Don't back down when facing giants

"No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgement You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me," says the LORD." Isaiah 54:17

Have you ever read chapter seventeen of 1 Samuel?  If you haven't I strongly recommend that you do so.  It is the amazing account of the shepherd boy David going up against the giant Goliath. An entire army of soldiers were terrified of Goliath, but David, a youth, was not, because he knew where he got his courage and strength.  In verses 34-36 he tells King Saul "Your servant used to keep his father's sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God." And in verse 37 he explains why he has the courage he does: "The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of the Philistine."

You see, David knew it was the LORD who protected and did battle for him. Further on in the chapter after King Saul had tried to clothe David in the armor of his soldiers, David quickly realized they were not useful to him, and took them off. (verses 38 and 39) He then prepared himself with the tools he had used when guarding his father's sheep; his staff, five smooth stones form the brook, and his sling. (vs 40)  But most importantly as he went and stood before Goliath, who "disdained him, for he was only  youth." (vs 43) David stood firm and told the giant why he would have victory over him. "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD's and He will give you into our hands." (verses 45-47 italics added for emphasis)

As I write this, my husband who is still recovering from a nasty fall, is watching Fox news and the reports of historic flooding in Michigan and other problems that are currently plaguing our nation, and the world. It seems that every day some new crisis arises. At the same time I am listening to "See a Victory by Elevation Worship https://youtu.be/jEK6_rz26z0. Now I don't know all the spiritual state of being of those who report the news, or the singers in this group. God alone does. But what I do know is the news on the television can be upsetting, but this song helps me not to be overcome by the ginormous amount of bad news. It empower me to the battle of life we are currently engaged in.  The lyrics remind me that the battle belongs to the LORD and that there is power in the mighty name of Jesus. Quite honestly, I need every implement of courage in my hand that I am able to hold.  For David it was five smooth stones, his staff and his sling.  For me, it is a daily saturation of God's word as I study, praise songs that help me keep my focus fixed on the LORD's face, and prayer, oh so much prayer.

We're living in a pretty crazy time right now. But we're not the first set of believers to do so.  Every generation faces giants.  The question is, are we going to back down and run or stand firm?

I choose to stand firm.  Feet firmly planted in the hope, the knowledge, the peace and confidence, that God is in control and I can trust Him.

I pray you will find the same strength.

May God receive all the glory.

Peace in the midst of chaos

"You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trust in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength." Isaiah 26:3&4


I was so excited. The water filling my washing machine was finally flowing freely. Something had been blocking the cold water line for some time, but today it was filling without a problem. Gleefully I put in a full load and walked away, rejoicing that with this load, I had managed to finish the last of my laundry for the week.

I then went to get something to eat for my husband who is recovering from a nasty fall. He's been home from the hospital for less than a week. The vertebrae in his neck have been fused and, by God's grace, he was not killed or paralyzed. He isn't going to be able to be as active as he's been in the past for awhile though. The lift chair (a gift from a friend) has become the place where he will spend a great deal of time until his neck heals and he regains his strength.  We have a long road ahead of us, but we are adjusting to our new normal.

As I headed into the kitchen, the news on the TV droned on the about all that's going on with the Corona virus pandemic.  I adjusted my attitude as the news anchors discussed the quarantines that are being lifted in some states and not in others, and all the other less than cheerful bits of information. Closing the refrigerator door, I noticed water on the floor.  At first I thought maybe something had spilled.

When I looked closer I realized it was flowing freely from the laundry room, and rapidly headed towards the dining room.

My washing machine was filling to overflowing.

Rushing over to it I pushed the button to make it stop, but nothing happened. I then lifted the lid in hopes of making the water stop, but to no avail. My canvas tennis shoes soaked because of the amount of water on the floor, I finally managed to get the water turned off behind the washer.  All the while water is heading towards the dining room and the laminate floor. Quickly dashing to the bathroom, without slipping and breaking MY neck, I grabbed towels and blocked the flow of water from reaching the dining room.  I then got the squeegee and began pushing water out the back door.  Dale apologized for not being able to do more to help, and called our landlord, who is also our pastor and friend, and lives a half mile down the dirt road from us. He quickly arrived to help, and said he would secure us a new washing machine as quickly as possible.

