Happy Fall Friends! Can you believe it? It’s finally here! The most beautiful season there is. There is such a comfort in the autumn air and beauty that casts its beams of light everywhere. It makes one wish that it would linger a little longer. I wonder to myself if I wait upon the Lord as much as I wait upon this season. Do I crave the first glimpse of His coming and the comfort that comes from within Him? Do I wish to feel His light brush my face as He comes closer and want more time with Him? How different our lives might be if we approached the creator like we anticipate this season that He created.

Fall is the only season that really makes me want to have a pic-nic, sit in the leaves with a PSL and just enjoy the prettiness of it all. We live about 20 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and recently I have been wanting to take a drive through the mountains, put on an oversized sweater and reduce the idea of having a time limit while I’m up there. It’s so beautiful yall! If you are ever close to the Blue Ridge Mountains in the fall you must go.

Once again, what if I approached Jesus like I do this season. To take a day putting no restrictions on it and spend time with Him enjoying His beauty. Yes this season is beautiful but His love for us is even more beautiful and He craves spending time with us even more than we crave this season. There really is no comparison to how much His loves us. So today maybe your busy, stretched with time limits and can’t see past the clock. Take some time this weekend to set aside a morning or an evening and spend time with Jesus. Go outside, Bible and coffee in hand and fellowship with the creator. You might even enjoy your time with Him more than this season.

Jesus-may we want to sit with you,

enjoying your presence and the beauty

that you bring to us. Help us to crave

time with you like we crave the falling

of the first leaf.

All my love,

Elena

OHHHH–Keep scrolling to see a picture of my grandma!!!

 

 

 

It was almost over. I waited on the other side of the gate as everyone unloaded from the ride. It wasn’t a huge ride, but big enough that younger children had an adult that rode along. Our children were past that stage, so I smiled, waved, and took the memory keeping snapshots.

The ride stopped, and everyone unloaded, heading quickly for the exit gate. The first person pushed. It didn’t open. They looked around for the person making sure the ride went smoothly. Others came. Adults pushed. The line was getting long . . . On both sides of the gate. All were looking around, trying to figure out why the gate wouldn’t open.

Then, one small boy — not over intelligent looking — just an average boy stepped up to the gate. He saw things different than everyone else. He simply pulled instead of push — and what do you know! It opened!

I nearly laughed aloud. One small boy with the ability to simply pull instead of push opened the gate so everyone else could get out into the open space.

Remember another young boy? The armor didn’t fit. He saw things differently. He used a sling and a stone.

Then, there was the One who taught in the temple. He, too, saw things differently. He thought his parents would know He was “about His Father’s business.”

Faith has a vision all its own. Born into the hearts of those who embrace its vision it takes its viewers to places others rarely even imagine. Faith that sees beyond leads with a hope that others want to follow. It sees things differently — heads into the open places — sometimes takes it’s victory stance with a “sling and a stone,” — and, always is about the Father’s business.

Jesus, give me eyes of faith!

FGG/ Janene

Did you know that God’s presence has no limits? There is no place that we can go where God can’t meet us. God never goes off the grid to stroll along sandy beaches. He can sweep us up in His love any second of the day. In a world packed with apple watches and cheap plane flights, God never once thinks of leaving. We must look at Christ and His love for us completely different from any love we’ve ever known. There are no conditions to tie around His willingness to love us. I think sometimes we confuse our circumstances with His love, which in reality don’t relate at all. God’s love doesn’t lessen over a job promotion or a relationship status. It stays steady, never wavering.

Have you ever looked over your life and thought “I can’t believe I’m still here, in this situation that I thought was temporary”. Maybe you thought God’s plan for your life was completely different. You’re confused and seeking answers. I felt like today I should whisper through the screen to you a message of hope.

God’s plan for your life is still ongoing.

Maybe this little story will help you understand.

There is a school play with the 4th grade class. Everyone is quieting down as the lights do the same. Out of the side entrance of the stage walks out a freckled face little boy dressed as a star. He walked to the middle, where the spotlight hit in a circle and then began to sing. “Twinkle, Twinkle”. At this moment the curtain was supposed to come down and a big papier-mache moon was meant to glide behind. He wasn’t sure what the hold up was but he knew that his teacher was on it, looking into every detail. This is how we must trust our Father. He is working on our behalf even when we don’t see it.

