"A Journey Meant For Two"

The seconds tick and time rolls forward..a new year begins..

A year which will be 'unlike' any other.

The page is clean..

The moments untouched..

Resolutions have been made...

Our feet are firmly planted in the hope of the unknown.

With every new year lies the chance to begin anew!!

I have a friend who has chosen to live this new year of her life in "truth" despite devastating circumstances that have left her broken.

She has chosen the road less traveled in the face of adversity!

A narrow path leading her away from betrayal and broken promises.

Setting determinedly, a course marked with freedom; 
she is now on a journey that has always been meant for two.

Indeed, she is in hot pursuit of the Holy One who amazingly abides securely at her side-ever so willing, to be part of the two.

She has chosen well, for His specialty is the unknown.

You see, she walks with the One who is already there.

Likewise, it will not matter if our own past is filled with hurt and betrayal. 
It will not matter if we are able to keep every resolution..

What will matter...is that we continue...
on a journey marked with freedom.

It will matter, that we stay the course, when one by one our resolutions give way
to our humanity.

It will matter, that we walk with the One 
whose feet have walked through the unknown.

She may not yet understand "what" is planned. 

But she can certainly cling to the truth that she knows 

"Who" is in the planning...

And so can we...

Every single day of this new year is clean and untouched.

If you falter..for you surely will..

Remember this...there is an eternal difference between falling and rising.

If you choose to walk with Jesus, you may stumble and fall,
but you will surely rise again, for you too will have chosen wisely...

You won't have to wait a year, to begin yet again.

He, who plans your future will see your plans through...

If...you stay the course..

And if....
you choose well with Whom you walk...
on a journey meant for two.

"See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you. 

Isaiah 42:9

"Meet Eleanor" 1111111111111111111111111111

This is what came to me this morning, as I looked out the window to a cold and rainy day.
I had to remind myself that... 'The sun is shining...somewhere...'
Even though I can't "see" the sunrise... I can see the effects ...of the sun rising...

I see it in smiles and friendships and in early morning prayers. I see it in the hope that is born in my heart from quiet moments with Him.

As I was writing a note to a friend, I could see it again...as words began to pour onto a page...

Good Morning Eleanor!!!!!!

Take it from me...the sun IS shining somewhere!!...if it isn't shining where you are..go find it!!...
Psalm 37:6"He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun."

Love and prayers to you this day!!

Eleanor, newly married to the love of her life and a well loved 4th grade teacher is a friend of mine who is going through chemo,.....
She is one who brings sunshine to mind, when I picture her...

When you think of her...you see a smile...
And, though there are difficult days, she is choosing to look up and away from the circumstance...

Looking to the only One who can heal her body, mind and spirit.
She is looking to the One who gave birth to the sun...and who gives life to the Hope within !!

Using her time to seek recovery and wholeness, at the heart of the One who brings light and love to her life.

Holding fast to scriptures,...She will rise with Him in healing.

Isaiah 58:8
"Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard"

Recovery can be a process, whether it be from an illness, a storm ravished coast. or a past filled with memories that just won't let us rest.
Regardless, regardless, regardless...quiet your soul before Him.....
The sun is shining...somewhere...if it isn't shining where you are..go find it!!...It is well worth the journey..

'What Leads To Peace'

Hanging on a balance on our screen door, is a green leafy wreath peppered delicately with little purple flowers. Across the center of the wreathe is accented the word "RELAX"... in matching bold colors.
I placed it there as a reminder to slow down and breathe and to 'live in the moment'.

I often catch myself ,....thinking way ahead of the...'moment', or drudging, wearily.. in the 'if only's' or 'what if's' of yesterday!!

Sometimes, we forget don't we?
Always three steps ahead of ourselves or reliving a past that cannot change.

So what is the remedy?..Where is the cure for a heart...that is aching for the peace that so often eludes us?

I believe... like the journey that begins with a single step...Our trek toward freedom in this life begins with a single thought.

The Scriptures in 2 Corinthians chapter 10...(in the second part of verse 5) instructs us....
to..'take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.'

The beginning of our peace of mind,.....
is borne out of the knowledge that 'every thought' must be made,
to be held captive unto Christ.

I can remember reading a book by Stormie O'Martian years ago. She gently reminded the reader that just because a thought comes into your mind, does not mean it should be entertained as truth.
What a 'lightbulb' moment for me. At that time in my life, I worried a lot, and let go of a little. That one statement began a transformation in the renewing of my mind.

Sweet relief...and peace..... soon followed, as I examined my heart and mind. I began to weigh my thoughts carefully against the Word of God and who HE said I was...
My fears of the unknown or concerns over the past eventually came to rest at the foot of the cross.
And, It all began with a single thought resonating in my mind...

I know now, it is a willful obedience that leads to peace.

The past is gone the future is yet to be seen.

Choose to live in "this" moment and RELAX..

For HE really is, the only One....
who will...... always hold every moment and every single life.

"And the PEACE of God,
which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—
think about such things.  
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—
put it into practice.
And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:7-9