FRESH FRUIT

It's been 3 years since I've blogged on here and that kind of blows my mind!! I wonder if I remember how to do this?

The transition to retirement almost 2 years ago has been pleasant and I have loved being able to spend time with my guy and go on adventures with him! I also have my "Sweet Montana Home" blog, which has been neglected for well over a year but I will get back on there as well and post about our Montana life soon.

We are fortunate in that, the Lord planted us in our church "Fresh Life", before we made our permanent transition. We plugged in immediately and have made some wonderful friendships and really enjoy having a community of Believers to serve and fellowship with! Our church is comprised of mostly 20 & 30 somethings so we are in the minority for sure! Dave and I have felt a special commission to serve and mentor our younger brothers and sisters in Christ and hopefully encourage them forward in their own journey with Christ. I have been deeply humbled to be a first hand witness of their passion to reach the lost and convicted about some of my own attitudes I have had towards this younger generation. But I am thankful for God's grace, mercy and forgiveness and that He continues to entrust us with the task of serving others; with Jesus' example of ultimate servanthood, as our standard.

In July we have had the "Summer Reading Series" where each Sunday, our Pastor has had an author give a message related to their book that they have written. The week Alex Seely was our guest speaker she spoke on our identity in Christ. Her book, "Tailor Made" has been a life-giving and encouraging message, for my ragged spirit. Yesterday Sadie Robertson of "Duck Dynasty" fame, was our guest and she shared from her book "Fearless".

One example she shared, was from the book of Daniel, chapter 6. We know that Daniel was a Godly man, consistent in his faith to the Living God, yet found himself thrown into the Lion's Den, all because others were jealous of his prominence and favor with King Darius. One thing I had never given thought to that Sadie Robertson pointed out, was that Daniel was thrown into a pit and then

"a stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den..." (verse 17),

it would have been completely dark, no light whatsoever. Sadie talked about the power of fear being like that; of being completely in the dark, knowing that something is out there waiting to pounce, you can hear its breathing, it's nearness. I thought to myself that, her example was one I could comprehend and unfortunately, relate to all too well.

Fast forward in the story to King Darius, who has been up all night, rushing to the lion's den to see if Daniel has been rescued by "the Living God whom you serve continually"? Daniel replies to the king,

"My God sent His angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions."

In that moment I had such a sweet revelation from the Holy Spirit: I knew that Daniel had not been sitting there all night long, in utter pitch black darkness. God Himself was present during his ordeal, He had sent His angel to preserve him.

We know that, "God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all." 1 John 1:5

Sometimes I can lose sight of God's goodness, faithfulness and provision and I need reminders like this to get back to the basics in the faith. I'm so glad we are planted in a House of God that encourages our next generation, supporting and encouraging them as they grow into our future leaders in the faith. Too many churches only want to present polished, perfectly matured Christians from their platforms, as if those actually exist! My prayer is that God keeps me humble and teachable, knowing that my sanctification is not yet complete and won't be so until I see my Savior face to face.