It can be confusing trying to figure out what He has for you, but just walk through the doors He opens. Hold on, keep claiming the promises God gave you and believe. His expectations for you surpass anything you expect for your life.

Even though we feel it’s time, the curtain can fall-we’re ready: trust your teacher, He always knows the lesson better than we do!

OH, One more thing!!!! Download our new scripture screensaver below! Maybe it will get you in the mood for fall!

Much love,

Elena

The beginnings of fall are here again, and school is in full swing for some people – nearly ready to start for others. New beginnings, new teachers, new friends – the mornings which begin before the sun comes up.

There is always something special about beginning new, but sometimes it can be just a little frustrating. I remember well my first day of – I think it was fifth grade. (Shh. . . it’s been a few years ago!)

We didn’t have uniforms, and my mom was quite a seamstress. I was so excited because mom made me a brand-new dress. It was a brown plaid with lovely yellow buttons. I felt so good in that dress. (Yes, styles were different then, too.) I wasn’t nearly as excited about the “briefcase looking” red, and blue with silver buckles, book bag my dad convinced me would be the best thing for that year.

Have you ever heard the old saying, “Two’s company, three’s a crowd?” Well, I had two very good friends, but that old adage has never been truer. Sometimes they liked me, sometimes they liked each other, but it seemed like it never was the same, no matter what I did. (They probably felt the same way about me!) It changed with the weather – causing my emotions to do the same! We “had a talk” about the situation and decided we were “growing up” we decided, and it was time to get along! So, here we all came on the first day of school. I had a new dress, and a new determination to have better relationships with my friends. What could go wrong?

School began and soon it was recess time. My friends and I were doing our best to work everything out, so we all headed for the swings. Now, the swings were those black rubber kinds that formed around you when you sat in them. Since there were three swings in one section, we decided to loop them through each other so they would all be connected and we could swing together. After they were “looped” my one friend got on one side, my other friend got on the other side, and I was supposed to swing in the middle. I took a mighty jump, endeavoring to land in the swing – and totally flipped out and landed on the ground on my back. Of course, they were howling with laughter, and I managed to get up and make it through my “awful disgrace” somehow.

After we were all back inside, I was so excited because I had finished my work early and got to go to the “reading section” and pick out a book. Somehow in the process of all of this, I squatted down, got my heal caught in the hem of my new dress, and when I stood up, it made an awful rip. I nearly died on the spot . . . what a first day!

In everyone’s “new,” there are always the unspoken questions. How will I know when . . . what if I mess up . . . will they like me . . . will I belong? The whole thing is – it’s ok. The person next to you is either trying to figure it out, or concerned with some “situation” of their own. We need God, and we need each other. Let’s do our best to encourage each other and lift each other up. The Word of God tells us in Proverbs 25:11, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” I also like the way the Message translation says it, “The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry.” Let Jesus help you customize your words for each day. Your words display who you really are – and kind words make you attractive to others, and pleasing to God.

It’s amazing how a smile and a uplifting word are always welcome. Look for the good in everyone . . . and if you get a chance – compliment it. Pray for the things you see that aren’t exactly the way you want them. God answers prayer – so He can change you or change the circumstance – whatever He sees best. Let’s do our best this year – in the “new” – and even after the “newness” is all worn off to help each other find a place to belong – in Christ and in His family!

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

She stepped onto the cold concrete heading for the door with blue ribbons tied in her pigtails. It was all she could do not to drag her overflowing backpack. With a bittersweet smile she found her classroom and organized her school supplies. New stuff, new shoes, new friends and a new school. She was beginning to not like that word, new. The clock drug on through the day, the new girl couldn’t wait to get home but first there was Math. She knew she didn’t like that word either. The teacher explained something called division and then asked if anyone didn’t understand and would like a repeat of the lesson.

