July 9, 2022

Today’s prayer:

Isaiah 14:3 KJV — And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve,

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Lord, I love this promise You gave to Your people, the people of Judah. Thank You for the promises You give to Your people today. Thank You that we have hope of eternity with You through Your sacrifice. We have security in today through Your promises. Your Holy Spirit comforts us as we walk in this world and admonishes us that we might avoid sin. Lord Jesus, for the hurting and the sick, I humbly request Your healing touch, whether here or in heaven. Lord, for the innocent, the abused, the destitute, the captive, and the lost, please meet each one where they are. Lord, let the truth be known. Let people see that You are holy and Your ways are righteous, good, and the only way to life. Lord Jesus, please restore integrity, honor, morality, and justice. Please raise up leaders who will defend the innocent, protect the helpless, speak the truth, and love others more than themselves. Lord, I lift up my husband and my sons, please teach them to be men of integrity and truth, honorable before You and others. Lord, I lift up my daughters and humbly request that You teach them to be women of virtue, hard working, generous, hospitable, and full of love. Lord, please help me to inspire them, to encourage them, to speak words of truth with love and compassion. Lord Jesus, please help us to live for You daily, bringing glory to Your name. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

Just thankful

I had clean laundry waiting to be folded on the bed.

Dinner in the oven and the salad was yet to be prepared.

Items were still out of place in the family room.

The dishwasher was waiting to be started.

Yet, in the midst of the busy, I was looking out the window.

I was extra tired yesterday, and it was an effort to do the normal tasks.

My heart was yearning for some quiet with my Lord and in that moment of looking outside I felt a tug.

Take a walk.

I didn’t hesitate.

Donning my coat, I told Jase I was going for a short walk around the property and left.

The sun’s rays lit up the sky in beautiful color.

Of course my phone’s camera couldn’t do justice to the awesomeness of God’s creation.

But I walked, took pictures, and prayed.

It was so good.

Exactly what I’d been needing.

Something about standing outside and looking at the amazing beauty of God’s creation reminded me to rest in Him.

Upon returning to the house I was able to complete all the required tasks.

My heart was at rest in His truth, for surely, God has every detail in hand and His ways are best.

Psalm 8:3-4NKJV — When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?

Psalm 8:6-9NKJV — You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, All sheep and oxen— Even the beasts of the field, The birds of the air, And the fish of the sea That pass through the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!

Dear Lord Jesus,

How great and awesome is Your name in all the Earth! What a blessing and privilege it is to know You, to have even a tiny amount of understanding about You and Your ways! Thank You, Jesus for all Your blessings. Thank You for being the Creator of the Universe. Thank You for being the Savior of our souls. Thank You for showing us truth and mercy, compassion and justice. Lord Jesus, You alone are worthy of all praise, all honor. May my life bring glory to Your precious name. Thank You for all You are doing and all You have done. I love You. Amen.

Exactly what I needed

John 14:1 NKJV — “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.

When I opened my Blue Letter Bible app this morning, my eye fell on this verse.

It was exactly what I needed this morning.

For although I have a long list of “to do”s, I didn’t breathe well last night and am feeling the consequences of such today.

So, when I spent my morning in prayer, the Lord reminded and comforted me with His truth.

I am responsible for obedience to Him,

To rely completely on Him for my everything,

To trust Him.

For He is faithful.

He has every part of all these things in His hands.

He’s aware of the things which need to be done and I’m sure He will show me what He wants me to accomplish today.

What doesn’t get done will, in His timing.He knew I needed a reminder this morning.

He knew I needed a reminder of these truths this morning.

How faithful He is!

What a blessing to serve Him.

Truly, I can walk in peace, because He cares for me.

1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV — Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your faithfulness. Lord, thank You for caring for me. Thank You for Your Word which teaches me and reminds me of what is right and true. Thank You for Your Word which lights my path before me. Lord, thank You for my family who are so patient with me. Thank You for using them to supply my need. Please continue to teach me to be humble, that I might wait upon You and not rush ahead in my own strength or ideas. Please continue to help me to completely surrender myself before You, daily. Thank You for Your salvation. I praise Your holy name, Jesus. Thank You! Amen.

A lovely vacation

The past week Handsome (my nickname for my husband) was home on vacation.

We did something we’ve never done.

