Following in His Footsteps

There have been times in my life, I know, when I have sought God and His presence in my life more than I have recently.

 Oh, there are lots of reasons (or excuses) I could put forth--

 *The grief of losing a close relative and the almost paralysis of the soul that can sometimes follow--

 *The challenges of a major surgery and all the ramifications involved--i.e. no energy, etc--

 *Getting caught up in the "busyness" of the holidays and all that entails--

 I could go on and on but I think you get the picture. Suffice it to say that I desire to be back in the mode of really seeking God each day of my life.

 Why is it that when we neglect the good spiritual disciplines in our lives that it is so hard to reverse the course--almost feeling like we no longer know how to do it.

 Today as I read the scripture below, I knew I had to do something about my lack of spiritual inertia, so this is very simple but is what I am focusing on today.

May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you.  from Psalm 40

 I asked God to show me how to truly seek Him again--what would that look like today in my life if I truly did that.

 As I became quiet before the Lord, this is the thought that came to my mind--the first step in seeking Him--

CONFESS SIN

So I spent some time confessing sin--that is all I am going to focus on today--I did do my daily Bible reading and a couple of psalms just for the enjoyment of it--but today will be about focusing on the Holy Spirit convicting me instantly when I sin--and immediate confession.

 I would love for you to add comments of what "seeking God" looks like to you. 

Hopefully, I will add something each day for a few days that God in His mercy and grace will show me.

I hope to be back soon to the full spiritual discipline of searching for and seeking Him as I would for gold if I knew there was a stash buried in my back yard.

He is THE treasure to seek for and I never want to forget or neglect that.

Looking out our master bedroom window towards the back yard--the bushes over against the fence on the left are almost as tall as the fence--we have yet to see how bad the damage is to them--they are spirea bushes--

Have a blessed day, sweet friends. I love you.

Looking out a bedroom window the morning after--no heat--brrrrrrrrrrr!
4 full days later for us--power was restored
6 full days later for my son's family
others still without

I have never seen so many huge downed trees--

Hard to believe something so beautiful could cause so many million dollars worth of damage and demand thousands of man hours to clean it up--

*above post was edited from past pages--This was one of my first posts from 2012.  And it is my prayer starting 2013--to know Him more, to do better at studying God's Word and to share what He teaches me--

© all photographs and text property of Dianne Hogue unless otherwise noted

So Blessed!

I am so thankful for POWER! Yes, electricity--ours went out on Christmas Day as did 70% of the Little Rock area.

Officially, we had 9" of snow but there were layers of freezing rain and sleet before the snow came. And in our side yard it was about 12"--not a place where it would drift either.

It looks like a tornado has gone through in some areas with so many trees and power poles down.

Our power came on late Saturday evening and we came home this morning.

Thank you to all the electric companies who sent personnel from surrounding states.  We have needed all the help we could get.

We stayed here a couple of days after it first went out but the bone-chilling cold finally got the best of us.

 I called my brother's wife (they just live about 10 minutes away but were at their cabin in the woods with power) and she told us we could use their home.

We moved in--our kids came from Tulsa and moved in--we carried groceries for lots of people for several days over to her house--cooked all day Friday for our FINALLY Christmas celebration that evening.

One son and his family made it in safely on Christmas Day. It takes about 4 hours to get here from Tulsa and there was just about that time frame--They left about 9 in the morning and got to Little Rock right before the sleet and freezing rain started.

Our youngest son and his family (new baby three weeks old) decided not to brave the weather Christmas Day and we were so thankful that they didn't try to come because they would have had no place to stay with heat.

Anyway, they ended up coming on Thursday after the power was back on in my brother's house so we all got to see one another and everyone got to meet James, our new grandson.

Thank you so much to all of you who prayed for us.

It has been a fiasco to say the least, a very DIFFERENT Christmas for us but one we will LONG remember.

One daughter-in-law, Kim, did not get to celebrate with us. She is real sick with some kind of viral infection.

Our daughter-in-law, Traci, has been at the hospital with her mom who was taken Christmas Eve to the hospice floor.  She left for a few hours to come spend Christmas with us.

There were many tears when she walked in because we thought she was not going to make it.

Our hearts were broken that Kim couldn't make it and that Traci came under heavy circumstances but our hearts are so grateful for so many things.

Michael's family will be staying here tonight.  They are still without power as are about 25,000 others here in Little Rock.

We give praise and glory to our Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave us great cause to celebrate.

I love each of you and I know a lot of you have had tremendous struggles and disappointments during this Christmas season. But we are blessed, aren't we?

So blessed!

Love,
Dianne


 © all photographs and text property of Dianne Hogue unless otherwise noted

Merry Christmas 2012

My wish for you--warm and loving times spent together, good food and good fellowship, peace with your families and with your fellow man, and the  Light of the World, Jesus--

From John in the New Testament  1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2 He was with God in the beginning.  3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.  8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.  10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.  11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Thank you Lord for this unspeakable LIGHT!

