A Lesson from Emma

We've had a few very hot days recently and it reminded me of a post I wrote in my book, "Changing Lives One Note at a Time." I put sample notes in it that I wrote to a women for a year. This is one of them, with my comments at the time:

"I watched my dog, Emma, soak up the afternoon sun as she relaxed on the hot blacktop driveway, just huffing and puffing away. I wanted to tell her: 'If you'd get in the shade, it would be cooler.' I know God says that to me when I'm huffing and puffing: 'If you'd get in the shade and be refreshed by My Word, you'll feel better.' God's breath would flow through me and calm my soul.

"If I don't stay consistent in my time with God, I feel the consequences: short-tempered, uninspired, and an unkind attitude. I also get mad at myself for getting away from my routine.

"That's why I try and live my life based on discipline. I don't want to get out of the shade!

"Discipline is good mental exercise and helps mold my willpower and self-control. Routine makes it easy to stay in a pattern each day and do what I have planned.

"Discipline and routine go hand-in-hand. the routine of life could turn mundane unless the things I have determined to do are in my best mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual interest.

"In his book:  'Lightposts for Living,' Thomas Kinkade agrees about the need for routine in your life: 'But I learned long ago that I need routine in my life--and that I have more freedom when my days can rely on a predictable rhythm . . . Such repeated and dependable activities anchor my days, providing a sense of stability.'

"I know that staying in God's Word is one thing that helps me go through each day. It keeps me balanced and in tune to the right way. I want to do all I can to make that a part of my day, Then I am refreshed and have the energy to do the things that come my way."

"Get in the shade!" Thanks, Emma, for the reminder! It still works today!

By His Grace . . . 

That Little Brick Home

 "There is nothing small in the service of God."

Saint Francis of Sales

1567-1622

Last week I was reminded of something that happened when Jerry and I lived in Maryland. We were part of an Independent Church at the time. Members were holding Bible studies in their home and Jerry and I offered our home for a study.

We lived in a small, brick home. It was only 1,160 square feet and was on a plot of land that was .64 acres. We had a little kitchen, 1/4 of a dining room, livable living room and three bedrooms of small size. It was just right for us.

My decorating style is cozy and warm, and our little home served us well for 32 years. It was big enough for the two of us, our son and daughter, and the dogs that lived with us. I never felt like my home was inadequate for company. We even had enough room to have four gardens in the back yard! 

That takes me to my memory. One Sunday morning a younger woman said to me: "I'd like to have a Bible study in our home but my husband says our home is too small." I replied: "Come to the next study. It's in my home."

The women and her husband came to the next study. We had to remove our dining room table and placed extra chairs wherever they fit to eat everyone. But we all fit fine and had a great study.

The next study was to be held at this women's home. We arrived and sat in the car for a few minutes and looked at her home. We decided our home could fit in it two and a half times. We went home that evening and thanked God for our little home and all it meant to us.

Why am I telling you this? It doesn't matter what size home you have; what size car you have, or what size yard you have. Don't ever let the size of your home or the shape of your furniture, or the decorations in your home keep you from inviting others to it when you can share the love of Jesus with them. When you could have a Bible study to learn about God's Word. When you could pray for others.

Your heart is big enough to share with all those within your sphere of influence. When it comes to sharing Jesus, if your heart is filled with Him, any place you are is big enough to touch hearts for  your Lord.

"Little is Much if God is in It"

"Little is much when God is in it,

Labor not for wealth or fame;

There’s a crown, and you can win it,

If you go in Jesus’ name."

By His Grace . . . 

Do You Have That Assurance?

 

"The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it."

1 Thessalonians 5:24

It is wonderful to know in your heart--to be absolutely certain, without a doubt--that God is faithful. I hope you have that assurance in your heart.

We are failed everyday, mostly by people, sometimes by circumstances, and those failures can be a weight in our hearts. But there is one who never fails us, who is always with us and who never gives up on us.

It all comes down to my relationship with God. Is it strong or weak? Sure or wavering? When something happens that makes no sense, can I turn to the One who knows all?

