Walking…

in His ways.

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart! They also do no iniquity; They walk in His ways. Psalms 119:1‭-‬3 NKJV

How good the ways of the Lord!

Although, I am not brand new to the concept of walking in God’s ways, I’m not over the awe which my heart felt in the beginning.

It’s not a small thing.

But God’s ways are always best.

For the past few weeks I’ve been struggling with illness.

Since I already have some health issues, it’s not been an enjoyable experience, but it has been another opportunity to learn to walk in God’s ways even more fully.

For as I’ve been unable to do, I have been able to pray, to listen to my Bible, and to meditate upon His precepts.

These days have been as much a blessing as a challenge.

I want to encourage you, as you walk through challenges, look for the Lord.

Choose to examine yourself and your walk through the lens of scripture.

You might be surprised by how much blessing God can bring from the season of challenge.

I know I have been.

For He promises us, in His Word, the blessings follow those who walk in His ways.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your blessings and the promises we find in scripture. There’s simply no other way to live which brings such peace than in following diligently after You. Lord, I thank You for the blessings of trials, the lessons You have taught me through pain. Thank You. For You alone are worthy of our adoration and praise. Lord, please help me to walk in Your ways each day with fervent love for You loved me first. Thank You! Amen.

Walking

It’s been an interesting morning.

God blessed me with energy enough to get up and make my husband breakfast.

Which I truly thanked Him for.

As I buttered his English muffins, I thought of how many breakfasts were served to me as I lay sick in bed.

I talked with my husband about my schedule this morning.

My comments included how I’d neglected to have our daughter teach me how to host a zoom meeting so Jase’s speech teacher.

“So, we will have to talk on the phone.”

He opened my laptop and showed me how to do host a zoom meeting!

Then packed his lunch, kissed me, and headed to work.

What a blessing!

My husband is such a support and encouragement. His job has been a gift from God.

To still have regular employment with so many out of work, is humbling, but really appreciated.

Jase and I prepared for the zoom meeting. Then we sat listening to his teacher, discussing his activities, planning. It was good.

Jase has never done a meeting like this and it was pretty stressful for him.

After it was over I automatically started thinking about getting his math lesson going.

I hadn’t realized just how difficult the meeting had been.

But Jase’s reaction to my comment on getting his math out spoke volumes.

I left the room for a moment, and told him to work on relaxing.

I grabbed the cleaner and started scrubbing toilets, because sometimes I need to clean while thinking.

In this case it was praying.

You haven’t had your walk.

I knew the Lord was reminding me for more than one reason.

My doctor wants me to walk for half an hour five days a week and I’ve struggled with doing it lately.

But today was a perfect day to make sure I got my walk in.

Heading back into the living room I asked Jase.

“Want to go for a walk?”

He didn’t hesitate.

Pretty soon we were striding down the sidewalk.

Jase was telling me about his friends who moved away this week.

Sometimes I’d point to a flower or plant and tell him the name.

A few times we met other people, always keeping distance, but friendly with a kind nod and “Good morning!”.

Our walk was half over when I remembered.

Last summer, while living with our oldest girl and hubby, Jase and I had taken many walks, nearly every day.

I hadn’t thought about them in a long time, but I realized why they were so important.

During our walking, Jase had free time to talk to me about anything he wanted to.

There wasn’t a limit nor an agenda, he could just tell me things.

As I listened to him this morning, it was crystal clear that I’ve not been allowing him enough time to do that.

But there’s never a better time to change than today.

I’ll rearrange my schedule and make sure we walk together.

Because I don’t want to miss the opportunity for him to talk to me.

It’s all to real, these days, that life doesn’t go the way we expect or plan.

The only time I can redeem is the time I’m in.

And I’m so glad God blessed me this morning with cooking breakfast, having a meeting, and walking with Jase.

Praise the Lord!

The joy of growth

I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the weather difference here.

Of course, it could just be an unusual year.

I have no history of the climate.

Yet, my joy in watching things bud and grow has been extensive.

Much earlier in the calendar year than expected.

But so welcome.

Growing things bring me joy.

The plants and trees outside the window are not the only growing joyful things around me.

I’ve been watching our children grow and learn a good deal of late.

Anne has stretched out in her painting.

Sis had encouraged her to try abstract and I thought the results were lovely.

When I think about the joy, of watching my children grow, I can only imagine the joy our lives bring the Lord.

As a child of God I’m never to stop growing and learning.

My whole life is a path, leading me closer to Him.

It’s not a smooth flat highway, it is a mountain trail, full of difficulties and opportunities.

With each step upon that trail, I am growing in Christ Jesus.

What a privilege! What joy!

And I’m not alone upon the path.

There are those farther ahead, whose lives bring teaching and wisdom.

There are those behind, people I’m privileged to share my lessons and experiences with.

There are those beside me, who are encouraging and supportive.

Yes, I’m truly blessed by growing things, especially the people growing in the Lord.

As I step out, into the path today, I’m so very thankful for the joy of growth.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your patience with me and my personal growth in You. Walking in Your path is a privilege although stretching isn’t always comfortable. Thank You for those ahead of me on the path. Their lives inspire me. Thank You for the ones beside me, such blessings and support! Thank You for those behind me. Please help my life to be an encouragement to them. Let them see Your faithfulness in my life and give them security in Your faithfulness to them. Lord Jesus, You made the Way to the Father and everlasting life. Thank You! What an incredible gift! May my life be an opportunity for You to reach others and encourage them to stretch, grow, and walk daily with You. I praise Your Holy name, Jesus!