Things I Learned This Summer (Part 2)

Hey Friend,

Awww...not again?!  It's 4:30 am. and bing, I'm awake once more.  When will my body let me sleep in?  This has gone on for a couple of weeks and I have fought it, analyzed it and finally have come to the conclusion that this is when God wants to meet with me. 

I've always been a morning person, but not quite this early.  Even my dog looks at me like I'm crazy and she slowly saunters down the steps after I have a cup of hot java in my hands and have settled into my favorite chair.  This has been going on for most of the summer now, and I have finally stopped fighting and find I actually enjoy rising at an early hour.  The house is quiet and peaceful when it is dark outside and the rest of the world is sleeping.

It's then that I am a captive audience, without distraction, to whom God can speak.

I've learned that if I walk my dog at 5:45, I get to experience the awesomeness of God in the magnificent sunrises He blesses me with.  Now that fall is approaching, the sunrise is more of a benediction on my walk with my dog.

God's mercies are new every morning.  Great is your faithfulness.  (Lamentations 3:23)

Another thing I've learned this summer is that I need to not only drink in scripture, but I've been challenged to memorize it.  It's kind of like packing my emergency kit, because when the storms come along (and they will), I need to be equipped with God's grace on the tip of my tongue.

His word is what I cling to and the more of His word I can have tucked away the better.  Not only for the storms, but for when life calls for praising Him.  I want to be ready with scriptures to bless and praise Him.

Impress them (God's commands and words) on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your house and on your gates.  (Deuteronomy 6:7-9)

Due to extensive knee surgery that kept me immobile for a long time, I rediscovered my love of writing this summer.  Do you sense a thread here, that God has to go to great lengths to get my attention sometimes?  A reader said that they appreciate that I am honest, real and transparent.  Yep, that's me.  It isn't easy sometimes, but I feel called to do so, so that we can stand shoulder to shoulder and support one another in this difficult thing called life. In a glossed over world, we need to be a little more real.

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; I have overcome the world."  (John 16:33)...this is the most recent scripture I have memorized.

What things have you learned this summer?  I'd love to hear from you, but at the very least, I hope you will reflect upon this season and find something you've learned and can give thanks for.

Love,

Bev