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

Does it matter?

 Are handwritten notes even "a thing" anymore? Isn't texting so much quicker and time-efficient? 

Research shows that a special closeness happens in receiving a letter and knowing it was handwritten by someone you love. And just like fingerprints, your personal handwriting is unique to you. Texting all looks the same, it all "sounds" the same. But with a handwritten note, you can almost hear the sender's voice as you read each word. You are holding the same card they had in their hands. And whatever was written - poor spelling, poor penmanship and all - make what you are now holding in your hand all that more memorable and worth savoring. I know this first hand. This card is from my son when he was stationed in Iraq. 2003. His sweet little lettering brought tears to my eyes. Of course, I still have it after all these years!

Handwritten notes all send a very important message besides what is actually written. Sending a personal note in this way communicates that you value this relationship, that you want to continue in this relationship. The receiver is important to you - enough so that you will take the time and effort to stop everything else and focus on creating a special message just for them. Writing and mailing a note plays a significant role in letting someone feel accepted, worthy, appreciated... and loved. You can actually make someone's day by sending a simple note. Notes can uplift, encourage and in general make someone feel seen, heard, and gain a sense of belonging. Yes, handwritten notes are powerful!

Below are photos of my birth announcement! In my mom's own handwriting. (Yes, my mom's nickname was Bill. Long story...) The note was to her mom. What a wonderful keepsake! And again, her handwriting I had seen a million times while I was away from home during my Navy days. There is just no replacement for having received her handwritten notes during that time in my life. I was able to enjoy funny cards and funny stories over and over again. 

Handwritten notes are warm and wonderful for both the sender and the recipient. They can really pack a punch! I'll bet you have some favored notes stashed away somewhere. Maybe it's time for a revisit of those saved cards and consider what you can do today to make an impact. 

Isaiah 55: 11 -

...so is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

I'm working on it

 

Many enjoy a good mystery/crime drama in book form or on the TV. They like trying to puzzle out the "whodunit" before the end. They become so engrossed in the details. What's happening now and how it relates to what has already happened. Involved. What fun sharing your guesses. Pooling your ideas together. Much like working on a jigsaw puzzle, who doesn't squeal with delight when fitting a piece in its exact spot? Making that connection.

God calls us on to walk together, and work together - without knowing the end result right away. God reveals clues  - step by step clues. God wants us engrossed and involved in His work in and around us. Watching. Trying. Sharing. Working on it all, piece by piece. 

Now if everything came together in one fell swoop, there would be only one blessing to celebrate in the end. But by doing it in bits and pieces, and enjoying each and every little victory (squeal with delight), we gain blessing upon blessing... we get to enjoy God's goodness over and over again!

Are you in a rush to accomplish something, or finish something? Ready to arrive at the final product? So you can taste that final victory? Think again. Don't miss the blessings all along the way. Relish. Relish it all!

Two are better than one because they have a more satisfying return for their labor... (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

Jesus and Rom-Coms

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Now hear me out. I know you've seen, or at least heard, about these movies. There are several networks dedicated to them. They go like this:

Boy meets girl. They fall in love. There are some ups and downs and misunderstandings that lead to a break-up. Then, predictably, at the end, they are back together - forever!

I started thinking of my walk with Jesus in this context. We were introduced and it took some time before I decided that, yes, I would start a relationship with Him. At first, we had some great times. A honeymoon phase of "I love the Lord!" But then there were some ups and downs... and misunderstandings. There were times when I kind of gave up on Him. I tried walking along without Him. But, like in the movies, I couldn't stop thinking about Him. And eventually, things became cleared up between us and we were in love again. Forever.

And just like on the movie channel that shows one rom-com after another, so my life seems to cycle through these events with Jesus as well. I'm gonna love Him forever! Then something happens I don't understand and I get doubtful and confused. Wanting things my way... then we "talk" and I love Him and trust Him again. 

But the ending is just as predictable. We will always end up in love! The intensity of my love and trust in Him might get shaken up from time to time, but He is forever faithful; He is forever loving and kind. His love never waivers. Never decreases. I can know for certain that in the end, we will be together forever.(1 Thessalonians 4:17)

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.(Jeremiah 31:3)

My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am. (John14:2-3)

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, Who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:10)

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)

Feelin' a little scrappy

Whether it's a yard of leftover yarn, or several inches of fabric - or perhaps a handful of "this and that" found in the fridge for a hearty soup, we all know that bits and pieces, can and do add up to something when joined with other bits and pieces.

