Distance: 60 miles- flatter ride with some rolling hills and one good climb.
Weather: It didn't rain on us! Great answer to prayer as storms were in the forecast. Cloud coverage in the morning with wind so it was cooler and not too hot. Sun came out in the afternoon. Rain this evening.
Most Scenic: 14 miles along Scenic Lake
Favorite Part: 20 miles of countryside before lunch
Least favorite part: last 20 miles of the ride b/c it was flat and windy
After a lovely breakfast out on the patio overlooking Seneca Lake, we got our bikes ready to head out. There were chances of rain and thunderstorms today. Thankfully I had a good night's sleep and was ready for another day on the bike. The first 14 miles was an easy start. It was flatter and we had a great tailwind to give us an extra push. Very scenic as we were riding along Seneca Lake.
Today was the first day I rode the entire ride on my own. I followed the cue sheet and did not get lost. very proud of myself.
After mile 20 we turned onto a good hill and then rode alongside more beautiful farmland and countryside until lunch at mile 40. Once again the roads were quiet. I enjoyed waving to a few Amish kids and a couple of farmers on tractors.
While I was riding this morning I was trying to recall different parts of scripture. I have memorized numerous bible verses over the years but unfortunately I'm not great at reciting them. It was neat though as God brought to mind different phrases and parts of many different verses. I started singing "better is one day" by Matt Redman. I love this song as it's based on Psalm 84. "better is one day in your house than a thousand elsewhere."
I had a lot of time with God today on the bike. 60 miles. This morning God woke me up early so I took my bible and journal and sat outside. very peaceful spot overlooking Seneca lake. Good quiet time with Him. Simply asked Him to speak to my heart today and that I would be open to hear from Him.
During miles 20-40 when I was in the midst of farms and NY countryside, the song lyrics "I am loved by God, I will stop trying to control it" kept going through my head. I started to say it out loud. I probably repeated the truth "I am loved by God" a hundred different times. May that truth go deeper and deeper into my heart. That changes everything. I then said out loud all the times I do not feel loved by God, followed by the truth I am loved by God. ie "I am loved by God. I let others down. I am loved by God. I am critical of myself. I am loved by God. I have sinned. I am loved by God." And the list went on. It was so powerful to state I am loved by God again and again. It does not matter how I feel or what I have done. NONE of that changes that I am loved by God. I AM LOVED BY GOD. That truth, when I choose to believe it and live in it, changes everything.
I was one of the first ones to arrive at Canandaigua Lake. There was a great downhill going down to Canandiagua Lake. That's my favorite way to first catch a glimpse of a finger lake.
I leaned my bike against a tree, took off my cycling shoes, and sat on the rocks right on the lake shore. perfect summer day. there were sailboats, wind surfers, and people out on the water. Just enjoyed some sweet time in God's presence. Grabbed a sandwich to take back to the rocks. Outdoor picnic with my Beloved King. After lunch I had some awesome gelato at a nearby little restaurant. I rode my bike down to the pier before leaving Canandaigua Lake to take pictures. Hard to leave the beauty of the water.
The next 20 miles were not my favorite. It was very flat, there was a headwind, it wasn't too scenic, and I was riding by myself. I felt like I was slowly plugging away. Finally there was a hill. I let out a "yay". however as I started to climb it I realize something was off... Later I found out that I had a broken cable which was the reason I couldn't shift gears. So while I did not enjoy the lack of hills, it actually turned out to be a good thing.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
The joys of hills
As I mentioned in my last post, we had an eight mile climb at the start of our ride this morning. During this climb I was thinking about how much I love hills. No matter how long or steep a hill may be... just knowing there is a downhill on the other side is so rewarding. The reward for a difficult climb is the thrill of the downhill. I also like the challenge of climbing up the hill as it makes a ride much more interesting. Last fall I did two century bike rides. One was full of rolling hills and great climbs. The other was almost completely flat. Without question I loved the hillier ride. The hills provide challenges and changes up the ride instead of the monotony of a flat ride.