Larry and I at the Immanuel Baptist Church candlelight service last night--

This is our son, Michael, his wife Traci and daughters Kennedy, Katelyn and Caroline--

Traci is the Children's Minister at Immanuel.


 © all photographs and text property of Dianne Hogue unless otherwise noted

The card is a picture of our tree this year.  We have a smaller one this year than we have had in years past but we are really liking it.

Please Read and Pray for Us

This is a note my daughter-in-law wrote on CaringBridge.  Her mom was sent home last Friday with Hospice.  Marty is young--in her sixties--a victim of cancer.  Please pray for Traci, my precious daughter-in-law and her family.  Although heartbreaking, I think this will really bless you.

 

"Mom had another good day today.  She got up and sat on the couch today when a family member came to visit.  She also seemed excited for the vegetable soup they brought for lunch, even though she didn't eat much of it.  We are pleased when she actually wants to eat. 

I was able to accomplish a lot today as well.  We got sheets changed, bills paid, drawers and closets cleaned, and the dining room ready for Christmas. 

 

I'm going home tomorrow and Terry will be here with her.  Chris and myself, along with our families, will be back on Christmas to celebrate the birth of our Lord, our Savior, our Prince of Peace.

Although I've heard this term as long as I can remember, I believe I understand the name "Prince of Peace" more than ever before.
 
You are standing in the gap and asking our Father for peace and strenght and it is working!

 
The Prince of Peace is obviously near through his Holy Spirit and through the love He has shown through all of His saints.  

I know there are times when I should be afraid and I'm fearless, when I should be sad and I'm joyful, when I should be anxious and I'm at peace."

 

The good news today..."For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."  --Isaiah 9:6   

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." --Philipians 4:6-7    

© all photographs and text property of Dianne Hogue unless otherwise noted

Last Minute Decorating

I always do this--decorate up to the last minute--don't know why--just do--

But wanted to show you this because it is a real inexpensive but beautiful decoration.

I used an old, old sewing machine drawer that I had stashed away in a closet, some candles from the dollar store, and some holly leaves and berries from my yard--and voila--

Don't know if you can really tell but the carving on the side of the drawer is so pretty--acorns and leaves--and the pull is to die for.

I'm thinking that this piece will not go back in my closet.

Warm Christmas blessings to you and yours,
Dianne

© all photographs and text property of Dianne Hogue unless otherwise noted

I'll Be Home For Christmas

I don't think I ever showed you our painted mantel from the remodeling we did last January.

I

painted a canvas with masquepen first writing out the words to an old song I like. Even though a web search has the words I used, I wish I would have used --"You can count on me."  It actually changes the meaning of the whole sentence to me and I like the "count" meaning better.

But anyway, it is done and I won't spend extra time changing it this year although I may for future use.

The way I would suggest doing it inexpensively is to paint a board with chalkboard paint and then just write whatever you choose with chalk.  You could keep it and use it for all different occasions.

We've had a busy day.  I taught at the Ranch at 1:30 so we remained in the Conway area for a special dinner the guys prepared for the volunteers, graduates.

Anyway, I'm about to fall asleep writing this so I will go for now but want you to know that you are always on my mind and I am praying for you.

Love,
Dianne


© all photographs and text property of Dianne Hogue unless otherwise noted

Decorating With Old Christmas Albums

So I am finally back to show you another inexpensive way to decorate at Christmas.

I thought about doing this a couple of years ago but had never done it until this year.

Actually, I thought about hanging the record itself on the wall but decided to use the album covers instead which really dates them and makes them look rather vintage, don't you think?

Once again, I spent a few dollars on the 3M Command velcro strips and attached them to the wall.

I will probably use some old records (my and my husband's favorites) to decorate for every day.  If and when I get that done, I will share it with you--another thing I have meant to do for ever so long.

You could do a collage or have them separated as I have done mine.

Tomorrow I will show you what is in between these two sets of records.  I am really liking it--mine wasn't so cheap but I have an idea for you to make one very cheaply.

See you then--
Love,
Dianne

P.S.  The album to the left of the Lawrence Welk one is Perry Como.

 © all photographs and text property of Dianne Hogue unless otherwise noted

Getting it all together?

Do you ever have times that you just can't get it all together?

Well, that is where I am right now-- I'm so excited about all of our family getting together with two new family members this year--sweet baby James, (I've decided that is my nickname for him right now) and Josh, Kailey's new husband. How do you express the joy in your heart with two new people to celebrate.

We did a little remodeling early this year and one of my "nooks" for displaying Christmas stuff was enclosed so that led to a domino effect.

One of my faults is: It is hard for me to concentrate on the important things when everything is out of place--don't know if anyone can identify with that but I am just being honest.