With the assurance that God is with me, I can get through any situation. Assurance means having the confidence of knowing something is true. I either have it or I don't. There's no in-between.

I believe that all things happen for good according to God's plan. Because of what Jesus did for me, His blood covers my sin as white as snow. I can see God through Jesus, because of His love. With complete trust in God's Word, it's easier to accept things I don't understand. And that happens a lot.

My husband, Jerry, and I prayed for five years that he would be hired to oversee all maintenance work at a camp we supported. The dream came true and we were ecstatic. But during the first six weeks of employment, Jerry knew he could not work there and resigned.

Those were stressful days. Without God's assurance that all things work for good for those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose, it would have been difficult to go on. But because we knew of His faithfulness, we were able to pick up the pieces and continue moving forward.

His Word is faithful. Having that assurance makes all the difference.

By His Grace . . . 

A Refreshing Word

Refresh. The word inspires happy thoughts. Strength, renewal, invigoration--all are felt when we're refreshed. Maybe that's why I like the Scripture verse which says. "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25

The pleasure of a cool breeze, the warmth of the sun on our face, smelling fresh flowers. God's creation. Being refreshed encourages us and promotes hope.

We're pretty good at refreshing others. A friendly smile, a warm hug, sending a note or calling someone refreshes the receiver and the giver. But what about refreshing ourselves spiritually?  How can we purposely refresh ourselves with our heavenly Father.

God's love does that for us. Remembering His loving mercies and living according to His Word reminds us of all He's done for us. He rekindles our love for Him which then flows through us: reading and studying His Word . . . singing hymns and praise songs . . . praying and thanking Him at all times. Staying in touch with God refreshes us.

God sings because He is pleased with all He has created. How refreshing to hear that! It helps us look at His creation with joy. God sings because He loves us. The more we remember that, the more we will be refreshed each day.

I love the song, "When God Sings" by Kim Hopper. Can you imagine these sounds? "The rustling of the wings of the angels . . . the hush of the saints bowing down . . . losing themselves in sweet submission . . . there's nothing on this earth like the sound . . . when God sings. The heavens fill with wonder . . . when God sings, it's a breath of holy thunder . . . when God sings. Every note and every measure dances with His delight in me . . . when God sings."

 "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. 
He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you
but will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17

Fill yourself and others with the refreshing joy of God. There's nothing like being refreshed by our Heavenly Father.

By His Grace . . .

Keep Your Eye on the Goal

 
I don't know what kind of tree these two are, but every spring I love to see the leaves! The green is bright and shining, and leaves a lasting impression in my mind of God's creation. These lovely trees were found on Roseville/Sigel Road.

In the office of the pastor at my home church in Maryland was a large sign that he referred to often: "Keep Your Eye on the Goal." 

So many things happen during the course of a day that it's very easy for me to lose sight of what's important. Ups and downs and challenges; defeat and victories, laughter and fear, we can all relate to the avenue of emotions we go through in the course of a day.

What is the goal? Maybe each of us have different goals in life, but there should be one goal that's universal in every Christian's life: live for Christ.

If we live for Christ, everything we go through in a day will take us back to our purpose: live for Christ. Our emotions and mental thinking can be changed in an instant if we call upon and remember who we live for.

I think of the hymn: "Living for Jesus." The first line says: "Living for Jesus a life that is true." That means through every day, every hour, every minutes being aware of who you live for, "striving to please Him in all that [you] do."

Pastor Crowley passed a number of years ago, but I still remember the training and knowledge I received from him as a new Christian. God placed me in an environment where I could grow and learn. One of the things Pastor Crowley did was teach a nine month class on the "Sermon on the Mount." He did it especially for new Christians.

I had all the tapes of those classes and listened to them through the years. Somewhere during those years the tapes were lost. As a mature Christian I would still listen to those tapes if I had them.

Philippians 314 says: "I [Paul] press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Matthew Henry wrote: "He who runs a race, must never stop short of the end, but press forward as fast as he can; so those who have heaven in their view, must still press forward to it, in holy desires and hopes, and constant endeavors. Eternal life is the gift of God, but it is in Christ Jesus; through His Hand it must come to us, as it is procured for us by Him."

