Category Archives: Life

Return to Laughter, Return to Joy!

five women laughing

“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,

we were like those who dreamed,

Our mouths were filled with laughter,

 our tongues with songs of joy.

Then it was said among the nations,

 “The Lord has done great things for them.”

The Lord has done great things for us,

 and we are filled with joy.

Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev.

Those who sow with tears

 will reap with songs of joy.

Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow,

Will return with songs of joy,

 carrying sheaves with them.”

Psalm 126

En Route

person in brown sun hat and black backpack holding blue and white basket on beach during

“Forget yesterday.

Don’t worry about tomorrow.

Trust God today.”

 

Photo by Taryn Elliott on Pexels.com

Living Your “Blessed Life” Now

“I have come that they might have life, and have it abundantly!” – John 10:10 TLV

 

For Believers, “living  your best life now” is not found in this world or it’s ways. Our best life is yet to come for an eternity of days. But we can absolutely and most assuredly live our “blessed life” right now!

Jesus said,

“I have come that they might have life, and have it abundantly!” – John 10:10 TLV

This is the blessed life, the abundant life, the “I get to walk with Jesus everyday and experience His love and goodness!” life.

Praise God!

Psalms 23:6 says,

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,(that’s now!)

and I will dwell in the House of the LORD forever!” (that’s for eternity!)

So with that,

We can happily say, with peace and assurance, “I’m living my blessed life now!”

Humility

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, like a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, Who has called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

“To Him be Glory and Dominion Forever and Ever. Amen.”

I Peter 5:6-11

The Hat Rack

Here’s a “post from the past” at my daughter’s request. Blessings! – Faith

Once, many years ago, when visiting a new church for the first time,  an elderly lady  invited us to her house for dinner. We gladly accepted, and followed her home after service.  As we sat in her living room, we had a very pleasant conversation, and got  to know a little more about each other. She was a long-standing member of her church,  and well-loved by the congregation.  Although she was elderly, she was vibrant and enthusiastic, and very happy to talk about how much she loved the Lord, and all that He had done for her. She enthusiastically shared some of her many testimonies, and we talked a little about our faith experiences.  I mentioned how our two children, a son and a daughter, toddlers at the time, had been miracle babies, because I was told that I would never conceive, and even so, I was still praying and believing God for another baby.

She looked at me, with a smile in her eyes, and said, “You see that hat rack over there on the wall?” I answered, “Yes.” she said, “Whenever the Lord does something for me, I imagine that I’m hanging a hat on a hat rack…and every time he answers I just keep adding a new hat.  And the next time I find myself frustrated about something that I’m praying for, I  just take a look at that hat rack, and see all those hats hanging there, and I’m reminded of all the prayers that God has answered, (some that I may have even forgotten), and I am encouraged that He did it before and He’ll do it again.”

I really appreciated this example and made an effort to apply it in my own life. In fact the Lord did answer my prayer and blessed me miraculously with another sweet baby girl!

When I think back on this example, it reminds me of what young David said to King Saul, when he volunteered to fight Goliath…

“David said… The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine…” I Samuel 17:37

You see, the lion and the bear were hanging on David’s hat rack!!! He just took a look back, and was fully persuaded, that God would do it again. :)

“Has it been awhile since you took a look at your own hat rack?”

Surely God has blessed you and answered your prayers in the past, and hey, there’s always room for another hat, so

Just take a look back, have faith,  and,  like David, be fully persuaded that God will do it again!

“Spread The Love”

love heart romantic romance

HUGS AND KISSES ARE GOOD FOR THE HEART, BODY, AND SOUL🧡

Hugs:

Reduce harmful physical effects of stress;

Calm deep pressure on children, tantrums, and mellows moodiness;

Help the body’s immune system, cures depression, and induces sleep;

Invigorate and rejuvenate

Increase heart rate and stabilize blood pressure;

Give a positive emotional state;

Bring out a surge of serotonin and dopamine, which are known as “feel good” brain chemicals.

Relieve pain, make you healthier and happier;

Help to overcome fear

Kisses:

Good for the heart, as it creates an adrenaline which causes your heart to pump more blood around your body.

Stress-reliever, lowering your cortisol ‘stress’ hormone.

Endorphins produced by kissing are 200 times more powerful than morphine.

