Hallelujah! Let's celebrate!

 Arise, shine, for your light has come,

 and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. (Isaiah 60:1)

Picture the bride as she links arms with her daddy, ready to head down the aisle. The trembling smile. The shaking bouquet. The shared long look. Eyes sparkling. Toes tapping. All in anticipation of something that has long been dreamed, imagined, and hoped for. The long-awaited time is at hand ...

Picture the little children racing down the stairs on Christmas morn. Dancing. Hopping. Hands clapping. Eyes twinkling. Squeals of joy! Shaking with delight as to what is to come! All in anticipation of something that has long been dreamed, imagined and hoped for. The long-awaited time is at hand ...

Picture yourself breathing in and relishing the true meaning of Christmas. Body and soul practically vibrate with joyous excitement. Every sense on high alert. See the candlelight. Hear the bells. Smell the fresh-cut evergreens. Taste the special holiday treats and the touch of a loved one near ...

Come. Journey down the aisle. Dance and hop and clap your hands! Take in every trigger of enjoyment. The long-awaited time is at hand! The joyous celebration begins! The birth of Christ!

Here Comes the Sun

 

Cats love to lay in the sun. It's so warm and cozy! They don't seem to have a trouble in the world, do they? Life is good in the sunlight. 

When it starts to feel a little cold and "dark", they wake up. And move to where the sun is shining. Again and again, I can watch them move across the living room floor as the day goes on. 

Is your world feeling cold and dark? Wake up! Move to where the warmth of God's light is - a walk in nature, sure. But it could also be some praise music or the company of a good friend. I've saved some inspirational quotes and love looking through them when the day feels blah. Got a fireplace? Or some great-smelling candles? Soon we'll be enjoying the glow of Christmas lights. Know what makes you feel near to God. I bet you find a warm, cozy feeling there. Move there. Again and again. Take it from my cats; there's no better place to be.

Your sun shall no more go down or your moon withdraw itself, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended. (Isaiah 60:20) 

Jesus said to the people, "I am the Light of the world, So if you follow Me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, for living light will flood your path. (John 8:12)

Shop Small Business Saturday

 

Limited supply of Christmas gift goodies! 

First, matted 5x7 prints of some favorites! Choose from 

Watercolor cat

Watercolor dog

Watercolor turtle

Flower patch

Shoreline rocks

Be still cross

Confetti birds

A steal at $8.00 each! Free shipping or arrange for pickup. Great grouped together or stand-alone and tucked in an unexpected place. All are sure to bring a smile!

Second, these are called pillow gift boxes. And they are perfect for candy, cash, gift card, lottery ticket, jewelry… Package of 12 for $5.00. Another great deal! What a wonderful gift box for one or more on your list! Yes, Free shipping! (Shipped flat, you just pop the ends inward to create the pillow.)

And of course, there’s still time for cards! Christmas theme, general winter theme, and other "any occasion" cards. Orders always come with a list of suggested messages. Priced at 12 for $10. Free shipping or arrange for pickup.

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop.html

Special pricing is good until December 10, 2022.

Email me with your selections or write me a note. 

juliecrane.57@att.net

P.O.Box 618

Dimondale MI 48821

Send your payment.

And your goodies will be on their way!

I Turn to You

 I'm happy when someone is able to help me out; show me the way through something I can't quite figure out. I hate the feeling of frustration when whatever it is I am working on doesn't come out right, even after reading the instructions over and over and trying again and again. Yes, I am so relieved when someone comes along with more knowledge and experience - to show me more clearly - the way.

Whether it's a crafting project or how to make a recipe gluten-free, I am thankful for those who know more than I do. It might still take some time, but with a friend sharing what they already know, I can get to the end (with truly unexpected, wonderful results!) A friend can help me achieve what I was positive I couldn't bring to completion. Knowing there is someone in the wings with greater knowledge is such a comfort!

But there are things friends can't help with.

There are things even googling can't help with.

