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.

Wit or witout?

If you are at all familiar with the ordering of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich - in Philly - you know there’s an expression they use. Wit or witout. It actually means your preference to having grilled peppers and onions included on your sandwich.

I recently had a similar experience here in South Carolina at a popular chili dog place. They, too, asked, “Everything? Or without?” The without this time meaning mustard and onions. My answer? Oh, yes! Everything! I want to be adventuresome here in my new surroundings. I want to taste and experience it all! The freshness, the crunch, the chewy, the gooey… and boy, was it good too!

Are you tasting and seeing everything God is offering you? Do you realize there are more blessings available and waiting for you? Or do you step back, sticking with what you know about God, what’s been experienced and tested, and not trying the other things He offers?

Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us… - Ephesians 3:20 NIV

Now to the God Who can do so many awe-inspiring things, immeasurable things, things greater than we ever could ask or imagine through the power at work in us … THE VOICE

God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His Spirit deeply and gently within us. THE MESSAGE

What is holding you back from enjoying more from God? Did you not just read the promises God gives in His Word? 

Are you thinking He won’t fulfill some of His promises to you? But these promises ARE for you! 

Are you living wit or witout?

God is ready to overwhelm you with more blessings than you could ever imagine so that you’ll always be taken care of in every way and you’ll have more than enough to share. - 2 Corinthians 9:8 THE VOICE

So I ask you, “Wit or witout?”

The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.” - Numbers 11:23

 

And you turn yourself around; that’s what it’s all about!

I’ve traveled a lot of unfamiliar roads since our recent move to South Carolina. I’ve relied heavily on my phone and GPS. Keeping it close so I can see and hear the directions needed.

But I had to take my husband to the airport the other morning. Early morning. It was still dark on my way back home. I was on roads I’d never been on before. But when the GPS said, “Turn”, I couldn’t see the corner. It wasn’t well lit. So I mistakenly went past it. And had to get turned around.

I’m embarrassed to admit it happened three times. Either no streetlight or the street sign was different than the GPS. Three times I had to get turned around. I had to take a right. And another right. And another right. But I had no choice. I needed to get back on the right road in order to get home.

Perhaps the same applies to walking our Christian walk. We need to keep our “phone” (Bible) close where we can see it and hear it. We need to recognize when we’re trying to navigate life in the dark. We may need to turn and turn and turn again to get back on the right track. 

The closer I got to home, the more light filled the sky. More light made me feel more comfortable. I was able to relax and actually enjoy the journey.

If it feels like you are traveling in the dark, let me remind you - you have a “GPS” system in God and in His Word. Trust Him to get you on the right track - towards the light - towards home.

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. - Isaiah 42:16

That’s what it’s all about. 

Note cards are available again. Tap the link below. Now that I’m getting settled in the new house, new card designs will be coming soon!

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop-2023.html?fbclid=IwAR0PfUfptIdi_z94Sw9OwWi1MAy21muq2inyerUUjXMt4-Cyhhf6lQUE1fc

I Turn to You

 I'm happy when someone is able to help me out; show me the way through something I can't quite figure out. I hate the feeling of frustration when whatever it is I am working on doesn't come out right, even after reading the instructions over and over and trying again and again. Yes, I am so relieved when someone comes along with more knowledge and experience - to show me more clearly - the way.

Whether it's a crafting project or how to make a recipe gluten-free, I am thankful for those who know more than I do. It might still take some time, but with a friend sharing what they already know, I can get to the end (with truly unexpected, wonderful results!) A friend can help me achieve what I was positive I couldn't bring to completion. Knowing there is someone in the wings with greater knowledge is such a comfort!

But there are things friends can't help with.

There are things even googling can't help with.

That's why I am most at peace when I remember God is the ultimate holder of all knowledge. God is above and beyond all else. Truly we can trust in Him for the solution to every struggle. Bigger. Better. Beyond any answer our feeble, human minds can drum up. Yes, yes, I know, His timing is different than ours. But His end result! His end result is the better way. God still supplies, provides, and guides. God does amazing, marvelous, indescribable, beyond our wildest hopes and dreams things!

After all, He IS God.

So, if you're wondering, worrying, and just can't figure a problem out  - might I suggest you turn to God. (God doesn't mind if it's big or small!) And turn it over to God. (God can handle both big and small!) Instead of being fearful of what you don't know, turn to the great I AM. The One who knows all, sees all and can do all. In His perfect knowledge.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, Who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)

And don't forget to check out my online card shop for the latest designs! New updates coming in the next day or two! FREE suggested messages too!

