God is bigger

I know I have not blogged in months, 11 months to be exact. I enjoy reading previous blog posts as a memory book of sorts to look back on events in our family and reflecting upon what God had done for us.

This morning I was reading the facebook post of a friend who is overcoming breast cancer and I also was reading a blog written by another mom. Both reminded me of what God showed me years ago. It was probably just a year or two after Andy's death when God showed me that although he can move mountains, if I keep my eyes on Him, the mountain does not have to be moved. God is bigger than any mountain, trial or obstacle. As the blogger, Kristen, wrote:

"Because it's a lot easier to see the top of one mountain from another. When we reflect on what God has already done in our lives, our hearts, our homes and we stop and praise Him for it - it changes everything." 

We live at the foot of the Appalachian mountains, and although I like visiting the beach, the mountains are my home. I do not think any of us live on the beach, at sea level for our entire lives. Therefore, we will always have mountains to climb, trials to endure, and hardships to overcome.  Jesus promises:

"In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33

I relish that during the Feast of Dedication, the same season we are currently in, Jesus in the temple walked and taught:

"My Father who has given them (my sheep) to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand."   John 10:29

We need to remind ourselves of this daily. Also, we need to come alongside each other in the midst of trials to pray for each other and remind each other "how big our God is."

breakfast:
toast

currently listening to:

an electric heater

 
currently reading: 
john
the broken way
in the land of the blue burqas

today grateful for: 
the season of Advent

the Feast of Dedication

my boys 

God's Word

God's patience and faithfulness

electricity

fellow believers

mundane thing & thankfulness

today, i have used this utensil at least 4 times.  i wash it and reuse it daily.  each time i use it, i think of my brother and sister-in-law.

they have a tradition each year for Christmas of giving me a collection of their favorite things.  this spatula was a favorite thing a year or so ago.  i am blessed, because each time i use it i give thanks for my brother and his wife.  my brother and i both found and married our spouses late in life...in our thirties.  my sister-in-law is an answer to many years of prayer.  prayers i prayed for my brother for his heart, mind and soul.

i am thankful and blessed that my sister-in-law is a follower of Christ, has a heart for missions, loves and takes care of my brother.

i am thankful that as a couple they love Christ, have hearts for others, are prayer warriors and devoted disciples.

lately several folks i know have shared their brokenheartedness and memories of the loss of ones they hold dear...a child, a spouse, a sibling.   please take no moment, no day, no opportunities for granted.  hug them, enjoy their voices, tell them what they mean to you.

R & E, I love you and give thanks for you both!!!!

currently listening to:
local newscast

dinner: 
pizza (kids)

chef salad (me)

currently reading:
when God doesn't fix it
the more of less
psalms
colossians
today grateful for:
my boys
answered prayers
God's patience and love for me
electricity, clean water, safety, good health
fellowship with believers