Matthew 6:6 NAS
But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
There are times when you think you are the only one that does that quirky thing a certain way. You are not alone. I was at a writer's workshop and heard a speaker say she does a lot of praying in her shower. And there is a lot of times where her best writing ideas materialize. I thought I was the only one that did that!
About fifteen years ago I was so bogged down at work and at home. I felt like I hadn't given God any time in prayer, it was quick time prayer. More like I need to pray, so just a couple of lines will do for now, prayer.
Then one morning when I stepped into the shower, I just started praying. It was alone time between God and me. I put a handfull of shampoo in my hair and started lathering up. The more I worked my fingers into my hair the more I prayed. I dabbed a small amount of conditioner on the palm of my hand and ran it through my hair. By the time I finished with my shower my hair had been washed along with other parts, but the best feeling I had was a feeling of peace.
God has said to go into your inner most room and pray. Pray without ceasing. You are giving Him your full attention, no television,phone, ipod, or radio for back ground effect. Quiet, one on one with the Father.
Sometimes my shower time lasts longer than it should, but like the speaker, after my prayer time I'm inspired by His silent urging. Something more to write about. Another phrase or single word to elaborate on.
Dear Lord I thank you for my quiet time with you. I pray that others will think of where they can have their quiet time with You too. Amen.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
HEALTH
Jeremiah 30:17 NAS
For I will restore you to health and I will heal you of your wounds, declares the Lord.
It's been a long haul but my sister-in-law lost her battle with cancer this past week. She has had many health problems through out her life but about fifteen years ago she started the battle of her life.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer, went through the chemo and radiation like so many other women. Right after she went through her ordeal, her husband was diagnosed with colon cancer. She was at his side through out his battle, his treatment, and then his ultimate death seven years ago, at the age of fifty three.
No sooner had she laid him to rest when she was diagnosed with the breast cancer again. Another round of chemo and radiation and the doctor said the cancer was in remission for the second time.
Just one month ago she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The family started making their plans to be at her bedside. She was gone before I could say my good bye.
At her funeral I heard so many people praise her ability to face death with grace, and to put everyone else at ease throughout it all. She was able to laugh at herself even during the pain and suffering.
God did not say our life here on earth is going to be easy. Our rewards are in heaven with Him. It's how we live our life during our hardships that allows others to see God's grace through us.
Dear Heavenly Father I praise You for Your love and for always being there for me. Amen.
For I will restore you to health and I will heal you of your wounds, declares the Lord.
It's been a long haul but my sister-in-law lost her battle with cancer this past week. She has had many health problems through out her life but about fifteen years ago she started the battle of her life.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer, went through the chemo and radiation like so many other women. Right after she went through her ordeal, her husband was diagnosed with colon cancer. She was at his side through out his battle, his treatment, and then his ultimate death seven years ago, at the age of fifty three.
No sooner had she laid him to rest when she was diagnosed with the breast cancer again. Another round of chemo and radiation and the doctor said the cancer was in remission for the second time.
Just one month ago she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The family started making their plans to be at her bedside. She was gone before I could say my good bye.
At her funeral I heard so many people praise her ability to face death with grace, and to put everyone else at ease throughout it all. She was able to laugh at herself even during the pain and suffering.
God did not say our life here on earth is going to be easy. Our rewards are in heaven with Him. It's how we live our life during our hardships that allows others to see God's grace through us.
Dear Heavenly Father I praise You for Your love and for always being there for me. Amen.
Friday, July 23, 2010
LOVE
Proverbs 10:12 NAS
Hatred stirs up strife. But love covers all transgressions.
I was cleaning out a stack of old business cards and ran across some cards I purchased at a Christian book store. You know the ones I'm talking about, the kind you hand out in passing, that have a verse on it, or says Happy Birthday, etc. One caught my attention, Love wasn't put in your heart to stay--love isn't love---till you give it away.
Every day someone says. "I love that dress." Or "Don't you just love it?" We tend to throw the word love around like it was everyday slang. Love has a deeper meaning.
Love that has withered the storm of a long marriage, love for your children, love for your parents, love for your neighbor, and most of all love for God. God loved us so much that He gave us His all. His only son died on the cross for our sins. How much more are we willing to give?
In Luke 6:27 it says to love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. James 2:8 says you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Ecclesiastes 3:8 says there is a time to love and a time to hate.
Like the poem says love is nothing until you give it away. Love bottled up drowns inside you. When someone wrongs you pray for that person instead of wishing something bad on them. When you let go of anger and hurt you benefit. You are set free. That other person may never know you prayed for them but our all knowing God knows. He knows what is in your heart.
