Category: Psalms

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Consistency & Reflection

Our Christmas celebration started a week ago.

We went with our youngest daughter’s family to an Ostrich Farm where the kids, and the adults, were able to feed and interact with the animals. A memory maker for sure. Then Tuesday the oldest daughter and her family, married grandkids and great grands, came to spend time with us at our home. Food and fun! More memories.

Christmas Eve day we all met at our oldest daughter’s for Christmas brunch, family time and gift exchange for the littles family members. The only one we were missing was our son. We had planned to FaceTime him in for the reading of the Christmas story and the opening of presents. But much to our surprise, he was able to take some vacation time at the last minute and arrived unannounced. It was a wonderful Christmas – definitely a memory maker.

What a wonderful gift from the Lord – memory!

All through the Old Testament the Lord created memory making experiences. The rainbow after the flood, the Red Sea opening, manna from heaven, the walls of Jericho falling down, David killing Goliath, right up to a baby being heralded by angels and born in a stable and laid in a manger.

“Teach them to your children. Talk about them all the time—whether you’re at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning. 20 Write them on the door frames of your homes and on your town gates.” Deuteronomy 11:19-20 CEV

“Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 CEV

“ Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.” James 1:17 CEV

Memory makers! God’s faithfulness, His protection, His provision, His deliverance!

As we head into 2026 – take time to remember. Reflect on the past and know that God is faithful and consistent in your future.

“With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget how kind he has been. 3 The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, 4 and protects us from death.
His kindness and love are a crown on our heads. 5 Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagles” Psalm 103:2-5 CEV

Reflect on His goodness – remember His unconditional love – know that He is consistent, He never changes!

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Running Over

A home filled with laughter, new friends, good food and an abundance of love!

It’s not what’s under the tree that gives us reason to celebrate but what’s in our hearts! The joy of Christmas doesn’t have to end the day after – even when the home is quiet and things seem to be back to “normal” the joy that fills our hearts should carry on.

“You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch.You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life,and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23:5-6 CEV

My cup runneth over…God has been so good to me. He saw me for who I was and He loved me in spite of my shortcomings and my faults. He sees me now through His eyes of grace and His desire is for my good.

He has placed all I need before me and He has promised to go with me on this journey. He will provide – He won’t abandon me. His desire is for me to become all that He has designed me to be.

“ The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10 AMP

That which runs over isn’t wasted because God isn’t wasteful. But the overflow can be given out to others.

Let today be the start of your overflow – where there was drought in your life; let there be a cup running over.

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Building Relationships – Building Snowmen

I know this might sound really strange, especially to those of you who have young children or grandchildren, but I’ve only seen the movie Frozen once. Yes, just once.

However, the words to one of the songs from that movie have made an impact on me.

“Do you want to build a snowman?

Come on, let’s go and play!

I never see you anymore

Come out the door

It’s like you’ve gone away

We used to be best buddies

And now we’re not

I wish you would tell me why!

Do you want to build a snowman?

It doesn’t have to be a snowman

Ok, bye.”

We need to be aware of people who are hurting. For whatever reason the holidays seem to accentuate feelings of loneliness. I know, I’ve been there. But there’s really only one answer to a lonely heart.

It’s not a good therapist, it’s not a new love, it’s not change of scenery or job, or a puppy or food or alcohol. It’s not even building a snowman. It’s finding personal relationship with the One who loves you unconditionally.

“Praise the Lord because he is good. Sing praises to our God. It is good and pleasant to praise him…3 He heals their broken hearts and bandages their wounds.” Psalm 147: 1 & 3 ERV

Jesus is here to provide the comfort and consolation we so desperately need.

“If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. 29 Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. 30 This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 CEV

Sometimes hurting people hide behind big smiles and laughter, some hide behind rude and obnoxious behavior and others just hide.

I’m asking you today to look for hurting people – ask them to come build a snowman…or share a cup of coffee, a cinnamon roll…share your time, your love, your forgiveness and compassion.

By so doing you will have shared Jesus and He is the one who heals the broken hearted!

