I KNOW

We have weathered some storms in close relationships and in nature lately. When there is 'stormy' weather it is always good to have encouragement from others. But I KNOW it is also necessary to encourage myself in the Lord. These are some thoughts that the Holy Spirit has been bringing to my mind:

I KNOW that all things work together for good for those that love the Lord.
I KNOW that God can quench my thirst and clean my heart.
I KNOW that He hedges me in before and behind every storm. He will not abandon me.
I KNOW that the joy of the Lord is my strength.

As I watched the storm approach today it was wonderful to feel the heat break from the triple digit Texas weather. It was also wonderful to see the grass and leaves enjoy the much-needed rain. The transitional sky helped me to realize that the storms do pass. I could see the streaks of rain in the distance, feel the quenching drops on my face, and enjoy a little 'kid' stomping in the accumulated rainfall in the street. We need to remember that joy is possible in the middle of the storm. We have a wonderful God!

Each Sunset

God uses His sunsets to draw me closer to Him. I keep a watch on the sky most days as the time nears. Tonight I went out and found myself on a different road at sunset than I have been before. It is easy and close, so what a gift I was given to find sillouettes of sunflowers and a windmill with a gorgeous backdrop of another stunner by God sunset.

Sunsets remind me that there is enough in each day, so stay in THAT day. God will give you provision for that day, His daily bread. We ask, according to His prayer, to give us EACH day, our DAILY bread. What we think we have stored for tomorrow may go away before the day is done. What we do not have today may be showered upon us tomorrow. Therefore...

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thansgiving let your requests be made known to God. Phil. 4:6

Full and Good

As one of our hikes took a turn down to the river, we came upon a section of the water that seemed stagnant and dead. In plain language, it was yucky. Just a step away from taking a picture of a black bee on a dead head of grass, we turned our eyes downstream to see a much different ethereal river, lush and green; teeming with life. It was gorgeous and rich with light, though it had a covering of limbs and shade. The reflections and smells were magnificent. I don't know if it will translate to you in this picture, but I know it will be a place I go visit in my dreams or perhaps the dentist's chair. Beautiful to revisit and know that I was there. The Garden of Eden came to mind. It seemed to transport us out of time into that place of peace. It was hard for me to leave it. I am glad God gave us memory so I can revisit it.

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After returning from a trip I wade through my pictures, listening for messages to match each photo. This one, with the contrast in water only a foot apart, seemed to scream of a full and good life that God has for us. I know the good shepherd led me to see this place, one of our divine appointments, to demonstrate his parable:

The person that enters through me will be saved. That person will be able to come in and go out. He will find everything he needs. A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life~~life that is full and good. Jn. 10:9-10
Easy-to-Read Version, World Holy Bible

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I grew up in western Nebraska. Things were pretty plain and simple. I find the words, 'full and good' right down my alley. Abundant life? Don't know that I would wear that t-shirt. But a life that is 'full and good'? I 'get' that, and I got that, and continue to be given an incredible life that is full and good. God is Good, and has been good to me.

Reminders

Eric and I got out to the Hill Country for the weekend, and away from all the city crowds. We attended a Jackson Browne concert Friday night before heading out, courtesy of our buddies from Grapevine. Bought a CD there, and it was great traveling music. Great folk/rock blends of guitar and lyrics that carried us away to a wonderful, restful journey.

I had many divine appointments which God used to remind me of his love, grace, guidance, and awesomeness. For instance, the shadow cast by the lamppost reminded me that, though I am away from home, I am underneath the 'shadow' of His wing. The heart-shaped prickly pear reminded me that, even though my path may have some thorns, He never leaves me; and neither does His deep, abiding love. The lighthouse reminded me that He is my light, and will guide me through the storms. The dragonfly reminded me in its flight that the Son has set me free.

My treks into nature, with eyes given to see the message in small things, help me to carry on knowing that He cares so much for me to give me reminders at every turn. God is good all the time; all the time God is good!

Worthy

I opened the front door a little after five to go pick up my husband from work. I had put on my sunglasses because of the intense sun and heat. The UV shade gave me an incredible view as I looked up into the sky. My 'cloud looks like' game came smashing right into my heart as I saw a lamb with a halo of light as big as the whole western sky. I zoomed back into the front room to get my camera and was able to photograph it before the sun came out from behind the cloud.

Now, you may think my imagination is fertile (and thank God it is!!!), but all I could hear was a choir of angels praising Jesus and singing "Worthy is the Lamb!"

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Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels saying:

"The Lamb who was killed is worthy
to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor,
glory, and praise!"

Then I heard every living thing that is in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. I heard every thing in all these places. I heard them all saying:

"All praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever to the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb!"
Rev. 5:11-13