During my reading time this week, I came across a quote from a renowned preacher of the late 19th century, Charles Spurgeon. I struggled with sharing it with you for the Joy Day! post. The quote doesn't feel very joyful. It's even a bit stern. But, I couldn't shake myself from it. With that in mind...let's imagine that we are sitting at a lovely table drinking our favorite fancy coffee or tea and enjoying a tasty treat. After the usual pleasantries, indulging in the delicacies from the table, and conversational catching up, I look you in the eye and say, "I think it's time we … [Read more...]
How to win the mind battle. Once and for all. Today I'm sharing a simple, doable exercise to help you win that battle going on in your mind. "Once and for all?" you ask. I know...is that really possible? And then I wonder, "Who am I to suggest that this battle can be conquered once and for all?" After all, I just spent the better part of a week on the roller coaster of positive/negative thoughts. Speaking of roller coasters... I'm sure there are a number of reasons that people get on roller coasters. Many ride because it's fun. They love the exhilaration of … [Read more...]
For most of my life I would wake up in the middle of the night, briefly think about the future, and the thought of an endless forever would send me into a panic attack. It was awful. My mind just could not wrap itself around the concept of forever. Though, for the most part, I didn't have a fear of tomorrow, or next week, or even next year, that fear of the great unknown future would freak me out. Our minds are a battleground. How we direct and control our thoughts is critical. This week I read a few experts from C. S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters (affiliate link). There the demon Screwtape points out … [Read more...]
Have you ever been sitting absolutely still but found your body trembling? Were you trembling from excitement? Anticipation? Anxiety? Or maybe fear? Lately that is a state in which I often find myself. Some days it's much better than others. This week has been a mixture of joy and sadness. Over three days I was blessed to have out-of-town guests. My friend and her daughter came for a brief overnight visit, and another friend and her husband came to spend the day with us. I can't tell you what bright spots those days were in my summer. It was so good to see far-away … [Read more...]
When was the last time you said to God, "I can't get enough of you!" For most of us the thought never crosses our minds. We may wake up and thank God that we're alive, but do we bless him every time we take a breath? Probably not. Those of you who follow An Extraordinary Day on Facebook are familiar with my nightly sweet dreams post where I share a gorgeous bedroom photo and some inspirational words. I'm amazed at how many people will mention they look forward to it each night. I have to confess, putting up the lovely sleeping room photos is easy. Daily having something of … [Read more...]
Have you noticed how dark it is these days? The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn't extinguish the light. John 1:5 (CEB) The news on TV, online, and even our Facebook feed is filled with bad, scary, and horrific details. We need to remind ourselves, and each other, that as dark as it gets....the darkness will not put out the light. Have you ever noticed that when the light comes on in a dark place, the light is even more bright? That's the contrast we are seeing in our world right now. People living in darkness need to see. They need … [Read more...]
Hope. I can actually say I have hope. The only reason I can say that is because... This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. Hebrews 6:19 (NLT) Maybe you're familiar with this verse. One day as I was standing on the dock taking photos in the early morning light, it came to mind, and I had this peace wash over me. No matter what happens each day, my anchor is the Lord. If you're familiar with this verse... do you realize that there is a second part to the verse? Here's the second sentence in the verse... It leads us through the … [Read more...]
Faith is believing what we do not see, and the reward for this kind of faith is to see what we believe. Saint Augustine You've heard the term "blind faith." Usually a person with blind faith is looked upon as weak or helpless. How many times have we heard someone say, "Trust me." In the recesses of my mind, I remember my dad telling me that I could not trust anyone. I'm not sure what life experiences my dad encountered to help him develop that cynical outlook. Fortunately my dad did not live his life that way before me. He was a very gentle, kind, and caring man. And I … [Read more...]
Let me tell you how blessed I am. Every morning I wake up next to a man who loves me with his whole heart. I pretty much jump out of bed each day because I can. Clothes hang straight in my closet sorted by type and I get to put on something to fit the day and occasion. When I go to the kitchen sink and turn the faucet, out pours sparkling clean water. As I grab my Bible to sit on the couch, I turn and look out the window and see the morning mist rising or dancing across the small lake. Turning the pages of my Bible, I read words of encouragement, and I'm blessed that I have the ability to read and … [Read more...]
