Life Is An Adventure ~ God Is My Tour Guide

"Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
(KJV)



Since beginning our minimizing journey a few years ago, my family and I have learned to value experiences above physical possessions.  For example, we are far more inclined to visit a garden, hiking trail, or waterfall than we are to spend money buying things.
We are also learning to be far more accepting of life's ebb and flow because we understand more fully that happenstance and coincidence are not in God's vocabulary, and everything that touches our lives has passed through His hand first.

As you may or may not have noticed, trust does not come easy for me.  I worry and fret, not just a little—a LOT.  Mom always told me, "Cheryl, when you're worrying, you're not trusting; when you're trusting, you're not worrying."  Very true statement of the obvious, but a way-too-often-needed reminder.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:34, "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."  (KJV)

Can you imagine what life would be like lived just this way?  Living life one day at a time, taking no thought of the possibility that there will be a tomorrow.  Not looking too far ahead.  Just breathing in the here and now, savoring our days, milking the moments for all they're worth, wringing out every drop of life and allowing God to do all of the "worrying."  Obviously, then worry would no longer exist because God doesn't worry.  He doesn't need to.  He is sovereign.
So, what if we lived our lives with no thought of tomorrow?  Isn't this the way Jesus lived His?   He either went out and prayed all night long or started praying very early in the day, seeking God's will and direction.  Just as God provided manna on a daily basis for the Israelites in the wilderness, He gave Jesus daily instructions for each day of life.
Jesus allowed nothing to stand in the way of the continual spontaneity of His Father's orchestration.
Nothing dictated His days, hours, and moments except His Father's guidance.

What if we allowed Jesus to renew our minds and convince us into living our lives just this way?
Recently, as I was praying, seeking Him with my whole heart, I heard,

"Look at life as an adventure, with Me as your tour guide."

I don't know about you, but when I hear the word "adventure," I suddenly feel a sense of happy excitement.  Who doesn't love an adventure, right?  I never thought of viewing life that way.

As I have been carefully considering His words, I started thinking about different tourist places we have visited through the years, and how we would, without worry or care, put our tour/adventure in the hands of an experienced tour guide.  We would never have thought of trying to navigate ourselves, because we were totally unfamiliar with the area, special sites, pitfalls, etc.  So, we would get on the bus, tram, horse-drawn carriage, or whatever other means of transportation, and we would listen to the things the tour guide would point out.  We would trust him/her to lead the way and keep us on the right track.  We trusted in the tour guide's experience and knew it would be the means of making our first-time adventure as enriched as it possibly could be.  We never one time doubted the tour guide's assessment, factual accuracy, or advice because it was understood that he/she possessed a familiarity with the area that we knew nothing about.  How ridiculous and absurd it would have been to snatch the reins from our tour guide and attempt to guide the tour ourselves!  I hate to think where we would have ended up.  The tour guide obviously lived in the area or spent enough time there to become personally familiar and comfortable educating tourists who were just passing through.

The thought of fully releasing the reins of life to God and allowing Him to guide life's tour is extremely liberating.
It sends an enormous wave of relief over my overly-worried, anxiety-ridden spirit.

Relief is mixed with gratitude that I am not in control, and I am not expected to be!

Hallelujah, and what a load off my mind!

I am not flailing on life's ocean without Divine Providence.

Everything that is taking place is supposed to be happening.

I am right where I am intended to be.

All of my days are in God's hand—the safest place in the world because He is the One who made me.

"Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began."  Psalm 139:16  (CSB)

A Master Builder planned each one of our lives, right down to every, single moment we will ever live and breathe.
Isn't that a comforting realization?

He orders our steps.

He not only planned even the most minute details of our lives, but He became a human and walked in a body of flesh for 33 years, so He could become personally acquainted and experienced with "life's tour."

He knows the way.

He IS the way.

Following the example of His earthly pilgrimage leads us to God, which is the path to peace.

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."  John 14:6  (ESV)

Here are five basic suggestions for optimizing this "tour" called life.

#1.  Acknowledge your need for a tour guide.
"I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps."  Jeremiah 10:23  (ESV)

#2.  Trust the tour guide.
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."  Proverbs 3:5-6  (KJV)
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."  Jeremiah 29:11  (ESV)
"And He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”  Exodus 33:14  (ESV)
"Nevertheless, I am continually with You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward, You will receive me to glory."  Psalm 73:23-24  (ESV)

#3.  Relax, knowing you will always be told what to do.

"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."  Isaiah 30:21  (ESV)
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you."  Psalm 32:8  (ESV)
"The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives."  Psalm 37:23  (NLT)
"Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go."  Isaiah 48:17  (ESV)
"For You are my rock and my fortress; and for Your name's sake You lead me and guide me."
Psalm 31:3  (ESV)
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."  John 14:26  (ESV)

#4.  Follow the tour guide's instructions.
"To him, the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear His voice, and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. When He has brought out all His own, He goes before them, and the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice."  John 10:3-4  (ESV)
"He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble His way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies."
Psalm 25:9-10  (ESV)

#5.  Enjoy the adventure!
Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
John 10:10  (KJV)
"Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will He instruct in the way that He should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He makes known to them His covenant. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net."  Psalm 25:12-15  (ESV)

"For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure."

