Blog

It’s true that what we think about influences how we feel. Deliberately choosing to be thankful can often change the way we think and feel. Jesus modeled for us the importance of having a thankful heart even in the middle of major trouble. He had a strong thankful heart even knowing that crucifixion was ahead. The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” (1 Cor. 11:23-24) Jesus had a strong thankful heart even knowing that raising Lazarus from the dead would escalate the plot to kill Him. So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.” (John 11:41) Thankfulness is a necessary ingredient for living life one step at a time, one day at a time. Will you join me to intentionally be thankful for the little things in life, as well as the big things? Together let’s meet the challenge to exercise thankfulness in order to cultivate a strong thankful heart.

The more I learn about prayer the more I realize there’s more to learn. God is so able to do all things on His own, and yet He chooses to work through the prayers of His people. I’ve been blessed to be in a prayer group for many years. I’ve seen firsthand how spending time with Jesus in prayer is transforming. I’ve come to the prayer group so tired but left energized. I have seen the oppressed uplifted, worry washed away, anger soothed, grief turned to hope and fear replaced with peace. My prayer is that you too experience the blessing of fellow believers taking you to the feet of Jesus in prayer. There’s something about God’s people coming together in prayer that brings a smile to the face of God.

The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. Prov. 15:8

I love this picture of our son and his two children. They look like they’re having a blast. They look so carefree. No worries, no responsibilities just bouncing free on a “jumping pillow.” I remember how much fun it was bouncing, rolling and jumping on a trampoline. My days of bouncing like this is over. But I can do some “bouncing off the wall” with excitement and gratitude when I think about the promises of God. Forgiveness, real love, joy and salvation is for all who trust in Jesus. That’s freedom that only Jesus can give.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

Carl had a brain bleed that caused a stroke. He was gone from home from August to January. That time included hospital, skilled rehab and nursing home care. The right side of his body was paralyzed and he couldn’t swallow or speak. When this happened I leaned down and whispered in his ear, “I’m right here. I’m not leaving. I love you.” His teary eyes were evidence he heard me. With each visit before I went home I would kiss him and hold his hand with a tight grip to reassure him I would see him tomorrow. I share all this to say maybe today you too need to hear those words…”I’m right here. I’m not leaving. I love you.” Even in the midst of hardship and loss and even when you don’t see any supporting evidence of God’s presence…He’s there. God loves you and He’s not leaving. He said so.

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt. 28:20

This is Luna. You can tell from the picture that Luna willingly let my granddaughter, Linley dress her in this scarf. The fact that Luna allowed all this shows how much she loves and trusts Linley. Luna even stood still for a glamour shot! Luna made me think of how submission is inspired by love to do whatever it takes. That’s love in action! Let’s not forget how Jesus willingly died on the cross for our sins. His willingness to do whatever it takes was inspired by His love for us with perfect submission to the will of the Father.

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Eph. 5:21

This leaf looks like its gone through some hard times. It looks fragile, torn and broken. I have to say when I saw this leaf I thought how tough times can leave us fragile, torn and broken too. If you feel life has left you torn and broken please remember God is for you and not against you. Our hurts and scars are ideal opportunities for God to display His divine power. Cling to Jesus. He can take your torn heart and brokenness and put you back together again. You’re never too torn or too broken for God.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. Psalm 147:3, 5

When I saw this picture I said to my husband, “This frog looks like it’s smiling.” I then asked my husband what he thought about the frog in the picture. He said, “That frog is looking before it leaps.” I thought to myself that’s a good thing. That’s what I want. When I’m faced with a decision I want to look to God in prayer before I leap into a decision. I’ve heard that the word FROG is an acronym for “Fully Relying On God.” By depending on God and completely trusting Him, we can choose to live each new day with a smile knowing God’s got it.

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

We have two sons with birthdays less than two years apart. I remember when they were infants how at night I could actually hear them in the next room breathing. I could hear their teeniest whimpers and I could hear when they moved in their bed. Even when they grew older, if they cried in the middle of the night or called, “Mommy” I instantly heard them.

My hearing and attentiveness is inadequate when compared to God’s hearing and attentiveness. God never sleeps. He is awake and watchful. He hears you breathing, crying, speaking and moving. He knows your voice. He hears your prayers. Even when it feels like God’s not listening, He is. God is very attentive to you.

The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry. Psalm 34:15

In our small home I have lots of night lights so I can see my way around if I need to get up during the dark night. God has given us Jesus as the Light of the World to help us see our way through the darkness of this world. Darkness has a way of hiding the truth. Jesus is the truth that sets us free from the darkness of sins, lies and fears. He willingly shines His grace and guidance in our lives. In the Light of the World we have victory! Let’s run in the freedom, and follow the Light!

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Here are a few of my favorite things. Sounds like I’m singing that song in the Sound of Music movie. But some of my favorite summertime things are: family visits in Florida, a sunset over the ocean, fireworks and the 4th of July, golf car rides, anniversary, birthdays, cook outs and lightning bugs, just to name a few. June 20th through September 22nd seems to fly by. It’s hard to say goodbye to summer, but…There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Eccl. 3:1