joyful journeys and grand adventures
Imagery subject to Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0. I’m pleased to share imagery free of watermarks; contact me!
Let’s go, NoCo!
Walk. Sing. Praise.
Listen. Receive.
Repeat.
You can do it, too!
Day 1, Songs of Ascent @revelationwellness
Psalm 120:1 resonates. “In my distress, I called to the Lord, and He answered me.”
Our God is so faithful!
I'm no longer a slave to fear / I am a child of God.
North Country (NYS) locals: join me on a #riverwalk!
Learn more via “Rev with Me” link at Linktr.ee/SincerelySondra
...
Jun 7
Let’s go, NoCo!
Walk. Sing. Praise.
Listen. Receive.
Repeat.
You can do it, too!
Day 1, Songs of Ascent @revelationwellness
Psalm 120:1 resonates. “In my distress, I called to the Lord, and He answered me.”
Our God is so faithful!
I'm no longer a slave to fear / I am a child of God.
North Country (NYS) locals: join me on a #riverwalk!
Learn more via “Rev with Me” link at Linktr.ee/SincerelySondra
#SongsOfAscent
#RWwalkingprayer
I’m thankful for spring showers this morning, replenishing the North Country. The cornfield is no longer a dust field. Neat rows of sprouts stand a bit taller today. Every blossom in my garden has received this goodness!
God’s Word blesses us like gentle rain. Soaking it in softens our hearts, making us more receptive to His goodness. It restores our spirits, like raindrops on leaves and petals. There is no better way to be still and know Him.
“Let us know; let us press ...
Jun 3
I’m thankful for spring showers this morning, replenishing the North Country. The cornfield is no longer a dust field. Neat rows of sprouts stand a bit taller today. Every blossom in my garden has received this goodness!
God’s Word blesses us like gentle rain. Soaking it in softens our hearts, making us more receptive to His goodness. It restores our spirits, like raindrops on leaves and petals. There is no better way to be still and know Him.
“Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord;
his going out is sure as the dawn;
he will come to us as the showers,
as the spring rains that water the earth.” Hosea 6:3
That’s what the #SongsOfAscent are all about, friends. Thousands all over the world have signed up for #rwwalkingprayer ! Today is the last day to register. Will you join us?
Click my username above to access linktr.ee/SincerelySondra; then click “REV with ME”
Or go to www.revelationwellness.org/challenges/walking-prayer/
Sign ups close tomorrow, June 3!
For 20 minutes a day over 21 days, we’ll move closer to the heart of God. It will be transformational, friends. You won’t regret joining this movement, whether solo or with a walking partner (or two)!
All the dets —www.revelationwellness.org/challenges/walking-prayer/
Linktr.ee/SincerelySondra
Ping me with questions.
Just don’t delay ... !
#RWWalkingPrayer
#SongsOfAscent
Jun 2
Sign ups close tomorrow, June 3!
For 20 minutes a day over 21 days, we’ll move closer to the heart of God. It will be transformational, friends. You won’t regret joining this movement, whether solo or with a walking partner (or two)!
All the dets —www.revelationwellness.org/challenges/walking-prayer/
Linktr.ee/SincerelySondra
Ping me with questions.
Just don’t delay ... !
#RWWalkingPrayer
#SongsOfAscent
I’m all in on the Songs of Ascent. How about you?
Let’s move our bodies and hear God’s truth spoken over us in the Revelation Wellness 21 Days of Walking Prayer Program. Twenty minutes of inspired movement each day for 3 weeks will be transformational, friends!
It’s time to go back to the basics–no step trackers, calorie counters, or obsessing over the number on the scale. Let’s move our bodies and worship God in FREEDOM!
You can join for ANY ...
May 31
I’m all in on the Songs of Ascent. How about you?
Let’s move our bodies and hear God’s truth spoken over us in the Revelation Wellness 21 Days of Walking Prayer Program. Twenty minutes of inspired movement each day for 3 weeks will be transformational, friends!
It’s time to go back to the basics–no step trackers, calorie counters, or obsessing over the number on the scale. Let’s move our bodies and worship God in FREEDOM!
You can join for ANY tax-deductible donation amount (deadline: JUNE 3). I hope you’ll join me as I move my body & heart closer to God.
