into Your arms I fall.
You are always there to catch me.
Your love is unconditional.

~ written by my daughter, 2009

Who Calls Me Beautiful?

I had heard about this book and read several reviews of it and based on that, I decided to send it to my daughter ~

"Before the beginning of time, I knew you. I knew what color your eyes would be, and I could hear the sound of your laughter.

Like a proud father who carries a picture of his daughter, I carried the image of you in My eyes, for you were created in My image before the beginning of time, I chose you.

I spoke your name into the Heavens, and I smiled as its melody resounded off the walls of My heart.

You are Mine. My love for you extends farther than the stars in the sky and deeper than any ocean.

You are My pearl of great price, the one for whom I gave everything. I cradle you in the palm of My hand. I love you even in the face of your failure.

Nothing you say or do can cause Me to stop loving you.

I am relentless in My pursuit of you. Run from Me ~ I will love you. Spurn Me ~ I will love you. Reject yourself- I will love you.

You see, My love for you was claim before the foundations of the world and I have never regretted the sacrifice I made for you at Calvary.

When I see every part of who you are, I marvel at the work of My hands, for I whispered words of longing and desire and you came into existence. You are beautiful, and I take pleasure in you- heart, mind, and body. You are my desire.

When you turn your head in shame and despise what I have made, still I reach for you with gentle passion. You are My beloved and I am yours."

~ the above is Regina Franklin’s adaption from:

• 1 John 3:2
• Isaiah 43:1
• Matthew 13:46
• Ephesians 1:4
• Revelation 13:8
• Psalm 194:4
• Song of Solomon 7:10 & 6:3
  

~ * ~ * ~

This is an except from a book I just finished reading called “Who Calls Me Beautiful?” by Regina Franklin.

I randomly got a package at work the other day, no name on it or anything, with this book inside and since my mom had told me about a sweet website online to order books from, I assumed it was from her.

I called her on my lunch and thanked her, thinking I’d read it eventually, but knowing her taste in books and the fact that I am in the middle of about 3 books at the moment, I didn’t think I’d get to it any time soon!

However, my mp3 player died on the way to the bus that day, so I thought I might as well read the first chapter on the way home and see what it was like.

I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!!

Besides my Bible, I didn't touch any other book for 3 days! I read it at every chance I could get and finished it on the 3rd day during my lunch hour.

It took me 3 days of lunches, bus rides, even part of a friend's karate class! And I wish it wasn’t over.

This book has changed the way I think about so many things in only 3 days. I am absolutely in love with it and will probably read it 2-3 times a year until I die. I don’t think it will ever get old or boring or be something I cannot relate to.

So thanks Mom, for the random yet wonderful book that changed my view on the way I look, and the way God sees me!



DALLAS' NOTE:
In 2007, Regina Franklin has published a 2nd book called ~ *Designed by God: Honest Talk about Beauty, Modesty, and Self-image* where she speaks honestly but sensitively to young women about who God created them to be.

Since I first sent my daughter the above book on the recommendation of several excellent reviews of this book, I was so pleased that she loved it as much as she did.

I'd like to get a copy for myself now :o)

God. Was Then. Is Now and Will Be Forever

© Source of Joy's Graphics Gallery

All you ever wanted is to be loved.
Unconditionally.
Forever.
Even with your flawed ways.

To be forgiven for something you've done to hurt someone.
To be wanted day in and day out.
For someone to tell you that they would die for you.

And God is perfect.
God loves you.
God HAS forgiven you.
God wants you.
God HAS sent Jesus to die for you.
And you keep turning your back on Him...

Now what's the deal with that?

[© 2008 R. A. L. M., my Daughter]

Glimpses of My Daughter's Heart -- *Powerless Hands*

My daughter has been writing some poetry that give glimpses into her heart and she has given me permission to share them.

Beginning here, I will share one from time to time as I'm sure they will bless others as much as they have blessed me.

POWERLESS HANDS

Those long days turned to weeks
Those short weeks turned to months
And in the hours that constructed these seasons ...
You've helped me.

You've helped me through BIG
You've helped me through small
You've given me direct answers
You've made me wait patiently
But that day when You helped me let go of my past ...
Was one I will never forget.

I was holding onto it like a child holding onto their mother's hand
I couldn't let go.
I was stuck like a barnacle stuck to a rock.
You knew I was helpless,
So You did it for me,
Just like You always do ...

You took the situation from my ~powerless~ hands
And You finished it.
I couldn't have done it without You.
Thank you God.

© 2008 R. A. L. M., my daughter

[FEAR NOT by Source of Joy Graphics]