Several of us went to Pickwick Dam to watch the fireworks.  As we were leaving, numerous yachts began making their way to the harbor.  In the process, they caused large waves and the nose of our pontoon to go below the water.  We all were nervous to say the least and my mind immediately went to thinking about the worst case scenario as I listened to the motor struggle.

The pontoon was making it’s way up one of the waves and my eyes got a glimpse of the sky.  I noticed there wasn’t a cloud in sight and there were far too many stars to count.  I quickly began speaking the name Jesus, Jesus, Jesus and my heart was at peace.  I then directed my attention and my thoughts to Him, the One who created both the heavens and the earth and was comforted.   It brought to my recollection how the disciples reacted to the storm they were in and how Jesus laid sound asleep in the midst of it all.  I am not certain I passed this test…but I can testify to how big of a different things appeared when my thoughts shifted from focusing on my problems and onto the problem-solver, or from telling God how big my storm was to telling the storm how big God is, amen?

Several years ago, Neil and I came here with his family and never got to see a black bear.  This year, the Lord blessed us with not seeing just one bear, but four!  We also were able to see several turkey and four deer!  God is so good!

Don’t just settle for imitation; God will give you the AUTHENTIC!!

Today, Neil and I went on a fun adventure!  I believe the Lord is taking us to new levels both spiritually and in our marriage.

While we were headed back from the top of the mountain, I saw a sign for Christ Museums and Gardens.  As it turned out, it just closed.  Neil and I walked up to it to get a feel if we needed to return another day.  I heard that still small voice say “look up” and to my delight, I saw a portal!  I knew that was the Lord’s confirmation that He didn’t want us there, in a place where man was telling us about His story.  Instead, He wanted but out in the midst of His creation where He alone could show us, amen?

This is my happy place!  My hubby, my fur babies, and easy access to the river!

As I was returning from the other side of the bridge, I noticed the kids that were warming up as I was beginning my adventure were now running.  It didn’t take long to recognize they were only coming about 1/3 of the way and then turning around.  It felt as though they were in training and were my reinforcements going in as I was coming back.  Just as Paul sent in reinforcements where he had preached or soldiers would come in to reinforce the troop that had just been in battle.

I also noticed a kid was sitting down, leaning up against the railing.  Another kid approached him, helped him up and they began running to the bottom of the bridge together.  At the last minute they broke out running and competed to get to the end before the other.  What a beautiful picture of finishing strong the race that has been put before us, the necessity of training up our youth so they can go the entire distance, and we are not meant to do it alone…we need community/ we need one another/we need reinforcements to help lift us up and remind us with Christ all things are possible, amen?

During my walk this morning, I noticed the cross and stopped to look up at the sky.  I was overwhelmed to say the least!  When I looked below the clouds I could see it raining in the distance.  I could determine where the light of the sun was popping through and where it was overcast.  It brought to my mind our perception and how His Word is sharper than a two edge sword and will shed light into the darkness, amen?   It also brought to mind Matthew 6:22-23 “The eye is the lamp of the body.  If your eyes are healthy, your whole boy will be full of light.  But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness.  If then the light within you is darkness, you heart is that darkness.

While looking straight ahead…everything appeared hazy at best.  This reminded me of how my perception and thinking according to the world or in my flesh could only get me so far.  That even on my best day, I could only see like the light hazy way because my perception is tainted by my feelings and past experiences here on earth.

However, when I looked up above everything else, all I could see were rays of light.  The sky was crystal clear; there was no interference, only His light to behold!  I almost fell to my knees as the weight of His glory fell upon me!  What a beautiful display of how pure our minds and vision can be while we are in the midst of His presence.  Oh, how I long for more of Him…more of His love, truth, mercy, love, and wisdom!  How clearly things appear and we can discern when our focus is on His light and we allow Him to lead the way!

During my morning walk on the bridge, I noticed numerous locks attached to the railing.

My spirit was saddened as the Lord reminded people are locking onto or holding fast to things of this world and not in Him or His words that will never pass away (Matt. 13:31).

Awaken them Lord!  Please give them Your eyes to see and Your ears to hear, soften their hearts to receive Your truth and Your love so they may have true relationship with You!  In Jesus name we pray, amen.

As I was headed to the beach, I almost hit this feisty guy!  I knew this was the Lord trying to get my attention!   But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God.  The night is about over, dawn is about to break.  Be up and awake to what God is doing!  God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed.  We can’t afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight.  Get out of bed and get dressed!  Don’t loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute.  Dress yourselves in Christ and be up and about!  Romans 13:11-14