Warmth of Consistency

There is a train that goes through town almost every night between 9:30 and 10:00pm. Having moved to a house that is in town in March, the sound of the train is something that is new and unique for me to “experience”. There are a few things that came to the front of my thoughts when I first heard it. The first thought was one I quickly threw away, as it was a Criminal Minds replay of a serial killer jumping off at this little town.... lol....but then the second thing that came to mind after a few weeks of hearing the train, was the warmth of its consistency.

I found myself enjoying hearing the train horn blowing and the sound of the train on the tracks every night. It was almost as if it was the one thing I knew could be expected in the day. In a weird way it gave me a comfort. Almost as if knowing that I am ok, still here, life is going on day after day, and that there is a time and a place for everything- much like the schedule and route of the train.

There are so many things in my life, and in all of our lives that come and things that are uncertain, but there are also new steps ahead, and hopes for those stages of life. I hope to remember that all things will work together for good, and that my God is faithful.

Much like the train, God is consistently there; He has a plan and a purpose for my life and wants me to be comforted in knowing that He will show up at the perfect time and provide that security and sense of warmth along the journey. We are so blessed to have this gift. Go on about your life, knowing that there is a purpose and plan, but while on the journey, a warmth and confidence in knowing that He is constant. 

Friends!!!!!

This post goes out to all my friends -past and present.

I want to say that this post is not about marriage, lost friendships, or on bringing up the past. It is about phases of life, the love of friends, and the past that has been lived; bringing me to the place that I am today.

As a child and teen, I was blessed with MANY great friends!! I had so many good times, long conversations, nights over, genuine laughs and cherished memories. As a teenager, there were tons of weekends planned, church nights that continued long after service was over, and fast food meals that became the “family dinner table”. I had such a love and appreciation for the friendships that were in my life because they meant so much to me, poured love and life into me, and gave me memories that I still think about. Those years were truly some of the best!

At the age of 19 I got married, and let’s just say that things changed a little. I wanted to be a good wife, and figure out how to best do so. I also was a college student, children’s church leader, helping with the family business, and then trying to make sure I kept my friends around. I know I didn’t do all that I should have to keep my friends close and stay involved in their lives. I didn’t even realize it at the time and although some did back off because we were “the married ones” (the only couple in our group of friends to be married or even close to marriage) I allowed that to get in the way of the friendships that meant so much to me.

Those two phases were amazing periods that gave me many life lessons. As I got into my 20s I began to form deeper relationships with some amazing people. I learned from the past that I needed to make the investment in the lives of my friends if they really meant so much to me, and realized that they would do the same. I also found that although the deep friendships are fewer in number, there is an amazing gift in each one. When I see friends from my past, I am reminded of the good times, and feel as if things just pick back up. I am thankful for this and realize that at this time in life, those who are not as close still have a place in my heart.

I am truly sorry to those of you who did not receive the unfailing friendship you deserved as I was figuring out “life”. I have always wished to tell you that; and that I am so excited still at every accomplishment and every life event that happens in your world. To my current besties- I am so thankful that you have stuck it out during my lowest points and have invested in me! I am truly one blessed girl to have the love of so many throughout my life and the memories that will be and are forever there.

-Here’s to the next phase in life. I love you all (more than you really know)!!!

Three Crosses

For the past month I have had a graduate class in Memphis. This consisted of me traveling to Memphis 2-3 times a week. If you have ever been on the interstate in Memphis it is very likely that you have noticed three huge crosses on the side of the interstate at a local church (Bellevue). Yes, this is something that is so neat and makes a big statement!!! -But it wasn’t until last week that something stood out to me.

We sing about the cross, we read about the power of the cross, and we refer to it as an international symbol of the Christian faith, and appreciate what Christ did for us on the cross. The cross is seen in a single representation, but also commonly displayed as the three cross scene that is in found in Luke 23:32-43. Here we read that Jesus was crucified on the cross between two thieves.

Although I have known this story since a child, it hit “home” in a whole new way. I saw two things. I saw the humility the scene of the three crosses proves. The life of Christ was one that was lived in the middle of the common man, the sinner, the least of these. During His final moments, Christ is in the middle of two that His ministry was created for.

The second thing is that it was in that instance that Jesus shared His love with the man who was enduring the pain along side Him, and allowing the man to accept Him in exchange for His sins. It makes me wonder about the immediate fate after this thief’s death. Was He one of the first to truly experience the Kingdom of Heaven?! Did He have a special role in the time that Jesus was “dead”?! How awesome is our God?!

Although it will never truly be known, I will look at the three cross scene with a different view from now on. You may have already thought about these things, but I am glad you just joined me during my “process”!

In Christ’s love – Sarah