Tuesday, February 28, 2012

The Beginning

Count it all Joy: The Beginning

I've decided to give blogging a try. Sometimes you just need a place to put your thoughts. So this will be my place, for this season of time. This will be the place I use to remind myself of my blessings and the graciousness of God.

I live a blessed life. It is full of love and the blessing of my heavenly Father. In my life, I am most thankful for His love. I am thankful that God gave me an earthly father who mirrored my heavenly father's love. When I was a little girl, I loved crawling up into my Daddy's lap...to feel the warmth of his hug, the tickle of his whiskers and the security of knowing I was safe right there in his arms. Now, miles and time separate me from being able to spend the time I would like with my dad. But, even though we are separated, the love is as real and strong.

I am thankful that my Abba Father is not ever separated from me; that I can run into His arm and be wrapped in His safety and love. I think the the prophet Isaiah experienced that feeling when he wrote God's restoring words to the His children, "Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." (Isaiah 49:16 KJV)

That verse is for me. I have been grafted into His family through the salvation provided by Jesus Christ. My name is not just written with ink that can be removed, but it is engraved in my Father's hand. I am not out of His sight or His thoughts for a second. He is continually watching out for me and waiting for me to "crawl into His lap" for hug.

The past year has not been an easy one for me. I have been through more adversity and trials than I like to think about. But I have survived. Through every difficulty I have been covered in blessings from my heavenly Father. Through scripture, family, precious friends and my church family I have learned that I can count it all joy. I have a hope in One who is my strength and hope, my rock and my foundation.