Reduces anxiety and stop the ‘noise’ in your mind.

Increase the levels of oxytocin, an extremely calming hormone that produces a feeling of peace.

Great for self-esteem.  Make  you feel appreciated and helps your state of mind.

Those who kiss quite frequently are less likely to suffer from stomach, bladder and blood infections.

Those who kiss goodbye each morning live five years longer than those who don’t.

So, Here’s to Hugs and Kisses! 

“… Greet one another with a holy kiss.” – 1 Corinthians 16:20

“I Love It Here”

Image result for glorious clouds view

“Lord, I love the house where You live, the place where Your glory dwells.”

Psalm 26:8

Simple Pleasures

“There are difficulties in everything except in eating pancakes.”

-Charles Spurgeon

Happiness!

“Prayer is a privilege, and praise is a holiday.”

– Charles Spurgeon

There Is No Peace In “Mindfulness”

“So letting your sinful nature control your mind, leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” – Romans 8:6

“There will be no peace in any soul until it is willing to obey the voice of God.”

– D.L. Moody

“Jesus is The Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

“May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way…”

– 2 Thessalonians 3:16

“What Does God Require?”

“There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, and yet is not cleansed from its filth.

There is a generation whose eyes are so haughty, whose eyelids are lifted up disdainfully.

There is a generation whose teeth are swords and whose molars are knives, to devour the poor from the earth and the needy from humanity.”

“What Does God Require?”

“He has told you, humanity, what is good, and what ADONAI is seeking from you:

Only to practice justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.“

Open your mouth on behalf of those unable to speak,

For the justice of all who are destitute.

Open your mouth,

judge righteously,

plead the cause of the poor and needy.”

Proverbs 30:12-14, Micah 6:8, Proverbs 31:8-9 TLV

Survival Kit

“In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

– 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Stronger

“The comeback is often stronger than the setback.”

                                – Anonymous

Afflictions, Not in Vain

“Afflictions make the heart more deep,

more experimental, more knowing, and

more profound, and so; more able

to hold, to contain, to beat more.”

– John Bunyan

Best Friend

person standing near lake

“There is a Friend

Who

Sticks

Closer

Than a brother.”

Proverbs 18:24

Mud Pies😊

beach enjoyment fun leisure

“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition

when infinite joy is offered us;

like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in dirty streets

because he can’t imagine what’s meant by the offer of a holiday at the beach.”

“We are far too easily pleased.”

– C. S. Lewis

Truly Valuable

“It is my practice, to determine the value of something,

by imagining my life without it.”

– Herb Kelleher

Happy New Year!🎊

“A Very Happy New Year to you all!!!”❤️

Smiles and Blessings – Faith

All The Way

All the way my Savior leads me-

What have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt His tender mercy,

Who thru life has been my guide?

Heavenly peace, divinest comfort,

Here by faith in Him to dwell!

For I know what-e’re befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well;

For I know what-e’re befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me-

Cheers each winding path I tread,

Gives me grace for every trial,

Feeds me with the living bread.

Tho my weary steps may falter

And my soul athirst may be,

Gushing from the Rock before me,

Lo! a spring of joy I see;

Gushing from the Rock before me,

Lo! a spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me-

O the fullness of His love!

Perfect rest to me is promised

In my Father’s house above.

When my spirit, clothed immortal,

Wings in flight to realms of day,

This my song thru endless ages:

Jesus led me all the way;

This my song thru endless ages:

Jesus led me all the way.

Hymn- “All the Way My Savior Leads Me” – by R.Lowry and Fanny Crosby

Trusting You Lord Jesus

“I am trusting You, Lord Jesus-

Trusting only You;

Trusting You for full salvation,

Great and true.

I am trusting You to guide me-

You alone will lead,

Every day and hour supplying

All my need.

I am trusting You for power-

Yours can never fail;

Words which You Yourself shall give me

Must prevail.

I am trusting You, Lord Jesus-

Never let me fall;

I am trusting You forever,

And for all.”

Hymn- “I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus”

By E.W. Bullinger and F.R. Havergal

Bethlehem “House of Bread”

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, least among the clans of Judah- from you will come out to Me One to be ruler in Israel,

One whose going forth are from of old, from days of eternity.”

