Awaiting my summer

It’s amazing how easily affected I am by the rain.  It has rained everyday here since I got back.  The early mornings are beautiful, but right about 10am, the storm clouds roll over Bald Mt. and dump rain. Blah.  It’s cold too.  Long time locals haven’t seen it rain this much in many years - if only it had snowed as much over the winter as it’s raining now. :-)  I was up early this morning for breakfast with Rip, and the sky was blue with fluffy white clouds.  I was in a great mood, ready for the day.  Then the clouds rolled in with cold air and I suddenly lost all motivation and wanted only to go back to bed. But one should never lie down for a nap before 11am, especially if that’s only 3 hours since one has awoken for the day. :-)

But, right as I was dozing off, I received a call from a lady (Julie) at church and we decided to have lunch.  It was a wonderful time of fellowship and beginning to share our lives with each other.  Linda from church also called and I have lunch and hiking plans with her on Friday.  Part of my prayer and goals since vacation is that I would become more connected at church, and though I have to put forth effort in that, God responded so quickly.  I didn’t initiate meeting with Julie - she approached me the first sunday morning I was back.  I am really excited about the opportunities for new relationships.  We ate lunch at a Chinese place and my ‘fortune’ cookie said, “Explore the possibilities in your new relationships.  Now is the time.”  Aptly spoken, in many ways for me right now.

This past Sunday morning at church was an absolutely refreshing and needed time of truly encountering God.  Before worship was even done, a guy in the congregation spoke out a Word he heard from God.  Without going into great detail, the words he spoke were exactly what I had been praying.  I wanted a clear answer on something and it couldn’t have been clearer.  As we continued to worship, people began sharing what God was speaking to them, and it became just me and God in there.  I’m sure others benefited from the ministry of the Holy Spirit, but as far as I was concerned, it was just me and God in there.  One thing after another, he addressed things in my life and heart, speaking out loud through other people the direct answers to prayer thoughts and discussions I was having with Him.  This time continued on for about an hour, and then church was done.  It was never interrupted for the scheduled message from the pastor, or announcements of whatever is normally done.  It’s so awesome when it’s so obvious God is speaking through his people.  And that he really does love me so much that when I asked for help, he showed up in a big way, involving other people.  No one knew of my struggles, heart condition and prayers.  But He did and he answered in no subtle way.

Having a clear word from the Lord and knowing what decisions have to be made in my life doesn’t make it easy, but I do have a peace about certain things and I know what issues He will be dealing with over the next couple months.  I’m excited for what’s to come.  This is going to be a good summer. :-)