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

 

Here Comes the Sun

 

Cats love to lay in the sun. It's so warm and cozy! They don't seem to have a trouble in the world, do they? Life is good in the sunlight. 

When it starts to feel a little cold and "dark", they wake up. And move to where the sun is shining. Again and again, I can watch them move across the living room floor as the day goes on. 

Is your world feeling cold and dark? Wake up! Move to where the warmth of God's light is - a walk in nature, sure. But it could also be some praise music or the company of a good friend. I've saved some inspirational quotes and love looking through them when the day feels blah. Got a fireplace? Or some great-smelling candles? Soon we'll be enjoying the glow of Christmas lights. Know what makes you feel near to God. I bet you find a warm, cozy feeling there. Move there. Again and again. Take it from my cats; there's no better place to be.

Your sun shall no more go down or your moon withdraw itself, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended. (Isaiah 60:20) 

Jesus said to the people, "I am the Light of the world, So if you follow Me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, for living light will flood your path. (John 8:12)

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...

A Call to Joy

 It's another hot day and I'm trying to design Christmas cards! 

Art can be hard to do if you let it. One of the first mistakes is to try to do like everybody else. Another is to try to force yourself to do something (like draw a dog) when your heart just isn't in it right now. It seems good and right (to balance out all the cat designs!). But the harder I try, the more I struggle and the more dissatisfied I become with my artwork. I come to the conclusion that I'm not an artist at all. And that's simply not true. What I let happen was allowing predetermined demands and expectations to suck all the joy out of it.

A third is reading, studying, watching, and following all others - compiling all kinds of rules on how to do art.

Art flows from the heart. Art oozes. Art starts with a playful spirit. It splashes. Then layers. Then adds some more. It smiles. It is a joy. Forget what others are doing. Forget what you think you should be doing just because it would be good and right. And forget all those rules, rules, rules. Follow your heart.

The same could be said of our Christian walk. Yes, there are others doing really wonderful, good and right, things. But if it's not a joy for you... realize you just have a different joy-calling. Don't see their calling as better. You have a calling in your heart from God. One that is a joy to do. There are all kinds of callings. Something for everyone. You don't have to labor away, struggling and grudgingly, just because you see it as good and right. As with the artist, you might just start thinking you're not a very good Christian after all. And that's simply not true! Don't let demands and expectations suck all the joy out of your walk with the Lord.

But in fact, God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? (1 Corinthians 12: 18-19)

What do you love to do?

What if money were no object?

What would you do even if you didn't get paid?

What do you do that you get lost in; lose track of time doing?

What causes you to smile to yourself?

There's the hint to your joy-calling.

Serve the Lord with gladness! Get rid of all those rules and preconceived notions. Just sit for a minute. Close your eyes and lay your palms up and open. Ask God for your joy-calling. What's the first thing that pops into your mind? Don't be too quick to dismiss it. Ponder. Seek. Ask. Let it flow. Ooze. Splash. Smile.

Living out your God-given joy-calling IS the good and right thing to do!

... so that they may have the full measure of My joy within them. (John 17:13)

Don't forget to check out the offerings in my CARD SHOP! The link is below: (and then the download button)

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

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!

Good gifts!

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 I've been celebrating my birthday all week long. And with every single birthday wish I received, every text, call, message, and even real hold-in-your-hand card (my passion) - I took a moment to relish the goodness of my relationship with that person. Honestly, it's been one good gift on top of another!

Gift: something given willingly; freely. Gifts communicate how we feel about another person. A good gift builds the connection you have with someone. It also means the giver values the recipient.  With a good gift, the giver really knows you, right? They "get" you. Don't you just love finding that perfect gift? Aren't you just giddy with anticipation waiting to give that gift?

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father... (James 1:17) Every. Think about that for a moment... (pause here)

So, when I read that passage from Scripture, I can know that God loves me. I can know that God knows me, He "gets" me. And I can know that God is a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Giddy with excitement, just like I would be with a perfect gift.

Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine... (Ephesians 3:20)

God loves to give. Abundantly. I hope you can see this in your own life.

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7:11)

What mom taught me about Jesus' miracles

 

I don't know how she stretched one dollar into ten. I don't know how she turned scraps of meat into a hearty meal. How she kept eight kids in clothes and shoes. Or how she found time to crochet wedding afghans and baby blankets beyond number. And something for every single grandchild under the Christmas tree. Making a way where there seems to be no way...