As he was leaving, he asked if we'd gotten notice from PG&E (our power company). When I said no, he made a face that was a mixture between apologetic and pained. The power will be shut off tomorrow for several hours so the power company can make repairs to their lines.

And then I laughed.

Seriously.  I laughed, and I am laughing now as I am typing this.

Not that any of this is funny, but there is a certain ridiculousness about all of it, that makes me laugh.

It's like the enemy of our souls is doing everything he can to throw discouragement in our pathway, but he's failing...and that makes me laugh with joy.

Have I faced moments of discouragement and fear? Absolutely!  It's been a rather difficult year on many levels.  This is just another jagged place that we'll get through.

But the thing that is most amazing to me in this, is how these last two things (the washer and water and no power tomorrow) have simply made me laugh, rather than cry.  There is something enormously comforting knowing that NONE of this happens without God's knowledge or permission.  It's almost like He and I are sharing the most intimate joke about how futile it is for the enemy to keep trying to steal my joy.

You see, my joy is not based on circumstances.  If it were, my life would have been turned upside down years ago.

My joy is based solely on the hope I have in Jesus Christ.

He has promised He will never leave or forsake me and I believe Him.  I don't always understand why things are happening, but I know that there is a purpose and a plan in everything God does.
He never says "Oops!"

As I told Steve (our pastor/landlord) as he was leaving the house, I always look for the picture behind the window. I know there is more here than what we see.


God is still at work. He's in control. Good can come out of even the most frustrating or troubling circumstances. My kitchen floor is SUPER clean now. (lots of water can make that happen).  My heart is cheerful (always a good thing).

And I had something to share with others about how awesome God is, which is always the best thing.

May your troubles be light, and at the very least, may they leave you light hearted and cheerful.
Have confidence in God's plan. You too can have peace in the midst of chaos.

Blessed Assurance

Blessed Assurance

 a poem by Amy D. Torres 

When the peace that I've been feeling is suddenly slammed against the wall,

as I get my bearings, on the Lord Jesus's name I call .

The raging tempest of the storm

makes for wild and rolling seas, 

but rather than try to stand on my own, 

I fall quickly to my knees.

"I need You Lord,  please help me!",

is the cry I speak.

He is the only solution,  

the only answer I will seek.

And at the time the howling winds

are shrieking at their fiercest,

deep within my soul I hear God's voice 

reminding me of His nearness. 

"Do not be afraid,  My child. I will never leave you.

There's nothing you encounter 

that I won't see you through.

You trust Me when there's light around

you can trust Me in the dark.

Nothing the enemy throws at you

will ever diminish the spark

of the flame of faith I'm growing in you,

I will make it brightly burn.

There's nothing you ever need to do,

My grace you cannot earn.

You can rest within the tempest squalls, they rise and fall at My command.  

Be reassured and comforted child-

Nothing will ever snatch you from my hand.

                             ~°~°~

Psalm 56:3 "Whenever I am afraid I will trust in You."

#thevelveteengrandma #blessedbeyondmeasure #prayerispower

What do I do with my crown?

"I will go to the king which is against the law, and if I perish, I perish." Esther 4:16

Are you familiar with the story of Esther? If not I encourage you to take time to read the book in the Bible named after her. She is definitely a heroine worthy of remembrance. The line quoted above is when she had been advised of an evil plot, and after asking for prayer coverage, she was heading to speak with the king without being summoned by him. It was a noble and courageous act as it could mean her death to approach him without having been invited into his counsel.

I was thinking about it this morning while considering current events. Sometimes it is necessary to be bold and courageous in the face of situations that are unjust, but in taking a stand there is the grand possibility of becoming a target.  It is good to be wise when speaking up, because "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1), and "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." (Proverbs 25:11) I am very confident that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) but knowing when to be silent and when to speak, (Ecclesiastes 3:7) can be challenging.

