Glory

John 2:11 talks about how after Jesus turned water to wine "...thus revealed his glory and the disciples put their faith in him."

Well, this took me on a chase. I got to thinking what did it mean that turning water into wine showed "his glory." So off I go to look up the word Glory - went to Vine's dictionary: the nature and acts of god in self-manifestation....what He essentially is and does, as exhibited in whatever way he reveals Himself in these respects....exhibited in the character and acts of Christ while here on earth...then it mentions, in Cana (where he turned water to wine) His grace and power were exhibited.

Then Websters - 1828: splendor, magnificence, praise in adoration and honor, the divine presence, divine perfections or excellence.

So that got me thinking how God's character was seen in this miracle - His grace and His power. Now I want to look at each miracle and see what God was revealing of Himself through them.

In my own life, God's shown His amazing PEACE that doesn't make earthly sense. How can it?

Then, I've thought about all that has taken place this year, more than I can write....decisions that family members have made that have been hard to accept, the closing of the business was closing a chapter in my life - imagine how my brother feels when he's been there over 20+ years! As long as I can remember these businesses have been a part of the Fraley family.

I've felt a cloud has been over me for several years and NOW, finally at this moment in time, I finally feel like I'm starting to see outside of the fog. This past year has really been about survival. I've not sought the Lord in the usual ways. OH, I've prayed but I've not been in His Word like I would have thought. I think if I'm really honest with myself, a part of me has been angry with Him. Why? Because this has all been hard and messy. Now, I've sought His forgiveness and His mercy for my self indulgence and my 'pity party'.

Oh, it's not all over, not by a long shot....but I'm no longer wrestling with the whys, hows, and what's next? I'm finally at rest with it all...or at least with God. So...if you are in a struggle, HOLD FAST - God's Glory will be revealed. Just HOLD ON...He can change water to wine, He can change my life from selfish to service, anger to praise, frustration to forgiveness, wrestling to peace. This is the Lord God Almighty's speciality!!! And HIS Glory will cause those around to follow Him!!!!

Over a year

WOW, I can't believe it's been a year. What a year it has been. We have closed Montrex down now and it was harder than I ever dreamed it would be. For months - since last fall - each week was up in the air...will we close this month or not. We finally just reached the point after Christmas when dad made the choice to close it all down. The building went on the market and in 3 weeks it was sold. UNHEARD of really! There was property that surrounded us that had been on the market for over 7 years and we sold in 3 weeks! Only Pappa can do that!!!!

So this blog is just to get things up and moving again and over the next week or so, I plan to review this past year and ponder some of the things that have taken place and where things seem to be headed. Not that I have any idea about the future!

But it has taken me months to get to feeling more "normal" emotionally and spiritually. I've known some hard times - suicidal death of a co-worker and all that came as a result of that, including testifying in court, having my heart broken - not just in a romantic way but in the loss of my mom to mental illness, the loneliness of being out west with no family, the loss of some dreams, and having work situations where there was behavior that bordered on abusive. But this past year has been the most difficult. That's what I'll be writing about mostly. So, if you want to walk this road, check in often or sign up for an e-mail update.

I'm also getting back on track with my crafting blog if you have an interest - check it out!