He Restores My Soul

‘The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul.’

~Psalm 23:1-3a, (New American Standard Bible)

Many years ago, my husband was, one might say, ‘in the business’ of automobile restoration. He didn’t do it as a side job for extra income. Nor was it just some nice man-hobby to alleviate boredom. It was actually something my husband took pride in and found great joy in doing. 

He would intentionally seek out old, broken down muscle cars. Cars forgotten; unwanted; unusable; cars thought to be beyond repair & abandoned by their owners. These were the vehicles my husband would delight in finding, obtaining and restoring. He put a lot of time, thought, effort, hard work, cost, and yes, even love into returning these machines to their original state of beauty and usefulness. 

And more often than not, after his work was completed, family, friends, neighbors and even just curious passersby would remark that these cars actually looked even BETTER than when they first rolled off the assembly line! I could tell by the look on my husband’s face that he was pleased by their accolades, and that he felt the same way about his ‘masterpieces’ as well. 

These memories popped into my head after a recent reading of Psalm 23. Odd analogy as this might seem, isn’t this just how the Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd, works in us?

He intentionally seeks us out; we who are broken, abandoned, forgotten, unwanted, hopeless souls, feeling we are no longer of any use or purpose. Souls emptied of peace, now filled with anxiety. Souls emptied of joy, now filled with sorrow. Dry souls. Angry souls. Unforgiving souls. Souls once brave, now fearful. Souls diseased by sin and doubt, hatred and prejudice, and so much more. Souls in need of healing and restoration. 

His restoration. 

And it’s our Good Shepherd’s delight to carry us back to His workshop, and with much thought, time, effort, great cost, hard work and most of all, enormous love, to restore us from the inside out. 

Not just to our original state of beauty and purpose, but to something much more, much deeper; to someone who will cause others around us to take notice and see us as being even better than we were before! And I’m certain that just HAS TO bring Jesus great joy over us, His masterpieces. 

I wonder if you, like I did for years, view Psalm 23 as a psalm of lamentation, generally reserved for reading at someone’s deathbed, or a dirge to be sung at funeral services. 

If so, I’d like to challenge you to set aside that view, and to take some time (something we all have an abundance of lately) to read through Psalm 23 with fresh eyes and an open heart. Taste and see and experience the life and the joy woven throughout this psalm.

Today, let the Lord be your Shepherd, making certain that you want for nothing. Let Him make you to lie down in green pastures. Let Him lead you beside quiet waters. 

Today, let Jesus, the Good Shepherd, restore your soul. 

Made Whole

"Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." ~Matthew 11:28 (King James 2000 Bible)

Several weeks ago, a dear friend sent me an email which included this picture:

The name of this sculpture is “Come Unto Me,” and it’s creator is Jerry Anderson. While the life-sized version of this statue stands on display at the Spilsbury Mortuary in Utah, serving as a comfort to grieving families there, I felt moved today to dedicate this to those who are still among the living. 

And due to age or illness, disease or injury, feel your body is wasting away and falling apart.

The sculpture's portrayal of an elderly woman’s journey (and subsequently ours as well) from the temporary to the eternal is stunning. Giving one final glance at the life she’s leaving behind, her frail and flawed body passes through the veil of death, and into the open and waiting arms of her beloved Savior, Jesus. Into her brand new life.

The joy and awe on her face and in her stance is quite evident. She has been restored, renewed! Freed from her broken body. Made whole.

Just as each of us longs to be one day.

Today, as you look and meditate upon this beautiful, engaging and powerful sculpture, my hope is that it may bring some comfort, strength and encouragement to you, dear ones -- you who live each day with pain and fatigue and discouragement as your constant companions along life’s journey.

Let it serve as a joyful reminder that there IS a better life waiting beyond the veil when you choose to accept Jesus's loving invitation to "Come unto Me."

