Abide: Finding Rest, Part 2

In yesterday’s post, I compared the concept of oxen yoked together with a more modern day example of being a part of a caravan.  While aspects of the example are fitting, the picture has a critical flaw -- it is stressful to be in a caravan, not restful as Christ promises if we abide.  It occurred to me that the person who is most at rest in a caravan is the passenger in the lead vehicle!  He doesn’t have to worry about keeping everyone together, and since he is with the lead driver who has declared that he knows the way, the passenger can simply sit back and enjoy the trip.  Even the passengers in the follow vehicles feel a measure of stress because they know their driver doesn’t know the way.  As a driver in a caravan, you are with your leader, but if you are a passenger assigned to the first car, you are in the same car as your leader.  In John 15:4, Jesus doesn’t say, “Abide with Me,” He says, “Abide in Me.” (emphasis added).

I’ve been trying to piece together a picture of the rest that comes with abiding in Christ, and it took my son getting his learner’s permit this week to help me connect the dots.  As my son got behind the wheel for the first time, I could tell that his “stress-meter” was peaking in the red zone.  He was excited to have his permit and be granted this new privilege, but as he put his hands on the wheel for the first time, he also realized the huge responsibility involved in driving, coupled with the fact that he had no idea what to do.  He had proven he knew the rules of the road, but he had zero knowledge of how to operate a vehicle.

I sat in the front passenger seat right next to him, and began to explain the dashboard, turn signal, wipers, etc.  I touched and pointed to everything as I explained.  After he turned on the car, I had him pause and think through all of the steps he would need to take before entering traffic.  As we pulled away from the curb, I could sense his rush of excitement, but his knuckles were the whitest I’ve ever seen them!  I kept up a constant stream of instruction mixed with praise and reassurance.  The first stop sign produced a sudden jolt. He nervously apologized, and I chuckled and told him it was just fine, and he was doing great.  His first trip was one mile in length, and involved stopping, turning, and learning how to stay straight in the lane.  We even laughed together when I had to say, “turn, turn, Turn, TURN!!!” and when both of our heads jerked back when he began to proceed after a stop sign.

Sitting next to him in the car reminded me of the Matthew 11:28-29 passage which tells us twice that it is being near Christ that provides rest.  “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me.”  My son is learning how to drive, and that requires me to be near him -- coaching, guiding, instructing, and reassuring.  We are in the car together.  We see, hear, and experience every aspect of the trip together. He has been watching me drive his entire life, and knows that I have the knowledge and experience to teach him this new skill.  He listens to my voice and does everything I say because he trusts me.

On our second outing, I was still very vocal in pointing things out as he drove.  At times, I was quiet for short periods, and noticed that he was talking to himself.  He checked in with me constantly to ask, “Was that ok?” and “Who has the right of way here?”  After one particularly smooth turn, he said, “Hey, that was my best one yet, right?!!?”  I noticed that as we circled our small town, his knuckles began to be ever-so-slightly less white!  The more he drove and got the feel for things, the more he began to relax.  It is my nearness and constant conversation with him, coupled with hands-on experience that is already beginning to bring him rest and the reassurance he needs that he can do this!

Here is the mystery and joy of abiding.  We have all heard the metaphor of letting Jesus “take the wheel” of our lives.  We want and need Him to be in the driver’s seat, taking us where He wants us to go.  But He also wants us to learn from Him!  He has tasks for us to accomplish with His help and guidance, and this is when He lets us take a turn behind the wheel.  Our lives are marked with sudden stops and jerky, tentative starts.  Sometimes we need to make a turn, but don’t know what that feels like or how to make it happen.  He is right next to us gently saying, “turn, turn, Turn, TURN,” I imagine with a smile on His face and gentle reassurance in His voice.