But I also see her on the ground planting petunias. Waltzing behind the ironing board to Ray Price. And pans of yeasty cinnamon rolls on Saturday mornings.

Despite any challenges, she also knew how to find joy in the life she was given.

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied... (Matthew 14:18-20)

I want to be like my mom. Because she was so much like Jesus.

Pass the relish, please

Gulping hot coffee.

Inhaling a couple bites of toast.

A quick, one-page read of a devotional while brushing your teeth.

Grabbing an armload and running to the car.

Merging and weaving in and out of traffic while the latest news yammers in the background during your phone call.

Arriving, hurrying, multitasking, departing as fast as you can.

Throwing dinner together.

Prepping as much as possible for the next day.

Collapsing into bed.

A whiff of fresh brewed coffee.

The cup warming your hands.

Noticing the reflection of light on its surface.

And... that... first... sip.

Toast  with grandma's jam, sunny yellow eggs and a sweet orange cut-up and all on a pretty plate.

A bite. And a chew. And a look out the kitchen window.

Tasting. Seeing.

Opening your bible. Reading a section. Twice. Jotting down a note or two. Sitting. Thinking. Praying. Wondering... what of this does God want me to take into this day?

Gathering up what is needed. Opening the door. Breathing in the fresh air. Admiring the blue sky and the tree limbs reaching up.

Enjoying the view out the car window. Waving to a friend walking the dog. 

Going with the flow. Uplifting music making you dance in your head. Fingers tapping the steering wheel.

Arriving safe and sound. Greeting others with a nod and a smile. Knowing there is time and ability to complete the task before you. The uplifting music from the car radio still humming through your mind.

A sip of wine as meat browns in the pan. The crisp sound of vegetables being chopped up. Rice steaming to perfection. Sitting down. Saying grace. Holding hands. Light conversation. Lingering over dessert.

Counting the blessings of the day. Stretching out beneath cool sheets. Happy in God's provision. Resting in His promised presence and protection through the night.

Everybody loves different things on their hot dog. Some mustard. Some catsup. Onions. Even chili and cheese. And yes, hot dog relish. You get to choose. Choose how you will enjoy, make the most, of your hot dog.

And you.

How will you choose to relish this day?

 

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.

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?

Holy Ground Moments

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Ahh... coffee with a friend. Chatting. Laughing. Lazily passing time. Watching the world go by.

Those were fleeting moments at the time. Simple pleasures. I appreciated them then, didn't I? Surely I thanked God for such gifts, didn't I?

But may not have pondered, held so dear, or relished the profound nature of the gift - it was from God. Priceless moments. Were they holy moments? Holy ground moments?

One definition of holy is: considered to be special because its connected to God.

Sitting here alone... drinking my coffee... missing all those things I once took for granted. I am rendered speechless with longing. So many God given moments, many simply "always there" expectations - now upon reflection during their absence - really were holy ground. I could taste and see that God is good (Psalm 34:8)

My eyes have since been opened.
Everywhere I look - abundance. Gifts. Blessings. I am surrounded. God's love is in everything. I won't be caught under-appreciating God's connecting to me again. Look around. Consider it all to be special because it is connected to God. From God's heart to yours.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation... (Philippians 4:12)

God brings the holy. The special. The gift of Himself.
Every good and perfect gift is from God (James 1:17)

It wasn't the actual ground Moses stood on that was holy - it was the presence of God (Exodus 3:5).

Times like coffee with a friend - will surely be more appreciated, cherished and remembered as gifts from God. In solemn awe, Lord, I will remember You.

Thank You, for holy ground moments.

What happened to the light?

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I was looking in the fridge this morning. The light seemed dimmer. Was it going out? Do we have another refrigerator bulb in the house? I started moving things around to get a better look. It was then that it dawned on me. I had just gotten groceries yesterday. Every shelf was filled with good things. Milk, cheese, meats, fruits, veggies... this "horn" of plenty was actually blocking the light.

And I have to wonder how often we look at the "goodies" from God and forget the goodness of God. His abundance, over abundance - extended to us. Because He loves us so...

Are "goodies" in life blocking your view of the love-light that shines from God's heart?

Take a look, a good look around. Move some stuff over. See the Light?

Be filled with gratefulness.
Be filled with awe at God's abundant provision.

Many, Lord, are asking, "Who will bring us prosperity?" Let the light of Your face shine on us. Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. (Psalm 4:6-7)

Jesus is born! Now what?

