A to Z Blogging {Almost Caught Up!} Wait

Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage;

wait for the Lord!

Psalm 27:14

I am not a very good wait-er--I don’t like to wait.

I want all of the answers, right now.

I want to know—now!-- the direction in which I’m to go in life.

I want to know how situations are going to resolve themselves and I don’t want to have to wait to find out.

I am so often tempted to jump right in and act—call someone!! Do something!! Send an e-mail!! Speak my mind!!

Sometimes I react quickly—in anger, in retribution, in fear and depression.

But the above verse reminds me—twice in one verse, to “wait for the Lord.”

And it doesn’t tell me just to wait, it gives me something to do while I wait: “be strong and let your heart take courage.”

I can be strong, by reading the Bible and praying to the Lord to guide and lead me. I find strength in knowing that He is with me every single step of the way, no matter what. And He is stronger than anything, any circumstance, that I will encounter during my life.

I can have courage while I wait because I know the Lord knows what is happening. He knows every detail about every aspect of my circumstances, even when I’m blindsided by something. He is right beside me, every second.

He knows the direction in which He wants me to go. He knows all the details. He knows the bigger story.

And truth be told, I know the bigger story too. I know the end of the story. At the end of the story, no matter what happens to me here—I will spend eternity with Him.

Knowing that enables me to “wait…” with courage in my heart.

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is . Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging Challenge -- R is for Refuge

Refuge

“But for me it is good to be near God;

I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of Your works.”

Psalm 73:28

God has been my refuge in the midst of the most difficult time in my life, during the summer of 2012 when my marriage was breaking up and I was starting over. It was more than good to be near Him; it was the greatest blessing I could have at that time.  I knew that He understood, that He had a plan for me, that He would never, ever leave me. When I could not concentrate to read or comprehend anything else in His Word, I could read the Psalms, including Psalm 73.

Have you made God your refuge today? Was He your first choice, or did you only turn to Him after texting your best friend or calling your sister or posting on FaceBook? Turn to Him first; as wonderful as your friends and family are, He offers even more comfort.

What works of His will you tell others of, to strengthen their faith?

I will share this and I hope it encourages readers. I needed a job after I moved out, and asked God for a job that met the following guidelines; in the town in which I was living (I hate driving in bad weather), relatively non-stressful (I had enough stress in my “real” life!), decent paying, and part-time so that I could continue publishing the Nebraska Family Times and writing if that was His will.

Several weeks later I read a want-ad and when I called the number I found that it fit every single one of my requests. After a few months I realized that it was a little too “part time” for me to meet my expenses…and then I found out about another part-time job that, as well as fitting the above requirements, would also fit perfectly into my life. The two jobs are the best jobs I’ve had in my nursing career!

But it gets even better...

A few months ago, I realized that God gave me something in both jobs that I hadn’t even thought to ask for: Christian friends who offered me the support and encouragement I needed during that very hard time. He knew what I needed and blessed me with it, even though I didn’t think to ask.

God truly is my refuge; it is so good to be near Him!

What works has God done in your life, that you can share to encourage others?

 If you’d like, comment below.

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is. Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging -- N is for Near

Near

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace,

that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

Do you ever hesitate to pray about your problems, your fears, your mistakes, your concerns?

Do you doubt that the Lord understands?

Do you wonder if He can really forgive your sins? He H

Hebrews 4:14-15 tells us, “For we do not have a High Priest {Jesus} Who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one Who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

So you see, He does understand.  You can draw near to him, knowing that He was tempted as we are; He did not sin but He knows how we feel and He shows us mercy and grace when we fail, no matter what our failures are.

Take comfort in drawing near to the Lord today; experience His mercy and grace no matter what your need. 

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is. Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging -- J is for Joyful

Joyful

“What gain has the worker from his toil? …I perceived that there is nothing better for them to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.”

Ecclesiastes 3:9, 12-13

We do not know what our lives will bring. We do know that there will be heart ache, and heart break. There will be stress and sadness. And some days will seem long, tedious and even boring.

But we also know that the years God grants us here on earth are nothing compared to what we will have, living in eternity with the Lord.

But God does not intend us to live unhappily here on earth. He wants us to have fun! He wants us to be joyful in what we are doing! He wants us to take pleasure in eating and drinking (not to excess of course!) He wants us to take pleasure in our toil. It is His gift to us—that we will be joyful in our daily lives.