Therein lies my dilemma.

You see, I am fiercely protective of those I love and have to keep a tight rein on that fierceness.  I know God is working all things together for our good and His glory. He is trustworthy and has a perfect plan for each one of our lives. I also know He has reminded us repeatedly throughout Scripture to "fear not".  Two of my favorite verses address fear."Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41;10) and "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear," (1 John 4:18)

So what does all this have to do with what to do with my crown?

A lot.  As a princess warrior I know my first responsibility is to my King, the Lord Jesus Christ. I am called to serve in a right manner that brings glory and honor to Him.  As I was wrestling with the frustration over how much fear is being generated by the media over this whole Corona Virus/Covid19 issue, the fierceness to protect began to rise. Knowing how easily that fierceness can be misused I immediately began girding myself with the full armor of God (for greater detail about our battle and tools see Ephesians 6:10-18). While doing so, the question arose in my mind. What do I do with my crown? And in the same moment I asked, it was answered. I am to lay it at His feet.

I serve Him with devotion and joy, and gladly surrender my total will to His command. I am His child.

I quake only slightly as I fasten on the garment necessary to do battle against the foe, the dragon of fear, that threatens those I love.  Strapping on the breastplate of righteousness, I feel the energy of God's courage begin to course through my being. I wrap the girdle of truth around my waist, and doubt flees. I put my feet firmly into the gospel of peace, knowing God's holy word is my foundation. I pick up the sword of the Spirit, confident He will do battle for me, and as I place my crown at my Savior's feet, I can now put on the helmet of my salvation. There is nothing I need to fear because God is always with me.  Breathing a deep sigh of confidence, I pick up the shield of faith and take my stand. The victory is mine for the battle belongs to the Lord (1 Samuel 17:47) I lift my eyes to Him and wait for His command. It is only His will I desire to do.

I will praise Him because He alone is worthy of praise. No matter what may come, I choose to keep my eyes on Him, and follow Him wherever He leads. I am fearless in His perfect love.

To Him be the glory now and forever.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Inescapable truth

"Behold, I tell you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed-in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." (Isaiah 25:8) "O Death, where is your sting? (hos. 13:14) O Hades, where is your victory."

The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (bold added for emphasis) Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
1 Corinthians 15:51-58

As of this writing we are one week into a state wide shelter in place. Many things have transpired in the past seven days, but the most evident is the fear that is beginning to rise in the nation as other states respond to the coronavirus. Watching the news last night as another city faced the effects of the shelter in place, my heart broke for a woman who was obviously consumed by fear. And as I was typing just now, I received a text from a friend asking for prayer for someone who had suffered a heart attack because of stress.

We may be experiencing a pandemic, but the greater problem is the fear that is gripping so many.

I admit, I have had to do daily battle against the enemy of fear. My choice weapon is praising God for the knowledge that nothing comes to us that hasn't been filtered through His hand or without His knowledge and permission (see the first chapter of Job). I bathe my mind with Scriptures that reassure me of God's Presence and peace. One of my favorite right in the middle of 1 John 4:18 now  "Perfect love casts out fear."   There is no more perfect love than the love of Elohim, our Creator, who provided us the ability to have an intimate relationship with Him through His Son, and the Savior of all who will accept the gift of grace, Jesus Christ. It is the knowledge of His great love for us, for me, that keeps drawing my eyes towards Him and away from the stormy sea of doubt and fear. (check out who is the Master over the storm in Mark 4:35-41)

Having said that, I will now return to the purpose behind why I decided to write today.

Here is an inescapable truth. Unless the Lord Raptures us (and it could happen in our lifetime) we're all going to die. Our physical existence on this plane (earth) will come to an end.

Our life as we know it on earth will end, but our souls will continue on into eternity. The question is, where will you spend eternity?

I have assurance because of my relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:6) It is a confidence that no storm will be able to shake. I don't fear dying, because I know God has prepared a place for me and I will rest in peace when that day comes.