Now we pack everything back up, and trash the rest. Every card, wreath, ornament, CD, towels, dishes and the nativity.

The greatest news in all of life! And yet after just a few short weeks, every remnant of remembrance and celebration is swept away - stored in some unseen attic for another 11 months.

Jesus is born. Our Savior is born! Here He finally is! And something in my heart is telling me to... remember.

Jesus is born! Hallelujah!
Jesus is born! Joy to the world!
Let every heart prepare Him room.
But not the attic...

My Father's house has many rooms; if that we not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:2-3)

In a few short days, we'll be un-decorating and decluttering our spaces from all the holiday sparkle, color and shine. But I want a remnant of this most joyous occasion to remain. That You also, Lord, may be where I am. So if you visit my house in the year ahead, you may just find a small nativity tucked on a shelf. Keeping all this Christmas joy in view.

A Savior is born! He is born indeed!

But Mary kept all these things like a secret treasure in her heart. She thought about them over and over. (Luke 2:19 NIRV)

Heaven on earth

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

We all have imaginings of what heaven will possibly be like. We know there are promises of no more tears, crying or pain (Revelation 21:4). We can all imagine such great beauty and joy and LOVE and acceptance and ...!

Heaven will be a wonderful place!

But I could sure use some of that "heaven stuff" here and now. You too?

I think about the Lord's prayer (Matthew 6:10). It says: Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Another translation puts it like this: Manifest Your kingdom realm, and cause Your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth, just as it is fulfilled in heaven (TPT)

Isn't that what we seek? The beauty of heaven to be tasted here?

Which brings me to the scripture I read this morning which set this all in motion.
Truly I tell you, whatever you forbid and declare to be improper and unlawful on earth must be what is already forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit and declare proper and lawful on earth must be what is already permitted in heaven. (Matthew 18:18 AMPC)

Many other translations of this verse aren't as clear as this one is for me. They use words like "loosed" and "bound". But I think what they're all saying is bring heaven down here. Bring the beauty and the love we will see in heaven into the present. Where you are. Don't wait until you're gone from this earth to love everybody and everything that is heavenly. 

Cherish now.
Relish now.
Love as we will in heaven.

Let there be peace on earth...
Let there be love and hugs and all that stuff... on earth
And let it begin with me.

What are you never-ceasing about?

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I got a song stuck in my head this morning. The line before the chorus says that my whole being never ceases to worship the Lord.  Hmmm...

I'm afraid I think about God in the morning and then get on with my day.

What I AM good at never ceasing about is - worrying. I can think of something to be anxious about any time of day. But do I - can I - think of God throughout the day? Can I worship and praise Him - morning, noon and night?

I started thinking about a tree. Can you imagine a tree complaining:
"I'm stuck here. Same ol' same ol' every day. Literally, rooted / fixed to this spot. What if the river rises? What if there's a drought and the roots can't reach any refreshment? What if there's a fire? I can't move! Can go anywhere. Can't do anything. Just stand here."

Nope. The tree has its arms extending to the sky all the time. Probably praising God for providing water and other nutrients as needed. Probably praising God for the ability to make maple syrup at the proper time. Or fruit in the proper season. Probably praising God for the gift of leaves that dance in the breezes. Simply being. Simply satisfied with being blessed with whatever the Lord sends. Ceaseless praising tree.

You know what? My faith, my trust in God is unceasing. Unwavering. I will always have hope! My seeking of God will not be stopped. My confidence in Him will not be shaken! Ask me anytime, anywhere - I love the Lord for all He's done for me. Now that's ceaseless worship and praise!

Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise His holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all His benefits -
Who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
Who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:1-5)

My non-productive prayer

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I'm armed and dangerous. I've got my prayer list, my bible, my journal, my coffee, and my devotional. Fully prepared for some real quiet time with the Lord before jumping into my to-do list of the day.

I'm reading. I'm writing. I'm powering through my prayer list. But I don't know... something's not right. Today's scripture just isn't "clicking" with me. Today's prayers for others feel lackluster or rote. There's no real drama going on in my personal life ; no high anxieties for the day that require intense pleading. I'm kinda just sitting here - anxiously rambling helter-skelter, seeking that divine connection - through my attempt at productive prayer.

And suddenly... suddenly... I am stopped.
"Put everything down. Everything. Just sit. Close your eyes. Breathe in and out. That's all."

But what about...

"Breathe in and out. That's all. Just sit to embrace My divine presence. Savor this thing you call quiet time - by being quiet."

