Reminded of His Goodness

In the midst of some recent difficult days, the Lord spoke three specific, encouraging words to my heart.

The first is that I'm not able to cope with the difficult things with my physical strength.  When hardships come, it's the inner strength that He gives me that helps me get through the outside pressures.  He empowers me from within!  He helps me not to falter when life's storms hit me.  "The power of Christ within you is greater than the pressure of troubles around you."  (anonymous)

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

The second thing is the Lord reminding me that He cares.  He is mindful of everything I'm facing, and He cares for me.  He loves me as His precious daughter, and He's working to help me.

"Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."  1 Peter 5:7

And the third thing is that He's carrying me.  I may feel alone, but He's right with me and even carrying me when I'm weary.  I may be weak from the various circumstances I'm facing, but I can relax into His arms and let Him carry me.  So precious!

"I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."  Isaiah 46:4

I'm grateful for your encouraging messages - thank you!  And I'm grateful for the sweet reminders from the Lord!  He is so faithful.

Under His Wings

It’s been a while since I posted anything.  I have had a rough time of weakness and no energy during and after my radiation treatment.  I’m still recovering but grateful that I am beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel.  I'm praying that that light keeps shining brightly!!

During these long days, there were 3 thoughts that stayed firmly and clearly in my heart and mind.  The first is "carrying."  I don't know how to describe it - but I was so aware that I was being carried by the Lord.  I could almost feel His presence, with me - knowing I was being carried.

"I have made you and I will carry you.  I will sustain you and I will rescue you."  Isaiah 46:4

The second thought was being sheltered by the wings of the Lord.  About 4 1/2 years ago I shared a photo of a momma bird sheltering her 2 young ones under her wings.  This picture came back into my mind one night in the hospital.  I vividly sensed the shelter of the Lord's wings!  I have used the photo again above.

"I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' Surely He will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.  He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge, His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."  Psalm 91:2-4

The 3rd word was "peace."  In the midst of a lot of chaos, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace.  A peace that nothing/no one can give but the Lord.  A peace that passes understanding.  A peace that closed off the world around me, and tucked me into those protective wings of love and care.

"The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Psalm 34:14

Again and again I've been encouraged by these words - been ministered to by God's love and care.  He is so faithful, and knows just what we need.

This coming week has two days that are special to me.  The first is Monday, May 29 - it marks 2 years from when Floyd went to be with Jesus.  It's a bittersweet day.  I'm so grateful that Floyd is no longer suffering, but I do continue to miss him - especially in times like my recent treatment.  I miss his love and support.  My family and friends were very supportive, but it's not the same as my dear gentle giant.

I’m so grateful that the Lord has been so faithful in bringing healing to my heart during these 2 years.  The grief isn't gone, but it's much "lighter" than it was in the beginning.  I know that's because of God's healing hand.

The second special day is Friday, June 2.  It would have been our 56th wedding anniversary.  The love in my heart for Floyd and for our special days didn't stop when he passed away.  If anything, these days are even more special to me.  I'm grateful for every year we had together - and my heart still celebrates as the years pass on by. 

"Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life.  Let your joy overflow!"  Philippians 4:4  TPT 

"A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance."  Ecclesiastes 3:4

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

I'm grateful for these days coming up - joy and sadness mixed together......and God's goodness is the cherry on top!