Six Bricks High

My Thoughts on the New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:32:00 +0000

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaythaney/6620763707/sizes/z/in/photostream/

2012 has ushered itself right in, I suppose there was no stopping it. I sit and reflect on the year just lived and wonder about the days ahead.

New years bring change – that is always the case. What I wonder isn’t so much what will come, but how will I respond to what lies ahead?

Christmas was nice – really nice – here at my house. It wasn’t the stuff and the things and decorations that made it so. Because stuff, things, and decorations were minimal this year. The pace, the family, the friends – I enjoyed all of it. I slowed myself down and I soaked it in.

And the New Year has started off just right. Going to church on the first day of the year, it was perfect. To worship the One who knows what this year holds, to set my heart and mind on the One who has a plan, it was exactly what my heart needed at the very start of a fresh new year.

When I say Christmas was nice and the New Year just right I don’t mean easy. There has been hard stuff for this mama heart of mine to endure. But the truth is God. He is right there with me in the very midst of it all. He isn’t distant and watching me from far off. He is walking this very path right along with me and I’ve got a promise – He will never leave me or forsake me.

As I look back over 2011 it is that very promise that has been made so real to me this year. And that is full of hope, that is nice and just right.

I’m not bounding into 2012 feverishly. I’m being slow and thoughtful, pondering the One who is the hope giver. I’m seeking the One who holds the entire year, all of its days and every-single-minute. Not always easy, but always good.

Tell me friend, how is your New Year starting out?

Notes From My Dad

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 06:20:00 +0000

I was just 17 when my dad died. Unexpected in the night, my daddy went to be with Jesus exactly one month before my high school graduation.

I have lived more of my life without him than I did with him. And no matter how old I get I still wish teen girls wouldn’t lose their daddies.

I have thought about him a lot this year for some reason. Maybe it is because I’m the same age now as he was when he died. Just 41. Maybe it is because I’m getting to enjoy this grandma role and I think about what a great grandpa he would have been.

Last Friday was his birthday. I always think of him on December 16.

I’ve been slowly doing some cleaning out, some simplifying, some getting rid of stuff around my house lately. A mini project purge if you will. I recently tackled my closet. And in the corner of my closet there sat a box marked '”memorabilia” - except I think I spelled it wrong on the box. I wrote that word on that box over 20 years ago and I’ve been hauling it around and letting it sit in corners of closets for all these years.

I decided it was time to go through that box of memorabilia and see what was worth keeping. There were lots of letters from my sister (which mostly made me laugh), graduation announcements, even my graduation cap, pictures of high school days and old birthday cards. And right there in between old report cards and my SAT scores I found two hand written notes.

In the handwriting I so distinctly remember this is what one said:

“Dear Jamie-
       I hope you are having a very happy birthday. My little girl is becoming a lady and you are making me very proud.
     I hope this day brings you happiness and I want you to remember that I love you.
                                                                                                    Love, Dad”

No fancy card just simple business stationary with words penned in black ink. This note given by my dad to me on my 17th birthday.

I had completely forgotten about these notes. What a treasure to uncover. A reminder of a father’s love.

The SAT scores, the report cards, the graduation cap – those were tossed. But these notes…they are gifts.

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Linking today with Tuesdays Unwrapped and On Your Heart Tuesdays

A Message of Love and Counting Gifts {236-262}

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:14:00 +0000

With a fresh week before me I sit with the glow of the tree lights and I reflect on the week just lived and I think about how I want to live the days in front of me.

The week started with a doctor appointment for my daughter. My husband, myself and my girl we headed out of town, just the three of us. There was good car conversation and a stop for lunch. The doctor he talked of surgery and 2 months of crutches. And God -- He was right there with us in the midst of it all.

The weekend days have been filled with our kids and little ones. There has been baking, and meal sharing, and lots of “watch this grandma”. The little guy he ice skates perfectly in his socks across the tile floor. And the baby she needed a nap and there is no better way to go sleep than in the arms of her grandma.

There has been reading of Christmas stories and lots of talk of baby Jesus. The house was without outside lights until our kids wanted to surprise their dad and get some lights strung. And my boy he said he always wanted to climb around on the roof. I was too nervous to watch, so I hunkered down indoors.

