The day dawned early and even as I wiggled my toes in the bed.

    I knew that it was going to be a special day.

“Dress for an adventure, “I called to my girls

   all the while wondering

       planning

         listening.

We got in the car and drove south

   admiring the Blue Ridge Mountains. It had been years since we had come this way.

Excitement mounted as I drove into the parking lot

   of Yoder’s Country Market.

 Getting out of the car I remembered time after time

  when my parents had stopped here

  bringing home delicious barbecue chicken, baked goods, etc.

And the books my mom would find.

 Inspirational books that grace my bookshelves today.

I took a deep breath and proceeded through the huge double doors.

For the next 40 minutes we were lost in a place of wonderment.

Candies, jellies, homemade pies and cookies,

   Pennsylvania Dutch items,

     homemade sandwiches filled with piles of fresh roast beef

   Nuts and chocolate covered pretzels,

   Coffee mugs with inspirational sayings

      and books.

At first I walked with a basket

   but as the basket filled I switched to a cart.

I thumbed the rows of books

    looking…..and looking some more.

One title reached out to me and pulled me to explore the treasures within its covers.

“Yes, God Still Speaks Today” compiled by Norma Plank.

My heart resonates with those words.

He does.

   Yes, He does.

“A Placeof Quiet Rest” by Nancy Leigh DeMoss also found its

    way into my basket.

We each chose a special mug to celebrate the moment.

   Jenny immediately wanted the one with the picture of a horse and its colt.

   Noelle chose a lovely pink, white and black one saying

     “Whatever is lovely..think about such things.” Phil 4: 8

What a powerful reminder!

It really was an easy decision for me

   as I reached out for the blue one

      with the words

        “The Lord bless you and keep you.” Numbers 6:24

Memories of placing my hand on each  little head and saying that blessing

   came back to me in a rush of emotion. Precious memories. Shining moments.

As we checked out my eyes lifted to the wall and I saw a picture.

   Jesus as the Shepherd.

Exquisitely painted with the words from Isaiah 40:11

  “He tends His flock like a shepherd.

  He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart.”

My heart was touched.

How wonderful to remember that that is where He carries us.

You and I.

Close to His heart.

Close to you, O Lord.

Keep me aware of that closeness

    during the heat of the day

    the busyness of the summer

    and amid all the demands and distractions.

As we drove home a few hours later I was still pondering the Touch of His Presence

   and the refreshment we received on a seemingly ordinary day in July.

Just like Him to revive our hearts again

   because He sees

                  He knows

                     and He always cares.