A Time...

....to reflect...a time to take a step back and breathe...a time to take that step, move that mountain, defeat the enemy where he stands and come out the victor.

Each day ebbs and flows as the tide...each day coming in with grace, with joy, with peace...flowing in time with each heartbeat, with each breathe taken...ebbing as we exhale, as we plan, contemplate, and move forward in confidence, and at times in trepidation and caution.

No two days will be the same...no matter the schedule you live by, work by, play by... for household tasks, for that set wake up time in the brain and the subsequent hot cup of heaven and quiet time with God, with thoughts and prayers making their way past my lips to the heavenlies...

Things change, seasons come and go...the cold and dark of winter will peak at its darkest day and slide down into spring, fresh life, fresh buds upon the trees, green grass peaking its way through the soil...and on into the heat of summer...rinse and repeat....

As the Christmas season approaches i am reminded of the horrific christmases spent with the narcissist in my life...birthdays, Christmas and so on meant nothing...or perhaps that is not completely accurate as they were used to showcase neglect and a joy in giving nothing, in dismissing presents given as though bear scat picked up off the trail and boxed up with a pretty bow.

Ah dear treasues...it is a tough season for many...cold and dreary we go to lengths to ensure a bright and cheery atmosphere within the home...memories surface, popping up with force or with quiet bubbles appearing on the oily surface of things-we'd-like-to-forget lake...as each flashback surfaces we exam, we cradle kindly and compassionately as emotions run the gamut of remorse, regret, shame, loathing, and a very real disgust at the actions of the monster and his evil machinations.

There is better...being alone brings peace, contentment and a freedom i weep in joy to have found...there is life waiting the lost ones, a life of love, of mercy and grace...

May today bring you clarity dear treausures...may your steps be graced with strength, with courage, with joy...may your heart find its way free of that invisible (and at times quite horrifically visible) cage they have you locked up in. Fly free dear friends...spread your wings and see where this life can take you...it is meant to be an adventure, not a war...it is meant for good things, for life-giving moments...seek and you shall find my friends, God is faithful to save, mighty to save.

.... “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28

Walk tall...walk proud....stand with feet planted on the rock and view the goodness God has in store for you. God bless your day with hope, with peace that passes all understanding even in the midst of battle, with joy that comes in the morning...with comfort where you stand, where you crawl, where you climb, where you fight to live another day...and another...and another...may He meet you where you are...