"Keep Your Eye on the Goal." Don't let all the distractions in this world mess you up. It's worth the effort.

By His Grace . . .

Who Are You Considering?

 
The other day on my walk I saw the resident horses on the property on the far side of the pond. When they saw me they started heading my way . . .

“Who are you considering today?” That’s the title of a devotion by Rick Renner in “Sparkling Gems From the Greek.” It caught my eye quickly.

The Scripture text he wrote about is Hebrews 10:24: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

Renner wrote: We must remember that although the local church is to be a place where we can come to worship and hear the Word of God preached and taught, it is also a place where believers should 'consider one another' as this verse commands. the writer of Hebrews uses this word to convey the picture of a loving community where people are vitally concerned about each other's welfare. In fact, they are constantly observing and contemplating each other to know how to encourage and provoke each other to love and to good works."

I enjoyed watching the horses slowly trot over to me . . .

What are you doing in answer to this Scripture verse? For those folks you know best in your fellowship, are you considering the things that are going on in their lives? Sometimes the entire fellowship is aware of a concern. Other times, only those closest to the person or family are aware of concerns.

It's easy to tell ourselves that someone else will handle the concern -- someone closer to the person, has ore time, more money, more anything. But it doesn't always happen like that. Sometimes all it takes is a word from an acquaintance to bring a smile. To forget a pain. To give hope.

They slowly walked along the fence line to say hello . . .

It is easy to give a smile, a word, a note, a call, a moment of interaction with another. Let’s remember these words from Renner: “The local church should be a place of victory where faith is built up, the soul is encouraged, and wisdom and strength are imparted. It’s a community where faith lives and triumphs through a family of believer’s love and concern for another.”

I enjoyed talking with them. Don't they look great in the field of buttercups!

Who are you considering today?

By His Grace . . .

Be True to Your Word

I have always been touched by Jesus' words in John 17, beginning at verse 20: "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message." Jesus prayed specifically for you and me. In verse 26 He continues: "That the love you have for Me may be in them and that I Myself may be in them." What joy to know Jesus prayed for us and loves us!

It's so comforting when someone tells me they prayed for me! and to know that Jesus prayed for me, too. Well that's encouraging!

Telling someone "I'll pray for you" is a very serious statement. I've found in writing encouraging notes that making that statement puts a "burden upon my heart." If I write it, I better do it.

I've always felt strongly about doing what I say I'll do, whether it's 'I'll call you," "I'll have you over," or "I'll send you" it weighs heavy on my heart until I have fulfilled my promise.

When someone says they will call you and they don't, it hurts. Making idle commitments for conversation's sake has the potential to hurt someone who is already in need.

It's important to me that my word is true. Not only for the person to whom I give it, but it's important as a mature Christian. I'm reminded of Psalm 34, verses 12;-13: "Whoever of you love life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies."

Knowing Jesus prayed for me is awesome! I want to have that reputation.

Verse Four of "I Am Praying for You."

“When He has found you, tell others the story,
That my loving Savior is your Savior, too;
Then pray that your Savior may bring them to glory,
And prayer will be answered- ’twas answered for you!”

By His Grace . . .

Let's Take Your Picture

 

I love magnolia trees. One day on our way to Lancaster I saw this beautiful tree. I had Jerry pull over and I ran across four lanes of heavy traffic so I could take some pictures of it. Let's say that was definitely a few years ago. Maryland had the right season for the magnolia tree to blossom in full glory. We planted three magnolia trees when we moved to PA, but the buds open too soon and were always affected by the lingering frosts. I'm glad I had the opportunity to take many pictures of this beautiful tree. I'll share two more pictures below.

In a book I was reading recently by Valerie M. Bodden, it told of a pastor giving a sermon about a picture that was recently taken of him. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a message quite like this before. I found it to be interesting and hopeful.

