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

In the Garden Alone

I blasted out of the house early this morning after a sleepless night praying and asking for eyes to see beauty in the paths I am being led down lately. Caretaking is not an easy task, and when it comes in multiples it is quite draining. I needed to take myself out to the country and be in the garden alone. My camera found, to my delight and soothed spirit, some amazing things. I knew God was opening my eyes to receive energy, love, mercy, compassion, and peace.

The first thing I noted was the waterfall of light spilling through the dark morning clouds. It was as if God was throwing a bucket of light through the darkness to get my attention. It was like getting a wonderful dousing of cold water after a parched walk through a desert.

Then I found myself looking down a country road I had passed a hundred times, but this morning it was lined with thousands of sunflowers. I was reminded in the spirit that the French word for sunflower is 'Turnasol', which means 'turn to the sun'. They literally turn their faces towards the sun. Likewise, as we turn our faces toward the Son, His light shines on our faces, and we bask in that gift. We lift our eyes to the Son from whence comes our help.

As I was turning around I noticed a spot of red down at the head of the creek. I could hardly believe my eyes. It was a beautiful red dragonfly. I had on my short lens and thought, since they are incredibly fast, that I would not be able to get close enough to get a good picture. However, it allowed me to get only a foot away, and stayed in place. What a gift!

Then, while driving along a creek, I noticed a few single sunflowers. This one, with the leaf to the side, caught my attention. Upon closer inspection I saw the green bee at its center.

Miraculous things all in one morning, as I went out to encourage myself in the Lord, trusting that He would shine His light on me and give me what I need to travel on down the road. God is Good all the time! My ever present help.

Without Grumbling

Our pastor talked last Sunday about serving without grumbling. I have been focusing on that task for the last couple of days. I love to do little things for people. I like to surprise someone who is not expecting it with a little gift or encouragement. So you would think that this would not be a problem for me. However, sometimes I find myself in positions of necessary service that are painful and cost a great deal emotionally and financially. And I find myself GRUMBLING!

Sometimes hospitality and giving grace are causes for us to suffer. But in the midst we can rejoice that His glory is being revealed. We also know that if we are insulted because of the name of Christ, we are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on us. (1 Pt. 4:12)

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I set this table pictured above to remind myself of the gift of hospitality and grace I am called to give to others. The tablecloth and metal vase I found at garage sales. The ceramic vase was on clearance at Walgreen's. The stunning goblets were a gift from my wonderful Colorado friend. I dare say that anyone who sat and was served would feel special. Isn't that what serving is about? It costs us something, and it is God working through our gifts to single out and let others know that they are precious. I think I will serve my husband some homemade peach cobbler (made from peaches my friend Lynne grew!) on a fancy dish when he gets home today.
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Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen
1 Peter 4:7-11

Freedom

I have seen many beautiful sunsets lately in north Texas. It has been a double blessing to see flights of birds streaming through peachy skies at dusk. I imagine myself popping out wings from my shoulder blades and joining them to their destinations.

Sometimes my daydreams of flight come from wanting to run away from my circumstances. Other times they are quite joyful as I stretch unafraid for a flight on a current of wind, trusting God to guide my path across the uncharted skies of my future. I see how much I become less free when I am trying to work things out 'my' way. I know God wants us to be free, for he said in his word, "If the Son, therefore, has set you free, you are free indeed!"

Take flight, expressing your freedom under His wings. He is leading by His love and Spirit, to where He would have us go.

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Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Cor. 3:17