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop.html

I

The Purr-fect Carrier

 Taking my cats to the vet is a real experience. One cat cries and cries until she realizes she is safe in the carrier. Even the rumbling of the car motor becomes soothing instead of frightful. The other cat is too scared to even meow one peep. Eyes big… crouched down low… 

When my cats are afraid, they generally run for cover. Under the couch. A carrier also provides that all-around protection. The screen door allows just enough view of the outside world to know it’s safer to be inside the walls of the carrier. 

Does one of these cats describe you… in the arms of our Savior? Do you first cry and cry before eventually settling in? Are you sometimes speechless, unable to form words for a prayer? 

He tends his flock like a shepherd:
    He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
    he gently leads those that have young. - Isaiah 40:11

Even to your old age and gray hairs
    I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
    I will sustain you and I will rescue you. - Isaiah 46:4

Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. - Psalm 68:19 NLT

You,too, have the perfect Carrier:

Through sickness, cancer, marriage, divorce, loss, finances, relationships, temptations… 

The Lord stands strong, mighty and ready to carry you - whatever comes your way. 

Cry if you must. 

Crouch down as you look out into your circumstances. 

But my prayer is that you realize - you are safe in His arms and held close to His heart. 

God Almighty is with you. Carrying you through it all. 

Yet again. 

Don’t forget to check out the card shop found on the website! Christmas cards and more! Great gift for the note writer you know! Keep some on hand for yourself as well! You’ll be glad you did!

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop.html

Honor

 

Many of us have experienced it. A bible verse you have read a hundred times suddenly comes alive with new clarity and understanding. Or a well-known biblical concept jumps off the page of your daily devotional. It happened to me just the other day.

The writer was sharing about Old Testament burnt offerings. Done every morning and every night. Every day and every night. By the priest. And I remembered that it was for the atonement of sins. But the writer went a step further and said it was also to serve as holy worship. Worship... God-honoring. Revering. And it made me pause. Because, yes, I do pray to God. I do ask and give thanks. I sing praise songs. And I try to do things that please Him. But the idea of stopping and dropping everything - and taking a moment to just honor the Lord for Who He is - without the asking. Without even the thanking. 

So this morning I took the pause. When the house got quiet, I lit a candle. I looked into the flame. And I said,  "God, You are important to me." No asking. No pleading. No concerns. Not this time. Not in this moment. Just, "God, You are important to me. I stop and drop everything in this moment. To honor You."

HONOR - to regard with great respect

EXALT - to hold someone in very high regard; to think very highly of

REVERE - to feel deep respect or admiration for

I didn't stay long with my candle. I just tried to breathe and stick with my chosen train of thought. 

I wonder what would happen if I chose to add this one simple little God-honoring moment to my mornings. And to my late afternoons. "God, You are important to me."

I believe I want to find out...

Love comes down

 So many of us want that mountaintop experience... and to stay there. Because that's where we feel God is closest. And we feel the safest and most loved and secure. Maybe that's because we picture God being up high somewhere instead of always down here by us. Yes, we certainly want to be "up where God is" - where it's comfortable and everything is good and feels good and feels close to God.

You would think God would want to stay "up there" too. Up with the heavenly hosts. Where everything is good and perfect and beautiful. But in His great mercy and love, He is not only "up there". God comes down. He comes down to where we are. Curled up in a ball on our bed. In deep waters of confusion, frustration... despair. All those dark, scary places. There you will find God too. He is not only found on the mountaintops. He is not only found in the heavenly realms. God comes down to be with us - wherever we are. 

We find this truth in Philippians 2:6 -

Who, being in the very nature of God, He chose not to cling to equality with God...

Jesus did not stay in the heavens. He humbled Himself and came down. For us.

And there is a song that is also a good reminder:

Come ye weary heavy laden

Bruised and mangled by the Fall

If you tarry till you're better

You will never come at all

God is with you - whether curled up in the fetal position, unmoving from the recliner, and under a blanket.  All messy. God is right there loving you. God will not leave you alone. No matter how deep your mess feels. So don't wait to seek the Lord. Don't wait for a mountaintop experience to feel God's presence. He is everywhere - all the time. 

