California Dreaming

Lately I have been dreaming of the Pacific Ocean along the lovely California coastline.  I have also been dreaming of sitting in the sunshine at my favorite little French cafe, or shopping in my favorite stores.  I remember having lunch with my friends, working in my garden, sipping tea in my cozy dining room.  I miss being able to visit Color Me Mine and paint.  Thinking of all the things I left behind is heartbreaking, but here in Colorado I feel closer to the glory of God's creation.  I do not feel the pull of materialism so strongly here which is a good thing.  Even so, I still feel like I belong in California.

While at the ladies retreat with our church, the Lord overheard my conversation with some gals.  I told them I sometimes wonder why the Lord uprooted me.  Amazingly, the next day the Lord spoke to me through my devotional time.  There was the answer right on the page.  Here is what it said (I've embellished it a bit to make it more personal):

"Becky, I uprooted you to relocate the roots of your joy in MY grace rather than in your goods, MY mercy rather than in your money, in MY worth rather than in your wealth."

Well, that says it all doesn't it?  And that is exactly what this move has been about for me.  We are so easily attached to things, and we attach security to "things".  Jesus encourages us to store up for ourselves treasure in heaven.  He said that where our treasure resides that is where our heart will be.  Do you think that Jesus wants us to make HIM our treasure?  I think so.  The banner verse chosen for our retreat was John 15:11 which says:  "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."  Jesus is the capstone of real joy, because of Him we receive forgiveness of sin.  That is true joy isn't it?