Moving on Faith

Life is full of surprises isn't it? I have a love/hate relationship with surprises. On one hand, it's fun to be surprised with something new whether it be a gift, an adventure, or an opportunity. On the other hand, it can be hard to be greeted by an unexpected visitor when you're laying around in your pajamas or if you're a habitual over-scheduler like myself, then a spontaneous event or appointment can be really hard. But even for the biggest control freaks it becomes a reality, sooner than later, that we are really NOT in control of much. Having to "move on faith" and learning to "go-with-the-flow" becomes a necessity rather than a choice. 

We recently camped at Calaveras Big Trees with the kids and my in-laws and it was fun to tour the ancient Sequoia's and learn their story. I love stories and history and as we read about how the first giant tree was found while a man was tracking a bear he'd shot and "inadvertently" came across the biggest tree (later named the "Discovery tree") he or anyone had ever seen and yet that tree had been growing there for well over a century, I began to think how incredible it was that our Lord so often works in this way. While we're strolling along with a plan in mind, He's already been growing and building another path for us that sometimes can lead us into something as big and overwhelming to us as a Sequoia. 

Proverbs 19:21 says, 

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. 

The Lord's purposes are always for a greater will whether it be in a unexpected blessing or the pain of a loss/trial...He promises, 

Joshua 1:9

...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. 

I love this...He will be with me,..... with you wherever you go...the point is that we go. Just to be clear, this does not give us license to disobey his word in ANY fashion and use His will as justification. His WILL will always call us into obedience. Always. 

Lately, for me, it seems this subject has come up a lot in watching friends experience hardships and life plans diverted, in attempting to plan for this next year with inconsistent work for my husband and in opportunity to serve/grow in ways I never would have thought possible. 

But it may, for you,  mean going into a new job, a new opportunity, a new ministry that terrifies you because you don't know what's ahead and what you fear leaving behind. It may mean that you are taking on a unexpected health issue for yourself or a close family member or that you have lost all that you thought you were (socially, financially, relationally) and are on a road to reconstruction and restoration. In any of these scenarios, it sometimes feels like we are heading forward blindly in the dark without knowing what's at the end. There is something to be said for walking blindly or really, walking by faith...it heightens your other senses and forces you to listen for His voice for guidance and test your way through for confirmation. And our God is faithful every time to give us peace, guidance and affirmation.

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

I pray for faith to walk with my Lord today and  toward tomorrow, whatever it brings. 

Fresh lemons

Last year, my husband worked out of town..a lot, meaning all year. Each week he left Sunday night and came home on Friday night. It was a hard year. I felt like a single mom. We missed him. He and I  had trouble communicating. Last year, my husband couldn't operate a computer or send a text. But we made it, we paid lots of bills and tried to make great use our time together and spend/save wisely. 

This year, work is slow..my husband has been off work for a week at a time, here and there, since 2011 started and all this week. It's a stretch, financially, and sometimes I worry. But he's home with us, which we love, and we're enjoying and thankful for every minute. This year, we're closer, stronger and are more united as a couple. This year, my husband texts me all the time. We know God will provide and know we are blessed. 

Last month, we had 4 baby birds in a tree in front of our deck. They died when the snow storm hit. It was disappointing, we buried the nest  and it was sad. 

This month, we have a lovely new nest in it's place with 4 brand new blue eggs ready to hatch. We have placed birdseed and water out for the momma and are anxious for their birth.

Last week, my kids were in school and it was cold, gray and wet and we wore sweaters and built fires in the wood stove. The winter felt like it would never end and my propane bill was killing me.  

This week, it's sunny, beautiful and green and school is out for summer. We are watching flowers bloom, we are wearing flip-flops and planning to have a water day with cousins and BBQ with family tomorrow while celebrating my daughter's 8th birthday. 

Earlier this week, my oldest son was sick. The house smelled like barf, we had to throw out our area rug, he felt like crud and we were all stuck at home. I was "sick" of kids being sick. But, he got better.

Right now, I am enjoying a fresh breeze coming in my open doors on this lovely Friday evening while drinking ice water with fresh lemons squeezed in.. (Thank you Kater ) after a great evening out with my family and a tasty dinner of take out Chinese. I am full and rested. 

Life is full of change, always. I can tend to get caught up in the present circumstances but I want to remember God's promises to sustain us in all of it and I pray my eyes will always be open to see:

- the blessings in the trials

- for the provision in the time of need and 

- for the flavor and new life of each day

Thank you Lord, Perspective is everything. 

Amen

What is new or different for you today or this year that you can be thankful for?

I am THAT Walmart customer

Today was a mini comedy of errors. I forgot to wash the conditioner out of my hair so although it was up and in a clip, it was crusty. Nate came out to the car with socks, but no shoes today and while in the car he forgot to put the cap back on the Sprite bottle he was sipping on and while turning into the Walmart parking lot, it spilled all over my right leg...So imagine with me if you will, with all apparent pride gone, me shopping while sticky, wet and crusty with a shoeless bed headed boy. Good times. :)
Yes, I am that Walmart customer..at least today I was, rollbacks and all.
***check the link to see the Walmart music video.