Monday Meditation~What's New for You?

And He that sat upon the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." Revelation 21:5a (KJV)

In words written long ago, this revelation still holds true for us today.

God continues to make all things new.

As you look down the road of 2013, He holds great new-ness for you. The new year offers us the opportunity to "Forget the former things; [and] not dwell on the past" (Isaiah 43:18 NIV), but ponder the "new thing" (Isaiah 43:19) He has in store for us.

I'm praying for your "new"! As we look toward the future, let's cling to His promises together!

Your Season is the Reason

"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10 (ESV)

What is your season like?                               

Christmas is proclaimed to be the "hap-hap-happiest time of the year," but for many happiness seems beyond their reach. They are in a season that isn't bright or merry. I can't even begin to imagine the sadness filling the hearts of those in the community of the Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Broken hearts and spirits are not just found in stories that make the headlines, but in the hearts of your neighbors and friends. Even your family.

Illness has taken some captive. The death of loved ones...recent and even long ago...can rekindle the blaze of mourning at a time when it just feels like that loved one should be present. Loneliness overtakes many and the ache of a heart that's been broken cries louder than the tunes on the radio.

But Jesus came.

For your season.

Prophesy was fulfilled as He entered the world as an innocent babe...One who came with great purpose...to preach good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to comfort those who mourn-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. (Isaiah 61:1-3)

Yes, your season is why He came.

He came to bring life...everlasting life...abundant and to the full.  It is personal. He came for you.

It is my prayer that you feel His presence tangibly as you walk through Christmas and the new year to come. May He bless you beyond measure.                                                                             

Wednesday Worship~This Little Child

As we walk through this Christmas season in which many hearts are experiencing sorrow instead of joy, may we remember that the little Child born on Christmas Day is our source of hope for joy and peace in our tomorrows. Eternity beckons us. And we know that we can trust Its calling because of "This Little Child."

"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come to His people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David (as He said through His holy prophets of long ago)..." Luke 1:68-70 (NIV)

Wednesday Worship~I Need a Silent Night

"Glory to God in the highest heaven,and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests."

Luke 2:14 (NIV)

 

Are you caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday?

 

Or is the flurry of activity~worthy of a snowplow~one that piles up in your life all year long?

 

Are you in need of a "silent night"?

 



I pray that time of resting in His presence for you...silence in the daytime or in the midnight clear...His peace drifting over you like a wispy snow.

Does your need for peace go even beyond that?

Maybe Christmas with all of its trappings buries you in the depths...and you somehow can't summon up the joy required?

I'm praying for you to hear the voice of the angel through the chaos and noise that surrounds you saying, "Fear not." For on that night the Prince of Peace was born...the Prince of your peace...and "Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come...." (Habakkuk 2:3) I pray for your Christmas to be wrapped in the assurance that "The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace." (Psalm 29:11) May you feel His strength, peace, and presence today.

Wednesday Worship~Jesus is Alive

"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV)

Do you need hope today?

Hope was born that Christmas night...in the face of a baby born in a manger.

I pray for that hope to shine in your heart today.

Repeat the Sounding Joy!

"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds...." Deuteronomy 11:18 (NIV)

What's playing in your head?

You know how you get a song stuck on your mind.

Or the words someone said to you.

Well, I had a revelation that really hit home with me this week. I've mentioned before that we have a clock tower in our neighborhood that chimes the hour, quarter hour, half hour, and three quarter hour. Sometimes I hear it. Sometimes I don't. The funny thing is that sometimes I hear it even when it hasn't tolled.

Also, we've been keeping our radio tuned to our local Christian radio station which plays all Christmas music these days. Strangely, I've found myself "hearing" some of the songs even when it wasn't on.

The things we hear in our minds can be uplifting or can push us toward despair...whether music or words.

In this season where we're told, "It's the most wonderful time of the year," let's face it. It just isn't for everybody. Some folks face great struggles, hurt, loss, and sadness. I know. I've been there.

In those circumstances, the only source of true joy and hope comes from the Lord. In Nehemiah 8:10, we are reminded that "the joy of the LORD is [our] strength." Psalm 19:8 tells us that "The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart." And 1 Thessalonians 1:6 encourages us to do as the church at Thessalonica did as they "in spite of severe suffering...welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit."

Uplifting music helps. Especially that which comes directly from God's Word. And most importantly spending time reading His Word. His words are the ones we need to hear repeating in our minds. He loves us unfailingly. He loved us so much that He sent His one and only Son to earth where He experienced the struggles, hurt, loss, and sadnesses that we face. And He endured it for a purpose that was only accomplished through more suffering...on the cross.