God reminded me of how much life is like the hills I love to climb. No matter what challenge or trial we face in life if we remember that there is an end, what a difference of a perspective we have. When all I see is the struggle I am in I get very discouraged. If I thought there was no end to the hill I was climbing I would give up. Yet, just as there is an end to the uphill climb (even if I can't see it at the moment) there is also an end to our struggles.
The challenge of course is not knowing when the end will come. And we are not always guaranteed an end in this lifetime. Yet the Bible tells us that our life is like a vapor. While life can seem long and difficult, in light of eternity our time on earth is like a mist. So quickly over.
"Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James 4:14
I love the encouragement I Peter has about the hope we have in Christ. This can be our perspective as we face trials.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
I do not say any of this lightly as I have friends who are undergoing trials and struggles unlike anything I can imagine. Yet I do know that we have an eternal hope in Christ Jesus. What a difference of perspective- what true hope we can find in Him.
During the climb, I stopped at mile 3 to turn around and took a quick picture of the view behind me. I still had a lot of climbing to do but I was encouraged by the great view behind me and seeing how far I had already come.
How important it is to look back and remember how far God has brought us. The victories He has given us. How we have seen Him at work in our lives. We need to stop and remember in the midst of a struggle or trial. Yes, you may not be out of the challenge you are facing but take time to look back and remember God's goodness!
One last thought. Just as the hills make a ride more interesting, challenges in our life has a similar purpose. Not to make life interesting but to draw us closer to God. Without struggles and challenges we can easily forget God or feel like we do not need Him. It is often during a challenging season of our lives that we cling to Him as never before. We feel His Presence in a deeper way. Our hearts are open to Him speaking to us. His word and promises become our lifeline. I know for my life, the challenges and struggles I have walked through have allowed me to know and experience God in such a deeper way. How God wants to use the challenges you are in to draw you closer into His loving Presence.
I don't always know why we face the struggles and challenges that are here on this earth but I do know that God is good. He longs to sustain us and for us to know more of Him. And one day soon, if Christ is our Lord and Savior, we have a glorious eternal hope of seeing our Savior face to face. Every tear and every struggle will fall away when we are in the glorious presence of the Lord and lords and King of kings. Our risen Savior.
Day Two: Metric Century from Seneca Lake to Keuka Lake
Today's ride: Seneca Lake to Keuka Lake
Weather: blue skies, sunshine, 80s with low humidity
Metric century- 68 miles total
Most scenic: 14 miles along Keuka Lake
Favorite part: 8 mile climb from Watkins Glen
Our ride started with an immediate climb as we left Watkins Glen. It was actually my favorite part as I felt God speak the most to me during this climb. I enjoyed the climb itself as the first 3 miles was steep but the rest was more of a gradual uphill. Which, of course. was followed by an amazing downhill. I got up to 43 mph on the downhill. Normally I ride my brakes more as I get slightly nervous going that fast. It was a nice downhill though because you could see where it leveled out at the bottom.
The next 10 or so miles was through beautiful farmland. I was feeling tired today- the lack of sleep from a couple nights ago caught up with me- so I stopped to take some picture along the way. I felt a little silly taking pictures of barns, hay bales, and corn as I grew up with 3 farms right near my house. Seeing a country farm is nothing new. Yet I wanted to capture some of this tour. We are either riding on beautiful quiet country roads or are near the water of the Finger Lakes.
I was excited when there was a little unexpected downhill as I rode into Hammersport. A very cute little downtown. Stopped there to refuel. The next 14 miles was the most scenic part of the ride. We were riding right alongside of Keuka Lake. The sun was sparkling off the water. beautiful.
We had a lovely picnic lunch at Keuka State Park. It was nice to take a break for a while. Did I mention I was a little tired today?
