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)

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

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!

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?

Who's got the peace?

© 2021 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Needing something else or needing something more?  Keep your mind stayed on God. He alone has the peace in the midst of not enough. You chased after all the "right" this and thats - and just made yourself crazy in all the grasping and still felt insufficient. God wants to give you rest and peace. Now. Without everything being worked out perfectly first. Don't wait for some perfection before you go to God. Receive peace and rest in Him and stay there no matter what the world or your mind/self-talk says. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always (Psalm 105:4). There is peace, rest, acceptance and enough - right there. And you can get there.

Believe that God is handling your circumstances.

Believe that God is taking care of your woes. 

Distrust in God equals anxiety.

Disbelief that He really cares or that He will really act on your behalf equals fear and hopelessness.

God DOES desire to help you. God DOES have the wisdom and ability to help you. With your mind stayed on God, with determination to believe and to trust, you can have peace in the waiting and confidence in the stepping out as He leads you by the hand. Coming or going, God is with you and assurance of His power and love over you will get you through anything with a peace that passes understanding.

Believe God is handling your circumstances.

Rest in Him as He peels back the layers of the worries on your mind. Your breath becoming steady and more relaxed as you realize His work unfolding before your very eyes.

Watch. Look. Listen.

You must convince yourselves of these truths:

(Philippians 4:5-7) The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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

(Proverbs 3:5-6) Trust in the Lord... He will make your paths straight.

(Isaiah 26:3) You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.

You will never have peace if you're waiting for earthly things to become perfect. The world is in constant change... changing it's mind on what good enough is. God is stable, steadfast, and unchanging. Those promises of 2,000 years ago are true and absolute for your present circumstance and all your tomorrows.

No matter what. Turn and return to the arms of Jesus. He alone has the peace you are seeking. 

 

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.

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 blanket fort

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

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

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

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

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

In the silence, I can envision:

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

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

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

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

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

He promises rest for the weary -

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

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

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

A God like that

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

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

Grandma in her rocking chair.

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

God on His throne.

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

Maybe you just some reminding of Who God is.

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

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

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

Time to stop praying

 

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

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

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

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

Set it all down...

Set. It. All. Down.

Rest in the One Who has control of it all.

Believe it.

Trust Him.

Have faith.

Remember Who God is and all that He is.

Aren't you ready for a sigh of relief? 

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

Meet me for coffee

 

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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)

Safe and Secure

Lord, I know and trust and believe in Your holy presence and divine power over all the universe, seen and unseen. I believe You are greater than anything we could hope for or imagine. You know we are but dust and like grass under the pressure of the wind. Prone to worry. Prone to wander, even from the steadfast security and love found in You. You are patient, understanding and forgiving of us beyond all reason. It boggles the mind how infinitely loving, gracious, merciful and kind to us You are. If we would give a mere tenth of that back to You - a mere tenth of Your overflowing portion to us - to our neighbor... what a wonderful world it would be. Surely a peace that passes understanding would fall upon us.

Even in these times, as in times past, You beckon me to lay my head upon Your chest, You smooth my hair down and pat my back with Your right hand, You hum a soothing tune. Even now, in my soul, You recreate the rhythmic, steady assurance of being rocked by my momma in the stillness of early morning.

Creak... creak... creak...

You will be secure, because there is hope;
you will look about you and take your rest in safety.
(Job 11:18)

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.

Christmas eve pause

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I was recently asked about my favorite holiday. It has to be Christmas eve. Yes. Christmas eve. The time for planning, preparing, shopping, going and doing... is done. There's just that pause. It may be a peaceful sitting by Christmas tree light. All is calm. All is bright. And time stands still. Tomorrow is coming with all its happiness - but for now - there's only these moments of sighing and breathing. Rest. And perhaps a first real chance to feel the impact of the Savior's birth. The long time promise from an unseen God - now seen in tangible form! Joy to the world! The long-expected Jesus!

On Christmas eve the baking smells still linger in the house. The lights on the tree still sparkle. Silent Night from the church service still humming through my mind. A cup of hot cocoa as I curl up on the couch with grandma's quilt (and a cat or two). Appreciating the beauty of this Christmas eve. It is here and it is now.

I've spent a good portion of my life in the getting, going, planning, prepping phase. But as I sit here in this Christmas eve pause, I would like to embrace it much more often. I'd like to end each day with a sigh, a breath and to remember, to feel, the impact of the Savior born for me.

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn, O weary one.
What a thrill of hope!

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

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)