What a captivating fragrance!

The fragrance caught my attention before I looked up.

Just walking through my new neighborhood. Enjoying the beauty of the sunny day and the woods all around. The blue skies. The fresh air on my face. The crunch of gravel under my feet. A most pleasant passage of time. Then this most amazing, appealing fragrance! - caused me to look up. These gorgeous hanging clumps of purple petals, dancing in the gentle breeze. Their scent drew me in to their even greater beauty. All my senses engaged. I was transported to a most lovely place. In that moment all that existed - me and the pretty world surrounding me. Filling me. Certainly affecting the way I am experiencing life; how I’m seeing my life. Confirming to me that God is so good!

God calls us to be like a flower. Well, He calls it salt and light (Matthew 5:13-14). But it’s all the same. Being salt and light (or a flower) is a representation of the God we know and love. And is a fragrance of Him to all those we encounter. That’s why it is so important to be this, do this. Yes, it may uplift another by being good, kind, generous, patient - nice. But more importantly, it is a display of God’s nature, His character. It is your “fragrance” that may cause someone to “look up”. To see God in a new way, or re-experience Him afresh, or even experience Him for the first time.

I won’t be able to pass another fragrant flower without thinking about this. As spring approaches and flowers start blooming where you live, I hope you think about this too.

Awake, north wind, and come, south wind! Blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread everywhere. - Song of Songs 4:16

May the Holy Spirit breathe new energy into you, that your walk in this world be as appealing and as captivating as these flowers were to me.

Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. - John 12:3

Be that flower. Be that fragrance.

God will surely empower you… for it is His heart’s desire that all may know Him.

At all times, in all places

 

When you are traveling, away from home, or even just at home during the summer break - your daily routine changes up. You may sleep in instead of doing your morning quiet time with God. Or fall into bed exhausted from a full day of vacation adventures, foregoing your usual nighttime prayer. But there are all kinds of new and different times and places to experience God. New surroundings. New rest periods that you didn’t have before. Something new can actually be… wonderful. It can be delicious to taste and see God from a new angle. But one thing is sure:

It is indeed right, It is our duty and our joy, At all times and in all places to give You thanks and praise, holy Father, heavenly King, almighty and eternal God, through Jesus Christ Your only Son our Lord. (Communion script)

Your prayers during this time may sound like a song. Your quiet time with God may be taking in the sights of beauty all around you. In thanks, adoration and praise.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)

Just like I can’t forget about my gluten sensitivity while on vacation, I should not forget to be aware of God while away from my normal routine. Just as menus offer new and different choices from what I would normally fix at home, different surroundings can offer up some new eye opening blessings from God. Look. See. What is new and exciting to embrace - relish - from God in these summer days? There is always something, some God-gift blessing, waiting to be discovered whether you are home or away.

So enjoy your summer - to the fullest!

And keep enjoying time with God too!

I'm working on it

 

Many enjoy a good mystery/crime drama in book form or on the TV. They like trying to puzzle out the "whodunit" before the end. They become so engrossed in the details. What's happening now and how it relates to what has already happened. Involved. What fun sharing your guesses. Pooling your ideas together. Much like working on a jigsaw puzzle, who doesn't squeal with delight when fitting a piece in its exact spot? Making that connection.

God calls us on to walk together, and work together - without knowing the end result right away. God reveals clues  - step by step clues. God wants us engrossed and involved in His work in and around us. Watching. Trying. Sharing. Working on it all, piece by piece. 

Now if everything came together in one fell swoop, there would be only one blessing to celebrate in the end. But by doing it in bits and pieces, and enjoying each and every little victory (squeal with delight), we gain blessing upon blessing... we get to enjoy God's goodness over and over again!

Are you in a rush to accomplish something, or finish something? Ready to arrive at the final product? So you can taste that final victory? Think again. Don't miss the blessings all along the way. Relish. Relish it all!

Two are better than one because they have a more satisfying return for their labor... (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

A blanket fort

What a great hide-away! Underneath. Separated from the view of the "real" world. Away from all the troubles, I can forget the burdens of life for a time. Instead, I can dream and imagine. No outside influences. Just a place full of possibilities. I can "say" anything there.

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, Who is unseen. Then your Father, Who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:6)

A blanket fort reminds me, maybe, of how a prayer closet should be. Without the distractions of the world's "noise", busyness, and demands. It's that quiet place, that real me place. Where I can let go, release - (it's okay to do that and just "be" in front of Him!). And His response (His reward to you)?

