Trust that He knows.

Do you belong to a group?

Do you meet regularly?

You know how it feels when the group starts growing....in numbers, and relationally.

It goes in spurts, sometimes...depending on the seasons.

There are times when you may have a lot of people showing up, and things seem to be going well.

Then participation drops off, and attendance does, too.

You question what you are doing wrong, and you wonder if you've offended someone.

Depending what the group is about, you have to trust that God is orchestrating every meeting, and He is the one bringing in the people that need to be there at each, and every session.

This morning was one of those times....attendance was sparse...yet the meeting was uplifting, and filled with encouragement.

Scripture tells us that.... where two or three are gathered together in My Name there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20,

The conversation was about the Joy of the Lord.  The Holy Spirit was using each of us to minister to each other, meeting us exactly where we were at in the moment.

Prayer time was the same.

Intimate, and honest.....moving from Glory to Glory.

Whether we have six or seven women, or just two of us....it's the same.

God wraps us in His presence....revealing His Grace and Mercy.

The experience is that of being in the "upper room", for me.

Gathering together with women seeking the presence of God.

Wanting "more" of Him.

Longing to know the full extent of His love for us.

Holding unto that fervent expectation of seeing Jesus face to face.

Always assured that I have that physical manifestation of His promises, to hold whenever I need to actually touch, open, and read for myself what He says in His Word.

God's purpose does not need an arena, full of people, to accomplish what He wills.  One person, sharing His love with another is all He needs.  1Corinthians 15:1-4. 

xxoo

So Happy to Be Back at Church!!

I'd like to share with you, something that's been on my heart, since we were unable to attend church for a few weeks, because of illness.

A few of our members, including myself, were sick.

Our church closed for a time, and recently reopened when it was safe for people to gather together safely again.

I not only missed the people, I missed hearing the Word of God! I missed the prayer time, as a group. I missed the fact that where two or more are gathered, in His Name, there He is also.  I missed the praise and worship time.

I understand that these things can be done in my home, yet meeting together, as a body of believers, reminds me of the disciples when they would meet in the "upper room".  A group of believers, gathering together for one purpose....to share the Good News of Jesus Christ!!

It feels that way on Saturday mornings at our women's meetings, also.  A small group of women, gathered together with hearts seeking after God.

Sometimes people become discouraged with the leadership of a church, or because of some other conflict, or problem they may feel they have concerning the church they attend.  We often lose focus on the Word being taught, and we zero in on a person.  Unfortunately, man falls short of the glory everyday....WE ALL do!!!! that's where 1John 1:9 comes in...If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If something needs to be addressed, there are steps to take to make sure issues are addressed properly....churches need to be in order.

Don't just leave without letting your Pastor know what is on your heart.

I am so thankful we are able to attend services again! Our church is our "family". 

The people there not only pray for us, they also keep us accountable.

We are loved.

It is not a place we go to when we need to feel good about ourselves....It's the place we go to hear the truth!

Sometimes, the truth comes as conviction for choices that are not lined up with (what I know in my heart) what is pleasing to the Holy Spirit.

The Sword of the Spirit is a double edged sword...on one side it Comforts, and on the other, it Convicts.

Whatever I need....God meets me where I am!

Praise God that we are able to attend our church again! 

I hope you are blessed to have a place to praise and worship, and hear the Word of God taught!!

AND fellowship!

xxoo

I made it through the Winter!!!

It felt good to be able to post again...so I thought I would try it again.

Keeping busy through the Winter months has always been a challenge for me, yet this year seemed better than previous years.

I joined Kerryanne's homemade club at Shabby Art Boutique, and that was such a blessing!

Kerryanne shares so many beautiful paper projects to keep you busy every month.  

Plus, I worked on pieces from my Tilda books....and used a modified pattern from Kerryanne for the fox, as well.

Adding artwork from Christie always helps brighten things up here at the Lakehouse! 

This sweet washday painting warms my heart every time I look at it.

It's perfect hanging over my collection of vintage aprons....plus, a special homemade apron added last year from a very special blogging friend I got to meet in person, Roxy,  Living from Glory to Glory.

Of course, shopping at Hobby Lobby for little shelves always helps.

And a gorgeous garland of Christie's roses added to the mantle helped keep the hope of warmer weather in my heart.

The sun shining in the windows didn't help with this photo...but I won't complain!!

I found this iron candle holder at Antique Farmhouse, and really liked it.....so, of course, here she is!!! In all her white, chippy goodness.

What helped me survive the looooong Winter months most of all was our women's group at church. What a blessing these women are to me! We meet on Saturday mornings to pray, study God's Word, and share what He is doing in our lives. God knows exactly what I need the most!  Spending time with my Sister's in Christ is better than anything else I could ever ask for on a snowy day in Winter. I look forward to Spring, and what this new season will bring.

Blessings.

xo

Spring at Lakehouse.

It has been ages since I have done a post here.  I had to clean things up a bit before doing this post. Some hackers got in and left some pretty icky stuff. I have issues with blogger anyway...not being able to leave comments at other blogs, and trying to do posts for the past few months....we will see how this goes.

As you can see, nothing much has changed here at the Lakehouse. My decor is the same.

Last summer was really busy with our grandkids being here for most of the summer.

We did paint the outside of the place, and the living room, and dining room walls. Jim redid the downstairs bathroom. I like the way it turned out.

I don't have the large dollhouse anymore. The furniture is now housed in the primitive farm cupboard. It looks sweet with twinkle lights in the evenings. I still have the two smaller houses, however.

I am still drawn to vintage linens, and dishes.

I have ordered a few items from Antique Farmhouse, and Decor Steals the past months.

After putting the Easter decorations away, I will show pics of some of the things I've purchased.

Kerryanne, from Shabby Art Boutique, has the most wonderful paper crafting club! I joined in the Fall, and have been busy ever since! 

You will have to check out her site.

I've also purchased more artwork from Christy Rapasy.  Who doesn't love her roses???

I trust the weather where you are has improved since Spring has arrived. The ice is off the canals, and the ducks and geese are back...noisy and messy as ever!!

Debbie

xo