An Ever Changing World from "His Kindness Year Round"

October has almost come to an end.  The days and weeks and months of 2012 have flown so quickly by.

Without doubt, October has been a month of tremendous change.  The natural evidence of summer turning to autumn as the leaves change colors and the weather loses its heat and humidity.  The union of marriage for several couples.  Monumental birthday celebrations for a few.  A new job for one and retirement for another.  A house fire resulting in the loss of all possessions, but more importantly, the life of a sister in Christ.  The unexpected deaths of two other magnificent people.  An illness for another.  And military deployment for one.  A mega storm for many.

This month has been a time of multiple reminders that our time on earth will be packed with constant change.

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek His will in all you do and He will show you which path to take.”

In the midst of change, we are thankful for a constant in life.  We have one who never changes and is always with us through every aspect of earthly life:  our Heavenly Father never changes.  His Word always remains the same.  His promises are forever. 

Psalm 106:1 “Praise the Lord!  Give thanks for the Lord, for He is good!  His faithful love endures forever.”

Change is a definite fact of life.  But much more powerful than any earthly change and more certain than the daily changes of life is our Savior.

Proverbs 16:9 “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”

November will bring about another month of change.  As will December.  And January, etc.  That is a certain; a part of life.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”

And our Almighty God is still going to reign in our lives through every change.  That’s always a certain; a part of life.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.  I choose to stand with the solid rock. 

Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.”

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

Thankful in Autumn from "His Kindness Year Round"

I love autumn!

Autumn has always been my favorite season (with spring as my second favorite).  I've had many people ask why I prefer autumn above spring.  Their remarks will point out that when autumn arrives, it's the dying of the beautiful flowers and leaves and greenery from spring and summer.  It means the not-too-distant winter will soon be upon us.  Why isn't spring my favorite season, I'll be asked, because of the blossoming of new life and the celebration of my favorite holiday, the Resurrection season. 

If you're waiting for an incredibly profound answer, there isn't one.  I love the crisp feel of autumn after the hot and humid summer.  I love the colors of fall.  I enjoy the burst of fresh autumn energy that erupts after a busy summer season.  I appreciate the peacefulness and quiet this time of year brings.  And of course, it's a great season to hold a warm mug of coffee and savor the pleasure of drinking it.

James 1:17 "Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, Who created all heaven's lights.  Unlike them, He never changes or casts shifting shadows."

This year has indeed been a busy one in my life.  It's been a chapter of change and many "to-do's".  One thing I have noticed is that I am still in the same chapter I started in the spring of this year.  The chapter hasn't closed; nothing has ended; a new one hasn't begun.  Yet, within this chapter of the past six months, there have been many sub titles of chapters, signifying new beginnings and changes, all within this same chapter.  It's been an interesting passage and a journey of spiritual growth with my Heavenly Father.  It's been a chapter of exercising my faith and taking steps in faith.  I'm experiencing sub chapters of learning how to rest and relax again, among the many tasks in life to accomplish.  I can't say I've loved every minute of the chapter, but I am working diligently to extend thankfulness and gratitude to Abba for His goodness through this chapter of change.  (Satan has used these experiences to frequently invite me to my own pity party.)

Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever."

Just as autumn is one of the four major seasons, it occurs every year whether people enjoy the season or not.  It is a season of change and preparation for the next season, whether we gladly await or dread the season ahead.  It's part of life and nature, just as the must needed season in my current life.  A true season of change for God's purpose. 

Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever."

There are many wondrous learning lessons in my current chapter of life.  I'm learning to be more thankful and more grateful for what I have.  I'm grasping on to being thankful in the present, before I see what God is doing, because I know God is going to make it happen.  It's exercising faith that He will see to my needs and His desires for me, in His timing.  

Amos 5:6 "Look for the Lord and live."

I'm learning to adjust to His true timing and being watchful, prayerful and obedient while I wait.  I'm watching God align the pathway in my life.  He puts all the puzzle pieces together that I have scattered about in many directions.

1 Chronicles 16:10-11 "Have joy in His Holy name.  Let the heart of those who look to the Lord be glad.  Look to the Lord and ask for His strength. Look to Him all the time."

Happy Autumn and God's blessings as you travel through each season in life.

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin