I love my family beyond words, but honestly, sometimes life in close quarters with others is very hard. I never take for granted what I have, but I wonder why it's so difficult at times.
So Saturday night as I lay in bed, even prayers came hard. Lord, I asked. Can you please give me a reminder that You love me? Just a small one. Just a sign that You are there? That was what I could manage, and then God blessed me with sleep.
This morning, I woke up before the 5:45 a.m. setting on my alarm clock. The reason for getting up so early? I sing on the worship team for the 8:30 service and we practice at 7:30 a.m. My oldest two sons (age 16 and 14) lead worship for the 5th and 6th graders at 8:30 and so they practice at 7:30 too. Plus my youngest son runs sounds for his brothers.
So Sunday mornings are early, and our habit (if we get out the door on time) is to stop at QT for something to eat or drink. Yes, I know that's not the healthiest thing for my kids in the morning, but I try and make up for it during the week.
I believe God woke me up early on purpose to make sure we got out the door on time. Because as I pulled into QT, I caught a glimpse of the most amazing sunrise in the rear view mirror. It was stunningly beautiful. Streaks of crimson blazed across the sky. I pulled into the parking space, got out and turned around ... sighed and smiled. Thank you, God.
The vibrancy of colors was gone in minutes, but the gift God gave me ... the reminder of His love ... stayed with me all morning.
So I got to thinking, what could I do when I need to remember God loves me. Here are some things I can do in 3 minutes:
1) Get up early and watch the sunrise.
2) Cut some roses from my garden (yes they bloom in Jan. in AZ) and breathe deeply.
3) Buy some roses or other flowers and breathe deeply.
4) Listen to my favorite song. here's a link to one of mine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6zdihmwy1M
5) Remember how God protects and defends me. Another link to a great skit and song: http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5
6) Read God's love letter to me. Read Romans 8. Here's a link to that chapter on Biblegateway.com: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208&version=31
I'm much better today. Friday was bad, but God was already planning Sunday. Sound familiar? Halleluia!!!
In His Love,
Glynnis
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8 comments:
Greetings from the Last Frontier of Alaska... "The Lord is my rock, my protection, my Savior; He is my shield and my saving strength..." (Psalm 18:2)
The Battle is the Lord's ~ and He is our 'shield' from 'hurt'... I'm glad you had a good Sunday! Sending an angel hug!
Wow! I so needed to hear this. I have had a very weepy Sunday..felt like I couldn't find God no matter what I tried. I watched your links and He brought me out of the pit.
Thank you for sharing this.
Cheri
Isn't God so cool to let us know in so many different and creative ways how much He loves us. Glad you are feeling better.
Glynnis,
Thank you for posting this. I have been in tears most of today. Someone close to me suggested that despite my attempts, they weren't seeing much fruit of a spiritual change of the better in me. My head knows that this thoughtless comment and my reaction to it were the work of the enemy to discourage me in my growth. My heart, however, was wounded. Your suggestions were so uplifting. I am off now to re-read Romans 8.
Wow, i needed to hear about your challenges. I had the same kind of weekend- with the same kind of disappointments - and the weeping. thank you for sharing matters of the heart. You can see how many people you have already encouraged. Thanks!
Blessings and prayers from the Mississippi Gulf Coast! :) I truly enjoyed reading this blog post. What an amazing God we have!!! I am up before the sun rises pretty much every morning, yet somehow I manage to miss the gift God faithfully paints across the sky morning after morning. It makes me wonder how many gifts God gives us and either we never open them or we never cast a glance towards them. Hmmm....
Glynnis,
I'm so glad I clicked on over to your blog...something just told me to click your name and now I know why. I have been so blue for the past 2 days. Today at work I just wanted to cry...LeAnn was the same way (we both had visiting "friends" too...ugh). I've just been sappy, but your post made me feel so much better. Thanks for including the links to your favorites so it wasn't hard to enjoy.
You were a blessing to me today:)
Love,
Melissa
Glynnis,
I think it's so funny that God stopped you at a QT- that's short for Quiet Time, too!
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