And the rain came and came and came...

I have a smart phone with the weather app on it and when I open the app up comes the latest story....RAIN. When I turn on the national news the big story is the RAIN. Upon waking up this morning, we hear the RAIN as it engulfs us! For us, even though we need the rain it is problematic. With the rain usually comes thunder and lightning. And our 130 lb. chocolate lab looks like a beast but is totally undone by rain, thunder, and lightning. So the rain, in this season of our lives is met with mixed feelings. Since last night it has rained and rained and rained.

Today, though, I was thinking about rain in a totally different way. The Lord brought this verse to me during my prayer time..."Rain down, you heavens from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness; let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the Lord have created it." Isaiah 45:8. God is commanding blessings to fall upon his people and he is beseeching his people....us...to willingly and gratefully receive them and to walk worthy of  the blessings he rains upon us.  What God is illustrating in these words are the righteousness and salvation poured out upon us by the grace of God, God's righteous and gracious acts, done for us and the blessings that come with that righteousness shall be as many and stellar as if he rained them down from heaven. And the holiness that we strive for should be proportionate to the privileges, advantages, and blessings that our God has gladly rained down upon us.

With all the mixed feelings that come from a day, days or even a week of  rain, this scripture to me, is like a break in the clouds and a rainbow streaming across the sky....again from our God, our Father, promises of hope, grace, and love. Thank you Father for the rains of righteousness that you pour down upon us from the heavens!

"then I shall give you rains in their season, so that the land will yield its produce and the trees of the field will bear their fruit." Leviticus 26:4

BLACK-EYED SUSAN BLESSING

 Take a look at this tiny little Black-Eyed Susan! It has grown up through the driest, sandy soil at the foot of the bench I sit on, near the end of our morning walk through the woods. This sweet little flower is probably no larger than a quarter of an inch in diameter. I can not fathom how it survives, day after day, week after week. Except for the fact that God wanted it there for me to see everyday during the week as a blessing and a teachable moment. 

So my little flower in the dust is two-fold for me. First, it is like a little prize at the end of our walks. Walking through the woods, on tough terrain, at just before the sun rises...6- 6:30 am, with the bugs, the heat or the cold, the spider webs and the awareness that something could slither across the path at any time is not really my idea of a great time! I do it because it is good for me... the exercise, because my daughter has to do it and I want to support her, because God has blessed me with the ability to do it and I want to honor him, and it gives me great opportunities for prayer/time to acknowledge Him. To be honest with you though, it is not my thing. I would rather be painting or writing or drawing! And God knows that! So, hot and tired, and with swollen knees, we make it back to what we call the Pavilion, a pole shed type of structure that houses a small tractor and two wooden benches. And what do my little eyes spy!? My little flower blessing. It has been there to greet me for over a month now! My first thought was, "thank you, Lord for this little tiny piece of beauty and strength. If  she can survive and thrive, so can I." Now, while I am making my way downhill, with the gullies, the roots, the rocks, the sand, the red clay, all the terrain that make the journey hard, I think about that little prize waiting for me! It also is a reminder that every minute of every day God, my Father, has me and my needs on his mind!

Then there is the second part of this. My little Susan is so tiny. It would be so easy to overlook. God has been teaching me a great deal about the small things in life. It is easy to see 10 or 12 geese flying in formation, doing their honking as they line the sky. But it is not so easy to see the little nest with 3 little blue eggs speckled with brown dots tucked deep in the big Azalea bush.  It is easy to feel and appreciate the wind when it is blowing and bending the trees but how often do we just sit and take in a subtle gentle breeze? In the fall and spring I love to have the windows open. And when the windows are open, I often hear the whistle of the trains that pass through about 5 miles away. The sound is faint but it always brings a smile to my face. All the above mentioned experiences God uses to remind me to listen and look for him in the small, quiet,and gentle things in this life. 

"The Lord said, "Go out (Elijah) and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." 1 Kings 19:11-12

Our Lord loves, protects, directs, ministers, talks, encourages, and rejoices with us in big ways at times. We have all seen and heard of those times.  Yet, he also does all those things in a still, small, gentle voice and way at times. How often are you looking for an answer to prayer in a gentle small voice. How often are you hearing his encouragement in a small little flower? How often are you feeling him refresh you in a gentle breeze? It is my thought that He does his work in us more in the small gentle voice than in a big booming voice. So how much love, direction, encouragement, joy are you missing out on!?

I encourage you today to pray that he will start revealing a tiny little flower in your life so that you can experience all the wonder he has for you!

And, as always, my friend I thank God for you and pray that this post...one of His Kingdom assignments for me will touch one of you today...blessings to you!

Trina

Beauty from the mess...

In the mornings I stand on my front deck and fill up my bird feeder. This particular feeder hangs over the side of the railing. Over time I have watched the little fat doves come in large groups to feed. They do not like flying up to the feeder.  I have a little cup and I throw seed out about 4-6 feet into the yard onto the ground and that helps feed them. The seed I throw is the Songbird feed. It is full of sunflowers and assorted nuts and berries.

After the hurricane, that hit our area, this past September, we had to have the trees in our front yard cut down. Our front yard looks a mess! Stumps everywhere and mounds of dirt and pine straw. At some point we will start to have the stumps removed. It is all good because we are safe and now we have a clean slate to work with and can plant whatever we desire. But it will all take time. Or maybe not so long!

We have a large stump about 4 feet from the deck and the bird feeder. Our very large chocolate Lab, Buddy, has decided to dig all around the front of the stump. The holes he digs are large and deep. He sticks his body into those holes looking for moles. When he is digging and comes across a large root he chews and pulls on it until he breaks it loose. And if the yard was not enough of a mess and now I have these large holes dug and when it rains I have mud holes! But maybe he will be the dig up the stumps and save us some work!

So far, if you are still reading this you deserve an award. Where are you going with this, you might be wondering. Well, this is where. Look at the picture at the top of the page. It is a five foot sunflower, reaching out from this mess of stumps and mud with it's beautiful yellow face looking toward the sun!I have done nothing to bring about this beauty. It is about two feet from one of the biggest holes Buddy has dug in front of his favorite stump and in that hole are about six more sunflower plants growing. How blessed am I with the beauty that is right in front of me.

