Sunday, April 3, 2011

Mountaintop Blessings In The Valley



This picture was taken on Saturday while standing in the valley of Luray, Virginia. I spent Friday and Saturday in Luray attending a Woman's Conference at Rileyville Baptist Church. The picture does NOT adequately capture what is happening. The Luray valley is surrounded on all sides by the mountains. I could do a complete 360 and never lose sight of the mountains and all their glory.

As I snapped pictures, I was overcome with emotion realizing  I was witnessing a snow storm on the mountain. Through the lens of my camera I could see the snow swirl around all over the mountain. As God rolled the clouds and snow over the mountain all I could do was watch and smile. A fresh blanket of white snow laced the mountain before me.Truly a mountaintop blessing experienced from deep within the valley.

Many of you know how much I love the mountains and snow. For those who don't, let's just say I never tire of seeing the mountains or a beautiful snow storm, no matter how deep the snow gets. God certainly cares about the desires of our heart. I drove to Luray with much on my mind. Many friends and family have endured serious illness and other tragic events over the last few months. God knew I needed a fresh word from Him. I would like to share His lessons for me from this snow storm with each of you.

~It is deep within the valley GOD often reveals HIMSELF and all HIS beauty!
~Slow down and look! Do NOT allow the world or your problems to hinder your view!
~Focus on HIM who loves you most! He is faithful to see you through the valley of your affliction!
~Don't miss any blessings while you are in the valley of your affliction!

By HIS mercy and in the very grip of HIS grace,

Andrea

18 comments:

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

What a true blessing you are to me. I have to print this out and take it to work with me tomorrow.
They are forcing me back to work part time starting at 11 tomorrow.
I am aksing for your sweet prayers and to keep Ms. Pearl at home.
I have wanted to email you all week maybe when I get home tomorrow afternoon.
Love ya
Maggie

Anonymous said...

Andrea,
Such encouraging words! Words I need tonight in this valley.

"Focus on HIM who loves you most! He is faithful to see you through the valley of your affliction!"

He is faithful.
He is faithful to see me through this valley.
He is ever faithful.

I am so blessed to have come by and receive God's words to you. He truly meant me to read them.

loving you, ~ linda

RCUBEs said...

As I go through a battle myself at my workplace, it's awesome to be reminded that through these valleys, we learn so much traits that we emerge "more pure" by His grace, "more strong," "more patient", etc...Traits that help us be on top of those mountains...Beautiful pic...as well as your heart!
Remembering you in prayers. God bless. Love you sister.

Laura said...

The photo is beautiful, Andrea, and your description is even more so. Don't you just love those moments with God? Hugs to you.

Rita said...

Dearest Andrea, I needed that encouragement tonight. I am exhausted and way down in the valley tonight, so I needed that mountain top encouragement. I hope your week is a very good one.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing Andrea... Needed to read this. :)

Blessings and hugs,
Tammy

Debbie said...

I love the mountains too. Always feel like I can feel His presence soo easily there for some reason. I love all your lessons you learned, but especially this...Slow down and look! Do NOT allow the world or your problems to hinder your view!

Have a wonderful day!

HUGS

Beth E. said...

Amen, Andrea! A beautiful picture and an even more beautiful and powerful message from God.

Hugs...

Diana said...

That was just beautiful Andrea. The picture and the post. Very inspiring.
Love Di ♥

Just Be Real said...

Andrea, thank you for blessing me.

cowiche said...

Great thoughts Andrea! I've found that if we will Just ask God to open our eyes ears and hearts everyday we will see Him giving us a new view of his love every day. You and Mid L Stutsman have helped me learn that in a greater way.
Darryl

Jessica said...

What an amazing experience it must have been to see that snowstorm sweep across the mountain's landscape. Beautiful thoughts and reflections :)

Attic Clutter said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Attic Clutter said...

Our world is so filled with sadness BUT HOPE(:)
-Thanks for your words of such feeling and care..
oxo p

Kristie said...

What great reminders! Thank you for sharing :-)

Wanda said...

Andrea, wise lessons you have shared with us. Even the valleys have purpose. Blessing to you.

Tammi said...

Sometimes God leads us to the valley, and it may be the valley of the shadow of death. But usually that means the death of self, our dreams and ideas for our lives; and as this begins to take place, and we look UP to the hills, on our every side, He begins to paint a new picture: He gives us His perpective for our lives~~just as He allowed the fresh, newly fallen snow to give you a fresh Word of Wisdom. Is it any wonder that the initials to Word Of Wisdom are W.O.W. ? ? :) WOW! Thank you for sharing this W.O.W. with us!

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

Such encouraging words......
As always; Thank you :)
xo, misha