Micah 5:2

The prophet Micah announced the birthplace of the Messiah in Bethlehem,

which means “House of Bread”

Centuries before Christ was born in Bethlehem,

Naomi and her family left Bethlehem due to a famine.

Sadly, returning 10 years later, after the loss of her husband and two sons,

Naomi had gained a devoted and loving daughter in Ruth, the Moabitess.

Together they returned to Bethlehem.

They returned to the “House of Bread”, and from their story, “The Bread of Life”, came to us, a Wonderful Savior!

Jesus

“…Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given:…and His Name shall be called

Wonderful,

Counselor,

The mighty God,

The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6

Nailed to the Cross

There was One who was willing to die in my stead,

That a soul so unworthy might live

And the path of the cross He was willing to tread,

All the sins of my life to forgive.

 

He is tender and loving and patient with me,

While He cleanses my heart of it’s dross

But, “there’s no condemnation,” I know I am free,

For my sins are all nailed to the cross.

 

I will cling to my Savior and never depart,

I will joyfully journey each day,

With a song on my lips and a song in my heart,

That my sins have been taken away.

Hymn “Nailed to the Cross” by Mrs. F.Beck and  G. C. Tullar

Think On These Things🤔

“… Whatever is true,

whatever is honorable,

whatever is just,

whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely,

whatever is commendable,

— if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise,

— think on these things.”

Philippians 4:8

 

 

Happy?

My computer broke down and REFUSED to open several months ago. I’m still sulking over it and so, no blogging. Yes, I know that I could use my iphone or my tablet but after all these years, I’m always most comfortable writing with my computer, and this computer was only 18 MONTHS OLD when it gave out on me. After paying so much for it and with only a 12 month warranty, I WAS LIVID.

It’s a matter of principle. The main reason I bought this computer was so I could “depend on it for years to come”, or at least that’s what they told me at my “friendly neighboorhood Best Buy”, saying, “It is after all a Macbook Pro!” They got me… And now, here I am, writing on my teeny-weeny, tiny tablet.

But,

When I stop and think about it. I realize that there are alot worse things that could happen, and I’m reminded of what Paul says in Phillipians 4:11,

“I have learned in whatsoever state I am to be content.” so I’m learning, doing what makes me happy, and it’s good to be back!

Have a great weekend.

 

A Good Friday For You and For Me

“But He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities:

the chastisement of our peace was upon Him;

and with His stripes we are healed.”

– Isaiah 53:5

Perfect Timing

“To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.”

“A time to be born, and a time to die;

A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal;

A time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose;

A time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew;

A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate;

A time of war, and a time of peace.”

Ecclesiastes, 3:1-8

Start Where You Stand

Start where you stand and never mind the past,

The past won’t help you in beginning new,

If you have left it all behind at last

Why, that’s enough, you’re done with it, you’re through;

This is another chapter in the book,

This is another race that you have planned,

Don’t give the vanished days a backward look,

Start where you stand.

The world won’t care about your old defeats

If you can start anew and win success,

The future is your time, and time is fleet

And there is much of work and strain and stress;

Forget the buried woes and dead despairs,

Here is a brand new trial right at hand,

The future is for him who does and dares,

Start where you stand.

Old failures will not halt, old triumphs aid,

To-day’s the thing, to-morrow soon will be;

Get in the fight and face it unafraid,

And leave the past to ancient history;

What has been, has been; yesterday is dead

And by it you are neither blessed nor banned,

Take courage, be brave, and drive ahead,

Start where you stand.

Berton Braley.

The Good Doctor

When they saw Him eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to His disciples,

“With tax collectors and sinners He eats?”

On hearing this, Jesus said to them,

“Healthy people don’t need a physician, but sick ones do.

I did not come to call righteous people, but sinners.”

– Mark 2:16-17

Small Beginnings

“Don’t despise small beginnings…”

“Though your beginning is small, your latter will greatly increase ”

Job 8:7

A Clean Heart

Image result for clean heart

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from Your presence; and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation; and sustain me with a willing spirit.”

Psalm 51:1-12

Hang in There


“By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”
Charles Spurgeon

Blessed Quietness 


Blessed quietness 

Holy quietness 

What assurance in my soul

On the stormy sea

He speaks peace to me

And the billows cease to roll

– Manie Payne Fergusen 

Power in Simplicity

 

“The ordinary acts we practice, every day at home, are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest.”

