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Saturday, December 31, 2016



I waited until we were well into Autumn before finally opening the pages of Christie Purifoy's gem, Roots & Sky. Partly because her story begins with Autumn and partly because I sensed her words would speak deeply to me and I needed to be ready for them.

I'm reading slowly. Savoring. Meditating on the truths and emotions evoked by her words. Taking what fits and leaving the rest. I just closed the book on December. All of January, Spring and Summer lie waiting quietly between the pages.

As I look back over 2016, Christie's words from the fourth chapter keep coming back to me:

"We live so much of our lives with our hands tied behind our backs."
"Some days we have more freedom than others, but we are always, to some degree, hemmed in by weakness, by need, by lack, or by loss."
These words define much of my past year. It's true, the struggle Christie talks about has always been there - will always be there this side of heaven. Yet, I seem to be feeling the weight of it more acutely these days.

You may remember that last December I shared that I felt as if 2015 was more of an ending and that 2016 was the start of something new. Indeed, there have been many changes and new experiences this year. Some more difficult to embrace than others.

These images, my year in review, tell only part of the story.



The top image, the view from my Dad's final resting place, holds a bittersweet memory. Yet, our month-long trip to bring him home includes some of our happiest memories from the past year. It was a welcome respite after eight long months of enduring tests and finally receiving a challenging medical diagnosis. Not all new experiences are welcome.

Another new experience in 2016 was giving up our cottage to live in temporary quarters while we build a new home. A mixed blessing.

I faced 2016 like a person might face the waves coming into shore. As I stood still, they hit me one by one. The roar of their coming will forever echo in my memory.

Looking back, I feel like I could have done better. So in 2017 I want to do more than just stand against the waves.

I want to embrace them.


I want to know more days of freedom than of weakness.

More days of freedom than of need.

More days of freedom than of lack.

More days of freedom than of loss.
"If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (Joh 8:31-32)
Abiding in Him is the key to freedom. It is the key to embracing the waves of this life.

I've thrown a lot of potential words out there: stand, embrace, freedom, abide

The bottom line to being able to do all these things is spending time with Him. Real time. There is no short cut, no gadget, no app to make it time with God easier or faster.

Just do it.



My one word for 2017.

Wishing you all
JOY in 2017
Happy New Year!




Sharing inspiration here:
Small WondersTestimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty

Friday, September 9, 2016

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 36:52

Thank you all for your well wishes and sweet comments this past week. And for your grace with my late response. 

My view is a bit different now. And as with any change it comes with it new challenges, lessons, and blessings.

Over the last week, we have moved out of our cottage, received a challenging medical diagnosis and begun our trip to New England where we will finally honor my Dad's life and officially mourn his passing.

I'm adrift to be sure, but my Anchor is holding me fast and I know that soon my soul will find a peaceful harbor. In the meantime, I'm staying afloat in His word and trying to hear all that the wind and waves have to teach me. 

I hope you enjoy these images from my week. May they speak quiet to your soul, as it did mine.

Great White Egret







Grist Mill



Lynn Mansion


We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, 
a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, (Heb 6:19)

Blessings,


Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My LensBird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird WednesdayOur World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday
Small WondersTestimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Inspired by . . . worship

Some of you may remember the book club I mentioned a few weeks ago. The book we're reading, The Yada Yada Prayer Group, by Neta Jackson, is about a multi-cultural prayer group, how it gets started, and how the group impacts {mainly} the main character of the book. 



One of the things I really liked about the book was the portrayal of the diversity of Christian worship. Most of the women attended different churches, had different ways they prayed and worshiped, and different comfort levels in doing so. 

Yet, they were all united in Christ.

From almost the first scene of the book, the main character was impacted by the style of worship at a Christian conference she attended with a friend. She was struck by the music itself, the worshiper's response, and the length of time spent worshiping, all of which were very different from her church experience. Ultimately, it was through the words of this style of music, a CD given to her by a member of Yada Yada, that God chose to speak to her heart, and she received a measure of His grace in a time of great need.

