Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts

Saturday, January 6, 2024

The First Step

Psalm 40:10a
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” (NIV)

“Sometimes we have to let go of what we think we know and trust God.”-David Rimarski

Every year, I look forward to January, and if I’m being honest, I hope for snow. I love the quiet of the winter months and the peacefulness of snow. I view this time as a period to reset, get back on track, and rest.

Although I don’t do resolutions, I like to pen a few goals for the year. Some are things I need to complete, such as the next novel in my series, while others are items I hope to accomplish. It’s not a long list, but it’s a jumping off point for the year. The one thing I’ve learned through the years is to consult God and trust Him to guide me through the year.

I’ve read several blogs that offer advice to Christian authors and the number one call to action is alwayspray. Isn’t prayer the perfect first step in everything?

No matter what I have in mind as a goal, if I haven’t prayed over it and offered it to God, I will fall on my face and fail. Seriously, in my sixty plus years of life, I can attest to this. Sure, I might squeak by, but I’m missing the amazing blessings and lessons from God.

I bought a journal this year that has Be Still & Know embossed on the cover. I like this reminder of the providence of God and His love for me. As our student minister spoke Sunday, I have to let go of what I think I know and trust God with everything.

He has a plan and purpose for each of us. Pray over your desires and goals and allow yourself to be blessed with His guidance. Be still and know.

Saturday, October 28, 2023

One More Time

Philemon 1:4-7
I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

Have you ever wanted to sit with someone one more time?

The older I get, the more I realize I may not get to see people one more time. Over the last several years, friends and family have moved from broken bodies on this earth to perfect, healthy bodies in heaven. I’m rejoicing for them, and I’m missing them.

The other day, Tim and I took Rosie to a park to walk. I’d been sick a few days before, so I stayed in the car, still tired from the bout of illness. I watched them walk a circular path, then my sight landed on a blue swing with a beautiful backdrop. Gold and orange trees stood at attention behind the colorful swing. I thought, what if I could sit on that swing and talk to anyone I wanted to? Of course, I would sit with Tim and chat about the day. I could take any of our grandkids or kids and their spouses. Perhaps a friend or two would come by and we’d laugh and talk. Then I thoughtwhat if I could bring anyone back and talk to them about heavenwouldn’t that be a glorious conversation? They could tell me about the incredible worship and praise of God and conversations with Jesus.

Since that’s not possible, I had another thought. Wouldn’t that be a lovely place to sit and talk to God? A place to pray for my loved ones and readers. A place to appreciate the beautiful fall weather and thank God for His provision and remember those we’ve loved who have passed. It’s good to sit and thank the Lord for the people He has placed in my life. 

I hope as I remember you, you know you give me great joy and encouragement.

Do you have a favorite place to ponder and pray?

Saturday, October 7, 2023

She Gets It

Joshua 1:7-8
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. -Corrie Ten Boom

Our youngest granddaughter had to have oral surgery. When you're nine years old and have nothing to compare the experience to, you have a bit of fear and anxiety. A beautiful thing happened to her. After school, one of her teachers and her principal prayed with her, on the day before the surgery. That evening, I ate dinner with her and her family and she prayed over the meal and asked God to make everything go well for her during surgery. My heart danced a happy dance. That little nine-year-old gets it. She placed her fear in God's hands.

Our ministers are preaching a series this month that focuses on Joshua called "Be Strong and Courageous." God told Joshua multiple times to be strong and courageous. In Joshua 7, He called him to be strong and very courageous." Take it up a notch Joshua and step out on faith.

Courage isn't the absence of fear, but the choice to trust God with the future. He calls all of us to step out and have faith in Him and in the future He's planned for us. He asked Joshua to keep the Book of the Law on His lips. For us, He wants us to have the word of God in our hearts. I'm no Bible scholar. There's so much I don't understand, but I cling to the verses that encourage and give me strength and courage.

Trust in God for the future, be strong and courageous.

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Better Days

The days I take the time to pray first thing in the morning
give me the confidence and courage I need to face a new day. 
Those days may not have better circumstances, or the best news, 
but I'm prepared because I've opened my heart to God 
and asked the Holy Spirit to guide me in my actions and thoughts.

