Love

When I saw Holley's topic for this post I thought about it, prayed about it, agonized over it for the entire week. How do you tell someone they are loved and have them do more than smile, nod their heads and say "Yeah, I know." I thought of my own life and the love I know from my childhood, to my husband, then to my own children, but not everyone had a wonderful childhood, is married to a wonderful spouse, or for that matter has children. So how to tell someone else they are loved beyond measure and have them KNOW they are exactly that, loved beyond measure.

I went to the "love letters" I received and thought I would share them with you. Know why? They are love letters to you as well as to me. No not the letters from that cutie puttootie that married me but from the wonderful Creator of all things.

He has sent each of us love letters that light our way. { “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12}


He knows every step we take. { ^"You’ve kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, Each tear entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book." Psalm 56:8} He guides our every step. {"And the Lord shall guide you continuously" Isaiah 58:11}

He, the God of the Universe, delights in me {not just me but you too!} {"He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delights in me." 2 Samuel 22:20} 

I am not some unknown person to the Creator of all things He knows me by name! {Just as he knows you by name} "do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name: YOU ARE MINE." Isaiah 43:1

I am not making this up! These are actual love letters from God! He even wants to take all my worries and cares and take them over. {"Cast your burdens upon the Lord and He will sustain you, He will NEVER allow the righteous to be shaken." Psalm 18:35}

How great is His love you want to know? He tells you and I this; "The mountains may depart and the hills may be removed but the covenant {promise} of MY LOVE shall not depart from you." How great is that love huh?

If you haven't read the love letters that are for you in the Bible you need to check it out because God adores you! He thinks you are the greatest thing since sliced bread. He calls you His Beloved. Really! If you don't believe me just check it out for yourself. You will be thrilled to be loved so much!

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Encourage- You Have Got to be Kidding

I got an email last week from Holley about starting up a new series on Encouragement. I thought piece of cake so I decided to join with these women to be an encourager. Well, that was before my world fell apart!

I got a phone call that rocked my world and not in a good way. It was all I could do to breath let alone talk. Once we {my husband and I} hung up we cried on each others shoulders. I was so busy running scenarios through  my mind that I didn't or couldn't even pray. How can we fix this? Who will be hurt the least? Perhaps this, no that won't work. What about this, no silly that isn't even in the realm of possibilities.

With all of this happening other things had already taken place, like finding out a loved one is very ill and on top of that a terrible flu has overtaken the family, and my sweet husband and I are struggling with bodies that are not cooperating with our minds. So encourage others, you have got to be kidding me!

Have you ever felt like this? I know at the time if surely feels as if you are the only one with such overwhelming struggles, at least it felt that way to me.

We put on our church masks and went to church not wanting to share all the heartache because if we opened our mouths to share tears would flow and no breath would come. I had begged God to speak and comfort my heart. {Seemed He was out of encouragement also.} For two long days I wasn't even able to pray just running ideas through my head why this was all happening and what I could do to solve these problems. God wasn't speaking and time was slipping away. However, {aren't you glad there is a however?} during the church service I was able to still my mind enough to listen to the words the Pastor was saying. He had printed the words to the scripture on the screen for us and right there in such bold print {perhaps it was regular print but to me it stood out with bells ringing and lights flashing} DON'T WORRY! The first time I saw it I was taken by surprise. But God knew I hadn't heard Him so the second scripture had those same words, DON'T WORRY! I sucked in my breath, God was speaking to my broken heart! He slowly lifted the burden I was carrying with his wonderful words bringing me back to trust that He is still, and always in control.

My situations haven't changed but I have! I know that God is working things out so that He will be glorified! What more can I ask? I am trusting Him to work this all out because He has promised in Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
{God NEVER breaks a promise He has made!}

Maybe I can encourage! If you have ever felt like  your world is imploding you have a God that is able to see "over the fence" into tomorrow and He will never leave you or forsake you {another one of those promises}and He just loves to solve your problems. Trust Him, He never fails!

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You Got This?

I think I like commercials more than I like the programs on the television. There is a commercial out now that shows a husband and wife at a store and she has a huge pad of things they need to get. She is reading off the list when the husband takes the list from her and says, "why don't  you go get a yogurt, I got this!" She asks, "are you sure?" He reassures her that he is capable of completing the task. She walks away lighter and then you see the husband turn to the store clerk and he says, "You got this right?" To which the store clerk replies, with confidence as he takes the list from the husband, "I do got this!" This always seemed so funny to watch until it seemed to happen in my life just this past week.

