Is It Time To Dance? Updated

This post was originally written on June 28, 2014, just a little over one month after the passing of our dear son Matthew from this life to heaven, following a four year battle with cancer.  When I wrote this I was still  reeling from the pain of saying farewell to our son, and trying to cope with the reality of never seeing him again on this earth.  Now, as of today, 5/25/2022, it has been eight years since that day. A lot has happened in this span of time...we've added new members to our family, and we've said farewell to some other dear ones.  By the time we reach heaven's gates ourselves, I have a feeling there will be more of us waiting there than there are here. It's just the way life is.  Today I haven't really felt like writing...our nation is grieving over the horrific tragic loss of so many precious children and teachers in Uvalde, Texas. My heart is breaking and grieving with those families who have lost their precious children to a crazed madman.  They didn't have the opportunity to say good bye to their child...they had no time to prepare for their unexpected passing from this earth to heaven. Their hearts are broken...for them there is no sense of peace or comfort at this time.  Some may never get to the place where they will feel like it is time to dance ever again. But I pray for them...I pray that God will wrap His loving arms around them and cradle them close to His heart and just hold them, reassuring them of His great love and compassion...and helping them to know that their precious child is safe with Him now...they need not fear for their children anymore...they are where there will be no more crying, no more pain, no more sorrow or fear.  Safe in the arms of Jesus...there can be no better place to be. May God comfort them with those thoughts...and may they be at peace with God, knowing that they will one day be reunited because of their faith in Christ.  That is my prayer for them.  That is what comforts me eight years later. I pray they will also know this great comfort. Amen.

Here is the original post I wrote eight years ago:

"Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,

For in You do I trust;

Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,

For I lift up my soul to You."

Psalm 143:8

Today I read in "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young the following passage:

"Rest with Me a while. You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days.

The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty.  Look neither behind you nor before you.

Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant Companion.  Trust that I will equip you fully

for whatever awaits you on your journey."

Actually this particular devotional was written for yesterday's date, but I didn't look at it until today. No matter, it is still appropriate and right on.  Yes, I have journeyed up a "steep, rugged path in recent days." Saying farewell to our precious son until we reunite in heaven still seems unreal. Since his earthly home was over 1500 miles away from us anyway, it is easy to allow myself to think that he's still there waiting for us to come up and visit again.  But then the reality hits, and I remember that he's not there...and it will most likely be a long time before we see him again.

My husband the preacher says that time in heaven is not something they are focused upon like we are here on earth.  That is hard for us to understand because we are so governed by time. We must make every minute count, we can never be late, time is of the essence, hurry up and wait...

King Solomon thought about time quite a bit.  In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 he wrote:

"To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under heaven;

A time to be born,

And a time to die;

A time to plant,

And a time to pluck what is planted;

A time to kill,

And a time to heal;

A time to break down,

And a time to build up;

A time to weep,

And a time to laugh;

A time to mourn,

And a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones,

And a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace,

And a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to gain,

And a time to lose;

A time to keep,

And a time to throw away;

A time to tear,

And a time to sew;

A time to keep silence,

And a time to speak;

A time to love,

And a time to hate;

A time of war,

And a time of peace."

I am still adjusting to this "new time" in my life.  I am not sure what time it is...I believe I am somewhere in the "time to weep and a time to laugh...A time to mourn, and a time to dance".  There are still moments when I feel like weeping and mourning...but there are also times that I want and need to laugh...and I find myself wanting to dance. Not a frenzied kind of dance...not even a waltz...just a holy dance between me and my Lord...where I allow Him to take the lead and twirl me around in His strong and capable arms...lifting me up above my grief and sorrow and showing me the new path that we will travel together. Such a lovely thought.

I am blessed beyond measure...I am not totally bereft of family...I still have my wonderful husband, two healthy and strong sons, a wonderful daughter in law and marvelous grandson...plus many other loved ones near and far.  I do not want to appear to be wallowing in self-pity or lacking in gratitude for all that God has done for me.  But there is this empty place in this mother's heart...a space that will always be missing that one precious son who has gone on to glory much too soon. 

Our precious son, Matthew.

2/25/1973 ~ 5/25/2014

So, what time is it in your  life?  I guess what I am learning is that no matter what season of life we may be in, there is much to learn...and we don't need to feel that we are all alone. God has promised to be with us in our life's journey...from beginning to end.  Perhaps you may discover that it is time for you to let Him take the lead...and just dance. I think I am beginning to understand that better now too.

