Marking Another Year of Faithfulness

I think it is only fair to pause as one marks another year of activities fading into vague memories as quickly as a vapor.

In this leisure moment, I'm pausing to mark, journal & thank the Lord for another year that has passed. It has been an awesome year of Florida sunshine, poolside BBQ & picnics with laughter & great conversations, new friends & visitors, travel, grandchildren's school performances & successes to cheer, and moments of teaching God's ladies while serving the Lord alongside a faith community. This pause is filled with praise to my precious LORD Jesus for the all the good He has showered on my days. 

My personal trek with the living God began over 60 years ago with the words "for you" spoken by Jesus when explaining His choice to die in my place. I received Him as my Savior and He gave me the right to be called by His Name. I love what I recently found of just what God did for me in Romans 1:5-7.
Throughout my adult life I've become more and more aware of the depths those precious "for you" words actually mean to me. To know that my Creator wants "good" for me has given me more courage than I've even imagined. My life has been so full of adventures and the solid promises of good have been the anchor of security through both storms & peace. 

I'm constantly amazed how our faithful God declares Himself present in our lives. Just recently, Don & I traveled again to Wales to visit our younger daughter's family. It's been said often by those from the UK, so I'll just agree with them.
 "Wow! It's so beautiful!"
Our Creator God did really good with the formation of those beautiful rolling hills & flowery meadows, making a perfect dwelling place for some of his lowly wooly creatures. Yes... there are sheep everywhere!!
Psalm 23 came to my mind as I watched a shepherd climb the slope to his flock. 

Each time we visit, we have wonderful times exploring the surrounding Brecon Mountains and the valley communities. On one hike, we stood on a Brecon Summit, to gaze far off into the distance. The shadows of billowy clouds darkened further hills in an array of green tones. We enjoyed our restful Teatime in the Roundabout and wandered the pastureland, marveling at God's creation covering the immense landscape & amazing cloud formations outlining the sky. 
                                                                            

One Sunday afternoon on this recent holiday trip, we drove to a very high peak. The road was narrow, muddy and curving sharply. It was very challenging whenever we met an oncoming vehicle. Each driver inched slowly as close to the hedge as possible to barely squeak past each other. There were also some tense moments when our wheels spun icy patches, struggling to grasp gravel to slow us down.   
Because the wind was sharp, cold and intense, we spent the winter afternoon exploring mostly from the car. The girls climbed out once to run & play on the lush green bluff but quickly raced back to the car, weary of fighting the gusts challenging their strength. Even dressed in several layers, I huddled in the car, trying to keep warm.
The beauty spread below the bluff was breathtaking. It was most beautiful when the sun shone on the houses clustered in the valley. The countryside was dotted with hedges, marking off roads and farms. In the distance, we could see the ancient stone castle, a fortress during many historical enemy raids.  

During those moments in creation, I found it hard to describe my inner feelings. I've almost accepted the possibility that there may be no words for such poignant feelings. A whispered hint might be that I felt like my soul encountered the closeness of my inner Anchor's Presence. Within me, I've held tightly to Him, believing securely His declarations of love explained in Scriptures. I'm persuaded my Redeemer lives. I know I live in His Presence wherever I roam, but there on the mountain top, my physical world was enveloped by His Majesty. The moments were poignant, vivid, flamboyant, yet breathtakingly peaceful.

I am so blessed. As I contemplate other days of this passing year, I realize I've encountered His Presence in so many different places. He surrounds me with good. The squeezes of little arms embracing my weariness, the smiles in friendships, a well-written text greeting, and the camaraderie found while serving our community have been just a few of the moments. 

Returning to our Florida home, our heated pool wards off the winter blues while offering leisure afternoons to float in the sun, relaxed by listening to the broadcasting songs, hymns & spiritual songs. These have been times of inner refreshing as well as more quiet hours to read & study Scriptures while basking in the sunshine!
I also find great enjoyment comparing my treasure hunts with what others have excavated in their studies! How blessed we are to have the technology to hear several weekly sermons, take classes online, hear pods, or read other posts sharing individual studies! All of these have brought such joy and remind us daily that we live in His Presence. 
So, life continues to move on with so much promise of adventures in the Presence of our Living God. 

I pray for my family and friends to be very aware of where the Living God is making His appeal through his representatives and the marvelous gift of God's kindness. (2 Corinthians 5:17- 6:1). 
May each of us gratefully join Him in the message of reconciliation as we practice His Presence daily through 2026.