That's why I am most at peace when I remember God is the ultimate holder of all knowledge. God is above and beyond all else. Truly we can trust in Him for the solution to every struggle. Bigger. Better. Beyond any answer our feeble, human minds can drum up. Yes, yes, I know, His timing is different than ours. But His end result! His end result is the better way. God still supplies, provides, and guides. God does amazing, marvelous, indescribable, beyond our wildest hopes and dreams things!

After all, He IS God.

So, if you're wondering, worrying, and just can't figure a problem out  - might I suggest you turn to God. (God doesn't mind if it's big or small!) And turn it over to God. (God can handle both big and small!) Instead of being fearful of what you don't know, turn to the great I AM. The One who knows all, sees all and can do all. In His perfect knowledge.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, Who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)

And don't forget to check out my online card shop for the latest designs! New updates coming in the next day or two! FREE suggested messages too!

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop.html

I

The Purr-fect Carrier

 Taking my cats to the vet is a real experience. One cat cries and cries until she realizes she is safe in the carrier. Even the rumbling of the car motor becomes soothing instead of frightful. The other cat is too scared to even meow one peep. Eyes big… crouched down low… 

When my cats are afraid, they generally run for cover. Under the couch. A carrier also provides that all-around protection. The screen door allows just enough view of the outside world to know it’s safer to be inside the walls of the carrier. 

Does one of these cats describe you… in the arms of our Savior? Do you first cry and cry before eventually settling in? Are you sometimes speechless, unable to form words for a prayer? 

He tends his flock like a shepherd:
    He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
    he gently leads those that have young. - Isaiah 40:11

Even to your old age and gray hairs
    I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
    I will sustain you and I will rescue you. - Isaiah 46:4

Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. - Psalm 68:19 NLT

You,too, have the perfect Carrier:

Through sickness, cancer, marriage, divorce, loss, finances, relationships, temptations… 

The Lord stands strong, mighty and ready to carry you - whatever comes your way. 

Cry if you must. 

Crouch down as you look out into your circumstances. 

But my prayer is that you realize - you are safe in His arms and held close to His heart. 

God Almighty is with you. Carrying you through it all. 

Yet again. 

Don’t forget to check out the card shop found on the website! Christmas cards and more! Great gift for the note writer you know! Keep some on hand for yourself as well! You’ll be glad you did!

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop.html

Honor

 

Many of us have experienced it. A bible verse you have read a hundred times suddenly comes alive with new clarity and understanding. Or a well-known biblical concept jumps off the page of your daily devotional. It happened to me just the other day.

The writer was sharing about Old Testament burnt offerings. Done every morning and every night. Every day and every night. By the priest. And I remembered that it was for the atonement of sins. But the writer went a step further and said it was also to serve as holy worship. Worship... God-honoring. Revering. And it made me pause. Because, yes, I do pray to God. I do ask and give thanks. I sing praise songs. And I try to do things that please Him. But the idea of stopping and dropping everything - and taking a moment to just honor the Lord for Who He is - without the asking. Without even the thanking. 

So this morning I took the pause. When the house got quiet, I lit a candle. I looked into the flame. And I said,  "God, You are important to me." No asking. No pleading. No concerns. Not this time. Not in this moment. Just, "God, You are important to me. I stop and drop everything in this moment. To honor You."

HONOR - to regard with great respect

EXALT - to hold someone in very high regard; to think very highly of

REVERE - to feel deep respect or admiration for

I didn't stay long with my candle. I just tried to breathe and stick with my chosen train of thought. 

I wonder what would happen if I chose to add this one simple little God-honoring moment to my mornings. And to my late afternoons. "God, You are important to me."

I believe I want to find out...

Drumroll! Christmas 2022 cards now available!

 It's Christmas time! It's Christmas time!

Mix! Match! Create!

Your own pack

Something for everyone

on your list

Short message suggestions

included with every order

I know! Too cute for words!

What to pick??

Lots of variety to choose from.

Click the link below to find

the catalog and ordering information.

(A reminder: 12 for $10 for those of you

who can arrange for pick up)

CATALOG:

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop.html

SUGGESTED MESSAGES:

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/suggested-christmas-messaages.html

Love comes down

 So many of us want that mountaintop experience... and to stay there. Because that's where we feel God is closest. And we feel the safest and most loved and secure. Maybe that's because we picture God being up high somewhere instead of always down here by us. Yes, we certainly want to be "up where God is" - where it's comfortable and everything is good and feels good and feels close to God.