Being the rookie, the girl didn’t want to raise her hand, what if everyone else understood it but her. Behind her, a little curly headed brunet raised her hand. Oh good, I can just turn around and watch her, she thought. Have you ever tried to read something upside down?? Not easy right? Well this was the problem, the little girl still didn’t understand so this time she raised her hand. The teacher thought it ridiculous that she asked for help considering she had turned around and seen it all again. No, they must move on, there wasn’t enough time. She shrunk in her chair and for years to come, she struggled with division.

I have been asking God for some inspiration to write recently and He reminded me of this story. I think because for a long time I felt like to spend time with Him I had to have a good prayer ready and I couldn’t possibly come to God with too many issues in my life. I needed to have it all kind-of together before I could spend time with Him. I mean, He has reviewed the lesson so many times, erased my wrongs, helping me make them right, teaching me over and over again and this time I thought I just can’t raise my hand again.

                                                                                                       Have you ever felt this way?

With all the confidence one can have I must relay something to you, He isn’t like my grade school teacher. It doesn’t bother Him to share the lesson one more time. It’s not an inconvenience or a waste of time. My heart is so full of emotion writing this, so overwhelmed with gratitude for the one teacher in my life that had no favorites. His daily planner is wide open, in fact He doesn’t need one because He isn’t on a time schedule and there is nothing that stands in the way of spending time with us. His priority is His children. He is the teacher who cares, who loves, and who certainly likes the new kids.

Show me your ways oh Lord,

Teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me,

For you are the God of my salvation;

on you I wait all the day. Psalm 25:4-5

Much love,

Elena

Just one more thing: I have no hard feelings toward the teacher and am thankful for her discipline that helped me push through and come out stronger.

 

A pair of shoes were the need of the day. My husband and I drove the few miles to the store, and as my “custom” I began the search at the clearance rack. Nothing. So, I began trying on shoe after shoe, after shoe, after shoe. Finally, I spotted the person I believed to be a store associate. “Do you work here . . .” my voice trailed away as I saw her hurrying by, shoe boxes in hand. “Oh, you’re helping another custom . . .” my voice trailed away again as she swiftly moved on.

Believe it or not, she came my way in the next few minutes! Telling her what I was looking for, she directed me to the right area. FINALLY, I found the “perfect fit.” However, I was a bit confused. The sale tag hanging down to give me a “deal” was marked higher than the tag with the actual price. I laughed and showed my husband. “How can the sale price be more than regular price?” I asked.

Time to check out. I carried my newfound shoes, AND the display with the two prices to the front to see what was the “real deal.” The gentleman in the front was puzzled at first. He checked on one computer. Then he checked on another computer. Then he said, “Well, it looks like the price has changed, and they didn’t change the tag. Since the regular price is lower, I’ll have to give it to you for that price.” Then he said, “I used to work in that department and have to go and change all those tags. I can see how they could miss one . . .”

He wasn’t disturbed and this situation. He wasn’t upset at the associated for the miss marked merchandise. He understood. He’d worked the department. He knew how this could be resolved. He had worked that area . . . and walked those aisles.

Like the old Indian adage . . . he had walked a mile in those moccasins.

We have someone much greater whose footsteps preceded ours. Jesus came to earth on purpose to accomplish this very thing. God Himself became one hundred percent man and retained Who is is as one hundred percent God. He showed us the love of His Father and brought us the understanding of experiencing all we face – yet without sin.

Oh, to know love and care like THAT! What a Savior! What love! He walked our road. He knows, He loves. He cares. We are NOT ALONE! We can trust Him – He has been here before.

By Janene Dubbeld

For Gods Glory

 

NEW SCREENSAVERS ARE HERE!!!

Just click SAVE  and then set to your iPhone screen! We designed 2 screensavers this week that go together. One for you lock screen and one for your home screen!

 

 

 

Have you ever thought about God’s creativity? It’s everywhere. He didn’t just cast a sky into creation, He colored it making it a beautiful centerpiece for the whole world. When God picked up the paintbrush to create the beautiful you-He smiled. His design was coming to life becoming His most beloved cherished child.

One of my favorite things to do when I have time is going to an Art Gallery. I can stay for hours studying the strokes of the painter. Walk around the marble or aged wooden floors with no clue of the time.

I think about how the artist feels in the process of his/her creation. What they are seeing in their mind becomes reality and even if you’re at a kindergarten level when it comes to art-it is exciting.

