Wisdom & Understanding

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name."  Psalms 100:4 Had a great time this year at Christmas, spending time with family. The grandkids are my delight!  As I waited in the airport today for the van service to take me home, I thought about how different  this year was from last year.  Last year when I returned home from Christmas vacation, I came home to a snow blizzard with over 2 feet of snow on the ground!.  My state was declared a "state of emergency" and I caught the last thing on wheels leaving the airport ...that was a miracle.  I made it home after an almost 3 hour trip that normally takes about 45 minutes.  The poor van driver had to drive about 5 to 10 miles an hour throught the blizzard, but he managed to get all of us passengers home safely, God bless him! When I finally arrived home, I found  the house cold and the finished basement filled with...

“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on them, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. This is the part that stands out to me today… “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:6-9 Giving credit to whom credit is due, it was author Tracie Peterson’s blog entry on “Writes of Passage” about the Tamarack tree that inspired me. Her post helped me to take a look at one of God’s unique creations and compare it to everyday life. Here is some info about this tree that grows in Canada, the Northeastern Unites States from Minnesota to as far south as West Virginia:    The wood is tough and durable, but also flexible  The bark is highly susceptible to fi...

The words of this hymn came strong to my mind this morning. I could not help but to sing the chorus over and over again… In times like these, we need a Savior In times like these, we need an anchor Be very sure, be very sure Your anchor holds, and grips the Solid Rock Chorus: The rock is Jesus, yes He’s the One This rock is Jesus, the only One Be very sure, be very sure Your anchor holds, and grips the Solid Rock This hymn was written in 1944 by a Ruth Caye Jones, who with her husband were evangelists who started a Radio ministry from Erie, Penna. As I looked at the picture of this woman, I noticed her kind, round face; hair in a bun, which was indicative of the women of the church in the 1950’s and she had such a smile of peace. And then when I read the words of this song, I knew that behind her look of peace, she paid a price to write these words…she KNEW what it meant to hold on to the ANCHOR…Jesus in her times of need. Matthew 7:24-25 says: “Therefore everyone who h...

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 Spring cleaning in September? I admit I am a little late with this, but even though my spring decorations were put out of sight, it was time to really put them away in storage. Isn’t that how we are with our lives sometimes? Tragic things happen, hurtful things and though we are able to “put them out of sight”, bury them under the business of everyday life…still they are there. Sometimes never having been dealt with; so that they can be turned over to the Lord and stored in the proper place. It is very hard for me to watch the memorial programs about 9/11, it was a very painful season for me. My husband was very ill with a condition that caused him to pass away only a few months later. I was burning the candle at both ends, working, taking care of him and running a household. When I look back now I marvel at how the Lord took care of me. Many times I wanted to throw up both hands and scream…a...

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 Isn’t it funny how we do things in “darkness” and expect to succeed? Oh sometimes it appears that we succeed but eventually it all comes to “light” so to speak. Or you need the “light” to get it right. Hey I just made a rhyme…did I miss my calling? A rapper maybe…no remarks from the peanut gallery please…anything is possible you know. Case in point, my printer here at home needed an ink cartridge replaced. I went to the store, purchased the correct cartridge (with the help of a young lady, who was very polite, believe it or not, store employee.) Got home, said to my self “this is easy” and thought that I could just snap it in and keep on rolling. NOT! THEN parts began to snap off as I tried to jam the cartridge into place! And to make matters worse, each time a little part would snap off and roll on to the floor, my beloved and awe...

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5 I had a revelation this morning! Eye-opener, Moment of Truth, Epiphany…you name it! But it was just that. I “saw” that after so many years of calling myself a Christian, I really do NOT Trust God with ALL my heart! There! I said it! This revelation began after I awoke from a very realistic dream about my late husband. Though I cannot remember the details, it was a pleasant dream and so real. So much so until those feelings of fresh grief returned in full force and the questions of “Why?” and “What if?”. Issues that I thought I had worked through over the years since his passing; but they began to raise there ugly heads to batter me. So I had a talk with the Lord… Feeling the nudge to read the above scripture, the word ALL jumped out at me. And then the blinders came off. The table was turned…instead of me asking the questions, It was God asking me...”Do you trust Me with ALL your heart?”...

