The Giver of Life Eternal

In my last post I mentioned how we serve a God of the impossible, and it gives us fresh hope as we start a new year. It reminded me of a poem I wrote called "Christmas Hope." 

As Christmas comes there's a ray of hope

  That God will help us all to cope

With pain and sorrow and even despair

  Because we know that He truly does care.

If there can be a virgin birth

  That brought the Christ-child to us on earth,

Then surely nothing is too big a request

  To ask of the Father who only wants our best.

Hope lives when the heart is parched and dry.

  Hope grows when the mind is still asking "why?"

Hope stays when all say "it cannot be."

  Hope says "My God can - wait and see."

True hope in God is not in vain,

  For He can heal the deepest pain.

He loves, He comforts, He give strength to endure;

  His grace is sufficient, His faithfulness sure.

When I think of the babe in the manger of hay

  Then my cares and concerns I can confidently lay

As an offering of worship at His precious feet

  Knowing the longing of my soul He will surely meet.

I love Him who sent His only son for me

  To live and to die upon a cruel tree.

This Christmas gift of sacrifice from God's heart

  Brings HOPE to us all for a fresh new start.

I'm lifting the things on my heart to Him - the giver of hope! In this Christmas season, it's not Christmas itself that we celebrate. It's the Christ of Christmas...the giver of life eternal. As Mary pondered things in her heart (Luke 2:19), we can ponder Christ and all He's done for us.

God of the Impossible

We're entering into my favorite time of the year - Christmas.  I love everything about it.  I'm still getting used to celebrating it in summer here in South Africa, but I love it just as much.  I've already been singing songs about and celebrating Emmanuel - God with us.  Just saying the name causes worship to well up in my heart!

I've also been reading about the angel coming to Mary to tell her she would conceive by the Holy Spirit - and of Elizabeth bearing a son in her old age.  Luke 1:37 says "for with God nothing will be impossible."  As we come to the end of a year, and face a new one - that verse, that promise, gives me fresh hope.  We serve a God of the impossible!

"But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me."  Micah 7:7

"Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer."  Romans 12:12

"We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.  In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.  May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you."  Psalm 33:20-22

Blessings to you in the wonderful month of celebrating the birth of Jesus!  I'm so grateful He came!

Grief is a Process

Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends!  Our family always loved Thanksgiving.  There was none of the pressure of all the Christmas things - it was just family and good food.  I miss the yummy Thanksgiving food!  After the nice meal, my Texas family would play American football together in a park.  The McClung family often liked to go to a movie together.  Whatever we did - it was always a fun family day.

I love special days like Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.  But now - these special days bring a bit of sadness too.  I miss Floyd more on these days.  I realize that what brings me sadness and grief does so because it once brought me so much fun and joy.  I'm grateful for all the fun and joy during our 54 years of married life.

Grief is definitely a process.  It hurts a lot of the time - often when I least expect it.  I don't want to feel the grief and pain - but I try and keep it in perspective like I shared above.  It's because of the good that I hurt now.  Grief doesn't pay any mind to time.  It comes when it comes, and I have to navigate my way through it.  I've lost family members and friends before - but it's been a whole new journey in losing my partner, my best friend, my gentle giant.  I continue to learn through the grief.

"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

"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."  Romans 12:15

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

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."  Psalm 73:26

I'm so grateful for the Lord's comfort, grace, nearness, and healing of the loss.  He is faithful in every season.

The Importance of Prayer

I have been writing updates to my prayer partners for several years now.  All through my journey with Cancer and with Floyd's illness.  I started thinking this week about why I'm writing these updates, and I realized it's because I really want and need these prayers!  These prayers have "carried" me through so many things and I don't know if I'd have made it without them.