I just love this picture of abiding.  As my son’s teacher, I know he can do it.  From my son’s perspective, he knows he can trust me.  So it is with the Lord as my teacher, and me as the student driver.  The mystery of abiding is allowing Jesus to be the driver of my life, but understanding that He wants me to learn from Him as I accomplish the plans He has for me.  The best way to learn is to be near Him, constantly talking with Him and checking in for encouragement and direction.  He is in my car (life) with me, and will guide and direct my path, every step of the way.  He knows the way, and I just need to listen and obey.  He is gentle and humble in heart, and I know that He loves me…

…and that brings me…

…rest.

Abide: Finding Rest, Part 1

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls.”  (Matthew 11:28-29)

One aspect of abiding in Christ is learning to rest in Him and on His promises.  We live in a fast-paced society with incessant demands for our time and attention.  It is oh-so-easy to get distracted by technology and over-booked schedules, and sometimes our quiet time with the Lord begins to suffer. The “tyranny of the urgent” rears its ugly head, and suddenly we realize that it has been days (weeks?) since we have spent time in His word.  We wonder why we are exhausted and feel distant from God.  He has been there the whole time, but we were not abiding.

Notice in these two verses, that the Lord mentions twice that we need to be near Him to find rest.  

“Come to Me…and I will give you rest.”

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me…and you shall find rest for your souls.”

I’m a city girl.  I’m not exactly well-versed in yokes and oxen.  I was paying attention during the American Pioneer unit in fourth grade, though, and know that a yoke is used to keep two oxen together as a team to help a farmer plow his field.  Those two animals are linked together at the neck, and become one unit that must work in unison.

If we take His yoke upon us, it means that we are agreeing to submit to His will and direction for our lives.  If we are yoked with Christ, we are by the very design of a yoke (metaphorically speaking), near Him.  Walking right next to Him, day by day, we begin to hear and recognize His voice a little better.  The longer we walk with Him, the closer we become, and the more we learn -- both about who He is, and His will for our lives.  When we yield to His will and direction for our lives, He gives us the ability and joy to do it, and thus we find rest and security in Him.

Since I’m not very familiar with yokes, I tried to think of a modern example that I can relate to, and came up with caravans.  We have probably all been a part of a caravan at some point.  A group of people in multiple cars needs to get to a specific destination, but not everyone knows the way.  A person who does know the way volunteers to be the leader, and we all agree to follow the leader.  As a driver in a caravan, your whole focus is to stay as close to the leader as you can…change lanes when he does, turn when he turns, and stop when he stops. You know that if you lose sight of your leader, you will be lost in unfamiliar territory and things will begin to unravel quickly.

I liked this example of the caravan, because of the picture it creates in explaining the need for a leader, the importance of staying close, and following and submitting to direction.  This picture begins to fall apart though, because while it is true that you will be lost if you lose sight of your leader, being a part of a caravan is stressful!  Lights turn red, cars cut in front of you, and while you do what you can to stay close, you are also bound by the law to obey all traffic rules.  Running a red light just to stay with your leader is not an acceptable option!  Knowing that you could suddenly find yourself lost and without direction is stressful, not restful.

Abiding is about resting!  I have been mulling this over in my mind for a couple of weeks, and trying to come up with a better example, and then…

…my son got his learner’s permit on Monday…

…and suddenly it clicked.

(Tune in tomorrow for Part 2 of Finding Rest!)

Come, Follow, Abide

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”  
(Matthew 11:28)

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.”  (Matthew 16:24)

“Abide in Me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.”  (John 15:4)

Come

There is a clear progression laid out for every person.  At some point in life, we encounter Jesus.  In learning who He is and why He came, we must face and consider the sinful nature of our heart and make a decision.  Jesus bids us to come to Him.  By His work at the cross, He will exchange our yoke of sin for a robe of righteousness.

Follow

If we choose to accept His free gift of salvation, He commands us to follow Him.  It isn't enough to accept the gift and walk away unchanged.  By accepting His sacrifice, we acknowledge our sinfulness and through true repentance, seek to walk in a manner worthy of His calling.  Sin should become distasteful to us, and our old fleshly habits should begin to fall away as we walk in newness of life. While we are forgiven, we still battle our sin nature on a daily basis.  We may struggle with pride, selfishness, or anger (for example), but if we are truly seeking Him, and allow Him to work in our hearts and minds, He will refine us.  When Jesus bids us to come to Him, not only should we come the first time, but we should continually come to Him.  He is our high priest who can sympathize with our weakness because He too was tempted in all things, yet remained without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He understands our struggle and offers strength and rest for our weary souls.