“We had a great photographer, but I can tell you that there’s one thing about the picture I’m not going to like. Wouldn’t like no matter who took it.

“The pastor patted his somewhat rounded middle and said: ‘The picture is going to show this.’

“I’m hoping maybe she can do some magic with Photoshop to make me look better Maybe give me a body-builder body.

“What about you? What do you see when you look at a picture of yourself? Do you see your wrinkles, maybe your thinning hair? Your scars?

“And those are just the physical imperfections. We can go deeper too. What about mental imperfections? Are you bad at math? A terrible speller? Not so great at geography?

“And let’s go deeper still. How about the spiritual imperfections? Is all you see when you look at yourself your sins? All the times you’ve done what you know is wrong? The times you’ve failed to do what was right?

“Makes a pretty ugly picture, doesn’t it?

"You ever wonder why God chose you? I mean, surely there are people out there who are prettier, smarter, kinder, better than you, right?

“I mean, He’s God. He could have anyone He wants. So why would He pursue you? Why would He want me, with all my faults and failures, my flabby abs and bald head and terrible spelling and filthy sins?

“Oh beloved. Don’t you see? God doesn’t love you in spite of all of those things. He loves you because He has erased all of those things. He didn’t just go in with Photoshop and touch you up a little here and a little there. No, he changed your whole picture with the blood of Jesus. He has erased every last trace of sin, every last imperfection, and he has made you perfect in Him.

“The next time you look at a picture of yourself, do me a favor and see it as God does—an image of His masterpiece, redeemed from sin, created to love and serve Him. Like clay in the hand of the potter, so you are in God’s hands.”

Pictures. Sometimes we look good and sometimes we look bad. But when God looks at us, we are lovely in His eyes.

By His Grace . . .

Baby Leaves

 

This day I share my annual "Baby Leaves" post. I wrote this article in the late 1990s, and it was published in the early 2000's in Woman's Touch magazine. It always encourages me! 

"The blistering wind hit my face as I opened the door. Winter was here. 'Come on, Sparkie,' I said. 'You have to go for a walk.'

"Sparkie, our 11-year-old dog, slowly walked through the door. 'Do we have to go out in this weather?' his eyes pleaded. That's how I felt too.

"The wind slapped my face and tears dropped from my eyes. 'Its been a difficult year, Lord,' I thought. Winter has harbored in my heart leaving me cold and dead, just like the trees. My eyes traveled around the yard taking in the bleak appearance. Problems had multiplied and left me drained of all my strength. 

"Again, I noticed the trees. Once full of foliage, they now stood bare before me. And the remains of our productive garden now showed hard, cracked earth. 'Even the geese took a detour on their way home,' I told the wind.

"Yes, the year had left stains, and the ache in my heart hurt. 'I know I should be thankful, Lord,' I whispered. 

"'Hurry Sparkie,' I yelled. 'I want to get back inside.'

"My eyes fixed on the maple tree behind our house. Stripped of all its colorful clothing, it looked dead. 'Just like my heart,' I thought. And then, I remembered the baby leaves.

"Last February, I began watching the buds develop on the maple tree. I couldn't remember ever taking the time to watch leaves grow, and decided I'd see firsthand how God gave them birth.

"Sparkie and I would stop every evening on our walk to look for any development. It was a slow beginning, but finally--one day in April-- the buds opened.

"Long tentacles reached out, as many as 10 or 15 from each bud, as I remember. At the end of the tentacles were blossoms and at their base were leaves. The leaves were bound together, just like the cold buds had been. As the weather warmed, they began to unfold.

"My heart tingled with excitement when the leaves began to open. My husband, Jerry, was at the garden, and I remember yelling excitedly to him, 'Come quick! the leaves are opening.'

"Half-inch baby leaves, perfectly shaped, stretched their little frames for all the earth to see.

"In one week, some leaves had grown to 3 inches in length. My eyes couldn't believe the transformation. As the leaves grew, the blossoms were blown to the ground. I walked on yellow drops of sun splattered all over the place. I had witnessed the birth of one of God's creations.