My thoughts on this went to two different directions. One train of thought reminded me of times when I've been burdened with a decision. And suddenly a seemingly random bible verse pops into my head. Then a song comes on the radio with the same message. The day's devotional, written years ago, aptly applies to my present situation. An advertisement on the television. A post on social media. A card comes in the mail. And they all seem to be pointing in a certain direction. Added together, they seem to be guiding me to the same conclusion.

One on its own causes me to "hmmm..." A second one has me wondering if they truly could be related. Multiple messages from one place after another and I have to believe that together they are offering confirmation. It's like a cloud of witnesses watching over me. Each little verse, song, post, and card offered up by someone - reached me without their knowledge of how much it was going to play into my day. God is watching and paying attention. And using others to direct me. God is concerned over my coming and going, my life, indeed - my very next step!

My other train of thought went to examining my effectiveness as a witness for Christ. Sometimes my testimonies feel like they are lacking, not as big and bold as they should be. I missed an opportunity to explain my faith better. In hindsight, I could have chosen my words better and perhaps been successful in winning this person over. But I have to believe in God's presence and providence. His promise to provide words at the right time. And to trust in His master plan for every soul. Perhaps, without knowing it, I had planted a seed and it was added by somebody's watering and someone else's pruning and another's gentle touch. If we all join together and add our little scraps to God's handling, being that cloud of witnesses that surrounds and wraps up from every angle the hurting world in peace and love everywhere you turn... well, then, the love of Christ will become undeniable to them.

Several scraps of yarn can make a beautiful scarf. Several leftover pieces of fabric can create a lovely quilt. And "this and that" from the fridge can become a wonderful stew.

Do you have a scrap of thoughtfulness, kindness, wisdom, faith - to add to mine?

What can God do with our little bits and pieces?

Knit 2 Together

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 I've been knitting alone all through this  pandemic. Now granted, it is a hobby that can easily be done alone. It can be a quieting, comforting and peaceful way to pass the time. But oh, how I miss knitting with a group of friends! There is such affirmation, support, encouragement, cheerleading - joy and love and laughter - just by spending time together. Sometimes it's good to quietly knit. And other times it's wonderful to just bubble up in joy with everything and everyone you see when together and sharing. Living it out together.

It got me to thinking about my approach to God. Is it always in quiet prayer? Solemn. Respectful. Alone in a prayer closet. That too, can be comforting and peaceful. But do you think God time can also be spent - joyfully?

Kicking the waves on the shoreline. And when was the last time you lifted your face and your arms to the sun and turned around and around (think the Sound of Music!) 

Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God. (Job 22:26)

Roll the windows down and let the wind blow through your hair. Oo, oo.... swing high in a swing at the school yard! Crank up the music. Spending time with God doesn't have to be so solemn, serious to be reverent.  The Lord longs to be gracious to you (Isaiah 30:18) He wants you to experience joy, love, and laughter - with Him.

Picture yourself standing next to a giant waterfall, waters crashing, splashing...

a peacock spreading out its amazing feathers in full array (perhaps strutting to the tune "Oh Happy Day!"), birds happily calling (to God?), singing (with God?) as loud as they can. Even a big field of flowers seem to scream joy in a riot of color, bobbing their heads in time with God's song.

God is not always quiet and reserved.

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior Who saves. He will take great delight in you... will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. (Psalm 16:6)

He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me. (Psalm 18:19)

He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of His birth... (Luke 1:14)

Can you stretch yourself beyond just thoughts of gratefulness and take delight in being with the Lord?

Will there be joy in the Lord in your life today?

Loved

Decades old. And it shows. I don't remember what it looked like new. Probably soft, cuddly and clean. It's been carried. And fought over. Tucked into bed. Looks chewed on even. Sewn up a time or two. Probably washed and washed.

And now look at it. Hair missing. Wrinkles showing. Gray that won't go away. Still in need of some patching up. Eyes not as clear and as sharp. Been through thick and thin it seems. But loved. Loved to death. That much is apparent. One precious companion for sure. Carried everywhere. Every place. Rescued from dangers. Lost - and found numerous times. Someone went to great lengths to keep it. And not tossed away for something newer. There was something about journeying together for so long. Love runs deep.

