Winding down

 He said before, “This is the time and place to rest,  to give rest to the weary. This is the place to lay down your burden. But they won’t listen.

(Isaiah 28:12)

Feel that pause? After all the hub-bub of the Christmas holiday, yes, I am ready to wind down. Ready for the period of "nothingness" that comes between the two holidays of Christmas and New Years. There seems to be a resting period. Plans get put on hold. Everyone seems to be waiting. Fresh starts begin - later. But for now ... we rest. We have this span of time where we don't have to start just yet. 

So take this pause. Just breathe for awhile. What could be done - has been done. You did the best you could at the time. A new year lies ahead, but we don't have to get it all planned out right this minute. A lot of life just comes at us and we live it out. Many a-time I have planned my days only to have something else come up - sometimes a friend needed a listening ear, last minute help over at the church, sometimes it was for spontaneous fun. 

We need times of rest. We are called by God to rest. We need time when we aren't in motion. Time to just sit and soak in the moment. Not evaluating. Not planning. Not anything. How often have you treated yourself to such luxury? You need downtimes. On a regular basis. It's not lazy. See it as reviving. See it as an important part of life's cycle. 

Take it.
Listen.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

 

Thank you for supporting Intermissions for Hope with your readership. Thank you for turning your eyes away from the worldly for those few moments to reading a blog post - and accepting the invitation to hope in Jesus. And the love of God that is always present. Thank you for allowing me and my God-thoughts a place in your day as you grow in faith and love. 

I pray over each one of you by name. I pray you know your mustard seed faith is sufficient for each day. I pray you have a certain hope inside you that gives you a secret smile - because you know, you know the Lord is all about good endings. It’s just a matter of time before you see it, live it…

May you take an intermission, a real pause, from all the clamoring and expectations of the season and just rest before the manger. The One Who saves us has been born. We have hope and a future. Do not be afraid. God is with you. The peace of Christ be with you all. May you encounter it in your pause…

Capture the moment

There is hustle and bustle for many this time of year. A lot of fulfilling expectations of all that Christmas should be. But I urge you to not miss out on the little surprising moments God sends your way. The one moment that fills your whole chest with the reason of the season. It breaks through all the chaos in your head and lands hard in your heart. It stops you in your tracks and you know, you know, in that moment - you didn’t miss the true meaning of Christmas.

One year, my pastor husband created a Christmas Eve service outside at the life-size nativity out front of the church. On the Main Street. All in the village were invited to attend. It was dark and cold and I believe a little damp. There was music and readings of course. But what did it for me was the Christ candle at the foot of the manger. We all took our candle, entered into the crèche, stooped low before Jesus in the manger, and lit our candle there. Then we sang Silent Night - in the cold, crisp air. That moment, that sensation, is forever embedded in my heart. True Christmas spirit visited me…

And afterwards, as my husband often did, after everyone had gone, he went up into the church and programmed the bells to play Silent Night. And it rang out in a truly silent night… goosebumps. It surely settled me down from all the doings of the holiday to the being in the holiday.

The paper and ribbons and bows and bags, the goodies and treats, the decorations and special clothes and every kind of holiday cheer - while enjoyable - pale in comparison to the personal gift from God of alerting our senses to the deep, deep meaning of His love and His gift of a Savior for the world.

So I pray something catches you, something so deep and moving and undeniable, that Christ coming - for you - leaves you speechless. As these two moments in my walk have done for me.

Keep a sharp lookout! For you do not know when I will come, at evening, at midnight, early dawn or late daybreak. (Mark 13:35 TLB)

Tell My people, I, the Lord your God, am coming to save you and will bring you many gifts. (Isaiah 62:11 TLB)

When He was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him… “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:31, 32 NIV)

 

CURIOUS ?

