If My People

"If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."  This is one of the most well-known verses in the Bible, 2 Chronicles 7:14.  In the verse right before it God talked about drought, locusts, and pestilence being the problems that would prompt His people to pray.  The occasion was the temple dedication.  Solomon had spent years constructing the temple his father David had planned for, and the time of blessing and dedication had arrived.  In the larger passage before this verse Solomon asked God to always have His eyes and ears open to this temple so that when His people experienced hardships of any kind they could pray toward this holy place and God would hear them.  God spoke to Solomon in the night and assured him that His eyes, ears, and heart would be attentive to the prayers offered in and toward this place.

He also assured him that if he turned from God to idols, God would uproot him and his house from the land.  Sin separated Israel from God's continued blessing.  Centuries later Israel and Judah were defeated and taken captive to Babylon, yet God renewed this promise.  In Jeremiah He promised to gather them out of all the lands to which He had driven them, saying, "Than you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart."

 Today His people can still reach His heart.  We no longer have to pray toward a temple because we have direct access to God Himself when we pray.  Drought, locusts, and pestilence are still real problems in parts of the world, but hardships cover the globe in many forms.  The nightly news is rarely good news.  There is violence, evil, tragedy, and sickness everywhere.  Our land and our world needs healing, and many are held captive by sin.  But God's solution has not changed.  If His people, born-again Christians, humble THEMSELVES.  Nowhere are we instructed to correct or humiliate the world; we are to humble ourselves.  And pray.  Pray, not just complain, not just rant, not just petition or boycott or picket, not post really clever insulting statuses on social media, but really pray.  Seek His face.  Meet with Him face to face, however long it takes to see things from His perspective.  Turn from OUR wicked ways.  How long is that list.?  Do we turn from just our most wicked ways?  Does He really mean all wickedness of thought, word, and deed?  Are we willing to turn our backs on all our stuff and selfishness for the sake of the world?

If we will, THEN He will hear, forgive us, and heal our land.  I think it's time to stop trying other solutions of our own making and follow the instructions He's so clearly given us.  The eyes of the Lord move throughout the world looking for one heart, one man or woman whose heart is completely His.  For that one person He will move heaven and earth.  How can we ever know how much difference your obedient prayer will make, or mine?  When we obey and do our part we find ourselves covered in the full armor of God which will enable us to stand.  Stand.  Stand and pray.  Pray with our minds and in the Spirit for all His saints and for His kingdom to come.  We will be led by the Spirit of God who is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; not boastful, challenging, or envious.  Let us join His ranks in humility, grace, and prayerful attention.  Let's allow His love to be poured out through us by the Holy Spirit on a world that cannot fathom anything but strife and conflict.  Let's not wait until we see others agreeing with us or until a "movement" is organized.  Let's join Him now on His terms to pray for the world around us even if we feel alone.  He will raise His army on their knees.  Every battle is the Lord's, and He always wins.

2 Chronicles 7; Jeremiah 29:10-14; Hebrews 10:19-22; 1 John 5:13-15; Ephesians 5:15-17;

Ephesians 4:20-32; Psalm 19:14; 2 Chronicles 16:9; Ephesians 6:10-18; Galatians 5:22-26;

Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:13-14; 1 Samuel 17:47

Praying Our Deepest Desires

In my Bible reading right now I'm using a method that I've really liked over the years.  I divide the text into five sections:  history, (Genesis-Job), poetry (Psalms-Song of Solomon), prophecy (Isaiah-Malachi), Gospels & Acts (Matthew-Acts), and Epistles & Revelation (Romans-Revelation).  If the goal is to read through the Bible in a year, you read two chapters of history, one chapter of poetry, one chapter of prophecy, and one chapter of either Gospels or Epistles five days a week.  That leaves you with some breathing space for missed days through the year.  Whether you keep a schedule or not, I like reading from different sections simultaneously because I don't feel like I'm in just one view of God's word for a long time.  The other thing I like is sometimes what I read in one section makes what I read in another richer and deeper; it's amazing how often they can go together.  You might think one Spirit wrote the entire Book!  Duh!

