Tag: Isaiah

  • Three Sleeps Before Christmas

    “Fear not for I have redeemed thee, I have called Thee by name; thou art mine,” Isaiah 43:1

    Maybe like me, your Christmas holiday plans are not going as expected. I’ve been in physical therapy since October trying to help mend some worn body parts. Hubby Steve tested positive for Covid Christmas week and is really sick. This obviously put a kibosh on being with family and friends. No shared food or gift giving for now.

    He’s stuck with me and our dog Skipper. We’re stuck with each other in a COLD climate with a winter stay-at-home blizzard approaching.

    My expectations. My thoughts. My ways. Notice all the “My’s” in this paragraph? I keep saying, “Your will, God; not mine.” If I’m being honest, I still want My way and My expectations fulfilled. Forgive me, Lord!

    A long-distance friend wrote that it will be a “Silent Night Christmas for us.” Another friend wrote, “Peace. Quiet. Serenity.”

    Not the thought that came to my finite brain cells. More like: Really? At Christmas? This can’t be! Big-time Bummer. Waiting to see how it all turns out is more nerve racking.

    I shared with a friend how I woke early with thoughts of a story. I propped myself up in bed with my heating pad on my neck and shoulders and penned some words. She suggested that this book idea is “for such a time as this. Maybe this time of pain and suffering the Lord will use to grow you and so many of your loyal readers into being more like Him…believe the best rather than assume the worst. I’ll be praying.”

    She also quoted an older man from her church who’s known for saying, “The Lord knows.” All these up-in-the-air decisions, celebration gatherings, physical and mental anguish, broken and failed relationships—the Lord knows. In fact, He knew about all of these areas of our life long ago. My part is to trust and believe He’s working all these things out for my best. He knows and cares.

    That’s another thing I love about my friends. They’re honest, loyal, and not afraid to point me to the Light, my Saviour. Isaiah 43:1 is a great reminder, to fear not for I am redeemed. He knows me on a first name basis. I am His and He is mine. What more do I need?

    How about you? Do you fear certain things especially this time of year? Can you call on the Great I am, God, to rescue you from those fears? There’s no better time than now to say, “Here I am, Lord. I believe in You and want you to be my redeemer-friend-Saviour.” It’s as simple as that.  

    post by Teresa K. Lasher, author of:

    “The Child becomes The Parent: Coping with Grief” and “Life is: Good, Fragile, and Precious–Loving yourself so you can love others

  • Dad’s Presence – the Best Present

    I see my breath in the brisk air. Frost covers the green grass where light snow once rested. Large ornaments hang from our 40-foot evergreen tree sheltering a life-size nativity scene. Faithful Joseph and Mother Mary hover close and guard precious baby Jesus—the baby who will be crowned King. Mary and Joseph know of expectations not working out as originally planned. Yet, their story unfolds exactly the way it was meant to.

    Reminds me of our family story. We thought Dad and Mom would age together holding hands and watch our children and grandchildren grow. Instead we lived out a completely different story where Mom passed just short of their 40th wedding anniversary. Dad wandered from us like a lost puppy dog. I wish I could erase the years missed after he remarried and moved 900 miles away. We tried our best to connect with him, but his new family thwarted our efforts. After his wife’s passing, we became aware of the neglect he’d endured and extent of his dementia. Armed with prayer and support, we rescued Dad and brought him home.

    That was then; this is now—Christmas Day. Dad is here with us!

    From the closet, I bring down the white tablecloths and napkins: linens passed down from my Mom and her Mom. Running my hands over the fabric creases, I imagine those who’d broken bread together over these cloths. I set the table with our light blue china plates edged with petite white flowers—gifts from our wedding day 45 years ago. The night before an event, Mom and Dad brought out the special occasion best, set the table, and ponder where each person should sit.

    I lift my husband’s Grandmothers’ orange and blue flowered serving bowls and gravy boat from the shelf. A few age stress marks give the pieces character. Just like us. Together, our family weathered sickness, death, re-marriage, and estrangement. We persevered.

    Showering Dad with hugs, we talk of his old farm days, the appreciated tips he received for bussing tables as a teenager, and vintage cars.

    Dad’s favorite foods adorn the Christmas table: ham, turkey and stuffing, and all the rest. Like old times, Dad and my brother-in-law fight for who gets the coveted turkey neck. Dad and my hubby’s Mom talk in their own little world. I smile as they share their aches, pains, and memories.

    After dinner, we clear the table and prepare for the reading of Jesus’ birth.