So here are some of my thoughts. Lately, I have known multiple people who are struggling, their paths in life seems big and dark. They are struggling. The path of life is definitely hard right now. Life has veered off the path they know and have expected to stay on. It is barren of joy and they can't see what the landscape will look like in the future or how to move forward. It is a dark times for these people I know.

Yet we have a God who can bring beauty, joy, peace, and a new path through anything...ANYTHING!  It seems a little trite to compare a wild sunflower growing in a messed up yard to some of the life changing events happening to you but yet it is not trite! It is the way God works. Simply and yet with power! Isaiah 46:9 tells us to "remember [carefully] the former things [which I did] from ages past; For I am God, and there is no one else; I am God, and there is no one like Me..."AMP. God has given us special blessings to hold onto so when the road gets rough we will remember him and his power and mercy. It is part of the potter's plan to build our faith in Him so that when we hit those dark times we know the truth. God doesn't bring suffering to us...that is part of this fallen world...but he does promise  to stand beside us and comfort us and not withhold blessings from us. It is on us to remember his goodness and mercy, love and promises...Psalm 119:50 "This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life." 

One last thought...when I experienced that dark time of my daughters's near fatal accident I couldn't seems to pray or read my bible. My thoughts, my heart, my attention was all over the place. I needed God and his comfort but I just couldn't physically calm down my brain. It took me years to understand that through my tears, through my pleas, through my groans and through the prayers of others He was ministering to me.I loved God but I am human just like you! He helped me put one foot in front of the other each day, it was through his power I was able to make decisions, it was through his comfort I was able to shut my eyes and rest, and it was through our God Almighty, the one and only that I grew closer to him. He knew my love for him and He took hold of the rest until I was able. I want you, those going through the dark days, to remember that you will emerge from the mess of life like that beautiful sunflower to turn your gaze to our God with praise and thanks! He will make it happen...

God bless you during this time of suffering and grace and my prayers are with you!

 "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for us according to the will of God. And we now that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:26-28 

Waiting = Blessings

 As I was watching the news this weekend, a common theme was President Trump promise to bring down prices. The commentators were pushing on the fact that it had been two whole weeks and the price of eggs were still too high. You think so?! This is not a political post and I know that the commentators were making a political stand by their statement. But it made me think.

We have become a society that wants everything in life to happen quickly. We take a pill and we want the pain to immediately evaporate. How about eating healthy for a week and we expect the 25 pounds we need to lose to disappear.  And don't even get me started with the subject of having to stand in a line, especially during the Christmas season; the complaining and harsh comments that I have heard! We now have 24 hour news so we can get it instantly. Gone are the days I remember from my childhood of Daddy coming into the living room, sitting in his chair and turning on the television to catch the 6 pm news. The minute we enter into the summer season we want it to hurry up and become fall, especially if you live in the south. The same if you live in the north part of the country but the reverse. There are valid reasons for all of the above. I live in the south and after weeks of 100 and over temperatures I even wish for summer to be over. In all the above examples I am referring to an overall attitude of "it has to happen right NOW".

So, how does that fit in to your relationship with God? Are you praying and your expectation is wanting  immediate action from him? Are you taking control of situations in your life instead of waiting on God's timing? When you are going through a trial or tribulation is your focus turned into yourself or what God may be trying to accomplish in life. All the major life events do you rush to get there? Or are you patient, waiting with hope and trust, giving control to him and prayfully wait on His timing.

I am not sure how, as people, we got to this point of wanting everything in life on the fast track. What I know is waiting on God can be difficult but it can also lead to many blessings. Remember that God is the time keeper and his clock is very different from ours. "On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised..."-Acts 1:4 . May I remind you that Jesus waited 30 years to begin his ministry! Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for the birth of Isaac. Then Isaac had to wait 20 years for his children. In John 5:1 we are told of a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years before Jesus healed him. Moses spent 40 years in the desert before leading the Israelites out of Egypt. David waited 15 years to become the King of Israel. Joseph waited 13 years in prison for his sufferings to be redeemed. There are many more Ester, Noah, Job, Caleb, Simeon and Joshua just to name a few. Wouldn't this be a great study to do!

Times of waiting are meant to foster our dependence on God and deepen our trust in Him. Waiting on God involves giving up our own desire for control, seeking instead His wisdom, trusting His timing, and having hopeful anticipation...can we have some of that in line at Marshall's during our Christmas shopping!? We should always be ready to move, for things to happen fast, but only in God's timing. The waiting should be a time we embrace. And we can always trust that waiting, waiting on God will only bring blessings!        God bless you in all of your waiting!

 

"The Lord is good to those who wait." Lamentations 3:25

"Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him." Psalm 37:7

Keep Moving Forward

 Well, it is a new year 2025. It is hard to wrap my head around the fact that we are now a quarter into this century. WOW! And as always for me, the new year brings many positive thoughts about change. I am not a resolution maker but I certainly am a list maker. My lists, along with my thoughts for 2025 are many. Today, I would like to share one of those thoughts on my list with you.

Since the end of September, in my hometown and state we have experienced three weather related, uncommon events. We have had a hurricane, Helene, an ice event, and a snow event. Also, never far from my memory, concerning weather, was a major snow and ice event we experienced back in February of 2014. During that event we were out of power, water, ran out of wood for heat, food, and essentials during the first ten days. It was then that our power was restored and with power most of the issues fell back in line but it made a lasting impression.

When hurricane Helene hit our area on September 27 it caused major damage to us and multiple states. We had never experienced a major summer event. That is such a game changer to me. Our electricity was off for almost 2 weeks with temperatures in the upper 90's and high humidity. I think it was day 3 or 4 that we drove 80 miles away and purchased a generator to at least try to give us a little relief on multiple fronts.

