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?