After lunch I was feeling better and ready to tackle the last 25 or so miles. I rode with two others from the group and we opted to do the route with some additional hills. of course. There was a good climb and once again more farmland. We passed a few Amish folks. One horse and buggy had five kids in the back. They looked so cute in their hats and traditional clothing.
The weather was perfect. High 80s but low humidity. It would have been hot this afternoon but a few clouds rolled in. After the hot humidity in Virginia the weather here has been splendid.
At the end of our ride a few of us decided to bike down to see a waterfall. It was a very steep downhill which was awesome to whiz down- a great view of the lake ahead of you. We saw this amazing waterfall.... that is in someone's backyard. The little old man was very nice and let us come into his yard to take a picture by the waterfall. Can you imagine having a waterfall in your back yard? Just the sound alone was very peaceful. Climbing up that steep hill (category five climb) after at the end of a 65 mile ride was definitely a challenge.
We are staying at a inn right on Seneca Lake. (We rode back from Keuka Lake to Seneca Lake). It's part of a winery so in our rooms we have a free bottle of wine. We also had a complimentary wine tasting. I decided that a nap was more important to me than the wine tasting... though I was thinking of my friends who love wine. Too bad they weren't here to appreciate it. We ate dinner outside on the patio overlooking the lake as the sun started to set. Our rooms have a little private balcony that overlooks the vineyards and Seneca Lake. I'm sitting outside in an Adirondack chair enjoying the cool summer evening as I write this. I love that about NY- they have cool summer evenings.
My next blog posting will be about my favorite part of the day- the 8 mile climb at the start of the ride...
Weather: blue skies, sunshine, 80s with low humidity
Metric century- 68 miles total
Most scenic: 14 miles along Keuka Lake
Favorite part: 8 mile climb from Watkins Glen
Our ride started with an immediate climb as we left Watkins Glen. It was actually my favorite part as I felt God speak the most to me during this climb. I enjoyed the climb itself as the first 3 miles was steep but the rest was more of a gradual uphill. Which, of course. was followed by an amazing downhill. I got up to 43 mph on the downhill. Normally I ride my brakes more as I get slightly nervous going that fast. It was a nice downhill though because you could see where it leveled out at the bottom.
The next 10 or so miles was through beautiful farmland. I was feeling tired today- the lack of sleep from a couple nights ago caught up with me- so I stopped to take some picture along the way. I felt a little silly taking pictures of barns, hay bales, and corn as I grew up with 3 farms right near my house. Seeing a country farm is nothing new. Yet I wanted to capture some of this tour. We are either riding on beautiful quiet country roads or are near the water of the Finger Lakes.
I was excited when there was a little unexpected downhill as I rode into Hammersport. A very cute little downtown. Stopped there to refuel. The next 14 miles was the most scenic part of the ride. We were riding right alongside of Keuka Lake. The sun was sparkling off the water. beautiful.
We had a lovely picnic lunch at Keuka State Park. It was nice to take a break for a while. Did I mention I was a little tired today?
After lunch I was feeling better and ready to tackle the last 25 or so miles. I rode with two others from the group and we opted to do the route with some additional hills. of course. There was a good climb and once again more farmland. We passed a few Amish folks. One horse and buggy had five kids in the back. They looked so cute in their hats and traditional clothing.
The weather was perfect. High 80s but low humidity. It would have been hot this afternoon but a few clouds rolled in. After the hot humidity in Virginia the weather here has been splendid.
At the end of our ride a few of us decided to bike down to see a waterfall. It was a very steep downhill which was awesome to whiz down- a great view of the lake ahead of you. We saw this amazing waterfall.... that is in someone's backyard. The little old man was very nice and let us come into his yard to take a picture by the waterfall. Can you imagine having a waterfall in your back yard? Just the sound alone was very peaceful. Climbing up that steep hill (category five climb) after at the end of a 65 mile ride was definitely a challenge.