This started me thinking about prayer!  I read an anecdote that I wanted to share with you.  "In Alexander Solzhenitsyn's  A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, Ivan endures all the horrors of a Soviet prison camp.   One day he is praying with his eyes closed when a fellow prisoner notices him and says with ridicule, "Prayers won't help you get out of here any faster."  Opening his eyes, Ivan answers, "I do not pray to get out of prison but to do the will of God." "  - Vernon C. Grounds

We don't always get the exact thing we prayed for - but prayer helps us get through the situation we find ourselves in.  Prayer isn't a button we push to get God to do what we want.  It's asking God to help us do and be what He wants in the circumstances we're living with.

Floyd wasn't healed even though thousands were praying for him.  But God helped him (and me) get through the 5 1/2 years of his illness.  I've not been healed of cancer, but God has helped me through the 8 surgeries and 4 types of chemo treatments.  God has been so good and faithful.  Prayers have been answered because God helped us make it through all that!  I thank the Lord all the time for answered prayer!!

"Lord, teach us to pray."  Luke 11:1

"We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.  In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.  May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you."  Psalm 33:20-22

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

"The Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.  And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."  Romans 8:26,27

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstance; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."  Colossians 4:2

"Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."  Jeremiah 29:12

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

I think that last verse sums up the past 11 years of my life!  "Prayer is not a way to get what we want but the way to become what God wants."  - Anon.  In all these years God has been working in my life......and, yes, helping me to be more like what He wants.  I'm still learning and growing.  He's not done with me yet!

God is in the Details

I'm a detailed person.  I have been all my life - as far back as I can remember.  My family has told me funny stories of my detailed ways when I was a child.  I truly believe it's how God made me - and a gift to me.

When Floyd and I got married we had to talk a lot and make some adjustments about my detailed ways.  My husband was a spontaneous, big picture, visionary - wonderful gifts in his life from the Lord!  Sometimes my "details" were frustrating to him.  Over time, with lots of conversations and patience, we learned how to merge our two giftings so that they were a compliment to each other.  Over the years, it became very precious. Floyd even began to be detailed in his leadership!  God clearly brought us together.  Floyd has spoken of this numerous times, so I'm not telling anything new about him.  He actually came to lean into and treasure my detail ways - and I loved his visionary, pioneering spirit.  We were a good team.

I'm in a particular season where I'm lifting lots of "details" to the Lord in prayer.  I know He cares and understands because as great and big and mighty as He is - He's also a God of detail.....the tiniest of details.  I'm encouraged by that.  It lets me know that He cares about my details.  He's mindful of them.  He's at work in them.  He wants to help me with them.  He answers my prayers about them.

When I worship Him and praise Him for who He is - thanking Him for being with me and meeting my needs.....I then lift my details in prayer.....and I know He's listening.  What an awesome God He is.

"He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name."  Psalm 147:4

"The hairs of your head are all numbered."  Matthew 10:30  Because of some of my treatments, I am constantly losing hair.  I think there must be angels whose job it is to keep count!!

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in every detail of their lives."  Psalm 37:23-25

"You have taken note of my sorrow.  You have collected all my tears in your bottle; you have recorded them in your book."  Psalm 56:8

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father."  Matthew 10:29

"You must make it according to all that I show you - the pattern of the tabernacle as well as the pattern of all its furnishings."  Exodus 25:9  I think He's interested in the details of how I decorate my home. :)  Through the years, I've prayed specifically for certain things for our homes and seen God answer those prayers.

There are many, many scriptures that show how God was involved in the "details."  He's involved in the details of our lives today because He loves us.  If He didn't love us, He wouldn't care.  And He does care!  Our wonderful loving Father, whose understanding is infinite - so beyond what we can comprehend - knows every single thing about us.  He's a God of "details."  Large and small.  And He cares about them all.  He's so amazing!  Don't you just love Him?!

Hope Believes

When I face a hard time - any kind of hard time - I immediately go to prayer.  And with that prayer, I have hope for answers!  I've been thinking a lot about hope.  Hope is not passive - it's actively asking and trusting for change.