There has been driving to look at Christmas lights, and singing of Christmas songs. Christmas movies on Netflix, some shopping and gift wrapping too. And a special delivery of my mom’s biscotti on a Sunday afternoon. That called for a 3:00 pot of coffee and it wasn’t even de-caff.

There was Away in the Manger and Silent Night. There was worship and a message of love that stirred my heart.

Oh how I want to love. Really love. Just going through the motions it leaves me sounding like the clanking of symbols. Loving extravagantly, without thought of what is in it for me, but with a pure heart, a heart that loves Him – it is my prayer.

But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love. I Cor. 13:13 MSG

The house is quiet now but that hasn’t been the norm for this weekend. It has been full of loud and every bit of it a gift. And God -- He was right there in the midst.

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Linking up with:
Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday
A Holy Experience – as I continue to count toward 1,000 gifts

Five Minute Friday :: Connected

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:11:00 +0000

Today I’m happily linking up with The Gypsy Mama for Five Minute Friday.
The rules are simple, write for just 5 minutes on the prompt she gives.
Here we go. Ready? Begin.
:::
Connected

I’ve always been one to crave connections. Friends, family, other bloggers I’ve never met in real life, even the lady at the grocery store I want them all to like me. I want strong relationships.

Sometimes those connections come easy but not always. I find that relationships require effort and sometimes putting out the effort is tough. What if they don’t really get me? What if they have enough friends already? What if we don’t agree on something?

All the questions get my insecurities all flared up. And sometimes rather than connect I keep quiet. I’m afraid maybe rejection is waiting to pounce and instead of risking rejection I decide not to reach out.

But connection comes with the reaching out. The call, the text, the comment, the kind words, the smile – I’m sure there are others waiting and wishing for connection too.

Maybe I should be the one to take the first step?

:::
The End.

My five minutes is up, but speaking of connection, I wanted to add this…

(in)courage is hosting an (in)Real Life get together. I think it sounds like the perfect way to connect. I’ll be hosting one here in my town – check it out and find a meet-up close to you.

19 Years

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:14:00 +0000

It was 19 years ago she was born. Nineteen years she has brought joy, and love, and laughter, lots of smiles, and bundles of happiness. Her heart is big and full of compassion.

Lots of people say she looks just like her mama. My heart warms and I smile big every single time I hear those words.

I’m so very thankful that God chose me to be her mama. My life is blessed beyond measure.

Today is her birthday and I sure hope it is the sweetest one she has ever had.

May the Lord bless you
and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
and give you his peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)

In Times of Uncertainty {Gifts 226-235}

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:14:00 +0000

This life it comes with no guarantees. No promises of paychecks or health or safety. I try to control it all, but this control is really just an illusion. One thing is for sure, times come when the control slips away and life leads down the road of uncertainty.

And sometimes a mama’s heart aches in the midst of it all.

The weather is cold and work slows and news of a lay-off is given. He has a wife and a boy and a baby that crawls. It is just weeks before Christmas and times are uncertain. This mama clings to the One who is the provider and I watch as my son does the same.

There are doctor visits and scans and pain. And today this mom and this dad we take our girl on a two hour road trip. We will hear what the doctor has to say. It is hard to see her hurt. What comes next is uncertain. But this mama she clings to the One who is the great physician and I watch as my daughter does the same.

Sometimes the clinging is hard but it is all we have. Really it is all I want and it is good. There is a promise to hold on to. He promises to never leave us – He is right there with us in the very midst of it all.

Even in the midst of uncertainty, when times are unsure, the gifts they are still in abundance. And today I pause to count a few of the many gifts…

We have One to cling to
His promise to never leave us
Children that know Him
Grandchildren that are being taught about His love
Friends that pray and encourage
Family that loves and listens
The beauty of the trees frozen in the cold
Time spent with my ones I love
The way he says he is 2 and a half and his birthday is March twuny-ferd
The thoughtfulness and generosity of others

Lately…

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:10:00 +0000

I’ve allowed my pace to be a little slower. I haven’t let my thoughts run on ahead, I’ve kept them right here with me right in the moment I’m living in.

