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)

Variety packs now available!

                                    

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.

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)