Philippians 2:13  (ESV)
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."  Isaiah 41:10  (KJV)

We won't be here forever.
We are just visiting tourists, passing through, then passing on.
God created this world, and He came to physically live in it.
He knows it inside out—everything about it is familiar to Him.
He not only created this world, He created you and me.
He knows us inside out—everything about us is familiar to Him.
He is ordering every one of our days.
Surrendering our free will to His Divine will is the best and most relieving thing we could ever do.
We don't have to figure anything out because our Tour Guide already knows everything.
He guarantees a beautiful tour and a Heavenly outcome if we stay on board and allow Him to drive!

Guest Post by Evelyn Rennich

Today, on our other blog, Biblical Minimalism, we are featuring our very first guest post ever!

It is written by my sweet, online friend, Evelyn Rennich.  

I am so honored by her presence and hope you can take the time to click HERE to visit and read the timely, edifying words God has laid upon her heart!

Progress Bars

"For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie.
If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."
Habakkuk 2:3
(ESV)

Recently, I took some outdoor photos, assuming I had the memory card inserted into our camera.

Imagine my frustration, when I came back inside to find that the memory card was still in my laptop, and the photos I took were stored on the actual camera where I couldn't transfer them over to my laptop.

"Don't worry, Mama.  All you have to do is transfer them from the camera to the memory card.

It will give you the prompt when you turn on the camera."

Zach was exactly right. 

As soon as I turned on the camera, the prompt appeared, I hit a button, and the photos began transferring over to the memory card.

As they transferred, a little progress bar appeared, showing me exactly where we were in the process and how much longer it would take to complete.

I don't know what it is, but progress bars comfort me.

They let me know that I am not wasting time—that something useful is going on behind the scenes and under the surface.

Even though my impatience grows if the progress takes longer than I think it should,

especially if I am in a hurry, think how much more frustrating it would be, if there were no progress bar proving that at least something productive is happening.

Don't you wish there were such things as spiritual progress bars?
Wouldn't it be nice if there were screens we could open and view little progressive lines in the center showing us how much spiritual progress we are making and how much more work needs to be done?

Source

Wouldn't it be nice if we were able to "click" on something that would show us just how much farther we had to press before reaching our goal of Heaven?


Source
What about in the trials of life?
Can you imagine how nice it would be to know how much of the trial has already been walked through and how much more still remains?


Source

Waiting on the Lord, without knowing how much longer the wait will be, can be agonizing.
Especially if you struggle with patience impatience like I do.
Here are a few things I am learning while sitting "idly" in God's waiting room.

#1.  God's timing is His own.
One thing about progress bars ~ once they start, you can't rush them.
You can kick and scream at your screen and complain continually, but the progress is going to go as slowly or as quickly as it is designed to go.
I can still hear my dear Mom's words to me so many times,
"Cheryl, you cannot rush God.  God has His own timetable."
Regardless of how much I grumble, God will advance my time in the waiting room at His own speed.

"Though the mills of God grind slowly; yet they grind exceeding small;
Though with patience He stands waiting, with exactness grinds He all."
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"He hath made everything beautiful in His time: also He hath set the world in their heart so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end."
Ecclesiastes 3:11  (KJV)

#2.  God is always working.
I may be sitting "idly" by but God is never idle.
However slow the progress may be, it is happening.
He doesn't waste a minute.
He never misses an opportunity.
The mills may be grinding slowly, but they are grinding.
"But Jesus replied, My Father is always working, and so am I."
John 5:17  (NLT)

#3.  Waiting produces strength.
However futile a span of waiting may seem to be, I always find out later that I am stronger for having waited.
Waiting requires stillness—a discontinuance of activity.
Waiting forces me to stop moving—something I don't like, but something that is necessary.
As I sit, waiting on God, parts of me that are so tired and weary from the fight begin to heal and be regenerated, and when God appears on the scene with the answer to my prayers, I walk forward with refreshed and renewed vigor.
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31  (KJV)

#4.  Despite my misconceptions, the fact is, sometimes God is waiting on me.
Over the course of 41 years of living a Christian life, I have noticed a pattern.
There are times, in the waiting room, when it turns out that God is waiting for me to reach a place of deep-seated contentment before He makes His next move.
Sometimes, He wants me to come to terms with the fact that things may always stay the way they are, however unpleasant that may happen to be.
He knows the desires of the heart, and He hears every prayer that is prayed, but His answer may not come until I surrender my preferences to Him and, from the heart, I say, "Thy will be done."
It has happened too many times in my own life for me not to pay attention to the fact that though I am sitting in God's waiting room, it is, very often, actually God who is waiting on me to stop squirming.
"Then the LORD said to me, ‘You have been traveling around this mountain country long enough. Turn northward."  Deuteronomy 2:2-3  (ESV)

#5.  However long it takes, God is my only hope.

Turning away from Him, blaming Him, or being angry with Him is pure foolishness.

If God doesn't help, who will?

Who can?

"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him."  Psalm 62:5  (ESV)

“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You."  Psalm 39:7  (ESV)

"The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him."  Lamentations 3:25 (ESV)

Physical waiting rooms are one of my least favorite places to be.