You would think God would want to stay "up there" too. Up with the heavenly hosts. Where everything is good and perfect and beautiful. But in His great mercy and love, He is not only "up there". God comes down. He comes down to where we are. Curled up in a ball on our bed. In deep waters of confusion, frustration... despair. All those dark, scary places. There you will find God too. He is not only found on the mountaintops. He is not only found in the heavenly realms. God comes down to be with us - wherever we are. 

We find this truth in Philippians 2:6 -

Who, being in the very nature of God, He chose not to cling to equality with God...

Jesus did not stay in the heavens. He humbled Himself and came down. For us.

And there is a song that is also a good reminder:

Come ye weary heavy laden

Bruised and mangled by the Fall

If you tarry till you're better

You will never come at all

God is with you - whether curled up in the fetal position, unmoving from the recliner, and under a blanket.  All messy. God is right there loving you. God will not leave you alone. No matter how deep your mess feels. So don't wait to seek the Lord. Don't wait for a mountaintop experience to feel God's presence. He is everywhere - all the time. 

Know and accept this truth. Wherever you are today.

Side note: Christmas card designs and Christmas messages being released October 6!

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop.html

God keeps working things out

 

I have to look back over the past few weeks, even months, to remember this. 

Forever God is faithful.

Forever God is strong.

Forever God is with us. Forever. Forever.

Looking back over the past year, all the worries and concerns I've had - and in that moment, they seemed so stressful and unmanageable. But here I am today with a cup of coffee and sunshine streaming through the window. And able to thank God for those miraculous fixes. Thanking God He got things resolved. Many things that have been long forgotten. And so today as I look at my prayer list and my concerns for this day, it is with blessed assurance in knowing that God keeps working things out. I know He knows the way - God always knows the way. And tomorrow, when I have new and different worries (or picking up the old ones), God will be there again.

So that's my mantra: God keeps working things out.

"My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working." (John 5:17)

God never tires, slumbers or sleeps. God doesn't give up. He doesn't turn His back. He doesn't get anxious because He knows the perfect solution. He is always steadily moving forward. To this very day. For our good. It seems for however many problems I can dream up, God has an answer. Eventually. But even in the waiting, God sends little bright spots and shimmering sparkles along the way. Catch them if you can. Troubles come. But with God, troubles go. There is resolution in His heart and hands. He will make the rough path smooth. He will. Ya just gotta let Him do it.

Happy Fall Card Designs!

 

Happy Fall Y'all! You'll want to grab of dozen of these "refreshing as fall air" card designs to keep on hand. And there are a few other new ones you won't be able to resist as well. You never know when you'll be called upon to send a note of encouragement. Don't miss an opportunity to lift another person up.

You'll find all these and more at the Card Shop. Scroll down and click on the Catalog. Use the order form from the Card Shop link... or sending me an email works too.

A reminder for those who are local, there is a price cut if you can arrange for pick up. 12 cards for $10.00

Here's the link:

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop.html

Peek-a-boo God

 Like many people, I have a prayer list next to my chair. And in the morning, I lift those folks up in prayer to an almighty God. I pray in confidence and trust that this almighty God is already fully engaged in each person's life. I pray, watching and waiting, to see what almighty God will reveal to us.

Songs, phrases, and circumstances can all trigger additional thoughts (and prayers!) about a person throughout the day. Another reminder to trust and believe in our Lord and Savior, Healer, Helper, Comforter, and Friend.

I do send a card once in a while, to let someone know they are remembered and prayed over. But not every time - can you imagine? There seems to be a constant flow of what many call a "popcorn" prayer - a one-sentence prayer that just pops up - with that person's life in mind. But no one ever really knows how many prayers are said over them because God called them to mind.

The same is true for God's involvement in our lives. There are times when we feel an answered prayer. But innumerable times when God blesses, protects, intervenes... without our realizing it. But we know, we can trust that God is forever faithful. There is a constant flow of His caring, loving attentiveness over each one of us. 