There WILL be a day. With no more tears, pain, fears. The day we meet Jesus face-to-Face.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall n Wot perish, but have eternal life." ~John 3:16 (NIV)

Worship Song Sunday -- Come Thou Long Expected Jesus by Journey Worship

The LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.  He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures. He leads me beside the still and restful waters. He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him -- not for my earning it, but] for His Name's sake.  Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me. ~ Psalm 23:1-4, AMP

Today is the Third Sunday of the Advent season.  On the Advent wreath, the rose colored candle is lit, which represents Joy. It's also called The Shepherd's Candle.

In light of the tragic elementary school shooting that took place this past Friday in Newtown, Connecticut, I'd have to say there is not much joy in the lives of many today. Survivors, and those who don't even know them are grieving. 

And yet.....life goes on, doesn't it? It's hard to even fathom this, and perhaps, sounds a bit harsh to point out, but it does.

Today, please remember to keep those who are grieving and hurting in your prayers -- those whose lives were touched by this tragedy, and those whose sufferings will never make world or local news headlines -- and ask our dear Shepherd, Jesus Christ, to lead them -- and us -- through the dark valleys and into a broad place of joy. 

Come, Lord Jesus!

The Good Shepherd, by Christopher Santer

Oh, He IS coming. Hold on!

A Living Prayer by Alison Krauss

For I, the LORD, your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the One who helps you. ~ Isaiah 41:13, ESV

An endlessly confusing, exasperating, somewhat troubling and very tiring day.  What a lovely, unexpected gift this was, to come upon this sweet, sweet song just now!  And for me, such a beautiful way to end this day.

May its words and music bring comfort, rest, joy and peace to your mind and spirit.

In Your love I find release,
A haven from my unbelief
Take my life and let me be
A living prayer
My God, to Thee ~ A Living Prayer, written by Ron Block

Three Things

Some time ago, I heard someone on the radio talking about three things you can expect when you are a Christian. While I can’t remember it word for word (old age has definitely set in), here’s the gist of it: 


The three things you can expect to receive as a follower of Christ are: 


∙ fearlessness
∙ joy
∙ constant trouble 

Well, alrighty then.  The first two do indeed sound like some pretty wonderful gifts, don’t they? To be fearless in such a fearful world? Throughout the Bible, we are encouraged to be unafraid. “Fear not.....be ye not afraid....be strong and courageous, do not be terrified.” Our fearlessness depends on our ability to put our trust and our faith in God. “When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God whose Word I praise; in God I trust, I will not be afraid” (Psalm 56:3,4). 


And joy...who doesn’t want joy? Mentioned 242 times in the Bible, it’s a feeling that comes from deep within our hearts through the Holy Spirit living and at work inside of us (Luke 10:21; Galatians 5:22); is completely independent of our outward circumstances (Habakkuk 3:18; James 1:2) and is often hard to express in words (1 Peter 1:8). Great joy is found in knowing the Lord as our Savior (Isaiah 58:14; Acts 16:34), consuming His word (Jeremiah 15:16; Psalm 119:103) and spending time in His presence (Psalm 16:11). Our joy, like our fearlessness, also depends on our ability to trust in the Lord - “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him” (Romans 15:13). 


But wait just a minute here.  Constant trouble?  You're kidding, right? Who in the world wants to receive THAT??!! That's no gift.....FUGGETABOUTIT!!!  I’ve had my share and more this past year, thanks very much.  You can keep it. Let's keep looking ahead, maybe 2012 will be the Year of the Cakewalk.  


Yeah.....right.  Dream on, dear ones.  Trouble, according to the Bible, is to be our constant companion, a burden we must shoulder as a devoted follower of Christ while we journey upon this earth.  In 1 Peter 4:4, referring to those who do not share our faith in Jesus, it says "they think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you."   Yup.  I can relate to that, can‘t you?


And Jesus said, in John 16:33, in the Amplified Bible, “In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration.”  Ain’t THAT the truth? Trouble is a given, a guarantee.  Our traveling companion in life, though definitely NOT our companion of choice. 


So where does that leave us?  Well,  thankfully, we have this hope to focus on and cling to in the next part of the verse: “but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” 

'Lion of Judah,' by Jeff Haynie

Jesus, our Mighty Warrior and our Hero, has gone before us and made a way for us to follow Him.  Jesus conquered sin and death.  Our troubles are not removed, but He walks with us as both our front and our rear guard; as our Protector and as our Light to guide us safely through our dark and troublesome times. 