 So I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. Psalms 55:6 Have you ever had one of those days?  It is always comforting to read that I'm not the only one that feels that way sometimes!  King David wrote in the Psalms about just that kind of day.  In fact the first 8 verses of the chapter are written about how he REALLY felt.  So honest...I love that. Some days I wish I had wings...preferably wings on my shoes (there's something about having wings on your back that speaks PAIN getting them on there) and besides I'm not ready to join Gabriel yet...just sayin'.  But if I had them on a pair of shoes that I could slip off and on whenever I felt overwhelmed, fly to a tropical Island for a while then come on back to face reality again, I think I could handle that . lol But I know that would not solve the real issue at hand. If you fly away, it's going to be there to meet you when you return. The great news is that ...

"My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD;In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up." Psalms 5:3 "Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; Make Your way straight before my face." Psalms 5:8 Thank you Lord for allowing me to see another day.  Help me not to take each day for granted.  Lead and guide me to follow the plan that YOU have for me today. Just thinking that it's been awhile since I've been "Yard-saling".  though I don't need anymore junk to clutter up the clutter I already have.  There is something about rummaging through old stuff and finding a treasure! I love it!  So maybe, just maybe that is an adventure to plan for this weekend...hmmm. check the newspaper listings, get my big 'ol shopping bag ready and get ready to roll! I can ususally find great stuff at yard sales, it just takes a little patience and an "eye" for what it really not junk.  Over the years I have co...

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 Coming back from a vacation, no matter how short, often leaves me feeling deflated. I suppose it could be from all the excitement and hype in the prep, then being super high on fun and family, only to return to the everyday sometimes mundane life. Especially for me, who rarely gets to see or spend time with family…that time is very precious to me. Attended a fabulous wedding and had loads of fun with family, an experience in total contrast to my usual life. Since my return and feeling somewhat “woe is me” the Lord had to remind me of some things. He reminded me of a person that was never able to have children of her own and then her husband passed away at a young age. This woman’s life I am sure did not turn out the way she had planned. Then He reminded me of someone who was left to raise and...

"Therefore if the Son makes you free , you shall be free indeed" We have True Liberty, because of Christ's payment on the Cross!

‘Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Roman 5:1-5 I was thinking this morning about how faithful God has been to me. Sometimes it is so easy to get sidetracked by a myriad of things, some simple…some quite serious. But when you take the time to really think about how you have arrived to the place you are now…there has bound to be some fascinating stories of your journey. And even though some things may not have turned out like you dreamed they would be…you’re still here. And those very things that you thought would have surely done...

Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and Philosopher once said “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love." But I think the Prophet Jeremiah says it best in Lamentations 3:22-23 “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Every day that we arise we should be thankful for another day and act accordingly. It is with this mindset that I set out this morning...a planned vacation day. I went to a scheduled appointment and was out of that office by 8:45 AM. With the rest of the day before me I automatically started to plan all the things I wanted to get done with all this free time And as I did I began to feel anxiety kicking in but made myself stop and remember what a co-worker said the other day. While talking to her about how I feel myself rushing even when I’m suppose to be doing the recreational things I...

"... Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.  Psalms 30:5b Whew! is it ever hot today! Where are the people that said all winter "I'll be so glad when the warmer weather gets here!" I would just LOVE to say to them now, ""Don't EVEN complain to me right now!"  :) The hot weather just  kind of snuck up on us...one day it's nice and Spring-y and BAM! Who took the lid off the boiling cauldron! I promised myself that I would not complain though. I mean, it is what it is, so might as well relax and enjoy what you can. Besides the weather man says that after today it will start to cool off some.  All day I've been saying "If we can just get through today, it WILL be better tomorrow." As I'm aging, I'm finally learning how to enjoy each day as it comes and hold on to the promise that things "come to pass".  Tomorrow WILL come and you go from there. God is faithful and we must hold on to th...

"Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." Romans 13:7 This Memorial day I would like to thank every man and woman that has served and is serving this country in our branches of the armed forces. I always think of my Uncle Ernest especially when this holiday rolls around.  He was a handsome, gentleman...quiet,calm spirit and always with a ready smile. A man that served his country during the Korean War, and came home with a Purple Heart of Honor. We are so proud of his dedication and commitment to God, his family and country. And yet he was just one of so many thousands that fought and some even giving their lives so that we can live in freedom. Working near a military base, I often see Military personnel and their families. I admire them and often get the opportunity to thank them for the sacrifices they have made so that I would not have to. We have so...