I’ve spent some time on the couch, sipping a mug of cocoa complete with a splash of peppermint mocha coffee creamer, with the glow of the Christmas tree lights in the room, and a few episodes of Storage Wars playing on TV.

I cozied up in my favorite chair with my favorite blanket and a really good book. And I did it mid-day. With the sun peeking in the front window and laundry waiting to be done I decided to curl up with a book. I usually reserve my reading time for the evening hours when the day has come to a close and the to-do list boxes have been checked. And you know what usually happens then? My eye lids get heavy and my eyes almost always close about five sentences in.

But on this December day where I’m choosing to live a little slower and linger a little longer I’ve put the to-do’s on hold and let my thoughts ponder on those things that true, pure and lovely.

How about you? What have you been up to lately?

The Gift of Time

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:13:00 +0000

Time marches on more quickly than I would like. All too often, I find myself reminiscing of days gone by or thinking of what the days to come will bring. And I go through the current day with my thoughts in another place.

But I’ve been working on changing that and it has been salve for my soul. Living fully present in the moment knowing that this day, this time, will become a sweet memory for later. I don’t want to miss that.

We did that together last weekend, my youngest girl and I, we spent time enjoying all the moments. I set aside my to-do list and we had no agenda. We shopped, we chatted, we ate, we hung out with family, we tackled the Christmas tree, and we hung ornaments.

My heart and my thoughts were all there – right there in the living that day. I soaked it up, every single bit of it.

The time it isn’t stopping for anyone. This time is a precious commodity – a real gift. You can’t hold tight enough to keep it from slipping through and there is no getting it back once it is gone. Instead of wishing for the time that used to be there is living to be done today and that, my friends, is gold.

Will you join me in treasuring this gift of time?

I’m joining in with Emily today, unwrapping the gift of time.

Five Minute Friday :: Tired

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:24:00 +0000

Today I’m linking up with The Gypsy Mama for Five Minute Friday.

The rules are simple, write for just 5 minutes on the prompt she gives.

Here we go. Ready? Begin.
:::
Tired

The expectations they come mostly from my own self. The wishing I was more and different and better. Striving. Stress. Worry. Fear. Insecurity.

Those feelings, the emotions they will run me ragged if I let them. They are forceful and demanding – they push their way in and take up more space than they should.

Well, I’ve decided they aren’t the boss of me anymore. And just that lightens the load.

I’ve been letting all of that go lately. Learning to rest and breathe a little deeper. Walking and living and enjoying the very moments I’m in.

The burden it feels a little lighter. The peace it goes deeper.

And He gives a tired heart rest.

:::

The End.

She is Kind, She is Beautiful, She is Wise

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:07:00 +0000

“Every day is a gift.”
My Grandma
Thanksgiving 2011

My Grandma – she sat across from me at the Thanksgiving table this year. Her hair all white and she is beautiful.

I think of how the times have changed. I remember Thanksgiving meals at my grandma’s house when I was a child – it was always stunning. The chandelier that hung above the elegant Thanksgiving table at her house then now hangs in my bedroom.

Time has moved quickly on and now I’m the adult hosting Thanksgiving. It seems strange, I know my kids are grown and I even have grandkids but, inside my head I don’t feel old enough to host Thanksgiving. But that is beside the point, I suppose.

She didn’t have a lot of words to say that day but the ones she spoke were golden. A real treasure. As we went around the table that day and shared what we are thankful for she simply said, “every day is a gift”.

I smiled big and blinked back tears as I listened to her words.

My granny graced this world on a January day in 1919. She has lived many days and she sees them all as a gift. I want to be like her. She speaks wisdom and truth.

Every day the sun rises and the sun sets. It paints the sky shades of pink and orange. And every day we live and breathe. It is a gift – the everyday living and the living every day.

Even when the skies are grey and hide the shining sun. Or the rains fall or the wind blows. All of it signs of life. And life is a gift – every single moment of it.

Sometimes my eyes get blurry and my heart forgets the gift of it all. But Granny reminded me on the day we gathered and gave thanks.