God thoughts pop into my head. Often times snippets of scripture. Reassuring things I've read about God, His character. His promises. Wrapping me up in security. And peaceful. So peaceful... such a safe place. I can be the real me. Everything seems so gentle and loving and soft. And I can ask for anything...

• I can ask for His love to touch me
• I can talk to Him about dreams and plans, troubles and worries too
• I can joyfully count my blessings
• sense His love and protection
• sense His steady and unhurried presence

In the silence, I can envision:

• God kissing all my owies away
• things to do for others to brighten their day
• just sit and absorb the goodness of God

Where is your prayer closet? Where do you find the silence and hear God? In the shower? In the car? Getting up early? Walking in the woods?

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed. (Mark 1:35)

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (Luke 5:16)

Jesus did it and did it often. Why does it sometimes sound like such a laborious thing - this getting off by ourselves to pray? Why do we sometimes think it is a chore that needs to be squeezed into our day? Or only once a day. When connecting with this Father should feel like rescue from the world; an energizing, refreshing, and empowering time for us so we can face what in the world is coming next.

He promises rest for the weary -

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

This verse doesn't say when or where or how often. Just "Come".

You don't have to wait until the end of the day. If you're running out of steam now, then now is the time - to step away. Mentally cover yourself with a blanket, and share your thoughts with this Father of love, compassion and understanding. Soak up some love and acceptance, some peace and security from Him for yourself. Then you can continue on with the love of Jesus in your heart... and in your actions.

A God like that

Grandmas. Images of her in her rocking chair. Her welcoming lap. That kiss on the top of your head. Rubbing your back. Humming  a soothing tune. Rocking gently back and forth. That rhythmic creak. A familiar "my grandma" scent. She puts her crocheting down for you. She turns the channel to cartoons for you. Rocking... she twirls your hair around her finger. She tells you stories of your mom when she was little. You both giggle. And rock some more.

You can talk to grandma about anything in that rocking chair. She comes up with some answer or encouraging response. Grandma listens. Even while her coffee is getting cold. Grandma has time. 

Grandma in her rocking chair.

-------------

God on His throne.

Do you conjure up the same loving images? Or are you picturing something more sober, somber, solemn, even stern? Disappointed...

Maybe you just some reminding of Who God is.

• I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness (Jeremiah 31:3)
• I have engraved you on the palms of My hands (Isaiah 49:16)
• takes great delight in you... rejoices over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17)
• forgiving and good, abounding in love (Psalm 86:5
• see what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1)
• God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
• (Nothing)... will be able to separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:39)
• I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings (Matthew 23:37)
• and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19)

Talk to God today about your desire to receive and experience this kind of love from Him today. God has time. God is gentle, loving, encouraging and good.

And anyone who behaves in this gentle, accepting, and tender way towards someone else - is displaying the character of God to them. You are, like the grandma, being the "taste and see" of the goodness of God. May they, too, know a God like that.

Time to stop praying

 

I thought that might catch your eye. I know, I know - the Bible says: to pray continually, pray without ceasing, and at all times and in all places. Right? 

But I'm talking about the litany of pleas and unending agonizing cries of things we ourselves can not change; can not handle.

At some point, it's time to just trust. To believe that God is the One and Only great, big GOD. Time to stop "wringing our hands everyday over the same things" kind of prayers. And take a deep breath in, and out, close your eyes and say, "God, You are __________." Rest in His sovereignty. Be at peace in His wisdom and power. Truly acknowledge God as King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Over everything in heaven and everything on earth. Believe with all your heart - God is present and holds the present and future - of everything - in His hands. God IS at work now and  forever. Every day is written in His book. In absolute perfect wisdom and power. There is a divine and orderly plan and purpose to all things. Great is our Lord. And greatly to be praised.

I want to stop caving in to the pressure to be frantic and panicked as if I had no hope. I have hope. I have the greatest Hope.

Set it all down...

Set. It. All. Down.

Rest in the One Who has control of it all.

Believe it.

Trust Him.

Have faith.

Remember Who God is and all that He is.

Aren't you ready for a sigh of relief? 

Ask God today for a sure and unshakeable confidence in Him. The Almighty One.

Meet me for coffee

 

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

How easily, how so easily tempting it is to bypass morning prayer time. When I think of all the concerns of the day... such distractions! - to what should be a special time, a peaceful, re-energizing time. But instead I start to stew over confession. Shame. Guilt. Judgment. Reviewing wrongs, and my lengthy prayer list for others and pleading for seemingly impossible "fixings".

