Category: Encouragement

Posted on

Something Old

This morning I sat here praying and I told the Lord that I really didn’t think I had anything new to share. His answer came quickly, “Then share something old”.

Of course, why didn’t I think of that?

We’re here at our oldest daughter’s for the week, dog sitting. As I look around, I see lots of old things; pieces of furniture, pictures, clocks, a cookie jar, some books and me. We call those family heirlooms and antiques.

The old stuff is the good stuff.

“My son, do not forget my teaching. Let your heart keep my words. 2 For they will add to you many days and years of life and peace. 3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you. Tie them around your neck. Write them upon your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good understanding in the eyes of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not trust in your own understanding. 6 Agree with Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and turn away from what is sinful. 8 It will be healing to your body and medicine to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your riches, and with the first of all you grow. 10 Then your storehouses will be filled with many good things and your barrels will flow over with new wine.” Proverbs 3:1-10 NLV

What could be better than the old instruction we receive from God’s word?

His word adds peace and years to our life. Kindness and truth give us favor with men and with God. His word makes our path straight, gives us health and blesses what we put our hands to do.

There’s a reason that back in the “olden days”, as we used to call them, that school children used the Bible in their classroom studies. The truth in the Bible is timeless. As far as I know, no laws have ever been written to outlaw love, joy, and peace.

But the perversion of God’s word is also as old as time.

“Now the snake was more able to fool others than any animal of the field which the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God say that you should not eat from any tree in the garden?’ 2 Then the woman said to the snake, ‘We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden. 3 But from the tree which is in the center of the garden, God has said, ‘Do not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.’

4 The snake said to the woman, ‘No, you for sure will not die! 5 For God knows that when you eat from it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and bad.’” Genesis3:1-5 NLV

Satan was the first to twist God’s word and try to make it say something God never intended, and people have been doing that ever since.

I would like to encourage you to find something old today – find your Bible. Don’t read it from your computer screen, your tablet or your phone. Find the book, hold it in your hands, read the words from the page and let the Lord impress them on your heart.

Something old? Yes, but treasured and timeless!

Posted on

God Is Bigger

The last few days I have been frustrated by a hatch of small beetle-type insects. This may be a common occurrence this time of year but they are annoying.

They are everywhere and get into everything. They are black with a little bit of red on their sides, they have wings but they don’t fly much. They crawl and of course are drawn to the light. Dave reminded me yesterday, “don’t worry, they’ll be gone just as quickly as they came”. It can’t be soon enough for me!

While I was muttering about these little pests, I almost missed the gorgeous sunrise that was appearing through my window. Isn’t that how it is so often? We make mountains out of molehills and we miss out on the beauty that God provides.

God is bigger than our problems, bigger than our annoyances!

King Solomon made a simple statement that I have learned to rely on in times like these.

“Catch the foxes for us— the little foxes that spoil the vineyard. Our vineyard is now in bloom.” Song of Solomon 2:15 ERV

This verse is right in the middle of a love sonnet. How strange! But I think it’s a reminder, a caution that we should deal with the little things of life, not letting them create stress and go on.

“We have small troubles for a while now, but these troubles are helping us gain an eternal glory. That eternal glory is much greater than our troubles. 18 So we think about what we cannot see, not what we see. What we see lasts only a short time, and what we cannot see will last forever.” II Corinthians 4:17-18 ERV

The “small troubles” in Paul’s life were things like ship wrecks, beatings, imprisonment, stoning, constant harassment. Little foxes — small troubles.

God is bigger!

Just now as I am writing this one of those small annoyances just crawled across my keyboard. So, what do we do when the stress starts to build and the annoyances come?

“I look to the hills! Where will I find help? 2 It will come from the Lord, who created heaven and earth. 3 The Lord is your protector, and he won’t go to sleep or let you stumble.” Psalm 121:1-3 CEV

With that I’m on my way out to enjoy the sunrise and the majesty of the Father. My God is bigger than anything!

