One of the "All things"

Hi Sweet Friends!

Well...I could begin by listing all the reasons I haven't been writing over the past couple of weeks...and they would be valid reasons...but I have so much I want to share that I won't take the time....just know, it's good to be back!

Also...I usually carefully try and plan out what I'll share on my blog posts, but today, you're just going to get what comes off the top of my head...scary I know, but much quicker!

I hardly know where to begin! I've been working more full-time over the past couple of weeks as employees have been on holidays. I LOVE MY JOB!!! It really is the greatest. The Lord gifted it to me back in September. I received a phone call one day...completely out of the blue :o), asking if I would like to work a the Christian Bookstore in my city. This was my dream job!!! I had always wanted to work at a Christian bookstore. I had been a stay-at-home Mom for 15 years and I had told the Lord that when He felt I was ready to re-enter the workforce, then He would have to open the door, as I was quite content to be at home and continue with the volunteer work I was doing weekly. When this phone call came asking me if I would like this position, without having submitted any resume or application, it was confirmation to me that God truly does give us the desires of our hearts. It has been the BEST!!! But, just yesterday I was reminded that the Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the Name of the Lord.

About 24 hours ago now, I received some disappointing news. The store where I work will be closing by mid-August and my job will be over. I came home and cried last night. Cried for 2 reasons - one, overcome by the gift and treasure this job has been...that God would have given me the joy of a dream fulfilled, albeit for a short time. I also cried for the loss of something wonderful.

The Lord had prepared me for this news in the morning, reminding me in my devotional time that NOTHING can touch our lives without coming through God's Hand. Psalm 125 reminds me that God is like the mountains surrounding Jerusalem. He cannot be shaken by the changes in our circumstances. He is not surprised at this announcement. He endures, unmoveable forever. I can rest in a God who not only provides security, but completely surrounds me with His presence. I love what Beth Moore writes, "Nothing can close in on you without closing in on Him first. God alone can be both the watchman and the wall." "Like the mountains surrounding Jerusalem, God is ever surrounding us. He sees and sifts every life experience that could touch His child. Nothing can break His grip."

As I went to bed last night I prayed that the Lord would continue to speak to my heart, and continue He did.

This morning the Lord has reminded me that He is Alpha and Omega. A closed door isn't the end, it's a hand-engraved invitaion to a new beginning.

So right now, again I find myself between the now and the not yet. Again I am living between the times. As James Limburg writes, "between a good time remembered and another good time hoped for".

"You and I will never move to the next level with God if we're scared half to death of what awaits us. On this mysterious pilgrimage we will find that when we do meet difficulties and sorrows, they were not meant to stop us but to form the character required for our great harvest in the coming season. Step into your future, Precious One. Something wonderful awaits you." Beth Moore

I am in awe of my God. He knows every detail of every life. He knows what I'm facing today. He knows what I will face tomorrow. He will not forget me, He has engraved me on the palm of His hand. I can trust him with ALL that lies ahead. His Word is true. He promises that "all things" work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. (Romans 8:28)

This is one of my "all things". What "all thing" is God working together for good in your life right now? You can claim His promise with me if you love Him and are called by Him. Remember, God IS good!