Plans have changed for what I wanted to share with you this month. Last month I mentioned that I wanted to share from someone who demonstrates what it means to trust in Jesus. Well, I gave away the book that I was going to share from so that will have to wait for another time. Also, I wanted to apologize for the spacing of my blog last month. It made it a little hard to read. It looked great and wasn't all spread out until I published it. As I've mentioned before I'm not very good at this computer stuff, but hopefully the simple words that our Lord leads me to share will be a blessing and encouragement whether or not the format turns out right!
This month I'd like to share my journal entry on October 17, the 3rd anniversary of the day my husband, Ty, went home to heaven and to see Jesus. As I praise you this morning, Lord, it occurs to me that You give us so many blessings for free. My windows are open and as I look out at all the beautiful trees with orange and yellow leaves, I am thankful for your creation. I don't have to pay to enjoy it's beauty. I mainly need to slow down and pay attention to the beauty that is all around me. On this the 3rd anniversary of Ty's death, it's interesting how you had me focus on the trees and the beautiful fall day. For much of my life, my focus was on getting more things rather than appreciating all I already had. Ty, on the other hand, always appreciated the little things and especially your creation, Lord. He loved being in the country, taking care of the cattle, enjoying wildlife, sunrises, and sunsets. He was very content and thankful. What an example he was to me, Lord, of resting in you and appreciating all the free gifts and blessings that You surround us with each day. Thanks for walking with me these past 3 years; many times carrying me when my heart was breaking. Thanks for filling up the hole in my heart with more of You and your love and for helping me to find a new normal in this life without my sweetheart as I chose to run to you, to read and believe all of your unfailing promises in your Word, and to trust you with all my heart, to lean not on my own understanding but to acknowledge you in all my ways and know that you will direct my paths. Proverbs 3:5,6 (Ty's favorite verses). Thank you, Lord, for leading me on this new path, for never forsaking me. I still miss him so much, Lord. Thank you for being my Rock now that my little rock, Ty, is gone, for being my strength, my fortress, my shelter, my comforter, my helper, my healer, my Savior, my Father, my best friend and now my husband (Isaiah 54:5). I can't begin to express how much you mean to me. I am so weak and yet you have been my strength. My heart was broken into so many pieces that I thought it could never be whole again. Yet, you have and continue to heal by wrapping me in your arms of love as I cry out to you. The truly amazing thing is the peace and joy that you give me each day as I choose to lean on you and rest in your love and promises. NOTHING in this world can bring the peace, joy, and contentment that you have given me. As I said at the beginning, the best things in life really are free to us anyway. You, Jesus, paid the biggest price--giving your life so that I could have a relationship with my Heavenly Father that would meet my every need. You have shown me over and over since Ty's death, that you, Jesus, plus nothing equals everything. Thank you!"
That ended my prayer but I went on to say: Life is hard sometimes very hard, but God is good. Nothing can separate us from His love, and He never leaves us to suffer alone. We bring on added suffering and heartache when we choose to rely on or trust in things, other people, relationships, entertainment, etc. to make us feel better or to fill that hole in our hearts. It's so easy to get so busy that we just squeeze our relationship with Jesus in here and there instead of making Him our #1 priority and focus. He's always waiting with open arms for us to come and find rest and exactly what we need to help us in every area of our lives. This statement by A. W. Tozer is so true: "As Jesus is exalted to the right place in our lives a thousand problems are solved all at once." We need to quit chasing after more and more of what our world says we need and instead find true rest, peace, joy and contentment in a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus, the one who died for us, who loves us unconditionally, who desires what's best for us and promises to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us. (Ephesians 3:20)
I'm so thankful for the years that I had with Ty and for what he taught me as he trusted Jesus. I pray that my life will be an example too of trusting and obeying my Savior and appreciating the abundance of His blessings. I mess up so much and get so frustrated with myself, but I'm thankful that His love
never changes and that He never gives up on me. Let Him comfort and help you today with whatever needs you have. If it's been awhile since you've shared your heart with Him then why not take a walk and visit with Him (He is the best friend you could ever have) and in the process enjoy the beautiful colors of fall and maybe a sunrise or sunset too!
Celebrate that our God is for us and is with us as you listen to the song "Our God is Greater" and also enjoy the many pictures of God's creation.