We are staying at a inn right on Seneca Lake. (We rode back from Keuka Lake to Seneca Lake). It's part of a winery so in our rooms we have a free bottle of wine. We also had a complimentary wine tasting. I decided that a nap was more important to me than the wine tasting... though I was thinking of my friends who love wine. Too bad they weren't here to appreciate it. We ate dinner outside on the patio overlooking the lake as the sun started to set. Our rooms have a little private balcony that overlooks the vineyards and Seneca Lake. I'm sitting outside in an Adirondack chair enjoying the cool summer evening as I write this. I love that about NY- they have cool summer evenings.
My next blog posting will be about my favorite part of the day- the 8 mile climb at the start of the ride...
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Day One: Cayuga Lake to Seneca Lake
Last night I felt like a little kid the night before Christmas... I was too excited to sleep!
Today was an amazing first day. absolutely perfect weather- blue skies and sunshine. 80s without humidity.
We biked through the town of Ithaca and started the gradual climb along Cayuga lake. We then veered off and took some beautiful quiet country roads to the overlook at Taughannock Falls. The tallest falls in the Finger Lakes. I have been to the falls before but from the bottom. We then rode through more countryside and small towns. There were some good climbs and great downhills.
There are 12 other cyclists on this tour, along with the husband and wife who lead the tour. The tour is well supported and we are staying at beautiful hotels along the way. I am overwhelmed by staying at such lovely places. Tonight we are staying at this beautiful hotel right on Seneca Lake. I can look out my window and see the sailboats on the water. It was such fun to walk into my room and be amazed at how at the lavish and beauty of it all. It made me look forward to heaven... I can't even begin to imagine how beautiful and glorious heaven will be. I can't wait to see the mansion Jesus is preparing for me!
I've enjoyed chatting with others on the tour. We have a diverse group from a set of grandparents to a woman who is training for her second Iron Man. I rode with her for the first part of the day. After lunch I rode by myself for a while and was enjoying the view of Seneca Lake as I rode. I stopped to take a picture of a couple by the water. I then had them take a picture of me in return. It was fun chatting with them as I found out they were from Canada. I love little random moments like that.
After that I rode with two others from the tour and chatted with them. I decided to stick with them for a while so I didn't have to worry about paying attention to where we were going. Once we got to Watkins Glen, we had a good long steep climb that ended with an amazing view of Seneca Lake. Which was followed by an awesome long downhill. Have I mentioned how much I love riding on hills? You get the great challenge of going up and then the thrill of going downhill. Love it.
We enjoyed lunch at Penguin Bay Winery overlooking the vineyard and lake. We of course had to have a wine tasting before going on our way.
After we got to Watkins Glen and checked into the hotel we went to Watkins Glen to hike through the glen. I hike through the glen practically every summer but I never tire of it. Absolutely beautiful.
Enjoyed a nice dinner and sunset over Seneca Lake.
Total riding today was 45 miles followed by a hike through Watkins Glen. Great day outdoors.
My highlight of the day: As I riding this morning the song "I am loved by God" was going through my head as I delighted in the beauty of the day. At one point we had a long steady uphill climb. It was very gradual though and I didn't realize how much we had climbed until we got to the top and then started to go downhill. It was a very long gradual AMAZING downhill. Farmland all around me, not a car or person in sight, blue skies and sunshine above me, view of the Seneca lake below me. amazing! I started to sing out loud "right now, today, I am loved by God." Now some people are inclined to sing out loud, whether in their showers or in their cars. I am not one of them. Yet the beauty of the view and the thrill of the downhill all led to an amazing time of singing out loud and worshiping my Beloved King.
Today was an amazing first day. absolutely perfect weather- blue skies and sunshine. 80s without humidity.
We biked through the town of Ithaca and started the gradual climb along Cayuga lake. We then veered off and took some beautiful quiet country roads to the overlook at Taughannock Falls. The tallest falls in the Finger Lakes. I have been to the falls before but from the bottom. We then rode through more countryside and small towns. There were some good climbs and great downhills.
