An Anchor That Holds!

It's a new day ~ another day to walk with the Lord and live in God's Presence! I don't know about you, but God alone, makes life doable for me! He is my Anchor, He holds me fast through the storms of life!

I''ve made a move across country to start a new life ~ alot of changes and more to come, but, God is my stability. The word stability means: firmness of position; permanence or continuance without change. God is my assurance, my security because He is the One thing in my life right now that hasn't changed!

1 Samuel 15:29 says,

"He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man, that He should change His mind."

Wow! Stop and mediate on that verse for a minute! I think about how fickle and "wishy washy" we can be as humans, but our God is immutable, He is unchanging! 

In my move, I've moved from a place of wide open spaces, beautiful scenery and solitude to a big, busy  city. I've moved from a location that was 10 minutes out from a small, quiet town that had one traffic light with the nearest mall being one and a half hours away! There were only 2 other houses on our dirt road in Teton Valley, Idaho and one was lived in only 3 months out of the year, the other only a couple weeks in the summer ~ I could hear the silence, there was no traffic; there was solitude to be found as Chessie and I took our walks. 

Change! I took Chessie to walk on Sunday and realized it was gonna be different. Chessie would have to be on a leash. We'd need a pooper scooper too; we'd be walking on sidewalks. Chessie and I covered two blocks and passed, probably 20 houses, before running right into the middle of a really loud domestic dispute that was turning violent. Change! Alot of change!

I'm seeking God for direction: a job, a church, ministry ~ a new life! All this can be overwhelming, but doesn't have to be. There's alot to do, but one thing is necessary, just one thing is above all the rest and will hold true and be necessary! Every day for the rest of my life, as long as I draw breath ~ I want to put my relationship with God first. The changes, the business, the need for job, church, ministry I can allow them to crowd God out. He is a daily choice! I will have to purpose to begin my day with Him and choose to keep Him at it's center every day, all day. Life doesn't get too busy for my need to find solitude and rest in Him, it only causes me to need Him more ~ He's my anchor, my stability ~ He keeps me steadfast!

The word steadfast means: steady, firm, constant, immoveable and unwavering. If I'm going to be steadfast in anything, I want to be constant in my intimate and close relationship with the Lord ~ not just when trials, stress or change move into my life, but every day. This morning, it's 4:30 a.m., as I begin this blog, even this busy street, all is silent ~ nothing's moving. The house is quiet, there's silence. I need the solitude, this time alone with the Lord and in His Word, to hear His voice ~ to seek His face, to know His will for the day ~ to get His perspective. Otherwise, I will move into my day choosing to go on feelings and find confusion in the many choices. We make many every day ~ for me, at the moment, there's many directions I can take in this day ~ but the best one, begins on my knees!

Proverbs 3:5-6 comes to mind: "Trust in the Lord, with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."

God is all I need, He is still enough: we look to our own understanding, our own discernment, but His Word promises that if we trust in Him with all our heart and don't look to our own reasoning, but to Him, that He will make our paths straight! This time alone with God is the most important thing I will do today! If I accomplish nothing else, but choose to really connect with Him, I've succeeded. 

You may say, "Girl, you need to get yourself a job, you are prayed up, hit the ground running!" I understand and I get it, I sense that need too! But I have to tell you, my friend, I've learned by experience, my best move in any day, in any circumstance, is to rise before it's necessary on any given day and to "hit the ground on my knees". We will choose that as our first move, when we really believe that we can have a real and intimate relationship with the Living God and when we believe He acts on our behalf. Where we put Him in our day and in our lives, shows us what we really believe about Him!

Is He prominent in our lives, preeminent or non existent?

My God supplies all my needs! He can make a way for me, He moves on my behalf. I've got to tell you, if we're going on my resume and what Sheryl can do, I'm in deep trouble; but my God can do all things! He's held me fast, He's been my anchor through the loss of my husband, soulmate and best friend. He's counseled, guided and comforted me; He's provided and given me strength. He sustained me, when I felt I couldn't go on. He's taken the time to let me know, in great detail, the extent of His amazing love! (It's far beyond what we could think to imagine!)

