Go now, a child of God. Choose well the road you take,
And the decisions you make. Keep in mind always that The God you serve continues to call to you, making you more and more every day into the faithful one God wants you to be.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Not the end

I know the followers of this blog realized I am non- commital and my 365 days of blogging my devotionals, that I started after my birthday last year, didn't exactly happen- well it didn't happen.  Honestly, everyday I am challenged and I fail so badly every test that is put before me- even this blog.  I am known to retreat for awhile.  My friends will sometimes check on my and let me know they are missing me and that is the greatest.  I am very fortunate to have the increasing number of friends that I have. 

The one constant since I live in the bible belt is, they question my relationship to God via my church attendance and where I am going and if I am contributing.  I am going to church, different churches, I am praying daily, sometimes hourly,sometimes I treat every christian song I hear as a prayer to God and sing it from my soul, sometimes constantly with every breath I take, I am in prayer. I am in complete realization that God is with me every second of every day. 

I wonder sometime if they are inquiring so they can put me on the prayer list-
Daily Panic is struggling with the Devil, pray for her. 

Hey, I'm not exclusive. As christians, we are always struggling with some "thing".  I think sometimes, when my friends call,  it's God's way to let them open up about something going on in their own lives.  I believe God puts the right people together at the right time.  To uplift and give strength to eachother during our "things."

In friendships we stand firm to this one simple act- "Put your arms around eachother."  Be it during joys or sorrows.  Nothing is felt and gives such reassurance as a hug does. 

A friendship kit- consists of these things-
Rubber bands- to hold friends close
Tissues- to dry a tear
Recipies - to make and share
Stationery- to write notes of encouragement
Band-aids- Reminders that friends help heal a hurting heart
Poems- to express your love
Prayers- to lead your friend to God

Thank you, God for the blessings of friends that draw me closer to you and reflect your love for me during this time of my life.   

"A friend loves you all the time" - Proverbs 17:17

Saturday, July 24, 2010

One hundred seventy-four

Abundant.

What is one thing I have in my life that I can say I have enough for myself and to give others?

That is a tough question to answer, but if I look a little harder, I can easily answer it.

I am spending a lot of time alone and during that time I am self-aware. Last night I stayed home and was looking around for something productive to do. I have boxes of my life sitting around my apartment that need to be sorted through and organized.

We all have these boxes in our own lives, even if it is a sock drawer that has more mismatches than matches; there are cluttered areas of our lives. This task is one that I have put off for awhile, because I didn’t know if I was going to move back in with my husband and continue our marriage, but now I know with the divorce in process, moving back is not happening.

Box after box was filled with junk. It may have not been junk at the time it was collected, but some things were old. Some things were trash. All of it had to be tackled. I didn’t tackle all of it at once. My apartment would look like a tornado had went through it if I tackled it all at once.

I did all I could do. When I stopped I had one full trash bag that was bulging full.

Achievement !

That was one full bag of things I had in my life that I didn’t need anymore.

This past week I had dinner with a friend that has a barren apartment because their roommate suddenly moved and took everything. When the plates for us to eat on were pulled out, they were the last two in the apartment. I felt sad. I wouldn’t allow us to eat on the last two paper plates, although it would have been fine, but I have two sets of dishes in my apartment. So, I walked over and got one set and some silverware and gave it to my friend.

I had something in abundance and I could give it away to someone in need. There was more to it than just giving my stuff away, there was God. I think of God meeting our needs in the same way. God acts as soon as he sees our need, he doesn’t wait for us to ask, he just does.

I want to think of God as being that generous and immediate when we make him aware of our needs. We can include God in our everyday moments and put our lives to prayer. I am known to spontaneously pray when I see a need. I pray when I see an ambulance rushing to or from an emergency. I pray for the victim and their families.

I give thanks in prayer to God for all things great and small. I’m loosing a lot in my life right now- material things, emotional things, and things unseen that God wants me to get rid of that are unhealthy. I had a hard time with it in the beginning, but God is breaking me down. I know that my life is a box that he and I are cleaning out.

I want to be an extraordinary person for God. I’m going through this process. I am in that state of surrender where I ask God each day, if not once, but ten to twenty times, “What now God?” Each time I asked it, it was answered. From that one question I can see God’s presence, and be useful to God. Being useful means being available and submitting to God’s desire for us.

“Spiritual life comes from the spirit.” - John 3:6

This was the thought I woke up with this morning. My first thought this morning was not about what I would wear today, or eat, or do, my first thought was gratitude.

I was grateful to have God in my life and to guide me and walk with me through life as I continue to ask, “What now God?”

How is your spiritual life? Are you seeking God? I don’t just mean by going to church, I mean are you seeking God- are you looking around to see Him? Do you notice God in the the brilliance of the blue sky? Do you notice God in the air you breathe?

Do you internally feel God in your life?

I do. I feel God. I feel God when I sing. I feel God when I read. I feel God when I go about my everyday tasks. I feel God right now as I am writing this. Many times we can hear someone wishing us well by saying, “God be with you.” I internalize that. I want God with me in my soul. I want to be with the Spirit of God.

If you don’t feel the Spirit of God in your life, stop now and pray that you want God in your life and you have to be willing to go through the same process of throwing out things in your life that have kept God from having room to be there.

God is love.

Love is the one thing I have an abundance of and I have enough love to give away to every person I meet.

Loving you through God our Father.

Amen.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

One hundred Seventy-three

Tonight I held God's hand and He led me where he wanted me to be.

I had a wonderful evening with a new friend named Merrell.

I had a really tough day. The divorce papers are in process. I really needed some affirmation that I am where I am supposed to be.

I try to have a attitude of gratitude to God even when I don't like where I am.

This evening when I got home I didn't feel like eating. I went outside my apartment to throw the ball for my dog. Usually when I go outside I see some of my friends and we socialize. Tonight it seemed like no one was home. When I went in, I looked around my apartment and felt the solitude. I have an ornamental cross in my living room that has the words, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, Rejoice!"

I admit I was not in a joyful mood. I didn't know what to do with myself. Then I did what all women do when they have something unsettling going on in their lives... I started to clean.

A few weeks ago I sewed to focus my thoughts and actions, and there was still threads laying on the carpet that needed to be vaccumed. I dragged out the vaccum cleaner and as I was vaccuming, I noticed the threads were not coming up. I checked the hose and it was clear, but I noticed that the bag had not been changed. I turned the machine off and took the bag outside to the dumpster.

Why didn't I throw the bag away in my own trash can? It was a small bag, but for some unknown reason the only thought I had of which garbage to throw it into was the dumpster. So outside I went.

Merrell lives in my building and has some patio furniture outside. She was sitting alone and spoke to me as I went by. I stopped and we talked for a few minutes and she invited me to sit with her and have a cool drink. I took her up on the offer because it was plesant outside.
Merrell and I talked for three and a half hours.

Merrell is a sweet woman that lost her husband three years ago and just a month ago her mother died. She was feeling sad and needed someone to talk to. We talked about her husband, and her mother, and her whole family. Merrell had a lot of struggles but had a passion for everyone of her family members. Merrell is 60 yrs. old and praying for a male companion. She misses being married. She admitted she is social, and has even gone on a few lunch dates, but no one has peaked her interest.

I told her that I can completely understand what she is feeling. I loved being married. I loved the routine. I loved sharing a life with someone. We shared our disappointment in how we feel a little displaced.

Merrell told me she was glad I came by, she really needed to talk to someone tonight. I did too.

At the last of our conversation, Merrell asked me if she might be saying the wrong prayer asking for a companion, since God hasn't answered it yet. I told her no, God is sometimes pickier than we would be, and he takes a little more time in the selection process when he is doing the matchmaking. I told her to keep praying that prayer.

She asked me what I needed prayer for, I told her I'm at a place of surrender. I don't know the answer for her, so I admitted I didn't know.
She said, "well then we will just pray that God will meet your needs."

I agreed, I will say the same prayer, "God, I don't know what I need right now. I'm in a transition period of my life. I pray for you to meet my needs whatever they may be. I surrrender."

I had a sense of peace from talking with Merrell. I know it was the hand of God that took me out to the dumpster for me to be the friend that Merrell needed and for both of us to not be sad and alone. I also had a sense of peace that God had me right where He wanted me to be.

"Rejoice in the Lord Always,
again I say rejoice!!"

Philippians 4:4

I hope that you too will know when God takes you by the hand, and will follow his lead, even when it doesn't make any sense.

What God wants for us is 100 + times greater than anything we might choose ourselves. It requires patience, but I have faith that it will be worth the wait.

Praying that you will feel God's presence today in your life and know He is with you always.

Three words I took home with me from Sunday's church service:
Surrender - Letting go and letting God.
Persistance - In prayer. Keep taking your need to God.
Gratitude - In all things. Thank God for all He gives and takes away.

Grace and mercy is abundant from our ever loving God!