If you’re No Co local, we might meet up, too. 🙂
https://www.revelationwellness.org/challenges/walking-prayer/
(or “Rev with Me: All the Things” on linktr.ee/SincerelySondra in bio)
#RWWalkingPrayer
#SongsOfAscent
For days, wild phlox on the island beckoned. A glorious spread of purple and white blossoms waved in the wind as I plowed through spring chores. Until one afternoon, when the call of an adventure outweighed my check-list resolve.
Fortunately, a few of my people were nearby and game to join in. We walked together to the riverbank. My grandboy launched a kayak while I rolled up my pant legs, replaced my sneakers with sandals, and began to wade across.
The water was chilly but ...
May 27
For days, wild phlox on the island beckoned. A glorious spread of purple and white blossoms waved in the wind as I plowed through spring chores. Until one afternoon, when the call of an adventure outweighed my check-list resolve.
Fortunately, a few of my people were nearby and game to join in. We walked together to the riverbank. My grandboy launched a kayak while I rolled up my pant legs, replaced my sneakers with sandals, and began to wade across.
The water was chilly but tolerable. It crept higher, hitting my calves, then the bottom of my light pack, before I reached mid-point. I stepped carefully to avoid the largest rocks beneath the surface, determined not to trip and take a swim!
Near the bank, my feet sank into silty mud. I had no strategy but to lunge and scramble. One handhold of weeds after another, I crested the steep bank.
I hoped there were no snappers in the mud, lying in wait. I hoped the weeds were not stinging nettles. I hoped not to see a snake or tumble into the water and ruin the phone in my pack. I hoped this little adventure was not a mistake!
It was not. The next moment, I was standing in the middle of a slice of paradise. Phlox and honeysuckle melded on a breeze blessed with birdsong. A bright yellow warbler lit on a shrub, chirping at my intrusion.
“Welcome to Phlox Island,” I said. A grin spread wide on my grandboy’s face as he scrambled alongside. I was filled with gratitude for generations of life well-lived in the humble North Country. Looking back to our cheerleaders on shore, I was reminded of my anthem this season: Goodness of God.
“All my life You have been faithful
All my life You have been so, so, good
With every breath that I am able
I will sing of the goodness of God
...
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me ... “ *
I have seen the goodness of God in the land of the living! This land is my land; this land is your land, dear ones. God’s goodness is running after you, too!
Goodness of God* is top of my Spotify playlist — check it! (linktr.ee/SincerelySondra)
Sincerely,
Sondra
*Lyrics copyright Provident Label Group, 2019.
By the end of Revelation Wellness Instructor Training, I’d heard the call to ARISE into a new area of ministry. I’d no sooner received this word as a precious gift to unwrap, that I began doubting this treasure was for me.
Really, God? Me, a #fitnessteachergospelpreacher? Frankly, it seemed beyond absurd!
As you might suspect, it was the fitness-teaching part that didn’t sit well. My brain stubbornly refused to align with my heart — because I do believe in the ...
May 20
By the end of Revelation Wellness Instructor Training, I’d heard the call to ARISE into a new area of ministry. I’d no sooner received this word as a precious gift to unwrap, that I began doubting this treasure was for me.
Really, God? Me, a #fitnessteachergospelpreacher? Frankly, it seemed beyond absurd!
As you might suspect, it was the fitness-teaching part that didn’t sit well. My brain stubbornly refused to align with my heart — because I do believe in the mission of this ministry with every fiber of my spirit.
Now I know why Gideon’s story has surfaced so often of late. Judges 6 recounts how Gideon doubted and tested God — despite all the evidence— not once, but twice! God is as patient today as then. In classic form, I put out two fleeces of my own:
1. Evidence of being set free before trying to lead others to freedom.
2. A certified RevWell instructor to come alongside in North Country ministry.
My part is still my part: to show up and do the work. I started immediately on a second pass of The Wellness Revelation (TWR) study, meeting weekly with another instructor. TWR is where chains loosen and break, my friends; I’m convinced of it!
Will you pray for me to experience the fullness of freedom? In faith, I’m planning to lead a TWR small group this fall.
And — news flash — each meeting will start with movement. Because God is just that good! No one is more surprised than me by the way the Lord soaked the ground around my second fleece.
Within days of putting it out there, @revelationwellness announced that all RevTV workouts are now free! Free for you. And you. And you. And me!