Today I read about part of Joseph's story.  He'd been hated by his brothers and sold into slavery.  He was bought by Potiphar, and God favored him so well that everything he did prospered.  Potiphar put him in charge of all his affairs, but he was still a slave.  Unjustly accused, he was sent to prison where, again, God's favor rested on him, and he eventually managed the entire prison without oversight.  But he was still a prisoner.  I don't know how many years Joseph spent as a slave and then a prisoner before God delivered him into a position of being ruler in the land, second only to Pharaoh, but I am sure that Joseph did a lot of praying in those years.

Jumping ahead to my reading in Matthew, Jesus often encountered people who were in desperate need.  Sometimes the need wasn't immediately obvious, but most often their plight was crystal clear.  They were crying out to Him because they were blind, or lame, or deaf, or ill, or demon-possessed.  Sometimes the crowd objected to the interruption of their cries, but Jesus never did.  Yet when He spoke with them He would often ask, "What do you want from Me?"  Really?  Jesus, isn't it obvious?  I'm blind, or lame, or.... What do You think I want?

These readings reflect some truth to me about prayer.  God knows what I need before I ever ask, yet He wants me to ask.  He wants me to realize that what I need can ONLY be provided by Him.  As I begin to pray, very often I know exactly what I want.  I would suppose that many of Joseph's prayers began with, "Please, Lord, set me free from this slavery or prison!"  But as I spend time speaking back and forth with God, He often shows me my deeper need and desire.  Perhaps Joseph's prayers would change to, "Please, Lord, use me as a slave or prisoner.  Help me to walk with integrity in this place.  I trust Your ways and timing."  I know my prayers can go from what I thought I wanted to what I really need and the far deeper desires of my heart for His glory to be shown through me, Jon, and our family.

What holds you in captivity?  What do you want from Him?  You must ask.  Never be afraid to ask your Father for the desires of your heart, and also be willing for Him to refine those desires over time into His own.  He will never let you go unheard, unanswered, or uncared-for.  His timing is perfect.

Genesis 39-40; Matthew 20:29-34; Matthew 6:32-33; Matthew 7:7-8

FRESH WIND

There's a song by Keith Staten titled "Such Joy", and there's a line in the song that goes like this:  "There's a joy no bounds can hold when the Spirit blows a fresh wind through my soul."  I love that.

Lord, blow a fresh wind through my soul.  

Open the windows, all the entry points to my soul:

the senses--the sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch, and the thoughts.

Lord, open and clear them by Your Spirit of all the debris.

Clear the dust of compromise, the secret corners that are dark,

the webs of self-interest and self-obsession,

the entanglements that steal my time,

the stale air of my own perspective.

I give Your Spirit free reign over mine, today, right now.

It is a choice I must make every moment.

My Spirit answers like a rushing wind, unleashing prayer with power according to My will.  Pray.  Love.  Pray.  Each moment that you choose My Spirit's rule over yours will have the potential to change you and the world around you.  Pray My word over this world and be a participant in My sovereign kingdom.  Today, right now, moment by moment.

WIND OF THE SPIRIT

We've had rain; now we have wind,

an amazing and powerful force.

We hear it.

We feel it.

We see its effects.

The wind blows, but we cannot know

where it blows from or where it blows to...

...So is everyone who is born of Me, the Holy Spirit.  My presence in the life of My child is a mystery.  How did I come?  Where do I go?  How do I lead?  When do I speak?  Yet when I move in power it is like the wind which, though itself unseen, is unmistakable in its effects.  Do not hide yourself from My work by trying to remain sheltered in your religion and your safe ideas about who I am and how I do things.