There are 12 other cyclists on this tour, along with the husband and wife who lead the tour. The tour is well supported and we are staying at beautiful hotels along the way. I am overwhelmed by staying at such lovely places. Tonight we are staying at this beautiful hotel right on Seneca Lake. I can look out my window and see the sailboats on the water. It was such fun to walk into my room and be amazed at how at the lavish and beauty of it all. It made me look forward to heaven... I can't even begin to imagine how beautiful and glorious heaven will be. I can't wait to see the mansion Jesus is preparing for me!
I've enjoyed chatting with others on the tour. We have a diverse group from a set of grandparents to a woman who is training for her second Iron Man. I rode with her for the first part of the day. After lunch I rode by myself for a while and was enjoying the view of Seneca Lake as I rode. I stopped to take a picture of a couple by the water. I then had them take a picture of me in return. It was fun chatting with them as I found out they were from Canada. I love little random moments like that.
After that I rode with two others from the tour and chatted with them. I decided to stick with them for a while so I didn't have to worry about paying attention to where we were going. Once we got to Watkins Glen, we had a good long steep climb that ended with an amazing view of Seneca Lake. Which was followed by an awesome long downhill. Have I mentioned how much I love riding on hills? You get the great challenge of going up and then the thrill of going downhill. Love it.
We enjoyed lunch at Penguin Bay Winery overlooking the vineyard and lake. We of course had to have a wine tasting before going on our way.
After we got to Watkins Glen and checked into the hotel we went to Watkins Glen to hike through the glen. I hike through the glen practically every summer but I never tire of it. Absolutely beautiful.
Enjoyed a nice dinner and sunset over Seneca Lake.
Total riding today was 45 miles followed by a hike through Watkins Glen. Great day outdoors.
My highlight of the day: As I riding this morning the song "I am loved by God" was going through my head as I delighted in the beauty of the day. At one point we had a long steady uphill climb. It was very gradual though and I didn't realize how much we had climbed until we got to the top and then started to go downhill. It was a very long gradual AMAZING downhill. Farmland all around me, not a car or person in sight, blue skies and sunshine above me, view of the Seneca lake below me. amazing! I started to sing out loud "right now, today, I am loved by God." Now some people are inclined to sing out loud, whether in their showers or in their cars. I am not one of them. Yet the beauty of the view and the thrill of the downhill all led to an amazing time of singing out loud and worshiping my Beloved King.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Right now, today, I am loved by God
I am excited about my bike tour around the Finger Lakes. This is my sense of adventure. I'm not adventurous in the sense of roller coasters and sky diving. My sense of adventure is going to new places, meeting new people, trying new food, and simply experiencing life.
While I decided that I wanted to blog about my adventures on my bike tour, I realized that I have already so much to write about and the bike tour has not even begun. Before I left my house to head up to NY, I had some sweet time with God. Allowing Him to speak affirmations over me of my identity in Him. Overwhelmed by His love. Excited to embark on this adventure with Him. While I am looking forward to meeting new people on this tour and I have a feeling that there will be an instant sense of community, I am looking forward to just enjoying this time with God. To delight in Him as I enjoy the beauty of His creation. I have a feeling that He is just as excited to have fun with me.
I have great anticipation of what He has in store as this trip is such a gift from Him. I looked into this tour 6six months ago but I gave it to God, not thinking it was a possibility. Yet a month before the bike tour it suddenly was a very real possibility. When I called, they literally had one spot left. And the one spot was during a week I was free. Thank you Abba- what a beautiful gift.
Two years ago I learned to ride a bike. I had no idea that two years later I would be going on a six day bike tour through some of my favorite places in the summer. Two years ago I was also walking through a season of deep brokenness as God removed a deep idol from my heart and life. I had no idea that two years later I would be walking in such freedom, wholeness, and restoration. More in love and satisfied with my Beloved Savior than ever before. I am grateful that HE sees the beautiful masterpiece of my life. Because I only see the piece of life I am in at the moment, whether it's a joyous season or a broken season. Grateful for His faithfulness. That I truly have no idea what He has in store for my life but I trust Him. I trust Him because He is good. And I chose to remember these times when I see His goodness and all that He does over time.