Now I have the most amazing team of instructors alongside in the North Country. :=) And we have hundreds of freedom-fighting workouts to choose from, friends. Oh, happy day!
Don’t delay; get started today! Create an account to view the full range of marvelous ways to move your good body in gratitude.
RevTV may seem overwhelming at first. Find a link in my bio to my top 5 workouts. There’s nothing like a drumstick cardio to stir up some joy!
Sincerely,
Sondra
#RWIT
#revwelltv
#fitnessteachergospelpreacher
#revelationwellness
I’m hearing a call to arise, my friends. One I cannot ignore. As I’ve studied this word and the Scriptures, I'm struck by what may seem all too obvious. When God calls us to arise, He commissions us to move into something new. Yes and amen! That’s exactly what I intend to do. ;=)
Have you heard a call to arise? It might sound something like, “Get up and go, girl! Lay hold of the very great and precious promises I have given you!”
My testimony is that God honors ...
May 7
I’m hearing a call to arise, my friends. One I cannot ignore. As I’ve studied this word and the Scriptures, I'm struck by what may seem all too obvious. When God calls us to arise, He commissions us to move into something new. Yes and amen! That’s exactly what I intend to do. ;=)
Have you heard a call to arise? It might sound something like, “Get up and go, girl! Lay hold of the very great and precious promises I have given you!”
My testimony is that God honors even a weak-kneed, doubt-plagued step forward. Oh.My.Mercy. I haven’t worked so hard in a long time as I did to become a certified Revelation Wellness Instructor. Every single ounce of effort was worth it.
Read more at SincerelySondra.com/i-will-arise (blog link in bio)
Pssst … have you heard the latest GOOD news? All RevTV workouts are now free! There are hundreds of joy-filled, faith-based workouts of the highest quality. Regardless of fitness level, you belong here, too.
This is movement at the pace of grace, my friends: healthy, whole and free. You’ll never look back! @revelationwellness
Sincerely,
Sondra
.
.
.
.
.
#rwit
#revelationwellness
#ftgp
#revwelltv
This is it, friends. The culminating weekend of Revelation Wellness Instructor Training for my cohort, Platoon 26. I’d never imagined a virtual retreat could be so intensely satisfying.
We’ve moved and trained our bodies and minds in obedience to the call: “Love God. Get Healthy. Be Whole. Love Others.” We’ve often been inspired and perhaps inspired others, too. We’ve worshipped, prayed, and cried through so many tender moments and we’re only half-way through!
...
Apr 10
This is it, friends. The culminating weekend of Revelation Wellness Instructor Training for my cohort, Platoon 26. I’d never imagined a virtual retreat could be so intensely satisfying.
We’ve moved and trained our bodies and minds in obedience to the call: “Love God. Get Healthy. Be Whole. Love Others.” We’ve often been inspired and perhaps inspired others, too. We’ve worshipped, prayed, and cried through so many tender moments and we’re only half-way through!
In a small group session yesterday (i.e. safe space), we began rehearsing for our practicum. The RevWell certificate requires a video submission of FTGPing in action.
GPing, Gospel Preaching, I get. That’s what SincerelySondra.com is all about, sharing the Good News. But FTing, Fitness Teaching? Yikes.
This has struck fear in my heart each day of my journey. I signed on in December, so I’ve had a lot of time to dread it. Until yesterday, when I made a modest attempt to move and cue a simple sequence of movements. Then I had a breakthrough!
It was marvelously freeing. Not because it was smooth or sophisticated — ha! But it was just enough to glimpse my own potential in the promise to get free and set free.
Today I’m claiming Galatians 5:1. Freedom to be free. How about you?
Oh, how I love my small group! Freedom Fighters, fight on!
Sincerely,
Sondra
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
@revelationwellness
#RWIT
#revwelltrain
We’ve chased spring back to the North Country, an epic 1,900 mile route. We’ll return from our service project site in Lake Placid, Florida, just in time to celebrate Easter. What a journey!
Early this week, we left the lakes, groves and pines behind, cutting cross-lots to the emerald coast for a few days of R&R. Then onward through the rolling farmland of Alabama, the mountains and hollers of Tennessee; ultimately, much further, almost to the Canadian border. As I write, we are...
Apr 3
We’ve chased spring back to the North Country, an epic 1,900 mile route. We’ll return from our service project site in Lake Placid, Florida, just in time to celebrate Easter. What a journey!
