So, short of a awful stomach virus on Mon / Tues - this week has been pretty great. God's working in our lives whether we chose to see it or not. I truly believe He hears my every thought, prayer, desire and has full capacity to provide what's needed for the life He wants me to live. Full 100% trust.
Like I said.. it's been a good week. ha ha!
After being sick for a few days, then working the rest of the week: I am sincerely grateful for the weekend off!!! Even if it is raining, I'm still going to be happy & thankful. It felt good to be home, in better health, spending time w/ my children, and getting an opportunity to catch up on "looketh to the ways of her household".
Friday kicked off w/ dinner & jamming on guitar at my house with some friends. TOTALLY awesome evening!! There was even rice krispie treats for dessert.***which I'll admit: I didn't make w/ the greatest of ease. I felt awkward and I'm sure w/ practice I may get better.. but they are not my forte.**
Saturday was a day filled with cleaning. I started in the carport & put away some items that have been lingering, started to get things in motion for spring: outdoor activities, building pallet art, and etc..
I seriously am getting excited. Rain pushed me indoors. I cleaned like a fiend. haha! bathroom sparkles, kitchen sparkles, living room got tidied up, the laundry is COMPLETELY caught up, and little bits here/there were spiffed up w/ a little Mr. Clean to help freshen up the place. I was pleased. A decent sense of accomplishment.
Sleep didn't come to me easily. I slept well but I was awake at 3 a.m and couldn't fall to sleep again. So, what did I do w/ those hours?? It was a great opportunity to reflect, talk to God, and just.. be.
I think I understand why God invented Spring: the season of rebirth. It really is a re-birthing process. It's as if everything has been sleeping for a few months and all of sudden say "hey, time to get up & get busy." I love it! My 2nd favorite time of the year. I'm counting down the days to opening day of trout season. This year, God willing, I will catch as many trout as I possibly can. **and YES, you can expect to see some seriously cheesy grinning pictures on FB of me-- holding my "whoppers" -if I do! **
So, this morning, I got to seriously thinking.. I was doing a mental spring cleaning. I've been praying to be focused on what God wants. I have felt peace, joy, and happiness again (*where once I was feeling stress, worry, and fear.*) It was as if.. my attitude changed - like the seasons have changed..
That thought led to this thought : we, as (*whatever you want to call us*) Believers, Christians, Followers of Jesus, the Body or the Kingdom --> have seasons within our faith. By taking a closer look - I started to feel a better understanding on God's promises & how He may view our 'lives' on Earth.
Let me talk this thing out & see what you think..
Ok.. let's start with Spring.
--> It's a re-birth. (being born again) We accept Jesus and start to grow, plant seed, and bloom where we're planted. Taking the rain as nourishment - knowing it's equally important as the sun. (taking good days the same as bad days - rejoicing, being thankful, and pushing forward: GROWTH) Feelings of love.. Spring is the time when animals pair up for mating - -to further the population. Easter. *the gospel* The prospect of GOOD NEWS. Bringing joy, peace, and comfort and furthering His kingdom.
Alright.. Summer
--> Constant heat. It's a maintaining period. The seeds have been planted and continue to grow.
If we forget to water those seeds - we'll wilt and die from the heat. God will provide. Continued growth - more of a maintaining kind of faith.. Knowing what needs done & actively working on it.
Next - Fall (*my favorite time of year*)
--> Ok, lets start with harvest. Time to harvest what the year has brought. Thanksgiving: a reminder that we should be thankful all year but taking a special day to really lift up and celebrate the things we're most thankful for really helps.
Activity. Getting prepared. --> Making ready for winter. Steadfast working for the Kingdom. Knowing that there are times coming when we may not feel God's presence but know He's already got it all planned out, He's already there, and that we need to keep pushing on, fully trusting & relying on Him.
Now: Winter.
--> Long, cold, and devoid of "life" There are times when we still have faith but aren't sure what God has planned. We're bracing ourselves against life (like harsh winter winds) and trying to look ahead through blizzard like conditions. It's a battle, a struggle, but survivable. It's not life threatening.
**winter is the season of waiting** It's a time of "rest" but not stalemate. Underneath the snow and ice there are seeds, bulbs, and grass that are enjoying their rest, waiting for Spring. That is how we should be: joyful - even if we feel we are a bit "out of touch" or anxious. We know He continues to work on us - even during "lulls". . We should remember the excitement: He is King. He is coming. He is alive!!
Regardless of what season the world around us may be in - we can be at any of these "seasons" of faith. Sometimes - they can happen all in ONE day (*much like the weather in PA has been*) LOL!!!
Here's a few bits of TRUTH to help you --> no matter what season..
#1) God is ALWAYS there. He is always ON TIME. He is NEVER going to fail us. His promises are REAL promises. His love is REAL love. His back has NEVER turned on us. He is FORGIVING when we fall short. His mercy is GREATER than any mistake we may make. He knows we're going to make them. He ALWAYS provides. There is NOTHING you can do that will make Him not love you.
HE LOVES YOU !! 100% times ETERNITY!
#2) No matter what is going on in your life: there is a REASON for it!
Good, bad, happy, sad, = we need to keep as much FOCUS on God as humanly possible. Be CONSTANTLY aware of Him by giving thanks, praises, and PRAY for uplifting, guidance, clarity, and keeping an OPEN HEART on Him. Study His word. EMBRACE and BELIEVE what He has written. The Bible will provide answers. However, you must know that some things MUST be learned by experience in order for us to TRULY believe & understand. We gain a deeper understanding - a better look at the bigger picture & be an example of testimony to others around us: as God intends for us to be.
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I truly hope & pray that you KNOW God is working FOR you and not against you. I pray that you are able to COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS and feel His love in your life so that you may feel JOY, PEACE, and HAPPINESS; regardless of your 'season'.
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