Don't Be Anxious

Last week I wrote about the verse "Be still and know that I am God."  I included a chart that breaks down the verse.  I really try to live by that verse and all that it means.

BUT sometimes I worry.  I don't want to worry.  It takes so much energy, and distracts me from my focus on the Lord.  But I do catch myself worrying.  The other night I couldn't sleep.  In the midst of being wide awake, I started worrying about a pain I had.  In no time at all that worry was spiraling out of control.  I had to very consciously rein in my thoughts, and focus on the Lord.  I needed to be still and remember that God is with me!!  If I'm focusing on the Lord, there's no room for worry!

"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

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."  Matthew 6:34

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in You."  Psalm 56:3

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

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."  Philippians 4:6

I  don't want to be a "worry wart" like we sometimes called people when I was growing up.  I want my focus always and continually to be on our wonderful Lord!

Be Still

I have 2 praise reports of things I want to thank the Lord for.  One was an instance when I really saw His protection over me.  Something could have been so much worse - and I immediately had the sense that angels were there with me, guarding me and protecting me.

The second thing was a security emergency.  I was making calls, trying to get help, and hitting a dead end.  I stopped and prayed - reminded the Lord that He's my husband and that I needed His help - and in just a few minutes I had a solution.  Thank you Lord!

Both of these things may seem like small things, but they were huge to me!  I could see God's help and presence with me.  It was so encouraging.

Someone sent me a little chart about a verse from Psalm 46:10. "Be still, and know that I am God."  I often try to "quieten" my heart in difficult times and listen for God speaking to me in the midst of whatever it is I'm facing.  I love how this chart organizes the truth of that verse.

Such a short, simple verse - and yet it's filled with instruction, power, and promises.  I love it!  It can apply to anything we're facing.  At any time.  A lot is packed into those 8 words!!

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

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."  Hebrews 6:19

"You will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed."  Isaiah 49:23b

God doesn't disappoint us!  He's with us 24/7 and He helps us with whatever we face.  How wonderful He is!

His Unfailing Love

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day.  It's on special days like this that I tend to miss Floyd more.  He was always so thoughtful about special occasions.  I love old/antique things - especially unusual things.  Our first Valentine's Day here in South Africa, Floyd found an old xylophone in a little antique shop.  I love it.  I often have it on our living room coffee table. The sound is perfect except one bar that is a little flat.  Every time I look at it - or play the notes, I think of Floyd's love for me.  The photo of it is at the top of this post. 

I know I'll always miss Floyd.  He was my best friend and husband for 54 years.  We were so close. I feel like something has been cut off of me with him gone.  When I find myself grieving the loss, I try to focus on the beauty of all the years we did have.  I'm so grateful for them!

In times when I would have had Floyd with me, I remind the Lord that He is my husband now....and I ask Him to help me in ways that Floyd would have in the past.  I definitely sense the Lord's closeness to me during those times.  I pray for the Lord to be a father and grandfather to my children and grandchildren too.  We all miss him!

"How priceless is your unfailing love!  Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings."  Psalm 36:7 

"Those who hope in me will not be disappointed."  Isaiah 49:23

"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

"For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name."  Isaiah 54:5

"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling."  Psalm 68:5

"May you have the power to understand...how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is."  Ephesians 3:18

Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow.  Whatever your situation is in life - may you know you are LOVED!  You are precious - God's delight!

Surrounded By His Peace

"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 

I was meditating on this verse recently.  I've faced a number of different challenges in the past few weeks.  None, thankfully, have involved scaling a wall!  But some of them have felt like it!!  I am so grateful how God has walked with me through each challenge.  He has been constantly by my side, advising me, helping me, encouraging me, and strengthening me.  I couldn't make it without Him.

In the midst of these challenges, we have had so many days with beautiful rainbows appearing.  It is unusual - and there have been some stunning ones.  I have taken each one as an opportunity to proclaim and thank the Lord for His promises.  He is faithful.

