Category: Psalms

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Resting

You all know how much I love to sit in the morning quiet and spend time with the Father. This morning is no different than the others. I am finding such a refreshing for my soul.

We had a wonderful 4th of July weekend. Our daughter’s house was filled with family and friends. We laughed, we talked, we ate and we just enjoyed the love we all share. It was loud, lots of giggles; it was Arizona hot but fun and also tiring. When we got home Sunday afternoon I was tired. Really tired.

We had been gone from home for ten days. We unloaded the car, unpacked the suitcases, threw a pizza in the oven and crashed. I think I took a two hour nap. The last two days have been filled with laundry, going through the mail, making phone calls, paying bills and generally getting caught up. I don’t do well with clutter, not in my house and not in my head.

As I come to my morning quiet time today I am finding the Father here to restore my soul. I’m feeling refreshed, encouraged and energized!

“Adonai is my shepherd; I lack nothing. 2 He has me lie down in grassy pastures, he leads me by quiet water, 3 he restores my inner person. He guides me in right paths for the sake of his own name.” Psalm 23:1-3 CJB Complete Jewish Bible.

I feel so blessed to know that He knows what I need when I need it! He loved spending time with His friends and ministering to the needs of those who followed Him. Jesus also knew the importance of pulling away and spending time with the Father. It was in those times that He was refreshed.

I think that’s why He told Martha that she was “cumbered about with much serving”. Jesus made himself a servant to all so He knew the responsibility of meeting the needs of others. Like Mary (Martha’s sister), Jesus knew when it was time to “Choose the good part” and listen to the Father.

“While Jesus and his followers were traveling, he went into a town, and a woman named Martha let him stay at her house. 39 She had a sister named Mary. Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to him teach. 40 But her sister Martha was busy doing all the work that had to be done. Martha went in and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are getting worried and upset about too many things. 42 Only one thing is important. Mary has made the right choice, and it will never be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 ERV

Thank you Father for restoring and refreshing. Thank you for friends and family who fill my life with so much love. Thank you for reminding me to choose the good part!

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God Bless America

When I was a girl we had music class in grade school. Mrs. Martinez was our music teacher and she had a love for music that was contagious. If you got close enough she would “infect” you with a melody that would stay with you a lifetime.

Every occasion brought new songs from her piano bench; Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and the National Holidays but the songs I remember the most are the ones about America.

America the Beautiful – Battle Hymn of the Republic – God Bless America – My Country T’is of Thee – This Land Is Your Land – Star Spangled Banner

We learned all the verses. How I wish those days had never gone! We were a country that wasn’t ashamed of God’s grace and guidance.

I’m a red, white and blue American girl! I get choked up singing our National Anthem. I proudly stand and proclaim my Pledge of Allegiance. I believe in our country. I know She has flaws and room for improvement – who of us doesn’t? She’s been going through a rough patch lately. It seems there is a virus more deadly than COVID-19 seeking to destroy Her. It’s the virus of disrespect, hatred and malcontent! She’s been infected but She can recover.

I would like to share these words from America, the Beautiful. I hope they become the prayer of our heart.

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

Father, You have blessed our nation and we thank You for that. Our prayer is for healing – physical, emotional and spiritual. You’ve called us to love one another, to pray for our leaders and to bear one another’s burdens. We repent of selfishness and ego, break the hold of greed and the lust for power. May we be noble and self-controlled. We look to You for guidance. Thank You for your ever lasting love and Your mercies that are new every morning. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

“But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken. 12 What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance. 13 The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. 14 From his throne he observes all who live on the earth.” Psalm 33:11-14 NLT

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Thanks for the Memories

I’m so thankful for wonderful memories. Yesterday was no exception.

We are visiting with my Mom for the week. She’s almost ninety-seven and now, more than ever, we cherish each visit. Our granddaughter is in the Phoenix area visiting her parents. In February of this year she gave birth to our first great grandchild, their daughter. This was the first time they had ventured out since her birth. One thing she wanted to do was visit her great grandmother, my Mom, and have a five generation picture taken.

What a surprise! Mom was thrilled and so were Dave and I. It was so amazing to see our daughter, with her daughter and our granddaughter with our great granddaughter. Almost more than the heart could hold. What a joy!

