I just read a news story about a woman who takes pictures of couples with their babies who were stillborn. It was an extremely touching article about how much it helped couples to cope with loss when they had pictures to look back at. I noticed one couple stated how hard that loss still was after two years. I truly know the feeling of sadness when you lose someone very close to you. Two years after losing my husband of 48 years it still hurt so bad and I could cry easily at any time of day, but now I can say after three years it finally feels easier. Maybe it's because I was able to marry again, but I do believe time as well as God's help does heal the sadness. I had to go to God regularly even though I didn't feel like it. Perseverance is something I believe in. God is worth sticking close to and always claiming His truth, never give up.
John and I celebrated our wedding anniversary this past week and had a lovely time in Palm Desert. We were able to attend a church in that area and we were blessed with a message on the Lord's Prayer found in Matthew 6:5-13. Today reading that article about the death of a newborn made me think again of the sermon we heard. You see it talked about the couple having a hard time understanding why God would do such a thing. There are so many "Whys" in life where we can ask - "What is that for, why God, do you allow that!!" In the Sunday sermon we learned it is important to pray for everything as Philippians 4:6 tells us to do. But what if we see prayer in the wrong way? Maybe the disciples felt they wanted better understanding as well, so they ask Jesus to teach them to pray in the right way.
I enjoyed some very helpful thoughts which I don't think I'll ever forget when it comes to prayer and knowing God better. First I do know we can't always have everything we want just because we think it might be good. God knows what the big picture is when we don't.
Matthew 5:9-13 "The Lord's Prayer"
Our Father in heaven hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
5 things Jesus wants us to remember about prayer.
1. Remember you are praying to a Holy Father.
2. Remember it is about His kingdom not yours.
3. Remember He is the provider of all.
4. Remember His forgiveness requires us to pay it forward. (Forgive others)
5. Remember He is our guidance.
I also loved the thought of why do we pray? We get to pray to a Holy God who is our Father! Thinking about that alone is so amazing and intimate.
Finally how long do I pray? As long as it takes for me to say "your will not mine be done".
I pray these thoughts help you never give up and expect God to always be near!
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
A Summer Trip
Egypt/Jordan/Israel trip was a highlight of my summer. I want to add it is a wonderful place to visit and I never felt unsafe or afraid, so worthwhile to visit. It was a trip filled with God lessons and was shared with 25 members of the church we attend. There were also 20 some from other churches around the U.S. We swam in the Nile, the Sea of Galilee, the Arnon Gorge River, the Dead Sea, we rode camels and donkeys, and hiked in many places Jesus walked and taught, as well as slept on top of the Sinai mountain range (where Israelites wandered around and Moses received God's 10 commandments). We slept under the stars, and we were taken care of by Bedouins. We learned that when a Bedouin takes you under his care he will lay down his life for you if you are in any danger! I did notice they stayed awake all night while we slept on the mountain top. How do I know this you may ask? I was awake too. I was able to see a wonderful display of God's starry universe but did not appreciate it the way I should have as I would have rather slept with everyone else who was snoring! What a chorus they made!
Have you ever walked under a water fall and then come back through it? I never did before this trip. It was a little frightening at first since my head hurt a bit from the force of the water and my eyes were blinded. A rock helped us find our way to the other side where our hands were grabbed by our leader - so good to hear his voice and know we made it! When we made it to the back side we were told now we had to go back through this time in the middle no rock, no hand! Okay ---- we could see the other side so I just decided hurry up and do this! My surprise was the knockdown a group of us girls experienced by the water fall smashing our heads. We all swam to safety laughing and glad we had survived. The special part of this was the lesson taught which was this is like God's living water poured out on us so forcefully that it can't help but overflow in our hearts and well up to eternal life! (John 6:14) God has so much love for us it makes us fall over - we cannot realize how much God loves us! I loved this picture of living water falling from heaven knocking me down! I will never forget the feel of that and how it is almost frightening yet so awesome when you make it to the other side! What a beautiful picture of how much God loves us and fills us with His living water!
