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"Would we know that the major chords were sweet,

If there were no minor key?

Would the painter's work be fair to our eyes,

Without shade on land or sea?

Would we know the meaning of happiness,

Would we feel that the was bright,

If we'd never known what it was to grieve,

Nor gazed on the dark of night?"

~From Streams in the Desert~

Gentle Reminder

My husband read this to our family last night and it was such a clear and gentle reminder to me of God's love for us, right where we are.

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside still waters.
He restoreth my soul. 

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name' sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no eveil: For thou art with me;
Thy rod and they staff, they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23 - KJV

The weight of wings

I love this book.

Every time I pick it up it encourages and challenges me.

Today God has chosen to speak to my heart through this book once again. I am so thankful.

When you think of a bird in flight, the last thing that probably comes to mind is a heaviness, a burden or weight. Just the opposite are the ideas that flood my thoughts. Today's message challenges that, by asking that one consider the birds as carefree and song-filled before being offered the weight of wings. However, with the added burden, also comes a freedom that would otherwise have gone undiscovered. How true this is of life!

These two quotes share the idea so beautifully, I wanted to share....(and if you don't have this book, it's a must have!)
"There is no burden so heavy that when lifted cheerfully with love in our hearts will not become a blessing to us. God intends for our tasks to be our helpers; to refuse to bend our shoulders to carry a load is to miss a new opportunity for growth." ~J.R. Miller

"No matter how overwhelming, a burden God has lovingly placed with His own hands on our shoulders is a blessing." ~Frederick William Faber

There are absolutely days I wish to avoid it, more than I wish to admit, but truth is, I don't want to miss it! I'm certain His best for me is far greater than that which I can imagine on my own!