too too soon

the beginning of 2014

January through April, perhaps a bit of May

winter slipped under the doors

painted pictures on the windows

while we were lost in dreams

of a life hotter, fuller in Africa

and in August that same year

we left the prairies below us as we flew away

there were visits back

2016, 2018 but always summer

never did I miss the ice

the bitter winds

or the snow, no

not at all

yet, today I find myself here

the sky dull

constant cloud cover 

dripping rain and yes,

snow,  early October

shivering deep beneath my skin

winter hardly begun

the long season of fleece

down, woolly socks and hot tea

is upon me and the thought

of hibernation tantalizes

new snow tires on the vehicle

but oh, if I had my way

I'd remain inside

until Spring's thaw

months and months from here

transition

day had come

but the moon hung strong

in the western sky

the new coming

before the old surrenders

we stop here to breathe

in the middle

while the changes cross

behind and before us

little things

It is the first days of our return

to rural Canada

a mix of jet lag, laughter

hugs, tears, confusion

and lack of words

yesterday our prodigal suitcases

six large bags, all we could carry

made their way home

exhausted as we unpacked

we rejoiced that nothing was lost

today we opened

the few boxes we had left here

what joy to be reunited

with familiar treasures

a quilt, jewellery box

baking pans

it is little things that lift us

and little things that trip us

and there is One standing strong

calm, all knowing

in the middle of it all

I am returning

to His feet

ever in place

the page has turned

we have arrived back in Canada

as I try to breathe

in the strangeness this morning

the Lord was waiting for me

before I could pick up my pen

if you know you are in Me

in My hands

then even in the rapid fire changes

you need not feel out of place

you are where I have you and hold you

in Africa, In Canada, anywhere

your home is in Me

stay here, do not move

without Me

where could you find more safety

or more peace?

Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. 

[Live in Me, and I will live in you.] 

Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself 

without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, 

neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me.

John 14:4 Amplified

I'm still here

boxes, boxes

so many boxes

we have accumulated much

in the 12 years in this house

I am sifting and sorting

as I pack

only saving that 

which is most dear

and then there's the paperwork

the running around 

to complete records

and medical exams

and criminal checks

and more vaccines

so my words

have indeed been few

and I miss this space

but I'm here

looking for a moment 

to be still

and exhale words

 

My life is His music

Often, if it were up to me, life would settle into a predictable pattern, but this life is not my own.

Here are the words the Lord shared with me as we sat together in the early morning:

Surely I tell you that another transition is coming, for indeed life remains in motion and I need you fluid, not static.

Do not remain stuck in what you think you know.  Allow Me to move you based on what I know.  Yes, I, the One with thoughts much higher than your thoughts.

For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 NLT

As you surrender, change becomes more organic as you live in a continual state of letting go.

I Am the writer, the orchestrator and the conductor, and you, little one, an instrument that will release beautiful music in My hands.

 

Waiting to bloom

There are words
we grow tired
of speaking
hearing, thinking about
"transition"
life on the cusp
to become
whatever comes
next

"transformation"

from seed

to bud

to flower

screaming inside

to reach

extend

expand

but still trapped

not content

with green
or the waiting

for colour

to come forth

Visit One Stop Poetry for more Wednesday One Shots

Tuesdays Unwrapped - Life stirring

I've been writing and praying about transitions, in our church, lives, community and weather. I would not at all mind putting the word transition up on the shelf for a long while.

Looking out my kitchen window this morning I caught of glimpse of what I thought was one of our barn cats, Cream, who has been missing for some time. Grabbing the binoculars to get a closer look I saw ears much too large for any cat.

Life is stirring in our yard. Transitions continue with or without our consent.

To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven Ecclesiastes 3:1 Amplified

Today I am unwrapping the grace that God provides to stand in the midst of change.

Join Emily at Chatting at the Sky to share what gift you've discovered today.

Transition

As is common to March, the air is growing warmer and the sun is quickly melting the snow that had covered our land. The view that remained constant through the months of winter is now changing with each passing day. More snow is sure to fall in this area, but the signs of Spring's eventual return are everywhere.

A season of change. Transition.

Dictionary.com defines transition as:

movement, passage, or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc., to another; change: the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Our church fellowship is in a state of transition. Our future plans and dreams as a couple are shifting as we look forward to global service with Operation Mobilization. The very earth around us is being transformed as the seasons change.

My spirit indeed is excited, even as it is also unsettled. When all around us is uncertain, we turn again to our Lord Who Is solid and everlasting.

He promises that things will shake, but for His purposes, to suit His plans. Who am I then to argue or complain about the tremors beneath my feet?

At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens."The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Hebrews 12:26-27 NIV