Redeemed

Morning in paradise with coffee and God

 This morning, we pack up and check out of our little slice of heaven. I will sure miss this secluded cabin on the banks of the New River. I made sure my daughter, Asherel, and her hubby Levi did all the wonderful things they wanted to do. As a consequence, I was dog-sitter, and kayak shuttler. I didn't get to kayak yesterday, but I hope to do so today when the kids leave. I will have a few hours before I have to head home, and I intend to use them wrapped in the glory of God's creation here.

Ragnar regarding my offering of broccoli with concern

We went on a long bike ride in the morning yesterday. A woman with cerebral palsy had asked if she could accompany our privately reserved group. She thought it would not be fun to ride alone. I said sure. She had limited use of one arm and poor balance. Fortunately the ride was just a walk but on one steep downhill as the horse was swaying quite dramatically side by side, I was sure she was going to fall. She was tottering dangerously with no muscular power to right herself.

I prayed, because there was not much else I could do. Somehow, right before toppling, she wrenched herself (or was wrenched by an unseen hand) to a centered position and made it to the bottom of the hill.

A wonderful symbol! Thank you Lord for the messages you send! There have been a few bazillion times in life when I am unable to right myself. I can try all I want, but there are some things I simply do not have the power to overcome. Like sin. Like death. Like external circumstances beyond my control. I am like that woman, teetering on the brink of falling.

Hopeless. Doomed. On the edge of a precipice.

And then comes God. Mercy, grace, and an unseen hand that rights me.

And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him (Colossians 1: 20-22)

Stunning backdrops for our 2 hour ride

Biking the New River Trail

Ragnar, Asherel, and Levi prepare to go over Class 2 rapids

Ragnar for his first kayak trip

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1 Peter 1:18-19 

Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

Psalm 107:2 

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble

Psalm 111:9 

He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!

1 Corinthians 6:20 

For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Isaiah 44:22 

I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.