Just thankful

Colossians 3:15 KJV — And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Looking backwards, this verse is what my week required.

Although, I wasn’t successful in walking in peace every moment, it was certainly an opportunity to learn to be at peace and simply be thankful.

Because it’s been a challenging week.

I had a migraine from Friday evening through Monday and spent most of Monday in bed.

I was so thankful to God that I was still able to teach Jase homeschool, even though I wasn’t able to get up and do stuff.

Tuesday and Wednesday I felt so much better, but the rest of the family was struggling with illness.

Thankfully, we were able to just remain at home and rest.

Yesterday, everyone was feeling better, but it was my most challenging day.

For some reason I couldn’t get things done without interruptions and I struggled with feeling frustrated and stressed.

By dinner time I’d lost my voice and had to content myself with just resting.

Thankfully, God provided exactly what I needed, through my gracious family.

As we finish out the work week and the homeschooling for this week, I’m praising God for His faithfulness and provision.

Because the biggest test of our peace and thankfulness was the news that the house sale might not go through.

My husband and I talked and prayed and gave it to the Lord.

We acted upon the direction we felt God was leading and put it in His hands.

I specifically asked the Lord to not allow this move if it wasn’t His will, although we were looking forward to this opportunity, because we never want to be outside His leading.

Yesterday, as my husband drove home from work, he let me know God had answered and the sale should go through without any further issues.

We are very thankful.

And I have joy in knowing whatever the future holds we can “let the peace of God rule” in our hearts.

Psalm 100:1-5 NKJV — A Psalm of Thanksgiving. Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

Dear Lord Jesus,

How great is Your faithfulness! Your mercy and grace are amazing! Lord, thank You for loving us so much. Lord, whether in need or with abundance You are there. Whether we are healthy or sick, You are there. Whether we are celebrating or mourning, You are there. Thank You. Thank You for providing Your Word and Your salvation. Lord, thank You for being all we have ever needed and walking with us daily. Lord, Your name is great and greatly to be praised. We thank You for all Your wonderous works, both the seen and the unseen. May our lives bring glory to Your name, Jesus. Amen.

Choosing to lean…

…on Christ.

I’d not been home from my shot appointment for very long, (I take allergy shots every three weeks) when Handsome took me out to the garage.

He and Anne had poured the top of this table in high quality resin, same stuff used for restaurant tables.

The resin looks great and I was praising God for His help with this project.

Handsome and I were discussing what else was required for this set to be finished.

That’s when I realized, it needed paint.

One side of the top had marks across it.

They wouldn’t come off.

I didn’t want to paint this.

For starters, I wasn’t feeling well, shots alone make me tired, and I’m not feeling good this week.

On top of that, this table has a decorative edge I knew wouldn’t be easy to paint.

I still needed to homeschool Jase.

It was supposed to rain, requiring me to get this painted as soon as possible so we could bring in the other furniture.

Thankfully, the rain wasn’t supposed to start till night time.

My husband could tell my mind was a whirl as he waited my response.

“What can I do to help you? Remember I have to leave for work in 40 minutes.”

I smiled.

I told the Lord, “I trust You” and asked Handsome to tape off the table for me.

Then I changed clothes, set up some work for our son, and headed to the garage.

God was so gracious.

He helped me finish in plenty of time.

I sent the above photo to my husband.

The kids brought in all the other furniture in the afternoon and we gladly closed the garage for the day.

When the rain hit last night, my heart was glad.

Not only had the Lord provided all I needed to finish the table, the kids and I also got all the ripe tomatoes picked and a bowl of apples.

Jase was able to get his school work done and I spent part of our evening reading to them.

It hadn’t mattered that I didn’t feel good.

God provided for all my needs.

Today, I’m still leaning upon Him and looking forward to seeing how He is going to walk me through another day.

Things go so much better when I do not lean on my own strength.

I’m humbled and grateful for His mercy.

