No, I’m not a grinch or a scrooge. I love the Christmas season with all the bright lights, holiday cheer and most of all – the opportunity to turn others to the reason for the season, Jesus. Yet it is sometimes hard to celebrate while missing loved ones who are no longer with us. Since my mother departed for Heaven several years ago on Dec. 3rd, Christmas now brings bittersweet memories.

I am so thankful that Jesus is our light! Through every darkness, every hard pathway. Christmas is still a beautiful time and if we focus on the Lord, He will shine His glory through all the pain and loss bringing comfort that only He can give. With all the sparkling lights around us in this winter celebration, I’m thinking of the lights of home and those waiting for us to join them someday. Love this old song from Dottie Rambo:

“Is that the lights of home I see?
Do I feel a breeze from the crystal sea?
Is that the Lord standing high on Heavens balcony?
If that’s the lights of home, then it’s a welcome sign to me.”

Are you missing loved ones this time of year? Look to Jesus, focus on the lights of home and remember we have a grand celebration in our future!

THE WORD  – Over and over again we find this scripture to ring true.

I broke my wrist last week. God was present in my trouble. He led me safely to a Dr. and fixed up with a cast within two hours. Now I am leaning hard on my refuge and strength, my Jesus who is also my Healer.

That evening a truck veered off the road, crashed through our front hedges, flipped over our driveway narrowly missing our two cars and landed in our side yard.

Emergency vehicles were here for hours. They tried to airlift the driver to hospital but he died en route. Jesus, our present help in trouble. We could have been out getting the mail and directly in the truck’s path. Our cars could have been totaled. Someone else could have been hit since he was on the wrong side of the road.

God, our refuge and strength. We don’t realize how often God protects us as we try to walk right before Him.

Has He rescued you this week? Do you find Him to be your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble?

Please pray for the man’s family in their loss of a loved one.

THE WORD

Behold, I have graven thee  upon the palms of my hands…                                                                                                                                                                           -Isaiah 49:16 KJV

Have you ever wondered, “Where do I fit?

Life keeps swirling around you with changes and transitions. You try to do the right things and make the correct choices.

You are aware of the blessings of God and grateful for His faithfulness.

But you’re just not fitting in the current picture.

Maybe its a family situation. Or your career. It could be a church that you’re a part of yet…not fully engaged for one reason or another.

I’ve cried out to God, “Where do I fit anymore? Surely there is a place for me.”

His answer, “You fit in the palm of my hand. Always. Forever.”

Be encouraged today and know that no matter what situation you are in and what is happening in your life,

you fit

in the palm of His

hand.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Has the Lord spoken a sweet message to you lately?

THE WORD – In this busy summer season, may we take a moment to STOP – and consider God’s wonders.

They are all around us in the sky-blue heavens, the creative cloud formations, fresh green grass and brilliant flowers.

They rush at us in the force of the ocean waves and call to us in the singing of the birds.

 Listen for it… in the laughter of a child and the music of a street musician.

Feel it in the warmth of the sun and the coolness of a lake swim.

I challenge you to step away from the whirligig of activities and breathe in the scent of summer. Ah…God’s wonders!

When you STOP – what do notice about God’s wonders?

Comforting words. Humble, gentle, patient.

Thinking back over my week, I’m wondering if I’ve shown these qualities to others. It’s been a crazy week, finishing final exams for Bible Institute courses, prepping for a soon-coming Writer’s Conference, attempting to spring-clean and adjusting to changes in both my job and my husband’s job. Can we say STRESS?

I know there have been times this week when it took great effort to be humble, gentle, patient. And I didn’t always make it. But I’m trying. I’m thankful for those around me who have been humble, gentle, patient, with me. It has made all the difference.

May the Lord help us to “bear with one another in love.”

Has someone shown humbleness, gentleness and patience to you lately?

(Photo courtesy of http://www.prayers-for-special-help.com/bible-verse-pictures.html)

A beautiful promise. When I look back on my life, even through the hard places, I can see how goodness and mercy have followed me.

God’s Word is true and His promises are secure.

I’m reminded of times when the presence of God has slipped into my days with an unexpected gift and I know beyond any doubt, it is God’s goodness to me. His mercy covers me.

I look behind me and yes, I can see it. The clear imprint, the footsteps of Goodness and Mercy trailing my path. 

Can you see this in your own life?

How has God’s goodness and mercy followed you?

(Thank you to  http://www.prayers-for-special-help.com/bible-verse-pictures.html for permission to use their photo.)

        (Photo courtesy of www.prayers-for-special-help.com)

Are you weary?

I’ve noticed the weariness in people this week.

Tired of winter chill and blustery storms.

Cabin-fever weariness.

Others look burdened with problems and stressed from work or home situations.

Yet God’s promises stand sure. If we come to Him, He will give us rest.

Not a passing, fleeting emotion.

But deep-down Jesus- Only- Can- Give rest.

I’ve been in church services recently and watched God’s children being blessed.Worshiping, singing, praying, dancing, feeling the beautiful life giving presence of God.

The Lord in His great mercy, a loving Father raining down rest upon His children.

Understanding our weariness.

Seeing our need.

We serve an awesome Savior.

Has Jesus brought rest to your weary heart lately?