I love to travel. In such a way that I feel is normal, where there's a plan, or at least a plan not to have a plan. Beginning yesterday at noon, I began traveling for my destination at school. From my home in southwestern Indiana, to Redding California, where I will spend two weeks in class.
Yesterday was a driving portion to northern Illinois, in order to catch a flight in Chicago, Midway. (I know, I know, but the 'price of the flight' lured me in.) So, my flight was scheduled and 'on time' for 6:00am. This put me at the air port at 4am, in order to navigate security, in a timely manner. And, in case you are curious, the answer is yes, there were many people in line in security checks at that time of morning.
At 5:15 we were told that our flight would be delayed, we just were not certain about how long. We boarded the plane at about 6:40 for a 7:05 take off...only to De-plane at 6:50, and given a new departure time of noon and many apologies, 'Rick the manager' was outstanding under this stress, by the way.
However, we were instructed to 'wait it out' if we could, which I did, incorrectly thinking I could get a quick connect at Denver. And, so, I am sitting in the Denver Airport, waiting, again for about six hours until I can catch a flight to Sacramento. Then, the last 'driving leg of my trip'--that I had so wonderfully planned to have taken place before noon today--will, in fact take place between the hours of 9-11 tonight. Oh, joy. Oh, joy. OH, JOY!
And, so, with travel and meal vouchers in my hand, and a brand new boarding pass with a different air line, I approached a real sit down restaurant for dinner, to sit quietly, and think and enjoy my first real food of the day. I checked on my car rental, they'll hold it for me, and I called my husband...those are pretty important. I also communicated with a couple of classmates at my destination, about my late arrival.
As I was finishing my dinner, I thought about how very tired I feel, and no one is here with me that I love...and poor me, and on and on and on... Of course, the temptation is really there: I'll never see any of these people that I am looking at again in this lifetime...but they certainly may remember the grouchy lady! (I know I'll not soon forget the guy that made a really bad comment to one of the workers today and had security called on him!)
You see, I have been studying the book of Daniel recently, and it always strikes me how his friends came through the fiery furnace without smelling like smoke. Consequently, every time, I vow that I will do my best in trials and hard circumstances not to smell like smoke, as I face it, or after I'm through it, Lord willing!
However, all my poor me's wreaked of smoke--the worst smelling kind....from the pit of self-indulgence. Because, the secret to not having the stench of smoke on you from the 'things that happen in your life', is for it not to show on your face, or in your speech, or in your demeanor. So the rest of my trip, I will purpose to smile. Smile because of who lives inside me....and look at the blessing of the gorgeous Denver sky and the beautiful mountain view I had flying 'in'...and the week ahead, reconnecting with the new friends I've made over the past year. And, most of all, focusing on all the information and blessing God has in store for me because of this course of study that I am pursuing! I am excited. I am really tired, but even in my tiredness, I can have a good attitude. And, not stink like smoke!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
A Lesson from a Bull Frog
Last night I got to attend the monthly meeting of the DIVAS team for Ladies' Day at Oil Belt. My attending was a secret, a surprise to them, for I had not been with them in over a year. It was interesting to witness them share ideas, listen to each other, talk about the happenings in their lives. Oh, how I've missed them! Mary is doing a great job of keeping it together, and they have added some new faces to their team! April 20, 2013 is the next 'day'--and the plans look promising!
A bonus to attending this meeting for me was some driving time alone. I didn't realize how much I needed that time, until I was pulling away from my town! Third Day blaring Lift Up Your Face from my CD player, and the top of the convertible down...good good for my soul.
I had scheduled a maintenance appointment for my car that was 'on the way' to my meeting, it made perfect sense at the time. I got within a 1/2 mile from that appointment, and a huge down pour of rain just happened! Needless to say, I was drenched and so was the inside of my car. It was the longest sixty-seconds of my life--as I pushed the magic button that allows the top of my car to come back up. I had to laugh...it was just funny, and cold.
As I waited for my car to be serviced, my clothes air-dried and I was able to continue reading my last book before my class. I looked like I had just gotten out of the shower and put on my clothes. Thankfully, my daughter helped me out, and put me back together. In reality, being put back together didn't seem to matter much, the DIVAS were just glad to see me, the car was maintained and it's a funny story.