"The cry of a lone bird brought me back to the present. Chilled, I headed back to the house, shivering But my heart was no longer cold.

"You see, it's February now--just the time I began watching the frozen buds last year. When everything looked dead, and no life was visible, God was working. And now I knew God was working in me.

"Its been a long year, but I know my heart will feel the warmth of God's love again. Why, in just a couple of months, He'll bring me baby leaves.

"Come on, Sparkie,' I said. 'Let's go tend the fire.'"

Here we are in April once again, and baby leaves are beginning to open on the trees. It will always be a special time of year for me, for you see, God gave me baby leaves, His HOPE to me.

By His Grace . . . 

Serendipity Corner

 This is a serendipity moment: seeing my first baby fawn in the wild 

while driving to work one morning.

"As the years pass, I am coming more and more to understand that it is the common, everyday blessings of our common everyday lives for which we should be particularly grateful. They are the things that fill our lives with comfort and our hearts with gladness, just the pure air to breathe and the strength to breath it; just warmth and shelter and home folks; just plain food that gives us strength; the bright sunshine on a cold day; and a cool breeze when the day is warm.

The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.

I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all."

Laura Ingalls Wilder

This doe and her fawn resting in a field on my drive home from work.

You can see the back of horses at the top of the picture.

I've been learning this ever since I retired in 2011, and probably way before that. It will be 14 years this October that I've been retired. I'm thankful that God has provided what we've needed along the way. It is the simple things that really add up to big things.

Another serendipity moment while driving to work one morning.

I'm a homebody. Even though there is no family to keep me busy here, the comforts of everyday life and the ability to appreciate what you have and what you're doing are big things. There's no longer a rush to get out the door to a job. There's no longer a rush to get a meal on the table. There's no longer a rush to study God's Word and use the gifts God gave to me. I have time to get everything done in an orderly way.

"Serendipity Corner" is a Facebook page. Serendipity: the occurrence and development of events of by chance in a happy or beneficial way. I've had a few serendipity moments through my life. It's always a thrill when something good unexpectedly happens while you're doing something else.

All these snaps were serendipity moments while driving to or from work.

I'm excited! My early morning fawn spotting drives will be starting soon! I love being out in the early morning when all is quiet and there are no vehicles on the road. Coming around a bend or just down the road I find a baby fawn. 

By His Grace . . .

All for me . . . All for you

We share a gift. A wonderful gift. An undeserved gift. A gift like no other gift we've ever received.

A gift full of love and compassion, joy and favor. A gift that is hard to fathom. A gift from someone we didn't know until we found the Person giving it to us.

Have you ever had a gift like that before? People just don't give other people gifts unless they know them. We sometimes give gifts for a person in need. If a tragedy happens or an illness or accident occurs, we want to help. But to just give a gift to someone we don't know. To receive a gift from someone we don't know.

Thankfully, the Person who has given you and me this gift does know us. He knows everything about us, and He still gives us this gift.

That's what love looks like and there's only one Person who is capable of doing this. Jesus. The Son of God. The Redeemer of the world. The Creator of all things.

One gift. And that's what we celebrate this Sunday. Easter. His life for us. Now, His glory in us. 

This week we remember the sacrifice He gave for us and the resurrection He obtained for us. God's gift to us.

All for me . . . All for you. Celebrate Him in your heart this week and all through the year. A perfect gift. 

Chorus of "Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners"

"Hallelujah! what a Savior! Hallelujah! what a Friend!

Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end."

By His Grace . . . 

Mysteries of Majesty

 

“As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb,

so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.” 

Ecclesiastes 11:5

I enjoy words, so when I read the title “Mysteries of Majesty” it intrigued me. I just like the way it sounds. And reading the above Scripture verse that went with this devotion helped me accept that understanding isn’t a requirement when it comes to God. Our God is mysterious. 

And well He should be a mystery. We learn about Him in the Bible. We see the work of His Hands in creation. And we know what He has done in our own hearts.

