Mark 13:28-30 (New International Version)

28 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 29 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. 30 I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

It’s been a long time since I’ve written. I’m not really sure where to start. The past couple of years have been a whirlwind of sorts. Learning so many new things, new people in my life, a change in who God was creating me to be, just lots and lots of things that took me away from writing. I can say that it was always in the back of my mind but God wasn’t giving me the words to write. I guess he knew better and that I wouldn’t be able to put to words all the things that were happening at one time.

When give your life over to God, it’s a real struggle at times. We are so accustomed to “doing our own thing, in our timing and what we want” that when we pray about God’s will for our lives, we forget…..he has total control. Like the scenario of getting rid of baggage…we drop it at the altar and then a few days later we miss the baggage and we pick it back up again. It’s a vicious cycle, a rollercoaster of emotions and just not healthy. Every time I’ve done that same thing, I’ve picked up that baggage once again and started that cycle over and over and over. I decided that when I start “missing the baggage” that I ask God to show me the “ugliness” of the baggage instead of longing for something that really has no place in my life right now.

Sometimes you just have to walk away from something you’ve always known, including people, places, reminders of bad times/good times and start fresh. Don’t you just love the smell of clean sheets? Boy, I do! Seems like you get a better nights rest, you are more comfortable and the anticipation of feeling them against your skin. That’s exactly how I feel when I come to God and ask for discernment of events, of circumstances and asking him to heal me of emotional pain, physical pain or just to hear my cries. Knowing that he will work within me to make me clean and help me to feel fresh and new.

I know that God has many plans for my life. I know that he wants me to continue to write and photograph his beauty. I know that he wants me to continue to learn his ways, worship him and to fellowship with others. He also wants me to branch out into uncharted waters and to love others as he loves them. I know that he is preparing me for many things in the future and that he will always be there for me and never leave me, nor forsake me. Just as he promises. Sometimes we have to be willing to listen, learn and be taught. Sometimes the argument isn’t worth the breath that you put in it….but the stillness of a small voice can make a great change in all circumstances.

My prayer for you today is that you find peace, contentment and joy in your life today. God is always present….even when you may think he’s deserted you. Continue to love and have faith….it’s worth the battle.