R&B Kinda' Day

R & B is usually associated with Rhythm and Blues but for me, today, it stands for Rough and Blessed.

I am having the kind of day that makes me wish the day would just be over.  Today is my last day before a 10-day trip.  I do not have trips this long very often, and they can be rough.  Not the work during that time, but preparing to be gone.

Rough getting packed, rough getting business-related things up to date, rough making sure I have everything I need work wise for evening work,  rough making sure I haven’t missed anything in my packing, and rough trying to get things done around the house. 

I spent most of the morning running errands; things such as stopping by the hospital lab to get blood drawn, cleaners, bank, dentist, and post office.   Little things by themselves, but saved up they take up half the morning.    To top it off, I volunteered to work at our church tonight to talk about appreciating our leaders.  What was I thinking????    Combine all of this with being misunderstood during a phone conversation with a family member resulting in painful words being said to me. 

All of this made me want to crawl into a fetal position and close my eyes.  I refer to these types of days as “melt down” days. They happen maybe once or twice a year and are usually after a trip, not before!

Instead, I am at the computer writing this post and being reminded how truly blessed I am.  I am blessed to have a job.  I am blessed to have a husband who loves me more each day and fends for himself while I am gone.  I am blessed to be in good health and only need the lab work for a routine checkup.  I am blessed that I have clothes to pack and a house to clean.  I am blessed to have dental insurance.  I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with 5 to 7 year olds and witness firsthand their excitement singing the Veggie Tales “Lord I Lift Your Name on High” with all the hand motions.  I am blessed to have family. I am blessed to have friends with whom I can share and from whom I know prayers are being said on my behalf.  (Thanks CJ!)

But most of all, I am blessed to have a Lord who understands me – no misunderstandings there. He knows the REAL me and better yet, He loves the REAL me!

A dear friend gave me a daily devotional called Jesus Calling.  Isn’t it amazing  that today’s devotional read:

“I am taking care of you. Trust Me at all times.  Trust Me in all circumstances. Trust Me with all your heart. When you are weary and everything seems to be going wrong, you can still utter these four words:  I trust You Jesus.  By doing so you release matters into My control, and you fall back into the security of My everlasting arms.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
   and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
   and he will make your paths straight.

Have a Blessed week! 

In the Beginning . . .

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

The view from the plane was spectacular this past week descending into Anchorage.  I am always awestruck by the beauty of the snow covered mountains.   Evidence of God’s creation!

Seeing a moose in the wild still excites me.    Being in Anchorage a week, I knew the odds were good I would see one.  And, if all else fails, I have been known to ask a cab driver to get on the radio to ask if any other driver has seen a moose.  And, this week the “moose call” resulted in driving two extra blocks to see a moose.  I just watched it, meandering around someone’s yard, eating a bite or two and looking back at me from time to time.  Here is this large animal, supported by skinny legs. (He might have been thinking the same thing looking back at me!)   The moose – evidence of God’s creation!

One evening I was standing in the cold, watching the sky turn colors that reflected off the water and ice.  It is easy to forget about the hustle bustle of the world around you and instead marvel at the beauty God created!   The sunset – evidence of God’s creation!

The moon, not to be outdone by the sun, came out in full force the following evening.  It was so large that it caused me to pull over, get out of the car and just be amazed at the beauty God created.  The moon – evidence of God’s creation!

I love to sing and sometimes when I am experiencing God’s creation I sing.   This is one of my favorite songs reminding me of God’s creation

I Know My Redeemer Lives

Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?
and Who told the ocean you can only come this far?
and Who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening?
Whose words alone can catch a falling star?

Well I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives:
Let all creations testify
Let this, life within me cry
I know my Redeemer lives, yeah.

The very same God that spins things in orbit
runs to the weary, the worn and the weak
And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken
They conquered death to bring me victory

Now I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creations testify
Let this life within we cry
I know my Redeemer, He lives
To take away my shame
And He lives forever, I'll proclaim

That the payment for my sin
Was the precious life He gave
But now He's alive and
There's an empty grave.

Which of God’s creation causes you to catch your breath? 

Thursday Morning's Ramblings from the Road: Flying Alone

When driving to the airport Sunday morning, I saw a Canada goose flying all alone – there did not appear to be another goose in sight.  This is unusual as they are usually seen in a flock, flying in the traditional “V” formation, sharing the same direction and working as a team with their loud (sometimes obnoxious) honking heard so clearly below. 

It is said when flying together, their flight efficiency is increased by over 70% compared to flying alone.  The geese in the back of the “V” honk as a form of encouragement for the geese in the front.    The leader experiences the most resistance from the wind and by honking, the others are telling the leader, “you can do it”, “keep going”, “we’re here with you”, and “stay strong”.   

The geese rotate positions on a regular basis.   As one becomes tired, it slips to the back and another advances, assuming the lead position.   If one falls behind, others will fall back and join it to show support and to provide protection.

That is how it should be with us as well.   When we fly with a “flock” of believers, we share the same direction with a common goal – to love and serve our Lord.  We lift one another up.    When we face challenges in our lives - and we all do - others in our flock “honk” to encourage us. And, when we fall behind, they support and protect us.

I have found myself from time to time being the lone goose.  I have felt the resistance of the air and the difficulties of flying alone.  Those are tired and weary times.  I am blessed to have people in my life that like the geese in the back of the formation, have “honked” their words of encouragement and at times “flown” down beside me to support and protect.  

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Two are better than one,
   because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
   one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
   and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
   But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
   two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Entering the World of Blogging

Welcome to my world! 

Most weeks I am on a plane traveling somewhere in the United States to perform my job.   Being a "Road Warrior" has its perks . . . seeing parts of the country I have only read about, meeting so many people, and being able to see my granddaughters who live 3000 miles away when I am working in the area.  And, I can't forget to mention the "perks" of earning those all important frequent flyer miles and hotel points galore.  But in exchange for these "perks", I am away from my husband and our home.

One thing I am really missing in my life is a Bible study with other women. See, with my travel it is impossible for me to attend a weekly Bible Study.  I NEED to be in the Word and I  know it!  It has just been hard for me.  I have plenty of Bible Study books I could use.  In fact, I am looking at them all sitting so pretty on my shelf.  But to be honest, I need the Bible Study interaction with other women.  It allows for sharing, caring, and loving! 

A long time ago, I pondered the idea of starting a virtual "Bible Study" for women who travel like me and are unable to attend a "physical" Bible Study.    I  recently watched a video clip on Facebook about our big "buts". No, it is not a typo - I meant buts - I would like to do a daily devotional, BUT fill in the blank with any reason/excuse.  I would like to start a virtual Bible Study, BUT fill in the blank with any reason/excuse.

So, no more BIG BUT!!  This is the Day!

I don't know if other women have this void in their lives or if there is an interest in a virtual Bible Study.  But until that is known, I will have a Thursday Morning Ramblings from the Road and share a scripture, a picture or a story about how I knew God was with me that week!

Lets experience more about the wonderful Lord we serve!  Be my travel companion on Thursday mornings!

This is the day which the LORD has made;

Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalms 118:24