Restoration

 

Well, it's time for me to get out of the city and back to nature. I don't know about  you, but after a while in town, I need the respite of a place by water.  This setting came to mind as I have been reading/memorizing Psalm 23.  It's a familiar Psalm to most., often read at funerals, but it holds so much life for everyday living.  

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing, He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul... those are just the first 3 verses.  Wow!  Great reminder that we don't need to worry.  God supplies all of our needs as we trust Him.  He provides the rest and refreshing as we abide in Him.  He even leads us to quiet waters, but, like the old saying goes, "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink."  

Maybe we need to take that drink and rest in Him, remembering that whatever comes our way, He's got us in His care.  With all of the storms that have befallen me and our family this year, He has been faithful, provided and even given peace beyond understanding when the world would have me "freak out."  Make it a great day!

 Hmmm....when your artificial tree sheds more needles than any real tree at the time of removal, there may be a problem.  I'm thinking it's time to move on and finally get a new tree.  I planned on getting a new tree last year as I was fairly certain that the time had come, but I think there's that part in me that is just plain being a rebel.  I miss the fresh trees we got until moving to the desert.  

Our adventures weren't quite like the Griswolds in that my father and mother were always prepared.  Maybe that's why I always felt growing up that I could do anything. There wasn't the fear that I'd be left hanging or that a mishap could be catastrophic.  I ran down the road of life taking every challenge as an assured win at the end and every sideways path as an adventure that might lead to new and amazing things.

But, you weren't raised by my parents and I know that they weren't raised in such assurances, except the assurance we can all get from our Heavenly Father - "for I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11.

Remember, whatever you are going through - whatever road or detour you are on - He's got your back and His plans are greater.

God bless you.

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?