Be Vigilant!!

 The visitors to our "Still Waters Pond" keep coming.  It is such fun to watch and see who or what will show up next.  Now here, this lone Canadian Goose is swimming around, but he is not really alone. His mate is out there somewhere, possibly sitting on her nest, and he is keeping a close watch over her lest some predator come and try to sneak up on her.

 One of these things is not like the other....Note the goose is vigilantly standing guard on the lower right. But note also that Sand Hill Crane is over there on the left by himself, checking things out around the little island. The goose stood his ground until the crane went away.

And no, you aren't seeing double...here's Mr. and Mrs. Canadian Goose out for a swim together:

 But wait! Now there are four of them! That other "interloper" couple showed up today and dared to come up on our shore to try and get some of the bird seed on the ground. Our "resident couple" played "King of the Mountain" and wouldn't let them come all the way up, so they had to be content eating the grass along the shore...

Everyone was happily doing their own thing...(I love how somehow I managed to get a reflection of the American flag, which is actually on the front porch, and I was looking through the window of the back porch, and the flag reflected on the window. Pretty cool!) But anyway, the geese were minding their own business, enjoying eating and not really bothering each other,

 When suddenly a neighborhood stray cat came sneaking up on them from out of nowhere...(it happened too quickly for me to get a picture)  And then they all flew away:

 Thankfully the cat was not able to get close to the geese, but it sure caused a lot of honking and flapping of wings and off they went...

And then later, who do we see but TWO Sand Hill Cranes on the shore!  I think the word is out that the beaches are open again in Florida! But at least they are maintaining their appropriate social distancing.

On a more serious note, seeing  that cat sneaking up on those geese today made me think about the verses we read in our morning devotions:

"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,

that He may exalt you in due time,

casting all your care upon Him, 

for He cares for you.

Be sober, be vigilant; 

because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion,

seeking whom he may devour.

Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings 

are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

But may the God of all grace,

Who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus,

after you have suffered a while,

perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever.

Amen."

I Peter 5:5b-11

Seems like some appropriate words for us today in our current situation.  We are all going through the same kinds of "suffering" around the world these days, and for some it is becoming truly unbearable. Not only are many very sick and possibly dying, but there are many who are watching their livelihood slipping away and they have bills to pay and children to feed and businesses that are closing up...and people are getting weary of the struggle and the waiting for it to be safe to come back out of "hiding".   God is encouraging us here to cast all our cares upon Him, because He does care about our every need...physical, emotional, financial...whatever it may be. Don't give in to the devil...he's looking for the weak ones who are getting weary...and wants to drag us into his traps.  Resist the devil...and look unto Jesus...Who is working all things together for our good, to perfect us, establish, strengthen and settle us.  He will not fail us...so don't lose hope and give up too soon. Stay vigilant and hold your ground like that goose. God will carry us through to victory.  Amen!!

Have a blessed evening my friends and a peaceful Sunday tomorrow. Praying you will be able to set aside some time for worship and study of God's Word on the Lord's Day.  So thankful for our pastors who are working diligently to prepare messages to be seen /heard over the internet or radio or whatever way possible. Praying it won't be long before we can enjoy sweet fellowship again, but until then, "Be Sober, Be Vigilant! And Cast your cares upon the Lord, for He careth for you."  

"I Will Call Upon The Lord" -Reposted

This was originally posted on 10/26/2014, just 5 months after the passing of our precious son. Two years later, we are still learning to call upon the Lord during times of distress and heartache...and He has never let us down.  This message encouraged my own heart even as I wrote it at that time. I pray there may be someone (or many) who will be blessed and encouraged by this same message yet today.

Original Post from 10/26/2014:

"I will love You, O Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;

My God, my strength, in Whom I will trust;

My shield and the horn of my salvation,

my stronghold.

I will call upon the Lord,

Who is worthy to be praised;

So shall I be saved from my enemies."

Psalm 18: 1-3

"The Lord Lives!

Blessed be my Rock!

Let the God of my salvation be exalted."

Psalm 18:46

Mt. Washington, NH, picture taken October, 2013

Those of you who are familiar with scripture choruses may recognize one in the verses above.  I love it when I start reading from God's Word, and the words of the chosen passage jump out at me and cause me to start singing! Such was the case this morning as I read these powerful verses from Psalm 18.   Sing along with me if you know this little song:

"The Lord liveth,

and blessed be my Rock!

