Victory in Jesus

Easter weekend was lovely. The weather was beautiful. In thinking back on it, I'm not quite sure what happened - but Easter came alive for me in a special way this year. I had a precious time with the Lord on Good Friday.....and that carried with me the whole weekend.

I have a lot on my mind at the moment - a lot on my heart. I had a fresh revelation of how Jesus took all the burdens I'm carrying on the cross. He now carries the weight of them for me. And by His stripes we are healed. I prayed with fresh fervor in asking the Lord for healing - especially for my painful feet.

And on Resurrection Sunday, I felt a fresh wave of victory. God has helped me in so many ways in recent years, and I had fresh assurance that He will continue to do so. I thought of the words to an old song we sang when I was growing up:

"I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory

How He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me

I heard about His groaning, of His precious blood's atoning

Then I repented of my sins, and won the victory.

Oh, victory in Jesus, my Savior forever

He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood

He loved me 'ere I knew Him and all my love is due Him

He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood

I heard about His healing, of His cleansing power revealing

How He made the lame to walk again and 'caused the blind to see

And then I cried, "Dear Jesus, come and heal my broken spirit"

And somehow Jesus came and brought to me the victory."

It's amazing how the songs I sang as a young girl are still so fresh in my memory.....and the truth of them still stands! I'm so grateful for the "victory in Jesus."

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:8

"The Lord is my light and my salvation...The Lord is the strength of my life." Psalm 27:1

"Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long." Deuteronomy 33:12

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22,23

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

Our wonderful Savior has risen - He is alive and with us each day!

Grace to Forgive

In recent days, a distant  memory of a time when someone hurt me flitted through my mind.  Haven't thought of it in ages.....not sure why it popped up.  I spoke out my forgiveness afresh.  Doing that always helps to cleanse the pain.

I once heard someone say, "Forgiveness is not a case of holy amnesia that wipes out the past.  It is instead the experience of healing that drains the poison from the wound."  I like that description!  Draining the poison through forgiveness is wonderfully healing.

As I was thinking about all this, I couldn't help but think of the perfect example Jesus set for us in forgiveness - especially as we come to this Easter weekend.  He forgave incredible hurts and pains.....and He gives us grace to forgive.  It's powerful.

"If we do not forgive man their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."  Matthew 6:15

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."  Ephesians 4:32

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you."  Colossians 3:13

"You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call on you."  Psalm 86:5

"Forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors."  Matthew 6:12

I am so very grateful for the death of Jesus on the cross, for His glorious resurrection, and the power of it in our lives!  I can never thank Him enough!  A blessed Easter to you!

Our Unchangeable God

I hear from people far and wide who are nervous, anxious, fearful, worried about world events.  Certainly unsettling things are taking place in our world.....things that we would have never dreamed of happening.  The concerning feelings are understandable.  I, too, have had moments of feeling vulnerable.

If ever there were a time to keep our eyes on the Lord, it's certainly now!!  The world as we know it is changing.  But we serve an unchangeable God.  He is our Rock, our sure foundation.  He will carry us through the changes.  People and institutions may fail us, but God won't.  He is constant and unfailing.

When I think back to all the ways God has helped me in the recent difficult years with Floyd's illness, my cancer, some family crisis's, and ministry emergencies - all I can do is praise and thank the Lord for His mercy, grace, and help.  He has carried me through everything!  Nothing caused Him to waver.  Nothing shook Him up!  He helped me time and time again.

When we face uncertainty in these current days of change - it's good to look back and remember how God has helped us in the past.  It assures us of His help in the present situations!

" 'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you."  Isaiah 54:10

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me."  Psalm 23:4

"Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies.  But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail."  Isaiah 51:6

"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."  Matthew 11:28,29

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."  Lamentations 3:22

"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man."  Psalm 118:8

Whatever we read in the news - it's important to balance it with what we read in the Bible!  God is with us.  He will help us in the changing world.  He'll never fail us!

