 Last week Brian and I went kayaking with some friends from our church. We had a blast and thank God, there were no mishaps! Well...some had an occasional capsize when going over the rapids; but, somehow I managed to stay in the kayak riding the rapids with ease! I guess I need to contribute some of that to Brian because were the only ones to share a kayak. This week as I began to think and pray over what to blog, one word seemed to work its way to the surface. I’ve been a little nervous about not having anything to write about and it seemed as though God was speaking...but it was faint! This particular word was read in scriptures this week, in conversations, and even with what to wear for the Night of Worship at church. It seemed as though I were straining to hear what God was speaking. Then clearly I heard him say, “ If you can’t hear me, move closer!” As I pressed in to hear him more closely, this word came to mind. RIVER! I’d like to share some simple reminders and truths from kayaking on the river.
 The river is a waterway path that leads from point to point slowly curving and bending. It’s waters move continuously except in places where the current is blocked by logs. It is there that trash collects, slime and algae form - it is stagnant! NOT a pretty site! Mostly, the gentle current moves the kayak gracefully down the river. An abundance of shade is provided because of the trees on each side of the bank. But, you don’t want to wander too close to the overhanging limbs by the bank. One never knows what might be lurking there! And so we paddle, float, and take in the beauty. I never worry about where the current is taking me. I don’t know when or where my journey will end and I leave my watch behind because time is no longer important. I am at the mercy of the water. I just go with the flow! I imagine that kayaking the river is much like traveling through life’s journey. So as you read of my account, imagine yourself on the river of your life journey.  Now, I’m a very independent woman and paddling in my own kayak is something that you would probably expect me to do. But that’s not the case! I like the two seater so Brian can steer, we are together sharing the same experience and memories are made. I know that where he leads us is in my best interest. I can depend on him, but...that doesn’t stop me from fussing! Sometimes we zig-zag down the river instead of moving straight. Sometimes we move too slow or too fast! Other times, we end up pretty close to other peoples kayaks and travel the river side by side having to be very careful not to bump or cut them off. Are you getting the picture? Isn’t it just like being in the boat journeying through life with God at the helm. Sure, I fuss with Him, too! I want Him to go faster! No, wait, not so fast! Could you please quit going all over the place and settle in a simple straightforward path? Wait! You’re getting too close to where I am no longer comfortable! Then, after all of my complaining and arguing with Him, I find myself on my knees repenting. After all, He knows what is best and has my best interest in mind.  Traveling down the river, I begin to think, “Where is the most danger?” Is it riding over the raging rapids or gliding gracefully down the gentle current? It’s hard to determine. You see, snakes are not typically around the rapids, but they do float and rest near or in the gentle waters. They show up when you least expect it! During our trip, we saw a giant snake coiled on a log. His skin matched the log making him hard to see. I was thankful that our leader was on the look out, watching out for us, directing us away from harm. Metaphorically speaking, the snakes of life often catch us by surprise when we think that we have everything under control...Floating along when all seems well...When we don’t think we need any help!  Riding the rapids causes my adrenaline to rush! I love adventure and am a risk taker. Experience has taught me to be very careful and to follow the way of the water! When you follow its path, it leads you in the right direction over the rocks and it quickly carries you through. Becoming one with the water will keep you from capsizing! There is one particular rapid on this river that is tougher than the others. As we pass, one kayak at a time, a team of cheer-leaders stand on the shore screaming, “PADDLE, PADDLE - PADDLE!” When we went through, there was clapping, smiles, and a great sense of accomplishment! Who are these cheer-leaders? They are the ones who have gone on before us! They were my “great cloud of witnesses!” They had traveled my same path. They were encouraging us and wanted us to be successful. Paddle through to the end! Who cheers for you down the rough, raging rapids of life? Call them and tell them how much you appreciate them. Do you stand on the shore watching the passers go by or do you go out of your way to encourage them on their journey? There are many things to be learned from traveling on the river.
I am reminded again by the Lord: When we are straining to hear God’s voice - move closer! Rolling River God, little stones are smooth Only once the water passes through So I am a stone, rough and grainy still Trying to reconcile this river's chill But when I close my eyes and feel you rushing by I know that time brings change and change takes time And when the sunset come, my prayer would be this one That you might pick me up and notice that I am Just a little smoother in your hand Sometimes raging wild, sometimes swollen high And never have I known this river dry The deepest part of you is where I want to stay And feel the sharpest edges wash away And when I close my eyes and feel you rushing by I know that time brings change and change takes time And when the sunset comes, my prayer would be just one That you might pick me up and notice that I am Just a little smoother in your hand Rolling River God, little stones are smooth Only once the water passes through ~Nicole Nordeman The scriptures that came to mind while writing this blog and praying over it are: Is. 43:1,2 "...Do not fear for I have redeemed you: I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you." Heb. 12 :1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Is. 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Eph. 6: 10-18 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God,so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powersof this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."  You might be a little nervous to actually go kayaking! But remember that it is just the same as everyday life. You never know what to expect and things can change suddenly! It is the hand of God that should steer your boat...through the river of life...raging and/or gentle. There are always lessons to be learned, spiritual truths to be revealed, and stories to be shared. Whether you identify with being a stone in the water or floating down the river, God is still in control. Move in closer...trust His direction...trust His refining and smoothing. I'm especially fond of those encouragers along the way! Thank you! Blessed, Sherry  If you would like to receive the "Monday Musings" RESTORE blog each week via email, please sign up and enter your email address in the upper right hand corner.
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