Abide

Following Christ should progress into abiding in Him.  As we allow Him to change us from the inside out, we begin to experience His love and power in our lives, which deepens our love for Him, which solidifies our resolve to continue walking in His ways.  Abiding in Him involves obedience (following Him) and resting on His promises.  The act of abiding strengthens and deepens our faith. John 15 says that if we abide in Him, we will bear much fruit.  Spiritual fruit is outward evidence of our relationship with Christ.  The more we abide, the more abundant the fruit, which should be noticed by others, and perhaps encourage them to consider and answer His call upon their lives.

What a beautiful cycle!

One by One

1395.  A carload full of their friends

1396.  Listening to them chatter and be goofy

1397.  When my son taught me how to do a trigonometry problem just for fun...

1398.  ...and I successfully did one on my own!

1399.  Springtime weather in February

1400.  Grandparents' Day at the school

1401.  Singing patriotic songs with people who have served our country

1402.  Listening to my dad speak about his service during the war

1403.  Seeing his medals and uniform patches for the first time

1404.  That the class showed respect and asked good questions

1405.  A memorial service that beautifully honored a dear friend

1406.  The life and friendship of M.N.

1407.  The poignant reminder that life is fragile...

1408.  ...and every second is a special gift

1409.  The aroma of fresh baked banana bread

One Word: Abide

Each year in the fall, I pray and ask the Lord if He has a word for me to dwell on in the upcoming year.  I have been doing this for the past four years, and have been so encouraged and blessed in digging deeper, and learning the lessons that He has for me.  Since beginning this yearly exercise, my words have been “Courage,“ “Cultivate,“ and “Trust.“  

My word for 2015 is “Abide.”  I first began to hone in on this year’s word while listening to a series of sermons by John MacArthur on John 15.  Suddenly, it started popping up in sermons, on the front of bulletins, and in conversations with friends!  Jesus tells us in John 15 to abide in Him.  What does that really mean (deeper than the “Sunday School“ answer)?  How do I abide in Him?  These are the sorts of questions that I am seeking answers to this year in my personal study.  

Periodically throughout the year, I hope to share my findings here in this place.  Won’t you join me, and learn with me, how to abide in Him?

One by One

1380.  New home office furniture...

1381.  ...including a comfy chair I've had my eye on for years

1382.  Ferry ride to Catalina Island

1383.  Watching dolphins and seals play in the water

1384.  His expert driving skills in avoiding an accident

1385.  Another successful Whisperings All-Star Event

1386.  Conquering something technological on my own with no help!

1387.  Brisk walks in the fog

1388.  Her sweet Valentine's Day song that she made up for me

1389.  His written words of love

1390.  That she opens up to me when her heart is hurting

1391.  Glorious sunsets on the beach

1392.  A great group of kids on the yearbook committee

1393.  Surprising my kids with homemade cookies

1394.  Finding the perfect piece of fabric to complete a project

Five Minute Friday: Open

Stubborn jar lids.  It seems to be an inevitability of life.  I’m in the middle of prepping a meal and grab a jar.  I give it a twist, and nothing happens.  Applying a bit more pressure, I wait to hear that magical “pop” of the seal breaking, but don’t feel it budge…not even a little bit.  I give it one more go, applying every ounce of strength I’ve got, red in the face, muscles straining.  Nothing.  Figuring maybe my hands are slippery, I grab a towel and try again, but to no avail.  By this time, I usually grab a butter knife and start beating around the lid in a few places with the handle.  That usually is enough to pop the seal, and then I can twist it right off.

God has placed within us gifts and abilities He wants to use for the kingdom.  We need to be willing and open to both receive from Him, as well as to pour out what He has given us in order to bless others.  Do our hearts and lives resemble a stubborn jar lid, unmoving and requiring incredible pressure to open?  Or are we the jar that opens easily, ready to be poured out and used for His glory?