Dear God thank you for loving me and giving me the ability to love others through my prayers to You. Thank you for setting me free. Amen.
Hatred stirs up strife. But love covers all transgressions.
I was cleaning out a stack of old business cards and ran across some cards I purchased at a Christian book store. You know the ones I'm talking about, the kind you hand out in passing, that have a verse on it, or says Happy Birthday, etc. One caught my attention, Love wasn't put in your heart to stay--love isn't love---till you give it away.
Every day someone says. "I love that dress." Or "Don't you just love it?" We tend to throw the word love around like it was everyday slang. Love has a deeper meaning.
Love that has withered the storm of a long marriage, love for your children, love for your parents, love for your neighbor, and most of all love for God. God loved us so much that He gave us His all. His only son died on the cross for our sins. How much more are we willing to give?
In Luke 6:27 it says to love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. James 2:8 says you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Ecclesiastes 3:8 says there is a time to love and a time to hate.
Like the poem says love is nothing until you give it away. Love bottled up drowns inside you. When someone wrongs you pray for that person instead of wishing something bad on them. When you let go of anger and hurt you benefit. You are set free. That other person may never know you prayed for them but our all knowing God knows. He knows what is in your heart.
Dear God thank you for loving me and giving me the ability to love others through my prayers to You. Thank you for setting me free. Amen.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
God's Wonders
Joel 2:30 NAS
And I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth. Blood, fire, and columns of smoke.
Last week I accompanied my husband to Tampa so he could attend a conference. I thought I would take some time off, look around, or do a little writing. We boarded the plane around noon and we were off. It was beautiful flying weather. Like a child I had a window seat. Our captain came on the speaker and said he was taking the shortest route, over the gulf. We may get to see the oil spill.
I watched the tiny specks dotting the ocean below us and scanned the horizon to see if I could make out anything. All I could see was water, very little shore line. It was a four hour flight and about two and half hours into it the captain announced to the left of the aircraft was the oil rig with flames lifting to the sky. There was about ten or more ships anchored around the rig helping to vacuum the oil before it had a chance to drift closer to shore.
I sat back and looked out over the wing and saw clouds, big billowy clouds, like they wanted to gather up steam and become storm clouds. As a child I would lay on the ground and point out dogs, cats, old men, and even giant mushrooms in the each cloud. Then watch as they exploded and drifted into different shapes.
A tune started running through my mind 'Somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds fly'. I doubt bluebirds were flying this high but I did see large birds below us a few times. Mesmerized by the clouds and sky I looked overhead and the sky gave way to dark blue and continued into blackness. The blackness of outer space.
I looked below at the water then raised my gaze to the horizon where the same color meets each other. How does the pilot know we are not flying upside down? How do our astronauts know which way is up or which way is down when they are so far out in space?
Our God is an amazing God. He knew what he was doing when He made the earth, sun, stars, and the moon. He was even more amazing when he created man and woman. How fine tuned and intricate we are.
Gracious Father You are truly an awesome God. I cannot fathom how You fine tuned the most minute detail of the universe and man. Thank you Lord for my wonderful life. Amen.
And I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth. Blood, fire, and columns of smoke.
Last week I accompanied my husband to Tampa so he could attend a conference. I thought I would take some time off, look around, or do a little writing. We boarded the plane around noon and we were off. It was beautiful flying weather. Like a child I had a window seat. Our captain came on the speaker and said he was taking the shortest route, over the gulf. We may get to see the oil spill.
I watched the tiny specks dotting the ocean below us and scanned the horizon to see if I could make out anything. All I could see was water, very little shore line. It was a four hour flight and about two and half hours into it the captain announced to the left of the aircraft was the oil rig with flames lifting to the sky. There was about ten or more ships anchored around the rig helping to vacuum the oil before it had a chance to drift closer to shore.
I sat back and looked out over the wing and saw clouds, big billowy clouds, like they wanted to gather up steam and become storm clouds. As a child I would lay on the ground and point out dogs, cats, old men, and even giant mushrooms in the each cloud. Then watch as they exploded and drifted into different shapes.
A tune started running through my mind 'Somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds fly'. I doubt bluebirds were flying this high but I did see large birds below us a few times. Mesmerized by the clouds and sky I looked overhead and the sky gave way to dark blue and continued into blackness. The blackness of outer space.
I looked below at the water then raised my gaze to the horizon where the same color meets each other. How does the pilot know we are not flying upside down? How do our astronauts know which way is up or which way is down when they are so far out in space?
Our God is an amazing God. He knew what he was doing when He made the earth, sun, stars, and the moon. He was even more amazing when he created man and woman. How fine tuned and intricate we are.
