God Changes our Mourning into Dancing.

Psalm 30:11

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

I am not there yet. 

But it is a promise. 

One that I believe with my whole heart.

I want to see the beauty in the ashes. 

Today I saw the hand of God in beautiful ways. 

If you are not careful you are sure to miss the quiet ways God ministers.

I saw a student walking yesterday with his head down. It looked so much like Elijah. . .it took my breath away. . .How I long for my boy. 

I had a planned visit from a friend from my youth.

The years evaporated before us.

It amazes me that time and distance can never really take away the true joy of a childhood friend.

I wish she could have stayed. 

I had an unexpected visit from another friend. 

This caught me off guard. 

I have missed this friend.

It was so good to see her.

We had so much fun together in our late teens and early 20's.

I needed these visits.

God knew I needed some tangible grace today. 

Both these visits helped ease the pain of the day. 

Both of these visits were gifts. 

And there were many others;

The sun shining and warm weather.

Little girls giggles and antics.

High School supply shopping and a much appreciated conversation with a friend there.

Celebrating Thomas'  18th birthday. 

Seeing his new guitar.

Hearing Dave play in the background while we talked

Baled hay

Sweet conversations with my, oh so grown daughter

Car rides with my only earthly son;. hearing how his day went. 

Cherishing every moment 

Each day is different and unpredictable. I want to be aware and live and feel. Complacency threatens to consume. And so I lift my praise to the Father for this day. 
I need him every hour.

Psalm 27

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?