Most churches begin with a time of worship. The style of music, the nature of expression {raising of hands, or not, etc}, and the length of time spent in worship varies greatly from congregation to congregation.

But I wonder how often worship is a part of our personal "quiet" time spent with God. Up until a few weeks ago, I'm sorry to say it wasn't a part of mine.

But God is dong a new thing. I enJOY music, but it's never been a huge part of my life. As I've said before, quiet is my chocolate. But God is doing a new thing. He's changing the way I relate to Him, and to others. Breaking down barriers of tradition in my mind that have constrained brave thinking.

One of the women who shared during Jeanne Oliver's online course, Listening / Finding the Quiet shared a song by Lauren Daigle. Some of her words echo the longings of my heart. Words I've prayed, and sang back to God. Things surrendered, and proclaimed.

I've found that incorporating worship into the beginning of my quiet time is often the conduit I need to quiet and focus my spirit away from the chaos of life. 

Certainly, there is a need to, literally, sit quietly with God. But there is also a time to dance before Him, as David did, when our hearts are full to overflowing with praise.

This behavior feels awkward at times, I admit. This white-girl has about as much rhythm as a stick-bug. I'm not an overly demonstrative person, and come from a conservative church background, but there is something about praising God in song that calls to my spirit. 

[D]uring my first “quiet time” of the summer, it occurred to me that that was an odd phrase. “Quiet time.” That’s what they called it at church camp when I was a kid, what every pastor or teen group leader or Bible study I’d ever been part of had called it— that, or “personal devotions.” No wonder I had never included out-loud praises to God in my devotions, or turned up the music and danced. Jackson, Neta (2013-12-17). The Yada Yada Prayer Group: Book 1 (Yada Yada Series) (pp. 297-298). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. 

Have you ever watched the Hasidic Jews sing the psalms? I can't understand a word they're saying - but it doesn't matter. My spirit is praising our Lord right along with them!

God is spirit, and we are to worship Him in spirit and truth. We should not feel as if we have to confine our worship to a particular style or tradition. I think, too, as we grow in our relationship with God our intentional time with Him, and the way we relate to Him changes.

As individuals we all have our own way of communing with God. As children of God, we can learn and grow from watching how others, from different church backgrounds, and different cultural backgrounds praise and worship the One true God.




Do you incorporate praise into 
your private time with God?

What style or expression of worship do you feel drawn to,
that you're not currently engaging in?

Shalom,



Sharing inspiration here:
Playdates with God, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Weekend Whispers,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Still Saturday

Monday, February 1, 2016

Inspired by . . . bereavement





My perpetual calendar stands frozen in time. I haven't had the heart to move it past February 3rd. In a couple of days it will be correct for the first time in a year. If I had a Delorean, this is the date I'd go back to. I'd visit dad in the evening, and stay with him through the night. I'd be with him in the morning when he took his last breath. I'd make sure he knew . . . 

I love him.

I can remember struggling to write his obituary. How do you reduce 85 years of a man's life into a few paragraphs? He was, and he remains:

A son, a brother, a friend, a student, a soldier, an American, a Christian, a husband, a mason, a mail-carrier, a school bus driver, a farmer, a board member, a neighbor, an elder, a genealogist, and a dad.

My dad. And he knew. I know he knew.

I love him.

But what's more, I know he knew Him.

And that gives me peace.

None of us are immune or strangers to loss. We've all lost something. Whether it be the loss of a loved one, or of a dream, we've all been deprived of something or someone at one time or another. The depth of relationship and circumstances of the loss can affect how well we cope. 




If you're grieving someone or something, no matter how big or small, I encourage you to be gentle with yourself. Be honest with yourself, and with others about your feelings. Don't be ashamed of your feelings. Our journeys of grief all look different. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, or a set amount of time to 'deal with it.'

