Life can be hard with its twists and turns. Yet even in our struggles and brokenness, God is near.
This picture of the bark moving away from the branches makes me think of how God gradually removes the things that are upon us in order to gradually bring in the new. As I look at this picture I have to ask myself this question. Is God the Master Potter gradually removing something from me in order to gradually bring in the new? My answer is YES! Will you ask yourself that question too?
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Cor. 5:17
This time of the year with the cold weather and possible icy conditions makes me think of one of my most embarrassing moments. This happened on a cold and icy Sunday morning a long time ago before Carl and I were married. Church was over and lots of people were exiting the church at the same time. As I lovingly held on to Carl’s arm coming out of church my foot hit a patch of ice, my purse took a spin, and my coat seemed to shrink showing more of my legs. Before I knew it I was down on the icy sidewalk with Carl sitting right beside me. The next thing I heard was Carl’s words, “You pulled me down!” I didn’t know I was strong enough to pull a 6’x4″ 195 lb. guy to the ground! We both were so embarrassed as people helped us up. We can laugh about this now, but at the time there was no laughing. Over the years we’ve discovered that a sense of humor is a blessing. We’ve learned that finding a reason to laugh has helped us through some not so funny times.
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Prov. 17:22
I like to think of the word Enjoy more like In-Joy. Let’s choose to live In-Joy. That sounds good, but how on earth do you do that when life throws some hard punches? The answer given to me was that joyful living is willfully rejoicing in the promises of God even in my suffering. Let’s experience the blessings of God’s peace and choose to live In-Joy because…
I love this picture of my granddaughter. She looks so free and happy. I can’t do the splits anymore and never could like this in the air! Christmas is a reminder of God’s love and how much He wants us to be with Him. I’m eternally grateful that our Holy God provided a solution to our problem of sin. He gave us the Gift of Jesus who willingly took our place and died on the cross for our sins. This picture makes me think of the forgiveness, freedom and joy available through Jesus Christ. Yay! The Savior is born!
“The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior!” 2 Sam. 22:47
This cactus is known for its early winter blooms just in time for Christmas. As a little girl I remember how hard it was waiting for Christmas to finally come. But when that plant bloomed I knew we were well on our way to Christmas day. Now as an adult, during this time before Christmas, I want to prepare may heart for the true meaning of Christmas. Will you join me? With a thankful heart, let’s take time each day to remember the miracle of Jesus coming into the world… our greatest Gift of all.
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Cor. 9:15
Great God, You enable us to take one step at a time, even when we can’t see where we’re going. Help us to fully rely on You. Help us to remember that in good times and bad times, in highs and lows, with blessings and sufferings, and when life opens and closes, You are always with us…taking us through.
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt. 28:20
This bird looks like he’s “on a mission.” I have jokingly said I’m on a mission when grocery shopping with little time or cleaning the house before company comes. I have to concentrate and zero-in-on staying the course. Have you ever felt the drive to undertake a task you considered so very important? As a Christian I want to deliberately choose to zero-in-on the promises of God and stay the course. Jesus Himself was on a mission to testify to the truth. Let’s together have a laser-like focus on the light of God’s Word and all His promises. Together let’s stand firm and daily think about what’s true. Truth like…God is in control, God loves you, and no matter what you can trust Him.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place. Eph.6:14
Thanksgiving day is one of my favorite holidays. I like celebrating big blessings and little blessings too. I’m thanking God for smiles! Big smiles, grins, or belly laughs can sure make a difference in my attitude. I’m grateful that God created in us the ability to smile. I think smiles capture the heart of God. He created us according to His image, so I bet God smiles too. I’m asking God to remind people of His great love and to bring back smiles in the faces of those who feel they have lost their ability to smile.
“The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Num. 6:25-26
God has given my husband artistic ability. He had a massive stroke that has affected the right side of his body. He used to be right handed but now he has learned to do everything with his left hand, including these beautiful abstract paintings. The technique is called “acrylic pouring painting” on canvas. He has put a scripture on the back of each painting to remind us that God keeps His promises. As I watch Carl pour the paint on the canvas using only one hand and see his artistic ability, I’m reminded of God’s sovereign purpose. This is about what GOD CAN DO through us. No stroke, no paralysis, has stopped what God has prepared in advance for him to do…for God’s glory!
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph. 2:10