Good morning, DearHeart.

When we were in Alaska in 2015, I picked up rocks from this beach in Homer. Those rocks are on my window sill at my kitchen sink. They make me think of that year … my year of so many losses, and of my total dependence on God. He held me steady when my life had grown so heavy, I couldn’t stand on my own.

He held me up.

He holds me now.

His constant presence has transformed me in so many ways over the years, but even more so through the trials. Like those smooth rocks that had been transformed on that pebbled beach, under a painted sky where the waves at the shore swayed

back and forth,

steady like a heartbeat,

soothing and smoothing.

The rocks remind me of how the saving love of Jesus covers heartbreaking inadequacy, and the messiness of human brokenness. Those rocks sing the song of redemption. They represent the intensity of His life-saving power through the journey. Christ showed me who I was through His eyes, and that He was all I needed. Can you see yourself through the eyes of the God who made you? Are you willing to to take the journey that leads to being transformed by His presence?

“Take a good look at God’s wonders – they’ll take your breath away.” Psalm 66:5 Msg

Wake up.

Allow transform.

Go.

Dale and Rush. Aren’t they the cutest?!

Good morning, DearHeart.

“Through wisdom is a house builded; And by understanding it is established; And by knowledge are the chambers filled With all precious and pleasant riches.”

Proverbs 24:3-4 ASV

The ways of God are a mystery which defies my understanding. As I look back over the journey of my life, it is humbling for me to realize His hand has led me to where I am today.

Every generation comes with its own distinctions. Every child is unique. Throw in varied and never before experienced situations, and understanding is imperative. We need to not only grasp each situation and the emotions of our family members, we need to interpret them correctly and with empathy. Often this will require more of us than we possess. “I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding” (Psalm 119:32, NLT).

Families stretch us and grow our brains and our hearts through each unique journey. Always learning. And, every day is a new journey!

“Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge” (Proverbs 18:15, NLT).

Wake up.

Be ready to learn.

Embrace the journey.

Go.

Good morning, DearHeart.

You ever had one of those seasons when everything feels like it is falling apart? I’ve been there, too. I had a season like that that began a year ago. Sometimes it’s big life events that slap you around; other times is the mundane –

lost your keys,

baby pooped like an explosion,

can’t catch up on the laundry,

forgot to buy dog food …

Daily disasters add up and can be stressful. They can catch you totally off guard and rock your core.

Satan uses the big deals and the mundane to try to make you believe that you are not enough.

Satan is a liar.

God’s Word tells us…

“for through Him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through Him and for Him. He existed before anything else, and He holds all creation together.”

Colossians 1:16-17 NLT

Since I am visible and am on earth, those words – “all things” were created by Him—include me. And if I truly believe this then I have to be believe the last part as well – in Him all things hold together.

You know those days we thought we were losing it? We were falling apart?

He was holding those days together.

He was holding us together.

Circumstances may be painful. They may not be the road we would have wanted. But He is right there with us. He has never lost sight of us. I may not have understood it all but He knew completely.

In Him all things hold together.

In Him, I am held together.

And so are you.

Wake up.

Be held together.

Go.

Good morning, DearHeart.

We are all wounded, aren’t we? Sometimes, we earthlings have trouble with forgiveness. We think of it as a all or nothing venture, the way God forgives us – completely, and done.

Over.

Gone.

Totally free.

And, thank you, Father, for that miracle! For Your total forgiveness.

To me, due to our human wiring, forgiveness is a process, not a singular act to be completed in one sitting. The act of forgiveness has many layers that are revealed through time. The important part is simply that we begin the process. We open our hurt heart to a willingness to forgive. Once there is an opening, the rest will come. It may be in small and slow increments. The finishing of the process is a life work. It is alright. We have the Healer, so we have the patience to see it through to the end. Peace begins when we choose to engage our heart in the process.

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”

Colossians 3:12-15 NLT

Wake up.

Forgive.

Begin and continue.

Go.

Happy Birthday, Luke Lewis!

“The LORD your God is with you; his power gives you victory. The LORD will take delight in you, and in his love he will give you new life. He will sing and be joyful over you,”

‭‭Zephaniah‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭GNB‬‬

Amazing soul. Love you, son.

Good morning, DearHeart.

Every newly formed group-relationship is quirky.

Have you noticed?

No matter how alike or diverse, it takes on a personality of its own as a whole. Yet within? Well, there are still individuals – with individual strengths – with individual thoughts. God must have a quirky side to Him, when He puts groups together…

Committees.

Flocks.

Schools.

Workplaces.

Rag-tag.

Political parties.

Gangs.

Families.

…all placed together where love is meant to work, each person transforming the other. The strengths and power of each untangled and shared in the process. Each individual giving each other’s heart a drum; and each then receives knowledge of the most complicated rhythms and emotions to run the flow as well.

We question.

God winks.

Time, experience, and trust remind us that through each relationship, He will nourish and grow us into Him to the end of our days.

“Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.”

Philippians 2:1-2 NLT

Wake up.

Notice your coveys.

Be nourished.

Go.