Hearing Your call

Lord God, there's a restlessness in my spirit and a tingle in my bones. I feel the need to draw away from all else and run into Your arms. It might the return of frigid temperatures and snow after our brief taste of Spring.

Whatever the cause, I thank You for calling to me, reminding me that what I need more than anything else is You and You alone. I am sorry Lord about how often my hours become filled with things of this world. Today I choose again to abide in You. You are my resting place. You are my shelter. You are my all in all.

"Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever"

Psalm 73:25-26

Shades of Gray

Rick took this picture on Sunday afternoon from our friends dining room. He was looking out at their potting shed through heavy rain. Believe it or not, the camera was not on a black and white setting, but simply captured what our world really looked like. The substantial amount of rainfall left lots of melting water with nowhere to go, and I thank God that we live on high ground, and our spring thaw runs down into the valley instead of into our basement.

Spring, however, appears to be on hold for awhile, as colder temperatures have returned, changing rain back to snow. No, I'm not complaining, I chose this life in Manitoba, and the blessings I receive here and beyond counting.

Through ice, snow, slippery roads and gray dismal skies, I will yet proclaim, My God reigns!

"Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns." Revelation 19:6

Oh my!

Some how time seems to be slipping away from me and I haven't been able to post here. My desire is to write something at least every other day, but you must be patient with me as I adjust to a new work schedule and learn how to juggle all the new things God is putting in my path.

Often the tasks seem way too hard, but if I could handle things on my own, in my flesh, where would be the glory that God deserves?

"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]." Philippians 4:13 Amplified Version

Catching up

It has been a busy and unsettled time around here, but God has been, as always, in control. I have been adjusting to and learning my new job as an assistant at a real estate appraisal company. What a blessing to be able to do my work and leave it behind me, not waking up in a panic anxious about what has yet to be done.

On Thursday February 26th, as we were enjoying hosting the Watoto Choir at our church we heard news that Rick's family's home was ablaze. People and pets got out safely, but the house was destroyed. On one of the coldest nights of the month, the fire fighting was an incredible scene to watch.

We discovered late that night from Rick's son Ryan, that Ryan's mom, Rick's first wife, had been the victim of a hit and run that afternoon as she was waling across Main street. She was sent to Winnipeg with 12 broken ribs and bits of vertrabrae broken off her spine. She faces many months in the hospital, healing and regaining strength.

The events left Rick feeling awestruck at God's protection, provision and blessings over the two of us, and prayerful for the rest of his family who do not walk with the Lord. We declare God's Word over these situations and trust that He will work in hearts in amazing ways. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Last Thursday night brought much happier news as Ryan's daughter Aurora Rae was born. Rick is a grandpa and I find myself a step-grandma too! She might be the most beautiful newborn I have ever seen, but then, I confess there could be a touch of bias there.

Here's a picture of her Grandpa Rick when he was a little one. There's no denying that this is his girl, is there?

Losing the road and finding the field

Winter continues on here in Manitoba, with February and March generally the months of greatest snowfall. This can make for adventurous rides home on our country gravel road. Yesterday, if one were to pay heed only to the reported amount accumulation, you would think there shouldn't have been any problem travelling.

But then, we have the winds.......

The new snow and the snow in the fields had blown across the roads so badly that it was almost impossible to see where the gravel ends and the ditches begin. Slowly, impossibly slowly it seemed, I inched my way along. I made it to our own private road, around one curve, and almost around the next. Almost.

The two tires on the passenger side found the field and then the vehicle refused to move any further. The 3/4 mile walk home through the snow was spent thanking God for keeping me safe and the vehicle stuck but unharmed. The tow truck didn't want to risk the roads last night, so we got pulled out about 10 this morning. I'm always thankful to have a CAA membership to cover the costs.

We haven't had more snow yet today, and the winds have been fairly calm. The ride home tonight should be relatively uneventful. I'll let you know.

Saturday morning

"Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you." Isaiah 60:1-2

I stood at the window early, drinking my first cup of coffee, watching the effects of the sun as God began to light another sparkling day on our snow crusted prairie land. I found myself awestruck as He revealed His majesty.

The same God that lights the skies afresh each morning also painted each feather of the jay that stopped in the yard just long enough for me to catch a picture. He is a God of enormity and vastness, yet also a God of detail.

I thank You, Lord God for the evidence of Your creative power that surrounds me. Everywhere I turn, I see the work of Your hands. May words of praise and wonder be ever on my lips.

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!" 1 Chronicles 16:31

Praise on a Friday morning

As I walk through this journey called life, facing the day to day challenges that arise, I can do so with confidence based on the truth of God's Word. In the midst of the darkest problem, I remind myself that He is still in control.

I have been accused of too often trying to put a positive spin on things. Yet think for a moment, if God created the day, and God is almighty, and God's will prevails, then the day will unfold as He desires, even when we can't comprehend it's events.

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

How can I not be glad? My God reigns!! I will arise each morning, and praise You, my Lord, for all that You are. I will submit my life to you afresh, for my flesh to be crucified so that Your Holy Spirit can reign full and free in me. I will choose to rejoice in all things, for all is held fast in Your mighty hand. If others think me foolish, then let me be foolish for Your sake, my God, that they might come to know You.

Be glorified this day, Lord God, in all that I say and all that I do, in Jesus name, I pray.