I read a quote from Jeff Fountain in one of the weekly letters he writes:  "Hope is not the same as optimism.  Optimism expects things to go well.  Hope holds on even when they do not.  It is not dependent on circumstances.  While it sees reality clearly, hope chooses to trust anyway."

That sums up a lot of what I think and feel about hope.  Many of the things I'm praying for - I see clearly the need, the impossibility even - but I choose to trust God for answers, impossible ones, and to fill my heart with hope.

Hope is powerful!  A heart of hope can carry us through so many hard things.  Proverbs 29:18 says "without vision, the people perish."  I would say the same thing about hope.  Without hope, we would shrivel up and die.  Hope keeps us going in the hardest of circumstances.  Hope believes for change, for answers.  Hope gets us through a hard day, believing that tomorrow will be better.  Hope helps us see beyond problems to possibilities.

Hebrews 6:19 tells us that "hope is the anchor of our soul, firm and secure."  In hard times, hope carries us through.  It understands that, in the end, God will prevail.  His goals and purposes, His plans will be worked out.  Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God has plans for us.  "Plans to prosper us - and not harm us, plans to give us hope and a future."

In difficult times, we need to:

-  believe that things will get better

-  be careful not to give up and quit

-  not blame God for what's happening

-  be careful to make right choices in the hard time

-  keep hope alive through prayer and worship

-  keep praying for the answers 

"Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer."  Romans 12:12  That's a good formula!

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

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Romans 15:13

"Why are you in despair, O my soul?  And why have you become disturbed within me?  Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence."  Psalm 42:5

"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

Keeping hope alive in my heart is one of my daily "exercises."  Without hope I would be lost.  But, with it, my heart is expectant of what God is going to do.  I anticipate answers to my prayers.  I speak out my trust to the Lord - because He is so good and so faithful!  Hope springs eternal!

Treasure in Jars of Clay

I find myself on the periphery of a difficult situation.  I'm not in the middle of it, but people I love are.  I find it painful to watch them going through it.  I want to help - to rescue them - to take the difficulty away.  But, alas! I don't have the ability to do that.

As I've prayed and cried out to the Lord for them, I'm reminded that God is at work to help them in way more ways than I ever could.  Things may be difficult - even feel like everything is falling apart, but God is at work.  He is unfailing and He will help in the difficulty.  I was thinking of a verse:

"Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job.  Instead, be glad that you are in the thick of what Christ experienced.  This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner."  1 Peter 4:12,13  The Message

I haven't always liked that verse - especially when life has gotten really difficult for me.....but it has helped me keep things in perspective.  We will have hard times on this earth.  Times we don't like.  Times that are unfair.  Times when things just seem wrong.  Times that are super hard.  But if God has allowed these things to come our way, He will be faithful to help us through them.  He will help my friends get through the hard time they're facing.

I've had times when I've told the Lord that I think He has too much faith in me in terms of making it through difficult times.  And then I hear His gentle voice reminding me that He's strong when I'm weak - and His grace is sufficient for my every need.  And somehow, with His awesome help, I've made it through some of those difficult times.  He's never left me alone.

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

"I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.  And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."  Ephesians 3:16-19

"Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand.  You will guide me with Your counsel."  Psalm l73:23, 24

"So we can say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?' "  Hebrews 13:6

"We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."  2 Corinthians 4:7-9

"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

I have to admit that I really, really don't like hard times.  And I hate to see my friends and family go through difficulties.  But I'm old enough to know that as long as we live on this earth, in this fallen world, we will have difficult, stretching times.  But I also know that we'll never go through them alone.  I certainly couldn't have made it without God's help.  He has been so faithful - and as only He can do - He's even brought good from those hard times.  I'm so grateful!

God is in the Fog

I love living near the ocean, with mountains in the background.  One thing that's very special is how often the sky and ocean changes.  It can be a brilliant, beautiful, sunny day - and then, out of nowhere, a heavy fog may roll in.  It's always such a surprise.  