Then when these two other events happened this month, a few days before the first storm hit, we pulled out the generator and started going over a winter storm plan. After, the first storm we had to go back to the drawing board and look closely at what needed to be rethought. We then tried to come up with a better plan for the storm that was due to hit around 2 weeks later. We have been through a summer hurricane, an ice storm, and a snow storm. And it is clear to me that we have to look hard at what we are doing and keep moving forward to manage these storms better for our safety and comfort.

Is that not similar to our spiritual life!? Is that not in a way how we should be attacking our growth and relationship with the Lord!? I have discovered that storms of life never stop. So often, it feels like after I seem to get a handle on one issue another jumps into my life. The storm we experienced 10 years ago we had no generator and life seemed to fall apart. It was miserable. We attempted to problem solve but we had no resources. We seemed to just run in circles with no direction, no clear path. Isn't that how it is when we try to handle life on our own and don't rely on God! Life throws something at us and we try to manage it all on our own. We might succeed in the end. We made it through those long, cold, miserable days but the paths didn't bear fruit. We just muddled through it.

Now, with some of the right tools, and there is a chance of another storm near the beginning of February, we can keep tweaking our plans and be safer and have more peace...bear fruit! I can clearly see this moving forward during this year. I have s yearning to make my lists, read the scripture, pray more, come to the feet of my Father earlier instead of later. I want to look back and remember the lessons he has taught me to go to new depths in my relationship with him.

There is a Jewish holiday called Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles. During this holiday, the Jewish people build temporary huts called Sukkot to commemorate the 40 years their ancestors spent wandering in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt. The significance in this is to remember and focus on God's protection and provision over them during the time in the wilderness.  That, to me is a lesson! Just like looking back over these storms and learning what not to do and what can be done better, in my walk with the Lord I want to look back, remember what he has done for me, the lessons he has taught me. I feel the excitement, the awe, the anticipation of a new year. I feel excited to look back over all God's blessings and lessons, all the grace and mercy he has bestowed upon me. And I am eager to take each day in 2025 as a time to grow, to go deep, for my Father to use me for his Kingdom Assignments and to continue to give me the tools, the guidance to accomplish HIS WILL in his kingdom on earth!

I pray that this post moved you in some way, encouraged you, and will bless you on your walk with the Lord. May God's peace, grace and mercy shine on you in this new year 2025!

"Remember this, keep it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me."Isaiah 46:8-9

Love, mercy, faithfulness

 This morning, like almost every morning, my daughter and I headed out for our walk. Yes, it was below freezing and the sun was just starting to rise. I must say my heart was not in the walk this morning. I would have rather been snuggled under a warm blanket with a cup of coffee beside the fire. It is good for me though and my head knows it so I try to pray and thank God that I am able. Thank you Lord! We walked the road, which is our routine, and then headed back into the woods. Down this trail and that trail, through a clearing and then up a hill, one that never gets easier! As we got about halfway up the hill I could feel the sun on my back and could see our shadows ahead of us. The sun was on the rise!

 As we got to the top of the hill we stopped for a moment. I turned around and saw a beautiful sight. The sun was so bright and streaming through the towering pines. The colors...bright yellow, red, and orange were just like something painted in a fine piece of art. It was so bright that it was hard to look at yet so beautiful you couldn't turn away. We stood there for a few moments just taking it in knowing that in just a few minutes it would be rising above those towering pines and bringing warmth and brightness to the day!

And on we went and in just a dozen steps or so we were out of the brightness, walking a path that was covered over in trees that blocked the sunlight...for now. I knew that this path would eventually lead us to a clearing and we would be back into that brilliant sunlight. That was when the Lord spoke to me and the verse Lamentations 3:22-23 was whispered in my ear..."Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness".

 This is such a well known scripture but its words hold immense promise. And especially right now in this season of lent when we are examining ourselves...taking a hard look at our hearts as we seek to follow Christ with more faithfulness it can be so reassuring. The first part of this scripture reminds us of the ultimate love God has for us...there is none greater. There is nothing we can do to change His great love for us. God will never reconsider his decision to love us no matter how many times we fail him. He loves us now, tomorrow, forever and that is final!

Then we are told that out of this great love that God has for us his mercy extends to us always. His love and mercy go hand in hand and since his love for us will never end neither will his mercy upon us. Every single day...EVERY single day no matter what we do, what we think, how we are tempted God's love and mercy for us is bestowed upon us. This is a promise but also a reminder. Out of the great love for us flows God's mercy each and every day, refreshed and refilled. Again, no matter how often we have to rely on his mercy it is there for us. Of course, this scripture is not a license to tempt God, live in sin, and then call on his mercy as a mindset. But it is a promise for you if your heart is set to follow God and walk in obedience to him, but you find yourself failing.

And the last part of this..."great is your faithfulness" ties it all together. God's indescribable, never ending love flows into his refilling and refreshing mercies which we can count on because of his always and forever faithfulness! Just as I can't fathom how God made such a beautiful sunrise this morning for me, it is sometimes hard to fathom this immense love, mercy and faithfulness God has for me, just this simple country girl. But just as I stood and was in awe and praise of the sun that I was blessed to see this morning I will stand in awe of his promises and praise him always!

Thank you Lord for turning my cold dark morning into a bright day of promise promises of love, mercy and faithfulness that never ends!

"In Your great compassion, You did not put an end to them; nor did You forsake them, for You are a gracious and compassionate God."Nehemiah 9:31

God's Garden

 

I live on a country road and am blessed to have a neighbor across my driveway, and across my street.  I say blessed because I am able to have the country life...animals, birds, trees, stars, and country stillness and quiet. Yet, there are neighbors close enough to take a short stroll and grab a cup of coffee or a mason jar of milk when I am out. There are others to fellowship with and I value my neighbors, adults and children. Today I want to tell you about one of my special little neighbors and the blessing and opportunity to build on my word of the year "Legacy".