Early this week, we left the lakes, groves and pines behind, cutting cross-lots to the emerald coast for a few days of R&R. Then onward through the rolling farmland of Alabama, the mountains and hollers of Tennessee; ultimately, much further, almost to the Canadian border. As I write, we are nearly home.
At each stage, evidence abounds of spring unfolding. Exuberant bougainvilleas, magenta blossoms spilling freely and running wild. Glorious white dogwoods, showing off in leafless forests. Graceful redbuds, purple bursts brightening the scrub. Friendly yellow forsythia, dancing in the chill. Snowy-white crabapples, standing as candlesticks backlit by the morning sun.
So it is with us, I’m reminded. We are born of God in an instant — like a bud bursting into bloom. But then we are transformed gradually, as the Spirit has His way in our lives.
The power of spring in transforming the landscape pales by comparison to the living Spirit at work in you and me! Indeed, even by slow degrees. Like the warmth of spring on buds, we blossom in the Spirit at the pace of grace.
Patience for this pace doesn’t come easy, friend — at least, not for me. All the more reason to be grateful for God’s limitless grace. He is ever so patient.
“In Him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28)
Today, we celebrate the glorious victory of our risen Savior. One day we shall celebrate our glorious unfolding, faithfully completed in Christ. He has gone to prepare a place for us (John 14:23). Let us journey in faith, my friend, on this long haul home — to heaven.
Easter blessings to you and yours, in grace and peace.
Sincerely,
Sondra
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#revelationwellness
#rwit
#revwelltrain
#platoon26
#platoon26engineers
#faithandfitness
#christianfitness
#jesus
#bible
#scripture
#hope
#faith
#peace
#love
#truth
#writersofinstagram
#ministry
#womenoffaith
#christianwomen
#devotional
#encouragement
#christianblogger
#faithoverfear
#womenintheword
#easter
#jesusisrisen
I sat under my aunt’s bottle brush tree and listened to the bees buzz. Dozens, perhaps hundreds, were hard at work on the bright red flowers. Do you, like me, identify with the worker bee?
We like to be productive. It feels good to work. We were designed to to stretch our bodies and minds.
That’s all well and good, my friend. But over the past three years, I’ve been surprised to discover what God has to say about just the opposite— REST! More recently, I’ve been ...
Mar 25
I sat under my aunt’s bottle brush tree and listened to the bees buzz. Dozens, perhaps hundreds, were hard at work on the bright red flowers. Do you, like me, identify with the worker bee?
We like to be productive. It feels good to work. We were designed to to stretch our bodies and minds.
That’s all well and good, my friend. But over the past three years, I’ve been surprised to discover what God has to say about just the opposite— REST! More recently, I’ve been learning from #RWIT Revelation Wellness on this subject.
Earlier this week I had the privilege to present a devotional on rest to SOWERs serving at Lake Placid, Florida. Read more on my blog, The Best Rest.
sincerelysondra.com/the-best-rest/
(or link in bio)
Check it!
Sincerely,
Sondra
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#revelationwellness
#RWIT
#RevWellTrain
#revwell
#jesus
#bible
#scripture
#hope
#faith
#peace
#love
#truth
#writersofinstagram
#ministry
#womenoffaith
#christianwomen
#devotional
#encouragement
#christianblogger
#faithoverfear
#womenintheword
@revelationwellness
Hey friends! I entered this photo in the Contest, Splashing in the Sunshine at Compass Anna Maria. Hope you’ll take a minute to vote me up linktr.ee/SincerelySondra ( link also in bio).
Thanks!
Mar 25
Hey friends! I entered this photo in the Contest, Splashing in the Sunshine at Compass Anna Maria. Hope you’ll take a minute to vote me up linktr.ee/SincerelySondra ( link also in bio).
Thanks!
This week my mind has often returned to one thought: our God is the God of small things.
Each day tiny things have stopped me in my tracks. A minuscule snail, delicately spiraled. A spiked purple blossom, sparkling with dew. A baby starfish, stretching into a slow crawl. A grand-girl’s “piddy-toes” covered with sand.
He is the great God almighty, unlimited in power and strength. Creator of the universe and everything in it. Yet He crafts the smallest things with ...
Mar 20
This week my mind has often returned to one thought: our God is the God of small things.
