Reflections

The last couple days I've been thinking of what words of reflection I could share as 2013 draws to a close.  I sit here, still not knowing what to say. I looked at last year's post and realized that I could whole heartedly say the same thing. 

I could say, 2013 is the first odd year in the last 10 years that a new baby has NOT been born in this household.  (our children were born in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011).

I could comment how the winter finally subsided by the end of May, the spring was rainy, the summer cold, and the fall short but beautiful.

I could mention how and why my homeschooling journey ended.

I could talk about the books I've read and the impact they have made on me this past year.

But this last day of 2013 I think I'd just like to say Ebenezer!  Thus far has the Lord brought me.  He is faithful.  He is good; full of love and compassion.  He has preserved the meek most tenderly.  He has bound up my wounds.  He has led me to green pastures.  He preached good tidings to me.  He has comforted me in days of mourning.  He has traded my ashes for beauty.  He has given me the oil of joy in place of my mourning.  He has clothed me with the garment of praise and planted me like a tree next to the river's side.   

I can look back and say with confidence, "My God walked with me.  He upheld me.  He set His mind upon me with His everlasting love.  He filled my open, hungering soul with manna sweet.  He is my refuge and my strength.  He is my hiding place.  He is my wisdom and my counsel."

Who am I without the Lord?  Indeed, life is not worth living apart from such a God.  I love Him even more now than I did last year.  Oh I long to see him!  Right now my flesh, the Lord Jesus Christ, is in heaven, preparing a place for me.  That is my home and as the year closes, I am yet another year nearer eternity--to be with my Lord forever.

Rage on Satan.  Ye have but little time remaining.  As tempests continue to swell, as temptations assault and trials overwhelm, ye cannot, nay, ye WILL NOT have my soul.  My Keeper will guard against all evil that would destroy me.  All troubles He will turn to my good.  I am safe, safe in the arms of sovereign love.

"Speed along then years and ages
With your gladness and your pain.
E'en when deepest sorrow rages
Faithful will our God remain."

Come, Lord.  Come quickly.