Oceans in the Desert

By Kathi Pelton

WE ARE NOT 25 ANYMORE!! As much as we feel young…the reality is that we must embrace all the beauty (grey hairs & wrinkles) that comes with “age.” Wisdom gained is one great reward of living through many stages of life. Time has been a patient teacher to train us how to live, how to embrace dependency in all of God’s ways and how peace leads us into joy.

One of the greatest rewards of aging is watching the fruitfulness in our “now grown” children’s lives. It is like watching the best home movie ever! Our youngest is about to be married in August and for the first time ever- we have an empty nest (which is both heart wrenching and beautiful). Watching and walking alongside of our children’s struggles and triumphs is such an honor. Seeing them blossoming into all that God created them to be takes our breath away and causes us to declare, “It’s all been worth it!” That being said, we do have one prodigal that we will never stop fighting for…we believe and declare her identity in Christ every day; expectantly awaiting this prodigal to run home to her Father one day very soon. We wait in peace and joy…because He is faithful. If you have a prodigal then praise over them! Declare the goodness of God over them and wait in joyful expectation until you see them run home.

In June I turn 56…how? Yet, I can say that it’s been a life well-lived and still, there is so much more to live and so many more to love. This past week marked 37 years since my 25 year old boyfriend asked me to marry him and I said yes. We had so many big dreams and yet so little understanding of the mountains and valleys that we’d have to walk through to see those dreams come to pass. And, of course…those 25 year old dreams didn’t include the struggles or waiting that would be required to see them come to fruition. But it was in the struggles that character, integrity, perseverance and faith was built in our lives. God has truly exceeded our dreams in every way. We’ve only just begun! You have only just begun!

Whether you are old or young–DREAM BIG! I’d rather reach high and come up short then reach low and see nothing! I’d rather try and fail then never risk and never learn. Yes, there have been shortcomings and failed attempts but there has been great victories and flags of victory planted on the tops of mountains that were conquered! We have had seasons of tears but reaped a harvest of joy at the end of each one. Our tears watered the seeds planted in our hearts.

So…no, we are not 25 anymore. Our memories and stamina isn’t what they once were but He has renewed our strength and so we continue to run! Our independent ways have turned into absolute dependency and surrender. Our love has grown from a fluttering butterfly into a eagle that is full of strength and undivided focus! Wisdom has crowned us with grace and peace has wrapped us in a robe of rest.

Wherever you are in life, be sure to embrace the journey. Scale high mountains and then plant flags of victory when you reach the top. Walk through valleys of tears and let them water the seeds of the dreams that God has planted within you. Find water in desert seasons and miracles in impossible situations.

Let every season yield a harvest of fruit and wheat. Holy Spirit descend upon us through every year and every season so that we have no regrets but the testimony of Jesus is written upon our lives!

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Once again I want to extend a huge “Thank You” to my readers who have stood with us in prayer and financial support during this time! No words can properly express our gratitude. We are praying for you and your families daily.

If you would like to support our family and ministry during this time, go to: https://www.inscribeministries.com