Now dying is a whole different scenario.

I get it why people are scared. The passage between life and death is unknown. Suffering is often a part of the process for many...and none of us like to suffer.

I would love to go as one of my great-grandmother's did.  The story goes that the family was gathered around the dining table eating, and she looked around and told each of them that she loved them, laid her head down on the table and was gone.

That's pretty awesome.
 
Now I don't remember the exact circumstances of my other grandparents deaths, but I do know they faced it bravely, confident we would see one another again. One of the songs my grandfather Van Winkle picked to be sung at his funeral was God be with you 'til we meet again.  I still tear up a bit when singing it. I miss him.

Daddy had been ill for awhile when his heart simply stopped. Not a heart attack. It just quit beating.The doctor said he had never seen anything like it.
Mom was hospitalized with pneumonia, but passed quietly with her children around her. She was so ready to join her husband of over 50 years.

The bottom line...I don't want to enter heaven screaming as I try to hold on to this life.

I don't know when or how I will die, but I do know I will leave this world and enter the arms ofJesus. When I think of the glory and the beauty of that, nothing scares me.

All this to say, if you're afraid of death you might need to examine why.

"For the wage of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life with Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

Do you know Jesus personally?

If not, today would be a good day to invest in getting to know Him. Check out the book of 1 John for starters, especially verse 9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Remember the wage of sin is death, (see above) and "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 
Yet there is good news and hope: "But God demonstrates HIs own love toward us, in while we were still sinners Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

The offer is open to any who are willing to receive: "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give your rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." ~Jesus as recorded in Matthew 11:28-30

Are you tired, stressed out, fearful?

Take your eyes off the storm and fix them on the Savior. Open up your heart and your hand and invite Him in. Allow Him to lead you through the temporary place of this earthly life and into the joyous celebration of eternal life with Him.

I am praying for you.
                                                              ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
For those of you who know Jesus as Savior, the time is now to be bold in sharing the joy you have in your relationship with Him. Tell your story loud and clear. Help others to know Him too. May God richly bless each of you. To Him be the glory for now and evermore.

The Velveteen Grandma: In times like these...

The Velveteen Grandma: In times like these...: "Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgements. Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing can m...

In times like these...

"Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgements. Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble." Psalm 119:164&165 NKJV

So much is going on in our world right now.  As I write we are on recommended social isolation in an attempt to stem the spread of the coronavirus. People are responding in vastly different ways. Some with fear and paranoia, others with a cavalier attitude that they are somehow invincible. Some are responding in deep faith, while others are alarmed and uncertain. Some are adjusting well to the isolation, while others are beginning to feel stir crazy.

Every person reacts to situations differently.

Where do we find peace in the midst of chaos?

I love the sentiment of the Psalmist in verse 165 of Psalm 119. "Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble." It is what I strive towards. To have great peace, no matter what is going on around me is not only admirable, but desired. Reality is, there are times I struggle to retain the peace that's been so freely supplied. My humanity gets in the way and I get distracted from what is really important. Add in a sense of loss of control over circumstances, and before you know it, I've wandered off the well established path towards peace into the brambles of fear and discontent.

How does one maintain a peaceful spirit?

The Psalmist explains in verse 164; "Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgements". It begins with making a habit of praise and continues as I recall God's faithfulness and His righteousness. When I keep my focus fixed on Him, peace remains.

It is a story that is repeated throughout the Scriptures.

One of my other favorite accounts of the importance of a right focus is told in Matthew 14:13-32.
Jesus had just miraculously fed a crowd of 5000 with five loaves of bread and two fish, and then made His disciples get into the boat to go before Him to the other side of the sea. He went to the mountain by Himself to pray.  When the disciples were about halfway across the water, the wind was contrary and the sea was tossing their boat.  I imagine it wasn't a particularly safe feeling. And then when the disciples were feeling the strain from the storm, suddenly they spotted Jesus walking towards them on the sea. To quote from verse 26 "And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were  troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!' And they cried out for fear." (emphasis added)

I think I might have been a bit frightened as well.

