Quote from Irish theologian, Alister McGrath: “To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul.”
Scripture from Jeremiah 17:7-8: “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Sitting in our new apartment, surrounded by waiting boxes of life’s contents, I am struck by the peace found in God’s precious gifts.
As my own journey has stretched from July into August, I find myself embracing the divine connections of being rooted with our heavenly Father.
Travels to my see my Montana family always provide a testament of God’s love. The light of Christ maps out tomorrow’s steps.
This summer’s trip was filled with bittersweet emotions. My mother, Martha, struggles with the early stages of dementia. Yet, she remains physically healthy while her mind deals with daily challenges.
Returning from my Montana roots, the Buckeye state always welcomes me back. I am thankful that Colleen and I are now living in a ground level apartment. Those dreaded, unforgiving stairs of our former home will slowly become a fading memory.
Quote from Alister McGrath: “True love involves a willingness to change, to become more like the ones we love. Love is dynamic, not static. God may accept us just as we are—but He isn’t going to leave us there.”
Scripture from Lamentations 3:22-24: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’”
Nearing the conclusion of our move, Colleen and I faced one more challenge—softened by Christ’s own healing grace.
Making a final trip down the stairs of our soon to be former apartment, Colleen lost her balance and tumbled down several steps. Landing on the floor in front of the door, she was injured and bleeding. After an overnight stay at the hospital, it was revealed that she sustained a concussion. The nasty cut on the back of her head was treated. Fortunately, she sustained no broken bones or brain trauma.
Quote from American writer, Matthew Edward Hall: “Heal the roots, to see the tree grow vibrant.”
Scripture from Jeremiah 30:17: “For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, says the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion; no one cares for her!’”
Colleen is healing, and our ground level apartment is fully functional. We both praise God’s mercy as we move forward into the next chapter of our lives.
I have appreciated my many readers and guests who have been patient during my absence these past several weeks. Beginning with today’s post, I am eager to renew my writing journey with you. God’s peace be with each of you.
I love this quote: God may accept us just as we are—but He isn’t going to leave us there. Praise God for His faithful love, now and forever.
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Welcome back, Richard!
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So glad to see you posting again. You were missed. You’ve had many BIG changes to deal with this summer. The road comes filled with roadblocks and detours but when Christ is with you, you never walk alone. I’m sorry to hear of your mom’s diagnosis and pray that she will continue to stay healthy physically so she can deal with what’s ahead. Please let Colleen know how sad I am to hear of her accident. I’m happy she sustained minimal injury. I took a fall last month as well . It’s not easy growing older and it seems to take longer to heal. I look forward to reading your blog again. God has this❤️🩹
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God bless.
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Judy, I appreciate your comforting presence. In the smallest of ways, God’s light continues to sow faithful seeds.
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Truth, for those willing to plant.
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I’m glad you’re settling into your new place and that Colleen is healing from what could have been awful. God is good and I pray that He will continue to watch over you. Welcome back!
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Vickie, I appreciate your kind words. Colleen and I praise God for His goodness. His grace has drawn us even closer together.
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It’s so good to see you again, and it’s especially good to know that Colleen is healing. Moving can be difficult even without accidents, and of course the long-term challenges your mother faces will be difficult. You have the faith to carry you through: a gift from God, indeed.
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Linda, I appreciate your kindness and witness. As Colleen and I enter another week, we feel that the days ahead will become easier. Neither of us will miss those unforgiving stairs.
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I’m sorry to learn Colleen had an accident. I’m glad she is on the mend and that you have a ground-level apartment. It’s wonderful to read your uplifting posts again (except, of course, Colleen’s fall!).
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Thank you Richard for the update and I am happy to hear that your wife is improving with each passing day. I look forward in reading your post
Blessings on your new adventures
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Eileen, I appreciate your comforting presence. Today’s light will feed us with tomorrow’s grace. Peace be with you and your precious family.
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