 

Boxes of Christmas decorations. You know what’s inside? Handmade ornaments. Gifted decorations from dear friends. Artwork from children. Antique ornaments from my parent’s family tree. Each delicately wrapped up in tissue - because each piece is precious. Bringing warmth and love and cheer to my soul. Such anticipation at opening these boxes and embracing all that goodness…

But, what if I don’t open the boxes? What if I rely on memory? What if those memories have faded and don’t bring the explosive joy felt in previous times? You can’t imagine me having all of this, and not opening, caressing, remembering fondly, and displaying for all to see - all these triggers of joy…

God feels the same about the gifts He sends you. There they are - ready to be opened - and enjoyed. But do you? Or do distractions, guilt, depression or unworthiness or fill in the blank - cause you to not jump in with outstretched arms and receive all He offers. All that immeasurable love, joy that gladdens the spirit, comfort for aching hearts, rest for weary souls, healings of the past, promised help for the future - causing such irresistible smiling, and a warmth nothing on earth can replicate. Oh, and so much more! If only you would lift the lid and peek inside. What pleasures await the one who does! God, the Giver of good things - has good things for you! Treasures beyond measure for those who seek Him. Delights for your path as you await for Christ’s second coming…

Do not be afraid… do not resist… do not hesitate…

God has everlasting gifts for you in Christ Jesus. Not as the world gives…

Be open. And open all the Lord desires you to have and experience. Experiences of joy and gladness. And such thankfulness. Rejoice, and be glad! I say it again: Rejoice! Celebrate! Dive in! 

This is the time to be childlike. To gladly receive what the Father lovingly prepared for you. A Savior, yes! But also a trustworthy Friend to walk daily with you through every time and trial - and celebration too! Let the tissue paper fly with exuberance! Let Him know how much you love and appreciate His good gifts to you.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15) (precious beyond words) AMP

Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. (James 1:16 MSG)

He came to help us

 

This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him. (John 3:16-18 MSG)

For some of us, our ears have become desensitized to this most powerful message of John 3:16. For God so loved the world, blah, blah, blah … yeah. We know. But …

He gave His Son. I remember when my one and only son went on his first tour of Iraq. I reflected on “giving up” a son. I thought about Abraham preparing to sacrifice his only son. Striving against all that was in him - to obey God no matter what. To trust God and His love no matter what. Because God wanted a testimony to His character. 

Anyone can have a whole and lasting life. For those of you who knew me years ago, you may have wondered how wild I would go before surrendering and believe in Him. But God is relentless. I had siblings who I didn’t think, didn’t know, if they would come to believe. It was not until later in life that the knowledge came to me – they all know and believe in the risen Lord. Never lose hope on anyone. The Lord is in active pursuit.

He came to help. How many of us, how many times have we seen God as an angry, punishing God? Standing at the ready with a ruler in His hand, ready to smack our knuckles. When it is with “tears” He watches us make poor choices and suffer consequences. With great tenderness He reaches down to guide us down the right path. How He longs for us to understand His full - encompassing mercy. All your sins have been paid for – This one-of-a-kind Son came. He came. Believe in this good news!

God’s goodness times 5,000

 A few years back, I was encouraged to write down three blessings of the day. Every day. I had a journal book stashed away that I never really got into using - until this time. After some fits and starts, I did establish a rhythm of jotting down a thing or two that went right during the day. It grew from listing not only comforts but the amazing character of God Himself was revealed time and time again. Mostly His profound immeasurable love for me. Some days I listed three. Many days it could be 8-10. And yes, there have been days where I skipped it altogether. But now, look at this gift: on Thanksgiving Day, I have reached an unanticipated 5,000. I am living in awe and amazement of God as I page through these now several journals. How can I not feel blessed and assured of His loving care? It has been very satisfying to reflect once a day on God’s precious gifts to me. Indescribable to look back and see all the days, months, years of His daily goodness and provision.

On this Thanksgiving Day, when my son is in Michigan, another in Vermont, my husband in Colorado and me here in South Carolina… I could not be more satisfied. My heart is full. I am full. Feasting this day on all the goodness of God. 

Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. (Isaiah 55:2 NIV)

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What does a dog, coffee and baby Jesus have in common? They can all be found in the 2024 Christmas card variety pack!  Two of each design as shown above - 12 cards - $10.00. OR, click on the card shop link below for even more designs - and make your own selections. List of suggested Christmas messages included.

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Fall designs are still available as well - if you want some Thanksgiving - thank you for being in my life - type cards.

I’m worried…

 

Yes. I’m worried. Even as a Christian and believe in God’s perfect care.

I searched the internet for some kind of kindred spirit words to comfort me in my humanness. All I got was message upon message that said, “Do not worry!” As if I could turn it off like a light switch. I looked for encouragement in being human and all I found was the impossible response of - don’t. Just don’t.

