The NorMel House

What do we do when everything seems to fall apart? Where do we turn when the world around us seems to be crumbling and we feel like we just can't take anymore? We often wonder how all these bad things can happen; why do they happen? There is a reason for all things, and the bible tells us that as Christians there is a definite purpose. As a result of our sin the world is no longer perfect, and bad things happen. But is that all? Is that the only purpose??? I don't believe so. One of the things the bible talks about is being refined. We are being refined by our trials, being molded into something better! Zechariah 13:9 "...and refine them as one refines silver and test them as gold is tested..." Isaiah 48:10 "Behold I have refined you, but not as silver' I have tried you in the furnace of affliction" Psalm 66: 10-12 "For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid an oppressive burden upo...

"You have searched me, Lord , and you know me.  You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.  You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.  Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord , know it completely.  You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.  Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?  If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.  If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,  even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.  If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”  even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.  For you created my inmost being; you...

"All my hope is in Jesus  Thank God that yesterday’s gone  All my sins are forgiven  I’ve been washed by the blood"  What a blessing we have in Jesus! As you go through your week remember where our hope is found! Today's #TuesdayTunes is an uplifting duet, " All My Hope ", sung by Crowder featuring Tauren Wells. May it bring a smile to your lips and a prayer to your heart thanking God for this great blessing!

There are things in life that take us by complete surprise. Life’s pathway will bring struggles; we each have our own particular heart ache. Yet, we can be confident, we serve a God who knows the beginning and the end! He has given us a light for our path and we must trust our sovereign God; that He knows what He’s doing. When wrestling with assurance we can see that the devil is strong. He will do anything to separate us from God’s love so we must pray for perseverance! We must also pray that we will see God’s presence in our lives and that God will keep His eyes on us. By faith, through grace, we are united with Christ and therefore perfect in God’s sight. When we know in faith, that this is true for ourselves, then we may know that no matter thick or thin, no matter what trial or trouble, we are well protected, for He will hide us in the shadow of His wings. What a blessed comfort it is to us, to enter day by day, knowing that the Father sees His children through the lens of His Son...

Oh how well I know this. When I look at my life and myself I am amazed that God could love a wretch like me. That He sees me better than I even see myself and yet He still calls me His own. I've done nothing to deserve this love; in fact I've done all kinds of things to push Him away, and to deserve the opposite. I am a sinner, I dont deserve His grace, I dont deserve His mercy. How thankful I am that He gives it anyways.  #byGracealone #savedbyGodsGrace #undeservedgrace #thankful #notbymymight #amazinggrace #Godslove #extraordinaryGrace #inChristalone #ChildofGod 

Ok, so I know it's a weed... but theres something beautiful in the intricacies of this puffball. I feel like there's something poetic about it all. Most people would have ripped this weed out of their  garden long before it got to this point (it's stem is more than 3 feet long/tall), but then they would have missed out on how cool it looks! Beauty is found in many forms. I see the beauty in God's design, this plant has a purpose. Maybe it's purpose was simply to cause me to reflect on things, maybe not. Its reminded me to look for the good and the beauty in all things. God's creation is amazing, each life is formed and fashioned by His hand, even the plants and weeds. I mean seriously look at it, it's so neat!  I'm probably rambling; just some things to think on for the day "All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made" John 1:3  #considerthis #Godscreation #Godmadeallthings #beautyintheweed...

In the last few months being able to work has taken on a whole new significance. As some of us are able to start working again it’s important to remember who provides us with opportunities and grants us work. Remember to kneel before the Master and Maker and thank Him for all He has given us. We've been blessed at the NorMel House to have been able to work this whole time. My husband working from home and myself as well! Today’s #TuesdayTunes is a hymn for the working day. As you go through your week remember who to thank and liste n to Keith & Kristyn Getty’s Before You I Kneel (A Worker’s Prayer)

I thank God for the father who raised me. He's kindhearted, generous, giving, loving and has always done his best for me. He raised me to serve and praise the Lord and I am truly grateful. I'm also grateful for the many other fathers in my life. I've been blessed with a wonderful Father-in-law who is wise and caring and has made me to feel grateful for both my families. To my dear husband, you're the best father no one seems to know. You've been a steady rock and Christian through all our children's births and deaths. Though you dont get to parent our children you show love and wisdom with all children. Our arms will be so full when we finally meet our children in heaven. I love you. Fathers come in many forms. To the many fathers in our lives, may you be blessed with wisdom and faith so you can raise your children to God's glory. To the ultimate and perfect Father be all glory. Without you, my Heavenly Father I'd have nothing. 

