Tuesday's Tidbit

Hebrews 6:19

Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

Good morning, my wonderful blog-reading friends!!

My mind is on a simple word today - hope. What does hope mean? The definition I came across and liked is "a strong and confident expectation". We can hope in a lot of things in our lives, and often we are sadly disappointed because our expectations are not met. However, when we place our hope in the Almighty God, we are never disappointed. We hope that He will carry us through every dark trial, and He does. We hope that He will be with us always, and He is. We are hoping that He is soon to return, and He will. This hope is our anchor, holding us in the most disturbing of times.

We were at a conference years ago, and a young man from a boy's ranch sang the following song with such anointing, and we carried the song with us even after returning to our local churches. Once again, it is a song that speaks what our heart feels.

I Have Hope (by Roberta Martin)

Chorus:
I have hope, when trouble comes my way
I have hope, since Jesus has come to stay
I have hope, oh yeah, when things are not well with me
I have hope, it's a beautiful hope that sets me free

Verse 1
Now, when in distress, He said, "Come unto me."
If you're oppressed, I know, He'll give you liberty
Times may find, times may find you, at the end of your line
Just keep the faith, don't you ever doubt, the Lord'll be on time

Verse 2
The darkest night is just before the dawn
But, the hardest fight, that I know, is just to keep holding on
When you get weary, when you get weary, and each hill seems hard for you to climb
Just keep looking up, don't ever doubt, the Lord'll be on time

It is imperative that we hold onto our hope, through every day, all along the way. Our expectations that are centered around God will not be unrewarded. The blessed hope that we have in God will hold us secure no matter where we are and what we are facing. Hold onto hope!

May your day be blessed with God's richest and choicest blessings.

Until tomorrow, Lord willing.............

Monday's Moment

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Good morning, a Marvelous Monday, once again!!

Peace, peace, wonderful peace...... such calming words, and the peace of God goes far beyond everything we can comprehend. What a blessing to know that God's peace will keep our hearts and minds. In this life, we need peace to keep us when chaos seems to try to take control. My words may be few today, but this beautiful song says what I cannot say:

Peace of God (written by Mark Condon)

Peace of God, cover me

Cover me, cover me

Peace of God, cover me

Through the storm, cover me

Only in You I am safe

Only in You I'm secure

Only in You I find peace

So cover me, cover me

Cover me when I am hurting

Cover me when I'm not strong

Cover me when I am going through the storm 

Cover me when all seems hopeless

Cover me when my faith is gone

Let the peace that passes all I understand

Cover me, cover me

What a great and awesome covering and comforter we find in the peace of God. Praying for all of you, my dear family and friends!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing.............

Sunday's Specialty

Psalm 118:24

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Good morning, and a Special Sunday this is going to be!!

I awoke this morning with the phrase, "Seize the Moment", on my mind. And, our highlighted verse from Psalms backs up the idea. THIS is the day; TODAY is ours; rejoice and be glad; make the most of this day. We are not promised tomorrow. We have only today to be our best, and give our best to The Best - our Lord Jesus Christ!

There are so many quotes that go along with making the best of the present moment, but I picked out a few to share with you:

Develop an appreciation for the present moment

Seize every second of your life and savor it. 

- Dr. Wayne Dyer

----

Pour your heart into this day.

Seize each moment.

Drink life in and live.

-Jennifer R. Cook

Hopefully all of us will soon be making our way to our local church - to the sanctuary. Oh, what a blessed place to go! While we're there, let's rejoice and be glad that we have today. Let us praise God who made this day for us. Seize each moment of the service, from beginning prayer, through every song, testimony, offering, sermon, altar call.... until the final AMEN! God has blessed us to be alive and well. Let's pour praise back on Him for all He is and all He is doing!

Seizing Sunday with the Savior in His sanctuary - Splendid!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing...................

Saturday's Snippet

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

Good morning, and a sweet, sunny Saturday salutation to all of you!

These two verses from Ecclesiastes bring a twofold message today - how good it is to have a friend when you're in need; and how terribly woeful it is to be alone in the time of need. Perhaps the gist of my spoonful of tonic for all of us today is to be there for someone else when they are hurting; to be the one who picks another up. More clearly, let's choose to be the one who cares.