Posted on

Walk & Talk

Yesterday I told you about my morning walking. Sometimes Dave walks with me and some days I walk alone. This image is from yesterday morning’s walk.

On the days Dave and I walk together we talk, we plan, we readjust plans and make set new goals, we thank God for where we are and where He is leading us. On the mornings when I walk by myself, I do the same with the Father.

That desire to walk and talk must be an inherited trait.

“ Then they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the evening. ” Genesis 3:8 NLV

God created man and woman so He would have someone to fellowship with. Even after they had sinned and left the garden God still came to talk with them.

Enoch went on a walk and talk with the Lord and instead of going back to his tent for the night it appears he walked right back to heaven with God.

“So Enoch lived 365 years. 24 Enoch walked with God, and he was seen no more, for God took him.” Genesis 5:23-24 NLV

Noah talked with God and God gave him the blueprints for building the ark.

“ Then God said to Noah, “I have decided to make an end to all the people on the earth…14 Make a large boat of gopher wood for yourself. Build rooms in the boat. And cover it inside and out with tar. 15 This is how you are to make it…” Genesis 6:13-15 NLV

There are so many throughout the Bible who had walk and talks with the Lord and it still happens today.

We met a man while we were living in Idaho who had an idea for building a wood-burning stove. He built the proto-type and submitted it for a patent. He didn’t have a lot of money to spend on the patent process, and it failed the first round of testing. He told us he sat up all night praying about what had failed and how he could correct it with the funds he had left. He spread out the plans on the table and began asking the Lord about each step of the process. By morning, he had his answer on what needed to be adjusted, made the correction, submitted the stove again and was granted the patent. He has been producing his wood burning stoves now for years and has a very successful product and gives God the glory.

God’s desire is for us to have wisdom and His leading in every circumstance. He’s not hiding His will or His plans. On of my favorite walk n talk verses are these:

“ While Jeremiah was still shut up in the open space of the prison, the Word of the Lord came to him a second time, saying, 2 “This is what the Lord says Who made the earth. The Lord made it to last. The Lord is His name. 3 ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you. And I will show you great and wonderful things which you do not know.’” Jeremiah 33:1-3 NLV

Call to Me and I will answer and show you great and wonderful things!

If you need motivation while on those morning or evening walks, let those verses be it. A walk and talk with the Lord will reveal great and wonderful things!

Posted on

Making Choices

The last few mornings I have had to make a choice that has delayed my blog. I have been getting out earlier for my morning walk because the temperatures in the desert have been increasing.

It was already in the mid-80’s when Dave and I walked out the door at 5:30. Yep. By the time we got back we were both a sweaty mess. Choices.

I know if we didn’t go out then it would be too hot later. There was something about turning 70 a couple weeks ago that told me I MUST be serious about my health for me and my family. It’s never easy but it’s beneficial.

“He will call upon Me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will take him out of trouble and honor him. 16 I will please him with a long life. And I will show him My saving power.” Psalm 91:15-16 NLV

Now, I don’t want you to think that I am some great fitness achiever – I’m not. In fact, I still have another 20+ pounds to lose before I will feel I have accomplished my weight goal but I am working toward it.

“Growing strong in body is all right but growing in God-like living is more important. It will not only help you in this life now but in the next life also. 9 These words are true and they can be trusted.” I Timothy 4:8-9 NLV

There you have it – a strong body and a strong spirit are both important. God has given us His word on it.

I know how hard it is to make good and healthy choices at any stage of life so I want to encourage you and I would appreciate your prayers too.

“This is why I have never stopped praying for you since I heard about you. I ask God that you may know what He wants you to do. I ask God to fill you with the wisdom and understanding the Holy Spirit gives. 10 Then your lives will please the Lord. You will do every kind of good work, and you will know more about God. 11 I pray that God’s great power will make you strong, and that you will have joy as you wait and do not give up.” Colossians 1:9-11 NLV

More words to live by…God’s great power makes us strong, don’t give up. That’s where my failure comes, giving up before reaching my goal. Maybe you experience that too. So, today Scripture becomes very practical to me.