Gracious Father You are truly an awesome God. I cannot fathom how You fine tuned the most minute detail of the universe and man. Thank you Lord for my wonderful life. Amen.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
PRAISE
Psalm 89:5 NAS
And the heavens will praise Thy wonders, O Lord: Thy faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones.
I've searched and searched my mind on what I wanted to write about today and I've been led to praise Him. Praise Him for all He has done in my life, my children's lives, and for who He is and what He will do in everyones lives. Our God is an awesome God.
HE IS
He is the sun and the moon
the bright evening star
He is the thunder and the lightening
the fresh smelling rain
He is the mighty hurricane, tornado and earthquake
the glistening new falling snow
Listen to Him
He is a baby's cry
A bird singing
the new rose that blooms
He is the roar of the lion
the sting of a bee
the bite of a snake
Listen to Him
He is the touch of a baby's hand
the air that you breathe
the wind in the trees
sounds of a fast moving stream
Be silent and listen
HE IS
Gracious Heavenly Father thank you for every breathe I take, for every new day You give me, and for all You do in my life. Amen.
And the heavens will praise Thy wonders, O Lord: Thy faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones.
I've searched and searched my mind on what I wanted to write about today and I've been led to praise Him. Praise Him for all He has done in my life, my children's lives, and for who He is and what He will do in everyones lives. Our God is an awesome God.
HE IS
He is the sun and the moon
the bright evening star
He is the thunder and the lightening
the fresh smelling rain
He is the mighty hurricane, tornado and earthquake
the glistening new falling snow
Listen to Him
He is a baby's cry
A bird singing
the new rose that blooms
He is the roar of the lion
the sting of a bee
the bite of a snake
Listen to Him
He is the touch of a baby's hand
the air that you breathe
the wind in the trees
sounds of a fast moving stream
Be silent and listen
HE IS
Gracious Heavenly Father thank you for every breathe I take, for every new day You give me, and for all You do in my life. Amen.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Bitterness
Ephesians 4:31 NAS
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
Recently I chatted with a friend about her family. I asked how her father was doing these days and she replied. "Please do not speak his name around me ever again."
I was surprised at her comment and asked why did she feel this way. Surely it couldn't be that bad where she didn't want his name spoken around her. She went on to tell me about the lies, name calling, and the gossip he was spreading about her and her family.
Later I spoke with her brother and he told me the same story but added a bit more that I was unaware of. She was still holding a grudge against her father for giving her up when she was a teen ager. It seems when her parents divorced and her mother remarried, her father gave her up for adoption. She still carries that scar and has let it fester over the years.
When I heard that I called and spoke to her about how she is letting the bitterness take over her life. Allowing the bitteness to take control will end up taking her down to the lowest abyss possible. When that happens your health goes astray, you start to doubt everyone around you. Will they be there when I need them or will they throw me away like my father did? I prayed with her but now it is up to her to give it over to the Lord and let Him be the guide in her life.
No matter what someone else has done to you, it is far better to let God take control, than let it destroy your life. This is hard because we are only human and our first response is to get even or wish something bad on that individual.
Dear Heavenly Father I pray for my friend that she finds peace with the Lord and lets go of all the bitterness against her father. To let the Lord handle her life, He knows what is best for her. Amen.
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
Recently I chatted with a friend about her family. I asked how her father was doing these days and she replied. "Please do not speak his name around me ever again."
I was surprised at her comment and asked why did she feel this way. Surely it couldn't be that bad where she didn't want his name spoken around her. She went on to tell me about the lies, name calling, and the gossip he was spreading about her and her family.
Later I spoke with her brother and he told me the same story but added a bit more that I was unaware of. She was still holding a grudge against her father for giving her up when she was a teen ager. It seems when her parents divorced and her mother remarried, her father gave her up for adoption. She still carries that scar and has let it fester over the years.
When I heard that I called and spoke to her about how she is letting the bitterness take over her life. Allowing the bitteness to take control will end up taking her down to the lowest abyss possible. When that happens your health goes astray, you start to doubt everyone around you. Will they be there when I need them or will they throw me away like my father did? I prayed with her but now it is up to her to give it over to the Lord and let Him be the guide in her life.
No matter what someone else has done to you, it is far better to let God take control, than let it destroy your life. This is hard because we are only human and our first response is to get even or wish something bad on that individual.
Dear Heavenly Father I pray for my friend that she finds peace with the Lord and lets go of all the bitterness against her father. To let the Lord handle her life, He knows what is best for her. Amen.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Defraud
Leviticus 19:13 NIV
Do not defraud your neighbor or rob him. Do not hold back the wages of a hired man overnight.
