I Saw Ben

Invited to join a friend at a golf outing, I stepped into my past world with David.
After all, his love for golf is what brought me into learning the game. His passion for this sport is what drove me to lessons and many years of a lot of fun watching a small ball travel in all kinds of directions.
But, it was not the sport or athletics involved that kept me interested in this game. It was the social side - spending a lot of time on a usually warm day enjoying God's green earth and beautifully manicured hills and valleys with others.
And, other golfers are always enjoyable. Even if you are having a bad day physically, somehow on the golf course, there were reasons to smile and laugh.
Now, yes, you could run into people who were miserable to be around, but even they never stole the joy golfing evoked.
Every time I get an opportunity to hold a golf club, I will find a reminder to be drawn back to David days.

As I walked into the pro shop today - searching for a visor - as locating mine at home had been fruitless - I quickly scanned the apparel and, at the same time, scanned behind the counter for an employee to help me - with a quick "do you have any women's visors?" leaving my mouth as my eyes met his. It was Ben.
Ben was one of the three pros at our golf course - Stonebridge will always be our golf course - as it was our backyard for the five final years of David's life on earth. Ben was one of the young men who knew and loved this sport - and always encouraged us with kind words and expert advice on our swings. Ben, Ryan and Kevin.
I can still see their faces in the line at the wake. I do not remember much about that evening, as I was in that blessed state of shock Our Lord allows when grieving. But, I do remember seeing the faces of these three young men - the golf pros from Stonebridge, as they came over to hug me. They evoked huge emotions - as I realized that evening that my life was forever changed at Stonebridge by seeing them.
Today, Ben and I shared another hug - the kind of hug of old friends - and he shared his new life with me - he is now married with a child and enjoying being a pro at a different golf course - and I was so grateful to see him - so grateful for this taste of Stonebridge after so many years.

It seems that Our God is big enough to be deliberate about every encounter we experience. Every day we run into people - mostly good people - but all are His people. Made in His image.
And, sometimes days later - or years later - we get a chance to see them again and develop relationships.
I believe each relationship has the possibility of being fruitful - each relationship has the possibility of evoking joy whether it is days or years in between meetings.
May God bless us to be people who bring joy and produce fruit in others lives -
"I have chosen you and appointed you to bear fruit - fruit that will last." John 15:16

Nov. 4, 1986 and 30 years later

It will be 30 years ago soon - I chose to leave a marriage that was painful for me and my children.
Without knowing how we would make it, I trusted God and His faithfulness to support us.
And, my trust was not misplaced.

When my ex-husband would rarely send child support, we struggled to survive and ate a lot of spaghetti with tomato sauce because it was cheap. I would purchase 4 small slivers of pork the Jewel sold for $2 and give one to each of the children for dinner. If my friends ever met for dinner out, I would order a salad and pray we would not split the check. And, once, I did humbly ask for assistance from the food pantry at church. Years of no new clothes - and saying no to some family fun because the cost of gas was too much for me that month - years of struggling financially - yet learning to trust that God provided and life was good.

He has provided through two new husbands that continue to amaze me with their love - and now - not needing anything - 30 years later - I am receiving child support checks!!
Yes - child support checks.
The government has located funds from social security - and redirected them to an old debt - from child support records - yes - he is made to pay off his debt to the children.
Since remarrying in 1995 to David, I have always divided any funds the government located by four and given them to my children - after all, they were meant to support them, not me.
So, today, 30 years later, I hear from the government again - and look forward to blessing my children - and they can now bless their children - with funds they should have had growing up.
God is faithful - and amazing.

I am on my knees today in gratitude to Him. He loves us so much. He is faithful - may He amaze you too!!