Trust the Lord to lead you and give you His strength to reach your goal. We have victory in Jesus!

Posted on

Time to Smile

The little guy in this image made me smile!

Three words went through my mind this morning as I was praying about what to share – rested, refreshed, relaxed. And then I found this little lamb and he was the embodiment of all three.

Have you ever had the opportunity to watch sheep while they are grazing in a field?

I have. In fact, it used to be a regular outing when our oldest was just a year old. I would put her in her stroller and we would go across the road to a fenced field that was being grazed off. She loved watching the ewes and the lambs.

They would make her giggle that little child giggle that seems to come from her toes all the way up her body and bubble out her mouth. I can still hear it.

A lush green field. The lambs, close to their mothers, would eat until their bellies were filled and then they would romp and play. Moments later they would be sprawled out in the grass, just like this one, sleeping soundly.

King David, who had been a shepherd, must have experienced scenes like this thousands of times and drawing from his experience and memories he penned Psalm 23.

“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.
4 Even if I pass through death-dark ravines,
I will fear no disaster; for you are with me;
your rod and staff reassure me.

5 You prepare a table for me,
even as my enemies watch;
you anoint my head with oil
from an overflowing cup.

6 Goodness and grace will pursue me
every day of my life;
and I will live in the house of Adonai
for years and years to come.” Psalm 23 CJB

Rested, refreshed, relaxed…even in the presence of our enemies!

Has life had you going in circles? Too many activities/responsibilities and not enough time?

The Lord has a green pasture and a lush patch of grass just waiting for us to come lay down and take our rest. Stretch out and enjoy His presence!

Posted on

Get the Right Fit

A few days ago, Dave took me shopping. I needed some new clothes; some things just don’t fit right anymore.

I thought I could avoid the stores by shopping on-line so I ordered a dress, it looked cute but when it got here it just didn’t fit right. I knew I needed to bite the bullet and go shopping, in a real store. Did I tell you that I don’t like to shop – it’s one of my least favorite things to do.

When we got to the store Dave said he was going to the men’s section. That was good – I knew it would take me a while to find what I was looking for and I didn’t want him to become impatient.

By the time he came back I had already been to the dressing room once and had found a few things that I liked and that fit. Other items I had put on the “go back” rack. No, no, no they didn’t fit right at all. Some things I had selected were way too big and others were painfully small, even though the size on the tag was the same. Yes, everything had to be tried on to make sure it was the right fit.

That shopping adventure was what I thought of this morning when I read these verses:

“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:8-14 NLT

In the spiritual sense some things just don’t look good on us – things like anger, rage, resentment, gossip, lying, bitterness, etc.

We have been given a better wardrobe; it fits perfectly because it was tailor-made for us by Christ. Our new wardrobe includes mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, joy, forgiveness and the one article that makes every outfit complete, love.

“ Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” Ephesians 4:23-24 NLT

Now, it’s time to go through the “spiritual” closet and pull out those things that don’t fit anymore. Getting dressed for the day is much easier when we have the right fit!

Posted on

Carry the Load

I know there are so many hurting people in the world and those who are friends and family need us to help them with our prayers and encouragement. But as hard as we try, we can never really know the pain they are going through.

We can empathize and sympathize with them, but we are limited in truly understanding their grief, sorrow and personal battles.

However, there is One who knows the depth of the pain and has come to carry it.

“He was hated and men would have nothing to do with Him, a man of sorrows and suffering, knowing sadness well. We hid, as it were, our faces from Him. He was hated, and we did not think well of Him.

4 For sure He took on Himself our troubles and carried our sorrows. Yet we thought of Him as being punished and hurt by God, and made to suffer. 5 But He was hurt for our wrong-doing. He was crushed for our sins. He was punished so we would have peace. He was beaten so we would be healed.” Isaiah 53:3-5 NLV

In one version of these verses it says, “He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief”.

