Salt

Image and Art credit: Carol Belleau
carol@carolbelleauway

Daily Gratitude Year 4-Day 274: Today, I am grateful for salt.

Just last night, I made a meal but didn't add that sprinkle of salt to the meat preparation. No big deal. Right? The casserole had other ingredients that contained salt. Wrong!  

It was okay...but not quite right.  Not as good as it could be. Not the best version. Salt... even a sprinkle or a pinch... changes everything. It helps tenderize the lean meat. It adds flavor. 

Then...as God does...this image was found during my prayers, pondering and consultation as to what I should be grateful for today. I think it might be more evidence of his sense of humor.  Yes. Salt makes a difference.

Carol Belleau has truly captured my eye and my heart with this image from her hand. For my friends beyond the USA borders - this image echoes the "Morton Salt" label that has been around for years. It is an icon. 

As diet goes, salt in moderation is an essential part of a healthy diet. Salt helps the body retain the water it needs to function well (of course, too much of a good thing is not good). It stimulates muscle contraction and prevents cramping. It aides the digestive system in the break down of food. Sodium deficiency, like the kind experienced in extreme heat and perspiration, can result in shock. Water and salt in balance are vital to life. 

Salt adds flavor and helps preserve food and has always had value. There is a Middle Eastern saying that says: "There has been salt between us." It means that a meal has been shared.  A shared meal is in cultural importance as it confirmed a relationship. Barriers drop and hearts open around a lunch or supper table. 

Isn't it interesting, that before we even had the science to back it up, God's Word speaks of salt. 

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." - Colossians 4:6

"Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”-Mark 9:50

Several scriptures refer to a salt covenant. There are different opinions on what that implies, but in every case, the salt is significant. 

"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet." -Matthew 5:13

Coming from a land of winters with ice and snow...we know ice under the feet is not worthless. Still, salt unfit for consumption loses much of it's value.

Salt should bring images of good, meaningful and encouraging words. Salt should make us think of meals shared with friends and those we hope to make friends. When we prepare a meal and share it... we are sharing a part of who we are. There is vulnerability in how it is received. A love shown in grateful acceptance. 

I have friends who I believe majored in hospitality. In truth - God has blessed them with it. They are the salt in our fellowship circles. Their gifts amaze me in that area. I have to work at it a little harder and fret way to much.  You know hospitality is your gift when you thrive in every aspect of the preparations. I can enjoy it, but I am not gifted. 

We can all find ways to be salt. He calls us to be salt. 

Without salt... so much flavor would be lost. 

Today, I am grateful for salt.

Face to Face Meetings

Daily Gratitude Year 4-Day 273: Today, I am grateful for face to face meetings. 

If you have had loved ones long distance... Skype and other face to face cyber meeting spots make everything more bearable. I love letters and the written word - but a face to face meeting says more. Even a phone call is not as good as "face to face" and "eye to eye". 

They say the eyes are the window to the soul. Sin makes us want to hide our face from God. It has been that way since Adam and Eve.

This verse is beautiful in it's simplicity. Thursdays can thrive... but sometimes it helps to keep it simple. This scripture, Psalm 27:8, is from the New Living Translation. It reminds me of young Samuel in service to Eli, learning how to listen for the Lord's voice. 

The ESV is slightly different:

You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.”Psalm 27:8

The message is clear. The Lord say, "Come and talk". "Seek my face." A face to face meeting makes a difference in a relationship. Ignore the "face to face" and a relationship breaks down. 

With God, it is a little like a child playing "hide and seek". In the beginning, they attempt to hide by hiding their face in a corner, under a blanket or closing their eyes. No matter what part of their body is exposed, the feel invisible. They embrace the idea that "If I can't see you - you can't see me." As older siblings and parents, we laugh at this behavior and find it adorable. The innocence of the child's belief that "If i can't see you, you can't see me." 

