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

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

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

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.

O Lord, hear my prayer

Resting on the promises of God

 Praises for someone landing a new job!

The face of precious babies.

Thank You for words of encouragement.

Thank You for shared prayers.

Continued blessings on a marriage.

Praise for another birthday!

Thanks and praise for laughter!

Prayers and support for those taking on a challenge.

Prayers for small businesses.

Thank You for Your Word.

Thanks for the reminders to trust in You.

Yummy recipes.

Thank You for music videos.

Prayers for those going through cancer.

I just scrolled through Facebook and prayed one-liners over every post I read. Surprised? First, it made me think of Matthew 6:

Your prayers need not be labored or lengthy or grandiose - for your Father knows what you need before you ever ask Him. (Matthew 7:8 VOICE) That makes one-line prayers still powerful and effective.

I admit I've struggled with social media. Sometimes it's so good, and other times it's hurtful and depressing. Then I recalled this verse that in some ways applies:

Even though you intended to harm me, God intended it only for good, and through me, He preserved the lives of countless people, as He is still doing today. (Genesis 50:20 VOICE) This verse comes from the infamous account of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. But he ends up saving the country from a severe famine. And using Facebook posts as a launchpad for prayers kind of feels like using social media (that can sometimes be bad), into something good and glorifying God. God always welcomes trust in Him.

So go on! You know you want to try it!

O Lord, hear my prayer...

The God of un-troubling

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

We have all turned to the verse: "In this world you will have trouble." (John 16:33) Whenever we have to remind ourselves that this is not heaven but an imperfect, sinning place. Or when we seek consolation because things are going so, so awry. When we are struggling through...troubles. Yes, troubles come. Troubles also go.

On March 2, 2016, I had surgery to remove cancer from my breast. I definitely felt "in trouble" then. It was certainly hard to think of anything else. But I have been cancer-free for five years now. Cancer doesn't bother me, doesn't consume me, like it did back then.

Whenever you cry out to me, I'll answer. I'll be with you in troubling times. (Psalm 91:15)

In fact, there have been numerous times when I badly needed... NEEDED:

a job, a new place to live, "right now" car repair, a new furnace, coast-to-coast traveling mercies, healings of various sizes, and so on. Desperate times. My mind consumed with what to do, how to pay for, how am I ever going to get passed this? But those desperate, intense troubles - are long past. Even forgotten. And I know of others:

• a long awaited pregnancy - now expecting
• college fees - covered
• insurance claims - kicked in
• a pet that wandered off - found
• a strained relationship - revived
• a loved one away so long - home safe and sound
• a new medicine - brings relief

Resolved. Un-troubled. Thanks be to God!

I invite you to - not count your blessings - but to look back at your past troubles. What was on your hand-wringing, worry plate two years ago? Five years ago? That are now un-troubling. Possibly even forgotten. Until now.

Sometimes it feels like troubles are piling up daily. Yet how many do you really remember? Truly - many are done and over with. You can't possibly recall every resolution (un-troubling) the Lord has delivered into your life! But He has. You know He has.

There's more to that verse than just the reminder that there will be troubles.

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Another translation:

"I have told you these things so that you will be whole and at peace. In this world, you will be plagued with times of trouble, but you need not fear; I have triumphed over this corrupt world order." (VOICE)

God has helped before. God will help again. Even though you have times of trouble, do not fear, the Lord has the final say. He offers peace to those to hold on to these, His, words.

I will answer your cry for help every time you pray, and you will find and feel My presence even in your time of pressure and trouble. (Psalm 91:15 TPT) 

It's Greek to me... at first

 

Seems like I'm using so many knitting references lately. But we're in a pandemic, so I'm home knitting a lot. And as the old song says, " He speaks to me everywhere."

A first look at the pattern/chart shown here and you can agree how daunting it all looks. It's only in reading and re-reading, breaking it down, paying close attention, studying and attempting - that it becomes understandable. Doable.

Reading something once doesn't always impart full and complete knowledge or understanding. Some patterns are easier than others. Some patterns can be tricky but with some repetition, can be memorized. Some are even more complex and turning again and again to the printed instruction becomes a necessity (I thought I remembered... but I didn't!) . It also doesn't hurt to throw out a plea: "Please, don't make me rip this section out yet again and start over!"

There are often times when I don't understand a bible passage either. Not the first time around. It helps to break it down. It helps to read different translations*. It helps to look into study guides and commentaries*. And to talk to others you know who also read and are trying to glean something from the bible. And to pray for enlightenment!

