Welcome my friend, come on in & we’ll enjoy a cuppa together as we reflect upon conquering those insurmountable mountains in life.
Today, I thought we would enjoy one of the gf double choc Brownies from a batch that I freshly baked for my eldest granddaughter, her hubby & my nine month old great grandson’s arrival today, with a mug of Caramel Café Latté.
Let’s get comfy, as it’s freezing here in Australia, we’re sitting in the warmth of my dining room with the Sun beaming through the large but closed sliding glass doors.
Those pesky Mountains
This year has been one of those years where the Mountains in life have seemed ever so high! For the first half of this year Mt Chronic illness seemed insurmountable. With new uncharted crags appearing on the Alps.
But this climber is determined to keep climbing because I have the most wonderful Anchor & Belayer!
What is an Anchor & Belayer you ask?
An Anchor is the One who goes ahead to prepare, assure & fasten the safety gear on the Summit of the mount for the climbers coming behind to be able to scale the heights safely.
The Belayer is the One who continually monitors the ropes, taking the slack from the rope during the climb making sure there is a continuous supply of rope for a safe descent down the other side of mountain after succeeding in reaching the summit!
However, we have to allow the Anchor & Belayer to attach the necessary ropes to our harness for a safe & secure ascent & descent. For there are many dangers on the heights & in the valleys within this Mountain Range of life that only the true Anchor & Belayer, Jesus knows from His unique vantage point.
Let’s make this personal…
Over the last few months I’ve had a rock shelf experience (a place where climbers can have a revitalizing break from the ascent ~ a place of respite) on my climb of Mt Fibromyalgia in the Alps of Chronic Illness.
This rock shelf took the form of some good days in those weeks. Where I was feeling a bit more energized, the pain had dropped a few notches & the mist of Fibro fog had lifted.
This was like an alcove of pure bliss & for a moment I allowed myself to take in the breathtaking view from this rock shelf, a view of my well self scaling the heights of Mt Wellness.
Then came the day it was time to leave the rock shelf, signalled by the returning fatigue, the increasing pain & the wisp of Fibro fog descending.
Now I wrote about this same happening in 2018 in Challenging days…really but this time it was very different.
This time I didn’t allow myself to lose my foothold while focusing upon what used to be or could be, no this time I focused solely upon my Anchor & Belayer.
My Anchor & Belayer is Jesus.
Praising Him instead, for the blessed respite of the Rock Shelf, as that time enabled me to travel to see my Dad before he died & attend to his memorial here at the waterfront. And to receive the family visits over that time.
You see Jesus is the One who has already gone ahead continually assuring my safety, monitoring my progress, taking the slack during the climb, making sure there is a continuous supply of His love, grace & strength for the safe ascent & descent in these Mountains of life.
And I feel that the everyday little things like being able to get out of bed, get dressed, have breakfast with my wonderful husband, go for a walk along the waterfront & have family visit is such a wonderful Summit blessing.
And with the added privilege of sharing a cuppa & reflection with you my friend Mt Chronic illness is already conquered! Praise Him!
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Jesus Christ who loved us so much that He died for us.
Romans 8:37 paraphrased
We need to continually praise God for the little everyday blessings, as well as the bigger ones, on these mountain & valley experiences in life.
What are you praising God for today? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
Until next time,
Jennifer
You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook
Or in Prayer
© 2024 Jennifer M. Ross, All Rights Reserved. Photo by contour expeditions on pexels
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I like the analogy between the anchor and belayer. Jesus goes before us and has us. What wonderful insights and encouragement within.
Thank you sweet friend & that He does! ☺️
First I want to say that I am sorry for the challenges you continue to face. Second, I am so grateful you share your insight. Your perspective brings hope. Caring for someone with a chronic illness has been most challenging for me. I am so grateful for the good days, the reprieve God brings. May we continue to keep our eyes on Jesus, our Anchor and Belayer. Blessings, sweet friend!
Thank you Joanne. Chronic illness is a difficult journey for both the carer & sufferer (I have been both), but I’m so glad sharing my journey has brought you a glimmer of hope sweet friend. 💕
First, I am so sorry for the challenges this year. I’m sending prayers right now. Thank you for the reminder that Jesus is our anchor and belayor.
I’m featuring your post on my Pinterest Featured post for Grace & Truth. Thank you for sharing your challenges and your wisdom. https://www.pinterest.com/embracingtheune/grace-truth-christian-link-up-featured-posts/
Thank you Maree & for featuring this post on your Pinterest board ☺️
Jennifer, we enjoyed your post very much. I am always reminded of just how great God is when I am able to be with my beautiful family each day. God deserves all the praise and more! Your post will be featured tomorrow at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party #49.
Thank you Stephanie 😊 & for the feature too!
The height of the mountain depends on the depth of the valley when we are in a season of joy or sorrow.
That it does Barb, blessngs to you my friend 😊
Oh thank you Jennifer for this beautiful post! I loved the analogy of Mt. Chronic Illness, as you know I’m all too familiar with that mount. But praise God for your encouragement to keep trusting in our best anchor and belayer. I’ve had a bit of a rock ledge this summer also, as some new natural treatments are giving me some daytime pain relief from my RA. We will praise Him for every bit of relief and rest He brings, as we journey along with Him! Keeping you in my prayers dear sister! 🤗🤗
Thank you Bettie I really appreciate your prayers 🤗. And I’m delighted to hear that you’re having some relief from your RA pain, praise God! Blessings sweet friend. 💝
I love your analogy of the Anchor and Belayer (I’ve never heard the second title!). I’m grateful for those in my life who play those roles for me, and I hope I help others on their own mountains. Because we all do have mountains. Some years they’re higher than others. I’m sorry this has been a mountainous year for you, Jennifer, but I’m glad you have had a little rest on the rock shelf.
Thank you Lisa 😊
Rejoicing with you in the reprieve, Jennifer, and the blessings of visiting with your Dad and family. May the Lord continue to give you grace in this season.
Thank you Lisa ☺️
Thank you, Jennifer. We serve a God who is always present and will never leave or forsake us! That time of rest from the pain was graciously provided in a time that was most needed. You are a blessing, my friend ❤️🙏🏻
Thank you Pam, 😊 we do indeed serve an amazing God who never leaves us. Blessings to you my friend.