Are you feeling decades old? Do you feel like you've been through the wringer? Outside not as smooth? Scars from a few sewings? Gray that won't go away? A little stiff? 

Know this, my friends:

"I have always loved you," says the Lord. (Malachi 1:2)

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love..." (Jeremiah 3:3)

Since you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you... (Isaiah 43:4)

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)

... as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you. (Isaiah 62:5)

I know God is holding you
in the palm of His hand,
and no matter how old you are today,
He'll always know you as His child. (author unknown)

You belong forever to God.
Wrapped in His forever love.
Forever carried. 
Forever washed. 
Forever found. 
Forever. 

I struggle with this verse

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I hate to admit it. But this verse comes and visits me more often than I can sometimes stand. One of those in-your-face verses. Makes you think as well as be challenged to examine your motives, attitude, and heart. I also hate to admit that I often quote this verse when someone is telling me their ministry isn't growing, or they would rather be in a different ministry. A bigger one. A more visible results one. Or "I'm doing the same things as her and I'm not getting blessed like her."

But here's the truth. From Jesus.

When Peter saw Him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." (John 21:21-22)

What's it to ya?
You must follow Me.

And not compare what you've been called to do, or where you've been called to minister. You've been called to do My bidding. 

I admit I've fallen victim to some of these lies. The comparison lie. The "why aren't You blessing me equally?" lie. And Jesus is having none of it. You obey Me. You follow Me. Never mind what everybody else is doing. What everybody else is getting. Ouch.

Jesus has a calling and a purpose designed exclusively for you - and one for me. You can't do someone else's. And no one can do yours. We gotta all work together - each doing their part.  There is no "ME" in Jesus - only an "US". And in whatever way He calls us, we are to reflect this Jesus to the world. Whether your calling is big or small, God has a purpose for having you, yes, you - there. This time. This place. And He promises to equip everybody.

You've heard it said: If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, start watering your own.

In other words, there is plenty on your own plate as you listen to and obey God daily. Keep your mind and energies steadfast on that.

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

Because I'm counting on you...

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I have prayed ...
I have tried to pray...
I've prayed in every which way I can and I've prayed through tears...

I've bowed my head when no words would come.

And that's why I'm counting on you. Sometimes my emotions are so close to the situation, I can't settle down. Can't form words.

(Perhaps this sounds like you at one time or another.)

And yet I know the answer is found in prayer.

So you are important.
It's your little prayer added to my fumbling one and our prayers encapsulated by Jesus' completing one - that's where it all becomes powerful and effective.

I'm counting on you. To somehow pray where my prayer ends. Or your prayer weaving in with mine to make it stronger.

Yes, powerful. Yes, effective.

Someone is counting on you. 

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16 NIV)

...for tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a godly believer! (TPT)

... pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. (MSG)

What can I say ...?

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

The words I say to you I do not speak on My own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, Who is doing His work. (John 14:10)

·        With every changing season, in every new chapter of life, God loves you and do so we!

·        Know without a doubt that you are being prayed over ... over and under, behind and before and through ...

·        Time to remind you how special you are!

·        Thinking of you and wishing and hoping and praying and trusting and believing …

·        Life can sure have its ups and downs … but God’s great love for you remains the same

·        With everything that’s going on, just wanted you to know you’re in my thoughts today … same as always

·        Thought of you this morning … and said a little prayer

·        I’ve been thinking of you and thinking of you and thinking of you!

·        You’re in my thoughts today … because I care

·        May peace and joy be yours in the days ahead … as you trust in Him

·        Thinking of you … is one of my favorite things to do!

·        You’ve been on my mind … and in my heart and prayers

·        Thinking of you and hoping things are going well for you today

·        Just wanted to stay in touch and let you know you’re thought of warmly

·        Nothing new to write about, nothing new to say … but I’ve been thinking of you and pray about your day

·        Have a nice day … you deserve it!

·        Hoping this little card will lift your spirits and brighten your day

·        Taking some time to be still before the Lord … and to pray for you

·        Watch and wait for the Lord your God. And know that I am watching and waiting with you

·        Remembering times spent with you … brings warm fuzzy happiness to my day!

