Monday, January 18, 2016

WINTER ROADBLOCK


Excitement on the mountain!

Almost two feet of snow!

Millions come to play!

Traffic is a madhouse!

And oh yeah, a giant 18-foot boulder falls on the highway, completely blocking traffic both ways.

Highway reopening – undetermined!

Yes, a week ago Sunday – (thankfully in the middle of the night) – a giant rock tumbled down the hillside onto the highway.

And everything stopped…

Fortunately, our way into and out of town was not affected.

But many people in a smaller town up the road are completely blocked off.

Which is a very big inconvenience.  

You see, there are only three ways in and out of our little mountain town.

And this *rockin' roadblock* has temporarily eliminated one.  People have had to drive long distances to go up and down the hill, and this adds major amounts of time to their work commutes, school bus routes, and access to grocery stores, etc.

Mountain living does have its challenges.

Like fallen trees, flooded roads, and frozen pipes.  (Or 60-hour power outages that DID affect us!)

All of it makes me feel like a bit of a pioneer.

What's next?

Chopping down trees for firewood, shoeing horses, raising cattle, churning butter?!

(Which "The Hub" would love!!  Me, not so much...)

But, truthfully, I still find myself complaining when inconvenience lands on my doorstep.


It's funny how we human creatures get so used to things a certain way. Our little routines get so ingrained.  And we get accustomed to having things work.

Reliability is something we really take for granted.

I think we get even more entrenched in our comfort zones the older we get.

(I'll let you know when I get older…!)

We depend on being able to depend on things.

But, alas, into life some boulders must fall – and then what happens?

Seems to me like we either panic, get discouraged, or rise to the occasion.

Nervous Nellie panics.

Negative Nora gets discouraged.

Learning-How-To-Be-Grateful Sharon wants to rise to the occasion.


Life is an interesting journey – full of ups and downs.  

Sometimes our road is smooth going, straight and predictable.  Sometimes it's littered with gravel and pebbles, and we need to maneuver a little more carefully.

But sometimes God allows big 'ol boulders to crash into the road.

And we are stopped in our tracks.

Oh, the challenges of that!


One of my favorite characters in the Bible is Job.

I relate to him in so many ways, don't you?

Job had a wonderful life – this is how the Bible describes it:

"There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job…Seven sons and three daughters were born to him.  He also possessed 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke (pairs) of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and a very great number of servants, so that this man was the greatest [and wealthiest and most respected] of all the men of the east (northern Arabia)." (From Job 1, AMP)


Job's life was wonderful on many fronts.

He had a sterling reputation, a large and close family, and he was financially well-off!

Job possessed four things that bring securityfame, family, financial freedom, and physical fitness.

His road was smooth and straight.

Then the story continues:

"Now there was a day…"

Isn't that how life happens?

Things are going along just fine, thank you, and then…a day comes along.

A *one-of-those-kinds-of-days* day.

Like a boulder in the middle of the night.

Job lost everything.

I know this story is familiar to all of us.  But have you ever stopped and personalized it?  Actually imagined losing all your possessions, all your children, all your money? 

In one fell swoop?

Devastating.

And then, as God continues to allow Job's testing, he also loses his health.

He was struck down with "loathsome boils and agonizingly painful sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head."

We all know how good physical health can be jeopardized, compromised, or stolen suddenly and without warning.

Finally, Job loses his reputation.

His friends accuse him, wrongfully, of sin.  

And their "helpful" advice does nothing to encourage Job or lift his spirits.

Even his wife throws him under the bus.

She tells him to curse God and die.

(Honestly, with friends and a spouse like that, who needs enemies??)

By the end of Chapter Two, we find Job sitting among the ashes, in a rubbish heap, scratching himself with a discarded piece of broken pottery.

Talk about a boulder in the road…

But Job remains true to God, and God remains true to him.

It's a good lesson for me, for all of us, to ponder.


Last week, I read this in my daily devotional:

"I will make You the basis of my trust, Lord.  I will accept Your demolition of my security, even though it is painful." (Daily Walk with the King, by W. Glyn Evans, c. 1979, Moody Publishers)

I just can't stop thinking about that phrase:

"…demolition of my security…"

The systematic dismantling of all that I find security in – fame, family, financial freedom, or physical fitnessa purposeful laying aside of anything else but Him.

Yes, Lord, I will accept the gravel and pebbles, the twisting and turning of the straight road.

I will even learn, with Your strength and grace, to rise to the occasion when a boulder falls in my path.

I will look past the obstruction toward the construction of Your work in my life.

