Life can be hard with its twists and turns. Yet even in our struggles and brokenness, God is near.
The sweet Spirit of God’s presence enables us to…
forgive the deepest hurt,
give up our right to be understood,
manage the pain,
face the truth,
and say good-bye to a loved one.
Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ!
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29
This is our granddaughter Linley hugging and kissing her dog Luna. For me this picture captures the action of freely receiving and freely giving. From the expression on Luna’s face she seems to enjoy receiving the hugs and kisses. With love, Linley freely gives what Luna needs. This picture reminds me of God’s love and what Jesus said, “Freely you have received, freely give.” Matt. 10:8
Waiting is not always easy. In my younger years whenever I had to WAIT for something like a doctor’s serious report or even anticipating good news, I would find myself shifting to a higher speed and start cleaning the house! These days my house is proof I’m somewhat better about waiting. But I still have a way to go. I like to keep moving and for things to come together, especially if I’m seeking guidance from the Lord. Sometimes when I pray and ask for guidance and the answer doesn’t come right away, I can move too quickly on my part. I need to take heart and slow down and wait for the Lord. Do you find yourself sometimes doing this too?
This bird’s piercing eyes makes me think he’s ready to do battle. He sure looks pretty tough. Are you in a dark place now and feel like you’re in a battle? If so… please be encouraged. You’re not alone. God is with you, sustaining you and protecting you. He’s fighting for YOU. He’s the Light in any dark place. The battle cry that ends with a call for Jesus to help is never ignored. Don’t wait. Sound your battle cry to Jesus. He’s listening. He cares. He loves YOU.
“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chr. 20:15
On April 29, 2019 I began my website/blog and have posted weekly writings throughout the years. I’m sensing it’s time now to compile the blog entries into a book called Walk in the Truth with the subtitle Generation to Generation. I would love your prayers for God’s direction and blessing upon the preparation and publishing of this new book. I will continue to post writings on my blog but not weekly. I am enjoying sharing this journey of my heart with you.
Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord. Psalm 102:18
DON’T BLINK! If you’re the first to blink you lose the stare down. If you’re in a stare down and you’re the last to blink, YOU WIN! You have outstared your opponent. If you find yourself in a stare down with fear or anxiety stand your ground on the truth of God’s Word. You can still blink and win with Jesus! The battle is His.
“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chr. 20:15
These pictures give you a quick glimpse of how supportive, loyal friends that stick together no matter what, can build confidence, give encouragement and release joy! We’re thanking God for placing these friends in our life.
Have you ever been faced with two unpleasant situations and you had to choose one? Torn between which unpleasant situation to choose is like being between a rock and a hard place. I don’t like being there. It’s a difficult decision. I can take a deep breath, choose one, and hope for the best. Or, I can ask God to help me make the right choice. Our LORD, the Rock Eternal centrally locates Himself even in our hard times. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:4
I think it’s significant that the bird in this picture is looking down and not moving. I’ve found that when I look at the things that frighten me or seem too hard, I’m not moving either. Like the bird it’s easy to look down in the hard times instead of up. Although, when I make a deliberate choice to look up and praise God for who He is and for being my help, things don’t seem as big. The truth about who God is enables us to rest in His hands regardless of our circumstances.
Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand uphold me. Psalm 63:7-8
I met Carl in Bellarmine’s gym at a Bellarmine/Spalding “mixer.” He kept getting a drink at the water fountain. It was getting late and I wanted him to ask me to dance. I decided I would get a drink too. The plan was to position myself right behind him at the water fountain so when he turned around he had to say something to me. His first words to me was only “Hi.” After I finally stopped talking (I was nervous) he asked me to dance. When the mixer was over he walked me to the car and asked for my phone number. Two years later on July 26, 1969 we were married. I loved this guy from the start and now here we are celebrating 54 years of marriage! Where does time go?
But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands. Psalm 31:14-15