·        Just me … thinking of you


·        I am thinking of you today and hope you can gain strength from those that love and care about you


·        Letting you know that you are loved and thought of today


·        No matter where you go and no matter what you do I hope you know that I am here thinking of you


·        I know that things will get better in time. Hang in there and know that I am here for you, dear friend


·        Keeping in touch with you is so important to me. I am blessed to call you friend


·        To my friend, sending a note to brighten your day, as you have brightened so many of mine

Right now I'm betting you're thinking of a dozen people who would be blessed by receiving a note from you right now ...

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)

All of me

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? (1 Corinthians 12:17)

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. (Mark 12:30)


That pretty much covers it, doesn't it? Every aspect of your body... your life,. It's all connected. All meant to stay together. Work in harmony. Continually. God bundled them all up together with His "and ... and ... and ..." Not one without the other.

Your heart's passion does not stand alone. What you spend the most time on affects what you love and do for love.

Your soul's spirit does not stand alone. What you hold reverent and dear affects what you decide is important and how you think and do in love.

Your mind does not stand alone. What you think affects what you love and how you live in love.

And your strength. Your energy. Your power. What you choose to expend it on affects your spirit beyond your loving acts and how you think about loving.

Feed your heart with Godly passions and desires.
Feed your mind with Godly truths.
Feed your soul with Godly mindfulness.
Feed your strength with choices that nourish.

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:16)

Gaining ... every week!

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. (Hebrews 2:1)

So, yeah ... I joined one of those weight management programs. Daily tracking, weekly weigh-ins. Weekly meetings. Plus 24/7 help line.


And I'm gaining.

I'm gaining success in weight loss goals.
I'm gaining victories over bad eating habits.
I'm gaining freedom from anxiety over food in general.
I'm gaining peace about my health and appearance.

Daily tracking: helps me pay attention to what's important, be aware, stay committed
Weekly weigh-ins: a regularly scheduled checkpoint so I don't drift too far from my plans for reaching my goal
Weekly meetings: because it is helpful and encouraging to gather with others on the same journey; understanding the same struggles
24/7 help line: because, sometimes, I need guidance and advice - right now

I've tried time and again to do it on my own. Every time I drifted. And then gave up. Even when I believed it to be so important. Not paying careful attention does that.

And so now I'm wondering if the same practices could improve my spiritual life.

Daily tracking: (prayer and bible reading) would help me pay attention to what's important, be aware, stay committed
Weekly weigh-in: (reflect on my thoughts of God this past week) a regularly scheduled checkpoint so I don't drift too far
Weekly meetings: (gathering together as believers - seeking the Lord) because it is helpful and encouraging to gather with others on the same journey; understanding the same struggles
24/7 help line: (The Lord Himself - available always - to hear and to help) because, sometimes, I need guidance and advice - right now

I'm ready. I'm ready to gain more and more success in my life.

Join me, won't you?

Take your child to work day

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. (John 5:19-20)

Even if you've never done this, you understand the concept. A child gets to go to work with mom or dad; follow them wherever they go; even get to do some of the things the more experienced adult is doing. Hands-on training! Both parent and child are delighted. What fun to show them the ropes. What fun to be with the parent and help with things. 

Serving the Lord should be much the same way. Many of us have confused the meaning of "servant" as someone who stands and waits for orders, then runs off to do them on our own. 

But can you imagine Jesus having a great time, actually enjoying His work - and inviting you to join in? Wouldn't that be awesome? To follow Him wherever He goes. To get to do some of the things He is doing. Learning from His experience and knowledge. I bet Jesus would love that. I bet the experience of serving Him, alongside Him, would be so much more enjoyable!

So, look around. Where do you see the Lord at work around you? Where do you see His smiling face beckoning you to come? Ask Him. Seek Him out. See what the Lord is doing. Join in - do whatever He is doing. Jesus would love to show you all He does.

You will be amazed!

Something for everyone

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

I have many wonderful memories of my mom - especially Christmas ones. My mom mothered 8 children! They all got married in time. They all had children. So Christmas Day at home was always a houseful! Tables end to end from the dining room into the living room. Plenty of home cooked food and a place for all to sit down together and eat. But one thing that stands out in my mind is her desire that everyone should have a gift to unwrap - no matter how simple or small the gift - something for everyone. Now with such a large family, that added up to quite a bit! How my mom made it happen on such a limited income ... well, some might call it Christmas magic.