May 26, 1979

Walking behind my son and the nurse today, as she guided us to a room to discuss recovery from his recent knee surgery, I overheard her verify his name and birthday. As he said "May 26, 1979", I smiled and drifted back.
That was a great day1
I was waiting for my third child to be born and labor was starting. His due date was a week away, but I was ready. Sharing my body had become uncomfortable.
Once at the hospital, they said the baby was ready and they were preparing me for the delivery room, I was surprised. This labor did not seem as intense or as long as the other two.
As the Doctor was delivering the baby, his eyes opened wider and wider. He was a larger baby than he anticipated.
"9 pounds, 12 ounces" he repeated when he visited me in the recovery room. "I am so sorry - I had no idea." he repeated again and again.
"Sorry?" I questioned - I did not understand. Would he have done things differently if I was overdue instead of ahead of schedule?
He was my largest baby, and I decided his size meant he would be my healthiest. He would be a strong boy.
I remember laying him on my lap once I was in my room - and it did seem like he might have been crunched inside of the smallness of my womb. But he was healthy and calm. A very good baby.
Yes - drifting back - and thanking God -
It was a very good day!!

It is your choice ...

I am new to The Orange Theory - and I love it. Exercising for an hour with a trainer explaining every possible move to the class - striving to be better and work harder for the sake of the health of my body - being done in time for breakfast with my hubby - well, it seems like a great fit!
This morning, however, moving was difficult. I must have worked out muscles that are not usually used - or have not been used in a long time! It felt so good while I was doing it yesterday - but feels different today!
Movements like standing up and sitting down - reaching for something - bending over - are all met with "ewwww" or "ugghhhh" as I am vocal. I am trying not to complain, however, as I know I am improving my muscles and I am working on being less vocal - really -
Have you noticed?

Words have power and I would choose to use that power to bless others - and myself.
"Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?" James 3:10
I understand this to mean that our mouths are able to do either - but we need to choose. We shouldn't do both.

So, working on only blessing with my mouth is difficult - and I need to keep it quiet a lot - because the words I am thinking are not a blessing - in fact - some are downright judgmental - critical - not who I want to be.

So, my challenge is to voice the blessings - and pray through the critical until it leaves my mind.

Enjoy your muscles - including your mouth muscles - use them to bless your body and others - and, somehow, there will be less complaining in your life - especially from your own lips - it is your choice :)

Sunday Morning

It is yet morning on an overcast Sunday in Cape Cod. Both of us are experiencing our first visit to this part of God's creative beauty.
We move slowly on the deck as our ears pick up the sound of sea gulls - speaking to each other as they soar in front of us - finally perching together on a tree of beautiful foliage as we slump into cushioned white wicker chairs.
Marty reading the newspaper and my fingers skimming the Bible, we breathe deeply in and smell God's creative juices in the form of fresh ocean breezes.
Our eyes slowly wander from reading material to gazing on the beauty of small vessels bobbing on the water as the wind toys with the waves. The prettiest vessel is white with red stripes - a reminder of God's gift of a concrete company at home.
Thoughts of Sunday being His day - a day of rest - overwhelms us with gratitude - as we sense His presence here in all we see, hear and touch.

Gracefully surrendering the things of youth - really?

It was a poem I enjoyed long before I found wisdom in Scripture. It was called Desiderata and one line in it I remember: "Gracefully surrendering the things of youth" because every time something reminds me that I am aging again - well, I want to be graceful.
Surrendering began when I was told years ago that my "tear in a knee meniscus" was caused by racquetball and the movement back and forth that this sport creates - can cause a tear when you are older - less blood flow to the tissue - so, after surgery and a recovery period, I gave up racquetball and chose golf.

Last fall, another "tear in a knee meniscus" caused by high heels - well, I opted to wait on the surgery and purchase low heel shoes - not even close at being cute - but I am trying to be graceful and my knee is better.

At the same time, a "tear in my rotator cuff" is followed by many appointments to a neurological massage therapist - and my pain is gone so I am able to avoid surgery - but now I watch how far I reach behind me when I am in a car, and how long I hold grandchildren - gracefully surrendering.

Okay - this week - vision - really? I had an eye doctor appointment last August and it was the first time I heard I had the beginning of cataracts - what? Cataracts are for old people - sorry - but that is what I thought.
And, I did not think of myself as old. Maybe people in their 80's??

