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...]
This week my heart was encouraged as I read these verses.... Hurry with your answer, God! I’m nearly at the end of my rope.Don’t turn away; don’t ignore me! That would be certain death.If you wake me each morning with the sound of your loving voice, I’ll go to sleep each night trusting in you.Point out the road I must travel; I’m all ears, all eyes before you.Save me from my enemies, God— you’re my only hope!Teach me how to live to please you, because you’re my God.Lead me by your blessed Spirit into cleared and level pastureland. Psalm 143:7-10 The Message Have you … [Read more...]
It's Earth Day! As a gardener and nature lover, Earth Day has mixed meanings to me. I appreciate the beauty of nature, the first shoots of green in the spring, and the harvest of flowers and fruits as the seasons turn. One of my favorite things is to spend time at the beach and enjoy the sand, sunshine, crashing or lapping waves, and the warm breeze. And anytime of the year, I am game for a hike, or even a walk along a rural roadside. Today, we took a walk down a nearby road. There's a small boat launch onto the river along that road and we strolled on in there to get a closer look at the now receding … [Read more...]
The One who spoke this world we know into existence.... He humbled Himself, obedient to death— a merciless death on the cross! Philippians 2:8 The Voice ...for you...and me. This perfect One... took that which was ours....every ugly sin and wrong thing we have ever done. So we wouldn't have to experience the punishment we deserve. It's Friday.... Jesus' followers did not know, as they watched him die this cruel death on the cross at the hands of the Roman soldiers, that this was not the end. Sure...he told them they would see him again. But that just didn't make any sense. … [Read more...]
Love. Those four letters make a really BIG word. Seriously...when we're dating love seems easy. Later when we get married...sometimes love isn't so easy. And then there's that co-worker. You know the one. Seriously...who could love someone with that attitude? Or what about the neighbor whose dog leaves presents in your front yard, for you to step in, every day. We're supposed to love those people. “I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.” John 13:34-35 … [Read more...]
This week I was prodded to change my outlook on life. Somewhere in this great big invisible world we call the internet I read a phrase that stuck with me. Forget talking about your troubles. If we don't talk about our troubles...what do we do? Celebrate our joys! I have a good friend that I chat with irregularly via email. At this time in our lives it's the best form of communication. It's efficient. When we get the chance to talk on the phone....it's a looooong talk. And we usually don't have time to do that very often. Today I did something I don't usually do. I … [Read more...]
Earlier this week I was sharing my life story. I concluded my monologue with the words, I have hope and HOPE does not disappoint us. Do you have hope? This week we hit a few new challenges in our journey in the "in between." Frankly, aside from trusting God, I could throw up my hands in despair. In sharing my story I realized that I am living in hope. My hope is not the kind you can conjure up. It's not hope based on positive thinking....though I do believe we need to choose a positive outlook. It's simply based on knowing God and believing that he is my … [Read more...]
Faith. It's a complicated word. For some...it has great spiritual meaning. For others...it's a bit nebulous. A long time ago, when one of the girls from my youth group got married, I created some counted cross stitch art for her as a wedding gift. I stitched these words from Hebrews 11:1....Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Why in the world was I so enamored with this verse that I created cross stitch art? And for a wedding gift, no less. I can't answer that. One thing I do know.... In order to navigate through life, faith is a … [Read more...]
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8a If you don’t slow to count the gifts in the moments, God in the moments — when exactly will you taste and see that the Lord is good? The losing of every battle begins when there is no time to taste and see and savor that the Lord is good. When you don’t have time to taste and see that the Lord is good — you begin to taste and believe that life is bad. Ann Voskamp, A Holy Experience My days are pretty full. I get up early and go to bed late. I'm an early bird and a night owl. Would that make me an early owl? No matter what I do, or … [Read more...]
...We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! Romans 5:3-5 The Message These verses encouraged my heart greatly. Especially this... ...we can't round up enough containers to hold … [Read more...]
This week I think I discovered the secret to rest. Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. Psalm 91:1-2 (NLT) What kind of week have you had? Do you find yourself working hard...at work...at relationships...homekeeping...etc.? Do you feel pressured? Burdened? Fill in the ______? Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest... I admit it.... It is way too easy to … [Read more...]
Welcome to the weekend! Is the weekend a pause in your week? A time to get oodles of work done? A time to play? Or just like any other day? My weekend began in the quiet. Peering out the window I noticed a sliver of pink over the mountain and an eyelash of a moon in the sky. Later, my husband prepared blueberry-banana pancakes which we smothered in butter and maple syrup. Amazingly delicious. And then I noticed this pile of silver I had put together yesterday for polishing. I'm attempting to see my world with new eyes. The incredible all around me. … [Read more...]
During the season of Lent it is common practice for people to 'give up' something. I often hear friends speak of 'giving up' chocolate, or snacks, or coffee, or Coke. All good things to sacrifice....if it is indeed a sacrifice. I must confess that in the past I have never really taken this Lenten sacrifice seriously. However, this year, I felt like it was something I needed to prayerfully consider. For a few weeks leading up to Lent, God was nudging me. And then...just days before...he actually woke me up early. The same time each morning. You see, he was getting me ready to get … [Read more...]
Have you ever thought about the intricate complexity of the human eye? It amazingly allows us to not only view objects, but to view depth, color, size, and every little detail of the world around us. Really, the eye is a super complicated machine with many parts. And usually we take it so very for granted. For fun today, my husband and I went on a 100 step walk. You may remember the 100 step walk we took last fall. Today we stepped off in a different direction, through the alleyways, and into the business area of our small town. Every 100 steps we stopped and my challenge … [Read more...]
Did you wake up this morning with a twinge of anxiety? Do you fear the unknown? Or maybe you have a fear of the future? Fear. Most of us are afraid of something at sometime in our lives. I grapple with it. I bet you do too. Think back to when you were a small child. Do you remember a time when you were out in the great big world and mom or dad took hold of your hand to keep you safe? Your small hand nestled inside that larger stronger hand. Firmly holding on to you. Did it make you feel protected? Maybe you were completely unaware that there was any concern for your … [Read more...]
Have you come across a pretty picture, a great quote, artwork, or even a Bible verse that you thought was unique or special in someway and you pinned it? Just because? Somewhere online I came across the artwork of Peggy AplSEEDS. I love the spirit and style of her art. And yes....I had a pinning frenzy. You'll see if you visit my Pinterest board. This morning I went to my boards to pick something to share on Facebook. This sweet piece of art was inspiring and encouraging to me. Peggy AplSEEDS And then I read it again. And felt the power of the words. Do you have a … [Read more...]