Whatever circumstance you find yourself in, know that God has called someone to pray.

Jesus, Himself intercedes.

I pray for them. (John 17:9)

God, Whom I serve... is my witness how constantly I remember you. (Romans 1:9)

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. (Romans 8:26)

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. (Ephesians 6:18)

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. (Philippians 1:4)

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. (Colossians 1:9)

So watch. Wait. Trust. Believe. With a certain hope - what goodness God will reveal in His time.

If you need some notecards to let someone know you care, visit my card shop:

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop.html

A Call to Joy

 It's another hot day and I'm trying to design Christmas cards! 

Art can be hard to do if you let it. One of the first mistakes is to try to do like everybody else. Another is to try to force yourself to do something (like draw a dog) when your heart just isn't in it right now. It seems good and right (to balance out all the cat designs!). But the harder I try, the more I struggle and the more dissatisfied I become with my artwork. I come to the conclusion that I'm not an artist at all. And that's simply not true. What I let happen was allowing predetermined demands and expectations to suck all the joy out of it.

A third is reading, studying, watching, and following all others - compiling all kinds of rules on how to do art.

Art flows from the heart. Art oozes. Art starts with a playful spirit. It splashes. Then layers. Then adds some more. It smiles. It is a joy. Forget what others are doing. Forget what you think you should be doing just because it would be good and right. And forget all those rules, rules, rules. Follow your heart.

The same could be said of our Christian walk. Yes, there are others doing really wonderful, good and right, things. But if it's not a joy for you... realize you just have a different joy-calling. Don't see their calling as better. You have a calling in your heart from God. One that is a joy to do. There are all kinds of callings. Something for everyone. You don't have to labor away, struggling and grudgingly, just because you see it as good and right. As with the artist, you might just start thinking you're not a very good Christian after all. And that's simply not true! Don't let demands and expectations suck all the joy out of your walk with the Lord.

But in fact, God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? (1 Corinthians 12: 18-19)

What do you love to do?

What if money were no object?

What would you do even if you didn't get paid?

What do you do that you get lost in; lose track of time doing?

What causes you to smile to yourself?

There's the hint to your joy-calling.

Serve the Lord with gladness! Get rid of all those rules and preconceived notions. Just sit for a minute. Close your eyes and lay your palms up and open. Ask God for your joy-calling. What's the first thing that pops into your mind? Don't be too quick to dismiss it. Ponder. Seek. Ask. Let it flow. Ooze. Splash. Smile.

Living out your God-given joy-calling IS the good and right thing to do!

... so that they may have the full measure of My joy within them. (John 17:13)

Don't forget to check out the offerings in my CARD SHOP! The link is below: (and then the download button)

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop.html

I'm still mad

I know, the bible says not to let the sun go down while you are still angry (Ephesians 4:26), but there are times when frustration and upsetness just seem to take over. On top of that, I kinda relish the feeling. Dog gone it, I am mad! I feel justified in being angry. And whatever it is, whether major or minor, I don't want it to happen anymore. I know you have felt this way too. I want to be mad and pout until everyone knows how I feel about the situation.

So I go to bed mad. Upset. Frustrated. Angry.

And in the morning, when I gather my bible and journal for morning quiet time with God... there it is. All those stirred-up feelings still nagging me. I try to push them aside. I try to praise God. I try to pray for others. But it's just like I learned at a retreat I attended last week. It's hard to figure out dinner when there's a bear chasing you. 

It's true. When there's a problem nagging, it is hard to focus on anything else. And near impossible to focus with the right heart. You have to make peace with what is bothering you. It needs resolution before you can be fully present for anything else.

 So I pour out my heart to God. The God Who understands. The God Who wants me to come to Him with every kind of concern. Even anger and frustrations. God is not upset or disappointed in me. Remember: we know that in all things God works for the good... (Romans 8:28) God can use this. Remember: nothing can separate us from the love of God, nothing in all creation (Romans 8:39). 

Know that God loves and accepts you in your frazzled state.

Know that God will heal and restore.

Know that God will bless you again.

God loves you. His love never wavers.