We stayed home together.

Past vacations have been a kaleidoscope of different activities, whether together or separate.

Twice my husband and I went to the UK and left the kids with Grandma.

Handsome and Jase have had many camping trips which included either hunting or fishing.

Two different years the kids and I flew to the UK.

Once, the three younger, my mom, and myself flew back East to visit her family.

Handsome and Bell went to Africa to attend a wedding a couple years ago.

But rarely do we all take vacation at the same time and never without a schedule.

God had put it on my husband’s heart to not schedule the time outside of previous commitments.

He and Jase headed south Tuesday, as our son had a quick doctor’s appointment and my husband had a dental appointment.

Handsome did inquire into our son’s desire for the vacation and Jase mentioned the coast.

We took Wednesday to drive over for the day.

The majority of our time was simply spent at home.

Yesterday afternoon, Jase and my husband went fishing at a nearby pond Handsome had recently discovered on a walk.

I had to laugh when I received the picture above.

Obviously the fish weren’t biting if the pole was still enough to become a perch.

But it was an excellent example of our week, and if it were a word it would be:

Restful.

Throughout the week, my husband commented on what a great vacation he was having.

I praise God for the gift!

His direction to my husband was perfect, His guidance was better than anything we would have come up with.

Because He knows what is best for us.

I again was struck by the beautiful things which occur when we trust in the Lord and follow His lead.

His work truly is perfect.

Deuteronomy 32:4 NKJV — He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your direction and guidance. Lord, thank You that You give us rest, not just physically, but eternal rest from striving against sin and spiritual death. Your salvation brings us rest. You are just and upright. You hold truth and grant us it in Your Word. Lord, thank You for Your perfect ways. Thank You for Your faithfulness, goodness, and love. Lord, thank You for teaching us daily to trust You and not to lean our own understanding. Lord, in all my ways, I want to acknowledge You. Thank You for teaching me how to do that. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Limitations

February was rather challenging for me, as my health wasn’t as good as in January.

Like always, the Lord provided for my every need and I’m so thankful.

He also encouraged me by comparison.

This February was much improved over last year’s.

Yet, I had a rough day Friday and had to apologize by the end of it.

As the day wore on my attitude went south, because I wasn’t communicating my struggles.

It’s difficult to describe the balance between expressing a physical need and complaining.

Many years ago, the Lord showed me a verse and I’ve tried to live by it ever since.

Philippians 2:14 NKJV — Do all things without complaining and disputing,

Often, I fail and find I’ve both complained as well as argued, but the Lord is faithful to show me my error and to forgive.

Yet, I don’t want to sin against Him, nor others, so I continue to try to follow this verse.

Thus, I had to apologize for my poor behavior on Friday night and to be honest about my struggles.

Part of my attitude problem was disappointment.

We had plans for Saturday and I knew my body needed me to spend the day in bed.

I wasn’t happy about it.

My family was also disappointed, but encouraging.

They support me so much and I am so thankful!

The day in bed was worth it.

By Sunday evening I was feeling better than I had in two weeks.

It was a good reminder that no matter what, I can trust the Lord.

And in that daily trust, there’s understanding.

Some days will be better than others.

It’s best to be honest with myself about my limitations as well as with my family.

Through it all, I can and will praise the Lord.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for helping me. Lord, thank You for giving me the chance to rest and the strength I need for today. Lord, You alone hold all things in Your hands and I am sorry for allowing my own desires to be my focus, instead of being honest about my limitations. Thank You for teaching me so much. Please continue to help me learn not to complain or argue, but to pray and be grateful. Lord, thank You for Your patience. Thank You for Your love. I love You. Amen.

Personally

I’ve been finding blogging a bit more of a challenge.

Perhaps it’s because I have been busier than usual.

Maybe it’s due to some personal circumstances.

More than both of those, I’ve simply lacked the words.

Because life sometimes leaves you speechless.

This year, more so than past years, save one.

In 2011, when the Lord walked me through what I think of as my “Job” experience, I too was speechless.

This year hasn’t been like that one.

But the amount of unexpected change has been pretty nearly the same.

Because I’m someone who finds routine and plans comforting and in a way a security, all the rotation of change has been less than relaxing.

But I know better than to allow stress.

Instead, I’m learning a new way to rest in God’s will.