Recently I heard from a friend that she never wanted her father's name to be spoken around her. As far as she and her family were concerned her father no longer existed. These were harsh words spoken about a family that once seemed close. I knew the father she was talking about. I remember thinking years ago that someday his shady deals would come back to haunt him. Now it looks like this has happened.
Almost everyone knows someone, or has heard of someone, that has defrauded a business associate, friend, or perhaps a family member. It's bad enough when a person defrauds a stranger but when it comes to defrauding a family member it is heart breaking. You are supposed to be able to trust a family member, especially your father.
Your father held your hand and steadied you as you learned to take your first steps. He held on to the back of the bicycle as you learned to ride without the training wheels. Remember him sitting next to you as you learned to drive? He was the calm one, never biting his nails or yelling when you forgot to pop the clutch when you changed gears.
Now, whatever has transpired in his life has affected his family. I cannot even imagine never having any communication with my children ever again. My heart would break if my children didn't want to have anything to do with me. This is how God feels when we turn our backs on Him. His heart breaks when we say we can live without Him.
I, for one, never want to loose my closeness with the Heavenly Father. Without Him I am nothing. I feel His arms around me every day and know I am taken care of, safe and sound. The days I do not feel His arms around me are the days I wake up and don't start out with a prayer for guidance. My God will never defraud me, let me down, only lift me up.
Dear Father I pray that everyone will ask You to be their Father. I know that You will always be there for them. Amen.
Do not defraud your neighbor or rob him. Do not hold back the wages of a hired man overnight.
Recently I heard from a friend that she never wanted her father's name to be spoken around her. As far as she and her family were concerned her father no longer existed. These were harsh words spoken about a family that once seemed close. I knew the father she was talking about. I remember thinking years ago that someday his shady deals would come back to haunt him. Now it looks like this has happened.
Almost everyone knows someone, or has heard of someone, that has defrauded a business associate, friend, or perhaps a family member. It's bad enough when a person defrauds a stranger but when it comes to defrauding a family member it is heart breaking. You are supposed to be able to trust a family member, especially your father.
Your father held your hand and steadied you as you learned to take your first steps. He held on to the back of the bicycle as you learned to ride without the training wheels. Remember him sitting next to you as you learned to drive? He was the calm one, never biting his nails or yelling when you forgot to pop the clutch when you changed gears.
Now, whatever has transpired in his life has affected his family. I cannot even imagine never having any communication with my children ever again. My heart would break if my children didn't want to have anything to do with me. This is how God feels when we turn our backs on Him. His heart breaks when we say we can live without Him.
I, for one, never want to loose my closeness with the Heavenly Father. Without Him I am nothing. I feel His arms around me every day and know I am taken care of, safe and sound. The days I do not feel His arms around me are the days I wake up and don't start out with a prayer for guidance. My God will never defraud me, let me down, only lift me up.
Dear Father I pray that everyone will ask You to be their Father. I know that You will always be there for them. Amen.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Deeds
Psalms 66:5 NIV
Come and see what God has done, how awesome His works in man's behalf.
I'm sitting in my hotel room overlooking the channel in Tampa. Lining the channel are boats of all sizes and shapes along with the tall sailing ships of the seas. The sailing ships, with their masts blowing in the wind, sending them out across the oceans. Man, fitting together the parts, that make the engines, to power the smaller boats, to set sights far out into the waters. How magnificent is man's works.
Someone had the vision of making a water way for ships, to be able to dock along side the hotels, that tower over the water. You can walk outside the hotel and get into your boat and head out to open water.
How much more is God's grand works. He made the earth and the sun, so we can sit outside and bake our skin until it is a golden brown. He made the moon and stars so you and I can star gaze and marvel at how big the moon looks at certain times of the month. He put the water on the earth so we can swim, water ski, fish, and take cruises. The flowers and trees with their lingering fragrances were put in strategic places to give us shade and resources to build our homes.
I could go on and on but I think you get the picture. Our Heavenly Father is our source for our very existence. God loved us so much He gave us so much. He only asks for our love and obedience in return.
Dear Heavenly Father thank you for all You have given me each day. I love You Lord. Amen.
Come and see what God has done, how awesome His works in man's behalf.
I'm sitting in my hotel room overlooking the channel in Tampa. Lining the channel are boats of all sizes and shapes along with the tall sailing ships of the seas. The sailing ships, with their masts blowing in the wind, sending them out across the oceans. Man, fitting together the parts, that make the engines, to power the smaller boats, to set sights far out into the waters. How magnificent is man's works.
Someone had the vision of making a water way for ships, to be able to dock along side the hotels, that tower over the water. You can walk outside the hotel and get into your boat and head out to open water.
