I’m looking back a couple of years, when I took this picture.  I had spent a year in Ohio working at a large ministry and the experience and friendships that I made while I was there are not measurable.  There was probably not anything in Ohio that I didn’t love!  I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life there and build a retreat where all of my friends could come.  I already had my eye on a beautiful old farmhouse!

I had made many forever friends and were building more each day.  I loved Ohio’s central location, the ability to travel practically anywhere in the U.S. quickly and  had set up a very cute and cozy apartment in New Albany.  Getting ready for my first fall and then winter set in as quickly as the next change did.

“A man’s heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

Change is always difficult and who can know when you are in a changing season how to plan.  For a while after I left Ohio my heart was not open for planning.  It seemed like every time I got my hopes up again for a home, a place to put roots down the season would change and I would be picked up like an autumn leaf and carried away on another adventure.  Thus is the feeling in my spirit.  Who can fight God?  Acts 5:39 says,

But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them.
You may even find yourselves fighting against God!”

You see I didn’t know at the time that my youngest would be soon be getting married. But, I knew he was going to need me there.  The excitement of living near all of my sons again was exhilarating!  Yes, I can do this!  I’m not too old.  A position and plan opened up and yes, there it was God WAS once more directing my steps.  There was also someone very special in Pensacola, that I would learn much from and whom needed and wanted me!  So many things have happened since that drive after that cross appeared in the sky signaling the change that was coming.

[the mockers to Jesus at the Crucifixion:] “…Save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!”

“He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.”Mat 27:40, 42 (NIV)

This must have been what the disciples thought when they saw Jesus up on that cross.  I would have thought it.  How many times had the disciples seen Jesus do miracles in their lives, and yet, even Peter had just denied him.  Even after he had promised he would never do it.

John stood by with Jesus’ mother Mary and the other women.  The grief the sadness, the sorrow, the change.  This was what was in my soul that drive from Ohio until I looked up and saw the cross.  It was like a signal in the Sky that everything was going to be ok.  It didn’t matter how old I was, or what the future held, good or bad.  I had hope that only the cross and the blood of Jesus can bring.

This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.
It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Hebrews 6:19

Hope, I would be working for Globe Hope.  Change for me is really never easy, but it is exciting. Once I get over the hump.  Like a leaf, picked up by the wind in the fall…

Anchor – Hillsong Live

I have this hope
As an anchor for my soul
Through every storm
I will hold to YouWith endless love
All my fear is swept away
In everything
I will trust in You

CHORUS
There is hope in the promise of the cross
You gave everything to save the world You love
And this hope is an anchor for my soul
Our God will stand
Unshakeable

VERSE
Unchanging One
You who was and is to come
Your promise sure
You will not let go

BRIDGE
Your Name is higher
Your Name is greater
All my hope is in You

Your word unfailing
Your promise unshaken
All my hope is in You