Waiting and Soaring

I love eagles! As long as I can remember, seeing an eagle is one of my favorite things. Each time I see one, my heart lifts. I smile. I often shed a tear. Peace fills my heart. They represent freedom in our country and I am fortunate to live in a part of our country where they migrate each winter. A few weekends ago, I took my boys out around the edge of the lake where we could watch them. It was beautiful. They were perching above the lake in trees, swooping down to catch fish, dancing in the sky with one another and just soaring in the wind. Pretty amazing to watch. I stood in awe at the beauty of God's creation just in the eagles and the lake and the surrounding mountains. I could have stayed for hours. My children were not as enthused as I was and were ready to leave before me. If they hadn't thought to bring alternative entertainment for in the car, they wouldn't have

wanted to wait on their mom! 

I wonder what it would be like to soar on wings like eagles? to just ride the wind and dance in the sky? I do know what it is like to put my trust in God. To wait on him. To hope. He comes through every time. Not always in the ways I desire or expect, but he is always faithful. His timing is always perfect. Sometimes waiting tests our patience and it is good. It allows us opportunities to have experiences we might not have if we rush. Just like my leisurely watching of the eagles.

In reading different versions of Isaiah 40:31, the words wait, hope and "put trust in" are all used - the outcome is the same: strength from the Lord!

But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. 

They spread their wings and soar like eagles,

They run and don’t get tired,

they walk and don’t lag behind. 

                                                                                  (The Message)

but those who hope in the Lord 

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

                                                                                         (New International Version)

This is one of the first verses I memorized and I really like it. There have been times that I have been able to call up this verse to help myself or to share with someone else. In the last year, I have been challenged in some of my closest relationships. I have felt a lot of emotions. I have cried many tears. I have cried out to God. I have been encouraged by Him to make some changes. I have prayed for truth to be revealed to me and in answering that prayer, God has shown me where I've made some mistakes. He led me to be truthful with others in ways I hadn't been even though to me it felt risky. I had to trust in Him that somehow he would give me the strength and walk me through it. It hasn't been easy, but

 I've remained hopeful and some days I feel like I'm soaring on wings like eagles.

Warrior Sisters, Say that again - I'll continue to put my trust in the Lord and see

how He will renew my strength and help me soar!

These pictures are courtesy of my friend Cheryl Nichols who is a professional photographer. Her website is www.cherylnicholsphotography.com

New Beginnings

Welcome to my first ever typed-out blog post!  I've composed many blog posts in my head, but never written them out.  So on the first day of a new year, this begins a new season for me, a new chapter in my life.   I am choosing the word Author to focus on for a while - to write about, pray about and see how God will use it in my life.  He is The Author and has written my story.  I look forward to seeing how He will write through me.

I have been contemplating this blogging thing for a while and have put it off.  I have a bad habit of putting things off.  Yes, I procrastinate.  It's an addiction for me.  I've spent a lot of time trying to figure this out and have asked for God to reveal truth to me.  At the beginning of last year, I chose the word "order" and asked God to bring order to my life, order to my thoughts, order to my steps each day.  I picked the word order because I often do not feel like things are in order in my life.  Despite not liking to live amongst clutter, I continue to make piles of stuff.  My husband is mildly annoyed by this habit, but mostly laughs and jokes with me about it and tries to encourage me.  God has helped me with order in my life over the last year in different ways than I expected.  So far, my habit of pile making hasn't changed a whole lot, but I see how God has helped me find order in many other areas of my life, and it is good.

In focusing on the word Author and seeing how I have put off blogging, I have prayed about this too.  I have discovered that even though I used to think I didn't worry about the opinions of others, that I really do.  Sometimes I live in fear of what others might think or if I will disappoint them.  Really as a daughter of the King, I only need to be concerned with what He thinks.  A friend recently reminded me that even when I make mistakes and even when I am afraid, that God is not disappointed in me.  I cried as I listened to her and I questioned that.  I am working to accept that Truth is truth regardless of how I feel.  God loves me and accepts me completely and unconditionally!

Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven..."

So, I am stepping out in faith, asking Him for courage and boldness in writing.  Since He is the Author and he does deliver on His promises, I trust He will continue to guide me.  He will write through me!  He has written my life story.  He knows all the details.  He knows the changes to come.  He knows what I need.  He is Amazing!  And I am thankful.

In Hebrews 12, we are told that Jesus is the author and perfector of faith.  As I reflect on my life and also look ahead, I am glad this is true.  As the new year begins, I am excited about the possibilities to come in my life story.  How about you?

Warrior Sister Saints, Say that Again - He is the Author of my life and I am thankful!