Hidden Treasure

When trials come along - when we face hard situations - when we struggle with difficult health problems - when any kind of hardship is challenging us.....we have to endure and persevere.  The temptation may be to try and ignore the situation or run the other way.  We may want to shake our fist and complain about what is happening.  But, like it or not, we have to face these things head on.  Thankfully we don't have to go through them alone.

Enduring and Persevering doesn't just "happen."  We have to choose in our hearts to go through whatever we are facing with our focus on the Lord and what He will teach us.  It may be a day-by-day choosing as we face the hard things.  There have been times when it was an almost minute-by-minute choosing!!  It's really hard to persevere in the midst of the hard situations.  But it's worth it - 100%, totally worth it.

In the midst of the hard things, there is hidden treasure.  The more difficult the situation, the more treasure there is to be found.....especially in our walk with the Lord.  It reminds me of Easter egg hunts when I was a child.  Searching in the grass, in bushes, under logs, hidden in furniture - there would be beautiful Easter eggs to be found and put in my basket.  My "basket" is full of treasures in my relationship with God.  Drawing near to Him in the midst of difficulties has brought a richness of friendship that I don't know if I'd have found otherwise.  He has taught me so many lessons.  He has had higher purposes for me, and He has revealed His will to me of what He is doing through the suffering.  I am blessed beyond measure!!

"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."  Galatians 6:9

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life."  James 1:12

"We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame."  Romans 5:3-5

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."  James 1:2,3

"For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised."  Hebrews 10:36

"If we endure, we will also reign with Him."  2 Timothy 2:12

Everyone on this earth goes through hard times.  In the storms of life, as we seek Him and persevere, He will pour out His mercy, grace, and strength.  He is good and faithful.

Wisdom from Above

Wisdom.  I need the Lord's wisdom.  Wisdom for big, huge, impactful decisions - and for small, daily, inconsequential decisions.  In recent years I have made hundreds, probably thousands, of decisions.  I couldn't have made them without the Lord whispering in my ear to go here/go there, do this/do that.  He has led me by my right hand step by step. I am so very grateful.

For me the wisdom I'm asking from the Lord comes as I keep my focus continually on Him as I go about my day.  I think on His goodness.  I stand on His promises.  I rejoice in how He's met me time and time again.  I speak out my gratitude, and remind Him of my need of Him.  I talk to Him all day long - as if He was right here with me in my home.  I worship Him in my mind and in my heart.

I also receive the wisdom that I need as I wait in His presence - listening for His whispers into my heart and mind.  I block out "the world" as best I can, and listen for that still small voice of the Lord.  I ask Him to confirm what I've heard from Him with peace - a peace that passes understanding.  His instructions and His peace show me the way forward.

Sometimes the wisdom that I need comes quickly.  At other times, I have to continue to seek Him until I receive the answers I need.  God's timetable is not always the same as mine!  But He's faithful to answer in the right time.  He's never late.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."  James 1:5

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge."  Proverbs 1:7

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."  Proverbs 3:5,6

"How much better to get wisdom than gold!  And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver."  Proverbs 16:16

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."  Psalm 119:105

"All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom."  Isaiah 28:29

"The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding."  Proverbs 2:6

"The plans I have for you - plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)  I trust God's wisdom for those plans.  He has faithfully led me so far, and I trust Him to keep leading me.

I couldn't make it without Him.

Choose Trust

heard from a friend who is finding it hard to see friends battling horrible illness.  He has questions about it all.  I imagine most of us can identify with him.  I have a multitude of questions.  I have a mental list of those questions that I hope to talk to the Lord about some day.

And yet, in the here and now, we have to choose trust.  We have to trust in God's goodness even when we see the suffering around us.  He WARNED us!!  "In this world you will have tribulation."  John 16:33  But He also says, "Take heart!  I have overcome the world."