And then the enemy tries to heap guilt upon me because I realize how selfish and egotistical that thinking is--how many in Connecticut and just the people we meet in our regular life each day would give anything to have a particular one to celebrate Christmas with and would not sweat the small stuff.

But God is good and I devoted concentrated and extra time to my relationship with Him this morning and I will be okay--He will get hold of my heart and my thinking--He is always interceding for us.

My mother-in-law always displayed special touches at Christmas and it made me feel so cared for--that she was doing it just for me--I want to do the same for my children and grandchildren and then I realize that that is part of my love language--not theirs--

This post is a little disjointed I feel but mostly I just needed to check in with you--to let you know how much I love you and to thank all of you who commented about my last picture with sweet baby James and my hair length and style. I am enjoying it and I cannot believe how much easier it is than the way I was wearing it--also, I feel more natural and that is what I like--the natural look.

Special blessings to you today,
Dianne

This is Robin, step-mom to one of our guys who graduated from Renewal Ranch.  She came to me with a vision for this painting several months ago.  It became a reality--thought you might like to see it.  Photo by Josh Kear.

Update:  Robin had initially wanted me to paint the picture.  I heard her vision and thought it was wonderful but it was her vision and not mine.  I'm so glad I did not jump the gun and volunteer to paint it.  With all my heart I do not believe I could have done this as good--at least not in the rustic style that was her vision.

Way to go, Robin--you did an excellent job!

For my foreign readers who may not speak English, the sign reads "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to an all-knowing God."  Corrie Ten Boom

 © all photographs and text property of Dianne Hogue unless otherwise noted

Sweet Baby James

We have been busy with three of our grandchildren the last week--Ashton, Noelle and new baby brother, James.

God is so smart.  He knew just exactly what would make an old person's heart feel light and young, didn't he?

Not many things in life are as special as a new grandchild.  This was taken by my daughter-in-law, Andrea, last Sunday morning when James was almost 3 days old.  I was headed to church to see one of his sisters sing.  He did not go but will most likely go this next Sunday.

Hoping you are well and happy, snug and warm, peaceful and full of joy during this most beautiful and holy Christmas season.

Love you,
Dianne

© all photographs and text property of Dianne Hogue unless otherwise noted

Merry Christmas to Us

James, our new grandson, was born yesterday afternoon and he is precious. He weighed in at 7lb and 14 oz and is 20 and one half inches long.

We are so grateful that all went well with his birth. His mom had some serious health issues during the pregnancy but everything went great.

 Thank you to those of you who prayed for us. I appreciate it more than you know.

 Hopefully, I will be able to post a few more pictures in a couple of days. 

I love you all. Hope you are having a wonderful, Christmas season.
Dianne

© all photographs and text property of Dianne Hogue unless otherwise noted

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Saturday as I was sitting in chapel beside the son of one of our residents, I looked down and noticed what he had written.  "I 'heart' the Bible more than enething."

To say that my heart was touched may be the understatement of the century. I can't quote it exactly but when I told his father about it, he told me what his son had said at Thanksgiving that he was thankful for.

Loosely paraphrased it included a father who studied the Bible so much and tried to do what Jesus says. Out of the mouths of babes..............

Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.  Luke 2:47

As I sat in a rocking chair on the front porch of the bunkhouse after chapel and potluck and watched this resident run and play with his wife and two sons for an extended period of time, I was overwhelmed at the healing that has taken place in his life.  Oh, if you could only hear his story your heart would rejoice like mine.

Jesus is no respecter of persons--He longs to do for you and me what He has done for this young man and his family--won't you open your heart to Him?  He stands ready, willing and able to comfort you and heal your life.

Christmas blessing to you,
Dianne

© all photographs and text property of Dianne Hogue unless otherwise noted

Old Things New Again

I started collecting Christmas books many years ago.

I love to read one a day through December building the Spirit of Christmas in my heart as the month rolls along.

A few years ago I decided to display them as Christmas decorations and love how they look.

Most of them have to do with the spiritual side of Christmas and are meaningful as well as pretty to display.

There are many ways you can display them if you happen to have a collection--or you could go to your local library and check out a bunch to decorate with during the holidays.  I don't think there is a law against that!

You can stack them up on your coffee table or spread them around your house on several different tables standing them on their sides as I have done in this bookcase.

You could also use the 3M velcro stickers and use them as decoration on your walls. 

And if you have a huge Bible--we have several that we have inherited--a beautiful ribbon placed in it at the point of the Christmas story makes a lovely decoration I think.  Add a sprig of holly or pine and it smells good too.

And while you're at it, stop for a few moments and read the story all over again.  It is the most beautiful of old, old stories that will become new in our hearts once again.

You can also find the story here.

Christmas blessings to you,

Dianne

 © all photographs and text property of Dianne Hogue unless otherwise noted