“Victory in Jesus”: Simple Gift Sunday

Victory in Jesus from Marty's Musings

  I heard this version of Victory in Jesus for the first time at Beth Moore Living Proof here in Greensboro NC. It's an old, old hymn with a terrific new sound by Travis Cottrell.   As always, I wish you a blessed Sunday  filled with family and rest!   (Photos by my youngest … [Read more...]

Mother’s Day Love for Adoptive Moms: Simple Gift Sunday and Linkup

Words of Encouragement for Adoptive Moms from Marty's Musings

  For the last three years I have traveled to Orlando, FL, to meet up with some amazing women who are adoptive and foster moms. These women are uniquely drawn together through the bond of parenting wounded children. Children with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD, and for many of our kids, just one of their diagnoses) is unlike any other … [Read more...]

“Carry Your Name”: Simple Gift Sunday

Carry Your Name by Marty's Musings

I have become a big Christy Nockels fan. I've heard some of her music on K-love before and recently downloaded her album "Into the Glorious." It is an amazing worship album.  I hope you enjoy these images and the simple message in the song "Carry Your Name." How merciful the cross How powerful the blood How beautiful Your … [Read more...]

“Healing is in Your Hand”: Simple Gift Sunday

Healing is In Your Hand from Marty's Musings

I have written a lot through these last years about my journey through grief. My sister, dead at the age of 53 from a sudden heart attack. Our oldest adopted daughter, unable to live at home during her later teen years and, sadly, estranged from us now. My dad passed away in 2009, my mom on Christmas Eve 2010 from neglect by her … [Read more...]

“In You”: Simple Gift Sunday

In You Simple Gift Sunday from Marty's Musings

  We had some beautiful weather this week and the kids and I had fun watching the dogs roll around in the clover.   Such exuberance   and joy for the simple life. For this week's Simple Gift Sunday I wanted to share with you a song by Shane and Shane. I wasn't familiar with them but I knew they were two friends, … [Read more...]

“I Need You More”: Simple Gift Sunday

I Need You More from Marty's Musings-1

This weekend I listened to Beth Moore talk about the importance of transparency. Being real and genuine is what I desire so here's my truth.   The Christian life is not a road paved with  applause and worldly accolades. It is not recognized as a vehicle of praise. Instead at times it is strewn with attacks and hurt, ambition and … [Read more...]

“Even if the Healing Doesn’t Come”: Simple Gift Sunday

Even if the Healing Doesn't Come- Simple Gift Sunday

(Large chalk board wall in my son's room featuring his drawings) As we maneuver through another difficult situation with our adopted son I have been so overwhelmed with the need to find a purpose and a plan in all the pain and unknown. My thoughts are agonized and my heart heavy. How do you survive a pain that is so deep it is unreachable … [Read more...]

“Worthy is the Lamb”: Simple Gift Sunday

Worthy is the Lamb from Marty's Musings

Have you seen the Passion of the Christ? God impressed upon me this week to share Worthy is the Lamb as my simple gift this Easter Sunday. I scrolled through the youtube videos listed. As I began to watch one with scenes from this movie I couldn't even bear to watch it. The reality of what my sin cost my Savior was the stripes on His back … [Read more...]

“When I Speak Your Name”: Simple Gift Sunday

When I Speak Your Name from Marty's Musings-1

I'm afraid my Simple Gift Sunday post is not profound or life changing. But in this week before Easter I pray the reality of Christ's death on the cross And the power of the his resurrection from the grave Will give you new hope and strength and freedom. When I speak Your Name, mountains move, chains are … [Read more...]

“Lay It Down”: Simple Gift Sunday

Lay it Down

Sometimes my heart just aches over my children. Not because of choices or circumstances or influences. But in the crushing reality that our earthly life is so hard. Our family knows hard. Our family knows pain. And this overwhelming sense of unrest before surrender sweeps over me. I know that you know that my heart is … [Read more...]