God amazes me. While walking and playing with the 'daytime kiddos' I've once again been blessed with seeing God's incredible creative power at work. Beautiful tulips, lilacs and more have once again pushed their way through the hardened earth to reach for the sun. Stunning and vibrant colors, soft and pastel colors; an amazing variety of beauty that only God can form. If you've read my previous posts you may remember my ability to garden is prevented by my body's aversion to plants, pollen, trees, grass, etc. Funny how my mind's eye is in awe and wonder at all these things, but my body reacts negatively. Satan tries to hamper our relationship with God in any way he can. I've always found my faith is renewed and my sense of God's presence is strongest when I'm surrounded by His amazing work in creation. The fact that these lovely flowers faithfully return every year reminds me that God is constant and faithful. His love never fails. I've stood...

Today I'm thankful for sunshine. Seems the flowers agree as they're slowly reaching up for it...  I love this time of year.  It's my faithful reminder of God's love and power.  Of mercies new every day and that even amidst the ugly, beauty can be found.  "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 ESV "And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,  yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?  Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Fat...

I close my eyes, basking in the gentle warmth of the sun Its light kissing the surface of everything around me The soft hum of cars passing by barely breaks the silence of the morning And I am at peace. Though the world is living in fear Though the virus has put us all in isolation  Though we know not what tomorrow brings I find myself content. Here in this moment, the sun wrapping me in a warm soft hug, in the quiet before the day begins, I find God. It's as if He's sent this comforting sunshine to remind me of His unfailing love.  Just as the sun is holding me, He holds me And as the sun gives life, so He is the giver of all life  I find peace and comfort in this moment I'm thankful. Thankful for this moment of calm before the day ahead Thankful for the gentle reminder of God's grace Thankful for the strength I find in Him The day has begun

Every year I struggle with the darkness of winter. My body and mind crave the sunshine and a break from the achy dampness that seems to last forever. But every year I come back to this. Every year I have these faithful reminders. Faithful in their yearly return; faithfully reminding me of the one in whom I put my faith. They get all they need from the same amazing Creator that gives us all life. I see these beautiful and bright displays of color and life and I know. Darkness will not last forever. There is hope. I am a #ChildofGod #beautycomes #NoartistlikeTheArtist #Nofilter #nature #beautyinnature #beautyincreation #AwesomeGod #Godisgood #blessed #flowers #rain #sunshine #color #life #creation #SADs #wildgardens #flower #springreturns

Hmm We'll, I've made it to day 3. Wasn't sure if I'd even make it through 1 day so I'm counting this as a win. I haven't quit, or given up, just feeling rather crummy. Unfortunately I was sick most of the holidays with this awful cough/cold/Head flu bug that's been going around. On the plus side I got a TON of sleep (not that it seems to have kicked it or the exhaustion 🤯). Still sniffling, still croaky when I wake up and at bedtime, still super tired. However I think maybe the dietary changes may becoming the culprit... Yup. I said it. The D word. There's been many of those that have failed, however this is a little different. I want to make some lifestyle changes and start learning to make better choices. I did some research and had a long chat with a friend and decided I'm going to try the keto method. I'm pretty sure my head is seriously missing sugar and carbs already 🤦🏼‍♀️ but I really need to start getting healthy and happy. Life hasn...

June 15, 2004 A Psalm O Lord, my God and King Hasten to my aid I am weary with my crying May Satan's hand be stayed Rescue me from evil From temptations fierce and strong I am dragged down by my own sin For Your strength Oh Lord, I long Within me is a constant war I cannot fight alone O God of Glory, hear me! I pray don't leave me on my own For without Your mighty Hand O Lord, I'd surely die Save me from myself, O God Please hear my constant cry You alone can save me All my trust is in Your Name For You alone are powerful From age to age the same O God, You are ever merciful I know You hear my plea I trust that in Your Will and time You will answer me