Can you imagine how God felt when He created you? His most prized possession is you. His love for you surpasses the shells in the ocean and the sand on the sea. It’s better than any dream, yet sometimes we lose focus of our worth. The ghosts in our closet prevent us from moving on and choosing to love who God made us to be. You look in the mirror and all you can see is yesterday’s makeup and tomorrow fake lashes. A terrifying cycle of pain.

If we could only see the pain before it arrives maybe we could prepare for it. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt as bad if we wore thicker skin. Negative.

It’s gonna hurt either way-the only step you can take to defeat the pain is to give it Jesus and forgive yourself.

 

In one of my favorite books of the Bible I found this treasure:

“See, I will create
new heavens and a new earth.
The former things will not be remembered,
nor will they come to mind.
¹⁸ But be glad and rejoice forever
in what I will create.

Isaiah 65:17-18a

If God can forget why can’t we? It’s alright to have a good cry but there is a season for everything and I have a feeling it’s your season to rejoice. So shake off the sadness, wipe away yesterday’s regrets and don’t worry about tomorrow-you won’t need the fake stuff, you’re the original. You’re the only one of you and God  doesnt want us to remember the bad but strive towards the good, living a free redeemed life. Today remember we are like beautiful pieces of pottery in God’s gallery.

With love,

Elena

 

From the daughter…

There’s a sweet memory I replay a lot in my head. In this one I remember a bright sunny day hopping in the van and asking mama where we were off to. Mama loved the sun, she loved the warmer temps, oh and one more thing, flowers. Mama loved flowers. You might be in a pickle but carry in some flowers and her sweet heart just melted. This particular day she told me we were off to go get some to brighten the household up. I loved outings with her, I really did, maybe because it was just me & her along with 5 other boys in the house. HA

Wherever she went I followed- she always made it fun. She stopped the big van on the side of the road that day and I’ll never forget how surprised I was that we were picking flowers. That was my favorite day. The wild flowers we picked sat pretty in a vase for a week or so but the memory of that day has never left me.

We still love doing things together. We travel every week together and in all honestly I sit back amazed at how blessed I am.

Thanks Mama! I know you could never be told that enough. Your sunshine itself in so many ways but the most important one is that everywhere you go you show the beautiful love of Jesus. Your tender heart wants to help everyone and care for them like you do your own. You give more sacrificially than anyone I have ever seen and I pray someday to be just like you.

I could go on and tell you all story after story of how this lady has lived and is living an incredible life but I know she would probably ask me to take them down. So I will end here & I hope you all had the sweetest Mama’s day!

From the Mama…

A mother’s most precious gift is her children. Scripture tells us they are a blessing from the Lord. If all mothers were honest, however, there are moments when we are tempted to question the blessing . . . J Like, when you find your daughter eating brown sugar . . . crouched behind the chair . . . ON EASTER SUNDAY MORNING!

But, what you find out, is those frustrating moments are the things we laugh about later – just not at the moment.

Elena, my daughter, is a precious gift of God to me. There are things we are alike on . . . there are areas where we are different, but my greatest joy is that she loves Jesus and desires to live her life for Him.

Doing things together is definitely a big part of the fun! Baking, singing, praying, and of recent, taking writing days together are a few of our fun mother-daughter moments. The memories we make are treasures of the heart. Can we encourage you. . . make good moments with those you love. Let the love of Christ be poured out to others through you! Happy Mother’s Day!

 

Because I knew our Sunday would be very busy with concerts I set up a special outing on Friday to honor my mom & grandma. Guess what?! Mama wanted flowers, (big surprise, hehe)but this time we went to the greenhouse and boy did we have the best time! It may have rained but there was no lack of sunshine in our hearts. -E

               

 

 

 

  Hey friends! I have been missing all of you! Last week was so busy and it really didn’t slow down until today! It’s been a “good-kind-of busy” though. I ventured to SC last week for a mini vacation and we also went to Nashville to begin some work on our new CD. Anyway- I just wanted to say Hi and to let you know that Sunday is Mamas day so we (mama and I) are putting together a blog-post together and we will be sharing that Sat or Sun. Hope you have the best Thursday!