To take each change as an opportunity to learn and a sign to seek God.

Because I know that God is working through each circumstance and I want to join with Him.

I want to serve Him during and through every step of each day.

Not all change is bad.

This month is “birthday season” for us, where three of our four children have birthdays.

Yesterday, it was Jase’s.

I’m so thankful for the birthday of each of our children.

Blessed beyond measure that they are another year older.

But it’s always held a tinge of loss.

I’ve always understood each year means one step closer to the finish line where I hand them into adulthood and change rolls completely.

As someone who has poured my life into my children for the past 22 years, it’s a sobering reality.

Yes, we have two adult daughters and are blessed by our sons-in-law, whom we love very much.

Yes, I adore being a grandma and I’m so thankful for the way God is working in our adults.

Yes, it is a change which is a blessing and a beautiful opportunity.

No, I don’t always look forward to it.

Because once they cross the finish line our relationship changes forever.

It’s a good change.

But not an easy one for me.

So, personally, I’ve found all the changes a bit overwhelming.

Both the ones I can see coming and those which have been unexpected.

As I walk through these things with the Lord I hope you, my dear reader, will pardon me if I’m without words.

Or maybe if I speak on other topics the Lord is walking me through during it all.

Because I know He’s got my best at hand.

He’s working through each day and in my life in incredible ways.

Because:

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
I John 4:15‭-‬16 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your Word! Thank You for Your faithfulness! How I love the fact that You never leave me nor forsake me. You walk with me in all things. Your ways are perfect and Your truth is life. Lord, thank You for each of the changes. Thank You for the blessings of birthdays. Thank You for giving us so much to cling to in Your Word. Lord Jesus, thank You for another day. Please help me to live resting in Your presence, walking in Your will, surrendered to You. Please help me to serve You as I complete the tasks at hand. Thank You for all You have done and are doing. Most of all, thank You for salvation. I praise Your holy name, Jesus. Amen.

Rest

Matthew 11:28 KJV — Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

What weighs down the soul?

What things cause hearts to be heavy and burdened?

Grief, fear, pain, loss, need,…sin.

Behind most things, which weigh like lead upon the soul, is sin.

Other’s sin or our own, cause such pain, such hurt, such damage.

It doesn’t take much sin nor does it take generations of sin to wreck the peace of a heart.

Look at Adam and Eve.

Their own sin drove them out of the Garden and separated them from all that God had provided for them there.

Their son’s sin caused them to be the first parents to lose a son.

And one really can’t find a worse way to lose a child, he was murdered by his brother.

They literally lost both sons in one day, one moment of sin.

Which cultivated the broken and hurting sin filled world.

The sin at the Garden, the sin of Adam and Eve, the sin of every person, Jesus came to save.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28‭-‬30 NKJV

True rest is found in Christ Jesus alone.

When our soul is safe in the cleansing blood of Christ we find no need to fear.

Peace, joy, security, goodness, kindness, faith, love, and so much more is in the gift of salvation.

Yes, there are still the daily struggles with our flesh which wars against the Spirit.

Yes, there are still continually trials and tribulations from the enemy.

Yes, there is still the pain, grief, loss, need, and all the other consequences to sin all around us, but even in it all we have hope.

Jesus promises to return.

He will deal with sin and the enemy.

Jesus is preparing a place for us.

This world is not our home, but merely a journey.

And while we travel we have the privilege to share the Good News of the blessed rest we have in Christ.

Praise the Lord!

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for salvation. Thank You that we need not strive and labor to earn our way into Your presence, because we could never do it. Thank You for making the way, for bridging the gap, for paving the road. Lord, sometimes I forget that I need not strive and struggle. Sometimes I think I have to do this or that. I forget to lean on You, to seek You when it’s difficult, to rest in Your ways when I’m frightened or disappointed. Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me. Thank You for saving me. Please help me to rest in You each and every day. I praise Your holy name, Jesus! Amen.

Rest in the Lord

Psalm 37:7 NKJV — 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.

Resting in the Lord is a choice.

It’s not based on circumstances.

It’s not acted on by our perspective.

Resting in the Lord is choosing to trust God and putting all faith in Him.

It’s believing.

Scripture gives us many examples of those who chose to rest in God and those who did not.

Isaiah 30:15 NKJV — For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” But you would not,

Yet the option is still open.

