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

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.

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. 

 

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)

Church bulletin bloopers

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Not gathering for corporate worship? Here are some bloopers you may be missing to lift your spirit:

Don't let worry kill you off - let the church help.

 

The scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

 

The sermon this morning: Jesus walks on the water. The sermon tonight: Searching for Jesus.

 

Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of old, useless things. Bring your husbands.

 

At the evening service, the topic will be "What is hell?" Come early and listen to the choir practice.

 

Potluck supper will be Sunday at 5:00pm. Prayers and medication to follow.

But just as humor can lift the spirit and soul, God's Word also has the power to do the same. If you need your spirits lifted, seek to know Who God is. His characteristics. They are truth and light. Remind yourself over and over, every day, that God HAS been good to me. We've all had challenges in the past. God has never given up on us. God will see us through - again and again. God is present in the highs and the lows of this life. His promise is to carry us through and into heaven. Eternal life with God includes this present life, this very day. Eternal is characterized by abiding fellowship with God; continued without intermissions; seemingly endless and existing at all times. With God! God is forever faithful. Mighty. Strong. Powerful. Wise beyond belief. And loving toward you. Caring about you. At your best. At your worst. God does not change His love or action toward you. You are loved - beyond your understanding. Hold that in your head and heart and know for certain... Almighty, Most High God of all - is holding you in His.

 

 

 

 

 

The way it is... right now

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

"I'm sorry. The cat food at the grocery store - the brand that you prefer - was all gone. This stuff is in a blue bag just like the other. It's chicken flavor, just like the other. We're in the midst of a pandemic. We all have to try new things for awhile."

Noooo! They cry. And cry. And paw at me with pleading eyes. "I'm sorry," I say yet again. "I'm not purposely trying to upset your norm. I'm doing the best I can. This is what we have available."

Maybe you don't have a finicky pet. But you may remember the moans and groans of family in the days after Thanksgiving. After: turkey sandwiches, turkey quiche, turkey casserole and turkey on a shingle...

And then there are these passages from the bible:

The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, "If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost - also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onion and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna! (Numbers 11:4-6)

My cats version:
If only we had died by the Lord's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death." (Exodus 16:3) (emphasis mine)

So, it's plain to see that having to make some adjustments for a season of time is not a new thing. And yet:

The cats cried.
The family cried.
The people cried.

And for what purpose?
He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. (Deuteronomy 8:3)

As we enter yet another day of limitations, let us remember from past teachings. Let us remember spiritual food, spiritual abundance, and feast on what is truly God-given goodness.

The Sustainer of all life - past, present and future.

Thank God for bible stories!

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I've been giving the story of Noah's ark a lot of thought and consideration lately. I mean, really... can you imagine being stuck inside with your family and animals?

Genesis 7:24 The waters flooded the earth for a hundred and fifty days.

Oh my!

Chapter 7 verse 4 mentions it raining for forty days and forty nights. Noah was told about that. They were not aware there would be an additional 150 days of everything covered in water and they would have to remain in the ark. They didn't know how long to prepare for this unbelievable circumstance. They couldn't see how this was going to work out. Would anything ever be the same again?

They must have had a million questions for God. Build an ark, herd the animals, gather food? How will I provide for my family? What about education? What about my neighbors? And for how long? How is all this gonna happen? And let's not forget the big question: WHY. It's just too big a challenge! We won't make it! How is all this going to get done? Need a hint?

Pairs of clean and unclean animals, of birds and of all creatures that move along the ground, male and female, CAME TO NOAH and entered the ark. (Genesis 7:8-9)

Whew! One thing off Noah's plate. But what about everything else? Is God going to help - with everything?

Can you imagine the anxiety and stress? Can you imagine the hope and trust in God needed? Will God supply the faith to survive such an event?

The rains came.
The waters rose.
The time of waiting and wondering began. I wonder how they passed their days - on the ark - just the family and animals. 

But then it happened. Chapter 8 says that God remembered Noah. It says the waters receded. They weren't able to jump off the ark right away and start living again. But signs came. They watched the raven fly away and return. They watched the dove go and come back with an olive leaf. Even after the dove flew away and did not return, still they waited for a signal from God. Even though it looked safe. Hmmm... I wonder what they learned, what they realized spending all that time in the ark. What do they now know about God that caused them to wait even though it appeared to be safe to go on land?

