The Journey

I was thinking of what I needed to accomplish in what should be a Sabbath day.   I have gained some freedom in the tasks that need to accomplish on a Sabbath day, somedays you cannot be physically still the complete day.  Sometimes that Sabbath means being more mindful of the one who created it and that He reminds us that Sabbath was created for us, to help us to obtain rest.   And I will do that today at some point.  But I knew what my life held and that I am now completing tasks that my dad always did and could do on a Monday morning but though his heart would love for them to do.  I need to accomplish while he stretched out in a nap so he would not see it being completed.   I have taken over the duties of the pellet stove; I am definitely not as talented as my dad at keeping it clean in the manner that he did.  I am still a student trying to figure it out.   I keep a bucket where I discard the ashes when I clean it to start ...

I was looking out this morning, I enjoy watching how the sun dances in the snow and the play of the light.   I found myself drifting off into wonder... How will this day go... How will it be different... In todays reading, Jacob dies but before he does, he blesses his sons.  The promise extends to the next generation. Gods word says that Jacob drew his last breath and then he was gathered to his people.  One simple sentence, he was gathered to his people.  I wonder about that day.  To finally see and touch Jesus, and to see the face of God and honestly, I believe I will be able to see the Holy Spirit at that time.   I find myself thinking of our eternal destination, I am sure part of it is because I am watching my dad walk his way home, thought only God knows that time,  I see that he is closer to home than ever.  I am thankful that dad knows Jesus as his savior and that eternity will be beautiful for him.  Though I am no where read...

 In today's reading, Jacob's sons were returning to tell him that Joseph was alive.  What he was doing, and that the pharaoh wanted them to come live where Joseph could see them.  God affirmed His promise to Jacob by telling him to go to Egypt, a land where Hebrews were not welcomed, shepherds were not seen favorably.  I am sure it was hard to comprehend that Joseph was a live after that many years.  Abba encouraged Jacob by affirming His promise he made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  This was not the first time Abba Reaffirmed His promise.   I thought of the kindness of God, He knew all of Jacob's doubts, concerns... I wonder if Jacob second guessed getting to see Joseph.  Was he excited the whole way, and when he saw him, did he recognize him immediately?    I thought of Gods deep kindness, yes, He knew the plan from the start, but the kindness is no less. I thought how much all the sons have grown in mind and spirit.  How lif...

 This morning I was thinking about all that Joseph faced but when he was reunited with his brothers, he waited to say his true feeling but once he revealed himself, he assured them that the hand of God was on his life for that very moment.  His placement was to their benefit.   I thought about how merciful God is, how He walks us through and guides us in the process of what He knows will crush us, those unavoidable experiences.  He gradually prepares us from a point of His mercy.  For that I am thankful. 

 I am thankful for blue sky that turns orange because it screams for me to pause and watch for just a moment.   Today help accomplishment in carrying for what parents needed, yet I found myself grieving the days of even six months ago when joking was receive and given immediately in return. Those days have stopped though I still receive a beautiful smile during the day. ABBA, nothing is wasted with You, everything has a purpose in either in a larger picture or the smallest of details. You remain faithful through the process guiding and direction but comforting and being a giver of peace when tears want to roll.  Time is precious but yet the hurt in the heart is deep.  So standing a pausing to watch a day in that held so many emotions end, is a gift and a reminder that You are in it.  I end this day repenting of my failures, forgiving the harm that was given, seeking peace in the midst of a heart that cracked just a little more today.  You get me becaus...

 "Let us not be surprised when we have to face difficulties. When the wind blows hard on a tree, the root stretch and grow the stronger.  Let it be so with us. Let us not be weaklings, yielding to every wind that blows, but strong in spirit to resist" Amy Carmichael  I have really enjoyed learning about who Amy Carmichael was, she was a missionary in the 1900s before the airplane. She traveled to India to work with rescuing kids in abusive situations.  She was a single female who had no fear but knew the call on her life.   I want to learn more about her, her words are beautiful  Today I am thankful for peace that God gives even in the most difficult situations.  Today I felt prewarned, but I did not know what it would be.  I am thankful that my dad thinks so hard in wanting to help me to carry groceries in even when he is shaky and it ends up being detrimental for him, but it is his love for me and his desire to assist me as he has done my w...

 Today we were reading in Genesis, it was right after Jacobs two sons killed that complete group of people over the rape of their sister Dina.  Jacob became fearful because he knew they had to move.  We get into the next chapter where God gives Jacob the direction he needs to go.  There was a verse where it says that God filled the people in the surrounding villages with terror.  He did this to keep the from attaching Jacob.  God also reaffirmed Jacobs new name as Israel, and He affirmed His promise He made Abraham to Jacob.  The podcast said that it wasn't that God condoned the actions of the sons, but He kept his promise.   These sons did not appear to have a personal relationship with God, but I wonder if it will be like Jacob and it will be developed as God continues to move them into the promise, He has for them. In reading this I see God's restraint in their sin and if I am looking at myself, I know that I know that He has shown much re...