No day is perfect, but the days I talk to God are a whole lot better.


 

Saturday, March 11, 2023

Same God

Psalm 17:6-9
I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;
    turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
Show me the wonders of your great love,
    you who save by your right hand
    those who take refuge in you from their foes.
Keep me as the apple of your eye;
    hide me in the shadow of your wings
from the wicked who are out to destroy me,    
    from my mortal enemies who surround me.

I see the moon and the moon sees me.

The night sky reminds me I see the same moon and stars as my niece in England or my friend in Missouri. That brilliant heavenly body connects me to my family, friends, and folks around the world.

Our youngest daughter and her husband live in South Carolina and it’s a comfort to me we see the same sky. Even though we are not close in proximity, we share a similar view. When our family, who lives close by, sends photos of rainbows or sunsets, and I can see the same ones from where I’m standing, it’s a joy to know we see the same bits of creation. They join us with each other and with God.

On Sunday, the praise band led us in the song Same God by Elevation Worship. The lyrics reminded me of all the people throughout history who called on the same God I call on today. Moses, Jacob, Mary, and so many more lifted their prayers to the Father, the same One I speak to daily. It kind of blows my mind that I’m talking to the same God Noah prayed to, or Esther. The same One who people around the world take their cares to is the same one who listens and has listened for centuries.

I love what David says in Psalm 17. He calls on God, who answers, turns His ear, and hears our prayers. Then he asks many of the same things I seek for myself and my family and friends: keep me close, protect me, hide me in your wings. Praying to the same God as my ancestors fills my heart with comfort and joy.

Keep praying to the same God who remains steadfast and faithful.

Saturday, October 1, 2022

Anxiety and a Pair of Jeans

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Shopping for jeans raises my anxiety.

After a hot summer, I’m ready for the cool air of autumn. With the change in temperature comes the need for new jeans, part of my standard retirement uniform. I’ve worn out the ones I bought a few years ago, so I gathered my courage (because I need that to try on pants) and went to the store where I bought my last pair. The bins and racks oozed with denim, but every pair I looked at either had pre-ripped holes (I’m too old for those) or buttons instead of a zipper, again, too old. No classic jeans existed. As my anxiety rose and my frustration with it, my daughter, who came to the store separate from me, saw me and creeped up on me and scared the beejeebers out of me (of course we laughed about itlater.)

The whole shopping experience made my anxiety go through the ceiling. I vowed to wear my thread-bare jeans and forget shopping. Then Kohl’s dinged my inbox with a 40% off coupon. Could I try one more time? Yes, I did, and I came home with a pair of classic “mom” jeans and a cute Peanuts t-shirt. I’m thankful that despite my anxiety, I tried one more time.

I laugh now about the ridiculousness of trying to find a pair of jeans, but the anxiety I’ve dealt with throughout my life isn’t funny. The truth is, being anxious leaves me exhausted. I’m so thankful Paul addresses it in these verses. God understands. He reminds us to stop and pray, ponder on thankfulness, and He’ll pour peace into our hearts and minds. Without doubt, I know this to be true.

Full disclosure: I have a medical issue that causes anxiety and with the help of medicine, I am much better. But I also know that without God, I’d be in a heap of trouble. My go to is prayer, always. I’m so grateful I can talk to God about everything, including a frustrating shopping trip. Philippians 4:6-7 is one of the verses I cling toto get me through life.

Pray first, always.

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

God Hears My Heart

Sometimes a burden lays on my heart and words won't come.
I want to pray, but I can't.
I'm too sad, too worried, too excited, or too distracted.

The beautiful thing is, God doesn't have to hear my words 
because he knows what's on my heart.



Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Fiction Review: The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip: A Novel by Sara Brunsvold

Book Description:
Aidyn Kelley is talented, ambitious, and ready for a more serious assignment than the fluff pieces she's been getting as a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star. In her eagerness, she pushes too hard, earning herself the menial task of writing an obituary for an unremarkable woman who's just entered hospice care.

But there's more to Clara Kip than meets the eye. The spirited septuagenarian may be dying, but she's not quite ready to cash it in yet. Never one to shy away from an assignment herself, she can see that God brought the young reporter into her life for a reason. And if it's a story Aidyn Kelley wants, that's just what Mrs. Kip will give her--but she's going to have to work for it.

