"The Lord your God is with you.
He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you.
He will quiet you with His love.
He will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17
Last weekend was our Daughter's of the King diocesan retreat and the beginning of my DOK chapter's new member orientation. Something holy and beautiful happens when a group of women share from their hearts. It's a different way of connecting than with a mixed group. It was a sweet time of learning, sharing and being reminded of the gifts God has given me. It was also a time to think about what I'm going to do with these gifts. How I can use them. How God would like for me to use them. I've been thinking about that a lot this week and I've learned that my gifts are of no use if I don't share them. I have to join them with others for them to be most effective. I think that is powerful. It seems lately that I'm being taught this lesson from so many different directions.
My Mom went with me to this retreat and I am so very glad she did. Everyone loved on her and I know that made her feel good. My mom is a remarkable woman that has been through a lot of hard changes lately. It was a special time we shared together and I am grateful for all of those who made her feel welcome. They loved her for her own self; and, also, just because they love me - which made me feel great, too. My Mom has an open heart and I'm thankful for her and that she has taught me the meaning of unconditional love. I got tickled at her when I saw a woman (a complete stranger) sitting beside her and telling my mother all of her concerns. So typical of my mom who always meets a friend and never a stranger.
I just finished Max Lucado's new book, "Outlive Your Life". It has made me think about so many things. I was reminded of my journey since I lost my job six months ago. I kept saying to myself and to others, throughout my time off, that what I really want to do with my life is to make a difference. This book reminded me that God can only work through me if I let him work IN me. Only He can make the difference. So simple, really. Yet, life changing for me and for those I encounter.
I had a cataract removed from my right eye this week. After years of looking through a filmy eye, I can now see clearly - without my glasses - and, at night. As luck would have it, I just read that book by Max and it's all about the book of Acts. You know the story where Saul was blinded and then made to see clearly. It kept coming to my mind. I wonder what great spiritual awakening God has in store for me. What I do know is that God's hand was on me because I can see better today than I could in 6th grade (before I got glasses). Makes me want to cry with gratitude. And, I did. Lots.
My family is in the midst of something sad and scary. I ask your prayers from whomever may read this. I'm baffled by how many innocent lives are touched and changed forever when poor and selfish decisions are made by others. I don't understand why some choose chaos and strife when choosing to love and to be loved is so much easier and so much more worthwhile.
Tomorrow, I am decorating my house for the fall season. I love it. It's a fresh start and a pick-me-up after a long summer.
I'm hopeful I will make time to blog more regularly. I have missed sharing my heart and I have found that writing my thoughts helps me to glean the important and worthwhile stuff that is inside of my head. I totally believe that God does indeed bless me through this effort. I feel like He is molding me and crafting me into the person He intended me to be. It is my desire to use the gifts He has blessed me with to be a blessing to others. Oh, I can feel Him singing over me!
Zephaniah 3:17