Shouldn't it be like having coffee with a friend? My friend and I, we meet at some little out of the way coffee shop. A quiet place away from the hub-bub and noise. We laugh and tell stories, encouraging each other in hope and in love. Getting together - just two friends - sitting in God's sunshine with no set time limit. No rushing. Just lingering ... unhurried... We talk. We sip. We enjoy companionable silence. More talking. More sipping. We don't solve all the world's problems, but we do gain reassurances in the One Who does. We grow closer and more dear to one another. We've relished the time and eagerly make plans to meet again.

Right now I hear a pretty good rain coming down. You know the kind - used in calming recordings. A purring cat curled up by my side. And yes, a fresh mug of coffee! But no one is up yet. It's early. But what a friend I have in Jesus. Who's presence is always near. He Who loves me like a dear friend, even more so! And in this time and place there is no rushing off, but can sit peacefully among the God-sounds. Sip. Think. Share. Relish. Aware of each other's presence - this wonderful Jesus Friend... and me. Listening to the rain. Conscious of the day before us but also being reassured we will navigate it together. THIS coffee time does not need to end but just shift and change and adapt as the day unfolds. (I may just leave my mug on the counter to remind me of that.) Just as I take another sip and smile at the friend across the table at that out of the way coffee shop, so also, I take another 'sip" with my companion Jesus and smile.

May I keep my mind on the Friend Jesus and the freedom from shame, guilt and judgement He has given. Like having coffee and a chat with a dear friend, may I welcome and relish Him. And eagerly make plans to be with Him again and again.

A friend loves at all times... (Proverbs 17:17)

"Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." (Mark 6:31)

Knit 2 Together

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 I've been knitting alone all through this  pandemic. Now granted, it is a hobby that can easily be done alone. It can be a quieting, comforting and peaceful way to pass the time. But oh, how I miss knitting with a group of friends! There is such affirmation, support, encouragement, cheerleading - joy and love and laughter - just by spending time together. Sometimes it's good to quietly knit. And other times it's wonderful to just bubble up in joy with everything and everyone you see when together and sharing. Living it out together.

It got me to thinking about my approach to God. Is it always in quiet prayer? Solemn. Respectful. Alone in a prayer closet. That too, can be comforting and peaceful. But do you think God time can also be spent - joyfully?

Kicking the waves on the shoreline. And when was the last time you lifted your face and your arms to the sun and turned around and around (think the Sound of Music!) 

Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God. (Job 22:26)

Roll the windows down and let the wind blow through your hair. Oo, oo.... swing high in a swing at the school yard! Crank up the music. Spending time with God doesn't have to be so solemn, serious to be reverent.  The Lord longs to be gracious to you (Isaiah 30:18) He wants you to experience joy, love, and laughter - with Him.

Picture yourself standing next to a giant waterfall, waters crashing, splashing...

a peacock spreading out its amazing feathers in full array (perhaps strutting to the tune "Oh Happy Day!"), birds happily calling (to God?), singing (with God?) as loud as they can. Even a big field of flowers seem to scream joy in a riot of color, bobbing their heads in time with God's song.

God is not always quiet and reserved.

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior Who saves. He will take great delight in you... will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. (Psalm 16:6)

He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me. (Psalm 18:19)

He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of His birth... (Luke 1:14)

Can you stretch yourself beyond just thoughts of gratefulness and take delight in being with the Lord?

Will there be joy in the Lord in your life today?

Are we walking?

 No, this isn't about a new year's resolution about walking. But as I've been reading in Genesis the past few days, I have discovered a distinction between living with God and walking with God.

Now  we know in the bible there are plenty of people who have lived for the Lord. But a couple passages caught my eye and got me to wondering:

(Genesis 5:24) Enoch walked faithfully with God, then he was no more, because God took him away.
And Enoch walk in habitual fellowship with God. (AMPC)
  Enoch walked steadily with God. (MSG)

Noah walked with God. (Genesis 6:9)
Noah walked in habitual fellowship with God.

So I looked up the word "walk" and what I found was so interesting.

WALK - to move at a regular pace by lifting up and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once.

Is that packed with some thought provoking stuff, or what?

I hope you ponder this.

Is your walk with God -

•    at a regular pace?
•    does it involve lifting up?
•    and setting down?
•    and in its own turn (time and place)
•    and how about never having both feet off the ground at once!

In every season of life, in every season, may we be ever walking - walking with the Lord.

