"I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt/(out of your bondage). Open wide your mouth and I will fill it." Psalm 81:10
"Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
Unexpected changes and future uncertainties are a rich breeding ground for worry. And i am wobbling knee-high in a pile of worry-weeds. But the Good News is it actually assisted me in deciding what to give up for Lent.
This year i committed to give up worry. I choose to consciously pull out the doubts of my heart and turn them over to God. This has aided me in keeping God in the forefront in my mind and heart every hour, every minute.
One important purpose of Lent is to give up something that causes us to depend and focus more on God. I can honestly say by doing so, i feel an increase of His Peace. I have no answers or solutions to my circumstances, but growing trust in God. He has this for Lent... and for my entire life.
we are love and chosen by God,
may we live, love and do like we believe it,
veneal
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” – Psalm 24:1
I wonder, why did God create the sloth and the porcupine? The sloth moves painfully too slow and burns up my patience. And the porcupine, well he just sticks me in the wrong ways. I know people like them. Do you?
God created all critters for a reason... and humans too. We don't have to like them or what they represent, BUT maybe there is something we can gleam from them, grow, mature and even become more Christlike. Don't you possibly expect that's true? God uses all... the good, the bad and the ugly. The longer I live, the more i believe it's true.
“For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.”
Father, You have a plan, and it is good. Grow my trust and faith in You. May i not ignore, misuse or neglect the work you have for me.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Lean on God...
"DO some most part half your portion what you want what's fair EVERYTHING without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the Word of Life..." Philippians 2:14-15
When we live knowing and accepting
"But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, (your name), He who formed you: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine." Isaiah 43:1
Jesus said...
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
"Even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me." Psalm 139:10
The world is never more frightening and scarier than when you are feeling alone or abandoned in it. This is especially true on a playground bursting with a field of happy, engaged children. Whether a new student or someone feeling left out due to conflicts or other issues, it is a painful, sad feeling and sight.
I LOVE what i've discovered at a couple of elementary schools. Their all important, tell-all playground has a Buddy Bench on it. When someone is having a difficult and lonely time, the Buddy Bench is a welcoming aide. It quietly signals to all in the area, they are lonely and in need of a buddy. There isn't a more beautiful and satisfying moment than to see someone answer that need.
I think we need Buddy Benches, not just at schools, but all over the country.... in every park, neighborhood, city and anywhere people gather or visit.
Father, we are thankful we always have a Buddy in You. May we carry that feeling of buddyhood to the lonely souls we see around us... always.
"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
"Live in peace with each other... encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone... always try to be kind to each other other... be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances..." 1 Thessalonians 5:13,14,15,16-18
"Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:24-26
veneal
"… we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5
"and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame." Isaiah 58:10-11
How we spend our days, determines how dark our nights are. We all need to make time to bless another.
"Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." Psalm 90:14
The sunshine, warmth and blooming daffodils are a beautiful reminder that nothing stays the same...
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had..." Romans 15:5
Book Fair, one of my favorite events, is in full swing at my old home. I couldn't just ignore it, but how would it feel on the sideline and not a major player? Could i stay in my lane as a volunteer?
Just two seconds there, and i knew. Feeling most welcomed and wanted, i was able to touch, feel, see and be a part of what still matters to me. Contributing without controlling was possible and fun.
I got to embrace and enJOY Book Fair for everything i love.... a tremendous selection of books for all ages, excited students shopping for themselves and others, parents already in for multiple visits, teachers registering for book wishes to get for their classroom with the opportunity of getting one and likely more FREE, and the tradition of ALL students receiving at least one book.
What is there not to love?? It's obviously still true, Book Fair week is a favorite week at school filled with a special giving and care ... and in this highly techy age that is amazing.
"The lips of the righteous nourish many..." Proverbs 10:21
Big lips are in and some are better than others.
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, as Christ accepted you..." Romans 15: 5-7
"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work." 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
"PRAISE BE TO THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST! the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in ALL our troubles..." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Sometimes, no matter how cautious we are, we get sick. And as with the stomach bug, sometimes there is nothing we can do except stop, rest and wait for it to run its course.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9
One of the best unexpected parts of retiring from school has been the reaction of others when i returned to school as a substitute. The temporary "coming home" was filled with smiles, hugs and JOYful chatter. I look forward to my next gig to see if the sweet "coming home" feeling continues. To be remembered and felt missed was a tremendous heart warmer.
Unfortunately, not all homecomings are good and comforting. Maybe the length of time for the return was too long or even too short. Misunderstandings, lack of communication, unexpected events and changes could all contribute to a cold return.
Jesus' return to His hometown likely involved all of the above. His return initially stirred excitement but quickly reversed to resentment and even anger. They missed His true mission and His blessing at home.
Father, may we keep our eyes on You and Your mission for us. May we not be deterred by others in serving You first. Keep our arms, heart and soul open to Your Truth. Just because we might fail to understand Your path or ways, please help us to continue trusting and believing You.
Straight from the heart of God to yours:
Happy Valentine's Day! You, My child, are the cherished love of My life! I wrote this Valentine with just you in mind.
It's Valentine's week and for some it's produces more pain than love. Through death, disagreements, hardships or other factors, some loved ones are no longer part of our life. So, is there still reason to celebrate? With a thankful heart, our answer is yes. There is One Valentine that will never forsake us.
