I mostly wake up happy and often amused.
It’s Darrell’s fault.
An adolescent rooster, he first found his voice around noon one lovely summer day. Then he began some serious practicing. All. Day. Long.
Gradually he began announcing the new day just after dawn. Now he starts around four a.m. I once wondered if I’d sleep in without him, but it’s not an issue. Once I fill a mug, I actually like easing into the day as the sun rises. Besides, Darrell’s bio clock will stabilize before winter rears it’s testy ol’ head around here.
Today Darrell got me thinking about how much I didn’t know coming in here and all I’ve learned. Despite all the changes, and aside from my impressive but minor injuries, we made it through my first year relatively unscathed.
Now that we’ve all settled in, with fewer chores and less distractions I get to concentrate on my relationship with God, practicing His constant presence*.
I don’t know about most people, but for me this is going to take lots more practice.
This morning Sarah Young** encouraged me with her perspective (excuse my paraphrasing):
- All people fail.
- Don’t flip out when you do.
- Keep trying.
- Try seeing yourself as God sees you.
- He sees “the progress we make every time we reach out to him.”
- Celebrate every tiny success.
Darrell seems to get this. I’ll keep working at it too.
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:38 (NLT)
*The Practice of the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence
**Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young, November 01
I like that you are practicing been in his presence… I am encouraged to practice more too.
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One hand warms the other. ❤
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I love that you have a rooster named Darrell! Not sure why that strikes my tickle bone, but it does. 😀
Love those verses too. I’ve a hard time reading them out loud without getting choked up. They’re very powerful and moving. Paul was on a roll when he wrote that!
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The old Bob Newhart show still warms my heart. We started out with 3 Roadies; Darrell and his brothers Larry & Larry. Yeah, we had the chick’s sexes backward. For a few weeks now in my early moments Romans chapter 38 has been my rock. Like minds, eh?
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Great post! Roman 8:38 is one of my favorite verses.
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God is indeed good. Rom 8:38 is my signature verse this year. It sorta synqs with the 1st verse I ever committed to memory, Romans 8:28. Be blessed and pray it forward ❤
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Love this post! Very positive. Oh, and we raise roosters at the back of the house as well 🙂
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Our rooster is marvelously entertaining it turns out. Thank you, Gi. It’s great to “see” you ❤
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I’ve been taking unplanned breaks from blogging…Great to see you!
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I wondered. Our internet service often gives me unplanned breaks too, so I don’t have the Reader time I enjoyed as much anymore. Praying for your peace, my friend.
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Thanks, Roo who loves roosters 😉 It’s actually funny that just when I’ve got much better connection, I’ve become kind of lazy. Trying to create a new routine here… Thanks again 🙂
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