Filtered Light

Sometimes the sun gets blocked.  There are only glimpses of light shining through.  Often I find myself frustrated, wanting to know more, wanting wide open spaces where I can see everything laid out in front, making it easier to control.  Or so it seems.

But control is an illusion and God loves me too much to lay such a  heavy burden on me.  So He gives light for one step only, just for today.  And when I relax and trust Him, I begin to see the beauty of filtered light.  


Resting in these gifts. . .


326.  Roses blooming outside my kitchen window.
327.  Enduring and faithful promises that hold true day after day, year after year.
328.  Encouraging words from saints of long ago
329.  Food in my pantry and fridge
330.  Being reminded that the most important things in life are invisible
331.  Affectionate hugs from my kids
332.  Clean dishes
333.  Tiramisu 
334.  Smiles from a kindred spirit
335.  Joy that bubbles up in a heart at rest.


"The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever."  Isaiah 32.17

Still Waters

"You lead me beside still waters.  You restore my soul." 
Psalm 23:2,3

In the hectic, busyness of the day, taking a quiet moment to lean in hard against His strength and grace, I breathe.  

"...in quietness and trust is your strength."  Isaiah 30:15 

Peace flows in with the Living Water.  And as my soul quiets down, trust grows and I gain perspective.

Seeing His love through these gifts. . .

316.  Meeting new friends.
317.  Mango-darjeeling tea.
318.  Praying with a sister.
319.  Arepas con queso and a movie
320.  Pouring out and receiving back more than I have given
321.  Having the house all to myself for one night.
322.  Being greeted at the door by a bundle of furry affection
323.  Laughing till the stomach aches and the tears flow.
324.  Leaving a heavy burden in His hands and hearing His word to me, reminding me He cares for even these.
325.  A long drive on a quiet, moonlit night.




Being still,

Satisfied

For  he satisfies the longing soul,

and fills the hungry soul with good things.

Psalm 107:9

Giving thanks for these good things:

306.  Gifts from another country

307.  Tax-free weekend for school supply shopping

308.  Dark chocolate

309.  The hope and confidence of a good future

310.  My girl's generosity in donating her long hair to Locks of Love

311.  The smile in her eyes seeing her new cute hairstyle

312.   New friendships

313.  Affectionate touch when it's most needed

314.  Air conditioning

315.  God's gentle answer to the unasked question of my heart

Tasting His goodness,

Art by I. Lilias Trotter

(In)courage

(In)courage is having some awesome giveaways to celebrate their first anniversary.  For the next month, they are giving away a gift each day.  Fun!

Happy

You have made known to me the path of life;

You fill me with joy in Your presence

With eternal pleasures at Your right hand.

Psalm 16:11

Enjoying His presence and these pleasures. . .

295.  Strawberry-banana-mango-blueberry smoothie

296.  Sharing laughter with a good friend

297.  An unexpected cool breeze in Florida in August

298.  The smell of coffee brewing early in the morning

299.  Songs that make my heart sing

300.  Scent of my girl's freshly-washed hair while I brush it

301.  Encouraging words from my sister

302.  Feeling God's favor and affection

303.  Flowers on my kitchen table

304.  Working things out to the hugs and laughter.

With joy,

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,