Let the God of my salvation be exalted!

The Lord liveth,

and blessed be my Rock!

And may the God of my salvation be exalted!

I will call upon the Lord,

Who is worthy to be praised...

So shall I be saved from my enemies;

I will call upon the Lord!"

What I really loved about reading these verses today were the several references to the word "Strength".   This past year I chose for my "One Word" for 2014 the word Strengthen.  Click HERE for more about that.   As we are drawing closer to the end of the year, I've been thinking about all the ways that God has indeed "strengthened" me throughout these months. It hasn't been easy.  The exercises (click on link) have been excruciating in most cases. I had no idea just how much I was going to have to endure to grow in strength.   (Click on the links for previous stories that will give you the background for this story).   But I have never been alone in that quest. 

The first few verses printed at the beginning of this post will tell you WHO has been with me, 

and WHO has actually been my strength, 

my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer...

Yes, it has been my GOD, My Saviour,

who has been my Strength...and in HIM I will trust. 

He has been my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold!

So, since I've endured so much this past year, am I now some amazing strong woman, full of wonderful powers and strength beyond belief?  Well, no, I'd hardly say that.  It seems like when we get through one "feat of strengthening", it is oftentimes the building block upon which new challenges will be sent our way. We are never intended in this life to rest upon our laurels of great accomplishments of strength. We are strengthened for a purpose. It could be that God wants us to use our experiences to help others when they face the calamities and heartaches of their lives. It may be that we are strengthened so that we can learn just how dependent upon God we really are... so that we will know beyond a shadow of doubt exactly WHO it was who lifted us up when we were so weak we could not stand on our own.

"In my distress I called upon the Lord,

and cried out to my God;

He heard my voice from His temple,

And my cry came before Him,

even to His ears."

Psalm 18:6

My dear friend, I don't know what challenges you are currently facing, or will face in the upcoming months.  But I do know One Who stands ready to be your "strength...your rock, your fortress and deliverer".  If you do not already know this wonderful God and Savior, I pray that you will take the time to get to know Him now, while things are good...don't wait until the hard times come to call out to Him in your distress...seek His face now...call upon the Lord "Who is worthy to be praised..." and I can assure you He will answer you. He wants to be there for you in the good times as well as the difficult days.  Then you will be able to sing this little song along with me:

"The Lord liveth,

and blessed be my Rock!

Let the God of my salvation be exalted!

The Lord liveth,

and blessed be my Rock!

And may the God of my salvation be exalted!

I will call upon the Lord,

Who is worthy to be praised...

So shall I be saved from my enemies;

I will call upon the Lord!"

Just a Little Pep Talk -Updated

This is a rerun of a previous posting from over two years ago...but I came across it tonight and it spoke to my heart again...and I felt that God wanted me to share it with you again as well.  Perhaps there is someone out there who needs this "Little Pep Talk" tonight.  I am praying for you, whoever you are. May God bring courage and strength and hope to your heart as you read these words. 

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; 

Whom shall I fear?  

The Lord is the STRENGTH of my life; 

Of whom shall I be afraid?" 

Psalm 27:1

Fear is one of those enemies of the mind that binds us and keeps us from being able to step out on faith...or sometimes even to step out of our houses. It locks the door of our hearts and throws away the key, prohibiting us from giving or accepting love.  Fear tells us not to speak out...strangles our tongues so we can't express our thoughts freely, grasps our hands and keeps our fingers from writing the words that could set others free. We fear what others might think of us if they knew the truth...we fear we'd lose their friendship or love...if one can call it that.  God's Word tells us that "There is NO fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.  (I John 4:18)   "Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in the world." (I John 4:17)

"When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes...

they stumbled and fell."

"Though an army may encamp against me, My heart SHALL NOT FEAR! Though war may rise against me,

In this I will be confident!"  Psalm 27:3

"And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me;

Therefore I will offer sacrifices of JOY in His tabernacle; I will SING, yes, 

I will SING praises to the Lord." 

Psalm 27:6

Sometimes we just need to give ourselves and those around us a little pep talk from God's Word! Now, doesn't that feel better?  

