We have a hill across the street from where we live. Ours is what you would call a "single-loaded" street – which is real estate code for "no houses across the street." So, no houses, but a big ole hill. There's actually a water tower up at the top of the hill.
And the road to get up there is steep. Not just a slight incline either. It's huffing-and-puffing-and-im-possi-ble-to-speak steep. You get the picture. Big hill.
So now that the days are cooler and there's less chance of me dropping dead from a heat stroke, we've been challenging ourselves to go up the fire road and walk up to the top of the hill to watch the sunset. Oh yes, and pray.
This is a huge thing for me. I have crummy old cheerleader knees, who actually have annoyingly squeaky voices and complain loudly and make defeating noises as often as possible.
But based on the example of some good friends, Eric and I have been hiking up to the top of the hill each evening to spend some time catching up together and again, praying.
On a clear day, which this is not, you can see Disneyland when you look north from the top of our hill. (always a happy thought.)
If you look south coming down the road, you can see our house. That's it below with the RED door.
Isn't it just fabulous?
A few things seem to be happening as we go on these nightly walk/hikes.
We're communicating better. It's a great way to talk about big issues without sitting awkwardly wondering where to look. And we're much more deliberate and intentional about praying.
And from this vantage point, we pray according to our line of sight:
First for our home and family, then for our neighbors, then for our city, then for our state, then for our land and our elected leaders.
The election didn't go according to how we chose to vote, but like the Prophet Jeremiah in the Bible so eloquently wrote in the book of Lamentations:
we are not consumed,
for his mercies never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your
faithfulness."
~Lamentations 3:22-23
But it has caused us to sober up and cling to each other and get serious about talking to God. We are not discouraged. We are looking expectantly to every new morning where we are promised to find mercy.
And that's where we want to LIVE.
Keep the faith.
~ Marta
Dear Marta,As always, thank you for a moving and inspirational post. I have a heavy heart this morning. I can’t help but think of my parents, now deceased, and all they sacrificed to come to bring their children to this great country. I hope that their sacrifices, and those of so many other brave, Cuban parents, will not have been in vain. All we can do is pray for our country and its future.
Carinos,
Maria Eugenia
Marta,Great scripture. Thank you for the RIGHT perspective this morning. A godly perspective.
Yesterday I was meditating on
‘God..is the blessed Controller of all things, the King over all kings and the Master of all masters.’ 1st Tim. 6:15, This encouraged me to know that he is in control and and when we can’t understand his ways, or why he allows certain things to happen, we need to trust that His ways are always best. After all, this is not our home, heaven is. here’s something that a friend of mine sent me. It encouraged me greatly.
TEN PREDICTIONS NO MATTER WHO WINS THE ELECTION:
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.
ISN’T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS STILL IN CONTROL?
(Amen!)
Did you see any toads?
Pam,No toads. But we have seen lots of sweet, little cottontail bunnies. =D
I am not exactly sure why you didn’t want Obama to win…but I can tell you this regardless of who won yesterday, we need to pray for this country. The state this country is in requires a lot of prayer and I personally think the candidate that was chosen is better suited for the role of helping this country get back on track. The people chose and I beleive GOD had everything to do with guiding people to vote the way they did.
IC,Thanks for sharing your views and I’m glad you share my belief that we need to be praying.
Because you asked – my reasons for NOT voting for Obama are many and varied.
The biggest problem I have with him is that he is unseasoned and inexperienced. We live in a complex world at a difficult time. The last thing I want is for the Leader of the Free World to be a little “wet behind the ears.”
“That’s all I have to say about that.” ~ Forrest Gump
Marta,From the picture of your house, the hill does
look steep. Wow…I don’t think I could climb that
very easily. I would love to see Disney on a clear day from that view. So take your camera the next time you go up there just in case. 😉
Besos,
Amen!
Thanks. I really needed that.
Sigh. I have to admit I was a little surprised that the sun came up yesterday after I learned the election results Tues night. But I will be very happy if in four years, all the Obama supporters can say, “We told you so!” because I really don’t want this country to be destroyed just so I can be right.
Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you,all things pass away; God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who has God finds he lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.
— St. Theresa of Avila
The above kept me focused and gave me strength the past few days. God IS in control; nothing surprises Him. Keep on praying and God bless America!