Christ came to carry the load. We are limited in our resources and understanding to help in life’s most trying times but not Jesus. He knows the depth of the hurt and He doesn’t want us trying to handle it on our own. He wants us to let Him carry the load.

“ Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7 ERV

We can become weary, exhausted and emotionally drained from “trying” to do it all on our own. Our own efforts will fall short every time. But there is a place of rest and that is found in Jesus.

“If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 CEV

Jesus grieved the death of His friend Lazarus. He wept. His heart was broken over the calloused ways of humankind. He wept. He was moved with compassion over those suffering with sickness and disease and also those who were ridiculed and considered social outcast.

He came to bring comfort and healing. He promises to be our help.

“ We have a great high priest who has gone to live with God in heaven. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us continue to express our faith in him…16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:14-16 ERV

When we come to Him, He promises to carry the load.

Posted on

Receiving Our Inheritance

Some days just don’t go as you have planned. That was today…

We’re home, under the air conditioning, I have my feet up and I’m listening to the Holy Spirit share with me, heart-to-heart.

Time today planning family get togethers, a memorial service and then I received good news on a family member’s health. All in all, it has been a day of blessing!

Although my morning was not my usual routine, and I apologize to all of you for not putting out the blog, I really had a great day with the Lord. Let me share…

“For the Holy Spirit speaks to us and tells our spirit that we are children of God. 17 If we are children of God, we will receive everything He has promised us. We will share with Christ all the things God has given to Him. But we must share His suffering if we are to share His shining-greatness.

18 I am sure that our suffering now cannot be compared to the shining-greatness that He is going to give us. Romans 8:16-18 NLV

“We will share with Christ all the things God has given to Him.”

I spent a large portion of my morning reflecting on the life of Jesus here on earth. He walked from town to town preaching. He slept in the homes of friends and ate at their tables. He was ridiculed by His family, they didn’t understand His calling.

He went to wedding and funerals. He had compassion on the hurting and sick. He was criticized by the religious elite for eating and “drinking” with people who had a poor reputation.

Any of this sound familiar? If it does congratulations, you are acting like your older brother, Jesus.

His closest friends were often questioning his actions and his teachings. The man he trusted with the contributions and financial support stole from him. Other of his disciples were creating a power play to see who would be Jesus’ right-hand man.

So many distractions, so many issues. How did Jesus stay focused.

“After He had sent them away, He went up the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone. ” Matathew 14:23 NLV

“ In the morning before the sun was up, Jesus went to a place where He could be alone. He prayed there. 36 Simon and the others looked for Jesus.” Mark 1:35 NLV

If we’re going to “share with Christ all the things God has for him” we’re going to need to act more like Him. He spent time listening to His Father. He spent time being silent.

I saw something on Facebook today I don’t ever want to forget. The same letters in the word listen are also in the word silent. If we are going to be good listeners, we need to learn to be silent.

We all need to learn the lesson that a young boy named Samuel learned from the old priest Eli.

“Eli said to Samuel, “Go lie down. If He calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 Then the Lord came and stood and called as He did the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” 11 The Lord said to Samuel, “See, I am about to do a thing in Israel which will make both ears of everyone who hears it feel strange.” I Samuel 3:9-11 NLV

Listen – I’ve been doing that all day. The Father has spoken quietly but He told me I’m living below my station. His inheritance for me is so much greater than what I have been expecting.

His inheritance to each of us who call him Father starts here on earth but will continue to all eternity!

“Father, I’m listening with great anticipation!”

Posted on

God Blessed America

What a wonderful day we have to celebrate – Happy Birthday America!

There is no country on earth like this country we live in. It was founded on the hopes and dreams of a few. They had a desire to break free from tyranny and they were willing to give up their lives, if necessary, to see that dream of a new nation of freedom come true.

A blending of national origins, sects and ideals came together to see that this nation was birthed. Blood was shed and prayers were offered.