A Time to Pause

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.  I was raised in a non-denominational church and don’t know much about Lent, other than it is the period of time leading up to Easter.  It is a time for people to reflect on Christ, and often includes the observance of a ritual such as fasting. While I do not feel led to fast, I do have a personal desire to take the next forty-seven days to focus my thoughts and heart on Christ and all that He has done for me.  I have never really done that before, in terms of preparing for Resurrection Day.  My life usually moves at breakneck speed, and each year it feels as if “suddenly it is Easter.”  This year I want to intentionally "hit the pause button" on my life, and approach that special day with a quiet and reflective heart.

During my devotions this morning, I read about the Fall of Man in Genesis 3:1-19, as well as the general condition of Man and his desperate need for redemption through Christ Jesus in Romans 3:9-26.  I encourage you to read and reflect on those passages.  I was reminded that I am but dust, and will return to dust.  The passage in Romans says that “there is none righteous, not even one” (3:10) and “all have turned aside; together they have become useless; there is none who does good, there is not even one.” (3:12)

This is exactly why Christ came.
Without Him, we are but dust and our condition is hopeless.

He is our Living Hope.

The Deeps
(prayer from The Valley of Vision, A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions; edited by Arthur Bennett, The Banner of Truth Trust, 1975, page 75)

Lord Jesus,
Give me a deeper repentance, 
              a horror of sin, 
              a dread of its approach;
Help me chastely to flee it, 
              and jealously to resolve that my heart shall be thine alone.
Give me a deeper trust, 
              that I may lose myself to find myself in thee, 
                       the ground of my rest, 
                       the spring of my being.  
Give me a deeper knowledge of thyself 
              as saviour, master, lord, and king.
Give me deeper power in private prayer, 
              more sweetness in thy Word, 
              more steadfast grip on its truth.
Give me deeper holiness in speech, thought, action, 
              and let me not seek moral virtue apart from thee.
Plough deep in me, great Lord, heavenly husbandman, 
              that my being may be a tilled field, 
              the roots of grace spreading far and wide, 
                        until thou alone art seen in me, 
                        thy beauty golden like summer harvest, 
                        thy fruitfulness as autumn plenty.
I have no master but thee, 
              no law but thy will, 
              no delight but thyself, 
              no wealth but that thou givest, 
              no good but that thou blessest, 
              no peace but that thou bestowest.
I am nothing but that thou makest me,
I have nothing but that I receive from thee,
I can be nothing but that grace adorns me.
Quarry me deep, dear Lord, 
              and then fill me to overflowing with living water.

Bearing Witness

"on the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed."  (Deuteronomy 19:15)

As described in Deuteronomy, Jewish law required that there be at least two witnesses to a matter in order for it to be confirmed.  In John 5, the Pharisees were seeking to kill Jesus because He "was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God." (John 5:18)  Jesus said in verse 31, "If I alone bear witness of Myself, My testimony is not true." He then proceeded to give five other witnesses to the truth of who He claimed to be.

1.  John the Baptist  (v33)
2.  The works that He performed  (v36)
3.  The Father (God)  (v37)
4.  The Scriptures  (v39)
5.  Moses  (v46)

As I considered this list of witnesses, I thought about how we are also called to be witnesses of Christ.  Other translations substitute the word "testify" for the phrase "bear witness."  The purpose of being a witness is to testify or affirm that you have seen or heard or experienced something.  With this in mind, I looked at the list again with the following questions:

1.  John the Baptist  (Remember that John and Jesus' mother were related - Luke 1:36)
     * Would my family bear witness that I am a believer?

2.  The works that Jesus performed
     * Do my actions reflect and point to Jesus?

3.  The Father (God)
     * Would Jesus say that He knows me?  (Matthew 7:20-23)

4.  The Scriptures
     * Do my words (written and spoken) point to Jesus?

5.  Moses
     * Would those who know me bear witness that I am a believer?

Just as John the Baptist bore witness of Christ (John 1:15, 32, 34), so are we to bear witness of Him through our words and actions, and help prepare the way for others to find our Savior.