-Thomas Moore

In God’s Hands

Image result for when i sit in darkness the lord will be a light to me

Do Good

“Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can,

to all the souls you can, in every place you can,

at all the times you can, with all the zeal you can,

as long as ever you can.”

John Wesley

“For the love of Christ constrains us…”

2 Corinthians 5:14

Where Healing Begins

He Was Wounded, We Are Healed

“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

“Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.”

Thomas Moore

Here’s to Hugs and Kisses

  Hugs

Reduce harmful physical effects of stress;

Calm deep pressure on children, tantrums, and mellows moodiness;

Help the body’s immune system, cures depression, and induces sleep;

Invigorate and rejuvenate

Increase heart rate and stabilize blood pressure;

Give a positive emotional state;

Bring out a surge of serotonine and dopamine, which are known as “feel good” brain chemicals.

Relieve pain, make you healthier and happier;

Help to overcome fear

 Kisses

Good for the heart, as it creates an adrenaline which causes your heart to pump more blood around your body.

Stress-reliever, lowering your cortisol ‘stress’ hormone.

Endorphins produced by kissing are 200 times more powerful than morphine.

Reduces anxiety and stop the ‘noise’ in your mind.

Increase the levels of oxytocin, an extremely calming hormone that produces a feeling of peace.

Great for self-esteem.  Make  you feel appreciated and helps your state of mind.

Those who kiss quite frequently are less likely to suffer from stomach, bladder and blood infections.

Those who kiss goodbye each morning live five years longer than those who don’t.

Here’s to Hugs and Kisses! OXOX

The Best Education

 “An eternal question about children is, “How should we educate them?”

Politicians and educators consider more school days in a year, more science and math, the use of computers and other technology in the classroom, more exams and tests, more certification for teachers, and less money for art.

All of these responses come from the place where we want to make the child into the best adult possible, not in the sense of virtuous and wise, but in the sense of one who is an efficient part of the machinery of society. But on all these counts,the soul is neglected.”

-Thomas Moore

“…So  commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine.(says the LORD)

Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you go to bed and when you get up.”

Deuteronomy 11:19

Leap of Faith

Go for it.

“By faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he was to receive as an inheritance.

He went out, not knowing where he was going.

By faith he migrated to the land of promise…”

Hebrews 11:8

 

 

Take Courage My Heart

He’s In The Waiting.♥

“Take courage my heart
Stay steadfast my soul
He’s in the waiting
He’s in the waiting
Hold onto your hope
As your triumph unfolds
He’s never failing
He’s never failing.”

“Wait for ADONAI. Be strong, let your heart take courage, and wait for ADONAI.” – Psalm 27:14

Take Courage Lyrics- Kristene DiMarco/ Photo- Google Images

Double Blessing

Double Rainbow

“Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion,

and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance.

And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,

and everlasting joy will be yours.”

Isaiah 61:7

Behold, I Am Doing a New Thing, Now it Will Spring Forth

It’s Blooming in the Desert!

After 5 years of devastating drought in southern California, the mountains and deserts of Death Valley are exploding with beautiful blooms and color!

Thus says ADONAI…

“Here I am, doing a new thing; Now it is springing up!”

“I will make a way in the desert and rivers in the wasteland”

– Isaiah 43:19

TLV

Cactus blooms in Southern California desert/Photos- CBS News

In The Boat With Us

As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples,Image result for stormy sea

“Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.”

So they took Jesus in the boat and started out,

And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea,

Insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves:

But Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat…

 His disciples came to Him, and awoke Him, saying,

Lord,… “Carest thou not that we perish?”

And He saith unto them,

Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?

Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea;

And there was a great calm.

But the men marveled, saying,

What manner of man is this,

That even the winds and the sea obey Him!”

Matthew 8:25 and Mark 4:38

-As we “cross to the other side”, through the storms and trials of life,

Jesus cares.

He is “in the boat” with us.

He cares

and He will calm the sea.”

Quietly Waiting

Image result for psalm 62 5

“Let all that I am

wait quietly before God,

for my expectation

is from Him.”

Psalm 62:5

In The Secret Place

“He that dwells  in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.

Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flies by day;

Nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness; nor for the destruction that wastes at noonday.