It’s at times like this that I am so extremely conscious of our heavenly Father’s loving presence.

“When my followers call to me, I will answer them.  I will be with them when they are in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. 16 I will give my followers a long life and show them my power to save.” Psalm 91:15-16 CEV

One translation of this verse says “with long life I will satisfy them”. I am definitely satisfied with the life my Father has given me. Yesterday was one of those special “icing on the cake” days, for sure.

Each day can be like that when we’re trusting the Lord. Our days should never be mundane or routine. We should live expectantly, anticipating to see God’s goodness fill our natural with His supernatural. It bothers me that many times I neglect to see the miracles because I am overwhelmed by the routine.

The phrase “stop and smell the roses” isn’t in the Bible put the premise is a godly one.

“I would have been without hope if I had not believed that I would see the loving-kindness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord. Be strong. Let your heart be strong. Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NLV

May I encourage us all to take time each morning to record at least one sentence describing the blessings we saw in the previous day. We will be amazed at how many miraculous things we find when we look for them.

Michael W Smith wrote a song, “Breathe”, in 2001. It’s one of my favorite contemporary worship songs.

This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence living in me

This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very word spoken to me

And I, I’m desperate for you
And I, I’m I’m lost without you

Let’s live each day desperate for God, aware of His miracles and end each day by saying “Dear Lord, thanks for the memories”!

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How’s Your Heart?

Yesterday morning on my walk my mind seemed to be going several different directions at once. Does that ever happen to you? I was determined to collect my thoughts and focus on something positive and good.

I asked myself this question, “If you had to write your perspective of how life has changed for the first six months of 2020 what would you say?”. Hmmm. So let me ask, what would you say?

My life really hasn’t changed much. I still get up every morning, have my prayer time and Bible reading, write my blog and visit with my husband. I still go for a morning walk and take care of things around the house. I work in my flowers, develop the content for a new book, visit with friends and family through Facetime and phone calls.

I have learned to order groceries on-line and when I go out I wear a mask. I haven’t gotten to see the kids and grandkids as much as I’d like and we’ve cancelled a couple of camping trips but that’s about it. My heart is fixed; I am confident that God is in control. All of this mess has not caused me to fear. I know, beyond any shadow of doubt, that God will not or has not abandon me. He is faithful to a thousand generations.

The headlines and news casts scream doom and gloom. It seems to be the goal of the media to create fear, angst and hatred.

“There will be special things to look for in the sun and moon and stars. The nations of the earth will be troubled and will not know what to do. They will be troubled at the angry sea and waves. 26 The hearts of men will give up because of being afraid of what is coming on the earth. The powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with power and much greatness.” Luke 21:25-27 NLV

We can stand, unshaken, in the face of all that is going on around us. My heavenly Father is not surprised by the events and actions that are occurring around us so my hope is firmly planted in Him.

“He will never be shaken. The man who is right and good will be remembered forever. 7 He will not be afraid of bad news. His heart is strong because he trusts in the Lord. 8 His heart will not be shaken. He will not be afraid and will watch those lose who fight against him.” Psalm 112:6-8 NLV

If your heart begins to fear and you feel shaken remember these words: “God has said, “I will never leave you or let you be alone.” 6 So we can say for sure, “The Lord is my Helper. I am not afraid of anything man can do to me.” 7 Remember your leaders who first spoke God’s Word to you. Think of how they lived, and trust God as they did. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:5-8 NLV

Trust God and guard your heart – He is faithful!

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Safely Sheltered

Every generation has had to face tumultuous times. That is a fact. When Jesus lived on the earth the Romans had invaded Israel. Roman soldiers patrolled the streets, the local Jewish officials were subject to Roman law and the citizens owed taxes to Caesar.

Some who were living then thought that the Messiah would come, set up His kingdom and overthrow the Romans. They were looking for an earthly king. They longed for deliverance.

Jesus’ heart ached for them. He said they were like lost sheep, vulnerable and alone. They had wandered far from the safety of the shepherd. All through the Old Testament God, the Father, had the leaders and prophets of Israel instruct the people to follow His word and He would be their God and their refuge in times of trouble. Those in Israel had either forgotten those promises or had ignored them.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophets. You stone to death those that God has sent to you. Many, many times I wanted to help your people. I wanted to gather them together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you did not let me.” Matthew 23:37 ERV

Do you see those words “I wanted to gather…But you did not let me”? The Lord desires to protect us and keep us safe. That’s His Father’s heart!