To bring us victory. To bring us joy. To bring us peace.

He came "to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners...to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."

Whether you find yourself wrapped up in the joys of Christmas or in a tangled mess, I pray that you will seek the One who can brings light into the darkness. And may you find yourself repeating the sounding joy.

                                                

Wednesday Worship~Thanksgiving to God

How can we say thanks? By giving Him all the glory for the things He has done. May He fill your heart with joy, worship, and thanksgiving today.

Monday Meditation (Tardy on Tuesday)~Overflow of Thanksgiving!

 

It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the One who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in His presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God."  2 Corinthians 4:13-15 (NIV)

 

 

 

With prayers that the overflow of your heart...your giving of thanks...for His grace, His power, His great love for us...brings great glory to our Redeemer!

 



Return to Me...Return to Me...Return to Me

"Return to Me, for I have redeemed you." Isaiah 44:22 (NIV)

I woke to the roar of leaf blowers.

Several men labored intently to beautify our neighborhood. In a matter of minutes sidewalks, lawns, and streets were cleared of fallen leaves as they gathered them into crunchy piles which were sucked up by a giant yellow vacuumy tube. Ah. All clear.

For maybe an hour.

Soon strong gusts of wind plucked hundreds more from their limbs, tossing them into the air, and leaving them strewn all over the ground like fallish confetti.

I couldn't help but wonder if those men felt defeat next time they passed that way.

Yet, they just return and do it all over again. And again. And again.

And I wonder how often that happens to us.

You know, when you achieve victory in cleaning up some area of your sin life...like unforgiveness...or gossip...or a critical spirit...and then Boom! you do it again.

Or when you've welcomed and accepted the peace that only Jesus can give over a situation and then Whack! worry slams you and sucks you into its grasp.

Or you've taken a step of obedience to God and then Whoosh! fear rushes over you like Niagara Falls.

And then there's embracing of acceptance and fulfillment in the realization that you are chosen, loved, a child of the King, and that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it and Crash! you fall into a pit of insecurity, doubt, and feelings of unworthiness.

When that happens, you've got to take action. Get out your own blowing machine and blast those thoughts and the actions they prompt to smithereens!

Return to Him. He loves you and has redeemed you. Get in His Word and hear His encouragement to you.

Return. Again. And again. And again.                                                         

Wednesday Worship~Still

"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

 



Monday Meditation~Be Still and Know

 

 

Psalm 46 (NIV)

 

God is our refuge and strength,

An ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the

earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging.

 

There is a river whose streams make

glad the city of God,

the holy place where the Most High

dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall;

God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;

He lifts His voice, the earth melts.

The LORD Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

 

Come and see the works of the LORD,

the desolations He has brought on

the earth.

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;

He breaks the bow and shatters the spear,

He burns the shields with fire.

"Be still, and know that I am God'

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth."

The LORD Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

 

 

Whatever our day...or week...or month...or year holds, we must remember that "the Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." He is "our refuge and strength." We need not fear. We must have faith...trust Him...be still and know that He is God.

Wednesday Worship~Never Alone

"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 (NIV)

God is with us.

In the good times...in the hard times.

He will never leave us nor forsake us. We are never alone.

Monday Meditation~The Bell Tolls for You!

"The Lord is near."  Philippians 4:5b (NIV)

Last week as I had my quiet time, a devotion by Sarah Young in Jesus Calling resonated in my soul.  As she wrote of words that Jesus would speak to us, she said, "I am with you. I am with you. I am with you. Heaven's bells continually peal with that promise of My presence....When you step back into the mainstream of life, strain to hear those glorious bells; I am with you. I am with you. I am with you."

This really struck a chord with me. We live in a neighborhood with a clock tower that chimes the hour...and the quarter hour...and the half hour...and the three quarter hour. What before were just bells chiming the time of day, now have become constant reminders that God is with us. God is with us. God is with us. Ah, what a sweet sound!

No matter what time of day or night, whether life flows like a tranquil stream or blows like the winds of a hurricane, remember the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 and the fulfillment revealed to Joseph in Matthew 1:23 that says, "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel-which means, 'God with us.'"

Yes, God is with us. God is with us. God is with us.

Wrap your heart around that promise today and embrace His presence.

His Word reminds us, "Then you will call upon 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."  Jeremiah 29:12-13

Listen. Do you hear it? The bell tolls for you.

Do You Want More?

