In February, I took a photo of my winter mantel.
Now, somehow, it is July and my mantel is decidedly summery. I wonder how it can be July already . . . and yet, these months have seemed interminably long.
As the seasons have changed this year, so have the seasons of my own small world. So many changes. So many ups and downs. Surprises and unexpected paths. In some ways, I don't even feel like the same person that I was at the beginning of the year.
But through it all, my God has remained faithful!
He is unchanging. He is merciful.
He is unchanging. He is merciful.
"For the word of the LORD is right and true; He is faithful in all He does." Psalm 33:4
"For I am the LORD; I do not change." Malachi 3:6
"The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works." Psalm 145:8, 9
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What a wonderful writer Elizabeth Eliot was. Thanks to our Lord that our times are in His hands.
ReplyDeleteYes, so thankful for that!
DeleteDear Cheryl, you have been on my heart. Thanks be to God for his steadfast love and grace. Take care of yourself, my friend.
ReplyDeleteSweet friend, I am so grateful for your kindness and caring! Echoing your thanks to God!
DeleteThinking of you Cheryl. Such a good quote from E. E. We stand on a solid rock. May you look back on these days with a heart full of praise for how God led you all the way, step by step… dotsie
ReplyDelete"We stand on a solid rock." Oh, how true that is. Thank you for those heartening words, Dotsie!
DeleteAnd yes, "step by step." It is sometimes too much to look ahead on the road. It is enough to be guided step by step. "All the Way My Savior Leads Me" is one of the hymns that has encouraged me along the journey.
So good to see you, Cheryl and catch those wee glimpses into your busy world. I'm loving that quote from Elizabeth Elliot, especially these phrases: "not adrift in chaos ... not at the mercy of chance." I'm so glad He is keeping you moment by moment. Heart hugs, Brenda xo
ReplyDeleteBrenda, both of those phrases are the ones that stood out to me!
DeleteIt is good for me to peek back into Blogland . . . to testify of God's faithfulness and to be loved and encouraged by my friends. Hugs back to you!
I have missed you…
ReplyDeleteIt is so good to be missed!
DeleteChanges are hard, especially when they involve family . . . I have checked almost daily on your blog and was happy to see you post. Your mantle is lovely. So thankful He doesn't change and as Psalm 1:6 says "The Lord knows. . . " which is a consolation for me often. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteGrammaGrits, I am so touched that you have so frequently checked in on me! Thank you for caring! Yes, Psalm 1:6 is a great comfort!
DeleteOh dear Cheryl, how good it is to see this post pop up. I 'hear' the suffering the Lord in his providence is allowing in your lives and the sustaining that He provides because He loves you and is rich in mercy. Trusting the unchanging God along with you in what you face today and in the future. So thankful for the 'immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus'. Your summer mantle is pretty!
ReplyDeleteI love that too, Ellen: "the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." Immeasurable is an awesome and wonderful word! Thank you for "hearing" and for your encouragement!
DeleteDear Friend,
ReplyDeleteYou are loved by me, these many friends, and our loving Father. A song has been playing in my head all day, “It Is Well With My Soul”.
Trusting the challenges to him.
That is one of the things that the Lord has shown me over these past few months . . . that I am loved so much more than I had imagined. That is life-changing! Indeed, "It Is Well With My Soul." So good to hear from you today!
DeleteDear Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteEE was such a godly woman who expressed herself and biblical truths so well. Not adrift in chaos - no indeed, we are held in loving hands every moment. Hugs.
"Not adrift in chaos" has been such a heartening thought! I am so grateful for His loving hands . . . what a comfort!
DeleteBeautiful words all! Reaching out to give you a huge hug!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Rosella! Hugs back to you, friend!
DeleteDear Cheryl, I have not been able to comment in a long while. I have absolutely loved your posts and your families grow and change. Praying you are well. Thank you for the ministry you have here. Suffering may indure for a while, But God who is faithful...His Grace and peace and mercy be on you and yours. <3 tammy
ReplyDeleteTammy, I have no idea how to overcome the comment challenges of this blog. But I am always happy to hear from my friends, and I am grateful for your kind and encouraging words! We are well . . . simply dealing with the cares of this world and trying to follow His leading on a difficult path. Indeed, God is faithful, as you have said. I am counting on that truth!
DeleteI hope that you and yours are well!