Writing this, I’m reminded of a poem I’d heard many, many years ago:

The Prayer of St. Patrick

As we begin this new year, let’s ask our precious Savior to allow us to see these three things as the gifts they truly are --  although that last one might not be the gift we've been hoping for.  Let's pray that this year, we'll hold tightly to God's promises to us and that throughout 2012, we'll remember who we are: sons and daughters of the King; brothers and sisters-in-Christ; fearless prayer warriors of God, beloved  followers filled with joy unspeakable, although constantly surrounded and bombarded by the troubles of this world. 


But -- take heart! Be encouraged! Stand confident and undaunted in our Hope, Jesus Christ, who has overcome and conquered the world for us!



Hail Jesus You're my Lord
I will obey Your Word
I want to see Your kingdom come
Not my will but Yours be done


Glory glory to the Lamb
You take me into the land
We will conquer in Your name
And proclaim that Jesus reigns


Hail hail Lion of Judah
How powerful You are
Hail hail Lion of Judah
How wonderful You are
How wonderful You are ~ Victory Chant, by Nicole C. Mullen

Joy and Hope

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~ Romans 15:13, NIV

It just doesn’t seem possible that once again, we’ve found ourselves on the threshold of another brand new year -- 2012. As the years go by, I sometimes feel like I’m in a sci-fi novel when I have to write out or type the latest numbers, like I will be doing shortly: 2012.....what in the world ever happened to 19 whatever!?


Looking back, people may breathe sighs of relief, saying how thankful they are that the year is finally over because of how awful or stressful it was, and how they’re looking forward to a new year; a clean, fresh slate.

I’ve often found myself doing the same, remembering the hard times, trials and difficulties that came my way, peppering my life with sadness and discouragement, yet holding on to hope that better, happier days and times are coming.


However, there are two important things to keep in mind:


(1.) Our joy comes from the Lord. “Whatever happens, dear brothers and sisters, may the Lord give you joy …” Philippians 3:1 (NLT)

Did you catch that? WHATEVER happens. Joy comes from within, where the Holy Spirit of the Lord resides. Joy, unlike happiness, is not dependent on our outward circumstances.


(2.) Hope CAN be found the midst of trials. Hope is what we must hold onto, no matter what. There is ALWAYS hope. It’s that joyful expectation of and belief in what God has promised to us, whether we receive those promises in this life or in eternity with Him. It’s believing that He’s in control of our lives and that He makes ALL things work together for our good, even when everything in our lives practically SCREAMS the exact opposite. And that hope, like joy, also comes from the Lord:

“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.” (Jeremiah 29:11)


As we head into and move through this new year, to whom or what will you look to bring you joy? People, places, things, material posessions?  As 2012 looms on the horizon, what do you need hope for? A rocky marriage? A wayward, prodigal child? A strained relationship with family members or friends? A devastating health diagnosis? An overwhelming financial situation? A stress-filled job or the loss of a job? Unsaved loved ones, friends, coworkers, neighbors?

Will you join me in looking to Jesus, our true source of all hope and joy? He loved us enough to die for us, and we can trust Him with our lives, with every harsh reality, every situation, circumstance or person that threatens to steal our joy and crush our hope.

It’s my prayer that in this brand new year of 2012, trusting in Jesus for these things and more will come easier to you and to me; that we’ll make time to spend with Him in open, honest, sweet conversation and ingesting His Word into our hearts, minds and souls. I’m praying for all of us to be touched and changed by the Master this year, unlike any other year.

Hear the sound of our chains
They come crashing down
There’s freedom in Your name
The cross erased our guilt and shame
The past can’t condemn the ones
Who bear Your name

We found our hope in You

You make all things new, new life found in You
You restore the years that we have wasted
You make all things new, Your love breaking through
There’s healing in Your wake and we are changed ~ 'All Things New,' by Elevation Worship

Worship Song Sunday -- Presence (Hearts Desire) by Newsboys and Jesus Calling Devotional

I'm amazed over and over at how our Lord God speaks a message to us that we need to hear, when we need to hear it.