Monday, I’d leaned on myself and things went poorly for days.

Friday, I leaned on Jesus.

I’m so thankful for another opportunity to learn to lean on Him.

2 Samuel 22:31 KJV — As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your truth. Thank You for Your patience! Please continue to help me learn how to lean on You alone. Please help me to walk with You daily. Lord Jesus, thank You for Your ways, how much better they are than ours. Thank You for holding us in Your hands and guiding us. Thank You for Your faithfulness. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Family first

It took me by surprise.

My emotions welled up and then tipped over…

Tears were in my eyes as I related to my husband my concerns.

“My health restricts me. I’m not able to serve others like I have in the past.”

“It’s difficult, I don’t know if I’ll ever travel again.”

“I’m just sad about not being able to help people like. I want to be a blessing.”

Before my husband could respond, the Lord did.

Serve those you can.

I brightened and wiped my eyes.

“As long as I have you, darling, I have a ministry.”

“I can serve you.”

I hugged him.

In that one moment the Lord reminded me that He doesn’t compare.

He’s concerned with today.

Not what I can or can not do, but whether or not I submit myself daily to Him.

He’s the Author of it all anyway and there’s nothing He doesn’t see.

His will for me is to trust Him and to serve as I’m able in today.

And scripture shows that our family is to come first.

1 Timothy 3:5 NKJV — (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?);

This verse is specific to the husband, but as a wife I can support him in his management of our family.

The Lord gave me to my husband and my husband to me, in that is a blessing and service daily.

1 Timothy 3:11 NKJV — Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.

I can always honor the Lord by serving my husband.

Colossians 3:18 KJV — Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

Because it’s an every day thing, sometimes I forget just how valuable it is.

But yesterday, God reminded me.

Along with this reminder, He blessed me incredibly.

My husband had waited for me to finish before responding.

Then his eyes held mine while his hand brushed a lock of my hair away.

“Honey, that’s how I feel about you. As long as I have you, I have a ministry.”

Praise the Lord!

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your gift of marriage. It was Your idea from the beginning and it’s such a blessing. Lord, I often forget what a ministry I have by simply serving my husband and children. I know each one of them is a treasure. Please help me never to forget that, but instead to love and serve them as You. Lord, I want my life to be used by You and I want to be obedient to You in all things. Please help me to live unto You today and to love as You do. Thank You for the reminder. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Displacing gloom

It’s been a few weeks.

I’ve just been extra tired or had migraines or just simply didn’t feel well.

It’s difficult to be open about days like this, as I never want to complain, but instead rejoice in the daily blessings.

This morning I felt like Eeyore.

Just a tad on the gloomy side.

Mostly, due to today’s physical limitations.

But I know what is the priority when I’m in these difficulties.

It’s extra time with Jesus.

As I prayed this morning the Lord gave me this verse.

Psalm 31:3 NKJV — For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me.

It immediately brought me through the gloom and set my heart upon trust.

God is my strength and nothing else.

If I’m limited, then He will handle it.

He guides and directs and will continue to.

All that is required of me is to trust and obey.

Praise the Lord!

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for lifting the gloom this morning. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Lord Jesus, You amaze me. Your truth, Your faithfulness, Your love, Your ways are incredible. You turn what seems to be a disaster into a blessing. You use heartache and grief to heal. You build and restore, You guide and direct. Your love is amazing! Thank You for Your wonderous works. May the whole Earth be filled with the knowledge of the glory of You. Amen.

January 11

Today’s prayer:

Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord , and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord , And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord , Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday. Rest in the Lord , and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret— it only causes harm.
Psalms 37:1‭-‬8 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for these words. Thank You for the Bible. Thank You for being righteous. Please help me and my family to put away anything which would come between us and You. Lord, we want to be people who stand before You, bringing glory to Your name. Lord, please continue to purify us, that we might serve You wholeheartedly. Shine Your truth into our hearts and minds. Thank You for loving us. Thank You for watching over us. Please continue to bring those who have yet to know You to salvation. Lord, for those who know You, please Lord, please humble our hearts that we might be people of honor, integrity, and righteousness. Please heal the sick and hurting, please protect the innocent, please provide for the needy, and return the prodigal. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being the King of kings and Lord of lords. I love You. Amen.