Most days I see the peacocks walking by on the mountain behind me.  Today they were inside my fence in my driveway and garden.  That doesn't happen very often.  They came in and laid down as if needing a rest.  As I watched them, I felt the Lord speak into my heart that I am surrounded by His peace.  That's why they were immediately laying down to rest.  It was a sweet moment.

I absolutely love how God speaks to me so often through nature - His creation.  His messages come through loud and clear if I just stop to listen.  I'm so grateful for His voice.

"He who promised is faithful."  Hebrews 10:23

"You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of your wings I will rejoice."  Psalm 63:7

"Without me you can do nothing."  John 15:5 

"I know whom I have believed."  2 Timothy 1:12

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

I'm watching and listening for ways God wants to speak to me - especially through His creation.

Guard Our Tongue

As I read/watch/listen to things in the news, I am often horrified at what I hear people saying.  My mother used to threaten to "wash my mouth out with soap" if she heard me saying anything wrong.  If that was carried out with people these days we might run out of soap!  As I was praying about one particularly grievous thing I heard, I felt the Lord remind me of my responsibility to put a guard over my tongue.  I'm usually pretty careful anyway, but I committed to a new standard of Godliness over my speech.  It starts with me, and you, and those around us.  We can be a Godly example.

"I will guard my ways, lest I sin with my tongue."  Psalm 39:1

"Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."  Colossians 4:6 

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

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control."  Galatians 5:22-23

That's quite a standard for us!!

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."  Matthew 5:16

I pray that my/our speech will "shine" in the world around us where so many are careless with their words.  I want to be a living example of Godly speech!  I pray for the Lord to help us all.

Don't Stop Praying

I can't believe we're already at the end of Jan.  This new year is flying by!

I shared last week about God's wonderful, often miraculous, provision of meeting our needs.  I have been so blessed to get responses from many of how God has met their needs.  He is truly a generous, faithful, caring, loving, giving Father who is mindful of our every need.  He knows every detail of our lives, and provides for us in detail.  How awesome He is!

I was visiting with some friends recently.  We were discussing "big" things we're praying for - and how sometimes we don't see the answers right away.  Sometimes there is a "persistence" that is required in our prayers - for days, weeks, months, years.  An unanswered prayer doesn't mean God hasn't heard or is unconcerned.  His ways and His timing are often, usually even, different to ours.  Our place is to keep lifting those prayers to the throne.  God is listening!!  He is mindful!!

Shortly after our discussion, my friend sent me a song called ‘Don’t Stop Praying’ by Matthew West.  It so ministered to my heart!  Keep praying.  Keep believing.  Amen and amen.

As a sweet confirmation - I was looking for something in a file and came across some notes of prayers I had prayed long ago.  My heart was encouraged to see how many of those prayers had been answered.  Seeing the list - and the results - gave my faith a fresh boost.  I will definitely keep praying for things on my heart now!!  And I'll be watching for the answers from our "prayer answering God!"

"And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us.  And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of Him."  1 John 5:14, 15

I've sometimes read that verse and wondered if my prayers are "according to His will."  Well - we know God wants to heal, He wants to draw people to Himself, He wants to provide for us, He wants to help us with the problems of daily life caring for us more than He does the sparrows......so I think our prayers are most likely to be according to His will.  I doubt that we pray selfish prayers!  I also tell the Lord that I know He sees my heart and I trust Him to answer in the best way.

"If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you."  John 15:7

"Pray without ceasing."  1 Thessalonians 5:17

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."  Philippians 4:6

"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved."  Psalm 55:22

I am so grateful that we serve a prayer answering God.  I could visit with you for hours and hours proclaiming prayers God has answered.  I strengthen my faith by recalling what God has done in the past as I "don't stop praying."

He Provides Lavishly

For days I have been meditating on God being mindful of every little need we have.  I read an old devotional that I came across - from "Our Daily Bread" in Jan. 1994.  I'm going to quote it:

"Pastor Roy S. Nicholson told of a time when he had no money to buy food.  Determined to trust God for his needs and not tell anyone, he and his wife presented their case to the Lord in prayer.