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Linking today with Tuesdays Unwrapped

A Full Heart {Gifts 211–225}

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:11:00 +0000

photo credit

It has been several days full of giving thanks and family and laughter. And I’m wishing it could just continue on and on. But there is work to return to, laundry to be washed, and routines to get back to. And family who will pack their bags in preparation for the return flight across the ocean.

Thanksgiving day brought with it the making of memories and time spent with the ones we love. There was the table that stretched from the dining room to the family room and the turkey napkin rings made by my mom when I was just a girl. There were zesty carrots, sour cream onions and cider of the sparkling kind.

Generations gathered ‘round the table that day – from my granny to my daughter and parents, siblings, nieces, nephews and my great-aunt Barb. We went around the table and talked of what we are thankful for – we spoke of family, jobs, shelter, freedom to worship God, and godly heritage. And granny she said at her age “each day is a gift”.

There were many a rousing round of Ratuki played, Bananagrams and Zilch for the milder folk. There was lots of laughter and the house was loud.

And then on Friday we did it all over again.

The gifts are many, my heart is full and I’m so very thankful.

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Counting toward 1000 gifts
family members who all contribute to the making of the big Thanksgiving meal ~ a warm cup of coffee with my mom’s homemade biscotti ~ a home that allows us to stretch out three tables long and sit together for a meal ~ more than enough ~ a much deserved time away from work for my husband ~ all the kids and grandkids together ~ playing games ~ an evening out with all our kids ~ rest ~ laughter ~ freedom ~ conversations with siblings ~ my granny ~ grace ~
every good and perfect gift that comes from Him

Contentment or Apathy?

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:10:00 +0000

I’ve been thinking about something lately. I haven’t thought it through completely but today, if you don’t mind, I’m going to pound out my thoughts here on the blog.

I don’t currently have any big-huge-out-of-my-reach kind of dreams I’m chasing after. And know this, I don’t think there is a single thing wrong with having big dreams. It’s just that I don’t have any right now. Sure I’ve got some goals – I’d like to loose some weight, and we are working like crazy on Dave Ramsey’s baby steps. But nothing huge like write a book or travel the world and the seven seas.

It’s just that I want to live this life I'm living to the fullest. To be fully present with both my heart and my thoughts. Not dreaming of what if and I hope so. Not striving for more and different and bigger and better.

Sometimes when I’m busy striving for more I think I miss out on the good that is in today. And I think right here and right now God has a plan. And what if I don’t let God have His way today cause I’m too consumed in striving for something different than what I’m currently living?

So for now I’m tossing the what-if, the I-hope-so, and the someday out and I living in the day, in the moment to moment.

I wonder, am I struck with a bit of apathy? Apathy that says don’t go for bigger ‘cause what if you don’t get there? Don’t dream of more ‘cause if you don’t have those kind of expectations then you won’t feel the let down if the dream is never fulfilled.

Or could it be that I am finally getting a glimpse of contentment? Is this what contentment feels like? To be totally good with what is going on in my little life and not dreaming of living something different. To want to live so fully present that I see God so big and clear in the daily stuff.

Is real life contentment this feeling of not hoping that God will use me someday and realize that He already is right here right in the midst of my everyday. I don’t want to wish a single minute of it away.

Is contentment found in living fully today? Living today all while loving, serving, and trusting the One who knows the future? Not being consumed with thoughts of ‘I hope someday’, but trusting Him to guide my steps today.

Having those big dreams - I really think those can be good things. God inspired even. But for me I need to examine the state of my heart.

If I’m always striving for the big dream, for the someday, for the if-only I seem to be missing out on the moment. And God is doing some good stuff in the daily moments.

What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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Five Minute Friday :: Grow

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:20:00 +0000

Today I’m linking up with The Gypsy Mama for Five Minute Friday.

The rules are simple, just write for 5 minutes flat on the prompt she gives.

Here we go. Ready? Begin.
:::
Grow

We only have one child left living at home. But tonight we had all four of our kids here under this roof of ours. Our oldest along with her husband and sweet little man and the one she carries in her belly too, they flew across the ocean to visit for Thanksgiving. And our girl who lives in an apartment of her own on the other side of town, she came too. Our only son and his wife they brought their kiddos, the little guy and the baby girl. And our youngest girl she was here too - so excited to see her sister she wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

Our kids have grown and now they are all adults.

