Establishing

Seasons of planting lead to seasons of harvesting.

Both involve a lot of hard work, dedication, and wisdom.

While waiting for the proper timing for each step in the process,

we can be filled with anxiety and restlessness or trust and restfulness.

We are in a season of planting.  It is hot.  We are bothered.

When we focus on the manual labor, we are weary.

When we focus on the Lord of the harvest, we are energized.

We are learning.  We are growing.  We will reap what we sow.

Notice

A hummingbird visits one of the nearby trees.

It comes often enough that I’ve started to watch for it.

I can catch glimpses of arrivals and departures.

Its coloring, size, and shape enable it to blend in

and seemingly disappear among the foliage.

I wonder how often I glance out the window

and fail to notice what is right in front of me.

Little things in life can make a big impact.

Even quick bursts of beauty are gifts to be celebrated.

I thank God for the splendor of His creation.

I’m asking Him to direct my attention and enable me

to notice the joyful blessings surrounding me.

Belaying

Trust is an exercise of faith.

There are some steps that we need to take

that sound scary and look scary

because they are scary.

I remember a time when I had to step backward off the side of a cliff.

I had to trust the rope and my friend that had me on belay.

Memories of triumphant moments encourage and strengthen us.

Without challenges we would never experience the thrill of conquering.

Today I’m going to be wild and crazy.

I’m going to trust God to enable us 

to complete the construction phase of a dream.

Then I’m going to trust Him 

while I step backward over the edge to live my dream.

Finger Painting

I needed to let some silliness out.

I needed to add a splash of color.

So, I combined the two.

All I needed was a couple of hours to play with one large canvas,

six tubes of acrylic paint, water, a paper plate as a palette,

and some disposable gloves to protect my fingers.

Now, all I have to do is seal the deal and hang my keepsake.

Having a beautiful reminder of frivolous fun is a bonus.

Everyone needs playtime.

Required Field

Some mornings require swift, purposeful prayers.

Some mornings require swift, purposeful movements.

Some mornings require both lines of attack.

I have a love/hate relationship with some mornings.

It is exciting to witness God removing obstacles and restoring order.

It is exhausting to try to rely on my own strength to fix things.

Today will be exhilarating (a white-knuckled, invigorating type of day)!