Just as the weekend was about to begin, I was presented with some information, via a phone call and some emails, that sent family life here into a tailspin. I cannot go into details, but suffice it to say that it has been a rough couple of days, and unfortunately, circumstances may get worse before they get better. I need to stay positive for the sake of someone else, but it's been a moment by moment struggle. 

I chose this particular worship song early on in the week, having no idea just how it, today's devotional message  from the 'Jesus Calling' devotional book and the message from today's sermon at my church would seem to mesh, and how the Lord would speak to me in my particular circumstance through all three of them. Below is the devotional:

"As you turn your attention to Me, feel the Light of My Presence shining upon you.  Open your mind and heart to receive My heavenly smile of approval.  Let My gold-tinged Love wash over you and soak into the depths of your being.  As you are increasingly filled with My Being, you experience joyous union with Me: I in you, and you in Me.  Your Joy-in-Me and My Joy-in-you become intertwined and inseparable.  I suffuse your soul with Joy in My Presence; at My right hand there are pleasures forevermore. "

My pastor preached from the Book of Philippians today, all about having joy despite our circumstances.  Joy is NOT happiness; it's a deep-seated contentment regardless of my circumstances, knowing the Lord God is in control.  My circumstances do not determine my joy, because my joy comes from having the light of Christ's presence inside of me.   

This was a much needed reminder for me today, and it became a soothing balm to my aching heart and soul.   Maybe someone else needs to be reminded of this today as well, or perhaps hear it for the very first time.  Worship and praise the Lord, regardless of your circumstances.  Allow the Light of His Presence to bring you joy.

Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, LORD. - Psalm 89:15

Morning Glory

Have you ever commanded the morning to appear
and caused the dawn to rise in the east?
Have you made daylight spread to the ends of the earth,
to bring an end to the night’s wickedness?
As the light approaches,
the earth takes shape like clay pressed beneath a seal;
it is robed in brilliant colors ~ Job 38:12-14, NLT
　
Have you ever watched the sky change color? No, I mean REALLY watched it, giving it your complete and undivided attention, not just glancing out the window from time to time as you go about your duties. Have you ever made it a point to be a captive audience for the display of beauty that the Lord God puts on for you each and every day?

Early this morning, I was sitting down at my kitchen table and had just opened my ‘Jesus Calling’ devotional book. Normally, I take it, my Bible, my journal, a cup of coffee and myself down into my basement into the little area I’ve set up for myself for my alone time with the Lord. But this morning, my schedule was thrown off a bit, due to some testing that’s going on at my daughter’s school, so for the short time I had before I had to start getting things ready for breakfast, I decided to sit at the kitchen table instead. Before I began reading, I glanced out the storm door and saw the dark blue and grey sky beginning to change color. As I turned back to the book, it almost felt like Jesus took my face in His hands and turned it back towards the sky, whispering “No, not yet, dear one. Come look at what I have for you this morning.” I rose to my feet and, still in my pajamas, stepped out onto my back porch.

I felt the crisp coolness of the air hit my skin, took in the scent of the rain we’d had overnight and listened to the soundtrack of singing birds, water dripping off my neighbor’s rainspout and then suddenly, magically, as if on cue, the ringing of bells from the church across the street as I watched the Lord God peel back the darker shades of blue and grey to reveal a lighter, beautiful dusty mauve sky. I was spellbound. The sky wasn’t overly bright with color -- it was more like a muted pastel -- and I continued watching as more and more of the morning sky became filled with that mauve tint. At one point, out of the corner of my eye, I glimpsed the leaves at the top of this huge, majestic tree in my neighbor’s yard become awash by this pastel light, making them turn from green to orange and gold. And then, after a few minutes, I watched the mauve sky melt into crystal blue as the sun began to peek up over the houses. 

