God's reminders

Mr E. is on a business trip this week, so since I am unemployed, I get to accompany him.  I am currently sitting at Starbucks and I just finished working on some of my Bible study lessons that I was behind in.  These lessons that I did today were perfect reminders to me.

A couple of weeks ago someone approached me about helping out with a certain ministry.  It was interesting timing because I had just been talking with Mr. E about wanting to get involved with some type of ministry, I just didn't know what direction to go in.  I was told to pray about it, which I have been doing.  However, one of the things that holds me back when I'm approached with things like these are my own insecurities.  I begin to feel that I am so inadequate for things like this.  Why me, what can I offer?  I'm just little ol' me, nothing special.  I'm sure there are more qualified people.

Today's Bible study was a God's gentle reminder to me.....ok, maybe a swift kick in the pants instead.

First reminder:
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you and before you were born I consecrated you.  (My name Elizabeth means consecrated to God) He planned out a purpose for me even before I was conceived. I don't need to worry about it.

Two examples, David (Goliath) and Elijah (prophets of Baal) were given seemingly insurmountable assignments.  However, God had prepared them both ahead of time for accomplishing His will in each of these events.  He gives us the strength in our weaknesses.  Phil 4:19 "My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."  God has enough grace to get us through anything He places in front of us!  2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness".  Paul goes onto say in that verse, "Most gladly therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me."  I know that I would rather feel weak in my strength and let God's power take over instead too!

Second reminder:
2 Chronicles 20

Not only does he prepare us ahead of time for the things that He has planned, he already has a plan in mind before He calls us.  So often if something comes up in my life that I have to deal with, I sit and try to figure out how it is all going to work out.  This reminder was great.....God already has it all worked out.  My job, trust that He will work it out.

In 2 Chronicles 20, Judah was about to be invaded by Moab and Ammon.  Jehoshaphat was afraid, but in verse 3 it says, he turned his attention to seek the Lord.  He prayed to the Lord in verse 6, "Power and might are in Your hand, so that no one can stand against you." Verse 12, "For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You".  In verse 15 through 17 is God's response.  Here are some quotes from that section that stood out to me, "for the battle is not yours but God's" and "stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf".  Look what happened when a fearful Jehoshaphat turned his eyes to the Lord.  God comforted him and told him that He was in control.  Jehoshaphat didn't have to run around panicking, wondering how they were going to fight.  God already had a plan to solve the problem.  Because of Jehoshaphat's weakness, God's power shown through.  He goes before us in everything!

These were great reminders to me this morning........now to just remember them!

Zucchini

Who knew zucchini could get so big? (these were fed to some chickens)

What to do with the overabundance of zucchini?

Lots of zucchini bread!!!

Had to brag on my husband a bit.  He surprised me with these......it's he the greatest! 

3 years

I will forever remember this day from 2009.  I really don't know how to put into words what this day means to me.   I will say, this day is much improved from three years ago.

I let myself think back on that day this morning as I was driving home.  I haven't done that much.  It isn't that I want to think about it, I just don't feel like I need to dwell on that day.  Anyway.  I recall the huge emptiness that I felt.  I looked at the people who were around me that day and most everyone had a spouse with whom they could find comfort.  I remember selfishly thinking that that wasn't fair.  The one person who was supposed to be with me through all the tough times was in heaven.  I was now alone.

In today's lesson in my Jonah Bible study, the author asked us to record some details about a time when God inexplicable brought positive results out of negative beginnings.  Three years later, I can see so many positive results from what seemed like a negative beginning.  Don't get me wrong, three years ago, I was having a hard time seeing what good could come of Jared's death.  Being three years removed I can look back and see how God will take something "tragic" and use it for His good.  That's why it is hard to put into words what this day is like for me.  As hard as that day was, I've learned so much from it.  Jared was/is? a wonderful man, I learned many things from him, one being learning what it meant to praise God even through suffering.  I was blessed to have him in my life.

This year is different than the past two years.  This year, I have the great blessing of having Mr. E as my husband.  I'm not alone anymore.  Mr. E has changed what this day means for me, but sorry, I can't describe what all that means.  All I can say is that God has continued to bless me and I could never thank Him enough for what He has done for me and will continue to do in mine and Mr. E's lives together.

Adventures

Last week, Mr. E and I were able to go to Colorado.  Wow! I had driven through there as a little kid, but I don't remember anything about that trip. It is an amazing place! We went to some national parks and drove all over the state seeing landscapes that I cannot even describe.  Believe me, the pictures don't do it justice.  My favorite part was the train trip we took on the last day we were there.  The train dropped us off in the middle of nowhere and we hiked up to a beautiful river to fly fish.  My husband was in his element and it was fun to see how much he enjoys it.  He was patient enough to teach me to fly fish and I now understand why he loves it so much. I still need more practice, but I can't wait to try it again.  It was an incredible trip.  I felt like God also showed me a few things that I need to let go of and to work on in my life as well.  All in all, it was a great trip.

Our cabin

The lake down the road from our cabin.

One of the many beautiful places we traveled through.

Red Top Mountain

Needle Rock near Crawford, CO

Black Canyon National Park - I've never seen anything like it!

Spruce Tree House, Mesa Verde National Park

View from Balcony House, Mesa Verde National Park

Coal burning train that took us to the river to fly fish.

My handsome man, doing what he loves!

My first fly fishing catch.

View from the train

The train....again.

Fly fishing on the river in CO.