Going Out On a Limb ~ An Advent Devotional - recycled again

Happy Advent morning...I originally wrote this in 2015, just after retiring. Then I reposted it in 2016.  Well, after reading it again this morning, I thought to myself, I must have written this to a future me in 2018, because I needed to be reminded of these truths again today.  

We are again at a kind of crossroads in this journey of our lives.  As most of you know, we are trying to sell our home and make a move to a little community about thirty miles north of our present location.  We believe, by faith, that this is how the Lord is leading us as we make these plans.  However, we have been a little discouraged as there has not been much interest in our house yet...and then last night I learned that the house we were "keeping our eye on" in the new community now has a pending sale on it. We were not able to tie it up in any way without a contract on our present home...so we have to watch that house go away to someone else.  I know that God is in control...and the first thought (after my initial shock and meltdown that the house was sold) was that He must have a much better house waiting for us when the time is right.  And so today I wake up with renewed vision and faith in the God Who will not forsake those who seek Him!  I can't wait to see what He has in store for us!

Perhaps this message below will be an encouragement for you today to be willing to "go out on a limb" with Jesus.  After all, "that's where the fruit is!"

Here is the original post from 2015 (and repeated in 2016):

Mark Twain was quoted as saying:

"Why not go out on a limb? That's where the fruit is."

I love what Sarah Young wrote in "Jesus Calling" for December 9th:  (I'm recycling this post from 2015 on that date...yes, I know today is really Dec. 13th...don't panic! )

"Be willing to go out on a limb with Me. (Jesus).  If that is where I am leading you, it is the safest place to be.  Your desire to live a risk-free life is a form of unbelief.  Your longing to live close to Me is at odds with your attempts to minimize risk.  

You are approaching a crossroads in your journey.  In order to follow Me wholeheartedly, you must relinquish your tendency to play it safe.  

Let Me lead you step by step through this day.  

If your primary focus is on Me, you can walk along perilous paths without being afraid.  Eventually, you will learn to relax and enjoy the adventure of our journey together. 

 As long as you stay close to Me, My sovereign Presence protects you wherever you go."  

I particularly like this verse that she references at the end: 

Psalm 9:10 

"And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; 

For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You."

Taking the step to retire (last year) was definitely one of these steps for me...going out on a limb...and certainly no longer playing it safe.  But I do know that the Lord is with me, and therefore I am daily learning to "relax and enjoy the adventure of our journey together".  Lord, help me to stay close to You so that Your Sovereign Presence will protect me wherever I go..  Amen.

Perhaps you may also be at a crossroads in your life today.  As we approach the end of another year, we are often faced with decisions about our future, and wonder what the New Year may hold in store for us.  I was reading in another place this morning about the seasons of our lives, and how sometimes it may feel like we are in an endless winter. We all have these "seasons" of difficult issues; financial problems, illness, career changes, or retirement, family/relationship concerns.  But when we place our trust in the One Who is able to guide us through these turbulent times...when we allow ourselves to let go of our own sense of security...the trunk of the tree...and step out on that limb and focus our eyes on Jesus, the Source of our true security and hope, we find that truly that IS where the fruit is...the fruit of peace, joy, and renewed strength.

Read what the prophet Isaiah says in chapter 40, verses 27-31~

"Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel;

'My way is hidden from the Lord, 

and my just claim is passed over by my God?'

Have you not known?

Have you not heard?

The Everlasting God, the Lord,

The Creator of the ends of the earth,

Neither faints nor is weary.

His understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the weak,

and to those who have no might He increases strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary,

and the young men shall utterly fall,

But those who wait on the Lord

shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint."

As we continue in this time of waiting the Advent of our Lord...not just for Christmas, but for His return for us, His chosen Bride...let us focus our eyes on Him who is able to renew our strength and ask that He give us the courage to stretch our faith as we step out on those proverbial limbs of life. He will be there to catch us should we start to fall...and He will lift us back up onto His wings and carry us on to reach that fruit He has promised us if we just put our trust in Him.  

What wonderful hope is this? Amen!!

