Constant Love

Photo of Poudre River, taken while in Colorado these past two weeks

"Trust Me in the depths of your being. It is there that I live in constant communion with you. When you feel flustered and frazzled on the outside, do not get upset with yourself. You are only human, and the swirl of events going on all around you will sometimes feel overwhelming. ... Quiet your mind in My Presence." (Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)

Yes, this past week has felt like a swirl of events. And today, I am thankful for some time to pause and quiet my mind and my heart, and to remember ...

Thanking God for His many gifts this past week:


~ finishing the last two days of staff conference - so incredibly thankful to serve together with so many like-minded staff

~ for peace and direction for our leaders, guiding our ministry to a name change for our U.S. based ministries

~ a new logo, full of meaning - "a global community of caring Christians passionate about connecting people to Jesus Christ"

~ each session and seminar of our two-week conference, lifting up the Name of Jesus

~ final speaker, David Platt, bringing us again face-to-face with our incomprehensibly great God

~ sweet good-byes

~ conversation with Shelley, riding part-way home with us - staff headed for Hungary after a visit with parents in our state

~ special overnight visit with blog friend and staff friend  - Abby and her husband and two children stopping at our home on their way from conference to family in PA; also leaving for Hungary later this fall

~ a surprise visit from a daughter and son-in-law, and grandson

~ eating out at Indian Oven, where our youngest son works, his last day of work before his travels begin - the best waiter ever

~ spending more time with him the next day - filling up my heart with memories before he leaves soon for 9-10 months far away

~ hearing Francis Chan again on Sunday, this time on video at our church (as our own pastor is on vacation), and remembering the two sessions we heard from God through him at our staff conference - always drawing us to God's heart, and to living authentically before Him for His purposes

~ our family gathering together last night, celebrating a son-in-law's birthday (in their brand new home!), and also a farewell for our youngest son

~ time to talk and plan for our 40th anniversary trip - and an incredible new idea to pray about

~ a quiet day at home today, catching up, and preparing my heart for the good-bye tomorrow, a son leaving for far away

~ and remembering my dear mother whose birthday is today, August 1st - celebrating her 92nd birthday in heaven, where age no longer matters, and time has no end

~ thankful that through all the events and happenings of this life, that His Love is constant, never changing, always with us

"Nothing can separate you from My Love.

Let this divine assurance trickle through your mind

and into your heart and soul."

(Jesus Calling)

(One Thousand Gifts #571-587)

Linking up with others sharing gratitude at A Holy Experience