Along The Trail: Whispers

goober or not

Sometimes we can be goobers and get ourselves into a messy situation.

Other times, we can't be sure how we got hooked!

Whatever the case, entanglements often happen quickly and with ease. Not so quick or easy is the untangling. the unhooking.

When I find I'm in a mess and all my efforts to detangle only create bigger problems, the only place I know to go is to my Daddy. He's my Great Detangler, removing the chaotic knots distracting and witholding me from true life. He's my Divine Detacher, unhooking the talons of pain stifling me from the freedom I was made for. He's a more patient parent than I, working with me through my squirming and whining and impatience.

Goober or not, you and I were made for freedom.

Are you entangled? Won't you let him free you?

Posted on May 24, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

encircled

it's monday! enough said. (and not one picture...ugh.)

I was reading the recent newsletter from The Barnabas Center this morning and was completely encouraged by Julie's article (which should be posted here at some point soon!). She pointed out the Greek word for joy is charis meaning "grace recognized." Though her article was quite lengthy (and packed full of goodness), this sentence alone captured me. Joy, the thing we all are in pursuit of and fewer of us find, is the place of recognizing God's grace through life's ever changing circumstances. Catching glimpses of a loving God through the dark, lonely, broken places of this world is finding joy.

Whatever your day holds, wherever your journey leads, may you find the joy of a very present God encircling you.

Posted on May 14, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

gems in them thar hills

I found gems in them thar hills over chonder (nod to RP)! Over the weekend I had mentioned how you'd meet the girls soon! Let me introduce you!

Meet Alice (on the left) and Tina. Whether trucking fertilizing around to our shrubs and trees or cleaning cabins and bathrooms or serving up biscuits to our weekend campers, these women have served willingly and with ready smiles! As if this wasn't enough, they have shared their hearts, their wisdom, their listening ears, their words of encouragement to each of us.

Throughout their week with us, I have observed how their personal struggles or life-weary-ing circumstances have only served to refine them into gems sparkling the life and hope of Christ. His beauty reflecting to the world around them. I find myself wanting to shine in such a way!