Life was humming along quite well when I received a call from one of my children that things were not well and health was at the root of the call. It all seemed so hopeless as I listened to the frightened "child" of mine. I said to call the Doctor and make and appointment and that we would go together and get this all sorted out. {"I got this!"} As I hung up with my child, she was feeling more confident that she was not alone in all this, I however, felt anything but confident. This was my baby and she was frightened and hurting which in turn had me hurting. I stood there for a moment feeling the tears start and searching for a way to make this "better".

That still small voice suggested that I call those Christian friends that I have from all parts of the country and ask for prayer. I sent out the text, asking for prayer, feeling pretty low. It was mere seconds later that my phone chirped with a response, "I'm praying". Just two words but such comfort. For the next ten minutes or so my phone would chirp with another faithful friend taking my request before God. With each chirp my burden lightened until finally I was smiling and laughing at how that little chirp had lifted my head to the One that was telling me "I do got this!"

God is faithful and his steadfast love endures forever. In Isaiah 64:4b God is telling us, "I will act on your behalf as you wait for Me."  The Lord brought to my mind that I needed to pray and seek help in doing that as my mind was so muddled. I "don't got this" but I know Who does! Thank you Father.

Ponder

Tomorrow is CHRISTMAS! Have you read Luke 2 from the Bible where it tells the story of the birth of Jesus? I know you have read it "hundreds" of times. You hear it every Christmas when you go to church. Sometimes when we have heard something "hundreds" of times we tend to zone out and say " yeah, yeah I know that one."

Being a "question box" myself, I have to wonder about things. Did you know that we know the names of the Wise Men, Mary, Joseph, Jesus, but what were the shepherds names? Why didn't we get their names? They were the first to arrive and we don't have a clue what their names were.

Speaking of the shepherds, can you imagine what it must have been like to have the night sky become like day? On top of that an angel starts with, "don't be afraid." too late on that one! Then the whole place is pounding with singing angels! Wow.

Did you realize that the Wise Men, who were gentiles, knew that the King of kings was born and the Jewish leaders didn't have a clue and had to go back and check the records? Hmm gives you pause to think, right?

Was there anyone to help Mary have the baby? She was a teenager! Did she do this all by herself? What did Joseph know about birthing a baby? Wow, a miracle in itself that the two of them were able to do this. Hmm, more pondering!

Have you ever thought of the angels, who were so excited that they broke out in singing and praise and worship, how they looked on "God with us" in awe and wonder?

In Luke 2:19 it says:
¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Perhaps we all need to do a little more "pondering" about the Christ child. This Christmas ponder the Christmas story that you think you know too well. Ask yourself some questions, put yourself in someone else's shoes. What did they think, how did they feel?

I pray that the Christmas story becomes alive and a wonder to you this year as you ponder the Christ child anew! Merry Christmas.

All I Want for Christmas

I was sent this clip in an email and it got me to thinking, do we really ask God for what we are seeking in life. Watch this clip.

I was amazed at the requests made to Santa, a make believe person. The guy's biggest request is a pair of socks and underwear! REALLY?! This got me to thinking about how we come to God. Do we bring him our hearts desire or do we ask for "socks and underwear"? I think the guy that asked for socks didn't really think his request was going to be answered so he said the first thing that popped into his head. Was he afraid the request would be too great to fill?

Then there is the couple that say a "big screen TV." Now this couple is absolutely sure of what they want and nothing seems to great to ask for. They come straight to the point and aren't shy.

I wonder if the guy that asked for socks was kicking himself all the way home and thinking I should have asked for . . . ! Do you think by the response of the couple that they were shocked that their request was fulfilled?

This all deals with Santa and WestJet but we have a God who has such a storehouse full for you and for me. He is waiting for us to put our hearts out there and seek His gifts. No not a big screen TV that will be out of date next year, or underwear and socks that will have holes in them sooner than we would like. No, He is waiting for us to ask for things like, more of His heart, directions in this life, ways that would please Him, a closer walk with the Father, help getting through this problem that is looming in our lives, etc. He is waiting for you to come and seek the goodness He has.

In Ephesians 3:16-21 it talks of God's "glorious riches".

Ephesians 3:16-21

New International Version (NIV)

16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

 ..

God's riches far surpass Santa or WestJet! We can seek God anytime day or night. He is able. I suppose even socks and underwear are there for the asking but why not seek higher and seek to walk with the King, or talk with Him in the quiet of the garden. Ask Him for things that will not break down or get holes in them, but things that will last and help you move through life.