God's waiting room can seem even more difficult because I am a doer.

I want to jump right in and "help" Him out.

I think things should happen in a certain manner and in a particular order and by a personally-preferred and specified time.

God does not need my help.

God is omniscient—all-knowing.

God is omnipotent—all-powerful.

God is omnipresent—everywhere at the same time.

"God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him."

Jim Elliot

More often than not, when it comes to receiving God's best—waiting is involved.

The great thing is that it is always worth the wait.

Happy 1st Birthday, Baby Eli!

"And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them: and His disciples rebuked those that brought them.  But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, 'Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.  Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.'  And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them."
Mark 10:13-16
(KJV)

Jesus truly has a special place in His heart for little children.
They are beyond precious to Him.
His eyes are upon them from the moment of their conception, and they are on His mind long before they are even conceived.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Jeremiah 1:5
(ESV)

"For it was You who formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb."
Psalm 139:13
(Berean Study Bible)

Can you believe one whole year has gone by since my niece, Kristen, gave birth to her precious baby boy, Eli?

I don't know when a year has passed so quickly!

To all of the new subscribers here, I say a hearty "Welcome!" and I would like to explain about Kristen and Eli.

Shortly after finding out she was expecting a baby, Kristen collapsed in the Emergency Room and was found to have a blood clot in her lung.
It was a long, hard road for her, and many of you dear readers helped to pray her through so many times.
We are SO grateful for all of your faithful prayers, and this is the amazing result of God answering them!
Remember this day?

Kristen and Baby Eli, shortly after he was born

What a sweet, precious, little bundle of joy!
A perfectly healthy angel, sent straight from Heaven to bless the lives of everyone around him.
God is so good.

Recently, the little fellow celebrated one full year of life.
Isn't he just adorable?
I know I may be just a bit biased, but even though, he is just a living dollbaby!

Eli on his first birthday!

What a smilestone!
It is just so hard to imagine that he could already be a year old!
He is such a happy, healthy little guy, and is surely a miracle, in so many ways.
Every day I pray that God will bless him and keep him healthy and safe.
He is surely one prayed-for little boy, and I hope one day I can explain to him about all of the precious people who prayed for him even before he was born.

God truly does answer prayer, dear friends.
Eli is living proof!
Whatever you are going through ~ nothing is too hard for Him.
Things could have turned out far different for Kristen and Eli, and I have no doubt in my mind that it was because of the earnest prayers that went up on their behalf that all is well with them today.

Every time I think of little Eli and God's faithfulness to him and our family,
I am reminded once again that no matter how dark things look, God never loses control, and nothing is impossible for Him.

I leave you with five of my favorite Scriptures to cling to in such times of distress and also a special song dedicated to sweet, little Eli.
I hope they will encourage you.
Stay tuned for an upcoming Inner Views interview with none other than Eli's mommy herself sometime in the near future!
I can't wait to share her thoughts with you here!

"Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for Me?"
Jeremiah 32:27
(KJV)

"And Jesus looking upon them said, 'With men, it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible."
Mark 10:27
(King James 2000 Bible)

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
Isaiah 41:10
(KJV)

"Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6
(Berean Study Bible)

"The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."
Psalm 9:9
(ESV)


Thank God for Kids ~ The Oak Ridge Boys

A Few Of My Favorite Things

"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy."

I Timothy 6:17

(KJV)

Today, I thought I'd lighten up the subject matter a bit and write a fun post, instead.
I love learning more about the bloggers I follow and thought perhaps you may enjoy that, too!
So, here are a few of my favorite things.

#1.  My dear, old, trusted Bible.

Its cover is tattered and torn, the pages are well-marked and highlighted from over 31 years of use, the hours we've spent together are many, and I wouldn't trade it for all the money in the world.  It is still the Bible I regularly read, and my most precious earthly possession.

#2.  Spending time with Jesus.

One of my favorite things to do is pray, and one of my favorite places to pray is outside overlooking the river.  It invites me to get real quiet before Him—still enough to clearly hear His voice.  I love to pray out there at night, too.  Even though I can't see the river, I know it is there.  I can hear it gently flowing, its calming movement mixing with other sounds of the night.  Speaking of the river, we have been enjoying getting acquainted with the goose family that has been gracing us with visits this spring and summer.  There's a mama, a papa, and six little babies.

It is fun to watch them grow.  Each time they drop by for a visit and bread or crackers, they are a little bit bigger.  They haven't stopped by for several days, but we've spotted them visiting other spots in the neighborhood while we are out and about on our daily walks.

#3.  Walking through life with the dearest man and sweetest boy.

One of the most precious blessings of my life is getting to share each day with Kevin and Zach.

This is what we see on our walks together.

The serenity of the mountains and the river draws me in, and it is not at all unusual for the praise in me to well up and burst forth in the form of, "How Great Thou Art!"  Yes, I have been known to sing it as we walk, and there may or may not have been people around.  God has done SO much more for me than I will ever deserve.  How can I keep from singing?

#4.  Recently, dear, sweet Zach spent his own money and surprised me with a Wonder Bible!