I'm going to 'fess up.                                                                        

I'm a Halloween grinch. I'm so glad that it's over. I'm just not a fan.

There's just something about it that rubs me the wrong way. Maybe it comes from a traumatic experience in my first year of motherhood. Or from years teaching in Christian schools. Or the concept of spending way too much money on candy that children really don't need. Or just that it's creepy.

I don't like creepy.

Now, that doesn't mean that I didn't love seeing my darlin' grandbaby dressed up like a ladybug or that I never allowed my daughters to go trick or treating. I did. But I much prefer church fall festivals and such that give families fun options for the evening. For years we've taken advantage of those types of activities or just gone out to eat and avoided being at home until the ghosts and goblins finished their rounds.

This year, because we moved to a new neighborhood, we decided to be good residents and participate by turning on our porch light, filling a really big bowl with candy (and refilling it several times) and handing it out to the costumed visitors. It was sweet to see babies dressed as sheep...or puppies...or elephants...little girls all princessed up...and some really cute superheroes. Not so sweet to see those with blood dripping from their mouths...or kids (that were way too big to be trick or treating) masquerading as other ghoulish characters...some really, really scary.

What horrified me the most, though, was the little princess who looked at the three pieces of candy that I cheerfully dropped in her plastic jack-o-lantern and mumbled, "Can I have more?"

Honestly, I was a bit dumbfounded. Yet I gave her another piece.

I don't think she even said, "Thank you."

I haven't quite been able to shake that interaction. I've mulled it over in my mind. I've meditated on various spiritual "take-aways."

Here's my favorite.

I want to boldly look up to the Father and ask for more.

Not sweet treats. Not more stuff.

Just more of Him. More knowledge. More wisdom. More time in His Word. More love...to share. 

And I pray that I always remember to say, "Thank You."

Wednesday Worship~You Are A Masterpiece!

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

No matter what your age, this song from Steven Curtis Chapman is such a sweet reminder that you are God's masterpiece. I pray that you are feeling the love today!

Monday Meditation~Do You Know What You Are?

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Did you get that, my friend?

YOU are God's workmanship!!

Other translations say God's creation...design...handiwork...
accomplishment...masterpiece.

Bask in that for a moment.

It's Truth.

And not only that, but He created you to do something special for Him. And you don't have to do it on your own. He prepared in advance to equip you for that work!!

I pray that you let those words fall over you today like your favorite cozy blanket.

Lizardly Lessons

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave your nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

Yep. This is going to be about lizards.                                                      

And let me just say that I know that the verse above was not written about lizards, but I applied it. Smile.

I must confess. This post was supposed to have been written long ago. God gave me the message and I just never got around to tapping it out.

And so He had to impress it upon me a little more intimately...up close and personal. Smile again.

In our last house, we had this lizard...I think it was a blue-tailed skink, actually...living in our garage. It took great delight, I feel sure, in sneaking up on me and totally scaring the bejeebies out of me.

So I was reminded often that there was an unwritten post about "Lurking Lizards" and the fears that skulk around in our lives.

Didn't get it done.

God felt the need to whisper a little louder.

So now we've moved on to a different house. I've not seen lizards in my garage yet. However, this was my surprise on Tuesday.

In case it's hard for you to figure out just what's going on in that photo, that's my dog (17 year old, deaf and almost blind) Cocoa sunning in her bed at the back door in my kitchen.

With her lizard friend. (Of which she was totally unaware.)

Holding my 6 month old granddaughter in my arms, I shrieked to my 12 year old daughter, "Help! There's a lizard in here!! You've got to get it out!!!"

She was not feeling that.

So I had to become the brave, responsible adult and conquer the foe! I wish I had it on video. We could probably have become a YouTube sensation!

After claiming Deuteronomy 31:6, I managed, hilariously, to get our little reptilian friend out to continue the sunbath on our back porch.

So what's my take-away? What are the lizardly lessons?

Here's what I've come up with.

• There's always something lurking, causing fear, even threatening to undo us.
• We can become paralyzed and ineffective when we give in to the fear.
• More often than not, those fears are way bigger than than the subject of the fear. (Think tiny skink.)
• The very thing we're afraid of is often not viable. (In Beth Moore's Patriarchs Bible study, she uses the acronym for fear as False Evidence Appearing Real. That is often the case. Not always, but often.)
• We might surprise ourselves if we face our fear and act upon it. Get the lizard out of the house!
• Ask God to equip us...to be our shield and defender...to strengthen our resolve.
• God understands our fear. In fact, He addresses it over and over in Scripture. I've heard it said that His urging us to "not fear" or "not be afraid" is written 365 times...one for each day of the year.
• We need to seek His reassurance, His promises to us, and trust in Him.

