Cooling Off

Once the snow actually gets here this coming winter we will have forgotten how warm and dry it is right now. But there are times that we just need to look at something from a different season to remind us that life will go on and the seasons will continue to come and go.
Today I'm in a looking back and looking forward mode because I just need to know that this season will not last forever. I know in my head that it won't but even then there is a need for a gentle reminder that God will bring a new day soon and we will all be refreshed.

Just Enough Light

In the midst of the beauty of a sunset you know that the day is over and the darkness is going to settle upon the earth. There are times though that the shear beauty of the sunset gives me a great desire to be up early the next morning to see the sun rise and to bask in the light of a new day.
Today that morning light came in the form of a brother in Christ who stopped in to share some of the prayers that are upon his heart.
I'm so encouraged by the light that is within him, the way he prays for people and lifts their burdens before God is something that few people will ever see or know. Yet it is my conviction that it is because of people like him that I and others can carry on not having the full weight of our own burdens upon our shoulders. So as the darkness will come upon the world around me once more I will anxiously await the dawning of a new day because I know that there are those who carry the light of Jesus Christ even in the midst of the darkness and I will see it all again.
May there be just enough light for you today to see the possibilities for a new day tomorrow.

Pull Up a Chair

Over the last couple of days I've been reminded in various ways how important it is to stay connected with people. It is so easy for me to get caught in a cycle of doing and being on the go that I don't slow down to simply talk to people about life. Yesterday in a small Bible study I was reminded how wise people can actually be when you stop to talk and listen to one another (thanks ladies for reminding me of that) and then a phone call from a long time friend that really lifted my spirits (thanks Joel!). Follow up all of this with some time to visit with my wife at the end of the day and I will have to say that yesterday was a good day.

Turns in the Road

Yesterday during our Bible study as we began looking at Galatians we got to talking about turns in the road and detours that we take.
When Saul had his conversion experience he didn't go straight into leadership. In fact he says that it took him a long time (years!) before he was in a position to be the person / leader he was to become.
One of the people made the comment that it was in those times when we couldn't see what was between here and our destination that God was doing the most guiding and shaping of who we are and who we are to become. So our assignment for the week is to look back at our lives for the detour that God used for the most good. (We also have to be as specific as possible).
I'll try to reflect and report on this later in the week but I think it is an excellent question.

Going Deeper

Time seems to wear away things. Time and water cut deep canyons into the earth (the Snake River Canyon pictured here). Time and age can create the understanding that not everything is worth worrying about. Time and trials make it possible to see the reality of God's presence in the midst of things as one looks back at the intensity of the moment. Time can wear you out or create something beautiful.
I hope I'm moving past the point of being worn out and pray that what God continues to create in me is something worthy of the trials that I have experienced.

It Just Keeps Coming

Sometimes it seems like life just keeps coming at me and I don't have time to breath. There is never enough of a break to look around and take stock of what needs to be done next. Right now I seem to be in one of those seasons where I am just responding to life rather than living into it.
This isn't to say that I'm upset with my life or anything like that, I'm simply in the midst of it and trying to swim as fast as I can to keep my head above water. I hope that the water will slow down soon and that there aren't any major falls ahead of me that I'll have to get over.

It has been a tough couple of months I have to admit. My wife has been having some health issues that keep her from embracing and enjoying life in the way that we would all want to experience. They aren't life threatening but they are still more than is easily handled. So we have been doing a lot of praying and talking about life and choices etc.
In the midst of all that I've been forcing myself to remember the majesty and glory of God. As a part of that I've been going back to memories of our trip last year to Alaska. I know not everyone is at the same place that I am but the mountains draw me close to the one who I believe has created them. So for you and me here is a picture from Lake Louise last summer.