Wake up call!

When the Lord gently nudges you awake at 4AM you can either complain that you're awake way before your alarm or you can get up with anticipation of what He has in store for you in His Word. So, after my initial response (which wasn't so joyful), I slid out of my bed and spent time immersed in His Word and conversation with Him. And what an honor that He spent that time with me! I'm so thankful that He loves me enough to unsettle me so I won't miss what He has for me! 

An early morning rendezvous with the Most High! ❤️

“O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139:1-6‬

Quiet Moments!

What an amazing morning to give God praise! Sitting here on the porch with my Bible and my faithful sidekick, Louie, as we enjoy some quiet moments with Jesus and patiently wait for the sun to wake up. 

I love sitting here in the stillness of the morning talking to my Jesus! Just a few moments before the day fully begins in all its swirl of activity. Summer was busy and the fall routine is in full swing. School bells have rung at home and preschool, my three kiddos are in motion for the year, my husband's travel has kicked back up after having him with me for 17 whole days and, of course, the daily demands of working mom are endless. But right now in this moment, I don't have to answer any questions or solve any problems. I don't have to meet the many demands that each day brings. I can just sit in the presence of Jesus and be still before him! I can read his Word and praise him! I can listen for his voice because all else is quiet at this moment. I bask in HIS glory and find rest in HIS presence! He is faithful and he is peace! Thank you sweet Father! It's ALL about YOU!

"You’re all I want in heaven! You’re all I want on earth! When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, God is rock-firm and faithful. Look! Those who left you are falling apart! Deserters, they’ll never be heard from again. But I’m in the very presence of God— oh, how refreshing it is! I’ve made Lord God my home. God, I’m telling the world what you do!"

Psalm 73:25-28 (MSG)

Today, take a few moments away from the busyness and chaos that is daily life and spend some time alone with Jesus. Though life is full of activity and some days can be overwhelming, I count my blessings. I am fully blessed! God is so good and his goodness leaves me in awe! Every day is a good day to praise the Most High!

So good morning to you all and may you be blessed this day! ☀️

The Peace of our Soul...

Early Morning!

My front porch was a little dark this morning as I made my way out. Having to leave the house so early in the morning makes for an earlier time on the porch and when sunrise isn't until 6:49, my first moments with Jesus are going to be dark. But the benefits of this early morning time with just Him are worth it. 

Matt and I sat talking on the front porch last night at sunset. We rocked and talked and laughed. You see, our little white rocking chairs have been a little beat up over the last 12 years we've had them. So with every rock, it's not quite as smooth and we wonder when it will be our last. Lol! So we talked about getting new ones. Well, we talked about putting in our budget the cost of new ones knowing it may take some time to save up but we dream on. Of course, I have big dreams. Since I spend so much time out here, I'm thinking of an elaborate space where I can sit even when it gets cold out and some lighting to go with it because the days will be shorter. As I talked and dreamed, my sweet husband just rocked and listened. He didn't crush my dreams but let me dream on knowing it may take quite a while to make it reality. But he knows this space is sacred to me. My rendezvous with Jesus on this very porch have been times of such growth, comfort, and healing. Times where I can get alone with my Father to learn & pray and allow Him to mold & shape me into what He desires. 

I was reading this morning in Mark chapter one where Jesus went to Simon's house and healed his mother-in-law as she lay so sick with fever. As news got around town, everyone began bringing their sick loved ones to Him for healing. But the next passage is where I focused....

“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:35‬

Jesus knew the importance of getting alone with the Father. He did so first thing in the morning before the busyness of the day began and at a place where they could be alone, away from distraction. 

This struck me this morning as I talked with my Father. Some mornings are hard to get up but when I do, and lay it all out before Him (sleepiness, grumpy attitude and all), He meets me right there and our time together is so sweet. I crave it...I need it. It's just the drink my thirsty soul needs! HE is what I need most in these early morning moments before my day begins. Before the craziness of life unfolds and the quiet moments are replaced by lots of noise and sometimes at very high volumes. 

So, today I will replay this passage of scripture over and over and remember that Jesus set the example for our every day. And I will count down the moments until we meet again on this very porch with a cup of coffee, His Word, and my tattered rocking chairs. Sweet sweet time!