God is so faithful

The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me— A prayer to the God of my life. Psalms 42:8 NKJV

I read these words this morning and was surprised at how they perfectly reflect my day and night.

They speak so clearly to what the Lord is doing.

His faithfulness is incredible!

As you probably know, our family’s desire is to see God’s Word shared around the world.

The Lord blessed us with a season of travel, where one, some, or all of us were able to go to other countries to share the love of Christ.

Now that travel is no longer an option, we are looking to support others who are living on the mission field.

My husband felt God would have us sell furniture.

After prayerfully considering the best platform for us, we rented a space at an antique mall.

Yesterday, God blessed us with safety as we traveled down and set up the booth.

He blessed us with help.

First our son-in-law lent us his trailer, then got up early and helped my husband load the trailer.

They drove down with us and he helped unload the trailer.

Two other young men, friends of ours, also came to help unload the trailer.

Since I’ve had a migraine for several days, I evidently wasn’t clear when explaining where I wanted the furniture and they had to rearrange things several times.

When all the furniture was in place Anne, Jase, and the young men patiently unwrapped all the small things and helped me place them.

My mom came down to meet us and took pictures of it all.

Since the booth is a few hours away, she’s offered to check on it regularly.

When it was finished, we packed up and headed home, as I was feeling worse.

To my surprise I realized I hadn’t taken a single picture of the booth.

I texted Sis and not long afterwards I received a bunch of lovely photos.

They had returned to take pictures.

My mom sent me hers as well.

My heart was so full of gratitude to the Lord for all the help and blessings.

And during the night I was able to praise Him and pray for those people who came to mind.

Such quiet and deep times with the Lord are those watches of the night

And then I read these words:

“The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime…”

Yesterday, it was unmistakable God was blessing us greatly.

Truly, each day is full of God’s lovingkindness.

“And in the night His song shall be with me— A prayer to the God of my life.”

This was exactly what my night was, singing praise in my heart and prayers.

As I read these words this morning I just had to share how good and how faithful God is.

His ways are perfect and His Word is truth.

His lovingkindness is incredible.

I am so thankful to Him.

I’m so thankful for all the people who helped us.

And I pray that your heart is encouraged.

I don’t know what you are facing today, but I do know Who is wanting to walk you through it.

May you feel the love of Jesus Christ as you walk into 2021.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for all the ways You bless me each day. Lord, thank You for the food I eat, the clothes I wear, and the tasks at hand. Lord Jesus, I want to lift up the broken, the hurting, the lost, and I humbly request that You touch them, guide them, bring them to Yourself. Lord, the innocent, those in bondage, the orphan, and the widow, please provide and protect. Lord, for those who are called by Your name, please help them to live wholeheartedly for You in every area. Lord, show them how to live, give them discernment and provision. Please, return the prodigal. Lord, Your lovingkindness is amazing. Your grace and mercy are incredible. Thank You for Your faithfulness. I love You. Amen.

November 24

Today’s prayer:

Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart! They also do no iniquity; They walk in His ways.
Psalms 119:2‭-‬3 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You so much for these verses. Lord, thank You for Your Word and Your incredible plans for each one of us. Lord, I want to be this person. I want to keep Your testimonies. I want to seek You with a whole heart. Lord, I want to be one who does no iniquity. Lord Jesus, You know that on my own I can do nothing. Yet, Lord, dispute my failings I know through You it can be so. Lord Jesus, I surrender myself before You. Lord, I give You all my desires and schedule and expectations. Lord Jesus, I surrender my wants, my dreams, and my family. All belongs to You and I gladly give it back. Thank You. Please let Your will be done. Please draw people to Yourself. Lord, please protect the innocent and heal the hurting, the sick. Let Your people, who are called by Your name humble themselves and pray. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

Where do we go when…

Yesterday, I was surprised as I opened the map on the internet.

