A First of the Firsts

There are going to be many "firsts" in life. People say that the first year is full of firsts and then it gets easier. You know...the only "firsts" I can guarantee within the first year are birthdays and holidays...but what about the other firsts?

I feel like everyday is a first without Mom. I haven't experienced what September 25, 2014 is like with my Mom. It's the first for that! I suppose I can't look at it this way but my mind does. So with that said, will it ever get any easier? As posted in my previous post, stolen from my sister's blog, this is the first fall without her and it is by far her FAVORITE season! Watching the leaves turn colors accentuates the loss. It's about to be GORGEOUS outside (well...here in Spokane) and she isn't here to enjoy it. However, I need to constantly remind myself of the "fall" she will be having in Heaven. I'm sure if God gave her the choice to return back to Earth or stay in Heaven I'm sure she'd chose staying at her Father's feet. Good choice Mom...but it surely sucks down here without you!

Today's devotion really struck me. I try to read from Jesus Calling each morning but I'll admit most mornings I fail. He led me to it this morning though.

"Pour all of your energy into trusting Me. It is through trust that you stay connected to Me, aware of My Presence. Every step on your life-journey can be a step of faith. Baby steps of trust are simple for you; you can take them with almost unconscious ease. Giant steps are another matter altogether: leaping across chasms in semidarkness, scaling cliffs of uncertainty, trudging through the valley of the shadow of death. 

Each of My chidden is a unique blend of temperament, giftedness, and life experiences. Something that is a baby step for you may be a giant step for another person, and vice versa. Only I know the difficulty or ease of each segment of your journey. Beware of trying to impress others by acting as if your steps are only baby ones. Do not judge others who hesitate, in trembling fear, before an act that would be easy for you. If each of My children would seek to please Me above all else, fear of others' judgments would vanish, as would attempts to impress others. Focus your attention on the path just ahead of YOU and on the One who never leaves your side."

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Psalm 23:4

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgement you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you."

Matthew 7:1-2

"The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe."

Proverbs 29:25