Monday, May 17, 2010

One hundred seventy-two

“Grief can take care of itself; but to get the full value of a joy you must have somebody to divide it with.”- Mark Twain

Praying for joy today and someone to share it with. I'm tired of grieving.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

One hundred seventy-one

I know I stopped blogging here for a little while. Thank-you all for your love and concern.

Mrs. June is a blessing as a woman of God with the true heart of a servant. Even while she has retired, she makes time to call at just the right time and gives insight that no one else can give. Thank you- thank you for your amazing spirit and unconditional love.


I’m dealing with some personal things. I know that I couldn’t persuade my feelings to be different or convincing with all the emotions I am having, so I took a break to renew and refresh giving a lot of inward reflection of what I need and should be projecting to God and everyone I come in contact with. My emotions are raw and very much on the surface. It is hard to not expose them. I am at a transition time of my life. Surrender is a struggle for me and I try to get back in control of things and realize that it is beyond my feeble control. When I read scripture, I give it a lot of thought and try to think of how it is real to me. I know that the word is there and each time I pick it up, there is a message that is specifically for me.

Today I had a singular feeling and by that I mean I feel singular.
Just Me.
It is a strange feeling to be completely alone. I know I am not completely alone. I have read a few books on the life of monks and mystics and how they pursue a singular life.

It is not a singular life that excludes God , but quite the opposite, it is a life that only includes God. I’m not saying that social interaction with others is excluded, it is just not as necessary. I don’t know if I am the person who craves solitude or craves the company of others. I know at times it is a little of both. I am ok to be alone, and I am ok to be with others. I struggle with where God wants me to be. I need a clear signal, and right now I don’t have it. I am a little lost when it comes to having a clear picture of where God wants me to be and what He wants for me. It is not easy when there are a lot of inner struggles going on. I am vulnerable. I don’t have a clear direction of where I am heading.

Today’s verse: LIVE LIFE

Philippians 4:9
“ God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.”

I need to embrace this time God has given me. It is hard. I am struggling. I am not free from sin. I’ve taken a wrong turn- not in a devastating way, but in my emotional journey.

Romans 1:16 “The just shall live by faith”

God reminded me that every life is useful. Even yours.

I feel that God will reveal what he wants for me when he feels it is the appropriate time.
I need to surrender and give God glory. Today I would like to thank God for letting me see that there are a lot of areas that he and I are at work with in my life. From all these challenges that I am facing, it is my prayer that He will be with me, provide a guiding hand and lead me in the way that I am to go. I do get to live my life. I am not dead. God still has some special use for me, and will let me know what that is in His time.

Thanking God for his Grace and love.

Monday, April 12, 2010

One hundred seventy

There has been a break in my 365 days of devotionals…
so my 365 days of devotionals will continue- but it seems that they will be longer than a year.

Lent was a trial time for me… I chose my personal trial to be chocolate. God didn’t think that was enough, he brought a lot more trials and I failed. I failed at resisting temptations. It never falters that when we decide to walk a certain path, many many things happen to throw you off the path. For me it was God revealing that chocolate was not a problem that God and I needed to work on. Resisting chocolate was nothing like resisting the other temptations. I did stay true to not having any chocolate during Lent. But my other trials I failed at.

Last week I reflected on the things that became evident to me – one is my finances, (Which I have been struggling with for awhile) My budget outcome is larger than my income. I was supposed to watch my spending and cut back but the more I tried to cut back, the more things came due. I had my daughters dance recital to pay for which after the costumes and recital fees (ads for program/ pictures/booklet) totaled approx. $500 { I tried to campaign for her not to participate in recital- but my campaign was ignored – and what kind of horrible mother would I be to ask that of her after she put in so much hard work?}

Then I had car trouble. I won’t mention the cost of the repairs but with all car trouble – it is never cheap.
Then my personal life is demanding financially and with all of this going on, I am praying about it, God is talking to me about it, because instead of staying home like I should have- I went out to dinner – almost three times a week – which I shouldn’t have, but I felt like I needed to build on my friendships during this time.

I had almost bought a house, but financially it is an impossible thing. I have been praying about it. I really need to be able to buy a house in about 4 months or have a cheap 2 bedroom place to live by the end of July (that’s when my lease is up on my apartment). I feel the clock ticking- then I realize that I have been irresponsible and that food that I ate could have been money paid on other things.

So my trials have been like that.

I’m trying to focus. I can’t seem to. I need to focus on myself and work a lot of things out. Getting out of debt should be my #1 priority. God doesn’t play when he finds that weakness in you. He draws it out, he expects us to come to him for the solution, and he expects us to have faith.

Being human, I feel the pressure of the trials, and I am admitting to you that I failed. I don’t want to take all this for granted. I want to be blessed and know God’s blessing. So I will have these trials. I will pray about them.

Financial troubles are in every household.

Today’s verse- comes from a man that knew so many trials- trials that I don’t think I could withstand…

Job 19:27-27
“And I know that after this body has decayed this body shall see God! Then he will be on my side! Yes, I shall see him, not as a stranger, but as a friend! What a glorious hope!”

We are to be reminded of hope. There is power in hope. Pray to God for encouragement for something positive to happen in your life if you are in an impossible situation, or pray for someone you know that is struggling – no matter what it is- bring it to God. God wants us to keep going, to look for something positive, even something (even a little thing that will bring laughter to remind us that God wants that for us) We can survive our losses. With hope I can do it a little more graciously, than with a heart full of dismal doom.

Have hope today in God. Whatever trials you are facing, face them with God.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

One hundred sixty-nine

I spent the weekend with my dad. The great thing about my dad is that he always listens but doesn't tell me what to do. Sometimes I wish he would. He's never been that kind of parent.
His best advice to me this weekend is patience. Give things time to work out. He and I are both frustrated with circumstances about our business, if we had resources we could show up everyday and create something great daily. He left early this morning and I miss him already.

Something bigger than us needs to happen. I'm in prayer about it. Just for us to achieve our goals. God will provide for our needs. I have faith in that. Also praying for wisdom.

"The Lord hears good people when they cry out to him, and he saves them from all their troubles."
Psalm 34:17

God is good all the time!

Glory to God today!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

One hundred sixty- eight

I am having random days of devotions- but always , constantly with God.
“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”
Romans 8:28

This past week has had its challenges, losses, losses and more losses. Grieving is a process that one has to go through. Sometimes our grief feels like a mountain we have to climb. Sometimes we don’t feel equipped to make the climb. That’s when we need to remember that we are not climbing the mountain alone. God is with us. Grieving is something we all have to go through at one time or another.

God does not expect us not to grieve. His word tells us, “That you may not grieve as others do who have no hope” – 1 Thessalonians 4:13
I seek God and his goodness. I praise Him and know that He is still in control of whatever happens.

To God be all the glory honor and praise!

Monday, March 15, 2010

One hundred sixty-seven

I am feeling sad.  Two of my friends have lost close family members this past week. 
One of my co-workers lost her mother, and one of my girlfriends lost her sister. 

I used to work in a funeral home.  I have been in the presense of families when they are making the final arrangements for their loved ones.  When someone is exposed to that kind of grief on a daily basis, they have to separate themselves from the emotions.  For me, I had to be compassionate and stay on track and get the family past their differnces to deal with the difficult task they are faced with.  I had to understand that families greif at the time was not my own. 
Lately I have been  very sensitive to others emotions.
I'm being more and more open with my own emotions and since I have been observing Lent, I have Jesus final days on my mind a lot.  I  feel empathy for the Lord Jesus Christ and his final days.  I think of the disciples and how Jesus told them how to prepare for his death. 

"The Son of Man will die, just as the scriptures say."
Matthew 26:24

No one could see at the time, what God's ultiimate plan was.  Accused, left alone, nailed on a cross and left to die, Jesus  lived his ministry for three years, all his wonderous works compressed into those few years... Extraordinary. 
Then it ended in such an extreme way that Friday on Calvary. 
What would have happened if Jesus had 10 years on this earth? Twenty years?

God's greatest blessings often come disguised as disasters. 

You may be in your own private grief.  I am grieving also. 
I am in constant prayer.  Constant prayer. 

Remember the death of Jesus Christ and the love he had for all of us . He lived his life as such  an example of love and mercy. 

Dear Lord Jesus, you could not carry your own cross, and I am feeling like I can't carry my cross without you, Please Lord send your help and peace.  Thank you for your death and forgiveness of my sin.  I give you all the glory, honor and praise for the future you have planned for me.  I need you.  I can't do this alone. 

Thank you, Jesus.  I love you. 

Thursday, March 11, 2010

One hundred sixty- six

Today I feel like I am faced with an impossible situation. I stepped out on faith and I am waiting for an answer. I prayed for God’s will to be done. I feel impatient for the answer. I am not forgetting to take deep breaths and remembering that God is in control.


This year so far my life is extraordinary that I am faced with doing a lot of things independently. Not that I have a problem with it, or that I don’t have friends, I do have great friends. I feel more than ever I am asking God to not let me go through everything alone. I am asking God to spend each day with me. A few months ago I was emotional. I really couldn’t concentrate on what I needed to concentrate on.

