Sunday, May 26, 2024

Fruit of the Vine

 


Sometimes I am but a small seed. The Lord is the Vine and I am connected by a branch. And by a fruit connected to that branch. A tiny seed within that fruit. I, myself, am not all in all or ALL FOR ALL. I can do but a part. And sometimes it’s a small seed part. Put in a certain place at a certain time for a certain thing but not for all things. There are other seeds too with God purpose. And still some are the skin of the fruit. Others flesh of the fruit. Still others the stem keeping us connected to the Vine. The seeds will eventually produce more fruit; that flavorful flesh and juice. All connected as in sweet communion - community - we can avail much. But ultimately it is the Lord ordering our place, our purpose, and our progress. Some days you may feel like the one holding fruit and Vine connected. Other times you may feel like a tiny seed. Remember what Jesus said about the mustard seed. And its power. Even tiny seeds have awesome strength when they remain connected to the Source. So it’s okay to be a tiny seed. To do your small part. Other seeds, flesh, skin and stem of the fruit have their small part to play as well. All working in harmony according to God’s finely tuned plan. So you be you. Let them be them. Let God be Lord over us all. 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

“It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became like a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.” (Luke 13:19)

“If your faith were only the size of a mustard seed,” Jesus answered, “it would be large enough to uproot that mulberry tree over there and send it hurling into the sea.” (Luke 17:6 TLB)

Just as there are many parts to our bodies, so it is with Christ’s body. We are all parts of it, and it takes every one of us to make it complete, for we each have different work to do. So we belong to each other, and each needs all the others. (Romans 12:5 TLB)

Saturday, May 25, 2024

That Wise Builder

 


They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. - Luke 6:48

When life is going good, so am I. I remember to pray, read my bible, sing praises, and smile with the love of Jesus in my heart. I feel like that wise builder. Unshakable.

Then trauma enters in. I forget everything. I rant and rave. I pout. I cry. I feel helpless. I struggle. I wrestle with God. Maybe I'm not so much like that wise builder after all. My faith can seem so weak sometimes. I start to doubt my foundation. I question whether I have invested enough time in fortifying it.

But whether you feel like you've built on rock or sand ...


KNOW THIS!
God's character does not waiver.
God IS reliable. You CAN count on Him. 
The LORD IS Rock solid. (Psalm 18:2)
He neither slumbers nor sleeps. (Psalm 121:4)
He doesn't grow tired or weary. (Isaiah 40:28)
He is forever faithful. (Psalm 89:1)
His love endures forever. (Psalm 100:5)
He is unchanging. The same yesterday, today, forever. (Hebrews 12:8)
Full of love and compassion. (Psalm 86:15)
Slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love. (Psalm 103:8)
He is your Help. (Psalm 10:14)
He has a solution to every circumstance. (Mark 6:42)
He can be trusted. (Psalm 145:13)
He makes everything end in some kind of goodness. (Romans 8:28)

God is your Almighty.
You don't have to have it all together. Just keep the truths you know about Him close by. He will do the rest. I bet you ride the storm out better than you think. Thank You, Jesus.











Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Lessons from bread making


FOLLOW DIRECTIONS.
It’s just always wise to read and apply instruction from a reliable source; the tried and true way to do something right for the best outcome.

Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. (Proverbs 16:20)

MIX WELL. Don’t be afraid to mingle with new and “different than you” people, places or things. Something really good could develop.

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2)

ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES. What is truly a punch in the gut and what is an inconvenience? Or an annoying detour of the expected perhaps. Life doesn’t have to be so heavy and burdensome - know when to let some less important stuff slide.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)

LEARN THE VALUE OF WAITING. We’ve all had things not turn out - because we wanted to rush the process and find a shortcut. Oh, how we hate to wait - especially when it’s for something good. Too often we settle for close enough.

When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen. (Isaiah 60:22)

RISE TO THE OCCASION. There are times when you just need to take that leap of faith. You have to trust, believe, and move forward in the energy of God. Sometimes it has to be you and not someone else. 

And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14)

THE AROMA. That delicious smell that fills the room. Be that. Fill your surroundings with the countenance of Jesus from your heart and let it fill the room with His fragrant presence expressed through you.

