In the blue

The LORD, your God is with you, he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.
Zeph. 3:17

Seeing His delight in me with these gifts. . .


285.  Silvery moonrise over the Atlantic
286.  Tossing a frisbee in the waves
287.  Enjoying an evening with good friends
288.  Sunday morning coffee with Him
289.  A really fun chick flick
290.  Yellow butterflies dancing outside my window
291.  Waking up with hope
292.  The freedom to lay down fears and receive peace
293.  Sitting in the blue darkness, listening to the ocean
294.  Not getting hopped on by that toad in my driveway!




Quietly being loved,

Celebration

My daughter was baptized today.  

It's something she has wanted to do for a long time.  But I asked her to wait until her dad could be there.  

This morning on the beach, at sunrise, she demonstrated her faith in Jesus in the presence of both her parents, her brother, family, friends and church.

It was beautiful!


Rejoicing,

17

Seventeen years ago this coming Saturday was my wedding day.  
July 24, 1993.

Yesterday, I reviewed the final draft of the "marriage settlement agreement" for our divorce.  

There's not much to settle.  We leave the marriage empty-handed, just like we entered it.  The only treasures are two beautiful, precious, amazing children and years of memories. 

This was not how I wanted it to end.  Watching the relationship crumble quickly before my eyes, I fought hard to keep it going, to keep it alive.  For 3 long years I waited, praying and hoping, begging God for restoration.  

And God restored me.  

In a few days, my husband and I will sign a document, just like we did 17 years ago.  Then he will go his way and I will go mine.

It's strange, I thought it would destroy me to go through all that I've experienced.  I thought divorce would be the worst thing that could happen.  Yet here I am on the very threshold and I feel peace.  A little sadness.  But mostly peace and a sense of anticipation for what God has for me.

I am thankful.  Thankful for 17 years as a wife.  I grew so much as a person being married to him.  I'm thankful for the past 3 1/2 years of heartache.  Walking those dark paths, I have learned the faithfulness of God and how deeply the Lord loves me.  I have learned to trust.

"Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things.  
Who, O God, is like you?
Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.  
You will increase my honor and comfort me once again. 
My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you -- I, whom you have redeemed."
Psalm 71:19-21, 22


In hope,

Unfailing

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Psalm 90:14

Seeing His unfailing love in these gifts. . .

275. discovering a new song that speaks straight to my heart

276. fun and laughter on a Friday night

277. hearing from a long-ago friend

278. a hand reaching out to hold mine in prayer

279. quiet solitude and time to think

280. peppermint oil in my mop water

281. a good conversation with my dad

282. the joy of making new friends

283. three favorite books from the library

284. a 10 year old boy inviting me to play marbles

With joy,

Praising

Praise the LORD.

Praise, O servants of the LORD; praise the name of the LORD.
Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore.
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.

The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.
Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?
He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap.

Psalm 113:1-7

Some days are spent in dust and ashes.  But looking up and seeing His face, seeing His glory changes everything.  The sight of Him fills my heart with wonder.  His grace and holiness cleansing my dusty soul, refreshing my spirit.

Who is like the LORD our God!

In worship,