Know and accept this truth. Wherever you are today.

Side note: Christmas card designs and Christmas messages being released October 6!

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop.html

God keeps working things out

 

I have to look back over the past few weeks, even months, to remember this. 

Forever God is faithful.

Forever God is strong.

Forever God is with us. Forever. Forever.

Looking back over the past year, all the worries and concerns I've had - and in that moment, they seemed so stressful and unmanageable. But here I am today with a cup of coffee and sunshine streaming through the window. And able to thank God for those miraculous fixes. Thanking God He got things resolved. Many things that have been long forgotten. And so today as I look at my prayer list and my concerns for this day, it is with blessed assurance in knowing that God keeps working things out. I know He knows the way - God always knows the way. And tomorrow, when I have new and different worries (or picking up the old ones), God will be there again.

So that's my mantra: God keeps working things out.

"My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working." (John 5:17)

God never tires, slumbers or sleeps. God doesn't give up. He doesn't turn His back. He doesn't get anxious because He knows the perfect solution. He is always steadily moving forward. To this very day. For our good. It seems for however many problems I can dream up, God has an answer. Eventually. But even in the waiting, God sends little bright spots and shimmering sparkles along the way. Catch them if you can. Troubles come. But with God, troubles go. There is resolution in His heart and hands. He will make the rough path smooth. He will. Ya just gotta let Him do it.

Peek-a-boo God

 Like many people, I have a prayer list next to my chair. And in the morning, I lift those folks up in prayer to an almighty God. I pray in confidence and trust that this almighty God is already fully engaged in each person's life. I pray, watching and waiting, to see what almighty God will reveal to us.

Songs, phrases, and circumstances can all trigger additional thoughts (and prayers!) about a person throughout the day. Another reminder to trust and believe in our Lord and Savior, Healer, Helper, Comforter, and Friend.

I do send a card once in a while, to let someone know they are remembered and prayed over. But not every time - can you imagine? There seems to be a constant flow of what many call a "popcorn" prayer - a one-sentence prayer that just pops up - with that person's life in mind. But no one ever really knows how many prayers are said over them because God called them to mind.

The same is true for God's involvement in our lives. There are times when we feel an answered prayer. But innumerable times when God blesses, protects, intervenes... without our realizing it. But we know, we can trust that God is forever faithful. There is a constant flow of His caring, loving attentiveness over each one of us. 

Whatever circumstance you find yourself in, know that God has called someone to pray.

Jesus, Himself intercedes.

I pray for them. (John 17:9)

God, Whom I serve... is my witness how constantly I remember you. (Romans 1:9)

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. (Romans 8:26)

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. (Ephesians 6:18)

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. (Philippians 1:4)

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. (Colossians 1:9)

So watch. Wait. Trust. Believe. With a certain hope - what goodness God will reveal in His time.

If you need some notecards to let someone know you care, visit my card shop:

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop.html

When there are no words...

 When it's not a "get well soon" situation... when life has taken a turn and there

is no turning back... it is so tough to try to think of something good, helpful, and meaningful to write in a card. I'm upset. I'm emotional. I want them to know how much I really care. But nothing I think of sounds right.

One thing you can do is turn to the Master of all words. Scripture has an abundance of appropriate messages. I often start by looking up a favorite verse. Then look at it in different translations. There are a few translations that feel conversational in tone. There are often devotionals that reference that same verse, and so I can use a line or two from that.  Here's one example:

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still water; he restores my soul. (NRSV)

The Lord is my Shepherd (to feed, to guide, and to shield me), I shall not want. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters. He refreshes and restores my soul (life). (AMP)

God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. (MSG)

The Eternal is my shepherd, He cares for me always. He provides me rest in rich, green fields beside streams of refreshing water. He soothes my fears; He makes me whole again. (VOICE)

The next couple are from devotional books:

The Lord is my constant companion. There is no need that He cannot fulfill. Whether His course for me points to the mountaintops of glorious ecstasy or to the valleys of human suffering, He is by my side, He is ever present with me.

or -

The Lord is my peace. I shall not live in anxiety. He puts me under His wing of comfort and calms my spirit within me. He takes all my anxieties on Himself and helps me to focus on Him.

Can you see how helpful any one of these could be of help and comfort? All it takes is a favorite verse and a little research (and some prayer for guidance!) and you will be empowered by God's Word to send just the message at just the right time.

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!