"The LORD is my STRENGTH and my shield;

My heart trusted in HIM, and I am helped;

Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,

and with my song I will praise Him."

"The LORD is their STRENGTH, 

and HE is the saving refuge of His anointed."

Psalm 28:7-8

FINAL WORD:

"Wait on the LORD;

Be of good courage,

and HE shall STRENGTHEN your heart;

Wait, I say, on the LORD!"

Psalm 27:14

Post Holiday Thoughts

It is Sunday afternoon, the Sunday after New Year's...and the last day of the holiday season.  There is now a bare spot where the Christmas tree once stood, and all the other odds and ends of Christmas decorations are pretty much put away for another year.

As I packed up the Nativity Set,  I said good bye to the Baby Jesus, the Shepherd, the Wise Men, Mary and Joseph and the Angel until next year.  As I did so I thought to myself, "Well, not really good bye to the Baby Jesus. I'll be keeping Him in my heart all year long...and not as a baby, either.  It's the full-grown resurrected coming back again someday soon Jesus that sticks closer than a brother to me all year long that I'll be keeping in my heart."

That's the most important and significant reflection that I want to focus upon in the New Year...(FOCUS...that's my new One Word for 2015!)  Jesus--Who sticks closer than a brother or a mother or a father or a husband or a sister or child or friend...Jesus, the One Who will be with us through thick and thin, in good times and bad times.  Jesus, My God and My Savior, the One Who rescued me from sin and keeps me in His arms, safe from the snares of this old world.

I believe this prayer of the Apostle Paul to the Church at Ephesus is an appropriate prayer for us as we begin this New Year:

"Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

from Whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

that He would grant you,

according to the riches of His glory,

to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man (woman!),

that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;

that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is 

the width and length and depth and height~

to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge;

that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly 

above all that we ask or think,

according to the power that works in us,

to HIM be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations,

forever and ever.

Amen."

Ephesians 3:13-21

What a beautiful prayer! Read through it again, and apply it to your own life and heart...this prayer was prayed for you and me..to be strengthened (my One Word for 2014!), to be rooted and grounded in love, to KNOW the LOVE of Christ, to be Filled with all the fullness of God...all action words! But the action isn't all mine to do on my own...The strengthening will come through God's Spirit...Christ Himself will DWELL in my heart through faith...and it is God Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above ALL that we ask or think!  He is the One Who will do this in us and through us according to His power that is working in us!

Yes, I do believe the "Baby Jesus" will be quite active in my life in this new year. As I said above, 

it is the  "full-grown resurrected coming back again someday soon Jesus that sticks closer than a brother to me all year long that I'll be keeping in my heart."  He is the One! 

"To HIM be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, 

forever and ever. 

Amen"

Thinking About New Beginnings

As we draw the year 2014 to a close and look forward to the start of a new year, many of us are thinking about "new beginnings".  Some may call them "resolutions"...being resolved to do something new, different, better with our lives in the new year.  That may involve giving up something to gain something better. Or it may mean that we have to take a step of faith and leap into the unknown to achieve the goals and plans we are dreaming of.

Whatever it takes, we know that in order to make something different or new happen, we have to take action of one kind or another.  Step out of our "comfort zone"..."get out of the boat"..."turn over a new leaf"...all types of catch phrases that denote deliberate activity to get from here to there.

I know that I want to see some new things happen in this upcoming year...positive things that will enhance my life in a meaningful way.  I have some "secret" desires (don't get excited)...just some things that I hope I will be able to accomplish...but it is going to take some major effort on my part and a lot of prayer to see it through.  I say "secret" because I don't want to speak it out loud just yet...I need to get my "ducks in a row" before I can take action and "go public".

It is also time to select my "One Word" for 2015....that One Word that will become the byword for my life for the year.  Last year the word was "strengthen."  I have decided that I want to be more careful what I ask for this year. That one was painful.  Not so much in the physical sense, which is where I probably need it still...but the strengthening came in doses of excruciating emotional and mental anguish...extreme feats of growth and development that I did not bargain for.  God never let me break down completely under the strain...but He sure had His hands full of a blubbering,weak, sad and weary child all too often. No, I don't want another word like that again. So I am giving it a lot of thought and prayer before I select a new "One Word".  (But...didn't God know what He was doing in directing my steps to that One Word?...Yeah, He did...)

