bird on a wire

merry-go-round in the mall

parade lines of trees

watching the morning birds... waiting

stories of reflection

a good breakfast

dala horses

I read this today and thought I'd share...

"Sweden, in the harsh winter of 1716, was at war. Many soldiers were quartered in homes in the province of Dalarna. They were cold and hungry. The story goes that one soldier carved a Dala Horse from a log of wood. He gave it to the child of the home, but before he did so, he painted it bright red and decorated the harness and saddle with kurbits. This was a biblical touch, echoing the scene in which Jonah sat in the desert and a kurbit - a gourd vine - grew round him to protect him from the sun. Carving the stocky, snub-nosed, tailless horses was already a Swedish tradition, but until then they’d been unpainted. In return for the toy, the woman of the house gave the soldier a bowl of soup. He made another horse. More soup. Word got round. Other soldiers began carving and painting horses for food. Dala horses have since become a symbol of Swedish goodwill, frugality and dexterity."

I love being Swedish and I love our simple little Dala horses!

Have a great day!

~Victoria

beautiful roses

Beautiful roses that Momba brought home today.  

We are expecting company this weekend and know that, just like Paris,

 flowers are always a good idea!

Lovely!

rocky

Rocky on our back patio.  He's so good.

my little pink evangelizing mouse...

My little pink evangelizing mouse.  God uses all things for His good!

home sweet Texas home!!!

My aunt just sent this adorable picture of my Grandmother at the resale shop. They live back in Chicago and found this Texas sign for our new Houston home at the Goodwill for $2.00!!!! I can't wait until they visit us here, and clearly I will cherish it always - knowing my almost 93 year old Grandmother picked it out especially for our Heavenly Home!!!

devoted to God

You are not insecure when you are secured in God's kingdom!
You are not weak when you stand strong with God's word!
You are not anxious when you abide close to God's presence!
You are not defeated when you fight bravely for God's righteousness!
You are not without a future when you remain devoted to God's only begotten Son!

Believe in Jesus and be blessed!

~Victoria

a pure princess

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:1-17)

Let's take a personal inventory of what we allow into our lives. Do we seek what is holy? Or, do we accept what is "normal" to this world. Really, on an average day - in all that we read, view, hear, say... are we guarding our hearts and filling our temples wisely? Do we seek what is decent and acceptable in the eyes of our Savior?

I fear we are not. I fear that many of us have actually gotten used to sinfulness. We have accepted it as normal. I'm amazed at how much indecency unbecoming to a Christian woman we actually have given into. It is everywhere: our conversations, media, games, music, clothing... even in some of our churches. When we read the news, we are faced with tragedy and hopelessness. When we view movies and television, we are overwhelmed with immodesty, vulgar language and violence. When we flip through magazines (even Christian magazines) we are inundated with advertisements prodding us into accepting how unsatisfied life must be since we haven't purchased, read, or attended the latest "whatever" out there. And it is not just toward us alone - it is part of what we teach our children to accept also.

So, today I feel compelled to ask, do we REALLY live our lives seeking what is holy for ourselves?...for our families? Do we guard our hearts or do we just allow ourselves to become increasingly numb to the sensory overload of sin out there?

Read Colossians 3 again and ask yourself these important questions:

(1) As God's child, do you make a point to clothe yourself and your family with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience?

(2) Do you let the words of Christ dwell in you "richly"? (Before answering this, meditate on what Paul meant when he added the word "richly" into this passage?)

(3) Do you spend your time mirroring Christ? Do you worship Him regularly by singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs? If so, how often? Is it more than how much television or Internet time you digest in each day?

(4) Are you grateful... really grateful to God in your heart? If so, do your actions compliment your gratitude?

(5) Most importantly, in whatever you do... whether in word (speech) or deed (actions), do you do it in the name of the Lord Jesus?

Now back to our personal inventory... Do we really seek what is holy? Do we let Christ rule in our hearts so that He outwardly shows up in every area of our lives. Do we insist upon pleasing Him in all things? Or have we given in and given up in some areas? Would we be embarrassed to have Jesus sit next to us and watch what we watch? Hear what we say? Accept what we have come to accept?

Perhaps it is time to surrender these areas over to Him and ask Him for forgiveness. Paul reminds us to "put to death" whatever belongs to our earthly nature and set our hearts and minds on things above.

