A Word

I have not really been very good about blogging daily, but it's the spirit of this period that matters, right? Some days I am so tired that there really feels like no purpose in posting a few sentences of forced reflection. Still going to try though.

I received a really wonderful word of encouragement today from the pastor that married us nearly ten(!) years ago. He has always been an incredible source of counsel for us, and still prays for us regularly. 

 "...I can't help but relay how much the Father is so well pleased with Connie as well.  It's like He loves watching in on you [Connie], especially in times when you practice, perform, and make music.  Connie, God's great heart toward you is so full of fatherly pride.  He is soooooo incredibly proud of you--the person you are, the woman you are, the mother you are.  There are seasons in which you have been in the public eye and others when you've felt like you're toiling in obscurity.  Perhaps, you've even wondered if what you do makes a difference to anyone at all.  I believe God would say to you that He can totally relate.  There are times when His activity is very spectacular and visible, but there are also long seasons when it's as if He's in the hidden depths, laboring in obscurity like a miner digging for precious treasure.  But it is in the dark, dank, flickering shafts beneath the view of the masses that the earliest successes, the joy of the discovery of unspeakable riches, take place.  He is and has been at work in the depths of your heart as well, digging, tunneling, and mining out precious ore.  Don't be dismayed that some of the hopes of your heart seem so slow in coming to fruition.  Listen to the steady rhythm of the blows of His, as of yet, hidden efforts.  He will be faithful to fulfill ALL His promises to you..."

I was really blown away by this incredible note and it couldn't have come at a better time.