The next morning he set the table for breakfast, confident that the Lord would provide something to eat.  Just then a boy from their Sunday school came to the house with a sack of flour and some milk.  Tears welled up in the pastor's eyes.  No sooner had he left than "Granny" Turner appeared at the door carrying a large serving tray loaded with Virginia ham, eggs, grits and gravy, hot biscuits, butter, jelly, and coffee.  Nicholson was filled with praise to God."

I actually teared up when I read it.  God didn't just provide - He provided lavishly.  A beautiful feast!

It reminded me of a couple occasions in our lives.  I'm pretty sure I've shared them before, but I want to do so again.  I was blessed afresh as I thought back to these times of how God met our needs. 

We had spoken at an evening service at a church.  Everyone was gone, and we were sitting in our vehicle (a YWAM car) in an empty parking lot in the cold of winter.  We weren't sure what to do.  We had no money.  We were low on petrol, had nowhere to stay that night, and hadn't eaten dinner.  We were praying together, and discussing how we could sleep in the car.

Just then a car pulled up to the driver's side of the car, rolled down its window, and handed Floyd some money.  The man said he was sitting at home watching the news, when he felt the Lord told him to come back to the church parking lot and give us money.  The 3 of us wept at God's wonderful provision.

The other time that came back so clearly to my mind was in Afghanistan.  We had a house ministry reaching out to the hippies of that day.  At the time we had about 20-25 young people in the house.  I set the table for dinner.  We had some guests from the expat community joining us that evening.  I told Floyd that we were eating the last of the food we had.  I had no idea what we would do for breakfast.  We had a wonderful evening of sharing and fellowship.  We had a combination of non-believers and new believers in the house.  It was wonderful to share testimonies of God's goodness.

Afterwards, as I was clearing the table, I found some money under the plate of one of our guests.  I had tears as I told Floyd we would be able to buy food for breakfast!

Honestly, I could go on and on sharing wonderful examples like these of how God has provided over and over and over, in so many different ways, in our lives.  He is a wonderful, generous, caring Father.  He knows every detail of our lives - and He provides in detail.  He is so good!!  He longs for us to share our hearts, our needs, our struggles with Him.  He is always listening, and always working to help us.  And always providing!!

"Abraham said, 'My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb.' "  Genesis 22:8

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."  Hebrews 13:5

"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."  Matthew 6:33

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  Philippians 4:6

"My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:19

"Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."  Psalm 34:10

"I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread."  Psalm 37:25

Amen, amen!!  We can bring every need, every care, every problem, every burden to Him.  He cares.  Even as I've been writing this, something came up and I needed to stop and talk to the Lord.  I'm so grateful that I can take every detail to Him.  What a wonderful God He is!

He Encamps Around Us

In the midst of an emergency last week, I thought "I bet some people are praying for me."  We had a very close call with a fire.  It started in a field just down the road, and with the very high winds we had it spread incredibly fast.  

It was at the edge of our village in minutes - and continuing to spread.  The firemen evacuated some of those on the edge.  I began throwing things into bags - with the smoke getting really thick inside the house.

I left to go be at a friend's house who was out of the smoke field.  My son, who was helping me, went back to water our roof and help the firemen who were pulling hoses through our property onto the mountain.  The fire was halfway down the mountain by then.

Thankfully, it was still daylight and the water bombing helicopters arrived soon.  They're amazing!  They beat back the fire before they had to leave as it got dark.  I returned home shortly after - very, very grateful that I had a home to return to!!

There were flareups during the night, but there were lots of firemen on the mountain taking care of them. 

Whew!  So much adrenaline!  I'm so, so thankful to be safe - no homes lost - no injuries. 

"For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."  Psalm 91:11

"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them."  Psalm 34:7

I'm grateful for the angels that were watching over us and I’m grateful for the prayers that are prayed for me.

Don't Let Disappointment Stick

A few days ago I had a disappointment.  It wasn't some earth-shattering thing.  It was actually quite small, but none-the-less it stuck in my heart.  A day or so later when I realized it was still impacting me, I knew I had to deal with it.  I've learned through the years that even the smallest disappointment, if un-dealt with, can cause big problems.