Funny, but as grown ups, we can fall into this same belief in our relationship with God. The all seeing eye of God is dismissed or ignored. That is, until we are in trouble. Micah issues a warning for those who boldly and defiantly ignore God's instructions, then come crying when in trouble. This is not about our sin struggles, but our intentional defiance.  

Then they will cry to the Lord, but he will not answer them; he will hide his face from them at that time, because they have made their deeds evil. -Micah 3:4

Micah is speaking to rulers and "prophets" who lead the people in the wrong direction. Seeking what they want and not seeking God's face. This is another great verse from Jeremiah addressing the need to seek His face:

"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." -Jeremiah 29:12-13

God's instruction isn't - "Call me if you need something."  It is "Call me daily. Know me. Let me into your life. Let my grace guide your days. Trust my love because you know me." Jesus taught it in this way:

And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you;seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Luke 11:9-10

Face to face meetings are best. Remember the child "hiding" in plain sight. Am I that child? 

Today, I am grateful for face to face meetings. 

Bring Me A Solution

Image Credit to Angie Keiser  Fashion by Mayhem

Daily Gratitude Year 4-Day 272: Today, I am grateful for those who say "bring me a solution". 

Creative thinking is such a unique and amazing part of the human experience. You know I believe it came with our soul breath and is in his image. 

Yesterday, I stumbled on a blog spot by a mom raising a nearly 7 year old daughter.  For years, she has been fascinated with fashion - from story book characters to red carpet runway. She is adorable!

This image is my favorite (her parents are photographers). I can feel the joy and hear her singing.

Check out her Mom's blogspot and enjoy  www.fashionbymayhem.com . 

It is full of wonder, fun and inspiration. As long as Mayhem (not her real name) could make her designs from mostly paper and found household/re-purposed items... and it continues to be fun... she has full parental support. 

What struck me the most was that her mother, Angie Keiser,  shared how she manages little Mayhem's design challenges.  This is what she tells her when her little girl comes for help: "Bring me a solution.".  

Everyone needs a little help sometimes. But, instead of rescuing Mayhem or doing it for her... the rule is that she must come for help with a solution in mind.  What a great parenting technique! Teaching a child to think for themselves and to solve their own problems... brilliant! 

Her parents are not unwilling to help... but growing this child in confidence, in self knowledge of all the gifts she have been given...and lets her embrace her uniqueness. 

It made me think. I wonder if that is how our God is often able to do greater things in our lives. The struggle  is part of the process. We have to need him to learn to know him. His help is always there, but if it were too easy, he would cheat us out of the joy of problem solving. We are...  after all... in His image.  

When I think of the creativity he used in solving the problem of sin and a broken relationship... I am in awe. Yes, He came for relationship restoration and to be the solution to the problem of sin. Still, we have to have active participation in the process. Without it, we would not really learn to embrace his grace... but would likely take it for granted. 

Mayhem creates her designs with mostly paper and tape. Jesus is our sin solution... his sacrifice and his blood... but we have to figure it out on our own and how to apply it to our life.  He is waiting to help, at the moment of confession that we know the solution, but we need His help. His forgiveness and saving grace. New life in Christ... it feels fabulous.  

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. - Isaiah 61:10 

Now, that is a gown to be imagined!

The process is part of the sin solution. The gift of God is salvation that is active and real... and freeing. Throw up your hands and spin.  

Today, I am grateful for those who say "bring me a solution"... and Jesus who is the solution. 

Mixed Fonts - Clearer Message

Daily Gratitude Year 4-Day 271: Today, I am grateful for mixed fonts and clearer messages.

I adore words and definitions. Right after that...fonts. In the past...in the earlier home computer years... I have been put on font restrictions in the past when computers space was more limited.  Now, I get to keep all the fonts I want.  Oh, happy day! 

Mixing fonts helps add whimsy, but more importantly, it can create a clearer message. I found this image on designs by Nicolina and it caught my attention. Yes...the mix is just more interesting... but it seems to simplify the message. 

Mixing fonts is a rich part of art, the written word and in the Bible Journaling community. Hand drawn, stamped, stickers or even stencils can give us variety. On the computer, the font list can easily reach over 500.  All the varieties and then a "bold" or "Italics" to add more clarity. 