“‘When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, 36 and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.’

37 Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, ‘When did we give you something to eat or drink?…

40 The king will answer, ‘Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.'” Matthew 25:35-40 CEV

Do you want to build a snowman? It’s a good way to build relationships.

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Ever Present – Ever Faithful

“The virgin will be pregnant and will give birth to a son. They will name him Immanuel.”(Immanuel means “God with us.”) Matthew 1:23

” But the Lord will still give you proof. A virgin is pregnant; she will have a son and will name him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 CEV

God with us – in the car going to work; in the kitchen baking cookies; helping our kids with their homework; Christmas shopping; sitting beside the bed of a sick friend; sitting alone looking at the checkbook and the bills that need to be paid.

God with us – His purpose in coming was to be “with us”. In fact, Hebrews 13:5 tells us that He will NEVER leave us or forsake us.

We are also told that He promises to provide all our needs, heals all our diseases and forgives all our sins. Psalm 103

He always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus. II Corinthians 2:14

Can’t say that’s the way it’s always been in my life but I can say that when I realized that “God with us” it has certainly changed the outcome for the better – the best.

When we focus on all “we” have to do and how it’s “All” up to us, we become self absorbed. We make a very small package. But when we realize, truly realize, that God’s purpose is to “Be with us”, when we unwrap the present of His presence in our daily lives our world changes dramatically.

” What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us? 32 God did not keep back his own Son, but he gave him for us. If God did this, won’t he freely give us everything else?” Romans 8:31-32 CEV

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11

God’s present to us is His presence today. It fills us with joy!

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Look Up!

Friday night we drove to the little town closest to us for a Christmas parade. Friends of ours went along. We didn’t know what to expect because as I said it was a little town.

We munched on hamburgers, funnel cakes and kettle corn as we waited for the parade to begin. It was fun to be in such a festive mob all anticipating the parade. What we didn’t expect was what happened next.

The drone parade.

Most of the town lights were dimmed and one by one small spots of light appeared in the heavens. More and more lights appeared drawn together by the intricate programming of those who had much more expertise in technology than any of us on the ground.

For the next bit of time the drones repositioned themselves to form a variety of Christmas images. But if you hadn’t been looking up, you would have missed the show!

It prompted a question in my heart, “how many times do I fail to look up and miss out on what God has planned?”.

So many people spend time looking down. Looking down on others because of their education or lack thereof; looking down on financial status, marital status, political party, skin color, cultural idiosyncrasies, too religious, not religious enough, occupation or even sports team affiliation.

Then there are those who spend their time looking in. Looking in-ward at their mistakes, their failures, their fears, their lack and so they spend half of their lives living in self-pity.

Isn’t it interesting that the angels proclaimed the message of Christ’s birth in the heavens? The shepherds had to look up.

“That night, some shepherds were out in the fields near Bethlehem watching their sheep. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord was shining around them. The shepherds were very afraid. 10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid. I have some very good news for you—news that will make everyone happy. 11 Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.”

13 Then a huge army of angels from heaven joined the first angel, and they were all praising God, saying, 14 “Praise God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace to the people who please him” Luke 2:8-14 ERV

How much time in the last year have we spent looking down?

“Lift up your heads, O gates, And be lifted up, ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is the King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle.” Psalm 24:7-10 AMP

Maybe things have you feeling overwhelmed – so much is going on in the world. Or maybe you’re looking inward because you’ve been hurt, broken hearted.

“I look up to the hills, but where will my help really come from? 2 My help will come from the LORD, the Creator of heaven and earth.3 He will not let you fall. Your Protector will not fall asleep.” Psalm 121:1-3 ERV

Let me encourage you today to look up. Look up and find the One who fills the heavens and also fills our hearts!

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Be Overwhelmed by Love

During the night I awaken several times and began to pray for those who feel overwhelmed. Holidays and life in general can do that to you. If we don’t stand guard over our soul the enemy will try to overwhelm us.

Finances, health issues, family, new jobs, finals, relationships, scheduling, legal threats, loneliness…these things can be overwhelming.

