In a fog? Can’t see clearly?

 

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

There have been times in my life, some seemingly long stretches of time, when I was so bombarded with stresses, pressures, expectations, and decisions to make – I felt like I was in a fog so dense I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face …

o   Wandering so far from God time

o   Going through divorce time

o   Caring for my aging, ailing mother time

o   My cancer diagnosis time

But all these times eventually passed. I sit here this morning in peace. It’s quiet. My bible, my journal, my cup of coffee. My softly snoring kitties by my side. All is well. The pressures I thought would never end – have passed by. At the time, I wondered, couldn’t imagine – a time of such peace. 

Now I don’t know what today will bring. But I know Who stands with me. Like the fog hiding my hand, I know He is there even though I can’t sense Him except by faith. Jesus is right there with you in your current situation too. Know He is there! At some point the fog will be lifted – and you will see face to face. Clearly. Perhaps in the morning. When it’s quiet. Over a cup of coffee.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Need a little light in the darkness?

The Israelites faced the trauma of being caught between the Egyptian armies and the Red Sea … AT NIGHT! How have I been able to read this biblical account so often and not realize it happened at night?

Then the Angel of God, who was leading the people of Israel, moved the cloud around behind them, and it stood between the people of Israel and the Egyptians. And that night, as it changed to a pillar of fire, it gave darkness to the Egyptians but light to the people of Israel! So the Egyptians couldn’t find the Israelis! (Exodus 14:19-20 TLB)

I checked several translations, even KJV, and they all say it happened at night. And I am awed as I envision this.

It was by God’s pillar of light shining from behind them that they saw the waters part and the dry land to walk on - not regular daylight. I imagine a big spotlight, probably so blinding they couldn’t look back, but showing them the way - where there seemed to be no way. No longer seeing what is behind but God calling them forward. 

Are you facing deep waters? Does it feel like night is closing in? Have you, like so many of us, prayed for a way where there seems to be no way? The God Who has controlled darkness and light since the first day (Genesis 1:5) knows what to do now too. He still performs wondrous miracles. He knows how to shine a light on that miracle. He will light the way through for you…

Like the Israelites, don’t look back - take a breath and step out.

Holy hugs

 

Then Jacob went on ahead. As he approached his brother he bowed low seven times before him. And then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him affectionately and kissed him; and both of them were in tears! (Genesis 33:3-4)

 Joseph jumped into his chariot and journeyed to Goshen to meet his father and they fell into each other’s arms and wept a long while. (Genesis 46:29)

David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together— (1 Samuel 20:41)

 So he got up and went to his father.“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. (Luke 15:20)

Old Testament. New Testament. And now?

Greet one another with a holy kiss. (2 Corinthians 13:12)

Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. (1 Thessalonians 5:26)

I did some research. In the church’s early years, it was common practice during the worship service to greet one another with, yes, a kiss. It was a sign of relationship with one another. Not just talk about being the family of God, the holy kiss was a sign and a symbol of their love for each other. It was a holy kiss because they truly felt they were brothers and sisters in one big, loved and accepted family of God. The kiss held a deeper meaning - a sign of their unity in Christ.

I am sad that, because of worldly views, this kind of greeting has fallen to the wayside. But these kisses of greeting were also in conjunction with arms around each other. Holy hugs if you will. And I pray we are not afraid to extend that to one another. 

A warm greeting should imply that all are equally loved and accepted - not only by God - but by one other.

Let there be no division among us (1 Corinthians 1:10)

Holy hugs!

Those winter blues

 

(Tap photo to enlarge for better viewing )

Help someone beat the winter blues with one of these great, uplifting new designs! Sure to warm hearts and comfort chilled souls. Now is a good time to lift someone’s spirits. And you can! Suggested messages are now handier than ever. 

From the website page, you can find them here:

From your phone or other device, it may look like this: (just tap on the MOVE TO button)

These cards and more can be found in the card shop. I will include the link below:

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

Words of hope

 I know, I know, all that space in a blank note card can be daunting! You want to express care and concern, but, wow… how?

Did you know you don’t have to fill up all the space? Take a look at the pre-printed cards in your local gift shop. You will often find just a line or two printed in the center.

Did you know that a plain card-shaped envelope tucked in with all the bills and advertisements actually stimulates a favorable emotional response? There is an immediate feeling of excitement, anticipation and surprise.

Just take a look at all these suggestions shown below and see for yourself - how good it feels to be lifted up with a line or two of hope and encouragement.

(Click on the picture to enlarge for better viewing)

It would take less than a minute to write one of these messages in a card. You can imagine the impact because you just felt it yourself by reading through them.

You have someone in mind…

You could change someone’s outlook to the day…

Act on it.

Need a card or two…? Check out my original artwork printed on blank notecards. They, too, will elicit positive vibes for someone. 

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