It's not wrong to have questions.....and we can talk to the Lord about them.  But we can't allow those questions to cause us to take up an offense against God.  We have to hold tight to His mighty hand and keep our eyes on Him.  We don't understand things that happen.  But we have to remember that we live in a fallen world, and there will be pain and suffering.  Trust in our wonderful Father is the only thing that will carry us through.

I've had lots of conversations with the Lord about what happened to Floyd.  I don't understand any of it.  But in the midst of that painful season, I saw God at work.  I knew His goodness and faithfulness in so many ways.  I was carried by Him daily.  My heart was comforted in the sadness of it.  There was sufficient grace for each thing I faced - and abundant wisdom for the many decisions I faced......even as I battled cancer and went through repeated treatment myself.  God was there!  All the time!

"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit."  Psalm 34:28

"Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 8:39

"Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always."  1 Chronicles 16:11

"Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."  2 Corinthians 4:16-18

"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.  There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."  Revelation 21:4

I look forward to that day!  And I have a feeling that my questions will no longer be important when I stand in His presence!

Slow

There's a word that seems to be a key element of my life these days - slow.  I've always been such a go-getter - especially being married to a visionary - and have always been very active.  Being slow wasn't part of my vocabulary.  But here I am.

A lot of my day, my life, is still involved with doing everything I can to battle cancer, and also trying to minimize the impact of the neuropathy in my feet.  In fact, with my numb feet, I truly have to go slow!  I had 2 bad falls last year, so I purposely walk slowly and carefully.

I also continue to be involved in various ministry things.  Some of them are slower too, but I love the things I'm still able to do.

I've had a few chats with the Lord about being slow.  I know He could improve things so that I didn't have to be so slow.  But, instead, He's been teaching me the beauty of this season of my life, and encouraging me to accept it and not fight it.  I am "slowly" getting there!

One thing He's been reminding me of is that He values faithfulness more than productivity.  He loves what we accomplish for Him - but being faithful day in and day out in all things big and small is of great value to Him.  In my slowness I can certainly choose to be faithful!

I've been reminded of my mother who spent her older, slower years in intercession.  I dare to say that she may have accomplished more through her prayers than many others who were active.  We certainly saw the fruit of her prayers in our lives!

So slow is okay.  I'm learning to accept it.

"You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great."  Psalm 18:35

"Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and...that He may have mercy on you.  For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him."  Isaiah 30:18

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men."  Colossians 3:23

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song."  Psalm 28:7

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."  Habakkuk 3:17,18

I would add my own verse.  "Though I move slowly and seem to accomplish very little.....I will keep my eyes on the Lord and keep my heart full of praise as I serve Him faithfully each day."  

He's Greater than Fear

In recent years with all the ups and downs I've experienced with my cancer journey, and with Floyd's illness - there have been a number of times when I've faced fear.  It often hit my heart unexpectedly - usually by something dramatic that happened or from bad news.  There were times when it hit me so hard that it took my breath away.  There were other times when I was shaking from the impact of fear hitting me.  There was one time when something happened with our family that I was shaking for days - I couldn't stop.  My whole body quivered.  David in the Psalms mentioned "trembling coming upon him."  (Psalm 55:5)  Even though he was a mighty warrior, he faced fear.

Whatever the impact - I quickly learned that I had to face the fear and deal with it.  I couldn't "live with it."  It was destructive and debilitating.  I would get alone with God - express my trust in Him and ask for His help.  I would remind myself that whatever I was facing - God was greater than the situation.  He was with me.  He was carrying me.  He was working on my behalf.  He was protecting me.  I spoke out these truths - and prayed them.  I asked others to pray for me.  And I didn't give up until I felt the Lord lift the fear from my heart.

God knows that we face fear at times.  It's a normal human reaction.  But I don't think He wants us to live with it.  He waits to help us as we acknowledge our fear and express our trust in Him to help us.  He meets us in the distress of fear, and reminds us of His help - and that He's greater than the fear.

I still face fear at times over certain things.  I probably always will.  But these last years have taught me how to deal with it.....and deal with it quickly before it takes root in my heart!