The drive home was interesting and late at night, it was about 70 minutes, pouring rain--with the top of my car firmly in place. The display of lightening was breath taking, and it was a bonus to have the sky light up the otherwise dark landscape. At one point, on the dark highway, a huge bull frog jumped across my car's path. This just made me laugh, without a care in the world, legs stretched long and strong, hopping all the way across the highway. And I got to see it.
And, if you are still reading this post, you have undoubtedly decided that I have lost my mind--thanks for staying with me here, as I do have a point.
This is how we are when we trust our life to the Living God, the Creator of the Universe. There are storms all around us, all the time. John 16:33 pretty much guarantees this fact. But in the midst of those/these storms, we can stretch our legs, reach to the heavens and have complete peace knowing without a shadow of a doubt that no matter how dark the skies, no matter how hard the rain, or how fierce the wind and the lightening--Our God is an ever present help in these times. He has this, and nothing, nothing escapes His gaze! Praise Him for that, and be still and know, know that He is God.
It's actually exciting to think about. To me, that bull frog jumping across the highway in the darkness of the night, and the crazy storm going on all around him is a perfect picture of freedom in Christ. We are free from worry, free to act, move, breathe, love, weep, mourn, praise, pray, encourage--just free to be human! Celebrate that--and enjoy these rainy days, for they are gorgeous!
A bonus to attending this meeting for me was some driving time alone. I didn't realize how much I needed that time, until I was pulling away from my town! Third Day blaring Lift Up Your Face from my CD player, and the top of the convertible down...good good for my soul.
I had scheduled a maintenance appointment for my car that was 'on the way' to my meeting, it made perfect sense at the time. I got within a 1/2 mile from that appointment, and a huge down pour of rain just happened! Needless to say, I was drenched and so was the inside of my car. It was the longest sixty-seconds of my life--as I pushed the magic button that allows the top of my car to come back up. I had to laugh...it was just funny, and cold.
As I waited for my car to be serviced, my clothes air-dried and I was able to continue reading my last book before my class. I looked like I had just gotten out of the shower and put on my clothes. Thankfully, my daughter helped me out, and put me back together. In reality, being put back together didn't seem to matter much, the DIVAS were just glad to see me, the car was maintained and it's a funny story.
The drive home was interesting and late at night, it was about 70 minutes, pouring rain--with the top of my car firmly in place. The display of lightening was breath taking, and it was a bonus to have the sky light up the otherwise dark landscape. At one point, on the dark highway, a huge bull frog jumped across my car's path. This just made me laugh, without a care in the world, legs stretched long and strong, hopping all the way across the highway. And I got to see it.
And, if you are still reading this post, you have undoubtedly decided that I have lost my mind--thanks for staying with me here, as I do have a point.
This is how we are when we trust our life to the Living God, the Creator of the Universe. There are storms all around us, all the time. John 16:33 pretty much guarantees this fact. But in the midst of those/these storms, we can stretch our legs, reach to the heavens and have complete peace knowing without a shadow of a doubt that no matter how dark the skies, no matter how hard the rain, or how fierce the wind and the lightening--Our God is an ever present help in these times. He has this, and nothing, nothing escapes His gaze! Praise Him for that, and be still and know, know that He is God.
It's actually exciting to think about. To me, that bull frog jumping across the highway in the darkness of the night, and the crazy storm going on all around him is a perfect picture of freedom in Christ. We are free from worry, free to act, move, breathe, love, weep, mourn, praise, pray, encourage--just free to be human! Celebrate that--and enjoy these rainy days, for they are gorgeous!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
9-egg Noodles & Pie Crust, Really?
I had so much fun yesterday--just being in the moment. I didn't really have to participate much, just observe and rock baby Anna, or collect Ally the "Princess Clown" (It's the letter C week at her pre-school, so she dressed as a clown with hot-pink sparkly hair--can you say adorable!?) from pre-school. But, oh the fun!
My mom drove to my oldest daughter's home to 'teach her to cook' for the day. I don't remember how it happened, I don't really think I was invited to be there--perhaps I invited myself. Alayna is no stranger to cooking--she worked in food service for a number of years. However, mom had her noodle recipe to share, and Alayna was willing to learn.