I challenge you today, my friend ~ put God first, right up front, at the very beginning of your day! Make time for Him and choose to let Him be God, it will be the most important thing you do today. Make time to really be still, to breath in His truths and to hear what's on His heart ~ to truly know Him!

We were created to seek Him ~ we were created with a void that was meant to be filled with Him alone!

We choose what's important every day by our focus ~ what we really want to do, we do! How important is God to you? Is He first or is He last? Do you make time for Him or just feel guilty that you don't have time? There are 24 hours in every day and we can take control and make Him important or we can let time control us. More is not better ~ business doesn't make us important! Let's choose to simplify our lives ~ let's choose to put God first and watch Him work on our behalf to do those things only He can do.

I love you, my friend! Are you too busy? I'm too busy not to spend this time with Him! All my choices today are mind boggling, there are too many and it all adds to confusion ~ I choose to simplify, to be still before His throne, to begin in His rest ~ I can do without sleep, but I can not do without Him! I can forego the TV and go to bed earlier, but I need an Anchor today, an Anchor that holds!

Let God be your Anchor! Won't you choose Him? Put the Lord at the  first part of your day and let His Presence go with you all day to simplify your day ~ to bring rest, right in the middle of the chaos! He is unchanging, He's steadfast and He is an Anchor that holds! He will hold you through it all!

 May God bless your day!

God's Journey Mercies!

Proverbs 16:9 says, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."

This morning my eyes are on the Lord, looking to Him for the future, for the next step! I am excited about what He has in store for me, whatever it is!

I arrived in Columbus, Ohio on Thursday afternoon around 2 pm! I don't have internet service, where I am staying, temporarily, but was given the invitation over the weekend to "piggie back"by a neighbor. Lol. God continues to provide even the smallest of needs. I've been anxious to update you!

I am thankful to be here and for all of you that have prayed for me and followed me with your atlas. My GPS tried to hi-jack me and take me a short cut through the city of Columbus, like it did in Indianapolis. I was trying to avoid going through the cities, with a trailer in tow. Lol. The GPS lead me right into the middle of the construction in downtown Columbus with all it's detours. I've been told that most Columbus residents avoid downtown, at all costs ~ now, I know why!

I am so thankful for the help that was given in getting my car off the trailer and unloading the truck and getting it cleaned out and returned. I felt a total relief of responsibility when the truck and trailer were both no longer mine! Lol. I didn't mean to scare the people I did by the big "Yes!!!" that was yelled as I closed the door behind me! God's abundant grace and constant presence with me has carried me for months and He was ever present in my travels too. It was a bit intense at times, but He always saw me through!

Chessie is going through adjustments too! Her cousins, are 2 huge standard size poodles that are very loving and friendly, but friendly in that size can be intimidating, even by me! Chessie is adjusting better than expected, but does make her exit when "the boys," Jackson and Cody start to romp, bark and play. They sound like a herd of horses when running and look more like ponies, even to me. I imagine her perspective is a bit scarey, but she is adjusting.

I took the weekend to get unpacked and get settled and get a little rest. I really enjoyed visiting my sister and brother in- law's church on Sunday and getting to meet Liz, one of Jill's co-worker's I've been praying for. I think I cried through most of songs sung during the worship service ~  the words almost made me feel they had been hand picked for me! They really focused on the awe and greatness of our God!

I've found some job openings I'm interested in, so I've been putting together a cover letter and making a few changes in my resume this morning. God is Sovereign and it's all in His hands: where I will live work and minister. He has held me through it all and He won't stop now! I can fully depend on Him!

Psalms 32: 7-8 says,
"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you and watch over you."