This morning I was getting myself together for the day, I saw the sun shining and it has been days since we really could see pavement and blues skies.  I found myself singing  Revive us again  Fill each heart with thy love May each soul be rekindled with fire from above. Hallelujah thine the glory; Hallelujah Amen Hallelujah thine the glory Revive us again.   I just kept singing some version of those lyric, I do not know the song by heart, but I know the chorus and it was enough to encourage my soul.   I lost what week it is since I have been in a church, but we watched my parents church, and their pastor has a hear for the LORD and he preaches it and is truly an example of Jesus and His love.   He came by and saw my parents this past week and even cleaned their car off.  He brought his little boy who is a little over 3.   Every week I see this little boy walk up to his daddy in the pulpit to be lifted up into his daddy's arms....

 This morning I was looking out the back door and I saw the tracks of a bunny, I had to get a picture to show dad.  Him and his best friend have a running joke about a rabbit and their ability to predict snow.  If the bunny is standing on it hind feet to eat, then you should expect a foot of snow.  I think the bunny was in danger of extinction at dads' friend's house after all the snow we have received this week.   For me seeing the tracks in our yard made me smile.  I have always enjoyed watching the little ones play in the yard in the spring.  Something always seems to get them but when I see evidence they are around, I can only smile.  I am thankful for the tracks in the snow, and the track YOU place in my heart to see Your creation.  

 So today I think I share in pictures

 Today I started my day in reading the next couple chapters in the reading plan, Abraham passes away after Isaac has a bride. What was interesting in this scripture was that Issac committed the same sin as his dad in having his wife pretend to be his sister.  The king he did this too is speculated to be the same king that Abraham did.  I share this to say that our God is merciful.  The promise given to Abraham was affirmed to Isaac.  God wants relationship with us.   Even in spending beautiful time with our ABBA this morning, I still struggled.   So, I had to dig deep.  Snow fell again last night meaning cleaning the car off for the fourth time this week, at least it feels like the fourth time.  I dream of a day when I can choose my own schedule, going out staying in.  but I am not at that place right now in my life.  I had to turn to thankfulness.   Thankful for a new vehicle that I feel warm and safe in my trav...

Today I heard this scripture being read to me in this translation. When I heard the words 'So I quit being a "law man" they jumped out to me.  I had to immediately go look it up to make sure I heard it correctly.  And I did.  I truly want to quit being a law woman, being dictated by religion that it hinders relationship.  His opinion is truly what matter and one of the best parts of my life is getting to know Him better.   I spent so many years, so much time pursuing the legal aspect of faith that I truly missed out on what it was supposed to be.   So today, I am thankful for His whispers to my soul, from the Holy Spirit.  The last line is powerful, "If a living relationship with God could come by rule keeping, the Christ died unnecessarily" Such a process.  This is my picture for today and speaks most of my heart 

Today was my first day back after a long weekend and a hard snow.   The sidewalks were not shoveled, and they had at least six inches of snow on them.   The parking lot did not look bad, but you still had to be careful. As I was pulling into the parking lot, I saw this man running down the sidewalk, he was running for sport or workout, it didn't matter to him that the sidewalks were covered, he was just continuing to do what he would have to love.  I have seen him around before running up huge hills no one else would attempt because of traffic but it was part of his route.    Here I am pulling in to go to work thinking I am getting too old for this, I wanted to stay home but my nature just won't allow me too. Trust me, I wish for it to be different sometimes.  But here I see this man doing what he has to thrive on to be running in simple running pants, long sleeve shirt and nothing else.   I thought what does it take to be this type of r...

 Today I looked out the window, we were receiving the heaviest snow we have received this year, and honestly a long time.  Last week I saw this indention in the snow and wondered what caused it.  I saw no footprints, but it looked like someone was wrestling in that one place.  This morning I saw at least three crows in the yard, and they were pushing the snow to get to the ground.  They used their heads to push it away.   I did what any normal person would do, I googled it.  LOL   They were looking for food, insects.    That was the first time I have ever seen it myself and all three were doing the same thing.   I thought how God created them to do, it is part of who they are created to be.  I have never liked a crow, honestly, I think of them as dark bird, meaning couldn't good birds.  LOL If I am quoting it correctly, the Bible says they will be used in the end to clean up all the dead bodies from the very...