Lord, in Your mercy, help me despite my anxious response to the circumstances before me. Hold me close and keep me in Your tender care - even if I can’t feel it right now. 

My prayers of surrender seem to be on an endless loop. And my prayers don’t always conclude with a - peace that passes understanding.

Despite all this, I know God loves and cares for me. Despite all this, I believe God will jump in and act on my behalf.

Even if…

Even when…

my faith is shaking in its boots. That does not deter God from helping and carrying me through.

May you know this too.

My health fails; my spirits droop, yet God remains! He is the strength of my heart; He is mine forever! (Psalm 73:26 TLB)

Savior and more (originally posted 2017)

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

I was thumbing through a children's bible, looking for a story to read in Sunday School. Here is what I came across:
Cain and Abel - Abel was killed
Noah - people of the world were killed
Joseph - brothers wanted him killed
Moses - Pharoah killed all the baby boys
The Red Sea - Egyptian armies killed
David - Goliath killed
Esther - Jews to be killed
and ultimately - Jesus - killed

You can imagine my dismay if I had to teach these stories one right after another! I used to think violent video games played a role in filling our children's head with such trauma. Or that news coverage of violence played a part. It never dawned on me that bible stories would be a contributing factor as well. (And hasn't it also been said that nursery rhymes of old have hints of trauma and terror? I think of the big bad wolf and Hansel and Gretel.)

But thankfully, God does not leave us hanging - then or now. As you continue to read to the end of each story, you will see God had a plan. God's goodness shines through. God always steps in. God still does. He still has plans and purpose. Old testament people probably didn't see or understand in the moment - much like us today. But the Lord is present and sovereign and good beyond our imagination. He has a plan still.  And His ultimate plan of rescue? Jesus, the risen Lord. Savior, Redeemer and more.

My thoughts are still in a quandary about talking about killing - past, present, and future - with our young children. But as anyone who has every attended Sunday School knows, no matter what, the answer is always JESUS!

Christmas card variety pack!

What does a dog, coffee and baby Jesus have in common? They can all be found in the 2024 Christmas card variety pack!  Two of each design as shown above - 12 cards - $10.00. OR, click on the card shop link below for even more designs - and make your own selections. List of suggested Christmas messages included.

‘It’s the season to connect with others in the love of Christ!

AND, do you know what makes a great Christmas gift for the card writer in your life? This care and concerned variety pack!

12 cards - $10.00

Always free shipping!

Here’s the link to the card shop! Come and visit for purchases or just some inspirational messages for your own heart!

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/new-card-catalog-1123.html

Fall designs are still available as well - if you want some Thanksgiving - thank you for being in my life - type cards.

 

Will God do the right thing?

  “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” At first his disciples did not understand all this. (John 12:15-16)

 Jesus came. But not as the victorious king the Jews had imagined. The people wanted an insurrectionist to topple Roman. They wanted victory over the Romans. They wanted him to ride in on a magnificent mighty stallion. And by great force, bring peace and security to their land. They prayed and prayed for Him to come.

And He came… to bring victory… but not quite the one they had in mind.

Did they wonder, start to question, when Jesus rode in on a donkey?
When He wept for them, instead of starting victory chants?
When He didn’t appear mighty and strong and victorious - at all?
Were they disappointed - in God? Angry at God?
For not doing the right thing?

As we stand on the cusp of an election, and we pray for God to do the “right thing” - in our eyes…

what will our response be when Jesus arrives to save - but not in the way we desire?

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” (John 13:7)

Will we continue to live in certain hope that -

 being confident of this, that he who began a good work… will carry it on to completion… (Philippians 1:6)

 - whatever the outcome of the election may be?

Or will you feel like the Lord let us down?

 I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

(Psalm 121:1-2 MSG)

Could it be true?

It was one of those passages in the Bible that I’ve read a hundred times. But today it leaped off the page. So intense. So profound. Perhaps it was the red letting that made it so.

“Father, forgive these people,” Jesus said, “for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34 TLB)

Jesus Himself prayed this. Jesus asked the Father for this. Surely, a prayer request from God’s own Son - would be answered. Right? There would be no need for “hope it gets answered”. We are told in James 5:16 that the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. And we believe Jesus is the Righteous One. So, it goes without saying… Jesus’ request would get answered. Could it be true? They would truly be forgiven?