“You can go to God Most High to hide. You can go to God All-Powerful for protection. 2 I say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety, my fortress. My God, I trust in you.” 3  God will save you from hidden dangers  and from deadly diseases. 4 You can go to him for protection. He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies. You can trust him to surround and protect you like a shield. 5 You will have nothing to fear at night  and no need to be afraid of enemy arrows during the day.” Psalm 91:1-5 ERV

The words of the Bible aren’t mindless platitudes, a good philosophy or some myth or fairy tale. They are God’s words; they are words of life to all who believe them. They are the words of a loving Father to His children. Jesus was expressing the words of the Father when he spoke over Jerusalem. From the beginning of time God has wanted to protect, guard and deliver His children.

Those same words of protection and safety are God’s words to us for this very day! Take courage and trust the Father.

Thank you Father that under the shadow of Your wings is my place of safety!

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Annoyed by Wrong Actions

A few years ago there was a world situation that really had me upset. I had been fussing about it for several days and my conversation was focused on it. (and right now, I can’t even remember the particulars of it) Anyway, it filled my conversation and my thoughts – I wasn’t praying about it, I was complaining. I had lost my focus and then I came across these verses.

“Don’t get upset about evil people. Don’t be jealous of those who do wrong. 2 They are like grass and other green plants that dry up quickly and then die. 3 So trust in the Lord and do good. Live on your land and be dependable. 4 Enjoy serving the Lord, and he will give you whatever you ask for. 5 Depend on the Lord. Trust in him, and he will help you. 6 He will make it as clear as day that you are right.  Everyone will see that you are being fair. 7 Trust in the Lord and wait quietly for his help. Don’t be angry when people make evil plans and succeed. 8 Don’t become so angry and upset that you, too, want to do evil. 9 The wicked will be destroyed, but those who call to the Lord for help will get the land he promised.” Psalm 37:1-9 ERV

When I read these words I laughed out loud. My first thought was “Lord, I’ve been busted”. Instead of focusing on those who were doing wrong I knew the Lord wanted me to focus on Him. This situation was temporary and it was stealing my joy and my peace.

The instruction was clear. Trust the Lord, depend on Him, wait for God’s help, don’t be angry, be dependable. All of these are positive, righteous actions. The anger and complaining weren’t.

Two words jumped out at me. Be dependable! The people around me, those that composed my world of influence, needed me to be dependable. I needed to let God’s light shine through me so others could see the hope that lives in me.

“God once said, “Let light shine out of the darkness!” And this is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts to let us know that his own divine greatness is seen in the face of Christ. 7 We have this treasure from God, but we are only like clay jars that hold the treasure. This is to show that the amazing power we have is from God, not from us.” II Corinthians 4:6-7 ERV

The Lord reminded me of these verses the other day. Yes, I had been complaining again and my attention was focused on people and not on the Lord. I could enter in with everyone else’s comments and complaints or I could be dependable and be a light for God’s goodness.

Maybe, just maybe, you’ve been there too. Let’s join our lights together as we “trust the Lord and do good”.

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Stay on Course

Recently we watched “Kon Tiki”. It’s a movie about the “real life” of Thor Heyerdahl and his crew who sailed from Peru across the Pacific to the Polynesian Islands in 1947 on a balsa wood raft. It was a 4300 mile trip and took over one hundred days. The courage of Heyerdahl and his crew is matched only by their determination. It’s definitely a “must” watch.

The raft’s only means of propulsion was its sail and the ocean’s currents and a rudder were its means of navigation. The rudder helped them hold their course as the current and the trade winds moved them on their journey. I was captivated by their story, after all, Heyerdahl is Norwegian and so am I.

The rudder – a long wooden pole with a flat piece of wood tied to the end of it – was the only thing they had to steer them through the waters. It would have been disastrous to have lost it.

We also need a rudder to stay on course and the Bible tells us what that rudder is.