I am asking for direction from God more and more. I am the opposite of independent when it comes to God. I am completely vulnerable and completely incapable of making anything happen without God.
I am living alone for the first time in a long time. I don’t have anyone to consider but myself. Some might think that kind of independence would be freeing. I’ll admit it is a change. But that freedom is not without choices. I am even more aware of my choices.

I am letting go of my anxiety about my impossible situation and giving it over to God. I know He is in control and my worry won’t change the outcome. I am glad that He is here with me during this time.

“The secret things belong to the Lord.”
Deuteronomy 29:29



When we are at our wit’s end trying to figure out a situation, when life is a mystery that seems to have no answer- Only God knows the answer.

To God be all the glory, honor and praise for what he allows to happen in our lives. 

Peace and mercy to you from God our father.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

One hundred sixty-five

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with Thanksgiving.”
Colossians 4:2

I admitted the other day that I didn’t put my emotions to prayer. I am distracted today. My distraction is actually worry. I know I am not supposed to worry. I know I am supposed to have faith. I’ve been praying about a situation and it is the cause of my worry. I admit that this is overtaking all of my thoughts. I should be in prayer.
As Christians we are urged to “pray without ceasing.” 1 Thes. 5:17
“Always be prayerful.” Romans 12:12
“pray at all times and on every occasion.” Eph. 6:18

As you know I am already in constant prayer observing Lent- no chocolate until Easter, now I have this new distraction and my mind is in constant thought about the situation.

I was told that I have to change the way I think of prayer. It is not just a motion I go through, kneeling, folding of hands, and bowing of my head and saying words of worship, praise and thanksgiving; no I am to do more than the act of praying, it is a constant awareness that God is present. I am to be more aware of God.

I know I have to also work on being constantly thankful. Even now I can be thankful for the presence of God with me while I write this. Even in my everyday tasks I need to put in practice being in worship with God. Tomorrow I plan to say throughout my day, “your presence my King, My Lord, is welcome” as I go about my everyday tasks.

I pray that God be present with me tomorrow. I hope that He will give me peace about the things I am worried about. I know that God is the only one I can count on to handle my situation.

I am in prayer about my friends finding jobs and that God will be present in their lives also.

Mercy and peace to all of us from God our father.

Monday, March 8, 2010

one hundred sixty-four

Today I got a thought in my mind and I couldn’t let it go. It was not a good thought. I talked with a few people and they did not ease my mind they escalated my thoughts. I know it would be better if I said nothing. Then I wonder how I am supposed to work things out. People sometimes make me feel ashamed if I don’t agree with their advice.
My thoughts really made my day tough.

My day should have been carefree, but it wasn’t, it was a emotional day, even right now, I am angry for continuing to give time to my troublesome thoughts.

I know your wondering did I pray about having these thoughts?

Honestly no.

I let my thoughts snowball and even now, I am agitated.

Today’s verse:
Love suffers long and is kind.”
1 Corinthians 13:4


I admit my thoughts were of someone I love.

Going to pray and change my day.

Grace and peace to you from God our father.

Friday, March 5, 2010

One hundred sixty-three

"Be glad that you are his; let those who seek the Lord be happy."
1 Cronicles 16:10

Have you ever watched a funny movie, and no matter what kind of mood you are in, if you watch that movie you will laugh time after time until your sides hurt. 
Trials do come in our lives and it is during these times that I am thankful that I have my friends to laugh at and with me about anything.  I am lucky to have friends that like to laugh. 

Love makes the world go 'round
but laughter keeps you from getting dizzy. 

God can give us the same comfort to offer relief from our troubles.  He does have a purpose for trials. 

To God be all the Glory Honor and Praise. 

Thank you God for the Sunshine after the rain!


Blessings to you from God our father. 

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

One hundred sixty-two

Open heart and open mind for Jesus during this season of Lent.
I know everyone is not observing Lent- I am not Catholic, but my mom is, and Lent is observed within my family. I participate. This year I chose my sacrifice to be my all time favorite-Chocolate. I can't even begin to tell you how many times chocolate is in front of me during the day.

Early in the morning – hot chocolate, midday my co-worker offers me candy, lunch the desert is chocolate, mid-afternoon I think of the chocolate I wanted, evening when I go into my freezer for ice- there is the remnant of my valentine’s heart – chocolates in a zip-lock... Ummmmh, I can smell chocolate just thinking about it.

The thing about Lent is that each of these conscious thoughts of chocolate make me change my mind and think of Jesus. I know that Jesus prayed so hard about his situation in the days leading up to his crucifixion that he even asked God, did it have to happen?

32They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch."
35Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36"Abba,[e] Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."
-Mark 14:32-35

Jesus surrendered his life. He died for our sins. Giving up chocolate for 40 days is a petty thing to give up compared to the gift Jesus gave. Even more so, he surrendered to death- God’s will.

I sometimes don’t feel I have the willpower to say no to chocolate, but I do pause and give a moment of thanks to Jesus, no less than 15 times a day in addition to my prayer time. Thinking of Jesus as my Lord and Savior during these 40 days will create a habit within me that will last longer than Lent.

Even if you are not observing Lent, take time to think of Jesus and what he must have been going through leading up to his day on the cross.

Can you surrender to God’s will?

Pray. Whatever sacrifices you are making- give them over to God and he will bring you through them. 

Grace and mercy to you from God our father.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

One hundred sixty-one

Spontaneous waterworks happen when you are grieving. I a big cry baby.  I cry very easily in my fragile state.  Everyone suggests that time will make a difference in how we feel about the loss or the uncertain feeling of the circumstance we don’t have any control over. Time and patience is not something many of us feel like we have. I feel that God forces us to have time and patience when we feel like we have it the least.

I got an e-mail today with pictures of poverty from people that struggled during the depression and the dust bowl. The places they had to live in were similar to the conditions in Hati with housing being very little more than a shack made of scraps of materials; lucky to have a roof over their head. Times in America have been worse than they are now.

I really hate that there are so many people faced with unemployment. I am thankful for my job and what I am able to afford. I have some worries about finances and I sometimes forget that God is the one that is providing for all my needs. I’m sure we are all guilty of that.

I am praying that God will meet needs and be evident in lives where He is needed the most.

“The Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete.” - Deuteronomy 16:15

There is hope that this grief will end and we will be able to not feel the pain so much. I’m giving God time to do what He needs to accomplish and let God be God.

When we let God be God we open ourselves up to something extraordinary!

Monday, March 1, 2010

One hundred sixty

"Keep on working to complete your salvation with fear and trembling, because God is working in you to help you want to be and be able to do what pleases him."
Philippians 2:12-13

Maybe you noticed I didn’t post yesterday. I lack discipline. I admit discipline is a weak area for me. I admire structure and order, but I work well in chaos. I am not going around creating chaos, I just deal with it well. I didn’t have chaos in my life yesterday, that’s not why I didn’t post- it is sheer lack of discipline.
My friends invited me to join them in running a 5K in April. I’m not in shape. I have not been disciplined to conditioning my body. I need to get serious about it. I have encouraging friends. They offer advice about dieting and training routines. But all that doesn’t do me any good if I don’t do any of it.

This poem was on a poster I saw yesterday:

Watch your thoughts:
They become your words.

Watch your words:
They become your actions.

Watch your actions:
They become your habits.

Watch your habits:
They become your character.

Watch your character:
It becomes your destiny.
- Frank Outlaw

I’m glad that God is still at work in my life and I’m still working on my relationship with God. I might miss a day posting in my 365 day journey… so it will be longer than 365 respectively. My postings are consecutive numbers, but even the days there is not a post, I am still with God. Like in the poem, I want my character to show and my destiny to be with God. 

Everyday discipline that I am lacking, requires discipline to achieve. I plan to include God in my training for the 5K and I know that with God all things are possible.

Paul wanted one point to stand out in Philipians- and that was that we are to pray as if everything depended on God, and work as if everything depended on you.  That is one big goal to accomplish.  And the question is asked, what is it that God is depending on me for? 

Frog in a Milk-Pail Fable
A frog was hopping around a farmyard, when it decided to investigate the barn. Being somewhat careless, and maybe a little too curious, he ended up falling into a pail half-filled with fresh milk.
As he swam about attempting to reach the top of the pail, he found that the sides of the pail were too high and steep to reach.
He tried to stretch his back legs to push off the bottom of the pail but found it too deep.
But this frog was determined not to give up, and he continued to struggle.
He kicked and squirmed and kicked and squirmed, until at last, all his churning about in the milk had turned the milk into a big hunk of butter.
The butter was now solid enough for him to climb onto and get out of the pail!

"Never Give Up!"


I'm still posting to this blog,  to God be all the glory, if it was not for His words prompting each post, I wouldn't be able to post each day.  I know I am not where God wants me to be in my disipline, but I am a work in progress. God will reveal what he wants for me.