PASS THE PEACE...

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

It is true there is much to fear and be upset about in this world. There will not be complete and total relief until we get to heaven. Until then, when we can, as often as we possibly can... rest and peace are offered - when we turn our eyes upon Jesus. Imagine being enfolded in the arms of peace. Where distractions of this life have been obscured for however long you are able to keep your heart, mind and soul on Jesus. In Jesus, there is peace and rest. There, you can dwell on His goodnesses past and believe with certain hope He will continue to carry you through this life into the glorious next life, after life, forever life.

Remain in Me. 

Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. (John 15:4 CSB)

Produce fruit. I usually think of good works. But what if - we refer to the fruit as the fruit of the Spirit?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love... joy... peace... patience... kindness... goodness... faithfulness... gentleness... and self control... (Galatians 5:22-23)

If you are joined to Me, remain in Me, stay with Me ...
then you will have these fruits. Enough for yourself and enough for sharing.

You should continue to purposely abide with Christ. Stay connected. The vine is alive! You, the branch, can stay alive by remaining connected. Be watered regularly (remember your baptism), be fed regularly (remember His Word). Get your very lifeblood (sap, nourishment) from Him.

Connect.
Receive.
Produce.
Pass the peace.

Can You Hear Me ...now?

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)

Every parent knows that newborn's cry in the middle of the night. You can be sound asleep, right? But somehow (probably through several nights of practice!) your ears are keenly aware and attuned to the sounds your little one makes.

The sound of someone's voice can sure warm your heart. I remember calling home from boot camp the first time. When I heard my mom's voice answer the phone, all I did was cry. But, throughout my navy days, we stayed in constant touch - calling each other weekly. And instead of tears, her voice brought warmth and love, encouragement, peace, security ... all kinds of good things. Even though we lived miles and miles apart. A regular dose of love on a regular basis. Talking - comfortably picking up right where we left off.

Sadly, my mom has been gone about 15 years now. Sadly, I can't remember the sound of her voice. Oh, I have lots of good visual memories. And I can still picture her face when she laughed. And I suppose some of her most famous sayings come to mind from time to time (like, "Don't wish your life away") But I sure miss the constant connection we shared... (and its benefits to me).

And it brings to mind - when was the last time you connected with a loved One (Jesus)? Is it happening on a regular basis (bringing love, encouragement, peace and security) or has time been passing by and talking has become - uncomfortable, unsure...

Can you imagine Jesus' face smiling?
Can you recall some of His famous sayings?
Can you still hear His voice?
Are you missing the dear connection you once enjoyed?
... with that Someone you love?

Surely...
Surely I am with you ...
Always.

Got BREAD?

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

They all ate and were satisfied ... (Matthew 14:20)

Maundy Thursday evening service. Tables set up in the shape of a cross. The BREAD and the cup placed for all to see. Candles lit. A solemn affair of remembering commences.

But right in my line of vision is a two-year-old, gazing at the BREAD. Eyes sparkling. From the nearby candle or the sacred BREAD? "Daddy," she whispers and points. Soon a plate of pre-cut BREAD squares is passed and she accepts her little bit. But even as the service continues, you can hear her plead and ask, "Daddy. More." and she points to the big loaf on display. A whimper. A little whine. She wants more BREAD. The big BREAD. The Great, Big, BREAD. It's been broken. She waits.

Finally the evening has ended and she receives a big hunk of the big loaf. Her face lights up. Her mouth dives in for a big bite. She pinches off bits of crust, examines it, pops it into her mouth. Savors the BREAD. Enjoys her BREAD. Loves her BREAD. Walks around carrying her BREAD close to her heart.

All is well.
All is well.
She has her BREAD.
Her Great... BIG ... BREAD.
Amen.

The best part of waking up ...

In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new agreement between God and you that has been established and set in motion by my blood. Do this in remembrance of me whenever you drink it.” (1 Corinthians 11:25 TLB)

There was no orange juice left yesterday morning. So I looked around and found some grape juice we must have purchased for use in home communion or something. I poured a glass of that instead. And as I lifted the glass to my mouth, a most profound sense of JESUS overwhelmed me. It must have been the smell of the grape juice (which is what we use in church on communion Sundays). I smelled it again and again - Jesus, Jesus, filling my whole being. I can't explain the power of that moment.

And how "surprising" that that same morning, we had holy communion at church. Without thinking, I lifted the cup and once again that smell captured my every thought with JESUS. Even more tangible than before! Jesus, precious Jesus! I can't stop saying His name! What a beautiful moment for me. One I want to experience again and again. I want to remember Him again and again.