Grief is not a journey into darkness. It is a process of release. Of letting go and, for ourselves, of restoration. Pray through the dark moments. Remain in the Word.
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified. (Isa 61:3)

I am learning something new: It is in death that God brings life.
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not see it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.  (Isa 43:19)

He will do it in your circumstance, too. I promise. Watch for it. Do you not see? Look for it with eyes of faith.

Sometimes, we need to learn to perceive things differently. Faith eyes.

God makes a way in the post-death wilderness. He refines us, changes us. Gives us new life.






Trust Him to refine you into the person He created you to be.

Blessings,





Sharing inspiration here:
Playdates with God, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Weekend Whispers,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Still Saturday

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Inspired by . . . forward: an invitation

I'm doing some new things this year. 

One of those things is stepping outside my comfort zone when it comes to addressing the issues of race in our country.

For now, my first step is joining Deidra Riggs and her new book club, Forward.

Now, I admit, this is a baby step. I have my thumb in my mouth and a firm grip on my Linus blanket. But it is some action on my part, to help move the conversation forward.

It all began when Deidra decided to move the conversation forward, and suggested that we read differently for the remainder of the year. For those of you who love to read, this suggestion may speak to you. 

That suggestion was followed by a request to build a list of amazing books by a fabulous author who happens to be from a different race, culture, or ethnicity than yours.

The decision to read one of these books together and discuss it was, I think, a natural outcome. The list was compiled, narrowed, and voted upon. We begin on January 15th to read, together: The Yada Yada Prayer Group, Book One, by Neta Jackson




And, friend, you're invited to join us! 

Here's the link to all you need to know about the club and the book: http://www.deidrariggs.com/2016/01/08/forward-guidelines-for-our-little-book-club-with-a-linkup-option/

If you're like me and have been hesitant to engage about controversial issues on social media {for various reasons}, Deidra's blog and this book club, is a safe place to begin. 



This blog has always been a place to encourage and inspire you to seek and to know Him. I don't typically weigh in on current events. The only agenda here is Him. That's not going to change. That hasn't changed.

The "race issues" in this country {and around the world} are not just "current events". At their root, they are a human issue that has been around since the moment sin entered the world. An issue God cares very much about. 

The very fact that they are human issues makes them complex and, at times, difficult to understand.

I'm a long way from understanding. Perhaps you are too.

Forward, the book club, is an open door. Imagine walking into a sunlit room, lightly scented with lavender. Cozy couches piled high with pillows invite you to settle in. Lift a cuppa to your lips, crack open or scroll through Yada Yada and, listen. Engage. Or not. Your participation level is up to you.

I hope you'll consider joining us.




Blessings,







Sharing inspiration here:
Playdates with God, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Weekend Whispers,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Still Saturday

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Inspired by . . . new and a year in review

Star Wars isn't the only story ever written that doesn't start at the beginning. I've read others, only to discover that there was a new Prequel that had just be released. Prequels often add a backstory and fill in the gaps, fleshing out characters that may not have had as prominent a role in the main story.

When God gave me the word new as my one word for 2015, I had no idea what the year would bring. Now that we're quickly approaching 2016, the word new still resonates strongly. Looking back, I feel like 2015 was the end, rather than the beginning . . . as if 2016 might be the prequel to something . . . new.




That may have something to do with how the year began. With loss.


Early in 2015 a new void was created in my life when my dad unexpectedly passed away. The loss set the tone for much of the year, and the grief still lingers.

Although there was much JOY and blessing this year, I feel as if only part of me was engaged after that fateful day in February. I don't mean to sound melodramatic, and perhaps those of you who have suffered a similar loss can relate. There is a part of me that hasn't moved on. A part of me that is not embracing the fullness of life. 

This feeling will pass, I'm sure. But perhaps I have to go back, in a sense, before I can move forward again.

Time will tell.

There were other new experiences for me in 2015, some of which I have plans to share in various ways. But for now, I'll leave you with a visual recap:

2015 in photos. (And it was really hard to choose!)



So, here's to a a new start, and
another year of . . .
new.

Are you choosing a one word for 2016?