While they were elbow-deep in flour and eggs and chicken parts, I got to take Anna to the porch to enjoy the most wonderful day. She loves outside and with the temperature at 70 degrees, a gentle breeze blowing and the sun shining, she went right to sleep.
As it were, I don't know all the things that mom and Alayna cooked up, but among the recipes were pie crust, 9-egg noodles, and cookies. The noodles were going to become 'chicken and noodles'...and the pies were going to become chocolate or coconut cream... Alayna took lots of notes, and I wrote down a couple of the recipes that mom had brought--one of which was her cheese cake that she made for holidays!
Holidays are coming--sooner than I realize--so we'll be ready. We'll have our recipes in hand and on the kitchen counter to guide us through making all our favorites from mom's house. And, if we flub up, we'll have the cell phones on stand by to call her quickly for wise counsel!
There was a moment yesterday in Alayna's kitchen, when my mom was standing with one of her daughters, two of her granddaughters and her two great-granddaughters...four generations standing/sitting/crawling (Anna is only 9months old!) in the same room, at the same time, it just doesn't get much sweeter. For in that moment, my turns to me and says,"I'm so glad you are now close enough that you can enjoy each other like this!"...Me too mom...me too!
My mom drove to my oldest daughter's home to 'teach her to cook' for the day. I don't remember how it happened, I don't really think I was invited to be there--perhaps I invited myself. Alayna is no stranger to cooking--she worked in food service for a number of years. However, mom had her noodle recipe to share, and Alayna was willing to learn.
While they were elbow-deep in flour and eggs and chicken parts, I got to take Anna to the porch to enjoy the most wonderful day. She loves outside and with the temperature at 70 degrees, a gentle breeze blowing and the sun shining, she went right to sleep.
As it were, I don't know all the things that mom and Alayna cooked up, but among the recipes were pie crust, 9-egg noodles, and cookies. The noodles were going to become 'chicken and noodles'...and the pies were going to become chocolate or coconut cream... Alayna took lots of notes, and I wrote down a couple of the recipes that mom had brought--one of which was her cheese cake that she made for holidays!
Holidays are coming--sooner than I realize--so we'll be ready. We'll have our recipes in hand and on the kitchen counter to guide us through making all our favorites from mom's house. And, if we flub up, we'll have the cell phones on stand by to call her quickly for wise counsel!
There was a moment yesterday in Alayna's kitchen, when my mom was standing with one of her daughters, two of her granddaughters and her two great-granddaughters...four generations standing/sitting/crawling (Anna is only 9months old!) in the same room, at the same time, it just doesn't get much sweeter. For in that moment, my turns to me and says,"I'm so glad you are now close enough that you can enjoy each other like this!"...Me too mom...me too!
Saturday, September 8, 2012
My New 'Mashed Potato' Bowl!
This week I was honored by a surprise visit from my parents. They live about two hours away, and to my delight they called early one morning to say they were headed 'our direction'...This is funny for me to consider this morning, because a few weeks ago, as I was literally calling my mom to tell her I was on my way to spend the night at her house, she was leaving me a voice mail saying that they had decided that morning to drive to Florida for a couple of weeks! Love that!
I love it that they are enjoying their retirement! They have worked really hard their whole lives--so being able to do what they enjoy, when ever they want to is good! I also love it that their faith is strong, and they serve in their churches (the one near their home in So. IL & the one they attend in FL)
And so, after they arrived, we drove a little over an hour to Clay City Pottery, in Clay City, Indiana. I love pottery, and so do they! They serve a lot of meals to their friends, and they use pieces of it to set their table and serve their guests. Mom is all about setting a pretty table--I love that about her, and I think I got some of that desire to set a pretty table and the talent to put it together.
The pottery place was a series of barns, with gorgeous pieces available--from pieces of 'red' to use outside to salt and pepper shakers! The 'red room' also had all sorts of flower pots/saucers. There was a 'seconds room' where you could purchase 'seconds'. Their seconds have little imperfections that do not affect the use of the item. In the main room each shelf was arranged by color and design. Also in this room was a display of the pottery pieces they had made throughout their history--which reached all the way back to the 1800's!