Here are a few things I am joyful about today:

• Hearing the birds sing and only wearing a light sweatshirt when I walked Jenny (the beagle) early this morning.
• Finding out that the “zinging” pain in my tooth was just a “strained ligament”—not a cracked tooth or broken filling as I feared—not treatment required (but no more chewing my favorite candy mints!). And I laughed with joy when the receptionist told me “There is no charge for your visit today!”
• Talking with a friend who was down, and planning to spend a day with her.
• Finishing the laundry!
• Talking to my sister. 
• Writing this blog post! I’m joyful when I am using the talents God has given me and I pray what I write gives you joy and encouragement, as well.
• Making and enjoying a (to me) gourmet dish of pasta, fresh asparagus, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. 

What made you joyful today?

(I’m also blogging at Home is Where the Mom Is .

Click over to read “Just five Minutes? Twenty-five Things You Can Do.”)

A to Z Blogging -- H is for Hope

Hope

Paul said, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Romans 15:13

What are you hoping for today? An easy day at work? Spring to get here and stay? A shorter to-do list?

Or are you hoping for something much more important, like the restoration of a broken relationship, relief from financial stress, or the return of health in yourself or someone you love?

Look at the Lord’s track record—He has kept every single promise He ever made. He offers us, through the Holy Spirit, hope; hope that gives us joy and peace. Of course we hope for things here on the earth—health, financial stability, relationships. But because of sinfulness in the world we will probably never have everything we hope for.

However, even in difficult times here on earth we can find true joy and deep, abiding peace because we do believe in Him. We believe in God the Father, who made the heavens and earth, who made us, and who blessed us with His Son, Jesus, who came to earth, died, and rose again. Jesus conquered death so that we have, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the absolute hope, the absolute knowledge that we will live in heaven, our true, eternal home, with Him.

What are you hoping for today? Pray about that hope, knowing that “…for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is , where you’ll find some put-to-use-right-away tips for Health, Steps to Improving Yours.)

Remember to comment on this post or any other post between now and Saturday at midnight to be entered to win the gift basket pictured below! 

A to Z Blogging -- F is for Falls

Falls 

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the one who falls and has no one to help him up!!”  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Friends are one of God’s greatest blessings. But even the best of friends can disappoint—after all, they are only humans, with the failures and follies of all humans and the earthly demands that naturally divide attention among many people and things.  

When you fall down, literally or figuratively, your earthly friends will be there for you…most of the time. They might have the right answers for you…some of the time. They will be there support you…many times.

But there is one Friend who will never, ever disappoint. He will be there for you…all of the time. He has the right answers…every single time. He will support and encourage you…any and every time you need support and encouragement.

Remember your earthly friends, but never forget the One Friend who is always there for you, every time you fall down in any way.  

How do you help a friend who has fallen? How have friends helped you when you’ve fallen?

Thank God for your friends today, and thank Him for being the One Friend Who will never disappoint.

 (I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is. Click to read "Financial Sites and Advice, My Favorite".)

H is for…Hope

by Shelly Burke, Editor and Publisher 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13

What are you hoping for today?

Enough rain to break the drought? A new job? A way out of financial troubles? A relationship repaired? A new home? A new baby? A disease cured?

Paul’s letter to the Romans tells them (and us) to “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12) How can we rejoice, when our hope is that a hopeless situation won’t turn out in the way it seems destined to? How can we be patient when our world seems to be falling apart around us? For me, being “constant in prayer” is easy when I’m struggling. Thankfully God doesn’t require fancy phrases or the “right” words—I can just plead, “Lord, help me endure this! Show me what to do! Be with me!”

We can rejoice in hope because of what Psalm 39:7 says: “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You.” Our hope is not in earthly things like money, or banks, or a new job, or a relationship, or even an earthly cure for a terminal illness. Our hope is in the Lord, and in the gift that He has given believers, of eternal life. We can rejoice in hope because we know that even if our hope is not realized here on earth, it will be in heaven.

Many times our hopes will be fulfilled here on earth. God answers our prayers, often in ways we do not expect, in ways that seem to be impossible. We thank Him for those times.

