Wisdom & Understanding

‘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...