For the end result is this, in the words of Job:

"I know that you can do anything,
    and no one can stop you.
You asked, 'Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?'
It is I – and I was talking about things I knew nothing about,
    things far too wonderful for me…
I had only heard about you before,
    but now I have seen you with my own eyes."


Yes, Lord, I would see You.






Sticks and stones
may break my bones,
And boulders
may try to hurt me...
But standing firm
upon The Rock,
All is just
as it should be. 




***REMEMBER to check out DAILY GRATEFUL THOUGHTS here***
  
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"Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more." (Psalm 16:4, NIV)

"Do not love the world or anything in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world – the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not from the Father but from the world.  The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God remains forever." (1 John 2:15-17, Berean Bible)

"Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away." (1 Corinthians 7:31, NLT)

"Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, cease from your consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone." (Proverbs 23:4-5, NASB)

"As for the rich in this present world, instruct them not to be conceited and arrogant, nor to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share [with others].   In this way storing up for themselves the enduring riches of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life." (1 Timothy 6:17-19, AMP)

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." 
(Matthew 6:21, KJV)

"'No one can serve two masters.  For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other.  You cannot serve both God and money.  That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life – whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear.  Isn't life more...? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?...Why do you have so little faith?...So don't worry about these things…These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.'" (Matthew 6:24-25, 28, 30, 31-35, NLT)

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT)

"And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:20, NLT)

"I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth." (Psalm 34:1, ESV)

"We put our hope in the LORD.  He is our help and our shield.  In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.  Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone." (Psalm 33:20-22, NLT)

"[For] we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." (Romans 8:28, NLT)

"Who shall ever separate us from the love of Christ?  Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword…Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us].  For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced – beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35, 37-39, AMP)




When the boulders of life fall onto your path, what are you depending on?



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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

37 comments:

  1. Oh the demolition of what we hold secure never feels good but when we come out on the other side our knowledge is sure that we are securely anchored in Him. Such rich thoughts you have shared today Sharon.

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  2. Good morning, dear lady! I'm struggling with our 2 inches of snow from yesterday and the ominous black ice. Can't imagine your snow adventures in the mountains! Call out the road crews to move the boulder! Overcoming fear and worry seems the everyday boulder in our lives. My life, to be sure. I am seeking He who makes those mountains, hills, and boulders break forth before me so I may go about my business with the joy and peace He has promised. In this winter season, may you know His warmth and Divine Road Crews on your mountain.
    Joy!
    Kathy

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  3. That quote from your devotional-OUCH! I really am such a creature of comfort and security, and such a big baby about inconvenience. I'm ashamed even to hit publish on this, but confession is good for the soul.

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  4. Sharon, I'm your neighbor at Inspire Me Monday! I can really identify with taking conveniences for granted. It is frustrating when things don't go right, but it is also an opportunity for trusting God, believing that He's got it all under control and we need to rest in His goodness and love. I want to learn to be more grateful and not take things for granted. Blessings to you!

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  5. Wow--I can't imagine a rock like that falling on my road. Sorry for the inconvenience it causes everyone. There is so much in life we can't control. It reminds me anew to *try* to make peace with uncertainty. "We depend on being able to depend on things." You're speaking truth, Sharon!

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  6. Oh those boulders!! They GET us, don't they? I really love the quote you used...
    "I will make You the basis of my trust, Lord. I will accept Your demolition of my security, even though it is painful."
    That one sure speaks to me today.

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  7. Hi Sharon! It's so good that this boulder fell at night! I shudder to think about a daytime accident. Thanks be to God that you are still able to get out and about too.
    May we all trust in the Lord when those blocks come, and hope in His ability to make it all a blessing. I love the model of Job, steadfast in hope and love of God through impossible odds. Could I do that? Phew. I wonder sometimes.
    Hope all is open and passable soon!
    Ceil

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  8. wow Sharon! when boulders roll i trust the Rock to break or move them. i can't even imagine living or crossing mountains again ever, not as adventurous as u- more later- Peggy by tv remote-2 slow! love your g. page; needs 2 b a post weekly. ((( u)))

