God is Good!

In my quiet time this morning I was thinking about the day and all that I was thankful for, specifically at this moment in time.

Richard and I and our 8 year old Black Lab Molly had a safe trip from PA, arriving in The Florida Keys yesterday. We bought our home here 20 years ago and we love The Keys. It is “July Hot” all along the East coast but the temperature is lower in the Keys than it has been in Orefield. I always marvel at the beautiful clear blue sky and billowy white clouds here. The sky was humid, heavy, and grey until we reached Florida. It sure is hot and it took awhile for the air conditioner to cool down the house. It has reached comfort level and Molly has stopped panting. Last night before going to bed we stood out on our deck which juts out over the canal at the rear of our home. The sky was so very black and the multitude of stars shine here like no other place on earth. The Keys are in the middle of the ocean without light pollution. Peering out into that sky makes us so aware of God’s marvelous creation and of how tiny, in the realm of life and eternity, each of us really is.

How can mighty God know what I need or even hear my prayers. This is where faith enters the picture. We cannot humanly understand the enormity of the connection between the natural and the supernatural. I do not feel the need to understand it, I choose to believe. I have chosen to believe what God has told to me and what he has promised to me in His Word. As I read John 3:16 and Matthew 6, Jesus’ sermon on the mount, I know that God loves me (I am one of the whosoever He is talking about) and that the hairs on my head are numbered and he cares about a falling sparrow or the clothing color of a lily in the field.

Today, another thing on my mind is the safe arrival home of my daughter, Christa, from a wonderful Australian business trip. She is back in Pennsylvania with her husband Kris. I hope they can have a quiet weekend to recover and relax. Kris hasn’t had much relaxation lately. He has been on a push studying for the Law Bar Exams which he will be taking at the end of this month. Kris, I am praying Philippians 4:13 for you. The Lord will help you remember all that you have learned and studied. You have been faithful over your present responsibilities. God, in His word, has promised that when we are faithful over little, He will make us faithful over much. Richie and I are so proud of you and happy for you and Christa.

Yesterday was my first grandson’s birthday. Trevor Richard was born on July 9, 2003. He will be starting first grade in the fall. His best friend, Jack, came to help celebrate the day and have a sleep over last night. They have been friends since birth and are so protective of each other. They have a friendship that will last a life time. Most of us only have a few very special and close friends in our lifetimes. I am glad that Trevor and Jack have developed such a friendship so early in life. My youngest grandson, Hunter Ryan, wants to be like the big boys but Erica was going to try (I say try!) to get him to bed early. Trevor’s main birthday gift was a basket ball and basketball net. Daddy Trevor set up the surprise for him. Richie and I are going to start providing piano lessons for him. I guess this will be a start to fulfill my dream for one of my grandson’s to be able to play the piano. My Elisa was a natural on the piano and Erica has our piano from Long Island at her home. He can practice there or on our piano. We bought the Kriner’s piano when we bought their Orefield home. I plan to refresh the little bit I know and hope to learn along with Trevor. It’s a plan! We shall see! Erica, Trevor, Trevor, and Hunter give us such happiness and we miss them when we are away from them. Erica will be going back to teaching in the fall at Swain School in Allentown. The children will be enrolled in the same school and we anticipate a wonderful education for them.

Thank you Lord for my family. Thank you Lord for guiding us and keeping us safe. Thank you for the plans you have for our lives. May each of us know you in a special way and grow in our faith daily. Circumstances may change but my happiness and joy are internal. I abide in You and You abide in me.