While we are in that time of waiting to see how our prayers will be answered, we can pray that God will fill us with joy and peace in believing in Him, and that through the Holy Spirit we will continue to have hope.

Lord, you know what I am hoping for today. I do not know what Your will is regarding this situation, although I pray that you will answer my prayers. While I wait, please enable me to rejoice, to be patient, and to fill me with joy and peace. Amen.

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Hope For When Darkness Threatens

By Donna Pyle

(This devotion was reprinted in the March issue of the Nebraska Family Times. If you would like to read more to “inspire, encourage and motivate you on your Christian walk,” request a

FREE sample issue of the Nebraska Family Times

 by e-mailing your address to shelly@shellyburke.net or calling (402) 750-3496.)

Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky boasts a specific claim to fame: it's the world's longest known cave system. Containing more than 390 explored miles, early cave guide Stephen Bishop called it a "grand, gloomy and peculiar place."

Twenty years ago, I visited this amazing labyrinth. An adventurous person by nature, I signed up to experience a cave excursion first hand.

The morning dawned crisp as our huddled group awaited to descend into that strange and wonderful world. The tour guide greeted us, counted heads, and our adventure began. With great care we descended 250 feet below the earth’s surface on steep steps through narrow crevices.

Talk about creepy!

Our leg muscles shook from overexertion as we reached the bottom of the cave. The ground leveled off and we found ourselves in a large, cavernous space lit by electricity. Once the tour guide ensured everyone had descended safely—and after issuing the proper warning—he turned off the lights.

Few words can adequately describe the absolute blackness that engulfed us.

The thick, oppressive darkness felt as if it was literally pressing in on me. My chest felt heavy. My breathing came in short gasps. I blinked my eyes frantically. I put my palm in front of my face, but couldn't see it.

I began to panic and stretching out my arms into the darkness. I needed assurance that I wasn't alone.

The tour guide continuously spoke to us in low, smooth tones to remind us of his presence. After a few minutes when our eyes adjusted to the absence of light, he struck a solitary match.

The effect was astounding.

We could clearly see every person in our group and the cave walls and ceiling. The small light had completely expelled the cavernous darkness.

That experience left an indelible impression on me. It illustrated far better than words where the blackness of sin would have taken mankind had Jesus not freely offered His light in the place of our darkness.

We may panic when dark seasons occur, but God's soothing voice speaks volumes of comfort and assurance to us through His Word: 

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you
nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

                                            

"You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light." 2 Samuel 22:29

If you are walking in a dark season, lean in and trust God. You may be shaking from overexertion. Your chest may feel heavy. Take a deep breath and listen for His gentle whispers reminding you of His presence.

The Lord himself will be your light. The only light Who can expel that darkness completely.

You are NEVER alone.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reprinted by permission of the author.

Donna loves blogging about faith-based issues on her blog Hydrated Living. You can also read more at Artesian Ministries She’s also on Facebook at “Donna Pyle” and “Artesian Ministries”.  Donna has authored 18 Bible studies, and published several shorter Bible studies and magazine articles. In November 2011, she released her first DVD-based Bible study series, "Your Strong Suit", based on the armor of God. (I just completed the “Your Strong Suit” Bible study and learned so much! I highly recommend it.) 

First Christmas in Heaven

Several of my friends are grieving the death of loved ones this past year. Friends and readers, I pray that this poem will bring you some peace and joy, knowing that your father, mother, son, daughter, friend and/or loved one has just celebrated his or her first Christmas in Heaven.

---------

Christmas in Heaven

I’ve had my first Christmas in Heaven,
A glorious, wonderful day.
I stood with the saints of the ages
Who found Christ, the Truth and the Way.

I sang with the heavenly choir,
Just think, I joined in to sing
And, oh, what celestial music
We brought to our Savior and King!

We sang the glad songs of redemption,
How Jesus to Bethlehem came.
And how they called His name -- Jesus --
That all might be saved through His Name.

We sang once again with the angels
The message they sang that blest morn,
When shepherds first heard the glad story,
That Jesus, the Savior, was born.

0 dear ones, I wish you had been there.
No Christmas on earth could compare
With all of the rapture and glory
We witnessed in Heaven so fair.

You know how I always loved Christmas.
It seemed such a wonderful day,
With all of my loved ones around me
The children so happy that day.

