Yet Again...

Hello one and all,

I am going away a few days, but will return Monday, hopefully able to post.  Be blessed and have a great weekend.  May God's face shine on you with every step you take.

Too Many Hurting...

I don't know about you, but every time I listen to a friend or even a stranger, I hear stories of pain, sickness and death.  It makes me think about what a struggle life is and how much better it is when we put our trust in the Lord God Almighty.  With that in mind I am reposting this for all of us in the midst of the struggle called life:

History Records...

        Go back far enough in history and you can find some very strong and powerful nations.  Nations that attempted to take over the known world: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome are just some of them.  They all became strong for a season, some of them longer than others, but ultimately, each one failed.  Trusting in a man- no matter how ‘powerful’, a man-made nation or power with all their strategies and plans only sets us up for failure.  This is the reason we are not supposed to put our trust in man, because ultimately, flawed men will always fail.

It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in men.  It is better to take refuge in him than in the mightiest king! Though all the nations of the world attack me, I will march out behind his banner and destroy them.  …They swarm around me like bees; they blaze against me like a roaring flame…  (Ps118:8-12a) TLB

       Sometimes in life we feel like we’re being beat up, crushed down, torn apart or burned up.  This life is difficult, full of sorrow and pain, and living is rarely easy.  With all the enemies surrounding him, David knew the pressures of life; he also knew that finding help with man was not the answer.  Man could not be trusted as they are always looking out for themselves first and foremost.  If you fit in to their plans, they may help you for a while, but ultimately, when you are no longer of help to them or are causing difficulties, they will drop you cold.  David found God to be fully reliable and One who would not fail him (Dt. 31:6; Heb. 13:5).

Jehovah is my strength and song, and He is my salvation. … I shall not die, but live and declare the works of Jehovah. Ps. 118:14,17

When I am afraid I will trust in You. In God I will praise His Word; in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do to me.  Ps. 56:3,4

so that we may boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me."  Heb. 13:6 

I called on Jehovah in distress; Jehovah answered me, and set me in a large place. Jehovah is for me, I will not fear; what can man do to me?  Ps. 118:5,6

       Not only did David put his trust in God, but he found in the midst of battle, the Lord would be his strength (Ps. 28:7; 46:1; 81:1) and better yet song (Ps. 118:14; Ex. 15:2; Is. 12:2).  To be able to sing in the midst of a battle is showing peace and joy in the ‘heat’ of the pressure.  What a glorious thing it is to have our Lord be our strength and song when the weights of life bear down hard on us.  The Lord is on our side, and will help us.  Do I need to be afraid?  I shall not die for my life is eternally His.  My big, strong Dad is in charge and is standing right beside me! 

Do not fear; for I am with you; be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will make you strong; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.  

Is. 41:10

Tuesday Evening- The Storm

       There was no rain coming down yet but the sky looked like it was going to storm soon.  I stood in the upstairs front bedroom gazing at the piles of clothes my son left for me to give away without telling me (eyes rolling).  The wind gusted fiercely and I wondered just how bad the storm would be and why the traffic was slowing down on our four lane road.  Suddenly, a loud crack made me jump and I looked over to the right to see a large branch on our side yard.

       Laughing, I ran downstairs to tell my husband, but as I ran through the kitchen I saw it wasn’t just a branch down, but a whole 45+ foot maple tree that came crashing down with the roots and ground sticking up.  Now that’s a strong wind!  I yelled for Albert shocked at what I was seeing.  By then I observed the traffic stopping to go around something so I went outside hoping I could help.  It was still windy but without rain, so I ran for the road and noticed a neighbour’s tree lost a couple big branches which were blocking part of the road.  I waited ‘til it was safe and ran to pull the first branch off the road, then went back for the second.  There was nothing I could do about the smaller stuff.

Therefore to him who knows to do good, and does not do it, to him it is sin.  Jm. 4:17

       Still no rain, but I had time to look at the big tree lying on the ground.  Of course I had to run in the house for my camera to take pictures and a few minutes later raindrops began to fall.  That meant I had to run for warm, dry protection for myself and my camera.  A few more pictures, then the flood waters of heaven opened up and a downpour began.  I could do nothing but shake my head.  What a blessing God had given us.

       See, almost our whole yard is under a cover of trees.  We have wanted the three large trees on the south side yard down for two years but couldn’t afford the cost, and they are too big for us to do.  Now the one is safe to cut up.  Also, the tree did not damage our house or the neighbour’s house and pool.  It didn’t land in the driveway, in fact, it missed it but for a tiny bit.  It also didn’t take out the eastern tree which would have fallen on the sidewalk and road which could have caused injury or damage.  Altogether, it was a great blessing that nothing bad came of the fall.

       Now, every time I see that tree I shake my head and think ‘how great is our God and how awesome He is in our lives’ and I am so very, very grateful for His assistance.  Some might say it is all coincidence, but I know better.  My ‘luck’ tends to be non-existent, so the fact nothing bad happened is deemed a miracle by me. 