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."  Deuteronomy 31:8

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you."  Psalm 56:3

"I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears."  Psalm 34:4

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the seas, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."  Psalm 46:1-3

"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help you.' "  Isaiah 41:13

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."  Psalm 23:4

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."  John 16:33

The Lord understands when we face fearful things.  But He's right with us - closer then the air we breath!!  He is faithful to help us.

The Joy of the Lord is my Strength

The Bible tells us that "the joy of the Lord is our strength." (Nehemiah 8:10)  It's a gift - and a promise.  When we go through hard days, difficult times it's so important to look for the joy in that day.  It's easy to just look at the hard things and miss the joy that's right in front of us.

An example for me - I'm not fond of rain, but I know we need it!  Our days are getting shorter, so I know winter is coming soon.  On the dark, gray, rainy days if I stop and thank the Lord for the rain - it changes my perspective.  I remind myself that there are places that need rain, and we are being blessed with it.  With enough rain, our dams/reservoirs will be full and we won't face drought!  My heart changes to gratitude, and I can find joy in God blessing us with the rain.  It's a simple thing, but it can change so much in our heart.

I begin to look for other things that bring joy as I go through the day.  As I'm grateful, I begin to see many things that are blessings.  A dreary day becomes a joyful one as I focus my attention this way.  Honestly, it's how I get through the cold, rainy, winter months!!  I anticipate the joyful things God will bring into my day!

At the end of the day I can look back at the joy He brought my way - and thank Him for the strength that came through that joy!!  It was God's blessing to me.

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24

"Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near."  Philippians 4:4,5

"You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence."  Acts 2:28

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."  Romans 12:12

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The simplest way to find joy is to give thanks in whatever situation we're in.  Joy grows in our hearts as we do that.  If you're struggling, take time to sit in His presence and ask for His joy to fill your heart.  It's a prayer He loves to answer.  And He is faithful!

Silver Linings

Recently I was communicating with a friend who's entering a season of intense physical treatment.  I remembered something about the difficult seasons I've walked through.  I certainly don't like them - I wouldn't make a choice to go through them - and I find them very hard.  But there's a "silver lining."  Because I walk through them holding tight to the Lord's hand, there have been precious lessons learned that I wouldn't have learned in any other way.

Maybe it's as we participate in the "fellowship of His sufferings" (Philippians 3:10) that we can draw close to Him in a special way.  The intimacy with Him, the abundant grace He grants us, and the precious encouragement of His Spirit are unique in the time of trials.  I can look back at sweet gifts He's brought into my life in the difficult seasons.  I relish the closeness of His Spirit during those times.  I feel I grew to deeper levels in my walk with Him.  I couldn't make it on my own, so I had to press in and trust Him in fresh ways.

When I face fresh challenges, it's helpful for me to stop and remember all this!  It gives me strength and courage to face the new overwhelming situation.  He waits to help me, strengthen me, and walk with me on the new road.  He is so faithful!

"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."  Psalm 5:3

"I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation."  Psalm 13:5

"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save."  Zephaniah 3:17

"I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being."  Ephesians 3:16

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."  Hebrews 4:16

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when He has stood the test, He will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."  James 1:12

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way just as we are."  Hebrews 4:15

One trap I've learned to avoid is to think that because I'm serving the Lord and following His voice that I'm somehow immune to trials and suffering.  We live in a fallen world, and there is pain, difficulty, sickness, any number of "hard" things.  We can't avoid them, but we don't face them alone.  The enemy may try to bring condemnation into our hearts because of the trials.  We must stand against that and receive God's grace for each situation.  The trials aren't in any way punishment - they are opportunities for growth and intimacy.

Job is an example of clinging to God in the midst of immense trials.  "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him."  Job 13:25  He persevered!  "Our afflictions are designed not to break us but to bend us toward God."  - anonymous

Inner Strength

One of the key things I've learned over the last years is how important it is to have a strong "inner walk" with the Lord when trials and hardships come our way.  If we don't have His strong power within, we won't be able to handle the pressures from without.  It's His grace, strength, wisdom, and power that enables us to navigate the hard times.

