One Year Later

While on vacation, during a beach side stroll my husband happened to see this.
It's nice to know Jesus is with you always, wherever you go.
01-01-2011, Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville, Florida

In the past few years I have really grown to appreciate history.  History is... well, its just... cool.  Seeing the plight of the unsung hero versus the injustice of evil powers at work while delving into the effects of behavioral patterns and influential trends -- isn't that enough to make anyone happy -- cheering on the good, reviling the bad, anxiously awaiting to learn the story's resolve?  Isn't that all anyone wants in any good story - fictional or not - seeing who will come out on top?

Then yesterday, I stumbled upon a particular archive.  And I stopped in my tracks, dismissing the rest of my daily responsibilities to focus solely on these extractions of time.  Records I can only describe as intense, personal, very clear markers of my 2010 time line.  It was my "Sent" mail folder.  And as quickly as I opened it, I closed it...

 
You see last year was an interesting year, and as much as I am proud of myself for taking big bold steps forward in one direction, I remember vividly the trials and tribulations which led up to today.  And I think, if I'm honest with myself - and to be honest with you - what I fear most in looking back is seeing that in the end, the conclusion might be, I did not come out on top.

... and then I opened it again.  What do I have to fear?  It's the past... the past which has indeed... passed. So in the spirit of bravery, I am looking at my emails again... what was I doing a year ago today? Okay, really, lets do this the right way.... what was God doing a year ago... today?  Beth Moore, I hope you like this.

One year ago, today

In an email to a friend, on our first session of Beth Moore’s The Patriarchs:  

"Wasn't last night a great start?!  I can't stop thinking about the idea of time coming not going..... good stuff."

Today

I race to my book shelves, grab The Patriarchs and pull it open to that night.  

One year and one day ago

First thing written on the first page on that first night, one year and one day ago, in the top left hand corner.  
"You are not here by accident."

Today  

Whoa.  Wait.  Now I'm flipping to the study homework for one year ago today.

One year ago 

         The Patriarchs (p14) 

         My note : Hebrew 11:1 << again in the top left corner

         Beth's scripture reference : Hebrew 11:8

         Her question "Where did Abram think he was going?" 

         My answer "He did not know."

Now

Let's put all of the above together : 

You are not here by accident. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Heb 11:1) By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. (Heb 11:8) "Where did Abram think he was going?" "He did not know."

Today
I tell myself... I feel compelled to tell you...

You are not here by accident.  
You have a unique purpose, a special path, designed for you.  
A story for the history books awaits with your inheritance.  
Remember the past has passed, the future is coming your way!  
You can't stop it.  
Look backwards only to learn.
Look forward to live.
Know with confident expectation by living through faith in the love and will and promise of God you will be blessed. 
You have come out on top.

~ In Christ name, through His love