The Gift of Solace

My preoccupation with this place has become quite dialectic.
Snow, snow, snow... winter seems so long especially when a major snowstorm drops another foot of snow in the end of February. This makes me dream of longer, warmer days.... which makes me think of this place.

Then, I feel guilty for looking forward to going there because of a recent tragedy... it troubles my thoughts ... my heart goes out to those involved.

BUT, this bridge is a gateway to one of my favorite spots in the world... a place characterized by: the soothing sounds of the babbling creek, the welcoming splashes of colorful wildflowers, and the beckoning call of a rugged trail of soil, roots, and rocks.... this place of solace... somewhere to go to feel closer to God.

So, I reason that God knows the pain and struggles that every person endures.... He understands when no one else can because He loves us dearly... so much that He gave His one and only Son.

The point I make is that God is kind and loving. He knows and understands the struggles we face. He allows people and situations in our lives so that we can learn. So just like Paul encouraged the Galatians, I will pray that God may enable me to fulfill every good deed prompted by faith.

And... from now on, whenever I go to my favorite place, I will feel encouraged... I will say a prayer for that family and for any others that I know who need encouragement as well.

Danger!

A recent trip through Munising, MI afforded me a new perspective on life.  The trip helped me to realize the great sacrifices my husband makes so that our family can be stable. It makes me admire him more than words could say! 

Through our marriage, the road we have been on has been rocky to say the least. On this particular day, the bitter, cold wind unsuccessfully tried to pry the camera from my hands making this image from the Lake Superior shore even more representative of our life.
On our journey together, it has not always been clear which path is the best or which situation is dangerous. In this scene, it is pretty evident that these waters are treacherous. But what would it be like on a calm day? The water might be deceivingly inviting. And even though the sign warns of a wicked undercurrent, that may not suffice to avoid trouble. Sometimes we have heeded the warning. Other times we have ignored it. Yet other times we have completely missed the sign. 

Life is not easy nor does each day come with a set of instructions. But there is a guide that can help to make each day navigable. God's Word provides all the guidance a person could need to navigate the calm and stormy waters of life. Just like the Psalmist proclaimed "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." My prayer is that each day, my husband and I will seek God's will in our lives.

Silent Strength

Earlier this week, I was drawn to the silent strength of this group of white birch trees. Though the sky loomed with scowling clouds, the trees stood firm as they have for so many years.

It made me think of how God is always with me and how He can give me a kind of silent strength not so much unlike the birch trees. Like the Psalmist sang in Psalm 112: 6-8 , it's the kind of strength that enables me to endure the trials and tribulations of everyday life.

God is so good and so merciful. He is so willing to take care of my needs. I need to follow the Psalmist's advice in the beginning of the chapter. "Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in His commands."

Calm Before the Storm

Be still my heart, heavy, leaden air before the storm.

Heart pounding, smothered breath, fight or flight.

 Terror, loneliness startle me as if early morn.

Till I look to my Comforter and Father and Son.

  
Heart takes a metronome beat.
He comforts me so calmly.
Whatever will be, will be.
Worry relents. Peace for me
No more fear will defeat me.

Regardless of the situation, I have learned to look to God for my comfort and strength. When every thing around me seems so wrong, I am comforted by the promises found in God's word. As the Psalmist proclaims, God knew the types of woes his people would face