I know I have quoted this verse before, even recently , but I keep coming back to it:

"Do not remember the former things,

Nor consider the things of old.

Behold, I will do a new thing,

Now it shall spring forth;

Shall you not know it?

I will even make a road in the wilderness

and rivers in the desert..."

Isaiah 43:18-19

Yes, I am looking forward to "a new thing"...that "road in the wilderness and river in the desert", as long as God goes with me. Of course He will.  He has never left me alone...not even during my time of "strengthening".  He was always there...and He always will be.

This could be the start of something wonderful! Won't you come along with me? Who knows what adventures lie in the road ahead?  Wherever it leads, God is already there waiting at the end of the road. So, we can't go wrong.  Let's go!!!

"In Quietness and Confidence..."

"In returning and rest you shall be saved;

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength."

Isaiah 30:15

"Sibyl" by F. Graham Cootes
as seen in the book
The Eyes of the World
by Harold Bell Wright, copyright 1914

I've been reading this vintage book the past few days, The Eyes of the World, by Harold Bell Wright, written in 1914. The frontispiece is this charming picture above.  Isn't she lovely? In my view, this young maiden represents the image of a woman of true beauty and grace. The Bible verse above..."In quietness and confidence shall be your strength,"  is exemplified in her calm, serene expression. (I love the Irish Setter's expression of trust and admiration as well. Isn't he gorgeous?)

I find myself wishing I could emulate the confidence of this young lady in my own attitude and actions.  All too often my first reaction to stressful or difficult situations is to become defensive or protective of my own position, which is probably a normal reaction, but it is not necessarily the best reaction.

My "One Word" choice for 2014 is the word "Strengthen".  As I look back over the past eight + months of this year, I can see how God has been putting me through some pretty strong strengthening exercises.  If you have followed this blog very long, you have a pretty good idea what I am speaking of without me having to go back over it all again. Am I getting stronger? Well, maybe not so much in the physical sense, but inwardly, spiritually, emotionally? Hmmm, I have to think about that as well. Oftentimes we cannot measure our own increasing strength.  It has to be put to the test. Frankly, I'm not so sure I want to be put through anymore tests.  I'd like to cry "Uncle!" and say "Enough!"   And yet, I know that my tests, as heartbreaking and sorrowful as they have been, have not been nearly as hard as what many others have endured. I am thankful for God's great mercy and graciousness toward me and my family. If I have been strengthened at all, it is in this one regard...I am thankful for His kindness and mercy.

Sometimes it seems that we are allowed to go through difficulties in life to bring us to a place of trust in God's mercy and grace. Perhaps He is waiting and watching, ready to lend us aid at any moment, but like a parent teaching a child how to walk, ride a bike or how to swim, He holds back and lets us try it on our own first.  If He always made the way easy, or did things for us, we would never learn how to stand on our own.  We would never be able to run with confidence...and rather than grow stronger, we would become weaker and lack the stamina to hang in there when the going gets tough.

The end result of these tests should bring us back to that place of "rest"...."In returning and rest you shall be saved..." and in the process we learn what it means..."In quietness and confidence shall be your strength."  No one who knows me has ever commented on my "quietness"...it is not one of my normal characteristics to be "quiet" for very long.  But as we grow in confidence and strength in the Lord, there is a "quietness" of the spirit...a calming of the heart and mind that comes with maturity and the knowledge that God is in control in all things.

I like these verses further on in the passage:

"Therefore the Lord will wait,

that He may be gracious to you;

And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you.

For the LORD is a God of justice;

Blessed are all those who wait for Him." 

Isaiah 30:18

He will wait for me to "firm up" in the process of these strengthening exercises. He knows that when I reach that place of "quietness and confidence" He will show me His grace and mercy, and He will be exalted...and I will be blessed.

Thank you, Lord, for your graciousness and mercy shown to me.  Thank you for waiting for me...and I'm so glad I've waited for You.  Amen.

For more thoughts on Quietness, go HERE

Fresh Out of Ideas? Check out THIS post.

"Thirsting for God"

"O God, You are my God;

Early will I seek You;

My soul thirsts for You;

My flesh longs for You 

in a dry and thirsty land

where there is no water.

So I have looked for You 

in the sanctuary.

To see Your power and Your glory.