Each day is another opportunity to trust God, to rest in His sovereignty.

Jesus promises:

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28‭-‬30 NKJV

For the burden of sin is heavy and exhausting.

Psalm 32:10 NKJV — Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall surround him.

1 Timothy 6:10 NKJV — For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

The two paths, trusting God or trusting mankind (including self), are before us each day.

But those who trust in the Lord Jesus have rest.

While on Earth there is peace and security for their souls in the eternal life which awaits them in heaven.

Doubt, fear, and the world bombard our senses with lies about how to find peace and security, how to fill our lives with pleasure and good times.

The stark contrast of eternity with Christ and living a life surrendered to Him, brings rest which can never be attained by the world’s ways.

It is a choice.

Each one must choose, daily, who they will serve, what they will put their trust in.

But only one path brings rest.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your promises. How wonderful it is to rest in You. How blessed we are to walk in Your ways, to find security and comfort in Your Word, to walk in this life with the knowledge that You are sovereign. Lord Jesus, please help us to remain humble and teachable, looking daily for opportunities to surrender ourselves before You. Lord, please guard our hearts and minds against the lies of sin and the doubt which would rob us of Your truths. Thank You for loving us always and being the Savior of our souls. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Surrender brings rest

I’ve never thought about it before, but it’s true.

Surrender to Jesus brings rest to my soul.

Why?

Because it causes self to be powerless.

As a child and youth I was always worried about how others’ thought of me.

Who I was always needed forming into the ideas of those around me.

I had to live up to their expectations.

I had to follow through on what they wanted.

Of course, I couldn’t.

So, with every failure I felt it was a proof that I was a failure.

Therefore, with each failing, my value became less and my need to prove myself became greater.

Yes, I did believe in Jesus during this time.

No, I didn’t walk in submission to Him, nor did I understand what that was.

But as I walked in adulthood and learned the truths of scripture, I began to understand.

As I’ve walked in obedience to my Father and Lord, I’ve found such blessed freedom.

It’s been a slow process and a long journey, but well worth it.

When my heart gained understanding and humility, my burden to prove myself, rolled off.

My need to order and control my life also died.

Yes, I still work at living a self disciplined and scheduled way, but that is completely different from trying to control circumstances or order life into my ideas of how it should be.

And I can tell you how peaceful and beautiful it is to surrender.

No, I don’t always understand what’s occurring around me or how to handle specific circumstances.

No, I don’t need to have all the control, call the shots, or be in charge.

Yes, I know the One Who does.

And as I grow in the knowledge of God Almighty, I grow in love, peace, and assurance.

He is good.

He is loving.

He is truth.

Why strive against Him by stubborn refusal to submit my whole heart, my whole life to His perfect plan?

Yes, my soul has found rest.

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 37:7‭-‬8 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for teaching me how to surrender to You. Thank You for Your patience and Your grace. Lord, often I become stiff-necked and willful. I forget all Your past faithfulness and try to do things in my own strength. Lord, how foolish and what a waste! Please continue to patiently bring me back to this place of rest.

Resting

God’s will is perfect.

His ways are good.

There is nothing better than to obey Him.

No one ever said it would be easy.

Infact, Jesus referred to it as bearing one’s cross.

Matthew 16:24 KJV — Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

It means to die.

To surrender our lives into God’s hands.

Which is why I’m resting today.

I’ve been struggling since I came back from down south.

My asthma has been causing me problems.

Therefore, I wasn’t too surprised when the Lord told me to stay in bed today.

Yes, there is homeschooling to do.

Yes, there is laundry.

Yes, I’m going to stay in bed and let my family handle it.

Obedience is better than trying to force things to happen as I think they need to be.

And I can praise God while I surrender my agenda into His hands.

What an incredible God He is!

He gives me exactly what I need, whether I realize it or not.

Philippians 4:19 KJV — But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

And today, I need rest.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your faithfulness. Your love is ever abounding and I am humbled. Jesus, I surrender my day, my thoughts, and my ideas to You. Please help me to remain at rest in Your direction and to walk in Your will. Lord Jesus, please supply those things which are needed. Please guide and direct us. Lord Jesus, please help us to see through Your perspective, that we might not chase after anything but You. I love You. Thank You for first loving me. Amen.