A saving grace for me was talking to the Lord all day long with whatever I was facing.  It wasn't just my daily quiet time - it was being in communion with Him continually.  I often had to make important decisions all through the day.  I would whisper a prayer and ask Him to lead and guide me.  It was that inner strength that enabled me to handle the pressures and decisions that came my way.  

"I pray that He would grant you...to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man."  Ephesians 3:16

"They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, 'It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.' "  Acts 14:22

"This is what the Lord says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.' " Jeremiah 6:16

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good."  Genesis 50:20

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

"For nothing is impossible with God."  Luke 1:37

"You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light.  With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall."  2 Samuel 22:29,30

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?"  Luke 12:25,26

"I have set the Lord always before me.  Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."  Psalm 16:8

I could go on and on.  So many verses about the Lord meeting us and being with us when we go through the difficulties of life.   "The power of Christ in you is greater than the pressure of troubles around you."  (anonymous)

He IS always, always faithful!!

Watching my Words

I am blessed to live in a beautiful area.  We have flowers, trees, a variety of birds, the ocean, some wildlife - every day I see something that reminds me of God's wonderful creation.  Further inland in South Africa, there's lots of different wildlife.  God created such an awesome variety for us!

I am on a "nature whatsapp group" where people share photos and short video clips of these things.  I so enjoy "seeing" through the eyes of others.  Lately, however, a number of things that have been shared turn out to be done by AI.  They aren't real!!  It's so disappointing, and frustrating.  When there's so much real beauty - it doesn't seem necessary to make something up.

It seems like every day there is something in the news about someone getting in trouble for their speech too. I guess we live in a world now where we have to question what we see and hear.  It's made me go to the Word and look again at God's standards for our speech and actions.  Here are just a few of the guidelines He gave us:

"It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person."  Matthew 15:11

"Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble."  Proverbs 21:33

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue."  Proverbs 18:21

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."  Psalm 19:14

"Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin."  Proverbs 13:3

"I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."  Matthew 12:36,37

"When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent."  Proverbs 10:19

I have a new urgency in my heart to watch my words, and be careful of what I share.....making sure it is true and worthy of sharing.  God made His standards clear in the Word.

Give Everything to Him

Our hearts are all impacted by the news of big tragedies - the recent plane crashes, the Ukraine war, the fires in Calif. with so many homes lost, etc.  We "weep with those who weep" and wish we could help.

But the "little" sorrows and trials of everyday life impact us too.  Colds, flu bugs, bills, job worries, lack of sleep, and so many "every day" things can weigh heavy on our hearts too.  Someone was just telling me how worn down she felt by these seemingly small things - in relation to the big things happening in our world.

The one thing that comforts me is that God is big enough to carry all of this - the huge, earth shattering events....and the "small" everyday problems we face.  Our consolation is that we can give everything to Him, and trust Him to be at work in everything.

These things can produce anxiety, even fear, in our hearts.  I was reading in the Psalms of how David, the mighty warrior, faced fear.  His response was "when I am afraid, I will trust in you."  (Psalm 56:3)  He knew what to do with his fears.  He gave them to the Lord, and trusted Him.  We can follow his example.

When we're anxious and concerned, it does no good to blame ourselves for that.  We're human, and we have human emotions.  It's best to bring these things to the Lord and allow Him to carry them for us.

"The Lord Himself goes before you, and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."  Deuteronomy 31:8

"There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment."  1 John 4:18

"Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:9

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me."  Psalm 23:4

"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?"  Psalm 27:1

"I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.  Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame."  Psalm 34:4-8

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."  Psalm 46:1-3

I could go on and on.  The Lord knew we would have nervousness, anxiety, and fear so He spoke to it again and again in the Word.  When unexpected or hard things come my way, I admit my heart sometimes gets anxious or fearful.  I have to stop, and remind myself of all the verses that say God will help me with whatever I'm facing.  He is so gracious, good, and faithful!!  Always!!

