Praised God Lately?

God is an amazing God even through all the ups and downs. From the random cards I receive in my box out of the blue that bring tears to my eyes and a smile to my face to blessing me with surviving "teaching" middle school (not only did I survive the 6th grade class, I was blessed beyond measure at only having to be with them 20 minutes by myself instead of 2 hours like I was scheduled), and even in an accident where I was rear-ended at a stoplight.

Although I was furious at the inconvenience and am frustrated to have one more thing to add to my plate to take care of, God is always right there. And I thank God for always being right there, even through the storms (no matter the size)

You see today I can be thankful and grateful that:
1. At least the vehicle didn't hit me any harder or force me into the intersection,
2. the police in that area are pretty quick so I didn't have to wait long,
3. no injuries,
4. I didn't have the kids with me,
5. my mom works right there and as late as it was she was on lunch (so blessed to be so near to my family) so she came when I called (of course I know she would've come even if she wasn't on lunch),
6. after the officer gave me my portion of the paperwork and shared with me what I needed to do from this point, he told me to have a Blessed Day (seriously those 2 words from someone are some pretty amazing and powerful words). and
7. as I started my drive to pick up kids and be part of an interview it was only moments before God reminded me that he always has reasons even when we don't quite understand them.

I don't like being in this situation or having that accident, but in just a short time I couldn't help but think that maybe I was there and prevented a more serious accident such as the man going through the intersection when the light was red and causing injury or casualty. I was there out of the ordinary because normally if I am working at the district office at the end of the day I pick up Aubrey, then Tori, and finally Bradley. Today I didn't do that because we are still trying to hire to fill some vacancies so I was actually heading back to work to put in some more time before getting the kids and heading home.

I leave you with this:
Psalm 50:14-15 I am God Most High! The only sacrifice I want is for you to be thankful and to keep your word. Pray to me in time of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me.

Dear God,
I am so thankful and grateful that you have taught me to lean on you, to come to you in times of joy and peace as well as in times of fear, frustration, trouble. You are a God who is everywhere and even though I may not quite understand your purpose for the things that happen to me while I live this earthly life, let me trust in that purpose, trust in you. Let me continue to find the rainbow in the storm, the light in the dark, the blessing in disguise. Use me Lord for your will and let me always remember to praise your Holy name.
Amen

Going Digital....What Do We Leave Behind?

"Wow Mom! You have a Holy Bible?! You should take that to church," exclaimed Tori, completely mesmerized by finding a copy of a Bible that I have had for a little more than 20 years.

It hit me that Tori knows I read the Bible every day, but has only ever seen me read it in a digital format. Her realizing that I have a hard copy of the Holy Bible was simply astonished her. To hear her, you would think we own the most prized possession in the world. And she would be right, afterall, within these pages are the amazingly true stories of life.....love, hate, war, etc. Most importantly, within these pages, is the key to eternal life. 

But within these pages are also a more recent true life story. As I leafed through the pages of this once well used Bible I took a trip down memory lane. You see it contains bits and pieces of my own life as an early teen and into young adult hood. There are treasured bookmarks, Sunday bulletins, highlighted passages, and even notes passed on the bus and in the halls from a dear friend, Hope. 

These folded up pages contained a handwriting that I would recognize like my own, those of a friend who I will always and forever love like a sister and who I will always see with her smile that lit up her face as she would sing "Victory in Jesus".

We passed many notes in our 2 short years at the same school. Notes about boys, friends, likes, dislikes, songs, quotes, and Bible verses. These particular notes include words of inspiration, words about being a Christian, and Bible passages. 

As I think on these notes and other remnants left in the pages of my Bible, I realize that without meaning to, I have left a piece of me. Maybe something only I will understand, but still a part of my story. As we have moved into such a digital world, I too have selected to read many books electronically. I love that I can take notes this way and have my books with me at any given moment, but I learned a few years ago, I will probably always prefer my professional books in a hard copy. 

Up until last night, I also LOVED my Bible being with me via my tablet as well. I can take notes, have a set reading plan, set devotional plan, listen to scripture, and receive my daily verse. All things I love, love, love having at the tip of my fingers. Now I realize that there is a part that I miss about my hard copy. You see I am more likely to highlight and take notes in my hard copy and these lead to a story that can unfold during those trips down memory lane. They also lead to a source of peace as I flip, read highlights or notes, and reflect. 

As I leave you this evening, I ask that you take the time to stop and reflect. Do you have a Bible full of highlights, notes, or a paper or two? When was the last time you stopped to relive those moments? 

As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us: All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 

So, I probably won't be giving up my digital Bible anytime soon, but I can become more diligent on tracking my Christian journey and allowing my life to show up in my Bible. For me that will most likely be in the form of a notebook. What about you? How will you share your journey? How will you be a witness to others as well as to yourself when you go back to reflect? How will you take notice of scripture so that you may learn and teach from it so that you may be equipped for every good work?

Lord, I ask that you be with me as I continue my journey, as I walk down the path you have chosen for me. Help me to leave footprints so that I can see where I have been and so that others can learn from my journey so that they may leave their own for others to learn from as well. Amen.