                                                                                 xo-E

“From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth – he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.” Psalm 33:13-15

Misunderstood. It left me weeping. Cutting words. They left me numb. My own reactions – less than perfect. Too late. Judged . . . condemned . . . longing for understanding. Perhaps you’ve been there, too.

And then, through the weeping, the longing, the hoping, the plummeting to the valley’s depth came a voice . . . “Seek not to be understood, seek to understand.”

The journey began. The healing journey. The restoration journey.

The comfort came. The comfort that no matter what “they” THINK – God KNOWS. God knows the rhyme and reason of it all. God knows success and failure – knows them in the earthly, temporal frame – knows them in Heaven’s eyes, and eternal forever.

In my humanity, I wanted them to think well of me. THAT I had to release to God and live as He wanted me to live no matter what “they” thought. The wished for understanding and longed for acceptance was something simply not in my control. These I must surrender . . . and keep surrendering. This robbing of my joy must stop – for truly the strength of the Lord stems from His joy. (Nehemiah 8:10)

Delighting had to come from the concentration on the attribute of our all-knowing Father Who loves.

“Our Father in heaven knows our frame and remembers that we are dust. He knew our inborn treachery, and for His own sake engaged to save us (Isaiah 48:8-11) . . . His knowledge of our afflictions and adversities is more than theoretic; it is personal, warm, and compassionate. Whatever may befall us, God knows and cares as no one else can.” A.W.Tozer

This all-knowing, powerful, loving Father who knows ALL about us, sent His Son save us, gives His Spirit to guide and comfort us, and wraps us in His loving arms with healing hugs of hope. Not rhetoric. Truth.

So . . . no matter what “they” think . . . GOD KNOWS!

By Janene A Dubbeld/FGG

We have turned our weekly scripture e-cards into screensavers for anyone who has an IPhone. All you have to do is click on it and SAVE, then set it to your phone.

 

 

 

 

A girl, a hot hot 180 degree summer, an open tent camp meeting, and one lonely bobby pin. Hopeless situations are made of these things. I’m telling you, you don’t know what humidity is until you only have one bobby pin and a tent full of flies & dead heat. Complete exhaustion mixed with the reminders of your faults- should have bought bobby pins yesterday.

Raise your hand if you ever felt defeated and lost at the sight of all the flaws in the mirror.

(Currently raising every limb)

Maybe the mirror is an invisible one. One that is in your brain and in the back of your pretty little mind speaking negativity every chance it can. This mirror is able to be a kind one but too often it leaves you feeling less than. Or maybe you have two mirrors- a real life, gigantic one that helps you realize the largeness of your onion sized pores & also a mirror that doubles as a time machine, replaying every hurtful thing that ever crossed it. I have two. Do you? Maybe we could trade. HA

There are so many days I wish I could. Days like these I especially can’t put off reading God’s Word and talking with Him. He is the definition of all the good and beauty. He reminds me how special I am and how glad He is that I am His. He speaks sweet things to me, about me and diminishes every thought of ugliness I could ever ponder.

For His glory and because of His love, He hands me this gift. A gift wrapped in iridescent comfort tied in a ribbon that leaves you craving for more of this over-and-above love.

In Isaiah 60 at the tail end of verse 19 it says “But the Lord will be to you an everlasting light. And your God your glory.”

I love that: He IS to ME an EVERLASTING light. He shines positivity in the shadows and is a constant ray of love when feeling unlovable. For always and always and always-He is here…with me…forever. Speaking truth when lies penetrate our joy and leave us shaken. He has made you enough so forsake the lies of feeling less than. He is enough for you when your discouragement is too much. He is our glory, the reason to sing and praise. So talk with Him today, read on in The Word about His unfailing love and don’t forget to listen. He thinks your pretty incredible and can’t stop thinking of you.

That my dear friend is the bobby pin truth!

With Love and for Him,

Elena

Interested in a FREE screensaver for your IPhone? Click save on the photo and then set it into place!!Here at BR4TS we believe in keeping the word of God close to our hearts and at our fingertips as much as possible. That’s why we have started giving out a FREE screensaver designed by us. Enjoy