I've realized that the same thing happens in life sometimes.  Life can be wonderful - everything calm and carefree.  Then, out of nowhere, trouble rolls in like that heavy fog.  Sickness, financial troubles, relationship conflicts, and all manner of suffering.  It, too, is usually such a surprise.

I've experienced that "fog" over and over in recent years.  Lots of surprises.  But, thankfully, God is right there in the fog.  He is always aware of that fog - and He loves me and cares for me in the midst of it.  He is good and faithful in the midst of whatever fog rolls in.  He doesn't abandon me.  I couldn't make it without Him.  I honestly don't know how people make it on their own.

So many times I've thought of all that Job went through, and yet His faith and trust in God never wavered.  I pray that God will help me always follow his example.

"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

"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.  The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights."  Habakkuk 3:17-19

"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 so grateful that the light of God's presence shines brightly in the thickest fog.  He is so good!

Our Unshakeable God

I read a verse in my quiet time that just ushered me into the presence of the Lord.

" '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

It seems like everything around me/us is being shaken.  Even in my limited space here in South Africa - things are continually shaken.  But God's love, peace, and compassion WILL NOT be shaken.  Absolutely nothing that can happen to me can remove God's wonderful presence all around me.  And He understands when I feel shaken - He has compassion on me.  My heart is overflowing with thankfulness.

I've been listening to a chorus - "we are standing on holy ground, and I know that there are angels all around."  I felt the Lord saying to me today - I'm on holy ground right where I am.  I'm in a home that God provided for us.  I look out at His amazingly beautiful creation every day.  I'm alone - but not alone.  His presence with me is closer than the air I breathe.  In my sweet home here in South Africa, I'm on holy ground.  So precious!

Our wonderful God is unshakeable.  He's never exhausted.  He never fails.  He is the constant in my life at all times.  He is unchangeable.  His love is firmer than the highest mountain, and boundless like the deepest seas.  And with Him, I live on holy ground.  I can't even explain to you how this revelation washed over me like precious waves of His goodness.  So special!

And His sweet peace - I couldn't survive without that.  When I'm weak.  When I feel I'm failing.  When I'm alone.  When I'm in pain.  When things are changing all around - His peace is always there to surround me and remind me of His goodness.  The most wonderful balm!

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:27

"Do not be anxious about anything; but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6,7

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

"May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way."  2 Thessalonians 3:16

"For He Himself is our peace."  Ephesians 2:14

Every day, every hour, every minute - 24/7 - my unchangeable, unshakeable God is with me covering me with His peace.  So awesome!

So Much Bigger

The health challenges I've had recently have been quite draining.  I've been through so many things in recent years, so I know that "this too shall pass."  I'm just looking to the Lord for His help in this process.

This is a special month for me.  Nineteen years ago Floyd and I moved to South Africa.  We weren't "youngins" any more, so this was a big deal!  We prayed and felt this was our final move - we'd live out our life here.  For Floyd - that has certainly happened.  For me - I'm happy and at home here.  Many people thought I'd move back to the US after Floyd passed away.  But this truly is "home" now for me!  This is the longest I've ever lived in one place/country - even growing up.  I left home when I was 18.  I'm very grateful for the Lord's goodness to me here!  South Africa is my forever home now.

As I've been walking through these new, unexpected challenges - someone sent me a piece by Sarah Jakes Roberts, that I'd like to share with you.

"If God always bowed to my will…
if He answered in the exact way I demanded,
in the timing I insisted upon,
according to the limited vision I cling to,
how could He ever be God at all?
How could He ever surprise me with glory,
or overwhelm me with wonders
that I never even knew to ask for?

If He only did what I thought was best,
my life would be painfully small,
hemmed in by my impatience,
confined to the narrow corridors of my understanding.
But He is not bound by my begging,
and He is not shackled by my short-sighted prayers.
He is the God who breaks open the impossible,
the God who writes stories beyond the ink of my imagination,

the God who answers prayers I didn’t even have the courage to whisper.