"but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."  (Acts 1:8)

One by One

Continuing to get caught up on recording His gifts and blessings...

1366.  Taking my son out on his first Black Friday experience...

1367.  ...and the item he wanted was marked lower than the ad price

1368.  Standing in line for an hour with him, people-watching and chatting about whatever he wanted to talk about

1369.  The fun names given to colors on paint strips

1370.  Reminiscing about past Christmases...

1371.  ...while decorating this year's tree

1372.  Splurging on a special experience

1373.  Laughing until my cheeks ached

1374.  Evenings so fun it feels like a blur

1375.  Breakfast in an old, converted church

1376.  A newly painted office

1377.  Seeing Christmas lights at the Oregon Garden

1378.  Christmas Eve traditions

1379.  Christmas 2014

Five Minute Friday: Keep

Sixteen years ago, I stepped out of our rental car on a cold November morning, and took this picture from the parking lot of the famous castle Neuschwanstein in Bavaria, Germany.  I remember gazing up at the impressive tower silhouetted against the winter blue sky, and touching the thick stone walls on the castle tour, and just being in awe of this magnificent castle.  In the Middle Ages, a large tower in a castle was commonly referred to as the "keep."  The tower was used as both a fortified residence and a refuge of last resort, should the castle come under siege.

I love that the keep served two purposes -- a place to dwell and a safe place to retreat to.  In John 14:23, Jesus says, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him."  How marvelous that if we keep His word and abide with Him, He will dwell with us!

Proverbs 18:10 says, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe." There is no question that a spiritual battle is raging around us as the day of the Lord approaches.  I can think of no better place to be than dwelling in the safety and security of His love.

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies."  (Psalm 18:2-3) 

Feeding the Five Thousand - Part 3

"And when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the leftover fragments that nothing may be lost."  (John 6:12)

"And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day."  (John 6:39)

Over the years, I have sat through many sermons on the book of John, attended Bible studies through the book, and studied it on my own.  I have always known that John 6 included the account of the feeding of the five thousand, as well as Jesus' "I am the Bread of life" statement.  It wasn't  until just recently that I made a connection between the two accounts.  Oddly enough, it wasn't that both passages have bread in common, it was the phrases "nothing may be lost" and "lose nothing" that caught my attention.

In verse 11, Jesus took the bread, gave thanks to the Father, broke and distributed it to everyone present.  His prayer was to recognize God's provision.  Scripture tells us that the people ate as much as they wanted until they were full, thus demonstrating the abundance of God.

In verse 35 of this chapter, Jesus says that He is the bread of life.  Jesus is God's abundant provision for the atonement of our sin.  In His prayer before entering the Garden of Gethsemane, He says, "Now they have come to know that everything Thou has given Me is from Thee; for the words which Thou gavest Me I have given to them; and they received them, and truly understood that I came forth from Thee, and they believed that Thou didst send Me."  (John 17:7-8)  In Matthew 26:26 it says, "And while they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."  When we believe and take Him into our hearts and lives, we are promised that we won't be cast out (John 6:37), we won't be lost (John 6:39), and we will be raised on the last day (John 6:39).  We also have His "joy made full."  (John 17:13)

Do you ever struggle with feeling like you have nothing to offer, or that you'll never measure up? It's not true!!  Living a life in Christ means that nothing is lost and nothing is wasted.  He created you and gifted you with specific abilities for a purpose.  Your life, including both trials and triumphs, can be used to glorify Him.  He can use whatever meager insufficiencies you are willing to offer, and multiply them in abundance for His kingdom and divine purposes!