Today, we don’t celebrate her perfection but we celebrate her determination and resilience.

“Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord. Happy are the people He has chosen for His own.” Psalm 33:12 NLV

Some would like to argue that this country wasn’t founded on godly principles but they are woven all throughout her documents, fiery speeches and correspondence. Even her songs give glory to God.

Did you know the “Star-Spangled Banner” has four verses? Let me share with you the fourth:

“Oh, thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust”:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

That line “Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation” says it all. Many feared America would be able to maintain her independence and survive as a nation when the British attacked our shores again in 1812. The fighting was fierce!

“The anthem’s history began the morning of September 14, 1814, when an attorney and amateur poet named Francis Scott Key watched U.S. soldiers—who were under bombardment from British naval forces during the War of 1812—raise a large American flag over Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland…On September 13, U.S. soldiers at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry withstood some 25 hours of British bombardment. Early the next morning, they hoisted a gigantic U.S. flag over the fort, marking a crucial victory and a turning point in what would be considered a second war of American independence.” excerpts taken from History.com.

Inspired by that tattered flag Francis Scott Key penned the words to what would later be accepted as our National Anthem.

“When justice rules a nation, everyone is glad; when injustice rules, everyone groans.” Proverbs 29:2 CEV

May we all take time to pray for our nation today. We are fractured and need the Lord’s healing. May we be a nation where justice rules!

“Father God, we pray for our nation and its leaders. May Your grace impact the hearts all our citizens. May our cause be just and our trust be in You in Jesus name, Amen.”

Posted on

Joy, Joy, Joy

When I was a little girl we sang a song in Sunday School. “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart…down in my heart to stay”.

And when I was a teenager we sang, “Jeremiah was a bullfrog. Was a good friend of mine…Joy to the world, all the boys and girls”.

At Christmas time we sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come”.

Each day I wake with a joyful heart, not because life is perfect but because the Lord promises to never leave or abandon me. His grace is sufficient to carry me through my storms and disappointments. He heals my broken heart , restores my soul and gives me joy!

Today my joy is just a little more exuberant! Had a wonderful time yesterday with Dave, Kim, Austin, Kaci, Stephen and Kaci’s littles. We missed Koy and Kym. (I hate that they live so far away.)

It was a day of giggles and hugs, love and laughter. Kisses and tickles. It was a day of family.

When I put the word joy into the search engine of my Bible app this morning it came up with 444 references on joy. Oh my, yes, our heavenly Father wants our life here on earth to be joy-filled.

“ But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things.” Galatians 5:22-23 ERV

Just like fruit grows in an orchard or vegetables sprout in a garden, the Lord plants seeds that will produce fruit in our lives and the Holy Spirit is the gardener Who is always there to see that they grow.

In the hard times, and there will be hard times, the Lord is there to sustain us.

“Lord, hear my prayer, and be kind to me. Lord, help me!” 11 You have changed my sorrow into dancing. You have taken away my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. 12 You wanted me to praise you and not be silent.  Lord my God, I will praise you forever.” Psalm 30:10-12 ERV

Jesus knows what it’s like to face life’s worst circumstances. The night of His arrest He spent time with His apostles talking to them about the anxiety they would feel. Speaking peace into their hearts and telling them to ask the Father for what they needed and then they would be filled with joy.

“Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive. Then your joy will be full.” John 16:24 NLV

Joy is an emotion but it’s also a decision. It’s the act of letting God’s goodness always reign in our hearts. When we are weak His joy gives us strength.

“You have not seen Christ, but still you love him. You can’t see him now, but you believe in him. You are filled with a wonderful and heavenly joy that cannot be explained.” I Peter 1:8 ERV

“…Today is a special day to our Lord. Don’t be sad, because the joy of the Lord will make you strong.” Nehemiah 8:10 ERV

I hear the birds outside and each morning they wake singing praise to the Lord. Their joy is contagious. Yes, this morning I will sing, “I have the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Down in my heart to stay.

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress