Storm shelter

Today I heard of the hurricane that swept through parts of the USA...bringing ruin to many homes and even death for some. Breaks my heart to think of people suffering and scrambling for shelter as the elements traumatize regions of people.
Sometimes we are caught in the middle of unexpected storms in our own lives...death, sickness, divorce, financial hardship, academic challenges, job troubles, relationship struggles... It can feel overwhelming and maybe frightening in that place. Where do we turn in the midst of a storm?
I am reminded once again...as this storm swirls about our nation...God is good...ALL the time! He is worthy of praise--even in the storm--even when nothing seems to be going right and nothing is certain. He is there to be our shelter in the storm. We can either turn from Him or to Him...the choice is ours.

The following psalm has been on my heart all day. Let these words bring peace and comfort as you focus on God's peace and protection over you in the midst of any storm.

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, "The Lord is my refuge,"
and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent. "Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him;I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation." (Psalm 91:1-16 NIV)

Peace,
Ginger

Where you go I will go...what a ride!!!

I said to the Lord in my single days the same words found in the book of Ruth as Ruth said to Naomi, "Where you go, I will go." I cried out to God many times saying, "Have your way in my life!" Years later, I am reminded of those heartfelt prayers. Sitting in a passenger seat of a mini van, I watch my answer to prayer, my husband Steve, as he drives north. Pavement beneath the minivan slides behind us as we are about to embark on our new ministry assignment--pastoring a church! I had no clue what was in store for my life when I was a young single woman at Nyack College when I gathered with other young ladies to pray for our future husbands. Now, some may have thought we were crazy spending time praying for our faceless future spouses,
but as I look back, I am so glad we did!
Back to the present time...I'm watching out the window (as I take breaks from typing on my smartphone) and realizing that every inch of this stretch of land on this journey has been mapped out by my Heavenly Father long ago! This was not a surprise to Him...in fact we are doing what He created us to do. I spent many single years comforting myself with these words, "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart. Lean not on your own understanding, but in all of your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6). I'd remind God that He knew better than I do about what is best. And again I posture my heart before Him, reminding myself that He has an amazing adventure for us! Not just for me, but for each of us!!! When we say yes to His route for our journey,
we can trust that it will be GOOD!!! I'm going to sit back and enjoy the minivan ride, but also this entire journey with God! I'm all in, baby!!! Are you? I encourage you to take time right now and ask God to help you to trust Him and give you a renewed passion to continue adventuring with Him. Whatever season of your journey, we can trust in this promise found in Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Have an awesome trip beloved ones!!
Peace and giggles,
Ginger <3

First comes love...then comes blog...

I have baked a dozen muffins and am now sitting on the couch wrapped in my hubby's Green Bay Packer fleece blanket. The electric fireplace has been flicked on and is now sending a nice toasty swirl of warmth through the air, occasionally piercing through the chill that nips at my toes. I'm waiting for my husband to come home...I can hardly wait to see him! Even though we have been together 24/7 for the past few days, I still have a little ache in my heart when we are apart. (I just accidentally rhymed...love it). In about a week or so, we will be celebrating 1 year of marriage! One crazy, fantastic, over the top incredible, adventurous year of marriage! So this blog is dedicated to the many loves of my life and their inter-connectedness. Faith. Family. Fun. Food. Friends...only the squeaky clean f words will you find here! Here's to blogging! May the light shine on the Savior, Jesus Christ in every entry and in all I do in life.
Peace and giggles,
Ginger