"For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."  (Philippians 2:13)

Feeding the Five Thousand - Part 2

"Jesus therefore lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a great multitude was coming to Him, said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?"  And this He was saying to test him; for He Himself knew what He was intending to do.  Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little."  (John 6:5-7)

I can relate to Philip.  Sometimes I can look at a task the Lord has set before me and think, "It's impossible.  It can't be done, not even a little bit."  How quickly I forget that "nothing will be impossible with God."  (Luke 1:37)

"One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?"  (John 6:8-9)

I can also relate to Andrew.  Sometimes I can see bits and pieces that could be instrumental in accomplishing His will, but the task seems overwhelming and what few bits and pieces I see seem so small and insignificant, that I tend to discount them quickly as a viable possibility.

God can take what we see as impossible, or too small and insignificant to be worth anything, and perform miracles!

"Jesus said, "Have the people sit down."  Now there was much grass in the place.  So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.  Jesus therefore took the loaves; and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted.  And when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the leftover fragments that nothing may be lost." And so they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten."  (John 6:10-13)

There are several things we can glean from this passage:

Thanksgiving preceded the miracle (v. 11)
We need to cultivate a thankful heart!  (1 Thess. 5:18)

He used what was offered (a simple lunch)  (v. 9)
Offer Him your life, and allow Him to use you.  He created you and gave you gifts and abilities that He can use to bless others!

What was given was enough...more than enough! (v. 11-12)
Don't believe the lie of the enemy that you need to be "more than" in order to be of any use to the Lord.  You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and "He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)

Nothing is wasted (v. 12)
There were twelve baskets full of food left over!  Not only do we see the abundant provision, but notice that the disciples were privileged to witness and participate in the miracle!  Each disciple gathered and personally carried for himself evidence of God's abundant provision!

It blows my mind that God wants to use broken vessels like you and me to accomplish His purposes. He does all the work, but allows us to be a witness and participant in it!  All we need to do is have a willing heart, and offer what we have.  After all, what we have came from Him!

"Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us."  (Ephesians 3:20)

Feeding the Five Thousand - Part 1

My daughter is the Queen of Re-purposing!  It never ceases to amaze me how she can take common everyday items and re-purpose them in a creative way.  Items that I toss in the garbage without a second thought, are treasures to her.  Over time, I have learned to ask her if she would like an item before I toss it.  More often than not, she'll consider it for a moment, her eyes will light up, and then she'll disappear into her room with her newest treasure.  I'll give you some examples:

What I see:  Foam squares left behind by the carpet cleaners...

What she sees:  "Hay bales" for her horse collection!

What I see:  Plastic caps from a tube of glow sticks...
What she see:  "Food bowls" for her horses!

What I see:  Empty toilet paper tubes...
What she sees:  Fencing material for her horses!

Children often have a different perspective.  They see endless possibilities with whatever seemingly mundane things might be within their reach.  Somewhere along the road to maturity, we tend to quench, and maybe even sacrifice, creativity for practicality.

Our God is a Creator!  This is one of the first things we learn about Him in Genesis 1.  He sees the possibilities, and nothing is too difficult for Him!  As we will see in John 6, He uses a boy's simple lunch to perform a miracle!

Join me tomorrow for "Feeding the Five Thousand - Part 2"!

One By One

1351.   A safe flight and drive home

1352.  That my friends loved the photos I took of their wedding

1353.  The gracious people at Revell Books

1354.  How the Lord orchestrated her doctor appointment

1355.  Sweet-smelling candles

1356.  Spending a whole day just resting and being in the Word

1357.  She Reads Truth.com, a recent discovery!

1358.  When conversations go deep

1359.  A surprise visit from my parents

1360.  Receiving a gift...just because!

1361.  Enjoying a peek into her creativity

1362.  Dinner and dessert with a friend

1363.  An updated laundry room

1364.  A fresh new journal

1365.  Every seat filled at the Thanksgiving table

Five Minute Friday: Wait

Earlier this week, I stood on the curb facing the John Wayne Airport terminal in southern California. With my suitcase in hand, carry-on bag on my right shoulder, and camera bag in my left hand, I stood and watched the bright orange hand blink.  A recorded mechanical voice said,

Wait!  ....   Wait!   ...   Wait!

Taxi cabs, airport shuttles, and passenger vehicles zoomed by from right to left...

Wait!   ....   Wait!   ...   Wait!