Ah, but then "immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." (vs 27 emphasis added)

And then Peter, being Peter, brash, forthright, self-assured, a "take command sort of guy" addressed the situation by saying "If it is You, command me to come to You on the water."  (verse 28 emphasis added).

I kind of like that.  OK LORD, if this is You, tell me to do something that would otherwise be impossible.

"So He said, "Come."  (verse 29a)

Peter got His answer, and came down out of the boat and began walking on water towards Jesus.

Wow! Can you imagine?  He asked for something, was granted what he asked, and was then beginning to do what he desired.

But then; "when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink cried out, saying. 'Lord, save me!" (verse 28 emphasis added)

I don't know about you, but there's a part of me that is momentarily disappointed by Peter's falter, that is until I see my own faith falter. 

Yet the best of the account is still ahead.  Peter had reached out in faith, taken steps towards Jesus, got distracted by the circumstances, began to sink, and cried out for rescue.

"And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught Him, and said to Him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. (verses 31&32 emphasis added).

Such a beautiful reminder of our Lord's faithfulness and love. He continued to demonstrate His power over the elements of the world, not only by walking on water Himself, but empowering Peter to do the same. When fear momentarily distracted Peter, Jesus didn't leave Him to drown, but immediately rescued him when He cried out for help.

Peter was doing great as long as he kept his eyes on the Lord.

There's a theme here. "Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgements. Great peace have those who love Your law and nothing can make them stumble." "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."  (Psalm 1119:164&165, Matthew 14:28)

I am not a Bible scholar, but I do see a correlation between our focus in praising God, and being able to trust Him no matter what. I don't know about you, but I quickly "sink" in the sea of doubt whenever I allow circumstances in life to distract me from the glories of God's amazing grace and the love which He lavishly provides for all who are willing to receive it. When I cry out for rescue and refocus my attention on the face of the One Who loves me best, immediately He saves me and great peace washes over my soul.

These are crazy times we're experiencing right now and it's easy to get distracted by them. I encourage all to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:14-18), to "...warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22

Above all, keep your eyes on Jesus.
He is the only One who can save us.

To Him be the glory and honor now and forevermore.

Living joyfully in an angry world

"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments you will abide in my love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."

~Jesus speaking in John 15:7-11

Have you noticed how angry people seem to be in this world lately?

Everywhere you look someone has gone off on an angry rant or hate filled behavior, leaving very few "safe spaces".  I am appalled at what I see, but even worse, how it negatively affects my life. Jesus told us that in this world we will have tribulation. But He also said we can have peace in Him, because He has overcome the world. "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33

To which I reply a hearty Hallelujah!!

Without the saving grace of Jesus Christ I would be right in the mix of the angry, hateful, spiteful, and mean spirited. I know my own struggle with fleshly responses. But praise the Lord, God has gifted me, and every believer, with the power of the Holy Spirit to call upon while living in this sin filled world. Do I have 100% success in always doing so? Sadly no, but God's grace allows me to correct my mistakes and move forward.

His grace.  His work.  The power of the Holy Spirit doing what I can't; what none of us can.

"For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Ephesians 2:8&9

It's easy to get frustrated when things don't go as we think they should. It's true in our walk as Christians as well. How often have we tried within our own strength to "do what's right" only to fail miserably? Of course feeling like we've failed is never a good feeling. The tendency is to shift our focus off our own failures and begin to carefully inspect the lives of others. How quickly we are able to find fault, and ease our own disappointment in self, by pointing out the flaw in another.

But it doesn't satisfy, nor does it bring peace or joy.

So the cycle of frustration of trying hard, failing, looking for someone else to blame continues as it has from the beginning of creation.

Oh what a wretched, hopeless lot we are.  We know we're failures, but don't want to be, and yet rage against the very One Who can grant us victory.

Yet He continues to call us to the victory that we cannot obtain in our own strength. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." ~Jesus speaking in Matthew 11:28-30

And isn't that what we are truly striving towards, a place where we can rest?