He is the one who controls all things. Knows all things. And does all things. “Whatever systematic way of thinking we can come up with, it is too small to explain God. We know God’s there; we can describe what we see; and we can speculate about how He will behave. But we can’t know.”  Chris Tiegreen. He’s a mystery of majesty.

He will always be the same and we can depend on Him to use all in His power, which is everything, to fulfill His purpose for mankind.

“We can count on God’s character. And we know that these attributes of His will not change.  They, along with His Word, are forever reliable.” Chris Tiegreen

When your life seems out of control, it isn’t. It is under the hand of the mysterious, mighty God.

I like what Ken Schultz said about the wonders of God: "The wonders of God range from the beauty of a rose to the majesty of the Canadian Rockies; from the fascination of a hummingbird to the depths of the Grand Canyon; from the birth of a baby to the extensions of the universe. They are immense and minute; beautiful and bland; noisy and quiet. They all express God's creative flair." And I would say his majesty!

Schultz continues: "Allow yourself to enjoy the magnificence of a spring day filled with tulips, azaleas, dogwoods and cherry blossoms. Experience the brightness of the explosions of green. Hear in your souls the calls of the birds. Feel the warmth of the breezes that push away the winter cold. Let your senses be overwhelmed with it all."

Mysteries of Majesty. Just another reason for me to be thankful God knows all things and works in all things. He created all things and knows all things. I don’t have to know what’s going to happen. He does.

Some happy faces to cheer you from Kathy's garden.

By His Grace . . .

There Is Power

 
Hello Spring. 

While reading in Isaiah 55:10-11 I was reminded of God’s Power. “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth . . . so is My Word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

I like what Tony Evans said in his Commentary about this verse: “These verses offer rich encouragement regarding the power of God’s Word . . . His Word works the same way as the rain and snow [not returning until it accomplishes what He pleases]. Power is the ability to effect change or produce a desired result, and God’s Word alone has that kind of guaranteed power. The unstoppable power of God’s Word to accomplish all of His purposes, in fact, sets it apart in a class by itself. God’s Word is always purposeful, and His purposes are always achieved. The Bible can be trusted.” 

God’s Word is powerful. It guides us, transforms us, rewards us, saves us, strengthens us, prepares us. It is always available for us to read.

There is power. Read your Bible. You'll find it.

By His Grace . . . 

We Are Protected

From "A Potpourri of Likes" Facebook page.

“You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” 

Psalm 3:3

I like the following words Carolyn Larsen wrote in her book, "Courage and Hope for Every Day." The devotion is titled: Firewall of Hope.

“Websites are protected by firewalls. A firewall is sort of like a shield. It determines who can and can’t get through to the website based on predetermined security rules. Protection is important.

“It’s nice to know you have protection when you need it – and you do have it! If you’ve asked Jesus to be your Savior, His Holy Spirit has come into your heart, and he is with you constantly. He never leaves you. The Holy Spirit protects your heart, which is the core of your being. The condition of your heart affects your thoughts and actions. So the Bible tells you to guard your heart because it’s so important to your mental and spiritual well-being. The Holy Spirit is a holy firewall around your heart.

“More than that, God is the shield around you. He watches out for you. He protects you more times each day than you can probably even imagine. Nothing happens to you without God’s knowledge. He is your shield against the world and against Satan’s efforts to harm you or pull you away from God. Depend on God. Talk to Him. Tell Him what you need and go forward with courage knowing that He is protecting you!”

We tend to forget that God has a shield around us to protect us. He is always with us and has the ability to keep danger from us. 

In Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible he says: "The Lord is a shield unto all his people. They are kept by His power, and encompassed about with His favor, as with a shield; His veracity and His faithfulness in His promises, and His truth, are their shield and bucker."

It is a great hope to know God is our shield and protector. A firewall of hope. I think that sounds miraculous! 

By His Grace . . .

Down Deep

 

I love this card! I've purchased it a few times to send to encourage hearts. Dayspring sells it. The words are so true:

  "Deep inside us, God has placed a spirit that refuses to be broken -- and we call this HOPE."

Hope is one of my favorite topics of conversation and thought. It's the very thing to hold us all together as we weave our way through life. It's one of God's greatest gifts!

