in all things...{billboards, too}

so as i was traveling down the interstate towards school one morning last week, i was sharing with God just how frustrated i was with myself. 

with my inability to focus on His word.
with my apathy towards prayer.
with my lack of discipline in my spiritual life.

i was crying out to my Father for reassurance as i was flying down the road at 60 mph, but going nowhere.

and as i looked up, He spoke to me through billboards.  four billboards, one right after another. 
{no joke, so don't laugh.}

i have no photos, so words will have to explain...

first...a beautiful collection of blue butterflies, taking off...it said "transformed".

second...a crumpled piece of paper on one half of the billboard, which said "before"...and a smooth, wrinkle-free sheet on the other half that said "after".

third...one half of the billboard showed a boy's hands playing a video game.  the other half showed the boy's hands holding a turtle.  and it said "unplug".

fourth and final...the words "get insulated".

words from God where i needed them, fast and furious glimpes on the highway.
telling me i am His.  i am worthy.  i am not of this world.
reminding me i am loved.  i am new.  i am capable of breaking free.

"teach me your way, oh Lord, that i may trust in you; give me an undivided heart that i may fear your name..." ps 86:11

thoughts for the moment...

school is back.  fall is almost here.  summer was completely and utterly awesome.  a lot of {stuff} has been happening in our lives, some good and some sad...nothing bad.  i've been thinking and praying a lot, listening to God's Word and trying to discern.  here are some thoughts...

* God's plan will prevail, even through our foolishness.
* we may *think* we know what the purpose is for what we are doing in our lives, yet we can not see past time and space.  God can.  and He is way cool.
* God is the potter.  i am the clay.  being molded hurts.  as does pruning.  but the end result is magnificent because it brings glory.
* my favorite verse, luke 9:23-24, is about carrying a cross daily.  when we finally decide to lose our life and carry that cross, we'd better be ready. 
* the Word and prayer sure can heal...everything.  i crave them.

i remain confident of this: i will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  wait for the Lord; be strong, take heart, and wait for the Lord.  psalm 27: 13

33 chilean miners...

today's news was amazing and wonderful! the world watching God's work unfold was awesome...and i went to His Word to see what He would say to me.

and i found...

"Hear my prayer, Lord;
listen to my cry for mercy.
When I am in distress, I call to you,
because you answer me.

Among the gods there is none like you, Lord;
no deeds can compare with yours.
All the nations you have made
will come and worship before you, Lord;
they will bring glory to your name.
For you are great and do marvelous deeds;
you alone are God."

psalm 86:6-10

soul clutter...

my soul has been heavy lately. i'm sure yours has been too.

it is so so difficult to read the news and not just want to reach through the screen and do something. my soul cries out to the people of haiti and i hurt so much for them. i feel like anything i do right now is just not enough. not enough... it feels like 9/11 all over again. that feeling of deep helplessness and disbelief...

i try to take comfort in the knowledge that our Father is there. He is there when i can't be. He hears their cries and ours.

pray. give. pray some more.

here's one of my favorite psalms, which we have hanging in our hallway near our bedrooms...

"i lift up my eyes to the mountains-
where does my help come from?
my help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip-
He who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, He who watches over israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

the Lord watches over you-
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

the Lord will keep you from all harm-
He will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forvermore."

psalm 121~