Blessings,









Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Sweet Shot Tuesday, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Inspired by . . . golden

Was it just me, or did June seem to go by at an unusually warped speed? {pun intended}

If my understanding of Chapter IV of Laura’s book, Playdates with God, is correct then this feeling of time passing by at warp speed means that I’ve allowed things to become too familiar. I haven’t been out playing, seeking adventure, opening my eyes to God’s beauty and blessings as I should. A quick review of my calendar shows this to be true. My notes reveal that I haven’t been out adventuring for nearly a month. Not since I visited the thistle forest on the hill in late May.

 

Thistle_Seeding2

 

What.is.the.rush?

The speed at which I devour life is not going to get me any farther ahead or hasten the day of His return. But it may, in fact, get me to That Day less prepared than I ought to be. I know this, and yet I don't act on it.

I let life dictate. There are some things out of our control, certainly. But there are many more things that we allow to have control, that we should not allow to have control.

I know this.

Allowing life to dictate - - being re-active, instead of pro-active - - leads to disappointment and disillusionment. It causes time to pass us by and leave us looking back longingly and, often, with regret.

I know this.

I also know what it feels like to get it right.

On days when I succeed, time seems to stand still. It's a euphoric feeling, similar to waking up and realizing it's first day of summer vacation - only better. It’s the feeling we get, I believe, when we’re in the center of God’s will. That golden moment.

I had one of these days in June.

One.

I ache for more.

More is possible. But it involves being intentional {my #oneword365 for last year} and obedient. And let’s face it, when life wants to pull you in the opposite direction of obedient, it’s oh-so-very-easy to give in.

 

Thistle_Seeding

 

So what’s the answer?

New. {my #oneword365 for this year}

To begin anew.

Every day, seek the blessing. Seek a new perspective, endeavor to see through a gratitude shaped lens. Open your eyes to the possibility and promise.

 

Mexican_Hat_Wildflower

Every moment is sacred when we pay attention to it.

~Laura Boggess, Playdates with God

 

And when we fail, there is grace, and another opportunity to begin anew.

 

Shalom,

Blog_Signature

 

Sharing inspiration here:

#TellHisStory

#GiveMeGrace

PlayDatesGod     Thought-Provoking-Thursday-Button

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Inspired by . . . a month in photos: March

 

March has been a lion! And with only two days left this month, I’m hoping it does indeed go out like a lamb. Looking back over the month, I can see why I’m so tired.

I wanted to post this yesterday. But we were gone all day, and so here I am posting on Palm Sunday when I should be talking about other things. Events that happened over 2000 years ago, that I’m processing anew today. So I’ll write about them later. And maybe that will be okay.

March was, again, a month of settling into the new. Accepting grief. Learning it’s boundaries. Testing them. I know that makes it sound like a tangible thing.

Some days it is.

But March was also a month of digging deeper with God. Using His word as the Lamp on my path. Continuing the journey.

Finding JOY. Every day. Deliberately seeking it out.

Spring arrived somewhere along the way. I reJOYice as I watch God dress-up His world in new frocks of green, and paint the roadsides and meadows with orange, blue and yellow. He’s still hard at work, He has only just begun.

So here is March. From ice crystals to the return of the Hummingbirds.

 

MAR_Collage

 

Favorite photo of the month:

HouseFinchMale

Male House Finch

 

In all things of nature

there is something of the Marvelous.

~Aristotle

Sprinklings of God’s mercy and grace:

1. Fish therapy - we have a new aquarium - so tranquil

2. Sunshine and blue sky

3. Planting pansies - love their happy faces

4. Quiet walks

5. Inspiration and encouragement from His word

 

When you look back at March,

what do you see?

Blessings,

June

#oneword365

Sharing inspiration here:

Mona’s Picturesque

#GiveMeGrace

     PlayDatesGod

Friday, February 27, 2015

Inspired by . . . a month in photos: February

 

I’m joining with Mona once again for a look back at the month, in photos.