How much more is God's grand works. He made the earth and the sun, so we can sit outside and bake our skin until it is a golden brown. He made the moon and stars so you and I can star gaze and marvel at how big the moon looks at certain times of the month. He put the water on the earth so we can swim, water ski, fish, and take cruises. The flowers and trees with their lingering fragrances were put in strategic places to give us shade and resources to build our homes.
I could go on and on but I think you get the picture. Our Heavenly Father is our source for our very existence. God loved us so much He gave us so much. He only asks for our love and obedience in return.
Dear Heavenly Father thank you for all You have given me each day. I love You Lord. Amen.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Sisters
Matthew 12:50 NAS
For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.
Our family has never been a close knit group. I am the oldest with three sisters and two brothers. I married at sixteen and moved away so that in its self meant breaking away from family gatherings. On top of that, my mother divorced, and moved taking my brothers and sisters even farther away from where they were living.
Throughout the years I've tried to keep in touch, but with my growing family, and every day life that was hard to do. It was years before I started going home for visits, but even then, it was hard to get everyone together. Mom was always delighted when we were all home enjoying each other's company.
Then about fifteen years ago we had a family reunion, which didn't turn out very well. Since I was the oldest they all looked to me to plan everything, which I must say, I did not do a very good job of. Everyone went their own way. Our last night together was good, but at times, was strained. I probably had a hand in that myself. I am more to blame because I know better.
My brother behind me and I are the closest and when I told him it would be a very long time before I got together with my sisters again. He was the sensible one and said. "You shouldn't feel that way. You never know."
Since then my little brother has passed away and now his wife has been sent home with pancreatic cancer. They said there was nothing more they can do for her.
I've done a lot of thinking since I found out her time on earth has been shortened. We do not know when our Father will call us to our eternal home. Our earthly home is only temporary.
My heart has softened I guess because I know I need to mend fences with my sisters when I go home. I know that is what God wants me to do, but it's only with His love and guidance that I will be able to do it.
Dear Father I pray for your guidance with my sisters, to forget all hurts and frivolous things that have happened. I pray these things in Jesus Name. Amen.
For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.
Our family has never been a close knit group. I am the oldest with three sisters and two brothers. I married at sixteen and moved away so that in its self meant breaking away from family gatherings. On top of that, my mother divorced, and moved taking my brothers and sisters even farther away from where they were living.
Throughout the years I've tried to keep in touch, but with my growing family, and every day life that was hard to do. It was years before I started going home for visits, but even then, it was hard to get everyone together. Mom was always delighted when we were all home enjoying each other's company.
Then about fifteen years ago we had a family reunion, which didn't turn out very well. Since I was the oldest they all looked to me to plan everything, which I must say, I did not do a very good job of. Everyone went their own way. Our last night together was good, but at times, was strained. I probably had a hand in that myself. I am more to blame because I know better.
My brother behind me and I are the closest and when I told him it would be a very long time before I got together with my sisters again. He was the sensible one and said. "You shouldn't feel that way. You never know."
Since then my little brother has passed away and now his wife has been sent home with pancreatic cancer. They said there was nothing more they can do for her.
I've done a lot of thinking since I found out her time on earth has been shortened. We do not know when our Father will call us to our eternal home. Our earthly home is only temporary.
My heart has softened I guess because I know I need to mend fences with my sisters when I go home. I know that is what God wants me to do, but it's only with His love and guidance that I will be able to do it.
Dear Father I pray for your guidance with my sisters, to forget all hurts and frivolous things that have happened. I pray these things in Jesus Name. Amen.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Darkness
Psalms 107:14 NAS
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their bands apart.
A few days ago I was talking to a friend. She was telling me about a friend of hers that was going through a period of darkness in her life. He husband had been in Iraq and upon his return she said he had changed. They started to have martial problems and separated.
My grandson also was in Iraq. He was only nineteen when he was sent over there. Upon his return his marriage fell apart and he found himself divorced. He was living in deep darkness.
We cannot fathom what our men are going though, what they see, or how they feel during the throes of war. The suffering, turmoil, and stress of everyday dodging bullets, bombs, or watching their comrade fall before their eyes. Like my husband says, "I'm a fixer. If I can't fix it I get frustrated."
War is something that can't be fixed over night. There are so many hindrances to overcome. This can put some people into deep despair leading into an even deeper darkness. They feel there is no way out. Some have even taken their lives because they'd fallen so far into a dark hole that they didn't know how to get out.
This darkness I'm talking about is not only for our men at war, but for anyone going through a divorce, lost a loved one, or even been in an accident. I felt the darkness while going through a divorce, but was renewed through God's love for me.