I was so deeply touched by his thoughtfulness and generosity.  Zach is so precious.  I will never, ever, ever stop praising God for sending Zach to us right when He did and for allowing Kevin and me to finally have a child of our own and to be Zach's parents.  This Wonder Bible is downright amazing.  It has already proven to be such a blessing to me, and I love to listen to it as I am going to sleep.  What a sweet and perfect gift!  Thank you, dear Zach, from the bottom of my heart!

#5.  The P.O.W.E.R. Tool©

This truly is a powerful tool in helping me stay on track, both spiritually and physically.  If you haven't downloaded your FREE copy yet, please click here, and help yourself!  I keep my P.O.W.E.R. Tool© on the table next to my recliner, so I am continually reminded throughout the day to pray, reach out to others, drink water, exercise, and read my Bible.  I hope you will try it and see how much it helps to motivate and inspire you, too!

#6.  Plexus Slim Pink Drink

I cannot say enough good things about this stuff!  I had tried it several years ago, and then I got slack and stopped ordering it.  I didn't realize how much it was helping me until I stopped taking it.

Recently, I started back on it, and boy, can I tell a difference!!  It keeps my hunger at bay and helps to regulate my sugar levels, but the best part of it is that it gives me energy and just makes me feel better. 

Kevin and I love the pink drink so much, we became ambassadors!  So if you would like to try some, 

we would be ever so grateful for your support!  Just click HERE to place an order!  Better yet, I hope you will consider becoming an ambassador, too!  The discounts are worth it!  If you're interested, please drop us an email.  

#7.  Trim Healthy Mama Gentle Sweet Sweetener

Since I am trying so hard to lose weight, (you can read about it here where I share about facing obesity head-on), along with taking Plexus Slim Pink Drink every day, I am closely monitoring my carb intake.  This means I had to pretty much totally give up honey.  😢  BUT, never fear!  THM Gentle Sweet is an answer to my sweet cravings.  I started using it a few months ago, and it has become my new go-to sweetener.  It is healthy, too, (NO aspartame~it is Stevia-based), and the flavor is amazing with no bitter aftertaste.  Hooray!

#8.  Therma-Lou.

As I may have mentioned, I am trying SO hard to lose weight, and part of my commitment to The P.O.W.E.R.© Tool is to drink a personally-specified amount of water each day.  This handy-dandy insulated water bottle is an amazing help!  It was a gift from my niece, Kristen, the one so many of you helped to pray through her pregnancy last year.  (You may remember that she had a blood clot in her lung throughout much of her pregnancy, and there were so many scary moments.  But, God in His infinite mercy and faithfulness pulled her and her precious baby, Eli, through, and he is now one year old!)  Kristen gave this gift with the intention of it being Kevin's Christmas gift last year, but shamefully, I hi-jacked it shortly after it arrived in our home!!!  It is just wonderful!  It keeps my water cold for HOURS, I kid you not.  I can fill it with ice today, and by tomorrow morning, the ice has not melted.  I LOVE this thing!  

Okay, I am sure by now, you are wondering about its name—Therma-Lou.  Well, that, my friends, is a long story, and I wanted to catch you before you start storming Google with questions like, "Where can I buy Therma-Lou?"  Let me explain.

My goal is to take water with me wherever I go so I can keep up with my water drinking commitment throughout the day.  I am forever forgetting "her" and calling out things like, "Zach, would you mind grabbing my drink-thermos-water-thing on your way to the car?"  So, we decided it was time this little beauty be given a name all her own.  Barney Fife and his girlfriend, Thelma Lou, came to mind, and I got this bright idea to alter her name just a bit, replacing the "L" with an "R" and name our water bottle in her honor.  So, there, you have it!  The ever faithful, Miss Therma-Lou!

(Just in case you want to try to find one like it, and should you happen to get strange, blank stares if you approach a store employee and ask for "Therma-Lou," I wanted to share a picture of the name brand shown on the bottom.)

#9.  Water Flavoring Packets

I don't know about you, but I can quickly become bored with drinking plain water.  So, to keep things interesting and to make sure I stay on track with my water drinking each day, we started buying these super-handy flavoring packets.  I just fill "Therma-Lou" with ice, open a bottled water and mix the flavoring packet in, then pour it over the ice.  I prefer not to use the ones with artificial sweeteners but will use them in a pinch.  The brands I love most are True Lime & True Lemon.  They are sweetened with Stevia, and you can buy them at Walmart.  They are delicious and really keep me motivated to keep drinking water.  I LOVE being able to record as many check marks as possible on that P.O.W.E.R. Tool© sheet at the end of the day!

#10.  Coffee

If you've been reading here for very long at all, you probably already know that I love coffee!  I am always on the search for great-tasting, rich, bold-flavored coffee that packs a powerful punch.  And, there is this certain quality that I look for in a coffee taste—I hardly know how to describe it, but it has to leave a certain strong coffee aftertaste.  Does that make sense?

I have mentioned The Spice Merchant's coffee here before so you may remember how crazy I am about it.

(Get it, Jamaican Me Crazy?  Never mind.  😂)  This coffee is out of this world.

Today, I also wanted to mention another coffee company that we were just recently introduced to.  Let me just tell you that I've been drinking this coffee every day, and it is amazing!  Oh, the aroma!

