The Fruits of Labor

Choosing to be thankful.  God's love, like the never ending circle of a ring.  Continuous.  No start. No End.  Today I felt pressed upon to be thankful.  Thankful for family unity that has come from something unimaginable.  Thankful for a summer of sunshine, planting, harvest.  Thankful for the filling of vessels and the ability to give away ringed goodness in a jar. 

Step 3.  Blackberry Jam. 

Step 4.  Blackberry Syrup. 

It seems that in life, good things come out of intense stretching and heat.   Take jam and syrup for instance.  In our family, we separate the juice from the seeds.  The crushing process causes intense stretching of this juicy fruit.  The heat breaks down the juices while blending all the ingredients to create a masterpiece.  Just like the trials and tragedies of our lives.  If we let Him, Christ will take our adversities that stretch and take us through the fire and refine us. 

Isaiah 43:2-3 says "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

This passage has gotten me through many dark days; just knowing the intenseness of life may surround me but He will not allow them to over take me if I hold onto Him.  Pretty sure I'm still waiting for that refinement but knowing it exists, whether in this lifetime on earth or in the Heavenly realm, keeps me looking up and moving.

In the meantime, we'll continue to do Step 1 and Step 2 (pick the berries and make berry pie) and continue to live on God's promises.  Thankful.  Yep.  Thankful for all the blessings He bestows upon us daily.