anticipation.

July 8, 2018July 8, 2018 by Kathleen Moulton ♥ 4 Comments

God created us to look ahead, to anticipate, and to hope.

We make plans and look forward to an event, a completion of a project, a vacation, retirement – even the end of the day when we can rest.

It takes more effort to take a step back and think about life beyond death, but it is attainable.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

God put it in our heart to think about eternity. Even though we cannot possibly grasp all that God has done since the beginning of time – or the beginning of our lives for that matter – doesn’t mean it isn’t real.

When we are hurting and life is difficult and confusing, God wants us to remember eternity.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Perhaps, never before has life been so full of “seen” things that distract us. Our lives are full and overflowing with temporary comfort and satisfaction.

When something goes wrong, those things are reduced and God gets our full attention.

Whether your body is hurting physically, emotionally, or mentally, it is possible to be renewed within (peace, hope, joy). How? Seeing beyond and anticipating eternity where God promises us he will make it right.

Remember, countless numbers of people throughout the centuries who have endured. You can, too.

Earth is our temporary home. Live it, enjoy it.

But always live with a view of eternity and the culmination of perfection yet to come!

Sunset with mountains and clouds

photo: foter.com

anticipation.

November 14, 2016November 13, 2016 by Kathleen Moulton ♥ 2 Comments

I leaned back in the wicker rocking chair – a favorite – the one with the brown and aqua quilt.

Linger. I want to linger here for as long as possible. The warm, scattered sunshine is soothing. Can I stay?

My eyes teared slightly at the leafless branches contrasting against royal blue – recalling a childhood memory of loving the sky.

The smells of autumn were unmistakable. The clean smell of Macintosh apples in a nearby bushel, the carpet of golden maple leaves soaking in the warm sun, and the damp earth preparing a resting place for frost-bitten hostas, salvia, and phlox.

And then one leaf…and another…gracefully floated to the ground to take its place among the others.

Seasons end, but another is waiting. Do we hang on to the old? Or do we anticipate the new?

Even in the midst of the cold and bitter winter, there is life. The wind plays with the snow, creating ripples of purple shadowed dunes while grand, lacy snowflakes rock gently to the earth – breathing life into our weariness.

The pain will end. But in its cold and bitterness, there is still life. Can you find it?

reposted from Oct. 2014

spring will come.

February 17, 2016February 16, 2016 by Kathleen Moulton

Some things are unexpected.

But then some things are constant. Hang onto those things.

Spring is coming. It always comes. It never misses. Ever.

I never get tired of seeing the first color pushing up from a layer of snow.

You may be in winter with many concerns that are covered with a blanket of uncertainty. Maybe you feel stuck between where you were and where you are going.

Whatever it is, spring will come. Just when you least expect it, something will change.

Wait for it with hope and anticipation!

~~~

Photo credit: mjhccl / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA

anticipation.

October 27, 2014October 27, 2014 by Kathleen Moulton ♥ 2 Comments

I’ve walked a 2 mile trail almost daily since mid-June.

In the summer, the woods were carpeted with leafy ferns that resembled a faceted emerald reflecting the sunlight.

In the fall, it was alive with colors of copper, gold, and ruby against a sparkling river.

And now, the frost has shriveled the undergrowth and the tree branches are gray and bare.

But I still brought my camera. Because there is beauty even in barrenness, if you will see it.

Through the leafless trees, I saw my first bald eagle flying above the river.

I discovered tiny oak tree saplings under the frost bitten, shriveled ferns.

And the faded, fallen leaves still laid out a carpet for hikers like me.

But most of all, I saw hope. This path through the woods will lie dormant with bitter winds and a blanket of snow. But it will not die. It will just be sleeping.

Because in the spring, it will come to life with wildflowers and frogs and fresh, new leaves. How exciting to have this anticipation of what will be coming!

Your life may feel dead. It’s not. If nature has cycles, don’t we?

What is hope? Seeing beyond today.

There is anticipation for a new day with new experiences which will unfold as gently and slowly as a flower bud.

Can you see it? It’s a choice you have to make.

Be patient.

anticipation.

October 15, 2014October 14, 2014 by Kathleen Moulton

The smells of autumn are unmistakable. The clean smell of Macintosh apples in a nearby bushel, the carpet of golden maple leaves soaking in the warm sun, and the damp earth preparing a resting place for frost-bitten hostas, salvia, and phlox.

And then one leaf…and another…gracefully floated to the ground to take its place among the others.