Many of my family members and close friends are hurting today because someone they loved passed away; another has a family member in a hospital; or, they are the ones in pain. I can only imagine the list of hurting friends that you could also compile. We cannot physically be where each of these hurting individuals are today, but we can, and should, pray. We can also go a little further. One of the blessings of technology is that within seconds we can text someone to let them know we care; we can post something on Instagram or Facebook; or, we can send an email card (most are free). A phone call means so much, and I still love to send and receive good old-fashioned cards and letters by "snail mail".

Pray first, then step beyond that and send some type of message to our hurting friends. Once again, the bottom line is, let's care. Send out a little love today, simply because our friends need it, but also because what we sow we will reap. The love we give will return to us. Sow bountifully; reap bountifully. Sow sparingly, reap sparingly. (II Corinthians 9:6)

In closing, here's a sweet song, written by the late Mahalia Jackson:

Verse One

If I can help somebody, as I pass along

If I can cheer somebody with a word or song,

If I can show somebody how they're traveling wrong

Then my living shall not be in vain

Chorus

My living shall not be in vain

Then My living shall not be in vain

If I can help somebody, as I pass along,

Then my living shall not be in vain

Verse Two

If I can do my duty, as a good man ought,

If I can bring back beauty, to a world up wrought

If I can spread love's message, as the Master taught,

Then my living shall not be in vain

God bless each of you, my dear friends, as we all do our Father's business in caring as He would!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing.......................

Friday's Footnote

Luke 12:7

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Good morning, and a Friendly Friday greeting to all!

Throughout the Bible, we can read the phrases, "Fear not" and "Fret not"; last night in Bible study, the minister read another phrase, "Be still" (Psalm 46:10). It is very obvious that the Lord does not want us to be all uptight, anxious, fearful, or disturbed. He wants us to have peace, and if we know Him like we need to know Him, we WILL have peace. How can we know the Prince of Peace and not have peace? I guess one other probing question would be, How can we know the Prince of Peace and still be fearful and fretful?  Hmmmm......

The entire verse of Psalm 46:10 reads like this:

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

The minister pointed out something we all can relate to, and that is when our children are all upset and fearful, we hold them, while speaking to them with soothing words, until they are calm once again. God is just like that, even better. When fears assail us and the pressures of life threaten us, His loving arms wrap all around us until our fears subside. Be still, and know God.... what wonderful words. Don't be afraid. Don't fret. Know who God is, and in that deep, intimate relationship with Him, all is well. 

My heart is grateful this morning that I know God; my very own Prince of Peace. I have a hiding place to run to; Someone who is always watching over me. It is my choice, and yours, whether we choose to fret about, or be still and know Him. Oh, the shelter of His arms - no better place to be. 

A simple chorus, with a big message, comes to mind....

No place I'd rather be

No place I'd rather be

No place I'd rather be

Than here in Your love

Here in Your Love

Set a fire down in my soul

That I can't contain

That I can't control

I want more of You, God, 

I want more of You, God

The choice is ours today - fear and fret, or be still and know God!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing............

Friday's footnote: Our Fearless Father fights against the Fearful Frenzied Fretters..... Forever!!

Thursday's Thought

Proverbs 3:27

Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

Good morning, everybody!

I was trying to think of a Bible verse that would go along with my subject for today - Appreciation - and the one above from Proverbs came to mind. When we are in the company of people who are helping us in any way, why not make it known to them that they are appreciated? "Withhold not good from them to whom it is due...." 

Over the past five days, while staying with my dear, elderly Mom, and visiting daily with Dad, I have come to have a much greater appreciation not only for my brother and sister-in-love who live here and carry the bulk of the responsibility for our parents' care, but also for all the workers who clean their home, or who take care of Dad in his new "home away from home." They are due great commendation, and it is within my power to give it to them when I am around them, but I just have to wonder, how often do they hear a sincere "Thank you"? Caregivers are one-of-a-kind servants. The elderly, the handicapped, the disabled.... the people who serve them must be endowed with lots of love and patience. Theirs is not an easy task.