Because Your lovingkindness 

is better than life,

My lips shall praise You.

Thus I will bless You while I live;

I will lift up my hands in Your Name.

My soul shall be satisfied as 

with marrow and fatness,

And my mouth shall praise 

You with joyful lips.

When I remember You 

on my bed,

I meditate on You in the night watches.

Because You have been my help,

Therefore in the shadow of Your wings

I will rejoice.

Photo by my sister Doris Mursch Hutchinson

My soul follows close behind You;

Your right hand upholds me."

Psalm 63:1-8 NKJV

This morning I awakened with a heaviness in my heart and soul.  I did not sleep very well last night...anxiously awaiting news about our son, who is in the hospital far away from us, with complications due to the cancer that has been ravaging his body for the past four years.

 

But when I sat down with my Bible and my morning devotions one of the passages I read was from Psalm 63...above....and this is what I read from the book, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young:

"Let me help you through this day.

The challenges you face are far too great for you to handle alone.

You are keenly aware of your helplessness in the scheme of events you face.

This awareness opens up a choice:

to doggedly go it alone or to walk with Me in 

humble steps of dependence.  

Actually, this choice is continually before you, 

but difficulties highlight the decision making process.

So consider it all joy whenever you are enveloped in various trials.

These are gifts from Me, reminding you to rely on ME alone."

(Jesus Calling,   page 70, March 7)

This day definitely has had its challenges...and there are no easy, ready answers. But, I have found that Jesus has helped me through this day...He brought people near to pray, to encourage, to love and give me the words of encouragement I needed to hear. The situation itself has not changed...but I believe God is strengthening me to face whatever lies ahead with grace and hope. 

"Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,

My lips shall praise You."

Psalm 63:3

"Be Of Good Courage!" / The Shaving Lesson

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord."  

Psalm 31:24

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning!"  

Psalm 30:5b

This was one of those kind of weeks.  It started out difficult, then got harder, and then, well...God showed up.  Don't get me wrong.  He was there all the time. He promised us...

"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you.  He will not leave you nor forsake you."

Deuteronomy 31:6

And again He tells us:

"And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you.  He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed."

Deuteronomy 31:8

I knew when I selected my "One Word for 2014", "STRENGTHEN", that I could expect to endure some tests of strength.  After all, how can one become stronger without exercise? Whether it be physical strength, mental strength, or spiritual strength; the only way to become stronger is to work at it.  We don't gain strength lying in a hammock and sipping lemonade all day.  

But I didn't expect the tests to start out so difficult. I thought I could build up to them gradually. Apparently that's not the way God chose to teach me at this point. 

Sadly the week started out with a dear friend suddenly passing on to be with the Lord. She was a young woman, the age of my own sons, and I've known her since she was a teenager. It was quite a shock, and I've spent a good part of the week working through the emotions of this sad event.  However, I comfort myself with the knowledge that she is with the Lord, and that Heaven's choir just got more powerful with the addition of her beautiful singing voice.

Then my own dear son, who is battling cancer, has had an extremely painful week.  The pain medications just were not helping, and he was really suffering. Plus he is waiting to hear whether or not the insurance company will approve further chemotherapy for him.  Even though my son is 40 years old and lives 1500 miles away, is married to a wonderful wife and has a 14 year old son, as any mother knows, when your child is hurting, you hurt as well. You want to go to battle for him...and kiss away his pain if only you could.  At least that's how I felt. 

Knowing that another mother lost her dear child this week, which for that particular friend, it was the second one to die and the only child she had left...making it a double sorrow for her...and then feeling so helpless about my own son's situation...well, it was a difficult thing to deal with, to put it mildly.

But then, last night something really precious happened.  My sweet daughter in law posted some pictures on Facebook of a milestone event in the life of my grandson.  As I said above, my grandson is fourteen years old.  The last time we saw him a few months ago he was already proud that he was taller than his mother and his grandma (me).  Since then, I've heard that he has grown another couple of inches, and his shoe size is a men's 14!  

Well, last night he had his first shaving lesson! His dad, (my son) showed him step by step how to shave...and it was all captured in pictures!

What a keepsake for my grandson to treasure in years to come...to be able to look back at a very special time when his daddy and he shared in this rite of passage into manhood together.  And what a tremendous experience for my son to treasure in his heart...being there for his son as he enters puberty.

