Category: Encouragement

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Is It Over?

The piles of torn paper and empty boxes is a scene that played out in millions of homes worldwide. The joy and the laughter, the hugs and kisses, the thank-yous and oooh’s and aaaah’s are still fresh in our memories.

Face-to-face conversations and loving words exchanged over the phone were all added bonuses of the day.

I’m sitting here this morning recalling the texts, the sounds of loved ones voices, the snuggles, all the details of the day and I imagine Mary did the same.

Every one of us mothers can remember what it was like to wake up the day after one of our children were born. We spent time going over in our heart the emotions of the day, those that came to visit and once again holding that tiny child in our arms – counting every finger and toe. Kissing the top of their head, holding them tightly and marveling at the life of one so small.

Imagine what must of have going through Mary’s heart that morning after Christ’s birth. She was in a stable, with a man who had showed her unconditional love and holding a child in her arms who was God’s gift to mankind. How blessed – how in awe!

“ They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.” Luke 2:16-19 NLT

The life ahead of Mary was new and uncharted territory. She had never been a mother or a wife before. So much about her life was changing. Her Son was the promised Messiah! How do you raise the Son of God? Yes, there was so much to ponder. She would need to be dependent upon God for His help and instruction.

What will we “ponder” today? Is it the travel home, the new job after the first of the year? Maybe there will be a medical procedure that you’re dreading.

Is Christmas over and now we go on with the daily routine or will we be like Mary and realized that we need a greater dependence upon God for the days ahead?

Let’s take time to be thankful that Christmas has life changing, glorious meaning for every day of the year!

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In Need of Assistance

I wish I could say that I learned things on the first try but that just wouldn’t be the truth. Learning is a process!

I love to cook and bake but I am no chef. I’ve had some epic fails in the kitchen and I have learned from them. I never really learned to play piano the way I had hoped even though I had years of lessons and practice. Career choices and relationships have also been by trial and error.

Yes, learning is a process but the key to the process is having a good teacher, a wonderful counselor!

“ This will happen when the special child is born. God will give us a son who will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be ‘Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.’” Isaiah 9:6-7 ERV

It’s best if we want to know something to ask an expert. Many are willing to offer advice – some of it’s wrong, some unsolicited, some unhelpful, but the advice of an expert is always spot on.

Jesus came to be an expert advisor on daily life.

“Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 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 4:15-16 ERV

He understands our weaknesses; He was tempted in every area that we will be, and He was victorious in everything He did. Who better to go to for help?

Just the other day I was talking to Dave about something, actually, I was complaining. I had only gotten a couple words out of my mouth when I was hit with such a strong conviction that I was doing wrong and I knew it was time to hush, immediately.

“So let’s come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith. Let’s keep our hearts pure, our consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water. 23 We must hold tightly to the hope we say is ours. After all, we can trust the one who made the agreement with us.” Hebrews 10:22-23 CEV

God knows how to get my attention, not to punish me but to correct me. He wants me to keep a clean conscience and a pure heart. Nothing profitable is accomplished by complaining. With His instruction, His advice, as my Counselor I certainly learn to do things in a better way with a better outcome.

It would be foolish not to listen to the instruction of the One who knows the beginning and the end. The One who is omniscient, who knows all and is willing to be my Counselor.

“If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking.” James 1:5 CEV

King Solomon asked the Lord for wisdom. God told him he asked for a good thing. We have also been given a gift, a Wonderful Counselor, His name is Jesus!

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So Much to Do

(First off, will everyone join me in saying thank you to Stephen and Tom for getting my website back up? Stephen helped identify the problem and Tom took that information and contacted the right people to get it corrected. Thanks guys, you both are wonderful!)

Last night after Dave went to bed, I stayed up thinking about things that still need to be done before Christmas. Still so much to do, not necessities, but things I want to do.

There’s baking for friends and family. Our youngest grandson is expecting cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning and I’m wanting to make goodie plates for friends. Still have two days of work so everything will have to wait until Tuesday.

Then I thought about Mary? What was she thinking, how much did she still have left to do those last few days before Jesus was born?

I’m sure Mary was a list maker. When the angels announced His birth and the shepherds tended to His manger the Scripture tells us that Mary pondered all these things in her heart.

“After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. ” Luke 2:17-19 NLT

There were so many memorable events in Mary’s pregnancy, I know she must have had a plan for those days leading up to His birth. She knew her son would be no usual child. For before His conception, she knew He would be special, she knew she would give birth to the long awaited Messiah.