A great place to start is Psalm 121, which says,

"I lift up my eyes to the hills-

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip-

He who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, He who watches over Israel

will neither slumber or sleep.

The LORD watches over you-

the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm-

He will watch over your life;

the LORD will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore."



The Maker of heaven and earth watches over us and cares about everything that concerns us. And oh, how He loves us. May we be faithful in trusting Him.

Wednesday Worship~Never Alone

"...the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

You are never alone.

God is always there.

It's His promise.

And God doesn't lie.

No matter what your situation...no matter what ties bind you...no matter what you've done.

Even if it feels that He's silent.

And invisible.

He's there.

You are never alone.

I'm praying for you to tangibly feel His presence today.

Monday Meditation~Hope

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 NIV    

Are you in need of hope today?

For healing? For help? For direction? For affirmation?

Do you need a strong dose of hope for the salvation of a loved one?

For a relationship that seems to be failing?

For love?

Whatever your hopelessness is for today, there is One who sees and is the source of hope-full-ness.

Yes, may He "fill you with all joy and peace," to the point of overflowing with HOPE in His power.

Quicksand or His Sand

“How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.” Psalm 139: 17-18 (NIV)

Do you ever get consumed by what people think of you?

Or what you think they think of you?

I’ve got to admit. I can easily fall into the quicksand of insecurity and worry that engulfs as a result of that very thing.

As a preacher’s daughter and former preacher’s wife, I have anguished over people’s opinions of me, my family, my home, and basically every aspect of my life. Now, because I worry about what you will conclude from that statement…noting  I’m a former preacher’s wife, I feel the need to verify that I’m still married to him (although at times ministry threatened to do us in), but he now is in an executive role in denominational ministry. And not because he was unsuccessful…or did anything wrong as a pastor. It’s because God gifted him enormously for that job!

See, what you think…what I think you might think…can do a number on me.

I love an illustration that my husband used to share from the pulpit on this subject.

When in a heart to heart with his precious grandmother regarding his concern over what someone might think about a certain situation, his Mama Butler, told him, “Sunshine (That’s what she called my hubby.), when you’re young, all you care about is what people think about you. And you get married and have kids and you’re too busy to care about what people think of you. You hit middle age and you don’t care about what people think about you anymore. But then you get old and realize that nobody was thinking about you in the first place.”

Whenever I take a stroll down by that quicksand, I often think of the words of Mama Butler.

And more importantly, I think of the fact that whether or not someone is thinking of me…whether or not it is good or bad or indifferent, that the only One who matters is thinking about me, sees me through the blood of Christ, and loves me unfailingly. And the key verse above is testimony to that! Imagine that! God’s thoughts of us “outnumber the grains of sand.” (I was at the beach when I wrote this. That’s a lot of thinkin’!)

In my quiet time one morning, reading from Beth Moore’s devotional book, Praying God’s Word Day by Day, she said, “No matter what time of night you roll over in bed, you will catch God in the middle of a thought about you.” Don’t you just love that?

Wednesday Worship~Come Thou Fount

Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,

 Your faithfulness to the skies.

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,

Your justice like the great deep.

O LORD, You preserve both man and beast.

How priceless is Your unfailing love!

Both high and low among men

find refuge in the shadow of Your wings.

They feast on the abundance of Your house;

You give them drink from Your river of delights.

For with You is the fountain of life;

in Your light we see light.

Psalm 36:5-9 (NIV)

 

 

 

 

Overwhelmed by His love, overflowing with gratitude.

Monday and Wednesday on Friday

Hopefully the old adage applies....Better late than never. So here's Monday Meditation and Wednesday Worship all rolled up into a post on Friday! I pray it blesses your heart.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you...." 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV)

Pots and pans.

Not just any pots and pans. My Nana's pots and pans.

I inherited them.

This week I had the privilege of using them for the first time. I'm a pretty good cook, but I think our dinners taste even better being cooked in those pots. Nana broke them in really well. She was surely one of the best cooks around! And I feel as though I have her help in my kitchen now.

As I stirred something yummy in one of those pots, I thought about inheritances.

Those pots are among my precious treasures because they represent family and times shared around the table. The aroma of noodles and green beans and fried chicken. A house echoing with laughter and overflowing with love as we celebrated Thanksgiving or Christmas...or just the joy of eating Nana's cooking on any occasion.