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, ] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. " John 3:16 When I think of unconditional love today, I think of my mother and father.  But since this is Mother's day, I'm writing about the wonderful woman that God allowed to give birth to me and my 4 siblings. I remember once visiting her and admiring a little needlepoint pillow she had on her couch.  And so typical of her, she asked me did I want it... so giving. I told her no, because it looked so perfect where she had it in her decor.  I inherited a knack for collecting "pretty things" from my mom. Pillows, ceramic figures, colored glass, etc. She was my hero! (smile) My mother loved her children, she wanted the very best for us and was willing to do whatever necessary to have that happen. I have such precious memories; her bringing me for lunch at school, a warm hot dog and a hard boil egg minus the yolk,  becaus...

Because He has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known my name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. Psalms 91:14-15 “I’m tired, so tired, so exhausted and I want someone to take my place…” Those were the words of my little lady friend that I visit in the Nursing home. She said this with her eyes closed while lying in bed. She then murmured that she was in a lot of pain. I know this lady and the way that she “controls” her suffering is to “get quiet before the Lord” as she calls it. Through her years of great success as well as much suffering, she once told me that when times get really rough, she learned to hide in the Lord, to take a silent stand in her spirit and allow Him to speak to her. I know that is what she is doing on this day, a day when she is suffering so much pain in her body. I feel helpless, as she lies silently with her eyes closed...

"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:29 "...rest for your soul." Yes, that is something that I confess I need quite often. The cares of life, at the end of the day will bring one to that point. Either you can continue to try and carry the situations in your life that weigh heavily on you, or you can choose to say "Okay Lord, it's too much...here take it." I have learned that as I have gotten older and more mature in my walk with the Lord, I am less willing to try and hold on and be the problem solver.  I KNOW that I can't walk this journey alone, so by the end of the the day I quickly shed the "weight" and gladly give it to Him. I am learning to really enjoy the things I like doing.  I believe that each of us have a special gift, hobby, talent if you will and God gave it to us so that we can have "rest" for our souls. For instance I L...

" To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven..." Ecclesiates 3:1 It's comin'...it's comin'!!!!!!!!!! We've had only little hints of it over the past week, but I can feel it in the air! After all the snow that we had over the winter, I think that there are lots of us chomping at the bit to get on with the next season. I have begun to look at my spring decorations with longing. Going in the garage looking in the bin of silk flowers and even in the large drawer in the dining room where I keep my ceramic eggs and rabbits in an array of pastel colors. I promise that they will soon be released to come out soon. After the sometimes barreness of winter, there is something so special about the renewal of spring. It is so fitting that the celebration of Christ's resurrection would come during spring. His resurrection was evidence that there IS renewal. It proves that we CAN have a new life, both here on earth and in heaven. Th...

The day was a beautiful sunny day, I felt good in spirit, mind and body. My little lady friend that has made the nursing home her place of residence for the past 6 years, came to mind. Though it was too cool outside to take her for a “walk” in her chair, I felt a visit would be nice to cheer her up. I love making her laugh! And she makes me laugh too! When I arrived I was so thankful to see her very alert and smiling. In the recreation/eating room of this Nursing home, there are people of all states and levels of physical and mental disability. Every time I visit, I say a silent prayer because these people are mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, wives, sisters, aunts, cousins, etc. to people just like me. And so I pray for their peace, strength, healing…. As my little lady friend and I sit and talk among the normal noises that are in this kind of facility: loud chatter, patients calling out, one man sporadically yelling, another patient pushing her walker an...

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.” Psalms 19:1-3 “PEACE”…that word can be seen all over my house, I mean literally. On a garden stake in my yard, in big bold wooden letters on top of my computer desk…as a reminder to me that is what I need every day. My days of major drama are over, while others think that it is exciting to witness an argument, or any human event that causes the adrenalin to flow…not me! I guess to be honest, after having many years of anxiety, nervousness and fear (I’m being real) during my late husband’s illness and passing, I seek peace. Peace in my mind, spirit and soul. Sweet peace, that passes all understanding. But there are times when even though I can’t help but see the word on the garden stake as I’m walking up the steps to my front porch or in strategic places in my home,...

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8 THINKING ! Trying to figure things out! Analyzing every little detail! That's me! While sometimes this can be a real gift (like for the FBI)...other times it can drive one crazy!!!! For the past several years I have had a lot of changes in my life. I'm sure I have not had anymore than any one else, but for someone like me who loves stability and...okay I'll admit it...I don't particularly like change! I'm of the "if it ain't broke...don't fix it" group. It has been a whole new "normal" for me. Sometimes when I get a little low, I pull out all the hurtful, negative things that have happened to me and begin to try and analyze why those thi...

"This is what the past is for! Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see." — Corrie ten Boom (The Hiding Place)