 Today is Sunday, they were calling for snow but received ice so far.   The snow will come later.  This picture was taken during a break in the weather.  Sunday's use to be my favorite day of the week but not they are just long.  Maybe because I cannot go to church right now.   I need to find something to piddle on,  the phone absorbs so much of my time.  The games on it take up my time even when I am not looking at social media. They are just a replacement.   I need to delete them because they hog my time.   God blesses us and takes care of us even when we are very unsure where we are and if we are walking the plan, He has for us.  I received a text from our neighbor stating that there was a goodie bag on our porch.   She gave us chili, crackers, cornbread and these wonderful little snacks with a pretzel with what appears to be a Rolo and pecan.   What a beautiful blessing.   Thats ...

 There is a time for everything, And a season for every activity under the heavens: A time to be born and a time to die, A time to plant and a time to uproot, A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, A time to weep and a time to laugh, A time to mourn and a time to dance, A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, A time to search and a time to give up A time to keep and a time to throw away, A time to tear and a time to mend, A time to be silent and a time to speak A time to love and a time to hate, A time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIVUK This morning these verses were read to via a meditation that I start my day with, though I have read these verses and heard these words several times in my life, they were very powerful this morning. The ones that hit me hard were there was a time to search and a time to give up, a time to love ...

 I took this at 9:45PM, I was running out of day and no picture was taken.  I really didn't want to miss a day.  But in looking at this, I would have never guess the time because of the detail and amount of light.  Proof that not everything is as it appears to be.  I saw the dark with faint light with my eye but the camera picked up on something else.   Kind of like the eye of God, He sees more than me.  Why do I doubt when his clarity is much better than mine?    Oh, ABBA heal my unity with You.  

I am thankful for the time I was able to spend with Vicki, it was nice being with a friend and just eating and talking.   We went to the drive in to reduce people exposure.  We used to go there when we were teenagers.   She is my oldest in time known friend, and I thankful for her.   I am thankful she shares her kids with me who are grown women, but I have known them since birth.   I am thankful for the pause from my normal routine and to discuss God.   Her sister is my other dear friend.  I am thankful for them being family to me. I started to write the date July 13, 2022, I have no idea why I was writing this and makes me wonder what the time holds from then to now.  What will fill the space of these days.  Suffering? Laughter?  Tears? Joy?  Loneliness?  Love?  I cannot guess it; His plan is way too large for me to guess it.  But for now, I am thankful for the day that carried frie...

Today I listened to the Wild at Heart podcast, he was talking about the scripture on the ten virgins and how he feels we are in that time now, where we need to make sure our lamps are cared for and prepared and that we have enough oil as we wait for the Bridegroom.   That really impacted me because it is such a challenging season, some days you feel you are doing the same thing day in and out, because of the routine, thing feel stale, and you wonder if you are just going through the motions.  I know how this story goes, there were some who were not prepared and did not take enough oil for the wait.  When the Bridegroom was coming and they jumped up, they were out of oil and wanted to borrow some from the other who were prepared.  But if they gave them the oil then they themselves would not have enough.   He went on to say how we cannot lone out our oil or our walk with Jesus to someone else, I never thought of that scripture in that manner, but we cann...

  In my reading this morning in Job, he  he is lamenting the way he used to be, Job was missing who he was, respected by other people,   looked at for wisdom, caring for others but mostly his friendship with God.   In listening to the podcast, she pointed this out and was asking the question of herself, was God in her house, did she have that kind of relationship with God.    She stated that friendship takes time with each other and trust in each other.   I began wondering if I treat God like I do others, a simple text rather than a phone call to listen to the sound of their voice to know how they really are doing or for them to really hear my hear my tone.   I have been wrestling the past few about is my time with God a to do list that I check off as just another task of the day.   Do I have a deep intimacy with Him or simply text and go.    Honestly, I do not think these times make real relationship easy, there ...

 It was very cold this morning, but the light felt so near, so bright, I love how the light dances on this building.  Sometimes it is more noticeable than others.  Today the brightness was beautiful, light dancing on the church.  This church is so beautiful on the inside, it is an aged church but has such history on the inside.   I remember attending a small wedding decades ago in one of the parlors in the church.  A simple repeating of vows.   Wild how you can attend such an intimate ceremony, but decades later not see the people any longer.  Not from anger or episode but simply time and life.   Not sure why I remember that tonight when I have walked past this church hundreds of times on my way to work.  Today, I am thankful for peace, for my parents having a good day with each other.    I am thankful for the continued reading in Job and him saying that the fear of the Lord, is wisdom and turning away from evil ...

 This is just my Sunday, beauty in the morning with the evening feeling cloudy but an unthawing of the stress.   Here is my beauty of the day.   ABBA may I find rest in this Sabbath. 