But sticking with it promises amazing results:

Great satisfaction. Rewarding. Something that will last and certainly keep you comforted and warm when you feel cold.

Do you sometimes struggle with understanding the bible too? Don't give up. Taking the steps I mentioned made me a better knitter. A more adventurous knitter; excited to see what more I can learn, know and apply to future endeavors.

Are you ready for your next "a-ha", lightbulb moment? Become a "knitter" and start putting the time, parts, and pieces of a bible study together. 

I'm praying God will reveal more of Himself to you as you seek to know Him more. And expect some amazing results!

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better return than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. (Proverbs 3:13-18) 

And we know that the Son of God has made our understanding come alive so that we can know by experience the One Who is true. And we are in Him Who is true, God's Son, Jesus Christ - the true God and eternal life! (1 John 5:20)

*

biblegateway for other translations

biblegateway for the Matthew Henry commentary 

youtube - look up the bible project for great explanations 

Litter box prayers

© 2021 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 Now hang with me.

I promise there is a message of hope by the end of this post.

I'm in my morning chair with my morning coffee and my morning devotional. As I get ready to start prayer journaling, I see my cat heading over to the litter box. Not big news - unless she decided three weeks ago to not use the litter box but to poop near it instead. (*) So the first prayer in my journal was: "Lord, make her poop in the box." Then I went on to other prayer-like thoughts, which somehow evolved into baring my soul about some deep emotional issue I've been trying to ignore. I poured my heart out to God (Psalm 6:28) wondering if there would ever be a real resolution to what I perceived as a longstanding, unanswered prayer problem. As words like faith, hope, trust and believe rose up in my mind, so did the scratch, scratch sound of litter being pawed to cover its intended purpose.

And immediately this passage came to mind:

Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say "Get up, take up your mat and walk'? (Mark 2:9)

Which is easier - Jesus asks - in red ink.

Forgive you your sins?

Make a paralyzed man walk?

Return a cat to the litter box?

Heal your impossible need?

As He says which is easier, isn't He also saying, "Is one of these harder, more difficult, even impossible for Me?" You know the answer. You've quoted it to others many a time: Matthew 19:26... with God all things are possible. 

Are you thinking you have something so minor that God won't want to be bothered? You are wrong.

Do you think God handles other peoples "more important" problems but doesn't have the time or energy to spend on the unending prayer request you've been struggling with? Of course not. Or do you have something too stinking ugly - even for God? Something you just want to bury? Wrong and wrong again.

When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen (Isaiah 60:22). And while you're wondering about His "when", you need to look for His "why".

Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say "Get up, take up your mat and walk'? (Mark 2:9)

"But I want you to know...

... that the Son of Man has authority... (Mark 2:10)

The God of all wisdom and strength, the God of all love and concern, THAT God - is your God. He wants you to wait, to watch, and to know.

I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him" (Lamentations 3:24) Portion means enough. The Lord is enough, sufficient, and all I need. Even in the waiting.

What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which He revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him. (John 2:11)

When He heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." (John 11:4)

Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40)

Whatever it is - pray about it. And may you also see the glory of God, as you put your hope in Him.

(*) Yes, she was taken to the vet and checked out just fine. Appears she was constipated and related the discomfort of that to the litter box. She is fine now.

Strength for today

 

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Lord, I surrender to You all people. Everyone is full of anxiety and concerns. I lift up every fear to You, Most High God, Almighty God, all powerful One, all loving and wise One - may our faith and trust be in You. Thank You for carrying us through every kind of ugly. You are where our peace and rest and security lie.. from Your names, Your Name above all names. Thank You for loving us, caring for us, guiding us, and calling, calling, calling out to us. Thank You for every provision. Thank You for seeing us through every yesterday.

Thank You for every morning I have ended up here in prayer - with every kind of prayer. You have a time and a way for all things, for the great as well as the seemingly insignificant. Thank You I am here in this prayer. Thank You for being here in this prayer too. Thank You I am called a beloved child of the Almighty. Thank You for loving so overwhelmingly and so completely. Thank You for having plans and purpose for me. Open my eyes to this day. Empower me heart, soul, mind and strength to carry out what You see as a good, "glad-to-have you on board" day.

My peace, rest and assurance for this day come in knowing Who You are. All that You are.

I will remember You.

I will.

Lord, I have chosen You alone as my inheritance. You are my prize, my pleasure, and my portion. I leave my destiny and its timing in Your hands. Your pleasant path leads me to pleasant places. I'm overwhelmed by the privileges that come with following You, for You have given me the best! The way You counsel and correct me makes me praise You more, for Your whispers in the night give me wisdom, showing me what to do next. (Psalm 16:5-7 TPT)

In need of the best prayer

 

There certainly seems to be plenty to be prayed about lately. I feel like I'm drowning in issues and causes to lift up to the Lord. Maybe it feels like there's more than ever before. But in truth, if you thumb through any history book or open your bible to any page, you will see that Jesus' words ring true: In this world you will have trouble... (John 16:33)

But there are many times when I pray just to seek a resting place. My desire to pray over real concerns sometimes needs to take a backseat to my need for a peaceful and secure place. A non-anxious, no-calamity / no-drama oasis. That too is prayer.

Not a running list of all that's wrong. But an even-paced breathing in and breathing out. It's a sacred place. A "set apart" (separate from all that's swirling around in your head) place. Where the worldly does not invade / take over / dominate. In this prayer, with Jesus drawing close by, there is a space where I don't have to be overwhelmed; a place where I can close my eyes and dare to surrender to an Almighty God all that mere man cannot seem to do on its own.

I need to escape into that "set apart" sacred realm. I need to be reminded in that holy space and time that God has been taking care of troubles "His whole life". God continues to carry His children through one mess after another. He does not treat us as our "corporate and individual" sins deserve (Psalm 103:10). Indeed, His love (and care) over the whole world endures (rescuing from scenarios seen and unseen) forever. Until He calls us home.

I would like to encourage you to separate yourself for a time from whatever is bombarding your heart and mind. Take a real rest. Believe in a powerful God that will do something beyond your human imagination. 

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (Psalm 20:7)

Take a prayer time that offers peace to your weary soul...

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.

Did you get lost?

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Confession. I've been wanting to write some powerful, meaningful, encouraging words. I usually wait on the Lord to fill my head with some message to share. You would guess that a blog about trusting in God would be something I would be writing daily, especially in these days and times. What can I say but I got lost in the turmoil, like so many others. That I was grasping at straws. Bits and pieces of scripture or song - to comfort me. Losing interest in praying (pleading) altogether. The current events of today are so loud and "in my face". So mind-numbing. My prayers came in fits and starts. Scraps and tatters. A phrase here. A whimper there. And I few "I still believe".  I struggled to settle (quiet) my mind long enough to hear a clear and concise message from God.

But still: I WILL NOT DOUBT. God is overseeing it all. God is still the Anchor in our lives.. God is still the Stronghold. God still  blesses us in the midst of dark days. In a world that wants us to desire (unendingly) more and more of everything we think we still need, scripture points to one thing:

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple. (Psalm 27:4)

We CAN have that - that one thing - in any and every kind of circumstance. The very presence of God. God is in our midst. We can sit at His feet anytime. We can gaze into His face anytime. We can leave every concern at the door and enter in... You can rest and breathe and be unconcerned at Jesus' feet. Jesus said to Martha and Mary, and He says to us as well:

... few things are needed - or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her. (Luke 10:42)

Did you get lost?

Good news!

God is here and calling you to -

Come!

It will not be taken from you.

This is too much...

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Yikes! Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. (2 Corinthians 11: 24-28)

Who among us is not feeling a litany of pains ourselves right now? Bullied in school, barren as a not so newly married, unexpected death of a loved one, divorce, car wrecks, joblessness, cancer... and now a pandemic and cruelty between those who should be brothers and sisters.

 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Yes. The burden many are facing of how to reopen the church building. How to live daily as Christians without "normal" Sunday morning worship as a guidepost, a launching pad for the week ahead.

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh... (2 Corinthians 12:7)

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  (2 Corinthians 12:8)

(Jesus in Gethsemane) When He came back, He again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So He left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing (Matthew 26:43-44) "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will. (Matthew 26:39)

Have you prayed and prayed over your situation (maybe more than three times)? Jesus, please release me? 

Jesus knew and accepted. And then Paul:

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Sufficient defined - enough to meet the needs of a situation or a proposed end.

Both Jesus and Paul prayed three times, and then surrendered to God's will. They moved on. They chose to walk the walk despite the difficulties.

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you...? (2 Corinthians 13:5)

While it all feels like too much... you are promised by an Almighty God that you will be provided strength to power through whatever it is. He is the God of sufficiency. A God that provides. A God that meets every need. The God that will sufficiently carry you through. The same bible account God that Paul trusted in - is the God of your today and tomorrows as well.