So, this blog post is a very quick and simple yet very heartfelt THANK YOU to people who aid others in any type of capacity. Your job is one that demands constant giving, and just this week I have watched CNAs, RNs, etc., do their jobs with a smile, showing utmost consideration for the people they care about. God bless Caregivers everywhere!

I found this quote from an unknown source but it fits the spoonful of tonic today:

We are so often caught up

in our destination that we forget

to appreciate the journey,

especially the goodness 

of the people we meet on the way.

Appreciation is a wonderful

feeling, don't overlook it.

Is it asking too much to focus on showing appreciation, at least for today? We actually can and should show it every day...... "Withhold not good......"

Until tomorrow, Lord willing...............

Wednesday's Whisper

Psalm 143:10

Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

Good morning, and a Wonderful Wednesday morning it is!

Life is a journey, from our entrance into it and until our passing from it, and where this journey will lead us is unknown. Even though we make plans, we are not promised that those plans will reach fruition. Many a dream has been waylaid simply because of life. But, the best day on this journey is the day that we became Christians and placed our trust in the One who does know where we're going; and He will never lead us wrong.

Yet, even the Christian journey is a journey into the unknown. We encounter obstacles we never dreamed we would face. While staying with Mom this week, I picked up a small picture frame that held a picture of my younger, smiling Dad holding his youngest grandson. His eyes were clear and bright. Who would have ever dreamed that the aging process would affect Dad so strongly, bringing with it dementia, and an ultimate stay in a convalescent home? No! We never wanted this, but it's where we find ourselves, and it is truly painful. We never dreamed he'd reach 83 years of age but, Lord willing, on April 2nd, he will celebrate that many years here on earth.

Or, who ever dreamed that Mom, our vibrant Mom, who thrilled us as kids when she turned cartwheels (even though we never could), would suffer from so many health issues, moving ever so slowly, and unable to perform many of her everyday chores without severe pain?Life's journey has taken her through too many surgeries and doctor visits, but she will turn 80 on June 12th. We never dreamed this, but we're here.

To say that I'm comfortable at this point on my journey would be a boldfaced lie. The decline of my parents has hurt to the very core of my heart, but God has never left them on this journey, and He hasn't left me. And, He never will. We walk by faith not by sight. One point I learned from the little I read of the Purpose-filled Life is that THIS life is not heaven. If all were peaches and cream here then we would not long for a better life beyond this one. But, long for that life on the other side I do!!

I made a commitment to the Lord a long time ago that I would be what He called me to be, and I would follow wherever He led me, and I haven't changed my mind. This beautiful song by Jonathan Nelson says it best.....Called to Be 

In the journey of life there are winding roads

Mountains high and valleys low

Though the road ahead may be unknown

I'm still focused on the prize that's worthy pressing for

I will be what You called me to be

I say, Yes, Lord, I agree

My desire passionately 

Is to be what you called me to be, that's what I'll be

All road signs read destiny

I'll follow wherever You lead

Nothing can hinder me

For the prize is all I see, all I see...

Even though I've encountered unforeseen bumps along my trek through this life, it's a great life, especially because I know Jesus Christ, and He knows me. I trust His leading, and I'm committed to be a follower until I reach heaven. Hope you feel the same way!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing..............

Tuesday's Tidbit

1 Chronicles 4:10

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

Good morning to one and all! 

Yesterday morning, I received a call from a longtime friend and mentor, and my day was made as a result of our conversation. She has been a source of encouragement, inspiration, and godly counsel to me for over forty years. Every time I talk with her, I am helped, and yesterday's call was no exception.

First of all, she mentioned that I had been on her mind during her prayer time for several days, and that was of great encouragement to me. God cared enough about me to lay me on someone's heart, and that person was sensitive enough in the Spirit to hear God whispering my name. Then, she asked me, "Do you pray the Prayer of Jabez?" It had been quite a while since I had read the verse in I Chronicles, and even though I knew what she was talking about, I had to confess that I did not pray that particular prayer. 

My friend went on to relate that she had been praying that prayer since 1988, even before the popular book about Jabez was written. She believed and related to me that if Jabez could pray as HE did, and God granted HIS request, why couldn't WE pray that same way? Needless to say, her words struck a chord deep within my spirit. 