We enjoyed so many visual faith lessons in Egypt by the pyramids, by the Nile and seeing how it is a country with a distinct line of lush green and wilderness - you are either in or you are out. It seems very close to who we are with God. We either are in or we are out. We either go God's way or the world's way - either in or out. God took his people to the wilderness to trust Him. Sometimes we need deserts to help us lean on God more. In my life I know I learned the most from hard times and leaned heavily on God to help me when I was needy or hurting. Looking back they bring so much comfort as I can see how God was so very close at those times. It isn't that He is closer, I just notice Him more. How about you?
We need to understand our God stories so we can share but also so we can glorify God with our lives and be ready for the biggest thrill of all - meeting one day in the temple of God! I was in the lands of the Bible which is amazing but I think the most wonderful thought is I was able to stand on the hill Jesus said he was coming again to. The Mount of Olives overlooking the temple area and the city of Jerusalem. Are you expecting Him to return? I certainly am!!!
Have you ever walked under a water fall and then come back through it? I never did before this trip. It was a little frightening at first since my head hurt a bit from the force of the water and my eyes were blinded. A rock helped us find our way to the other side where our hands were grabbed by our leader - so good to hear his voice and know we made it! When we made it to the back side we were told now we had to go back through this time in the middle no rock, no hand! Okay ---- we could see the other side so I just decided hurry up and do this! My surprise was the knockdown a group of us girls experienced by the water fall smashing our heads. We all swam to safety laughing and glad we had survived. The special part of this was the lesson taught which was this is like God's living water poured out on us so forcefully that it can't help but overflow in our hearts and well up to eternal life! (John 6:14) God has so much love for us it makes us fall over - we cannot realize how much God loves us! I loved this picture of living water falling from heaven knocking me down! I will never forget the feel of that and how it is almost frightening yet so awesome when you make it to the other side! What a beautiful picture of how much God loves us and fills us with His living water!
We enjoyed so many visual faith lessons in Egypt by the pyramids, by the Nile and seeing how it is a country with a distinct line of lush green and wilderness - you are either in or you are out. It seems very close to who we are with God. We either are in or we are out. We either go God's way or the world's way - either in or out. God took his people to the wilderness to trust Him. Sometimes we need deserts to help us lean on God more. In my life I know I learned the most from hard times and leaned heavily on God to help me when I was needy or hurting. Looking back they bring so much comfort as I can see how God was so very close at those times. It isn't that He is closer, I just notice Him more. How about you?
We need to understand our God stories so we can share but also so we can glorify God with our lives and be ready for the biggest thrill of all - meeting one day in the temple of God! I was in the lands of the Bible which is amazing but I think the most wonderful thought is I was able to stand on the hill Jesus said he was coming again to. The Mount of Olives overlooking the temple area and the city of Jerusalem. Are you expecting Him to return? I certainly am!!!
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Memories
Have you ever sat down and tried to clean up your iPhone of pictures and videos? Well I just did since my phone had 2000 plus pictures and videos on it! Yikes! I decided it was time to do some checking on what I needed to keep or delete. It took much longer than anticipated and about 2 1/2 hours later I said to myself it's time to get some other things accomplished. One thing happens when you go through pictures, a lot of memories come to the surface. Those memories either make you smile, laugh or cry. In the end I think no matter how they make you feel, memories are very good for us to think about as well as ponder. If a person has experienced a great catastrophe in life and blocked it out in order to survive, later it will have to come out or it will make the person ill. So as I went back over almost 4 years of pictures I realized thinking about the memories was good for me.
One of the most important reasons to have a good memory about things we've experienced is it usually helps us see what God has done for us. Recounting blessings is good because you forget how many good things you've enjoyed, anyway I can. I realized going through pictures how many celebrations I had with family and friends, since that is when you take pictures most. I also saw so many pictures of hikes done in beautiful scenic places, races run with friends and family (I happen to enjoy running), and taking care of my grandkids. The videos taken of grandkids made me laugh uproariously all by myself! Lots and lots of blessings! Remembering things also helps me not be afraid of the future as I recall God's constant care during hard and uncertain days and the decisions that needed to be made.