There are times in life when all you can do is wait. Wait for God.
And during the waiting, maybe we should seek Him, seek Him with all our heart.
And listen for His voice. His direction.

Maybe there's more to this bible story. A life lesson we could use right now.

Where are You, God?

Keep your head up, your eyes straight ahead, and your focus fixed on what is in front of you. (Proverbs 4:25)

I sure did not expect all this dreary, gray sky and unfruitful branches out my window today. It's supposed to be spring! Where's the blue sky and green buds? I can't see any of that. Just black and gray tangles. 

Not only is my view filled with clutter, but my mind as well. Thoughts - so many thoughts (and dreary thoughts) running off here and there in different directions, just like those branches.

And yet I know the peace of Christ is here somewhere. I've had it before. Even amidst cluttered thoughts, drama and trauma all around me. Still... still I KNOW - if I seek Him I can find Him if I seek Him with all my heart. (Deuteronomy 4:29)

Yep. Just focus. Zero in. Push all the other choking thoughts off to the side. And you will see Christ. Know He is seeing you too. He also is intent and focused - on carrying you through. Peace, my friends. Peace the world cannot give.

Where is Jesus? Right here where's He's always and forever been.
Closer than your next breath.


If you will focus your intentions in His direction and open your hands and reach for Him... (Job 11:13)

One thing...
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.
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.
(Psalms 27:4-5)

There doesn't appear to be enough

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

The story is familiar to many. Jesus (somehow) feds the five thousand.

When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" He asked this only to test him, for He already had in mind what He was going to do. (John 6:5)

Now I don't know about you, but the thing that catches my eye is this: He already had in mind what He was going to do. THANK YOU, JESUS! YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO!

Even though there doesn't appear to be enough. Not near enough.

"Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?" (John 6:9)

How far indeed. This is one crazy situation. Involving thousands of people.

Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." (v. 10)

Stop everything. Sit down. I, the Lord, will take care of everything.

Do any of you have college memories of eating ramen noodles for a week? How about driving on gas fumes to the gas station? Or the hosting of a large gathering only to question if there is enough food as people begin pouring through the doors... 

And there was enough. You did survive. It came to pass. And is but a memory now. Hopefully a lesson learned by now.

Jesus helped them in ways unimaginable to the human eye. 2,000 years ago.
Jesus helped us during our times of trouble in the past.
Jesus is presently helping as well. The Lord and Ruler over all that is seen and unseen.

2 Corinthians 4:18 (various translations)

There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever. (MSG)

So we do not set our sights on the things we can see with our eyes. All of that is fleeting; it will eventually fade away. Instead, we focus on the things we cannot see, which live on and on. (VOICE)

What can we possibly focus on that will last - forever?
Jesus' helping hand.
Jesus.

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.

Living in a construction zone

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

It is summertime! Time when many people head out on a road trip or two. But it's also road construction time. Some roads offer detours. Some, like on a highway, do not. You can complain while you are sitting there inching along or make the best of it as best you can. But once you're in the midst of it, one thing is for certain. You will have to go through. My GPS has assured me "I'm still on the fastest route."

How much like life that is! In this world we will have troubles (John 16:33 ).

I'm sure through the making of certain choices, we are able to avoid some of them altogether. While other circumstances offer some sort of detour, redirection, second chance - that may feel longer, take more time and more out of the way. Different. Unfamiliar. Yet it still feels like we're moving and in control. But we all have faced the challenge of having to go through a difficult situation. Perhaps you're in one now. A lot of stop and go. A lot of things on every side trying to merge into a tight space. Time is passing and there are better things to do besides just sitting. Trapped. Are you feeling it?

And like being caught in the construction zone on the highway, you can be upset about it... or make the best of the situation you find yourself in. But with Jesus as your "GPS", you can be assured "this is the way through". The Lord will see you through anything. Listen to Him.

