REST

Then

where has it gone

when

thrown over and under

the cares of tomorrow

creep in and scamper

to hide

In the unfilled recesses

of today’s hustling

and toil

Then

where has it gone

when

leaden and weighing

these burdens cast shadows

on the need to slow down

to breathe

in the beauty and grace

of thanksgiving amid

the turmoil

Now

I know it’s not gone

when

gentle and humble

He woos me to come

lay down and remember

to rest

in provision

of a Root growing deep into

Love’s soil

grace abounding

Gifts #352-#418

#354 Love that drives out fear #355 Tulips in full bloom on the kitchen counter--> from You, a love note #361 Purplish blue toe nail polish #363 Learning from those who have suffered much for the Kingdom #365- Hummingbirds, birds in general...love them #372 Your words to me, keepin me tender #374 Humility when I am aware of Grace #378 Coffee in bed, love note. #379 Hope Hope Hope, renewed reminders even in darkness + painful uncertainty #382 Your opinion of me, more important than anything else #387 Laughing and acting like a kid again, abs hurting from so much ridiculousness! #391 my Kid's church girls, hearing them pray-nothing like hearing preteen talk to the Father. #398 Clouds ablaze in oranges, pinks and lilacs #404 the Eucharist #405 Greek and Hebrew Lexicons #406 Women and Men, woman made from man's rib by God, man and woman in the image of God. #409 Harmony singing #410 Grandpa and Grandma settling in, Grandma being happier and more at peace, thank You Lord. #411 Found my Necklace!! almost 1 year after losing it. #413 Girl friends and BBC Jane Austen #414 Pretty purple tops-lilac- love it.

Psalm 131

My heart is not proud, LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.

the Spirit helps in our weakness

Thanks #294-351---

#294 exercise I don't loathe, and consider fun!
#301 Spirit reminding me of grace given me, and grace that needs to be extended
#307 Glimpses of heaven in community
#310 in my days of trouble, You answer me when I call
#316 male friendships, my brothers in the Lord
#321 humility
#325 exciting option for my ministry internship
#327 Your Word, Your Truth, alive in Me
#334 church planting
#337 reminder to live an intentional life
#342 miracles even though I don't understand
#343 hore frost coating every tree, fence and telephone pole
#346 wool sweaters
#347 your constant love and presence when it seems like everything is out-of-control
#350 snowy adventures with new friends in the mountains

Elpis..

¹¹ Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. ¹² But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, ¹³ and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. ¹⁴ For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

¹⁵ The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:

¹⁶ “This is the covenant I will make with them
after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds.”

¹⁷ Then he adds:

“Their sins and lawless acts
I will remember no more.”

¹⁸ And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.

¹⁹ Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, ²¹ and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ²² let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:11-25

habit... not yet... but getting there

There are days when life is just plain difficult, and I don't always feel like giving thanks.
However, I have come to value this slowly forming habit...when I read over the blessings, the little gifts, the big gifts, I start to see a glimmer:

#270-#293

#270 -The bright full moon reflecting off snow covered mountains
#271- the Bible-study ladies I am getting to know as we delve into the Word
#273- My mom's sense of humour
#281- Sleep.
#282-Granadilla pulp in a can
#283-My little (not so little) brother is engaged to a wonderful girl!
#287-Hope-word for the year
#289-Thin electric line of pink on the horizon as the sun is waiting to explode into the winter sky.
#290-Chinooks
#293- Love, shaping me.