October

AUTUMN IS THE MOST LOVELY TIME OF YEAR

OCTOBER 2006

Last week I started out with a trip to go and see my oldest granddaughter at her college. As I was driving I was dealing with a lot of thoughts and emotions within me...even when I looked at the hills in which I could see no green I started experiencing a parched/dry feeling in my heart.

See the hills in California are dry and golden. I have to admit it is pretty in a peculiar sort of way...yet deep in my heart I knew it was time for change and for those golden hills to be watered from the heavens and turn rich green...That is kinda what was going through my heart and head...I was in a time of change like Autumn which takes on all kinds of colors.

My oldest grandson was leaving our area for a 4 year stay in Southern California and my oldest granddaughter had moved to Northern California for a 4 year stay. I have to be honest and say my heart was in mourning...How can I again let go and let God have them???

How can I make this the most lovely time of life? "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire, he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Psalm 40:1,2

I was in the slimy pit of depression and I was in denial in my own heart because I didn't want to give up and let God lift me up. I kept searching all day even when my granddaughter and I were walking through this mall where she lives now...She had no idea what my heart was looking for the whole time I was with her...As I drove up north I was seeking God to strengthen my feeble mind and lift my heart up to rejoice in the change we all were experiencing...when I left her off at her dorms I felt my life just collapse...for moments I thought I could not make it home and then I prayed seeking God's face.

As I drove back home my heart kept searching for the watering of God's love to pour into me...He heard my cry for as I passed through all the hills and towns I felt His presence...in that I knew people change, lives change, family's change, we all change but my God never changes. He is the same forever...

A new song filled my heart and when I got home my soul had been watered with a fresh new look into this season of life. "He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods." Psalm 40:3,4

Yes, I could have sought other methods to water my heart...like telephone, friends, family...but God new my hearts need and sought me even while I was driving and fulfilled my heart's need...He told me I have not left you alone in this time in your life...trust me, watch me, and see all I am going to do in the days ahead.

"Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare." Psalm 40:5

How can I ever forget all that my God has done in my family's life. Yes, too wonderful to even speak and too many...so I turn to God in praise for when my heart was dry He watered it with fresh new life and insight...Yes, my God is real...He heard my heart...He filled my soul...And now I sing a new song.

"Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced; burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require." Psalm 40:6

Are you going through seasons of change? Is there something just ready to be renewed in your soul? I can testify that running to Jesus is the best way to be refreshed, renewed, and restored.

May God bless your Autumn season like He has done mine. PTL