“o·ver·whelm – bury or drown beneath a huge mass.

negative synonyms: swamp, submerge, engulf, bury, deluge, flood, inundate, defeat completely.

I’ve been there more times than I would like to admit but that was a long time ago! You see I have found the answer to being overwhelmed by the negative influences of life.

Being overwhelmed by God’s love is positive and uplifting.

positive synonyms: conquer, vanquish, be victorious over, triumph over, overcome, overthrow, give too much of a thing to (someone); leave speechless

God’s love causes us to triumph; to overcome, it leaves us speechless when we view the depth of His love. The purpose of Christ’s birth was to bring God’s love to earth – to us. It was to bring us overwhelming peace.

“Praise God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace to the people who please him.” Luke 2:14 ERV

“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, 3 for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.” Psalm 61:1-3 NLT

Jesus is our rock or a firm foundation! It’s in and through Him that we will be able to defeat those things that seem overwhelming. It’s His love that gives us the victory, through Him we are more than conquerors in every situation.

“31 What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us? 32 God did not keep back his own Son, but he gave him for us. If God did this, won’t he freely give us everything else?…37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” Romans 8:31-32. CEV

So. Was it you I was praying for in the wee hours of the morning? Trust God to be your defense. Faith in His overwhelming love will crush the attacks coming against you!

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Christmas Kindness All Year Long

All we have to do to find God’s gift of kindness is open the Bible and read a few lines.

The sunrises and sunsets, the dew and the rain, the melody of the birds, the clouds in the sky were all created for our enjoyment by the kindness of the Lord. Then we experience His love, mercy, gentleness and grace. There is no greater kindness than these.

“You are merciful, Lord! You are kind and patient and always loving. 9 You are good to everyone, and you take care of all your creation. 10 All creation will thank you, and your loyal people will praise you. 11 They will tell about your marvelous kingdom and your power.
12 Then everyone will know about the mighty things you do and your glorious kingdom.
13 Your kingdom will never end, and you will rule forever. Our Lord, you keep your word and do everything you say.
14 When someone stumbles or falls, you give a helping hand. 15 Everyone depends on you,
and when the time is right, you provide them with food. 16 By your own hand you satisfy the desires of all who live. 17 Our Lord, everything you do is kind and thoughtful, 18 and you are near to everyone whose prayers are sincere.19 You satisfy the desires of all your worshipers, and you come to save them when they ask for help.” Psalm 145:8-19 CEV

God doesn’t know how to be unkind. Everything He does is thoughtful and kind. He doesn’t do unkind things, His whole being is love and love is kind.

The Lord has blessed us with His kindness so that we can bless others. A word of encouragement, a helping hand, a simple act, patiently waiting in a line without being rude, giving attention and assistance to someone, a sincere compliment. All these acts of kindness are displays of the Father.

I’m hearing these words as I write this, these are the words of Jesus: “The king will answer, ‘Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.” Matthew 25:40 CEV

We are the recipients of God’s kindness but we are also the givers of the same.

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God on the Mountain

I was reading the story of the king of Syria attacking the king of Israel this morning. It touched a chord in my heart.

Benhadad, the Syrian king, led his armies in an attack of Ahad, the king of Israel, on mountain terrain. The smaller army of Ahad defeated the Syrian army. The prophet of God, went to Ahab after the battle and told him that Benhadad would attack him again in the Spring, so he needed to be prepared.

This is what Benhadad’s advisors had told him.

“Meanwhile, Benhadad’s officials went to him and explained: Israel’s gods are mountain gods. We fought Israel’s army in the hills, and that’s why they defeated us. But if we fight them on flat land, there’s no way we can lose.” I Kings 20:23 CEV

This is what the prophet of God told Ahab.

“The Israelites also prepared to fight. They marched out to meet the Syrians, and the two armies camped across from each other. The Syrians covered the whole area, but the Israelites looked like two little flocks of goats.

28 The prophet went to Ahab and said, ‘The Syrians think the Lord is a god of the hills and not of the valleys. So he has promised to help you defeat their powerful army. Then you will know that the Lord is in control.’”