 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” Luke 1:30-33 NLT

Her first child, the Messiah, was about to be born but first she was going on a 100 mile trip. She had to pack, food needed to be prepared, laundry needed to be done. How long were they going to be gone? She needed “stuff” in case the baby was born before she got back home. No Mom or midwife to help! Can you imagine the evening conversations with Joseph as they stopped on their trek?

“Can you do this?”, she might have asked. “I’m going to need your help; I won’t have anyone else to assist me. We don’t know anyone in Bethlehem. What if the local Walmart is closed? Where will we get diapers and onesies?”

Yes, Mary was the mother of the Messiah, but she was also a teenager, first-time mother, and away from home.

Our preparations over the next week fail in comparison to hers. Our loving heavenly Father who sustained her and took care of every detail also has our days planned. He will sustain, protect and provide.

“Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 NLT

Don’t let the concerns of life steal your peace!

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The Gift of God

“but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 NLT

Have you ever stopped to wonder why Jesus was given the name Emmanuel? The translation of that word is “God with Us”. The way the heavenly Father brought His purpose and plan to earth was through His Son, Jesus.

Jesus literally became God with us. The Father wanted us to know we would never be alone, He would always be with us.

“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

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 was 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

Spend time acknowledging God’s presence today and you’ll find joy!

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A View from the Top

Dave and I have gone to the woods to cut our Christmas tree for many years. However, the last few years if wasn’t practical, we lived too far away and the drive would have been too long.

I remember one year when we lived in Montana. It was getting toward mid-December and we still hadn’t gone to get our tree. Dave wasn’t available for several more days and Kaci’s work schedule had her busy so our little dog, Glory, and I went to the mountain by ourselves.

Dave had given me strict instructions to follow. My vehicle was a 4×4 so I wasn’t concerned with the snow on the roads but he was. I had the saw and knew how to use it but I could see he was apprehensive. I was determined to go and I assured him I would be safe.

It was a wonderful day!

The sun was shining, the air was crisp and I was on top of the world, or at least the mountain. (The picture I used today is from that outing.) I took my time and found the perfect tree – tall, well-shaped with no sparse sides. Glory was having fun playing in the snow and running from place to place with me. A good day indeed.

Looking out across the valley, I spotted our house. It was so tiny. I gained a new perspective.

“The Lord is constantly watching everyone, and he gives strength to those who faithfully obey him.” II Chronicles 16: 9 CEV

The Lord is constantly watching for those of us who need help and strength.

“The Lord is high above all nations. His shining-greatness is above the heavens. 5 Who is like the Lord our God? He sits on His throne on high. 6 He looks down upon the heavens and the earth. 7 He raises the poor from the dust. He lifts those in need from the ashes.” Psalm 113:4-7 NLV

He lifts up those of us who are in need!

We are not insignificant dots on a map, we are His children and He watches over us diligently.

“But the Lord watches over all who honor him and trust his kindness. 19 He protects them from death and starvation.” Psalm 33:18-19 CEV

It’s important that we remember to view things from His perspective.

“I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering. 12 You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers. 13  You will worship me with all your heart, and I will be with you”. Jeremiah 29:11-13 CEV

Our Father sees the beginning and the end of all things. He sees each step, He knows when we get up and when we lay down and He has established a plan for our lives.

The joy and the peace of Christmas is that God came to be with us. His name Emmanuel means just that, God with us.

From His viewpoint, He saw that we were a people in need of a Savior and so He came to earth. Thank God for His insight and oversight. Thank You Father, for Your view from the top!

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Great Joy!

Joy.

It can be seen in the faces of little children playing in the sprinklers on a hot day, throwing snowballs on a cold day, giggling while playing with a new puppy. Joy is induced by many different situations.

Great joy.

Experienced by a couple on their wedding day, seen in the face of grandparents at the birth of their first grandchild. The arrival of loved ones. This kind of joy not only comes with smiles and laughter but also with tears of joy. It’s uncontainable!

“but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! ” Luke 2:10-11 NLT

Great joy to all people, not just a few chosen elite, but to all! An uncontainable joy.

God’s message of Good News is for all. Remember what Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that He gave…” Everyone who experiences life on this earth is part of “the world”. This was an entirely new concept to some of the religious rulers of His day. In their eyes there we only two divisions of people, the Jews and the Gentiles. The Jews had been God’s chosen people for thousands of years but now, through Christ, the whole world could be adopted by God.

“And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 3:6 NLT

Our joy is very important to the Father. In fact, it is one of the characteristics that the Holy Spirit produces in our lives; the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control.

The angels announced the great joy of Jesus coming and Jesus prayed for that joy to remain in us right before He was crucified. Joy was always forefront in the life of Christ.

“Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are…13 “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. 14 I have given them your word…” John 17:11-14 NLT

It’s so easy to become overwhelmed by life’s circumstances. These were some of the final moments of Christ’ life. He was praying for our lives to be filled with joy. How? By staying grounded on His word.

“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

If the thief has stolen your joy, come to the Father and ask for a refill. We are a testimony and light to this world and He wants our lives to reflect His joy, to the full, till it overflows!

Great joy!

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Don’t Miss the Small Things

I wonder how many small, life affirming moments I missed yesterday because I was busy. I realize I used to do that with my morning Bible reading, I’d skip over the little things looking for some great spiritual revelation.

“We are writing to God’s holy people in the city of Colosse, who are faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. May God our Father give you grace and peace.” Colossians 1:2 NLT

We read or see things so often that they lose their impact.

This verse is like many others that are the opening salutation in Paul’s writings to each of the churches he was instructing. Often those opening remarks are skipped to get to the heart of his teaching. But this is the heart of his teaching.

Our heavenly Father gives us grace and peace. He wants us to know that right from the beginning.

Grace and Peace.

Those two words are the summary of the Gospel. The Gospel is good news. What better news can we focus on than that of grace and peace.

Grace: unmerited favor. God giving us something wonderful that we are unable to earn. That something is a relationship with Him – being welcomed in His presence no matter the time day or night. Twenty-four hour access to the throne room of God.

“ So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 NLT

Our Father doesn’t want us struggling on our own. His message of “Peace on earth, good will to all men” proclaimed by the angels to the shepherds was His message of grace and peace.

Peace: soul rest. When everything is tumultuous and chaotic, we have the Father’s promise of peace.

Paul and Silas had been beaten and were imprisoned but they had such a sense of peace they were able to sing at midnight. Paul knew God’s promise of peace. Jesus was beaten and hung on a cross but in that moment, He had the peace of mind to say “Father, forgive them – they don’t realize what they are doing”.

This is the kind of peace God has promised us.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT

The Prince of Peace, who has all authority in heaven and on earth, tells us that our peace in every situation is found in Him. The world will have trouble, but He promises peace.

“Now may the God of peace…— 21 may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21 NLT

Our Father, the God of peace, will equip us with everything we need, every good thing that is pleasing to Him.

Don’t miss the small things – grace and peace aren’t just words that start every letter like “hello, how are you”. No, they start and end those letters with the same proclamation issued by heaven’s chorus.

Those words are a declaration of independence from worry. They are a mandate from God’s heart to ours!

Don’t miss the message.

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It’s Supper Time

Maybe some of you are like me, no family this year at Thanksgiving. Our kids and their families will all be in different places. It makes me a bit envious of those who have their families living close by.

When the kids were little, we lived close enough to be with my folks but as time passed, we moved farther and farther away. The kids grew and they moved. Although we are close in heart, family holiday traditions were not high on our list.

This year we’ll be doing something new. I volunteered to cook the turkey and dressing, make the gravy and then we will share it with our neighbors, who also won’t be with family.

As I woke this morning a song was going through my head, imagine that. It was written in the 1940-1950’s by Ira Stanphill and was recorded by a myriad of Country and Gospel singers. Come Home, It’s Suppertime.

“Come home, come home, it’s suppertime
The shadows lengthen fast
Come home, come home, it’s suppertime
We’re going home at last”

Jesus told his disciples a story about a banquet that was thrown by a King. He invited many people to attend but some refused His invitation. They made one excuse after another. So, the king sent out His servants to invite those of lesser reputation in society.

“‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ 22 After the servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more.’ 23 So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.'” Luke 14:21-24 NLT

We are some of those who have been invited to this banquet. God the Father has issued the invitation. “Come home, it’s suppertime”. There will be one more banquet, a type of wedding feast. This one will be in heaven and all of us who have accepted Christ as Savior will be invited.

“A voice came from the throne, saying, ‘Give thanks to our God, you servants who are owned by Him. Give thanks to our God, you who honor Him with love and fear, both small and great.’