And we are told in the scriptures that Jesus intercedes for us - is praying for us. Constantly. Daily. (John 17:20) Again, if Jesus Himself asks the Father on our behalf… can we believe without a doubt?

And yet another passage.

And Jesus replied, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise. This is a solemn promise.”  (Luke 23:43 TLB)

Jesus makes a promise to the criminal hanging next to Him. A promise is a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will indeed happen.

Could it be true?

God’s Word to us is:

• forgiveness of all our sins
• a steadfast love that never shifts or changes
• and Jesus saves

Are you, like me, seeing this in a different light now? Can we live in these promises, these truths - with the greatest of assurance?

Because of Jesus’ intercession for us in His prayers - His asking…

Pause for a moment and think on this. And thank God for this.

God’s unfailing love

 

Just come as you are. (Lord, I’m feeling fat, lazy, tired, insufficient, sinful - all that and more)

Come to Me and you will find rest for your weary, overanxious, overthinking soul.

You are not all of that in My eyes.

I see and know your heart.

You are so precious to Me.

I adore the things you do in My Name.

I am deeply touched by them.

I love when you shine.

And all the burdens take a backseat.

Don’t be afraid to shine when the moment comes.

I promise to equip you.

Keep pausing, keep reflecting, keep seeing My love for you.

See that it’s a daily, continuous flow.

Blessing done in My love for you.

Look around. Just look!

And capture as many as you can.

Signs of My love and care are all around.

I hope you smile…

All that heaviness is not from Me.

Beautiful rhythms are My way of walking, talking - living.

Sure and steady are much easier.

Be assured of My fulfilling.

King of the universe.

Lord of all creation.

Son of God.

Beautiful, awesome Savior.

I AM HE!

Present - now and for all time.

Rejoice, be glad and sing!

Here I am, Lord.

I thank You for Your constant, loving presence. I love You for loving me and caring about me. I love You for granting me access to Your wisdom and Your strength. I love You for Your every day blessings and miracles - seen and unseen. I love You for carrying me through challenging times. I love You for the comfort and peace and rest You offer. I love You for being almighty and sovereign. I love You for knowing what’s up ahead. I love You for Jesus and saving my soul and preparing a place for me in heaven. I love You for rescuing me. I love You for using me for kingdom purposes. I love You for the healings and the helpings and the endurance in trust and belief when needed.  I love You for all the providing, equipping, protecting, and safekeeping. I love You for being the light in dark places. I love You for the joys, enjoyment, pleasures, and delights You have poured into this life of mine. I love You for Your Word and Your teachings. I love You for a heart and mind that remembers You and all You have done and all that You are. I love You for the people You have brought into my life. I love You for provision at every turn. I love You for loving others through me. I love You for prayer and worship and praise music. I love You when things go wrong and the knowledge that You will make things right. I love You for intercessory prayers - for me and through me. I love you in these quiet, open-ended prayer moments. Lord God, I love You in endless and countless ways.

Your eye is on the sparrow and I know You watch over me.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 KJV)

 

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So “unworldly”

Recent weather events had many doing the unusual. While my area did not suffer from much flooding, we did have so many trees down and power lines down - for miles and miles - spreading as far as county to county. For days we could not readily get to gas or food supplies.

The neighbors we previously just waved to when driving by? They let us plug our phones into their generator. When others had phones that weren’t working - we walked down with the updates we received on ours. Restaurants GAVE AWAY meat instead of letting it all spoil. People pulled their grills out by the road so anyone with meat could cook it up instead of spoiling in the fridge. Neighbors shared their stash of gasoline with one another, instead of hoarding it all for themselves. Responses so unlike the worldly version of “self first”. People on our street we barely knew, we are now on a first name basis, as we all shared information and checked on each other for any needs to be met. 

And before the storm? We accidentally bought three boxes of protein bars at Costco. Thinking it will take a month of Sundays for us to eat all those. But they became a main source of nourishment for a few days of no electricity. Before the storm, I purchased over $200 of bible study books and got paid back in cash. What were we going to do with all this cash in the house? Well, the few stores that were operating would only accept cash. So we were able to purchase a few things to supplement our food supply while the power was still down.