It is My desire to not simply take up residence in your life and give you holy little nudges and warm fuzzy feelings.  I am the HOLY Spirit, and I would make you holy, as well.  It is My desire to burn away the chaff and useless trappings that collect in your heart and life.  I would have you full of My word and dressed in My armor to be a warrior in prayer, unafraid to ask, seeking for My will, and knocking until I answer.

I am your only source of love and compassion for the world around you.  I see every need, know every thought, and catch every tear in the lives you encounter day by day.  Do not jump to your own conclusions, but look to Me and know My heart for that person.  What you discern from Me is shown to you so that you may pray, never so that you may judge.  If you fall into a spirit of judging, you will no longer hear from Me with regard to that situation, and you will be deceived, having given Satan a foothold.  He is a clever and scheming enemy, and your only place of refuge is Me.  Let your heart constantly behold My face, and you will be able to test every thought and know whether it comes from Me, from yourself, from the world, or from the very pit of hell.  Any thought that does not come from Me is to be tossed aside and replaced with the truth of My word.

As your Comforter and Teacher, I will guide you in every area of your life, whether big or small.  There will be those holy little nudges, and you must never ignore them.  They are the key to your future usefulness in My kingdom, for if you are faithful in little I will entrust you with much.  Do not turn away from a path I lay before your feet because you are afraid you are unable to make the journey.  You are never intended to do anything in your own strength, and I will be faithful to do through your life all that My will intends.  It will be My work, My strength, My resurrection power working through a broken, but surrendered, vessel.

Let us go now into the unknown together.  Each day is an adventure and full of opportunities to see My hand at work.  Live with a present awareness of Me and be filled with thanksgiving.

John 3:6-8; 1 Peter 1:14-16; Ephesians 6:10-18; Matthew 7:7-8; Ephesians 4:20-32;

2 Corinthians 2:6-11; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Matthew 25:21; John 15:5;

2 Corinthians 4:7-18; Colossians 2:6-7

Never Give Up!

Time goes by.  That prayer burden that you had for a particular person remains, but the passage of time without change has you wondering if you should let it go or keep praying.  There are many reasons why we pray for another person...maybe he or she has a health concern, a financial crisis, or a relational challenge.  Sometimes it's hard to know what God's will is in the situation which makes it harder to know if you are praying in the right way.  Hang in there...keep asking God to lead you and He will show you how to pray as you go.

There is a notable exception in this uncertainty.  When God puts it on your heart to pray for someone's salvation you know for certain that you are praying in His will.  He wishes no one to perish and died for the worst of sinners.  No matter how much time goes by and how little progress you can see, you know that God's heart has not changed.  Even if you have prayed for this person for years without result and time seems to be running out, don't ever give up.  We have no idea what God may still do or how He may reach through to touch that person's heart even as life comes to a close.

The fulfillment of God's plan is never our responsibility, but participating with Him as He works through the prayers of His people is our highest privilege.  He intends great things and has partnered with His people's prayers to reach the world.  Don't miss out; don't ever give up; keep on praying for His redemption to be made real in someone's life.  Let the life of the Great Intercessor abide in and pray through you for the one or several in your life, and never, ever give up!

Need Some Relief

Tabbi, Tre, and Tru came for church this morning. When we came home she went for groceries while the boys played on the computer. Since then I haven't accomplished much...picked up the kitchen, went to the store, and maybe some more laundry.
Nothing extra happening this week...wait, Jon goes back to the dr this week. Otherwise, I think...wait, Tru has a birthday on Thursday!! He'll turn 6! I guess it's a big week, after all!
I'm trying some other inserts in my shoes...my plantar fascitis has been hurting a lot, so I'm hoping for some relief. I don't know what else to try. I appreciate your prayers for some relief.

Thought for the day

Speaking of relief...where do we turn for relief? Apparently I turn to new insoles, ice, and whatever else I can get my hands on. It is different somehow to pray for yourself. It shouldn't be. We belong to Christ and we are told to pray for our needs as well as the needs of others. There is also the need to trust Christ in whatever He is doing in our lives. We need to submit, accept, and be thankful in ALL things, always trusting His choices and timing. So we ask, and keep asking. We ask others to pray, as well. And in the meantime, we thankfully trust Christ day by day that all He is doing is right and best.