Lift Up Your Head! Revisted

Today, April 19, 2018, marks the 7th anniversary of the passing of my father from this life into heaven.  I was just thinking about him as I scrolled through some old blog posts, and came across this one, which brought tears to my eyes in a good way as I read about the loving act my father did for me many years ago when I needed it most.

Original Post 7/24/2014:

"But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head..." Psalm 3:3

Young Fawn at dawn in my neighborhood today

I was reading in the book "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young the devotional reading for today, July 27. Here is what it says:

"Hope is a golden cord connecting you to heaven.  This cord helps you hold your head up high, even when multiple trials are buffeting you.  I never leave your side, and I never let go of your hand.  But without the cord of hope, your head may slump and your feet may shuffle as you journey uphill with Me.  Hope lifts your perspective from your weary feet to the glorious view you can see from the high road.  You are reminded that the road we're traveling together is ultimately a highway to heaven.  When you consider this radiant destination, the roughness or smoothness of the road ahead becomes much less significant.  I am training you to hold in your heart a dual focus: My continual Presence and the hope of heaven."  

This reminded me of a time in my life when I was going through a very difficult time, and it was tempting to hang my head in despair and hide away from prying eyes and wagging tongues.  That year for Christmas my father surprised me with a special gift that I will never forget.  We had previously lived in the north country, where moose were a very BIG part of our lives. (pun intended).  If you were lucky, you might see a live moose walk through your yard occasionally (as we did).

(Picture from Internet)

 If you were not so lucky, you might NOT see a moose crossing the road in front of your car in the middle of the night...and then you'd be in BIG trouble.

Internet Photo

 That is why you would often see along side every road a sign that said: 

I had often mentioned to my my father, who was a retired hobby carpenter, that since I had moved back to Florida it would be such fun to have a "moose" in my yard again...meaning a wooden cut out of a moose.  He always said "maybe, sometime when he had time, he'd think about it..."   And then in that particular year some things had happened that brought sorrow and disappointment to our home, and having a moose in my yard was probably the last thing on my mind.  But apparently not on my sweet father's mind.  Imagine my surprise on Christmas when he led me out into his back yard with my eyes closed and standing there was the most delightful bull moose ever seen in the state of Florida!  It looked something like this:

Internet Photo

Actually there were two of them, which I don't have a picture of, but the other had its head lowered, and it was a gift for a friend of ours who was also from New England. But about the one standing tall and erect as above, my father said, "This one is for you, because I want you to always hold your head up high like this and be strong."  It brings tears to my eyes even now to remember that moment, and how loving and compassionate my Daddy was as he presented his gift to me that day. It was a gift of love and hope to me from my earthly father, but I believe it was also from my Heavenly Father. HE wanted me to know that I was not alone in my struggle...and that He was to me, as quoted above in Psalm 3:3 ~ 

"But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, 

My glory and the One who lifts up my head."

and then  

"I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill.

I lay down and slept;

I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people

Who have set themselves against me all around."

Psalm 3:5-6

I wish I could say that all my troubles were magically over at that moment, but that was not the case. However, my attitude was changed...my hope was restored...and I was better able to hold my head high and move forward with renewed strength and courage, ready to face the future knowing that God was with me, sustaining me, and making my path straight.

And now, "It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect.  He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places..." Psalm 18:32-33 

Bye Bye little deer! You have cheered my heart today!

 How about you?  Have you ever felt like letting your head hang low and hiding away from your perceived "enemies"?  Take heart from these words today, and "LIFT UP YOUR HEAD!"


In loving memory of my dad, this is one of my favorite pictures of the two of us, taking a nap on a Sunday afternoon. Precious memories. 

William F. Mursch, 8/9/1918 ~ 4/19/2011

Early Morning Splendor

Today is a special day...it is our 48th wedding anniversary!! And to start the day off right, we spontaneously decided to watch the sunrise together. So we grabbed our mugs of hot coffee (hubby) and hot tea (me), jumped in the car and drove to the public boat ramp on Lake Kerr, which is about five miles from our home, and arrived just in time to witness this:

 Our selfies...early morning bed head sans makeup...this is as good as it gets...

 last picture from the car as we drove away...

When we arrived back home we sat down to read our morning devotions.  I picked up Sarah Young's Jesus Calling and read what she wrote for today's date...and I thought it quite profound in "light" of what we had just experienced...

"Meet Me in early morning splendor.  I eagerly await you here.