May God be at work in your life today.  I don't know a single one of us that couldn't use a prayer, that little talk with God that will get us through today.  Pray, God is always listening. 

Peace and mercy to you from God our father.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

One hundred fifty-nine

"Nothing... in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God."
Romans 8:39

The other night I was out jogging. I like to think about God when I am jogging. On lap one I complain about things- including how hard jogging is. On lap 2 I praise God for all he is doing in my life and lap 3 is for requests I have for God. These are not personal requests rather they are requests for guidance or wisdom or prayers in general for my friends.

I remember at the end of lap 3 I looked up at the stars and as I looked up I saw a brilliant shooting star. I know usually when we see shooting stars we are to make a wish. I had a different feeling about this shooting star, I felt God saying my prayers had been heard. It was a nice feeling and I felt humble when I finished my jog.

I am thankful for God's love and provision.

To God be all the glory honor and praise!

Friday, February 26, 2010

One hundred fify-eight

“There is not a single man in all the earth who is always good and never sins.”
Ecclesiastes 7:20

Sometimes guilt can be torture. In fact it is always torture. I am not free from sin. God took my sin and covered it with the blood of Jesus Christ. God forgave the sin and the sinner.
I think about my brother and his incarceration. He committed a crime and is going to constantly have that be a part of his life. Usually after time served they are released and do not return to the crime. It is a difficult thing for a person who has an addiction to turn from the addiction.
I choose not to immerse myself in my brother’s life. I am able to pray for him and write to him but beyond that I have to put him in God’s hands. He has not been able to beat his addiction.

Thankfully God is a forgiving god.

He will forgive any and all sins.

To God be the glory honor and praise.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

One hundred fifty-seven

This morning I an thinking of the Gospel of John.  John was an eye witness to Jesus teaching and healing.  At Christmas I wanted to see a photo album of Jesus life, to get to know him and make his life more real to me.  Of course cameras did not exist, and perhaps he was on the move too much to have anyone paint his portrait.  I would like to have seen the people Jesus healed- The before and after photos.  Before Jesus someone was lame, a leper, crippled, even Lazareth was dead, and Jesus took away their affiction and made them whole.  If such before and after pictures were around, perhaps there would be many more believers in the present.  In the book of John he closes the book by saying that if everything Jesus did and that he saw was written down there would be volumes on the life of Jesus. 

"Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written."
John 21:25

We have just a few books in our bible on the life of Jesus; we are left with our imaginations to see the total picture that the words are describing.  I am thankful that my pastor, David Anderson can make God's word come alive and help me see a clearer picture of Jesus.  Every pastor is different,  they can take the same passage in the bible and each of their sermons will be unique, but the one constant is the text they read from the bible. 
Perhaps you have read the Gospel of John many times.  Maybe you can even recite scripture. But do we really know Jesus?  Even John the Baptist who was predestined to tell about Jesus before his birth, did not recognize Jesus at first. The heavens opened up at Jesus baptism and came down as a dove and that is how he knew he was Jesus. 
When Jesus comes again will we recognize him?  
That would be extraordinary!


Grace and mercy to you from God our father. 

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

One hundred fifty-six

"Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we don't see it."
Hebrews 11:1

God is real and God is good.  That is faith. 

I admit that I am struggling,emotionally and financially but I also know that God is here helping me work through some things.  There is a reason he has put these trials in front of me.  God is testing my faith. 
I wake up knowing God is good and I hope each day to find favor with God.  Seeking favor through prayer, through worship, through praise, thanksgiving, or my actions.  I know I need God all the time. 

The way I live my life, am I a person that God needs all the time?  I want to tell God I am available.  I hope at some time he will tell me he needs me, and I can respond in the way he wants me to.  God wants to know that I am loyal to Him.  
I am acknowledging God at all times. 

I do not know what "the big picture" of God's provision is for my life.  I will have faith that God's timing is perfect.  I will be thankful in all things. 

Last Wednesday Pastor Anderson spoke about the life of Joseph. Joseph had many trials in his life, but he always remained faithful to God.

The more hopeless your circumstance, the more likely your salvation.
The greater your cares, the more genuine your prayers.
The darker the room is, the more the need for light.

God is near and always available to all who seek Him.

Today I am humble.  I am a sinner saved by the grace of God.  I don't know that God can even use me, but whatever His purpose is for me,  I  hope He will see something worthy in me and I will bring Him honor.

God is good all the time. 

Love and mercy to you from God our father.

Monday, February 22, 2010

One hundred fifty-five

“Love each other like brothers and sisters. Give each other more honor than you want for yourselves.”
Romans 12:10


This month of love I have to admit that I know what love is and that I experienced love. I’ve even felt the loss of love, and the loss of someone I love. I’ve told people that I’ve never told, that I love them, and it’s nice because it is sincere and they tell me back. Love comes from God.  Love is extraordinary!

The verse today tells us that we can all benefit from love. It is a hard thing to look at everyone you come in contact with and say, “I love that person.” There are some people in our lives that we cannot love. Love for those people will have to be a work in progress. ( I hope that God can understand that) Love can be one tough cookie!

Just the word, “love” can change someone’s attitude. Love is a powerful thing. Love always wants the best for the other person. It is putting someone else before yourself. Love is completely unselfish. I want to be able to love like God wants me to love others- and I think in that way I am a work in progress.

Corinthians 13:13
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

"Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount—that is the measure of God's love for you." ~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Love to you today from God our father.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

One hundred fifty-four

“There are many rooms in my Father’s house;… I am going there to prepare a place for you.”
John 14:2


God has a place for each of us in his kingdom. Everyone is welcome there.

Last night I went to dinner at a friend’s house. She made a wonderful dinner. She prepared for me to come over and once I got there I didn’t have to do anything but show up.

I knew I would be late because I needed to pay a bill. I called my friend and told her my circumstance. I did feel bad about being tardy for the party, but just before I finished paying my bill, my daughter called me needing gas money for her car. I was available for my daughter to meet me. I was late for dinner, but instead of feeling frantic, I relaxed and knew I was right where I needed to be. I have faith that God’s timing is perfect.

When I arrived, everyone else had went ahead without me, but they already had a place set for me, I was able to make myself at home. There is great comfort in being in the company of our friends and family. God blessed the evening and we had a great time.

I hope that when I go to God’s home it will be the same feeling of acceptance. God will already know where I’ve been, and be happy that I made it. I want to be seated with Him at His table, welcome in his home. I will know that He already prepared a place for me.

I am experiencing God in the simplest things, like dinner with my friends, and being late. I am noticing these blessing. I have to give God praise for it ALL.

I love my friends and I am blessed to have Christian friends.

I hope that God walks with you today.

Peace and mercy to you from God our father.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

one hundred fifty-three

"My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and Earth."
Psalm 121:2

God is ever present.

Friday, February 19, 2010

One hundred fifty-two

“We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope.”
Romans 5:3-4


I have to remember that these emotionally tough days are going to lead to better days. I am having a bit of reflection and with the reflection come highs and lows. These highs are more prevalent than the lows. It’s tough because I want to experience the highs over and over again, but it seems like the lows are ever present.
The good thing is that when these lows are there I can say a prayer for a little encouragement and God answers that prayer. I feel blessed today, even with my lows.

God is at work in my life. 

God is good all the time.
Peace and mercy to you from God our father.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

One hundred fifty-one

Psalm 27: 14
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”


This verse was discussed last night at Logos Baptist Church and Pastor Anderson read the story of Joseph. Joseph lived an extraordinary life. Sold into slavery at the age of 17, Jailed for being accused of something he was innocent of, and then lived and worked for the king and was able to provide for his family during the famine.
God was with Joseph all the days of his life.
I would like to know that God is sitting here with me right now, while I am writing this. I would like to know he is with me always. I think part of knowing God is with you, is acknowledging God is there.
A few days ago I said I could be co- dependent on God, and question every decision I have to make with God, right down to a silly thing like choosing which hair conditioner to use when I wash my hair. Kinda insane if you think about it, God might not care about my hair conditioner, there are people in the world that don’t have hair conditioner. That’s not my point, my point is that, I acknowledge God in everything I do.
I also question my actions- Would it be pleasing to God?
Yesterday was the start of the Catholic holiday, Lent as they prepare for Easter. To honor Jesus Christ some will fast these 40 days others will sacrifice something. Since my mother is Catholic I sometimes participate in Lent. I will fast during these 40 days for seven days, and I did decide to give up one thing that I love- chocolate. I eat chocolate everyday, but now for the next 40 days each time I am tempted to eat chocolate, I will think of the cross, and my Lord Jesus Christ that gave the ultimate sacrifice for my sins to be forgiven. If you celebrate Lent or not, 40 days can be life changing. Give 40 days to God and see what can happen.
Maybe you can start a 40 day devotional (like this one similar to the name of my blog – www.d365.org/journeytothecross/ ) If you go to the site- press next for more stories. 
Here is their devotional: It goes along with what I started this morning about making God choices.