February continued on where January left off. My dad once again has a new home. This time an eternal one. I can think of few events that would have such a profound effect on my world as his passing. Except for a few years in my early twenties, my dad and I have lived together all of my life. His absence is profound, and it will take a long time to  settle into this new normal.

My dad’s life-work was genealogy. As an on-going tribute to him I’ve created a blog www.arandompost.com For those of you who are interested in personal stories, or anything with historical significance, you may eventually find something of interest there. Postings will be very random, and my dad’s last name was Post, so it’s a bit of a play on words. {smile}

In the meantime, here’s a look back at February 2015:

Quote of the month:

 

Grief never ends . . .

but it changes. It's a passage, not a place to stay.

Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith . . .

it is the price of LOVE.

~ Author Unknown

 

FEB_Collage

 

Favorite photo of the month:

 

WordOfTheLord

 

 

Sprinklings of God’s mercy and grace:

1. Gifts of love and new life from a dear friend

2. A gentle and compassionate man that helped us with end of life decisions

3. God’s strength to get through each day

4. Prayers and support of family and friends

5. Cards and letters filled with memories of Dad

 

When you look back at your February,

what do you see?

Blessings,

June

 

Sharing inspiration here:

#oneword365

Mona’s Picturesque

Friday, January 30, 2015

Inspired by . . . a month in photos: January

 

This January lived up to its reputation as the month for new, and so far, my #oneword365 is coming on strong.

A little too strong.

I’m not happy about my new schedule, or my dad’s new home, but I am trusting God’s purpose in all of this new-ness.

As January comes to a close, I’m joining in Mona’s new “a month in photos” linky.  (Mona’s even offering a free template if you want to participate!)

While it’s normal for us to look back at the end of each year, I’m looking forward to taking a look back each month of this new year.

Here’s a look back at January 2015. . . .

 

Quote of the month:

The experiences in our lives, when we let God use them,

become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do. ~Corrie ten Boom

 

 

Photo_Collage_January

 

I admit, I cheated a bit using this picture of my dad. It wasn’t taken this month. It was taken sometime last year, late summer, I think. It’s a favorite of mine. And it represents a goal; an expression and a place of health that I’m praying we can get back to soon.

Favorite photo of the month:

Squirrel_7

 

Sprinklings of God’s mercy and grace:

1. The gentle hands of nurses and aids that truly care for the people in their care.

2. God’s strength to get through each day.

3. Healing rest.

4. Prayers and support from family and friends.

 

When you look back at your January

what do you see?

 

Blessings,

June

Sharing inspiration here:

Mona’s Picturesque

Friday, January 23, 2015

Inspired by . . . continue

 

Just before the new year I started one of YouVersion’s reading plans. New thru 30: a plan that has you reading through the New Testament in 30 days. I knew when I started it that I wouldn’t be able to keep up, but at the time I had no idea I’d be quite this far behind. I just completed day, um, four.

The new year has brought the new routine of visiting my dad in the hospital/rehab facility every other day or so. This, in turn, has wreaked havoc with every other schedule in my life. But I have been trying. Trying to do a bit here and there. Trying to breathe despite the weight of sadness, trying to hear God’s voice in the dark. Trying not to miss what He has for me, even during this difficult time. Because I know that God doesn’t waste anything.

 

WaterLilyBlossom

 

Many of you know that there is a great weight of weariness that accompanies you when you’re in a valley. This weariness can make the reading of the Word meaningless and routine. So as I read the words {of the New Testament which} I’ve read so many times before, I’m trying to see the words with new eyes.

Day five of my reading plan begins with Mark, chapter six.  We learn here that when Jesus taught and performed miracles in His hometown He was not honored. We learn how He called the twelve disciples to Him. How He instructed them and sent them out to preach, cast out demons, and to heal. Then, oddly, between verse 13 and verse 30 when the disciples return to Jesus, we have the story of Herod beheading John the Baptist. It seems that this tragedy had happened previously, but Mark chose to include it here in his narrative. I wondered why.

