Renee🌻

A Watery Grave

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

This reminded me of a cartoon where the tree ran on its roots like legs. 😂 Spooky!

Don’t you just love looking back on good memories? These pics showed up on my fb from a few years ago—a Labor Day at my sister’s camp by the river.

My hubby and I brought our ATV that day. There are nice fishing holes there and places to just ride all around the woods, with a nice breeze blowing through your hair. We even discovered wild hog tracks!

Wild hog tracks
Hog Wild

Here’s a song my young friend, Vanessa, otherwise known as V to me! shared. I totally 💜 it! It’s a new fav! So, when I first listened to it, I have to confess, I was sitting in my car in the church parking lot bawling tears! It touched me so much!

I love Mickey Mangun, and it really fit with the pics and post I was already working on–RIVER.

Water Grave-By Mickey Mangun

It’s always better to look back on the good memories, but sometimes we have to look back on the bad. It reminds us from where God brought us. The lyrics in this song could very well have been a part of my testimony!

The old man I use to be is no longer the “me” I am today. When I was baptized in Jesus’ Name, I came up out of that watery grave a new creature! I can’t explain it, but that was the cleanest, purest feeling I have ever felt in my life! All my sins had been put away. I had been forgiven. An expression of a clear conscience toward God.

I love the way the reflection of light casts upon the water underneath this feathered friend.

Now I don’t talk like I use to talk. Or walk like I use to walk. I’ve been set free and so can you! “The promise” is unto all who call on His Name!

Love all the crags and crannies of this fishing spot.

On a totally different note….Someone needs desperately to hear this….

All is NOT lost.

You are not doomed. You can make it through this. There’s still hope.

Sure you are encountering setbacks, trials, emotional crisis.

BUT ALL IS NOT LOST.

There is still the moment. The here and now. Not enough money to cover the bills? You can still choose JOY.

ALL IS NOT LOST

You look around and there is nothing but dysfunction, sorrow and turmoil. You wonder where you are going in life. You can still choose PEACE.

ALL IS NOT LOST!

There are no certainties in this life. When the tears threaten to overtake you, and you feel overwhelmed, sad, even hurt. Or all of the above, for that matter….ALL IS NOT LOST! You can choose PATIENCE.

It won’t always be like this.

“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.

For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.

How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭137:1-4‬ ‭

If there has ever been a time it feels like you are in a strange land—a strange place—it’s now. No? But you are strong. You are not a quitter! You are going to make it!

I know that when we don’t have the words to pray, God hears our heart.

Let’s go down to the river, when we don’t have it all together or even know what the future holds. Take another dip in that cool, cool river of living water! And the peace that passes ALL understanding will wash you clean again and refresh your spirit.

Another fishing spot

God counts your tears as prayer and worship. There will be days you feel tears are your meat both night and day. But all will not be lost. Cling to the Comforter, my friend! Better days are a’coming!

Another view of the river.
Author Unknown

Published by Renee🌻

Life is a series of lessons we learn by way of the school of hard knocks. I feel I have a degree in this one. It has made me who I am today--I am Renee--My name is French, meaning Reborn. I believe there is a lot in a name, because that's just who I am. Spirit-filled. Encourager. Reader. Author. Blogger. Lover of love, God, His Word, hearts, dragonflies, nature and coffee!~❤️Aka Nonna. 3 grand-boys, 3 grand-daughters-- 2 girls. 💌 Married 28 years. “May God grant you always...A sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you, a sheltering angel so nothing can harm you. Laughter to cheer you. Faithful friends near you. And whenever you pray, Heaven to hear you.”~~Irish Blessings~~

20 comments

  2. What beautiful pictures… and what a beautiful message! Surely, ALL IS NOT LOST! I love that! I use to have major setbacks when I was “new” to the faith, but like you, I remember that watery grave, and that amazing feeling of “leaving it all behind” and walking away a new creature in Christ Jesus. My Lord, and my God, how blessed are we??

    Much love to you, Sis!

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    • Thank you, Stacey! I was praying for my girls and in mid sentence, that thought popped into my mind. I stopped and paused to chew on that a minute. I’m so thankful God reminds us when we forget, that He knows and to encourage us that He is working. There a hope in their end!
      I definitely had major setbacks as a young Christian.
      We are blessed beyond measure! Love you bunches! 🤗

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  3. Awe such sweet reflection, our baptism setting us free for those who said yes, some change instantly or others change gradually, all being remolded by the potter on wheel of life, some get broken, on that wheel but don’t despair for God has plans to prosper us and gives us hope for a Great Future! The Lord builds us into masterpieces! And those dips into living water restore the the soul and gives such beautiful peace ! Great post❤️💦

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    • So so true! I know with me, Debbie, my steps towards God were gradual. I didn’t receive His Spirit till a month later. I will never forget how hot that cold water got when I got dunked under! Someone had forgotten to turn on the baptistery heater in February, but I was determined to be baptized anyway! Thanks love you so much!

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  4. Thank you so much for this…. really! You don’t know how much this touched me. I’m at a complete lost, I’m confused, lost, hurt… You could even say I’m run from God in a way…. There is a lot going on….so thank you for posting this and letting this help me. Love you my friend!❤

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  7. Awesome my friend! I still have that song stuck in my brain! Been listening to it every day! Micky Mangun is an anointed singer! I love to hear her husband preach, as well. They pastor a church in Alexandria, LA.

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