Back to our table...it is important that you use your dishes...honor your family with those...I know that in 2012, we are tempted to 'stand over the sink to eat'--or 'use paper plates so we don't have to do dishes.' (by the way, there are times to definitely use paper plates, just so you know that I do use them) I think the time you spend around the table should be considered an important event in the life of your family.
This was one of the difficult things I faced when we were houseparents. It wasn't 'anyone's fault', just the nature of the beast, as it were. The boys in our home were not used to sitting at a table, or using manners...and, conversation was pretty much limited to 'gross' topics! So, we all had a LOT of adjusting to do! In the end, they did much better than when we first began, but they did learn to use real dishes...not paper plates! I don't know, I suppose this sound trivial...but I think, when your table looks pretty, it shows that you cherish the 'event'...even if it's supper on a random Thursday night...or lunch on a Tuesday...using the real dishes, sometimes the china, with fabric napkins, and a real table cloth...fresh flowers occasionally is also a great touch. Cherish those you love...cherish your time together...remember, you are always making memories!
And, thankfully, I have good good memories 'around the table' at my parents, my grandparents and my aunts & uncles' homes over the years. So, if pottery is what it takes....go get some...I got a gorgeous 'mashed potato' bowl on our journey past this week. For me that translates: really good memories for my family.
I love it that they are enjoying their retirement! They have worked really hard their whole lives--so being able to do what they enjoy, when ever they want to is good! I also love it that their faith is strong, and they serve in their churches (the one near their home in So. IL & the one they attend in FL)
And so, after they arrived, we drove a little over an hour to Clay City Pottery, in Clay City, Indiana. I love pottery, and so do they! They serve a lot of meals to their friends, and they use pieces of it to set their table and serve their guests. Mom is all about setting a pretty table--I love that about her, and I think I got some of that desire to set a pretty table and the talent to put it together.
The pottery place was a series of barns, with gorgeous pieces available--from pieces of 'red' to use outside to salt and pepper shakers! The 'red room' also had all sorts of flower pots/saucers. There was a 'seconds room' where you could purchase 'seconds'. Their seconds have little imperfections that do not affect the use of the item. In the main room each shelf was arranged by color and design. Also in this room was a display of the pottery pieces they had made throughout their history--which reached all the way back to the 1800's!
Back to our table...it is important that you use your dishes...honor your family with those...I know that in 2012, we are tempted to 'stand over the sink to eat'--or 'use paper plates so we don't have to do dishes.' (by the way, there are times to definitely use paper plates, just so you know that I do use them) I think the time you spend around the table should be considered an important event in the life of your family.
This was one of the difficult things I faced when we were houseparents. It wasn't 'anyone's fault', just the nature of the beast, as it were. The boys in our home were not used to sitting at a table, or using manners...and, conversation was pretty much limited to 'gross' topics! So, we all had a LOT of adjusting to do! In the end, they did much better than when we first began, but they did learn to use real dishes...not paper plates! I don't know, I suppose this sound trivial...but I think, when your table looks pretty, it shows that you cherish the 'event'...even if it's supper on a random Thursday night...or lunch on a Tuesday...using the real dishes, sometimes the china, with fabric napkins, and a real table cloth...fresh flowers occasionally is also a great touch. Cherish those you love...cherish your time together...remember, you are always making memories!
And, thankfully, I have good good memories 'around the table' at my parents, my grandparents and my aunts & uncles' homes over the years. So, if pottery is what it takes....go get some...I got a gorgeous 'mashed potato' bowl on our journey past this week. For me that translates: really good memories for my family.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Moms...of pre-schoolers...of teen-agers...of adults...
It is not a secret; I love to talk. I love to laugh and I love to be around people--all kinds of people. At this point in my life, I have this amazing gift of time. Time to think; I've mentioned this recently here, so I won't bore you with that...however, I need to think more clearly. Thinking more clearly for me, at this age, seems to come after my morning coffee! But, seriously, thinking clearly for all of us humans comes from time spent in the Word and in prayer, you know this, or you should.
I was honored yesterday by a surprise phone call from a friend I hadn't talked to in quite a while. You know, it's one of those calls that when her name 'popped up' on my phone, I thought, "OH, good! I get to talk to ______!" It was a bittersweet conversation, because she shared her disappointment with me concerning something she's facing. However, we were able to not focus completely on that topic, and catch up with each other a little. And, it was a blessing.
