The Highway of Life

    Life is a Highway

     If life is truly a highway what does that mean? The highway in this picture looks pleasant. I want that to me my life! But that isn't usually the case. Unless, of course, the saying, "Life is what you make of it," is true, too. Then life would be this beautiful highway when you make it that way.

     Are we responsible for what happens to us in life? Some things most definitely, but EVERYTHING? We would make our lives better if we could, right? Perhaps we just don't know how. Maybe we've been given the ability without fully understanding how to use it. This is where we find our deep need for God.

     When we realize that he is just waiting for us- waiting for us to notice him, to love him, to seek a relationship with him, to trust him and to follow him- is when we begin to open up that gift he gave us. The gift that will change our lives forever. It is the gift of HIM.

     Once we begin our life anew with HIM, our highway does change. From the outside, it would appear that our road gets rocky and dangerous. The scenery is maybe dull or dark. But inside the road is full of wonder and joy. Suddenly we have a companion on this weary road. And not just a fellow traveler. HE actually carries us when our feet fail us.

     The world can't see HIM. It never could. But we can. We can know HIM so well that our actions become HIS actions and our words become HIS words. HIS love will pour from us like an overflowing cup; everyone around will be affected. And once this happens, we've made our life like this beautiful highway. The beauty of our lives will draw others. People will want to know our secret. How are we so happy? And we will tell them the most beautiful name we know- JESUS.

     There will be those who doubt, mock and ridicule. Maybe even those close to our hearts. But we can't make the decision to believe for them. All we can do is tell them the truth. And cling to JESUS.

The Calling

      It was Thursday night. All my life had led up to this night. June 19, 2014.

     The moment was powerful; the build-up had been going on for years. This last year the pace had accelerated to almost a frenzy. I had heard the calling and I answered it.

     For years I had wondered what my life would become. I never figured out my place. I found happiness, but it was temporary. It went away. Through struggles I found rock bottom. I fell on my face and realized I had no power of my own. I needed a savior. And there I found Him. When I had no strength to stand, He lifted me. When my breath would not come, He breathed in me. When I could do nothing but sob at His feet, He held me. He brought me out of the ashes a new life. I turned and faced the sun, the wind sang His praises and I fell in love. I vowed to never leave His side again. I had found my place at His feet. I became His disciple.

     On Thursday, June 19, 2014 I allowed Him to change my life. I accepted His call and I spread His message. And my friend accepted the gift of His salvation. May my heart never tire of feeling such joy. I will praise my Jesus until I die for letting me be involved in that moment.

Marshmellow Belly

He was waiting for me at the top of the stairs, snoozing with his head in his paws. He winked at me and stood up to greet me. I was compelled to scratch his back while he stretched and rolled out his tongue in a huge yawn.
Then it happened.
The flop.
He fell on his side and pulled his feet up in little curls, purring with such ferocity that I was certain it was rattling the pictures on the wall. He continued to roll so that his belly was up, and again, I was compelled to rub my fingers through his soft fur. As I started to scratch his chest he began to wash my arm- complete ecstasy on his face.
This is the good stuff. This devotion, this trust, from another creature. This is love.
What a great way to start the day!