I had the most beautiful drive up to New York. The sky was absolutely amazing as I drove through the hills and mountains. I wished I could have captured it all. I did pull over to try to take a picture of a rainbow. That was a funny experience.
I love how God uses scriptures and songs to speak to me at different times in my life. A couple years ago I started to write dates next to verses that was "my verse" for that season of life. Each verse has a significant story behind it how God used it in my life. I love His word. I love that He is a personal God.
I love how God uses songs to speak to my heart. To allow my heart to respond in worship to His love. God gave me this beautiful song for this trip. It's a spontaneous song that simply expresses the truth I am loved by God. What a glorious truth.... I am loved by God!
I am loved by God. I am loved by God. I am loved by God.... I will agree, I will believe what You say over me, I just simply believe, I will live like it's true today....I have good news for my soul, I have this blessed hope, oh the greatness of Your love, I confess in the face of accusation, I am loved, right now today I receive it, I believe it. Right now today, I am loved by God.
Right now, today, I'm loved by God. this is my declaration. Right now, today, I'm loved by God. This is my testimony.
"I am loved by God' by Sarah Edwards
http://ihopkcmusic.bandcamp.com/track/i-am-loved-by-god-spontaneous
While I decided that I wanted to blog about my adventures on my bike tour, I realized that I have already so much to write about and the bike tour has not even begun. Before I left my house to head up to NY, I had some sweet time with God. Allowing Him to speak affirmations over me of my identity in Him. Overwhelmed by His love. Excited to embark on this adventure with Him. While I am looking forward to meeting new people on this tour and I have a feeling that there will be an instant sense of community, I am looking forward to just enjoying this time with God. To delight in Him as I enjoy the beauty of His creation. I have a feeling that He is just as excited to have fun with me.
I have great anticipation of what He has in store as this trip is such a gift from Him. I looked into this tour 6six months ago but I gave it to God, not thinking it was a possibility. Yet a month before the bike tour it suddenly was a very real possibility. When I called, they literally had one spot left. And the one spot was during a week I was free. Thank you Abba- what a beautiful gift.
Two years ago I learned to ride a bike. I had no idea that two years later I would be going on a six day bike tour through some of my favorite places in the summer. Two years ago I was also walking through a season of deep brokenness as God removed a deep idol from my heart and life. I had no idea that two years later I would be walking in such freedom, wholeness, and restoration. More in love and satisfied with my Beloved Savior than ever before. I am grateful that HE sees the beautiful masterpiece of my life. Because I only see the piece of life I am in at the moment, whether it's a joyous season or a broken season. Grateful for His faithfulness. That I truly have no idea what He has in store for my life but I trust Him. I trust Him because He is good. And I chose to remember these times when I see His goodness and all that He does over time.
I had the most beautiful drive up to New York. The sky was absolutely amazing as I drove through the hills and mountains. I wished I could have captured it all. I did pull over to try to take a picture of a rainbow. That was a funny experience.
I love how God uses scriptures and songs to speak to me at different times in my life. A couple years ago I started to write dates next to verses that was "my verse" for that season of life. Each verse has a significant story behind it how God used it in my life. I love His word. I love that He is a personal God.
I love how God uses songs to speak to my heart. To allow my heart to respond in worship to His love. God gave me this beautiful song for this trip. It's a spontaneous song that simply expresses the truth I am loved by God. What a glorious truth.... I am loved by God!
I am loved by God. I am loved by God. I am loved by God.... I will agree, I will believe what You say over me, I just simply believe, I will live like it's true today....I have good news for my soul, I have this blessed hope, oh the greatness of Your love, I confess in the face of accusation, I am loved, right now today I receive it, I believe it. Right now today, I am loved by God.