Yesterday was my first day of my fall semester, so most of the day was spent putting my materials in order, and I was even able to begin one of my first writing assignments. However, my phone rang again in the afternoon--a different friend called. This phone call was from a young mom that I dearly love, but I haven't, again, had much opportunity to talk with her since we moved. To my delight, she was calling to invite me to speak at a MOPS (Mothers Of Pre-Schoolers) meeting later this year! How fun!
As I sit here this morning, I am contemplating topics to share with these young moms! I'm thinking that because I have had pre-schoolers in our house for the majority of the past 27 years, I might have some encouragement to share with them! And, while I haven't had a divine revelation about my topic at this moment, I feel certain that I will narrow my options down in the next couple of days. But, oh how fun it is to sit and think about all the different scenarios and approaches I could take.
Being a mom is filled with the most wonderful moments; moments to cherish and to 'ponder'. Those moments trigger emotions that you didn't even know you were capable of feeling--and moments that literally take your breath away--to the point of no air in your lungs. Each child, so unique from the others, only wanting to be loved and cherished forever by their parents. From the sweet little baby to the precious little three year old to the curious & busy first grader to the complicated (and sometimes sullen) teens---trying college years to the young adults--yep--these are the most wonderful times! Because, each time our family is together--this is the variety we have to enjoy! Secretly, my hope is that it will always be this way! A variety of ages and stages--precious, each one, which makes my advice this morning this: enjoy each one, for the current stage in this child's life is quickly fleeting, for it will not last forever.
When your little baby won't sleep at night, and there are dark circles under your eyes like you have never experienced before--the sweet smile and laugh out loud quickly bring a smile to your tired face, and you light up! When the drooling starts, and there is pain because the teethe are coming--it isn't long before they are taking bites of french fries or their siblings. (or in my sister's case, the rubber seal on our grandparent's car trunk) Blink and they are in school...blink again, and they are walking through their college graduation...and then, soon enough they bring their little ones to you for you to enjoy! Love each one...love each day--for soon, very soon, the canvas of your family changes!
Consider Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
and, Psalm 39:4 Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.
I was honored yesterday by a surprise phone call from a friend I hadn't talked to in quite a while. You know, it's one of those calls that when her name 'popped up' on my phone, I thought, "OH, good! I get to talk to ______!" It was a bittersweet conversation, because she shared her disappointment with me concerning something she's facing. However, we were able to not focus completely on that topic, and catch up with each other a little. And, it was a blessing.
Yesterday was my first day of my fall semester, so most of the day was spent putting my materials in order, and I was even able to begin one of my first writing assignments. However, my phone rang again in the afternoon--a different friend called. This phone call was from a young mom that I dearly love, but I haven't, again, had much opportunity to talk with her since we moved. To my delight, she was calling to invite me to speak at a MOPS (Mothers Of Pre-Schoolers) meeting later this year! How fun!
As I sit here this morning, I am contemplating topics to share with these young moms! I'm thinking that because I have had pre-schoolers in our house for the majority of the past 27 years, I might have some encouragement to share with them! And, while I haven't had a divine revelation about my topic at this moment, I feel certain that I will narrow my options down in the next couple of days. But, oh how fun it is to sit and think about all the different scenarios and approaches I could take.
Being a mom is filled with the most wonderful moments; moments to cherish and to 'ponder'. Those moments trigger emotions that you didn't even know you were capable of feeling--and moments that literally take your breath away--to the point of no air in your lungs. Each child, so unique from the others, only wanting to be loved and cherished forever by their parents. From the sweet little baby to the precious little three year old to the curious & busy first grader to the complicated (and sometimes sullen) teens---trying college years to the young adults--yep--these are the most wonderful times! Because, each time our family is together--this is the variety we have to enjoy! Secretly, my hope is that it will always be this way! A variety of ages and stages--precious, each one, which makes my advice this morning this: enjoy each one, for the current stage in this child's life is quickly fleeting, for it will not last forever.