Today is a great day to grab some note cards (Common 4X6 index) or a blank journal and write a scripture in mixed fonts. Read a scripture, pray it, ask God to let it speak and then write it down. I just heard on the radio that a recent stud shows that doodling while learning increases retention. I have lived that experience in my school days, and now as I journal God's word in artistic ways... His Word speaks. 

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. - Hebrews 4:12 

If I were mixing fonts on this scripture... and adding doodles... THE WORD OF GOD might be big and bold. Living...active... and sharper are key. A sword doodle piercing a heart that is divided into souls and spirit. Joints and marrow.( God knew blood was made in the bone marrow...science had not yet discovered that truth. Something to think about)  Thoughts and intentions of the heart means more hearts to doodle and a thought cloud. All with mixed fonts. 

Anyway...that is a simple gratitude for a Tuesday  I am going to simply be grateful for mixed fonts and the many ways we can use them. 

Today, I am grateful for mixed fonts and clearer messages.

Griffith...God's Greater Grace

Daily Gratitude Year 4-Day 270: Today, I am grateful God' grace is greater than any struggle...and lessons from Mayberry. 

I have the best memories of growing up with frequent visits to my grandparents home. Mama's family meant time with cousins. Lindgren grandparents meant time with Grandma and Grandpa. We were their constant shadows and companions. I don't remember much self entertainment... I remember being with them. I remember the treat of TV trays and Andy Griffith. 

We were never allowed to watch TV at a meal. Grandpa had TV trays for that very reason. I think it went back to his years as a widower before marrying Grandma Marge. He knew every show and would watch them again and again. Such wisdom was found in Mayberry. 

Our Sunday School class has done a series that was short - but used clips from old episodes of "The Andy Griffith Show".  Can you hear him whistling the theme song? (If you are under 35 - you may need to look for it on YouTube.) Yes, Mayberry was full of lessons that even in seasons of hardship and and a depressed economy, the things that really mattered were simple.  Loving your neighbor...from the switchboard busybody to the town drunk Otis... was how they lived. A family could be an Andy, an Opie and an Aunt Bea. Love always won over a gun... which is good because Barney had a little trouble with his. 

Friends and family were what made a man (or woman) rich. Living in a community that cared was what carried folks through the tough times. People... especially Andy... listened. I can still close my eyes and see him pause before responding to anyone that was wound up and ready for a fight. His questions guided them to answers that were better than violence or hatred. I miss Mayberry. I miss Grandpa and Grandma. I miss the message that community is as important as individual success. 

I am grateful that I grew up with a taste of Mayberry in rural America. We had no Wi-Fi or cellphones. We stayed connected by actually being together. Stopping in for tea or coffee. The trend toward "small groups" in churches is reviving the practice of intimacy and accountability among believers. We need each other. In our celebrations, in death, in success and in our struggles... together is better.   

For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:15

Our little village has pockets of Mayberry. Our little neighborhood of 70's homes has been one of them. Not the fanciest homes... but rich in relationships.  Our kids actually played outside... and for those homes with younger children... they still do. One yard or two collects the children. The yard changes but the faces are the same. The children learn about extending grace to each other in times of disagreement...and about the doubling of the fun in corporate play. 

Lessons in grace...given and extended... are powerful life lessons.  Community changing life lessons. 

Today, I am grateful God' grace is greater than any struggle...and lessons from Mayberry. 

Waiting on His Timing

Daily Gratitude Year 4-Day 269: Today, I am grateful for God's timing. 


Sometimes things seem wrong. It seems there is no possible way that "God is in it" when it looks like a real mess. How complicated this life can be, but God's direction is so simple. "Trust in me". 

Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. -Genesis 21:5

And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. -Hebrews 6:15

Trust in God means trusting his path and his timing. Becoming a parent at 100! A child is always a gift, but imagine a toddler in your senior years. At 50... I think I would shed a few tears of self-pity. 