It gets worse - there are cataracts that can take 20 years to develop and then there are cataracts like mine - it has been 10 months and my eyes are "four times stronger of a prescription" in nearsightedness - which means mine are moving quickly.
Now, the eye doctor said he would rather have cataracts that grow quickly - and you get them removed - then have them take 20 years to slowly darken - you will see less and less clear until they are bad enough to be removed.

So, I sit watching TV - can't read the "closed captions" like I like to unless I move my chair up - and trees are really green balls again - (back in drivers ed at 16 - when I could not see the street sign, the teacher made me stop driving until I saw an eye doctor - when I walked out of his office for the first time wearing glasses, I fell backward because I could see leaves on trees instead of just seeing a green ball) - and when the new prescription comes for my glasses, I will see clearer but for how long? He guesses it will be within two years that I may be a candidate for cataract surgery.

Gracefully surrendering - our bodies are temporary - and I am so grateful for mine - I hope you are too - and the design God had in mind when He created it.

And, from this day forward - I still want to think cataracts are for older people - but is 62 old?

Well, I think the older we get, the older "old people" get.
Lord - help me be graceful -
For Jesus' Glory,
Mary

Think About What You Are Thinking About

Recently reading the Battlefield of the Mind, I am encouraged to put a guard over my lips.
It has been several months that I have been "fasting" from speaking many of my thoughts.

David first brought it to my attention: "Does every thought you think have to come out of your mouth?" he asked once while golfing. I think I was extra talkative that day - or maybe that season of my life! But, my reply was "Well, yes, usually - not so with you?" He just smiled. I have no doubt he had many thoughts he rarely spoke.

I am especially now seeing the value of not allowing all of my thoughts to exit my mouth. Many of my thoughts are not building others up - many of them are critical - and I want to live by The Bible - and love this verse from Ephesians 4:29:
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

Now, I need The Lord's help, so many of my thoughts now are of Him - and my constant need for His presence in my mind so it comes out of my mouth.

So, my thoughts today - What am I thinking about - and does it edify - or build others up - or am I partnering with thoughts that tear others down - HEY - just noticed that the word tear - to rip something - is spelled the same way as the word tear - or what exits our eyes when we cry. So, are my words helping others cry or building them up and helping them smile?


God bless your thoughts for today - God bless you to build others up with your words - that come from your mouth of praise to Our Lord for all those He has allowed into your world.

With love and thoughts of praise to Our Lord!

Mary

Rushing - let's slow down

I was late for my next appointment and was running out of Panera.
She stopped me - looked at me - and remembered - "Mary"?
"Barb!" I excitedly hugged her.
"No, Pam" she graciously explained.
Of course I remember - who could forget such a sweet lady. But, in a hurry, my brain scrambled and it scrambled with bringing up the wrong information.
"I am so sorry - I am in a hurry." I explained.
"I just wanted to say hello." she genuinely smiled.
"Please say hi to your husband - I enjoyed him and you so much when we had time together."
Her husband took care of my contacts and glasses for years.

I beat myself up mentally driving quickly to the next appointment -
It is so important to remember someone's name - and I genuinely love this lady - how could I have been so quick to call her by the wrong name? It has been probably 13 or more years since I have seen her - but still - how can I do better next time??

Slow down Mary - give your brain a chance. Don't book appointments so close to each other - and if God intervenes with an old friend - take 5 minutes to think.

Can I slow down? Lord only knows - but by His grace - I will try.

For Jesus' Glory - Mary

Thank You, Lord, for emotions :))

The year was 1990. Frustrated again at my full time job, I searched for another job. I decided to interview at one opportunity which paid more, but had a 1/2 hour commute. My current job was 5 minutes from my home and my children's school, but we were not making it and I was tired from holding two jobs down to try to make ends meet.
I also felt overwhelmed by the work load expected weekly.
The interview went well. Up to his final question.
"What is your number one reason for wanting to change jobs?" He asked.