Our area is dealing with poor air quality due to the smoke, but I wasn’t prepared for the West Coast to be on fire.

And the fires didn’t improve as the day went on, they grew worse.

Thankfully the air purifier is working well and we still have power.

The kids spent a good portion of their day with me in the bedroom where my air purifier is.

My husband had to work late.

When he arrived home, he informed me that there’s ash in the garage where it has blown in under the door.

The smoke is better today and I was hoping to get to leave the bedroom, but upon inspection, my husband thought it best I stay in our room again today.

Of course, when something like this happens you want to know what the latest information is.

Especially when I received texts all day as to the fires down south near our friends and family.

I wanted to know what the evacuations were for today, so I got on the internet.

To see all the fires burning from California, Oregon, and Washington is sad.

As I was reading the evacuation notices, my heart had to ask:

“Where will everyone go?”

Revelation 1:8 KJV — I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

God is where we should go.

Yes, there are people who need to change locations, but where will anyone find peace in the midst of disaster is only in Christ Jesus.

Just because things look bad doesn’t mean God is less able than before.

Our perspective is so limited, there is no way for us to truly see all that God is doing during this.

I will say of the Lord , “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”
Psalms 91:2 NKJV

My heart looks to Jesus.

I don’t know what is best, nor how this will all end up, but that is all the more reason to look to the Lord.

God is not surprised by any of this.

I’m positive He is working through it all.

Through the Lord ’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They  are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22‭-‬23 NKJV

And so, I’m praying.

Because God is still in control, no matter the circumstances.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your promises. Please continue to guide and direct us. Please be with our fire workers and emergency staff. Please help people to have compassion, understanding, and wisdom in this time. Lord, show Yourself, reveal Your truth to the people, both in our State and in our Nation. Lord Jesus, thank You for Your loving kindness. Thank You for Your protection and a refuge in times of trouble. May our hearts realize that as long as our souls are safe in You, there is nothing to fear. Thank You. Amen.

Being transparent

I hope, dear Reader, you don’t get weary of my rose pictures.

It’s my favorite and I never get tired of looking at it.

One of the convictions I have is to be as real in my posts as possible.

To safely and appropriately allow you to see what the Lord is doing in my life and my family.

Frankly, it doesn’t always come easily.

But I am convinced that through my transparency, the Lord will be given all the glory.

I never want someone to see my life and say, “Well that’s just you. It’s easy for you because…”

I’m so far from being the reason I can do or have done anything at all.

Yesterday was another example of that truth.

I’d been struggling with being very tired for a while.

But honestly, thought it was just due to the extra things I’ve been doing.

I’ve always struggled with pushing myself too hard.

So, it’s common for me to wear myself out.

However, yesterday morning I knew I was more than just tired.

It was a humbling experience.

It began with calling the doctor’s office.

The receptionist was very kind and pretty soon told me to go to the lab and then be at the office at 10:30.

Due to my extreme discomfort, I was unable to keep my voice smooth.

She was very nice about it, which I appreciated.

I can hear the question: “What was going on?”

Well…-sigh-…I have another UTI.

One of the side effects of my daily inhaler is the possibility of developing a UTI more easily.

I take a supplement everyday in an effort to combat that.

However, it’s still something I have to deal with.

I was very thankful for my doctor, who got me right in.

As I stood at the lab, I was not feeling well, at all.

Despite all my efforts, I couldn’t keep the tears from coming to my eyes as she asked me questions.

She too was very kind.

Her parting words were: “I hope you feel better soon.”

My uncontrollable emotions were embarrassing me.

