The mountain stream gurgles in celebration of life. Walk beside it on my path. You can’t see around the corner yet but keep walking. Celebrate each step as a step toward the plans I am unrolling. Take another step. You are tired, my love. The weight is heavy. But I have never left you and I do not leave you now.
Avoid looking into the darkness of self pity and depression. There is no life in that. You shut me out when you do that. Continue walking ahead.
Allow me to show you new steps, new purpose, new love. Let my joy flow over you. Into you. Through you. Let me strengthen you. I am with you always. Inhale deeply of my joyful breath, dear one.
Take another step.
This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again!
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5NLT
Please eat at my banquet table, dear one. Notice the endless choices of foods before you.
Smell the aromas of roasted meat and fresh vegetables. Taste the sweet fruits.
Sit with Me at my bountiful feast. Jubilant music swells throughout My massive hall. Joyful flames dance in torches and fireplaces. Children clap their hands as they whirl with zealous energy, celebrating My provisions.
Men shout and women sing.
Join in, dear one. Enter my feast. I will be your host.
Allow Me to set this banqueting table before you amidst the darkness, among the loss and pain.
In Me is life and healing and joy. You will find restoration as you trust My hand of plenty.
Join Me, My love.
A Prayer Heavenly Father, at times we focus on our own pain and forget Your greatness. Help us to turn our eyes in gratitude to Your vast provision and the beauty of Your creation. We wish to walk in joy, even as we walk in sorrow. For You promise protection and presence even in the valley of the shadow of death. You promise to be with us. Open our eyes to Your presence today. Amen.
Mountain flowers look delicate but have to be tough. They don't get a long growing season and often have to battle other plants and predators. Yet, these had shot up in what looked like a triumphant victory. They deserved their own composite.
The graceful curve and majestic stone of these stairs caught my eye. We were on a retreat at the magnificent Glen Eyrie Castle and Conference Center near Colorado Springs. The setting took me back to a more stately–and peaceful–time.
We pulled in at a small farm in the mountains of the Domican Republic where the farm family quickly showed us some of their produce, including fresh coffee beans and cacoa. The yellow cacoa pods contain cacoa beans, which will eventually become chocolate. It was a fascinating visit for us.