“ The ability - and the responsibility - to choose is a part of what makes us human. The way we make those choices, and the values we use in our decisions, reflect the influence our faith has in guiding us.
Consider now the values that guide and direct you; think about the call of God to follow. How is God shaping you as you walk the path of faith? “

God is good all the time. His timing is perfect. A lot is going on in my life I do not understand, but I am willing to be patient on God.

Grace and mercy to you from God our father.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

One hundred fifty

I woke up this morning with thoughts of others on my mind. My prayer list is long this morning. I won’t share the names, but I will tell you the situations and maybe it will bring to mind someone you know in a similar situation and you would stop and say a prayer for the persons you know.
Healing for cancer
Healing for brokenness in a family
Sudden death of a family member and loved one
A co-worker that needs salvation
A friend going through a very lonely time
A divorcing couple – pray for both
A person in the military that is having to face difficult decisions everyday
People who are away from their loved ones
Children that are away from their parents
Survivors in Hati
People need jobs
A husband
A wife
Children
families

Of course this list can include every person we come in contact with acquaintances and strangers. I want to up lift everyone so that they would be in God’s care today and everyday to get through what they are going through. God is good all the time.
I believe in God and His strength to carry each and every person and their situations so that they will glorify God.

I feel like God wants us all to spend this day - everyday - close to Him.

“Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God”
Colossians 4:2

Grace and peace be with you from God our father.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

One hundred forty-nine

“May the Lord bless and protect you; may the Lord’s face radiate with joy because of you; may he be gracious to you, show you his favor, and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26

I woke up early this morning – early like 3:30 AM early -wide awake. I’m adjusting and feeling a little uncomfortable. I am a completely emotional person. I don’t always show my emotions, but there are a lot of insecurities from being alone. I do have the habit of praying when I wake, and this morning at 3:30 it was no different. Every day these verses speak to me about how God is at work.

God is the giver of peace, blessings and protection. I know God is still working on the joy part- not only the giver of joy – but he is working on putting me in a place that will bring him joy.

Each day I seek God for guidance and His will for where he wants me to be. I don’t want to be impulsive, I truly want to know God’s will. I think sometimes I can be led by my impulses and my emotions. I know I am to take everything to God. I really could become co-dependent on God. Here are ten questions I could ask God this morning:
1. Should I wear a sweater or a button-down shirt?  Button-down
2. Which hair conditioner would be suitable this morning (I have 5 choices)? the one in the pink bottle
3. Heavy make-up or light make-up? light
4. Should I call someone before 7 because I was thinking about them? no
5. Breakfast at home or on the run? On the run
6. Should I get a hair cut this afternoon and if so, how short? still waiting for the answer
7. If I run today should I run before sundown or after? no running today.
8. I have a writers meeting should I write something new or bring something old? something new
9. I lost a list, should I ask for help to get a copy of it or should I find another resource for my information? ask for help
10. What can I do for you today, Lord? still wating for the answer

Maybe my last question should have been my first. I do live in a “Me, me, me “ world because I live by myself. (which is completely opposite of my personality- I am usually a "YOU" kind of person that puts everyone else before me) Maybe living alone will change soon and God will provide a way for me to be able to afford a two bedroom place so Loren can move in, and it be the perfect place. See, I can be completely co-dependent… Trusting in God for all my needs.

Grace and peace to you from God our father.

Monday, February 15, 2010

One hundred forty-eight

I didn't post yesterday for St. Valentine's Day.
I joked with my friends that it was "Single's Awareness Day!"

I did get up and worshiped (even made it to sunday school) at Logos Baptist Church. Starting my day in worship and singing lifted my spirits and got me through a day I thought would be the pits. I started my day feeling love and shared some love and spent the day with my loved ones. We even traded valentines. I got the most beautiful touching heartfelt cards, the traditional heart shaped box of chocolates,jewelry, and even a stuffed bear. It was a completely mushy day. I had a renewed sense of how strong love is, and how love can grow. I really had a blessed day.

I know this month repeatedly 1 Corinthians 13 has been ever present.
And so this day after the "love" day I will share with you my hope that I got from this verse...

"So these three things continue forever: faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13


I know the love of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love that God gives through mercy, and I was very blessed.

Loving others like we want to be loved has wonderful rewards.

"It doesn't take great wisdom to energize a person, but it does take sixty seconds. That's the amount of time it takes to walk over and gently hold someone we love." - Gary Smalley

Thursday, February 11, 2010

One hundred forty-seven

Romans 15:13
“I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in him. Then your hope will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Joy.
Hope.
Peace.
Trust.

In God we can have all these things. As I am waiting on the Lord , he is giving me a time of renewal. And I have faith that God will sustain me during this fallow time of my life. I seek Guidance and wisdom and confidence that God is still as constant in my life as he always has been. I hope that these verses speak to you as they do each day to me.
God is good all the time.

Grace and mercy to you from God our father.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

One hundred forty-six

“People only harvest what they plant”
Galatians 6:7

Plant a seed of something positive. I feel like God’s got me in therapy by the verse selection. That overbearing voice- seeing me in my not –so- sparkly mood and telling me I need an attitude adjustment. Resist negativism. All my doubt about stuff, and my worrying, and insecurity just makes me the opposite of what God wants for me. What God wants for me is for me to have some patience, be optimistic, and forgiving.
I think he also said Love. I’m very sure he said love…
Love Love Love Love repeated.

Grace peace and love to you from God our father.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

One hundred forty-five

"He took our suffering on him and felt our pain for us."
Isaiah 53:4

Sometimes something crushing happens and you long to feel that loving arm around you for a hug, and hear that voice that will tell us everything will be alright.  Looking around we realize that we are alone.  There isn't someone there giving a hug or whispering all the words we need to hear.  It is during these times I strengthen my faith and call out to God.  I just begin speaking to God.  I don't know God's plan for me.  There is nothing I can do except let God be God.

I am trusting in God.

Grace and mercy to you from God our father.

Monday, February 8, 2010

One hundred forty-four

"Oh the joys of those who put their trust in him!"
Psalm 2:12

In the monasteries of ancient Europe, monks walked though dark hallways with candles on their shoes.  the candles gave off only enough light to make clear the next step.  God only wants us to take life one step at a time.  We have to trust in Him that he will make clear our next step. 

Trust in God. 

Sometimes our emotions will have us to face each difficulty in our lives as a life or death situation.  If you are emotional like I am; you die a lot.  We will only die once on this Earth in our lifetime.  We have to know that it will be in God's time.  We have to be assured of our salvation when that time comes.

Trust Me. - GOD


Grace and peace from God our father. 

Sunday, February 7, 2010

One hundred forty-three

I've been reading Exodus - In thinking about God and the many names He gets called in the bible.  He describes himself as "I AM"

Exodus 3:14
"When you go to the people of Israel, tell them, 'I AM' sent me to you."

God doesnT need any other words to go along with "I AM"  God simply  is.  He is unchanging and constant. 

Letting God be God, and prayerful in giving my life to him and to His will for my life. 

Grace and mercy to you from God our father.  

Saturday, February 6, 2010

One hundred forty-two

 Mark 10:27
"God can do all things."

I don't limit God to what he can do.  And I am going to let God be God.

To God be the glory  honor and praise!

Friday, February 5, 2010

One hundred forty-one

Hebrews 6: 18-19
“We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God.”

I have a habit of hanging on to things. I will hang on to clothes like a pack rat. I will hang on to shoes like they are treasures and still only wear one or two on a daily basis. I admit sometimes I will even hang on to a single sock that makes it out of the wash without it’s mate. I must think that sock will just find it’s way back through another load of laundry and they will be a match once again. I’ll I’m doing is collecting clutter.
I realize that I do this with a lot of things. I hold on. I have hope. Optimist? Well, maybe hoarder would be more appropriate. I am learning to take notice of situations that are out of my control and step out, knowing that God is the one in control. I have a lot of thoughts of relationships that I hold on to.

My husband told me that one word that I need to learn how to say is, “NO.” He never had a problem saying it. I heard it often enough.

With my praying hands I reach out to God, and cling to his promise that all of this is temporary. I won’t make it out alive, but I will be alive in eternity. I worship Jesus Christ my lord and savior. To God be the Glory, honor and praise.

God is good all the time. Today I am blessed.

Grace and blessing to you too from God our father.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

One hundred forty

Matthew 28:20
"Be sure of this- that I am with you always, even to the end of the world."

These are troubling times indeed.  I wanted to scream this morning.  I wanted to hit something.  I wanted to lash out.  What set me off?  Everything.  Nothing.  Silence.  Emptyness.  Fullness.  Helplessness. 

I'm O.K. really.  This is just life and no one said it would be easy.  So I sucked it up and  didn't express myself in all the ways I wanted.  I contained it.  Prayed and got out of bed and went on with my day. 


