By and By

I really tried to sleep inside in my own bedroom last night, but then the swirl of the day's conversations began to roll around in my mind and I knew I couldn't let them go unless I crawled under the covers on my deck bed, looked up at our allotment of God's vast Creation and gained His perspective that often eludes me at the end of the day. I awoke with a start to the squeal of a fawn as he raced down the hill below me,  destined to be breakfast for the critter that chased him. I covered up my head, not wanting to hear the little fawn's death shriek.  So is life in the mountains. So is life in the city.

The last phone call before I retreated to my bed on the deck was from last week's guest, my dear friend, Harriet who was reporting in before proceeding to CRU'S bi-yearly conference in Fort Collins, Colorado.  She had stopped off in Northern California after leaving here for a few days of visiting with a friend who had discipled her many years ago at Oregon State. At the 4th of July celebration in Bridgeport, the two of them led a 96-year-old woman to Jesus. They shared the Good News of the Gospel with several others who received Christ. These will never die like the little fawn, but will be whisked immediately into Heaven when they take their last breath.

Rejoice, rejoice, Oh Christian. 
Lift up your voice and SING eternal Hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, our King.

The Thursday girls have scattered as people do in the summertime, but the two Kiwi's from New Zealand were here yesterday,  plus our youngest one,  a guard on the maximum side of the nearby prison.  Four little boys, ... one an African American, two Hawaiians (all adopted) plus another thirteen year-old with both Indian (as in India)  and American blood coursing through his veins were armed with non-lethal weapons, pinging the woodpeckers who love the taste of my house.  We women began a study of Hebrews. Who can adequately teach Hebrews? Not me. He will.

I listen to many stories. Everyone has one that deserves to be heard.  I so look forward to the Judgment Seat when our entire stories, including our motives will be revealed. The powerful little chunk of Proverbs 3:5 and 6 that tells me to give up attempting to connect all the dots of my life is "...lean not to your own understanding."

Meanwhile, here's an old hymn to encourage our hearts: "We Will Understand it Better By and By".

We are tossed and driven on this restless sea of time;
Somber skies and howling tempests oft succeed a bright sunshine.
In that land of perfect days when the mists are rolled away
We will understand it better by and by.

BY AND BY WHEN THE MORNING COMES
WHEN THE SAINTS OF GOD ARE GATHERED HOME.
WE WILL TELL THE STORY OF HOW WE'VE OVERCOME, 
AND WE'LL UNDERSTAND IT BETTER BY AND BY. 

Love,  Jo