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

For He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.

With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.”

Psalm 91

Unto You Is Born This Day, A Savior!

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,”

                                            “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

          Luke 2:8-14

And It Came To Pass

nativity

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed…

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.”

 Luke 2:1-6

 

Friends

     

‘Two are better than one;…. For if they fall, the one will lift the other up.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

On Life’s Path

“Preserve me, O God: for in You do I put my trust…

I will bless the LORD, who has given me counsel: my heart also instructs me

in the night seasons.

I have set the LORD always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices: my flesh also shall rest in hope…

You will show me the path of life:

In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”

 Psalm 16

The Power of One

 

“I am only one; but still I am one.

I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.

I will not refuse to do something I can do.”

Helen Keller

Happiness

Hope springs Upblog CJ

“A cheerful heart is good medicine. “

Proverbs 17:22

Tomorrow

“Don’t be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow shall be anxious for itself” Matthew 6:34

“Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.”

Charles Spurgeon

With God You Can..

Happy New Year

“Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the souls you can, in every place you can, at all the times you can, with all the zeal you can, as long as ever you can.”

‘The best of it is, God is with us.”

– John Wesley

Strong

 

“You never know how

STRONG 

you are until

being strong is the only choice you have. “

– Bob Marley

This Is Only A Test

“In the world ye shall have tribulation…”

“But the God of all grace, Who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

He  Himself  will restore, establish, strengthen, settle you.”

John 16:33 and I Peter 5:10

How Long

Image result for sad looking out window

“O LORD, how long will You forget me?

Forever?

How long will You look the other way?

How long must I struggle

With anguish in my soul,

With sorrow in my heart

Every day?”

Psalm 113:1-2

When Hope is Frail and Candles Dim

Image result for candle going out

Oh, that I might have my request,

that God would grant what I hope for,

“What strength do I have, that I should still hope?

What prospects, that I should be patient?

I have been allotted months of futility,

and nights of misery have been assigned to me.

When I lie down I think, ‘How long before I get up?’

The night drags on, and I toss and turn until dawn.

“My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle,

and they come to an end without hope.

Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath;

my eyes will never see happiness again.

Job 6:8, 6:11, 7:4-7

A Rock and A Hard Place

Image result for rock and a hard place

A Place Called Hard
Lord, I have me a mountain,
I need You to remove
I have me a situation
only You can improve.

Lord, I got me a dilemma,
that needs to be resolved
I have me a problem
I need You to be involved.

Lord, I have me a river,
it’s as wide as it is deep
I have me a condition
that I don’t want to keep.

Lord, I have a clear view,
of the storm that’s ahead
I have me an idea
it’s going to be widespread.

Lord, I’m between a rock,
and a place called hard
so I am going to need You
to be my constant guard.

Lord, I’m placing my life,
in the palm of Your hand
trusting this predicament . . .
is just a part of Your plan!

-Deborah Ann Belka

Suffering

Image result for suffering

Suffering may endure for a season

And we wonder when relief will come.
Is this for a time of testing
A really deep trial for some?

Day by day we endure our heartaches,
Often questioning why,
We don’t seem to fully understand
And we come before God with a sigh!

“Just quiet yourself in My presence,” He says,
“I have blessings for you in store,
This time with me will be precious,
Even more than ever before.”

The wonderful promises in God’s Holy Word
Bring comfort, encouragement and peace,
And as we nestle up close to Him.
Our Faith brings sweet release.

So let us joyfully praise the Lord,
If, through suffering we can learn,
Truths that will help to guide our way,
And His Word more clearly discern.

Elsie K. Young

Happy Mother’s Day!

Image result for happy mother's day

“She speaks wise words
    and teaches others to be kind.

 She watches over her family
    and never wastes her time.
 

Her children speak well of her.
    Her husband also praises her,

 saying, “There are many fine women,
    but you are better than all of them.”

 Charm can fool you, and beauty can trick you,
    but a woman who respects the Lord should be praised.
 

Give her the reward she has earned;
    she should be praised in public for what she has done.”

Proverbs 31:26-31 NCV

En Route

Image result for life's journey

“Forget yesterday.

Don’t worry about tomorrow.

Trust God today.”

