Life can be hard with its twists and turns. Yet even in our struggles and brokenness, God is near.
When I reflect on the season of Fall and see the stunning colors and feel the cooler temperatures I think of God’s great love for us. If this world can be this beautiful, can you imagine what heaven will be like?
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Cor. 2:9
Even after my husband’s stroke, he is still a gifted potter. Yet a challenge for him is to fight discouragement. He tries hard not to compare what he used to make, to what he can make now, using only one hand. Just recently after we gave the “Potter’s Message” we were told that there was a blind lady in the first row! My husband and I just looked at each other in amazement that God would bring someone blind “to see” the clay being shaped into a bowl. Then we thought…she may not be able to see the bowl being made, but she can hear the spoken words about the saving grace and transforming power of Jesus. God used the blind lady to encourage us and bring back to our attention words that a gentleman said to my husband a long time ago. “It’s not about what you make, it’s about the message.” With each beautiful imperfect bowl with it’s lumps and cracks and unusual shape, a card is given with these words… This bowl is not perfect but neither are you. God can still use you. He loves you. And you are beautiful in His eyes.
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Eph. 2:4-5
One hot day as my husband and I were coming out of rehab and walking to our car, there was a horrible stink outside. It was the kind of stink that took your breath away. It was a stink bigger than any stink bug! I wanted to hold my nose but I couldn’t because my hands were full. As we were slowly walking to the car I said to my husband, “Let’s get our mind off this stink. Let’s pretend we’re standing somewhere else. I’ll go first. I’m standing on the beach looking out at the ocean and the breeze is wonderful. Now it’s your turn. Where are you?” Without hesitation he answered, “I’m standing between two dumpsters!” Sometimes it’s hard to get past the stink in life, but God’s Word guides us to… Therefore stand in awe of God. Eccl. 5:7
I have found that sometimes it’s hard to look beyond my brokenness. But I’ve discovered that when I deliberately turn my focus off myself and my circumstances and choose to praise God, there’s a change in me. Looking up and proclaiming the truth about God changes the way I think and feel. Even in those days when you feel there’s no way you could look up…be encouraged…you can! His help is available.
I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
Before my husband’s stroke we used to dance. After his stroke we thought our dancing days were over. Walking and balance was (and still is) the priority. We recently went to a fundraiser dinner/concert and there was a dance floor! When the music started, to my surprise my husband said, “Let’s dance.” Sooo, we found a small space on the dance floor and with his cane and leg brace on, we danced! As we held on to each other I’ll never forget that frozen smile on my husband’s face. As we cautiously danced I remember thinking…only God could bring us to this refreshing moment.
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. Psalm 30:11
Fortunately we have the inspired Word of God, along with accounts of eyewitnesses who saw Jesus, walked with Him, and followed Him to answer the question—Who is Jesus?
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
When I look at this picture I have to laugh. It reminds me of my hair. Some mornings I feel like my hair looks like this. As I’ve grown older my hair is doing strange things, like being frizzy, dry and bushy. Even my young grandson said, “Nana you got fuzzy hair.” Growing older is a challenge for me. I don’t look the same as I did in my youth. I’ve talked to Jesus a lot about my hair. Many times I’ve expressed how important hair is to me. But God continues to remind me in His Word what’s MOST important. ❤
These birds look like they’re having fun at a pool party. I wonder if summertime is their favorite time of the year? It’s mine. I like the warmer weather and lighter-longer days. I never learned to swim, but I sure like gathering around the pool for food and fun. Fall has a lot to behold with all the beautiful colors, and Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Winter is not my most-liked season. Although as a teacher, I remember those glorious, snowy mornings I woke up to the announcement—“SCHOOL IS CLOSED TODAY.” And then comes Spring…flowers, alive, green, Spring! God is certainly not boring. The beauty and uniqueness of each season testifies to the love and creativity of God. And to think these seasons are only a faint glimpse of what God has in store for us.
“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zep.3:17
I can’t get over that God sings! And to think He sings over me and you is breathtaking. I’m convinced that one day all those who have placed their faith in Jesus, the One True God, will hear Him sing. Wow! We have lots to look forward to.
When I was a young girl I lived in the country on a farm in Indiana. I have good memories about those days, as well as some bad memories. I remember how free I felt laying in the grass and looking up at the clouds. With my imagination and the formation of the clouds, I saw the shapes of all kinds of animals in the sky. But a not so good memory was that dark, stormy afternoon the tornado came through. I was so afraid. Lightning struck our chimney and the doors of the barn blew off. Some people lost a lot more from that tornado. There’s no easy answer to why things happen the way they do in this broken world. But one thing for sure… in tragedy and suffering, God’s love for you doesn’t run out. His love is constant and He will not leave you. He will hold your hand and walk step by step with you through the tough times. God still has it. We can trust Him even if we don’t understand.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9