Everyday, as I walk, I am amazed by the tapestry along the roadside. Today I noticed leaf shapes. Each leaf was the same tone of green. Yet, from plant to plant and bush to bush, each had its own exquisite shape. Together they created the most beautiful tapestry in green. A few days ago we took the rowboat out on the lake just before sunset. In the stillness the lily pads and other water plants reflected the setting sun's brilliant light. We were in awe of another tapestry at the water's edge. A mirror formed across the face of the water. It captured the … [Read more...]
I've been doing a lot of chewing lately and I'm not talking about burgers, potato salad, or s'mores. Maybe you're like me....one day it's disappointment, the next it may be weariness or lack. Some days I chew on blessings, a faithful husband, dear friends, good food, wildflowers, and sunset reflections over a beautiful lake. You can pretty much tell what I'm chewing on. It shows all over my face. What have you been chewing on lately? For quite a few years I saved my calendars. My favorites were always the ones featuring a Bible verse and the artwork of Ellen Stouffer. As I … [Read more...]
Raise your hand if you want God's blessing. Generally when we pray, we ask God to bless us. As I was reading this verse I had an AH HA moment... God tells us what we can do to receive his blessing. Depend on the Lord; trust him, and he will take care of you. Psalm 37:5 We often admire people who are self sufficient. I was brought up to be self sufficient. But...there's a danger in self sufficiency. If we're self sufficient we don't need other people. And we may fall into the dangerous mindset of thinking we don't need God either. And, if we're not "needing" God...we probably … [Read more...]
This week I went exploring in a new neighborhood. The area is rural and wooded. And overflowing with poison ivy. I had a bad case of poison ivy two summers ago, and now I know to stay clear of leaves of three. [wink] Here it mingles with wildflowers and joins the multitude of leaves to make a magical tapestry of greens. As I walk the roadside I'm continually noticing the beauty and stopping to take snapshots of the lovely wildflowers. It's a beautiful place. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! Psalm 84:1 When I need to … [Read more...]
I could say it's been one of those weeks. We've all had them. My world got turned upside down. One thing I know for sure.... I could not have navigated these past few days without God's help.... and your prayers, and the open arms of a few friends. This verse speaks expresses my heart: The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart.He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. Psalm 28:7 Today is Joy Day! Whatever kind of week you've had....wonderful or just plain awful.... when we take time to give thanks things get … [Read more...]
Do you ever feel like you're playing the waiting game? Often we find ourselves waiting in line at the grocery store, the post office, and this time of year at the ice cream shop. We wait for what seems like forever at red lights, or for the man in brown to deliver that package we're expecting. Sometimes our wait is for things much more serious such as watching the hands of the clock move so slowly while a family member or friend undergoes a tricky surgery. Are tired of playing the waiting game? Yeah...me too. I've been waiting for quite a while for God to move. In fact … [Read more...]
I love the morning....especially the first light of the morning. A few days ago I awoke very early and looked out the window. I was greeted with a most beautiful sight. Imagine the sky as I saw it, still colored in twilight while being gently blushed with a transparent orange cast rising ever so gently from the horizon. And to my right...a huge brilliant star sparkled. At that moment, I was in awe and humble adoration of Creator God. In the morning, O Eternal One, listen for my voice; in the day’s first light, I will offer my prayer to You and watch expectantly for Your answer. … [Read more...]
Today I picked up stones and roots while my friend ran the rototiller to prepare for her garden. Later, I noticed that I had an aroma about me. It's not what you think! But, I bet you know exactly the aroma I'm referring to if you've ever pushed a power lawn mower around your yard. Have you ever thought about your aroma? Did you just tilt your nose down and take a whiff of your shirt? I'm not talking about your perfume, toilet water, or cologne. I'm not talking about whether you used deodorant after your shower, though that is probably a good idea. [wink] There's another kind … [Read more...]
