Boundaries

'Boundary' is an interesting word. It infers a line or limit of some kind. A dividing line of territory between countries would be a boundary. Acceptable behavior might be considered a boundary.

Certainly, much of my life has been about learning and holding healthy boundaries. However, some of my best 'living' has been getting courage to go outside the lines; go farther than my predecessors in education or travels or ventures. Some of those feats were because of courage given to me by mentors and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

I am thinking especially of a friend who is very close to 'crossing the Jordan' that afforded me the opportunity to visit France several times while he lived there. I learned so much from being able to experience a foreign country, especially through the wit and expertise of my friend and travel guide, Jim. We saw many miles of beautiful French gardens and vineyards and ate many beautiful meals with a side of some mysterious vegetable puree full of butter, usually followed by a brilliant chocolate creation for dessert. My cup and my portion, my boundaries, have been stretched in beauty because of his generosity. I bless him in his journey to the land even more beautiful than any we have seen or dreamed.

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The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
Ps. 16:6

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
because you will not abandon me to the grave.
nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Ps. 16:9-11

His Way

Anyone who knows me well knows that I do not like to be in crowds or around lots of people for very long. In fact, the road less traveled is my preference. These two roads off the main trails just call to come spend some time and see where they lead. The invitation may be a destination or a journey; perhaps both. Asking and receiving directions from our Teacher is never a waste of time.

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To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;
in you I trust, O my God.
Ps. 25:1-2

He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
All the ways of the Lord
are loving and faithful.
Ps.25:9-10

Your Paths

We set out for the Bluebonnet Trails in Ellis County this afternoon, even though the weather forecast was rain. We went trusting that the time had been provided to get away and God would do the rest. When we started on the trails the skies cleared and we were blessed with the most incredible painted hillsides. We have made this trip many times, but never seen the amounts and varied colors strewn as they were today.

So many times on my trips with my friend from Colorado we set out with terrible weather only to reach our destination with an opening in the skies and perfect timing from our 'guide'. So it was with my husband today. We snuck back into Ennis for a Peanut Buster Parfait break at Dairy Queen. Then we embarked on the last few trails. We did them all in five hours this afternoon.

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Show me your ways, O Lord,
teach me your paths,
guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Ps. 25:4-5

Green Pastures

I got up this morning and took a drive in the country. Even though it was raining, it was very peaceful and verdant. I was led to green pastures full of wildflowers and cows. Beautiful restoration to my soul as I let myself be led by my shepherd.

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The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

My Bridge

The LORD is my bridge over troubled water. I am reminded that my works accomplish little. Waiting on the LORD accomplishes much. He looks for brokenness and creates miracles.

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Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
James 4:10