He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet water,
He refreshes my soul. (Psalm 23:2 NIV)

He offers a resting place for me in His luxurious love.
His tracks take me to an oasis of peace, the quiet brook of bliss.
That's where He restores and revives my life. (TPT)

He provides me rest in rich, green fields
beside streams of refreshing water.
He soothes my fears;
He makes me whole again. (VOICE)

Tis' the season

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. (Psalm 100:1-3 NRSV)




Yep. It's already ramping up. Stores and advertisements and obligations heading for overload.

But are we rejoicing, being glad and singing over the birth of a savior? Our Savior?

Or are we already grumbling about the cost of gifts, the traffic, the crowds, the pressures, the rushing, the expectations, the weather, the cooking and cleaning - oh, my!

I'm afraid my thoughts were headed that way. I'm baking cookies today for the church bazaar. And my first thoughts were fear of caving in and ruining my diet and weight loss plans. And hurrying up to finish craft items. And worrying about travel plans during the Christmas rush. Certainly doesn't sound like "Joy to the World" to me. You?

When maybe I should be rejoicing that I CAN bake and decorate yummy baked goods and handmade items. I CAN offer them to those unable to - because of work schedules or physical limitations. And I CAN rejoice in the Lord. Any day! Every day!

I don't want to lose my joy in the Lord over these worldly pressures. Too often I have caught myself too late - sitting in the Christmas eve service wondering how it got here so soon.

I want to stand firm in the peace He offers. I want to live in love of Him. I want that love and joy and peace to overflow into others lives.

Tis' the season, to stand at the stable - and to BE stable - firm and sure - in the salvation we have in this Jesus ... the Christ ... our Lord.

Do this in remembrance of Me.

Thanks be to God!

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." (John 20:25)

I just returned from a spiritual renewal weekend. I go often. Among many of the other wonderful things experienced there - is morning worship. We all gather at the Lord's table to be fed - before we go to breakfast. It has been a very meaningful time for many. It is somehow more profound in this "camp like" setting.

Something often happens to me - some eye catching, soul catching thing, that moves me to a deeper understanding.

Like, one time, the pastor was pouring the juice into the cup ... and he must have poured too fast because it went in and then slooped right back up and out! Onto the cement floor. But when I was looking at it, it looked like it was happening in slow motion. I swear I could actually see each individual red drop falling - and exploding onto the floor. You know? As if a black light were shining on it.

Drip. Drip. Drip.
Blood. Red blood. His blood.

Time stood still...

This weekend, after we went up to be served communion, we were invited to stop by a table that held a big bowl of water. In the water were a bunch of those "jewel type" stones. Green representing Father God the Creator, blue representing the Holy Spirit, and red for Jesus the Savior. Dip your hand in, they said. Remember your baptism. And take a stone - in remembrance. 

I took a stone. A red one. And went back to my seat. As I opened up my hand, the sunlight caught it just right. And I saw this. Do you see it too?

A human hand.
A blood red spot.
In remembrance of Me.

Slow down.
Look for a moment.
Think.
Touch. See. And believe.

"I have seen the Lord!"


https://mppilgrimage.org/

I'm lovin' it!

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Look at My hands and feet, and see that it's really Me. Touch Me, and see for yourselves. Ghosts don't have flesh and bones, but you can see that I do. - Luke 24:39


My brother was a car salesman. Now put all the car salesman jokes aside. Because my brother had to develop a real skill in relating to people through their senses. Discover their preferred sense in a matter of minutes in order to match them up to a car they would truly enjoy.

A strong sense of sight? "Check out that paint job! And those racing stripes!"
A sense of touch? "Run your fingers across the buttery smooth leather on those seats!"
Sound? "Just hear that engine rev and roar!"(or purr)
And let's not forget that new car smell. And kicking the tires!

These are all ways people experience true enjoyment and appreciation. Buying a car can be an emotional event! Touch! See! How awesome! How perfect!

Isn't that also how we connect with God?
Sight - an awesome sunset, a field of flowers, blue sky with puffy white clouds
Touch - a comfortable sweater, an ice cold drink, a hand reaching out to take hold of yours
Sound - children giggling, waves lapping around your ankles, a gentle rain
What about the smell of coffee in the morning, lilacs and roses, a newborn baby

If you've been wondering where Jesus is - Touch! Taste! See for yourselves.
It is I.

I'm lovin' Him!