Reminders...

Hmmmmm. I wonder if I'll ever stop the strange old hermit habits... Here's the struggle: the selfish flesh-monster in me rears up and I want to run for the hills, literally! Seriously get in the car and just keep going (I know I'm the only one that ever thinks this right?).. So, I was overwhelmed with these ridiculous thoughts when lo and behold, here's what I found in my devotions. I happened to be in Psalm 55 where David says, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. Indeed, I would wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest."

So I was all, hey AMEN David! And wow, he had the same wild escape thoughts that I have sometimes. EXCEEEEEEEEPT, his "storm" he was trying to escape was people that wanted to kill him! My "storm" is myself!!! Storm is such a good word to describe it too. Temper flares, stubborn outbursts, a whirlwind of selfishness! Anyways, what would I escape? The amazing man that God gave me to marry? The loving and beautiful church family I am privileged to know and be a part of? My ministry that is EVERYTHING THAT MATTERS?... I write this with all joy. God gave me a fresh and wonderful reminder these last few days of just how much I have. I'll never get tired of Tim's marriage counsel, try to always think "what if they died tomorrow and this was your last day with them..." How would you want to have treated them? What would you wish you had said? And make this your every day. Best advice I have ever received. I carry that close in my heart and think of it often. I'm so glad Jesus lets me see through His eyes of peace. I'm so intolerant and just plain rude on my own. At the root of me without God is a crotchity old hermit and that's just plain ugly... Oh ya, the posted pics are to emphasize my point here. Do I really want to be the lonely lady of the woods like the one, or be in constant praise for the wife I get to be in the other? Hmm. Also, I will keep sabotaging this blog with springtime green wooded photos whenever possible as we hunker down in the sub-zero dead season.. There's a beauty in winter for sure, but I've had my fill. It's time for swimming in rivers and pitching tents in the woods and having campfires under the stars! Bring on the thaw God!

p.s. if Ashley reads this, Hello sweetie!