Thoughts Along the Journey

 As you probably know, my dad had a stroke back in October .  He is having some symptoms which are a great cause for concern.  Please keep him and my mom in your prayers. 

I have been married for almost 23 years. My family is in Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma...a full two-day drive from Michigan (where we used to live) and Ohio (where we now live). Prior to our marriage, I was in college in Missouri for four years. So, most people would think: "You never get homesick any more, right? You're used to it!" Not really. I grew up on a farm in southwest Kansas, the youngest of four daughters. We are a close-knit family, and we LOVE spending time together. All three of my older sisters were married by the summer I was 12, so I spent several years as an "only child". I forged such a great bond with my parents during those years. We lived in an equally close-knit community, filling our days with church, school, 4-H, and other community activities. Whenever I visit home, I see people I have known since I was a child. They are truly "life long" friends. It's always a joy catching up on each others' ...

Well, I'm obviously lagging a bit behind. It seems as if life gets in the way of blogging. I can't even blame it on Facebook this time. I've not spent much time there lately. It gets to be sort of "same old, same old" after awhile. This won't be my usual "topical" post. Too much on my mind...so here goes! Lent began this past Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is always a solemn day o f reflection for me. A time of heart preparation for the 40 days to come. Most people don't feel this way, but this year, I'm actually excited about Lent! After all, it's not about what we "give up" in the way of food or pleasurable past times. It's about drawing closer to God because we're allowing Him to clear away the spiritual clutter that seems to inevitably build up in our lives. I recently re-read the two Frank Peretti books, "This Present Darkness" and "Piercing the Darkness". I don't remember the last time ...

Even though, in the midst of all my anxiety, I don't always "feel" His love... I am still amazed that He loves me so much. I am amazed by You, my dear Jesus!

And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 May the joy of that first Christmas fill your heart with great expectancy...as we await His coming again!

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly moved. Psalm 62:1, 2

Yes, I'm asking for your prayers again. Having one of my worst days in a long time...worst weeks, actually. It's not supposed to be like this! I am supposed to be brimming with joy and good cheer. We are about to celebrate our Lord's birth...and we are anticipating His return... But there is no joy in my heart right now. Only great fear. Lord, have mercy.