When you open the bag, you can't just take a quick, little sniff.  You have to inhale—deeply—and linger.  The scent is wonderful, but only a small glimpse of the flavor to come!  And don't you just love the name?

Solid Ground Coffee

I love to support Christian businesses, and when it means there is coffee involved, I'm all in!  By the way, the owner's mama just happens to be one of our favorite singers in all the world, too.  She is none other than sweet Karen Peck Gooch of Karen Peck & New River!  So, why not stop by and visit Matt Gooch at Solid Ground Coffee, & show him some loving support?  (Have you ever heard him play the guitar?  All I can say is, wow!  He is super-talented!)

The antique coffee canister in the photo is a cherished, long-ago gift that Kevin bought for me during one of our times antiquing.  I love the way it looks, but I mostly love it because Kevin bought it for me.  The pretty mug was another gift from my niece, Kristen—yes, this mug was actually intended for me!

I love the mug so much.  It has become my favorite, and I think of Kristen every day when I use it.

As you can see, I love to combine some of my favorite things and pray outside by the river while sipping a cup of fresh-made coffee.  The words on the mug say it all!

Speaking of coffee—

#11.  Keurig Coffee Pot

Oh, my, I love my Keurig so much!  Kevin and Zach bought it for my birthday last year, and I can't begin to say how much I enjoy using it each day!  It gets a workout and keeps on brewing!

#12.  KRUPS Coffee Grinder

When it comes to coffee taste quality, there is no substitute for buying whole coffee beans and grinding them fresh.  In order to ensure the best quality of freshness, I usually only grind enough coffee beans to last for about 2-3 days at a time.  This little appliance is a gem!

It is the perfect size and so easy to use!  After I grind the beans, I store the grounds in the antique coffee tin.  It just makes me smile.  I love making coffee for Kevin and Zach, too.  They like flavored creamers and enjoy trying different ones.  I stick to a limited amount of 1/2 & 1/2 in mine.  There is only ONE gram of carbs in 2 Tablespoons of the Walmart brand!  YEAH!  I feel like a professional barista whipping up a coffee treat for each of us every afternoon!  Those little things in life mean a lot everything.

#13.  Old canning jars.

We've been collecting old, antique jars for many years.  As you can see, we love to make daily use of them and not just keep them for display.  Since we have started an intense minimizing journey, possessions that earn the right to stay in our home have to meet one of three requirements—we have to either need, use, or enjoy them.  We got rid of a lot of our old jars, but we held on to certain special ones, and we are finding ways to bring new life to them.  You may have noticed that we store our THM Gentle Sweet in an old, blue canning jar.  I simply cut the label off the plastic bag and taped it inside the jar, to identify the contents.  We use old, blue canning jars to store several things inside our kitchen cupboards and outside, too, including a way to display pretty marbles.

#14.  McCall's Candles

Oh, my!  I wish there was a "sniff here" button on your computer screen!!  Kevin and I recently celebrated our 30th year anniversary!  YES, I said 30 years!!  Oh, God has been SO good to us.  We praise Him from the bottom of our hearts.  Kevin spoiled me and was so kind and thoughtful, as always.  This McCall's candle was one of my anniversary gifts, and I have been enjoying it ever since.  The fragrance of this one is "State Fair," and I can't even describe how wonderful it smells.  It permeates throughout the whole room and is just amazing.

#15.  Primitives, Antiques, & Homespun Decor

During our minimizing, we have let go of about 90% of our possessions and moved to a much smaller living space, but we have chosen to keep the things that fill our home with comfort and a sense of peace and add value to our everyday lives.  Things like this darling "Homespun" box dear Zach recently bought for me.

Isn't it just adorable?  The word "homespun" caught his eye and made him think of Homespun Devotions, and he, of course, is well acquainted with my weakness for quilts and anything primitive or old-looking.

#16.  Dad's old banjo & bluegrass music.

Some of my sweetest childhood memories have to do with the times my dear Daddy took out his five-string banjo and played for us.  Many a family get-together was centered around music, and from my earliest childhood memories, I can recall singing that high lonesome sound Vince Gill sings about.  So many who were in those gatherings have been called home to Heaven, and the void they left behind will never be filled.  I could easily burst into tears each time I hear certain songs or a banjo playing.  When I was in 8th grade, Mom and Dad bought me my first guitar, and through the years Dad taught me to play.  I have always wanted to learn to play the banjo, too, but like Dad always said, "If you can't learn the roll, you just can't play the banjo."  Though Dad patiently tried many times, I just couldn't get it so I would listen to him play and back him up on the guitar.  I miss singing with him and Mom more than I could ever put into words.  Dad didn't own many earthly possessions when he died.  I cherish the few things he left behind, but this banjo means more to me than anything else.  Each one of the memories attached to this old banjo means the world to me.  I'll close this post with a few of the songs we used to sing and play together.  

The Bluebirds Are Singing For Me ~ Mac Wiseman & The Osborne Brothers

I think one of the reasons we love Blind Pig & The Acorn so much is because they remind us of Mom and Dad and other family members and the precious times we used to have singing and playing music together.  They sing a lot of our favorite songs, and they are SO talented! 