They have little ones and that makes me grandma.

Seeing the world through grandma eyes is the very best view there is. The little ones they grow so fast.

And this grandma prays as they grow their little hearts will know that Jesus loves them so.

:::

The End.

Gift Counting Continued {200-210}

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 06:35:00 +0000

This week my heart has been both heavy and anxious. The heavy comes from having a friend who is watching as sickness threatens to steal life. And the anxiety comes from all manner of petty stuff that I let my thoughts dwell on.

But even in the midst of heavy and anxious the gifts are many.

This dark haired granddaughter of mine she is more than 8 months now. She is pulling herself up on the furniture and she is so cute the way she bounces with excitement. I love the way her daddy makes her smile. And I love that she loves for me to hold her. I like to think of myself as a baby whisperer and I pretty much believe she thinks I’m her favorite. Maybe it would be best if we kept that a little secret, I’m afraid if word got out there might be another grandma whose feelings would be hurt. But really you should see how she looks at me with those eyes of hers!

My husband and I had a little getaway – a stay at a highfalutin bed and breakfast. It was a generous gift from our church for Pastor Appreciation month. It was restful and refreshing. And I’ve always dreamed of sleeping in one of those beds that are so high you have to climb steps to get in. Well, it was a dream come true...the bed came complete with its own step stool for climbing. It was just like a bed for a princess. Or that’s how I imagine the princess bed to be anyway.

I listened to Anne Murray on Pandora and I smiled as I sang along. It brought to mind sweet childhood memories.

It was book club week. And book club week means coffee house conversation with friends. We discussed Grace for the Good Girl and some of the ah-ha moments our hearts have had. And I’m not sure how the conversation turned but somehow, my sister and I, we talked of those days of putting bread sacks over our shoes. You know, to protect against the elements. It was more of those sweet childhood memories. Did you ever put bread sacks over your shoes when snow was on the ground?

And the gift of all gifts this week – a true peace giver. A God who says I can cast my cares on Him instead of me trying to manage them myself.

My gifts I’m counting are highlighted purple.

Truly Thankful

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:07:00 +0000

photo credit

Today I remember the sacrifice of all who serve and have served and I’m profoundly grateful.
A heartfelt Thank You to all of our servicemen and women.

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today I’m joining with Dawn at the Good life as she fills up blogland with thankfulness

On Fear – Be Afraid But Do It Anyway

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 06:56:00 +0000

photo credit

On a day about 4 years ago my sister and I and a precious 3 year old girl stood on The Great Wall of China. With the little one in between us, my sister and I both held a hand and began to climb the uneven steps of The Great Wall.

My sister was bringing home her second daughter from China and I had the privilege of joining her on the journey. This child would be joining the sweet 3 year old that my sister had brought home a couple of years earlier. This was my sister’s second trip to China and my first. But climbing The Great Wall - that was a first for the both of us.

The three of us, hand-in-hand, we climbed a few steps. I’m not sure how many really, but I don’t think it was more than 10 (and 10 might be a bit of an exaggeration). I was fine as I focused on what we were doing and watching that little girl taking the steps in stride. But then I looked down. I wanted to catch a glimpse of the view. As soon as I did panic struck. Apparently I’ve got this little issue with heights. And the climb was steep and we were high.

Fear overwhelmed me at that very moment. I couldn’t continue to climb. So right there on The Great Wall of China - as elderly folk continued to climb right past me, seemingly without a worry in the world – I clung to the railing and scooted down those steps.

I often think about that moment and wonder why I let fear get the best of me? It was, most likely, a once in a lifetime chance and I bailed out because I was afraid. I know fear is big and at that moment is consumed all of me. My heart beat fast, my hands shook, and my thoughts went wild. But I wish I would have done it anyway. I wish I would have continued to climb.

Sometimes we have to just do it afraid.

We can’t always let fear stop us. Cause if we let it stop us then we won’t know what the rest of the story could look like.

Maybe there is something you have felt like you needed to say or do but you were too afraid? Afraid of what others might think or what their response would be. Maybe you fear rejection, or failure?