In my darkest hour I reached for my Bible and started reading. His words comforted me, and I felt restored. Now, whenever I feel down and not able to fix a situation, my Bible is opened to where God is leading.
Father God I pray for everyone that is going through a rough period in their life, a period that has over shadowed their lives and flung them in darkness. May Your Word lift them up into the light. Amen.
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their bands apart.
A few days ago I was talking to a friend. She was telling me about a friend of hers that was going through a period of darkness in her life. He husband had been in Iraq and upon his return she said he had changed. They started to have martial problems and separated.
My grandson also was in Iraq. He was only nineteen when he was sent over there. Upon his return his marriage fell apart and he found himself divorced. He was living in deep darkness.
We cannot fathom what our men are going though, what they see, or how they feel during the throes of war. The suffering, turmoil, and stress of everyday dodging bullets, bombs, or watching their comrade fall before their eyes. Like my husband says, "I'm a fixer. If I can't fix it I get frustrated."
War is something that can't be fixed over night. There are so many hindrances to overcome. This can put some people into deep despair leading into an even deeper darkness. They feel there is no way out. Some have even taken their lives because they'd fallen so far into a dark hole that they didn't know how to get out.
This darkness I'm talking about is not only for our men at war, but for anyone going through a divorce, lost a loved one, or even been in an accident. I felt the darkness while going through a divorce, but was renewed through God's love for me.
In my darkest hour I reached for my Bible and started reading. His words comforted me, and I felt restored. Now, whenever I feel down and not able to fix a situation, my Bible is opened to where God is leading.
Father God I pray for everyone that is going through a rough period in their life, a period that has over shadowed their lives and flung them in darkness. May Your Word lift them up into the light. Amen.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Genealogy
Hebrews 7:3 NAS
Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he abides a priest perpetually.
Last night I went to a genealogy group that just formed at our library. I wanted to see what they were doing, if it was a beginners group, and to see if some of my old friends would be there. Since genealogy is my passion I wanted to know if someone else found a better web site or a new way to find that elusive relative.
Well I did make new friends and it was sort of a beginners group. Some people had been tracing their lineage for quite a few years and some were beginners. The ones that had been at it for awhile told of how they got to that point. One gentleman said he had his DNA tested but he wasn't sure if it's helped him or not. He was still having trouble figuring out the markers, etc. I told him I had my DNA tested also, and I too, was confused on where I was in the big picture.
It's exciting when you find that relative you've been searching for. You want to shout it out to everyone. I've caught myself sitting at the computer throwing my hands in the air and shouting "I found him!"
Think of how much more God is excited when another child of His has accepted His grace and life everlasting. That thought is beyond my wildest dreams. I cannot grasp His jubilant reaction, His angels singing, or even the brightest sunlight shinning down on His children.
Gracious Heavenly Father thank you for the love You've given me just for being Your child. Amen.
Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he abides a priest perpetually.
Last night I went to a genealogy group that just formed at our library. I wanted to see what they were doing, if it was a beginners group, and to see if some of my old friends would be there. Since genealogy is my passion I wanted to know if someone else found a better web site or a new way to find that elusive relative.
Well I did make new friends and it was sort of a beginners group. Some people had been tracing their lineage for quite a few years and some were beginners. The ones that had been at it for awhile told of how they got to that point. One gentleman said he had his DNA tested but he wasn't sure if it's helped him or not. He was still having trouble figuring out the markers, etc. I told him I had my DNA tested also, and I too, was confused on where I was in the big picture.
It's exciting when you find that relative you've been searching for. You want to shout it out to everyone. I've caught myself sitting at the computer throwing my hands in the air and shouting "I found him!"
Think of how much more God is excited when another child of His has accepted His grace and life everlasting. That thought is beyond my wildest dreams. I cannot grasp His jubilant reaction, His angels singing, or even the brightest sunlight shinning down on His children.
Gracious Heavenly Father thank you for the love You've given me just for being Your child. Amen.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Cattle
Psalm 50:10 NAS
For every beast of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
Eighteen years ago I had the opportunity to see Lou Lou Roman in concert at a church in town. Maybe you don't know who Lou Lou Roman is but she graced the stage on the old television program Hee Haw. Once in awhile she was asked to sing gospel music. Her full, rich, voice caressed each word when she praised God.
After giving her testimony she sang a song she wrote. I was so impressed with the words I had to buy the cassette and I played it over and over again until I was able to write all the words down. I keep it in my address book and read it from time to time to remind me that all my worldly treasures are only mine for a little while, they belong to my Heavenly Father. He loves me so much He gives these treasures to me to enjoy in my earthly life.