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2)




Saturday, May 18, 2024

THE NEW SUMMER CARD CATALOG IS NOW ONLINE!


 Well, I just couldn’t wait any longer to release my new summer card catalog! There are so many good ones! They will be available all summer long (but I’d keep some on hand right now!) Click the link below for all the newest, and of course, the oldie but goodie favorites as well! Just reading through them will give your spirit a lift - so click now and feel the boost. Know someone else who loves cards? I love referrals. Or better yet - introduce them by purchasing a pack for a “Just Because” gift. Thanks in advance for your support in this ministry!

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


Earthly limitations

My prayer list is starting to look like a hospital ward. Literally, I have people recovering from:

Hip surgery
Knee surgery
Shoulder surgery
Foot surgery
Wrist surgery
Eye surgery

I, myself, went under hand surgery a few months ago. So I know quite well the feeling of being limited in what was normal and what my body was capable of doing without thought or effort. Yes, the use and mobility had been taken for granted.

There are many more suffering from long term illness or physical limitations due to some disease of the body. Long gone are the days of freely going from one thing to the next without forethought. Simple aging does the same…

So inconvenient… and frustrating… and -

(Jesus) Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness… (Philippians 2:6-7)

And the Message translation:
He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of Himself that He had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, He set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, He stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges.

Remember your life from 30 years ago. Now think of your life 30 years from now. Jesus lived His whole 30+ years of life here on earth with limitations compared to what He had - this equal status with God. Can you imagine the power, wisdom and abilities He had - had to give up? I wonder if He thought about the good ol’ days like we do…

Many of you are going through heavy challenges. Whether temporary or permanent, you have a Savior Friend Who truly knows, has experienced firsthand and understands. You can lean into Him for comfort and strength. And like Jesus, the promise is yours:

By His power God raised the Lord from the dead, and He will raise us also. (1 Corinthians 6:14)

Who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body. (Philippians 3:21)

So hang in there, like Jesus did. It’s only a matter of time. The day is coming when pain and suffering shall be no more.

And the God of all grace, Who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (1 Peter 5:10)



Tuesday, May 14, 2024

A constant reminder

 I love to joke about having tattoos. Whenever the question pops up, I always respond that I have three. Most people are surprised to hear that about me. Until I explain I have three tatoo dots - used during radiation for proper alignment of the treatment. Back when I had cancer. The cancer now long gone, often forgotten. But the tatoo marks remain forever. A constant reminder.

People from every walk of life get tattoos for various reasons. But I think mostly because they want to remember: a person, a special moment in time, a certain love… they want it to be a visible part of them. They want others to know the importance of it to their lives; the weight of it in their daily living and being.

The Bible says our names are engraved into God’s palm (Isaiah 49:16). We are so important to Him! Always on His mind. So special to Him that He gave His only Son, Who also has marks put on His hands - for love of us. God remembers us. Thinks on us. Loves us deeply, constant and forever.

I’ve wondered what kind of tatoo I would ever choose. Some of you might assume a cat - because I love them so. Or maybe the location of a favorite bible verse. But this morning, I thought, perhaps - the name of Jesus on my own palm. A visible part of me. To let others know the importance of Him in my life - in theirs; a constant reminder:

When I extend my hand to friend and stranger, there’d be that loving reminder of Jesus…

when I open my hands in prayer
when I wave a hello
a hugging pat on someone’s back
resting my head in my hand to sleep
reaching out for food and drink
washing dishes
steering the car

The visible reminder of Jesus’ loving presence would be endless.

While Jesus has that permanent stain on His hands, perhaps I will just “stick” for now, with the praying that the Holy Spirit will keep me aware and remembering…

the permanent, forever love of God.




Sunday, May 12, 2024

What mom taught me about Jesus’ miracles


 I don't know how she stretched one dollar into ten. I don't know how she turned scraps of meat into a hearty meal. How she kept eight kids in clothes and shoes. Or how she found time to crochet wedding afghans and baby blankets beyond number. And something for every single grandchild under the Christmas tree. Making a way where there seemed to be no way...

But I also see her on the ground planting petunias. Waltzing behind the ironing board to Ray Price. And pans of yeasty cinnamon rolls on Saturday mornings.

Despite any challenges, she also knew how to find joy in the life she was given.