A few days after Christmas my Ruthie girl came to my door with that permanent big smile that always dresses her face. She is eight years old, a child in a family of eight children, one of four girls, and home schooled. The latter presents more opportunities to visit. So, in the door she came and we had the usually exchange of greetings..."Hi Miss Trina. Whatcha doing?" "Hi Ruthie girl. Are you here for a visit or did mommy send you for something?" This day she sat down on the sofa and answered that she had come for a visit which is common for her. She is my most frequent visitor. At times we have chats about all sorts of topics, usually questions she has for me. We talk about what she might do when she grows up, how to crochet, decorating ideas for her bedroom, where she likes to go on vacation, different art techniques, and the list goes on. Then there are the visits where she wants to do some paper art or water coloring, or bracelet making, or letter writing. And let me not forget the visits that include bringing some treasure or project she has done to show me...Ruthie's Show and Tell.

This morning she came with a wonderful sparkle gel pen and fancy jeweled journal in hand. She wanted to show me her journal, a Christmas present, and the prayers she had been writing in it. Her prayers moved me. They were so sweet and innocent such as a child's prayers should be. They were thoughtful and straight from her sweet heart. There was no doubt in reading her prayers that this child has a heart for the Lord. In one prayer she was thanking God for our family and that we live next door. Her words were so sweet and it did cause me to tear up. I asked her if she wanted me to use her new sparkly pen and write a prayer in her journal and she was very excited. Of course was her answer and she sat quietly while I put my prayer to paper. I thanked God for the new year, for his love and protection, and then for my Ruthie girl. I told the Lord in my prayer that I knew he had great plans for her and that I will be here helping her give Him glory and praise for the paths he takes her on. I asked God for his protection over her and laid her in his hands and told God how special she is to me. I ended my prayer and closed her journal thanking her for the blessing of being able to write in her precious journal. She gave me a hug and that big smile of hers!

This little girl is so humble and sweet. She didn't ask me what I wrote or looked at my prayer. She just hugged me and thanked me again for taking the time to write in her journal. We sat on the sofa, had hot chocolate and talked about all sorts of random topics. After about an hour she decided she better go home. I asked if I could pray with her being the New Year and all. She was excited about us praying together and we decided to use the prayer I wrote in her journal. So we prayed together...short and sweet and from the heart. She gave me a big hug, told me she loved me and took her happy little self on back to her house.

As I have said in another post the definition I like for legacy is "planting seeds you may not see grow." At my age I will plant the garden, probably see the sprouts stick their heads up, but I might not see the full blooming but that is okay. My job might just be to plant the seeds and keep the ground fertile and God and others will do the rest. It struck me after she left what a fertile garden I have right across the road. Of course I have a strong desire to leave a spiritual legacy to my grandchildren but leaving a legacy doesn't have to be just for those that are your family. Planting seeds for God's kingdom should be a legacy I leave behind for all. God provides the soil, the people that cross paths with me both fleeting and permanently, and the Holy Spirit gives me the seeds, the words or actions to drop into the soil. It is up to me to be open, to listen and be aware of the promptings of God. God is working with me. He is showing me how my work for him is important. It is simple, heartfelt, loving...as simple as scribbling words in a jeweled journal with a sparkly pen, "It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in it's branches." Matthew 13:32.  Thank you Lord for 2023 and all that you have in store for me and the garden I am helping you plant!

 Ecclesiastes 11:6 "In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good."

SHELTER

Last night across the south traveled a line of severe storms. They contained tornadoes, hail, wind, thunder and lightning, and heavy rains. My sister who lives by herself in Alabama texted to ask for prayers because of the severe weather coming. My heart was all in. I live with three grown adults and still get anxious during bad weather. Praying for her was going to be done without hesitation.

As a noun shelter means a place giving temporary protection from bad weather or danger. As a verb it means protect or shield from something harmful, especially weather. When these storms fire up I want the noun and the verb shelter. I want the place and something or someone to protect me. Don't we all! And thankfully we have that in our all powerful God.

I started reading verses about shelter and if you take them literally there are plenty that assure us that God provides protection from the storms and the rains. Look at just this one verse in Isaiah..."There will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and refuge and protection from the storm and rain." Isaiah 4:6. When I hear the rains pounding, the boom of thunder, and the crackle of lightening this is what I think about. I imagine a large sturdy wall covered by a canopy; God and I on the inside and the bad weather on the outside. God is standing right beside me holding my hand and where we are it is still and quiet. From where we are you can just see over the top to the other side. The wind is howling, the trees are swaying, the rain is coming down in sheets and the sky is lit up by lightening. But where God and I are standing there is quiet, safety, stillness, and peace. He has provided a shelter for me and He is sheltering me!

Thankfully the verses referring to shelter in the bible also tell us about a God who gives us a place during not just weather related storms but storms of life. Again, as with the weather, during tough times in life God provides himself as the place of protection and is also the one to protect us. I love this verse...Psalm 61:3..."For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy." Did you catch the word STRONG! Not just a cardboard box but a strong tower against the enemy. And then another... Psalm 18:2..."The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge." A fortress! Wow! But look at what else our shelter and protector is. He is our rock; a solid firm mass. And adding to the protection and protector he delivers us out of the storms of life. He brings us out of the storm to the other side. He is our deliverer. Another verse that stirs up emotion in me when I read it is Psalm 27:5. This is what that verse promises..." For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; he will set me high on a rock." What a God we have! When severe weather comes, like it did last night, he has a place that is safe for us and he will be with us. When the storms of life come, and my friend they will come, God is there with a place ready for us to keep us safe, a refuge, a secret place, a strong tower, even a fortress if we need it. And our Rock, our God will be there with us and deliver us from all and any storms! AMEN!

Psalm 91:4...He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge."

 

LEGACY

Some years ago I made the decision to not make New Year's resolutions. For some folks that works great but not so much for me. I decided instead to choose a word for the year. The word was chosen after praying and letting God bring it to me. The word would encompass my bible reading/study, my prayer time, and hopefully action that I take during the year. Without a doubt last year God told me my word for 2022 should be legacy. Long story short, I didn't encompass the word as much as I had wanted. Sometime back in the early fall God started speaking to me about extending my word into 2023. So here we are the 1st of January and I have my word Legacy and I wanted to share some thoughts about it with you.