“All of us do many wrong things. But if you can control your tongue, you are mature and able to control your whole body. 3 By putting a bit into the mouth of a horse, we can turn the horse in different directions. 4 It takes strong winds to move a large sailing ship, but the captain uses only a small rudder to make it go in any direction. 5 Our tongues are small too, and yet they brag about big things.” James 3:2-5a CEV

Our tongue, the words that we speak, are our rudder in life. The things we say to ourselves and the things we say to others will set our course in all our relationships. One of the best examples of controlling life’s circumstances with words comes from the life of Job. Job had lost all of his children, his animals and his crops. Physically he was suffering and this was his wife’s advice:

“Job scraped his skin with a piece of broken pottery as he sat among the ashes. 9 His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.” 10 But Job replied, “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” So in all this, Job said nothing wrong.” Job 2:8-10 NLT

Job kept his words pure; they were his life’s rudder. He knew if he began complaining about the way things were going, he would lose the only thing he had left, his faith. He had faith that God would vindicate him and He did!

King David said this: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 NLT

Jesus said this: “I promise you that on the day of judgment, everyone will have to account for every careless word they have spoken. 37 On that day they will be told that they are either innocent or guilty because of the things they have said.” Matthew 12:36-37 CEV

And the Apostle Paul said this: “and never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.” I Thessalonians 5:17-18 CEV

We don’t need to give thanks for the troubles we face but, like Job, we keep our focus on the One who will bring us through the troubles and stay with us in the troubles to keep us in His loving care.

“Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things. 17 But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. 18 When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.” James 3:16-18 CEV

When God’s words become our words they are a powerful rudder that will keep our lives on the right course, a course filled with gentleness, kindness, sincerity and peace.

Stay on course!

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A Good Nap Is Valuable

This was a busy weekend. Thursday we drove to the Phoenix area to visit with our daughters and their families. Our last visit up there was Christmas. We had such a good time.

Thursday when we arrived we got some shopping done while they were working. Dave and I had almost forgotten what the Phoenix heat was like. When we came out of one store it was 107*. The truck thermometer said it was 113*. This was just a friendly reminder of why we have chosen not to live in the metro area.

But the heat didn’t deter us from having a good time. We spent a good portion of the day on Friday checking out a campground for Fall camping trip. It was tucked away on a creek and only a few hours drive from Mesa. Yes! Trip planned and on the calendar.

Saturday we had a bar-b-que and pool party with both girls, their husbands and our three youngest grandkids. The giggles, the squeals, the jumping and splashing were as refreshing as the water. Nothing could top the hugs, the kisses, the smiles and the “I love you’s” that everyone exchanged. Such a sweet time!

As you’re reading all of this I can hear you asking “but what’s the point of this morning’s blog?”. Are you ready for it? It’s very profound – our heavenly Father wants us to enjoy life. He wants us to spend time with those we love and He wants us to immerse ourselves in His presence and His love.

“I have seen what is best for people to do on earth: They should eat, drink, and enjoy the work they have during their short time here. God has given them these few days, and that is all they have. 19 If God gives some people wealth, property, and the power to enjoy those things, they should enjoy them. They should accept the things they have and enjoy their work—that is a gift from God.” Ecclesiastes 5:18-19 ERV

The things we have are blessings from the Lord and we should enjoy what He has given us. Our heavenly Father doesn’t want us to spend all of our time striving to make a living. In fact, He tells us to trust Him to help in that and to rest and enjoy our families.

“If it is not the Lord who builds a house, the builders are wasting their time. If it is not the Lord who watches over the city, the guards are wasting their time. 2 It is a waste of time to get up early and stay up late, trying to make a living. The Lord provides for those he loves, even while they are sleeping. 3 Children are a gift from the Lord, a reward from a mother’s womb.” Psalm 127:1-3 ERV

I am so thankful for the weekend the Lord gave us and I am also thankful for the nice long nap I was able to take once we got home yesterday afternoon. Please understand God wants us to see His love and provision in everything; safety, jobs, family, health, recreation, and even naps. The Lord wants us to rest, rest in knowing that He is in control.

Put the words of the Apostle Paul into practice today. “Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:17 ERV

Give thanks in everything – even in a good nap!

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Hope!

What is hope? Well…hope isn’t crossed fingers or wishful thinking. Hope has substance, its basis is truth.