And now: may the grace (that all sufficient grace) of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love (the abundant, unending, all sufficient to meet every need love) of God, and the fellowship (you are not left weak and all alone but have sufficient power provided to you by the indwelling fellowship) of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

I stopped praying

I know, I know! I've been a Christian for quite a while now. And I'm a preacher's wife, for crying out loud! Shouldn't prayer be as effortless as breathing by now? Yet I found myself in a place where I just couldn't pray anymore. (Now, to clarify, I mean I drifted from my regular routine of starting each day off with some "only God" time. I was still calling out to Him throughout the day with 15 second popcorn prayers.)

I stopped praying. My list of concerns over others grew and grew. More names added than lined out with a PTL. And I had my own ongoing, personal issues. Seemed like I needed to use up my morning quiet time with less bible reading and more whining / pleading. Who wants to hear that every morning?

I tried gratitude. Really I did. But it felt like some rote script about food, clothing and shelter.

I dreaded mornings. I dreaded feeling like there was so much to be sorry about to God:

• not praying
• not regular bible reading
• not lifting others up
• feeling sorry for myself
• being selfish
• not trusting in God enough

My imaginings of how God would respond got bigger and bigger.

Then a heavy, weighty concern over a friend came - crushing my heart.

And I HAD to pray. NOW. It woke me up. Early, early...

I had to go to the One Who hears prayers and answers them. (Psalm 66:19-20)

To the One Who is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18)

The God I've always known is still faithful, loving, kind and good. Despite my lapses, God is forever faithful in character.

So I did open my bible and prayed the words of hope, life and strength I found  into this friend's situation.

All my worries about guilt and being frantic with concerns - did not come to mind. What I found was a good, good Father with comforting reassuring arms . My heart rate settled. My overactive mind settled. I slid down in my chair and put my feet on the coffee table.

Has it happened to you?

Not reading your bible anymore?

Too guilty or distracted to pray?

I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you. (Isaiah 44:22)

... I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29)

(Love)... keeps no record of wrongs. (1 Corinthians 13:5)

God of wonders - indeed.

God of love - yes!

Who among the gods is like You, Lord? Who is like You - majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? (Exodus 15:11)

Who is a God like You, Who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. (Micah 7:18)

Taking an "only God" time can be healing, strengthening and assuring.

Now I'm only sorry I stayed away so long.

I had cancer

Four years ago, I was on a cancer journey. I'll never forget it. But the memories of comments I made during that time keep popping up on one of my social media accounts.

I do remember considering the fact that I just might die from it. Yes, I cried. Yes, I was angry. Fearful too. But I resolved right then to pay attention to the kind of legacy I would be leaving. I wanted faith, trust and hope in God; peace and love - to be my banner. I would rest in the Lord. Be confident in Him. In reviewing my memory posts, I hope I conveyed that to my family and friends. The picture you see above is of a garland made of all the love, support and encouragement messages people sent me when I first found out. Those thoughts and prayers carried a lot of the burden I felt at the time.

Back in 2003, I went through the bumps and bruises of a divorce, at the same time as caring for my mom dying of cancer, at the same time as my only son was preparing for a tour of duty in Iraq. Numerous other problems piled up on top of all that regarding my health, home and car. Yes, I cried. Yes, I was angry. Fearful too.

Yet a dear friend kept telling me to say aloud and repeat as often as necessary, "Even so, I will trust in the Lord and praise His holy name." I spoke those words over and over - every time a new dilemma arose. My mantra to seeing myself through. Once again, letting Christ rise and shine in this life of mine despite all the problems.

And now we find ourselves in the midst of a world wide pandemic. Yes, I cry. Yes, I am angry. Fearful too.But my thoughts return once again to - what will my legacy be? How will people remember how I journeyed? Did I forever rant and rave the whole time? Panic. Fearful. The whole time?

Or will I again speak the words given by that dear friend:
Even so - I will trust in the Lord and praise His holy name.

For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. (2 Corinthians 2:15)

A Firm Foundation

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I was in the Navy. I went through a divorce. I survived cancer. And now I am under a stay-at-home order for the whole state due to a pandemic.

In every case, my normal, comfortable routine was turned upside down. All of a sudden daily rhythms once taken for granted were replaced by unknowns. New, different and unfamiliar ruled the day. It was scary. Upsetting. Until...

I settled in for my morning coffee and prayer time. Every morning. A habit I sometimes didn't feel like doing. But did some form of it anyway. Coffee. Bible. Prayer journal. Do it enough and the Lord leads you to a place of peace every time. After years of practice, its quite natural for me to start my day in prayer. It is the one thing that none of those above mentioned life-altering events could take away. 

In good days and in bad, I can bow down in prayer. I can rest in peace because God gives me peace when I pray.