I could feel the tears starting to well up. It was late in the day - already getting dark.
I was tired and emotional.

"My children", I said.
"I need more money to support my children."
And it let loose - all the weight I had been carrying of not having enough money all these years.
My crying was the final noise in the room as I tried to shake his hand.
I knew I would not hear from him with a job offer.

I went back to my frustrating full time job with a new attitude - And asked for a raise.
I resigned myself to stay - no matter how frustrated I got.

It was within a year that David G. Bulthuis walked into the lobby and asked to speak to me.

If I had pursued leaving that job, I could have missed that historical visit from a man who changed my life.
Thank you, Lord, for my emotions :))

Family First

He was a good employee and the boss saw a bright future for him at the company.
He called him into his office and offered him a raise and promotion.
"I can't accept it at this time", he gently declined the offer .
"I don't understand" answered the boss. "This is a great promotion!"
"Yes, it sounds great. The timing is not good for me. I recently married and promised my new wife that I would devote the first year of our marriage to her and if I took this promotion, it would require too much attention away from her."
The boss did not know what to say.
As the year progressed, the boss began counting the days down until that first year of marriage was celebrated to promote this man. He saw value in his reasoning and the importance he had put on his marriage.

It has been 20 years since - they are still married with 5 children and he has moved up in the company more that once - he is an extremely valued employee because he knows his priorities and gives himself wholeheartedly!

"Work as if working for The Lord - and He puts family first :))"

Wine! (Not my cranberry juice?)

A friend asked my opinion on a book and I love to give my opinion, so I purchased it.
In the beginning of the book, there is a simple questionnaire that reveals what habits of mine could be silently harming me neurologically. To answer true to a question actually counts against you and I got a 7 out of 20 - not bad, but not good, either. And, one stood out - that could have gotten me a 6 out of 20 - in other words - taking better care of myself.
It was: "I don't drink wine." - True was my answer - which was not good.

Now, what could have gotten me a 5 - even better - would be my lack of a dinner drink.
One question was: "I drink fruit juice" - True was my answer - which was not good!

Really? I get closer to harming myself neurologically if I don't drink wine? And, I harm myself neurologically if I drink fruit juice (too much sugar)?

Well, after skimming some of the chapters of the book, I did purchase some of the supplements suggested - I needed Vitamin D anyway and I lost a point for not taking it daily - so after picking up Vitamin D today, I came home and served, along with my beef vegetable soup, red wine.
The bottle was a Christmas gift we put in a cabinet - and I don't remember the last time I consumed wine nor have I read the part of the book yet that explains why it blesses my neurological system -
But, I am game.
It sounds like, according to this Dr. and his book "Grain Brain", that I will get two less points against me to exchange my usual dinner drink, cranberry juice (according to him, one serving of fruit a day and I have fruit at breakfast, so my evening cranberry juice is a no-no)for a glass of red wine. One, he says, and not more than one.

Well, cheers to a new opinion and my brain cells.
Now, as long as the kidney stones never come back from lack of cranberry juice :)

OH - and, he recommends drinking the same amount of ounces of water that equals 1/2 of your body weight every day - really?
Really - we shall see - maybe my next post will be with a clearer head and clearer neurological system :)