Still, God's proved again and again that his timing is always perfect. It was for Abraham. It was for Noah, Moses, Joseph & David. It was for Rahab... and for Ruth. And then for Saul/Paul. For the friendless Zacchaeus... and for James, the brother of Jesus who did not believe in him until after his resurrection. 

It was God's timing for the Samaritan woman at the well who had known five husbands and was living with a man without marriage. She met Jesus and he rocked her world with his love and truth. He sought her out when others would have shunned her.  He offered her a new life and living water . (John 4) Jesus, also, addressed God's timing and what was to come. To her...a woman, a Samaritan and one who had many men... he revealed his identity and clearly spoke of what was to come. What an encounter!

 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. -John 4:23

 What an encounter! Not your average day at the well. God's timing is always perfect. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. -Proverbs 3:5-6

The key to this passage is clearly written and claimed but a detail is often overlooked. "In all your ways acknowledge him" is easier said than done.  Easier quoted than lived out. When we acknowledge his Lordship, he directs our paths. 

In all your ways acknowledge that this life is a gift...to us... from him. What we do with the gift is a daily decision. Submitting to His Lordship and embracing his timing - no matter how crazy it might seem. 

"Child...your way might seem 'better' .. but you don't have a universe. Let's go with my plan. Trust in me. It will come together for your good." - God

One of the joys of maturity is that eventually... we start to see his hand, his timing and his grace that arrived in some unusual, strangely timed packages. 

Today, I am grateful for God's timing. 

Psithurism

Daily Gratitude Year 4-Day 268: Today, I am grateful for psithurism (sith' yur is um)...the sound of the wind in the trees and the rustling leaves.

Growing up less than an hour from Chicago...on a flat Midwest farm... believe me when I say... I know wind. I know the howl and the roar. I know the whisper... and the rustle. I like the rustle. 

As a child, fierce winds shaking an 1800's farmhouse could be a little frightening. Then, there were other times, the gentle rustle of leaves outside a window was an evening lullaby or a morning song as leaves began to dry and drop... signifying fall ahead.  The scent in the air unique to the season would fill the room. How could I not fall in love with Autumn? The sounds, the scents and the colors are all so captivating. 

A swish, a swoosh and a whoosh... and the occasional crackle. Psithurism. The gentle rustle is captivating and unpredictable in rhythm, as only God directs the winds.  

And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided. -Genesis 8:1 

This is from the Genesis record of Noah and the Great Flood. God made a wind and directed it for his purpose to dry the flooded land. Then this passage from Proverbs:

"Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? 

What is his name, and what is his son's name? Surely you know! 

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar." -Proverbs 30:4-6

(Yes...that is Old Testament scripture in reference to Jesus.) 

He parts the waters, walks on water, calms the stormy seas... and rustles the autumn leaves. Who has gathered the wind in his fists? 

The Hebrew word for wind... in both scriptures is "ruwach". Best translated as Spirit, wind and...sometimes breath. 

How many times has man cost God his breath? How many times do we fight against the winds of the Holy Spirit's direction as we determinedly press toward our own goals? Haven't we all been there?  Does that work out for you any better than it does for me? 

What does it feel like when we...finally... surrender to His Spirit and feel the wind at our backs. Then, we can dance!  Moving with the Spirit instead of fighting against the winds of His direction. 

How does the experience change when we learn to listen for his rustle in the leaves and embrace the new season or direction? The difference is amazing. Surrender leads to empowerment. Crazy love, right? Reciprocal love. God's love. Forever love. 

Today, I am grateful for psithurism (sith' yur is um)...the sound of the wind in the trees and the rustling leaves and the movement of the Spirit through our days.  

Fine Tuning

Daily Gratitude Year 4-Day 267: Today, I am grateful for moments of "fine tuning".

For me, starting the day focusing on his word and one thing to be grateful for has become a habit. I need it like that first cup of coffee. The quiet moment before the day's chaos begins.