God will shine a light in the darkness for you.

God forgives.

God knows how to move you forward.

Just do the next right thing and before you know it, you will be able to look back and say, "I know that was You, God!"

Is it too early for thoughts of Christmas?

 It's hard to believe some stores are already displaying Christmas decorations to buy. There were Christmas movies and Christmas in July sales too. We have to wonder - what's the hurry? Why the rush?

And if Christmas only brings to mind the gifts you need to purchase, the decorations to put up, the meals to plan and buy and prepare for family and friends, plus the getting dressed up for company parties... plus, plus, plus! Well, it is no wonder we groan when all these early reminders - of all that work - pop up. I'm exhausted already. It will be soon enough for all that hustle and bustle, right?

But what if... what if every mention of Christmas brought about warm thoughts of Jesus? That sweet baby ended up saving you and me and the whole world. What if every mention of Christmas brought us a sense of immeasurable love from the Father, the amazing grace we sing about, and the promise that now we can live safe and secure in the knowledge that Jesus has so completely changed us - that we are fit for heaven to live with Him there.

Whenever I can settle my head and heart down to dwell on those kinds of thoughts, I want to treasure them and hold on to them as long as I can. I want to live in that loved and accepted bubble. Yeah... I don't want to wait for Christmas for that feel-good feeling. I don't want to wait for December. Let these feelings of Christmas, of Jesus, come and wrap around us on August 10. November 5. March 4. Let it be Christmas in our hearts every day.

Correction to CARD SHOP link

 https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop.html

May the Lord infuse you with strength

 

On my cancer journey, infusion meant sitting there with an IV in my arm. Hoping and praying the drug flowing in will have the desired outcome.

One dictionary defines infusion as this: the act of adding one thing to another to make it stronger or better; or an inward flow that helps to fill something. That certainly sounds like what we were looking for in the chemo treatments. Stronger. Better. 

I came across the "infusion" term when studying Ephesians 6:10. You might already be familiar with:

Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. (NIV)

But let's look at other translations.

(AMP) be strong in the Lord (draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him) and in the power of His (boundless) might.

(GW) receive your power from the Lord and from His mighty strength.

(TPT) stand victorious with the force of His explosive power flowing in and through you.

All these verses call you to draw from, receive, indeed - infuse yourselves with the strength and power that the Lord is extending to you. Let God add to you so you are stronger and better. Let that inward flow fill you. It's a gift of God.

Is there someone you know who could use a word or two to strengthen them? A reminder that God is on their side - ready to infuse, strengthen... make better? 

When there are no words...

 When it's not a "get well soon" situation... when life has taken a turn and there

is no turning back... it is so tough to try to think of something good, helpful, and meaningful to write in a card. I'm upset. I'm emotional. I want them to know how much I really care. But nothing I think of sounds right.

One thing you can do is turn to the Master of all words. Scripture has an abundance of appropriate messages. I often start by looking up a favorite verse. Then look at it in different translations. There are a few translations that feel conversational in tone. There are often devotionals that reference that same verse, and so I can use a line or two from that.  Here's one example:

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still water; he restores my soul. (NRSV)

The Lord is my Shepherd (to feed, to guide, and to shield me), I shall not want. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters. He refreshes and restores my soul (life). (AMP)

God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. (MSG)

The Eternal is my shepherd, He cares for me always. He provides me rest in rich, green fields beside streams of refreshing water. He soothes my fears; He makes me whole again. (VOICE)

The next couple are from devotional books:

The Lord is my constant companion. There is no need that He cannot fulfill. Whether His course for me points to the mountaintops of glorious ecstasy or to the valleys of human suffering, He is by my side, He is ever present with me.

or -

The Lord is my peace. I shall not live in anxiety. He puts me under His wing of comfort and calms my spirit within me. He takes all my anxieties on Himself and helps me to focus on Him.

Can you see how helpful any one of these could be of help and comfort? All it takes is a favorite verse and a little research (and some prayer for guidance!) and you will be empowered by God's Word to send just the message at just the right time.

Does it matter?

 Are handwritten notes even "a thing" anymore? Isn't texting so much quicker and time-efficient? 

