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.

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.

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

Walk with the Lord

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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)

IT’S MY BIRTHDAY! And guess what?

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. 

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

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