I know I was afraid to hit publish recently on that post where I told you a little about my past. I was afraid but I hit publish anyway. And there is something so freeing about pushing through the fear. Instead of the rejection or condemnation I feared I found grace and love. It was sweet acceptance I wouldn’t have known if I would have let fear stop me.

What are you not doing because of fear? Can I encourage you to do it anyway? I know you are afraid, but it’s okay, just do it afraid. I know you’ll be glad you did.

And if I ever go back to China I’m climbing that Great Wall.

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Linking up with

Gift Counting Continued {186–200}

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:57:00 +0000

October has come and gone, hard to believe it passed so quick. The month was full of gifts, but I spent little time recording them here, I spent the time talking about hope instead. And hope, it is a gift for sure!

With November here, and fall in full swing, I’ve got countless gifts to be thankful for in this season. Today I continue counting…

cool mornings with beautiful days
pumpkins on the porch
coffee house conversation with friends
my sister, who is a friend
hot chocolate with a splash of peppermint mocha creamer
time spent with granny
nieces
nephews
grandsons
and my granddaughter too
the way they play together
the way she holds his hand as they walk together
they way she kisses his head as she says good-bye
the news of family coming for Thanksgiving

What are you thankful for today?

Five Minute Friday :: Remember

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:24:00 +0000

Today I’m linking up with The Gypsy Mama for Five Minute Friday.

The rules are simple, just write for 5 minutes flat on the prompt she gives.

Here we go. Ready? Begin.
:::
Remember

I remember when time moved slower and playing outside until the street lights came on was a day fully lived. When my pace didn’t seem so rushed and I soaked in the moments spent with friends.

I remember the days of soccer practice and Saturday morning games. Just fully living in the moment and not worrying about what is coming next. I remember the days when I had never even heard the word multi-task.

I remember days without to-do lists and phone conversations with friends that went on for hours. I don’t remember carrying the weight of tomorrow’s worries while I was still living in today.

I think I could learn a lot from those childhood years.

What if I lived a little more like that? What if I gave up on trying to multi-task - I’m not a very good multi-tasker anyway.

To live fully in the moment with my thoughts completely present too. To give my whole self to each moment. Not being one place in body and another place in thought.

:::

The End.

How to Live Generous

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 05:45:00 +0000

One of our girls volunteers at the local Mission a couple times each week. She serves up food, hangs out with the residents and leads a bible study with the women. She is super generous, that girl of ours. She gives what she has.

I’ve been thinking lots about the idea of living generously lately. And I’ll admit I’ve been doing more thinking than actual doing.

But what does generous living look like exactly? I’ve been guilty of thinking that if I don’t have lots to give (lots meaning big money) then really it won’t make much of a difference anyway.

Our daughter asked me today if we had some extra napkins, cause they sure could use them down at the Mission. Napkins? Like cheap, paper napkins. Of course I can give some napkins.

It had never occurred to me to give something as small as napkins. But you know in this case napkins are a need. And meeting a need, that makes a difference.

So giving big or giving small that isn’t the definition of generous. Generous living comes out of giving what you have. And if we take the time to really look, we’ll notice we have a lot.

Maybe you have time to give to a young mom so she can grocery shop without her little ones in tow? Maybe you could give a meal to a mom with a busy schedule? Maybe you are low on time and money, how about giving some kind words to the grocery store cashier who is having a rough day?

What are your thoughts on generous living? What ideas do you have for giving in small, simple ways?

Discovering Hope :: The Epilogue

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 01:24:00 +0000

HOPE: An Anchor for Your Soul

This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Hebrews 6:19 (NLT)

It has been a month now, 31 days we have discovered beautiful hope. My prayer has been that you would find it to be true, right along with me. This hope, truly an anchor for our souls – strong and trustworthy.

Hope for when we worry, and when we are busy. For when fear is big and we are weak. Oh how our weakness is an opportunity for Him to show himself strong for sure.

There is hope even when our performance isn’t good enough. I was raw and honest and told you about my messed up performance, the shame that accompanied my heart for so long, and about the One who redeemed.

We discovered hope in our own choosing – despite our own circumstances. Hope in the midst of troubles and when the road is rough.