I'm looking to the Lord to establish me, to guide and to direct. He's bought me with a price, I am not my own. I'm holding my life up to Him with an open hand ~ the "what's next" I've placed completely in His hands. I covet your prayers as I seek His face!

May God bless your day, as you seek to hold your life up to Him today, with an open hand! You may feel some resistance to let go and let God have control of your life, we all want control. We might find it easier to give control over in some areas than others.

Psalm 32:9-11 says,
"Do not be like the horse or mule which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart."

Psalm 33:20-22 says,
"We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May Your unfailing love rest upon us O Lord, even as we put our hope in You."

God's Journey ~ A Day To Be Still!

Taking a day to be still ~

Chessie and I arrived in the little town of Crawfordville, Indiana last night ~ travel weary and needing a reprieve. Tuesday night's hotel guests in the room above us didn't need rest & were stomping around till 3 a.m. in the morning & then were up again at 5 a.m. when my alarm went off.  Lol. Yesterday, with only 2 and a half hours sleep was my hardest. I, literally, sang the words on signs to the tune of a nursery rhyme (Nick Nack Patty Wack) to get this far. Was just wiped out last night!
My stomach started giving me trouble night before last, thought it was the food at first, but know now, it is a need to de-stress.
Felt lead this morning, that it would be a good day just to be still and quiet. Sound crazy? You may be thinking, "Finish the trip!" I know, but as I prayed this morning and spent time with the Lord, I felt Him saying, "Be still." Lol. Activity and business are the watch words of our generation, our first response to anything & everything but to be still. We are so busy running to and fro, that when the opportunity arises to rest or to be still, we, actually feel guilty doing it! I can spend one day resting, or hours and money at the doctor's office for a prescription. Why ignore what's needed, just to be able to say, "I did it in five days!" What's the point?
This trip has been stressful, with the truck engine light coming on, the front tie down strap on the car I'm towing, coming off three times. There's been construction with narrow lanes with concrete block walls on both sides. With "no wide loads allowed."Complaining? No, I didn't, actually think I was that stressed. But yesterday with little sleep, brought a meltdown & I just know when it's time to "be still" renew and refresh! What's the hurry? One day, to be still and seek God's will ~ to know His Presence and to entrust the next chapter of my life unto His Sovereignty? It's called a relationship!
The Lord willing, tomorrow, Chessie and I will finish the last leg of our trip. Chessie's ready to be done! She use to love to go to ride, but we've taken it to new levels, so don't know that she will be so anxious to go for awhile. Wait till she sees the 2 loving standard poodles, her cousins, that look like ponies that are waiting to greet her in Ohio. Lol. They are both very loving and friendly dogs ~ Can't wait to see Chessie's response to their welcome! "Jackson" is a black standard poodle and weighs 95 lbs. dry and when on his hind feet with his front paws on my shoulders towers a head length above mine! (Chessie's had some culture shock of her own with the elevators, luggage carts and automatic doors & of course, a different room each night!) But wait till she sees the cousins! Cody is only 85 lbs.
I'm looking forward to hugging the necks of my family! Some of them that have called daily and some twice a day, for months, like my sister and my daughter, Jill and Aunt Jill.  I wish I was hugging you all tomorrow, but one day at a time, one step at a time! My love to you all! There are not words to express my gratitude to so many that have checked in on me, sent cards and letters and have been a part of what God is doing in my life. My thanks to each one of you!
"Chef Missy" sent along some of her famous granola with me on this trip! If you're ever in Jackson Hole, WY it's a must on the list of to do's. Missy takes granola to a whole new level! Love you Missy!
The Lord willing, we only have 221 miles to go tomorrow, till our final destination! Thanks for all the prayers and those of you that are texting & calling & following us with your atlas in hand! It's been more adventure than I would have ordered, but God has been with me all the way and so many of you, as well! Chessie sends her love! (She loved the long walk this morning!) We'll do it again this afternoon. May God bless you all!

Of Like Precious Faith,

Sheryl