Grief is Personal

My friend of 40+ years, Rita Pretorius, went to be with Jesus a few days ago.  She was a sweet support to me during the years that Floyd was sick.  Her prayers, encouragement, and recruiting others to pray meant so much to me.  She even came to visit me during that time.  She's a "queen of hospitality" in YWAM and will be greatly missed.  I'm glad she's at peace after the last few months of suffering.

I've realized that I'm in a season of life, probably because of my being older, that many friends and relatives are going to be with Jesus.  My heart feels the loss with each one.  I've been learning a lot about grief, and thought I'd share just a few of the things I've learned.

-  Grief is personal.  My grief is not like someone else's.  It's unique to me.  I shouldn't compare my grief to how someone else processes their grief.  I just need to walk out my own journey.

-  There's no set timetable for grief.  It usually takes time - and that's okay.  Sometimes I think it's over, and then it hits again.  Often times a special day or a memory will bring the grief alive in my heart once more.

-  Grief isn't bad.  It isn't something we need to rush through.  Grieving is part of the healing we need.  If we allow our hearts to grieve, it becomes a balm to the loss.

-  There's no right or wrong way to grieve.  It's nothing to be ashamed of.  Grieving doesn't mean we're weak.  It's normal.

There are countless articles and books written about grief.  I've read quite a few.  But the important thing for me has been that I just need to "do grief" my own personal way.....walking with God along the path.  His comfort, His presence, and His counsel has gotten me through.

"Surely He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows."  Isaiah 53:4

"He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds."  Psalm 147:3

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He will strengthen your heart."  Psalm 27:14

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."  Psalm 34:18

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."  Matthew 5:4

We don't grieve like those "who have no hope."  It'll be a grand reunion someday when we join together before the throne and worship the Lord!

Unfailing Trust

A friend recently sent me this quote:

"When James (1:2-4) tells us to "count it all joy when you face trials of many kinds," he is not telling us we need to be happy about it.  He is telling us to trust in the end result.  He is telling us that beneath the sorrow or the suffering or the pain is always a Hand that is working in us to make us more and more into the people He desires us to be.  This joy holds an unfailing trust in His unfailing love; trust that regardless of the situation or the circumstances, He is always up to something good."  from Journey to the Cross by Jim Branch

When I read this, so many memories came rushing back to me.  I thought of all the times when Floyd was in the hospital and how I told the Lord that I knew He would use the situation for good - that He was working in our lives to help us grow more like Him.

I thought of all the times in the last 10+ years of cancer treatment when I spoke out my trust to the Lord.....asking Him to use it for good in my life.

Even now in recent trials, I've spoken out my trust in the Lord - asking Him to draw me closer to Him and use the trials for good.  Through the years in all these things, God has given me grace to "count it all joy" and to trust in the end result.  No, I'm not happy about all the things that have happened, but I have been able to find His "joy" in the midst of them.  Only God can help us do that.

I've seen some "good" things that He's brought through these trials, but I know God is doing so much more than I could ask or think.  Only eternity will reveal all of God's plans.  I know it's so important for me to keep the perspective of His unfailing love in working for good in our lives when I face each new trial.  Trusting God is vital!

"Have I not commanded thee?  Be strong and of good courage, be not afraid neither be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:9

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."  Proverbs 3:5,6

"Who among you fears the Lord and obeys His servant?  If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the Lord and rely on your God."  Isaiah 50:10

"Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you."  1 Peter 5:7

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.' " Psalm 91:1,2

The Word is full of verses that assure us God is with us in our trials....and is at work in them!  When we struggle, we can share our heart with Him - being honest of how hard it is.  Things may not make sense to us, but we can be assured God understands.  We live by faith, not by sight - and the only way to make it through is to hold firmly to His loving hand.  

When we face trials, it doesn't mean we're out of God's will.  We live in a fallen world, and will face difficulties.  But God will never leave us or forsake us.  He is so faithful!  I can testify to His goodness.