When your little baby won't sleep at night, and there are dark circles under your eyes like you have never experienced before--the sweet smile and laugh out loud quickly bring a smile to your tired face, and you light up! When the drooling starts, and there is pain because the teethe are coming--it isn't long before they are taking bites of french fries or their siblings. (or in my sister's case, the rubber seal on our grandparent's car trunk) Blink and they are in school...blink again, and they are walking through their college graduation...and then, soon enough they bring their little ones to you for you to enjoy! Love each one...love each day--for soon, very soon, the canvas of your family changes!
Consider Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
and, Psalm 39:4 Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Hope, really?
This verse spoke to my heart this morning:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:12
Just look at how many times the word hope appears there...twice...our hope, as Christians comes from the God of hope...by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit that is in us as a deposit for the coming age.
That is my hope. But my question this morning to myself was this: Is my hope overflowing by the power of the Spirit? If it isn't then why? And, better, if it IS, then what do I do about that?
If my hope is overflowing then I am overflowing with joy and peace that comes from trusting God. Wow, there is a concept in these times: trusting the God of hope....really trusting Him in all circumstances--in everything that concerns us. Everything. EVERY little THING.
So much of our life is concern, isn't it? We hardly have room in our day to 'trust' because we are so consumed with our 'concern.' (which is really worry, so stop believing the lie that they are not the same) Stop being scared--we are certainly scared because when we stop worrying, then we give up control, and that is a very scary place to be--the anecdote for this is to practice trusting.
I would like to point out Proverbs 3:5-6...Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
By trusting in God, and not our own wisdom, the wisdom of those around us, the TV anchors, or the email or text message we just received, HE will make our paths straight...straight to the place He intends to teach us the most.
It is my most recent experience that that 'place' is not always comfortable, air conditioned or smells the greatest...it isn't the most desirable, by earthly standards (here, I am reminded of Joseph when he was sold in to slavery by his 'beloved' brothers, eventually spending a couple of years in prison--go ahead, read for yourself: Genesis 37-50) ...but it IS a place of peace and quiet understanding that He is God, Jehovah....and that's where our hope must be...completely in Him.
Bear in mind, this is an election year, the economy could be better, our country could use more jobs, we have children that are starving--right here in the 'richest country in the world', there is domestic abuse and there are people suffering from disease...yet, ultimately, our hope cannot rest on one 'elected official's' shoulders...please, do everything you can to think 'higher' than that...try not panic about earthly matters...for our Hope is with the Lord...
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.--Habakkuk 3:17-18
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:12
Just look at how many times the word hope appears there...twice...our hope, as Christians comes from the God of hope...by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit that is in us as a deposit for the coming age.
That is my hope. But my question this morning to myself was this: Is my hope overflowing by the power of the Spirit? If it isn't then why? And, better, if it IS, then what do I do about that?
If my hope is overflowing then I am overflowing with joy and peace that comes from trusting God. Wow, there is a concept in these times: trusting the God of hope....really trusting Him in all circumstances--in everything that concerns us. Everything. EVERY little THING.
So much of our life is concern, isn't it? We hardly have room in our day to 'trust' because we are so consumed with our 'concern.' (which is really worry, so stop believing the lie that they are not the same) Stop being scared--we are certainly scared because when we stop worrying, then we give up control, and that is a very scary place to be--the anecdote for this is to practice trusting.
I would like to point out Proverbs 3:5-6...Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
By trusting in God, and not our own wisdom, the wisdom of those around us, the TV anchors, or the email or text message we just received, HE will make our paths straight...straight to the place He intends to teach us the most.
It is my most recent experience that that 'place' is not always comfortable, air conditioned or smells the greatest...it isn't the most desirable, by earthly standards (here, I am reminded of Joseph when he was sold in to slavery by his 'beloved' brothers, eventually spending a couple of years in prison--go ahead, read for yourself: Genesis 37-50) ...but it IS a place of peace and quiet understanding that He is God, Jehovah....and that's where our hope must be...completely in Him.
Bear in mind, this is an election year, the economy could be better, our country could use more jobs, we have children that are starving--right here in the 'richest country in the world', there is domestic abuse and there are people suffering from disease...yet, ultimately, our hope cannot rest on one 'elected official's' shoulders...please, do everything you can to think 'higher' than that...try not panic about earthly matters...for our Hope is with the Lord...
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.--Habakkuk 3:17-18
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)