She talks about praying, thank you for Your family, mercy and love, but on to important things. then she continues asking, give me this and give me that. Give me wealth, keep me healthy, I need the things I think I've missed.
We forget that all we have belongs to God. From the cattle on a thousand hills to the tiny hummingbird I see perched on the feeder outside my window. We can build a fortune here on earth but in the end we cannot take it with us when we pass on. It is God's gift to us but what we do with it is our responsibility. To share God's gift with others should be our aspiration.
Heavenly Father I pray I never take advantage of all You do for me. Just to wake up each day and breathe the air, to hear the birds sing, or see the trees. Thank You Lord. Amen.
For every beast of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
Eighteen years ago I had the opportunity to see Lou Lou Roman in concert at a church in town. Maybe you don't know who Lou Lou Roman is but she graced the stage on the old television program Hee Haw. Once in awhile she was asked to sing gospel music. Her full, rich, voice caressed each word when she praised God.
After giving her testimony she sang a song she wrote. I was so impressed with the words I had to buy the cassette and I played it over and over again until I was able to write all the words down. I keep it in my address book and read it from time to time to remind me that all my worldly treasures are only mine for a little while, they belong to my Heavenly Father. He loves me so much He gives these treasures to me to enjoy in my earthly life.
She talks about praying, thank you for Your family, mercy and love, but on to important things. then she continues asking, give me this and give me that. Give me wealth, keep me healthy, I need the things I think I've missed.
We forget that all we have belongs to God. From the cattle on a thousand hills to the tiny hummingbird I see perched on the feeder outside my window. We can build a fortune here on earth but in the end we cannot take it with us when we pass on. It is God's gift to us but what we do with it is our responsibility. To share God's gift with others should be our aspiration.
Heavenly Father I pray I never take advantage of all You do for me. Just to wake up each day and breathe the air, to hear the birds sing, or see the trees. Thank You Lord. Amen.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Comfort
II Corinthians 7:4 NAS
Great is my confidence in you, great is my boasting on your behalf; I am filled with comfort, I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction.
Seven years ago my little brother passed away. He fought the good fight until the colon cancer became too much and over took his weakened body. I sat at his side for a week before he died. His family and I celebrated his life while I was there with them. We set off fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July, fixed his favorite meals, and talked about old times.
I arrived home on Monday and the Lord took him home on Tuesday. I am comforted because I know I will see him again.
During the time of my brother's cancer my sister-in-law developed breast cancer. They both went through chemo and radiation together. She laid him to rest and just one year later her cancer returned. Again she went through the regime of radiation and chemo. Her hair fell out but grew back in very curly, but gray. We joked about her curly hair and she turned gray before I did. You see I'm ten years older than my brother and his wife.
In the past month my sister-in-law found out that she now has pancreatic cancer. She has refused treatment saying it's more than she can bear. She says she is ready. To watch their mother suffer, much like their father, is very hard on the children she leaves behind. Their love for Christ is sustaining them now like it did six years ago.
I tell you this story because it is not unique. I've seen families in my own church attending services just days after the loss of their loved ones. Their love for Christ sustains them. I know it's hard after loosing a loved one, and it's one day at a time, but each day with Jesus makes it easier. And the reassurance of seeing their loved one again gives them strength to go on. Our God comforts us in our times of loss and dispair. Praise God.
Gracious Father I pray that you comfort the family during their time of loss. Keep them in Your gentle hands and guide them each day. Amen.
Great is my confidence in you, great is my boasting on your behalf; I am filled with comfort, I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction.
Seven years ago my little brother passed away. He fought the good fight until the colon cancer became too much and over took his weakened body. I sat at his side for a week before he died. His family and I celebrated his life while I was there with them. We set off fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July, fixed his favorite meals, and talked about old times.
I arrived home on Monday and the Lord took him home on Tuesday. I am comforted because I know I will see him again.
During the time of my brother's cancer my sister-in-law developed breast cancer. They both went through chemo and radiation together. She laid him to rest and just one year later her cancer returned. Again she went through the regime of radiation and chemo. Her hair fell out but grew back in very curly, but gray. We joked about her curly hair and she turned gray before I did. You see I'm ten years older than my brother and his wife.
In the past month my sister-in-law found out that she now has pancreatic cancer. She has refused treatment saying it's more than she can bear. She says she is ready. To watch their mother suffer, much like their father, is very hard on the children she leaves behind. Their love for Christ is sustaining them now like it did six years ago.