As I was preparing to write this, there were several thoughts for the title; Living hopeful in a hopeless world, and the one I've chosen were the top contenders. The whole purpose of writing this is to encourage and exhort those who know Jesus as Lord and Savior, and perhaps, just maybe, help someone who doesn't know Him personally to desire a personal relationship with Him.

Because knowing Him personally is the only way to know true joy, peace and to have hope in this angry world.

This world is a temporary dwelling place. Living here joyfully is a choice, but it takes allowing God to do His work through us, depending fully on Christ's finished work, and the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us.

Then, and only then, will we have the victory that we strive towards and the rest we desire.

May God receive all the glory.
                                                        ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you..." 
1 Peter 3:15

Redeeming the time for the days are evil

As I often do when I need to get centered, I sat at the piano this morning praying while I played. Words from hymns learned as a child are comforting in the midst of the chaos of this world.  The shocking and disrespectful actions of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi tearing up her copy of the state of the Union address by President Trump, left a deep rumble in my spirit and I needed to get my heart right before I proceeded with the remainder of my day.

The first song in my head was an older hymn, Jesus is Lord of All. Although I knew the tune and most of the words, I wanted to see them while I played. After locating and playing it, I moved through the hymnal, each song producing a deeper peace.  As I prayed for my heart and a right attitude, my eyes were drawn to the picture that sits on top of the piano. It depicts the cross heading towards heaven, making a way out of the flames of destruction.

Immediately the words of Jesus flooded my mind. "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." (Luke 23:34) Hearing them, I chose to follow His example and in the same moment, deep compassion for those who are lost once again filled my heart.

God alone knows the eternal state of each one of us, because He alone knows our hearts.

In the moments following the state of the Union address and watching the struggle between two opposing sides, many hearts were exposed....mine included.  It's easy to cast blame in moments like these, and of course, that is exactly what the enemy of our souls wants to happen, After all, he comes only to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10a)

Scripture states clearly in Mark 3:25 "If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand." And our nation is pretty divided right now. Last night's display was just another sad example, and that concerns me for the future for my grandchildren.

But within the struggle is also clear evidence of God playing out His plan, reminding me of His mercy and encouraging me to pray for those who haven't found peace at His feet.

The Day of Jesus's return to earth draw ever closer. The enemy knows his time is short and he will continue to create havoc, seeking to steal, kill and destroy.  Oh the victory in the other half of the verse from John 10:10.  Jesus proclaiming His victory "But I have come that you may have life and " life more abundantly." (NKJV)

This place in the journey is temporary. Eternity sits on the horizon, and the King of kings and Lord of lord waits patiently for His Father's command.

We must busy ourselves with the work as well. Jesus has given clear direction in the great commission. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV)

Taking my cue from the One Who loves me best,  I will choose forgiveness, I will offer grace, and I will pray that the eyes of the deceived will be made clear so that they can see the way out of deception.

May God's grace abound

Joy in the journey

"For light is our affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." 2 Corinthians 4:17

I was stuck, and I knew it.

S-striving
T-to
U-uncover
C-crisises that are
K-killing me.

The moment I began looking around rather than dealing with the problem at hand was the indicator. I had become very interested in the flaws of others and wanted to pick at the specks I saw in their eyes, rather than dealing with the beam in my own. Restless as a cat in a cage, I paced back and forth trying to ignore the truth gnawing at my soul.  God, in His graciousness, wouldn't allow me to escape, but gently herded me to the place where He helped me sort through the things that were causing me anguish.

It's a difficult truth to acknowledge there are still places where I get stuck.  I much prefer putting time into painting a canvas or other creative things, rather than sorting through the places in my home that bring up emotional junk. But having made the decision to purge the unnecessary from my life and home, dealing with the uncomfortable is part of the process. The past few years have been quite the tumultuous journey with many situations where we simply dealt with the moment and moved on. Life was busy and it was simply a matter of survival. Now that I have retired, life has slowed a bit, allowing more time to find more permanent solutions to things which have been given a temporary fix. I want to properly address things that have become less valuable and burdensome.

