I want some peace - some good days

 

 Embrace peace—don’t let it get away! - Psalm 34:14 MSG

I can think of lots of things that make me crabby. Stiff, sore muscles every morning. A to-do list that should be called the never-ending list. It’s getting cold outside. Stresses. Pressures. Money. Traffic. Relationships. A sense of constantly rushing. Preparing for the upcoming holidays. I could work myself up into quite a sour mood … is that really how I want to spend my days? Continually all worked up - waiting for everything, everything, to calm down and be perfect so that I can finally relax and enjoy God’s blessings? There is an old hymn that says if you wait, if you tarry, you will never come at all…

For every complaint I can dream up, there is a blessing from God that I am overlooking when I do. Juicy peaches. Crisp apples. Colorful leaves. Clean, fresh air. Savory soups and stews. Favorite sweaters. Football games. One more campfire. Snuggly quilts. Seasonal teas and coffees. A pumpkin or two on the front step. Brand new episodes of your favorite shows. A good book to read. Chatting leisurely on the phone. Flannel pajamas.  There is beauty and times to relish no matter what else is going on in your life. 

Above all else, guard your hearts, for everything you do flows from it. - Proverbs 4:23

Are you willing to have your eyes opened to the glory of the Lord all around you? Right now? When you seek God - you will find it – peace and good days.

What would you add to this Fall blessings list?

A time to store up

 Are you watching, are you seeing all those squirrels - storing up for the winter months? They know, somehow, with God-given instinct, that what they need will at some point become scarce. And so they prepare now while there is time. While the food can be seen, found, and stored for the future. I’m not sure there is a squirrel not preparing for winter. I bet they all do it without even thinking of any other option. We know the Lord always provides.

 All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. - Psalm 104:2 NIV

What a miraculous thing to consider! 

The Lord offers us “a spiritual food”, His Word to guide and provide and fill our every need. We should not wait until the “winter months” of our life, when hope and faith may feel scarce. But we should gather up all the truths the Lord has for us, keep His promises buried deep in our hearts and minds. Stored up and prepared. Then the “winter” will not be so harsh. All we have needed, the Lord indeeds provides - offers - and we just need to take time to receive it.

Don’t wait for the winter storms, the blizzard, that may come into your life. Don’t let it catch you unprepared. Make God’s Word a steady intake of nourishment for your soul. It will provide peace and comfort when the storms of life come. There will be no need to panic because the Lord is faithful in offering all you need prior to you even needing it.

Come. Take. Eat.

 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

 But Mary treasured [kept; preserved] these things and continued to think about them [pondered/considered them in her heart]. - Luke 2:19 EXB

Direct link to my new book on Amazon:

https://a.co/d/eIw52zA

Direct link to my card shop:

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

MY BOOK - ON AMAZON!

 Here I am - on Amazon! I’ve placed my order for several copies (delivery date October 2-5) and I still plan on hand delivering copies to those in Michigan. From impossible dream to reality! Take a look at the READ SAMPLE option when you click on the book in Amazon. It will take your breath away! It turned out so awesome! Thanks be to God first and foremost. Thanks to the Well Publishers for pulling it all together! Excited!

Below is the direct link to my book on Amazon:

https://a.co/d/eIw52zA

Direct link to the card shop:

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

Who wants one of my books?

 

Just take a look! Look at all the color! It took my breath away - just holding it in my hands! It is so awesome in real life! I have already showed it to a few people and they love it too! My first real book! 

I will be ordering some to sell real soon. Looks like it will be $20.00 plus $5.00 if I need to ship it. I will be in Michigan the end of September so reach out to make arrangements for pick up or delivery. It will also be available on Amazon soon as well. I am new to marketing a book so help me get the word out. As you can see from the video, it would make a great gift for a variety of people. Not only the heartwarming pictures, but some great messages of the love and care God has for you. Email me to place an order and make delivery arrangements.

juliecrane.57@att.net

Thank you for all your love and support!

 

In case you missed it…(and book update!)

 

Pausing in His Presence … A proof copy of my devotional book is on its way to me and should arrive in my mailbox this Saturday! I am beyond excited! I get to hold the real thing in my hands! Once I approve of the final copy, it can be published and available for purchase. I will be getting a supply for myself - and autograph some copies - for sale. But it will also be available on Amazon. SOON!

Enjoy some other messages God has placed on my heart to share:

God bless you one and all!

Julie

 

It bears repeating

 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13 - NKJV

Today's post is meant to be read aloud, or at least a whisper ...

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. - NIV

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me (I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency). - AMPC

I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength. - CEB

I can do all things through him who gives me power. - CJB

Christ gives me the strength to face anything. - CEV

I can do all things by means of the One strengthening me. - DLNT

Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do. - ERV

... for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power. - TLB

Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. - MSG

I have strength for everything through him who empowers me. - NABRE

And I find that the strength of Christ's explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty. - TPT

Feel free to share this post. You wouldn't believe how many of your friends are really battling with something right now and need an encouraging word ... battles you know nothing about.