(re)focused on Glory

Last week was rough. I was feeling a little bruised. I needed a heavenly hug, and I got one- several actually. I poured out my heart to God, and He loved me. He reminded me that I'm his girl, that I can do this, and that it's okay keep running to Him. He never gets tired of me. He loves me.

My heart still hurts for the friends who are grieving the loss of a parent, and a friend who has gone through a tough couple of months. But I'm also delighted in the joy I see even in the face of death. And I'm proud of the growth and strength I see in a friend traveling through a dense valley. 

Last night I attended my first "Prayer & Share" with my new SS class. It was sorely needed. Encouraging isn't a strong enough descriptor. Our "speaker" was one of the ladies from class. She shared what God had given to her, and it was soaked up as a sponge by those in the room.

I was/am going through a dry spell in many areas of my life, and Tammy spoke to my heart. She shared a passage that broke the skin, dug deep, and implanted itself. 

At least there is hope for a tree: 
    If it is cut down, it will sprout again,
    and its new shoots will not fail. 
Its roots may grow old in the ground     
and its stump die in the soil,
yet at the scent of water it will bud
    and put forth shoots like a plant. 

Job 14: 7-9

I was a puddled mess when she read that. I had just written (below) that my hoper was on the fritz, and this was telling me there was hope. The imagery of the tree also resounded with me because I love trees. In fact, the second week of focused on Glory featured pictures of a magnificent tree (here) and the story of the tree (here). 


Since I was adjusting my focus, I thought I would go back to the beginning. Like I said before, trees seem to be stretching their branches out in praise. It's how I feel when I draw near to God. My arms stretch out from side to side as if I'm trying to catch God's glory as it rains down.


I still had the business card of the gentleman who was gracious enough to allow me to intrude on his day and take pictures of his tree. Once again Mr. Roberts was accommodating and told me to "come on over."


I couldn't help but smile as I pulled into the driveway. "My" tree was dressed to the nines and holding court in the pasture. It was a splendid site. I had to praise God for His masterpiece.

Mr. and Mrs. Roberts told me I was welcome anytime. Mrs. Roberts told me I could bring a picnic and eat under the tree if I wanted. What a lovely idea.

Of course Mr. Roberts took me out back again to feed the fish and see the horses. I noticed the pony was gone and he replied, "I sold it. I didn't need it." 

This is Starfire. It's the only horse Mr. Roberts has ever called by name. Starfire came close to check out what I was doing. When I turned the camera to take a picture of the other two horses he walked in front of me again.

This gate leads from the back pasture and pond back to the house. I think it is charming.

 Here are my precious hosts. They are delightful.

Father God, I thank you for your beauty and glory. Oh the love you show through your creation. Thank you for sharing.

Be sure to stop by Jennifer's BLOG to see her foG post.