“Joy is a flame that glimmers only in the palm of the open and humble hand. In an open and humble palm, released and surrendered to receive, light dances, flickers happy. The moment the hand is clenched tight, fingers all pointing toward self and rights and demands, joy is snuffed out. Anger is the lid that suffocates joy until she lies limp and lifeless…The demanding of my own will is the singular force that smothers out joy – nothing else.” – Ann Voskamp

God, my fingers clutch at Your blessings. Help me to wait for You, to bear with what You give and what You remove with willingness and hope. 

Velcro: Sticky back, ~$4 at JoAnn Fabrics

Decorations: Free, just odds and ends.

Black ‘hard’ velcro patch on shoes, ‘soft’ on decorations. Used hot glue for attaching glass baubles to a piece of black felt (picture#3) before adding velcro.

I’ve taken many memorable walks under the starry sky over the past year and a half at school. Today, I read Ann Voskamp’s post on the stars, and wanted to pass it on. http://www.aholyexperience.com/2011/12/why-you-need-to-go-look-at-the-stars-tonight-and-become-one-of-the-wise-men/

- 3 times reminded in the garden of Gethsemane

- 3 times the cock crowed

- 3 times Jesus told Peter to care for his flock

- 3 times Peter saw the vision of the unclean animals.

Our God knows our learning styles, our distinctive personalities. His patience is great, and He can impress His word upon our hearts even if it takes us three times to get it!

“He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:3a

Rebuilding. Renewal. Rejuvenation. Revitalization. Healing.

It is the soul whose zeal and passion has waned that the Lord restores.