2012 Greetings From The Huyett Family

New Year's Day

We hope this letter finds you well and joyfully preparing for the Holiday Season. As 2011 drew to a close our family participated in the New Year's Eve Resolution Run in State College. It was a fun family event that many from our church attended together. Training for a 5K was a rewarding experience for me, and I have since begun to build my endurance for greater distances. I hope to be able to participate in at least a half marathon sometime in 2013. One of the greatest things about trying something that you never expected to do is that it can inspire others to step out of their comfort zone and strive for new goals. I thank God for using me in this way, and using others to help keep me motivated.

Disc Golf

Eric had to do some traveling for work again this year and spent some time in Australia as well as Denver. He continues to play softball and volleyball as the seasons change. Eric is serving as a deacon at our church now, and he also volunteers as the treasurer for the Employee Benefit Organization at work as well as the Music Booster Club at the Middle School/High School. When he has free time he enjoys going out to play a round or two of disc golf, and periodically will still lead the family to a geocache or two. The children have become so busy with activities that it is difficult to plan as many family outings as we used to take.

 

Can You Find Cody and Austin?

Austin and Heather both participated in the drama club this year, and Cody and Austin each participated in their first year of Track and Field. Cody threw discus and shot put, and Austin was in the high jump, triple jump, 4x400 meter relay and the 4x100 meter relay. The two boys also marched in the Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. The rest of us took a charter bus down for the day to watch them. For all but Eric it was our first visit to Our Nation's Capitol.

First Day of School

Heather joined the marching band this summer and all three of the older children marched in the field show at our high school football games this fall. Cody played trumpet, Austin played the sousaphone, and Heather played saxophone. We have a neat story about Cody's instrument that you can read about in my blog post called The Silver Trumpet. Darren started playing trumpet now that he is in fourth grade. Austin will put away his sousaphone for the season and concentrate on trombone, and all four students will participate in concert bands for the remainder of the school year. Cody is now in tenth grade, Austin is in eighth, and Heather is in seventh.

Kinzua Bridge State Park

The kids were all involved in soccer again this year. Cody played defense on the High School JV team, Austin played keeper for the Boys Jr. High team, Heather played defense on the girls Jr. High team, and Darren played a variety of positions on Bald Eagle Youth Soccer's team TNT. I volunteered as registrar for the youth soccer program. With all of the kid's fall activities Eric and I spent a lot of our time in concession stands and on bleachers. We also had the opportunity once again to work at a Penn State concession stand with a group from our church. Now that the fall activities have wound down we are thankful for a bit of a break as we look forward to the holiday. 

Mother's Day

For me it's been a year of growth and blessing, but it hasn't been an easy one. I struggled with emotional issues for the first half of the year, but I am sure that God was working all things together for my good every step of the way. I am thankful that He brought me through that time and is helping me move forward in His plan for my life. 

Our 16th Anniver

Addressing our cards this year was a prayerful time for me as I remembered each recipient. Signing each card together as a family was also a very special event. May you find that 2013 is filled with more blessings than you can count, and may each one cause you to turn your heart to God in praise and thanksgiving. Jesus gave His life for us, let us live our lives for Him.

 ♥JMH♥

 

The Silver Trumpet

Cody wanted a silver trumpet.  We have been talking about it for a while now.  He had been using the same beginner trumpet that was handed down to him from a friend when he was in the fourth grade, and it seemed it was time to reward his efforts with a more advanced model, but he really wanted it to be silver.  Last Thursday I took all four kids to the used instrument sale at State College High School, because Austin's trombone has been broken for a year now, and he has been borrowing one from the school.  We found a trombone for Austin, and Cody found a silver trumpet that he thought would be perfect.  The price tag did not agree with our budget though, and we had to walk out without it.  Cody was devastated.  My heart was nearly broken for him.  I sat in the Suburban practically paralyzed.  I couldn't go back in and buy it, but I could barely stand to pull out of the parking lot.  Cody finally asked that we just leave, and I told him that I really thought we needed to start praying for God to provide the right trumpet at the right price.  I began praying about it immediately and took the kids to Dairy Queen hoping to cheer up my very sad boy, but it didn't really work.

The next evening we were working with the Music Boosters in the concession stand at our high school football game.  Eric was standing near the window talking to a friend about the previous evening and how disappointed Cody was.  At just that moment a woman was walking past and the words "silver trumpet" commanded her attention.  She asked Eric if he was looking for a silver trumpet, told him that she had one and the price she was willing to part with it for, and gave him her name and number.  I could hardly help  declaring to my fellow music boosters that it was an answer to prayer. 