God’s providence?

You bet.

i pray you don’t need a traumatic event to realize the hand of God moving in your life. I pray you aren’t afraid to lend a helping hand of your own, to check in on people, neighbor, friends… on ordinary days. I pray you aren’t hesitant to share. Believe in God’s provision and supply in every kind of circumstance. Both for you and through you.

May God’s “unworldly” kind of love be evident to all. In you and through you and for you.

My pastor nailed it on Sunday morning saying, “We may not have electricity here,  but we are full of power!” Amen!

Make sure you don’t take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship - a different kind of “sacrifice” - that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets. (Hebrews 13:16 MSG)

Where is that holy ground?

God replied, "Don't come any closer. Take off your sandals - the ground where you are standing is holy. (Exodus 3:5 CEV)


I remember preparing a Sunday School lesson about this: Moses and the Burning Bush. A familiar passage to many. Moses watching over the sheep. Typical day. Sees a bush burning - but not burning up. God calls out "Don't come any closer. Take off your sandals. You are standing on holy ground." Then God tells Moses he will be the one to free the Israelites from slavery.

I wondered what to focus on - to present to my young students. Holy ground jumped to mind. But seems like such a challenging subject in this day and age.

Back in the day, the church sanctuary felt like a holy ground place. I mean, there was a real reverence to walking in. You were cleaned up, you were more quiet. You treated that space so differently - than any other space.

I suppose I can talk about how we act differently in different places or occasions. Outside on the playground we can be loud and boisterous. But when called back into school, there are reminders of "inside voice" and "sit still". And I suppose I can talk about how we pray: eyes closed, head bowed down. Certainly fighting to be free of distractions. A "take off your shoes" kind of attitude. We don't do that talking to regular people. But God is holy.

I've heard that "holy" means - set apart. But it goes beyond that. There is an "otherness" to holy. Dedicated to God. Belonging to God. Of God.

God's.

I think it goes beyond behavior, how we act in a certain place, to realizing Who is there and Who it all belongs to. We need to be reminded of the awesomeness of Almighty God. Yes, He calls us friend. But we can't forget - the reverence due His name. There is a spiritual realm that is holy and should be treated as well... differently.

In Christ we are holy beings too. We are set apart. We also belong to God. All that we are belongs to God.

So the truth is - wherever God is - is holy ground. In you and all around you. You can't escape holiness. You can only ignore it. Wherever, whenever, we acknowledge His awesome, magnificient almighty present - becomes holy, set apart, something other ground. 

A walk through the woods?
Rocking a baby?
Just sitting and holding hands with a loved one?
The stars and the moon at night?
Slowly washing dishes and humming a favorite hymn?
God is everywhere.
So is holy ground.
How great, how great - is our God!

I give you peace

 I don’t talk all the time either, God…

Talk, talk, talking can be exhausting to me. I enjoy a little companionable silence. Just being in the same room with a loved one… a sense of not being alone and yet not having to engage and fill every moment. There is a comfort in that. A time of not wanting. A sense of okayness. Call it peace and rest.

So we shouldn’t panic when we don’t hear from God. Perhaps He is desiring us to trust - to feel that okayness in His presence. The Lord of it all. Who has promised to answer; fulfill it all - when the time is right. (Isaiah 60:22)

Does your “not doing” need to be filled with thoughts?

Do your prayers need to be filled with words?

Imagine gently rocking with a sleeping baby on your chest. Smell that infamous shampoo. Feel the rise and fall of that little body in its steady breathing. Examine the tiny fingers; the tiny nails. That baby feels safe and secure enough to rest there on you.

Are you absent from the baby’s life because you aren’t talking and giving? What you are giving is space for much needed down time. It needs a time of not doing. It needs the not needing. Just to rest in love. It restores and refreshes. God offers the same to you.

Fall is fast approaching. The beginnings of a “slow it down” season. Cups of apple cider and hot chocolate, fires aglow and crackling, favorite sweatshirts, kicking through the leaves...

We all talk about the simpler times of days gone by. Are they really gone? And if they aren’t, why aren’t we taking advantage of them?

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.   Matthew 11:28

I will give you rest. 