As I pondered inheritances, my mind was drawn to the greatest inheritance of all, that of Jesus Christ and the promise of eternity with Him.

I have that as a result of a precious heritage of lovers of God's Word and followers of the Lord. Because my grandparents and my parents shared that love with me and demonstrated how to walk with the Lord, I join them in enjoying Him as my everything...my treasure...my inheritance. Forever.

Ever since that day, this song has been playing in my head. Yes, we are rich. And blessed.

Father, how we thank You for calling us Your own. Oh how we love You.

Where's the Thanks?

"Now, our God, we give You thanks, and praise Your glorious Name." 1 Chronicles 29:13 (NIV)

Even though I was in a bit of a rush and it would have been so easy to ignore the car waiting to exit the parking lot, I didn't.

I even backed up in heavy traffic to let him in.

I smiled, watching for his sign of thanks.

Nothing.

No smile in the rearview window. No words mouthing "Thank you." No wave.

Nothing.

Out loud, I said, "Uh...where's the thanks?"

But before my dismay at his lack of appreciation took over, I felt a sudden smashing of my own toes.  Ugh. How often do I forget to say thanks? For little things? For big things? To strangers who "let me in" in heavy traffic...or ahead of them in the grocery line? To my parents who can never be thanked enough for all the ways they've supported me...financially, physically, emotionally, spiritually? To my husband for being the most amazing mate ever? To my daughters for making me so proud? To my friends for being who they are?

And most importantly, to God? It brought tears to my eyes to consider all He does for me, gives to me, and the way He loves me...unfailingly. And yet I often go on my way without a word of thanks.

He is so faithful.

I want to be faithful in giving Him thanks.

I love the verse above that says, "NOW, our God, we give You thanks, and praise Your glorious Name."

Do you need to thank Him for something? NOW is a great time!

Wednesday Worship~All My Fountains

"As they make music they will sing, 'All my fountains are in You.'" Psalm 87:7 (NIV)

I'm praying that as you worship Him today that His fountains of living water will wash over you and flood your soul to overflowing.

Monday Meditation~Fountains of Living Water

"But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14 (NIV)

Living Water.

Today I have a new perspective.

I guess when I've considered the words before, it has been within the context of the passage above where Jesus talks with a Samaritan woman.

I've been content to view the "spring" of living water solely as that which wells up to eternal life...which is within itself awe-inspiring...unfathomable, really. But still, a concept that is settled within my scope of faith.

But today a broader meaning bubbles within my soul...a burst of joy in a fresh revelation erupts in my heart...a newfound cistern of strength and hope washes over every ounce of my being.

Today I'm embracing the passage in Psalm 87:7 that declares, "All my fountains are in You."

All my fountains.

Yes, the personal spring of salvation, but also the living water that fills me...that is all I need...that helps me live...and that flows over into the life of those around me.That fountain is the ultimate source of love, strength, and of hope. From within that flood comes the essence of the fruit of the Spirit that dwells within us and springs forth in the forms of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

All my fountains. My salvation. My yesterdays, todays, and all my tomorrows. Every good thing that trickles, sprays, gushes, or pours from my life is a result of the Fountain that fills my soul.

Now, you've probably "gotten" this all along. I feel a bit foolish that this insight is fresh for me today. How did I miss it??? I do love that no matter how old I get (and that will increase this week!) God continues to teach me and grow me into the woman He wants me to be.

I'm praying for all your fountains to be filled in Him today!                                                             

Wednesday Worship~Still Delighting

Here's one of my favorites for delighting in the Lord! It's Kari Jobe's Run To You. Enjoy!

I'm praying sweet blessings as you run to Him today!!

Monday Meditation~Delight-full!

"I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God." Isaiah 61:10a (NIV)

Delight-full.

That's how I feel this morning!

Full of delight in His presence.

It began with my quiet time, as I read, "Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, O LORD. They rejoice in Your name all day long; they exult in Your righteousness." Psalm 89:15-16 (NIV)

Oh, friend, I want to acclaim Him! Acclaim means to welcome with sounds of shouts of joy! 

You know that song that says, "I just want to shout Hallelujah, thank You Jesus. Lord, You're worthy of all the glory and of all the honor and all the praise." Are you shoutin' with me?

I desire to walk in the light of His presence!

I long to rejoice in His name all day long!

This morning, the awe of His greatness enveloped me.

Joy so overwhelming flooded my soul...beckoning me to lift my hands and twirl (yes, right in the front yard) engulfed in His sweet company.