Great is our LORD, and of great power; There is no limit to His understanding. Ps. 147:5

For Jehovah Most High is awesome, a great king over all the earth. Ps. 47:2

O give thanks to Jehovah, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever. 1Chr. 16:34

For reference: That earth pulled up is 5 1/2 feet high.

Thank You, thank You, thank You Lord, You are so good to me!!!

An Emotional Time- Part 2

       I’m very proud of myself.  I held it together until that last hug before my son entered the bus, then I quickly turned and the tears began to flow.  Since I wanted to wait until the bus left so that I could be sure nothing would immediately go wrong, I went over to the van parked on the road and waited where I couldn’t be seen.  As the bus pulled away, the sadness was deep.  Tomorrow I will be fine, but for today I am allowing myself to just be me.  Phone calls are ignored and I am allowing the Lord’s comfort in my day.

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, 2Cr. 1:3

      Still, the experience was a big teaching lesson (as always).  There were direct words on my part that weren’t accepted well by Nate as he made excuses for himself- but that won’t work when he’s on his own if he is going to do well.  Then at the terminal he sat unaware of (or ignoring) my emotional struggle with his ear plug in listening to music, not even trying to talk (though talking isn’t his thing…)  I wished, just for once, conversation would not be awkward.  As he left me to get on the bus, he didn’t even say thanks for anything we’ve done, like taking care of him or helping with the move, etc.  He just walked away.  Of course, I don’t really know where his mind was…

       We’re a lot like that as Christians imo.  We don’t really accept God’s direct words to us especially if they are negative.  We’d rather make excuses for our behaviour as if that justifies our actions.  Nope.  It doesn’t but we still try.  “Really, it wasn’t our fault!” 

He who covers his sins shall not be blessed; but whoever confesses and leaves them shall have mercy. Pr. 28:13

       As well, we often ignore the Lord or are unaware of what He really wants of us.  Sometimes we wonder why He would ever want to spend time with us.  Often we allow life and distractions to tune us out to God’s voice, or even communication with Him.  Maybe it just seems easier or less work.  Perhaps we are too tired to try…  Who knows but God?  All I know is that the Lord is very patient with us and does not turn away from us when we childishly remain silent as He desires to communicate with us.

Seek Jehovah while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Is. 55:6

Jehovah is near all those who call on Him, all those who call on Him in truth.  Ps. 145:18

       Then there is the matter of lack of gratitude.  We’re not like that at all, are we?  Yes, that was said tongue in cheek for all of us know the vain repetitions that flow from our mouths more than genuine, heartfelt words.  Just consider ‘grace’ said at mealtime.  We often hear the same words repeated over and over, often carelessly.  Is God pleased with such prayers?  Lately I have been trying to pause and be silent, putting my mind and heart on the Lord- before the words are spoken.  And I find a decided lack of verbal gratitude for all He has done, is doing, and will do in my life.  Enough lessons for the day.  I must go sleep…

always giving thanks for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ep. 5:20

In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1Th. 5:18

Lord, thank You for being the best, most loving Father of all,

     and for always being here for me! 

An Emotional Time

       Our first child is leaving home in the hopes of a better opportunity to gain employment.  There certainly doesn’t seem to be much hope of a job if he stays here, but he is barely an adult; and I will miss seeing his face, talking to him, his creativity and his interesting sense of humour.  What do they call this emotion- bittersweet?  He needs to go and I want the best opportunities for him, but now that I am facing him leaving tomorrow, I struggle with sadness.

I will miss him...

Lo, children are the inheritance of Jehovah…  Ps. 127:3

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Rm. 8:28

       There is so much that is helping me through this.  It was a good morning with the Lord both at home and at church (worship was great).  Another help is the Lord’s continuing words to me “Trust Me.  They are in My hands” while knowing the truth of that statement.  His sweet presence also comforts me and when I stop to think too much about the move and He quietly reminds me it will be okay.

Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding.  Pr. 3:5

You will make Me know the way of life; in Your presence is fullness of joys. At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.  Ps. 16:11

       Tomorrow will be worse.  Even when I bring my kids somewhere to leave on a short trip, I usually cry just because I love them so much.  The last hour before the bus leaves will be killer, but I’m not worried because I know my Best Friend is coming with me to the terminal, He won’t leave me alone and with Him, I will make it through this and find my peace in Him.

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed* on You; because he trusts in You. Is. 26:3  *is: leaning, resting, supported by, braced

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Php. 4:6,7,13

Lord, I just want to say thank you for the blessing of my son whom you gave to me to raise.  I have often felt perhaps I wasn’t the best Mom, but then I remember You don’t make mistakes and You gave him to us knowing our strengths and weaknesses, knowing they would build in him what he needs for this world and Your kingdom.  Thank You so very much!  He has been a great blessing to me!