Sometimes I resent His silence.
Sometimes I mistake His waiting for absence.
Sometimes I cry out, “Why not now, Lord?”
And yet, in the stillness, I feel His hand restraining me, not because He is cruel,
but because He is weaving something greater,
something so far beyond my vision
that if He gave it to me too soon,
I would ruin it with my own unprepared hands.

I don’t just need a God who echoes my wants.
I need a God who exceeds them.
A God who dismantles my plans
only to rebuild something eternal.
A God who loves me too much
to surrender me to the smallness of my own desires.

So I bow, broken but believing.
I release my grip on how I thought it should be.
And I confess with trembling lips:
Lord, if You never did another thing the way I expected, You would still be faithful.
And if You delay until my faith feels stretched thin, You are still good.
For You are the God who does exceedingly, abundantly above all that I could ever ask,
all that I could ever dream,
all that I could even dare to imagine.

And maybe, Your delays are not denials,
but doorways into a glory
that will one day make me fall to my knees,
astonished at how little I asked for,
and how much You gave."

It echoes things in my heart, and expresses them so poignantly.  I thank her for writing it.

God is so much bigger than my thoughts, my desires, my prayers.  He sees the whole picture.  I only see my limited view.  I trust Him.  I trust His goodness.  I trust His faithfulness.  I trust His unfailing love for me.  I trust His infinite wisdom.  I trust His eternal perspective.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.  "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."  Isaiah 55:8,9

I trust His sovereignty over everything in my life!

Loving People

Someone recently shared with me a quote from Vincent van Gogh the artist.  I love his work - and I love his quote.  "I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people."  I think that sums up the way I feel too.  And I'm grateful for the "art" that so many have shown in loving me. 

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."  Proverbs 17:17

"Two are better than one...If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.  But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."  Ecclesiastes 4:9,10

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up."  1 Thessalonians 5:11

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."  Galatians 6:2

Focus on God

I have had some health challenges this past while that are unrelated to my cancer.  I have to admit that one of the first things that came to my mind was "what if."  But I also have to admit that I knew I couldn't stay in that frame of mind.  We can't allow ourselves to be traumatized by worrying about what might happen.  Thinking about what "might" happen is not a need or prayer that God will meet.  But He does help us with whatever does come our way.

Staying in constant communication with the Lord is my protection from worry, fear, and anxiety.  I have to choose to not focus on the problem, and instead focus on God's goodness and faithfulness.  I remind myself of how He's met me time and time again - especially in recent years.  He has never, ever failed me.  There's no room for worry when I focus this way!

"An anxious heart weighs a man down."  Proverbs 12:25

"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

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

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  Matthew 6:34

Our Words

So many big things happening in our world.  Just reading the news these days is like riding a roller coaster.  So many ups and downs!

I am grieved at a lot of things I hear being said.  It feels like people are saying anything and everything that comes to their minds.  There's no filter.  I wonder if people have forgotten to be kind - to speak kind words.  I have felt reminded by the Lord to be careful in my speech - to put a guard over my words and only speak what brings life and edifies.

This brought to mind one of my poems that I wrote - 26 years ago!  I don't remember what was happening at the time, but I remember the words flowing as I sat down to write it.  I feel to share it today.  It's entitled "Words."

Words can hurt and words can heal.

Words can joy and gladness steal.

Words are mighty in spite of size.

Words can destroy or be very wise.

With just a simple word or phrase

We can delight or even amaze.

The power to impact someone's life each day

Should make us careful in all we do and say.

So easily we can destroy our friend.

A precious bond our words can rend.

A careless, unthinking word or two

Can years of building quickly undo.

We need God's help to guard our speech -

The Holy Spirit His ways to teach.