I hate crying.

So, I really can’t put into words how I felt when my doctor came in and sat down.

My discomfort was obvious and my frustration at being sick with this again ( I was just in last month for the same thing) couldn’t be held in check.

Tears began to spring from my eyes as my voice cracked.

Inside myself I was more embarrassed about my lack of self control than anything, but some part of me was pleading: “I just want to get well!”

I didn’t say any of that, but just that I woke up and was experiencing a lot of discomfort.

I apologized for my emotions.

Thankfully, my doctor is amazing.

He didn’t turn away or act embarrassed.

He gently offered me the tissue box.

I took one and worked hard at pulling it together.

“Take two.”

His voice and manner were exactly what I needed and I was able to contain myself.

I left shortly afterwards.

Anne drove us to Sis’s house where we could wait for my prescription and of course to tell her what the doctor said.

As we traveled, I thought back through it all.

I realized my biggest issue isn’t my physical problems.

It’s my attitude.

Yes, I can be honest and say I get sick of being sick.

However, when that creeps in, I know I’m looking at the wrong thing.

So, I began to praise God.

Starting with thanking God for the perspective adjustment. and then on to the huge numbers of people I’m so thankful for.

My family.

My doctors and nurses. (You get blessed with more if you have to see a specialist.)

My friends who pray for me.

My pharmacist and the people who work there.

It’s such an overwhelming blessing to be treated with such care and love.

I truly don’t deserve any of it.

But Jesus blesses me anyway.

Because of His boundless love.

I’m doing better today.

Both with my physical and my emotional self.

As I spoke with the Lord this morning He talked about transparency.

I wasn’t excited about writing a blog and sharing my struggles.

Yet, His gentle voice spoke deeply to my heart.

You need to be transparent about this.

“Yes, Lord. Whatever brings You glory, even my weakest moments.

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
II Corinthians 12:9 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for yesterday. Thank You for walking with me even when I’m struggling the most. I know I can always trust You and that Your ways are perfect. Thank You for reminding me that life isn’t about what I can or can’t do. It’s about learning to lovingly trust You in every detail. Lord, for those people who are struggling just now, please help them to learn this same lesson. Let their hearts be turned to You. Let them find comfort in Your Word. I love You, Jesus. Thank You. Amen.

A little extra help

Isn’t this beautiful?

It came in a text this morning.

My dear friend wrote a brief message with the picture.

“My prayer for you today.”

It was exactly what I needed.

For some reason I didn’t sleep well last night.

Poor Anne accidentally woke me at 8:30 because she was concerned that I was still in bed.

Bless her heart, she promptly made me breakfast and tea and brought it in to me.

It’s just one of those days when I need a little extra help.

I’m still recovering from the fever and sometimes I over do it.

Evidently yesterday was one of those days.

Yet God in His incredible Sovereignty knew I was going to need extra help today.

And He placed a sweet gift in the heart of my friend who passed it on to me.

I was also blessed to hear from another friend who was sending me a praise report!

As if these were not enough I received a beautiful prayer from a friend:

“Praise the Lord ! Give thanks to the Lord , for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord ? Who can ever praise him enough?”
Psalms 106:1‭-‬2 NLT

“Lord, praise you for the everyday miracles you built into nature. Praise you for green grass and flowering trees. Praise you for bulbs that tenaciously press their way through hardened soil to decorate your earth. Praise you for sun and rain and all the weather that shapes our earth.

Praise you for life and new life. Praise you for the spiritual awakening of a single soul and many souls and all the nations!!

Lord you hear our praise, that is miracle enough! May my tongue never cease to praise you for you alone are worthy!!!
Amen!!”

What a mountain of encouragement I have received today!

Truly, I am so blessed!

God is so good!

He carries me and provides for me each and every day.

He is incredible.

So, today I am praising God for His working through others.

Proverbs 17:17 NKJV — A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.

Amen!