We all leave a legacy whether we are conscious of it or not. It is not set in stone to be a good thing or a bad thing. In the worldly circles a legacy is usually of monetary value, fame or fortune, notoriety, possessions and statue. There are those who have left a legacy we all admire such as Billy Graham, Mother Theresa, Churchill, Walt Disney, Queen Elizabeth just as an example. Then there are others that leave a legacy we don't admire such as Hugh Hefner, Hitler, and Jeffrey Dahmer. In my life I want to leave a legacy that is positive and I want it to be intentional.

In my search I have found nowhere in the bible where it uses the word Legacy but found there are a storehouse of scriptures, people and stories that show us the word Legacy and how important it is. There are a few definitions that I have found and these will be the building blocks of this year for me. And my prayer is that over the years I have left that I will build on this intentional foundation. One definition I love is "planting seeds in a garden that I might never get to see".  Legacy is "something handed down from one person to another/others", "something powerful that people will remember and treasure" in reference to God's legacy in Psalms 145:4-7..."One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts. I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, and I will declare Your greatness!" I, in no way shape or form, will be at this level but it is great example of the utmost legacy.  For my life, and I can only accomplish it through help from God and the Holy Spirit, and perseverance, prayer, support, and grace, I desire to leave a legacy  of passion for my faith, integrity, credibility, what God values in us, a heart of kindness, forgiveness, and a true and simple but all encompassing love for God! And I pray and ask you to pray for me that God will enlarge this list as time goes on!

The Lord has spoke and I have heard and I am truly excited and encouraged to do my best with His help to work on this important word this year and not for my glory but for those I leave behind, "From generation to generation we will proclaim your praise and Your name!" Psalm 79:22. In my life my parents left me a powerful legacy, a legacy that has given me a lifetime of knowing who God is, following him, a zest for continuing to learn about my God, love him, and service him. I have two...and spouses make four beautiful children, two exceptional grandchildren, sisters and nieces and nephews, and so many faithful friends and acquaintances who I want to leave something important and meaningful to as my parents did for me. And the Lord has said now to the time to intentionally begin...He has laid this word in my heart. Pray for me and as always my prayers go with you!

"My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ". Colossians 2: 2-3 

Different Paths

 "When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, 'If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt. ' So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea." Exodus 13:17-18

Does your path in life seems a little like the path the Israelite's went on!? You expected the road to the right; the shorter path, the direct path, the easier path, the path that is like the nose on your face right in front of you!? And then you discover that God wants to bring you on the path to the left.

For me I can go back to the start of my life as an adult and see that God and I were together on the destination but I have always been surprised by his choice in paths. Let me share a few of those paths with you. From the time I was very young, kindergarten age, I wanted a big family of my own. I even brought home, without anyone's permission, a little boy from school one day.  When my mama told me he had to go back because he would miss his family I brought him and his brother home the next day. LOL! I am sure that was interesting for my mama. God gave me a beautiful family but God didn't take me on the path I expected. The destination was the same for God and myself but it took me years to see it. I thought building God's kingdom here on earth meant many children, my heart was built for children, and both my husband and I come from large families. So my path was to have many children to get to that destination but God only gave us two. God had the same destination in mind for me but he knew which path was best. He gave me a heart for children and then he expected much from me knowing what I was capable of, what I was to encounter up ahead on the path, and how to grow and strengthen me.  

 There was the path of homeschooling. I have always been confident that God opened that door but the path I thought I was going down was paved, unobstructed, no hills...easy, peasy! Not the path God took me on! The path God chose for me was hard...rewarding and the desire of my heart but like a trek up a mountain through the forest! It took commitment; you have to give all of yourself for those years. It took a tough skin...almost a shell. I schooled during the 90's and into the 2000's. It was misunderstood and frowned upon. You got no help from your local school board so it was expensive. And we found many people wanted to take the option away from us. And the constant negativity hidden by concern about our children turning out anti social, weird, and not becoming functioning adults. And at times it was lonely. My children and their education, which depended totally on their father and I took so much focus and commitment. We didn't say goodbye in the morning, as we got our children on a bus, and then had the day to be part of a women's bible study, lunch with friends, run around target looking at home goods. We woke up each and everyday to children and the weight of the pressures of having to get their schooling done amid the normal running of a home, paying bills, doctor's appointments, etc. Where I went my children went! And their rough paths. If one of them were having a hard day we all had a hard day. And we had many, many hard days. It could be very lonely. Yet, God chose that path for me.  Amidst the journey through the woods and up the mountain was an indescribable joy. I learned to search out teachable God moments with my children. God provided opportunities for them to serve their grandparents, to be part of our larger family, to give of their selves, to mold huge hearts for God and to make so many memories. Both my children understand sacrifice and caring about others more than themselves. Praise God  for the longer, more difficult path!

I know by now, if you haven't walked away from this post, that you understand what I am trying to get across. And I pray that your mind is going over some of your paths in the past and looking at them differently as you mull them over. For me, and I am not a quick study, my surprise and acceptance of the paths went on. For the past fifteen years my path has definitely been all God's and not what I expected. My expectation was to get the kiddos into college and then take some time for my husband and myself. Ease into a life of no pressures and a little less responsibility.  An easy path right!? Not so much. I ended up going back to college at the same time my children started. In my last semester my daughter was in a near fatal truck accident. So we have dealt with a rocky path over the last 12 years. One surgery after another, trying to heal from surgeries and then the normal dealing with injuries that are still there. During that time though I was blessed with two beautiful, loving, grandbabies which I helped to take care of while Mommy worked. That was a commitment  that I willingly made but being in my fifties wasn't the smooth, easy path I envisioned in my brain. Yet, God knew the right path for me. Then there was the commitment of taking care of aging parents. A privilege and an honor but a much harder journey than I would have ever thought. While I was barely making it along the path, tired and hurting, putting much pressure on myself to give them the very best in care and also trying to wrap my head around life without my loving parents my youngest, my son, was diagnosed with lung cancer. And the day he called to give me the surgery date was the day I was in the car driving to my brother's home out of state. I was headed there to bury him. He had just died of a massive heart attack!