Each day tiny things have stopped me in my tracks. A minuscule snail, delicately spiraled. A spiked purple blossom, sparkling with dew. A baby starfish, stretching into a slow crawl. A grand-girl’s “piddy-toes” covered with sand.
He is the great God almighty, unlimited in power and strength. Creator of the universe and everything in it. Yet He crafts the smallest things with intricate detail. He cares for the least with unceasing love.
How desperately we need both — a great, big God with loving attention for the smallest details!
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9
Sincerely,
Sondra
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#rwit
#revelationwellness
#revwelltrain
#renew
#hope
#faith
#peace
#love
#truth
#scriptureoftheday
#scripture
#jesus
#ministry
#renew
#bibleverse
#bibleverseoftheday
#bible
Sometimes I am confused between mercy and grace. How about you? I’ve been meditating on mercy this week, trying to sort it out.
I think mercy says, “Beloved, I will go to the pit of hell and back again to ensure your glorious future. I love you because I love you because I love you.”
Ephesians 2:4 tells us that God’s love powers His mercy. So many Scriptures affirm God’s steadfast and unceasing love. So then, that’s why His mercy is endless!
“But this ...
Mar 13
Sometimes I am confused between mercy and grace. How about you? I’ve been meditating on mercy this week, trying to sort it out.
I think mercy says, “Beloved, I will go to the pit of hell and back again to ensure your glorious future. I love you because I love you because I love you.”
Ephesians 2:4 tells us that God’s love powers His mercy. So many Scriptures affirm God’s steadfast and unceasing love. So then, that’s why His mercy is endless!
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:21-24
The world churns out death and decay, Paul says, “but God” — but God! His mercy is as rich as His love is deep and wide. His mercy sets us up for life.
Vertical Worship expresses this beautiful truth in the song “Your Mercy.” (Playlist link in bio.)
“...Arms open wide, you ran to me / With your mercy ... You save me, You raise me / You died so I could live / No greater love than this / Your Mercy...”
Jesus said the work of God is to believe in the One He has sent (John 6:29). Let’s not complicate what God has made simple. To believe is to Trust, to place your hope, in Jesus.
Be encouraged, friend! Not one thing you’ve done today or will do tomorrow diminishes the endless mercy of God. Even on your Worst. Day. Ever. mercy calls, “I love you because I love you because I love you. “
Sincerely,
Sondra
p.s. The towering palm in this image greets me each morning on my walk to work. We are serving with SOWERs this month fifteen hundred miles from home, while I complete #RWIT.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#revelationwellness
#rwit
#fitnessteachergospelpreacher
#revwelltrain
#platoon26
#platoon26engineers
#faithandfitness
#christianfitness
#jesus
#bible
#scripture
#hope
#faith
#peace
#love
#truth
#writersofinstagram
#ministry
#womenoffaith
#christianwomen
#devotional
#encouragement
#christianblogger
#faithoverfear
#womenintheword
Late in the evening on Day 6, >1,500miles into the RV Road Trip, we reached our destination, a sweet little town of murals and caladiums. Here we will engage in service ministry for the month of March. But first, we had quite a day!
We anticipated the Florida stretch would be the most difficult, and it was. Orlando was especially dicey. We’d struggled with some mechanical issues most of the trip. By mid-afternoon, fatigue was setting in.
That’s when we hit a massive ...
Mar 7
Late in the evening on Day 6, >1,500miles into the RV Road Trip, we reached our destination, a sweet little town of murals and caladiums. Here we will engage in service ministry for the month of March. But first, we had quite a day!
We anticipated the Florida stretch would be the most difficult, and it was. Orlando was especially dicey. We’d struggled with some mechanical issues most of the trip. By mid-afternoon, fatigue was setting in.
That’s when we hit a massive traffic jam — just a few miles shy of our destination. For three hours we could only inch along, burning though fuel reserves. The Hubs and I differed in strategy, to be polite. So *that’s when* I dug out my knitting, as seemed wise!
By the time traffic began to move, sun had nearly set. Dusk was deepening rapidly as we made the final turn. A pleasing scent seeped through the air vents. What was it?
I could barely discern orange groves stretching along the roadside. Gazillions of white blossoms clinging to the branches were lost in the dark. I rolled down the window to breathe in more deeply, releasing the weight of the day on exhale. Surely, this was the aroma of heaven!