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."

Hebrews 6:19

This verse says it is firm and secure. and indeed, it is. So firm and secure that nothing you do can take it out of you. God has placed it inside of each of us who are in God's family and will never take it away. 

God's HOPE is miraculous. "He who breathes into our hearts the heavenly HOPE, will not deceive or fail us when we press forward to its realization." Selected, Streams in the Desert, Volume 1, March 26

HOPE to a believer brings complete calm to any and all situations. We know in our hearts that God is able to do all things, so we don't have a need to be unsure or afraid. If our heart is true to God, the calm in our heart is sufficient to make us strong and know God is with us.

Jesus is the foundation of HOPE. Live for Him. Serve Him. Witness for Him. He strengthens you and gives you peace when your HOPE is firmly placed in Him.

"HOPE, the balm and lifeblood of the soul."
John Armstrong
1709-1779

By His Grace . . .

Just A Few Weeks

Poetry Lovers FB Page, Angie Weiland Cresaby

"Honestly, some days you just need a few weeks to yourself."

Jonathan Edward Durham

I laughed when I read this quote on "The Mind of an Introvert" Facebook page. Being an extreme introvert, I agreed completely. Weeks!

We've heard and read similar remarks saying, "a few hours," "a few days"; not a few weeks. It did my mind good. I could stay locked up in my house for weeks and feel invigorated, satisfied and happy.

Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, we all have those times when we just need to step back and recharge. If we don't, we know we'll fall.

That's why it is so important to give yourself space. Go away for a day or two. Turn off the phone and computer. Plan on doing nothing but recharging mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

During my working years every once in a while, I'd go away for a night or two with a friend. In my later years I went away a few times by myself. Thankfully I have a husband who accepted my need to get away.

I drove to Vermont, a state I'd always wanted to visit, and drove around taking pictures for three days. I stayed in "The Inn on Covered Bridge Green," home of Norman Rockwell for 12 years.

This is the scene right below the house. Loved going through the little red 

covered bridge each day.

A few months after my cancer treatments I drove to West Virginia, a state I love to visit, and enjoyed driving around the mountains taking pictures. I visited a longtime friend while there and will forever be grateful for the time we had together.

Came around a bend in the road and found this lovely homestead nestled

in the mountains.

Twice I drove down to Maryland to visit longtime friends after our move to Pennsylvania. I flew out to visit my sister in Oklahoma and another longtime friend in Colorado and took the trolley up to Pike's Peak. Brrrrrrr

Take a day or two, or a week, or a few weeks if you're able to, and recharge your very being. You'll be refreshed and settled from what you experience. "Honestly, some days you just need a few weeks to yourself."

By His Grace . . . 

Roots

"Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

Psalm 119:105

Stephen Darbishire, Louises Favourite Pictures Facebook page

Elizabeth Elliott wrote these words that her father said to her: "A Christian who is saturated with the Word is likely to have a calm, wholesome outlook on life; to be kept steady in the path of God's will in either joy or sorrow, wealth or poverty; he is likely to be a pleasant companion, not voluble in aimless talk and he will not be overly disturbed by world conditions."

The Scripture verse chosen for this devotion is the one above. Do you believe this? 

It makes all the difference in the world whether you believe this. Your life depends on what you believe, and whatever it is, it will guide you step by step. 

Scripturesavvy.com: "This scripture highlights the importance of God's Word in guiding our lives. When we think about a lamp, we see that it illuminates the way ahead, enabling us to see clearly and make choices. Similarly, God's Word provides wisdom and direction in the various circumstances we face. Just as a lamp brightens a dark path, God's teachings help us navigate our lives, shining light on our decisions and actions. This gives us a sense of comfort and assurance that we are not alone in our journey. By relying on His word, we find clarity, reassurance, and guidance."

A deep, steadfast confidence in God and His Word will sustain you through all things. I'm reminded of Jeremiah 17:7-8:

"Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. 

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. 

