Shelly writes:
This is post and this one are about boundaries, something I have had a hard time with sometimes in my walk. These posts put it SO beautifully, and use Psalm 16 to show us the truth about freedom within boundaries on such practical level!
Birds and songs and boundaries
Our song is sweetest when sung from within our boundaries.
adapted from the words of Psalm 16
I love Psalm 16--it's a tender one, one that has been a lesson for me to learn during the past year.
You have assigned me my portion and my cup;
You have made my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
Surely I have a delightful inheritance!
...and I love birds and nests too, so when I saw this tutorial over at Pretty Ditty I knew I wanted to make them. (You really want to click on the link and visit her blog. She makes lovely things!)
I finally got all the supplies gathered today and had some to craft now that my Greek final is done. (Pretty sure I aced it, except for one answer I had right and then went back and changed to something wrong. Grr.)
As I was working on this, taking her idea and adapting it to my style, it cried out the words of Psalm 16 to me. The place I want to build my nest, the place I find the freedom to sing a sweet song is within the boundaries God has drawn for me. Within his boundaries I find freedom and joy, rest and peace. When we surrender to what God has assigned, when we accept our portion and our cup, we are bound to be free.
Hi, my name is Julie and I have been following Joannne's blog since I read a prayer request for her from another site. I also participated in the corporate prayer time for her a couple of weeks ago - Mary was in charge of that, I believe. The Lord has placed Joanne and her family on my heart daily since 1-11. I lift you all up daily and often!! I was reading Joanne's blog and what she wrote on October 13th 2007 under "Freudian Slip" is such a powerful sentiment. How amazing that her own words call forth such comfort and wisdom. I will continue to pray for Joanne and all of her family.
In HIM,
Julie
Posted by: Julie Maddox | February 02, 2011 at 07:25 AM
I love love love this one! How much truth lies in this! Healthy boundaries are something we are working to secure at our house in specific relationships...and sometimes that's hard to seperate...having boundaries doesn't mean not loving...and that has been hard for my kids to grasp! Thank you Joanne...so wise...so true!
Andrea S.
Minnesota
Posted by: Andrea S. | February 02, 2011 at 07:35 AM
Wow, this could not have been more perfect for my prayers this morning and the struggle I have been feeling today about where I am to be and what I am to be doing -- this spoke to me so much. Like Julie, I have been following Joanne's story since I saw a prayer request on another blog (Bring the Rain) and have been praying for her and her family. I kept following to see how she was doing and am now learning from her via these "favorites" posts. How incredible! I will keep praying and am so happy that she is hanging in there and that her family is doing okay.
Posted by: Shawna | February 02, 2011 at 08:45 AM
Joanne's words on boundaries are so beautiful. I know what it is to live within imposed boundaries, and what it is to rejoice in them. Joanne, and each member of the family, is in my prayers. May God continue to restore her to health. May He continue to grant the family strength and courage and unwavering faith during this difficult journey. Praying with you...
Posted by: Nita Jo | February 02, 2011 at 01:23 PM
Glad to hear so many baby steps are happening. Yes therapy is a TON of work so it will be exhausting to Joanne (and those watching). I just wanted to say, I hope along with all the others things you are saving for Joanne (cards, gits, blog, twitter etc), I hope someone is documenting the days. By that I mean, snowfall, Joanne's room decorated for various holidays etc. They will mean a lot to her on her road to recovery, especially on the days she does not feel she is progressing. It will help to have pictures along the way so she can see just how far she has come.
Still praying for all of you.
Jamie
Posted by: Jamie Patano | February 02, 2011 at 04:28 PM
While we've been praying for Joanne and all of you, I have never really had time to read through Joanne's blog. However, today I had some free time and can I just say, "WOW!". What a wonderful blog! I've printed more recipes cards from this site than probably any other I've read. Just wonderful tips and helps. Your family is on our family's heart!
Posted by: Kristi Walker | February 03, 2011 at 10:57 AM