We felt like we had lost a personal friend when Pap passed away not too long ago.

Click here to check out their youtube channel!

What Can Jesus Do? ~ Blind Pig & The Acorn


Who Will Sing For Me? ~ Paul & Pap Wilson (Blind Pig & The Acorn)


Rank Stranger ~ Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys


Foggy Mountain Breakdown ~ Flatt & Scruggs

Thanks for reading and listening, dear friends!

I'd love to hear about a few of your favorite things, too, should you care to leave a comment!

God bless you!

The Inner Views of Emily Ann Roberts

"Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or discouraged; for the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9

We recently had the special opportunity of meeting the sweet 19-year-old young lady I am interviewing today.

I can tell you that she is as friendly, down-to-earth, and kind as she seems during her concerts.
You may remember her from "The Voice" Season Nine.

I know you will be greatly blessed by her presence here and hope you enjoy getting to know her better!

The 

of 

"The Voice" Season Nine Runner-up Contestant,

Emily Ann Roberts.

Cheryl:  Please introduce yourself and tell us who you are. 

Emily Ann:  Hi! My name is Emily Ann Roberts. I am 19 years old, and I’m pursuing a career in music. I’ve been singing as long as I can remember and truly believe God created me to encourage others through music. I grew up Knoxville, Tennessee and living so close to the Smoky Mountains really influenced my style as an artist. I first started singing in church and then singing in the choir at my middle school. I started playing guitar in the 7th grade and auditioned for the talent show at my school singing a song called “All Your Life” by The Band Perry and won. Winning the talent show gave me some confidence to enter more competitions around town and start playing gigs at restaurants in Knoxville. Fast forward to my sophomore year of high school, I got an email from a casting producer with NBC’s "The Voice", who found me singing a Carrie Underwood song called, “Something In The Water” on YouTube. The Lord opened every door, and one thing led to another, and I finished Runner-up on season 9 of NBC’s "The Voice!" Since my time on the show, I graduated high school and have been working in Nashville writing music for my upcoming country project. I also recorded my first album in August 2017 which is a Christian project named “Bigger Than Me.”

Cheryl:  We would love to hear about your Christian testimony.  How old were you when you became a Christian?  Were you raised in a Christian home?  

Emily Ann:   I was so blessed to be raised in a Christian home. My mom and dad took me and my sister to church every Sunday and are very strong in their faith. I was in elementary school when I really started thinking about salvation and giving my heart to Jesus. I knew I was a sinner and I knew without asking Him into my life I would spend eternity separated from Him. I was so convicted and knew I needed Him in my life, so in December, when I was in the 3rd grade, I prayed with my parents and asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior!

Cheryl:  Who has most impacted your walk with Jesus?  Who has mentored you, influenced you, and prayed for you most?

Emily Ann:  My Mom has been my biggest influence/mentor in my Christian walk. She prays for me daily and has the sweetest heart for people. My mom just has the perfect way of encouraging me and giving Godly wisdom/advice when I need it most. 

Cheryl:  What about that person do you most long to emulate?

Emily Ann:  I love how patient and kind my mom is. She is always thinking of how she could help/encourage someone else, and she is always putting others before herself. I hope to be just like her one day. 

Cheryl:  What is your first singing memory?

Emily Ann:  My first singing memory is riding around in a car seat with my family singing every word to Ricky Skaggs' “Soldier of the Cross” album.

Cheryl:  When did you realize that God has gifted you to sing and that He wanted you to pursue that gift as a career?

Emily Ann:  I don’t think it hit me all of the sudden, but with little things that happened along the way, I became very confident that God had created me to sing. It took me a while to quit overthinking/doubting myself as a singer/artist, but when I finally realized it isn’t all about me and my abilities, but about being obedient to the Lord and confident in the gift God placed inside of me, I became sure that this was what I’m meant to do. The Lord opening up the door to be on "The Voice" was also a huge sign that this was what He created me to do. The doors since then have just flown open.

Cheryl:  Tell us about your life before and your journey to being a participant on "The Voice."

Emily Ann:  I sang a lot in Church and around Knoxville in competitions and restaurants before my time on "The Voice." My dad would record videos of me and post them on YouTube, and we never thought anything about it. A casting producer from the TV show saw me singing on YouTube and invited me to come to a callback audition in Atlanta, GA. I never particularly wanted to be on a singing competition show, but since the opportunity fell in my lap I knew I had to at least go audition, and I’m so thankful I did.

Cheryl:  What was the whole experience of being on "The Voice" like for you?

Emily Ann:  I cannot say enough good things about my time on "The Voice." The production staff, wardrobe team, hair and makeup artists, camera crew, band, drivers, and the coaches were all so amazing to work with. I most enjoyed getting to know the other contestants on the show with me. We went through a crazy life-changing experience together, and we became family during those months working on the show. I learned so much and was so inspired by the other contestants. Not only were the people great, but the show encouraged me to do things that used to scare me and to step out of my comfort zone. it really made me step out of the “box” I had put myself in.

Emily Ann & Ricky Skaggs performing together on "The Voice"

Cheryl:  What are some of your most memorable moments during your time on "The Voice?"