It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries 

in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

Roots. Roots in God's Word. No matter how long my trials continue, because my roots are in God and His Word, I will always be able to carry on and not give in. Quite an assurance of God's faithfulness!

Because of what you believe you have a great opportunity to spread God's faithfulness. You have a light inside of you that doesn't dim, but shines during all circumstances of your life. You can reach others just because of this light that keeps you going.

I'm so thankful for a faith that is steadfast and true and has roots firmly planted in God's Word. 

A favorite tree I passed each day on my way to work and back. 

Full and beautiful with strong roots.

By His Grace . . .

Give Yourself Away

 
North Fork at Moore Bridge Road

Last week I was reminded of a favorite chorus in the hymn “Living for Jesus.” I sang it a few times. The tune is wonderful too! I’m sure most of you know it. Sing it with me right now!

“O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,

For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;

I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;

My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.”

How did it make you feel? I felt worshipful. I felt thankful. I felt loved. I felt full of adoration for my God.

In the hymn study I did on this hymn I claimed Matthew 6:21 for the chorus words: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Where is your heart? Is Jesus your most precious treasure? Our hearts are owned by whatever we consider our treasure.

If we focus on building rewards from God in heaven, our hearts will focus on the experience of enjoying that “treasure” forever.

It can be hard to give ourself away whether it be marriage, friendship, service or something else. But we must give ourselves to Jesus. He did everything for us. We must not hold anything back. He must live in our heart and our heart must become His throne. 

Is He on the throne of your heart? If not, put Him there. Don't hold back. Give yourself to Him. 

As you go through today, sing this chorus. Fill your heart with thanksgiving because of what Jesus did for you!

Will you share?

By His Grace . . .

Coping With Change

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; 

do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9

Last August, after I finished writing my 84th hymn study, I decided to take a break. I was wondering if God was leading me in a different direction. I loved writing the hymn studies and spent many hours researching and creating the studies. 

Through the fall I continued to write two short columns each week. Yet I felt like I wasn't doing anything. My time had been freed up so much when I stopped writing the hymn studies it felt strange.

Then in December I was led to write two new series on God's Names and Hymn Lines. I had recently purchased the book, "100 Names of God" by Christopher D. Hudson and was enjoying the study. And last year I had purchased a book titled, "Hymn Lines" which included 75 devotional thoughts based on lines and phrases from great hymns and songs of the Christian faith. I've been highlighting hymn lines in my hymnal for years and I thought this would be a good series.

Neither of these new series took up the amount of time I spent writing hymn studies. It left me with a lot of free time. This allowed me to become less selfish with my time. Since retiring, soon to be 14 years this year, I kept strict control of my time for my own creative outlets. Even though I write for God, I knew I was filling my time with what I wanted to do and what filled me with pleasure. To put it bluntly, I was very selfish with my time at home.

It's been six months since I stopped writing hymn studies, and my life has changed dramatically. With my husband and I now in the sunset of our years, God is showing me I need to be available to deal with both of our increasing needs. My time needs to be equally divided between what I believe God called me to do and what our needs are in this stage of life.

I can feel the change in my mind; the difference between the strict schedule and the slower and more open schedule I'm living today. But it hasn't been easy. I like to produce.

Change is inevitable. Each season of life causes you to adjust and change. Am I going to accept the change or fight against it. Right now, I'm adjusting. I'm trying to accept doing less and being thankful for what I can still do.

I'm thankful that the One I live for and serve never changes. He is the same God I knew when I first became a Christian, as He is now that I'm a seasoned believer a lot closer to reaching my eternal home. I'm so glad He continues to walk beside me in this season of my life as He has through all the seasons of my life.

It's a little scary this last season. But I remember God's command to Joshua: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Chapter 1, verse 9.

I believe God prompted me last August to prepare me for slowing down. I believe His Hand has guided me these last six months. And although I faced uncertainty in what was happening, I know He has led me through each step I took.

When you know a change is coming your way, be strong and courageous, no matter how hard it is. Yes, I'm coping with change. My doubts and fears are becoming less and less. Thank you, Jesus.

By His Grace . . .