Right now, today, I'm loved by God. this is my declaration. Right now, today, I'm loved by God. This is my testimony.
"I am loved by God' by Sarah Edwards
http://ihopkcmusic.bandcamp.com/track/i-am-loved-by-god-spontaneous
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
God is in the details! Dinosaur sprinkles
WOW. I could not believe that I just happened to receive a cupcake this morning... with DINOSAUR sprinkles! I have never once seen dinosaur sprinkles. God knew how much I needed the reminder today of His power. I could feel old struggles whelm up inside of me and the lie was that things would never change. I am not completely free. Yet, the truth is that GOD is bigger and more powerful than any struggle we face. No matter how long we have struggled or how familiar our sin pattern may be. HE can knock over that struggle and give us freedom. He is more powerful that anything we face. Yet I had to make some very practical decisions today. Decisions of walking in freedom or returning to familiar behaviors. Thankfully with the prayers of a good friend and the reminder through dinosaur sprinkles I choose to declare and walk in God's freedom.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Dinosaurs and kids songs
I spend the most enjoyable afternoon with a dear friend and her three young kids. I love how God can teach you the most poignant lessons through a child. Tonight's lesson was wrapped around a dinosaur and a simple children's song.
The little three year old boy was singing along to a song he learned recently at VBS while playing with his legos. The lyrics really spoke to my heart. So simple but so powerful. What if I truly had the child-like faith to believe this truth and live it out?
"God is strong and powerful, He can do anything. (Repeat several times) God can do things people cannot do."
God is strong and powerful, He can do anything. Did you catch that? GOD can do ANYTHING. He is stronger than the opposition around you. He is more powerful than your circumstances. It is so easy to limit God based on my feelings, my circumstances, what I think is possible. Do I truly believe He can do anything? No matter what others may say, no matter the amount of time I am waiting on Him, no matter what makes sense in earthly terms. He can do can anything. What if this was my response as I went throughout the day?
"God is strong and powerful, He can do anything."
Later that evening we were gathered in my friend's living room for a time of prayer for IJM (International Justice Mission). The toys were put away and the kids were in bed. Yet there was this one toy that was standing in the corner.... this ridiculously huge Tyrannosaurus Rex. Well, maybe it wasn't quite that big... it just feels bigger when little kids are attacking you with it. Anyways, every now and again I would get a glimpse of it out of the corner of my eye. For a half a second I would wonder what it was... to realize it was simply the dinosaur.
I love God's sense of humor. In the midst of the prayer time we heard this noise... to look up and realize that for no reason at all this ridiculously huge dinosaur had fallen over. For some reason, this struck me as extremely funny and I could not stop laughing. Yet in the midst of the laughter God spoke to my heart. We had been in the middle of praying for justice. Powerful but difficult. Praying for women in sex trafficking, widows whose land had been stolen, praying against corruption and evil. Very real and difficult realities. Yet in the midst of it all is the truth of who our God is. He is powerful. He is good. He is mighty to save. He has overcome sin and evil. He reigns triumph. He has the power to change the heart of man.
The dinosaur falling over for no reason at all... it was like God was saying "the giants you see- they are nothing for Me. I am GOD." Just as David went before Goliath confident in his God, we can have the same confidence in who our God is. The impossible situations are nothing for our God.
"God is strong and powerful, He can do anything. God can do things people cannot do."
The little three year old boy was singing along to a song he learned recently at VBS while playing with his legos. The lyrics really spoke to my heart. So simple but so powerful. What if I truly had the child-like faith to believe this truth and live it out?
"God is strong and powerful, He can do anything. (Repeat several times) God can do things people cannot do."
God is strong and powerful, He can do anything. Did you catch that? GOD can do ANYTHING. He is stronger than the opposition around you. He is more powerful than your circumstances. It is so easy to limit God based on my feelings, my circumstances, what I think is possible. Do I truly believe He can do anything? No matter what others may say, no matter the amount of time I am waiting on Him, no matter what makes sense in earthly terms. He can do can anything. What if this was my response as I went throughout the day?
