It's been awhile

Amazing how I haven't been here since January of this year - how time flies. Wanted to share what my pastor said today in church that really hit me:

Jesus never locked eyes with anyone for whom He would not have been willing to die.

Powerful! God, help me love others as Jesus loved...

Can't stop praising God!

Woke up this morning around 6am to a dark, rainy day. It rains a lot in Florida, but usually not in the morning. One of us always walks the dogs in the morning so they get all their "business" done and then are tired and ready for their long day while we're at work. Joy was going to walk the dogs, but had a mini-migraine and went back to bed to try and feel better before going to work. I decided to wait and see if the rain stopped so I could walk the dogs. The rain lessened to a light sprinkle and off we went. It was a gorgeous morning! The sun was just coming out, there was a light breeze in the trees, the birds were singing and then I turned the corner and there was a beautiful rainbow in the sky! My heart welled up with love and gratitude to God for His great gifts, love and care. I just couldn't stop praising Him for how much He loves us and how the presence of Jesus speaks into every aspect of my life. Don't get me wrong...I'm not saying I have a perfect life. But...in the midst of those things that are lacking - Jesus is there. He cares - He is pulling for me - He is interceding for me - He is sustaining me - He is blessing me - He is helping me love others more deeply - He is giving me more compassion, more understanding, more forgiveness for others - I mean, what more could I ask for?

But I will sing of your strength;
I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.
For you have been to me a fortress
and a refuge in the day of my distress.
O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you,
O God, are my fortress,
the God who shows me steadfast love.

Psalm 59:16 -17 (ESV)

I am no orphan

One of my favorite songs is from Laura Woodley's CD "Home" - I especially love the title song, taken from Psalm 139:

"You traced the line of my fingerprints

Counted my days before I knew them

Precious thoughts for me, more than the sands

My name is written on Your hands

You know the number of hairs on my head

All of my words before they are said

When I rise up and when I lie down

When I go in and when I go out

Father, You have a place in Your heart for me

Jesus Your Son made me family

I am no orphan

By Your Spirit I receive

I have found my home

Where You are is where I belong

A place I fit perfectly

There is room in You for me"

Whenever I hear this song, I'm reminded, that no matter how I feel, God loves me and Jesus died to make me part of His family. I was an outcast before I came to Christ, but no longer. Sometimes life beats me down and I get the wrong perspective that I don't matter- but we all matter to God. He loves us so much and I need...we all need...to be reminded of this truth.