Forty plus years ago I had my adult path in life planned out. It was an easy jump on the map from point A to B. The destination of my life was the same between God and I but all I could see was the short route. God's path was along the desert road toward a sea that he knew he was going to part for me to pass through. And as in Exodus 13:21-22..."by day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night lift its place in front of the people," God has gone ahead of me and helped me travel down HIS path. And I also, like the Israelites who begged to back to Egypt to the slavery they were trying to escape, because they didn't understand where God was taking them I too have had doubts and questions. But our God has the overall path, the overall map and he is faithful not only to send us down his path but to guide us down the way to a miracle, a parting of the sea and to a life fuller than we can imagine. Thank you Lord for your pillar of clouds and your pillar of fire. May I always follow them wherever path you take me!

Blessings my friends!

I spy with my little eyes...

How many of you, either with your children or grandchildren have played the "I Spy"game. "I spy with my little eyes something ________ {insert color of item you see}!" The average items spied are the grassy pastures, the cows, the sky, the colors of our clothing, our hair... simple but fun. And I am not a competitive person in the least! So when we are playing this game, usually enroute from one of our houses to the other, it is more for them to take in our surrounding; to notice what is on our country roads in between our houses, to build an appreciation of the beauty of country life....and also to keep them from falling asleep before I get them home!! LOL! I make it simple and easy and fun.

In my life God plays "I Spy" with me. God, knowing the route and landscape of my heart and life, looks into my heart and utters the words, "I spy with my all knowing eyes something____! What might God put in the blank? Well it might be "something that is making you hurt". It could be "something that is making you fearful, or something that is making it hard for you to trust." "Something that you need to ask forgiveness for or extend forgiveness to someone else", or "something you need to give up and/or let go!"

Then it is up to me to answer him back. At times what God spies with his all knowing eyes about me are evident. It could be something that is already nagging at me; something that is already on my lips to talk to him about. Similar to when I play with my darlings and say, "I spy with my little eyes something blue." They always say my car! It is blue and that is an easy one. But on some occasions what God spies in me is a little harder. There are things that God spies in me that I really don't see in myself or that I don't want to see! When my darlings and I play the first dozen or so items are easy but as the evident objects get crossed off the list I have to look and choose items that are a little harder to find. It is the same when God plays the game with me. The more he looks into my heart and we cross the evident items off the list the deeper He looks. It takes me more concentration, more examination to see what His all knowing eyes are spying.

And when it comes to my turn..."I spy with my little eyes a God who is ______! All knowing, faithful, patient, unchanging, forgiving, compassionate, and the list goes on. He is always training me and helping me be the best I can be in this world for him..... What God spies in me then reveals the character in Him! A God who wants me to be the all He created me to be! Our "I spy with my all knowing eyes" will be welcomed, sought after and participated in fully! Thank You Lord!!

Job 24:21 For his eyes are on the ways of a man and he sees all his steps.

Psalm 33:18 Behold the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love.

Miss Swan!

The sun sets, my cupcake and I are snuggled under the covers in the children's bed, the house is quiet, and that is when the two of us have some of our most touching conversations. I love those moments, treasure them and they usually end up being a teachable moment for me. The house is dark and quiet. Everyone has retreated to their respective beds to quiet down for the night. Our room is illuminated only by the lights on my phone and Cupcake's pad. We hear faint television sounds from my daughter and son-in-law's room which is next to ours. There is the usual soft conversation between us, her little hand rubbing my arm, some cuddles and kisses, and a few giggles about something cute on her pad.  Every now and again I get a beep from my phone giving me a progress report on how our grandson is doing. My husband and grandson are in our room doing much of the same; getting quiet and calm so sleep can take over. It is during this quiet calming down time that these special stay in your heart conversations happen.  

I would like to share one of those moments with you:

Cupcake: Meme, I want to tell you something!

Me: Okay my darling, tell me something.

Cupcake: Did you know my teacher's name is Miss Swan!?

Me: I did know that.

Cupcake: No Meme! Her name is Miss Swan but guess what!!

Me: Hmmm, what my darling?

Cupcake: Her name is Miss Swan but SHE IS NOT A SWAN!!! Can you believe that!!

Me: Say what!! That is crazy!

Cupcake: Yea, I know! But REALLY Meme...she is not a SWAN! She is a teacher! A real       teacher not a bird...you know a swan is a bird? (Such amazement!}

Me: I did know that but I am so glad I have you to keep me informed.

Cupcake: Yep Meme...it's crazy...her name is Miss Swan but she is NOT a swan!! Aren't you glad I told you! {Followed by a hug and a kiss!}

Me: I sure am! I might keep you around just to tell me these things!

It was at this point that the conversation was at its end and she had turned her attention completely to something totally different that was playing on her pad. I sat my phone down beside me and began to thank God for my precious cupcake, who has taken on the job of keeping her Meme informed. Then I prayed that God would, if he wanted to, give me words to teach her something about him. And God had a job for me. So when the next round of cuddles came I asked my cupcake if I could tell her something."Of course Meme" was her answer. So below, in a condensed version for a six year old, is what I shared with her.

We have all sorts of names as people. But those names do not describe us. Veronica Lake wasn't a lake, Larry Bird...there is another bird one, Charlotte Church, Alexander Graham Bell, Alan Fudge are just a few. On a side note it is very interesting to discover how many people have last names of inanimate objects! My story went on...we have no idea about a person based on their name except for one special person...Jesus!

Jesus has 100 different names and each one is a description of who he is...a quality, a character, a position. Here are a few I told my cupcake about...Creator, Almighty, Comforter, God, Healer, Good Shepherd, Holy One, King of Kings, Father, and Rabbi. Take a minute and think about these names as you would if you were sitting with a young child. In your mind think about what each of these mean. And as you think on these, as I told my granddaughter they are not just names but they also have promises within those names that will always be kept. Take the name Healer and this passage of scripture..."The Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous." There is a purpose, a reason, a promise that is contained in each and every name of the Lord! That we can be assured of!

