Back to School

I never thought I'd go back to school.

It wasn't that I didn't like school or that it was particularly hard for me. In fact, I have very fond memories of my school days. I still stay in touch with my best friend from 3rd grade. But still...I was just glad to be out and get on with my life. When other friends, in later years, decided to go back for more schooling, I thought, That's not for me.

But suddenly I find myself "back in school". Whew! I'm not sure how I even got here but I sure am lovin' it! My teacher...he's the best! He is so kind and gentle and when he looks at me with those eyes...I find myself melting away and I will do anything he does say. He rules with the rod of love and fear has no place. Every lesson is supernaturally and divinely taught. He doesn't make me sit in a classroom but even teaches through the watches of the night in dreams and visions. He will use a song, a friend, a word of knowledge, a Scripture, a quiet whisper to the heart, a prayer or the weight of a baby sleeping in your arms.

Sunday morning I looked out my front window and saw 11 birds sitting on the power lines. There were 2 sitting off to themselves, then 6 tightly in a row and the others were randomly scattered along the line. One lone bird was on the line just below. It appeared they were playing "Leap Frog". They kept hopping over one another and changing spots. And as soon as one spot was empty another bird would come and fill it up. Did they not like the spot they had? Didn't they like who they were sitting next to? Did they want the more important seat?

I don't know what was up with the birds but my most favorite spot is sitting at the feet of my teacher! That's just the best place to be! Sometimes he has to shove me out the door and say, "Go play!" But I know he will always welcome me back with a smile, let me rest my head on his knee and tell me another story. The stories! Did I tell you, he has the best stories ever??!!

Ice...

...can change your plans.

It's unusual to be sitting at home on a Sunday morning. I was disappointed that church was cancelled, due to ice. There is something about praise and worship with other believers that's different than doing it at home alone (although that is good, too!).

But it's been a good morning! I had a chance to talk with my brother and I also had some good texting conversations with friends. And now I have time to blog!:) Some of the things I've been thinking about feel kind of random and not necessarily connected but we'll see how this goes.

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I like doing puzzles. Winter seems like a good time to pull out a puzzle and sit down with Mom, a sister or friend and chat together while fitting in the pieces. Sometimes focusing in on one small section is helpful. Other times looking at the bigger picture helps you see where this one fits. Some pieces don't look like they would go together when, actually, they do. At times, someone else's perspective helps you put the pieces in place. Many different colors make up the picture. You might have a piece you think is sky when, actually, it's water.

So often life is like this. Be assured God sees the bigger picture and he is fitting the pieces together. The finished product will be a beautiful picture, much more beautiful than we could ever imagine!

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A friend of mine from grade school has been battling cancer for several years. I found out last week that the cancer has spread to the brain and treatment isn't working. Apart from a miracle, she will soon be moving on to her heavenly home.

I had to wonder how that would feel - to know you will soon be leaving. On one hand, the excitement and anticipation of finally meeting Jesus and knowing the fullness of His love. On the other hand, the heart-wrenching grief and pain of parting with your husband, children, family and friends.

Even to the end, Rose has acknowledged God's goodness. I want to be like her for I know deep in my heart that He is ALWAYS good, even when I don't understand.

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This has been declared a "breakthrough year"! And it is!! We are only 2 weeks in and already I have seen much breakthrough in my own life, as well as for others. God is at work. Always. Letting Him change you is the best thing that could ever happen!

Ice... or no ice.

From the Day I Was Born...

...the Lord has abundantly blessed me!

The day after Christmas my sister and I were going through some old files and came across this newspaper clipping that Mom had saved many years ago. Even though I wasn't born till January 2nd, I was still the first baby of the year at McPherson Hospital, entitling Mom and Dad to $250 (quite a sum in those days!) in prizes from the local merchants. From baby shoes, to flowers for Mom, to a service job for Dad's car.

I didn't plan when I would be born but He did. He knew the times and the seasons, the people he would put in my life, exactly what I would need for today. I thank you, my friends, who are reading this today for being a part of my life. For helping me grow, to reach towards the Father, to know His love. Don't be sad or ever think your life is wasted. If he only used you to touch me, that would be enough.

This is the best time to be alive! God is at work TODAY! He is changing hearts and setting captives free, restoring relationships, bringing light to the darkness, healing hurts and wounds from the past.

He has done it for me and He WILL do it for you! I love being a part of His work!

Till the day I die,
Pauline