You see, my son realizes that, unless there is a miracle out there for him, he may not be able to share in very many milestone experiences in his son's life. This is not an easy thing for me to write, or to accept. I am still praying for a miracle.

He did it!!

I know that the Lord is with us. He is with our son. He will never leave us nor forsake us. "He is the One who goes before you."  I know that God is preparing the way.  However, like my friend, I may have to give up my child someday. Until then, I won't give up hope.

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord."

Psalm 31:24

Job well done!!!

Oh, and by the way, my son's oncologist was able to prescribe a better pain medication for our son that has helped to alleviate the constant pain he has been dealing with all week. As you can see by the smile on his face above, by last evening he was able to enjoy the special time with his family and end the week on a more positive note.  This was a great comfort to me as well...just to see that smiling face gave me great hope.

Thank you Lord...for small miracles while we wait.

Strengthening Exercises Continue

Me, pondering my next "Strengthening Exercise"...maybe a "rockathon"?  

Since I started this new "One Word" campaign for 2014 with the word, "Strengthen",  I am amazed at all the places this word pops up in my daily reading, thoughts, and conversation.  Sort of like when you get a new car, dress or shoes that you think no one else has, you suddenly see it everywhere you go! And you wonder, "Why didn't I notice that before?"  Well, probably because it didn't matter to you before...and now it does.  

Just this morning in my daily devotional reading from Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young, I read the following:

"I want you to learn a new habit.  Try saying, 'I trust You, Jesus,' in response to whatever happens to you...."  "Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your trust in Me no matter what. You receive blessings gratefully, realizing they flow directly from My hand of grace.  Your continual assertion of trusting Me will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to Me."   

Yes, learning to say, "I trust You, Jesus," no matter what, can be a difficult strengthening exercise.  I have found throughout my years of walking with the Lord that the more I commit myself to trust Him, the more difficult the "exercises" become.  Building trust in God is like climbing up a very steep mountain when you are already tired and weak from a long journey.  Every step seems to be painful and looks impossible, but you know you want to reach the top and see what is there.  You don't want to give up before you reach your goal, but you are so weary you are ready to sit down and quit each time you stumble on the loose rocks and roots along the way. And then Jesus says, 

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (2Corinthians 12:9)

 And so we keep climbing. We say, "I trust You, Jesus," and He comes alongside and gives us an extra boost of energy so that we can keep going until we reach the top of the mountain. The more we exercise this trust, the stronger we become.  We gain confidence, knowing that Jesus will be there for us when the next "strengthening exercise" presents itself unexpectedly.  We find ourselves claiming with the Apostle Paul,

"I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

So, here we go...becoming stronger as we learn to trust!  What kind of "strengthening exercises" are you in the midst of today? Ask Jesus to come alongside and give you a boost.  That's better than any energy drink out there!

Well, hubby just came in and said, "Let's go for a walk!"  I guess that's my strengthening exercise for today!

Whew! I'm glad that's over!  But I do feel stronger already..pant pant...

Thank you, Lord, for this "strengthening exercise" from Your Word, and from Your Divine Inspiration.

I have a feeling I'm gonna get a lot stronger this year, one way or the other!

Passing Strangers/Opportunities to Pray

I was just reading the post of one of my fellow bloggers, "Quietspirit", today (January 1, 2014) at this link:"Following My King...In God's Presence".  She said the following:

"As an experiment, we should mentally ask God if any person we pass in our daily activities- grocery shopping, going into the pharmacy to pick up something, getting gasoline, people we deal with in our jobs- needs to be in His presence."

Her excellent suggestion reminded me of someone I have been praying for every morning on my way to work.  I drive about 32 miles one way, most of which is through the forest, so I pass by very few human beings that early in the morning.  I may happen to see a family of Sandhill Cranes,  

                                                                                                                                                                                                               







A Deer,

    or a bear...

or some buzzards having breakfast of the roadkill that didn't quite make it across the road in the middle of the night.. (no pictures of this, thankfully), but very few humans until I get to the city for the last ten miles of my journey.