6 Then I heard what sounded like the voices of many people. It was like the sound of powerful rushing water. And it was like loud thunder. It said, ‘Thanks to our God. For the Lord our God is King. He is the All-powerful One. 7 Let us be full of joy and be glad. Let us honor Him, for the time has come for the wedding supper of the Lamb…

9 The angel said to me, “Write this: ‘Those who are asked to the wedding supper of the Lamb are happy.’” And he said, “These are the true words of God.” Revelation 19:5-8 NLV

God, the Father, is anticipating having all His children home. The banquet will be great. Whether you are joined by family and friends or alone this Thanksgiving, give thanks that the Father has welcomed you to His table.

Very soon we will hear, “Come home, it’s suppertime”!

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Let the Son Shine

I love waking up to pray. This morning I learned of a young woman named Suzy who is going to have part of her thyroid removed and a biopsy done, it appears to be cancer. Her father posted a request for prayer. I count it a blessing and a privilege to pray for this lady and her family, whom I have never met.

Shortly after that I learned of a fire that destroyed everything a dear friend’s nephew had. Again – more prayers.

The Lord doesn’t prompt me to pray for every story or situation I learn of but when He does I want to be faithful.

“…The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16 NLT

I believe that verse with all my heart and so I pray.

Finally, I read one more story this morning that another friend had posted. It’s about the town of Barrow, Alaska. On November 18, the sun set and won’t be seen again until January 23, that’s 65 days with no sun.

No sun, but how many days do some people experience with no SON?

That’s why I pray. I want those who are hurting, in need or in a dark place to experience the Son shine.

“We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts.” II Peter 2:18-19 NLT

The Apostle Peter had a life transforming experience when he was with Jesus on a mountain top and heard God, the Father, speak from heaven. He’s saying here that because of that experience he has great confidence in God’s word. However, he is also saying that we, who haven’t heard an audible voice, can also have confidence in the Word of God. The Word is like a shining light for our path and Christ is like the light that shines in the morning, the sun, and He shines in our hearts.

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 NLT

“For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” II Corinthians 4:6-7 NLT

About a week ago, I met a man while having dinner with friends. After talking with him for a while he said something no one has ever said to me before. He said, “You have a light in you. It shines through your eyes and your smile.” Thank you, Lord, for shining in me.

Some people we meet are like those folks in Barrows, they’re living without “Son shine”. It’s up to us to let the Son shine through our actions and our prayers.

I’m so grateful for the light of God’s love!

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Hold Fast

It’s been blowing, hard, for the last few hours. In fact, a couple of times I have gotten up to look out the window and make sure the patio furniture is still there. Yep, that hard.

I’m using my awake time productively – I’ve prayed, played a few hands of solitaire, but haven’t been able to sleep. Not yet, so, it’s time to write what the Lord has put on my heart.

Growing up in a traditional church, complete with pews, organ, choir and hymns books, we did a lot of singing. I am amazed how often the lyrics of those old songs come to mind. Tonight, I found myself singing…(On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand)

“On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.”

I’m very thankful for the anchor that God gives my life. When the wind blows hard and tries to topple my dreams, my anchor holds.

“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. 19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. 20 Jesus has already gone in there for us.” Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT

Hope is our anchor. Not hope in ourselves, but hope in God. Our dreams and ambitions, our goals and our plans, are prompted by God. He has designed us to succeed.

“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see…6  And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” Hebrews 11:1,6 NLt

The Father wants us to put our hope in Him, that’s why He gave us all of the instruction that we have in His word.

Sometimes storms blow through our lives, just like the wind that’s howling outside my window, but when we have our hope anchored in God and His word, we will be held secure.

“Whoever hears these words of Mine and does them, will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain came down. The water came up. The wind blew and hit the house. The house did not fall because it was built on rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 NLV

It may seem like your life is being hit by gale force winds or that you’re about to be deluged by a hurricane but hold on, hold on to your hope, hold on to the anchor of your soul!

I feel it’s necessary to give you two more verses before I close. Two more cords to bind you securely to your anchor, your hope.

“Why are you sad, O my soul? Why have you become troubled within me? Hope in God, for I will praise Him again for His help of being near me.” Psalm 42:5 NLV

“Our hope comes from God. May He fill you with joy and peace because of your trust in Him. May your hope grow stronger by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NLV

Thank God for filling us with hope when the winds of life blow through!

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