Two for One

Thanks
There is so much to be thankful for. I'm glad I know the one true God, the Creator of the universe who breaths life into the lifeless. The God of David, who is still (and always will be) worthy to be praised.

Today I thank Him for:
86. A well-made, hole-free canoe and a good, strong paddle.
87. A bright sun and light breeze.
88. Cold water to refresh tired muscles.
89. Waterproof cameras.
90. A fallen tree that served as a bouncy "ride" for the young at heart.
91. Incredible wildlife, rock formations, and landscape scenery declaring the glory of God.
92. A safe trip in good fellowship.
93. A group of people who care about each other and stick together.
94. Laughter, hugs, water-splashes, and all that goes along with having a good time with friends
95. This breath. And this one. And this one, too...

Canoeing
So many memories were made yesterday! There is nothing like bonding over fresh river water and cold lunches. Okay, so only one person drank the river water, and it wasn't me, but still. Fourteen of us traveled down to the Buffalo for a day of canoeing. We floated somewhere between 9 and 11 miles (I've heard both numbers and am not sure which. It felt more like 3 or 4, but I'll go along with the experts). I learned the art of canoeing. I mean I'm STILL learning the art of canoeing. This was only my second trip. No one flipped their canoe (that I'm aware of). It really was something else. We saw lots of turtles, cranes, herons, hawks, a falcon, and even a bald eagle. Now that is a majestic bird. No wonder the Bald Eagle was chosen as our national bird, our symbol. Just beautiful! I am sunburnt in many places and just a little bit sore in my mid-back...but ready to go back!

Thorns and Roses

I logged on here to write my post about the good things of God, but just as I did, I received a text that has broken my heart into pieces.

My brother had texted shortly before to share the wonderful news that his wife is carrying a boy. I had just shared the news with a dear friend and had no idea that anything could puncture the feeling of excitement and joy my brother's words brought to me...until I received her reply.

"Congratulations -----'s baby boy didn't make it."

A precious, sweet young woman is grieving this morning, her husband by her side I am sure. Their beautiful little blessing was overdue for delivery. He never even took his first breath. I cannot even begin to imagine what they are going through; it must be unbearable. Yet, God will strengthen and comfort His children, as He has done for Mrs. Karen and Mr. Dale. Only He can heal this pain.

I think back to Job and how his unwavering trust in God throughout his own suffering caused him to continue to praise the Lord while losing everything. How could a human be so faithful, so loyal, when facing the pain He faced? He was grounded in Truth, The Lord was the foundation for his soul, and God gave him the strength to walk through it. He didn't have to go alone, even though I'm sure he felt quite alone in his troubles.

I pray they they will draw even closer to their Creator and will allow His grace to be their strength through this very difficult time.

I named this post "Thorns and Roses" to serve as a reminder to me that all things God-given are good and will ultimately work for good in our lives. It's really hard to see the good in the loss of a beautiful rose--a newborn sweetie--but God has a sovereign plan for that sweet, little soul. He completed his work on earth for the Lord, however short, and has been called back to his Eternal Father's bosom. Perhaps someday God's plan will be revealed. And, although the prick of the thorn of death hurts, and must be gouging deep wounds in the hearts of those precious parents, we must remember that God will be glorified in this and He is to be praised even in the midst of the storm.

"Jesus pets"

These guys never cease to amaze me. I learn something new every day! Today, one of the guys came into the dining area, still sporting his mismatched PJs and unkempt bed hair. A huge grin was plastered across his face. HE: "Guess what? I have a new pet!" ME: "You do?" HE: "Yep. It's a Jesus pet. It's alive like Jesus and He gave it to me." ME: "Really? What is it?" HE: "It's a spider! A BIG ONE!" He wasn't too thrilled to learn that he couldn't keep his grandaddy longlegsas a pet and escorted me to the door. We said our goodbyes as we watched the "Jesus pet" crawl away in the flower bed. I hope this memory lasts until the day I die...a simple reminder that Jesus conquered death and hell that we might live...and that He is the creator of all living things! "...and God saw what He had made, that it was good." **sorry for formatting of this post. Typing from a phone is harder than I thought it would be.**