Chapters Of My Life: The End

 
     This will be my last post on this site.  I am moving on to a different story.  This book has ended.  Ashes.  That which I cannot change is ashes.  I have to let it go and walk away; wipe the dust off my feet.  Sad,  in some respects,  I will miss my friends and family.  But yet,  the freedom that comes with this choice is greater then the remorse.  

Hey Y'all! It's Me! 

February 17, 2021 I am laying down that which is past, and taking up that which is new.  Paul put it best when he said we were to take off the old man and put on the new one.  For some reason, whenever I read Paul's words, I get a picture of me getting out of bed on a normal day.  I have my favorite pajamas on,  and I am so comfortable I don't want to change.  I don't really have to take these comfortable clothes off,  do I? Is it really so important to put the new ones on? Can't I just wait until tomorrow to wear those? They don't look as comfortable as what I am wearing.  It is a choice. So,  I am making that choice and finally getting out of these nasty,  stinky pajamas. I am taking a leap of faith and throwing these pajamas in the fire-where they belong with the other ashes of this past life.  

     I am stepping out into an unknown destination with no real plan. The woman who wrote the thousands of words upon this site- she is gone.  She has been put through the trying fire and the dross has fallen from her and is in ashes around her.  She is no longer me.  
     However,  even though I am leaving her behind,  her memory is ever with me.  She is and will be a part of me until the day I leave for my heavenly home.  There is still something to be learned from her,  there is still worth and value in who she was.  But that which she no longer can carry,  that which dulled her shine,  it is now but ash. Remember this truth, get it in you- what is ahead is greater than what you leave behind.  But,  before you get too far ahead,  take a moment to stop and look at where you came from. See it for what it is, the past.  See the ashes and reflect,  but do not stay there.  Self-examination is encouraged in the life of the Christian,  as well as in the world.  Even psychology tells us to "look within". 
     

Eno River State Park, NC

     Sometimes we miss the beauty behind us because we are too busy running to what we think we see ahead.  But sometimes,  what we need for the journey ahead can only be seen by looking at the ashes. Sometimes,  it is ok to pause and just be.  
    I do not know where the road ahead will lead,  and I have been so blessed by my life in North Carolina. The lessons,  the love, and the redemption I found in Him; are treasures gained from the ashes around me.  They are precious jewels in my crown of life.  They are adornments I can hang in my mansion up above.  Amen. 
     But,  He has shown me,  and confirmed to me over and over (and over,  and over... I am very hard-headed) that this is His plan for me-His will for me.  Since I became His 20 some years ago,  He has been preparing me for this day; this new life.  This has always been my destiny.  

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10 KJV 

     You may not believe as I do;  you may be rolling your eyes right now thinking,  "here she goes again"- and that is okay.  Because you see,  for the first time in 47 years I am free.  Yep.  I am free! And not only am I free- I am not lost anymore either! No longer wandering around, trying this path and that path,  yet always ending up right back where I started.  Always looking but never finding. Now, however,  I can say with all confidence that I am lost no more.  I know for certain my destination and I am stepping out in faith to grab hold of it.  No man can change my mind.  I have set my heart like flint towards the goal that has been set before me and man's opinions are with the ashes on the ground.  

     

At Home- Garner, NC

God promises to take the ashes of your life and make them into something beautiful; something that will magnify the light within you and before you.  Oh my friends,  if you never hear another word I speak,  please hear this. JESUS IS THE ANSWER. You may not believe me now,  and that is okay.  But the seed has been planted and I know that the Father,  in His grace,  will give the increase in due season. 

     So,  off I go into the wild blue yonder,  chasing after the hope for which I have been called. Off on my pilgrimage to wander this beautiful creation,  wherever the Lord leads.  (Prayerfully somewhere with sunny beaches,  warm breezes,  and Coconut oil.... One can hope!) I am a nature lover from the core of my being,  and the woods,  the hills,  the mountains and everything in between is where you will find me.  

  

A best friend's gift 

     As I traverse this country,  I hope to write of my experiences, the lessons I am learning about life,  faith,  nature or whatever else He speaks.  I leave this blog and turn to a new one,  and invite you to join me there.  It is called From Fear to Faith. It is where I will be posting all future posts as well as pictures from my travels.  I hope you will join me,  just click on the link here From Fear To Faith. While I do not have a first post published,  it will be coming soon.  There is a place to follow me either via email or on Facebook. You don't have to,  its entirely up to you; even if you don't like what I write,  maybe you will stop by and see where I have been and where I am going. Safe travels my friends; until we meet again.  

May the love of God our Father shine the light of the knowledge of truth into our hearts,  and may He give you grace for the journey ahead.  In Jesus Name Amen and Amen.  

Rivers In North Carolina-Where my soul found rest 

Neuse River-Clayton, NC 

Eno River, Durham/Hillsborough, NC