In the morning when I rise, give me grape juice! Give me Jesus!

The Perfect Prayer

In the same way the Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our weakness. We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should, but the Spirit Himself [knows our need and at the right time] intercedes on our behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words. (Romans 8:26 AMP)


Some of you may wonder about the irregularity of my posts. I certainly do. I see many a blogger out there writing something every day. How do they do it? Although I do like to wait and "feel" moved by the Spirit to share something, I am also guilty of wanting my post to be over the top inspirational - powerful - of greatest value. I mean, I don't want to waste your time. And I want you to come back! So every post needs to be extraordinary, right? Full of purpose. Every word packed with meaning. Every word chosen carefully. The perfect word. And my posts should be concise - not too short and not too long. Rules! Rules! Rules!

And I have to wonder if we sometimes approach our prayer time with the Lord in the same way. Not every day. But only when we have something really important and when our words are filled with, well - just the right words. We want our words to be powerful and meaningful. Especially when we are praying aloud. And we certainly don't want to waste God's time rambling either. Let's get it right, right? Because we want to be worthy in case we need to come back (to Him).

When the truth is - God just wants to hear from you about anything and everything. Spend time with you. Converse with you. No rules. Just come. Stay as long as you want. Or check in throughout the day. Whisper or shout. Groan if you can't find the words. Or just sit and smile with folded hands.

No rules when it comes to prayer.
Just come.
And make God's day!

Courage is ...

© 2008 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

… your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you. (2 Samuel 7:27)

John Wayne said courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway. And I guess in some instances that could be correct. You can be afraid and yet still have the willingness to move forward with it. Like public speaking for the first time.

 The Bible has numerous places where it talks about being strong and courageous (Joshua 1:6 for example). And that may help when you’re stepping up to the mic.

 But there’s another scenario. The one where you don’t want to move forward. You don’t want to be courageous. Don’t want to go “there”. Don’t want to be told to be strong and courageous. You don’t care if God is with you. You don’t see “footprints in the sand” - you see being forced, dragged, kicking and screaming into an experience you don’t want to go!

 And yet … there is no way around it. There is no other way. And so, alas, what are we to do?

 “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. (John 6:68)

 Yes, the Lord is with us in every kind of dire situation. But doesn’t He seem so far away sometimes? How can He really understand the fear you are facing today, right now?

 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. (Luke 22:42-44)

Know this right now. Jesus understands to a depth no one else can. He will be your strength when it seems it has all been drained out of you. It is here and now when spending time with the Lord is most valuable; holding the most promise for strength, peace … and courage.  It is time to be with Jesus. A time to pray.

 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)

 Yes. Even ordinary folks like Peter and John. Like you and I. Granted courage. Through Jesus.

Let us pray …

C'mon, c'mon - let's get together

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. (Acts 4:32) 

I sure love it when my knitting group gets together. We all have a passion for knitting, but we don’t all do the same pattern. Talking, laughing, sharing, helping, encouraging, teaching … we rejoice in what the others are working on, lend a hand when need be, and just be good support for each other as we spend this time together united in heart and mind – for knitting! We don’t all like the same colors or patterns. But it sure is fun to see what the others are steadily working on!

Yes, I can knit alone and I enjoy that too. I can find a variety of patterns online; tips and helps too. I can do pretty good on my own. But it’s not the same as when a whole group of us gather, all of us interested in pursuing different levels of the same thing.

I’m thinking the same can be said of church-going, church attendance, church participation. You can read the bible on your own, pray on your own, sing Christian songs along with the radio, and find online bible studies to follow. And it’s certainly good to do so. But it’s not the same, is it?

When I’m excited, enthusiastic about something, how wonderful when friends join in – just as excited and happy. Full of celebration too!

So, gimme Sunday morning church with its lighting of the candles, tolling of the bells, God's Holy Word read aloud, and a roomful of people singing His praises. And oh my, Holy Communion all together – for EVERYONE who believes. Gimme those people who can rub me the wrong way – that also encourage me when I fail. Gimme those people who are restless for the sermon to end - but also share joys and fears during the coffee hour.  Those who grumble and also have great compassion for others going through a similar thing. What do you love about worship service in church?

As I so love the time with my knitting group, may it also be said of my time in church.

Let's come together.

Let’s build the church up.

What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. (1 Corinthians 14:26)