Debut author Sara Brunsvold delights with this emotional multigenerational story that shows that the very best life is made up of thousands of little deaths to self. You'll want to be just like Mrs. Kip when you grow up!

My Thoughts:
The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip took great talent and understanding to write. Brunsvold created a beautiful story of life and death that touched on every emotion. Clara Kip believes in God and trusts Him in everything, but only after life had tromped on her heart. Aidyn Kelley wants to succeed as the journalist she knows she can be, if only the editor would give her the chance. Through connections unknown to Aidyn, she is given an assignment that involves Mrs. Kip. The more she learns about the woman, the more fascinated she becomes. If you want to read a story that tugs at the heart-strings and leaves you with hope, this one is for you. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Three Things That Help Me Through Life


Three things I cling to in times of trouble—joy, patience, and faithfulness.


Without joylife is bleak.
With joyI have hope.

Without patiencelife can drive me crazy.
With patienceaffliction is tolerable.

Without faithfulnessI fall apart.
With faithfulnessI can go to God in prayer.



 Romans 12:12

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Anytime, Anywhere, Anything

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

The sweetest time of the day is...When you pray...Why?
Because you're talking to the One who loves you the most. -Anonymous

As we gathered around the dinner table in my parents' home, we bowed our heads and my dad prayed. In his eighties, his voice sometimes quivered. He'd served as an elder and deacon over the years, and prayed over communion at church and at the bedside of the sick and shut in. Knowing my dad as I did, he moved beyond his comfort zone, humbled himself, and prayed out loud because he loved God and chose to serve the Lord.

I don't consider myself to be a great prayer. Oh, I talk to God frequently but not eloquently. Sometimes my prayers are thrown up in desperation, at times I find myself begging (maybe not the best idea,) while other times I just talk as if I'm chatting with a friend. The chats are some of the best prayers.

I love that God makes praying easyany time of day or nightanywhereabout anything. There are no walls to break through, no papers to fill out, no meetings determining the proper way to pray. Instead, God just asks us to communicate with Him. He longs to hear from us because He loves us so much.

Sometimes I feel anxious, something troubles me to the point that my stomach aches, my nerves get on edge, and my heart hurts. There is only one cure to calm my soulprayer. Philippians says, in any situationANY situationtake requests to God through prayer. Thank Him and then talk to Him about anything and everything.

One of the beautiful elements of prayer is when I can't find the words; the Holy Spirit steps in and takes my needs to God for me. Prayer is one of the most wonderful parts of my walk with God. I love that I can talk to Him any time or place about life.

Talk to God as you would a friend. He listens.

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

He Hears Your Heart

God hears my heart—what a beautiful concept.

Sometimes putting a prayer into words seems impossible.
I fumble over the words, my mind wanders one-hundred different directions,
but the wonder of it all is—the Holy Spirit
takes those words and thoughts and lifts them to God for me.

He helps me pray, and for that I am thankful.


 

Saturday, December 11, 2021

Consider This—God is in the Details

Matthew 1:18-21
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

An important decision requires consideration.

I had dreamed about retiring and pursuing writing for years. When the time neared for me to take the retirement years seriously, Tim and I contemplated what that would look like. We took into account my health, benefits my job offered, the practicality of me no longer working outside our home, and of course our income. We prayed about the decision for me to retire early and thought about what that would mean for our family. I'm thankful God saw fit for us to move forward with our plans and provide Tim with work and me with writing opportunities.

Joseph was a man who considered the needs of his wife-to-be, Mary. When he learned she was pregnant, he didn't jump to conclusions. He could have broken the engagement in haste, instead he contemplated his options. He prayed and pondered about what was best for Mary and for him. Before he made his final decision, God sent an angel to assure him. You see, God chose Mary to give birth to Jesus, and He also chose Joseph to be Jesus' father on earth. God knew Joseph's heart. He found Joseph to be a man of faith who considered what was best for the people he loved. God knew Joseph would do the same for Jesus.

God is in the details of my life, and He knows my heart. He hears me, sees me, and understands me. He has given me the beautiful gift of prayer to guide me as I reflect on decisions and life's choices.