We pulled through the wrought iron gates onto the property and followed signs to the area set aside for RVs. There, one by one, figures emerged in the dark. We’d never met any of these people and yet they showed up to greet us. To offer comfort. Or encouragement. To lend a hand. Or a flashlight. It was the best kind of welcome.
This, too, was a pleasing aroma, and every bit as heavenly.
“Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.” 2 Corinthians 2:15
.
.
.
.
.
.
#rvlife
#rvroadtrip
#faith
#hope
#truth
#bible
#devotional
The third stop on the RV Road trip was Savannah. I’ve been eager to check this on my bucket list! More than one thousand miles from home, we found spring. :=)
Between Old Towne Trolley and several miles afoot, we covered many first-visit essentials. We stumbled on some old friends, like John Wesley, founder of Methodism, and Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts. We met a few new friends, like Florence Martus, “the waving girl,” who flagged incoming ships looking for her...
Mar 7
The third stop on the RV Road trip was Savannah. I’ve been eager to check this on my bucket list! More than one thousand miles from home, we found spring. :=)
Between Old Towne Trolley and several miles afoot, we covered many first-visit essentials. We stumbled on some old friends, like John Wesley, founder of Methodism, and Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts. We met a few new friends, like Florence Martus, “the waving girl,” who flagged incoming ships looking for her beloved.
The American Prohibition Museum was absolutely fascinating. Ice cream at Leopold’s topped the day. I suspect we will return for more of Savannah’s sweet southern charm.
Creekfire RV Ranch on the outskirts was a fabulous find — all credit to the Hubs. It’s a spacious and gracious property, authentically ranch-like. However, the only ranch-like animal I saw was in portrait. This, of course, does not factor in obligatory small dogs accompanying big rigs!
.
.
.
.
.
#creekfiremotorranch
#creekfirerv
#rvlife
#rvroadtrip
Days 3&4 RV Road Trip. En route to our first SOWER assignment, we stopped off near Charlotte for a reprieve and mini-reunion. An afternoon at the Greenway was just what #rwit prescribed. Good for heart, mind, body, soul and spirit!
We were immensely blessed to meet up with some of our people today. A Scripture came to mind, one I dearly love. It fits this precious family.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with ...
Mar 3
Days 3&4 RV Road Trip. En route to our first SOWER assignment, we stopped off near Charlotte for a reprieve and mini-reunion. An afternoon at the Greenway was just what #rwit prescribed. Good for heart, mind, body, soul and spirit!
We were immensely blessed to meet up with some of our people today. A Scripture came to mind, one I dearly love. It fits this precious family.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow...” James 1:17
Thankful to God for each of these good gifts!
Moving on to Savannah, on a slow roll to Florida. This historic city has long been on my bucket list. Excited for some slack time to hit the highlights. Recommendations?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#revelationwellness
#rwit
#fitnessteachergospelpreacher
#revwelltrain
#platoon26
#platoon26engineers
#jesus
#bible
#scripture
#hope
#faith
#peace
#love
#truth
#writersofinstagram
#ministry
#womenoffaith
#christianwomen
#devotional
#encouragement
#christianblogger
#faithoverfear
#womenintheword
We’ve had a misadventuresome day on this first leg of a long haul. One mishap after another. Oh.my.mercy.
It was one of those “you can’t make this up” kind of days. Finally, stuck on a narrow one-way access road, blocked ahead and behind, I began praying out loud! As the Hubs stepped outside, I petitioned my #rwit #revelationwellness small group. “Please pray!” Good golly, what took me so long?
That’s just about when our “angel” appeared. He smiled broadly ...
Feb 28
We’ve had a misadventuresome day on this first leg of a long haul. One mishap after another. Oh.my.mercy.
It was one of those “you can’t make this up” kind of days. Finally, stuck on a narrow one-way access road, blocked ahead and behind, I began praying out loud! As the Hubs stepped outside, I petitioned my #rwit #revelationwellness small group. “Please pray!” Good golly, what took me so long?
That’s just about when our “angel” appeared. He smiled broadly and set to work in the sleety rain. He treated us like friends rather than an inconvenience.
I’m glad our hero couldn’t read my mind. Just a few minutes prior, I’d surveyed the junk-laden scene with disdain. It was a graveyard of rusty remains.