My Happy Boy!

This week we got in touch with her, and when I told her about my prayer, I discovered that our faith is common ground.  She told me that it is very unlike her to overhear another person's conversation, or to sell things that belonged to her children, but just the previous week she had gotten in touch with a music store about putting the instrument on consignment.  Before I went to meet her, Eric and I found that we were in complete agreement that we should offer her a certain price for the instrument.  It was one of those times when we both had the same idea before saying it out loud. It was the strangest "business deal."  Each of us was so determined to treat the other fairly that we had a hard time settling on a price.  It was completely backward from the way a transaction usually works.  I tried to give her more than she was asking because I didn't want to take advantage of her, and she insisted on staying with the lower price.  We finally agreed on a compromise, and after I wrote the check she told me that she wanted me to remember that she was content with the lower price and that she would be putting the extra money in her tithe check for her church.  

Praise be to God!  Both my new friend and I are convinced that God was in total control of the whole affair, and that Cody's silver trumpet is indeed an answer to prayer.  I got to watch him play it at the football game tonight.  What a blessing!  What a God!  I am excited to see how He will use Cody and the silver trumpet for His glory!  ♥

Stuck In A Rut

This song came from a time when I felt like I was chained to obligation and I was getting nowhere.  It's not a solitary instance.  This happens to me more than I like to acknowledge, but now I have a song to sing when I am feeling that way.  It helps me remember where my focus needs to be.  Sometimes I just feel like letting go; I wonder why I bother.  I do need to let go of obligation so that I can be free for heartfelt ministry.  This is a prayer that God will relight my passion for sharing His love with the world.  I wrote this two years ago while Eric and I were away celebrating our 14th anniversary.  It had nothing to do with the occasion, but it was a quiet time when I was able to step away and reflect on the things that had been building up in everyday life.  I've been back in that "stuck" place again for the past five months.  It hasn't been fun, but I have to trust that God won't leave me stuck, no matter how I got here.  I can hardly stand myself right now, but the Bible says God loves me, so it's true.  I feel like a failure, but the Bible tells me that God paid the highest price for me. 

Psalm 119:105  "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."  

I can't trust my feelings, I have to trust His word.

Here's The Scoop

It was time to go for a run this morning.  I had been feeling an urge to run around the track in town this morning instead of my usual route.  I hesitated at the turn off trying to determine whether the urging was from the Lord or whether it was just a strange inclination I had, because I really don't like to run in circles.  I decided to head for the track wondering if God was protecting me from some danger that awaited on my regular trek.  As I walked toward the park I passed three people visiting on a patio and greeted them, all the while dreading my run on the mostly sunny, gravel loop.  How many times would I have to run it to equal 5K?  I set out faster than I had intended and questioned the accuracy of my GPS as I went.  Part way around the path I noticed that a dog had been there.  I was grateful that I had avoided stepping in that, made note of where it was, and continued on my way.  As I ran I noticed two more areas where evidence of the dogs visit had been left.  I knew cleaning it up would be right, but had nothing with me to do the job.  It might sound silly, but I prayed that if God wanted me to clean it up he would provide the necessary plastic bag.  I looked around for a station that offered such supplies, but saw none and decided it was best to keep my eyes on the trail.  I finally finished my laps and was ready to head home, but it bothered me that I was leaving a mess for someone else to step in.  I looked in the trash can, but the bags in there were covered with sticky beverages and who knows what else.  By the time I left the park I had mostly decided that I would have to go home, where I knew there were more plastic bags available than I knew what to do with, and return to make the situation right, when I remembered the people on the patio. 