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    1. Boulders, Job, Sharon and me ... rolling on! I was here early Mon. morning on my TV when there were 2 comments, but I soaked in your words here and on your "grateful page" (which I'm serious about you copying and pasting over here as blog posts each week because so often I want to comment but because you have to keep changing them each week ... well, there's so much in each one-what a wonderful, grateful soul is emerging from each one, but as I wrote in the beginning, that's how I see you anyways)... So, first off, I want to say that I can't believe it's been 2 years already and my heart still aches with yours and your mom's.
      (for Jan. 16th) Beautiful tribute and love for both Fathers! Also, all the others from "Mountains" to Moore & "Bible" to "Termites" and "Water" (I kinda get) but hard to see gratitude in "Broken" is ever so true but beautifully turned brokenness into beauty ... May He bring you the Comforter (that's what my 'Be Prayerful' was about the Holy Spirit but I appreciate the books on Jesus anyways, since they're all rolled up into One). We can all rock and roll together! OK-but seriously, I do hope that those "issues" and your pieces are being put back in a sweet healing over you from the prayers I asked of Our Father after reading your words and then seeing you relate to Job, and knowing the pain of brokenness and being weary/drained/ exhausted, etc. somewhat - even though our circumstances are different, our hearts/emotions roll somewhat similar... and I care my dear friend, and know Jesus, the out-law, does too! Love the photo! However that quote from your devotional ... with the King ... well, I'm not so sure I can do this part ..."I will accept Your demolition of my security, even though it is painful." perhaps, in Christ or with God all things are possible (as written) but when it comes to "security" and the unknown well I will trust and hope! There's alot hidden under or by boulders, until Jesus gets hold of us/or them and smashes'em into pebbles that we can deal with or learn to cope, and you, my sister in Christ, can do exactly that as you turn Negative Nora into such a positive grateful Sharon, I'll be learning right along with you and pay no attention to Nervous Nellie! I do hope the pipes are fixed, termites terminated, roadblocks gone and heaven has returned to your mountain side. Blessed by all your words here and once again at my place. You never miss a beat. Love you so much and sending my prayers, hugs and God's peace and grace~ Peggy (at cyber computer)

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  9. This is so good. My family laughs at me because I'm always preparing for disaster - filling water jugs, hoarding flashlights and getting out the oil lamps! Best to be prepared, but I need to work on trusting more!

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  10. Always glad to stop and think when I read your blog...thank you!

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  11. Oh, yes, those roadblocks, those boulder-sized, crashing down, stopping everything events do happen in our lives, and it is precisely then when we need God the most. Not that we shouldn't need Him in all times and circumstances, good and bad, but when we can still give thanks to Him, knowing He has it all under control, we can rise above the boulders standing in our way. We can move mountains!
    Blessings, Sharon, and thanks for another thought-provoking and inspiring post!

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  12. Wow, that has to be quite the adventure with that boulder! Glad though that it seems like no one got hurt in the process of it relocating.

    Maybe instead of thinking of boulders as stumbling blocks, we need to look at them as building blocks for what God is trying to teach us or show us or do in our lives :)

    betty

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  13. OH, my! What an ordeal for your neighbors to have to deal with! So thankful you can get in and out with no troubles. We must be on each other's minds today! I was emailing you, when your comment came through. So, thank you ever so much for thinking of me. I am praying for you, too, and hope all is well in your world.

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  14. Ah yes... this: "It's funny how we human creatures get so used to things a certain way. Our little routines get so ingrained. And we get accustomed to having things work. Reliability is something we really take for granted. I think we get even more entrenched in our comfort zones the older we get."

    For over a year now, the Lord has been asking me, Who told you you could have a comfort zone? (Insert whiny voice and all the excuses here!) ;) Great post!

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  15. I have been in Job recently also. What jumped out at me this time was "he didn't sin." All that happened and he didn't sin. Yes, how easy, and as we age even more so, we complain about live's detours. Great post!!

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  16. We can handle a bit of gravel and a few small stones, but the big rocks really do block our commute. I always feel sorry for Job each time I read about him. Hit, Hit and hit again. What an inconvenience. Through it all, we can still trust in God and always "hope" for the best. we were once temporarily snowed in over a week end, and no electricity. Fortunately we had a wood stove with a flat top we could use to heat beans and fry corn bread pancakes to go with the beans. We made it a memorial experience. If we can laugh at the big rocks we would probably be a lot happier. I feel bad for the folks who are really locked in. Hope the workers can fix this pronto. You are always able to turn these things around and give us a spiritual lesson so good. Thank you for sharing your exciting happening with us here at Tell me a Story.

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  17. another great post my friend, love you.