But I see it as the love of God - coming down. And just like sending His Son to save the whole world (something for everyone) at the Table, around the Tree ...

Its true, Christmas isn't about the presents. As I watched my mom year after year, I learned its about love, compassion, concern, care, thoughtfulness, and acceptance of one another.

One and all.

Inclusion. Long before it became a buzz word. Long before it needed to be said.

From Mom.
From God.

They so loved the whole world...

Helping you, helping me

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

... let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another ... (Hebrews 10:24-25)


I had coffee with a friend yesterday. She was mentioning how she was sticking to her diet. Tell me more! Tell me more! I'm ready to try anything! Her telling of her commitment inspired me to give it another try.

Another friend was talking to me about going to the gym. I have a membership but have failed numerous times in getting over there. But her talking about going - somehow made me want to go.

Someone I know recently started a new hobby. The excitement and passion over it keeps her hands and mind busy so she isn't doing any unhealthy snacking. Maybe I should find a new hobby too?

When I had cancer last year, the thing that spurred me on the most was the fact the others survived. So I could too.

People meet regularly to talk about addictions or weight loss - their sharing of hits and misses spurs one another along.

You ask my son and he will tell you he joined the army because "Mom, if you can do it, I can do it."

Bible reading and prayer can fall under this category of topics too. That's why there are so many small groups - made up of real, regular, ordinary people - sharing in their doubts and fears and struggles to understand.

Let's not be afraid to talk about our struggles. We might just help someone else along the way. And gain some fresh insight for ourselves.

Let's get together ...

Now more than ever

© 2013 Julie Crane All rights reserved

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. (Hebrews 6:10)

These days, with all that is going on around us, in our families, our friends and neighbors, and the world – more than ever – we need to choose, to be more purposeful, to make a real effort:

 at sharing the good things in life. That good that is already present needs to be shared and spread around for all to see. Actively look for that which brings happiness to you and to others. Make it all the more obvious. Shine a spotlight on all that is going right.

 Express love. Be kind. Be hopeful in word in deed. Help. Tell others about your joys and blessings. See the good. Smile. Laugh. Hug. Give. And tell.

 Don’t wait for a more perfect time or a more, rested – available – time. Do it. Do it now. Do it often. In this world we will have troubles, but let’s make every effort to have the good outweigh what is so easy to despair about. Make it rain with random acts of kindness. Bite your tongue. Turn the other cheek. Switch the conversation over to something more uplifting. Don’t let the “weeds” of life choke out what amazing love God has planted in your heart. Let us love. Full tilt.

Where can you shine some love today? Make an effort. And let’s rock this world!

C'mon, c'mon - let's get together

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved.

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. (Acts 4:32) 

I sure love it when my knitting group gets together. We all have a passion for knitting, but we don’t all do the same pattern. Talking, laughing, sharing, helping, encouraging, teaching … we rejoice in what the others are working on, lend a hand when need be, and just be good support for each other as we spend this time together united in heart and mind – for knitting! We don’t all like the same colors or patterns. But it sure is fun to see what the others are steadily working on!

Yes, I can knit alone and I enjoy that too. I can find a variety of patterns online; tips and helps too. I can do pretty good on my own. But it’s not the same as when a whole group of us gather, all of us interested in pursuing different levels of the same thing.

I’m thinking the same can be said of church-going, church attendance, church participation. You can read the bible on your own, pray on your own, sing Christian songs along with the radio, and find online bible studies to follow. And it’s certainly good to do so. But it’s not the same, is it?

When I’m excited, enthusiastic about something, how wonderful when friends join in – just as excited and happy. Full of celebration too!

So, gimme Sunday morning church with its lighting of the candles, tolling of the bells, God's Holy Word read aloud, and a roomful of people singing His praises. And oh my, Holy Communion all together – for EVERYONE who believes. Gimme those people who can rub me the wrong way – that also encourage me when I fail. Gimme those people who are restless for the sermon to end - but also share joys and fears during the coffee hour.  Those who grumble and also have great compassion for others going through a similar thing. What do you love about worship service in church?

As I so love the time with my knitting group, may it also be said of my time in church.

Let's come together.

Let’s build the church up.

What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. (1 Corinthians 14:26)