It's so important to give the disappointment to the Lord.  It frees Him to act, to intervene on our behalf.  It's when He can take lemons and make lemonade.  He can bring good out of a bad or difficult situation because of His creative ability.  We shouldn't pout, or bargain, or threaten.....we just simply turn over the disappointment to Him.

Once I've given my disappointment to the Lord, I know I have to put it behind me - sometimes easier said than done!  I haven't really given it to the Lord if I keep dwelling on it.  I have found that God uses my disappointments - small, medium sized, and large - to help me grow.  Simply put - our disappointments are God's appointments.  He'll use the disappointment for good in our lives.  And once I've given the disappointment to the Lord, I must choose to be content in the situation - even if nothing ever changes.  Again, not always easy!

If I've responded in a wrong way to my disappointment, I know I need to repent.  It frees me from hanging on to the disappointment.  We'll never be completely free of disappointments in life, but we can be free from the burden and weight of them as we respond right to them.  I've been learning all this afresh these last few days!!  Good lessons for me. 

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life."  Proverbs 13:12

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

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:11-13

"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

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?  Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God."  Psalm 42:11

I guess I still wish the disappointment hadn't been there - that things had gone a different way, but I'm "free" of it.  It's not stuck in my heart!  I'm so very grateful that the Lord helps us with the disappointments in life.  He is good and faithful - in every little detail!

Not Getting Tangled

A few days ago I experienced something that is one of those "learning from life" type of things.  Two friends were helping me take down my Christmas tree.  We were taking the strands of lights off the tree.  The strands here are in large circles rather than one long strand, which makes it a bit more complicated to maneuver.  With just a couple quick, wrong moves - we had a tangled mess!!  It seemed to take forever to get everything untangled.  Oh my - it was frustrating.

As I thought about this experience, it made me think of how quickly we can make one or two quick wrong choices and end up with a "tangled" mess in our lives.  It's so important to ask God's help and guidance for even the simplest things we face each day.  I have been bringing my everyday activities to the Lord afresh and asking for His help and guidance.  It's too easy for me to make mistakes on my own.  I need God's wisdom!

I also have some bigger needs I'm bringing to the Lord too that I need His help with.  I find myself just "talking" to Him all through the day.  I'm so grateful that He listens. :)  It makes me feel secure to know that the One who holds the universe is also the One who is holding me.  He's right by my side, He's guiding me, protecting me, providing for me, strengthening me, helping me, and keeping me from getting tangled up!!

"Let not your heart be troubled."  John 14:1

"Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on."  Luke 12:22

"They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing, to declare that the Lord is upright."  Psalms 92:14-15

"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust."  Psalm 103:13,14

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope.  My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning."  Psalm 130:5,6

In little things and big things - In youth and in old age - In the day and through the night - God is with us and helping us to face everything that is before us.....and He'll help us not to get in a big tangle!!  I am so grateful for His constant faithfulness. 

Confident Faith

The new year has started with some fresh challenges.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but I would have preferred to have a less stressful beginning.  I saw a quote - "the presence of trouble does not mean the absence of God."  SO very true!  God is right here with me as He's been these last 9+ years on our unexpected journey.  I would be lost without Him.  My trust in Him has proven His faithfulness.

The "blessing" in Numbers 6 has always been so special to me.  I shared about it a couple months ago when I woke up with it running through my mind one morning.  Several friends have sent it to me during Christmas and New Year's.  I receive it afresh for 2024. 

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace."  

I think the Lord wants to bless us more than we can ever imagine.  We just need to turn our hearts fully to Him. 

I recently found a short article by David Wilkerson from many years ago.  I love this quote from him:

"I believe the greatest sign or wonder to the world these days is not a person who has been raised from the dead.  No, what truly makes an impact on the mind and spirit of the ungodly is the Christian who endures all trials, storms, pain and suffering with a confident faith.  Such a believer emerges from his troubles stronger in character, stronger in faith, stronger in Christ."

