Running

 

This picture continues to be the BEST reminder to me to run to God with everything and to return over and over again. This summer has been some serious training in this running and I am hopeful that my heart is more inclined to run to Him (and not away from Him as Anna so wisely said a few years ago) because of all of the stress we’ve been dealing with.  

We still have not heard from the truck driver and still have no idea where our stuff is since the company won’t tell us from their main office. When I have had a pit in my stomach thinking about all of this at times and the way I have simply felt beat up by some of the folks in this company through our interactions with them, I am learning to run faster and faster into God’s arms.

Below are few things I read last night and this morning that have been helping me keep perspective….

For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see how; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.  2 Corinthians 4:17-18

My deepest desire for you is that you learn to depend on Me in every situation. I move heaven and earth to accomplish this purpose, but you must collaborate with Me in this training…..Use your freedom wisely, by relying on Me constantly. Thus you enjoy My Presence and My Peace. –Sarah Young

 

below is a reflection from a friend's daughter: 

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When evildoers assail me, uttering slanders against me, my adversaries and foes, they shall stumble and fall. 3 Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. 4 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. 5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent, he will set me high upon a rock. 6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies round about me; and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD. 7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! 8 Thou hast said, "Seek ye my face." My heart says to thee, "Thy face, LORD, do I seek." 9 Hide not thy face from me. Turn not thy servant away in anger, thou who hast been my help. Cast me not off, forsake me not, O God of my salvation! 10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me up. 11 Teach me thy way, O LORD; and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 12 Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence. 13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! 14 Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yea, wait for the LORD! Psalm 27

“As I was meditating on Psalm 27, out of God's great, merciful, loving-kindness, He started breaking open truths to me word by word that I'd never comprehended before. "In this I will be confident." He talked to me about how He never does anything without reason, showed me His unconquerable, jealous fury against injustice, and His heart for souls in which the light had not yet invaded…. I have been struck with the truth that we should never give up. Never give in. Whenever you meet formidable trials, it may seem like you're fighting a void atmosphere, but God is with you. So put on the full armor of God. Do not be dismayed. Do not be afraid. For the battle is not yours. It is the Lord's. And who could better defend you than the Defender, Himself. Infinitely more powerful than any power. He turns all things for His glory, for His eternal purpose. Don't stop digging into the Word. If you are meeting no opposition, dig deep. If great and many arrows are being thrown against you, dig deeper still. Only in fire can we truly experience God's holy flame. And above all, love Him, for He loves you greatly and longs to reveal His heart to you. Praise the Lord —” –Ashley Tucker

 

“You and Jason remain in my prayers.  I so hope the moving company has your things all in order and on the way to your door.  It has been wonderful to read how much God is doing in your life through this, literally opening the doors of your neighbors to welcome you in.  While the enemy is trying to get the best of you, God is just pouring on the graces through all the neighbors and all the work that you are able to get done on your house prior to your things arriving.”  (email from my friend Kristine)