Recently I reflected on a study of Jesus imminent return by Anne Graham Lotz called "Expecting to see Jesus". It helped me think deeply about being ready for His return to earth. I admit the older I get the more anxious and excited I am to meet Jesus. As I shared some thoughts with other women, one young woman honestly stated, "I don't think I'm that excited about Jesus coming right away! I really want to get married first (she had a very serious boyfriend - and is now engaged)!! I have so much life that I still want to live!" she confessed.
My heart went out to her because I remember when I felt exactly the same! Like - Jesus could you just wait awhile longer till I marry and have a family?? This is not wrong to want to live, because that is a God given desire and a command from the beginning to multiply and fill the earth! On the other hand I also know, without a doubt, when we arrive in the new heaven and the new earth (which IS coming) we will laugh at our desire to stay in this life as what we will experience is SO much better! My favorite line in the Book is Revelation 21:4-5 "He (Jesus) will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away! He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
Yes I'm definitely ready for that!!
A verse I memorized recently and encouraged others to do so, says it well,
"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day -- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing!"
2 Timothy 4:8
All this said - you young sweet women who are living with expectancy of God's blessings coming your way - ENJOY the life God is giving you as you marry, have children, or serve God at work or at home! Jesus came to this world and died for us and rose again and is coming again! He did this so we could have life and have it to the full! John 10:10b This means NOW and forever -YES we are EXPECTED IN HEAVEN - because of Jesus.
One of the most important reasons to have a good memory about things we've experienced is it usually helps us see what God has done for us. Recounting blessings is good because you forget how many good things you've enjoyed, anyway I can. I realized going through pictures how many celebrations I had with family and friends, since that is when you take pictures most. I also saw so many pictures of hikes done in beautiful scenic places, races run with friends and family (I happen to enjoy running), and taking care of my grandkids. The videos taken of grandkids made me laugh uproariously all by myself! Lots and lots of blessings! Remembering things also helps me not be afraid of the future as I recall God's constant care during hard and uncertain days and the decisions that needed to be made.
Recently I reflected on a study of Jesus imminent return by Anne Graham Lotz called "Expecting to see Jesus". It helped me think deeply about being ready for His return to earth. I admit the older I get the more anxious and excited I am to meet Jesus. As I shared some thoughts with other women, one young woman honestly stated, "I don't think I'm that excited about Jesus coming right away! I really want to get married first (she had a very serious boyfriend - and is now engaged)!! I have so much life that I still want to live!" she confessed.
My heart went out to her because I remember when I felt exactly the same! Like - Jesus could you just wait awhile longer till I marry and have a family?? This is not wrong to want to live, because that is a God given desire and a command from the beginning to multiply and fill the earth! On the other hand I also know, without a doubt, when we arrive in the new heaven and the new earth (which IS coming) we will laugh at our desire to stay in this life as what we will experience is SO much better! My favorite line in the Book is Revelation 21:4-5 "He (Jesus) will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away! He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
Yes I'm definitely ready for that!!
A verse I memorized recently and encouraged others to do so, says it well,
"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day -- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing!"
2 Timothy 4:8
All this said - you young sweet women who are living with expectancy of God's blessings coming your way - ENJOY the life God is giving you as you marry, have children, or serve God at work or at home! Jesus came to this world and died for us and rose again and is coming again! He did this so we could have life and have it to the full! John 10:10b This means NOW and forever -YES we are EXPECTED IN HEAVEN - because of Jesus.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Time Flies
How is it that time seems to fly by so quickly, yet at other times crawl? My conclusion to this dilemma is some things bring great joy and other things great trials. I'm happy to say time is flying for me right now. The other day I was thinking about this fact and I felt life has been given back to me in miraculous ways! How many people lose their first spouse - the love of their life - and then get to marry again into the same family? I didn't have to change my name, or take family pictures off the wall since they were his family too! My first husband was his brother whom he loved and was very close to so seeing pictures of him (even with me) is normal and fine with him. I'm also blessed because I can say both men loved me with a wonderful Christ - like love! You might ask what is that like? Well Jesus Christ says He loves us so much that he lays down His life for us. He gives Himself 100% always serving us. We too are told we need to love each other the way Christ loves us. Now granted most of us fail often at trying to accomplish this. I feel my two sweet men (Tom and now John) have come mighty close to doing this! I often told women, I had the privilege of teaching or leading in Bible study, that my husband (now husbands) had the gift of making me feel like a princess! So there you have it - why time is going by swiftly because I have been given such a sweet season of life again.
