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?