Monday Night

Another fun Monday night..."Chuck" was the best yet with a preview for next week that looks like a great season finale! FINALE....NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On "24" Jack is dying of chemical exposure, Tony is now showing up as the bad guy, more twists and turns than you can keep track of!

Thought for the day

We are working on plans for the prayer group and it's a powerful reminder of how easy it is to not pray. You can think about prayer, plan for prayer, learn about prayer....but you must actually pray! If nothing else, this new project will motivate me to do live out what I believe. But I'm sure God has bigger plans than just that!

Grandparents' Day

This is a video was taken at grandparent's day at our grandson's school. They sang such cute songs and it was really nice. We got to go to his classroom, meet his teacher, and then take him and his brother for an outing. It was great fun.

Thought for the day

We never know what we unleash when we pray in earnest. We may not always see the outcome we are looking for, but God works out His purposes in many ways and in His time and works as we pray. There are mysteries in the life of prayer, but don't worry about getting those answers before you pray; just pray, pray, and don't stop praying.

More Moving Soon

Tonight I went to praise team practice...substituting on Sunday for one of the other people. It's amazing how quickly your voice gets weaker when you haven't been putting in the extra singing time. I better get things warmed up again before Sunday.
In other good news, Megan can transfer to a two bedroom apartment!! We'll probably go move her on Saturday, then she will be set up and ready when Greg and all their stuff gets here from North Carolina. The only down side is we have to go up to the third floor...but a good friend is coming with to help (thanks again, Brad)! Thank You, Jesus, for putting things into place for Greg and Megan after such a long wait...Your timing is perfect, as always.
I'm still waiting for my glasses to come in....surely tomorrow, right? I'm looking forward to having my glasses right where I need them...on my face!! I hope I look really cool, too!!! :) :)

Thought for the day

I'm not able to think about much on a deeper level without it hinging on prayer. I'm still reading "The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer" bit by bit, and it is a powerful encouragement and call to prayer. God limits Himself to our praying in many ways and invites us into the privilege of being a part of His will is in regard to the issues we know or touch. Doc talked with us Sunday, too, about being one with Christ as we pray because He is also always praying. What an amazing thought...sharing His "prayer list". Anyway, pray and don't ever give up praying.

Inspirational

The weekend...it was great. We got to have Tabbi and the boys here for a little while on Saturday, then I spent the rest of the day getting ready for today's dinner. We got to hear Doc preach at church on lordship and being filled with the Holy Spirit (yes, at fbc!). What a treat!!! After the second service he and Nancy came to the house for dinner along with Dallas and Larry. We visited till about 2:30. They are both so wise that you can just start them with a question and sit and listen, soaking it all up. They are such a blessing.

Thought for the day

We talked today a lot about prayer and how we are united to Christ as He prays. He is praying for us right now, and because we are one with Him He is able to give us His prayer burden (a part of His "prayer list") and we join with Him in the same prayer. How cool is that? The adventure can start today for you...joining with Him in praying for the needs He has put on our hearts. Get going!!!

Good News

Lots of good news---I love good news. Greg was able to return to work on Friday in Charlotte. He is very thankful and relieved to get back to work. Also, Megan has an apartment picked out and will be able to move in sometime this week. This is all such good news for them...she can quit commuting and as soon as the house sells they can be together again. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support of them through this time.
I hope you're all having a great weekend. I sure didn't accomplish much today but I guess I did some constructive things...maybe. I did some walking this week but was not able to last night or today. My back is better now, so I hopefully can again tomorrow.

