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"Walking with God"

Tonight's Exhale

I sat with my husband this evening alone.  The children were at youth group.  We put "The Hobbit" into the player and watched it until it was time to go pick them up.  During the movie, having seen it before, my mind wandered a bit.  But perhaps the most significant thing -- I felt my soul exhale.

Have you ever felt such an exhale?

What a welcomed exhale it was!

In two weeks, school for us will be over.  We are truthfully already beginning to wind down.  One paper and three tests are all that remain. 

I welcome the new season that is to unfold in the coming four months; a cherished season of writing and sharing.   A time to slow.  A time to dig in MY study books a bit deeper.  A time for as many walk-a-bouts as there are summer evenings.  A time for vacations.  A time to breathe deep.  A time to exhale.

Yes, I welcome the new season, and tonight, I sense, was its defined entry.

My reply can only be, "Greetings!  You are warmly and gratefully welcomed!  Thank You, Lord, for my 'visitor'. I shall cherish our days together."   And cherish them I shall indeed!

Sending each of you my warmest regards tonight!  Rest easy.  Rest sound.  The verse that so strongly came to my spirit tonight as I began to write you was the following:

"And the peace of God, 

which transcends all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Phil 4:7

May these words minister deeply to each of you, particularly in light of the many events both abroad and at home this week.

May God's presence wrap around you this evening in a particularly close, intimate way...
Deborah

It's Been Awhile!

Greetings from the land of "I'm still here!"   I have just a smidgen of time to spare this afternoon, so it's "go time" here in blogosphere! 

I am sorry for the lack of entries lately!  I know some of you are so very faithful to join me in my adventures and my sharing here on Joy In The Morning's blog.  Life's current simply picked up the pace a few weeks ago, joyfully so, which required the notch be elevated to that of a "running pace" --- hair blowing in the wind and all!

Ministerially, God is keeping me hopping!  And I am loving it.  Every meeting, every correspondence, every morsel of study reveals greater and greater dimensions of Himself and His extravagant love poured out upon His creation to me.  What a privilege ambassadorship is!  I tell you the truth, it leaves me in ever increasing degrees of straight-up awe.  In awe of Him.  In awe of His character.  And in awe of "ah-ah" moments when people truly see Him for the first time and respond.  

All this.... this thing we call "life".... you do know it's for Him, don't you?  Every moment....every breath.... every word - be it typed or spoken.... is meant to be a conduit .... a testimony .... of God Himself to the lost of this world.  

Can I boldly ask you, "How's THAT aspect coming along in your own life?"   Never... never... never lose sight of that as God's command.  

Jesus' last words recorded in Matthew make it clear what He expects from you and from me: "Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you. And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”

I would be amiss if I did not edify you to closely inspect how you are doing in that command, even as I closely inspect my own life.  Note: obedience to Jesus' command is not optional. It is a requirement, and requirements demand close inspection when it comes to the execution of the command to ensure it is truly being carried out in both thought and DEED.  

Domestically, we have been having a ball... literally.  Football, that is. My youngest is playing football this spring, and last weekend, they hosted a fun "father/son" game.  It was a BLAST!  I laughed. I clapped.  I screamed. I cheered.  Watching two of my guys play their hearts out together just brought immeasurable joy to my soul!

At the end of this play, Brian landed it in 
the end-zone with a killer somersault.

Dear son (in the red shirt, center of photo)  
made a touchdown at the end of this play. 

In addition, there has been annual school testing for the kids, driver's ed for my daughter, spring break, and what seems like a host of additional activities as this school year winds down to a close.  What a fulfilling year this has been!  So unbelievably grateful for God's countless blessings, but most importantly, for His active, intimate presence in each of our lives. This mama is so very joyful and grateful to God for His boundless faithfulness! 

This time next month --- school will be out for the summer!  And imagine,  (I know this is not a stretch for those who know me best, but...)  this energizer bunny has energy to spare!  Good thing too!  I have a trip out west coming up, along with a few new powerful articles God has been brewing up within me -- SO, do  stay tuned!  Our adventures continue!  Praise HIM!

You all be good!  And if you happen to live in my corner of the world, be sure to enjoy every morsel of the gorgeous spring that has recently sprung .... just one of God's many gifts!

LOVE to YOU!
Deborah