Yes, now I can see why I love it,
And, oh, what a joy it will be
When you and my loved ones are with me
To share in the glories I see.

So, dear ones on earth, here’s my greeting.
Look up till the day dawn appears.
Oh, what a Christmas awaits us
Beyond our parting tears!!

Author Unknown

May we be Light in this Dark World

by Shelly Burke, Editor

May God bless and comfort the victims of the shooting in Connecticut. It's almost more heartbreaking than I can bear, thousands of miles away and knowing no one involved...when I think of my kids, their friends and parents, and teachers I know and love, I cannot imagine the heartbreak of those in Connecticut. 

Here's what I've been studying this week: Jesus said, "You are the light of the world...let your light shine before others..." Matt. 5:14, 16. May we let our lights shine God's love to help the hurting and grieving whether in different states or right next door. And as my brother-in-law says, "God bless us all. It's our only chance."

Election Results

By Shelly Burke, Editor

How do you feel about the election? Are you happy? Disappointed? Fearful of the future? I’ve always been humbled by how the words of the Bible apply to ANY situation and today I realized that that includes presidential elections.

Here is what I found:

God instructs us to pray for our leaders:

                “…I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions…”

                                1 Timothy 2:1-2

God does not want us to fear:

                “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love, and of a sound mind.”

                                2 Timothy 1:7

                “For the righteous…is not afraid of bad news: his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.”

                                Psalm 112:7

God wants us to be faithful to Him:

                “So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.”

                                Deuteronomy 5:32-33

“Blessed is man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.”

                James 1:12

God hears our prayers—even if He does not answer them as we want them to be answered:

                “Give ear to my words, o Lord;

                consider my groaning.

                Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God,

for to You do I pray.”

                Psalm 5:1-2

God has a plan for those who love Him:

                “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, who God has prepared for those who love Him.”

                                1 Corinthians 2:9

                “And now, o Lord, for what do I wait? My hope in in You.”

                                Psalm 39:7

God gives us hope:

                “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may about in hope.”

                                Romans 15:13

I urge you to study these verses. They apply to the results of the election and to so many other circumstances.

Thank You, Lord, for Your wise words that we can depend on for guidance, direction, encouragement, and reassurance. Amen.

(I’m also blogging at www.achristianmomsguide.blogspot.com.

Today you can read my thoughts about this quote: “Enjoy the little things in life,

 for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”) 

Blogging A to Z Challenge "From the Heart"

"From the Heart"

I am in a funk today. After the excitement and joy of spending the weekend celebrating the Resurrection of our Savior, and time with family and a great meal, today is a letdown. Of course I know that every day is a celebration of Christ’s resurrection and our family will be together again in just a few weeks.

The occasion of our “get together” in a few weeks will be Morgan’s graduation from high-school. I’ve had a lot of bittersweet moments lately, thinking about how things will change so much at the end of summer when she goes off to college.

The next weeks will be filled with “lasts”—the last FFA Banquet is tonight. Her “last” Prom will be a week from Saturday. The “last” Honor’s Night will be shortly after that, and then the “last” day of school—her last day of high school ever!

To keep from bursting into the tears that are just below the surface, I’m going to count my blessings today, and to keep in the theme of the A to Z Blogging Challenge, I’m going to count the blessings that begin with the letter “H.”

1. FaitH (Yes, I know “faith” doesn’t start with “H” but it ends with “H” and is the most important thing in my life!)
2. Husband. J
3. Home—warm, secure, and in a beautiful spot in the country.
4. Health
5. Hungry—the leftovers in the refrigerator assure that I—and my family!—will not be hungry all week!
6. Hands—that type and write, allowing me to do the work I love!
7. Hugs. See number 2.
8. Hurts—that send me back to my Savior, and thankfulness that ALL of my hurts can be soothed through Him.
9. Children who bring Tim and I such joy—they are God’s greatest blessings!
10. Hope. I have the hope and knowledge that although there are many changes ahead, not just for me but also for my husband and kids, there is one thing, One Who will never, ever change. And I’m so very, very thankful for Him.

 “He makes all things beautiful in His time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

What are you thankful for today?

I’m also blogging on my other blog, Home is Where the Mom Is. Today I’m talking about “How to get Started Writing.”