Can I just say....I'm trying to do better every day.  Wow!  Just read an amazing book, "Everybody Always" by Bob Goff, which I read following his book "Love Does."  Boy, I have been inspired to love better and outside the box.  I'm thinking of creative ways I can show love in my neighborhood during these rather questionable times.  Maybe a little anonymous note left at one's door...an invitation to an evening movie in the park (family friendly)...there are possiblities that I'm sure I've not thought of, but I want my neighbors to know they are loved.

Do you know what the Goff family did?  They started a yearly parade in their neighborhood that started with a handful of neighbors and has become one of hundreds and time filled with joy, laughter and honoring one another. 

I am so grateful for him and those in his sphere who work at showing love - yes, even to your "enemies" who may not be who you think.  He's inspired me to do better - to be a better human amongst the throng.

We're called to "...love one another as I have loved you..." John 13.34  Bob Goff's book is full of examples, situations and circumstances that show us how and ask the question always, how would Jesus love this person?

 

Oh my goodness!  I love this time of year - when you can open your windows in the evening and enjoy the cool air and respite from the heat of the day.  The day truly is a new, beautiful day, free of the oppressive heat from the desert. The season is changing and God, in grace and mercy, allows us to delight in it! Thank you, Lord.  What are you grateful for as the seasons change?

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."   Ecclesiates 3:11

 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path."  Proverbs 3:5-6

Sounds simple enough, right?  When a tire needs repair or a light goes out, I barely give a second thought, but when catastrophic news comes - my heart still takes pause. and I find myself seeking solutions and making plans before consulting with the One Who knows and has the best plan, not just for me, but for everyone involved.  My understanding, limited by my sight and focus, is so small when compared to that of the Creator.

I am so grateful there is One I can go to, Who will show me the way - even working all things together for my good - directing my path as I simply acknowledge Him.  

From Doubt to Delight

 As we look forward - hearing the voice of our Creator call us forth, often our heads fill with messages of dismay - "but I can't do that... or I'm too old to try that now... or but that's impossible."  Sometimes it's not even a "great calling" but simply the prompting just to speak to a stranger or extend a hand to a neighbor that prompts doubt and fear of rejection.  But we are told clearly - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

 

Isn't that amazing?!?  It means we go through life with a net.  As we teeter on the tight rope in the circus of life, feeling frail and weak at times we receive encouragement from the greatest, most powerful One - "I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you."

 

What an incredible promise!  Now - run and fly with renewed courage, strength and hope.  I am so grateful that I can live my life from this premise.  Join me, won't you?  I can't wait to see you soar!

 What a wonderful morning!  I love to see an active sky and enjoy it with great anticipation.  The clouds, the colors, the movement and prospect of a storm are winners to me and I am grateful to see the beauty and power as well as enjoying the scent of water in the air.  

So many storms roll through our lives and we have a choice- lean in for the learning and growth or hide in fear, doomed to repeat the scenario cowering in fear.  

Lean in, for "the mountains may depart and the hills may be removed, but my steadfast live shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the LORD, who has compassion on you. " Isaiah 54:10

Make it a great day!  What are you grateful for?

 What a beautiful day!! 

Okay - so if you'd been a "fly" in my car this morning, you'd have witnessed my frustration with traffic and myself as I reacted to individual drivers whom, I can only guess, believe that the laws governing the roadways are mere suggestions, with lines, lanes, signs and lights being annoying interruptions of their cell phone use.  I would ask God for forgiveness for my agitation, then come back within only minutes to seek His grace again - I even had gospel music playing! 

But I wanted to break this cycle  - and it came to me - twice this morning already I had heard, "but Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger....." and that's when I asked the Lord to help me see each person as He sees them.  I don't know their back stories - or those things on their mind that distract them - but He does.  Most importantly, I just need to love - and that is a choice...so I became grateful that I have the privilege of driving a car, the opportunity to pray for those on the road with me and to show grace and kindness, whether returned or not... and my day changed.....and I am grateful.   

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40

 

I am on a path that I did not choose, nor did the one whom I will gladly, wholly support on it.  It occurred to me today as I went to order something lovely for my path partner, that it could come too late and not be a blessing to them at all.

The thought shocked my senses and I quickly moved away from it, opting for a less "perfect" item that would be delivered in a day or so and hopefully, a blessing, none-the-less.

I will move forward - whether climbing or clamouring along a slippery slope, though I know there will be times when I slide back in tears and fall to my face.  Yet in the midst, I know that One Who is faithful, full of grace and truth - and oh so very much love will never leave us nor forsake us. and I am grateful.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

A Rose

 If you were to come to my house, this is but one of the lovely blooms that would greet you.  Amazing how something so simple as a flower blooming can bring a smile to my face so quickly.  I wish I could share the aroma, but, alas, it is not available in this medium.  

I am so grateful for the wonderful reminder that each day unfolds as a bud blooming.  We can choose, no matter the news or circumstance, how to bloom.  We can choose joy in the morning and throughout the day or we can choose otherwise, but it is just that - a choice.  As for me - I choose joy!  This is a day that the LORD has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it!  

    So grateful for Friday this week!!  What a week!  Each day included doctor's visits and a surgery for my husband as an issue with his failing sight became urgent.  Today is the first day I won't be running home and then to a doctor's office or surgery center with him....only the usual Friday night for his dialysis.  

    I feel like I've spent the week running with little sleep and a bit of frustration as this was the result of a doctor he'd been changed to due to an insurance glitch.  We're back with the great doctors and they are fixing what the other doctor caused.  At any rate....God has been so good.  

    At times of great frustration, I chose to sing praises to God and what a difference it makes.  While rushing around - I had peace.  God IS good ALL the time.

 

 As I've gotten older and learned life's lessons toward peace, I've also become a bit of a tenderfoot.  When it's smooth sailing, the path soft upon my feet with the wear of experience and rough road smashed down over time into a path of soft dirt, I become accustomed to the little dirt clods on occasion.  But when the road becomes rocky with sharp edges, I'm startled by the pain and pause.  To be honest, at that moment of pain, I have a hard time considering it all joy. 

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter ^H)"various trials, knowing that ^I)"the testing of your ^J)"faith produces endurance. James 1:2-3 

 

It is necessary to consult a map - THE map (if you will) - so as not to make things worse or react in emotion born of pain, casting truth aside.  God is with you.  He is for you.  And He will see you through this time for He will never leave you nor forsake you as a child of His and He will work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  These are truths upon which you can stand fast during times of uncertainty and pain.  In holding fast to them we can be assured of growth in our love, faith, strength and very witness. And as you express your gratitude for these very truths, you may find yourself rejoicing, yes rejoicing, even in the midst of the trials.  

 

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials (1 Peter 1:6)

 

And the path will seem to smooth before you. 

 Happy New Year!

 

I know new years resolutions are seen to be a yearly effort lasting - many times - only a short while.  But we are called to examine ourselves - our lives and continue to do so with scripture as our measure.  We are called to "...examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD." (Lamentations 3:40)  As I participate in this examination I am compelled to make some determinations going forward.  One of mine this year is again - purpose to live with intention.  James Allen once said, "Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so you shall become.  Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil."

 

Just as the new morning brings light, what will your life unveil?  What does your gradual unveiling look like?