Something New

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. Isaiah 43:19 (NLT)

When the New Year hit, I wondered whether turning over the page of a calendar would make any difference. I was so ready to begin 2009 after a long and difficult 2008. And, once that new calendar was on the wall, I decided that yes, it gives me the opportunity to start over. To have a second chance, a clean slate, a new beginning. Basically, it is narrowed down to one word—hope. There were some days last year when I felt so dry and weary as I struggled in the wilderness of my own dashed hopes and dreams. I wanted to believe that God was working on a way out but I couldn't see it. I learned over the course of those months that my job is to trust and have faith that His plan is moving along at just the right speed. I tend to be quick in my actions so learning to sit back and be patient is challenging. We changed churches in January, one of those new beginnings but not an easy one. I left after that first Sunday service knowing that God was doing a special work in me in this place of worship. Tears of joy and healing often run down my cheeks. I know that God knows my heart's desires and is slowly bringing people and opportunities to my doorstep so that I may serve Him. I am so excited about the possibilities. What's new in your life?

A Busy Week

When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Psalm 142:3a (NLT)

I love Spring in the desert. After living most of my life in the lushness of California foliage and flowers, my preconceived ideas of living in a basically brown landscape are dashed when the calendar turns over to April. Each cactus blooms with its own particular flower and the desert is awash in color. You have to hurry to catch a picture because they some flowers last only 24 hours before shriveling up. Some days this month, I, too, felt like that cactus flower. Better catch me before I faded for the day. It is amazing to me how three little girls can turn our world upside down in a matter of minutes. We led a whirlwind week of fun in the sun with them as they enjoyed their Easter vacation with us. Swimming at the pool, birthday party for Tori, BBQ, dinners out, shopping, golf cart rides, loading and unloading the dishwasher—there were not many minutes in a day for Nana to just sit. On top of that, we drove to Pasadena to see Dad for the Easter weekend and almost missed church as we dealt with a dead battery. As we all drove off in different directions and returned home, I was a little sad to see the girls leave. It had been a great week. As crazy as my life is these days, I am thankful that my steps are ordered by One who knows what is best for me and keeps me from losing it. The celebration of His resurrection last week reminds me that He is alive. I serve a living God—not one made of wood or stone. He is risen! He is risen, indeed!

Jephthah's Daughter

How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. Hebrews 11:32 (NLT)

The record of the men and women of faith in Hebrews 11 inspires me every time I read it. These people faced situations that required purposeful decisions to trust God in unbelievable circumstances. It was often life or death. Finally in the Promised Land, you would think the children of Israel would have finally figured out how to please God. But the book of Judges notes that they continue to disobey and worship other gods until life becomes unbearable and they beg for help. Each time God sends His emissary to clean up the mess. He never lets go of His special people even when they can't seem to get it right. The author of Hebrews 11 recounts the stories of men and women who earned a good reputation because of their faith. He runs out of time and finally lists several more men, including Jephthah. It is an intriguing story of faith with a plot twist at the end that had me scratching my head. As Jephthah returned from battle, his excited daughter ran out to meet him and congratulate him on his great victory. Yet, rather than embracing her and dancing with her, grief overwhelms him and he tears his clothes because of a vow that he had made to the Lord as he entered into battle. This vow is the complicated part of the story but her response is what captured my attention. We never see her complain, even though her life immediately changes and she knows she will never marry or have children. I like feel-good-endings to stories but this one made me stop and ponder. Obviously, God was pleased with both of them because He listed them in His Hall of Fame. Why? They followed directions, gave glory to God, and earned the reputation of a pure heart. How do we respond when life doesn't make sense? Rant? Rave? Question? Sometimes, I find myself doing all three but the longer I walk in His footsteps, the easier it is to say, "Yes, Lord."