Great is our God!

Sing with me how great is our God! All will see how great is our God. He’s the name above all names – worthy of all praise. How great is our God!

Walk in the Light

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” – 1 John 1:7

Harvest Blessings

apples

The fruit of Silence is Prayer.
The fruit of Prayer is Faith.
The fruit of Faith is Love.
The fruit of Love is Service.
The fruit of Service is Peace.

—    Message printed on little cards given out by Mother Teresa, which she referred to as her “business cards”

Will your anchor hold?

billowy clouds

“Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, when the clouds unfold their wings of strife? When the storm tides lift and the cables strain, will your anchor drift or firm remain?

We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll; fastened to the rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.” — Priscilla Jane Owens, Will Your Anchor Hold?

Are you content in your own skin?

awesome sky

Do I always rejoice? Am I continually thankful for what comes my way — always? That’s easy to answer: No! Should I be? Yes! The Apostle Paul, inspired by God, writes in the book of Philippians that I should be content in whatever life circumstances come my way.

I tend to be more on the side of: why me? Why now of all times — haven’t I got enough on my agenda already? Sarah Young, who wrote Jesus Calling, says this “Bring your moments to Me, and I will fill them with vibrant Joy. Now is the time to rejoice in My Presence!”

It doesn’t say to rejoice as soon as my body heals, or when I get a job,  a newer car or house. Or when my child isn’t in trouble at school. “Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! (The Message)

There are no options in that clear statement. All day and every day. Even the ones that stink and reek of loneliness, heartache, pain, or even boredom.

What should I do instead of wallowing in self-pity? I do have healthy alternatives that I can consciously focus on such as:

  • Pray to God. Tell him my sorrow and concerns.
  • Refuse to linger on the negatives, instead, think on positive things:
    • Whatever is true
    • Whatever is noble
    • Whatever is right or reputable
    • Whatever is pure and authentic
    • Whatever is lovely
    • Whatever is admirable
    • Whatever is excellent or praiseworthy

Result: the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:4). And isn’t that what we all long and hope for in this world … internal peace and contentment with God.

Dear God, thank you for the reminder that you care enough to be there when I need you most. You are always near to me and close enough to answer my prayers. You are real. My fantasies are unreal and futile. Focus my thoughts and energy on constructive positives. I rejoice in the countless blessings you’ve given. You are all I really need. You offer Life, Joy, Peace and Contentment. No one or nothing else can fully satisfy!

Do you feel like your world is upside down? That you don’t have a grasp on reality? Do you find yourself fantasizing about how your life could be more perfect or happy?

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds” — Philippians 4:4–7.

How do I love thee?

Let me count the ways …

Toy trains hidden beneath the chair
Smudges on the glass
Whispers in my ear,
“Nana, time to get up!”

Boat rides
Wagon rides and playground dates
Bibs, blocks & bubbles
Picture books and color crayons
Soft blankets, stuffed animals & dolls

Absent … for a time
Someone to water flowers & herbs
Table setter, dishwasher
Pancake batter stirrer
Filler of animal bowls to the brim & beyond

Counting the days
’til we meet again
To fill that grandchild-spot
deep within my heart

Love you, Nana

I have all I need

“Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.” — 2 Corinthians 6:10