Entertaining

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts...", declares the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8)

This bible verse can bring some comfort when a trusting believer lacks understanding of what's going on in their life. God is huge and does immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). So, yes, His thoughts and ways are far greater. And we know God to be all-wise, all-knowing, and all-powerful too. God is certainly perfect in thought, word, and deed.

Yet, even though I've committed my life to Christ, some of my thoughts are not so Christlike. Some pretty ugly, mean thoughts seem to suddenly appear inside my head. Could it be - those kinds of thoughts are from the father of all lies, deceptions, and distraction? 

These mean, ugly thoughts are NOT mine. I agree with God in saying:

THIS DOES NOT FIT WITH WHO I AM.

Do not invite these kinds of thoughts to dinner. Do not let them spend the night. 

The temptation he is offering in our thoughts is not a sin. Choosing to act upon them is. I can choose not to yield. I can call out to Jesus and He has promised to supply proper words and actions. These are "Get behind me, Satan!" moments. I will say it again and again:

THIS DOES NOT FIT WITH WHO I AM.

So, what kind of thoughts are you entertaining? Spending time with? Know that Jesus will supply whatever you need.

And the rain came down...

 

I don't need an achy joint to tell me it's about to rain. My cat, Max, lifts his head and listens - then goes under the rocking chair. It's one of those glider ones with the skirt around the bottom. A minute later, and you can hear the rain hitting the window. He finds safety and security there. He does this every time it rains, whether a gentle rain or a full-blown storm. Oh, that we would do likewise into the Lord's protective arms! Shouldn't the storms of life have us going to God?

Not even calm, soothing words from me change Max's mind. He KNOWS where his true comfort and safekeeping are found. So that's where he goes. And that's where he stays until the upsetting circumstance passes. And it does pass.

Thank You, Lord, for being the goodness we can go to for comfort and safekeeping.

Thank You, Lord, for being the goodness while it is storming.

Thank You, Lord, for the goodness of knowing You will be there for the next storm.

When the rain is coming and Max can sense it, he doesn't stand there frozen in fear and anxiety. There is no wailing, whining or crying out. He doesn't run here and there frantically seeking someplace that brings a sense of safekeeping. Every time, every time it rains, a little or a lot, he just lifts the rocker skirt with his nose and enters in. Enters into a place of peace and rest. It's just another storm in life approaching, so he goes where he knows he will be protected and find comfort. Until it passes.

I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm. (Psalm 55:8)

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. (Psalm 27:5) The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. (Matthew 7:25)

Any size storm. Where do you go?

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. (Psalm 57:1)

Any size storm. Where do you stay?

Were You There?

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Now before you get that pre-Easter song stuck in your head, I want you to know I've taken a different direction.

Have you ever wondered if God is going to show up? Help you? Be there for you?

Take a look at these examples and then consider some of your own:

Were You there:

• as the car ran a red light right in front of me?

    "I was there."

• as they prepped me for my first chemo treatment?

    "I was there."

• as they terminated my position at work?

    "I was there."

• as I put mom in a nursing home?

    "I was there."

• as I signed the divorce papers?

    "I was there."

    Are You here:

• as I juggle mom and work and the kids?

    "I am here."

• as I plan, shop, prepare and set out dinner for my family yet again?

    "I am here."

• as I stretch out beneath clean sheets after a long day?

    "I am here."

• as a rock a cranky grandbaby?

    "I am here."

Does this cause you to tremble... tremble... tremble?

Are you still worried about the future? Are you still wondering how you will get through today? What does the Bible say?

I am with you always (remaining with you perpetually - regardless of circumstances, and on every occasion), even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20 AMP)

You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of time. (ERV)

I will be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age. (MSG)

His faithfulness endures forever.

His love endures forever.

His strength endures forever.

He presence endures forever.

In Revelation 4:8 we read: Day and night they never stop saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty; Who was, and is, and is to come." 

Take an intermission... and put your hope in the One Who was, is and is to come. For me. For you. Always. 

Amen.

I'm still gonna...

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Take that first sip of coffee in the morning in my fluffy robe and slippers

Pet the cat until he purrs - loudly

Step out the door and breath in some fresh air

Enjoy some uplifting music

Wear a favorite sweatshirt

Talk on the phone with a loved one

Stand over the stove slowly stirring a pot of savory stew

I'm still gonna love sunshine as well as big snowflakes

Stand in awe at the lakeshore

Laugh as often as possible

Take time to really rest

Sit quietly in candlelight

Allow myself time to read a real page turner of a book

Eat chocolate with my eyes closed

And still find comfort in familiar bible passages

Hum a praise song or two

Eat bread and drink wine

I will remember again and again: nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39), the care of God, the very presence of... God.

