The Amazing Sky!

I was up early this morning gazing at Orion hoping to see a flash or two from the Orionid meteor showers. Maybe a phantom here or there, just the essence of a shower perhaps. At 5:00 am the pre-dawn sky is just awesome! Crescent of a moon, Jupiter to the west shining bright. For those who love to grab a few extra zzz's by sleeping until daylight, you don't know what you're missing. Ah, sparkling diamonds from Heaven – God’s gifts.

A Long Summer

It has been so long since I've posted here. Since March, my thoughts were so askew, they might have been like scattering leaves caught up in a windstorm. I'd been traveling a lot in my job, balancing work changes and trainings with my ever-increasing need to feel settled at home. Doug and the hot tub, the doggies and the couch - those were my sanctuaries I clung to on long flights and nights in hotels.

And then in April Doug and I made the final decision for me to retire. On a roadtrip to Vegas in May, we settled on the timing - giving notice after July 4th and retiring on Labor Day. And from there, my mind was an ongoing battle between the sense and the senseless.

• Leaving a great job when so many are struggling??
• Remaining there any longer when I was so totally exhausted??
• Could we live in our new financial situation??
• Would I, in essence, just trade one stessful situation for another??

Doug and I remained ever-prayerful, and once the table was set, the path seemed clear. September 9th I walked out at 5:00 p.m. and have not had one moment of anxiety over the decision. For something to have seemed to identify me for 30 years, it was almost surreal that not even once did I feel a sense of loss or regret. That must mean it was the right decision.

So here I am, a month and a half later...more settled and content-definitely. The doggies and I have gone from morphing into the sofa to taking daily (2-mile) walks. More often than not, they walk me. I've dipped my toes into the volunteer arena, working a little with Habitat for Humanity, preparing to help a little at a nursing center, and tomorrow I start a new adventure with helping my friend do some accounting at housing authorities. Doug and I have enjoyed the more positive conversations from the hot tub - planning for our trip to Hawaii, speculating over necessities and pleasures, generally enjoying each day as it comes. Good times, to be sure.

Praise be to the Lord for all He provides, for His steadfast love, His patience, His guidance.

Living the 23rd Psalm - Day 14

Pre-Eminence - And I shall dwell in the House of the Lord, Forever!

Amen!

What an amazing Final Homeplace! Mortgage paid by Christ! At Home with the Father. Loved ones from our past and future all together at last. Perfect Peace AND Praise abound. Rejoice in that day and leap for Joy! For indeed your reward is great in Heaven... Luke 6:22

Living the 23rd Psalm - Day 13

Promiser - Surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow me all the days of my life

Can you imagine being lifted up, encouraged and empowered to live each day fully and gladly, knowing that our Precious Heavenly Father is there to caress, console and keep you safe? When I feel low or in need, my mind takes me to that place of Mercy in the Lord, His outstretched Hand there to support me, that space between His palm and thumb a support on which to lean. But the wisdon that is from Above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. James 3:17

Living the 23rd Psalm - Day 12

Pleaser - My cup runneth over

This one goes hand in hand with the next phrase - My cup of life overflows with all things good because Goodness and Mercy are like angel's wings on my shoulders, guiding me along. We have trials and sorrows, and many times we witness terrible things - natural and manmade. But as long as the positive outweighs the negative, our cups will never drain. He shall receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Psalm 24:5

Living the 23rd Psalm - Day 11

Pamperer - Thou annointest my head with oil

There are various meanings and rituals surrounding anointing. There are healing anointings, anointings of power among kings, and even anointing in preparation for burial. In David's context, though, as a sheep being anointed by the Shepherd, I'd like to consider it as an anointing of affection. Once again, the Lord pampering our body and spirit. His love for us is boundless; His care of us is genuine. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Living the 23rd Psalm - Day 10

Prevailer - Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of mine enemies.



I’ve pondered over this one for quite some time. Were I to be set amid those I’d consider my enemies, even with the Lord’s protection, I’m not sure I’d have the stomach to sup. Most of my enemies are of my own making – I’ve pushed some away and avoided others I’d rather not befriend. Somehow, I don’t feel that is how Christ would want me to behave. So has He prepared the table for me to sit in front and ABOVE them, or to sit WITH them, perhaps to make them enemies no more? And then I have to face who the Lord considers my enemies. I’m sure I’d be staring at someone I value or something I treasure. For the Lord says, Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. Matthew 7:14. Yet I am comforted in knowing He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man. 2 Samuel 22:49