DW's, we are saved by grace and set apart from this world. Our Master desires for us to be close to Him and live honorably as His royal princesses. He is The King. We should act like His ladies. Let's remember to live graciously and praise Him with our lives.

He is worthy and pure... As his daughters, we should strive to be pure also.

Blessings!

~Victoria

you are loved

You matter.
Your are unique and beautiful.
You have an individually important purpose that is vital for harvesting goodness on this earth.
You are lovable.
You are loved.

As you start living out this beautiful new gift of today, remember this truth: Jesus loves You!

Blessings!

~Victoria

stop and swoon over the Lover of your soul

Ya know, it's really easy to forget what is most important.

It's easy to get lost in the clutter and chaos of the day;

To be drowning in our own expectations;

To fall victim to too many things, topics, projects, motives that aggressively monopolize our precious time.

It's easy to lose sight of what should be simple:

To love Jesus.

To love Him madly.

To love Him more.

To make Him the priority of our lives.

To live ga-ga over the very thought of His presence.
To hang on His every Word.

To do nothing until we have made sure to praise Him in obedient devotion.

It is a simple decision to pause and love God first.

Yet we complicate the simplest things, don't we?

We selfishly choose outside of God.

We over consume and flood toward the distracting, the noisy, the demanding.

We suffocate ourselves with our own plans, ideas, quests...

Attempting to single-handedly climb out of our own personal pits.

Agreeing to forgo seeking after the most important relationship...

All in the name of busyness, wealth, prosperity, success.

Yes, frequently we stray farther away from the Shepherd and lose sight of what is most important.

So, on this new day... rather than start with our usual complications,

I encourage you to join me in laying aside all that distracts.
Surrender whatever is troubling your soul.
Leave it and no longer conform to your old pattern.

Instead, decide upon the simplest solution and appreciate the joy of God's life-giving breath and comfort.
Surrender it all on His altar and GIVE. IT. OVER. TO. HIM!

Receive and delight in the Savior's joy!

Be transformed and renewed as you whole-heartedly embrace the only objective God has given...

To love Jesus.

To love Him madly.

To love Him more.

To make Him the priority of your life.

To live ga-ga over the very thought of His presence.

To do nothing until you have made sure to praise Him in full, obedient devotion.

Ladies, as we begin this brand new month of possibilities... why not first stop and make the time to swoon over the Lover of your soul.
He is the best priority.
His is the Way, the Truth, the Life to run after.

So, love Him reverently without succumbing to chatty lip service.

Love Him humbly with full transparency, honesty, and faithful submission.

Yes, today... choose to simply love Jesus more,

With all your heart.

With all your mind.

With all your soul.

With all your strength.

Believers, be enraptured with God this very hour.

For we who are in Christ have taken on His Eternal Name!

We are His dearly beloved.

So... simply, forever...

Love Jesus first.

Love Jesus madly.

Love Jesus more.

This is the day to dance closely, privately, intimately with your magnificent King!

This is the day to simply adore your perfect, heavenly Husband!

Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. (Jude 1:21)

Blessings and Happy September!!!

~Victoria

© The Devoted Woman | Victoria Anderson

grace

"Vic, aren't you and Momba attending that new Bible Study at the church this morning?"  My husband asks as he prepares our morning coffee.

"Yes."

"What's the topic?"

I respond, "It's about being a gracious wife." Then I coyly kid around, "Don't worry, I'm all over this one, Honey... it's in the bag!  These women don't know who they're dealing with!!!"

Chuck chuckles and rolls his eyes.  Without missing a beat, he chimes in with his own lovable wit, "Well, you know... there can only be one 'Ace' in grace, Baby!"

(ROFL!  He is so funny!!!)

OK, but seriously... this past week Momba and I started attending a Women's Bible study held in a new church my family is considering.  Since moving to Houston, both Chuck and I have been praying over what church our family should regularly attend (a daunting assignment), and among many other contenders, this lovely congregation was introduced to me by an old teacher/friend who used to live near our new neighborhood.  (Thank the Lord for how He uses His people to help each other - and in His perfect timing too!)  Long story short, Chuck and I checked out the church's website, then called their office to introduce our family in advance of a planned visit this upcoming Sunday.

In doing so, I learned that their Women's Ministry was ramping up this very week for the upcoming Spring quarter and was asked if I would be interested in registering for one of their classes.  "Sure!"  So with the Hubby's consent, Momba and I decided to jump right in and make our first in-person encounter via the side door of their Women's Ministry.  Nonetheless, we all are very much looking forward to attending their more formal services this upcoming Sunday together as a family.  In the meantime, we have been getting to know them via their podcasts and agree with the teaching they have offered.  Yay!