Joseph trusted God with the decisions he made. God trusted Joseph with His Son.

Trust God and give Jesus your heart this Christmas.

Saturday, September 4, 2021

If My People

Acts 1:13-14
When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Prayer is not a last resort—it is our most powerful weapon.

A newspaper clipping is making the rounds on Facebook that asks everyone to stop what they're doing at 8pm and pray for our country for one minute. If we as believers, in the power of prayer to our heavenly Father, asked for deliverance and safetyimagine the outcome.

At times, I've flung up a prayer in desperation, not realizing the powerful tool I had at my fingertips. Think about it, we, as fumbling humans, have the opportunity to speak directly to the Creator of the universe. I can call on Him any time, and He hears me. That's incredible!

Not only does He hear me, He cares about whatever I'm asking.

In Acts chapter one, the apostles and followers of Jesus found themselves in a tough situation. Their beloved teacher and friend had died. Yes, he rose from the grave, but his closest cohorts found themselves at a loss. They needed to move forward and establish the church, but were perplexed about the situation.

They didn't sit around and grumblethey prayedand not just a few words aimed toward God, they talked to Him constantly. The folks who knew and loved Jesus, talked to God all the time, to seek guidance and direction for their lives and for the church.

These days I find I have much to pray aboutfolks who are ill, our military, Christians who are suffering at the hands of evil, our country and the unrest we all feel, my family and friends, my writing, and so much more.

God calls me to pray. To seek Him, to talk to Him about the concerns on my heart. I won't get a better offer.

Pray constantly to the One who listens.

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

He Strengthens our Hearts

Following Jesus is not for the faint of heart.
The good news is, God will strengthen us. 

Bible reading, prayer, and relationship build spiritual muscles that include our hearts.

I pray He strengthens your hearts as we live for Him.


 

Saturday, May 15, 2021

Follow the Best GPS

Psalm 121:1-2
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
 where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
 the Maker of heaven and earth.

I’m thankful for GPS, Global Positioning Systems, like Google Maps.

Although I’ve improved with age, I tend to be directionally impaired. Before GPS saved me from my wandering ways, I depended on a map or written directions. I still prefer landmarks to highway numbers, and I still get my left and right mixed up. But I’ve learned to listen to the little voice inside my phone as she speaks directions, and I’ve learned to read road signs.

Years ago, before GPS was an app on our smartphones, we owned a box we’d attach to the dash, I think it was a Garmin. I named her Vera. Vera took me wherever I needed to go, unless I didn’t listen.

The key to overcoming my impaired directional instincts was paying attention and following Vera’s lead.

As I wander about in life, I need direction. When I go off on my own, I get lost and stumble. But when I lift my eyes to the one who leads my way, I follow a better path. There may be roadblocks or construction, but Jesus walks me through it. He’s not going to take me on a trail that leads to destruction. Instead his voice gives me the guidance I need on the rocky roads of life.

He whispers to me from the Bible and answers my prayers. He speaks to me through trusted family and friends and helps me navigate choppy water.

Jesus is the best GPS, God’s Perfect Son, to follow. He will never lead us down the wrong path. Instead, he’ll guide us on the road God created us for.

Seek Jesus as he maps out the road to heaven.

Saturday, April 17, 2021

Anxiety is a Beast

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

“Life is better when you cry a little, laugh a lot, and are thankful for everything you’ve got.”

As one who lives with anxiety, I cling to Philippians 4:6.

When I look back over my life, anxiety raised its hand way too often. In school, I was the kid who wanted to hide when we read aloud in class. I’d just as soon fade into the brick wall as wait to be called on for the kickball team. I wasn’t just shy (although I was shy) I was terrified of attention.

That was my anxiety. The beast has a unique way of manifesting itself in all of us. Most of us feel anxious in certain situations due to stress. Some anxiety is normal.

As an adult, my anxiety reared its head as panic attacks. In my forties, I returned to college to finish my Bachelor’s degree, but I absorbed more information, at one time, than my brain could handle. To get technical—the serotonin didn’t hang out long enough for the process. The doctor figured out the problem and recommended medication. To me the meds are no different than if I was diabetic and had to take insulin. I need them.

