From exploring Corbin, KY (Cumberland Falls) to driving through the Appalachians in TN (Cherokee, Pisgah, and Great Smoky Mountains National Forests) to NC to exploring the wonder of the OCEAN on the Atlantic coast of South Carolina to exploring Charlotte, NC “the Queen City” (that WOW reminded me of Overland Park, KS) to a quick overnight in Knoxville, TN so that we could go exploring Big South Fork National River and Recreation area the next day—this past week my family and I enjoyed a wonderful, wonderful adventure.

image

We definitely hit some stressful relational points (insert visual of overly optimistic mama having her “aha moment” that vacation with six kids doesn’t exactly mean a release of duties but rather a change of scenery to serve within ;)). IF ONLY I could have so gracefully come to that realization in the moment as I did eventually conclude with!! But the getting through, even when it feels like fumbling around in the dark is the linchpin to living whole heartedly right?

image

image

The persevering eventually brings precious recovery, delight and perspective that just doesn’t occur without the fumbles and the chance to receive unconditional love.
image
Even after breathtaking mountains and the grandeur of ocean this is what I want to write about today. Because those are just glimpses—awe-inspiring, filling, glimpses of the Majesty from Whom all creation was birthed.

image
Anyone else need the reminding? We haven’t “failed” until we give up. Jay has sown this truth into my heart over the years. I feel like I’m finally beginning to listen to him. But the part that’s better than that? I am finally enjoying the process on the way to “getting it”.

Let’s fumble around together today. Knowing we join the symphony of the waterfalls to the forming clouds to the waves–perfectly. This is grace. This is beyond us and not by our definition or conceiving!!

image

Our part? The returning. Like all the water, there is a returning. The Hebrew word is “teshuvah”, to repent, to return. If you follow the Biblical calendar of feasts you’ll see we are in God’s appointed times of returning. In a few days what the Biblical sages called “the ten days of awe” begin. I believe whether you follow the ancient calendar or not that hearts sensitive to the Holy Spirit will be drawn.

Today, if you hear His voice…

image

This morning while praying Jay said, “thank you”. “Thank you that you never expected us not to fail.” It was the quiet confidence of rest and assurance of God’s kindness that settled deep into me when he spoke it. It resonated with the knowing in my bones. God is for us. God of the mountains and God of the sea, for us. I am so thankful.

Blessings on all the work of your hands today friends. I am meditating on line 3 of the Lord’s prayer this week, “Your kingdom come” (day 3 in Pray, Like a Woman in Labor). I’m hoping to write more about it later this week.
image

Also! Getting so close to offering my book at a lower cost with some exciting news too. I’ve found everything “publishing” to be slow, but as another author recently said, “…get used to it and enjoy knowing that even though it takes time to get moving, in time you will have produced something that will long out live you.” Maybe some of my readers who I know also have books in their hearts waiting to be written need to hear that today?

Here’s to living and writing some great stories this week.

Raynna