In the stillness of this holy time with Me,

I renew your strength and saturate you with Peace.

While others turn over for extra sleep or anxiously tune in to the latest news,

you commune with the Creator of the universe.

I have awakened in your heart strong desire to know Me.
This longing originated in Me, though it now

burns brightly in you.

When you seek My Face in response to My Love-call,

both of us are blessed.

This is deep mystery,

designed more for your enjoyment than for your understanding.

I am not a dour God who discourages pleasure. 

I delight in your enjoyment of everything that is

true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable.

Think on these things,

and My LIGHT in your will shine brighter day by day."

Sarah Young, Jesus Calling, August 16.

Could anything have been written more perfectly for this morning?

As well as Sarah Young's inspired devotional writing for this day, she also included a reference to Isaiah 40:31, which is one of my favorite verses ever, but especially perfect for today:

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint."

This verse was a special confirmation to us today because just yesterday we were grappling with a major decision, and finally made our choice to back away from our desired plans and "dreams" and wait on the Lord to show us HIS plans for us. Once we surrendered our will to God's will completely, we had renewed peace and strength...and were finally able to sleep at night again.  So today's experience and these words from God's Word and from His servant were exactly what we needed to hear today, to reaffirm to us that we had made the right decision.  

I ask you, dear friends, Isn't God good?  Isn't our Lord just awesome in His works to the children of men?

"Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,

and for His wonderful works to the children of men!

For He satisfies the longing soul,

and fills the hungry soul with goodness."

Psalm 107:8-9

Amen!

The God of Surprises

8/1/2017 UPDATE NOTE:  I like to look back and see what I was doing/thinking in previous years around this same date, and I came across this post, which was written on 8/2/15, just a few months before I retired. I am sure that is the big decision that I was wrestling with on that particular day. I am happy to say that I did retire as planned, and that it was the best decision I ever made! (Well, apart from getting married and having babies, that is!)  God has been with me throughout these days and has provided all our needs even better than I ever expected.  I want to share this post with you today, because there may be someone out there struggling with some kind of important decision, and perhaps there will be something here for you as well!  Our God IS the God of surprises...good things that He wants to share with us and bless us.  We just have to trust Him to lead the way and not worry about the future.  He has us in the palm of His hand...and we need not fear!!

Original Post 8/2/2015:
"When everything seems to be going wrong, refuse to get discouraged.  Remember that I AM a God of surprises: I am not limited by the way things are or by the paltry possibilities you can see.  I am infinitely creative and powerful. With ME all things are possible!"   

From Jesus Today, 

by Sarah Young, #39.

  

I read this particular passage in Sarah Young's Jesus Today  a couple of days ago, and it impressed me so much that I made a notation at the bottom of the page with the date I had read it so that I would look back at that on a future date and remember...

That future date was today, just five days later.  I've been wrestling with some personal decisions and thought I had it all figured out...and then got hit with a reality check and it appeared that all my dreams and aspirations were going to fall flat and I would have to give it up.  Last night before I fell asleep I asked my husband to please pray for me because I was so frustrated, disappointed and feeling rather despondent.  He prayed the sweetest prayer and asked the Lord to comfort me and to restore my faith and hope.  I drifted off to sleep with a tiny flicker of hope in my heart, but still doubting that anything would change.

This morning I woke up feeling refreshed and rested, but still wasn't too sure that anything could change. Actually, I just didn't think about it at all.  Sunday mornings are busy for us, preparing our house for our home Bible study and worship service in addition to the normal routines of breakfast, getting dressed and sometimes even taking a quick walk.  Today we had the added "pleasure" of removing a tick off of my husband's back and trying to dig the head out when it refused to detach itself.  (Yes, we live in the woods. Ticks are pretty common here...something to check for constantly). That certainly was not something we wanted to tackle on a Sunday morning when we were supposed to be preparing ourselves for worship and delving into the Scriptures.  But it kept my mind off of other things.

During our Bible Study time we prayed for others who are going through difficult times, both in health issues and other personal issues, but I didn't think to mention my concerns.  God already knew what was on my heart.  One of the members of our group...actually the only one who came today due to many of the others having health issues or other personal issues keeping them away...and this particular one was having her own serious concerns but she wanted to come anyway...she said that she wanted to pray for our family...and that she does pray for us every day...whether she knows anything in particular to pray for or not...and that touched my heart. I didn't HAVE to say anything...God was already working on it.

