The main theme running through my life this month has been water.
I’m sharing several of my fb posts from the past two weeks with you. You can read this as daily thoughts or all at once, but be sure to read to the end. God constantly amazes me.
Floods are usually unexpected events in our lives. True for us this month.
The invasion of the rising waters was scary. I have to admit. I felt the fear of the unknown. It came so fast this time. I was on my way to the property, only a few miles away when the flash flood alert scared me, it was so loud in the car. I had no idea what to expect.
Yep. We were right in the bullseye.
It came so quickly.
But isn’t that what disasters do? We seldom have prior notification of many of the events that derail us. There might have been warnings like the flash flood alert I received, but there was nothing I could have done to stop it.
As I drove down the road to the property, reaching the waters edge, I parked. Staring at the water, my imagination was not my friend. Sitting on the other side of the woods ahead, I couldn’t see the buildings. I had no idea what was going on back there.
Recently I had a local guy delivering dirt for a project. I referred to the water as a river. “Miss Janet, that’s not a river, it’s a creek.” I whipped out my phone and promptly showed him the last time the “creek” invaded. The power of the water and magnitude of the land affected is startling. “See, it’s a river. This is why I call it a river,” I emotionally replied. He kindly responded “Oh, I understand now”.
My insurance guy told me we received about eighteen inches of rain during this event. Wow.
If you have ever experienced the power of floodwaters, you know what I’m talking about. Whenever I stand on the bank of the Mississippi River in New Orleans, I am humbled by the power of water. I think of the one raindrop falling from the sky, joined by another then another and I am humbled by the power of community.
This is why I feel so strongly about the power of our community here in this group. One voice, joined by another and another and we can make an overwhelming difference for good.
Jesus talks about water. Jesus consistently “shows” us His teaching. Look at His baptism.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he came up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened. Jesus saw the Spirit of God coming down on him like a dove.
Matthew 3:16 NiRV
Noah experienced the cleansing of water as God covered the earth.
“The water of the flood is a picture of the baptism that now saves you also. The baptism I’m talking about has nothing to do with removing dirt from your body. Instead, it promises God that you will keep a clear sense of what is right and wrong.
Jesus Christ has saved you by rising from the dead. He has gone into heaven. He is at God’s right hand. Angels, authorities and powers are under his control.”
1 Peter 3:21-22 NiRV
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The following short stories journal the past few weeks. But nothing compares to the gratitude I have for God in my life. There were several days my best effort to connect with you was scripture only. Always my best effort, God’s words never fail me. I pray you find the same comfort as you maneuver through the disasters in your lives.
May 13, 2019 the sun is shining. The waters receded.
All evidence of the flood waters – gone. Speechless, I can honestly say I saw God in so many ways this week. The waters came within inches of the house. The shop had four feet of water. But remarkably, all the engines are running again. The mechanics did their job quickly and efficiently.
Insurance claims prepared and ready to file. But I see the power of the water. I see how it came through so fast, moving trees as if they were just a pile of twigs swept mindlessly out of the way. And I see the ability of the land to let the water leave, soak in and evaporate under the brilliant sun.
Our creator has all things in His hand. And He holds us, His precious ones there too. And I am grateful. So very full of gratitude for all things of God. To Him be the glory!
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John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
When I read this and I see vines like these, I turn my focus to the reason we live here on this earth. Our love for God produces much change in us. That change – learning to love, forgive, becoming a light in our circles all produce a fruit that is eternal.
Apart from Him, I can produce nothing eternal. But with Him, the harvest is bountiful and beautiful.
I have learned much. I didn’t realize how the decisions I would be making through this would give me the opportunity to stay true to truth. Staying true to my beliefs that honesty is a God given opportunity to reflect His presence in my life. Praying for the wisdom to maintain my witness of Him around me every day.
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I recently saw a movie I can’t quit thinking about. Tolkien was compelling.
The story tells of an orphan boy attending the top schools in Great Britain. The companions he met there and his bond with friends made me reflect on my own deep relationships.
I cried. Real snot nosed tears.
His first love. His forever love.
His love of language and the war story woven through it was vivid.
But in the end he found the voice of that young boy, almost lost forever among the ashes of his life, who drew pictures and had a passion for story telling.
And gratefully today we have the treasure of The Hobbit.
According to Wikipedia, “The Hobbit” is the fourth-best-selling single-volume book of all time (100 million approx. sales).
And I’m grateful for his example of perseverance.
