God of Abundance....

One of the things that hit me this past Thanksgiving: Abundance.

We had so much food. Enough for leftovers, enough to send doggie bags.... But that is expected. That's a Thanksgiving "thing".... that I am fortunately enough to experience. I know not all do.

It was Wednesday, as I baked pies, and prepared vegetables. I spent a quiet day puttering around the kitchen, counting my blessings.

It didn't surprise me that Jesus fed the multitudes with a few fish and a loaf of bread - my 3 cups of "pumpkin glop" (pureed fresh pumpkin) turned into FOUR pies. I had just enough flour to make the crust for the apple pie, with some to spare for the gravy on Thursday.

Taking the day to realize how richly I have been blessed, really set the stage for the holiday itself. There's not a lot of money, or "stuff", but my cup runneth over with the little things that are truly huge things.

Yet, it wasn't until I prayed before our meal that I was really cognizant of it. "We thank you for your abundant blessings - even when we don't realize they are there."

I am not always aware of how truly blessed I am. I don't always realize how abundantly the grace and mercy of God flow over and through my life. In the midst of the day to day, when there doesn't seem to be enough (money, sleep, time, patience, you name it....), I don't always remember the ways I am loved, cared for and provided for.

It was good to have a day to count my blessings.... I ran out of daylight and evening before I'd named them all.

Thank You, God.....

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10

The Winds of Change...

I'm beginning to see some changes.... in my life and in the lives of those I love. Perspectives, attitudes, actions. All beginning to change course.

Some feel like the direct answer to prayer, and others feel like the sometimes-gentle-sometimes-not-so-gentle proddings as God encourages us to move forward. Let go of the past hurts and habits and move into a new future. Winter is over - Spring has come! Let it go!

The windows are still open, and the spring breeze is still welcome and stirring in my home. As I sit here, the rain begins gently tapping on the roof. I think back to when I invited the Winds of change into my heart - how soon it comes! I expect there will be tears that will accompany the internal stirring.... some grief, some joy.

But, like the spring rains, it will prepare the soil for new growth. Life will come forth abundantly, as the harshness of the winter dissipates.

It is an exciting time. I will watch for signs of life in my family, friends and self, just as I search the trees for swelling buds. It is coming... it is coming!

"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10