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Bethany, Jeff and I are at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. At Christmas, my supportive, wonderful, husband, gave me the gift of coming to a Christian Writer’s Conference. (amazing, generous man!)
I’ve looked forward to this moment ever since Christmas.
But-
The “getting here” gave me a lot of anxiety. (I’m so glad Jeff is good at details)
Being here is beyond beautiful but we’ve been dealing with some altitude sickness and headaches. What’s even more pathetic is I have anxiety because my heart is in two places at once- here and at home. Add to that I feel stretched beyond my limits of comfort being at this conference and that’s produced even more anxiety. The icing on the cake was last night I woke up to a severe gall bladder attack that lasted for 2 hours. 🙁
But today, Bethany- who has been telling me all along, how much she is going to miss me during the conference- reached out her hand to pat mine.
She said, “Mom, don’t you be nervous. You’re gonna have fun and Dad and me are gonna have fun. You just need to quit your nervous and put God first.”
Life is a funny thing. Not “ha ha” funny but funny- “odd”.
I yearn for adventure- I’m given one- and then I get all squirrely and anxious! How messed up is that?
Bethany’s words and my bible study this morning began to clarify and focus me.
Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage. They go from strength to strength.
Psalm 84:7
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Life is a forward motion- an uphill journey- a continuum of lessons on the line of eternity.
The climb may be beautiful or difficult. It may be mundane or exhilarating but the point is we’re headed to the summit where the view is amazing; crystal clear.
The higher I climb, brings a perspective I just can’t get at the bottom. Each difficult turn brings opportunity to find new strength in the Lord.
This pilgrimage has made me aware of weaknesses and re-visioned me to find my strength in the Lord- not in my paltry supply of abilities.
[Tweet “Tired? Anxious? Overwhelmed? God gives #strength upon strength. #journey”]
Blessed is the man whose strength is in You,
Whose heart is set on pilgrimage…………..
7 They go from strength to strength;
Each one appears before God in Zion
Psalm 84:7
So after Bethany told me “Mom- you just need to quit your nervous and put God first.”
I decided it’s time to Pilgrim up! I’m looking up!
Putting on my hiking boots today to climb into unknown territory. God has reserved for me strength and then more strength.
There’s blessing for the man/woman whose strength is found in God- and whose heart is set on pilgrimage. They go from strength to strength!
[Tweet “Our #pilgrimage leads us into the #presence of #God. #future #hope”]
Blessed is the man whose strength is in You,
Whose heart is set on pilgrimage…………..
7 They go from strength to strength;
Each one appears before God in Zion
Psalm 84:7
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Cindy, this is such an inspiring and encouraging post. And what lovely wisdom spills from the lips of the young! It made me smile to read Bethany’s words to you. I’m so pleased to hear you got away to have some uninterrupted fellowship, learning and writing time. In this season where I am apt to feel laid aside by the Lord because my energy is so low and strength hard to come by, I have been greatly blessed by reading your words today and the glorious reminder of being a woman on pilgrimage whose strength is solely from the Lord. Thank you, friend! Xox 🙂
Thank you for stopping by Joy! The joy of His presence is our strength and He’s walking every step of our journey with us! Praying for you today sweet sister! He has limitless supply of whatever you need to continue your pilgrimage. hugs and blessings!
This is so timely. It is the times I want to seek shelter the most when God is calling me to prilgramage with Him. Thank you, for being transparent.
So wonderful to hear from you Pam! God is so good- I am so weak- He is so strong- We’re so blessed to know He is walking every step of our journey with us. Love to you and your family. Praying for His strength upon strength. hugs and blessings
Being a little bit older than we were a couple of years ago… Cindy and I are experiencing the vitality of life lived from the strength of God. It is all quite invigorating.
We seem to be experiencing the same presence of God that Caleb experienced. (Numbers 14:24) Life is no easier, but our spirits are crying, “Give us the mountains where the giants are…”
Hmmmm- the mountains where the giants are- yes- I want to go out fighting!
I wonder??? Should I pray for your (my) weakness? Should I delight when your (my) heart is broken? The beatitudes seem so odd. I forget them quickly in my sorrow. I am only strong when I am weak…so hard to let go most of the time. Beautiful reminder. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by Ray- I wonder also- those things I dread- ie weakness, fear, anxiety, depression…. – are some of the most amazing ways God ends up showing His strength and beauty in my life. He is our strength and our song! blessings!
Enjoy the journey with all the emotions it brings! Growth is there. Opportunity is there.
hope you have/had fun at the conference!
@spreadingJOY
Thanks so much Marie! Growth? Definitely. We just got back last night and I’m trying to transition back to reality. What a wonderful opportunity the conference was! Now onward and upward! hugs and blessings
You are so good to share your discoveries/reminders to encourage the rest of us, Cindy. Thank you again and again. And bless that Bethany’s bumpity heart as she cheers you, too! We are all so blessed, if we just keep reminded and respond in thanksgiving, as you show us so well!
Edy- you’re a first class encourager yourself! One thing that was talked about at the conference was the necessity of encouraging each other- especially as we see the day approaching. We are living in frantic, hectic, troublesome days- but we can keep fixing our eyes on Jesus and the rich promises of His presence. hugs and blessings sweet sister!
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Encouraging as always, dear. Makes me feel like I’m ready to conquer anything now. 🙂
Thanks Lux! Let’s keep climbing those mountains! Hugs and blessings to you! Thanks so much for taking the time to pop by and encourage me with your comment. 🙂