Thank you for taking the time to look at my blog. Mostly this is a record of my journey- through what exactly I do not know yet, so for now we will just say: Life- and all that comes with it.
The
reality is that we all struggle, we just don't like to admit it. Some
of us don't like to even hint at something being amiss in our lives at
all. We think that if we allow others to think that our lives are
perfect it will somehow glorify God. That perfect lives glorify Him more
than our imperfections. This thinking is flawed.
How
many times have you heard someone tell you about the hardships that they
have had to face or are currently facing, and how God has worked
through those? While I can't say I've heard it often I can without a
doubt tell you that every time I have heard someone share their
struggles, I have been encouraged. You do not know what those around you
are going through or have gone through and maybe by sharing your story
they will be encouraged too. Maybe they will have that moment of
realizing they aren't alone in their struggle, someone else has been
there too.
We are not called to a life of solidarity, but of fellowship. "And
let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not
neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging
one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Hebrews
10:24-25
We are called to share both our joys and our sorrows.
I encourage you all to remember this the next time someone asks you how
you are or how your week was. Don't just mutter the usual "fine,"
really think about what has happened and what God has shown you. Maybe
that truth is just what they need to hear.
This past
Sunday I sprained my ankle pretty severely (I'm actually going to see a
specialist tomorrow because they are concerned I have a hairline
fracture), so severely that four days later, I still can't put weight on
it. I am struggling. I'm not struggling with the physical pain of it,
but with the inability to work or be productive. I am frustrated because
I want to be of use but every time I try to be useful, I have to sit
back down. I am struggling with allowing people to help me. I have two
wonderful roommates who have been willing to help with more than I ever
would have imagined, plus people volunteering to bring me food and take
me to doctor appointments, etc. but it's the little things like prepping
my own food or clearing my plate or pouring my own glass of water that
bring the most frustration. Not being able to do the most basic self
sustaining things without help is hard. It takes an amount of humility,
that I apparently lack, to be able to admit that I need help with just
about everything. Thankfully God likes to teach us how to be humble
since pride comes easier to everyone I know, including myself.
I
am blessed by those willing to help me, and I am thankful for God
putting them in my life, but most of all I am thankful that He has given
me this opportunity to humbly admit I need help. Perhaps if I keep it
all in perspective I can also see how it reflects the greater picture of
life, just as I need help to do everything while I am injured, it takes
help from Him for me to be able to do everything on a regular basis.
Perhaps if I turned to Him before trying to take that step, both
physically and spiritually, I would prevent further injury and trust
that He wants to help me and see me get better.
I spent
some time today in 2 Peter and while it may not seem exactly relevant, I
hope you will let these words resonate within you:
"But do not
overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a
thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to
fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you,
not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach
repentance."
2 Peter 3:8-9
The Lord fulfills
his promises. Nothing can thwart His plans. Do not be afraid. Do not
worry. God is almighty, all seeing, and all powerful.
These were taken at sunrise about a month ago in Trinity Pines, Texas.
I was recently reminded that I haven't posted the pictures from my trip to Victoria, Texas with my mother and grandmother yet. So I of course had to immediately remedy this. Below is the adorable bed and breakfast we stayed in - while charming and old from the outside, not quite as pleasant inside. Unfortunately the place seemed to be falling apart a bit, the owners seemed to be borderline hoarders (is there such a thing as borderline?), and it was a bit dirty. Despite all this however we did enjoy our stay with them.
There was a historical tour in the city, and quite a few old homes that were magnificent looking, however most of our sight seeing was done via car, so few pictures were taken.
We did see this beauty however.
And we even went inside to get a peek at the sanctuary.
While in the sanctuary I took advantage of the amazing acoustics and sang a little song - I put it together with a few dancing clips for kicks and giggles.
Then later that evening I caught a free Easton Corbin concert at the town square for their local "boot fest," which is essentially a mini rodeo minus the actual rodeo functions (sale booths and music only). For a small town festival it didn't seem too bad, though you have to remember I grew up in Austin, where a little music festival is 3 sold out days in the biggest park with 5 stages and a TON of bands, so I might be hard to impress on that front.
Just before taking off to our separate homes at the end of our relaxing weekend we took a few pictures together on the front steps of our B&B.
Of course this is my favorite one, where I am still smiling at the camera but mom and grandma have turned to each other to share a few choice words.
While on my drive home I stumbled across some remarkably beautiful countryside that I felt the need to photograph as well.
While photographing the barn I was kneeling next to a barbed wire fence and a thorny vine, so I also took some close ups of those.
Then shifting to my left I discovered I was kneeling right next to this beautifully frightening scene, so I snapped a couple quick ones and then quietly backed away. (Notice the one on the top right of the nest is staring right at me EEK) Still gives me the hebegeebees.
Just past all of that fun there was a magnanimous cotton field (even though I'm from Texas I had never seen one in person) so I naturally couldn't resist it's beauty either.
Scripture:
I saw this one in a frame on the wall at a friend's house, though I had read all of it before I had somehow never really noticed this one until now, which makes it seem like even more of God's doing since it's rather pertinent to my current life situations.
"In his heart a man plans his course,
but the Lord determines his steps."
Proverbs 16:9
You may plan out your life, but God will direct you where He wants you to go.
In December (long time coming, I know) I road tripped across much of the Texas hill country and rekindled my love for wide open spaces.