Later on in the evening, I was still thinking on our conversation, so I went to my Bible, found the verse in I Chronicles, and wrote it down in my journal. Another phrase in this verse that my friend pointed out was "enlarge my coast" - which, in her words, meant "broaden my influence" - WOW! Do we ever pray like that, that God would broaden the territories where we meet people and try to lead them to Him? Again, my soul was stirred.

While I have withheld my friend's name for privacy reasons, she and her husband will soon be 76 (if I remember correctly), and they have started home mission churches, pastored established churches, and been missionaries in many countries..... and they are still going strong for God! He truly has broadened their influence since they began to work for Him! And, God is no respecter of persons; He will do the same for us - if we ask Him to!

So, I fully intend to pray this prayer as Jabez did from now on, and perhaps you'll join me!

In closing, just a simple chorus (written by Ron Kenoly); simple but with a heartfelt plea.....

If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me

If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me

Take my hands, Lord, and my feet

Touch my heart, Lord, speak through me

If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me

God bless you, my friends, and may He use our willing souls and bodies to work for Him, wherever, whenever, and however HE chooses!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing.............

Monday's Moment

Ruth 1:19-22

19 So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?

20 And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.

21 I went out full and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?

22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

Good morning, and a Marvelous Monday Morning, at that!!!

The wonderful weekend is behind us, and we are moving into another work week, whatever our line of work might be. But, I'd like to pause and reflect on something from my weekend that I feel is worth sharing. 

Yesterday morning, I was privileged to listen to my youngest brother preach and the title of his message, drawn from the verses above, was "I'm Better than Bitter". He spoke of Naomi and her family leaving Bethlehem, then some of the main events that took place while they were away, and her ultimate return to Bethlehem. The name Naomi meant "amiable or pleasant", which she was when she first left her country; but she no longer wanted to be called by that name when she returned. Instead, she chose to be called Mara, which meant "bitter".

During Naomi's time of living in the country of Moab, she endured heartbreaking tragedies, namely, the deaths of her husband and two sons. Those grievous hardships were intense, and she found herself wanting to be back where she belonged, with the people of her God. But, as she returned to Bethlehem, along with her was Ruth, a Moabitess woman, also a widow; one which happened to be her former daughter-in-law. Ruth wanted what Naomi had. Even though Naomi felt bitter, something about her attitude or lifestyle drew Ruth to her. The two ladies arrived in Bethlehem, which means "house of bread" right at the beginning of barley harvest.

The point that struck my heart yesterday during service and the one I want to impart to you today is that no matter what you go through in life, don't allow it to make you bitter, because nothing better comes of being bitter. Naomi went through hard times in Moab, but when she returned to Bethlehem, even though she felt bitter because of her pain, the timing was right. It was harvest time! 

There is a purpose for our trials, and often we are tested to reveal the very fiber of our natures. During the very hardest, most painful part of our trials when it seems there is no relief in sight, GOD knows what is ahead for us. If we will let God hold us during all the ups and downs of our sojourn here on this earth, and trust HIS timing, we can and will experience hope again in the House of Bread, and we will arrive right at the beginning of harvest!!

Trusting today's spoonful is a true tonic to lift your spirits.

Until tomorrow, Lord willing................

Sunday's Specialty

2 Chronicles 20:21-22

21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever.

22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

Good morning, once again, friends..... Sunday is upon us!

Praise works! I love the story told in 2 Chronicles 20, of how the people of God were faced with a battle. Their leader, Jehoshaphat, feared but he knew where to take his fears. He sought the Lord with fasting and prayer, and God revealed a plan to them on how to fight. Singers were appointed to "praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army". They were to praise BEFORE the battle was won.

It seems to be our human nature to pray for victory in our lives, and often after we are granted victory, we are not careful in giving God thanks for delivering us. But, we can and should praise God BEFORE we ever receive the answer to our prayers. This Bible story is a great example of how to handle any situation. Fasting, praying, and praising still works! Even when we don't know what to do, God does, and He alone has the power to bring about great victories for us.

Whatever is facing us today - no matter the fight, PRAISE GOD! Sing unto the Lord; praise His holy name. And as one song says, "Praise Him in advance for the victory." It is a big step of faith to give God praise when we have not received our victory. But, by faith, it IS coming, and we are going to win!