New Year's Resolutions

I've never been one to make "new year's resolutions."  But as we have entered this new year, I've felt the Lord reminding me of His promises.  They are firm and sure year after year - unchanging - always true - always available.  They are God's "resolutions" to us.  In the NEW year, the OLD promises are what we can hold onto!  Here are just a few of my favorites:

"Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  Matthew 28:20  One version says "until the end of the world."

"God is faithful.  He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.  When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure."  1 Corinthians 10:13  He never allows more to come our way than we can handle and endure with His grace and help.

"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28

"But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."  2 Corinthians 12:9

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."  Lamentations 3:22,23

"The joy of the Lord is my strength."  Nehemiah 8:10

"I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord.  "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."  Jeremiah 29:11

"The Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through ALL generations."  Psalm 100:5

"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.  He cares for those who trust in Him."  Nahum 1:7

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed."  Isaiah 54:10  Through wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, whatever comes our way - He is our sure steady helper!

The list of promises is ENDLESS!!!  I could go on and on.  Whenever I'm facing something that is too much for me - taking a few minutes to sit and meditate on God's incredible promises gives me fresh courage to persevere.  He is so very faithful!

God is Good

After my sister passed away recently, a friend sent me a lovely card and message.  One thing she said stood out to me - "God is good. He is for us and with us.  Period!"

That says it all.  That's all we need to know as we enter a new year.  He's been with us every minute of every day all through our lives - and He'll continue to be with us.  He, more than anyone else, is for us too!

I face a few challenges in the days ahead.  It was so timely to be reminded of God's care.

"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."  Psalm 91:4

Ready for Some Wins!

While it seems unbelievable that we're already in a new year, when I look back at 2024 I see what a hard year it was.  I felt like I was on a constant roller coaster, and there were so many "low" spots.  Somehow in my mind I thought that after Floyd passed away things would get easier.  But that hasn't been the case.  The battles have just been different.

A friend in Holland had a hard year as well.  Her son gave her a special wish for the new year:

May the wars you fought in 2024

Be the wins you celebrate in 2025.

I loved that!  I'm wishing and praying that as well.  I'm ready for some "wins" - not only from this past year, but from the last 10 years.  My friend prayed for a year of rest, peace, and wins.  Bring it on, Lord!

I've heard from others who have faced illness and have lost family members and friends.  May God meet each of us where we are and with what our needs are.  He is faithful!

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:31

"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

"Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be."  Job 8:7

"For you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays.  And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves."  Malachi 4:2 

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the sun."  Ecclesiastes 3:1

The Word has wonderful promises for us as we enter this new year.  I'm holding on to them, and trusting the Lord to bring them to pass.  He has good things in store for us!

Our Inheritance is Peace

After Floyd passed away, it took about 2 years to settle everything legally.  He didn't have a lot, so it seemed pretty straight forward.  But there were a lot of hoops to jump through.  The whole process got me thinking a lot about wills - leaving things to people, deciding what to do with things we have, etc.

One day I realized that Jesus left a will for us.  He "willed" us His peace.  "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you."  John 14:27

In a world that seems filled with constant turmoil.....in the problems in our lives.....in the grief of losing loved ones - what a precious treasure it is to have the peace that Jesus left for us.  I'm so grateful for His peace.

In the joy of this December when we celebrate His coming - I'm thankful for the peace He brought to us.  I pray that each one reading this will receive it afresh in their life too. 

A Valuable Gift

I recently saw this quote - "Prayer is the most valuable gift you can give someone."  My heart said a hearty amen to that!  It's so true.  I am continually filled with gratitude for the prayers of so many dear ones around the world that have generously and faithfully prayed for me over the past years of trials.  They are truly a precious gift to me.  

I keep thinking that the Christmas season is a perfect time for miracles, so I'm praying for a few!

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."  Hebrews 4:16

I have certainly needed grace in my recent time of need.  God has been faithfully with me.  I'm so grateful to Him.