It has been a little while since we've last visited! Life has a way of getting crazy, hence, my inability to write as frequently as I would like. I hope you are finding joy and peace despite whatever you are going through right now! Know, that whether or not you are walking in the Valley of the Shadow of Death or have reached the peak of one of life's mountain's, Jesus has walked and will continue to walk with you always!
I have so many things for which I can give praise, and too often I forget to stop in those moments to thank my Heavenly Father for His many provisions and blessings. Sometimes, I am simply overwhelmed (in a good way) by His faithfulness and am brought to tears of thankfulness and joy! How GREAT is is to serve the LIVING GOD. Even more so, a God who LOVES me so profoundly--the thought is most times incomprehensible.
I am happy to say that after SIX weeks of being out of commission after my January accident, I have been given full permission to return to my normal duties at work, church, and general life. There were times I was certain this day would NEVER come, and I complained to God that life wasn't fair! But! As I look back at these past six weeks, I am SO thankful for the lessons I've learned and how much God has worked in my life. I was so consumed with my daily grind and stress--God simply took a back seat (instead of being the driver!)
However, I am so grateful, because God is clearly not done working in and through me. He spared my life the night of the accident--I believe that with every fiber of my being. He spared me, because my work here is NOT YET FINISHED! And! The start of the refining process began with me relying not on my own strength, but looking upward toward Heaven and seeking the face of my Father! God loves me enough to fight for me even when I am unaware that I am losing a deadly war. Despite my faith, Satan had slithered into my life, and I was carelessly letting him in--and watching him destroy me from the inside out. God said NO! I am still His! He took me out of my own "life," to show me that I wasn't really "living," but merely existing in complacency and lukewarm faith. Instead of spitting me out like vomit, He gathered me into His loving arms, refusing to let me go! What an AWESOME God I serve!
So, even though this year hasn't gone the way I thought/hoped it would (imagine that!)-God has given me more that I'll ever deserve! Mercy, Grace, and Love! There is a saying that goes...
But I've learned to embrace and look forward to God's plans! Why would I fight Him? Jerimiah 29:11-14 says it best! For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord,"
God is ALWAYS faithful, even when we do nothing but wander away. Don't push God out, because you fear you've wandered too far for Him to find you! Nothing in this life is too big for God-heck-He is THE Creator! Embrace every part of your life..even the hard times. Give thanks for every precious day you have-it is a GIFT! I know..I am asking you to go against your human nature. Give Christ EVERY part of you..let Him in! Let Him Love and Lead you! Believe me! It is worth more than peace of mind. It is worth your SOUL and ETERNAL SALVATION!
I pray you ponder these thoughts! I welcome any comments and questions! I don't claim to know everything, for I am learning EVERY DAY, but I have learned that the Best News needs to be shared ALWAYS!
In the words of one of my favorite hymns...
May the Lord Bless You and Keep You! May His Face Shine Upon You and Bring You Peace!
God Bless!
