Good afternoon,

Have you fallen in love with the One Who made you? Do you know you are uniquely reworked by the redeeming power of Jesus, the Son of God? When was the last time you told Him thank you? Read again Psalm 139...it is wonderful!

So, this will be something from my journal written on February 28, 2022. I have been encouraged to share it with you. It is a small part of my personal story. Each has their own to tell. I pray it is received with an open mind and it brings glory to God.

"I am writing this today because it feels right. After all the years of trying to comply, adapt, perform and have the right appeal to please others, I realized while pouring pancake batter into my sizzling cast iron pan this morning that...I like me. I like many things I fought against in the past. Trying to appease the culture, the religion and mindset of those I thought were better, at well, most everything.

I love the woman of God has made me and adore Him for making me His design. In personality, in movement, in desire. He knows there is more to do in shaping me, but He is patient and kind. 

You know how hurrying does not a perfect pancake make...haha. Silly maybe, but I learn by pictures. And I pray my life is as wonderful to look at because of Holy Spirit in me. Like turning the pages of a beautiful pop-up book, it tells the story. Praise Jesus!

What I like? Many things that before would have caused me to grunt in distain. I'm not put off by stripes with paisley put together. By flower prints with plaids. With denim and ruffles. I am pleasantly satisfied with the layers. Anymore, it doesn't matter if the fashion isn't up to date. I am free. Even my potted plants inside are going to get an unrehearsed new look. A strip of fabric encircling the plain. I desire color!

So like an elephant chained in one place for years, now that chain is cut away. Now, if I can take one step at a time my new boundaries will be limitless as God provides.

For anyone who is reading my journals you will see seasons and changes. Some come with heartache and battles, some with gratitude and contentment. All the while the Lord's hand has been with me. The True Shepherd that He is...He is enough.

My home here is tiny. But it has all we need. Yes, I long for more windows, more storage, more yard. But, since living in this garage remake, I have been able to exalt the Lord above these circumstances. See, we have lived in this one space nearly 7 years. The longest ever in one place...this amazes me. I have become more grateful, learning that comparison to anyone but Jesus will lead me off the path.

Yep, there is more...I sure don't know why today of all days my heart is so full. I think it must be that I am preparing for my home in heaven, someday. While the most of these 7 years has been trying to deal with loneliness I'm learning that may never change...but, I do know without a doubt I do not feel alone for He is with me. There is a difference.

I want this for you too! More than any other time in my 68 years have I wanted others, including you, to know how much God wants to hear your voice, watch over you and feed you with His Words of Love.

 So, as my eyes age, along with the rest of my body, I want more color, more songs and more fellowship in the the Holy Spirit. I want the Lord to make every appointment for my loved ones and myself.

That may mean sitting in my house listening to the much needed rain dancing on the metal roof. Peace. Finding a new strength to walk even if it is only doing laps around my living room and kitchen. Gratitude. Watching the birds eat from the feeders outside my window. Hope. God still provides for them. He gave me the money to buy the seed to put in those swaying see houses.

Oh, and as you might suspect I still have the handmade doilies from years ago gracing shelves. Yep, grandma things and grandma loves. I even have a couple stuffed animals that my husband or the kids have given me. The puppy for Christmas that has a musical song, "Jesus Loves Me." A gift from my husband along with a hope and promise of a real one.

So, blessed assurance, hope enlarged, heart peace and excitement as The Day approaches, the Trumpet, the Voice because I have been chosen by the Father, Redeemed by the Son and sealed with His Spirit. It equals life for eternity!

Thank you Abba. Please bring fruit from this little entry into someone's journey. Lead us on by the power and favor of Your precious Spirit I pray in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, I give all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. Amen."

God bless you

Abundance is...In His hands