All the Paths

 

“All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.” Psalm 25:10

    I love the Word of God and am so thankful for the many significant passages the Lord has used in my life to encourage, convict, supply direction, and challenge me. Daily Bible time was part of my school schedule throughout my formal education years. Though it was a requirement then, but through that, the discipline and desire grew in me to make time for God’s Word in my schedule, outside of checking it off a school checklist. As I have grown in my faith and sanctification, I delight in seeing how the Holy Spirit has infiltrated my life with scripture and implanted passages in my heart. Many passages have deeply affected my life in different seasons, but one passage stands out strongly.

    I believe it was sometime in the latter part of 2019 that I first listened to the book “Queechy”, by Susan Warner. In chapter 28 of the first volume, two of the main characters are together and one is attempting to uplift his cousin’s depressed spirits with the promises of the Lord found in the book of Psalms. After reading Psalm 25:10, he points out to his sad-hearted companion that “ALL” the paths the Lord leads us on are mercy and truth.

    This last few years have been a very unique season for me and my family and they have been dotted with trials, deep tragedy, and unprecedented difficulties. There have been many moments when my own life has been identified with inner and outward turmoil and pain. There have been many days when I could strongly relate with my sad-hearted friend in “Queechy, as she wrestled through the slough of life’s pain. However, it is only too often that in our deepest heartaches, the Lord teaches us the most treasured lessons in His graciousness and mercy. So it has been with me. Again and again, the Holy Spirit has taken my thoughts back to Psalm 25:10, which is now one of my dearest scriptures. He realigns my heart and settles my spirit in the truth of the passage.“All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth…” 

    All His paths, not some of them, or most of them, or only one now and then, but He promises all of them. He will never place me on a path that He has not designed and is allowing for the eternal good of me, His most beloved daughter. My anxious heart is quieted by placing my eyes upon my Master, with the assurance that He is in control. This passage causes me to trust Him more, to set my eyes upon the Son “Who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). I can rest my weary and grief-wracked mind in the everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27) of my Savior, my Father, and my God, Who only works all things for my best (Romans 8:28). I can believe that He sees the larger picture that I cannot and is working accordingly to accomplish His good will in my heart and in those around me. I know Him trustworthy of the promises He gives and believe that what He is doing, is being done in love and that every path, whether painful or joyous, is given to me in the mercy and truth of my most loving Father and Lord. 

Family Life - Summer Recap

The months have flown by, and I decided it would be better to do a full summer Recep than try to catch up on the 4 months separately. May through August were full and held a great deal of activity individually and as a family, but I will let the pictures tell the story for themselves.  

In early May, Emma was a bridesmaid in a friend's wedding in 
Tennessee and I went along to help with Caleb. While Emma was getting
her hair and makeup done the morning of the wedding, Caleb and I went for a walk.

James is quite a character!

We celebrated Joel's 14th birthday in May!

For Mother's Day, our church offers gifts to our mothers, and this
year I had the opportunity to make necklaces to be apart
of the gift options.

As we continued the process of cleaning out Grandma's house
in preparation to sell, we became well acquainted with U-Haul
as we transported items and furniture back home to put in storage. 

She is just the sweetest!

Grandma's garage, full and ready to be moved out.

It was such a sweet treasure to work with Mom the last few
weeks at Grandma's house.

While taking a load of items to donate, I stopped for an iced coffee.

Grandma's house sold within just a few days so the date was
set for July 1st to have the final load out.

The night before, we kids drove up to spend one last night at 
"Grandma's house".

We ate dinner together and watched a Roy Rogers movie. 

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In July, I stepped into the role of event coordinator for 
pro-life ministry, Speak for the Unborn's fundraiser! I had
never directed an event of this magnitude and it was a stressful
and wonderful learning experience with lots of time spent on the
computer, texting or calling, and note taking! Thankful as the Lord
expands my skill set.

In August, we hosted a baby shower for Katie, my cousin Matthew's
wife who is expecting their little boy in just a few days!

We went with a woodland theme...

In August, I was able to spend a few days with my friend, Emily 
and her family in Kansas. It was a huge blessing to have that time
with her, hashing over life, appreciating each other's friendship laughing
and taking in the Kansas scenery. 

So there it is, a photo recap of the last several months. They have been full, fast-paced and tiring, but Christ has filled and filled again. If I did not feel the need for help, my fleshly heart would not turn to Him as often as I do and I struggle being dependant enough as it is! He is so wonderful and I am thankful for how He is leading and guiding me...even though I understand very little of the paths that He is designing. I know, completely, unutterably, and truly, that I can trust Him. He will be glorified!