That's my prayer for every challenge I face this year!!  May God help my faith in Him to be confident in the face of everything that comes my way.

"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!"  Psalm 34:8

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  Matthew 11:28-30

The Bitter and the Sweet

Happy New Year to you!  My prayer is that it will be filled with God's goodness and closeness to you.  I look forward to what God has for us in this year.

As we came to the new year, I reflected on the year gone by.  Thinking through month by month, it was so clear that God was with me.  The first 7 months were pretty rough, and then I turned a corner and started gaining health and strength.  I have so much to be thankful for.

I saw a notice that said "a contented person has learned to accept the bitter with the sweet."  My prayer is that I will be "content" this year - whatever comes my way.  I'm trusting for God's help and grace day by day.

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through Him who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:12,13

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you."  Isaiah 43:2

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 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 8:38,39

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.  Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."  Psalm 143:8

God is so faithful to help us, to cover us, to protect us, to guide us, and to never/ever forsake us!  I have fresh hope and confidence as I enter this new year.

His Indescribable Gift

All through this Christmas season, I've been meditating on the fact that "Jesus came."  He didn't have to!  He didn't have to become human.  He didn't have to be followed and hunted.  He didn't have to be taunted and ridiculed.  He didn't have to constantly be on the move for His and the disciples safety.  He didn't have to suffer the horrible cruelty of the cross.  But HE DID!!!  

Jesus came and went through all those things for us.  2 Corinthians 9:15 calls it God's "indescribable gift."  It is certainly a gift that begs description and understanding.  Why would God love us so much to send His Son to go through all He did?  We are certainly not worthy!  And yet God sent Jesus - and Jesus came.  I am so very grateful.  Thank you Jesus for coming.  I honor and celebrate you in this Christmas season.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son."  John 3:16

I wish you all a very wonderful, Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.  I'm so grateful that Emmanuel is with us all!

Remembering My Gifts

In this season of giving gifts, I've been meditating on all the wonderful gifts I've been given by the Lord.  I read a devotional thought entitled "remember when."  The idea was to think of times when something special happened, when God answered a prayer, or when God directed us in important decisions.  I started making a list - and realized it could go on for pages and pages.  Oh my - so many wonderful gifts from the Lord!  If I boxed them up one by one to put under the tree - they would take up the whole room!!  God has been so good to me - way back to when I was a little girl.

There were so many "remember when" times that God met me during the years that Floyd was sick.  I could not have survived those years without God's love, grace, strength, wisdom, and encouragement.  I had so many decisions to make that were overwhelming.  And just going to the hospital to be with Floyd time after time for years was like climbing Mount Everest.  And yet, each and every time I needed help - God met me.  How wonderful He was to me.

And there have been at least two times, probably more, that God saved my life.  I was going through massive cancer treatment during the same years that I was overseeing Floyd's care.  Honestly - I don't know how I survived all that.  But God!!!  He carried me even when I wasn't aware of how much He was carrying me.  It was usually only later - long after the events - that I realized how much God had helped me.  The fact that I'm here to write about this is incredible.  God has been faithful beyond measure to me.

This Christmas I am celebrating all these "gifts."  There are so many "remember when" testimonies of God's marvelous help and grace.  I'm so grateful!

"The Lord is good.  A stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him."  Nahum 1:7

"The Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him."  Psalm 32:10

"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."  Psalm 126:3

"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

In this season of gifts - I found it life giving to take a few minutes to remember and thank the Lord for His many, many gifts to me.  He's the ultimate giver.

Maybe you'd like to join me in taking time to "remember when" God has met you in special ways - with comfort, with wisdom and guidance, with provision, with healing, with sweet friendship, with encouragement - the list is endless.  I'm sure you have received many precious gifts from Him too  What a wonderful God He is!