I am not sure that my little explanation made much of an impact of my sweet cupcake. My job is to take hold of those teachable moments presented to me, to plant seeds, to speak love and truth. Not sure what, if any she will take away from our little moments but maybe that isn't God's plan. As I thought more about our conversation I decided to do a little research for myself...and boy has it bore much fruit for me! If you can find a few minutes just do a little looking for yourself. I am sure you will be as blessed as I was. As for your time with your children, your grandchildren take hold of those little moments. They are moments to treasure and we are still teachable also...Blessings to you all!

"Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and  gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of all those in heaven, all those on earth and those under the earth and that every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the Glory of God the Father."        Philippians 2:9-11

 This weekend my husband and I are staying at my son's house and watching their dog while the kids take my grands to the beach. Easy job, almost like a vacation for me right!?

 Well, almost! Let's start at the beginning of my day. My husband and I wake up to face a beautiful morning. We have coffee, breakfast, and he decides to run over to our house to pick up an item or two. After he leaves, I open the door to the deck to let the door out for a few minutes. Nala, the dog is lean and fast and loves to run. Out the door she goes like a bullet but is barking up a storm. The last couple of days I have seen three deer at the back fence from the woods. The thought ran through my mind that the deer had paid another visit. So I walked over to the windows to look out but no deer. But I could see Nala springing back and forth at the side fence. Hmmmm, wonder what that is all about! So I walked out onto the deck and what did I see with my little eyes...two armadillos running back and forth on the inside of the fence.

 Ok Colette, what should you do now!? Well, you need some shoes but then grab your cell phone in case they attack you. I guess they weren't really going to attack me...or would they...that would be a question for my friends from Texas. Grab some shoes and I saw a leash in the garage so make sure Nala is safe. Get her in the house. Luckily is she a very obedient girl and I was able to get her inside without having to leash her. Now grab your phone and call my son. Maybe while I am talking to him this whole situation will go away. It could happen that way couldn't it? Before I put in the call I snapped a picture for evidence that I had a real problem. Just so others would understand what I was dealing with. Then I made the call. My son informed me that I had to get those weird looking guys out of the fenced yard. What I expected to hear but not what I wanted to hear.

My first step was safety, my second step was communication, and the third step seemed to be headed straight to weapons! Now, I have an evaluation not a criticism. My son keeps TOO clean a yard. Yep, his yard is way too clean...no pine cones lying around to throw, no long sticks to poke at these critters, not even short sticks. At this short notice all I could find was a branch with thin branches and dried leaves hanging from main branch. And I had to retrieve that from his fire pit. Really not a weapon, more like a sweeper or broom with no handle but maybe I could whisk them down the fence line to the gate. The sight of me shaking that branch at these two creatures was really comical. Thank goodness my husband called from right around the corner and was able to be there in a short minute.

We decided we needed a shovel, a metal rake, and finally a pistol. Do not be disturb about the pistol part. My husband made the decision that wouldn't work so we put it back inside the house. It took us some time and we had to change plans several times but we eventually got those armadillos out of the yard and they run off into the woods. They were happy to be gone and we were happy to see them gone!

And then God spoke to me! In particular my husband and myself are dealing with some medical issues. There are other members of my family as well that are dealing with "hard life" right now. God spoke to me and showed me the parallel between the events of this morning and with how to approach the day and weeks ahead. Give the next part of this post a little thought...

When faced with trials in this life we cannot, CAN NOT handle them on our own. We need to face the problem, not just wish it away. It is okay to assess the situation...that is not being negative but don't run. God's word tells us that we can do or get through anything with and through him. "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13. A little denial when faced with hard issues is human but this scripture is filled with hope, encouragement and strength in itself.

Our next step is communication...communication with the one that can overcome all things! The one that can lead and direct, the one that can heal, the one that can comfort, the one that gives peace, and the one that has already paved the path ahead of us! So go to your safe place and communicate with our Father. "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments' and unfathomable are His ways!" Romans 11:33. Pour out your heart to him, bare your fears and your concerns, give your burden over to him. Let God know you need him. "It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him." Daniel 2:22. And forward we go...

Now we pull out our weapons! Pray, which we have already had a conversation but that needs to become constant and continually. This is important. God already knows the future and the desires of our hearts. Prayer is not just about asking for things we need or desire. It is about the relationship, faith, trust, and thanks. Prayer is about drawing us closer to God. That is why I like, at times, to use the term conversation. "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12. And even when your thoughts and prayers may be all over the place that is okay also. Read this for those times..."Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." Romans 8:26.

Next we don't need to take up a shovel, an iron rake, or even a gun. Instead we need to pick up our bible and immerse ourselves in God's word. His words are food, are medicine. They also give us strength, encouragement, direction, hope, and grow our maturity in Him. God's word is food for our soul, medicine for our aliments. "In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?" Psalm 56:10-11.

And then we have our community of believers...your family, your church, your people. When we have hard things to walk through we need our circle. We need those that know God to share in our journey so that they may hold us up, pray for us, spur us on, and rejoice with us. God gave us each other to walk alongside our good times and our difficult times. "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor; if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm, alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.

There are so many of us out there that are in places that they did not see themselves in. Places that on the surface seem so unsavory. In life it is not WHAT we go through but HOW we manage the day to day, hour by hour of those trying times. With God by our side and the tools I have mentioned we will gain a deeper and strong bond with our Lord, we will discover strength and maturity we didn't realize was in us and we will be able to manage our purpose here on earth with peace, grace, and humbleness...Building HIS KINGDOM here on earth. Thank you for reading this...I hope that if you are struggling it sparked something within you. And I know I can count on your prayers and praises for our family...

