In case you like to look at my actual blog, I apologize!  I started trying to re-do some things and change some things – and well, I had some problems.  i will work on the esthetics tomorrow – so, in the meantime, its just the posts!  no photos etc.  so sorry!

md

When I was young, I remember sitting with GG, my great grandmother, on her front porch, on the glider, as she called it – which was her outdoor couch.  It was pretty quiet where she lived, just outside a small town in Iowa.  We would sit together and she would tell us funny stories while we watched lightening storms and fireflies.  Sometimes we would watch a sunrise or a sunset.  I will never forget looking out at the bright sky, full of hot pinks and oranges, reds and purples.  Never a repeat showing from the day before…

My daughter came into my room this morning and said to me, “Mommy, open the blinds – its pink outside!”  She loves a beautiful sunrise too.  And there it was.  Hot hues of fuschia and tangerine in bold strips across the eastern sky; painted there by a generous and creative Heavenly Father.  It was breathtaking.  We sat and soaked it in until it dissipated, because there is nothing else to be done when such a gift is given.

God has been known to use the sky as his palette in the past…  I often wonder what that first rainbow looked like, when He made the promise to Noah.  Was it vibrant?  Were the hues bold and strong, just like the promise He was making?

As I sat and took in the sight this morning, a favorite scripture crossed my mind.

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;  Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies (Psalm 103:3-4)

I consistently have to remind myself of these verses.  Regardless of yesterday’s events, even if things seem impossible for today, I can rely on this promise.  These words swept across my heart this morning, in warm tones and rich hues, and it was more of a surprise than the sunrise itself.

Its not surprising because I had forgotten the verses.  No, I’ve hidden them in my heart.  Rather, its almost shocking how he chooses such a beautiful venue to remind me.  The words of this promise are as unique as the colors of this morning’s sunrise, and together, they spoke truth to me, in my need.    I was reminded that I have a Heavenly Father who, took time to not only prepare a beautiful sky, but also a fresh, new set of mercies, fashioned just for today, unlike any other.  And now, I am prepared with fresh hope and strength for the day, thanks to surprising colors provided by the Creator Himself.

Heavenly Father,  Thank you for the lovingkindness that you show me every day. I continue to be amazed by your grace.  amen.

Yesterday morning my sweet girl had her archery lesson.  She did really well, in this proud mama’s opinion, and was very excited.  Last evening when we got home, though, she had a bit of a pain down her side.  She asked me what it was – and I told her – it was probably a growing pain, or maybe from shooting her bow a lot.  So we did the only thing to be done, in order to cure this particular side pain.  I prescribed a cup of hot chocolate and a bit of time together, sitting and chatting.

We talked about the pain in her side, that it meant she was probably growing, or her muscles were burning because she had used them so much today.  Either way, she was getting bigger and stronger.  I can see she’s having other growing pains as well.

Just a few days ago she came in from playing outside with our neighbors.  I could tell that something wasn’t right, her eyes were cloudy and her countenance was fallen just a bit.  She began to relay the situation in which she felt like maybe she had said something unkind and hurt her friend.  She asked what she should do.  And I told her – she needed to apologize.  After a bit of hemming and hawing, my sweet girl, bravely put on her shoes and went  to make things right with her friend.

As a believer, the only way to strengthen my faith is to feel the burn; this is usually obedience to God’s word –  often its painful, but the result is an emboldened, courageous faith.  I watched my daughter’s growing pains in action as she walked out my front door…  and wondered…  is this the kind of faith I have?  Willing to keep moving through the pain in order to be a stronger, more fit believer?   I don’t like these thoughts because I don’t like pain.  I don’t embrace the uncomfortable parts of my life.  I try to get away from them.

Hebrews talks a lot about faith, reviewing so many different stories of struggle and trials that end in amazing ways – but they all have the common thread of faith.  The writer in Hebrews 12 describes what our faith in action should look like:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

I am thankful that he is building faith in my life and in my daughter’s.  I am hopeful that we will continue walking through our growing pains together.

Lord,

Thank you for this gift of faith.  Let me view the hard places in my life as a gift as well ; give me the strength to walk through them in obedience rather than walking away from them.  Help me to live in a way that pleases you.  amen.

Hebrews 11:6 – But without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Well, things are shaping up here!  I am about to begin transferring many of my  previous stories and thoughts…  Its so scary to me.  I never dreamed I’d be here.  On this road.  And the only thing I can think of to do is pray.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Please lead me.  I have no idea what I’m doing.  I only know that You want me to encourage others. Please use the ideas that you’ve given me to speak to someone.  don’t let me get in the way.  This all means absolutely nothing except for the fact that You are in it.

Be my nerve.  Keep me honest.  Give me wisdom for this new journey.

I love you.

Amen.

I am very excited to be embarking on this journey…  I’m not sure I feel at home yet after writing “notes” on facebook for so long…  But, it will come.

More to follow.  I hope.

md