The birth of our Joshua Tree began as an idea I had in 2016 - since IG no longer allows you to search by hashtag, I put all my old "stones of remembrance" posts on my blog - Because I think it's important for people to remember all the great things God has done in His great rescue of us. And its also important to share these things with the next generations, so that they can see the struggles and the victories that come with living the life God gave us.
2025
He is better.
2 Corinthians 4:7
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us."
What are we afraid will happen?
What are we afraid will happen if we are not in complete control?
If I can be honest, I am afraid - as a person - it has defined much of my life, as far as I can remember, at first it was a fear of ambulances, and cracks between stairs and floor boards. You all know me - it's birds, it's nature, it's everything, isn't it? In order to function in this crazy world, I can control most things with my physical surroundings and make it through with hopefully some semblance of normalcy. But then you know, some things aren't able to be controlled by simply avoiding the great outdoors. What about things we want, and can't have? What about the relationships we have, and realize that other people have their own levels of desire for control, and it's almost never to let me take complete charge. What about when we come to the place of knowing - truly knowing -that God is the one who's in complete control, and can be trusted. And that he's better than what I wanted. Better than what I'd been manipulating the world at large to achieve. Better than ____. Fill in the blank, it's a guarantee, he's better. I will say, for me, it's inspired a kind of courage I've never known before. A kind of confidence that can't be shaken. I mean, I'm still not willing to go anywhere near anything with feathers - but all that other stuff? I've seen him work so many times, that I certainly can't doubt taking a step back, and letting him work. At first, it made me afraid. Because what will this look like without my input? What will this look like if I just let go of my desires and my methods of achievement? But then, it made me brave, because the answer is, I don't know - but I know it will be better, because God has proven faithful, and gentle with me for my whole life, even in the hard things, and I know with confidence as we close out one year and start up another - He is better.
It's been my thought for 2025, there have been high highs and some lows I selfishly wish I could skip over. And I have had plans. And a way to go about those plans - without forgetting that He is better than what I think I need. Some of those plans worked out the way I thought they would, and some did not. Deeply grateful for both, and will be happy to be reminded of this truth every year as I hang this ornament. 
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