Hiding Place

Thou art my hiding place and my shield, I hope in thy word! (Psalms 119:114)

Often I lie awake when troubling thoughts invade the stillness of the night. I wonder about lots of things in those quiet moments, such as, what is your will for me God, where will I end up, will I be married, single, will I ever feel truly content, will I do enough for The Lord, will I finally feel forgiven along with  a whole host of other ordinary, everyday concerns. Goodness how the enemy strives to steal our joy, but oh what a refuge of hope we have in His word! Hiding it in our hearts creates a shield of protection and a sense of peace. All the matters of our lives, shall God not search them out, for he knows the secret places of the heart. (Psalms 42:21) "Learning to lean, learning to lean...learning to lean on Jesus. Finding more power than I'd ever dream, I'm learning to lean on Jesus."  He is honestly the best the best hiding place there is! 

I love you Daddy!

There are so many things I'd love to talk with you about. So often I think, "Boy, Dad sure woulda loved that" or "wonder what Daddy would say?" I am so sorry that I did more than my share of disappointing things while you were still with us, but your belief in me was astounding! You would have been proud to see the change God has made in my life! Thanks for being such a loving and forgiving Dad! It has taught me to be the same way to others! Because you came back to The Lord later in life a broken and humble man, there was a resolve in you to serve Him with such faithfulness! I often think of the verse in Luke 7:47 where Jesus says, "Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little." What a joy it was to watch you live for The Lord, you knew what it was like to be forgiven of much, and the joy and dedication you served The Lord with was so awesome to watch. You were the picture of a man who "loved much"! Thank you for leaving that testimony of grace behind, for I have drawn so much strength from it. It helps me more than anyone could ever know! I miss you, but it's a comfort to know you are having a wonderful time with our Heavenly Father. I just wanted to take a minute and thank the good Lord for making you my Dad, and to you, for loving me so completely! Happy Father's Day to you both, I love you more than words can express! 

Jesus, beautiful friend of mine

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last.  Revelation 1:17

Can you just imagine?? It's hard to comprehend how it will be to see my Lord, face to face, wow! I can totally relate to falling at His feet, utterly prostrate, laid out as if my body were dead.  I don't think I could ever feel as if I were humbled enough; but, to know He loves me enough to say, "don't fear me, it's ok. I am the beginning and the end, but I am also your savior and friend." Yea, I'm amazed that He chose to die for a lost sinner like me, and now, because of His grace, I am His and He is mine. Shew wee girls, that's got me smiling and praising His name this afternoon!! What a mighty God, what a beautiful friend is our Savior, Jesus!!! 

O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.  Psalms 34:3

Moments

Lamentations 3:22-26, 31, 56-58 KJV

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.  The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.  The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.  It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord .  For the Lord will not cast off for ever:  Thou hast heard my voice: hide not thine ear at my breathing, at my cry.  Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee: thou saidst, Fear not.  O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life.

He is ever nigh, waiting to reveal himself at just the right moment...that moment when I feel lost, that moment when I feel undone and alone, that moment when I don't think He can possibly be ok with me, and yes, in that moment when I feel so unforgivable, THIS is when He chooses to unveil His mercy the most. Thank you Lord for loving me so, for giving me hope, for being not only my Savior, but my friend. I love you!