Are you taking it?

I believe the peace we seek is here and now. Many of us push it aside until “everything else is done”.

How long?

How long will you push peace aside? God is in favor of peace. God is in favor of rest. “Come to Me” He says, and you will find it. You can have it. Rest for your souls…

Truly, what are you waiting for?

What is worth more than the peace of Christ?

From the Message translation:

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.

Join me in intercession for the poor

 

My first prayer is for those poor in relationship with You, Lord; for all who have heard Your truths, but remain in unbelief. For all those who are angry with You because You didn’t do what they wanted whether in their marriage, or finances, the saving of a loved one’s life or something else important to them. A prayer for those distracted by Satan’s lies. A prayer for those who knew You once, loved You, and walked in Your ways - but in the challenges and the pressures of this life - they have drifted and feel they have no time for You anymore. A prayer for those who have not heard Your truths - in homes and places where Your name is not spoken…

May all these hearts and souls begin seeking You to meet their needs of salvation, security, safety, purpose and rest. Lord, You should be the beaming light in the center of every heart. Teach us to radiate Your warm and welcoming brightness.

Are there people around us who keep You in a box, on a shelf, until Christmas or Easter? Help us to so live as Christmas morning delight / Easter morning joy people every day. May we not even need to seek these people out but may they be drawn to us by sensing Your divine countenance in and through us.

My second prayer is for those poor in relationship to others. For all those feeling dumped again… for all those treated as though they have no value. For all those believing it. For all who are overwhelmed by being poor physically or financially - so overwhelmed - they can’t take care of their spirit right now. O God, I pray for them. I pray a time of rest and ceasing so You can feed their soul and renew the strength they need. Refresh their frame of mind so they can nurture relationships with others. Lord, heal the severed connections of family and friends.

May they know You are their Help, their Strength, their Comfort…

Arise.

May Your love, O Lord, arise.

Bubble up and over and spill unceasingly. 

Until all know that You are loving, caring, able God.

Happy Birthday! To someone you know

 

Do you often find yourself scrambling for a birthday card?
What if you could have a dozen on hand? (You can!)
How about a baker’s dozen? (Oh, yes, please!!)

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A short but sweet message, in your own handwriting, expresses the love and care you really mean…

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Just email me with your BIRTHDAY PACK request and be sure to include your mailing address.

juliecrane.57@att.net

Send a check (or PayPal or Venmo) to:
Julie Crane
121 Popular Circle
McCormick SC 29835

HAPPY BIRTHDAY-ING!

There are so many more designs offering encouragement, inspiration, and well wishes - and all orders come with suggested messages to write. Come and take a look!

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https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/new-card-catalog-1123.html

Dark nights

I was driving along in the dark. Where I live, there are many wooded areas with no streetlights. I have to rely on the only light I have - headlights. They show me what’s up ahead.

I think about the trust and security I place on those headlights. Oh, I can’t imagine trying to navigate down a dark road without them! As I go along, they go along ahead of me. When I turn my car, the light turns with me. Continually lighting my way. Warning me about debris in the road or deer standing along the edge wanting to cross over. 

I think about rainy nights when roads become wet or even flooded.

I think about snowy nights when roads become slippery or too deep for travel.

And country roads where there may be many curves and hairpin turns.

A lot of different road conditions. Seeing and being aware of obstacles, dangers - as well as beauty - are all made evident by having light go before me. Whether it be headlights at night or sunlight during the day.

Life is often compared to a road or a journey. Twists and turns. Darkness and rain. And again, I can’t imagine trying to navigate without a Light. His Light. God promises to show us the way. God promises to go before us. Continually - just like my headlights. God shines lights of warnings and dangers. God shines light so you can live in trust and security along the way. God’s light will lead you through. 

Are you on a dark road? A dark, wet road? A dark, wet, AND curvy road?!!!

Turn on your God light. He will keep you safe. Wherever you go, God goes before you. God lights up the next step and then the next. His promise.

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths. I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. (Isaiah 42:16)

You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. (Psalm 18:28)

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life. (Psalm 143:8)

Unchangeable (reprint from 2017)

 

Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God … (Jeremiah 42:6)

I was curious. So I went back and looked at the first real post on my blog. It was about sending and receiving cards in the mail and my mom calling it “good mail”. (October 9, 2012)

Times sure have changed! The world and all its fast-paced technology …

 But I haven’t changed. The world hasn’t moved me from my Godly calling. Sending cards.