Emily Ann:  Honestly some of my favorite times were spent back at the hotel singing songs with the other contestants. We would have “jam sessions” at night where we would just pass the guitar around and sing together. I remember being so overwhelmed and amazed at the talent that was sitting around me. It was so inspiring. Also working with Blake Shelton was amazing. He is so down to earth and normal. He encouraged me so much and truly helped me come out of my shell. Also, he was always just so fun to be around.

Blake Shelton & Emily Ann performing together on "The Voice"

Cheryl:  How did your faith in God and your Christian walk influence and factor into your decisions and conduct while being a participant on "The Voice?"

Emily Ann:  My faith was the one thing that got me through my time on "The Voice." It was a lot of change and pressure on me as a 16-year-old. It was truly an amazing opportunity, that I wouldn’t trade for anything, but there were a lot of long days and homesick nights. But I knew the Lord had brought me to the show and that he was opening all the doors, so I held tight to the promise that he had good plans for it. I also wanted more than anything to be able to sing a gospel song on the show because I wanted to use the platform the Lord gave me to glorify Him. Thankfully, I was able to sing one of my most favorite gospel songs, “In The Garden,” during the live playoffs. It was amazing to hear stories of how that song touched peoples hearts. I’m still so amazed that God can use someone like me to encourage others and lift the name of Christ.

In The Garden ~ Emily Ann Roberts

Cheryl:  What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your being on "The Voice?"  How has life changed for you? 

Emily Ann:  Blake Shelton introduced me to his management company in Nashville, and I have been working with the team there since I got home from the show. I am so thankful to Blake for making that connection for me. There have been so many amazing opportunities I’ve had since my time on the show. I was able to sing at a Salvation Army Gala in New York City, do the half-time show at Neyland Stadium to honor Pat Summit, make my Grand Ole Opry debut, and play countless shows that have blessed my heart so much. My favorite part of what I get to do is connecting with the people who come to my events. I love hearing their stories and being able to connect with them through music. Another door that opened from "The Voice" is working with Abraham Productions and Ray Flynn Ministries. Ray Flynn saw me singing “In The Garden” on "The Voice" and reached out to have me sing at one of his events. I have been working with him ever since and I’m so grateful to work with him. Ray was the executive producer on my first album “Bigger Than Me,” and without him, I wouldn’t have been able to make the record. 

As far as life-changing, the main things that are different are how busy I am and people recognizing me out places. When I first got home from the show, it was a huge shock how many people recognized me and wanted pictures and autographs. I was in such a bubble out in L.A., and I was so busy doing the show that we never watched the show. It was crazy when It fully sank in that I had been in peoples living rooms on their TVs for months.

Cheryl:  What are your dreams going forward?  

Emily Ann:  My biggest dream going forward is getting my country music done and released! I have been working so hard on it for so long, and I cannot wait to share it with everyone. My prayer is that it touches hearts and encourages and empowers every person who hears it. I want my music to inspire little girls who want to be a country music artist one day the way so many albums inspired me growing up. 

Emily Ann with her parents, Tommy & Kelly Roberts, the night of her Grand Ole Opry debut

Emily Ann performing at the Grand Ole Opry

Cheryl:  How is God working in your life right now?  How is He leading you? 

Emily Ann:  God is showing me in this season of life to take one day at a time. I have to daily surrender my life and path to Him knowing that His plan and timing is far better than anything I could come up with. I’m a fixer, and I am not very patient, but the Lord is showing me that some of the sweetest times are in the unknown seasons of life. when I do not know what the next step is or what tomorrow will look like. It is so sweet to know that God has specific plans for each of our lives, and He loves us and cares for us. 

Cheryl:  Who lays most heavily upon your heart?  Who do you most long to reach through your music? 

Emily Ann:  I would love for my music to reach everyone and encourage all ages of people, but most of all, I would love to make an impact on young people. Middle school, High school, and college are hard years for most kids, and I would love to be a light to them. Whether it's with a song that reminds a girl of her worth or a song that they can turn up on their radio that just makes them happy. I want my music to make people feel empowered and give them hope. I want it to inspire them to follow the passions the Lord has placed in their hearts and give them peace and encouragement in the “in-between” seasons of life.

Cheryl:  When people come to hear you sing, what do you want them to take away from the experience?

Emily Ann:   When people come to hear me sing, most of all, I want them to leave knowing they have a Heavenly Father who loves them and wants a relationship with them. I also want them to be able to have a great time. I want for my shows to be a fun, safe place where people can forget about all the stuff going on in their life and just relax and enjoy music. I want them to be able to smile, laugh, cry, feel empowered, nostalgic, confident and loved. I want them to know that if God could use a small town, simple girl like me, then He can use them, too. No dream is too big- if they want to be a doctor or an astronaut, or a teacher, or whatever; I hope by seeing me live my dreams, they are encouraged that theirs can be a reality also.

Cheryl:  In a culture that is becoming increasingly hostile toward God, His Word, and His cause, how do you remain grounded and firm in your Christian faith?  What keeps you steadfast amid strong pressure to be silent about your walk with Christ and conform to political correctness?