This eagle is a reminder of God's "surprises"

So after our service was over and everyone went home and we retreated back into our normal routine again...changing clothes, preparing lunch, etc., I suddenly thought of something I had totally forgotten about...a possible answer to my dilemma! It was one of those "lightbulb over the head" moments...you know, when the little light comes on and you have an idea...or you become "enlightened" about something heretofore hidden from your view/thoughts?  Could that have been an answer to prayers so quickly?  Could it have been God's way of reminding me to:

"Remember that I am a God of surprises: I am not limited by the way things are or by the paltry possibilities you can see.  I am infinitely creative and powerful.  

With ME all things are possible!"  (see Matthew 19:26)

I can only say that it was information that I needed to be able to proceed with "the plan".  It was the encouragement I needed to have hope restored.  

One of the other verses referenced in this particular passage from Jesus Today is Lamentations 3:25-26:

"The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,

to the soul who seeks Him.

It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."

God has shown me through this little experience that I need to be patient and wait on the Lord to work out all of the details before I start making plans...but that once He has given me a dream (and I do believe it comes from Him), He will bring it to pass in HIS time.  I do not need to fear or lose hope when things don't look exactly like I'd planned or when the timing is a little off from MY timing...I just need to trust Him to work it out HIS way, in HIS time.  He knows my needs, and He also knows my heart.  He has already dispatched helpers to come to my rescue even before I knew I needed them.

Another portion of the passage from Sarah Young's Jesus Today #39 says the following:

"Through eyes of faith, see Me (God) on the path before you, beckoning you on,

one step at a time.  Looking to Me consistently will increase your strength and valor."

Yes, Lord, help me to keep my eyes focused on YOU consistently as I take one step at a time. It is comforting to know that YOU are already there, and that You have already made provision for ALL my need.  Praise God!  Amen.

"The Sounds of Silence" - Updated

II Corinthians 1:2-5

"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and 

the Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

Who comforts us in all our tribulation, 

that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, 

with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, 

so our consolation also abounds through Christ."

For some reason I've been drawn to this post that I wrote exactly 3 years ago, which was about one month after the passing of our precious son from this life to the next.  I guess because I woke up thinking about a couple of dear friends of ours who said farewell to their precious daughter one year ago today, and praying that the Lord would comfort them as they remember her on this " first anniversary" of her passing.  They say time is a great healer...and I must say that it does help...but the memories of our dear ones never go completely away....nor would we want them to.

At this stage in our grieving process, three years later, we are still hit with memories that bring us to tears, but there are also many moments that bring smiles and laughter as we remember and celebrate the person who our son was. He would not want us to continue in sorrow...why? Because where he is, there is no sorrow!  He is dwelling in the heavenlies with Jesus Christ...and every day is a celebration of eternal life...no sickness, no death, no sorrow, no pain...only joy and hallelujahs every moment!

I shared the above passage from II Corinthians 1:2-5 today because I have come to realize that often times in life, as we go through great sorrows and tribulations , we find that the day comes when the God Who comforts us helps us to also comfort those who are presently passing through their own tribulations.  It is a comfort to know someone else has already walked this type of journey before and can help us deal with the pitfalls and valleys of sorrow as we come upon them.  I know there have been many who have encouraged us along the way, and I pray that we will be able to comfort and encourage others as the Lord leads us.

So, without further ado, here is what I wrote three years ago...perhaps this will bring some measure of comfort to someone else today. I pray so.

Original Post 6/21/2014:

Hello Blog Page my old friend, I've come to talk with you again...   I kind of rewrote that phrase from one of my old favorite Simon and Garfunkle songs, "The Sounds of Silence", which said, "Hello darkness my old friend, I've come to talk with you again..."   That was the song that just popped into my head as I sat down here at my computer and tried to think about what on earth I was going to write.  It seems as though my mind has been a bit of a blank lately.  Actually, my mind is full of things...I just don't know how to say them. Not sure that I want to say them in public.

Not bad things, just private thoughts...thoughts of grief, sorrow, healing, 

comfort, sadness, memories, joy, longing, 

praying, wishing, hoping, wondering, 

thankfulness, 

praise, love, wistful, tender, 

crying, laughing....