Truly, I felt like applauding! What a show! What a way to start the morning!  I’m so grateful to God, really, for all the times He has provided me with a front row seat to such performances. Some have been so simple, like the time a beautifully colored butterfly actually landed on my hand for a brief moment, or another time when a peregrine falcon swooped down and soared right past my face and across the length of the almost empty community pool I was relaxing in. And some have been so over-the-top awesome, like the blazing, glorious sunrises and sunsets, double rainbows, meteor showers and falling stars I’ve been privileged to observe.

God puts on displays like these (and many more), not only to reveal to us His mighty power, majesty and sovereignty, but I believe He also does this to bring us the gift of joy in our often broken and mundane lives. He does so because He delights in us. He does so because He loves us, His precious and beloved children.


In my role as a parent, I’m called and required to provide the basics for my son and daughter: food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education, etc. But because I love them and take great delight in them, I thoroughly enjoy surprising them with gifts here and there that I know will light up their faces and bring them joy. The anticipation can often be too much….I just CAN’T WAIT for them to see what I have for them! And sometimes, I think I’ve received more joy than they have when I see their reactions to whatever it is I’ve given them. Do you believe that God, as our Father, our Abba, does this same thing and feels the same way towards us? I do! And I agree with James 1:17 (CEV) -- ‘Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens.’
　
I've been retired from my job as a secretary for a busy State government office since July 1st of this year, and people often ask me if I'm enjoying retired life. I can honestly say that I am! The most significant thing I’ve found in being retired is this: I have more time.  Time to do lots of things….and time to do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AT ALL.  Because of this, I’ve found I'm more aware of the symphony of sounds, sights, scents, etc., in my life mainly because I am less rushed. I’ve found that I now have time to stop and smell the roses or the coffee (and to drink it while it’s actually still hot!), to enjoy the treasure trove of wonder that God has in store for me during the course of my day.  I realize that not everyone has been afforded this gift. The majority of my friends work outside the home, many having to leave before the birds wake up and returning home by the light of the moon.

Yet, may I encourage you today, wherever you are in life, whatever you’re in the midst of doing, whomever you're surrounded by, whether you’ve got it all together or you’re broken in pieces -- to make time and take time in your day to seek out those good and perfect gifts that our Father God is just waiting with joyful anticipation to give to you.  Because He delights in you.  Because He loves you, His precious, beloved child.

So much wonder
Carved in Your coral seas,
So much wonder
Shaded by ancient trees;
I consider all that Your hands have made
Every newborn's eyes, every new sunrise;
No power can tame your presence,
No light can match your radiance!

Let all creation sing in wonder
Every sea, every creature, every star;
You opened up my eyes to wonder
What a vision,what a wonder You are! ~ In Wonder, by newsboys

Blessings

“What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?” ~ Laura Story

I woke up this morning with this song in my head.  Which I’m grateful to God for, since I went to sleep with feelings of ugly anger and bitter resentment in my heart. 

The other night on Facebook, I felt bombarded by all the posts from people whose teens had received or were receiving senior awards - while feeling hurt and resentful that my son did not.  Last week, everywhere I looked I saw pictures posted of the teens who attended their Senior Prom and tortured myself by reading all the wonderful comments from friends and, of course, the proud parents - while feeling sad and bitter because my son did not attend his.  And then later, I read that a friend’s teen and school mate of my son’s received a scholarship to a local college my son plans on attending this fall - and felt angry and envious because my son received nothing.  Add to this the fact that someone close to my son  whom we both admire and consider a friend is about to disappoint him (he’s already disappointed me with his news) and I was NOT a happy camper! 

I threw myself an incredibly huge pity party before I retired for the evening.  I knew it was wrong to feel that way, wallowing in my own ilk and self-pity and acting like such a whiner baby.   After all, am I not the one who is constantly telling one of my dear friends who is struggling and feeling like she and her family have been given the short end of the stick for some time now in the blessings department to NOT compare herself and her life to other people’s?  Am I not the one reminding her that looking at life through eyes clouded by entitlement and envy, bitterness and resentment is unhealthy and an enemy tactic that causes spiritual blindness?

