A Great Day to Go Flying

cessna

When I was ten years old, my dad learned to fly.  He did countless take-offs and landings, solos, flew cross country, took tests, and finally, he was a pilot.  The thrilling part to me was that we would get to go up with him….very soon!  I trusted him completely; after all, he was my dad, and I was always safe with my dad.  All we needed was the perfect day for our first flight as a family.  Finally, that day came.  Dad said, “It’s a great day to go flying!”  And off we went, soaring off into the blue skies in our little Cessna four-seater.  It was wonderful.  🙂

It has now been ten unbelievably hard and sad days since my amazing dad has flown away into heaven and God’s arms.  I don’t ever think I will stop missing him, wanting to talk to him, ask him a question, give him a big hug.  But I also know that where he is, there is no more crying, no more pain, and beauty beyond imagining as far as the eye can see.  And when I get there one day, he will be there, waiting, with Jesus, and he will say, “It’s a great day to go flying!”  And off we’ll go, and it will be wonderful.  I love you, Dad.  Love, Lisa

 

Peace That Passes Understanding

St. Stephen's Green, Dublin

St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin

“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.” ~John 14:27

No way to understand it, but when you experience it, you know it’s real.  Jesus is always there, and He will give you just what you need for that moment.  The peace comes, you breathe deeply, He’s right there.  Blessings, Lisa

Solace

DSCN1314

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside quiet waters,

He restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  ~Psalm 23

DSCN1328

I pray these words bring solace and peace to your soul today.  Blessings and love, Lisa

Storm Clouds Are Just Another Shade of Blue

Rossbeigh, Ireland

Rossbeigh, Ireland

When I wake up on a day like this, I have two choices:  cover up my head and call it a day, or put on my boots, warm coat, zip up and go on.  I wish I could say that I always choose the latter of the two, but on the days when I have, I have been so glad.  Because beauty, joy, discovery can still be found on grey days…the beaches are quieter, the mountains look mysterious and as if they have a story to tell, and the wind cleanses and pushes out all the other “stuff” I might have been feeling.

You may be going through something really hard right now, something so big that you don’t know how to tackle it….you feel like diving under the covers and calling it a day.  The longer I live this life, the more I see that all of us go through some pretty hard stuff.  But if I will just zip up my boots (don’t get me started on how much I love my boots 🙂  )  and face the wind, no matter how stiff, I am alive, I am blessed, God is looking down on me and cares about me.  It may feel like He’s raining down on me sometimes, but those storm clouds are just another shade of blue.  Making me stronger, making me more like him.  Keep going, keep looking, the storm clouds will break, pass, and the blue sky is right there.  And it has been, all the time.  Slainte, Lisa

“By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way…”  ~Exodus 13:21a

Courageous

Harbor

I don’t know this man or his story, but he’s rowing a rather large boat with a motor attached.  If his motor fizzled out, he has a long row back to shore.  Whatever his story is, he’s not giving up.  He’s rowing.  And eventually he will get to the shore.  He’ll make it.

“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  ~Joshua 1:9

Whatever you’re facing today, I pray God’s strength and courage for you.  For God is with you wherever you go.  Blessings, Lisa