One Set of Footprints

My dear husband left this earth three weeks ago. Where once all our adventures were together, today I walk the beach alone and there are only one set of footprints.

I hear the pounding surf, see the scurrying sandpipers and feel the cool sand squishing between my toes. While my heart and soul aches to have him back, I know my Love is still with me in my spirit. I smile remembering fragments of wonderful conversations we've had...

Each frothy wave brings up new trinkets of the sea and washes away the imperfections in the sand, refreshing the shoreline. As I pick up tiny treasures polished smooth and delivered ashore by the powerful waves, I know that our loving God is at work in me, slowly polishing, healing and refreshing me, too.

His are the one set of footprints, as the legend goes. The Lord carries me now, in this time of great loss. He gives me my daily bread. He fills each need as I abide in Him.

Lord, I know that you will never leave me or forget me. Your love wraps around me and endures forever. Thank you for all your glorious goodness.

Abiding, Like Never Before

With my sweet husband in the ICU for the last two weeks, I'm learning to ABIDE like never before...

A is for Abandon – a surrendering of one’s power; to give up control or influence; a thorough yielding. Lord, as much as I long to have things my way, I know Yours is ultimately better.

B is for Bask – to lie in or expose oneself to a pleasant warmth or atmosphere; to take pleasure or derive enjoyment; delight in the Lord. I soak up Your Goodness, Lord. I remember all the kindness and compassion You have shown me.

I is to be Intentional – eager attention; having the mind, attention or will concentrated on some end or purpose; focused determination. I lift my eyes up to the Lord, where my help comes from.

D is to Dwell – to remain for a time; to live as a resident; to keep the attention directed. I will remember the things You have told me. I will camp here in the shadow of Your wings.

E is to Endure – to continue in the same state; to remain firm under suffering or misfortune without giving up, drawing my strength from the Lord. Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.


Lord, Abiding in You brings strength. There is no place I'd rather be.

Magnificent Moment of Worship

Yesterday morning as I drove to work, I was again reflecting on how happy I am to have a job. (Yes, I am so thankful I survived the cut!!)

We had been studying how the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, but that godliness with contentment is great gain. We need to put our hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. (1 Tim. 6:10, 6, 17)

I thought of how I shouldn't worry about money so much -- how God has always provided what I've needed. He even moved me from a good stable job to an even better job (see Where He Leads), when I would have never even looked for another job! It is so wonderful because I can still see the paper mill from the windows of my new workplace. Each day as I drive into work, I see the smokestack of the mill and remember all the good years I had there. I realized it is a visible "stone of remembrance" of what God has done for me.

Also, yesterday morning it was extremely foggy driving across the bridge, but when I got up the hill, the sun was radiantly shining. The moisture on every feathery twig and wisp of weed or blade of grass was covered in a frosty shining crystal lit up against a cerulean blue sky. It was a truly awesome sight to behold!

I felt a sense of great wonder at all God has done. It was a magnificent moment of worship and communion with God. This is what "abiding" is all about!

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me." (John 14:1)

Oh God, You are truly Awesome! We worship You!