For if we speak before we think,

We may unhook a precious link.

We may re-act in fear or pain

And thus bring sorrow, clouds, and rain.

We may speak quickly what should never be said,

Unless by His hand we are hourly led.

Our heart is deceitful and exceedingly vain.

We may speak thinking there's something to gain.

To tame the tongue is a challenging feat.

It's clearly a problem we must work to beat.

To open our mouth with words of grace,

The Bible says should be the case.

To build up, encourage, and edify

Should be our goal as life goes by.

Oh Lord help us with care to speak,

And loving words to daily seek;

So that our speech will honor you

As your righteous example we continually pursue.

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."  Ephesians 4:29

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think on these things."  Philippians 4:8

I find the verse from Philippians 4:8 such a good guideline.  I pray in these tumultuous times that our speech will be guided by those things.  May we be known as ones who speak kindness!

God is at Work

While my daughter was visiting, she, my son, and I went through Floyd's Bibles.  He had quite a few.  We found a quote he had written in one of them.  It was attributed to his cousin Grant McClung.  "The weapons of the enemy are used as tools in the hands of the Lord for good in our lives."

I've reflected on that quote quite a bit.  So often the enemy instigates things against us.  But God is greater.  He turns things around and uses the very attack for good in our lives.  "As far as you're concerned, you were planning evil against me, but God intended it for good, planning to bring about the present result so that many people would be preserved alive."  Genesis 50:20 ISV

It's easy in the midst of a trying time to focus on all that's wrong - all that's difficult - all that's discouraging - all that's wearing us down.  I know I can easily slip into that frame of mind in a trying time if I'm not careful.  I have to work to rise above the difficulty and keep my eyes on the Lord.  I need to ask Him to use the difficulty for good - to bring good from it.  I need to speak out my trust in the Lord.  I need to affirm the truth that God is greater than anything the enemy brings against me.

We live in challenging times, but GOD IS AT WORK!  He has not abandoned us.  He hasn't thrown up His hands and quit.  He is working in ways we may not see or understand, but, rest assured, He is at work!  He will bring good from each and every situation that we are distressed about.  He is mighty to save!  He is all powerful!  He is victorious!  He is ruler over all!  Our response is to keep our eyes on Him.

"And 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

"To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."  Isaiah 61:3

"You turned my wailing into dancing;  you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy."  Psalm 30:11

"Do not be afraid.  Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.  The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."  Exodus 14:13,14

"The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all."  Psalm 34:19

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned."  Isaiah 43:2

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."  2 Corinthians 4:17

God is greater than any situation we find ourselves in.  He is right beside us, holding our hand, and working on our behalf.  I couldn't make it without Him.

If Faith Doesn't Grow, it Dies

I recently listened to a message of Floyd's from 2006 on "Trusting God for the Impossible."  I'll share the link below.  It was a timely reminder to me of some important principles.  There are a number of things I pray for.  I trust God completely with them.  But sometimes the waiting for answers seems endless.  Floyd's message prompted me to ask God to increase my faith.  He said "if faith doesn't grow, it dies."  I certainly don't want my faith to die.  I want it to increase and grow.

I've seen so many answers to prayer in my lifetime.  Some answers were immediate.  Some took weeks, months, even years.  There are some I'm still waiting for.  God's timing is different to mine, but I want to have greater faith to keep asking Him for those answers.  I trust and I wait in expectation!

I also understand that I shouldn't be so focused on answers to my prayers that I neglect to worship the Lord.  Worshipping the Lord is the foundation for my prayers!  He is worthy of my worship even if I never see a single answer to my prayers.  He is worthy of my praise and adoration.  He is my everything!  I couldn't make it another minute without Him.  He is good and 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 will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.  For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies."  Psalm 57:9, 10

"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.  I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.' "  Lamentations 3:22-24

"He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them."  Psalm 145:19

"The Lord is a God of justice; blessed are those who wait for Him."  Isaiah 30:18

"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

There are so many things I'm asking the Lord for.  I want my faith to increase to trust Him for His hand to move in my life, in my family's life, and in our needy world.  I look to Him!