    For unto us a child is born … and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace – Isaiah 9:6

    Dad settles into a  recliner and nods off. I hope he dreams good dreams. He might not remember our names or recognize us, but he still tells goofy jokes with joy in his eyes. Knowing he’s safe and having him here with us is my favorite Christmas present.

    ###

  • Cancel

    My calendar is peppered with the word “cancel.” It’s easier to erase an appointment if it’s written in pencil. At least the evidence of a failed, re-scheduled, or cancelled date doesn’t hit me in the face every time I view the page. Often I’ll place an un-smiley face nearby to remind me I was none too happy to “X” the event out. Most of the cancels can be traced back to COVID-19 pandemic of 2020.

    This is the third or fourth time an event or series of events originally planned, and looked forward to, is put on hold or not happening at all.

    • Doctor appointment for my mother-in-law to see her new doctor
    • Breakfast/lunch date for my birthday with my sister (still hasn’t happened)
    • Travel down south to visit family

    Disappointment, dashed hopes, plans, dreams gone by the wayside. That’s one perspective—the one I tend to linger in and gravitate to. Woe is me! I can’t do such and such. Go to this place. Have fun.

    The flip side is an angle I must work on to develop and make it my go-to lifestyle and automatic reflex.

    What if this happened (or didn’t happen), plans adjusted, cancelled because of something else underlying? Something bigger or better? Something neither you or I can see or know on the time spectrum.

    Maybe the timing wasn’t the best. If I’d been down south, I’d missed something up north. Who knows? Don’t know if you or I’ll ever know. I’m reminded to be content in whatever circumstances I’m in. Right here and right now. Cancel, no cancel. Re-schedule or no re-schedule.

    For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declared the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9

    What if I were to dwell on these words? My life would be filled with more joy and less stress. I’m see more blessings in the interim vs. just doom and gloom.

    • What ways can you change your thinking around to think less of what you didn’t get to do or be?

    This post has been part of the Five Minute Friday writing challenge group. A challenge to write for 5 minutes on a given topic each week.

  • Touch

     

    Touch of a baby’s skin                                                  
    Touch and pet a cuddly puppy
    Flower’s soft petals
    Spring tree buds

    Heartfelt, warm hugs
    Wet grandchild kisses
    Connected – Respected – Loved
    Desiring human touch
    Natural; longed for
    Affirmation of love, desire, and presence

    Do you love me?
    Do you care?
    Do you notice?

    One whom I know always loves, always cares. He proclaims, “do not fear, for I am with you. Do  not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand,” Isaiah 41:10.

    His touch is sufficient.

    *****

    Each week, I join Kate’s Five Minute Friday link – [P.S. I’m #42; page 2].  The rules remain the same, each week write for five minutes, using the prompt  Kate provides, no editing, no overthinking it, just write raw then link up to her blog.

     

  • Where is your gaze fixed?

    Instead of trying to “fix” yourself, fix your gaze on Me, the Lover of your soul. Rather than using your energy to judge yourself, redirect it to praising Me. Remember that I see you clothed in My righteousness, radiant in My perfect Love. (Jesus Calling)

    The song, He is Mighty to Save by Hillsong United continued to come to my friend’s mind as we navigated through and beyond yesterday’s challenges together.

    Horizon Display

    Savior, He can move the mountains

    My God is mighty to save

    Forever, author of Salvation

    He rose and conquered the grave.

    Jesus conquered the grave.

    Yesterday was an amazing day all the way around. An event which my husband and I + family and friends had been preparing for, praying over, sweating about and eventually turned over to Him finally came to completion. We are overwhelmed, thankful, and still amazed at the outcome! To top it all off, God displayed His handiwork across the horizon in the evening skies.

    When was the last time you doubted, second-guessed God and His timing? I should know better since He’s proved over and over again that He is faithful and just. His timing is perfect even though I sometimes long for a speedier response. When will I learn that His thoughts are not my thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord? “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

    Lord, I want to fix my eyes on You; not on me. The fact that You see me clothed in Your righteousness, radiant in Your perfect Love is tough for me to even comprehend. Yet, You said it and I believe it! I praise You and thank you this day and how You showed Your faithfulness.

    *****

  • We’re Alive!

    Ever experience a day or maybe even week that you really hadn’t planned on? You might be in a phase of life right now you never expected to be in thinking … This or that only happens to other people, but not me. Right? Wrong.