I tell you this story because it is not unique. I've seen families in my own church attending services just days after the loss of their loved ones. Their love for Christ sustains them. I know it's hard after loosing a loved one, and it's one day at a time, but each day with Jesus makes it easier. And the reassurance of seeing their loved one again gives them strength to go on. Our God comforts us in our times of loss and dispair. Praise God.
Gracious Father I pray that you comfort the family during their time of loss. Keep them in Your gentle hands and guide them each day. Amen.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Best
Luke 15:22 NAS
The father said to his servants, "Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.
When we go out for a job interview we put our best foot forward so to speak. We make sure our clothes are cleaned, pressed, shoes shined, and our hair is in place. Think about that first date you went on. You wanted to make an impression so you picked out the best restaurant, cleaned your car, and made sure your clothes were in tip top shape. No loose strings, stains, or tears. You might have even gone out and bought new clothes.
Aunt Hazel came to visit and we put out the best china, cleaned the house, and made her favorite dish for dinner. You might want to call this putting on the airs but don't we want to give her the best we have?
How much more are we to give to our Lord? Do we not owe Him our best? Like my mother used to say. "Don't do the job half way, go the extra mile, and do your best."
When God asks us to do something we should give it our best. Think of how your earthly father is gladdened in what you do then magnify it one hundred times over. That is how God delights in you giving your best.
Gracious Heavenly Father I pray I do my best in all I do for You. To glorify Your name Lord. Amen.
The father said to his servants, "Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.
When we go out for a job interview we put our best foot forward so to speak. We make sure our clothes are cleaned, pressed, shoes shined, and our hair is in place. Think about that first date you went on. You wanted to make an impression so you picked out the best restaurant, cleaned your car, and made sure your clothes were in tip top shape. No loose strings, stains, or tears. You might have even gone out and bought new clothes.
Aunt Hazel came to visit and we put out the best china, cleaned the house, and made her favorite dish for dinner. You might want to call this putting on the airs but don't we want to give her the best we have?
How much more are we to give to our Lord? Do we not owe Him our best? Like my mother used to say. "Don't do the job half way, go the extra mile, and do your best."
When God asks us to do something we should give it our best. Think of how your earthly father is gladdened in what you do then magnify it one hundred times over. That is how God delights in you giving your best.
Gracious Heavenly Father I pray I do my best in all I do for You. To glorify Your name Lord. Amen.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Believe
Matthew 21:22 NAS
"And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive."
Believe.....this is a hard one. I believe and I have faith, but do I have enough faith to believe in what I ask for will be given?
This morning as I was mulling over what I wanted to write about, or what God wanted me to write about the word 'believe' kept coming to mind. I believe in myself, that I can do anything I set my mind to. I believe if I touch a hot stove I'm going to get burnt. I believe that if I keep writing I will become proficient in making my sentences speak with meaning and put the punctuation marks in the right places.
Many years ago when I was going through a rough time my prayers to God were if you do this for me, and I believed it would happen, then I would do that for You. I couldn't understand why my prayers weren't answered. I believed and I had faith.
As I grew in my knowledge of the Lord I understood why He didn't answer my prayers the way I wanted Him to. Like an earthly father our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us. We have to believe in His wisdom and His timing for our prayers to be answered, and in His way. How much better are His ways than ours.
Like a spoiled child I wanted things my way, and I wanted them then, not later. Now in my later years God has blessed me more than a hundred times over. Something I would never have seen years ago.
Heavenly Father please be patient with me when I pray for things. I believe they will be answered but they will be answered according to Your will and not mine. Thank you for the many blessings You have given me and my family. Amen.
"And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive."
Believe.....this is a hard one. I believe and I have faith, but do I have enough faith to believe in what I ask for will be given?
This morning as I was mulling over what I wanted to write about, or what God wanted me to write about the word 'believe' kept coming to mind. I believe in myself, that I can do anything I set my mind to. I believe if I touch a hot stove I'm going to get burnt. I believe that if I keep writing I will become proficient in making my sentences speak with meaning and put the punctuation marks in the right places.
Many years ago when I was going through a rough time my prayers to God were if you do this for me, and I believed it would happen, then I would do that for You. I couldn't understand why my prayers weren't answered. I believed and I had faith.
As I grew in my knowledge of the Lord I understood why He didn't answer my prayers the way I wanted Him to. Like an earthly father our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us. We have to believe in His wisdom and His timing for our prayers to be answered, and in His way. How much better are His ways than ours.
Like a spoiled child I wanted things my way, and I wanted them then, not later. Now in my later years God has blessed me more than a hundred times over. Something I would never have seen years ago.
Heavenly Father please be patient with me when I pray for things. I believe they will be answered but they will be answered according to Your will and not mine. Thank you for the many blessings You have given me and my family. Amen.
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