Why? Why? Why, could be bouncing around in my head all day long, but instead I made way for other thoughts and pushed through trying to deal with other things. 
I don't understand anything. 

Thank you God for being here when I am weak and at my worst. 

Grace and peace to you from God our father. 

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

One hundred thirty-nine

John 16:22
“Now you are sad, but I will see you again and you will be happy, and no one will take away your joy.”

I work in construction and with the economy being like it is, every person is affected. Many construction contractors have had to shut their doors. Many suppliers have had a 60% drop in sales. Even the people who cut wood for lumber and doors are shutting their doors. Our business is very different than it was two years ago. I pray for my friends that are looking for work. I pray for jobs to come available.
I wrote yesterday about hoping to get published, and I know even writers struggle hard making a living within their profession. Submitting for publication is a scary thing. I have to think that God just wants me to start using my talent and He will take it where it is to go. And if nothing works out, I always have heaven to look forward to.
Today I would like to pray for jobs and the families that have been affected by the loss of a job, I pray that God will meet their needs and help to overcome their situation.

Grace and peace to you from God our father.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

One hundred thiry- eight

2 Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

I woke up this morning with a strong will to get some of my stories published. I have written some children’s stories and I am going to get serious about getting them published. I put in a prayer request to God that he will give me some guidance and surround me with people that will help make it a reality.

I feel like I haven’t set any real goals for myself in a long time. My success rate this far has not been anything to brag about.

My daughter has opened up to me talking about injustices she finds in everyday life. Last night we had a talk about how proud I am of her, for seeing injustice and standing up for it. The pride is about her unwillingness to let other people’s standards be good enough for her. Maybe I should have made that choice, of not living up to everyone else’s standards, for myself a long time ago. I know she sees me as an example, and maybe I have let her down, not being able to financially support both of us right now.

I admit I live in a world where conventional conservatism is smiled upon. I grew up in a single parent home, we didn’t have a lot of anything. Everyone else’s standards were not part of my everyday surroundings. Our needs were minimal- roof over our head, food to eat and beds to sleep in, no extra furniture or television. My father and I laugh about the time, when I was about thirteen; I complained to him that we had a living room and no furniture. It never occurred to him that it might have been a necessity, and I know that if I had never went into anyone else’s home, it would not have occurred to me either. He saved up and bought a used couch and love seat that we had until after I moved out on my own and someone else needed it more.  One time I even got in trouble in school because for an assignment we were supposed to watch the evening news and write about what we saw. Of course I didn’t do the assignment, and my teacher thought I was being a smarty pants when I said we didn’t have a television. Unconventional and extraordinary.

My daughter is more like me than she realizes. Maybe, in some ways I am not settling for anyone else’s standards in my own life either. I feel like I have been blessed with a wonderful gift to be able to write, and I need to start using it. So what if I write for MMA(mixed martial arts) fights, daily bible devotionals, children’s stories, short story fiction, and current events. Sure, I’m not like other mothers, and in that way I hope I am opening up the world of possibilities that life doesn't have to be cookie cutter and the same as everyone else and maybe that is the best example I can be for my daughter.

I’m making extra effort of including my daughter in things that I do and being more a part of what she is doing. I look forward to the day when she is living with me again and I get to see her first and last of every day. I’m hoping that with God’s help it will happen within the next six months and I get the last two of her High school years with her before she goes off to college.

Having my writing submitted for money is a scary thing. I needed to read today’s verse:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

It’s time I started looking forward and trusting God even more. I know I am not in control of anything.
God is in control of everything.
Glory, honor and praise to God our father.

Monday, February 1, 2010

One hundred thirty-seven

Today is Feb. 1. Feb is the month of love. 1 Corinthians 13 will be heard a lot this month. I don't want to be bitter about having it surround me during this time of my life. I've got to tell you that "Love" has really torn me apart for awhile. I want to be open to love and enjoy it a little without feeling overwhelmed by it so much.

Lord, help me to focus on the love you have for me, and may I be able to express love to others.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

One hundred thirty-seven

Over the last week I decided to step off the roller coaster of emotions that I have been on. I had to step out on faith. My heart hurts. An unforseen event happened, my husband and I switched emotions. I am thankful that God's allowed him to feel the same anguish that I have had over the last nine months. I am also thankful that God allowed me to feel the separateness that my husband felt. I can't express my feelings here. They are too private. I am still in prayer for God's will in my life. I try to look at each day. Today I spent the day alone trying to be at complete peace being by myself. I haven't been able to feel that peace because I had been so angry about my situation. Now I feel I can stop looking at the past and wishing I was there. This is really hard for me. I have a future that I can't see and will rely completely on God for what will be best for me.

Today's verse spoke to me first thing this morning,
Philippians 4:7
"God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."


When we are in a situation we feel we will never be able to get out of, and God tells us to get out, He gives us a wonderful gift called peace.
Peace before the storm. Peace beyond logic. Nothing is logical about my situation. But my divorce is going to happen and God is giving me a peace about it.

This evening my bible study reminded me that this life is temporary and I need to keep my focus on the things of God. I am still reading the book of Exodus daily.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

One hundred thirty-six

Psalm 22:10
"I have leaned on you since the day I was born; you have been my God since my mother gave me birth."

Not all of us know that God gave us our first breath, and eyes for our first sights and the urgency to do all the things we had to do to grow.

If I was asked about my earliest thoughts about God in my life, I know it would be from going to church with my mom and later letters from my mother after my parents divorce. Every one of her letters ended with her asking me to pray for her. I still pray in that same childish way, "God bless, daddy, mommy, J, my dog, etc."

Knowing that you are a child of God, you cannot help but to be drawn to the things of God. You seek the peace that God can give. You seek to feel His presence. You want to know He is with you.

God is here and God is at work every day from our first breath to our last.

Today I wish I had a day to sit with God for a while and just listen.
I think I will make time for that later. Just silence. Just me and God. I spend a lot of time alone and even then I know I am not alone. I still have my little chats with God all through the day, but today feel a little different. I have a few aches, a few prayer requests, a few things to give thanks for, I feel overwhelmed and have a need for some encouragement.

I know we could all use some encouragement from God.

Take a deep breath- A deep, deep breath and know it is a gift from God.

Grace and peace to you from God our father.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

One hundred thirty- five

Hebrews 12:1-2
“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”

Today I admit I lack motivation. I didn’t want the day to start. I didn’t want to say the difficult things I had to say. I didn’t want to do all the difficult things I had to do. I did not start my day, I was late getting up, I said the things I said and didn’t say them in the best way. I got in my car and drove away, even though it was the hardest thing for me to do. Today I did all the things I didn’t want to do. I have to focus on the fact that it is part of God’s plan, not mine.

He really has changed my everyday, so much has been removed and so much more; I have to have faith in the future.

Sometimes faith requires us to do things we don’t want to do, but faith is believing in what we can’t see.

Monday, January 25, 2010

One hundred thirty-four

2 Thessalonians 2:16

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our father encourage you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.”


I needed to hear this verse today. I listen to people complain a lot during the day and I think as I listen, “Please Lord, don’t let me sound that bitter when I speak.”
I think sometimes it is best when someone is able to say an encouraging word instead of supporting another’s bad attitude.

Today my heart hurt for some of my friends that have experienced a loss. It is my prayer God will be with all of us during these dark days.
I saw a painting once and it was a simple painting of two stick candles lit side by side. The woman that owned the painting commented that she and her husband bought the painting because they saw themselves as the two candles. Two people- illuminating a room burning at the same pace. It might have been said differently but seeing the photo and hearing what she said, was beautiful.

Lighting candles have always been a part of worship- Advent candles, unity candles at weddings, and others I can’t think of now. I wonder if I could have the same relationship with God? God said, “I am the light of the world.” And he represents one of the two candles, and I represent the other.

Dear Lord, bring us all good things in our actions and our words.

I am thankful that tomorrow, I will have another chance to be filled with the Holy Spirit and be in the presence of the Lord.


Grace and mercy to you from God the Father.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

One hundred thirty- three

My brother-in- law, Mark Foster, was in a motorcycle accident yesterday while on duty. Prayers for healing of his injuries for a speedy and full recovery.

Thanks to God that his injuries were not critical.




At times when I feel like I am having a difficult time in my love life, that is when it seems like every verse I turn to during my bible study has the same theme- love.

1 Corinthians 13 has been evident all week in my studies and on Christian radio these were one of the selected daily bible verses.

“Love… bears all things, believes all things.”

All things. All leaves nothing out. I know I love like that, but I think the only person I have had this love with is with my family. I know I love like that.  God has the same love for us. NOTHING IS HIDDEN FROM GOD. God sees our good days and our bad days along with all our failings.

Love is not like shopping where you make selections of all good things, smiles, good health and good moods. That sounds like ideal love for anyone. When you are shopping you don’t make selections that would be bad or not right for you. You don’t buy dog food when you don’t have a dog. You don’t make selections not right for you. Love isn’t a shopping trip.
Love wouldn’t be love if it only exists when things are easy or only there when it reflects our own needs. It is when times are difficult that love is needed most. Love is needed when there is chaos. Love is needed when there is pain. Love is needed ALL the time. Love doesn’t happen only when things are easy. What if God only gave love when things were easy?