As I approached the house I saw that they were still there.  They greeted me again, and this time I stopped  and asked them, though it's hard to believe that I had the nerve, if they had a plastic bag that they could give me.  One of the ladies asked me if I had seen a dog, and I told her that I had not seen the dog, but I had seen that he had been there.  She said that the dog was hers and that she would clean up after him, but I told her that I would take care of it.  She was very thankful and then she asked where I lived and said that I looked familiar and didn't I used to go to church in town?  I replied that I lived just outside of town and that I had brought my kids to VBS there for a few years, but that we go to church in State College.  I told her that we are hooked there, it's our family.  The man who had gone in the house returned with the plastic bag and handed it to me.  As I walked away I was amazed.  It is times like that when I want to let people know why I am doing what I am doing, but I don't know how without making it seem forced and awkward.  God revealed Himself in the situation through her question without any effort on my part.  I began to criticize myself for my words.  Had I made it sound like I am stuck going to my church because I am related to the people there?  That couldn't be farther from the truth, I don't have a single biological brother, sister, aunt, uncle or cousin in the whole congregation.  I didn't dwell on that for long, my Father had given me an opportunity and allowed me to demonstrate love to a stranger.  He is able to use the words for good whether I feel like they came out right or not.

I walked home thinking about how I had almost gone my usual way because I don't like to run in circles, and what I would have missed out on.   I thought about whether or not I should share this with you.  I often remember that Jesus said not to let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, and I think it would be better to keep things between God and I, but it really isn't about my hands at all.  It's about Him, and that is something I should share.  If you ever feel discouraged, like you aren't being used for His glory, remember this crazy little story.  I must be out of my mind to be so excited about removing dog deposits from the local park, but I am so amazed at how he cares for us.  I have really been struggling lately, but as I ask God to keep my gaze fixed on Him life takes on a new light.  Jesus cleaned up my mess, I hope He uses this mornings experience to draw attention to Him and to encourage someone to give their mess to Him and accept His sacrifice. 

He Never Walked Away

Picture a little girl with pigtails and ribbons, skipping along a wooded path with the One who hung the moon...

The sun was shining brightly, filtering through the trees which produced just enough shade for the perfect stroll.  Everything seemed right, but I went prancing ahead without watching my step.  A tree root rising from the forest floor surprised me and I fell quite hard.  I tried to get up, but I was hurt.  I asked Abba, my Father, to help me, but I couldn't get past the pain.  He took my hand, but I wouldn't move.  I was stuck.  He began to pull me up, but I focused on the pain and began to kick and scream.  The clouds had rolled in and I was getting cold.  My Father picked me up.  He began to carry me, but I hindered our progress with my protest.  "It hurts, it hurts," I cried, flailing my arms and arching my back.   He walked along with me in this manner, moving along ever so slowly, until I became so tired that I fell limp in his arms and my cries became a whimper.  He let me rest my head on his shoulder as He walked along carrying me with ease.  Gradually the pain from my injury decreased.  I was hesitant to stand on my own two feet again, but my Father knew that it was time.  He gently set me down holding tightly to my hand as we took the first few steps.  It still hurt a little as I began to bear my weight again, but we walked along slowly.  The further we went the less I felt the pain, though every once in a while I would step unevenly and it would flair back up for a time.  My Father continues to hold my hand, and I hold onto His.  I am content.  I am glad, though I still feel the injury from time to time.  It has taught me.  I like to skip and dance, but I must stay close by my Father.  I mustn't go ahead of Him without His hand to steady me lest I fall.  I will remember this as the air becomes infused with the scent of honeysuckle and wild rose; and as the sun shines brightly through the trees producing just enough shade for a perfect stroll. 

So You Want To Be A Biker Chick?

Last Thursday I stopped at church to talk with my pastor for a few minutes.  I was on my motorcycle, and there was the usual banter about being a biker chick going on with the staff members.   It was a beautiful day, and after I left Park Forest I rode over to my friend *Trudy's house.  She was outside when I got there so I jumped off the bike and we went in the house to catch up.  When I came back out the bike wouldn't even turn over.  I fiddled with the switch and the clutch and the kickstand, but nothing changed.  I put it in neutral and found it odd that the indicator light didn't come on, then it occurred to me that I had forgotten the key.  The headlight had been on the whole time we were talking, which was pretty long, and the battery was just plain dead.  Trudy doesn't drive, and her husband had the car at work.  She didn't have any equipment to help me, and I wouldn't have known what to do with it if she had.

I called the church first since my husband, Eric, was on a field trip with one of our kids, but there was no answer.  I thought about trying to use Trudy's steep driveway to start my bike, but I really didn't know how, and she strongly advised against it.  I decided to see what my friends Mike and Kandi were up to since they are sometimes home during the day and could probably help me.  Mike was leaving for an appointment, but he gave Kandi some instructions and she headed over with the jumper cables.  When we finally decided where the battery was and how to get to it, the screws on the cover were so tight we couldn't get them off.  After a while Kandi decided to call our friend Dave since he lives nearby and is also sometimes home during the day.  She told him she had "a friend" that needed some help and explained what was going on, but she kept my identity a secret.  