For Jesus' Glory,
Mary

God's Timing

It began with a little frustration. The morning was not going how I had "pictured" it and it looked like my timing would be off for at least two hours to get an oil change at the dealer. Now, two hours does not sound like a lot, but I was concerned about driving a lot the next several days and wanted to be sure they could fit me in. So, frustration led to beginnings of "angst" in my spirit. I tried unsuccessfully to quench these feelings.
When I finally arrived, I was in time and they could fit me in. I was relieved and sat down in the waiting room for, according to them, an hour.
The conversation began when another man walked in with a jacket that read "Semper Fi" - and I thanked him for serving in the marines. We laughed about being a marine at home vs. in the service, but the laugh was quenched as he walked to the men's room and his wife told me they were having problems with just that - and were probably looking at a divorce.
We spoke gently while he was away, but the conversation continued with the three of us as he returned - they knew the Bible and we were able to quote Scripture in our discussion of how a husband and wife should treat each other.
Before the hour was up, I was told my car was ready - and I hesitantly reached for the keys - I was not ready to leave the conversation.
We hugged and blessed each other as we parted - and they asked where I went to church.
I quietly gave the name of my church - and, though I am struggling there, I pray it blesses them if they check it out.
And, I thank God for His perfect timing - because the two hours that did not go according to my plan were part of a greater plan - His :)
For Jesus' Glory!

His Voice

A.W. Tozer lived and wrote many years ago - my favorite of his books, The Pursuit of God, was written in 1948 and God is in my thoughts today, as I am rereading this gem.
I don't know which is my favorite, Chapter 2 The Blessedness of Possessing Nothing or Chapter 6, The Speaking Voice, but as I spend time on this book again, I desire to share something from The Speaking Voice Chapter.

"God is here and He is speaking - the tragedy is that our eternal welfare depends upon our hearing and we have trained our ears not to hear.
This universal Voice has ever sounded, and it has often troubled men even when they did not understand the source of their fears. Could it be that this Voice distilling like a living mist upon the hearts of men has been the undiscovered cause of the troubled conscience and the longing for immortality confessed by millions since the dawn of recorded history? We not need fear to face up to this. The speaking Voice is a fact. How men have reacted to it is for any observer to note.
When God spoke out of heaven to Our Lord, self-centered men who heard it explained it by natural causes saying "it thundered". This habit of explaining the Voice by appeals to natural law is at the very root of modern science. In the living, breathing cosmos there is a mysterious Something, too wonderful, too awful for any mind to understand. The believing man does not claim to understand. He falls to his knees and whispers "God". The man of earth kneels also, but not to worship. He kneels to examine, to search, to find the cause and the how of things."

Oh - I love listening to His Voice - He always has better ideas than my regular thoughts.
So, my thoughts for today - listen to His Voice - usually when you are quiet and calm - and enjoy, as you fall to your knees - that God is here and He is speaking.
Love you!
Mary

Clear Your Mind

How to clear your mind? Focus on how big God is -
What does that for you?
David and I used to walk the ocean together - he always said that cleared his mind.

For me, if I am not near an ocean, it is the book Knowledge Of The Holy - every chapter - blows me away with the magnitude of Our Lord.
And, to think that God can use everything for His glory -
Especially when we are in a battle - it seems difficult to see His ability to make something beautiful out of our struggles.
But He promises:
"He makes all things work for the good of those who love Him - who have been called according to His purposes."

I am grateful,for every minute God gives me to spend with you -
whether that is once every couple of years, once a year, once a month, or once a day -
May we be grateful and thank God for His people in our lives.
Those He created to walk alongside us.
And, together, may we accomplish His purposes for His glory.

One Transformation

This past week, I have been blessed with beautiful celebrations of Our Lord's birth - through meals and time with family. As I focus on saying "Thank You" to God today, I wanted to share an old story.
It transformed my life.

I was singing praise music all the way to the shower. I expected a blessed time celebrating an upcoming wedding. I knew few people at this shower - well, I knew a lot by name, but did not have a relationship with them yet - and I approached - they all said hi - but there were no seats available.
I brought my gift up front and searched the room - AHA - a table in back with one woman at it I knew - and I excitedly sat down next to her.

She immediately told me that she sat in the back because she had to leave early - which meant that as the shower progressed, I would be sitting alone at this table for ten. My insides started to shake - sitting alone again. This had happened before. I excused myself as tears began to form and I ran to the ladies room. I sobbed - I did not cry, I sobbed. As quickly as possible, I ran to my car and the drive home was painful. By the time I arrived home, I had a migraine headache - so I lay on the bathroom floor with the door closed for darkness - light hurt - and after I vomited into the toilet, I cried out to the Lord "I don't ever want to feel like this again, Lord - HELP ME!!"