"God is strong and powerful, He can do anything."
Later that evening we were gathered in my friend's living room for a time of prayer for IJM (International Justice Mission). The toys were put away and the kids were in bed. Yet there was this one toy that was standing in the corner.... this ridiculously huge Tyrannosaurus Rex. Well, maybe it wasn't quite that big... it just feels bigger when little kids are attacking you with it. Anyways, every now and again I would get a glimpse of it out of the corner of my eye. For a half a second I would wonder what it was... to realize it was simply the dinosaur.
I love God's sense of humor. In the midst of the prayer time we heard this noise... to look up and realize that for no reason at all this ridiculously huge dinosaur had fallen over. For some reason, this struck me as extremely funny and I could not stop laughing. Yet in the midst of the laughter God spoke to my heart. We had been in the middle of praying for justice. Powerful but difficult. Praying for women in sex trafficking, widows whose land had been stolen, praying against corruption and evil. Very real and difficult realities. Yet in the midst of it all is the truth of who our God is. He is powerful. He is good. He is mighty to save. He has overcome sin and evil. He reigns triumph. He has the power to change the heart of man.
The dinosaur falling over for no reason at all... it was like God was saying "the giants you see- they are nothing for Me. I am GOD." Just as David went before Goliath confident in his God, we can have the same confidence in who our God is. The impossible situations are nothing for our God.
"God is strong and powerful, He can do anything. God can do things people cannot do."
Monday, July 16, 2012
Great is Your faithfulness
I glanced out our back window tonight and caught a glimpse of the most brilliant pink sunset. Immediately God brought to mind the verse...
"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:23
Isn't it amazing that every single morning God chooses paint the sky a beautiful masterpiece and every evening He does it again? Every single day. Whether I see or appreciate the sunrise or sunset does not change the fact that it is there. What a beautiful reminder that every single day God's mercies are new... great is His faithfulness!
It does not matter how we have sinned or messed up the day before. Or the moment before. When we choose to humble ourselves and confess our sins to God, He promises to forgive us and cleanse us.
" If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
I used to be surprised by my sin and would allow guilt and condemnation to linger. God has been showing me that He is my Abba Father. As a Father He is not surprised when I fall. He is there to pick me right back up so I can continue to walk and follow Him. Just as an earthly parent is not surprised when their child is learning to walk. Their child may totter and fall yet they will help them right back up. There can be a lot of falling at first as the child is learning to walk but that is expected. A parent is loving and patient. I am grateful for my Abba Father who is patient with me. For His love, compassion, grace, and forgiveness. And for the fact that He loves me simply because I am His child. Whether I am up and running or have stumbled and fallen. It does not change His love and delight in me, His beloved daughter.
"The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand."
Psalm 37:23-24
"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:23
Isn't it amazing that every single morning God chooses paint the sky a beautiful masterpiece and every evening He does it again? Every single day. Whether I see or appreciate the sunrise or sunset does not change the fact that it is there. What a beautiful reminder that every single day God's mercies are new... great is His faithfulness!
It does not matter how we have sinned or messed up the day before. Or the moment before. When we choose to humble ourselves and confess our sins to God, He promises to forgive us and cleanse us.
" If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
I used to be surprised by my sin and would allow guilt and condemnation to linger. God has been showing me that He is my Abba Father. As a Father He is not surprised when I fall. He is there to pick me right back up so I can continue to walk and follow Him. Just as an earthly parent is not surprised when their child is learning to walk. Their child may totter and fall yet they will help them right back up. There can be a lot of falling at first as the child is learning to walk but that is expected. A parent is loving and patient. I am grateful for my Abba Father who is patient with me. For His love, compassion, grace, and forgiveness. And for the fact that He loves me simply because I am His child. Whether I am up and running or have stumbled and fallen. It does not change His love and delight in me, His beloved daughter.
"The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand."
Psalm 37:23-24
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