Trials

This was a week for one day at a time, one prayer at a time, and one step at a time. It wasn't the most peaceful week, but God's presence was felt in the midst of the troubles. I also felt the love of my friends and family as we prayed through unexpected trials. I know that not every day is sunshine and roses, but every trial comes with resolution and peace if we seek and trust God and his wisdom.

James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 

Abundant Life

I believe I have missed more blog posts in the past 6 months than at any time in the last few years. It's not that I'm winding it down, it just seems that life is ratcheting up. I find it difficult to write when I'm on the road, so I just save up my stories for the next week. Last Sunday I flew to Norfolk, VA for a conference. It was a beautiful area and the weather was wonderful, with temps in the upper 60s. It was unexpected after driving to the airport in Atlanta with a Freezing Fog Warning, temps in the low 30s and 5 inches of snow on the ground at my house. 

The snow had come in to GA on Saturday morning. In between watching the snow fall, doing laundry, and packing, my nephew got married. I was up at 4 the next morning trying to figure out what in the world freezing fog was and if it would be a problem as I drove to ATL. It all turned out just fine, even if I was a little sleep-deprived later that evening. 

I spent a few days visiting with friends from the southeast as we learned lots of new things at the conference. When I landed back in Atlanta on Wednesday, I had left the cooler 45 degree drizzle in Norfolk for the balmy 75 degree heat wave. Good thing I wore layers!

I've taken a few days to regroup and rest. Now today I celebrate my 54th birthday with family, church, steak, and cake! Life is never dull; it is most definitely an abundant life!

John 10:10b I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. 

Palindrome Day

Today's date marks a fairly unique occurrence as a palindrome. It's 02022020, the same forward and backward. I love numbers and this one is very cool. It's also Groundhog Day and I just saw a new Super Bowl commercial for Jeep, which recreated some scenes from the movie "Groundhog Day". (I thought it was awesome, even though my friend Jeff is reserving judgement. :D) Overall, it's just a normal day with some quirky features. 

The uniqueness of this day got me to thinking about how God makes every day special and how I can recognize this and make any day stand out. So many times I find myself just trying to get through the day to get to the next thing. I don't think that is the way I should be treating what little time I have on this earth. What could I change to make every day unique, joyful, and memorable? It's kind of like the movie. If I could relive a day, would I change anything? Would I treat people differently? Would I take joy in the day without pushing through it like a steamroller or like someone being lead through a fire swamp? 

Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor - this is the gift of God. For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart. 

Oh, to be kept busy by the joy in my heart!