With Me in All Things

I've had a couple unusual things happen recently.  I had a "moment,"  truly just a moment, when I was hit smack dab in the face with grief!  It came out of nowhere and just consumed me.  I'm sure it's partially because of all the tender, sentimental things in this Christmas season that remind me of Floyd.  It honestly took my breath away when it hit my heart so hard.  I sat down and started praying - and so very sweetly - it washed away as quickly as it had come.  My prayer turned to worship as I thanked the Lord for lifting the sorrow from my heart.

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

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

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

On a different note, I woke up one morning excited about the day.  That's unusual for me.  I normally wake up and just do what has to be done that day.  But this particular morning I was truly excited as I began my day.  Nothing special was happening, but there was a distinct excitement and joy as I got out of bed.  I'm hoping that continues!  Sometimes I feel like I'm just plodding through my day - I like the excitement more. :)

"Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."  Nehemiah 8:10

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him."  Romans 15:13

"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24

I've read enough about the season I'm in to know that both experiences are "normal."  But they were different enough to catch my attention.  I'm so grateful that the Lord is with us in whatever we go through.  I try to glean the lessons He has for me as I walk through this time in my life.  He has been so faithful to me!

Gentle Whispers

The Christmas season when we celebrate the birth of Christ is such a special season!  But it can also be an incredibly busy season with all the Christmas festivities.  We need to be careful that we don't miss the "gentle whispers" of the Lord during the busy time.  I've found over the years that during this special season He loves to speak wonderful things into our hearts.  I'm trying to listen carefully.

"After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.  And after the fire came a gentle whisper."  1 Kings 19:12

When someone whispers to you, you have to be very close to hear.  We have to be close and stay in tune to God to hear His "gentle whispers."  He has some beautiful things He wants to whisper into our hearts.

I pray that you'll hear many "gentle whispers" during this Christmas season.  I'm so very thankful that Jesus came!

The Manger and The Cross

It seems that the Lord keeps speaking to me through songs.  I woke up one morning with the words to a song going through my head.  I hadn't heard the song in years, but it was very clearly on a repeat loop in my head.  I began to ask the Lord why He brought it to my mind.

I believe in a hill called Mount Calvary
I believe whatever the cost
And when time has surrendered
And earth is no more
I'll still cling to the old rugged cross.

I realized we are in a time of change.  There are wars and rumors of wars.  There are institutions that have stood for decades, some for a hundred years or more, that are crumbling.  Things we have counted on are no more.  Things that have made us feel safe and secure are falling away.

I live in a country that is changing at every level.  People are nervous about the future. 

But one thing is strong and as sure as it's ever been - that wonderful old rugged cross.  It wasn't something we'd call "pretty," but it is awesomely beautiful in what it stands for in our lives.  It is what gives us life because our dear Savior died on that cross.

In this season when we are celebrating the birth of Christ - and thinking of him being born in a stable and laid in a manger......it's important to remember how the story ends.  The baby grew up and died for our sins.  I'm so grateful that Jesus came - and even more grateful that He gave His life for me, for us.  Thank you Jesus.

"You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."  Matthew 1:21

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son."  John 3:16

"The message of the cross is hidden in the message of the cradle."  anonymous

Thank you, Jesus, for the manger and the cross.  I worship you for both during this Christmas season.

When the Time Comes

This year has flown by!  We're into Dec., and Christmas is just around the corner.  I love Christmas.  It's always been my favorite time of the year, and I have so many special Christmas memories.  I especially love a beautiful Christmas tree.

During the years that Floyd was sick, I only did my tree once - the Christmas that my grandkids came to visit.  I thought long and hard about whether I wanted to do my tree this year.  It's a lot of work, and it's very tender.  But, I finally decided to do it.  

One of my friends said she thought that was an indication that my heart is healing.  I think she's right.  I took my time, and found that with many of the ornaments it brought back sweet, special memories.  It wasn't hard.  It wasn't painful.  It was lovely.  I actually put my tree up a couple weeks ago so I could enjoy it longer.  Sitting beside it with all the twinkly lights has been so special.  And my heart IS healing!  There were so many painful things from the years that Floyd was sick, but the Spirit is slowly, gently cleansing them from my heart and mind.