Cross references:

1. Ephesians 3:16 : ver 8; S Ro 2:4
2. Ephesians 3:16 : S Php 4:13
3. Ephesians 3:16 : Ro 7:22
4. Ephesians 3:17 : S Ro 8:10
5. Ephesians 3:17 : Col 2:7
6. Ephesians 3:18 : Eph 1:15
7. Ephesians 3:18 : Job 11:8, 9; Ps 103:11
8. Ephesians 3:19 : Php 4:7
9. Ephesians 3:19 : Col 2:10
10. Ephesians 3:19 : Eph 1:23
11. Ephesians 3:20 : Ro 16:25; 2Co 9:8
12. Ephesians 3:20 : 1Ki 3:13
13. Ephesians 3:20 : ver 7
14. Ephesians 3:21 : S Ro 11:36

 

Oh the Agony of it all!

We were spending the afternoon with our daughter and granddaughters, it was such a fun afternoon until IT happened. The agony of it all! The horror! Our son-in-law sat down on the old recliner, {the only recliner in the room} and something popped and down dipped one end of the ancient chair. He said well that's that. My daughter cheered at the prospect of getting rid of the old chair. Our granddaughter had an entirely different reaction. As our son-in-law struggled to get out of the chair and find another seat our granddaughter ran to her fallen "friend" and jumped on the seat turned to face the back and hug it fiercely. Tears popped into her little eyes and she wept. We all turned to the sound of her crying thinking she must be trapped by the beast of the chair. Nope, just in the seat hugging it like it was her best friend who had {or would soon} be moving away. What a strange reaction to the process of life, things get older and wear out and we discard them. We got her straightened around and she was soon right as rain again. Another tragedy averted.

Little did I realize this lesson would come to me the very next day. My husband found some old pictures of me in the cupboard.{why was he in the cupboard you ask, my question exactly!} He set them on the table with no instructions or preface, I should have never looked at the small album! I started to peruse the pictures and the farther I got the more teary eyed I became. The pictures were of a younger, more healthy me with other members of the family that are no longer with in range of talking any longer. So as not to be caught crying and having to explain the reason for the tears I quickly swiped the eyes and stuffed the feeling back into the little compartment that is hidden deep inside of me. Thinking all was well I went on about my day.

I was feeling kind of low as I went to take my shower. {did you know that the shower is the greatest place to cry as no one comes in on you and the water washes away the tears} I started to cry again remembering the things that I used to have and no longer am capable of doing or even looking like, I was just like that little granddaughter crying for what was! As I sat drying off, I cried out, to the only One that knows me inside and out and lives in me, for help. Slowly the tears all dried up and such a sweet peace flowed through me, nothing changed on my body. I wasn't young again, I still had the aches and pains I had before I entered the shower, but inside where my heart hurt was gone, replaced by such a peace and joy that still reigns as I write this. God's words were brought to mind from
 1 Samuel 16:7b:

"The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

 

 

If your heart is hurting for what was or could have been reread these words and take comfort in our God who adores you just as you are now!

Kiss and Make Up

After spending some time with a four year old and a seven year old there are so many life lessons to observe. The two sister get along well for the most part. They were watching a kid friendly movie and all was fun and happy times, then for no apparent reason, the very short and feisty red head let the much bigger much gentler sister have it. This was followed by a bellow {don't think the hit was quite as bad as the blood curdling scream} and then the voice of reason {Dad} told them to both go to their bedrooms as no one wanted to take responsibility. Well, that led to crying and carrying on by both girls. Not a minute later the battered darling came to the top of the stairs and said she was sorry and could she continue to watch the movie. Not to be out done the perpetrator, {the feisty red-head} also appeared at the stairs right beside her sister and also wanted to continue watching. Dad said if they could they give each other a hug and say they were sorry the movie was still on. If you weren't watching you would have missed the hug and the words "sorry" uttered by both girls, who then quickly went back to watching their movie.

This little scenario was brought home to me the very next day with a cast of characters that were a bit larger. I was having one of those days were I was a bit out of sorts but not any real reason that I could put my finger on. I just didn't seem to want to talk or be talked to. {ever had a day like that? They can get you into trouble faster than you think} I wasn't really paying attention to some words of wisdom that my husband was expounding and wouldn't you know it, it required an answer! He waited for me to give my response but none came and that brought something like the bellow I had heard from the girls. I just pouted and got very quiet. {you shouldn't be able to get into trouble being quiet should you?} Wrong! Then it seemed to become a trial to see who could be the quietest for the longest. {Where was the voice of reason?}

Good news! We worked it out without going to our bedroom. We apologized and had dinner and a pretty good evening together. I think Dad {ABBA} was the voice of reason. His words in James were there for me in the morning for my Bible reading.

Trials and Temptations

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.


I am still a work in progress and I am learning to count things like this pure joy. I don't want to lack anything and I really want to preserve.