It sounds good, and even  has a drawing effect.   Massive amounts of stuff we've acquired from family members who have died over the past few years need to be sorted through and given appropriate valuation. But within those things are memories and emotions that are sometimes difficult to bear. Uncomfortable or not, it was time to begin.

Aware that I was not going to do well without properly preparing, I called in my prayer warriors for support. Courage was needed and I knew I could count on these faithful friends to lift me up in prayer. Once the request was sent out, I slowly began working through the most demanding of the projects. As I worked, I was also able to sort through many of the fears and frustrations I had initially tried to avoid. A weight lifted off my shoulders as I methodically worked through the issues, recognizing God's gracious timing in all of it.

There's still a lot of road ahead of me, and judging from what I've experienced today, lots to continue to sort through.  But with each step I take towards the goal that God has set for me, the lighter the burden becomes and more joyous the journey.

I pray that each of you will be able to find joy in your journey as well.

                                                       ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me." Philippians 3:12

The Well-Dressed Soul

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long suffering, bearing with one another.  If anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all things, put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were also called in one body; and be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly with all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymn and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to the Father.” Colossians 3:12-17

“Put on the full armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints- “Ephesians 6:11-18

Most of us wouldn’t consider going out in the cold without some type of protection against the elements, yet daily many of us fail to properly dress for our spiritual journey. Although familiar with the passages about the full armor in Ephesians, it isn’t always our first thought of the day. When an arrow pierces our hearts, we are suddenly made aware of our error, and then quickly scramble to “suit up” for battle.

But what other types of spiritual “clothing” should we put on?

A quick look at Colossians 3 reminds us to put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, longsuffering, meekness, and above all, to put on love.

I find it compelling that we are reminded how we should walk in the Spirit. It is a definitive act of consciousness.

Just as I wouldn’t want to go out into the cold without the proper clothing, I should be equally concerned about having a well-dressed soul.

Having determined to live purposefully in the coming year, I must choose daily to dress properly for the journey the Lord has for me. In addition to putting on the full armor each day, I choose to put on the garments of the royal daughter of the King. This Princess Warrior will choose the clothing of grace; tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, and above all love.

I know in doing so, my heart will be protected, and my soul appropriately dressed.

I pray that each of you will find the royal garments in your wardrobe as well.

Where will this year take you?

" A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."

Proverbs 16:9NKJV

Today marks the beginning of a new year and a new decade. It seems that in less than a blink of an eye, ten years have passed.

This morning as I was sitting with my husband talking over the events of the past year and trying to set some reasonable goals for the coming year, I couldn't help but sigh over how quickly time seems to pass lately. I know in part it is because we are aging and we are more profoundly aware of the limited time we have to make a positive impact on the lives of our children, grandchildren and others around us. Yet in speaking with those who are much younger, I hear the same lament that time is rapidly slipping away.

Perhaps it is because we have so much "instant access" to almost everything. Rarely do we wait for any length of time for most things these days. Certainly there are some places where there are delays, but more and more we see rapid response to most everything.

It makes waiting difficult.

But waiting is good.

It teaches patience, resilience and trust.

Learning to trust the path the Lord has laid is a journey filled with times where these qualities get tested and tried frequently.

As I sit back and evaluate the things I have learned in the past year, and make an effort to organize my time effectively for the new year, I am grateful that I have a Shepherd Who will lead me. Far too often I have wandered on the road of my own plans, only to find myself frustrated. Whenever I have chosen to follow Him though, my journey has been one of joy and immense contentment and peace.

And so today, as I filled out the calendar for the coming year, and gaze into the unknown future, I am thankful for the knowledge that it is all in God's hands and I can trust Him in every way.  Although I don't know with certainty what the future holds, I have absolute assurance Who holds it.

It is into His warm embrace I lean into, and sigh another sigh. 
This time one of complete peace.

May this coming year find you following Jesus ever more closely, and may His peace abound in your lives.