My judgment softened as our “angel” hopped in and out of smashed up cars and creaky tow trucks to reposition them. He was nearly soaked but didn’t seem to mind. Finally, a thin pathway threaded the chaos. He guided us though and sent us safely on our way.
When Jesus said, “Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.” (John 7:24 NLT), I’m quite sure He was speaking to me. Today I was too quick to judge. Dingy overalls may conceal a heart of gold.
We are thankful to God for all “angels” on our journey. And for mere mishaps and hassles in our travels. It could always be worse, eh?
Hi-ho, hi-ho. Southward to SOWER we go. But first, hopefully, a good sleep.
I didn’t see the pile of tissues until it was too late. An entire box, extracted one by one. What in the world?
“Lydia, why did you take all of the tissues out of the box?” Her pre-school logic was sound. “I was playing family, GiGi. All my childrens was sick!”
This sweet exchange occurred as I took up a study of Nehemiah with RevWell. Heartbroken by bad news of his family, I think Nehemiah would have piled tissues sky-high. God’s childrens was in big trouble.
...
Feb 23
I didn’t see the pile of tissues until it was too late. An entire box, extracted one by one. What in the world?
“Lydia, why did you take all of the tissues out of the box?” Her pre-school logic was sound. “I was playing family, GiGi. All my childrens was sick!”
This sweet exchange occurred as I took up a study of Nehemiah with RevWell. Heartbroken by bad news of his family, I think Nehemiah would have piled tissues sky-high. God’s childrens was in big trouble.
Nehemiah’s story so beautifully illustrates God will work *in* us before He will work *through* us. Check my post “steadfast spirit” (link in bio) to read more.
Sincerely,
Sondra
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#revelationwellness
#rwit
#fitnessteachergospelpreacher
#revwelltrain
#platoon26
#platoon26engineers
#jesus
#bible
#scripture
#hope
#faith
#peace
#love
#truth
#writersofinstagram
#ministry
#womenoffaith
#christianwomen
#devotional
#encouragement
#christianblogger
#faithoverfear
#womenintheword
@revelationwellness
When a Scripture pops up repeatedly, I take notice. This week, this was one of those.
I often shortcut this verse, “God’s Word doesn’t return void.” But it’s even better than that. His Word is intentional and always successful.
What a relief to know — He’s got this, too.
I’ve wondered, sometimes. About the impact of my random, scattershot, efforts. Bedtime Bible stories, sometimes. Car rides and casual conversations, midstream the to and fro. The Word...
Feb 11
When a Scripture pops up repeatedly, I take notice. This week, this was one of those.
I often shortcut this verse, “God’s Word doesn’t return void.” But it’s even better than that. His Word is intentional and always successful.
What a relief to know — He’s got this, too.
I’ve wondered, sometimes. About the impact of my random, scattershot, efforts. Bedtime Bible stories, sometimes. Car rides and casual conversations, midstream the to and fro. The Word drops like seeds from my lupines, waiting now for spring.
Scanning the North Country landscape, it’s hard to imagine a river flows freely under the ice. Or buds will soon form on bare branches. I’m encouraged by the unseen; the promise stirring under the snow.
Surely, the living Word will blossom; the hardened heart will soften; the wounded heart will heal. Keep faith, friend. Our big God sustains great hope.
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
Isaiah 55:10-11
In grace and peace,
Sondra
.
.
.
#hope
#faith
#peace
#love
#truth
#writersofinstagram
#ministry
#womenoffaith
Friends, I love a bargain and wanted to share this one! As you likely know, I’ve been pleased to endorse Tracie Miles’s newest release “Living Unbroken.” Today Amazon placed the Kindle versions of this PLUS two more recent publications (not specific to divorce) on sale. Get the trilogy now for just over $20, a real bargain!
.
.
.
#livingunbrokenbook
Feb 11
Friends, I love a bargain and wanted to share this one! As you likely know, I’ve been pleased to endorse Tracie Miles’s newest release “Living Unbroken.” Today Amazon placed the Kindle versions of this PLUS two more recent publications (not specific to divorce) on sale. Get the trilogy now for just over $20, a real bargain!
.
.
.
#livingunbrokenbook
Joyful Journeys, a curated collection by Sondra R. Smith is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at https://sincerelysondra.com/gallery.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at https://sincerelysondra.com/contact/.