Don’t we all have a story deep inside us? What adventures does yours tell of? What untold stories of hope, love and perseverance wait to meet the page? What language best describes yours? Loss? Unresolved grief? Anger? or Hope? Joy? Love?
I’m grateful for the day I decided to let Jesus enter my story. For the treasures I have discovered in deep relationship with Him.
Gratitude for the hope of knowing He is the author of the last chapter in my book of life. He carries me into the final pages of time and life filled with hope that overcomes the grief. Love that overpowers the loss and anger. and joy everlasting. Eternal joy.
And I’m grateful because sometimes my steps were so tiny, no one could even tell I was moving. But God knew.
And the journey continues.
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Last week’s flood changed everything about our little beach. You can see the dramatic patterns where the waters carried a chunk of the sand away. This scripture teaches us not to rely on the fragile foundation of sand. Oh if we could only remember how true this is as we make decisions and choices that will change our future.
Jesus says it best!
“”So then, everyone who hears my words and puts them into practice is like a wise man. He builds his house on the rock. The rain comes down. The water rises. The winds blow and beat against that house. But it does not fall. It is built on the rock. “But everyone who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man. He builds his house on sand. The rain comes down. The water rises. The winds blow and beat against that house. And it falls with a loud crash.” Jesus finished saying all these things. The crowds were amazed at his teaching. He taught like one who had authority. He did not speak like their teachers of the law.””
Matthew 7:24-29 NIRV
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Things I love. Sunsets, wind blowing, grasses dancing and swaying moss in trees. Living near the shores of Lake Ponchartrain just north of New Orleans, i often take time to drive out to the point near the lighthouse. My heart rate slows My pace slows. I look around in awe and wonder at all the ways God’s creation is alive and well showing off His handiwork. But knowing He has redeemed us just as He explained to Isaiah in this scripture is the best. Understanding He has swept away our offenses humbles me to my very core.
I constantly stood and looked around the property after the flood waters receded. They came so fast everything was washed away. The grass was free from all debris. Under the house it looked like someone had vacuumed.
That’s what God does for us. Debris removal. All trace of anything littering – gone. We are made new. Cleansed.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:7-9 ESV
To live this life He has given me free from the burdens of past sins wanting to distract me, keeps me focused on His promises, intent on showering the world around me with His love. Living free. Redeemed. To Him be the glory. Forever and ever. Amen.
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This sweet mayapple bloom is reminiscent of the woods coming alive in spring. It’s bloom is often hidden beneath the broad umbrella shaped leaf. Unless you know there is a flower under there you won’t see it. I think it’s a precious reminder after this hard week I’ve had that there are hidden gems all along the way. Exhaustion setting in, falling asleep on the couch and trying to stay awake long enough to walk to bed, makes me aware of the glorious beauty of the days not so hard. But hard makes me focus more intently in the presence of God in the midst of these challenges. Focusing harder brings me to a place where I see Jesus much easier. He is present in the hard times in ways He isn’t during the calmer days. Let’s live intentionally looking for the hidden blessings wrapping up the gems God fills our days with. To Him be the glory. Forever.
“Zion, you are bringing good news to your people. Go up on a high mountain and announce it. Jerusalem, you are bringing good news to them. Shout the message loudly. Shout it out loud. Don’t be afraid. Say to the towns of Judah, “Your God is coming!” The Lord and King is coming with power. His powerful arm will rule for him. He has set his people free. He is bringing them back as his reward. He has won the battle over their enemies. He takes care of his flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in his arms. He carries them close to his heart. He gently leads those that have little ones. Who has measured the oceans by using the palm of his hand? Who has used the width of his hand to mark off the sky? Who has measured out the dust of the earth in a basket? Who has weighed the mountains on scales? Who has weighed the hills in a balance? Who can ever understand what is in the Lord’s mind? Who can ever give him advice? Did the Lord have to ask anyone to help him understand? Did he have to ask someone to teach him the right way? Who taught him what he knows? Who showed him how to understand?”
Isaiah 40:9-14 NIRV
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“Love must be honest and true. Hate what is evil. Hold on to what is good. Love each other deeply. Honor others more than yourselves. Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive. Serve the Lord. When you hope, be joyful. When you suffer, be patient. When you pray, be faithful. Share with God’s people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes.” Romans 12:9-13 NIRV
When I came to this scripture, every word resonated with me. As much as I have talked about water, this scripture has a beautiful truth tucked away. “Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive.” And then the apostle Paul goes on to tell us how to protect that fire. When we follow His teachings, inspired by the Holy Spirit, we don’t have to fear the water.
Keep it alive my friends,
Janet