Ahh, yes...I’m quite good at dispensing sage advice to others, but not so good at following it myself.   So, I went to sleep with anger, bitterness, envy, resentment, hurt, self-pity and entitlement as my bed partners.  It’s a wonder that I was able to get any sleep at all with that crowd

But...thank You Lord!....this morning,  I woke up with Laura Story’s song “Blessings” playing on a loop through my head:

What if Your blessings come through raindrops?
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near?
What if trials of this life
Are Your mercies in disguise?

So...who am I to look down on another’s joy, envying those whom God has chosen to bless in a particular way because I believe I deserve those very same blessings in my own life, for me and for my family?  Who am I to get angry at God for not giving me MY piece of the pie?   I’m doing the very same thing I preach at my friend NOT to do. 

And I think of my other friend whose teen received the scholarship – do I also want the trials with which this friend has been inundated recently?  Do I envy her loss of marriage and spouse’s love and trust? Loss of her vehicle? Loss of support from her church? Loss of her home, loss of her job?   I should be THRILLED for this gift that God has blessed my friend and her child with, a gift that is so very needed right now.  I shouldn’t be acting like a spoiled rotten brat of a child, whining because she missed the ice cream truck while her friends are all happily and contentedly sitting together on the curb, licking their ice cream cones or Popsicles.

When I take time to think on it, I can see that God has certainly given me my share of blessings, and brought my son from a mighty long way to where he is now. Frankly, years ago when our family was first given our son’s diagnosis of a chromosomal disorder AND an autism spectrum disorder, I never thought we’d wind up as far as we’ve come.  God has blessed us with great education opportunities for him and some amazing and wonderfully kind, caring and compassionate teachers along the way.   And I look back on how God has certainly brought ME from a mighty long way to where I am now.  He’s brought me through loss, rejection, betrayal, violence and illness, among other things. I have no reason to be envious and ungrateful.  I have no reason to be angry and bitter. I have no reason to whine and complain.

I think now of the apostle Paul’s words in the book of Philippians; in chapter two, verse, 14,  he advises us not to grumble or complain.  I like the Amplified Bible’s translation:

“Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining against God and questioning and doubting among yourselves.” 

This is so we will remain pure & uncontaminated, faultless and without guilt, enabling us to reflect Jesus Christ and His character to those in this world who don’t know Him and who have been tainted by all its filth.  But I also take it as being content with the life we’ve been given by God, gratefully accepting all He’s planned for us, taking the good with the bad, rather than wallowing in discontent while foolishly and arrogantly railing against Him Who loves us unfailingly and unconditionally.  And later, in his letter to the Philippians, Paul also speaks of being content in every circumstance.  Again, the Amplified Bible says it best for me in chapter four, verses 11 -13:

“...for I have learned how to be  content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.  I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want.  I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency.”

And Job, when niggled by his grief stricken wife to shelve his integrity, call it quits with God, curse Him and die, had this to say then as a reminder to us now:  "Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?" (Job 2:10, HCSB) 

These concerns I’m allowing to get the best of me are truly trivial in the grand scheme of things.  While I continue to struggle with comparing myself to people who seem to be more blessed and highly favored than I am on any given day, it would do well for me to also take time to remember there are those who have it much, much worse in life than I, struggling just to make it through another day, all in one piece.  Lord, I need You to help me to let these things go!!

How do I know what’s around the corner, waiting for me and my family? How can I be sure of what God’s got in store for us next?  Whether it’s blessings, trials or mediocrity, I don’t know and I can’t be sure.  All I do know and am certain of is that God has a plan for my life, for my husband’s, my son’s, my daughter’s lives.  It’s all about accepting that it’s His will, not mine, and moving forward from there, joyfully and gratefully. 

So what if maybe, through trials, unanswered prayers, desires withheld and changed up circumstances....what if MAYBE God has something different and better in mind for us – a lesson to be learned, a strengthening to be given, a transformation to take place -- via a road less traveled that is unfamiliar and unwanted by us, but familiar to God and necessary for us to walk down with Him?

What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise? ~ Blessings, by Laura Story