Where are you looking? Let’s forget the former things – Don’t dwell on the past.
Remember the good, Learn from all of your troubles, And focus on the now.
Strength and Grace, a daily devotional from Guideposts, is one of my morning rituals. My last post, “Whatever is Lovely,” also was inspired by this publication.
Today I am exploring the subjects of love and memory, and asking myself, “Where ya lookin’?”
I am remembering the time I was lookin’ to the right when I shoulda been lookin’ straight ahead. I walked into our car’s hatchback. It was comin’ down – and obviously I didn’t realize it!!
I am remembering the time I was dashing out of the car to go into a local restaurant to meet my granddaughter and her children. I was looking ahead when I should have been looking down … at my feet … at the curb. I tripped over it. Broke my pinky finger big time!
Ouch! I am remembering the time I was stepping up into the house from the garage and I didn’t step up far enough. I fell backward and hit my head on the metal hitch of the trailer. Eight stitches later I shoulda been lookin’ where I was steppin’!!
There’s a time to look up. There’s a time to look back. There’s a time to look ahead. But ALL THE TIME we should Look out! Look at the NOW. Live in the present – And look to live longer, healthier, happier, safer.
Father, in Your mercy, rescue me from myself, from my carelessness. Help me look to You for guidance and help me slow down, live in the now, and watch where I’m goin’! Amen
If your son was in a place like the one pictured here:
… with the red representing forest fires that are zero contained and the red arrow representing his home location, you would be embracing rain, too!
Play this sound of rain for a while.
As you listen, pray that God will provide rain for all the places in the world where drought or fires are placing people, animals, forests, homes, businesses, and livelihoods in danger.
The light of God surrounds me The love of God enfolds me The power of God protects me The presence of God watches over me Wherever I am, God is.
My Sanctuary
I repeat that prayer As I begin every day, Standing in this spot.
I turn off the light And let God’s light shine through me – Reflecting His Love.
Everywhere I go, I have faith that everything Has His protection.
My view from my sanctuary
The Bible is full Of protection promises Here’s three hours worth!!!
No, I don’t expect you to sit here for three hours and listen to all these scriptures, but they prove a point… just as that nursing baby proves a point. Protection is out there. Protection is yours. “Wherever I am, God is.” Believe it! Own it!
God is my refuge… my Savior. Jesus said, “Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.”
I pray you feel His protection this day, too.
God bless you!
I hope you found comfort here.
The Lord is my Shepherd…. He refreshes my soul and guides me along the right path. Fear no evil…
I live gratefully With thanks for family and friends Gratitude brings joy
The Flights Were Great!
I hope you had a joy-filled day of gratitude, too – on that day we call Thanksgiving here in the USA. We arrived safely (thanks to my niece, Jodie) at the Pittsburgh airport around 5: AM. Our flight to Minneapolis arrived on time, with no difficulties – and we had a nice breakfast in their lovely airport. The 6:15 AM flight to Bozeman was on time and encountered no problems.
Problems Began After Landing
The problems came after we landed in Bozeman, MT and Bob tried to find our car in long-term parking. He wandered in the wrong parking lot for a half hour before realizing the car was in the next lot over. By then, I knew he was in some kind of trouble as I stood in the warmth of the airport with our luggage waiting for him.
I prayed to God, “Please help Bob solve whatever trouble he has encountered.”
Prayer Works
About that same time, Bob reported later, he realized he had not sought God’s help, so he also prayed to find the car. That’s when God nudged him to go to the next parking lot over… and sure enough, there it was. BUT, it was covered in snow… and the snow had more than one layer during the time we were gone. The under-layer was iced on.
Be Prepared
Anyone who has lived through a winter in this part of the world, should know what to carry in the trunk of your car. An emergency kit needs to include a blanket or two, gloves, a hat or two, an ice/snow scraper, etc. Our trunk had a can of de-icer and a blanket, but none of the rest of those items. It took Bob 20 minutes to clear away enough of the ice and snow to make the car safe to drive.
Yes, we know what we need to add to our emergency supply to be prepared in the future!
Home Safely
It was snowing lightly as we began the 60 miles toward home, but it let up as we crossed over the mountain pass and followed the Madison River into Madison County and our valley. The roads were clear – and we praised God for a wonderful homecoming!
Family Greeted Us
At home, we were greeted by our son, his wife, two grand-daughters and their husbands, and two of our great-grandchildren. Happy Thanksgiving!! The smell of turkey assailed my nostrils when I opened the door – and hugs all around said, “Welcome Home!”
Hail, hail, the gang’s all here!
Xander, our great-grandson
Monika, our daughter-in-law, with Sienna, our great-granddaughter
Ty, our son, with TazE, our dog
I am grateful to our dear friends, Gail & Harold, who took care of TazE while we were gone.
Here’s our granddaughter, Hope, with Sienna
The smell of turkey roasting was so inviting!
The sweet potatoes are ready for the marshmallows
It was a wonderful meal… and great fellowship. I hope you had a great day, too. Now on to “Black Friday!”
Some call this “Black Friday” – a day when merchants encourage shoppers to come to their stores – big sales everywhere!
Only Thing Black
The only thing black about today for me is my coffee and the night sky! I am up early and enjoying some quiet time.
I hope yours is a Fabulous Friday with delicious coffee (or tea) to warm you inside, and a cozy home filled with love to warm you through and through.
Eternally Grateful
While my family is still asleep, I am up in my sanctuary, thanking God for:
answered prayers
a safe trip to Pennsylvania and back
the chance to see my sis in her new setting
the generosity of my niece, Jodie, and her husband, Bill
the gracious hospitality of the McSparrons in Kutztown, PA
the opportunity to participate in a bit of the life of Liam, our great-nephew
Liam’s big heart and wonderful work ethic
the love and care my niece, Jodie, gives to her family and my sis (her mom)
our son and his family who greeted us with love and a luscious Thanksgiving dinner when we returned home
