simply me

Every year Facebook reminds me of this picture... My sister captioned it "Even when it's cold out, we pray."  This group of homeschoolers who attended the high school part time (some full time) would meet up every morning before classes to pray. We prayed for personal things, classmates, "hypothetical" exams, playing time on sports teams, the list goes on... Few of us are still in regular touch and I certainly don't see these folks daily. This is all part of the ebb-and-flow of life. But no matter where life takes me, I am so thankful for the foundation of faith and prayer these meetings laid for me.  People come and go from our lives, some stick close no matter the distance, others only in the spirit of Truth which we share. But every passing memory is a reminder of God's faithful support which is often given through the community he places around us. I've come a long way from who I was in this photo 5 years ago - some good, some bad ...

Every day marks a year from something. But it is important to have celebrations and ebenezer dates to reflect on where we've come from and where we've gone. Think about what you were doing a year ago today. I can't really recall the day's events, but I know where I was for New Years Eve night last year. I'd gone through a rough few months and was in need of grace and forgiveness - from myself. The Lord has blessed me with wonderful friends. Throughout the night, one of said friends sat with me, encouraged me, and let me cry. That was exactly what I needed in that moment. From that place, I began this year refreshed and renewed. So much has happened since then. Some good, some bad, some ugly. But all perfectly what God needed me to walk through. I've been so many places, met so many people. Said goodbye to some and hello to others. The only response I have is thankfulness to the Lord for his faithfulness and lovingkindness.  Not all of us colle...