I lay in quiet with no thoughts except a pounding headache -
"OH, okay. You have no reply?" I smarted.
Quiet.

So, I decided to rephrase my plea.
"Lord, how can I avoid this feeling - should I never go to a shower alone again?"
The thought came to me - which is how He usually communicates with me.
"Why can't you go alone?"
"Because it hurts to sit alone, Lord!"
"I am always with you, Mary."
"Lord, are you telling me that I should be able to go sit at a table for 10 alone - for several hours - while all the other people in the room are laughing and talking with 9 others?"
Quiet.
"You are, aren't you! You want me to be anywhere and never feel like people don't like me?"
"I like you."
"Lord, I am grateful You do, but while on earth, we need people too!"
Quiet.

"You are enough - help me, Lord - I want to live knowing you are enough and having my emotions receive this - no matter how I am treated by people."

The headache left. I got up off the floor and have never been the same since - I am comfortable alone - anywhere - and the funny thing since - it seems like I keep getting invited to sit with others at a shower :)

For Jesus' Glory!!

Lesson Learned :)

There was a chapter in my book called Lessons Learned, and I admitted these "lessons" were still a work in progress.
Today, I do "feel" (and I know our feelings are not always reality, but I think these feelings are) free of a huge burden I have carried - I do believe I have learned a lesson.

Trying to avoid those individuals who make life difficult - in fact, individuals who admittedly do not like us and side with the enemy's opinion of us - is not the answer. As I have fought a battle of trying to please someone who is always mean/rude to me - I decided to avoid contact with them. But, thrust into contact recently, I spent the next day trying to figure out how I could avoid this happening again. I spent way too much brain time on someone who is currently not nice and my desire to avoid them.
After talking to Our Lord about how to remedy this, He simply reminded me that I had judged them. I had expected the treatment I had received in the past and had hoped to protect myself from it in the future - instead of asking Him to bless them and releasing them over to Him.

In other words - in trying to protect myself, I wasted a lot of time. I could have spent the next day singing the Lord's praises instead of focusing on a person who was mean/rude - and how to protect myself. I think I was dwelling on the negative in one relationship instead of focusing on the positive in my favorite relationship!

So, the freedom I feel - it is wonderful! I feel like I can be around anyone - and "feel" accepted and loved - because I spend my brain time being loved by a wonderful God who is always with me - always smiling down on me - always waiting for me to focus on Him. And, my brain time is my choice - - what you focus on is your choice, too :)

May God bless each of us with more of His love so that HE can be our focus.

For Jesus' Glory,
Mary

Bypass My Conscious Thinking

When I read the following in Jesus Calling, I was ecstatic - finally it was explained - my desire to "fix" things.

"Problems are part of life. They are inescapable: woven into the very fabric of this fallen world. You tend to go into problem-solving mode all too readily, acting as if you have the capacity to fix everything. This is a habitual response, so automatic that it bypasses your conscious thinking. Not only does this habit frustrate you, it also distances you from Me.
Do not let fixing things be your top priority. You are ever so limited in your capacity to correct all that is wrong in the world around you. Don’t weigh yourself down with responsibilities that are not your own. Instead, make your relationship with Me your primary concern. Talk with Me about whatever is on your mind, seeking My perspective on the situation. Rather than trying to fix everything that comes to your attention, ask Me to show you what is truly important. Remember that you are en route to heaven, and let your problems fade in the Light of eternity."

I loved it - and thought I received it - yet found myself trying to "fix" things again - over and over - for those I love. It seems that I think I am helping - yet I am bypassing my trust in God and placing it in Mary.

So, I pray today for the Lord to dissolve this habitual response - and I trust Him to be big enough to care for those I love.

David used to say "God does not need a Junior Holy Spirit", when he saw me trying to solve others issues - may I laugh at any of my attempts in the future - and instead, thank God for His love and problem solving in each of our lives.