That makes me think of the quote, “Love isn’t love until you give it away.” - unknown

I know that when things are the most difficult, God shows his love by offering encouragement from friends and sometimes even strangers. It is during the difficult times that I experience the strongest love. Love is powerful.

I am thankful to God for the love I have experienced from Him ALL the time. Trials do come, times are difficult, chaos happens, but when love is present, everything changes.

I love you even if I don’t know you. God wants you to know he feels the same way. God loves us even if you don’t know him, but you can. If God could speak to you right now if you don’t know him, he might say, “I find YOU very interesting, attractive and exciting, Let’s be friends. I love you.” I know God would say that to you if you are covered from head to toe with chicken pox, suffered from burns, or have a life challenge that makes you unique. God’s love for you is no different, because every human is different.

Could you love God in the same way?
 Can you say, “Jesus, I find you very interesting, attractive and exciting. Let’s be friends. I love you.”

May God show you his love today and you feel it without a doubt.

Love, hope and joy to you from God our father.

Other verses from Corinthians tha reminds us of God's love- 2 Corinthians 4

"8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

11 Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. 12 So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.

13 But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” 14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.

16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever."

Love.

Friday, January 22, 2010

One hundred thiry-two

James 1:12
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him.”

I’ve been tested, and I feel like I fail every day. Do I give up? No. Stubborn me, I continue on. Things are very fallow with me right now. I feel like that empty field awaiting spring and for something to be planted and sprout new growth. Patience. I keep reminding myself. Patience will make a difference.

So much tragedy going on in the world and within each individual life can make a person feel helpless. We are supposed to keep positive and rejoice in everything. I admit I am completely human and rejoicing is difficult when it seems every thing happening is a trial.

I heard this morning that the Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has accused the United States of having an earthquake weapon and we used it on Hati and now the United States is planning to occupy Hati. I really do believe that the earthquake was a natural act, but the Venezuelan President has now accused the United States of being an enemy instead of a country of goodwill. It is frustrating.

Can America persevere? Can each American persevere? God never promised things would be easy. He never said these trials would not come. It is frustrating. It can be discouraging. It can seem hopeless.
During these times we are to turn to God. I lay my trials out to God every day and I admit to God I don’t understand why things have happened. I know I am supposed to hold on to today’s verse and look forward to the goal, in the same way as looking forward to a trip. We decide to take a trip. To go on the trip we know it will cost a certain amount of money, so we sacrifice to be able to save for the trip. Saving the money is hard, but the day you have the ticket in your hand, hope is restored, and then you travel to the destination, and after arriving, it is all you have expected and know it was worth the sacrifice to be at the destination.

Life on Earth is Christians saving up and preparing for that trip to heaven when we will be with God.

Yes, persevere. Persevere with God. Persevere with prayer. Persevere with worship to God. The destination is going to be worth it.

Pray for perseverance and encouragement for each other and also for our nation. I am still proud to be an American. I am still proud to live in a country where I can openly be a Christian and worship God.

Love and peace to you from God our father.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

One hundred thirty-one

Psalm 90:4
"For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night."

Time happens so fast. One day and one chance. Take it.

Grace and peace to you from God our father.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

One hundred thirty

Psalm 119:105
“Your word is like a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.’

Today the people in Hati are on my mind. Everything we take for granted, they no longer have. I hurt for the ones left behind that suffered another 6.0 quake again today. In this time of darkness for the people of Hati, I hope they will have their needs met. Without enough resources, their lives are forever changed.

One day at a time is all they can deal with. One day at a time is all any of us can deal with.

May you have mercy and grace from God our father.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

One hundred twenty-nine

Galations 6:9
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Monday, January 18, 2010

Prayer list

Tonight I heard a few prayer requests-

Janette Forston (my husband's aunt) Was released from the hospital after a week's stay and they were not able to find out what her illness was.  She is very weak and still recovering. Prayer also for her husband Rex and his health. 

Mrs. Meredith had pace maker put in today.  Prayer for her speedy recovery and strength for her family as they care for her.

Marty Robbins (Of the roofing company)  thought he had the flu and had some blood work done and was diagnosed with lukemia and is having life saving treatment at the hospital tonight.  Praying that the Lord God will be be great physician that he is and bring healing to Marty. Prayers also to his brothers and his family.

Continued prayer for Mr. Hughes and his continuing recovery. 

Prayer for many that are caring for a family member with an illness.  I could name a lot of names here, but I especially want to say that my friend Susanne and her husband Paul have been struggling with his health for three years and they both still mangage a smile and are a blessing and example of two people who know and reflect God's faithfulness in their everyday life. 

Prayer for Shyanne Jackson.  She is my daughters age and had a brain tumor and has anexiety that is preventing her from living the life of a teenager.  Some days she can not even go to school. 

Let us all uplift these and others you may know.  Stop what you are doing and pray for the health of all the people you know. Include a prayer for salvation for family members. None of us know what day or how the Lord will call us home, but knowing that they will meet Jesus in heaven is a blessing and a peace. 

Grace and peace to you from God our father. 

One hundred twenty-eight

1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray Continually.”

This is how I felt yesterday. I wanted to just pray continually. I can give my every thought and action to God, but actually just sitting in prayer all day is not an option because I have a job that God expects me to do, and other commitments through my day.

Praying  and prayer time can be as simple as looking at your hand and saying a five finger prayer.

1. When you fold your hands to pray, your thumb is closest to you. Start your prayer by raising up the needs of your children, parents, spouse, friends and other loved ones.

2. The pointing finger is next. Pray for those who lead. Our boss, teachers, ministers, and mentors.

3. The middle and tallest finger is next. That finger will remind us to pray for our president, (even if you do not agree with him, he still needs prayer) leaders in government and positions of high authority.

4. The ring finger is our weakest finger. The ring finger will bring to mind those who are sick and in trouble. Pray that God would intervene and show them that He is strong when they are weak.

5. The little finger reminds us that we need to put others first, even in prayer. By the time you get to your little finger your personal needs will seem to be small, but do pray for yourself- to hold to the Bible’s truth and know that God is God, and we are not. Glory to God!


Today is a new day and everyday is a chance to begin again.

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”
-Charles R. Swindoll


May we all have a praying attitude.  Put ALL things to prayer. 

Grace and peace to you from God our father.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

One hundred twenty- seven

Philippians 4:6
“Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need.”

I felt like today I could just sit and pray and pray. I could put my every thought to prayer.

Some days are like that. Every conversation we have with another brings up a need. Not only for one another but for others we know, or needs we see on the news.

We wish that we could help everyone. At these challenging times we do what the Holy sprit leads us to do what we can and put the rest to prayer for God to meet needs.

May you know the grace and peace of God when you tell your worries to Him.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

One hundred twenty- six

I am reading Exodus. I’ve read through the plagues to the pass over of the angel of death to take every firstborn man and beast. God performed great miracles to prove to Pharaoh that He is God. God was purposeful to harden Pharaoh’s heart to not let the people go.

In times when belief in God is weak, disasters happen so that people are reminded of the might of God. I think God is urging every person to see that Revelation is true and must be an ever present thought so that when God does what He said he will do, believers will not be surprised. They will know that God is at work to deliver us once again.

Just like in the days that Arron and Moses spoke to Pharaoh, the bible is our guide to tell us again-God spoke, He is going to bring about disasters, we will see the end of Earth and when the Lord comes again we will be in expectation.

Praise God!

Friday, January 15, 2010

One hundred twenty-five

Thanking God for hot oatmeal for breakfast! Today it is especially delicious. It might even be extraordinary! I think I added just the right amount of water to make it creamy this morning. Some mornings I don’t add enough water and it is a little thick and dry. Today I made good oatmeal.

I have a habit of not really measuring when I cook so food can always turn out any old way when I cook something. The other night baby girl wanted some ice cream after dance, so instead of going out for a meal, we stopped in the grocery store. I was hungry and I was going to pick some vegetable to eat from the produce aisle. I saw the perfect thing- spaghetti squash. Baby girl hasn’t eaten my cooking in a while and when I said I was cooking it, her mouth watered. It was late so I couldn't bring her home with me, cook it, eat, and get her home at a decent time.


Many of you may not be familiar with the spaghetti squash. It is a football sized yellow squash. To cook it you cut it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds (it looks like a pumpkin inside) lay the half in a glass dish with about an inch of water and microwave the half for 15 min on high. I have a small microwave so I only do half at a time- to cook both halves you could bake them in the same way but bake for aprox. 45 min. at about 350 degrees. When it is cooked you turn the half up and scrape the inside with a fork and the squash comes apart in strands like spaghetti. I then layer the spaghetti squash, cooked hamburger meat seasoned with onions and salt and pepper, and a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake or microwave until the cheese is melted. – Yummy!


