She's Amazing...& she's mine:)

My daughter is an exceptional gift from God. She's constantly pouring herself into others, while testing/stretching her understanding of this world that we live in. Not a day goes by, do I not hear her cracking jokes & leading her friends into her world of exploration & amazement, creativity. My child is a leader; there's no doubt about it; she's also compassionate, patient & so forgiving, & it is so good to have even a secular educational system fully recognize that, so that she can exercise her spiritual AND intellectual giftings somewhere outside our home. I see her work away quietly on one personal research project after another, on one craft after another & my motherly pride kicks in....as I watch her hand out these crafts, delicately handmade to give as gifts to her friends, family & her daddy & myself & I pray; "God, please dont let the enemy get his hands on this one. Guard her on every side at all times, speaking/breathing your love & wisdom into her heart, & bless her at everything she puts her hands to, every day of her life."

...& He's also The Trail Guy

Today God gave me a picture of a vast wooded area, filled with intricate, winding paths, extending out into several different directions.

This wooded area was dark & thick with wildlife, traps & deep drops. It also contained areas free from danger & saturated with light. Exploring its interior was a Trail Guide, leading a small group of people/photographers along the unpredictable terrain; the faces on the followers were both apprehensive & trusting of their expert instructor.
I was then situated above this great mass of forest, observing below the exact location of each danger, thinking how much better it would be to have an instructor with an aerial view....& of course, we do!

To me, this picture emphasizes our need to trust Him when we dont know which way to go; to seek Him first & listen for direction (& obey) for promising success; to trust that His plans for us are for good & not disaster, to lead us to a safe place; to protect us from harm, to remember He sees us & is with us even in those dark places.
And its pretty cool how acting on his instruction makes everything just fall into place. If only I'd have gone with His ideas more often! I might just be a few stress lines fewer!

Isaiah 48:17 "This is what the LORD says--your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you & leads you along the paths you should follow. Oh that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river & righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea."