“Wellspring” Eleventh Anniversary & Birthday Edition

Each year I sit down to write another “Wellspring” Anniversary and Birthday edition, I cannot help but marvel (and hum happy birthday and the wedding march 😊) at how quickly one 24-hour day at a time adds up to 365!

Here we are again, celebrating Rielyn’s eleventh birthday and Wellspring’s eleventh anniversary! Despite the past year of Covid and quarantinitis, what is God-breathed continues to live and grow within His purpose.

Rielyn is discovering, learning, and practicing what personhood looks like in this one precious life God has given her. In the overall brevity of eleven years, she has been curating what she likes, not-so-much’s, and passionate-abouts.

All that is taking place down deep. At an emotional and intellectual level and leafing out above-ground. Much like the process Wellspring of Life has engaged over and over. It’s never a one and done; this growing a life or blog.

The tree picture, taken on retreat in Hood River, Oregon at the start of our sabbatical year (April 2021 →) reminds me of an 11-year-old Rielyn-size tree. Towering older, taller trees behind; healthy ground cover growing around. And where it is planted, showcasing God’s chosen design and lifegivingness.

At eleven years old, Rielyn (sweetie!), you are unique and beautiful, much-beloved by Father God and your Big Brother, Jesus. You have a multitude of family and friends – and future lives – who love and will love you, too. Happy Birthday to you, you lovely growing tree in your generational forest of trees!

like a tree planted by the water

In the last year, Rielyn and Wellspring had – in the natural – many pared-down months of less activity than usual. I have learned a few generations ahead of where Rielyn is now, though: never underestimate what the Root is up to.

¹God’s blessings follow you and await you at every turn:
when you don’t follow the advice of those who delight in wicked schemes,
when you avoid sin’s highway,
when judgment and sarcasm beckon you, but you refuse.
²For you, the Eternal’s Word is your happiness.
It is your focus—from dusk to dawn.
³You are like a tree, planted by
flowing, cool streams of water that never run dry.
Your fruit ripens in its time;
your leaves never fade or curl in the summer sun.
No matter what you do, you prosper.

Psalm 1:1-3 The Voice

 

streams in the desert & a Rock in a weary land

This, dear Rielyn, family, friends, and lovers of Christ everywhere – is what being planted deep in Him and the message of Wellspring is about. Some seasons and even years may be difficult and stressful to our fiber. In such times, how much more is our Root and Rock, Christ Jesus, bearing us up and infusing us with His strength and power. He is our never run dry River of living water.

In its time, the fruit of His life within will surely be shown without. All to His glory, praise, honor – and our delight!

~

Year after year, Bridegroom King, you ARE my life.
Thank you for being Rielyn’s life too ~ Happy Birthday, sweet girl!

 

~ Grandma Nanc & Gracefully Free