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 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. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion (meaning enough); therefore I will wait for Him. (Lamentations 3:21-24)

You will have a joy that no one can take away. (John 16:22)

Really finished?

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 
Christmas shopping got done early this year. Made a list. Checked it twice. Gifts purchased online with a few handmade. Food for dinner tucked away in the freezer. Even cookies baked. Everything is wrapped. Delivered. And its still a week until Christmas Day! Maybe I should buy one more gift for... no! Maybe I should bake up some... no! I made the list. I checked it twice. I'm done. The time has come to relax and say all is ready. There is no more to be done. It's time to rest in the peace that knowledge brings. Fuzzy slippers. Hot cocoa. Crackling fireplace.

Jesus came to save. His blood covers every sin. God made "a list" and "checked it twice". All is complete in Christ. There is no more to be done. Stop running, thinking, trying to do more for the love, acceptance and salvation found in God's heart and hands. It's time to rest in the peace He brings.

Got Jesus in your heart? Then believe in the good news: Your salvation, freedom and peace has been won by His sacrificial love. God - always fully your Supplier, Provider and Perfecter. It is complete and perfect. It is finished. Really finished. Just as He said. (John 19:30)

Christ our Savior is born.

Be at peace. His love for you is complete, full, abundant and beyond measure. Most beloved child...

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. - Galatians 4:4-5

Beyond survival mode

I look in the mirror, and I see this gentle but potent reminder: I got through cancer. I survived breast cancer. But long before that, God helped me survive many other things. Being teased in school for being soooo tall; moving away from the known and familiar to join the Navy; looking for jobs - taking jobs not suited to me; and when I found out I couldn't bear children (and everybody else was); being out on my own after a failed marriage; my only son headed for Iraq; mom dying of cancer; car troubles, financial problems... and oh yes, breast cancer.

Most likely, you too, have a litany of survivals, rescues, by the hand of God as well. Perhaps you have a few more on your list right now to get through - need of rescue by a power mightier than your own.

The Lord is near to all who call on Him. (Psalm 145:18)

What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to Him? (Deuteronomy 4:7)

The Lord is good, a refuge is times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him. (Nahum 1:7)

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

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. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him." (Lamentations 3:22-24)

What does forever and faithfulness mean but that God will continually, help, save, and rescue again and again. Did God ever quit on me (or you) no matter how long the list of needs, indeed - years of needs?

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us. (Romans 8:37)

I look in the mirror, see the necklace, and I am reminded: By God's grace, I survived.

You too. Look in the mirror. And say, 

"By God's grace, I have survived. I will survive."

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret... (Psalm 37:7)

       

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

Come and get it!

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

The birds are feasting, again and again, at the bird feeder. The squirrels are constantly in the yard digging up and chewing up nuts. My cats will certainly howl if the food dish even appears to be empty! Even sunflowers keep turning their heads toward the sun throughout the day to soak up its offered nourishment.

Me too. I sure like my three meals a day (plus snacks!)

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 104:27-28)

They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. (Matthew 14:20)

What a awesome God we all have! Taking care of our needs at the proper time. Plus leftovers! As if to say, "There's more than enough. Come back again real soon!"

Yet do we feed on the Bread of Life, God's very Word, as often? Now, before you start beating yourself up, consider this. Do you sometimes:

• read a devotional or a randomly selected bible passage
• sing or hum a hymn or praise song
• read inspirational memes on social media and say "Amen"
• share scripture verses with others through text or snail mail
• read books or articles on faith and trusting God
• listen to faith based radio, audiobooks, podcasts
• enjoy nature in all its splendor

Just as we feed our bodies with real food, so we feed our souls with real spiritual food. We do! It's just when you first think of being spiritually fed, you may think of lengthy bible readings and intense meditation time.

Ask God to make you more aware of all the times you really are feeding your heart and soul with the good things God brings. Believe you are tasting and seeing the goodness of God.

God is surely all around and in every time and place. His hand is held out and open to you. 

Take. Eat.

And come back again real soon!

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.