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied... (Matthew 14:18-20)

I want to be like my mom. Because she was so much like Jesus.


Thursday, May 9, 2024

My picture is in God’s wallet


My mom was unchurched much of her life. She joined the Lutheran church in her 80s. Can you imagine? She said a milestone in her life was being pictured in the church directory. In her mind, she had arrived. Maybe she saw it as a public confirmation that she loved and trusted the Lord. Or maybe it  was affirmation to her that she was included in the Body of Christ. It certainly makes you ponder , doesn’t it? So take a fresh look at the faces in your church family and remember we are all loved, accepted and belong. And know His reach goes far beyond your church. 

I have engraved your name into the palm of my hand. Isaiah 49:16



Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Walk with the Lord

Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening. (1 Samuel 3:10)

YOU are here.

I am here.

I am YOURS.

May YOUR celebratory love be contagious.

May I love more freely; relax and enjoy all of YOU in my life.

I seek YOU and this is what I find:

Slow down. Be present. Taste and see. You have time. Stop rushing to the next thing. I AM always present. And I AM always in the next thing too. Rest assured. I AM - always and forever.

Believe it. Know it.

I have MY own pace and it is not rushed or chaotic.

Join ME and you won’t be rushed or chaotic either.

And together we will get the important things done.

Not everything has to be dealt with in the here and now.

Remember: a time for everything under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Remember ME.

Pause to remember ME. Don’t wait for dinner time, bed time, tomorrow morning’s devotion time, or for a crisis.

Remember Me… often.

For I give rest for your heart and soul even in the midst of doing. Peace, rest and abiding comfort and security during the doing.

When you walk with ME and talk with ME.

Welcome to the new day! Let ME set the pace and unfold the chain of events.

For I AM the true Author and Giver of enjoyment, fulfillment and satisfaction.

This is the way. Walk in it. (Isaiah 30:21)

Saturday, May 4, 2024

IT’S MY BIRTHDAY! And guess what?

Offer is now expired. 
A BIRTHDAY SPECIAL! For my birthday, I am offering a “taste and see” 6-pack of notecards for $5.00*. Whether you’ve purchased before or ready to check it out for the first time, I know you’ll be tickled pink! 

  1. Click on the catalog link below 
  2. email me (listed in catalog) your address and your desired six design selections
  3. send your $5.00 to me (payment options listed in catalog) 

and soon they will be on their way! FREE SHIPPING. List of suggested messages included with every order. Email must be received by May 15. I will acknowledge receipt of it within 24 hours. So check out the catalog. It won’t disappoint!


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


SAMPLES BELOW (click on the picture to enlarge):



* if you desire to purchase more than the special offer of 6 cards, regular rates apply. Email me for more information. 

Friday, May 3, 2024

Creator and Sustainer

 The God of… every… single… individual

Grain of sand
Droplet of rain
Blade of grass, flower petal, bird feather
… centipede legs!

I think of the gentleness (and the forcefulness) of the wind.
The lapping (and surging) of the waves.
The very breath and heartbeat of 8 billion people - right now.

Matthew 10:30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Genesis 15:5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars - if indeed you can count them.”

Psalm 8:4 What is humankind that You are mindful of them, mortal beings that You care for them?

Genesis 1:31 And God saw all that He had made and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning…

My goodness! Doesn’t it just make you want to get outside this weekend and look more closely at God’s created world? And enjoy it more intentionally?

Our God is an awesome - Creator and Sustainer!


Hey! Did you pray over someone today? I bet they would love to know that you did. Beautiful, affordable notecards are just a click away. Suggested messages are included with every order.  Here’s the link to the catalog!

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


Thursday, May 2, 2024

Summer is knocking on the door!


And I am busy at the drawing board pulling together new and fun designs to meet your summertime notecard needs. We all know someone who could use a lift. Someone who needs to know we are out there caring and praying. There are many cards available that fit the bill. I hope you will take a moment to peruse the current catalog and watch for the update - coming soon! I promise! New designs and your favorite best-selling designs as well!  Here’s the link to get you started. God bless you for reaching out to others in this seemingly old-fashioned way. Believe me when I say a simple notecard still touches hearts. Simple to take a moment to do, but the impact on the receiver is a hundredfold your effort. Thank you for supporting this card ministry!

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