Our Fall was short this year, but oh so beautiful. I love all the color. I know, Fall has color every year, but this year it was more intense to me. The trees hung onto their green leaves for a long time, and then when they did finally turn to vibrant orange, yellow, and red, they hung onto those leaves too! Our neighborhood was bursting with color!
Now, we’ve had a couple of snowfalls and it’s icy cold. Not my favorite time of year. That first snowfall is pretty though, and this year much of the leaves dropped after the snow fell. So we had a blanket of white with colorful leaves on top. The temperature has been very cold; it has made the dropped leaves extra crunchy. When my husband and I walk in the evening we enjoy crunching through the icy leaves.
Recently, my husband and daughter went with me to Redding. We visited church there for an event called Gather. Many of the students from my online school were there as well. I love meeting them face to face, we had such a nice time. Many of the people that came were international. It’s incredible to me how God brings people from all over the world together and they are all so happy to see each other. This is the Body God calls us to be, people loving people.
The highlight of this trip for me was when one of the pastors there prayed over me. He said that I was being commissioned and commanded to speak the truth to others. He said I have a powerful voice! To me this was all affirming exactly what God has been saying to me for years now, and it felt super good!
Then, my daughter and I traveled with my three daughter in laws and two granddaughters to a cabin in Montana. We were right by the river and it was spectacular. I feel so very blessed to be surrounded by these beautiful people.
God gives us so many gifts from Fall colors, family, travel, friends, hope, peace, fun, etc. I’ve been noticing the everyday miracles a lot lately. It’s going to be my birthday soon and it feels so weird to be almost 60 years old. How did this happen? I realize that pretty much everyone that ages thinks the same thing—how did this happen so fast? Thirty years ago I was up to my eyeballs in raising children. Daughter in laws and grandchildren were a distant dream; it seemed like such a long time away. Then, poof! here we are. It felt like 60 was so far away, I was wrong!
There have been many colorful seasons in my life. For some of them, I was so buried in pain I could not see the color God was spinning all around me. I could not hear the poetry He whispered in my ear. I couldn’t even imagine that the days ahead held any kind of promise. He persisted in adding color to my life and to those around me and now, here I am.
I am anticipating much more ahead, with the knowledge that life is a mystery. I don’t know how many birthdays are ahead. But, I am excited for the opportunities God has graciously laid before me. More travel, time with the ones I love, color. Lots of color. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which I love. Our annual trip (for work) is right after Thanksgiving. And, then we will celebrate another Christmas and just like that it will 2023! See what I mean? POOF! Time reminds me of cotton candy. When you put cotton candy in your mouth it just dissolves, never to come back. This is what the years have done for me—each day dissolved right before my eyes, yet there is so much sweetness to every year.
I get to go on a mission trip this March to Scotland. God and I talked about the finances and I promised Him I would concentrate donating to other mission trip and leave my own to Him. I’ve watched Him bring one person after another to donate to my trip, most anonymously! It’s been so cool. Now, the trip is almost paid for. Next step is financing the plane ticket-whew! I bet God has something great in mind for that too. As I’ve mentioned on FB, Scotland has never been at the top of my list for places to go, but when I saw it on the missions lists I felt a warm tingle from head to toe, and I knew God would be sending me to Scotland. I am certain He wants me to go there. Won’t it be great to see what He has waiting for me and all the others in Scotland? Even if you are not able to contribute financially to the trip or the plane ticket, please do pray. Please pray a lot!
https://my.bssm.net/donations/trips?utf8=✓&search=Bethany+Looyenga
I’ve also been looking for simple ways to minister and to change the city I live in. My husband and I started a car rental business through Turo. This has been fun! With each rental we’ve added chocolates, water, or a coffee card along with an encouraging note. So, if you are in need of a rental, here’s the link. We currently have two for rent, a BMW and a Honda Hybrid.
This is a fun adventure and we look forward to doing more!
There is a fullness and beauty in life. The secret to that beauty is just as Paul in Philippians said: “for I am trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger.” He was content even when chained to a prison floor. The mystery he embraced was Christ Jesus living in him and giving him all that he needed. It wasn’t about circumstances for him, it was all about the love and power of Jesus. I really like this and pray for this. The mystery and love of Jesus trumps our circumstances. In my own life I have witnessed Jesus enfolding me in such a way that I feel strengthened through the difficult times. There have been times I didn’t recognize it while walking through it, but when I look back I sure can see the strength of Jesus carrying me. It is a miracle all the way.
I am praying for the miracles in your life to be daily. May you be blessed and strong in every situation and the love of Jesus trump every other circumstance you walk through!