Sometimes we are like Benhadad’s army. We see God as being limited to a particular situation or circumstance in our lives. We think, “Yes, God did this but hey, this is a big ask and I’m not sure that I can trust God in this situation.”

I’m here to tell you that our God on the mountain is also our God in the valley. He is faithful, trustworthy, always there – even in the presence of our enemies.

“I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me,
and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe. 5 You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows.” Psalm 23:4-5 CEV

God is faithful. His promise to never leave us or abandon us holds true no matter where we are!

There’s a song that really has an impact on my life every time I hear it. I hope you will follow this link and listen to it today. But just in case you don’t, let these words encourage your heart. “God on the Mountain” by Linda Randel

“Life is easy, when you’re up on the mountain
And you’ve got peace of mind, like you’ve never known
But things change, when you’re down in the valley
Don’t lose faith, for you’re never alone

For the God on the mountain, is still God in the valley
When things go wrong, He’ll make them right
And the God of the good times, is still God in the bad times
The God of the day, is still God in the night

You talk of faith when you’re up on the mountain
But talk comes so easy, when life’s at its best
Now it’s down in the valley of trials and temptations
That’s where your faith is really put to the test

For the God on the mountain, is still God in the valley
When things go wrong, He’ll make them right
And the God of the good times, is still God in the bad times
The God of the day, is still God in the night
The God of the day, is still God in the night”

No matter where you are today, God is right there with you!

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Beside the Quiet Stream

This morning I’m taking things a bit slower.

Got up a little later, sipping my coffee and enjoying the aroma. Heart filled with prayer and praise. So grateful for all the blessings – large and small.

In my heart, I’m sitting in my favorite place beside a quiet stream. In my spirit, I see my constant companion, the One who never leaves or abandons me, my Savior, my best friend, Jesus. He’s been talking and I’ve been listening. He says it’s ok to rest and He’s led me to this place.

“The Lord takes care of me,
    like a shepherd with his sheep.
I have everything that I need.
2 He takes me to green fields where I can rest.
    He leads me to streams of water where I can drink.
3 He gives me new strength in my life.
He is my guide to the right paths.
    He does this to give honour to his name.
4 I may walk through a valley that is as dark as death.
    But I will not be afraid of any danger.
This is because you are with me, Lord.
Your stick and your shepherd’s pole protect me from danger.

5 You prepare a big meal for me while my enemies watch.
    You put olive oil on my head.
You bless me so much that my cup is completely full.
6 I am sure that you will always be good to me.
You will love me all the days of my life.
    That will never change.
I will live in the Lord’s house for as long as I live.” Psalm 23 EASY

You’ll have to excuse me now – it’s time for a second cup and more conversation with my Jesus!

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Think On His Goodness

Choose to let yesterday go! Those are the words that filled my morning mediation. I choose to let yesterday go and live today in God’s goodness.

Yesterday after work I began preparation of the recipes I am making for Thanksgiving dinner. I had a recipe card before me. It was probably written 50 years ago. My handwriting but my mother’s recipe.

I assembled the ingredients on the cupboard and then concentrated on the exact ingredients, measuring correctly, not guessing as I sometimes do. You see, this time I’m taking it to share with friends, and I wanted it to be good, not just ok.

That was what I thought of as the Lord prompted me to let yesterday go and live today in His goodness.

I’m to use the same concentration that I did in getting each ingredient of the recipe measured correctly. I needed to measure His goodness, His love and not let anything else contaminate the recipe.

“Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 NLV

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 NKJV

“ For sure, You will give me goodness and loving-kindness all the days of my life. Then I will live with You in Your house forever.” Psalm 23:6 NLV

“Praise the Lord! O give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His loving-kindness lasts forever.” Psalm 106:1 NLV

The recipe for a life focused on God’s goodness is one void of anger, frustration, and strife. Those ingredients sour and taint the pleasing flavor of the life God intends us to have.

Make today one where you savor the goodness of God!

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