Begin Again

New beginnings bring unknown possibilities. Of course, hoping for the best seems to be the natural response, but I've come to understand that I don't know what the best really is.

My ideas are certainly not always in line with what God might have in store. If I hold loosely to whatever the next endeavor may be, I can trust that it will unfold as needed.

That being said, I am happy to be starting my practice anew in Downtown Wadsworth! It feels good to be in a familiar setting as I have been living in the area since 2016. I know that the sense of community and commitment to helping small businesses thrive is strong here. I appreciate the support!

I want to bring the work I've been doing the last 35 years to women who may be in need of care. I look forward to meeting new clients, as well as continuing to serve the ones who have stayed with me through the years. I'm glad to be able to offer some relief and relaxation in this stress filled world.

Ultimately though, seeking physical comfort is not what matters most. But if touching people's pain can possibly touch their hearts and maybe a soul along the way, I am more than grateful for the opportunity. That's a possibility I will continue to hope for!

For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37

Hindsight

Well, I was reading the last few posts I put up in here and it's been awhile since then.

I still believe all that I wrote is real, but I am sorry to say it didn't sustain the workings of my mind throughout the last few years.

I sadly got caught up in all the fear of the pandemic and lost sight of the only thing that matters...turning my heart to the Lord, and not the world.

The encouraging part is that it gave me a clearer view of what I am truly like and what I want to be free of. I see the only way out of the wilderness of self is to first feel the full extent of it's barren, dry, wandering nature. To really feel the state of desperation and helplessness that only a Savior can relieve us from.

I thought I knew I needed Him, but I had no idea how much!

So what does any of this have to do with massage? Nothing at all, but I wanted to share it here anyway.

What I CAN say about that is, my business survived the fall and I am very grateful.

I appreciate those who have stayed with me and were patient during the months I couldn't manage to work and breathe at the same time.

My hope is that as we all keep trudging through the wilderness of this world, our eyes are set only on eternity and our hearts are willing to let go of all that could keep us from the One we are meant for.

The outward objects of this world can scarcely satisfy your outward man, during the short period of your toilsome life. But inwardly, you have a hunger which cannot be satiated, and a mind that cannot be satisfied, except by an all sufficient and infinitely lovely object, which is God alone.

Gerhard Tersteegen

The Perfect Picture

Perhaps one of the most daunting parts about our current situation is the uncertainty, the many “what if’s” and the fear of what’s to come. I suppose those are the kind of things that can always burden our minds, but clearly they’ve been escalated. I have those thoughts, and then I remember that I’ve been given a perfect picture of what it could be like to be in worse circumstances. 

My friends and I are blessed to be in touch with several friends in Venezuela. They join us online four times a week for meetings where we sit quietly together and wait on the Lord. It’s the way we’re learning to listen for what He is putting on each of our hearts. Sometimes that is only internal, or if someone feels there is something that is meant to be shared, we all have a chance to benefit from it. It’s pretty extraordinary, sometimes hard, and sometimes a soothing balm to the soul.

As most people probably know, Venezuela has been in turmoil for quite awhile. They lack basic human necessities such as food, water, medicine, money and electricity. It’s hard to even comprehend what their day to day life must be like. One of our local friends talks with them more often and every time we ask  how they are doing he says “really well”. That doesn’t seem possible but the reason is this, they keep turning their hearts to the Lord. They focus on Him and not the world around them. They are aware of course, and do what they need to in order to survive each day, but they don’t get caught up in the chaos. One man said:

“I need to be careful of all idolatry. Whatever thing in me that might be more important than God, including my own body, and my own needs. Is this more important than the Lord in my heart?”

Another young man came to the Lord after being in a gang. He was later put in jail for a crime he had committed during that time. He could have gotten out by bribing the judge, but he chose to do what he knew was right. He understood he’d never be free if he didn’t tell the truth. He wrote and said:

“I look around me and see that there are more reasons for me to be happy than to be depressed. Despite me being deprived of freedom, which could be a good reason to be sad. Nevertheless, I know the Lord is molding me for a purpose and I have seen changes in my life through this process from the Lord. There are a million things that bring joy to my heart…when you are walking in God’s ways, you realize problems don’t really exist.”

For those who may not know, Venezuelan jails are horrific and inhumane to say the least. I find it astonishing that anyone could find joy and happiness there, but again that has been made possible by turning to Christ.

So there is the perfect picture of hope that we’ve been given. The clear vision of “what if” and what it could be like if things were worse. There could be  assurance of freedom, joy, peace and Love in our hearts. Why would we settle for anything less?

Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you,

Yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10