8 years Seems like yesterday but yet a lifetime ago. Through thick and thin, through sickness and trials, through so much you have loved me. Through hospital stays, surgeries, loss, and grief; through all nighters bottle feeding puppies, through puppy piles and kisses, through raising 3 dogs and losing another. Through cottage stays, long drives, staycations and my many projects. You have stuck with me and loved me through it all. 8 years ago we made a promise to each other and to God and not a day goes by that I still can't believe I'm lucky enough to be loved by you. I pray we'll have many more years together and that every day I'll show you in some way how much you mean to me. You're the Norm in my NorMel, I love you to the moon and back my dearest one. Though you're currently half a world away I hope you're having a wonderful day, happy anniversary dear.

How could you feel anything but peace reading this? It repeats in my mind as I drift off and I know my Redeemer lives. I know that angels surround me, ready to do God's bidding, and He will watch over me through the night. How comforting! The bedtime prayer my mother taught me so often seems the right way to end my conversations with my Heavenly Father; Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep Guard me through the starry night And wake me with the morning light. Thank You God for all Your love Thank You for Your Son above Thank You for Your precious gifts Thank You God for everything!

The NorMel House instagram so much beauty... So much beauty. So incredibly delicate yet tough. So much more than a simple flower. It reminds me of hope. It reminds me of God's consistency in creation. It reminds me of mercy new every morning. It reminds me of who is really in control of life and to stop and appreciate it. It reminds me that beauty can exist in the middle of this marred and broken world. It reminds me that the great Giver indeed does give us our daily needs. I'm not a plant person, I don't remember to water the plants inside my house and I do absolutely nothing for the ones outside. Still these reflections of work by the Great Artist come back ever year to remind me that even though we may have a bleak and cold season beauty and warmth will return. #Godissogreat #NoartistlikeTheArtist #Godrenews #Godgivesusallweneed #HopeinHim #Bestill #ChildofGod

Today was a good day. In fact, I think I'd call it a great day! I woke up this morning, rolled over and snuggled my sweetheart. It's not often that he sleeps in so it was kinda nice to wake up with him actually beside me. Saturdays are usually set for getting things done around the NorMel House, but today we just stayed and chatted and took our time. It was so nice, but eventually our 3 suckies let us know it was time to get up. I think this is the first time I've gotten out of bed on the "right" side in a while cuz I decided I wanted to feel pretty today. So I put on something that made me feel good and for the first time in a long time I actually put makeup on! After enjoying coffee with my wonderful hubby I decided to get some boutique work done and shot out an invite for people to come shop my stock today. It was a rather productive day; if I do say so myself. So I took my good feeling even farther. I decided I needed a change and got a haircut.  The glo...

I'm broken. My body is broken. My mind is broken. And my heart's been broken many times. Sometimes my brokenness is obvious. Sometimes its only obvious to the people closest to me. Sometimes I hide my brokenness from everyone and pretend I'm fixed. It doesn't work. I'm still broken. In truth, we all are. Some are obviously broken by cancer or disease or illness. Some are broken by alcoholism or addictions. Some think they're not broken but their brokenness comes out in gossip, slander, lies, pride or deceit. We're all broken. We live in a broken world and not one of us escapes it. But don't give up. If you take anything from me let it be this: though we broke our relationship with God He didn't break His promise to us. He sent His only Son to die for us that our brokenness will one day be fixed; our wounds will one day be healed; our tears turned into joy. Give your brokenness to Him and trust in His saving grace and almighty power. I look fo...

I received a very special gift from a friend this week. She wrote me a beautiful card that brought tears to my eyes and gave me this incredibly thoughtful gift. D is for my angel baby Denver (December 30 2015). The 5 clear beads are for each of my other angelbabies gone before Denver. She knew that mother's day is going to be hard for me again this year and wanted to make sure I knew that she holds me in her thoughts and prayers. As I sit here writing there's tears rolling down my cheeks for so many reasons. The loss of my babies, the sadness of another mother's day to pass with empty arm's, the beauty of friendship, the thoughtfulness of others, the comfort in knowing we have a family in Christ, the knowledge that I am NOT alone, the joy in the knowledge I will some day get to hold my 6 babies in perfection and so much more. She wrote some beautiful words to me that made me feel she understood "Some mothers get to hold and raise their children, others only get to...