Research shows that a special closeness happens in receiving a letter and knowing it was handwritten by someone you love. And just like fingerprints, your personal handwriting is unique to you. Texting all looks the same, it all "sounds" the same. But with a handwritten note, you can almost hear the sender's voice as you read each word. You are holding the same card they had in their hands. And whatever was written - poor spelling, poor penmanship and all - make what you are now holding in your hand all that more memorable and worth savoring. I know this first hand. This card is from my son when he was stationed in Iraq. 2003. His sweet little lettering brought tears to my eyes. Of course, I still have it after all these years!

Handwritten notes all send a very important message besides what is actually written. Sending a personal note in this way communicates that you value this relationship, that you want to continue in this relationship. The receiver is important to you - enough so that you will take the time and effort to stop everything else and focus on creating a special message just for them. Writing and mailing a note plays a significant role in letting someone feel accepted, worthy, appreciated... and loved. You can actually make someone's day by sending a simple note. Notes can uplift, encourage and in general make someone feel seen, heard, and gain a sense of belonging. Yes, handwritten notes are powerful!

Below are photos of my birth announcement! In my mom's own handwriting. (Yes, my mom's nickname was Bill. Long story...) The note was to her mom. What a wonderful keepsake! And again, her handwriting I had seen a million times while I was away from home during my Navy days. There is just no replacement for having received her handwritten notes during that time in my life. I was able to enjoy funny cards and funny stories over and over again. 

Handwritten notes are warm and wonderful for both the sender and the recipient. They can really pack a punch! I'll bet you have some favored notes stashed away somewhere. Maybe it's time for a revisit of those saved cards and consider what you can do today to make an impact. 

Isaiah 55: 11 -

...so is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

It's time for a cardigan!

 

© 2022 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Freezing A/C in the sanctuary? In the doctor's waiting room? Even during this glorious summer weather, an evening out on the lake can turn chilly enough for a cardigan. The need for a cardigan may take you by surprise. Seems like every season has its reason for a cardigan.

So, yes, I'm going to say it: It's time for a "card-igan"! There's always a reason, or need, to send a note card. Year-round, there are people in your sphere of influence thirsty for a word of encouragement.

In a few short weeks, I will be launching my new card catalog. Fresh new designs. (I can't wait to show you my 2022 Julie creations!) Some old favorites too. (I know how you feel about old, familiar, and favorite "card-igans!) Me too!

Your comments on the web page or on Facebook will surely give me the boost I need to bring this reboot to completion! (email works too! juliecrane.57@att.net)

Don't let the need for a "card-igan" take you by surprise! Will you be ready?

An important invitation

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 
It's time to take a stand. Or should I say a sit. Some of the most precious and pleasurable moments in life have been coffee with a friend. Just some one-on-one, face-to-face conversation.

Saturday morning coffee at mom's used to be our weekly thing. I loved how her face lit up when I came through the door; her warm, welcoming hug; our words of greeting tumbling over each other. I really miss how she threw her head back in laughter at something I said... how she patted my arm as she topped off our cups. And, yes, there was usually a sweet treat involved!

I'm thinking God is up to something when He put in the Bible:

They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. (Acts 2:46-47)

I'm positive God wants us to spend time together. Whether it's catching up at a favorite coffee shop, enjoying a cold drink out on the deck, or a peaceful seat on a park bench... togetherness is a priority to God and it should be for us as well.

Did you ever think of your one-on-one time with a friend as a holy experience? Isn't it something so special - that unique connection you share? That closeness, bond, acceptance, and comfort... sure can feel like holy ground sometimes. Certainly, such friendship is a gift from God and should be relished time and again for the true gift it is. An emoji doesn't give you all that. But time with Jesus can offer that same sensation and more. A friend is just a taste of what Jesus offers as your Friend.

So my important invitation is two-fold. First, call that friend and make plans to get together as soon as you can. Don't put it off any longer. Look forward to that feeling you get when they walk through the door. Imagine the goodness of that warm, welcoming hug. Tumble over each other's words in greeting.  Throw your head back in laughter. Stay for a second cup. Be ready for something sweet!