Emily Ann:  I cannot live without Christ and His word. I know that society is against God but I can not stay silent about him. The Lord changed my life and I want everyone to experience the life I have with Christ. My friends, family, and church have kept me grounded through my journey, and I’m so thankful for the support and prayer they give me.

From Left to Right:  Emily's Boyfriend, Chris Sasser; Emily Ann; Brother-in-law, Tyler Morgan; Sister, Abigail Morgan; Mother, Kelly Roberts; Father, Tommy Roberts 

Cheryl:  What is your advice to teenagers/young people who are striving with all their might to remain true to Christ and swim upstream against such strong opposition?

Emily Ann:  Lean on God with all you have. He will give you the strength to stand firm against temptation and worldly desires. I know it's hard to walk the narrow road, but it is so, so worth it in the end. All the things people chase after in this world will amount to nothing but destruction. Christ came to give life and give it abundantly. He is your portion and all you need. He satisfies every longing your heart could have. Keep reading His word and trusting Him in your life. Also, get involved in a Bible study with other believers your age. There is nothing like having friends to read Scripture with you, hold you accountable, and encourage you.

Chris Sasser & Emily Ann

Cheryl:  Having been a part of your live audience twice, my family and I have experienced first hand the powerful anointing of the Holy Spirit that is present when you sing.  Please share with us about some of the most memorable demonstrations of His presence you have witnessed during your concerts, thus far.

Emily Ann:   It always amazes me how the Lord moves when we let go and let him have his way. The Lord has moved so much during the events with Abraham Productions. There is nothing like looking out at a group of believers with their hands lifted toward Heaven, praising the name of Jesus and knowing I get to have a part in that. Seeing chains break and walls fall down is the most amazing part of what I get to do. Music is so powerful, and the Lord has shown His power through it countless times with people coming to know Him at the events.

Emily Ann performing with the Isaacs

Cheryl:  When do you feel most anointed by God while singing?  Are there particular songs that consistently bless and move you and your audience into a special time of intimate worship?

Emily Ann:  I feel like God uses different songs in different seasons, so it varies which song I feel blesses me and the audience the most. As far as when I feel most anointed, I truly feel like God uses me most when I fully lay down everything and just worship Him. I try not to worry about the words or the notes but focus on my heart and on worshipping Him. 

Cheryl:  Please tell us about your CD.  What songs are on it?  What are your favorite songs to sing?  How can we buy it?

Emily Ann:  My CD is called “Bigger Than Me,” and it came out last August. It is a mix of old hymns, current songs, and a few original songs written by myself and some of my co-writers in Nashville. My favorite songs to sing off my album are “This Blood,” “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow,” and “Bless This Mess.” Unfortunately, the only way to purchase one of my CDs is to come to my shows. We do not sell this album digitally.

Cheryl:  How can we pray for you during this season of your life and career?

Emily Ann:  Please pray that I am able to reach the people who need encouragement and the truth most and for strength, peace, discernment to know where God is leading me.

Thank you ever so much for sharing your time and inner views with us, Emily Ann!

May God continue to bless you and use you and your music ministry in new and powerful ways!

You can connect with Emily Ann by visiting her at her website, on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and her YouTube channel, 

Thanks so much for reading, and please keep Emily Ann in your prayers, dear friends!

To read previous

click the links below.

The Inner Views of Joshua Becker

The Inner Views of Lisa Newton

The Inner Views of Dr. Alveda King

The Inner Views of Jen Avellaneda

The Inner Views of Tonya Shellnutt

The Inner Views of Karen Del Tatto

The Inner Views of Evelyn Rennich

The Inner Views of Bob Sellers

The Inner Views of Kelly Bowling

The Inner Views of The Benham Brothers

The Inner Views of Beth Willis Miller

The Inner Views of Rodney Griffin

The Inner Views of Joni Eareckson Tada

The Inner Views of Gayle Cox

The Inner Views of Wayne Mobley

The Inner Views of Chris West

The Inner Views of Gail Purath

The Inner Views of Shyla Brown

The Inner Views of Mary Zatkalik

The Inner Views of Robin McCarter

The Inner Views of Dayle Shockley

The Inner Views of Serena Smith-Williams

The Inner Views of Lindsay Huggins

The Inner Views of Holly Barrett

The Inner Views of Michele Morin

The Inner Views of Lyli Dunbar

The Inner Views of Wanda Ward

The Inner Views of Lisa Avellan

The Inner Views of Zachary Smith

The Inner Views of Sarah Davison

The Inner Views of Stephanie Hoium

The Inner Views of Jason B. Ladd

The Inner Views of Jim Daly

The Inner Views of Caroline Harries

The Inner Views of Lovelle Gerth-Myers
The Inner Views of Carole West
The Inner Views of Allie Casazza
The Inner Views of Victor S E Moubarak
The Inner Views of Will Graham

The Inner Views of Betty Draper

The Inner Views of Barronelle Stutzman
The Inner Views of Brackin & Lindsay Kirkland

The Inner Views of Donna Reidland
The Inner Views of Bettie Gilbert
The Inner Views of Marlin and Becky Bontrager

The Inner Views of Dr. Michelle Bengtson
The Inner Views of Eddie & Sherry Richards
The Inner Views of Susan Whisnant