"Daddy"

O, how I love this time of year! At this moment, I'm sitting on my front porch, Bible on my lap, dog at my feet, cup of coffee nearby and cuddled up with two blankets! Lol! It was only 46 degrees this morning when I headed for my porch but it is absolutely perfect! Summers here are pretty dreadful with scorching heat and high humidity but the fall is beautiful. I'm not a beach girl. Though I love waking up to see a beautiful sunrise over the ocean or seeing the magnitude of God's creation at the sight of an ocean sunset, I don't enjoy days at the beach baking in the scorching sun, with buckets full of sand in every nook and cranny, surrounded by more skin than should be visible. It doesn't appeal to me. I know I'm in the minority on this living in a coastal town and most of you think I'm absolutely crazy...but, it's just not my thing! I have no problem with those who love it; it's just not for me. Lol!

I'm more at home in the mountains. It has always been that way for me. Every time we visit, my soul sighs sweet relief when that first view of the mountains comes in sight. I, along with my daughter, feel at home every time we visit the Virginia mountains. But God has me and my family here in this coastal town of NC and I will continue to bloom right where he plants me! There is work to be done for the kingdom here in this coastal town and I want to stay focused on God to guide me where he wants me to serve. It's all about HIM!

The other morning, I was sitting at the breakfast table with Caleb as he was reading his morning devotion. He stopped and looked at me and said, "Mom, did you know that another name for God is Abba? It means 'father' or 'daddy'. I shared with him that, yes, I knew that and how we have the comfort of our Father, our Abba, every day.

Entering this fall season, I have so many things on my heart. But I'm thankful that I can take them to my Father...my Abba...my Daddy. There are days when I just want to crawl up in his lap as I share my heart because I know he listens and always has the right answers. It's only when I'm honest and still before him that I can hear his voice so clearly though. When I share the deepest aches of my soul or the longings of my heart with my Daddy, I KNOW that he listens. He doesn't always lead me to what I want to happen but he leads me to what he desires for my life. When I immerse myself in his Word and come to him in utter abandon, I can discern his sweet voice so much clearer and trust his ways are better. Being in the center of his will is where I long to be. Trusting in myself can be dangerous because my wants can be put before my needs. But trusting in my Father, my Abba, is where my soul finds rest and full contentment. He is amazing God!

I don't know where you are today. You may have burdens on your heart or are seeking direction in this time of your life. My friend, crawl up in the lap of your Father, and trust him completely to guide you to where he wants you to be. There is no safer place than in the arms of Daddy!

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”

Galatians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)