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  18. Oh my! Like you said...the joys of mountain life! So glad you are safe and sound. I love how the Lord has given you this gift...using what happens in your every day life as inspiration for us all. Love you, friend :)

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  19. I went on a mission trip deep in the mountains of Sonora, Mexico and we came across quite a few small boulders in the road and there was one we could barely get around. I like this analogy you've made. I just read about Joseph and his trials today. It seems as though God is constantly reminding me that He is still here in the midst of trials, and although He may not take them away, He can still use them to teach us and move us closer to Him!

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  20. Yeah, kinda coming out on the other side of a big Boulder falling . Shook up our world big time! Great thoughts here, Sharon. Always teaching me........

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  21. Good reminders for our journey not only on this earth, but on our journey of faith with Him. Thank you for these precious truths and for pointing us to our Lord. Blessings to you!

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  22. May boulders be lessons for us all, whether we live in the mountains or on the coast. I learn from your boulders, Sharon...ok? OK!
    You are quite a gal!

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  23. I think your question is excellent. I've had several of those Job moments when everything changes in what feels like an instant to me but God knew all along the boulder would stop me in my tracks. I wish I could say I always just ran to the Lord but progressively that did ultimately happen more often than not (as I am pretty old.) Those hard times are teachable moments!

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  24. A boulder!? Do you live in Yosemite? They had a big rock slide too!

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  25. What a "boulder" of a story!! LOL! Sounds like mountain-living has been anything but dull. Thank you for the reminder that when the boulders come into our lives, we need to remember all God has done for us and not to focus on the boulder itself. Job is a great example of this.

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  26. Oh my goodness ... to have a highway blocked by a boulder is something I can't imagine, nor 2-feet of snow, for that matter. :) I'm glad you're not impacted by either, but what a pain for those who are.

    The story of Job is one of my favorites, as well. All was going along perfectly until--boom!--that boulder. I can relate, oh yes I can.

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  27. Job is a favorite of mine, too, Sharon, for several reasons. We tend to get lulled into a sense of security don't we? We are so spoiled.Taking things like our health, water, electricity for granted, when we really should be praising God for them as the true blessings they are . . . I think of those poor people in Flint, people who've lost power for days on end, people with chronic pain, etc. Truly there but for the grace of God go I. But if we just focus on the "it could be worse" thankfulness, we are really missing the big picture, right? I mean, we have eternal life in Jesus Christ. That is a blessing without measure. I hope your road is cleared soon, friend! Have a great week.

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  28. Wow. This one really spoke to me on a deep level. I too try to avoid the pit and rock falls in life too. But in hindsight the most wonderful of days were the ones when my spirit, body, and soul relied specifically on our Father and I had peace despite the storms of life.

    A good reminder, Sharon. It made me think of a confession and time that I wrote my heart to our Father in the margins of the book of Job. Thanks for your obedience, sister.

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  29. Hi Sharon, this post is so very true. Often times we see only the destruction of the boulder and not what the Lord may be protecting us from, teaching us, or growing in us. Its not always easy to be grateful and stand firm in the boulder days, but when we do, God is so gracious and pours out His favour and blessing. Great post
    God bless
    Tracy

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  30. Sharon, your posts are always so beautifully written and your bring the word into modern-life context... such a gift you have!

    God is so good and it's so important not to focus on the but on the fact that He knows all and will provide.

    Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).

    Wishing you a lovely weekend.
    xoxo

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  31. I agree, the older I get the more I want my comfort zone to stay the same. When it doesn't I just can't seem to handle it anymore!!!

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  32. I'm reading Job right now in my daily reading. There is so much to glean from the reading. Hopefully, by now, the boulder in the road is gone :) I hope you can stop by:

    http://collettaskitchensink.blogspot.com/2016/01/songs-on-sunday-greater-is-he-by-blanca.html

    Colletta

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  33. I believe many people have experienced trying periods of loss of material things and in their health. The stress of dealing with loss, whether it is a home, job, a loved one is a grieving process that often adversely affect the health of many. Many find comfort in faith but sometimes it takes many helpers along the to remove boulders. I sure hope that thing has been removed from your path since you posted that. Thankfully no one was hurt.

    Thank you for sharing with us at Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop

    Olivia- Co-hostess
    Reinvented Collection

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  34. Just as spot on and insightful as ever, Sharon.

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  35. Oh this makes me think of how I want God more than anything... even more than comfort and security, right? I'd be like Job if "a day" came along, right? A big time life application post here. You have a gift, Sharon. Really, truly! <3

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  36. Hope you are staying warm and safe in this snow storm. My sister had to drive an hour to drop my niece off at school (which is normally about a 10 minute drive) because of snow blocking a road for them. Thank you for sharing theses scriptures and message with #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you link up again this week :)

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)