In Quietness

“In quietness and confidence is your strength.”  Isaiah 30:15

Deep Clean

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“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from Your presence; and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation; and uphold me with Your free Spirit.

Psalm 51:1-12

Precious

“He cuts out rivers among the rocks; and His eye sees every precious thing.”

Job 28:10

Tuesday, Choose Day

…”Today if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts,…”

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“…Choose you this day whom ye will serve…”

Hebrews 3:15 and Joshua 24:15

I Won’t Look Back

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PURSUING THE GOAL
“Forgetting what is behind, and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal for the reward of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:13-14

April First

 

 

Image result for april fools dayImage result for april fools clipart

“You can fool all the people some of the time,

and some of the people all the time,

but you can’t fool all the people all the time.”

 ~Abraham Lincoln

For the Broken Heart

“He heals the broken in heart and binds up their wounds…

Great is our Lord, and of great power;

His understanding is infinite.”

Psalm 147: 3,5

Recipe for Happiness

Just Desserts

Image result for snoopy and dessertJust remember, Desserts is Stressed spelled backwards,

So relax and have a great weekend,

You deserve it!

On The Sunny Side

 

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Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

The Optimist Creed

You Can Change

Image result for butterfly coming from cocoon
…Sometimes pain’s the only way that we can learn
You can never fall too hard, so fast, so far
That you can’t get back when you’re lost, where you are,
It’s never too late, so bad, so much,

That you can’t change
Who you are, you can change who you are,

You believe in freedom,
But you don’t know how to choose
You gotta step out of your feelings

That you’re so afraid to lose, and everyday,
You put your feet on the floor…got to walk through door

Its never going to be easy
But its all worth fighting for

You can never fall
Too hard, so fast, so far,
That you can’t get back

When you’re lost where you are,
Its never too late, so bad, so much
That you can’t change who you are

You can change who you are.

So let the ashes fall where ever they land
Come back from wherever you been
To the foot of the cross
To the feet of Jesus
To the feet of Jesus

You can never fall too hard, so fast, so far
That you can’t get back when you’re lost
Where you are

It’s never too late, so bad, so much

That you can’t change

At the foot of the cross
It changes who you are
At the foot of the cross you can change
Who you are.

You can never fall
Too hard, so fast, so far,
That you can’t get back.

Lyrics- “Who You Are” by Unspoken

Taking Flight

“Grace is what picks me up and lifts my wings high… and I fly!” – Joybell

Image result for toiling through the night

Monarch butterflies take to the air on a 2 month, 2,000-mile flight over fields, forests, cities, plains, open water, deserts, and mountains to a tiny region of central Mexico where they’ve never been before, arriving at the exact same time each year!

“Until you spread your wings you’ll have no idea how far you can fly.”

– Unknown

Simple But True

Image result for family at home dinner

“The ordinary acts we practice every day at home

are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest.”

-Thomas Moore

Sometimes…

Time goes by so slowly, and yet

“I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits,

and in His word I put my hope.”

Psalm 130:5

Avenged

“They spread a net for my feet, I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path,

but they have fallen into it themselves.. Stop and think of that”  Psalm 57:6

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“When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.”

Isaiah 59:19

and

“So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai.”

Esther 7:10

 

 

The Strait Gate

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“Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way,

which leads to life,

and few there be that find it.”

Matthew 7:14

Keep At It

Image result for running towards the sun

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:14

Journey Forward

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“The LORD, He it is that does go before you;

He will be with you,

He will not fail you, neither forsake you:

Fear not, neither be dismayed.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

Come To Daddy

Image result for first steps

“Come unto me,

all ye that labor and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest”

Matthew 11:28

Path of Life

“Preserve me, O God: for in You do I put my trust…

I will bless the LORD, who has given me counsel: my heart also instructs me

in the night seasons.

I have set the LORD always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices: my flesh also shall rest in hope…

You will show me the path of life:

In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”

From Psalm 16

How Long?

O LORD, how long will You forget me? Forever?

How long will You look the other way?

How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,

With sorrow in my heart every day?

How long will my enemy have the upper hand?

Turn and answer me, O LORD my God!

Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.

Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!”

Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.

,,,I trust in Your unfailing love.

I will rejoice because You have rescued me.

I will sing to the LORD because

He is good to me.”

Psalm 13

With Thanksgiving

“O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms.