However, on school mornings I often pass by a few kids waiting for the school bus. Actually, only three are out at that hour, and they are spread apart by a couple of miles between them, so they each wait alone in the semi-darkness for the bus that will take them on a ride for at least twenty miles to their high school. One in particular has caught my attention.  I have no idea who he is, or anything about him except that he looks sad. What made me take notice is that he always stands rather carelessly close to the road, not looking at anything in particular, and most of the time he is hanging his head and slumping his shoulders, allowing his very stringy, greasy, unkempt longish hair to hang over and cover his face, looking very much like a lonely, unhappy, miserable young man. My first thought was that I wished I could wash and comb his hair and pull it up and out of his face. Then one day I noticed that his face was covered with pimples, which could explain why he wants to keep it covered...but it could also be why he has the pimples in the first place. Yeah, I was being somewhat critical...and then God challenged me to pray for him. My heart began to break for him as I started to pray and request God's protection, strength, encouragement, and love to embrace and cover him. I prayed for the light of God's love and salvation to reach through the darkness of his life and draw him close. I've prayed for his family, whoever they may be or whatever situation they may be in, that they will be drawn to the Lord, and if there are any serious issues, that they may be healed and strengthened.

As I said before, I don't know who this young man is, and I have no way of learning unless I stop the car and talk to him, which would probably scare the wits out of him to have some crazy lady pull off the road at 7:30 in the morning and ask him who he is and tell him that she's been praying for him for several months now. I've actually thought about it...but haven't gotten the go-ahead from God to do that yet, so I think I will just keep praying for him as I drive by.  He won't even look up at me as I pass so I can't even smile at him. But I pray that he will somehow sense that God cares about him, and that by some miracle he will gain the encouragement and confidence he needs to succeed in his life...and that he will turn his heart to Lord before it is too late.

Interestingly, the other two students that are waiting for the bus further down the road are just the opposite of this particular young man.  One is a young girl, (teen), and she looks rather bored and vulnerable sitting there alone waiting for the bus.  I do smile at her as I pass by, and she has now started to smile back at me.  I pray for her too, that her day will go well, and that God will watch over her in all that she does.

One mile later I pass by another young man, with a clean hair cut, stylish clothes, sunglasses on a cool looking strap around his neck, and he's usually standing there texting his friends on his smart phone while he waits for the bus. He doesn't look at me either, but that's because he's too caught up in his social life in the palm of his hand. I can imagine that he's one of the "cool" kids...and I pray for him that he will be kind to the boy from down the road who looks like he needs a friend.

I wonder if my prayers are making any difference in the lives of these three young people. They are nameless to me, but not to God. Somehow I believe there is a reason I have been directed to pray for them. Now I even pray for them on the days that they aren't there waiting for the bus as I pass by their individual stops.  I may never know the reasons why until we all reach heaven...but that is the desired end result...that we ALL reach heaven.

Has God placed anyone in your path lately that may need your prayers? It only takes a moment...you don't even have to close your eyes. (Definitely not if you are driving!  :) )  Imagine what a difference it could make in the lives of others (and ourselves) if we paused to pray for someone we pass each day. Imagine what a difference it could make in your life if someone paused to pray for you each day!

Hmm, this could be another one of those "strengthening" exercises I have been talking about for this year!

Have a blessed day...and take a moment to pray for someone you see along your way.

POSTSCRIPT:  CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR THE AMAZING RESULT OF THIS BLOG/PRAYER  THAT HAPPENED JUST A FEW DAYS LATER!

Some "Strengthening" Exercises for the New Year

"The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, 

and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; 

It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, 

Even with joy and singing.

The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,

The excellence of Carmel and Sharon.

They shall see the glory of the Lord,

The excellency of our God.

Strengthen the weak hands,

And make firm the feeble knees.

Say to those who are fearful-hearted,

'Be strong, do not fear!

Behold, your God will come with vengeance,

With the recompense of God;

He will come and save you.'"

Isaiah 35:1-4

"Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down,

and the feeble knees,

and make straight paths for your feet,

so that what is lame may not be dislocated,

but rather be healed.

Pursue peace with all people,

and holiness, 

without which no one will see the Lord:

looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God;

lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble,

and by this many become defiled."

Hebrews 12:12-15

A few random thoughts for the New Year...gathered from the greatest "strengthener" ever...

God's Word.

Stay tuned for more "strengthening" exercises.

My One Word for 2014:

"Strengthen"