 

"TO YOU, O GOD OF MY FATHERS, I GIVE THANKS AND PRAISE, FOR YOU HAVE GIVEN ME WISDOM AND MIGHT, AND HAVE NOW MADE KNOWN TO ME WHAT WE ASKED OF YOU.." Daniel 2:23

 

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Think back to a time, probably when you were a teenager or your children were teenagers. A time when you knew someone was going to be angry with you and you thought you were at your darkest hour. Oh, the perception of youth! And all of us have heard, "Well, I didn't tell you because I knew how angry you would be!"

Early this morning, as I was reading my devotion, I came across this verse..."For his anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5. The psalms were written by David, " a man after God's own heart" Acts 13:22. Yet during his life he experienced  much heartache but also godly favor. He faced tremendous affliction and persecution but also much joy and favor. David knew the dread of having those conversations with God when he knew God would be angry. We can be encouraged by the life and transparency of David who poured out his heart into the Psalms.

There are many commentaries on this verse. I am not a bible scholar and as I have said before; I write what God moves me to.  Today he is giving us a message of HOPE. What a beautiful verse and message! Let's look at the first part of this scripture. Think of it in our human experiences. Anger can be brutal. It can go from dread to death. Relationships have ended over anger, people have physically  harmed others because of anger, decisions are made in anger that have long lasting consequences.  Yet we see the character of God that his anger last only a moment...a fleeting second...a drop in the bucket. For us to really get the impact of this statement just think about how many moments, also defined as an "instant" in time, we have over our lives. The point God was speaking to me His anger is just a minuscule/fragment of time. The sentence then goes, "His favor last a lifetime"! I looked up the word "favor" and the best definition of the word is "demonstrated delight". Take a minute to reread the last couple of lines I wrote. God gets angry but never in the human way we do. His anger doesn't hold offenses, want revenge, end relationships, cause mayhem. His anger is righteous and lasts only a moment while his demonstrated delight "favor" lasts a lifetime. Remember that!

And now let's talk about what comes after the semicolon. Again, this little verse holds such nuggets of gold. This is for anyone who is struggling, having a hard time, facing hard situations. First off, if we are weeping there is something wrong. You are struggling. And then if you are weeping all night it stands to reason you have a big burden! And then add in the nighttime..."weeping may stay for the night". I have personal experience of the terrors of the night. During my daughters accident  and extended hospital stay the nights were the worst. Darkness has a way of growing our emotions. During the dark of the night the darkness can seem to take hold of you and drag you down deep. But again, God knows us with our emotions and weeping and weaknesses. We have a God of purpose; it is not by mistake that he set the heavens in order to reveal his himself as the sun rises on each new day..."but rejoicing comes in the morning".  With the rising of the sun there is a new day, the morning light that illuminates hope, joy, promise, and life.

What a treasure this Psalm 30:5 is and what hope and encouragement it brings to us. If you are dreading a conversation with God throw out your human life experiences and sit down right now and have that conversation. His anger will only be for a moment but his favor, delight, in you will last a lifetime. If you are burdened, depressed, feel the weight of the world this scripture tells us God's promise of joy and hope in each new day. What a treasure chest to open!

Finally, I pray that his words to me today will bring you some comfort, some encouragement, and always bring you a little closer in fellowship with our Almighty...

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 15:13

"Then your light will break out like the dawn, and your recovery will speedily spring forth; and your righteousness will go before you; the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard." Isaiah 58:8

This afternoon I was sitting outside on the back deck sketching. It was a beautiful afternoon, the weather just perfect. Pausing for a few minutes from my drawing I just wanted to take in the beautiful afternoon. That is when I noticed how blue the sky was and over the top a grove of trees was a big beautiful snow white fluffy cloud. it was so white and so fluffy I just sat and soaked it in. It was beautiful in that moment but it was not a rare atmospheric phenomenon. It was just a beautiful white cloud. And below the cloud was the grove of trees. Not any special trees, not any hard to grow or imported trees. Just your regular maple and oak trees. But yet beautiful and green....every shade of green! as I sat looking at the trees, and probably because I was just drawing, I made note of how many different shades of green were in that little group of trees. Yet, these trees are not trees you would travel thousands of miles to look at. These are not the Sierra Redwoods ! Yet, God saw fit to make these average  unremarkable clouds and trees for a reason.

 

We all know or have seen people that are popular, have excelled, are very important or even famous. I could name a zillion of those people! And then there is me. Do I fit into any of the just stated categories'!? Mercy NO! I am much the same as that white fluffy cloud or that grove of trees. I am the most average, unremarkable, unexceptional person I know. I am an overweight, gray-haired, grandma who has been a housewife for 43 years. I live in the country in a modest home, drive a car that is more than ten years old, and my everyday life is pretty unnoteworthy. It consists of washing dishes, cooking, running the vacuum cleaner, and possibly chasing a chicken or rooster out of my flower beds. I don't travel to exotic vacation spots, or go to fancy restaurants, or shop in designer stores. My name is not readily recognized...except at my favorite consignment and charity shop! LOL!

 

But guess what!? All this ordinariness doesn't bother me in the least! Because when I wake up in the morning and look in the mirror I see someone who was chosen...chosen by a king. Made in the image of Almighty God himself! He himself made me and crafted me, every inch of me...every cell, every bone, every muscle. He picked my eye color, my hair color. He gave me the special character that got me named "Frisky" as a child. He gave me a heart that loves and loves deep. And most importantly loves HIM with my whole heart and soul. And God didn't stop at making me...he loves me, adores me, leads me, forgives me, cheers me, and treasures me. He is always with me and already has planned and paved the paths for me in this life. WOW! Reread this paragraph please. In the same way that he made each and every thing in the heavens and earth He made me! And though what I see as ordinary God sees as special, a jewel in his crown, valued, and HIS! He loves me so much he gave the life of his son for me. Again WOW! While I was soaking in God's creation around me I felt joy and peace, awe and gratefulness. I had to raise my hands in praise and thank him for that cloud and those trees and for his love and faithfulness. And in that moment I knew that i was extraordinary, exceptional, important. Can I get an AMEN!

 

You alone created my inner being. You knitted me together inside my other. I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this. Psalm 139:13-14

 

You are chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession. You were chosen to declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9