Introduction

For a lot of different reasons I pulled my old blog. I'm thinking of writing again, but with a different focus. Okay, I didn't actually have a "focus" before, I just wrote about whatever I felt like writing about. My very last post was about things God had been teaching me. It was up a short time before I shut the whole thing down. If I write again it will be focused on things God is teaching me. I may, however, intersperse it with pictures and a few personal stories because this is the best medium I have to share with my family who, sadly, live far away. I have been struggling with this - the idea of writing or not writing. I have found that I enjoy writing, although it takes time that I fear should be used for other things. So... I'm going to write today, and I will begin with one reason why I think maybe I should write:


"Write those things I say to you. Write and hold back nothing of all I shall say to you. For I shall speak to you in the darkness and shall make your way a path of light." I read this in "Come Away My Beloved" by Frances J. Roberts. (Other quotes interspersed throughout this post are from the same book.) This book, at this time in my life, is amazing and it feels like God wrote it just for me. (I have heard that several other people are reading it right now also and feeling the same about it.) It is full of reassurance that God will care for me DESPITE what may happen around me.


So here is how I feel today about what is going on around me:

I am in mourning for our country. I believe Obama will lead our country further down the path of evil that we have chosen. Nevertheless, God has said "My purposes will be fulfilled in spite of your weaknesses." and "You will walk in a way of victory though turmoil is on either hand." I feel as though America as a Christian nation died yesterday. But God was not surprised by this and, in fact, it is part of his plan for the history of the world. And so, while I mourn the death of the country I loved, I am working to come to grips with what God tells me about the government:

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. Romans 13:1-5 TNIV

I have to confess, I fear. My mind runs through many scenarios of our future and I fear. But God has told me over and over again NOT to fear, to trust in Him, to lean hard upon Him. In fact, as I review some of the rich treasure He has given to me lately I find this: "Resist the pressures that would project you into conjectures about the future." And as I write I received an e-mail from my Mom saying God led her today to John 14:27 which says "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." And finally, last night I read this: "Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble." Psalm 119:165. So though I fear, I will trust in Him. And I have to admit that even in the midst of the fear there is a bit of excitement at the prospect of watching God work in amazing ways.


I will write when I can, but certainly not daily. If you are reading this, please "stop by" and say hello. ONE reason for ceasing the earlier blog was that it felt like I was talking to myself. Let me know if that is not the case.


In Christ's love,

Laura