Happy Independence Day!
Wow, what a great time we’ve had with family! We’re now at R and L’s, and on Wednesday we visited the Aquarium and had a lovely dinner at Parker’s Lighthouse. It was there that we shared our story with them, and we were amazed at how gracefully they received it. It’s hard to explain everything we’ve gone through over the past year in just one conversation, so I’ve been sending them my journal to help fill in the gaps. I pray that as they read it, they see more of the Lord than they do of us.
Yesterday morning, R and I got up early and went on what was supposed to be a 4-mile hike—turned into 6 miles when he missed a turn! We hiked through the canyon and Rolling Hills Estates and made our way back to the house. After that, Tom and I went for a swim, read for a bit, took a nap, and then enjoyed a Comedy and Magic show with the family and one of our dear friends. It was the show’s 30th anniversary celebration, and they brought in 20 comedians—each had 5 minutes to perform. Some had us laughing so hard we cried, and though a few were just okay, overall, it was a fantastic night of laughter and fun!
Today, the whole family is coming over to R and L’s for a 4th of July celebration—good food, wine, margaritas, and fun in the sun with swimming. We’ve truly enjoyed our “one-on-one” time with each family and feel blessed by this opportunity.
Today’s Oswald Chambers hit me right between the eyes:
July 4 – One of God's Great "Don'ts"
“Abstain from anger and cease from fury; also do not inflame yourself to do evil.”
—Psalm 37:8
Fretting means getting ourselves "out of joint" mentally or spiritually. It’s easy to say, “Rest in the Lord,” until our world gets turned upside down. But if God’s Word doesn’t work then, it doesn’t work at all.
Worry always leads to sin. We think anxiety shows how wise we are—when it really shows our lack of trust. Fretting stems from wanting our own way. Jesus never worried because His goal was not to fulfill His own plans, but God’s.
Are you telling yourself that your circumstances are too big for God? Stop planning without Him. Choose instead to "abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1).
Wow. Do I ever feel put in my place! Oswald doesn’t tiptoe around—he just says it like it is. I do feel like I fret less and less as I walk this journey, but I still know I’m far from where I need to be.
Lord, only You can help me let go of my control and desires and take on Yours. I only want to do Your will and not my own. Thank You for Your patience and Your unconditional love!
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