HOW IS GOD LOVING ME – AND WHERE IS GOD LEADING ME?
(While I am writing blogs for Advent, I am sharing a few of my past writings. This one is from August, 2010.)
Day 1: On my morning walk, I was eagerly anticipating and watching for the early morning sunrise. However, my timing was off and the sun crested while I was walking in a neighborhood filled with homes. I kept glancing between houses, watching for the bright orange glow- but I was also moving quickly, trying to burn calories. Just then, I came upon a space between the houses and caught a glimpse of the sun coming up! But as I thought, “I should stop and savor this moment,” I remembered that my goal was to move quickly and burn calories. I kept going. That particular sunrise would never come my way again.
How many moments like these do we miss each day? More importantly, how many times has God touched our lives- in experiences, in people, in thoughts- and we miss this touch of God? God is here. God is now. We don’t have to wait until heaven- for heaven is here among us. We simply have to notice.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV)
Day 2: Fully aware of what I had missed the previous day, I walked with my full attention toward the morning sky. This time, I stopped and thanked God for the beauty and the splendor of the sunrise. It was GLORIOUS! The clouds encircled the vivid orange globe, creating streaks of deep blue and violet throughout the surrounding sky.
God is a God of second chances. It is never too late. There are always “do-overs,” chances to begin again. The grace in all of this is that our second chances may be more beautiful than the ones we have missed- because we experience them with new awareness and appreciation.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? (Isaiah 43:19 NIV)
Day 3: This morning the clouds covered the sunrise. Yet, even though I couldn’t see the sun, the clouds were strikingly tinged with the bright orange from its glow behind them. It was a beautiful morning, but in a different way.
An additional blessing from God’s love is the hope we are given, the hope we can carry with us in all circumstances. Even when clouds cover the sun, we know the sun is right there behind them, perhaps making a more glorious scene than before. Isn’t this the hope that we should be sharing with others?
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have… (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)
Again beautiful. I look forward to your writings. I am hoping you are writing a book. Blessings to you and Jim.
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Oh, Cindy, you have blessed me more than you know today! I have been writing a book, but I keep setting it aside. I am taking your encouragement as a sign to keep going! Bless you! ❤
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Karen this was another lovely one! So much depth and so much truth! I don’t walk outside so much anymore but l am so conscious that each day brings some new and different beauty from my window and l grow more and more in awe of the magnificent World God has given us❣️🤗 I am becoming more aware of my days, and rise early to prepare for the days journey with the Lord, and preparing to go to the Lord❣️ When l had to send our dog, Dudley, to Bob Sandi gave me a Teddy Bear and l named him Jesus. He rides on my walker and when people ask about him l tell them his name is Jesus and he goes with me everywhere! In spite of all the Bible Studies and Church here there are many that don’t know Him. Bear Jesus gives me an opening to tell people about Him! ( in answer to 1Peter3:15)
l too want to encourage you to keep writing your book and keep posting “ before l knew you” Blogs❣️Blessings❣️🙏🙏🤗
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You always make me smile, dear Patricia. What a unique way to share the love of Christ- “Jesus, the bear!” I love your faith and joy- I can feel it in your words. Thank you for encouraging me, always! You will be one of the first to receive a book, sent with love. . ❤
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