    I’m in the middle of that phase right now. I’m on a “new” boat in a marina I’ve never visited before, and cruising in uncharted waters. We’re among total strangers. Yet, in the midst of all this newness, God shows up in many ways.

    Let me take you back about 16 days. My husband and I recently purchased a new boat … new to us anyway. Actually, the boat’s about 34 years old. But she’s ours, and we’ll eventually become more used to her and the way she operates. Yesterday, while attempting to locate an anchoring spot for the evening, we ran aground. Big time stuck. Placing our first call ever to the Coast Guard put us in touch with a towing service. The tow service arrived in record time. They were efficient in what they did and put us at ease. The guys even asked how we were doing and how we were handling the disaster.

    Our response was that we are so thankful that no one was injured, no fire transpired from the engine room smoke, and the boat didn’t sink. The tow boat dislodged us from our stuck position and towed us safely to a marina complete with haul-out and mechanics. Is this an inconvenience? Yes. Will it be costly? I am sure it will be. Was God there in the middle of this? Yes, He was. He never slumbers or sleeps. Was this our plan for the week? Of course, not, but apparently God had another itinerary in mind.

    The situation could have been far worse. For some reason God wanted us to be there in a strange marina. He didn’t want us venturing forward toward home. Will I ever know why? Maybe. Maybe not. At this point, my responsibility is to trust Him fully. He has our best interests in mind even though it might not be comfortable. A young couple took us with them to a grocery and boat store for supplies. Many others from the marina asked if they could give us a ride to wherever we wanted to go. Kindness of strangers seems to abound. We are blessed.

    • Are you in a tough spot right now? Someplace you didn’t intend or choose to be?
    • Can you look past your circumstance and see the positives?

    “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts,” Isaiah 56:8–9.

    Dear God, thank You for working behind the scenes in my life. Even though I hadn’t planned on certain situations coming into my life, You knew ahead of time exactly what we’d experience. I can look back and say what a mighty God you are! Amen. 

    *****

  • The Potter’s wheel

    “Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand”—Isaiah 64:8.

    The Prophet Isaiah writes about the Potter and the clay. This verse reminds me that the Potter is the one in charge of my destiny. God created us in the beginning; therefore it makes sense that He’s the driver in my life.

    Potter's Wheel
    Potter’s Wheel

    But do I always seek His wisdom during decision making times? When the outcome turns out favorable, do I give God the credit and glory? Or, do I pat myself on the back and think what a good job I did?

    Often, God works behind the scenes similar to stage hands who set up for a play or concert. Countless hours go into designing and building stage props, costumes, script writing, character building, and sound system. Without the proper implementation of their talents and skills, the play/movie wouldn’t happen. Those who sit in the audience only see the finished product—flawlessly performed.

    Just like participating in your favorite play or movie, let’s remember to give God the credit for His protection and guidance in our daily lives.

    • When was the last time you felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to do/say something?
    • Did you say “Yes” to the Potter?
    • What was the outcome of your response?

    Dear God,

    Thank you for being in charge of my life. Oftentimes when I take the wheel, I tend to move too quickly or in the wrong direction. Help me to remember that You created my body and it is good regardless of certain aspects I’d like to change. I choose to be thankful for life and the ability to praise You forever.

    *****  

  • The work of His hand

    “Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” – Isaiah 64:8.

    Liberty holding baby Elijah's hand
    Liberty holding baby Elijah’s hand

    I am nothing, He is all. I do nothing of my own. He does it. — Mother Teresa of Calcutta

    Further reading: Isaiah 64:5-10

     

  • The Lord is my strength

    “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation” – Isaiah 12:2.

    The Lord is my strength (Copy)

     

  • Fashion Tip for the Day

    “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels” — Isaiah 61:10.

    What better garments than a garment of salvation or a robe of righteousness? No one could be better clothed than with the adorning described above.

    Yet, I still fuss and worry about my hair and makeup, about coordinating the top with the bottom. I shouldn’t be concerned about whether the fashionistas would approve or not.

    Isaiah, the prophet, speaks of internal clothing about joy & praise, salvation & cleansing …precious jewels from within vs. any external covering. The results are astounding as when a priest is properly outfitted in service or when a bride dresses for her special day. The exciting part is that even though the results occur inside of a person’s heart and mind, external results can also be seen.

    God can “dress” you in beautiful garments when we delight and rejoice in him. Are you allowing him to clothe you every day?

    Dear God, I confess that oftentimes I’m more concerned about my outward appearance and neglect my inward beauty. If I take the time to be with you alone, my outward beauty will shine for all to see.