  Today our reading was in Job, there was a verse in chapter 19:25 where Job says he knows that his Redeemer lives and will stand on this earth and that there would be a day that he would see God for himself.   After all that he has faced, and all the questions he had regarding the suffering he was experiencing, he knew he would see God for himself.     His so-called friends were accusatory toward him, it was brought out that maybe these so-called friends was kind of enjoying Jobs suffering.   Job corrected the accusations to the best of his ability.    Job had questions regarding the why he was going through this suffering, he answered his friends who accused him of sinning and that this was just God being judging Job.   But I think of the depth of Jobs relationship with God, he had a relationship of depth prior to this happening.     He lived a blessed life.   His questions were not anger and accusing of God but really...

  Today we were digging out from our largest storm for the winter, it was very pretty but very cold.  We were able to go home and work because of the weather.   I really was thankful to head home to work.  On my way home, I saw this dear just standing in the road, staring at me, me staring back. It was like I was being reminded about how God helps us to develop hinds' feet to go to high places that He takes me.   I looked up and there was another one, but they did not jump down, and I saw that as divine protection for they would have hit me.   Maybe the moment wasn't as special as I would like to make it but honestly, I felt that it was a gift from my ABBA to me.     When I got home and was setting up my computer to work, I heard someone outside, and it was my friend, she was pushing my large driveway with her ATV.  But here is the thing, that was a blessing in itself but what she did next was so amazing.  She pulled ...

Today I am thankful to make it home before all this hit,  I am thankful for home.  I am reading in Job, Job knew God, he honored God, but still he experienced suffering.   Yet Job, stated that his hope was still in the LORD.    I pray that I can truly know this to my core.    

 This morning I noticed the glow in the sky,  I could not help but run out to see the colors that were not bright but covered the majority of where I could see.   I immediately thought of the proverb, orange skies in morning, sailor warning. Orange skies at night sailor's delight.  I immediately wondered what this day would hold.    Then I kept hearing the part of the 23rd Psalm where it says yea though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thy rod and thy staff comfort me.    I again, wondered what the day would hold.   I was provoked in thought by someone who said there was a difference between if a person dies and when you start looking at when they die.  That this is a shift in a journey.  It provoked my thinking because we tend to land on if a person dies when in reality, we all are going to face death at some point, so the better question is when.   But what makes that difficult is wh...

 Today I prayed asking to be wonderstruck, to see something different than I normally see, I really thought this would be something in nature because those are great gifts for me.   But today, it was different, it was thought that popped in my mind, I knew that it was a gift from our ABBA.   I knew He was giving me a glimpse that what was happening in my life now was preparing me for something bigger than I could perceive.   Sometimes, this flesh sure does limit the fullness of what God wants to give.   Today I listened as someone shared where they were currently at, and the struggle, the one they were allowing themselves to finally feel.  Though I know it is not an easy place for them, I was thankful they were allowing themselves to process the pain.  Maybe it was speaking louder than I realized.  I could see the relief in being allowed to share it and I was thinking that somethings really do take time to process and honestly ...

 The day was cold, but beauty still was present.   This was the first real snow we received this winter, Today, I am thankful for a car that I felt safe in driving to work.  For new gloves that are soft, warm and yes functional.  This day held a loss for some that is so deep that recovery will be from You ABBA.  I pray for the healing of the heart, and the nearness of You to those who feel their heart will never beat again the same.  

 Sunday, it is a rainy cloudy one.  All my days seem to blur but I love Sundays.  When I can listen to church, it changes the day.    We listened to mom and dad's church today.   Listening to David talked about Luke 2:25-32.  David was talking about how God planned for Simeon to be at the temple.   I always thought that Simeon was a priest, I have no idea where I had that idea.  I have never caught the fact that the word says he was he righteous and devout and eagerly awaiting the Messiah.  The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would not die until he seen the Lord’s Messiah.   Scripture says that the Holy Spirit led him to the temple that day where he held the Messiah.   Knowing he was not a priest changes the game for me.  He was devout, following God, God made him a promise, God kept it.   Being devout made him available to God, hearing God’s voice.  Being led by Holy Spirit....

It started with a thunderstorm, with lightening flashing in the sky and rain dancing on the roof.   I could stand on the porch without a jacket and in my pajama's.  Then I heard the birds singing in the bush outside of the window in the bathroom.   If I did not know what day it was, I would think it was a spring day developing.  What came to mind, a new day, a new year, and a new season.   Today I started the reading plan for the chronological read that I just completed yesterday, again.   Today I felt giddy in getting to start again.   I am excited to see what You ABBA have to show me this year.