You see, when you've said farewell to someone you love so much...one of your own precious children...

and even though

 you know in your heart that you will see him again someday, 

and you rejoice in knowing that he is no longer suffering...

he is fully whole and happy in heaven...

You still have those moments when you wish you could turn back time and start over again...and have things turn out differently...if you had the power to keep the disease from forming in his body...if you could have somehow changed the course of events...but then you realize that you are not God. You really can't see the bigger picture yet...the picture that God sees looking down at us from His heavenly throne.  You realize that now your child can see the bigger picture...and he understands the whys and wherefores...and if he could tell me so, he would tell me that it is all going to be okay...not to worry...God's plan IS the best plan...and I will understand it better by and by.

This morning I took my breakfast of a cup of hot tea, a homemade blueberry bran muffin fresh out of the oven, and a bowl of summer fruit and went and sat outside in the garden arbor that we just built in memory of our son, and I sat there in the garden and thought about these things. And then I allowed God to do His work of healing in my heart.  He knew exactly what I needed. Here are a few pictures that I took this morning as I welcomed God's therapy of peace and quiet to comfort me:

God knew just what I needed. He always does.

I read in today's reading of "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young:

"Wait patiently with Me while I bless you.

Don't rush into My Presence with time-consciousness gnawing at your mind.

I dwell in timelessness;

I am, I was, I will always be. 

For you, time is a protection;

you're a frail creature who can handle only twenty-four-hour segments of life.

Time can also be a tyrant, 

ticking away relentlessly in your mind.

Learn to master time, or it will be your master.

Though you are a time-bound creature, 

seek to meet Me in timelessness.

As you focus on My Presence,

The demands of time and tasks will diminish.

I will bless you and keep you,

making My Face shine upon you graciously,

giving you Peace."

I needed that message today. I tend to be driven by time and things to do. I haven't allowed myself much time for healing..."The Sounds of Silence"...time to rest, time to appreciate the beauty around me. 

"Therefore I will look to the LORD; 

I will wait for the God of my salvation; 

My God will hear me.  

Do not rejoice over me, my enemy;

When I fall, I will arise;

When I sit in darkness,

The LORD will be a light to me."

Micah 7:7-8

The Secret Garden Chronicles Day 18 "Held In His Mighty Arms"

It is hard to believe that I missed the last three days of actually coming into and sitting in the Secret Garden...but each day presented different circumstances, and also different ways and reasons to praise the Lord in various places.  I am so thankful for the way the Lord had prepared me spiritually for those days...as well as in giving me the "rest" necessary to be able to withstand all of the activities and emotional turmoil involved.

In reading back over the past few days in Sarah Young's marvelous devotional book, "Jesus Calling",  I was amazed at how many times Jesus was "calling" us to

"Seek My face and you will find not only My Presence but also My Peace" (February 5th), 

"Come to Me and REST.  I AM all around you, to bless and restore!" (February 6th)

"Come to Me for REST and Refreshment" (February 7th)

"I AM above all things; 

your problems, your pain, 

and the swirling events in this everchanging world." (February 8th)

"Seek MY face more and more"; and also "TRUST ME and don't be afraid, 

for I AM your strength and song!"  (February 9th)

Wow!  When I was following the ambulance with my hubby inside on this same day (9th), I was singing, "Jesus, Jesus, How I TRUST You."  And He truly WAS my strength and my song!! 

Today, February 10th, says, "Trust Me enough to spend ample time with Me, pushing back the demands of the day..."  and that is where I am right now, Lord, sitting here in the Secret Garden with You..."pushing back the demands of the day", and also, as the next line reads, I "refuse to feel guilty about something that is so pleasing to" YOU, "The King of the Universe!"

Yes, I could be inside the house, cleaning up from several days' neglect due to all the activities.  But Lord, You know how much I crave this time alone with You!  I truly believe that I will be better equipped to tackle whatever "needs" to be done inside if I spend this time here, outside, with You!

My spirit, mind, and body needs to be refreshed, revived, and restored back into a right fellowship and rhythm with You at the center of My being...blocking out all of the distractions and concerns of the past few days, even though most were very pleasant distractions indeed, but some were not so pleasant, and my heart and mind have been rather disturbed over the sudden illness of my hubby.  Even though it turned out all right for now, we realize there is the possibility of future such "episodes" if things are not attended to and properly corrected.  And that leaves me with an uneasy feeling and a kind of insecurity in my mind that I don't like!