My right shoulder was beginning to tingle from the weight of my carry-on, and the camera bag was growing heavier.  I was packed and ready to go, and beginning to grow impatient. Finally the voice bade me...

Walk!

Today's word was a reminder that I need to be listening for His voice.  The auditory system is there for the visually impaired.  From a spiritual standpoint as I travel through life, I am visually impaired. My understanding of the circumstances I see is limited.  He knows the hazards that lie in front of me, and sometimes in my anxiousness to move ahead, I risk encountering problems or setbacks that could have been avoided, had I listened for His voice and waited for His timing.

"for we walk by faith, not by sight."  (2 Corinthians 5:7)

One by One

1326.  (private)

1327.  Sampling Prickly Pear ice cream

1328.  A beautiful outdoor wedding of dear friends...

1329.  ...and being asked to photograph the event

1330.  Chocolate fountains!

1331.  That M took such good care of our son

1332.  That we were home, and at the game when the football accident happened

1333.  Quick access to medical care at a medical facility that is always booked months out

1334.  How well he did with the MRI

1335.  Safe travel through torrential rain

1336.  Safe flight to Maryland

1337.  Being treated to crab cakes (a first!)

1338.  Such warm hospitality shown by her whole family

1339.  French Toast bagels from Panera Bread (another first!)

1340.  Roads with silly names ("Squirrel Level Rd.")

1341,  Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake at Olive Garden (yet another first!)

1342.  Allume Conference 2014

1343.  J and C who delayed their lunch to pray over me

1344.  When He reveals to me something difficult and unexpected...

1345.  ...and brings others alongside to minister to me as I work through it

1346.  Winning a beautiful door prize

1347.  Fun in the Smile Booth!

1348.  My new friends, Amy and Leta

1349.  Safety during the drive back to Maryland

1350.  Cream of Crab soup (yep, another first!!)

One by One

1301.  Finding great deals at garage sales

1302.  Taking photos of a wheat field at sunset

1303.  Watching an intense thunder and lightning storm with my son

1304.  Quiet candlelit conversations on the back patio

1305.  Gazing at the moon

1306.  Family hikes to our favorite waterfalls

1307.  Finding boots that fit her in time for horse camp

1308.  Tall majestic spruce trees

1309.  The stillness of the forest

1310.  Paths strewn with pinecones

1311.  Hiking in the mist

1312.  Picking up happy children from summer camp

1313.  Spur of the moment trips to the beach

1314.  First day of school, 2014

1315.  When he got his football number

1316.  Seeing him in his football uniform

1317.  That he was called in to play...

1318.  ...and that he played well!

1319.  That his very first game was a win!  (40-22)

1320.  Taking pictures of him at the fence

1321.  That his grandparents were there to celebrate with him

1322.  The beautiful red rocks of Sedona, Arizona

1323.  How patient he was when I struggled on the hike

1324.  A fun and informative Pink Jeep tour

1325.  Hanging out by the fire next to the pool

One by One

1276.  Two days in a beautiful vacation home on a lake

1277.  Old wooden boardwalks

1278.  Doing a photo shoot in Rocky Mountain National Park

1279.  Ice cream in a waffle cone

1280.  Serene mountain lakes

1281.  Clouds reflected in still water

1282.  Talking about heaven as we walked in the woods

1283.  Watching a storm roll in over the lake

1284.  Hearing the wind buffet against the windows

1285.  Ducks bobbing on the water

1286.  Pelicans silhouetted in a sunset sky

1287.  Alpine slides

1288.  The view from the chair lift

1289.  Rabbits on the hotel lawn

1290.  Roaming around on the UC Boulder campus...

1291.  ...listening to my son dream about his future

1292.  A day of family fun at Waterworld

1293.  Fiery sunsets that take your breath away

1294.  Watching both children participate in the July 4th parade

1295.  Spending July 4th with my family and friends

1296.  Mother-daughter weekend at the coast

1297.  Horseback riding with her on the beach

1298.  Our new car

1299.  Building Legos with her on the front porch...

1300.  ...on a warm summer evening