Anyway, back to Tuesday morning...

I called through the house, "Momba, are you ready?... We're going to be late!  We should have left fifteen minutes ago!"

(Grrrrr.  I hate being late.  Where is she?)

"I'm coming, sweetie."

Momba turns the corner of her bedroom looking just as cute as ever.  We both survey one another's outfits, smile in approval, and then start to leave the house.  I yell out, "Honey we're going.  LOVE!"

"LOVE!" He calls back.

As we hop into the car to head out, I worry out loud again, "I think we are going to be late, Mom."

She answers relaxed, "No, we'll be just fine."

"Alright, if you say so."  (But I'm thinking otherwise.)

But as usual, she was right.  We were just fine.  God got us there in record time, with five minutes to spare.  And once settled in our meeting room, I realized that we could have shown up much later.  For the women in the room were in no hurry at all.  These southern belles had all the time in the world to gather, and sing, and worship, and chat, and relax.  Soon, the efficiency of my Midwestern side began to get the better of me and I became impatient.

I internalized, "When do we start the Bible Study, people?  I have a life, ya know!  I have things I want to get done later today!  Is this gonna be an all day thing?  If so, perhaps you need to rethink and be considerate of those of us who have a schedule!!!  Come on, already!  I have to go home and show Chuck how much more gracious I've become!"  (I know, I'm embarrassed even as I type this.  LOL.)

Finally (a whole hour later), the time had arrived for each of us to break into groups and begin our Bible Studies.  You see, the topic I had chosen wasn't the only study about to take place in this Women's group.  Unlike my small Bible Study group back in Chicago, this group of women is large enough that they can conduct several Bible Studies at one time. In fact when signing up, I had the choice of three morning studies and one evening study to choose from.  First, there was a study reviewing the Names of God with Kay Arthur; second, a study that got into the book of Ephesians; third, a study on the Patriarchs (it seems no Women's group is complete without at least one Beth Moore video series); and lastly, the study I chose because it was taught and developed by one of the pastor's wives at the church, and I thought that might be nice as we will be getting more familiar with the church in weeks to come... The Gracious Wife.

The doors were closed to the classroom, we were handed course outline papers, and a small-framed beauty stepped up before the remaining crowd.  Upon first glance I could tell that our instructor was clearly gracious.  Her outfit was impeccable.  Her voice was soft and her heart was evident in tenderness and total love for Jesus.  As she introduced herself, we learned that this was the third time she had facilitated this particular study.  She was someone who had overcome physical obstacles.  She was a mother, a wife, living through the many challenges we all face.  Then she began to share God's Word as it related to being a gracious person.  But rather than take in the truths being read, my mind started to race as I perused the course outline...

I internalized again, "Wait, there is no homework?... No formal study materials?... Just this quick outline!  What kind of Bible study is this?  When will we actually be "studying" the Bible, lady?  (Darn it.  I should have signed up for that Beth Moore study!  Ya always know what your getting into with Moore!)"

I leaned over to Momba who was peacefully enjoying the presentation and whispered, "Ya know, we can still sign up for that Beth Moore study if you want."

Momba looked at me confused.

"I mean, if you want to have more homework and all to keep us accountable."

Momba smiled and said, "Whatever you want, sweetie."  But as she said the words, I knew.... already, I had given up.  Already, I had rushed ahead and moved on.  Why?  Because (a) my heart was not focusing on Christ, and (b) because my expectations were not being met to my liking.  My way wasn't happening.  For in my opinion, too much time had been wasted from the start.  Too little materials were produced for the study.  It didn't matter that every woman sitting in that room was there to worship Jesus... I had simply forgotten that same purpose.  As a result, I had already dismissed giving this lovely instructor the chance to teach me something valuable for the next two months.  Why... because it wasn't happening in Chicago..., because it wasn't with good ole' familiar Beth Moore-like materials..., mostly, because my mindset was lofty and my heart was hard.

I could hear the Holy Spirit question, "Really, Vic?  REALLY?"

Humbled by my own ungraciousness... I prayed forgiveness and realized, "I really don't have this in the bag, do I, Lord?"  I asked God to open my eyes and ears.  To teach me.  To open my heart to all the new people, places, and things here in Houston.  To slow down my anxious, internal pace and allow me a second chance to please Him in how I act and think within this new place... within this new church... within this new life.  Praise the Lord for every revealing moment of our New Life in Christ!  May we continue to be restored and corrected in His holiness!  May we continue to be humbled by His everlasting graciousness.