When Dave came up the driveway on his BMW he looked pretty amused.  He was a great help and got the screws out.  He got the bike running and then he realized the the driveway would have been great for pop starting it.  Well, he had the opportunity, because we turned the bike off to put it back together and it wouldn't start again.  After he got it running he said he would follow me for a while; I do go right past his house to get home.  About half way to Dave's house I started to worry that I had left my phone on Trudy's counter, and this was no time to be without it.  I pulled off to check my pocket.  I had my phone, but I let the clutch out stalling the bike which still had a dead battery.  Dave had to take his bike home and get his jumper cables and car; meanwhile I took the battery compartment apart again.  This time we had to put everything back together with the bike running, and put the one piece that required the key in my back pack.  I made quite certain that I did not stall my bike again.  

What a Day!!!  As embarrassed as I was though, I think it was really good for Trudy to see the body of Christ in action.  She seemed very impressed with the way people came to my rescue.  She is a believer, but does not associate much with the church.  She is often alone, and doesn't feel like she has a network of people to help her the way she witnessed that day.  It certainly lessens the sting of how careless I was that day, and what a mess I got myself into, knowing that it may have been an eye opening experience for her.  "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."  John 13:35  Since then our friend Fred offered to loan us a trickle charger, and Nate actually gave us one to get my battery back in working condition and keep it that way over the winter.

I learned a few things:  1. The importance of turning off the key every time I shut off the bike.  2. The reality that I have some truly great friends, which I did already know. 3.  The specifics of  jump starting a Suzuki Savage.  4.  The mechanics of a push/pop start, which I intend to practice until I can successfully pull it off. 

Well, it's not something I ever want to repeat, but I don't think the experience will go to waste.  :)

I am so thankful for my friends!!!

*Trudy is a fictional name for a real person. 

What I Have Been Missing

I always find it amazing that when I am going through a trial I will suddenly start hearing the same message from multiple unrelated sources.  Recently I have been struggling with something I have been calling depression.  This has been going on all year.   The longer I struggle, the more people find out about it.  As I break down and share it with more people,   more prayers are offered on my behalf.   I do not doubt that this fact has had an impact on this message.  

In November and December a couple of situations really took a swing at my confidence level, or was it my pride, and I fell rather quickly into a state of what I will call defeat.  I lost my passion, motivation, and even much of my desire for ministry.  This has affected every area of my life.  The message that I am now seeing come to light is that of wholeheartedness.  

In the book *FISH! TALES I read yesterday that, "The antidote for exhaustion is wholeheartedness.  It is those things you do halfheartedly that really wear you out."  I realize that I have been approaching life halfheartedly for many months now, and I completely agree that wholeheartedness is energizing as I look back to the times when I was thriving.  Today in **MERE CHRISTIANITY I discovered C.S. Lewis expressing that "a kind of gaiety and wholeheartedness" is the "natural accompaniment of courage."  That is what I have been missing! 

I would not be so quick to embrace this idea were it not for the fact that I know it to be scriptural.  Colossians  3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."  I am also reminded that 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."  How can I do something, anything, for the glory of God with half my heart?  

I have been holding back, but that has never worked out very well for me.  Lord, please free me from the prison of halfheartedness in Jesus name!  Amen.

*FISH! TALES Copyright 2002 ChartHouse Learning Stephen C. Lundin, Ph.D., John Christensen and Harry Paul.  

**MERE CHRISTIANITY  Copyright 1952, C.S. Lewis Pte. Ltd. Copyright renewed 1980,  C.S. Lewis Pte. Ltd.

Shiver

 

I had just turned off the shower one day, and was getting ready for my day when the first verse of this song just came into my head and out of my mouth.  It probably took 15 minutes or so to get three verses and chorus together.  After I had it written down I asked Cody to drop what he was doing and help me get a rough recording so I wouldn't forget the melody.  I never did come up with chords for it.  It started out acapella, and when we recorded it again I simply formed one chord and tapped the pick guard on my guitar to create the droning sound in the background.  I would like to add harmonies to the chorus, but other than that I intend to keep this one simple.  I did change the wording at the end of the third verse after I had listened to the first draft several times, but other than that it is just the thoughts that were given to me in that short period of time on Saturday morning, January 21, 2012.