I love this upbeat choir song, written by Donald Lawrence, from years back......

Don't wait til the battle is over, shout now.

You know in the end you're gonna win

When you're burdened down with the cares of life

And you're striving seems in vain

Hold your head up high,

Your deliverance is nigh,

When the battle is over, 

When the battle is over, 

When the battle is over

We're going home

Hallelujah!

Hoping and praying we all step into this praise mode today! All things are possible with God. He is well able to give us the victory; and, like Jehoshaphat and the people of Israel, we just might be three days in gathering up the spoil (or blessings) that God pours on us! 

Special Sunday blessings to all of you, my family and friends!!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing...........

Saturday's Snippet

Psalm 118:24

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Good morning, one and all - Sweet Saturday to you!

Once more, the Lord has blessed us with another gift; the gift of another new day. Our first responsibility upon awakening is to rejoice and be glad. We are truly given another opportunity to live for God and make a difference. 

My heart is full of gratitude this morning, and it is very early - 4:19 AM. In just a little over an hour, my sweet husband will be taking me to the airport in Houston so that I can board a plane for Chicago to see my parents and my brother and family. I know this sounds strange, but I'm grateful for the ones who first had the dream of making an airplane. Because of that dream, within less than two hours after leaving Texas, I will land in Chicago, IL. But for that initial dream, and the fulfillment of it, I would be driving for hours before arriving at my destination.

I'm thankful for my health and all my faculties that are working this morning; albeit a little slow, they are working, and I owe my thanks to God for that. I believe I'll rejoice!

Another blessing is my longtime best friend, my spouse, Michael, who willingly makes a way for me to take these trips to see my family. My parents are aging, and while it is truly sad to see them declining, every moment with them is a joy. Thank God for my family!

Yes, it is good to be alive, and to have another day given to us by the Lord. Let's be careful to give back to Him our gratitude. It is all because of Him that we have this blessing.

A short chorus with a big message comes to mind....

Every day is a good day to give thanks unto the Lord

Every day is a good day to give thanks unto the Lord

Every day is a good day to give thanks unto the Lord

To give thanks unto the Lord for all He's done for us

Praying that you all enjoy a blessed day today (and every day). Make the most of it, and at the close of the day, again, rejoice and be glad!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing................

Friday's Footnote

Mark 4:37-39

³⁷ And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

³⁸ And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

³⁹ And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Good morning, everyone! 

Have you ever been in a storm at sea? While I have been through quite a few storms in my life, even a few hurricanes, I must confess to never having been in a storm at sea. I cannot imagine the turmoil of sailing, or trying to sail, on troubled waters! Yet, that's where Jesus and His disciples found themselves once upon a time. And, while the waves beat not only about the ship, they beat into the ship, Jesus was asleep!!! Imagine that - sleeping through a storm.

The fact that Jesus slept through a storm gives us assurance that storms do not bother Him. After all, He is the Prince of Peace; He is the Maker of the rain. Why should storms bother Him? It seems that storms only bother humans. All we need to do in the midst of any type of storm we're experiencing, whether it is on land or at sea, or battling waves of emotions like fear, doubt, anxiety, is to call on His name, and He will once again calm the troubled waters of our souls.

Nothing catches Jesus by surprise as He is Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient. He only allows storms into our lives because He knows we are strong enough (in Him) to handle them. If we look at it this way - we can go through any type of storm as long as we know that He is on board. 

The Hinsons wrote a song quite a few years ago entitled, He Will Calm The Troubled Waters of Your Soul......

Verse One

If your heart is heavy with some grief or trouble

You do not have to bear it all alone

For you have a friend who knows about your struggle

He'll be standing by when all your other friends are gone

Chorus

And He will calm the troubled waters of your soul

Take your broken heart and make you whole

If the storms of your life are dark and cold

He will calm the troubled waters of your soul

There's a peace in knowing we can go through anything as long as we have Jesus! Trust in Him. Rest in Him. He will either calm the storm or calm us!

Friday's Footnote - A Fine and Fabulous Friday it shall be, when I sail with Jesus and He sails with me!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing.....................