I am reading a book that is teaching me some Hebrew words. Focusing on the little details in the differences between language of scripture and English is fascinating to me. Sometimes it is the key that unlocks a verse that confuses me.

Today, we have easy resources that help us understand. We can fine tune and allow the power of the scriptures to be opened up and revealed.

This week...wilderness was a word that caught my eye. How many times God used the "desert" and "wilderness" places to reveal himself. Why? Because, even in Biblical times...the "busy" of the day could get in the way of hearing God's voice and seeing his direction. We listen better in the wilderness moments. We can fine tune in His presence.

I can relate to that!

Sometimes the wilderness can be emotional, and other times we step physically out of the chaos to pray and seek His face. Either way, He is waiting. Fine tuning changes everything.

"Be still and know I Am God." Psalm 46:10. My original life verse for fine tuning. What is yours?

The youth at church have started a tradition of choosing a life verse for the school year. Some keep them in their locker or as a screen saver... Or in their phones. They initiated the second year. Fine tuning made a difference.

"Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it." Habakkuk 2:2

Run to the wilderness. Run to the Word. Run!

Okay... Settle in with a hot cup of java and your favorite study tools.

Today, I am grateful for moments of "fine tuning".

Not that Powerful

Year Four-Day 266: Today, I will be grateful for the truth that "I am not that powerful". 

"If you think you've blown God's plan for your life, rest in this. You, my beautiful friend, are not that powerful." - Lisa Bevere

Lisa Bevere's quote here really stirs my soul. What an encouraging word. The best part of this encouraging word is that it is true. It is not empty words. 

God is the Master at taking people that appear too broken to matter much to the world... and transforms them by his forgiveness and grace. He fills the hole in our souls and makes us whole. Then, what we allow Him to do in our lives is what defines the relationship. 

Moses...adopted into the palace but he knew his roots. He knew his people and his story. He had blood on his hands. Temper ridden and defiant at times. Not the best public speaker. He was the one chosen to lead a nation out of slavery and act as God's spokesman. How many times did he think he had blown God's plan for his life? 

Again... Saul to Paul... evidence of a Master's hand in a messed up plan. Saul believed in what he was doing when he persecuted Christians. He was had know idea what was ahead. He courageously let go of the brokenness in his life when he allowed it to be transformed by Christ's love. He did not let his past interfere with God's plan for his future. 

Rahab...a protitute... would find redemption, love and ultimately end up in the genealogy of Jesus.  Yes, she was a part of his story!  

Ruth... widow... an ethnic minority in her husbands family... with a broken heart and a sorrowful mother-in-law that took a great deal of her energy. God moved in her life in a powerful way simply because she kept her trust in him and continued to seek his face and do the right thing through her mountain of troubles.  She, too, is in the genealogy of Jesus. She was not too broken. She trusted a sovereign God.

David's sin with Bathsheba was not the end of his story and God's plans for his life. It was a turbulent time and God did allow tough consequences... really tough...  but it wasn't the end. 

The one super power he gives us is our ultimate choice to choose him as Lord and King or to reject him to do our own thing. It is really that simple. Choose Him or refuse Him. The only exercise requirement is that we exercise love for Him and love for each other. (Insert deep sigh of relief.) Now, the training program can be tough on our human nature... 

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. -James 4:7 

Yes... a simple training exercise strategy. But tough, too. 

Paraphrased - let His plan become your plan. Resist Satan. Don't let the enemy tempt, block or overcome you... because guess what? Satan, my friend, is not that powerful. Don't give in to his taunts and terrors. 

Embrace this day.  Some days we feel His hand. Other days, we just press on as instructed. Find comfort His Word. Be encouraged and encourage others. Trust the master planner with your best...and your mess. He's got your back, your front, your sideways and upside down. HE IS that powerful. 

Today, I will be grateful for the truth that "I am not that powerful".

Choose a Ministry

Year Four-Day 265: Today, I will be grateful for opportunities to choose ministry.  



