Monday, July 13, 2009

New Every Morning

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

I love doing this post in the heart of the summer, when the trees are green and birds are flitting about our yard. The smell of freshly cut grass wafts in the windows, that I am leaving open, despite the allergies, just because the days are so beautiful.

Years ago, my dear friend Mary walked me through a trial in my life. She and our friend Leanna, flooded my mailbox with cards and encouragement. With each passing year, that valley I walked seems further and further away. It makes sense though, that I took away something incredibly important that reverberates every now and again in it's sheer simplicity.

God's mercies are new every morning.

There were other scriptures that Mary called upon during that time. There were other scriptures that became my montra during that season of my life, however, the pure fact that His mercies are new every morning comes back in waves (or in the waves:). Here is the cool thing...I used to relate that fact to a direct correlation that something had to be wrong or the days had to be filled with strife in order to receive His new mercies. We had to NEED His new mercies, not in the mundane everyday-ness but in BIG, colossal lamenting type ways. The chosen verse from the book of Lamentations, which is just that, a lament for Jerusalem being destroyed in the beginning chapters, shifts gears midway through the chapter and focuses solely on God's goodness and merciful spirit. This is a reminder to me that lamenting does not always precede the recognition of His mercies. Lamenting may make us more aware, but the truth is, regardless of our circumstance, His mercies are new every morning.

Like His grace, those mercies are a gift, undeserved, yet so graciously doled out! It hit me on the beach last week as I watched three very sweet friends get baptized in the ocean. A Godly family, our friends have no apparent strife or struggle except the normal daily rigors of living. However, that Sunday morning as they prayed together about Sharon (the mommy), Joshua (the son), and Gabrielle (the daughter) being baptized by a pastor-friend from a sister church, His mercies were new that morning. Something new was about to happen that day. The details of what happens after their baptism is between them and God, but we felt so thankful to be there to witness this big day in their lives.


Gabrielle waiting...


Joshua went first...the waves were really high, as you can see! The pastors prayed for him and dunked just shortly after this shot.


Gabrielle went next


Sharon played "clean up" and was baptized last...her husband, Jim was baptized in Israel in February!


Dunked!

You can visit Sharon's blog to see her own accounting of this special time in their lives.

4 comments:

TanyaLea said...

I love this scripture from Lamentations...thank you for this post, it was just what I needed today!!
<><
Blessings and Hugs,
~Tanya

Sharon Sloan said...

Hey, Girl...I was just reading this with tears streaming down my face when you called. (My very-old-need-a-new-one kitchen phone would not allow me to pick up your call...but the timing of your call is unbelievable....I am surprised it is not 4:44)

His mercies are new and fresh and always needed by me! His grace and mercy is what ushers us through life. He is so good.

When I read this verse as I began reading the post, I started singing the song "The steadfast love of the Lord..." Oh so comforting to me.

We were so thankful the Beautiful Beals could be there for this God-ordained day. His orchestration always marvels me. We were so thankful you were there. What meaningful and special moments of baptism. And I pray all the days that follow will be filled by His grace, strength, mercy and love. Only by Him and only for His glory. But by His grace...

I wish I had known you during the "mail box stuffing" days, but I know God has brought our paths together in friendship in His perfect timing.

Thanks, Friend. Oh -- and I love "The Climb"!

Football and Fried Rice said...

Oh, I just LOVE witnessing people get baptized - and show the world their commitment to HIM! How blessed they are to have had you capture these pictures! I am sure it is a day they won't soon forget - FEELING God's new mercies!!

The Byrd's Nest said...

This is the most beautiful post. Goodness...where to begin? I am so thankful that we all have new mercies each day. This is a great reminder for me to talk about this with Lottie. When she is in trouble for something big...the next morning she wakes up and wants to know if God is sad because of her behavior. Thank you Heather...this is a wonderful way to explain it to her.

Your friend is truly a blessing.

What a wonderful baptism and I am so thankful your family was there to share in this most glorious celebration.

Love you!

Music


 
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