I took baby girl home with thoughts of that yummy-ness in her mind. I told her I would bring her some, but she couldn’t wait. Then next day she got her step mother to buy one, she prepared it like I described. I know she was proud to have some of her momma’s cooking even if I didn’t exactly make it. Food does bring us comfort and togetherness when we are apart from our loved ones. I too, make some of my mother’s dishes when I miss her.


This really doesn’t have anything to do with today’s verse but maybe you will think of some comfort food you love and share it with someone you love.

Tomorrow I am going with my girlfriends to eat some Korean food. My friend Kim was in the army and enjoys foods she ate stationed overseas. She wants to share her comfort food with us. We are going to try some new flavors, fellowship and have a good time. Next week I plan to have Thai food for lunch with my friend Stacie. I used to cook for her too, but it has been a while; we take advantage of those Thai cooks and fellowship while we eat. I am blessed to have wonderful friends.

Philemon 7
“I have great joy and comfort, my brother, because the love you have shown to God’s people has refreshed them.”

I love you, even if I don’t know you. God loves you, and He does know you. I hope you will give God thanks for your next meal and if you don’t know Him, seek Him.

Grace, mercy and love from God our father.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

One hundred twenty-four

Last night I opened my bible and it opened to the book of Exodus. I wonder sometimes if God has a sense of humor… deliverance, guidance, and direction to follow God.
God is good all the time.

Exodus 1:24-25
“God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.”

God does know our troubles and he is concerned about us. I am thankful that God is providing for our needs. There are a lot of lessons to see in Exodus about how we ask for things from God and when we get those things, we are to be grateful and be good stewards of what He gives.

In my own life I can see how I have the same nature of the Israelites, getting what God gives and not making the best of it. Everything God wants me to have He is going to provide. I Know Exodus has a lot for me to reflect on and to take the lessons the Israelites had to learn and apply those lessons to my life.

One of the biggest lessons to learn is that when God delivers you from something, you can’t look back and wish you were back in your bad situation, you have to be patient on God, take his direction and be thankful for what you have. I can’t do things my way anymore. I have to consider and act on God’s will for my life.

God is good all the time.

Prayers needed for survivors in Hati. Pray for strength and salvation for the ones there that will see this tragedy first hand and that they will seek God during this time in their lives. Seeing death in this magnitude, we can not help but to think of God and knowing earth is temporary, heaven is forever.

Grace and mercy to you from God the father.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

One hundred twenty-three

Philippians 4:6
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank him for his answers.”

I’m not feeling bright and shiny this morning. My husband and I are going to go ahead with our divorce.

Yesterday’s devotion said I had to grin and bear it. Today’s verse is telling me to give it all over to God.

Maybe I’ve not been bright and shiny for a while and this is God’s way to do some rubbing to remove what needs to be removed to bring back the shine in my life. God is wanting to remove my frustration, resentment and pride.

I am humble today and trying my best to be positive and count my blessings.

God is good all the time.

Today I want to Thank God for all He has given me, all He has taken away, and all that He left me.

Counting my blessings that my husband and I are still civil during this very difficult time of our lives.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

One hundred twenty-two

Job 9:27
"I will forget my complaint; I will change the look on my face and smile."

Job is a man who knew suffering. I am wondering if this is the first time the expression, "grin and bear it." came from.

Monks also dedicate their lives to suffering- depending on what type of monks they are. In ancient times self-inflicted suffering happened a lot. Sometimes they would even challenge eachother to see who could fast (go without eating) the longest.Their choosing a life of poverty and strife was a choice to only seek to know a closer walk with God. I have been reading about the lives of the Trappist Monks from a book by Thomas Merton. Trappist monks live for one purpose, to gain a deeper love and understanding of God.

When I read about how deep the Trappist monk speaks about God and love it is very moving. To smile even through troubles, is a hard thing to accomplish especially when you are not feeling like smiling.

There was a story about a monk who had sinned from looking at something he should not have and so his recourse was to have a hot poker stuck in his eye to remove it. Another monk heated the hot poker and shoved it in his eye. The eye bubbled and boiled from the heat of the hot poker, the monk winced and took the pain. Afterwards several onlooking monks asked him how he could endure such pain without a struggle. His answer was, "I expected a whole lot more pain and suffering than a hot poker to the eye when I decided to live a life for God."

Sometimes when we read the bible, it is hard to escape all the stories of tragedy- every single person in the bible had it hard. Each tells a tale of how God dealt with each person and their sin.

I pray for God's mercy and grace for my own self, and I am thankful that I did not have a hot poker in my eye to atone for my sin.

Jesus Christ died on a cross for my sins. I will be grateful and know that Jesus Christ is my savior.

Is life easier than we think?
Is all we have to do is - accept the impossible, do without the indespensable, bear the intolerable and be able to smile at anything?
Easy right?

Job... he never lost sight of God through his trials and tribulations.

Monday, January 11, 2010

One hundred twenty-one

Psalm 31:14-15
“I trust in you, O Lord, I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands.”

Psalm 62:5
“I find rest in God; only He gives me hope.”

Sunday, January 10, 2010

One hundred twenty

All that we have and received is on loan from God.

This is hard to accept sometimes when we lose things that belong to us. Tragedy can hit us in the most unexpected ways. A fire can destroy our homes and all we possess. A divorce can destroy a marriage and a family. An illness can destroy a body. It is hard to focus on the fact that none of it belongs to us.

This computer I’m typing on is God’s. The roof over my head is God’s. My child is God’s child. None of the things you can see will go with you into the kingdom of heaven. None of our possessions will be with us when we see God.

God is dealing with many of us about our material possessions. He is telling some of us we have to let go of things we can’t afford. I want to go shopping today, but I won’t because I don’t have the money to do so. I don’t need anything. All of my needs are met. If I bought anything, it would not be something that I NEED.

Today at Logos Baptist Church the sermon was about 1 Samuel Chapter one and the story of Hannah. She longed to have a child and when she prayed to God for it, God granted her wish, and knowing that the child was God’s to begin with she was able to give Samuel back to God at a very young age. Samuel became a great man of God.

There is a lot to learn about the bitterness that Hannah could not escape from not being able to have a child. Today’s sermon taught us that bitterness grows and any bitterness we feel towards others is also bitterness towards God.

It is such a big concept to grasp that EVERYTHING – our thoughts, our actions, our possessions, our bodies, our families, our children, our spouses, our souls are God’s.

How are you taking care of what God has given you today?
For myself I have to work at my thoughts and bitterness I had towards someone. That same person has bitterness towards me and we are both miserable because of it. Today I took my bitterness to God and laid it at his feet. Several times since I have had thoughts of bitterness, but they did not become feelings of bitterness. God gave me some encouragement about changing my thoughts to thoughts of other things, some happy things. To God be the glory!

It is my prayer that God will change the heart of the person that is bitter towards me and have them have love once again in their heart for me as I am working with God to change my own bitterness to love. It is a gigantic request. It is one that I have little hope for, but it is not up to me to change this person. It will have to be God at work in that person’s life and that is what I am praying for.

Grace and mercy to you from God our father.

Friday, January 8, 2010

One hundered nineteen

Mathew 11:28
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

I don’t know about you, but I really needed to hear this verse today. I feel like I could sleep for days.

I am in a waiting room – God’s waiting room. He is at work dealing with me learning lessons, suffering pain and growing. Real genuine healing is a process. It takes a long time for deep hurts to be resolved.

Choosing Joy and happiness is what God wants for all of us. Whatever your situation – even in the valley- choose to be happy. And find rest in God.

Peace amd mercy to you from God our father.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

One hundred eighteen

1 Peter 1:6
“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.”

Some things are going to happen and you can’t change it. We can do all we can sometimes, like trying your best to stay young, eating the right foods,applying chemicals, or having surgery. None of that stops the clock. I do believe in taking care of our bodies the best we can to preserve what God has given us. I like my skin lotion; I apply it to my face every daybefore I go to sleep. But there is nothing I can do about getting older.

My thought for today and my trials, is that I hope that I will mature enough to be able to make a joke of the things that are now breaking my heart. Like holding my wrinkles at bay, one day I’m going to get those, there is no way around it, but later I won’t hate them, I’ll accept them and still know I am beautiful.

My teenage daughter is struggling with acne. Her breakouts are bad sometimes, but thankfully I can encourage her and tell her to take care of her skin the best she can and later she will pass this stage of her life, it won’t last forever, but right now she needs to take care of her skin the best she can. To a teenager breakouts can ruin a whole week.

I know as adults instead of financial stress, relationship troubles or trials we would welcome our biggest trial being a pimple, or a wrinkle.

Today’s verse is God’s word offering encouragement. We are able to get through these trials and soon we will rejoice.

All of us can use a little encouragement when things are happening that we have no control over. I want God to help me accept the things I can’t change. Amen.

Grace and mercy to you from God the father.