Isaiah 12:2-6 reminds me again to trust in God, and not be afraid:

2."Behold, God is my salvation;

I will trust and not be afraid;

For YAH, the Lord, is my strength and song;

He has also become my salvation."

3.  "Therefore with JOY

you will draw water from 

the wells of salvation.

4.  And in that day you will say:

Praise the Lord.

Call upon His name,

Declare His deeds among the peoples,

make mention that His name is exalted.

5.  Sing to the Lord,

For He has done excellent things;

This is known in all the earth.

6.  Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion,

For great is the Holy One of

Israel in your midst."

Yes, Lord, I will continue to TRUST in YOU no matter what the future may hold, because I know that YOU hold my future in Your hands.  Therefore, I do not need to be afraid!

I was looking through my hymnal for another song, and came across this one that is even better:

"Held In His Mighty Arms" by Winfield Macomber

(sung by Christine Wyrtzen in the link above)

"Safe is my refuge,

sweet is my rest;

Ill cannot harm me,

nor foes e'er molest.

Jesus my spirit so tenderly calms,

Holding me close in His mighty arms!

Oh, what wonderful, wonderful rest!

Trusting completely in Jesus I'm blest;

Sweetly He comforts and shields from alarms;

Holding me safe in His mighty arms."

Yes, Thank You, Jesus, for holding me safe in Your mighty arms!!  When I am held close in Your arms I need not fear or be alarmed about anything.  I can rest peacefully in my safe refuge...Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.  Praise God!!!  Amen.

P.S:  I can't believe I forgot that today is FRIDAY FOTO FRIENDS DAy!!!   That just shows you how discombobulated I have been this week!!  So, friends, I will repost this as my Friday Foto Friends post for today.  Sorry I am late to the gathering!!  Click HERE for other great posts from my friends today.

Live Joyfully in the Midst of Struggles

This is what I read in Sarah Young's "Jesus Today" today.... #116

"I am calling you to live joyfully in the midst of your struggles.

You yearn for a freer, more independent way of life than you're currently experiencing.

You pray fervently--and then wait hopefully for the changes you desire.

When I don't answer your prayers according to your will, you sometimes get discouraged.

It's easy for you to feel as if you're doing something wrong--

as if you're missing out on what is best for you.  

When you think that way, you are forgetting a most important truth:

That I am Sovereign.

I am in control, and

I am taking care of you."

This past weekend was very stressful for us.  As most of you know, we take care of my 93 year old mother in law on the weekends, and she is getting progressively more fragile, dependent and extremely needy.  My time is consumed with caring for her needs, and by the end of the weekend I am pretty well exhausted.  I was so much so this past weekend that I am still feeling the effects on my body and in my spirit.  Those of you who have cared for elderly loved ones can relate.  Our whole family is affected by this in a negative way, and we know that some changes are going to have to be made soon.  But we are reluctant to take those steps, and I find myself praying that God will intervene for her and on our behalf...and be merciful for His children's sake. I know God understands my heart in this, and I don't believe He thinks badly of me for having these feelings.  But He wants me to trust Him to do what is best for all concerned.

This is part of the reason I believe I was directed to choose the word "REST" for my "One Word" for 2017.  Not only is it for a spiritual resting in Christ, but also for a physical rest...which actually coincides with the spiritual.  Because when our physical bodies need rest, our spirit usually needs rest as well.  

Today I was uplifted and blessed to be a part of our monthly gathering of our "Lovely Ladies of the Lord" group.   After we meet for a time of prayer, Bible study and sharing our concerns and joys, we usually continue our fellowship at a local restaurant for lunch...

I know the Lord planned this gathering for this week, because I truly needed this time of respite and joy in the midst of my struggles.  These ladies always give me a blessing just by their words of love and comfort and prayer. We are there for each other...and I am humbled by the true beautiful hearts of these dear women of the Lord.  We all learn so much just from sharing our burdens and cares...and laying them at the feet of Jesus. 

I have come away from this meeting today with my burdens lifted, knowing that, 

Yes, God IS sovereign, and yes, God IS in control, 

and most definitely God IS taking care of me!

And I can live joyfully in the midst of struggles!

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord,

for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever!"

Psalm 118:1

Amen.