Thought for the day

I'm still working on by Blurb project, and I'm finding it very refreshing to reread and process the pieces I'm putting in. God always seems to encourage me to pray and to realize the possibilities that He offers in doing that. No matter how much I learn about prayer it still can be an elusive thing. It's so much easier to think about prayer, believe in prayer, even want to pray than it is to actually pray. It can be very subtle...the distraction from actual praying. Yet there is no greater endeavor or practice to which we, or at least I, can give myself to. I guess I can't speak for others...just me.

The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer

Jon came home with a really bad headache tonight...gave him all the TLC I could and now he's lying down in the dark quiet spare room (hope he doesn't end up in Narnia!). Hopefully, he will feel like new when he wakes up...whether tonight or tomorrow morning.

Did a little reading tonight again in E.M. Bounds on prayer. It is so simple and so powerful. God has designed prayer so that we can ask for specific things, both spiritual and material, and receive the specific thing that we have asked. He does not adhere to the teaching we hear so much that prayer is for our benefit and changes us and is an exercise in something for our own development. We are to ask specifically and receive specifically. Both very encouraging and convicting as I wonder how much of my prayer is faith-filled and effective and how much is merely form and habit and without expecting God to answer. Great reading...I recommend it.

Thought for the day

Ephesians chapter 6 says much about prayer. Paul calls us to intensity, watchfulness, standing firm, perseverance, praying again and again, then praying more. Is that the way you and I seek God for what we need? Do we get hold of Him and refuse to let go or give up, or do we say the dutiful, obligatory words without really expecting to see what we are asking for? Lord, teach us to pray.

Jon Heads Out

Here are some pix from last weekend...the boys ready to trick or treat as Thing 1 and Thing 2, some shots from Emmy's early 5th birthday party, and a picture of her with Uncle Greg. Great fun!!!!

I'm sure you've all heard about the heavy snow and high winds out in the Black Hills area, well Jon got the call last night that he would be leaving today to go out there to help restore power. He spent all evening packing up lots of clothes and boots here and getting paper work done and the trucks ready to go over at work. One of the newer guys at work, Grant, will be going, too. Grant will take one of the big trucks and Jon will drive a pickup. They met this morning at the shop at 5:00 and left town around 6:30. Because the big truck was pulling a trailer they thought it would be better to take I80 to I29, but the on ramp was blocked by semis full of windmill parts so they had to turn around and drive through the Loess Hills anyway. When I talked to him a little after 9:00 they were just north of Sioux City. It will be a long drive since the big truck has a top speed of only around 65 mph which will feel really slow because a 75 mph limit is SD means you can drive 80 with no problem. It will be a long day for him with lots of long days ahead. They will be working from the REC at Newell, SD and fortunately probably in a plains area rather than the more mountainous Black Hills. Please pray for them both when you think of it. At least the temps will be comfortable---30's and 40's. Anyway, we appreciate your prayers for health and safety as they drive and work. He will probably bring home some impressive pictures that I can share later.

Thought for the day

We are very blessed when things like electricity and water are working, and it would be good to stop and thank God for these blessings even though they are "material and temporal". I know none of us want to be without them. Pray for those who are waiting for these services to return, too.

Birthday and Puppies

Today was Jon's birthday...I think he had a good day. Tabbi and the boys came over for church and stayed till around 3:00. Kelli and Megan called to wish him happy birthday and I know he talked to Bria and Emmy, too. The boys drew him lots of pictures and he got some very fun cards. How do you celebrate a birthday in a way that lets that person know how much you appreciate him. Probably not with a cake with screwed up frosting....sorry, Jon. All cake aside, happy birthday, Jon!!!

It's been crazy windy here today---really crazy. Some more good news...Trever and Tabbi's dog Sadie had her first litter of pups today (or during the night)...nine healthy yellow labs. They will keep one, the only female. That's right, 8 males, 1 female...pretty unusual. Congratulations, Sadie!! Sounds like she's a really good mom. Pups will be ready for Christmas...anybody want a puppy? What a great gift for a child or grandchild!!!!!