Your Love Is Unconditional

I am so inadequate and unworthy, and I mess up so often, but God's love is not based on what I am or what I do, it is based on His own loving character.  He provided for my deepest need when He sent His own Son to the cross to pay for my sin.  I don't deserve His love, but I receive it because of His grace and mercy.  The scripture used in this song is Psalm 103:11-14... 

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
   so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
   so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

  As a father has compassion on his children,
   so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
 for he knows how we are formed,
   he remembers that we are dust. 

When I fall down He shows compassion and picks me up time and time again.  I praise God for His complete provision and abundant love!  I thank Him for this song to help me remember. 

Castles In The Sand

This song came out of a time when I was feeling discouraged, and began to realize that it was because I had been misplacing my hope.  My priorities had gotten mixed up, and I was disappointed because I was dreaming of temporary things instead of eternal ones.  It is based on Matthew 7:24-27   “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”  God used this song to help me refocus; to remember that it is ok to dream, but I need to be dreaming God's dreams, because they are the ones that matter.

Waiting For The Rain

This is the first song I ever "wrote" that has stayed with me. I use the word "wrote" loosely because I don't feel like I write songs at all, but that God gives them to me as an answer to my prayers.  At the time that this song came about I was struggling with disappointment or discouragement of some kind.  I confess that three years later I don't remember the exact circumstances or situation, but I remember the song that came out of them.  I've had a dream of music since I was a little girl.  The dream dimmed as I got married and began having children.  I thought my dream had changed, but soon it was burning bright again as the kids were growing and I continued serving with the worship team.  I was learning, through volunteering and taking classes with Child Evangelism Fellowship, how to share my faith and lead people to Christ.  I wanted to be able to take the message of God's love and salvation to more people through music, and I seemed to be growing in ministry, but then something happened that caused me to doubt.  As I said, I don't remember the details of what it was, but the Lord encouraged me through this song.  This is my reminder that God made me to think the way I think, and dream the way I dream, and that if he gave me a dream, then I need to trust in Him to bring it to fruition in His time and for His glory.  I was inspired by a story I heard, which is in this movie clip from Facing The Giants, about a farmer that prepared his fields while he prayed and waited.  He was contrasted with a farmer who prayed but did nothing.  The question was raised as to which farmer had faith.  It encouraged me to continue doing what I could do while I wait for God to do what only He can do.  I decided to practice playing the guitar, and continue singing, and wait to see what God will do.  He gave me this song which motivated me to keep working and dreaming.  I don't know what His plan is, but I have to keep believing in it while I continue to prepare.   

I Will Never... Or Will I?

Do you ever surprise yourself?  There are activities that I enjoy now, but could hardly have pictured myself actually doing ten years ago.  I never thought that I would read for pleasure, but that all changed the day I picked up Pride and Prejudice and determined to struggle through it.  It was a surprise to discover I enjoyed it.  I never thought I would ride a motorcycle, but that changed too.  I think it all began when I saw how cool Autumn looked with her bike.  :)  I never thought I would run, and if for some reason I had to I certainly didn't think I would enjoy it, but then Pastor Jim encouraged us to participate in the Resolution Run, and once again I began to change.

So many times I have made judgements about things without ever trying them.  Some things I have tried and didn't like, but sometimes something clicks some where along the way and I find myself in a whole new world.  There are also things that I have always wanted to do, but the fear of failure has held me back.  There was a time when I thought I would never be able to sing a solo, but with a little encouragement I swallowed my fear and stepped up to the mic.  To God be the glory!!!  Who would have ever thought that I would climb to the top of a tall pine tree or crawl through a drainage pipe to retrieve a geocache?  Life is funny that way.  One day you think you can't or won't do something, and the next day you find that you can and will.

The next time you are tempted to think that you never could or would do something, take a moment to reflect on the things you do now that surprise you.  Today you may not like to cook, or sew, or use a computer, but tomorrow you may learn something new that revolutionizes the task.  Maybe you think you will never water ski, sky dive, or go rock climbing, but you actually have just not had the right opportunity.  Perhaps you have always wanted to play an instrument, run a marathon, or start your own business, but you never thought you had what it takes.  I hope you won't be afraid to try.  Life is so much better when we actively live it rather than watch it pass us by. 

