Bless My Heart

It was another beautiful day here. It's still 82 and sunny! Eat your heart out, Floridians!

I tried a new Sunday school at church today. I chose a women's one led by a lady I respect and admire. It turns out they are on Week 5 of a 6-session Beth Moore study called "Stepping Up" on Psalms 120-134. I love Beth Moore's studies, but I hadn't even realized she had this one. I was able to contribute even though I did not have a book and had not been studying the lessons. I am not sure if I will visit other classes before choosing one or while this one finishes that study or keep going to this one. The worship service was very meaningful. It is so awesome to me to sing some of the same songs I sang at my church in France. One of the two that touched me most today were "Everlasting God (Strength Will Rise)": "Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord. We will wait upon the Lord. We will wait upon the Lord (x2). Our God, You reign forever. Our hope, our strong Deliverer. You are the everlasting God, the everlasting God. You do not faint. You won't grow weary. You're the defender of the weak. You comfort those in need. You raise us up on wings like eagles." The other one was "My Savior Lives," with the lyrics: "Our God will reign forever, and everyone will know His name. Everyone together, sing the song of the Redeemer. I know that my Redeemer lives, and now I stand on what He did. My Savior, my Savior lives. Every day a brand-new chance to say, 'Jesus, You are the only Way.' My Savior, my Savior lives. The King has come from heaven, and darkness trembles at His name. Victory forever is the song of the Redeemer. (Chorus) These lyrics pierced my heart, and I just wanted to do as we sang later in "Take My Life and Let it Be" offer up my heart to my God. I am learning to let go and just sway with the music, raising my hands and my heart, offering myself in worship. Today before leaving I made sure to take time and prepare my heart for meeting God with my brothers and sisters, and I could literally feel the difference.

The sermon was the first of a series from 1 Peter, today covering verse 1. What touched me most was the discussion on how these believers to whom Peter was writing were "scattered" and "strangers on the earth." They were foreigners. D, the pastor, described how they had been uprooted and had learned to bloom where they were planted. I really related to that, having lived as a foreigner and never quite feeling like I fit in. I truly believe, as D said, that God planted me back here and has a purpose for it. He is taking the old, dead, ugly seeds I gave Him and is growing them into something beautiful that demonstrates His glory and goodness. That helps make all I'm going through worthwhile. I know beauty will come from these ashes.

Another way God helped heal my heart today is by teaching me to literally go splash in the creek. My friend A and I went to the park, where we had a bag lunch then went down to the creek and waded. She skipped stones; I tried to. I actually was able to do it with the really flat stones a couple times! We had a blast watching this family's black Lab chasing a stick into the water over and over and over. (I posted pictures on Facebook.) We then went to a local creamery and had some homemade ice cream. It was a gorgeous day spent with a dear friend. God has richly blessed me.

How has God blessed you today?