There was a dear friend who was so helpful during the years Floyd was sick.  He and his wife visited Floyd 2-3 times a week for all those years - spending quality time with him and praying for him.  He also helped me with lots of problems I faced during those hard times.  After Floyd passed away I gave him a devotional book by Max Lucado that Floyd used all the time.  It was a favorite of his.

In the WHOLE book, there is only one page that had some things underlined.  It's called "when the time comes."  It says things you think you can't face - then says you can "when the time comes."  It says "the key is this:  Meet today's problems with today's strength.  Don't start tackling tomorrow's problems until tomorrow.  You do not have tomorrow's strength yet.  You simply have enough for today."

Oh how I wish I knew what that meant to him.  I often prayed for him that God would give him sufficient strength and grace for all he was going through.  I know God's goodness and faithfulness, so I believe "when the time came" God met him and helped him.  And finding that one page underlined in the book spoke to our friend and to me that God would help us "when the time comes" for everything we face!

"God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."  Matthew 6:34 The Message

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  2 Corinthians 12:9

God has met me time and time again - when the time came!  I am so grateful.  And I'm enjoying my beautiful Christmas tree with memories of our 54 years together.

With Me in the Dark of Night

I haven't slept well the last few nights, but something interesting happened.  Every time I woke up, the words to the "blessing" in Numbers 6:24-26 were going through my mind.

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace."

There's a song with these words - and it was actually the song going through my mind.  What was striking was that it was immediately in my mind each time I woke up.  It gave me a sweet sense of comfort that the Lord was right with me in the dark of night when I kept waking up, and He was blessing me.  It's a bit hard to describe, but it was very precious and meaningful.

It reminded me of something I read recently.  A young couple were going through a difficult time financially.  In fact, they had to move out of their home in the new year.  But they didn't want their circumstances to spoil the joy of Christmas, so they decided to throw a party and invite all their friends.

When their guests arrived they saw a tree decorated with small rolled-up pieces of paper tied to the limbs with ribbon.  The couple explained that in the midst of their difficulty they wanted to thank the Lord for all the blessings in their lives - so they decided to do a "blessing tree."  Such a great idea.  I may do it sometime. 

Whatever I'm facing, I think of the "blessing" from the book of Numbers.....and all the blessings He has given me.  I'm so grateful! 

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."  James 1:17

"I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul."  3 John 1:2

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:7

"May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed."  Psalm 20:4

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans."  Proverbs 16:3

Whatever comes my way, I am blessed!  The middle of the night reassurances of that have been so special!

Joy Unspeakable

I've had a few rough days recently.  I never know what's ahead, so when it's a hard day I have to be careful to protect my heart and live above the circumstances.  It's so important not to let my health challenges drag me down emotionally and spiritually.

A friend recently learned of some big health issues.  She said "I didn't sign up for a character building course, but I'm enrolled anyway."  I chuckled, and thought how I could so relate.

I continually ask the Lord to fill me with His joy, and to protect my mind from negative thoughts. If I find my mind drifting to doom and gloom because of my situation....I stop myself and begin to speak out God's goodness and faithfulness.  It shifts my focus immediately, and gets my thoughts and my emotions back to the place of having the "joy of the Lord" in my heart.

Besides our own individual situations, there are so many difficult and discouraging things happening in our world.  It's easy to come under the heaviness of these things and become despairing.  But if we become hopeless and defeated, the enemy wins.  We have to keep our eyes on Jesus, pray for the difficult situations, speak out God's goodness and faithfulness, and keep hope alive in our hearts for all God wants to do.  He rules over all!

"A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones."  Proverbs 17:22

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."  Romans 12:2

"Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."  Matthew 6:10

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you."  Ephesians 1:18 

"He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord."  Psalm 112:7

Through the past challenging years when I have walked through some of the hardest things, I've found that it is possible to have "joy unspeakable" as I allow the Holy Spirit to fill my heart and mind.  I couldn't have survived if I had come under the cloud of all that was happening.  But His power, grace, and strength helped me rise above those things and walk in His light and presence.  He is so incredibly good!