And then set aside some time to experience the same with your dear Friend, Jesus.

At all times, in all places

 

When you are traveling, away from home, or even just at home during the summer break - your daily routine changes up. You may sleep in instead of doing your morning quiet time with God. Or fall into bed exhausted from a full day of vacation adventures, foregoing your usual nighttime prayer. But there are all kinds of new and different times and places to experience God. New surroundings. New rest periods that you didn’t have before. Something new can actually be… wonderful. It can be delicious to taste and see God from a new angle. But one thing is sure:

It is indeed right, It is our duty and our joy, At all times and in all places to give You thanks and praise, holy Father, heavenly King, almighty and eternal God, through Jesus Christ Your only Son our Lord. (Communion script)

Your prayers during this time may sound like a song. Your quiet time with God may be taking in the sights of beauty all around you. In thanks, adoration and praise.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)

Just like I can’t forget about my gluten sensitivity while on vacation, I should not forget to be aware of God while away from my normal routine. Just as menus offer new and different choices from what I would normally fix at home, different surroundings can offer up some new eye opening blessings from God. Look. See. What is new and exciting to embrace - relish - from God in these summer days? There is always something, some God-gift blessing, waiting to be discovered whether you are home or away.

So enjoy your summer - to the fullest!

And keep enjoying time with God too!

O Lord, hear my prayer

Resting on the promises of God

 Praises for someone landing a new job!

The face of precious babies.

Thank You for words of encouragement.

Thank You for shared prayers.

Continued blessings on a marriage.

Praise for another birthday!

Thanks and praise for laughter!

Prayers and support for those taking on a challenge.

Prayers for small businesses.

Thank You for Your Word.

Thanks for the reminders to trust in You.

Yummy recipes.

Thank You for music videos.

Prayers for those going through cancer.

I just scrolled through Facebook and prayed one-liners over every post I read. Surprised? First, it made me think of Matthew 6:

Your prayers need not be labored or lengthy or grandiose - for your Father knows what you need before you ever ask Him. (Matthew 7:8 VOICE) That makes one-line prayers still powerful and effective.

I admit I've struggled with social media. Sometimes it's so good, and other times it's hurtful and depressing. Then I recalled this verse that in some ways applies:

Even though you intended to harm me, God intended it only for good, and through me, He preserved the lives of countless people, as He is still doing today. (Genesis 50:20 VOICE) This verse comes from the infamous account of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. But he ends up saving the country from a severe famine. And using Facebook posts as a launchpad for prayers kind of feels like using social media (that can sometimes be bad), into something good and glorifying God. God always welcomes trust in Him.

So go on! You know you want to try it!

O Lord, hear my prayer...

How's your gardening skills?

 

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Why do seeds come with so many in the packet? I don't want or need dozens of the same plant. But planting is not a one-and-done kind of deal. You can't just bury one seed. You plant one, and another, and even more - hoping that SOME will sprout into the goodness and beauty you seek. But if nothing comes up, do you throw your hands in the air and say, "Oh well, I tried." No. You automatically know it's going to need sunlight and water. Probably some kind of fertilizer too. You need to return again and again to...  caring. You might invest some time in reading up on it to know the best tips on how to nurture and grow this kind of plant. You learn that some types of plants need to be held up with a string to guide the way. Some need an even stronger framework to help carry the load. And don't forget to pray over them!

If you're not familiar with the Parable of the Sower in the bible, you can read it below at the end of the post. It teaches us much about seeds and soils, planting, and caring.

The same principles apply to living in a Christlike way. Are you nice to someone once? Do you help someone once? And if you see no immediate fruit from your effort, do you throw up your hands and say, "Oh well, I tried."?

The "goodness" you plant in someone's life needs love and attention too, just like those seeds. You may need to be a little more invested, and need to return again and again to extend this "goodness" - if you want it to prosper into something beautiful and good. You might want to read up on it to find the best tips for helping in a situation. Find out what kind of support they need. And don't forget to pray over them!

So, how are your gardening skills?

Matthew 13:1-8

New International Version

The Parable of the Sower

13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.