Click here to listen to Floyd’s message.

The God of Impossibilities

've been thinking a lot recently about the prayers I pray.  I pray rather softly.  I don't pray with a loud voice.  I don't usually pray with a lot of intensity.  I began wondering if how I prayed had anything to do with answers to prayer.  I did some studying along those lines.  

There are lots of examples of how people prayed in the Bible.  Quiet - and loud.  Simple - and profound.  Emotional - and practical.  But one thing stood out to me.  Often prayers were based on God's promises.....things He has told us in the Word.  

- He promised to work in all things for our good.  Romans 8:28-30  

- He promised that He won't give us more than we can endure.  1 Corinthians 10:13  

- He promised to be with us, to strengthen us.  Isaiah 41:10

- He promised to forgive us.  1 John 1:9

- He promised He'll never leave us.  Matthew 28:20

- He promised He has good plans for us.  Jeremiah 29:11

- He promised to give us wisdom.  James 1:5

The list goes on and on.  The Bible is said to contain over 8000 promises.  I haven't counted them!  But there are so many good promises that God has said He has for us.  I've felt encouraged to pray according to His promises.  So many things seem impossible - but impossibilities are God's specialties.  His promises are good prayer starters.

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  Matthew 19:26

"Is anything too hard for the Lord?"  Genesis 18:14

"Almighty Lord, you made heaven and earth by your great strength and powerful arm.  Nothing is too hard for you."  Jeremiah 32:17

"I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted."  Job 42:2

I read that Charles Spurgeon said, "Do not treat God's promises as if they were curiosities for a museum; but believe them and use them."  I'm so grateful for the encouragement and assurance of God's promises.  I'm praying them daily.  He is faithful!

Remember When

When my daughter, son, and I were together we were sharing lots of memories - some sweet, some tender, some funny, some sad.  It was an almost daily activity of "remember when?"  It was really lovely to share all the old memories - especially of Floyd.  Talking about those memories put a special seal upon our time of closure.  It was very precious.

It reminded me of how the Lord encourages us in the Bible to recount the memories of His doings in the lives of His people.  In Psalm 136 David recounts many of the things God had done - and continually says "Give thanks to the God of heaven.  His love endures forever."

There is something about remembering God's goodness in the past that increases our faith as we look to Him for things in the present.  As we worship the Lord for all He's done, we're reminded that He's still the same and can meet us in new ways right now.  I've been using my quiet times to continue the activity of "remember when."  Would you like to join me?

"Remember the things I have done in the past.  For I alone am God!  I am God, and there is none like me."  Isaiah 46:9

"Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character."  Deuteronomy 8:2

"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old."  Psalm 77:11

"I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands."  Psalm 143:5

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."  Psalm 103:2

The Bible is literally filled with dozens and dozens of verses that exhort us to "remember when."  I have been reminded of so many things the Lord has done in my/our lives - both large and small.  My heart wells up with thankfulness for God's goodness and faithfulness.

God is With Me Whatever I Face

Through the years I've written poems. I'm not a great poet - they're more expressions of my heart.....and my love for God, Floyd, and others. While going through some things lately, I came across one that I wrote when Floyd was in the hospital and I was going through cancer treatment - about 18 months along on that journey...

"I wonder as I wander

On this unexpected way.

I wonder what is still ahead,

And what will fill my day.

I never planned to come this way -

This path is so unknown.

The twists and turns go on and on,

They're not what I thought God had shown.

Our "golden years" were just ahead,

And we planned to slow the pace.

Instead a whole new course we're on,

And we're in a much different race.

I wonder what is still ahead -

I wonder what the end will be.

I wonder what God has in store -

I wonder what He has for ME.