Where you go, I will go and where you stay, I will stay. (from Ruth 1:16)

Exhale fear, inhale faith

Whenever my busy thoughts were out of control, the soothing comfort of your presence calmed me down and overwhelmed me with delight. - Psalm 94:19 (TPT)

In the multitude of my (anxious) thoughts within me, Your comforts cheer and delight my soul! (AMPC)

When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy. (HCSB)

When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up. (MSG)

Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer. (TLB)

When worries threaten to overwhelm me, your soothing touch makes me happy (NET)

When anxiety overtakes me and worries are many, Your comfort lightens my soul (VOICE)

The Lord answered her, "Martha, my beloved Martha. Why are you upset and troubled, pulled away by all these many distractions? Are they really that important? Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at my feet. She is undistracted, and I won't take this privilege from her. (Luke 10:41-42 TPT)

Have a good day!

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

"... but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. (John 16:22)

What ALL has to happen before you call it a good day?
Do you have a punch list?
Do you wait until the end of the day to review and then decide?
Or do you start off assuming today will be  a good one?
When you achieve / attain your good day, and then something disagreeable happens, is the day now ruined?
Is there a number in your head of how many good things need to happen?
And how many bad things it takes to spoil it all?
When you lay your head down at night, do you count your many blessings of the day, or more prone to dwell on some "major" (or minor) mishap?
Is your good day designation list short - or long?
Can you think of a just few things to fulfill the "need"?
Will they be enough?
Or is there always one more?
Do you readjust your list once its attained - for yet another thing?
What will make today good for you?
And will you choose to not let anything take away your joy?

But later I will see you, and you will be so happy that no one will be able to change the way you feel. (CEV)

... but I will see you again, and your hearts will be filled with gladness, the kind of gladness that no one can take away from you. (GNT)

When I see you again, you'll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you. You'll no longer be so full of questions. (MSG)

What is the key phrase I see in these verses?
I will see you again, and then ...

Joy follows Jesus around.
Want to displace the sadness over dissatisfaction?
Getting with Jesus stops all the questions - and leaves a joy that nothing and no one can steal away.

So go see Jesus. And have a good day!

Behind the normal

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

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

They all looked so normal. Holding coffee cups, reading books. Someone on their phone. Others heads together chatting softly. Normal people stuff. Sure looked like regular people having a regular day. Right? Are you picturing a coffee shop perhaps?

The fact is, this is taking place in a hospital waiting room.Waiting for lab work to be done. Waiting for radiology. Which means all these normal, average looking people have some real issues they are contenting with.

It sure is hard to tell just by looks who is dealing with pain.Worries. Strife. Anxious over the possible outcomes. They sure looked okay - just by looking. But this scene could very easily be found in a coffee shop, grocery store line, worship center, at the bank, at work, any group gathering really. 

It made me pause and think - so many of us, carrying burdens, yet carrying on with regular normal routines of daily life.

Looks don't tell the whole story. Stuff is going on the the life of the one with the smile. Stuff they are trying to grin-and-bear through. More people than you realize.

So let's be gentle. And kind. You don't need to know the whole background story. Just like we all have sinned, we all have trials and tribulations too. 

Let us pray for the known - and the unknown - burdens of each other.
Let's just be a little more gracious and forgiving.
Let's draw everybody a little closer to God.
The God Who carries us through it all.

And you know that the Lord has taken care of us the whole time we've been in the desert, just as you might carry one of your children. (Deuteronomy 1:31 CEB)

A time to plant

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Who am I, and who is Apollos, that we should be the cause of a quarrel? Why, we’re just God’s servants, each of us with certain special abilities, and with our help you believed.  My work was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos’ work was to water it, but it was God, not we, who made the garden grow in your hearts.  The person who does the planting or watering isn’t very important, but God is important because he is the one who makes things grow. (1 Corinthians 3:5-7 TLB)


With all that's going on in the news lately, I am finding it hard to settle into some "God time". I've been waiting for some amazing message of inspiration and encouragement to write about in the midst of these hard times. I'm joining everyone in prayer for God to step in and do something. Why isn't He doing something? It's gonna take a miracle ...

Asking God for a miracle sometimes makes me think I see Him as a candy machine. Gimme what I want. Or like going to that fast food place where I can get it "my way". A miracle is when I don't have to do anything, right? Just do it, God!