Thought for the day

We need to be very careful to choose what we think. There is a lot of panic and fear out there, and we have to understand that we in a war...not against other people, other politics, Wall Street, or enemies we can see. Satan is warring against our peace. We have a God that is bigger than any government, any economy, and any enemy. He has His own reasons for what He does, but He NEVER forgets His own child. Get to know Him and how much He loves you. Trust Him with all that you can't sort through, and when the enemy attacks your peace do not argue or reason...tell the one terrorizing you that your life belongs to Jesus and he should take it up with HIM. Let others stand with you...this is not meant to be a solo battle. Always renew your mind in the truth and learn what He is teaching you.

Call to Prayer

It was a beautiful day today, but just as I was finishing up some computer work so I could take a walk I was hit with a nasty sinus headache and had to take some drugs and try to sleep it away. It worked a little bit, but it keeps coming back so I didn't get a lot more done. I did do some laundry, but didn't accomplish much more. I did get some work done on a computer project so that was good. Jon was able to work on GPS, mow the yard, and give Logan a badly needed bath which I greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jon!!!!

I really enjoy these nice days even when I spend them inside---it's just very pretty out there. There is supposed to be more rain in a couple of days which will slow down harvest again, so we'll see what happens.

Thought for the day

I have been encouraged these last couple of days reading some past records of what God has told me. I am convinced again, as evey other time, that my purpose is to pray. I'm also reading "The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer" off and on, and it is such a great encouragement to pray and never give up praying. He says over and over that God has set it up that we are to pray...pray about everything, and He intends that we receive what we pray for. So simple...yet so incredible. It is, of course, based on a relationship with Him where He is Lord and we are seeking Him first. When our heart is truly His we can begin to have confidence that He is directing and purifying our prayers. The fact that we come to Him in prayer to start with means we are acting in His will, for it is His will that we pray. Please be encouraged to bring EVERYTHING that touches your life and heart to Him in prayer, no matter how big or how small. Pray over and over and trust that He sees all and has your best in mind as He answers.

Keep Praying

I think we have a pretty quiet weekend ahead. We went out to eat at Victoria Station tonight and came back home so Jon could do some GPS work. I'm planning on spending a little time on the treadmill when I'm done here. Tomorrow by afternoon he'll probably be helping with combining again. All week I've been wanting to bake...with some input from Jon I've settled on baking oatmeal fudge bars tomorrow. I don't think I even remember the last time I made those. Baking is one of the things I miss about everyone leaving home and me working full time. I can still do it, but it's pretty risky when there aren't others around to help eat it. I'll have to figure out a sharing plan.

I love fall, but these last few damp days have been more challenging. It makes my joints hurt more, so I'm looking forward to some sunny days again. The weekend is supposed to be better---don't mean to complain, but I won't mind feeling it less in my joints.

Kelli is really sick with respiratory crud--pray for her please. Keep praying for Greg and Megan's house to sell, too, please. They are spending the weekend in Winfield, so I'm sure they'll be well fed and cared for. I would like to work on a computer project this weekend, too...we'll see if that happens.

Thought for the day

I'm always surprised how little it takes to distract me from prayer. I've believed for a long time now that if God has a "calling" for me, it is prayer. I believe He calls me to prayer for my own blessing as well as for intercession. There are so many needs to pray for, yet I'm constantly pulled from that quiet focus into the busy and transitory things of the day. Still my truest longing is for that fellowship and sense of destiny that are a part of real prayer. I'll have to keep trusting Him to bring me into the fullness of all that He has put in my heart because He's the one who has to do it. Like every other part of our walk it is His work, not mine.

The Flu--Yuck

Well, apparently the flu is going around!! Jon, Trever, and Tre were all sick today. I thought Tabbi and Tru and I should go out to celebrate their 8th anniversary, but she thought she needed to take care of her family...imagine that. Jon has slept most of the day, so I'm praying he will be "all better" by morning.

Cooler here today and we had some rain in the area last night, but there was sunshine by late afternoon. I hope you all had a good day today celebrating your very special unique self made by and for God...let's all do it again tomorrow!! That's right, He enjoys us EVERY day.