Grace.  To offer unmerited or undeserved favor.  To love completely without strings attached.  To give freely.  To extend ongoing consideration and goodwill.  To display elegance, charm, ease, kindness, forgiveness, charity, mercifulness, loveliness.  To cultivate decency.  To petition every blessing and to be thankful.  To glorify and honor.

Thank you, Lord Jesus.

Now, let me share the key points I took away from Tuesday morning's Bible Study...

• True humility is preemptive and disarming.

• For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

• The world says, "Change to be accepted."  Jesus says, "I accept you in order that you might change." 

Blessed be the gracious Name of Jesus!!!
Let us each strive to be near Him and know Him.
Let us always choose to glorify and honor our patient, peaceful Savior as we freely love one another... without strings attached.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)

Lord, let us be humble... and let our humility be preemptive and disarming to the devil's snares.  Let us be thankful for your blessings and obedient to your instructions... so that we might be changed in your holy, New LIFE!  Teach us... teach me... to be more and more gracious like YOU!

Blessings!

~Victoria

joyful New Year.... joyful NEW LIFE!

New.
New. New. New. New. NEW!!!
A NEW Year.
A NEW day.
A NEW moment.
Woo Hoo for NEW!!!

As we fall in love with the introduction of another NEW January 1st...
As we proceed forward in this NEW beginning of 2013...
As we embrace a NEW first day of the rest of our life...

Let's live THIS DAY in obedience and put on the NEW self of Christ!

Let's make Jesus our only resolution! 

For this is the day that the Lord has made!
THIS NEW DAY!!!
So, rejoice!
Be glad!
Be NEW in His glory!

THIS NEW DAY, remember whose wisdom is paramount for lasting growth.
THIS NEW DAY, remember whose love is healing.
THIS NEW DAY, remember whose kingdom is everlasting.
THIS NEW DAY, remember whose holiness and sacrifice restores and changes everything!

Yes, all things become NEW in Jesus Christ!
So, let's praise God's willingness to complete us in His fullness.

New.
New. New. New. New. NEW!!!

THIS DAY...
Every day...
Today... tomorrow... next month... next year... FOREVERMORE!
ALWAYS, let's acknowledge the Lord!
In our health, wealth, words, deeds...
In our desires, aspires, and travels through earthly fires...
Let's trust His example.
Let's love and listen to His instruction as He reforms the attitude of our minds.
Let's be holy, live holy, and seek Christ's holiness.
Whatever we do, whether in word or deed, let's do it all in the name of JESUS!
Let's LIVE in Christ!
Let's be NEW!!!

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:2-17)

Joyful New Year....  Joyful NEW LIFE, everyone!

XOXOXO!

~Victoria

God bless us, everyone!

the priceless gift of Christmas...

Now Christmas is a season
For joy and merrymaking,
A time for gifts and presents,
For giving and for taking;
A festive, friendly, happy time
When everyone is gay ...
But have we ever really felt
The greatness of the Day?
For through the centuries the world
Has wandered far away
From the beauty and the meaning
Of the Holy Christmas Day.
For Christmas is a heavenly gift
That only God can give,
It's ours just for the asking,
For as long as we shall live.
It can't be bought or bartered,
It can't be won or sold,
It doesn't cost a penny,
And it's worth far more than gold.
It isn't bright and gleaming
For eager eyes to see,
It can't be wrapped in tinsel
Or placed beneath a tree.
It isn't soft and shimmering
For reaching hands to touch,
Or some expensive luxury
You've wanted very much.
For the priceless gift of Christmas
Is meant just for the heart,
And we receive it only
When we become a part
Of the kingdom and the glory
Which is ours to freely take,
For God sent the Holy Christ Child
At Christmas for our sake,
So man might come to know Him
And feel His Presence near
And see the many miracles
Performed while He was here.
And this Priceless Gift of Christmas
Is within the reach of all,
The rich, the poor, the young and old
The greatest and the small.
So take His Priceless Gift of Love,
Reach out and you receive,
And the only payment that God asks,
Is just that you believe.

A Poem by Helen Steiner Rice

luke 1:68-75

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us - to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days." (Luke 1:68-75)


Blessings! XOXOX!

~Victoria