We're living in a state of great change and upheaval right now. Every facet of life has been affected by the social distancing required. Gatherings. Meetings. Shopping. Finances. Mental and physical health.

But not my prayer time. Not my time of receiving strength, wisdom, patience and love from God. I have a firm foundation like the one talked about in Matthew 7:24 - 25.

Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 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.

And you can too. It's never too late to start building a prayer-faith life that will sustain you - when the rains come down, the streams rise, and the winds blow and beat... you don't have to fall (panic, feel helpless). A firm foundation can be started anytime. A confidence-in-God peace can be attained and held on to during troubling times.

Begin. Now. Today.
And pray every day.
It will most assuredly make a difference to your good and bad days.

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

take My hand through Lent

Coffee. Bible. Study workbook I'm currently working through. Regular devotional magazine. Two Lenten devotionals. Emails promising free Lenten insights. Numerous postings on social media of what to do and not do during the Lenten season. New and improved podcasts on the same.

My readings. My prayings. My thinkings. My plannings.

I'm exhausted on the first day of Lent.

But I truly, TRULY WANT TO DO THIS RIGHT!

Read!
Pray!
Meditate!
Lament!
Sacrifice!
CHANGE!

And what does Jesus say about all this?
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest of your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29)

In other words, "Breathe. I will lead you. I will be Your next step. And I will be Your next step after that. Be WITH Me. Not your version of being LIKE Me right now. Be WITH Me. I've been through the desert. I know the way through. I AM the Way through. I am the Way.

From the Message translation: Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.

Simply join your life with Mine. Learn My ways and you'll discover that I'm gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in Me. (TPT)

"Tis the season... to just be with Him and your thoughts. The Holy Spirit Himself will guide you through these days. And this guidance will be perfectly fitted to you. Personally. 

Here is a prayer of calming I have stuck in my bible by Psalm 23. I'm sorry, but I didn't write down the author:

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. Yes, though I walk through a time of grave uncertainties and fierce anxieties, I will not fret - for You are my peace. Your Word and Your presence calm me now. You hold my uncertainties in the palm of Your hand. You soothe my anxious mind - You smooth my wrinkled brow. Surely serenity and trust in You shall fill me all the days of my life. And I shall keep my mind stayed on You forever.

Trust in the Lord.
He will personally lead you through these 40 days.
Amen.

And put a BOW on it!

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

The greatest lover of your soul is God. We know that, right? And because He first loved us (1 John 4:19), we have a clue as to how to love.

So when I read the verse from 1 Peter 5:7:
Cast all your cares (worries, anxieties, burdens) on Him, because He cares for you. -

well, that just doesn't sound like a very loving thing to do. Don't we think love should be pretty and comfortable and make the other happy? Isn't love supposed to look like - a gift? Dumping all my problems onto someone's listening ear can be a relief... but is it love? Shouldn't my prayers be filled with thanks and praise?

What I've come to discover is that when we cast our burdens upon the Lord, we are giving Him the biggest gift of all. 

I TRUST YOU LORD.
The gift of Trust.

Don't give any weight to your worries. Don't listen to their lies. Turn your eyes upon Jesus.

Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, "Don't be afraid; just believe." (Mark 5:36)

I BELIEVE YOU CARE ABOUT ME LORD.

Remind yourself over and over that nothing is impossible for God (Matthew 19:26). Remember the cares, worries, burdens, anxieties He has helped you through before.

Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would. (Matthew 8:13)

I BELIEVE YOU ARE ALL THAT YOU SAY YOU ARE LORD.

Remember the rescues Jesus has done for you personally. 

They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world." (John 4:42)

GREAT IS YOUR FAITHFULNESS, LORD UNTO ME.

Got burdens? Troubles? Worries? Do you know what it means to God to have you run to Him? To trust Him?

... the Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love. (Psalm 147:11)

So please do not fear oppressing the Lord with all your burdens and concerns. Casting them onto His shoulders is exactly what He desires of us. God's not counting up your doubts and failings. Love keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5). But He is counting on you to turn to Him, trust Him, and count on Him. You may feel like you're not getting many other things right in life, but this, THIS... trusting in Jesus - brings great glory and honor to His name. 

Zephaniah 3:17:

The Lord your God is in your midst - a warrior bringing victory. He will create calm with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing. (CEB)

The Lord your God is with you. The mighty One will save you. The Lord will be happy with you. You will rest in His love. He will sing and be joyful about you. (ICB)

And why?
Because... you... trusted... Him.

Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:8)

See there? Permission granted. Talk to the Lord. Your trust is a sign of love to Him.