Thought for the day

Let's all remember to pray for each other. There are always needs, and we need to understand what others are facing. Let's lift up each other and pray for the needs we see in their lives as well as for our own needs. God hears; He sees our heart; He moves in answer to our prayer.

Keep Praying

This is Tre and Tru in front of a truck in the car show at Applefest on Saturday.

We had a very nice weekend. After going to Applefest with Tabbi and boys on Saturday I brought Tre and Tru to our house and they stayed overnight. There was lots of playing outside and they got motorcycle rides in the evening. We all went to church this morning and Tabbi came to get them later in the morning leaving around 12:30? The weather has been warm and sunny, nights down in the upper 50's. It's been a beautiful beginning to fall and I hope we get to enjoy it for a long time.

It's hard to wait for the things that we want and really hard to wait for the things we need---like house sales and healing bodies. Please keep Greg and Megan in your prayers. The house really needs to sell so they can at least get into their own apartment. It's really tough not to have any of your own space and it's been two months already with no definite end date in sight. There is no really way to change it, and we keep talking about how it will be better soon, but some days that's not much help.

In the meantime, we'll all keep doing whatever we can to encourage and support them. One of the good things about being close to these situations is it gives you a more sympathetic heart for other people and their situations. Lots of people are facing troubles; let's pay attention and pitch in where we can.

Thought for the day

Thank You, Lord, for the many ways that You bless us and take care of us. We have so much; even in the difficult situations we have more than most of the world does, and we too often forget to even thank You. So thank You, thank You, thank You. Help me to remember how much I have and share it all with those you put into my life. Help me to trust that the people in my path are put there by you and treat them with the respect and consideration they deserve.

Control

Wow, organized cupboards really are a thing of beauty, aren't they? I know you all have a deep appreciation for my special brand of "illness". We are sure enjoying having some down time with Megan--and, yes, we miss Greg. Very soon the house WILL be sold and they will both be in Iowa full time---we can't wait. Another beautiful day...will squeeze in a walk later...and maybe a nap. I hope you are all enjoying your Sunday and recharging both your physical and spiritual batteries. Me, I'm still enjoying looking in my cupboards and I also reframed a stack of photos and have new grandkid displays to show off. Thanks, everybody!!!

Thought for the day

It's okay to control the things we can control...like cupboards, but how do we cope with the things we can't control? The economic news, foreign affairs issues, empolyment concerns, health crises can invade and make us feel like we are out of control. And it's true...there are many things we can't control. But how do we address what we can control? I like to arrange my kitchen, but I don't think it's a control thing...I don't think... I do love the verses that encourage us to bring EVERYTHING that concerns us to God in prayer and to BELIEVE that He is on our side for our welfare. I don't believe that there is anything that we can't bring to Him and invite Him into. So when we pray let's trust that He hears and acts. Let's not just rehearse our worries before Him as if we are informing Him of what He apparently doesn't know. He knows, but He waits for us to invite Him into it really believing that He intends to be actively involved and work all things for good.

Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Saturday Time

Well, it's been a great day, and there's still plenty of it left. I've done laundry, cleaning, errands, and some work in the kitchen, but I feel like doing some more in my cupboards before calling it quits. We head to a wedding later, meet Megan for supper, and she'll be here with us till Monday morning. Nothing definite planned for tomorrow...just hanging out after church.

Thought for the day
Life is such a gift, and time is so precious; it's good that time does not have the final word. We feel as though we are controlled and dominated by time, and it is the master of all our decisions and considerations. Yet, it seems we have the time to do the things we really want to do...even if they are not the most worthy endeavors on our list. That's okay, but sometimes the things I choose make me wonder how serious I am about the things I say really matter to me. You know, things like prayer, lovings others, learning and growing in God, and of course rearranging those kitchen cupboards. Which reminds me.......gotta go...lots of cupboards calling.