Spectacular Sequence of Delight

I love when an ordinary day takes on the extraordinary without any fanfare or forethought.  Those times when God slips in a dazzling dose of special moments that cause your heart to dance like a prima ballerina.

Yesterday, while the kids were doing their school work, I was taking care of some household needs.  I saw my "nothing special" day become a spectacular sequence of delight as my kiddos and I spent a few minutes outside at the end of the day.    We ventured out to look at our new ducks. They are growing so quickly they won't be babies much longer.

... and I realize my children are growing up quickly, as well.  Beautiful and precious individuals.



 We also visited our ladies.  Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the fact that we have chickens.  I am so grateful for our fresh eggs and blessed to have enough that we can share with friends.

... and I stop for a moment and realize how blessed we are to have such beautiful friends.  I am thankful that even though we moved to an unfamiliar place, we have an abundance of friendships that have developed over the years.  It is good to be reminded of this provision.  

                                                           

The goats were enjoying the beautiful day.  My daughter spoiled them with an afternoon snack, which they loved.

The ducks, the chickens, the goats ... these have all been projects that my husband has shared with Sera and Kyle.  What a beautiful expression of love.

... my heart swells with love for my family.  My husband is a wonderful daddy to our kiddos.  

As we walked around our yard we came across some blooming daffodils.  My husband bought some daffodil bulbs and told the children they could plant the bulbs wherever they wanted.  Then we would wait for Spring to see them burst through the ground.

Kyle planted these in a seemingly insignificant place.  But I like the element of surprise.  We tend to think that there is only one way to do something, or one place to plant bulbs, and then along comes a solitary daffodil that brightens up the yard in an uncommon place.

... I am reminded of the need to bloom where I am planted.  It may not be the place of my choosing and it may seem like an uncommon place.  But there is value in the beauty that the bloom brings and there is great significance in the life that springs forth.  

                                                                                     

 The azaleas are blossoming.  One of the nice things about all of our azaleas is that they don't all blossom at the same time.  Some are in full bloom and some are just on the verge of opening up.  The variety is an extra bonus.  We have so many different colors and shades of azaleas.  Most of them were planted by previous owners of our property.

... I can't help but think of my family and how different we all are.  We are at different stages of blooming.  It is one of the best parts about family - that we're not all alike.  I love seeing my children at all of the different stages as they grow and mature.  

And when our trip around the yard was over, my heart was full of love for my family and our home, our friends and the beauty of God's creation.  Kyle, who had been gathering flowers as we walked around the yard, presented me with a beautiful bouquet.

... and for some reason, as I looked at the tiny vase with the lovely azaleas, I thought of how God must truly delight in us.  With all of our differences, beauty in all shades and sizes, each of us at different places in our journey; a spectacular sequence of delight and a beautiful bouquet for Him to enjoy.  

An Unwelcome Blast from the Past

The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?

These verses from Psalm 27 spoke especially to me today.

Many years ago someone did me harm. Unfortunately, their actions caused me much pain and brokenness. And although I forgave this person it seemed I carried with me, throughout my life, a generous portion of emotional and mental anguish as a result of that initial pain. I am certain that this individual had no idea how Satan would use the ramifications from their actions to torment me and hold me captive. And I was tormented. I was being held captive.That is, until a few years ago when Jesus Christ offered to exchange my hurt with his healing and joy.  

I remember very clearly praying for God to set me free from anything and everything that was keeping me from walking in the abundant life He had for me.  

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  John 10:10

The healing process has been sweet. I have been blessed with a supportive husband who prays for me and loves me unconditionally.  

And then yesterday, out of the blue, this person's face shows up on Facebook. At first it was a bit of a shock for me, but it didn't seem like I was bothered by it. After all, I had long ago forgiven them and I had also been offered this beautiful exchange of my pain for His joy.  My brokenness for His healing.  

But today I began to wear the effects of this Facebook reveal. I felt sick to my stomach and an overall sadness. A menagerie of miserable memories wanted to move into my heart and mind. It didn't make any sense to me and I knew that I didn't need to be upset. Still, I quoted from Psalm 27 throughout the day:

The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?

I talked with my husband and asked if he would pray for me.  Shortly after that, I remembered the words from 2 Cor. 10:5. 

We demolish arguments and every pretension that 

sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

The Lord was lovingly and faithfully reminding me and instructing me to take these thoughts captive. Satan was not going to drag me backward. Of this I was certain. I was also certain that this struggle was not with the other person; this struggle was between me and my enemy. And my God was arming me with everything I needed to walk away unscathed. The Accuser has no power over me.  

We can't always know what lurks behind the bushes, ready to pounce when we walk by. But we can be prepared to ward off these attempts to deceive us.  

1 Peter 5:8

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Be alert.  Be prepared.  

Know the truth.  Know God's word.  

Pray for wisdom. Pray the Scriptures. 

I share this here in my blog as an encouragement to anyone who reads it.  It's important to know two things:  1)  know what the Word of God says.  It is truth.  2)  Satan is a liar.  Always.  

Recently, I saw this poster and shared it with my kids.  There is much to be learned from this contrast between how God interacts with us and the way Satan attacks us.  

blessings to you from my grateful heart~

  

Joy

New Year, New Resolution

Passing from one year into the next can cause a wide range of emotions to surface. I know that I sometimes approach it with a sense of cautious exhilaration. Encountering a precipice of saying goodbye to something known and stepping out into the unknown. For some it carries with it the hope of something better to come. 

The fresh start that the new year suggests brings with it a desire to do better this time. Many greet the new year with an eagerness for self improvement in some area. Others may be inclined to commit to investing their time and energies in a more meaningful manner. We tend to specify these as resolutions. 


How do you prepare for the new installment of 365 days? And what is a resolution? According to Dictionary.com a resolution has to do with a decision or determination and having firmness of purpose. 


As the end of 2013 approached I was reminded of the words from Philippians 3 and labeled them my "End of year analysis" ... Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead ... I press on.  

2013 is in the past. Hopefully I have obtained knowledge and understanding that I can carry into the future. There are relationships that have deepened or been birthed that will continue to have a place in my life. But there are also mistakes and failures that have been placed at the foot of the cross and I do not plan on dragging them with me into the new year.  

The emphasis from Philippians 3:13-14 for me is the straining toward what is ahead. My goal is the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 

And so I press on ... 

My aim for 2014 comes from Hebrews 12:  (to) run with perseverance the race ... fixing my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.

Once I have confessed and learned from my mistakes and failures they serve no purpose to me but to drag me down and make me feel really terrible about myself. Focusing on myself and the negatives of my past is not my goal. My aim is to fix my eyes on Jesus and to run the race with perseverance. I like what Dictionary.com provides as a definition for perseverance: steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, ... especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles or discouragement. 

I'm not expecting 2014 to be without difficulties, but I certainly do not plan on being weighed down by the struggles of 2013, as well. Those I leave behind. And the obstacles I encounter this year will not stop me from running the race with purpose ... my goal is the prize.  

Although my resolution for the new year should probably include something like beginning an exercise regimen, being more disciplined in prayer or limiting my time on social media ... I resolve to turn my gaze toward Jesus Christ and run the race with perseverance.  

It will be interesting for me at the end of 2014 to see the effects this resolution has had on me. Even the day to day aspect is an interesting prospect. I wonder what this new year resolution will look like in my life?

Have a blessed New Year everyone.  And as we turn our calendars to a new year, let's turn our eyes upon Jesus ...