More Great Imagery

  After today's devotion, I was reminded of a couple of childhood memories, a mission trip, a song (Sometimes I tend to think in songs.), and a video about Genesis 3 from a dear friend.  So to start, I'm going to do things a bit upside down.  I'm starting with the end of today's devotion from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

When you commune with Me in the garden of your heart, both you and I are blessed.  This is My way of living in the world-through you!  Together we will push back the darkness for I am the Light of the world. (John 8:12)

  Love the image of a garden.  (Yes, part of the devotion concerns "The Garden," but stick with me through my trip down memory lane.) I remember when I was really young...like maybe five years old...and would "help" my uncle in his garden.  I'm not sure how much help I was, but I loved hanging out with him in the garden.  Growing up, my mom and I had a flower bed, usually around the side of the house where my dad had fixed a place for us.  I remember having marigolds, snapdragons, and zinnias. Planting the seeds with Mom is a special memory.  When I read the imagery of "the garden of your heart" and remembered my garden experiences, I was drawn closer to God.
  The rest of the devotion and my comments throughout:
   "In closeness to Me, you are safe.  In the intimacy of My Presence, you are energized.  No matter where you are in the world, you know you belong when you sense My nearness." This reminded me of a mission trip to Tonga (little island near New Zealand).  Went there to work on the Mango Tree Project for handicapped kids.  Remember one particular evening when my world became much smaller.  We were gathered with our group from the U.S. and with our Tongan brothers and sisters. It wasn't a planned service, but someone had a guitar and we sang.  God's sweet spirit fell over our group and I remember thinking, "I'm on the other side of the world, but I'm with family." I can't describe the feeling...I knew God was there, just as He is here and where ever I am. Another scripture for the devotion was Psalm 32:7...love The Message version: "God's my island hideaway,  keeps danger far from the shore, throws garlands of hosannas around my neck."
   "Ever since the Fall, man has experienced a gaping emptiness that only My Presence can fill.  I designed you for close communication with your Creator." Here's where the song comes in..."God-Shaped Hole" by Plumb (The video for this song is awesome!):

       "How I enjoyed waling in the garden with Adam and Eve, before the evil one deceived them!" Okay, time for a short Bible lesson.  Shame-Blame-Flame.  Saw this video a friend did on Genesis 3 the other day and when I read this devotion, I knew it was a great fit.  Enjoy!

   I think one thing I learned from today's devotion is that sometimes God brings to mind things we've already experienced or we already know to remind us of His closeness and His desire for us to be closer to Him.

Better is One Day...(and an update)

   This morning's devotional was on having quiet time in the morning with God. I like doing my quiet times in the morning and have had a bit of difficulty developing this habit because I am not a morning person. (Okay...I can hear you guys saying, "That's an understatement!" and "I know that about you!") Do I think morning is the only time you can enjoy time with God? No.  Whenever you have it is not as important and that you have it.  Also, if you miss it...don't beat yourself up: FIDO (Forget It and Drive On). "God's loyal love couldn't have run out, His merciful love couldn't have dried up.  They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness!" (Lamentations 3:22-23)

   So one of the scripture verses was Psalm 27:4.  Which made me think of a song and led me to Psalm 84. When a friend posted one of the scriptures from Psalm 84, I thought, "Wow...today is focusing on what's important...being in God's Presence." I trust in God and know I am totally blessed! This is the song I was thinking of and it's one of my favorite bands singing...

   Today was the first day for kids at the school where I teach.  A dear friend came to visit this morning.  She retired from my school a few years ago.  She said she signed up for today because she knew I would be sad not to be at school today.  She was right. It's the first "First Day of School" I've missed in 29 years. We enjoyed visiting and sharing our faith journeys. Her sweet, gentle spirit was just what I needed today.
   Had a surprise visit from my aunt (my mom's sister), uncle, and cousin today. They've been to visit several times.  I don't think they realize what a blessing their visits are...every time.  Aunt stayed with me several times during my first go-round. She's always willing to lend a hand and has come over on several occasions to lend a hand.  Cousin lives a couple of hours away, but still visits and calls.  She's also willing to stay with me and help out. They brought me a sparkly card because they know I like sparkly things.  Another uncle (my mom's brother) sent a beautiful doily to put under  a basket he remembered I have in my room.  He said he remembered that I liked the pretty, lacy things.  These are the most precious people and I'm so glad God blessed me by putting me in their family!
   Loved seeing everyone's First Day pics on Facebook today! Talked to Sis about her first day as a second grade teacher at her new school.  Talked to both nephews about their first days. Enjoyed hearing from a few colleagues about their first days.  I lived the first day of school vicariously through them!

Update:
Another good day! No "extras" needed today. Doc said we'd look at numbers again tomorrow and possibly do the bone marrow biopsy again. Praying for remission (or total eradication would be good, too) so I can have a couple of weeks off before the next round. Calls, cards, texts and emails continue to bless me. God is Good; God is Faithful!