I also know that nothing on this earth is forever and I know what it feels like to have time crawl. After Tom went home to the Lord at his death, the months that followed crawled. I know they did because I was very anxious to get them over with and have my turn to be called to my heavenly home. I believe many people feel this way when they feel life is too difficult and wish it would hurry along already. I think of children waiting for Christmas, it is very difficult for a young child to wait to open all those tempting gifts under the tree for Christmas morning. So too it is difficult for us to wait for the wonderful promises of God waiting in Heaven for us!
This morning I noticed on the world news that pops up on my Safari screen that Isis terrorists burned someone alive!! How terrible, at times like that don't you want this sad world to be finished and the new heaven and new earth to be here with Jesus as our ruler!? The ruler that will love us with His perfect love and giving a life of perfection with no more tears! Waiting for that life is the ultimate waiting test for us at times. I feel a strong desire for that new life, but I can only imagine how people feel who are persecuted because they believe in Jesus or going through any kind of abuse living in our world!
So I ask myself what do I do to wait patiently? I think the simple answer is to enjoy following God, take time in His Word the Bible and do His work. This involves loving my husband and my family the way Jesus loves us. Also we need to care about others in our communities and world who are in need materially or spiritually. My sweet daughter in law said it well the other day, after she was asked why she helps so many people. If God has given me the means, the gifts, and the desire to help others I have to use that and not just sit and do nothing!! Children waiting for something to happen need to keep busy, we all know this makes time go faster.
I pray all of you are making time go by with hope in your heart even in the midst of trials - especially in the midst of trials!
Let's all wait with patience (living and loving Jesus and others) because this is just around the corner:
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with people, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:3-4
If you believe Jesus died and rose again for you, He is preparing a place for you and you are Expected in Heaven!
I also know that nothing on this earth is forever and I know what it feels like to have time crawl. After Tom went home to the Lord at his death, the months that followed crawled. I know they did because I was very anxious to get them over with and have my turn to be called to my heavenly home. I believe many people feel this way when they feel life is too difficult and wish it would hurry along already. I think of children waiting for Christmas, it is very difficult for a young child to wait to open all those tempting gifts under the tree for Christmas morning. So too it is difficult for us to wait for the wonderful promises of God waiting in Heaven for us!
This morning I noticed on the world news that pops up on my Safari screen that Isis terrorists burned someone alive!! How terrible, at times like that don't you want this sad world to be finished and the new heaven and new earth to be here with Jesus as our ruler!? The ruler that will love us with His perfect love and giving a life of perfection with no more tears! Waiting for that life is the ultimate waiting test for us at times. I feel a strong desire for that new life, but I can only imagine how people feel who are persecuted because they believe in Jesus or going through any kind of abuse living in our world!
So I ask myself what do I do to wait patiently? I think the simple answer is to enjoy following God, take time in His Word the Bible and do His work. This involves loving my husband and my family the way Jesus loves us. Also we need to care about others in our communities and world who are in need materially or spiritually. My sweet daughter in law said it well the other day, after she was asked why she helps so many people. If God has given me the means, the gifts, and the desire to help others I have to use that and not just sit and do nothing!! Children waiting for something to happen need to keep busy, we all know this makes time go faster.
I pray all of you are making time go by with hope in your heart even in the midst of trials - especially in the midst of trials!
Let's all wait with patience (living and loving Jesus and others) because this is just around the corner:
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with people, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:3-4
If you believe Jesus died and rose again for you, He is preparing a place for you and you are Expected in Heaven!
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