Thursday, January 28, 2010

Thankful Thursday Thoughts

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5,6

This past week has been a tough one for me. I have been dealing with a secondary health issue for several months and it has now set me back into a relapse with my Lyme and CFS/ME. To add to the mix my back has gone out and I was exposed to mold which I have a severe allergy to. I am spending most of the time laying quietly, unable to be on my feet much at all. I am weak, having extreme exhaustion, and an increase of pain. I have not felt this bad in over two years. My hubby is fixing my meals, and caring for me which is difficult with his health issues and attempt to work part time.

Our circumstances have given rise to resignation and depression in me and everything looks very grey. At times I confess it would be easier to just give up hope. On days like this I am tempted to wonder what God is thinking! Is this really how he wants us to live? Is there any hope for better days ahead?

Joyce Meyer mentioned this morning that "We may not know what God is doing, but GOD knows what He is doing. Our focus needs to be on TRUSTING God and His plan for our lives."

Proverbs 3 came to my mind along with Jeremiah 29:11...The Message says:

"I know what I am doing. I have it all planned out ~ plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you pray to me I will listen. When you come looking for me you will find me."

Today I am thankful that I can trust God with all my heart. That He KNOWS what He is doing even when I cannot see the light. I am thankful that He will not abandon us to our illnesses, but has plans to care for us and give us a future. In this world and the next.

Today I am clinging to these verses, and as I spend the days putting my energy into breathing, resting, and healing, I give thanks for the hope I have in Christ Jesus.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Thankful Thursday Thinking

The earthquake in Haiti and continual strong aftershocks have devastated this small country. As usual, the children seem to suffer the most. Over the years many countries have worked hard to help the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Corrupt governments, hurricanes, and the like have continued to fight against improvements for the resilient Haitians. And now this. The people need safe shelter, water and food, and immediate medical care. It is confusing as to why it is taking so long for this to happen. Our prayers are needed.

Today I am giving thanks for our God being a God that moves mountains and make miracles happen. I am giving thanks for God loving us and hearing the cries of the suffering. I am giving thanks for all those who are reaching out to help the people of Haiti in so many different ways. And as I look around at the abundance of conveniences that make my life so easy, I am giving thanks for a safe home, more than enough food and water, and opportunities others in our world do not have. I am humbled. I am blessed.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Wednesday Wonders of Nature











Several days of dense fog gave our neighborhood a beautiful coat of white. Joel took these photos so we could share God's blessings of nature with others. Today we are expecting up to 1/2 inch of ice on everything. What a strange winter it has been!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Thankful Thursday Thinking

Today my thankfulness runs along the line of being able to curl up on the sofa or in bed with my wool comforter (affectionately named Woolie). I am having a few challenging days and to have the privilege to just retreat and take care of myself is a real gift when my body needs complete rest. God is with me, my hubby is close by, and my Woolie is soothing to my cold and weary body. I am blessed!

Saturday, January 9, 2010

The Familiar of My Childhood

When I was 12 years old I moved in with my older sister (by 15 yrs) and her husband and children. They were very active in a large Lutheran church in town and it became my second home. I knew every nook and cranny in that vast space and I loved everything about it.


The Lutheran church uses a lot of liturgy and hymns in their worship services. Some people would find liturgy boring, but for me it is familiar and comforting. Do any of you remember Katherine Koob who was one of the many Americans held hostage by the Iranians for 444 days back in 1979? She said that the liturgy and hymns she learned as a child are what got her through those terrible times. It made so much sense to me. The traditional liturgy used over and over again during my childhood became deeply ingrained in me and has gotten me through many tough times. In fact, even though I listen to and enjoy all kinds of worship and singing, when I hear the liturgy and hymns from my childhood I feel like I have "come home."

I know that I was blessed to have a church home during an important part of my growing up years. Now that I am homebound and unable to attend worship services, I realize how special it is to have that fellowship of believers. At this time in my life I find that fellowship on the radio, TV or internet. What a blessing!

Liturgy is defined as a ceremony, rite, ritual, etc. We all have those no matter what church we attend, and I expect that each of us turns to the familiar of our faith during the tough times. We could loosely define Spiritual Sundays as a form of liturgy itself. A weekly ritual for a growing number of us who wish to worship and inspire others with the written word. Whether I am listening to the liturgy of my childhood, hearing familiar hymns and scriptures, or reading the inspirational writings of others, I am able to find comfort and peace in the action. Worshiping our Lord "brings me home". May it be the same for you..



Please visit Spiritual Sundays at http://www.bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/

Saturday, January 2, 2010

A Fresh Start

We are now in the first week of the first year of a new decade. ~2010~ Wow! A new beginning! A fresh start! A clean slate. We are able to look forward with anticipation to what lies ahead!

God has given all of us a fresh start too. As children of God, we have been made clean through the blood of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 1:18 says, "Come now let us reason together: though your sins are like scarlet, they are now white as snow, though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."

We have an awesome God who forgives our sins, cleanses us, and provides us with a fresh start each and every day! What a precious gift.


Thanks to Charlotte and Ginger who provide us with Spiritual Sundays at www.bloggerspirit.blogspot.com. Visit them and be blessed.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Abundance

As I reflect on this past year, I remember with  gratefulness the many times God has walked with us through difficult circumstances. Cancer, surgery, Lyme, disability, a family crisis, and more have taken us to our knees in 2010 ~ right where we belong.  An abundance of blessings have taken us to our knees as well.  We have much to be thankful for, and I know all of you feel the same way.

Life can be messy, but it is also amazing, so as 2011 begins and our adventure continues, I pray each of you continue to be anointed with an abundance of love, joy, laughter, inspiration, and healing.  May God's grace be with you.

Happy New Year!