And now, as we leave October behind and journey into November, I pray that your heart is saturated with grace and full of hope. And when circumstances do their best to cloud, I pray that you cling to the Giver of Hope.

Let us live hopeful in the midst of storms! With our eyes firmly fixed on Him, and not the storms that rage around us, we are safe.

May your uneasy soul be steadied by the hope found in Him.

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NLT)

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Discovering Hope {Day 30} :: In the Midst of Trouble

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 05:20:00 +0000

photo credit

I’ve talked quite a bit lately about the hard stuff in life, and how we will always have it. Troubles are one of life’s guarantees.

Don’t get me wrong though – right in the midst of all this hard, not only is there One who walks with us, but there are plenty of gifts too. Sometimes it takes extra effort on our part to see the gifts.

The trouble wants to take center stage and cast a shadow so large it hides all the good.

But even when life finds you tired and your hope has worn a little thin will you spend some time to see the gifts?

Discovering Hope {Day 28 & 29)

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 17:11:00 +0000

find a free printable here

Discovering Hope {Day 27} :: For When You Feel Small part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 05:53:00 +0000

This feeling small, it usually comes on the heels of comparison. We look at what we think God is doing in and through someone else and we begin to question the very thing He is doing through us.

Emily, author of Grace for the Good Girl and Chatting at the Sky blogger, says this:

“Give yourself permission to impact the world in the unique ways only you can do, and extend grace to those around you to do the same.”

And yesterday, Barbie had this to say in the comments (all the best talk goes on in the comments):

“I've been reflecting on Genesis 16:13 - You are the God who sees me. When I feel small and insignificant, I realize I am big in the eyes of the one who matters most.”

Remember, nobody can be you like you can!

Discovering Hope {Day 26} :: For When You Feel Small

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 05:25:00 +0000

Yesterday I told you about how I wish life was a little more Cheers theme song-ish. Not only would we go to the land where we take a break from all our worries, but it would also be a place where everybody knows our name.

But in this place where we actually do our real life living, it isn’t always a place where our name is known. And sometimes that makes it a little uncomfortable and sometimes it just feels kind of small. Is what I’m doing making any kind of difference? Does it really matter? Who am I in this sea of millions?

Well, when I read my flower patch farmgirl friend’s blog I found hope right there in her words. Shannan said it and I felt it all the way in my heart – all God’s work is big. (Side note: Shannan is one of my most very favorite reads! And she is a real gem of a person too, with a heart as fantastic as her writing!)

That’s it, that is truth! All God’s work is big – every-single-bit-of-it. Whether you are looking into the eyes of a preschooler, sharing His love in the heart of Uganda, kissing the owie of a toddler, serving soup to the homeless, or doing something nice for your neighbor.

All of it is God’s big work.

So, everyone might not know your name…but there is One who does.

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This post is part of a 31 Day Series on Discovering Hope
you can find the entire series here

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Discovering Hope {Day 25} :: When You Are Looking For Easy Street

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie @ Six Bricks High) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:51:00 +0000

Sometimes I wish for life to be a little less hectic, a little less busy and a little more like the Cheers theme song.

Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got.
Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.
Wouldn't you like to get away?
Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name,
and they're always glad you came.

You know, sometimes I wanna go where everybody knows my name, and they’re always glad I came. Get away and take a break from all my worries. (Umm, if you aren’t old enough to remember the Cheers song – would you mind not telling me that?)

Really, what I’m after is a worry free place where life is comfortable and easy.

But here’s the reality of it all – we don’t live in a world without troubles.

The trials and struggles they are real and present. And sometimes I think, oh if I could just get through this one thing then life would be smooth and wonderful. But you know what happens? I know you know, cause it happens to you too. We get through that ‘one thing’ and then there it is, another tough thing.

Even though troubles are a very real part of life there is a truth that brings hope right in the midst of it all.

The truth is there is One who promises to sustain us, to strengthen us, to walk right there with us. There is One who cares for us and tells us to cast all of our cares on Him.

He promises He will never leave us – never-ever.

Find hope there, friends, in that fact that you aren’t alone in all this tough stuff. But God, He will comfort you and strengthen you.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 says, “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.”