Worship time (in my car with Kari Jobe) led me to greater heights, completely overtaken by His majesty, His presence, His abounding love.

Um-hmm, I'm full of delight in the LORD!

How has He delighted you today?

Lord, draw us into the light of Your presence. Fill us to overflowing with Your love so that we can't help but shout in acclamation of Your great Name! Flood our hearts, souls, and minds with the assurance of Your love for us that knows no bounds. We rejoice in that love. May our love to You and to those around us reflect the magnitude of Your own.

*Acclaim definition from Dictionary.com
*Words and music by James Huey for When I Think About the Lord

              

Wednesday Worship~Circle of Friends

"A friend loves at all times...." Proverbs 17:17a (NIV)

While attending a ladies event at my church last night, I heard this song...an oldie, but goody!! Real goody!!

I am blessed by such a wonderful circle of friends...sisters of the heart...girls that I can be real with...those with whom I can laugh, cry, celebrate, pray...encourage and be encouraged.

Thank You, Lord, for those that You placed in our lives to walk this journey, encouraging us along life's way. Help us to keep You at the center of all we do. And Lord, for those who feel alone as they travel life's road, please send just the right circle of friends to be Your arms around them. Thank You for the gift of friendship. And Lord, how we rejoice that You have called us friends (John 15:15)!

Wednesday Worship~When You're Shaken

"'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the LORD, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)

He is not shaken. Nor is His covenant of peace. His compassion never fails. Nor does His love.

He is in control.

Lord, when we're shaken, help us to trust in You. To sing praise to You. You are our help in times of trouble. Thank You for being in control. And loving us. Unfailingly. We love You.

Monday Meditation~Shaken

"'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the LORD, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)

She was shaken.

Reeling.

Stumbling and disoriented.

Struggling to find her way to safety.

We think she did.

My youngest daughter and I were riding along in early morning traffic, enjoying the last days of summer beauty and sharing our excitement about fall's imminence.

I said, "Oh look, there is a fawn!" It ambled along, grazing in the grassy field near the roadway.

My daughter exclaimed, "Look! There's another one!"

Unfortunately, it had ventured into traffic and was bumped by a vehicle. Yes, the wind seemed to have been knocked from the little one as she tumbled and scrambled to make her way across. And she did.

I couldn't help but think how often life can be like that.

We mosey along, enjoying the scenery and then WHAM, out of nowhere something happens to shake our very being and leave us clambering to regain our footing.

It's at that point that all we can do is trust.

Trust that it didn't catch God off guard. Trust that He is in control. Trust that He will equip us with strength. Trust in His unfailing love.

We cling to the hope that "The Sovereign LORD is [our] strength; He makes [our] feet like the feet of a deer, He enables [us] to go on the heights." (Habakkuk 3:19) And to rely on Him in the depths. We must believe that He alone can be our Source of peace.

Hangin' Out With Friends Today!

"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us." 1 John 4:11-12 (NIV)

Today I am hangin' out with two really dear friends!

Are there people God has placed in your life that are like colorful, sparkly presents all dolled up with fancy bows and your name inscribed in calligraphy on the nametag that seem to be dropped right straight from the portals of heaven?? Well, I'm visiting with two of my favorite God gifts today...unfortunately not face to face, but where we often gather...in the bloggy world!

Please head on over to Susan Stilwell's blog and join us there. Susan is a blogger extraordinaire, accomplished speaker, diligent student of the Word, and even teaches yearly on tours to the Holy Land!! She is an expert at all things computer and has an incredible blog for bloggers. It is rumored that she makes the best banana bread, but I've never tasted it. We've shared some really awesome pie, though!

Then mosey on over to Inspire a Fire where Vonda Skelton is graciously hosting me. You can get better acquainted with this lovely lady at her website. While there, peruse (and purchase) her books. She is a wonderful writer and mentor to multitudes of writers! Vonda is also a renowned speaker and instructor of speakers. Her talents seem to know no bounds. Keep your eyes peeled for that face, as she's in the movies these days!

I know that you will want to visit these ladies often and be blessed by their love for the Lord and the way they use their gifts to honor Him and bring glory to His great Name!

Wednesday Worship~Holy and Anointed One

"Let them praise Your great and awesome Name-He is holy." Psalm 99:3 (NIV)

May the sweet Name of Jesus be on our lips. May we worship Him wholeheartedly. May we be filled with His Spirit, and may His Word truly be a lamp for our feet.