For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

In His hand are the deep places of the earth:the strength of the hills is His also.

The sea is His, and He made it: and His Hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.”

Psalm 95:1-6

His Way Is Perfect

“As for God, His way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried:

He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.

For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?

 

It is God that girdes me with strength, and makes my way perfect.

He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.

He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.

Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up,

… thy gentleness hath made me great.”

Psalm 18:30-35

Dynamic Duo

Quietness and Trust

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength,…”

Isaiah 19:15

It’s Not Pumpkin Season!!!

Pumpkin muffins in August… Really?

Just like  Ecclesiastes 3:1 and the classic folk song says: “To everything (turn, turn, turn) there is a season, (turn, turn, turn)

or simply put

“To everything there is a season…“

And I know it’s been unseasonably cool this summer, but it’s still summer, and although I like pumpkin bread, muffins, and coffee during  the fall, I’m just not ready for them now, while it’s still 80 plus degrees outside.Still there are all these commercials on TV now that are just taking all the fun out of my cozy seasonal traditions.

First, its Christmas trees in late October, and now warm pumpkin pie in August?

I’m just sayin’ … ‘Tis not the season :)

Waiting

Sometimes it’s hard to wait but…

“Waiting is a sign of patience and true love.”

♥

“…as it is written, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.”

I Corinthians 2:9

“For since the beginning of the world no one has heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither has the eye seen, O God, beside thee,what He has prepared for those who wait for Him.”

Isaiah 64:4

On the Bright Side

“No person ever ended his eyesight by looking on the bright side.”

Zig Ziglar

Let Go, Let God

 Learning to turn my troubles over to the Lord...I surrender



        All to Jesus I surrender; 
	All to Him I freely give; 
	I will ever love and trust Him, 
	In His presence daily live. 
        I surrender all, 
        I surrender all, 
        All to Thee, my Blessed Savior,
        I surrender all.

        J.W. Deventer

Just Float

“When you sense that your dark night is one of pregnancy and oceanic return,

You could react accordingly and be still.

Watch and wonder.

Take the human embryo as your model.

Assume the fetal position, emotionally and intellectually.

Be silent.

Float in your darkness, as if it were the waters of the womb,

And give up trying to fight your way out or make sense of it.”

Thomas Moore

Just as He Said

“He was handed over for our transgressions and raised up for the sake of setting us right.”

“He is risen, just as He said!”

Romans 4:25 and Matthew 28:6

TLV

Happy Dance

“Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent.

O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.”

Psalm 30:11-12

Happy Spring!

“…For behold, the winter is past….

The flowers appear on the earth,

the time of singing has come.”

Song of Solomon 2:11-12

Deeply Loved

“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying,

Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love…”  Jeremiah 31:3

“My deepest awareness of myself is that I am deeply loved by Jesus Christ

and I have done nothing to earn it or deserve it.”

Brennan Manning

No Matter What Lies Ahead

“Faith says that no matter what lies ahead of me…God is already there.”

Author Unknown

Happiness

“Happiness is…  enjoying the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.”

Seneca

Break Every Chain

“What’s holding you back? What’s keeping you down?”

“… This kind goes not out but by prayer and fasting.”

Matthew 17:21

No Room

no room

“And she brought forth her firstborn son,

 and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger;

 because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Luke 2:7

Lesson From “A Christmas Carol”

“Darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it.” – Charles Dickens

“And this is the condemnation, that Light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light…”John 3:19

“But even old Scrooge came around, and let the Light shine on his ways!”  :)

Evergreen


“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John 3:16

On The Sunny Side

Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

The Optimist Creed

Good News

“The best of it is, God is with us.”

John Wesley

Ten Thousand Reasons

The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

You’re rich in love, and You’re slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore

Matt Redman- Lyrics 10,000 Reasons

Quiet Place

“Come ye yourselves apart into a quiet place, and rest a while.”

Mark 6:31

Beautiful Day

“This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Psalm 118:24

Friends

     

‘Two are better than one;…. For if they fall, the one will lift the other up.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Remembering

“Freedom isn’t free.”

“Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

John 15:13

A Sweet Fragrance

“For we are a sweet fragrance to God in Christ

 among those who have life and among those who perish. “

2 Corinthians 2:15

About My Future

It’s Bright!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11