Peace in a Storm

As we move from the Thanksgiving holiday into the Christmas season, I am putting things into perspective.  This has been a very financially hard year for my family.  I know we are not alone in this fact, and many of you can probably relate.  The interesting thing is that God has used this time period to increase my faith in Him.  He has miraculously provided for us in ways that we could not understand or foresee.  Our own thinking would have dictated a different path for us, but God has our steps marked out.

I don't know what's next for us.  I am weeks from graduating and no closer to finding a new job.  I just keep hearing God tell me to trust Him and walk forward without looking away from Him.  He promised to meet all of my needs, and I am resting in that today.  I am working not to dwell on my circumstances no matter how tempting it is to do so.  God has never left me alone.  When I feel far away from Him, I realize that I am the one who moved away.

As we prepare for Santa's visit, I am wondering how we will put presents under the tree.  I know that God will meet our needs and some of our wants too.  I am carrying the spirit of Thanksgiving into the Christmas holiday. I am not stressing over cyber Monday or all of the alleged sales that are taking place right now.  I am enjoying the peace that comes from knowing God is holding me and teaching me right now where I am.

Something New

For I am about to do something new.  See, I have already begun!  Do you not see it?  I will make a pathway through the wilderness.  I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.  (Isaiah 43:19, NLT from YouVersion)

From Jim Liestman http://www.flickr.com/people/gods-art/  

If you're like me, you love new things.  New clothes, definitely new shoes and even a new car or some new jewelry.  We love our shiny new things.


In this season of my life when things are tight, and the economy is squeezing our budget to the max, I treasure new things more than ever before.  This sense of awe is not only reserved for presents.  I celebrate new paper towels.  New sunrises.  New discoveries and new revelations.  


This verse encouraged me to realize that newness can simply be a state of mind.  It also excited me to think that in this time of "dry wastelands", God has already begun to do something new in my life!  I am eager to to follow Him out of this wilderness.


Father God, as we travel along paths marked with uncertainly, remind us that you are with us.  Help us to trust the new things that you are bringing into our lives and to fully embrace them.  In your Son's name, Amen.

Restored

Three years ago, last month, we lost our baby to miscarriage. I was surprised that I didn't mark the date or post anything on the 24th. When it first happened, I thought the date would forever be burned in my brain. I thought the pain in my heart would not cease and that I would never truly be happy again. I was certain the whole in my heart would never be mended. I did not understand His ways. But God is a God of restoration.

Instead of marking the month on October with immeasurable sadness, I spent it celebrating the birthday of the most precious two-year old in the world. Forgive me, I'm biased. She is such a happy baby. What I realize is that I would not have her had the other baby lived. God has a way of reminding me of His love when I need it the most. He brings joy where tears once lived. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. It's morning, y'all.