A few days away

Over the last few days, I've taken a little trip...it was spontaneous, surprising.  Truth be told, I talk about taking trips like these...from afar, I embrace them and look forward to the change they will bring, but once they are upon me, I find the whole prospect terrifying.  Exploration of new places...or places I'd not been to for quite some time...or places to which I'd hoped I'd never return. 

I didn't take a weekend in Chicago, or set off to a sunny beach for a few days, or even get away for a time of solitude and silence.  Mine was a inward journey...I was forced to take an honest evaluation of some of my attitudes and motivations, my selfishness and my pride.  I was taken with loving hands to a place where the road stretched far out before me, and I was compelled to see beyond the haze of the moment.  There, in the quiet of my soul, I was honest with myself about myself and those around me...and then I was honest with them...confessions of knee-jerk responses, unfinished tasks and a weariness to continue.  Then, I knew I was on the way back home...with renewed resolve, I began my routine once again.  But that voyage within has changed me...I'm still learning, still growing.  I'm so thankful I'm on the other side, but I know I need to always keep my baggage close at hand for the next unexpected journey.

And please don't think I'm heartbroken or defeated...quite the opposite, really.  I rejoice in the fact that, as I decrease, He will increase.  As I die to my selfish attitudes and twisted motives, Christ will be more glorified in me and through me! 

We run away all the time to avoid coming face to face with ourselves. 
~Author Unknown


Photos by Teresa Pizzimenti

Moment by moment

Good morning, Diane...sorry it's been so long since I've written here!

I've been feeling impressed this new year to embrace life in a new way.  I feel God urging me to treasure each of my moments throughout the day.  And I know that I have been doing that for the most part as I go through my days - at least I try to.  But this is different.  Let me explain further.

Winter is upon us in Michigan and that means very chilly weather, bundling up under downy jackets and staying toasty for as much of my time as possible.  But lately I've felt compelled to stand for a while outside, feeling the cold air as it brushes my skin; to smell the winter air, with its crispness and a hint of burning wood from a distant fireplace; to enjoy the moment from the top of my head to the soles of my feet instead of dreading the cold and wishing I were inside.  I'm so thankful I'm able to take a deep breath and allow all my senses to drink in the brisk January morning.  Another morning means it is by God's grace that I am here again, watching the light dance on the frosty ground and seeing the sun rise pink and orange over the eastern sky.  Another morning means I can hold fast to the loved ones by whom I'm surrounded and pray that I might grow deeper in love with the One Who has given me life. It is my prayer that I live, fully, each moment that passes...every joy, every pain, the raucous laughter, the burning tears, the quiet breaths .  All of them are gifts from the Father...I want to be thankful...moment by moment.