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Embracing the Seasons

1/22/2014

5 Comments

 
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Seasons.
Seasons of life are hard.
Some are good.  Some are bad.
Some bring life.  Some bring death.
Some bring joy.  Some bring pain.
 
I think the hardest thing for me is when I am in one season but I can sense or even see another season on the horizon.  I sense a change coming.
 
It snowed today and I went outside to play with my little girl.  I took my phone and snapped this picture of our hammock (that I forgot to put away in the garage when summer ended) against the backdrop of the winter snow.
 
This little irony was such a sweet reminder of the ebbs and flows of life.  It made me start to think about seasons and how oftentimes there is no real end to one season and beginning of another.  They simply flow from one stage to another.  For instance, sometimes the flowers start to bloom and then a freak snowstorm happens to remind us that winter is still alive. 
 
This plays out in our lives as well.  We've accepted that new job, the one we've been hoping and praying for, but we still have to fulfill an obligation to our current employer.  We're training a teenager to make good decisions and yet they still need their Mommy when they feel sick.  We're anticipating the birth of a child, but we are still pregnant.
 
I guess life is really all just about being pregnant.  Pregnant with the next stage.  Pregnant with the next life event.  Pregnant with anticipation.  Sometimes we know what we are pregnant with and sometimes we don't.  Sometimes something is just being born in us and we know we are being prepared for something but we don't see the whole picture yet.
 
2013 was like that for me.  Now that 2014 is here, I don't really know if all the waiting is over.  I don't have all of the answers but I know the One who holds the answers.  And I know that He sees me and He sees my desires and my concerns and He is Lord of all of them.
 
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.        ~Jeremiah 29:11-13
My prayer for 2014 is that I would be Brave.  Brave enough to take God at his word and believe that He is doing something in my life.  I may not always be able to see it, but He is at work and He has a plan for me.  A hope.  And a future.

A new season is coming.  I don't know when. But it's coming and in the mean time, while I'm waiting- while I'm pregnant, I will wait faithfully and believe Him.
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About Kerry

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Kerry Todd is married to her best friend, Denny, and has one daughter, Alivea. She is passionate about missions and about orphans and she loves watching the church be the church.  She and her husband have adopted one daughter and are in the process of adopting another child. She writes at my life (his mission) all about how God has wrecked her heart for the orphan and how she has found new life in the midst of infertility.  You can keep up with all of her craziness on her blog, facebook, and twitter.

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5 Comments
Dolly@Soulstops link
1/22/2014 02:46:14 pm

Hi Kerry,
What a great analogy...yes, just like one can't see what is developing inside one's womb for a while, God is working in our lives even when we can't see any visible signs...the more we experience Him birthing new things in our lives, then we develop the faith to trust Him in the wait...praying God helps you to be brave...what a great word, "brave"...blessings :)

Reply
Linda@Creekside link
1/26/2014 09:52:38 pm

Kerry - you said it all right here ... 'life is really all just about being pregnant.'

There is anxiety, there is longing, there is fear, there is an unsettled joy. This, you've captured so well in your writing today. So good to meet you ...

Reply
Janis@Heart-Filled Moments link
1/27/2014 06:49:32 am

Kerry~such wisdom here. I can feel the change coming. In my own life, the change has not come suddenly but seems to be moving from one stage to another. Thank you for the reminder that He holds the future!
Blessings, Janis (Loved the photo!)

Reply
marlece link
1/27/2014 09:38:04 pm

I love the analogy of seasons and pregnancy. SO TRUE! Our life is just one big cycle of pregnancies.

Sometimes the waiting is probably the hardest thru my 'pregnancy' in life. Thank the Lord we have Him to count on to progress even though it is a little slower than anticipated. (smile)

I love this!

Reply
Laura link
1/27/2014 10:37:54 pm

I love how you keep your eyes open, Kerry. This is a lovely analogy of our spiritual lives. Thanks for this today.

Reply



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  • Home
    • Ministry Resources for Women >
      • Beholding Him Freebie
    • Contributors
    • Statement of Faith
  • Blog
    • Ministry >
      • Evangelism {Win}
      • Discipleship {Build}
      • Living Missionally {Send}
    • God's Word >
      • Bible Study
      • Prayer
      • Devotionals
      • Bible Studies
      • Apologetics
    • Relationships >
      • Marriage
      • Singleness
      • Dating
      • Family
      • Friendship
    • World >
      • Social Justice Issues
      • Internet & Social Media
      • Politics
      • International
      • Science Revealing God
    • Life >
      • Image & Idenity
      • Health
      • Fashion
      • Food
      • Organization
  • Bible Study Resources
  • Prints
  • Stickers
  • Quiet Time Journals
  • Courses
    • Discover God's Calling
    • Women's Ministry Training Promo
    • How to Study the Bible
    • Women's Ministry Training Course
    • Growing in Your Faith Mini Course
  • Retreat
  • Video Bible Studies
    • Matthew
    • John
    • Galatians
    • Philippians
    • Know your Purpose
    • Creation Reveals
    • Ministry
    • Heart Growth
  • You Are Unshaken Book
    • Unshaken Groups
    • You Are Unshaken Launch Team
    • You Are Unshaken Paint Party
    • Unshaken Freebies
  • Shop