REASSURANCE

A few months back, I posted this picture on Pinterest, with the tag And God said, "I am here…..."

This picture continues to be repined and it makes me wonder why it touches so many people. Does it take their breath away like it did mine? As they gaze at this picture, does their world seem to spin a bit slower?

This young woman is alone but does not appear lonely. She is not looking around as if she is expecting someone to join her but instead is enjoying a quiet moment. She is calmly making ripples with her toes, yet her reflection is clear. And the tranquility is complete.

What story could this picture tell? A great writer would take you back in time and have you slowly proceed to this moment. Each page revealing the passion, the struggles, the joys of her journey. And as you closed the book you would be reassured of this young woman's future.

REASSURANCE

Reassurance: something that is said or done to make someone feel less afraid, upset, or doubtful

There are days when I do not feel calm and life for sure is not tranquil! There are days when I would not be sitting on that log with my toes in the water making nice little circles. I would be splashing my feet and saying, "Really God? Again?" Those are the days when I need reassurance. When I need to find a way to feel less afraid. Less upset. Less doubtful. Days when I need reassured about the future.

Those are the days when I need to hear God say, "Mary, I am here…..."

God is here. He is all around us and His word is waiting to calm us. To sustain us. To take away our fear. His word is waiting to fill us. To give us faith.

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4

The Lord replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen me with power through his Spirit in my inner being, so that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith. And I pray that being rooted and established in love, I may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that I may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within me, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen Ephesians 3:14-21 (made personal)

GOD'S REASSURANCE

God is here. He is all around us and His word is waiting to calm and sustain us. Seek the Lord so He can deliver you from your fears. Allow His Spirit to fill you with hope and faith.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

MY YARD

Welcome to my yard.

Some flowers are new, with lush leaves, and so full of color.

This reminds me of the beginning of life.

Some flowers are a single bloom.

This flower reminds me of alone time. Times when we are reading a good book, walking on a beach or having a quiet cup of coffee as the sun comes up.

I transplanted a few of these red gladiolus and they have multiplied!

These flowers remind me of times when we are surrounded by family or friends.

I like to make garden stones and they add points of interest in the flower bed.

These make me think of the things in our lives that add interest and a splash of color.

I call this a brain and you never know where an angel will be.

Some things that add interest can be a bit strange, unusual.  In this case, the outside of the rock hides the beauty within.

Still reading? Hang in there.

Only a few more pictures and I am trying to figure out where this is headed.

This rose has an aroma that hangs in there too. It used to be close to the house and, when the sun hits the siding where this rose used to grow, the sweet smell makes me breathe deep.

Some plants are a joy to behold and some are a joy to eat.

This reminds me that we need to feed our soul with the beauty of God's world and our stomachs with those zucchini before they get too big and take over the yard.

This sweet corn was growing tall. Tall until we had some strong wind.

This reminds me that there are times in life when everything is going great and then, WHAM, along comes a wind that knocks us flat.

As you can see, some stalks stayed flat and some stood back up.

The rain came. The wind followed. The roses all lost their petals.

This reminds me that pruning brings new growth.

The final picture. These blooms are dying. The end of life.

At first that sounds morbid. Then I realized that the end of this life means a new life.

That is the end of the walk around my yard and it does seem to represent my life. At one time, I was new and fresh. Sometimes I am alone and sometimes I join others in celebrations and worship. I add splashes of color to my world and I never know when an angel may appear. I pray my inside is much more beautiful than my outside. At times, I have been knocked down and pruned. So far, I have always gotten up and grown from the experience. I also know that I have more life behind me than in front of me.

My favorite scripture is Psalm 139. Those verses assure me that God is with me when I walk. God is with me no matter where I am.

You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Psalm 139:1-6

Now go for a walk in your yard. And talk to God while you look around. He loves to hear your voice!

CELEBRATE AND RELAX

Please enjoy the next week or so.  I will not be posting again until July 18.

CELEBRATE – Remember your freedoms and cherish them.  They are dear and so easily taken away.

RELAX – Going to a class reunion and then to see an old friend.