Talking to You, Lord - seeking Your perspective on any situation - no more bypassing my conscious thinking - I choose to be conscious of thinking of You - WOO-HOO!!!

For Jesus' Glory, Mary

Never Once

How amazing that God raises up songwriters and singers just when we need them :)
When Amy mentioned the song "Greater", I listened to it and immediately purchased it to learn its message.
When Sue mentioned "Overwhelmed", I listened to it and, once again, wanted to learn more about God's Holiness through it.
This morning, a new song played called "Never Once" and it transported me back 35 years ago.

It was a normal labor - quiet, yet almost holy - and milder than my other two labors had been.
The song talks about struggles and labor can be a struggle, but knowing what it is doing brings joy.
When the Dr. said I was ready to deliver, I simply said, "Really?", as the pain had not been that intense.
They wheeled me into delivery and a little while later, I heard "It's a boy!" and it was a sweet sound to hear.
In the recovery room, the Dr. took my hand - "I am so sorry - I did not predict his size" he gently whispered. "Everything is alright", I reassured him. I don't think he delivered many 9 pound 12 ounce babies. But, I was thrilled the baby and I were doing well and excited to hold him. Thanks to his size, we went home from the hospital early.
As an infant, he was always satisfied - he did not cry often. He has continued to be a delight ever since.

I go back to that day - "Never Once" was God not with me. Holding my hand - directing the Dr., easing the pain in my body - and I am so grateful we serve a faithful God.

This week, that son is having a son - and I pray our faithful God is allowing a holy labor and delivery for his wife and child - and that His son is as satisfied as he was as a baby - and brings his parents much delight.

Thank You, Lord, for being faithful and never once not being a part of our lives.

For Jesus' Glory!

Overcome

He has overcome!
Jesus said - "In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart - I have overcome the world!"
What a relief!
To think - no matter what thoughts enter my mind - He has overcome them!
I pray He will keep me focused on pleasing Him today -
Whatever I say or do -
May it bring glory to You, Lord!
How Great Thou Art!!
Have a blessed day :)

Change

Change is definitely a trigger word - there can be change for the good or ...
Many changes form us yet are out of our control. Especially because they involve others.
How many of us love doing things with people and situations that have become traditional? I think all. And, for a good reason - we enjoyed it last time, so we expect to enjoy it this time.
My life has changed more than I could have imagined when I was a teenager. My hopes and dreams centered around people, not career, though I did dream of becoming a teacher. My dreams usually revolved around my wishes - selfish goals that would make me feel like I had done something right - or what I thought I was good at. I am so grateful God is in control and not me - for my life has been so full and not at all what I would have imagined!

Well, as life changes - my response is usually, at first, a little taken aback - and I need to get grounded - find my footing.

It takes longer with a huge change - like someone very important to our lives being called to heaven - when every second of our lives feels different - Recently, a good friend from Kindergarten was called home. She was a light in this dark world - a wonderful, amazing woman of God I loved very much. Her children and grandchildren will have a huge void in their lives and I pray they will find firm footing on Christ - the solid rock. Nella is enjoying Our Lord's rewards and basking in unimaginable beauty right now. She showed Christ's love to all in her world and I am so grateful she knew Him and where she was going.

To smaller changes - like waking up today and not hearing Cozette chirp. I greet her each morning - yet she did not chirp back today. Cozette is a cockatiel that has outlived cocktatiel's life spans - she was over 20 and has been a sweet presence of God's creation and a small slice of life in the kitchen. The home is quieter - feels a little different - so, I immediately go to gratitude.

Thank You, Lord, for birds, dogs, cats, and all animals we humans can house as pets. Thank you for the life they bring into our everyday existence. Thank you for their love and the joy they bring to each day.

And, thank You for the capacity You give us to love. I am amazed at Your love through me to others and through others to me - I am so grateful and amazed!

I can only imagine what You have prepared for those who love You :))