Leaping for Joy

 

 

   In the Ozark Mountains, where I live, it's beginning to look a little like fall. Not the full blown color that stops you in your tracks, but just enough color to keep me feeling hopeful. The air is cool and crisp, less humid, and it has the animals on our farm leaping in the air for joy. Really!! You should see the sheep jumping straight up on all four legs. Even the alpacas are getting in on the act.
   On these gorgeous, sunny, fall days, it just makes you feel good to be alive. I'm tempted to leap in the air myself; and would, except for the fear of breaking something that I need. I'm thankful to God to live in an area that has all four seasons. I'm realizing on the farm that they each have their own special beauty.
   It would serve us all well this year, to meditate on and find joy in the beauty of God's creation, and not to let the crazy mess our world is in get us down. Joy can be found in the simplest of ordinary moments if we share them with Jesus.
"I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow", John 15:11.

My Faithful Companion

   Lord, You pulled me across that chasm forever, drawing me close to You and away from that disabling shame. When I was in my teens and twenties, spiraling quickly downward, Your hold on me kept me from drowning in my recklessness.

   Now, as I journey through my autumn years, the certainty has grown in my heart that You've always been faithful, You've always been good. You've never failed to meet a need I had with Your perfect provision. I love you, Jesus. thank You for being my faithful companion.

"But the godly will flourish like palm trees, and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the Lord's own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit, they will remain vital and green. They will declare, "The Lord is just! He is my rock! Their is no evil in Him", Psalm 92: 12-15.

"The Lord will hold you in His hand for all to see-a splendid crown in the hand of God. Never again will you be called "The Forsaken City" or "The Desolate Land". Your new name will be "The City of God's Delight" and "The Bride of God", for The Lord delights in you and will claim you to be His bride", Isaiah 62:3-4.