My Trustworthy Mechanic

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Is anything too hard for the Lord? (Genesis 18:14)

I don't know anything about cars. So I am thankful when I can go to a trusted mechanic. Trusted because I've been there before. He has helped before. He can help me again. I've been to the same mechanic time after time. He knows me. He knows my car. And I know him. I can trust him because we communicate on a regular basis - oil changes, tire rotations, or something is just a-miss.

Sometimes I can't find the words for what is a-miss. I say, "It's a clunking, ping, ping, ping ..." And somehow he manages to figure it out and get me out on the road again.

Lord, there is so much in life I don't know or understand. Truly, I need You on a regular basis. You have helped before. Through regular ordinary things (like the oil change). And tougher, more confusing times as well (like the clunking, ping, ping, pings of life). You have helped when I couldn't find the words. I know I can watch and wait for You. It is You Who sets me straight and gets me out on the road again.

All wise, all powerful, almighty, trustworthy - God.

Where is holy ground?

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

God replied, "Don't come any closer. Take off your sandals - the ground where you are standing is holy. (Exodus 3:5 CEV)


I am busy preparing the Sunday School lesson for this week: Moses and the Burning Bush. A familiar passage to many. Moses watching over the sheep. Typical day. Sees a bush burning - but not burning up. God calls out "Don't come any closer. Take off your sandals. You are standing on holy ground." Then God tells Moses he will be the one to free the Israelites from slavery.

I wondered what to focus on - to present to my young students. Holy ground jumped to mind. But seems like such a challenging subject in this day and age.

Back in the day, the church sanctuary felt like a holy ground place. I mean, there was a real reverence to walking in. You were cleaned up, you were more quiet. You treated that space so differently - than any other space.

I suppose I can talk about how we act differently in different places or occasions. Outside on the playground we can be loud and boisterous. But when called back into school, there are reminders of "inside voice" and "sit still". And I suppose I can talk about how we pray: eyes closed, head bowed down. Certainly fighting to be free of distractions. A "take off your shoes" kind of attitude. We don't do that talking to regular people. But God is holy.

I've heard that "holy" means - set apart. But it goes beyond that. There is an "otherness" to holy. Dedicated to God. Belonging to God. Of God.

God's.

I think it goes beyond behavior, how we act in a certain place, to realizing Who is there and Who it all belongs to. We need to be reminded of the awesomeness of Almighty God. Yes, He calls us friend. But we can't forget - the reverence due His name. There is a spiritual realm that is holy and should be treated as well... differently.

In Christ we are holy beings too. We are set apart. We also belong to God. All that we are belongs to God.

So the truth is - wherever God is - is holy ground. In you and all around you. You can't escape holiness. You can only ignore it. Wherever, whenever, we acknowledge His awesome, magnificient almighty present - becomes holy, set apart, something other ground. 

A walk through the woods?
Rocking a baby?
Just sitting and holding hands with a loved one?
The stars and the moon at night?
Slowly washing dishes and humming a favorite hymn?
God is everywhere.
So is holy ground.
How great, how great - is our God!

Run, dog, run!

He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then He said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." - Revelation 21:5

I love my dog.
We run in the yard.
Run, dog, run!

We chase the ball.
Play, dog, play!

We lie in the grass and watch the clouds go by.

We eat together.
We sleep together.
We are always together.

But one day my dog would not run.
One day my dog would not chase the  ball.
One day my dog would not eat.

But he slept.
He slept and slept and whined like he was sad.
Sleep, dog, sleep.

My grandma says he might have to go to heaven to be all better again.
There my dog will run and play again.
Grandma is old so she knows about these things.
Heaven is not like being here.

I am happy for my dog.
I am sad for me.
I made a card for my dog.
I wrote I love you so much!

My dog is gone now.
Grandmas says my dog is in heaven.
There my dog will run and play again.
Grandma is old so she knows about these things.

I am happy for my dog.
I am sad for me.
I lie in the grass and watch the clouds go by.
Run, dog, run.
Play, dog, play.

Repeat as often as necessary

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13 - NKJV

Today's post is meant to be read aloud, or at least a whisper ...

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. - NIV

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me (I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency). - AMPC

I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength. - CEB

I can do all things through him who gives me power. - CJB

Christ gives me the strength to face anything. - CEV

I can do all things by means of the One strengthening me. - DLNT

Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do. - ERV

... for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power. - TLB

Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. - MSG

I have strength for everything through him who empowers me. - NABRE

And I find that the strength of Christ's explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty. - TPT

Feel free to share this post. You wouldn't believe how many of your friends are really battling with something right now and need an encouraging word ... battles you know nothing about.

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 ...

What's for dinner?

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of Him Who sent Me and to finish His work." (John 4:34)

I made chili the other day. After getting it all started, I realized I didn't have any tomato sauce in the house. But I forged ahead, not wanting to stop the process. I just wanted to get it done. Throw some dinner together. A chore to be done.

So I substituted.

And let's just say that catsup is not the same as tomato sauce. It sure looks the same. I mean, how far off could it be?

I've made some great chili in the past. Usually by following a recipe though. You know, the ones found in some famous, well-known chefs book.

But I tried to make chili quick and what as easiest for me. I expected the same results. I expected the same end result as when I followed the one "in-the-know".

Needless to say, the efforts I made hastily and on my own did not produce the desired outcome.

And it got me to wondering - if I ever serve the Lord in this same hurry and "get 'er done" manner. Serving because it has to be done. Making substitutions instead of consulting the guide book. Seeing it as a chore that has to be done. Not following Anyone's instructions (recipe) but my own.

And expecting the same results.

Are we not called to be obediently active and fruitful? Listening and then obeying. His calling, His plan for our lives.

So... what's for dinner?
Maybe we should check the "recipe book".
What is It calling for, exactly?

Can You Hear Me ...now?

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)

Every parent knows that newborn's cry in the middle of the night. You can be sound asleep, right? But somehow (probably through several nights of practice!) your ears are keenly aware and attuned to the sounds your little one makes.

The sound of someone's voice can sure warm your heart. I remember calling home from boot camp the first time. When I heard my mom's voice answer the phone, all I did was cry. But, throughout my navy days, we stayed in constant touch - calling each other weekly. And instead of tears, her voice brought warmth and love, encouragement, peace, security ... all kinds of good things. Even though we lived miles and miles apart. A regular dose of love on a regular basis. Talking - comfortably picking up right where we left off.

Sadly, my mom has been gone about 15 years now. Sadly, I can't remember the sound of her voice. Oh, I have lots of good visual memories. And I can still picture her face when she laughed. And I suppose some of her most famous sayings come to mind from time to time (like, "Don't wish your life away") But I sure miss the constant connection we shared... (and its benefits to me).

And it brings to mind - when was the last time you connected with a loved One (Jesus)? Is it happening on a regular basis (bringing love, encouragement, peace and security) or has time been passing by and talking has become - uncomfortable, unsure...

Can you imagine Jesus' face smiling?
Can you recall some of His famous sayings?
Can you still hear His voice?
Are you missing the dear connection you once enjoyed?
... with that Someone you love?

Surely...
Surely I am with you ...
Always.