 I know they are appreciated (because people stop and tell me so)

I know they are treasured (because people tell me they save them)

I know they are of God (because people tell me “it was the perfect verse” and “just what I needed to hear that day”)

 Snail mail is becoming a thing of the past. There aren’t many who join me in sending notes to others who need to hear a good word from the Lord – hold it in their hands – press it to their heart…

 But I can’t stop following where the Lord leads me … whatever the world thinks of the latest, quickest technology for communicating – I will keep sending out the Word of God and His love to the ones I know need encouragement. In a card.

 Are you battling with your God-calling and the world?

Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God … (Jeremiah 42:6)

Can you hear me… now? (reprint from 2018)

 

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)

Every parent knows that newborn's cry in the middle of the night. You can be sound asleep, right? But somehow (probably through several nights of practice!) your ears are keenly aware and attuned to the sounds your little one makes.

The sound of someone's voice can sure warm your heart. I remember calling home from boot camp the first time. When I heard my mom's voice answer the phone, all I did was cry. But, throughout my navy days, we stayed in constant touch - calling each other weekly. And instead of tears, her voice brought warmth and love, encouragement, peace, security ... all kinds of good things. Even though we lived miles and miles apart. A regular dose of love on a regular basis. Talking - comfortably picking up right where we left off.

Sadly, my mom has been gone about 15 years now. Sadly, I can't remember the sound of her voice. Oh, I have lots of good visual memories. And I can still picture her face when she laughed. And I suppose some of her most famous sayings come to mind from time to time (like, "Don't wish your life away") But I sure miss the constant connection we shared... (and its benefits to me).

And it brings to mind - when was the last time you connected with a loved One (Jesus)? Is it happening on a regular basis (bringing love, encouragement, peace and security) or has time been passing by and talking has become - uncomfortable, unsure...

Can you imagine Jesus' face smiling?
Can you recall some of His famous sayings?
Can you still hear His voice?
Are you missing the dear connection you once enjoyed?
... with that Someone you love?

Surely...
Surely I am with you ...
Always.

Keep going!

 

My pastor spoke this past Sunday about spiritual growth and continuing to grow not just in head knowledge but also heart knowledge. The importance of continuing to challenge yourself just a little bit and then a little bit more. Always growing, learning, and maturing in faith and understanding. And that is so important. When we first become believers, we learn that God loves us and forgives us. And in growing our knowledge of Him through His Word, in worship, and sharing of our stories with other believers - we also learn that He is kind and helpful. But what if we stopped our knowing and growing there? We might not realize He is faithful, gentle, compassionate. We might not experience His power and omnipresence. His new mercies every morning. His amazing grace. And so much more!

Our trust in Him grows through continuous learning and experiencing.

But a thought crossed my mind. Just as our physical body can lose strength and flexibility from not being used regularly, so can our spiritual “muscles”. Not making time to read God’s Word anymore, not praying as much anymore, not gathering with other believers on a regular basis… you can’t retain a level of faith without consistent care and maintenance. It just doesn’t work that way. Reliable faith works best when it is used often.

Oh, how some of us remember the days when we could walk for miles while shopping or touring the sights on vacation. And now we groan going up a flight of stairs. Although the aging process will eventually catch up with us physically, our spirit can continue to grow in the loving likeness of Christ all our earthly days.

For physical training is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8 AMP)

Hebrews 10:25 says to not give up. Keep loving. Keep encouraging. Keep sharing your experiences of God in your life. Don’t let an opportunity to be strong in the Lord or to influence others for Christ find you unprepared. 

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. (Act 2:46-47)

Every day.

Maintain.

Before desperation hits in a time of great need. Exercising your spiritual muscle will have you ready for every kind of test and challenge. You will have a confidence and a trust built right in to your character by staying the course of walking continually with the Lord and seeking to know Him more and more.

Have you drifted? Let things slide a little? You can pick it back up. Challenge yourself a little bit and then a little bit more. How wonderful it will be to once again live in the assurance and confidence of knowing and remembering the living Lord and all that He is for you.