I intend to keep growing, and learning, and trying new things.  Learning new things tends to draw me closer to God as I depend on Him for strength, courage and ability.  I am excited about the possibilities when I trust God while giving something my best effort.  My best effort is bound to fail on its own, but He is able to bring forth victory. 

Philippians 4:13  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Up The Pike

Today I did something I have been wanting to try for a while now.  It all started on August 21 when a girl, who had never purposely run anywhere, heard her pastor propose that the congregation run the annual New Year's Eve 5k together.  I started out just running as much of it as I could and walking the rest three days a week.  I was running the whole distance before I had expected, continued training, and was thrilled to participate in the Resolution Run on December 31, 2011.  I have continued running, and plan to gradually increase my distance.  Today I started out walking toward Rattlesnake pike where I usually run, but as I neared the intersection I felt compelled to turn the opposite direction and head up Unionville Pike instead.  I think the wind had something to do with it.  I was cold, and thought that the extra effort and the shelter of the trees might warm me up.  The part of Rattlesnake Pike that I run is a very gradual incline, but Unionville Pike is a two mile hill.  I am pleased to report that, with help from my Lord who is my constant running companion, I ran to the top and all the way back down.  I thought about turning around several times, but was always encouraged to keep going.  The final time I was tempted to stop short I saw the sign indicating that there was a stop sign ahead.  That was the light at the end of the tunnel.  On the way down I found myself favoring my left leg as my right knee whimpered and groaned,  but I made it to the bottom.  It just feels so good to accomplish something that once seemed impossible.  Will I pay for it tomorrow?...  Probably, but it was worth the victory today.  When will I be doing it again?...  Well, that will probably depend on how much it ends up costing.   Do you have a mountain you would like to climb?  Tell me about it and I will pray for you.

Casting Off the Weight

The last several weeks have been difficult for me.  I've been weighed down.  I went for a run today, and as I finished up and began walking to cool down I was praying.  I was thinking about a dream, actually more of a nightmare, I had last night, and I started to see that my issues were deeper than they seemed.  I have been struggling with jealousy (this is difficult to admit), and I've been feeling cast aside and undervalued.  I feel bad for having these feelings, but they have some tough roots.  I know it's wrong to feel this way (*Philippians 2:3-4), but I can't seem to make it stop.  I've begged God to take these feelings away, but I seem to keep coming back to the same place.  

As I approached the house I began to beg God to speak to me.  I told Him that I want to hear His voice.  I don't want to hear my own voice, or any of the other voices in my head anymore, I just want to hear Him and know that it is His voice.  As I thought about the dream I realized that fear and anxiety are buried beneath my feelings of jealousy.  I began to ask God what to do with them.  Part way up the stairs to my room I lost my balance.  I would have landed on my back, but my hand went out against the sliding glass door and I didn't go down at all.  What would have resulted in serious injury only made me realize that God didn't mean for me to fall.  I asked again what to do with my fear and insecurity and the answer came.  I didn't hear an audible voice, but the answer came in the form of scripture that was hidden in my heart.  The verse that surfaced was 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."  All this time I had been begging Him to take it, but I had to make the effort to cast it.
  

I had an idea that wasn't my own.  It was an object lesson.  It was part of the answer I had asked for.  I was going to literally go throw away the things that were dragging me down.  I went in search of some stones that I had collected.  These would be smooth to write on, and good for casting.  The stones were very much like the burdens on my heart:  I had picked them up somewhere along the way, and I was saving them as a souvenir, but I did not even have a definite recollection of where they had come from.  They were just taking up space in my drawer, helping to weigh it down.  They had no useful purpose.  I picked out stones for fear, insecurity and anxiety, but as I went to get my Sharpie I realized I needed to go back and get pride, because it needed to leave with the rest.  I took the stones out back in the yard where the stream flows out of the woods, and as I cast each stone away I prayed.  The first prayer went something like this, "Dear Lord, this stone represents my fear.  I am casting it on you, and I ask that you will never let me take it back."  I threw the stone as far as I could, in my weakness, up into the woods where the water flows down, and then did the same with each of the rest. 

I'm on a journey, and I can't afford to go back for those stones.  I know I will be tempted.  I already have been in fact, but when I feel the pity party coming on I will have the mental image of those four stones.  I can remember physically throwing them away, and remind myself that I cast those things on my Lord.  He died to pay for them.  

Thank you Jesus!!! 

*Philippians 2:3-4  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.  (My side note:  there's no room for jealousy here.)