But along with the medication, I have another healer in my pocket. Prayer. When I seek God’s attention and pour out all that I’m thankful for—the anxiety dissipates. Yes, I cry and laugh. Laughter is wonderful, tears sometimes help, but the best antidote for anxiety is gratitude. I can sit and talk to my heavenly Father about all the wonders of spring. As I observe my flowers, I say thank you. When I think of my loved ones, I pray thanks. When I consider Jesus’ sacrifice for me, I bow in appreciation.

God created the science behind the meds which help my anxiety, and he’s given me joy and peace in place of fear.

Replace anxiety with gratitude.

Click to tweet: Anxiety is a Beast

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Praise and Prayer

One morning while the raindrops dotted the flowers, I snapped this photo.

I noticed the daffodil bowed it's head, and the tulip raised toward heaven.

Both were in a posture to praise God. 

The flowers reminded me to check my stance.

Am I prepared to pray in every situation? 
Am I praising God for his mercy and grace?

Praise and prayer go hand in hand.

Raised up or bent down-
Praise God!


 

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Good Morning!

Sometimes as I fall asleep, my mind tumbles into itself with anxious thoughts.

My remedy is to bend God's ear with my concerns.


I love that God wakes me in the morning, with the assurance he loves me.

He loves you, too!


 

Saturday, October 17, 2020

Palms up...Let Go

Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

My flower bed looked kind of pitiful.

The black-eyed Susan's blossoms had dropped and their leaves had turned reddish brown like some of the autumn trees. The wind had knocked them down for the count. My lavender plants stretched until they looked lanky and the woody under part showed. The blazing stars' heads looked more like cattails than purple flowers. My zinnias were the only plants hanging on to summer.

I could wait for the first frost to kill more foliage or I could start the process of cutting the plants back. With clippers in hand I attacked the lavender. A lovely scent filled my nose as I snipped the branches. With just two plants, the trimming took minutes. But what a difference the pruning would make for spring growth.

Sometimes life mirrors a flower garden. I plant, fertilize, water, and prune my flowers, and God waters, prunes, and encourages growth. Sometimes I need more than a trim. Old habits, like worry, need chopped out to allow for more positive behavior. Worry produces about as much good as a gangly plant that languishes and flops in the garden. While some plants survive and even flourish with a quick trim, others like the black-eyed Susan and blazing star must be cut to the ground in order to grow the following spring.

Paul calls us to pray instead of worry. Our heavenly father asks us to talk to him instead of keeping our concerns balled up inside or wringing our hands with frustration.

I sat on my porch the other day and tried something I'd read about, but not done. I opened my hands, palms up, and held them in front of me. Then I prayed. This small gesture of letting go of my requests brought me peace as I spoke to my Father in heaven. Worry steals the peace that encourages my faith. God listens. He loves to hear from us.

Pray instead of worry. God's peace guards the most vulnerable parts of our being.

Saturday, September 12, 2020

Hands in Cement

Jeremiah 29:11-13
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Remember plaster handprints?

I remember when the teacher poured plaster of Paris into a paper plate and let it set up. Then I pressed my hand into it to leave my unique imprint. After the plaster dried, I painted the print a pretty color, probably pink, and tied a ribbon through the hole the teacher made with a plastic straw.

Last week I watched as two of my grandchildren got to push their hands into the cement for their new deck. They waited with excitement as they anticipated their turn to make a permanent imprint. As the man pouring the concrete gave them permission, they pushed their hands into the corner. They loved leaving their handprints in the cement. Now they can compare their hand to the print and see how they grow.

In Jeremiah, God told him he had plans for him. The Lord gave him hope for the future. He placed his handprint on Jeremiah's life and watched him grow in the Lord.

A preacher spoke of looking back over his time here on earth and seeing God's fingerprints all over his life. As I look back at my life, I see the many times God's hand rested on me. Even when I've headed into a situation I didn't particularly like, God knew what was best for me.

My plans may not always match God's, but I know with confidence I can seek him and he listens. I know he guides me and keeps his hand on me. He knows the plans he has for me. I pray for his direction and help. In my rear view mirror, I see God's handprints all over my life.

Seek God with your whole heart and welcome his hand on your life.

"In his heart a man plans his course; but the Lord determines his steps."