I've not been one to wander,

As the years have all gone by.

There's always been a plan He's shown,

And I've never questioned why.

I've followed each path where He's led,

All over the wide world.

And looked to Him to fulfill what He'd said,

When I was a young girl.

I even felt at that young age

That someday I'd live here;

But I would have never dreamed

That this journey would be so severe.

I wonder as I wander what is still ahead.

Then I hear, as I listen to His sweet voice,

To keep trusting and holding His hand

As He shows day by day His choice."

I've always been aware that there are hard things along with good things as we walk through life. The key is calling on the Lord for the grace we need to persevere and respond in the right way. The last eleven years of my life has been a severe testing of this value. And God has been faithful! Abundantly faithful! He has helped me with each hard thing that has come my way - small things, and massively huge things. I never lacked for His help.

The key thing is our heart's response - not the circumstances we're facing. When my heart struggles, I turn to the Lord for more and more grace. He always provides that and never leaves me!

"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 all this through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13

I join my voice with Paul's in saying that God is with me whatever I face - and He's never failed me!

Stand on the Promises of God

In times of difficulty - pain, loss, suffering, whatever trial we're facing - it is easy to slip into feeling hopeless.  We must guard against that!  We must remind ourselves that we are not alone.  Jesus is alway, ALWAYS, with us!  I find it helpful in hard times to declare that out loud.  I speak out my trust of the truth of His presence with me.  I pray the promises of His help.  As I soak my heart in His goodness and faithfulness, I get fresh courage to persevere.

In the Psalms, David was sometimes discouraged.  He would say "I shall again praise Him."  He was struggling, but He knew who God was and declared that He would get through the hard time and worship God afresh.  We can do the same thing!  We can't get stuck in the difficulty - we must stand on the promises of God.

"Why are you in despair, O my soul?  And why have you become disturbed within me?  Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence."  Psalm 42:5  NASB

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Romans 15:13

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

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

When we are feeling hopeless, we can speak out "Jesus you are my hope."  It's true!  And it will help us navigate the difficult season.  His promises never fail!

Peace

I have several friends and family members who are going through difficult things.  One of my top prayers for them is for peace.  I think we can go through almost anything when we have an underlying peace - that God is in control, that He is working in the difficult situation, and that He is with us to help us.

I've often thought about when Jesus came to His disciples after His death and resurrection.  His first words to them were "Peace be with you."  He knew they were confused and anxious.  His death had been so traumatic for them.  It seemed like all their hopes and dreams were gone.  They were fearful, too, of being persecuted because of their relationship to Jesus.  They were staying behind closed, locked doors out of fear of the Jewish authorities.  Jesus knew when He appeared to them that what they needed was peace.

Jesus knows, too, that we need peace in our difficult situations.  He comes to us with peace - He imparts it to us and covers us with it.  It's not dependent on the circumstances.  It's something that He, and only He, can give.  Everything around us may feel like it's falling apart, but if we have the peace that the Lord gives - we can make it through.

Many times standing by Floyd's bed when he was sick in the hospital - I prayed and sang about peace.  I asked the Lord to give him peace.....and I have to say that there was a calmness and spirit of peace in his room.  The staff commented on it.  His situation was difficult and puzzling.  I can't begin to imagine how hard it was for him, but I think the Lord gave him peace.

Time and time again as I've gone through these hard years, I've asked the Lord to settle my heart and give me peace.  He has calmed the storms raging around me, and given me His sweet, sweet peace.  I'm so grateful!

"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!' "  John 20:19

"...guide our feet into the way of peace."  Luke 1:79

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:27

"May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way."  2 Thessalonians 3:16

"Do not be anxious about anything...and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6,7

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."  Isaiah 26:3

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."  Psalm 4:8

I pray that last verse as I go to bed at night!

Without the amazing peace that the Lord gives, I don't think I could make it through everything.  His peace is an awesome gift and treasure.  He's so faithful!