People can be hope-full or hope-less. I choose to be in the first category. Hope gives us a solid footing when the sandy beaches in life seem to be shifting.

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and 6 my God!” Psalm 42:5-6 NLT

A young shepherd by the name of David lived a hope-filled life. His older brothers, men of esteem, were in a hope-less situation. The armies of Israel were being taunted by a giant named Goliath. Goliath challenged Israel to send him just one man to fight, if the Israelite won then the Philistines would surrender but if he lost they would be taken captive.

You know the story. The Israelites were shaking in their boots. All but David. He went out to face the giant, his hope was in God and God delivered the giant and the Philistines into the hands of the Israelites.

The same God who filled David with hope is reaching out to us.

“And Isaiah says, ‘Someone will come from Jesse’s family. He will come to rule over the nations, and they will put their hope in him.’ 13 I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:12-13 ERV

When we put our hope in Jesus and what He has done for us we are filled with joy and peace. We can trust Him; He makes us hope-full. We aren’t operating on quarter-full or half-full hope but we can be hope-full.

“I will never give up hope or stop praising you. 15 All day long I will tell the wonderful things you do  to save your people. But you have done much more than I could possibly know. 16 I will praise you, Lord God, for your mighty deeds and your power to save.” Psalm 71:14-16 CEV

The best way I know to stay filled with hope when things seem hopeless is to recall the times when the Lord did something wonderful for you. God has a way of filling our lives with large and small blessings; these are signs of His presence and His love. These also bring hope when we are discouraged.

Following Christ does not mean an absence of problems or what appears to be “hope-less” situations. To the contrary, it’s in those situations that we can have the greatest hope. It’s there we can see God’s loving hand of deliverance and strength.

“We have been made right with God because of our faith. So we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through our faith, Christ has brought us into that blessing of God’s grace that we now enjoy. And we are very happy because of the hope we have of sharing God’s glory. 3 And we are also happy with the troubles we have. Why are we happy with troubles? Because we know that these troubles make us more patient. 4 And this patience is proof that we are strong. And this proof gives us hope. 5 And this hope will never disappoint us. We know this because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts through the Holy Spirit he gave us.” Romans 5:1-5 ERV

If you are in a situation that is draining your hope, making you hope-less put your hope in God’s word, in His promises. Doing this will make you hope-full!

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Feeling Overwhelmed?

About eighteen months ago we repurposed our dining room. Out with the dining table (everyone likes to eat on the patio when they come) and in with the roll-top desk, bookcase, filing cabinet, side table and two wonderful wooden rockers that Dave refinished.

The side table holds a lamp and a charging station. On the bottom shelf we have our books; several translations of the Bible, daily devotionals and our “what I want to read next” stack of books. This is my quiet place; my sit-and-pray, read-n-pray, pray-n-write solace. I have learned that every morning life needs to start here or I, all too quickly, become overwhelmed with life’s daily routine and whatever new crisis that crops up in the world overnight.

Here, before the day really starts, I spend time with my Father. He encourages me, corrects me, strengthens and instructs me. It’s here I pray for family, friends, neighbors, our nation and the world.

Life can be overwhelming, Jesus understands that. He knows we need help and He is here to provide what we need. These are some of Jesus final words to His disciples. He would be arrested in just a matter of hours.

“Jesus answered them, ‘Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.’” John 16:31-33 MSG

The disciples were facing an overwhelming time – the death of their leader and their own persecution. Jesus’ words were trust me, be at peace, cheer up, I’m here and I have conquered the world. The same truth is for us as well. Jesus wanted their focus to change from being overwhelmed by their circumstances to overcoming them.

I make lists when I come to my quiet place – a list with prayer needs and I have a daily to-do list. I pray over both of them. I ask the Lord to provide for those I know who need specific things and I ask for direction on which of my to-do’s need my attention that day. It keeps me focused and on track. I hand the Lord those I love dearly and the situations that could overwhelm and I receive His peace, joy and reassurance.

There’s one place in Psalms that I go to when I am feeling overwhelmed and it always brings me peace.

“O God, listen to my cry!  Hear my prayer! 2 From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help
 when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, 3for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. 4 Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!” Psalm 61:1-4 NLT

When life is overwhelming, run to the One who overcame all its adversity. Find safety and peace with the Rock of Ages.

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