But I think the real miracle is when God takes whatever little bit we offer - and brings about an amazing result.

Somebody donates water.
Somebody donates blood.
Somebody goes to hug and listen.
And real lives of real people receive real help in their time of dire need.

Everywhere you look, along with the bad news, is good news of people pitching in. People helping. Every little thing is turning into a miracle. A God miracle. Got your own set of troubles? Worried over loved ones?  Finances. Relationships. Health concerns. Feeling like God isn't making a miracle happen? Make an effort. Take a step forward in the right direction. Do your homework. Make the best choices you can. Do what you can. Above all, keep the faith. And watch for the miraculous hand of God. Because He is the One Who makes things grow.

Morning One

© 2017 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Lord, I ask Your protection over my mind.. For my day will soon begin with its hurry-ups and rushing around and multi-tasking, worries - and doubts. But I know that with You I can do this day; I can be discerning, calm and strong. In You, I think and breathe and have my being. This day is written in Your book. May I rejoice and be glad in it. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Praying: with you in mind

© 2014 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

I stand silently before the Lord, waiting for him to rescue me. For salvation comes from him alone. Yes, he alone is my Rock, my rescuer, defense and fortress. Why then should I be tense with fear when troubles come? (Psalm 62:1-2 TLB)

Running to You, Lord, is always the right thing to do, even when we should be ashamed for getting ourselves into such messes. You don’t treat us as our sins deserve (Psalm 103:10) but are forever gracious, patient, understanding and forgiving (Psalm 147:5) in dealing with us. You know we are but grass (Psalm 103:15). Seeking You, turning to You, crying out to You in groans words cannot express (Romans 8:26), are all in keeping with Your command “to have no other God before Me” (Exodus 34:14). Many, O Lord, there are many in need of breath while in a storm. Fear and anxiety are on the rise and only You can calm the child in the midst of the unknown. I pray for all – some centering time with You, some anchoring, stabilizing encounter with Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. That there will be testimony by day’s end of the living Lord. May there be victories, however small; may there be awareness and celebration of wins, however small. Count your blessings can seem like such a trite response, but truly may they all see with new eyes - glimmers of hope, love and joy in the enduring; as they wait, as they trust in You. Yes, Lord Jesus, by the power of Your word (Hebrews1:3) sustain them and may they truly sense Your gift of grace upon grace (John 1:16) to them. May they close their eyes and breathe in deeply and release all anxieties into Your capable hands and know fully, know for sure, You ARE perfect in all Your ways. Ways that are far beyond our human understanding. And remembering too, You are loving and kind, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Psalm 145:8). You know exactly what is going on, every detail from every side. You know exactly what to do, what is the absolute best course of action and You also know the exact most perfect time for the ultimate best and perfect outcome. You alone are Lord, God, Ruler, King of ALL things. You know what You’re doing. We just need to breathe and believe. Someone greater, so much greater, is handling our difficulties and that Someone is the Lover of our souls. No better place to be.

 Be not afraid to place yourselves in God’s hands.

  God, the one and only—
    I’ll wait as long as he says.
Everything I need comes from him,
    so why not?
He’s solid rock under my feet,
    breathing room for my soul,
An impregnable castle:
    I’m set for life. (Psalm 62:1-2 MSG)

(please feel free to share / forward to someone you know who may need to hear this ...)

In a fog?

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

There have been times in my life, some seemingly long stretches of time, when I was so bombarded with stresses, pressures, expectations, and decisions to make – I felt like I was in a fog so dense I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face …

o   Wandering so far from God time

o   Going through divorce time

o   Caring for my aging, ailing mother time

o   My cancer diagnosis time

But all these times eventually passed. I sit here this morning in peace. It’s quiet. My bible, my journal, my cup of coffee. My softly snoring kitties at my feet. All is well. The pressures I thought would never end – have passed by. At the time, I wondered, couldn’t imagine – a time of such peace.

Now I don’t know what today will bring. But I know Who stands with me. Like the fog hiding my hand, I know it is there even though I can’t see it. And it is the same with Jesus and your current situation. Know He is there! At some point the fog will be lifted – and you will see face to face. Perhaps in the morning. When it’s quiet. Over a cup of coffee.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)