My dear friend, Clara Jo, says, "Be a Barnabas.". In Bible speak, that means be an encourager. She is. Daily and consistently. She, too, has been called to service different than her educational background.  She inspires me daily, we share things we are learning, and I am grateful to call her my friend. 

This "Ministry is..." captured my eye and struck just the right chord this morning. 

It took me to a particular scripture.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. -2 Corinthians 12:9-

His power is made perfect in our weaknesses. What a message. What an encouragement. Perfect strength. Not just "enough" strength. That, is our God. That, is Christ in us. That, is the Holy Spirit when we let him fill us, guide us and propel us. The Holy Spirit is the wind at our back when we have nothing left of our own strength. 

Every life has some story that would break your heart.  Everyone faces suffering and loss. Sometimes, the most powerful evidence of a living God is how his people respond to the struggles. For those who have known profound loss or sadness, there is is peace that comes on the darkest of days that can only be explained by supernatural forces. The wings of angels and the breath of the Holy spirit hold us together. There is nothing like the hug of an unseen angels wing for shelter. Even sweeter, is the human hug of one who encourages us to press on. 

Somehow, when we reach out to help others, we find our own hearts lifted. Never let Satan whisper, "You have nothing to offer.". He is a liar. God never called perfect people to service, for no one is perfect. In fact, some he called came from questionable and messy backgrounds. Love changes everything. God IS love. 

When love calls us to action... do we run like Jonah... in the opposite direction? Or, do we say "yes". 

Today, I will be grateful for opportunities to choose ministry... in all seasons of life.   

Move that Mountain

Year Four-Day 264: Today, I will choose to be grateful for "mountain assignments". 

Do you ever feel that you are facing the mountain? You are too weary to climb it. You are in need of a vacation more than one more thing that requires concentration of any kind. Still, the mountain is before you.}

It can be health changes, job changes, moving to a new place, relationship challenges or an assortment of other things. Still, the mountain is before you. 

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20

The Biblical examples are endless. 
Moses vs. the Red Sea
Moses vs. the Desert (water, manna, quail, shoes & cloud GPS)
Joseph vs. the Drought
David vs. Goliath
Esther vs. Haman's evil plan
Jesus vs. storms, hunger, illness and death
Jonah vs. Ninevah (actually...he was battling God on that one)
Peter vs. prison

But ,let us end with one that brings me to a "semicolon moment". Pause. Pay attention to what comes next. 

Stephen vs. Saul (who would be Paul when transformed by Jesus)
Ananias vs. Saul (as he transitions from persecutor to believer) 

Talk about  mountains to be moved! 

Saul was fueling the passions and firing up the leaders of the day on a campaign against believers in Jesus.  Christians were dying horrible deaths. 

Now, I love Paul for his passion.  So did God, but he was on the wrong team. He needed to be traded to the Jesus team. The same Saul who stood by applauding the stoning of Stephen... would be a game changer in the cause of spreading the gospel. A face to face meeting with the Master, some days of blindness and then he could really see. 

I have to wonder what the heavenly reunion between Stephen and Paul might be like. The awesome power of a life changing Lord turned persecutor into brother. Hate turned to love. What seemed like a tragic end to Stephen's life was a powerful factor in the story of Saul's transition to life as Paul. Jesus forgave Paul in a moment. Paul spent the rest of his life allowing the grace of God that covered his worst sins to inspire him to pursue the lost and share the good news of Jesus. 

How many times did Paul look in the mirror and see glimpses of Saul when Satan whispered in his ear? Satan knows our weaknesses. Still, Paul persevered for all of his days. He.. like us... had good days an bad days. 

Imagine Stephen running to Paul with open arms to hug him and welcome him home. Both, good and faithful servants. Wow. I love that image. 

Mountain assignments come and go. Our God is faithful.  In truth... no one does it alone. It is only by the power of Christ in us that giants fall, mountains more, Red Seas part and lives are profoundly changed after the pause at the foot of the cross. 

Paul and Stephen's story was not an instant miracle; God runs on his own clock. 

Today, I will choose to be grateful for "mountain assignments".