Dark Clouds

I caught the sky today at a strange window of color. There were dark clouds, and I thought the sun was already at the horizon. But then I saw it peek slightly under the darkness, and start to add color to the sky below. It started me thinking about scriptures of light and darkness and I remembered this one:

You are my Lamp, oh Lord;
the Lord turns my darkness into light.
With your help I can advance against a troop;
with my God I can scale a wall.
2 Samuel 22:29-30

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I had a marvelous day today, so no dark clouds. But I know they will come again. We will have trouble in the world. My Colorado friend reminds me that 'it came to PASS', when the 'it' seems to be overwhelming and not budging. I know that my cries for help sent out from those dark places have been heard by the One in his temple. He is my ever present help in trouble.

and the answer is...

I have been trying to get a good picture of these bighorn sheep for years. They hang out around Georgetown and Idaho Springs in Colorado. I scan the cliffs that look over Georgetown as we pass by on I-70. I have seen them there but there is not a place to stop and get a picture. Usually they are very high up on the jagged crevices of the cliffs, and would not show up well even if using a zoom lens.

The last time we travelled to Colorado we took a drive up north of Idaho Springs to check out Winter Park. On the way back we turned the corner to see a woman with a camera looking at something fairly close. I could see the object of her focus: bighorn sheep right next to the road! I could still get a great close up without disturbing her. I not only got one of the desires of my heart, but could hardly have posed them better!

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We all have dreams, aspirations, desires of our hearts. God puts that nature in us. But sometimes when we yearn and ask for something and it does not come in our time we assume the answer is "no". Other times we think we did not get the thing or relationship because we were not worthy. We may get a washing of guilt in being told that we did not believe enough. Or, perhaps, there are more things we need to do to be ready to receive that thing. Sometimes our asking becomes demanding, like God is Santa Claus on retainer to make everything we want appear under the tree.

I know that sometimes, in retrospect, I have found myself grateful for NOT getting the thing I so wanted. Other times it was made clear to me that I was not ready for that thing yet, and the answer was, "WAIT!". Many times the answer was, "I have something prepared for you that is much bigger than what you ask."

God DOES answer.

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When they call to me, I will answer them.
Ps. 91:15

Peace

Eric says, "Peace". He traded the Harley today for a Kawasaki 900. I got a ride and it is much more comfortable.

I think he has finally been swayed by my 'matching' thing. After all, what is a Nebraska boy doing riding a purple motorcycle with a blue jacket on? Has to be red, just sayin'

(c;) <- (smiling Eric with helmet)

Getting Personal

I was out this morning getting a very much needed Shiatsu treatment. Just before getting back to my house I noticed some fabulous clouds being shaped by the blowing wind. I parked the car, got my camera, and hoped they would still be there when I got back outside. They seemed to have moved right over my house and were in better position than when I had gone in to get the camera. I took it personally, in a good way.

About ten minutes later I was out the door again to go meet my daughter. Only ten minutes had passed and the clouds were completely gone. I took it as a special gift that I was given the window of opportunity to see these magnificent white brush strokes splashed for an instant above my house.

I believe we are very privileged to be able to have a personal relationship with God. The order of the universe flies in the face of mere chance. God, my heart thrills to understand and see you through the special things you send to me each day.

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For what can be known about God is plain... since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made.
Romans 1:19-20

Grounded

I spent parts of yesterday helping with the new grandbaby and being able to see my kids and grandkids. It has been a blessing to spend time with them this past week. Lots of food, memories, sharing, and special times have transpired. But a room full of personalities, and emerging patterns of newer human beings mixed up with grown up and older ones can be exhausting!


I think I hit the wall physically and emotionally at about 5:30. I excused myself and headed for home and a hot shower, early to bed. On the way home I realized how tired I was as I watched the sky starting to change. God brought to mind an expression that 'we need to have our head in the clouds and our feet on the ground'. I knew that there were several patches of water that offered a stopping place to get 'grounded'. I could look at the heavenly realms and thank God for all my blessings here on Earth.

By the time I got home I felt physically not well. My feet were cold and my whole body ached. Don't know if it was contaminated food or a bug of some kind, or just exhaustion; but rest was the answer. So, I am 'grounded' for awhile today to take care of myself. Will have my head in the clouds as I cooperate with God in my healing. When the world wearies, I regain my strength to keep moving by leaning on the maker of the clouds and letting his arms lift me up, giving my soul rest.

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Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Eph. 1:3