Our Rainbow

I've got to share about our Beth Moore Video Bible Study (Breaking FREE) last night.

Here's a few of the notes and comments that really spoke to our ladies. ( I hope you'll read to the end).

• God never allows or appoints a fire (trials & difficulties) unless He can bring beauty from the ashes.
• We cannot avoid fiery trials. Even faithful people have tremendous difficulties.
• What will we do with what has happened in our lives?
• One primary purpose of fiery trials is to surface the dross.
• The only discipline He allows are the ones which will bring our healing.
• Sometimes our fiery trials are absolutely necessary to fulfill our callings.
• We are better "healed" than just "well".
• Our passion will be birthed from our pain.

During the discussion following the video, the Holy Spirit ministered through our honesty, tears and desire to be "healed" (set free from our fiery trials). We discussed the beauty (or not seeing any beauty) from the ashes in our lives.

As we left the church it was raining. When I was almost home I saw the most beautiful, vivid rainbow.....it was actually a spiritual moment (I had to cry again). Several of the ladies from the class saw it and responded in the same way. I loved what Jami said. "On one side of the city there's a fire raging (literally) and in the middle of it all there's a beautiful rainbow." I felt like God sent that rainbow especially to remind US of God's presence and love.

I still feel his nearness today as I think back to our class and "our" rainbow.

Isa 61:3a

"...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes..."

"An unhappy woman usually needs a change of heart more than of circumstances."

(Beth Moore)

Good-bye June

I'm missing June (as in the month of June)....can't believe it's July already. Heading to Chena Lakes tomorrow for picnic and beach time. Hoping for sunshine!!

Some of June's Highlights:

• The trusses were up on the Martinson house the last day of June. The roof should be finished tomorrow!! It's fun to see how quickly their house is taking shape.
• We celebrated my Dad's 90th birthday with him. He enjoyed all those who dropped by to wish him a Happy Birthday and he received so many birthday cards and birthday wishes. I too enjoyed all the "memories" people shared with him.
• Charles Lamb, one of the boys from the Orphanage in Cleveland, TN, stopped by. What a great surprise!!! I haven't seen him in over 40 years. He and his wife are visiting Alaska and I'm so happy they looked us up. It was great to reminisce and "catch up". God bless them and protect them as they continue their travels through Alaska.
• Noel Cammack, one of my former piano students, visited and spoke last Sunday at LifePoint. He is still serving (7 years now) in Ireland as Worship and Youth Leader. He shared a video and slides of the work there in Port Laoise. I was blessed to hear his testimony and hear his heart for God. I think a seed to visit Ireland has been planted in my spirit. His parents were there as well and we appreciate their friendship and ministry so much.
• Things are going fine in the Welch/Covey/Martinson household. It seems we never catch up with the laundry, washing dishes, cooking meals, buying groceries and cleaning house, but that's our new normal.
• I have only one piano student this summer, which is working out just fine.
• I'm loving my window in the garage (our temporary bedroom). What a difference a 2x2 opening makes. I can now see outside, feel the breeze, see the trees, see the sunshine, hear the chimes and the rain. It makes me realize how important the simple things in life really are. Over the past month we've had to replace our microwave, a lamp in the living room, and our crock pot. If I could only have had one of those items, I would have choosen the window!!!!!
• Good-bye June, hello July!