Many of Jesus’ disciples had first been disciples of John the Baptist. I’m certain that their grief over John’s death was worsened by the senseless manner in which it occurred. I don’t know why Matthew and Mark insert the story where they do in their narratives. Perhaps there is no other reason than to address one of the rumors that Jesus was John the Baptist brought back to life.

 

LilyPadPod

 

But as I pondered this, the placement of the story story spoke to me, personally.

Sandwiched in between Jesus sending out His disciples, and their returning to Him, we read of a terrible tragedy.  We hear of John’s disciples claiming his body and laying it to rest. It is a time of sadness and grief. And yet the scene before and the scene after tells of Jesus’ disciples carrying out the work of the Kingdom. They are preaching the Good News. Freeing people from bondage. Healing people from their afflictions. It was a time of great rejoicing and thanksgiving.

These things can, and do, exist in the same space in time.

The work of the Kingdom didn’t stop when John the Baptist died. Nor should it. Nor would John have wanted it to. The work of the Kingdom doesn’t stop when tragedy, grief or pain comes into our lives either. It doesn’t stop, but it might change or look a little different for awhile.

For example, for me these last few weeks, reflecting Christ has been more about honoring my dad in some very public settings than it has been about writing here on this blog. There are times when actions proclaim the Truth more profoundly than words. And when God gives us the strength to act in times of weakness, His name is glorified all the more.

 

But His answer was: "My grace is all you need, for My power is greatest when you are weak."

(2Co 12:9)

 

I want to encourage you, if you are experiencing a time of tragedy, grief or pain. It’s natural to narrow our focus. To go into survival mode.

But God calls us to do more than survive. He calls us to thrive!

 

Worry_tenBoom

 

Ask Him to give you what you need to continue on. To continue His work.

He will do it. He will give you the strength you need.

And soon, you’ll be looking DOWN into the valley from a higher place.

 

Blessings,

June

 

 

Sharing inspiration here:

#GiveMeGrace

#TellHisStory

Sandra Heska King - Still Saturday

Friday, January 2, 2015

Inspired by . . . new

 

There is a reason why Narnia was covered in snow and ice when Lucy stumbled through the wardrobe and came upon the lamp post. You may remember, if you’ve seen the movie or, better yet, read the book, that as the children made their way to the valley where Aslan was  preparing his army, they met Father Christmas and the earth began to show signs of spring. In fact, by the time they reached the valley the earth was in full summer attire, flaunting rich green grass and fragrantly blooming trees.

Winter represents death. The kingdom of the enemy.

Except for a few places on earth where winter never arrives, these months are a time for plants and some animals to die. For the earth to rest, to lay quietly in waiting. The ground becomes hard and cold. The weather harsh, and unforgiving.

 

WinterTree_earth

 

Yet the same ice that covers the tree limbs, breaking them , and causing so much damage, shines like a multi-faceted jewel when touched by the rays of the sun.

We catch our breath in wonder.

The sparkle invades our senses and we feel JOY.

Despite the death evident all around us, we see beauty in the freshly fallen snow and the feathery etchings left after an ice storm.

Just as Jesus speaks each snowflake into existence, and we marvel that no two are alike, we are each individually fashioned by Him.

Isn’t it just like God to come into the winter of lives, into the cold, hard ground of our heart and speak something new?

To give us hope.

To renew the expectation and wonder we first had, when things were new.

The new-ness wears off so quickly, doesn’t it? I’ll wager that a few of you have children who are already bored with the gifts they received for Christmas last week.

I don’t want to bored with one thing in this life! But I do want to be finished with a few!

I’m ready for new!

Mostly.

To be honest, new scares me.

But I know it’s time. He has been preparing me. So really, I wasn’t too surprised when God whispered this word softly to my soul as I was praying about my {one} word for the year.

 

Zinnia_Isaiah43_19

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?
(Isa 43:19 KJV)

 

Yes, Lord, I do want to know it, this new You have for me.

Even though I don’t know for sure what new looks like, I know You go before me.

My life is in Your hands.

 

Blessings,

 

June

 

 

#OneWord365

Texture {earth} by Mona

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