Wit or witout?

If you are at all familiar with the ordering of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich - in Philly - you know there’s an expression they use. Wit or witout. It actually means your preference to having grilled peppers and onions included on your sandwich.

I recently had a similar experience here in South Carolina at a popular chili dog place. They, too, asked, “Everything? Or without?” The without this time meaning mustard and onions. My answer? Oh, yes! Everything! I want to be adventuresome here in my new surroundings. I want to taste and experience it all! The freshness, the crunch, the chewy, the gooey… and boy, was it good too!

Are you tasting and seeing everything God is offering you? Do you realize there are more blessings available and waiting for you? Or do you step back, sticking with what you know about God, what’s been experienced and tested, and not trying the other things He offers?

Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us… - Ephesians 3:20 NIV

Now to the God Who can do so many awe-inspiring things, immeasurable things, things greater than we ever could ask or imagine through the power at work in us … THE VOICE

God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His Spirit deeply and gently within us. THE MESSAGE

What is holding you back from enjoying more from God? Did you not just read the promises God gives in His Word? 

Are you thinking He won’t fulfill some of His promises to you? But these promises ARE for you! 

Are you living wit or witout?

God is ready to overwhelm you with more blessings than you could ever imagine so that you’ll always be taken care of in every way and you’ll have more than enough to share. - 2 Corinthians 9:8 THE VOICE

So I ask you, “Wit or witout?”

The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.” - Numbers 11:23

 

And you turn yourself around; that’s what it’s all about!

I’ve traveled a lot of unfamiliar roads since our recent move to South Carolina. I’ve relied heavily on my phone and GPS. Keeping it close so I can see and hear the directions needed.

But I had to take my husband to the airport the other morning. Early morning. It was still dark on my way back home. I was on roads I’d never been on before. But when the GPS said, “Turn”, I couldn’t see the corner. It wasn’t well lit. So I mistakenly went past it. And had to get turned around.

I’m embarrassed to admit it happened three times. Either no streetlight or the street sign was different than the GPS. Three times I had to get turned around. I had to take a right. And another right. And another right. But I had no choice. I needed to get back on the right road in order to get home.

Perhaps the same applies to walking our Christian walk. We need to keep our “phone” (Bible) close where we can see it and hear it. We need to recognize when we’re trying to navigate life in the dark. We may need to turn and turn and turn again to get back on the right track. 

The closer I got to home, the more light filled the sky. More light made me feel more comfortable. I was able to relax and actually enjoy the journey.

If it feels like you are traveling in the dark, let me remind you - you have a “GPS” system in God and in His Word. Trust Him to get you on the right track - towards the light - towards home.

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. - Isaiah 42:16

That’s what it’s all about. 

Note cards are available again. Tap the link below. Now that I’m getting settled in the new house, new card designs will be coming soon!

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop-2023.html?fbclid=IwAR0PfUfptIdi_z94Sw9OwWi1MAy21muq2inyerUUjXMt4-Cyhhf6lQUE1fc

Do you hear what I hear?

There is a background story I was told a long time ago. And it comes to mind every time I read this passage from Isaiah 7:14:

 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Listen carefully, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will call his name Immanuel (God with us). 

You see, then as now, people liked to gossip. And here is the juicy news; a virgin… a baby… Emmanuel (God with us). And through gossipy lips, the news spread through a world riddled with terrible times and lost hope. Emmanuel - God is with us. It’s spread from house to house. Over backyard fences. From alleys to busy city street corners. Coffee houses. And now, during our advent season. The immediacy,  the urgency of the same message carries on. Through social media and Christmas cards. Church services, music on the radio, and familiar Christmas hymns rung from church bells. O Emmanuel! God is with us! And oh, how we need to hear this now in our world as they did thousands of years ago. 

So join me in repeating the resounding joy. Let every heart prepare Him room. Let heaven and nature sing! Sing the songs together. Tell the old, old story to your children and grandchildren too. Read the greeting cards aloud. Give warm, embracing hugs. Remind people that God is still with us. Still loves us! Hope for the world. Yes. Hope. 

Hallelujah! Let's celebrate!

 Arise, shine, for your light has come,

 and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. (Isaiah 60:1)

Picture the bride as she links arms with her daddy, ready to head down the aisle. The trembling smile. The shaking bouquet. The shared long look. Eyes sparkling. Toes tapping. All in anticipation of something that has long been dreamed, imagined, and hoped for. The long-awaited time is at hand ...

Picture the little children racing down the stairs on Christmas morn. Dancing. Hopping. Hands clapping. Eyes twinkling. Squeals of joy! Shaking with delight as to what is to come! All in anticipation of something that has long been dreamed, imagined and hoped for. The long-awaited time is at hand ...

Picture yourself breathing in and relishing the true meaning of Christmas. Body and soul practically vibrate with joyous excitement. Every sense on high alert. See the candlelight. Hear the bells. Smell the fresh-cut evergreens. Taste the special holiday treats and the touch of a loved one near ...

Come. Journey down the aisle. Dance and hop and clap your hands! Take in every trigger of enjoyment. The long-awaited time is at hand! The joyous celebration begins! The birth of Christ!

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)

Shop Small Business Saturday

 

Limited supply of Christmas gift goodies! 

First, matted 5x7 prints of some favorites! Choose from 

Watercolor cat

Watercolor dog

Watercolor turtle

Flower patch

Shoreline rocks

Be still cross

Confetti birds

A steal at $8.00 each! Free shipping or arrange for pickup. Great grouped together or stand-alone and tucked in an unexpected place. All are sure to bring a smile!

Second, these are called pillow gift boxes. And they are perfect for candy, cash, gift card, lottery ticket, jewelry… Package of 12 for $5.00. Another great deal! What a wonderful gift box for one or more on your list! Yes, Free shipping! (Shipped flat, you just pop the ends inward to create the pillow.)

And of course, there’s still time for cards! Christmas theme, general winter theme, and other "any occasion" cards. Orders always come with a list of suggested messages. Priced at 12 for $10. Free shipping or arrange for pickup.

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop.html

Special pricing is good until December 10, 2022.

Email me with your selections or write me a note. 

juliecrane.57@att.net

P.O.Box 618

Dimondale MI 48821

Send your payment.

And your goodies will be on their way!

I Turn to You

 I'm happy when someone is able to help me out; show me the way through something I can't quite figure out. I hate the feeling of frustration when whatever it is I am working on doesn't come out right, even after reading the instructions over and over and trying again and again. Yes, I am so relieved when someone comes along with more knowledge and experience - to show me more clearly - the way.

Whether it's a crafting project or how to make a recipe gluten-free, I am thankful for those who know more than I do. It might still take some time, but with a friend sharing what they already know, I can get to the end (with truly unexpected, wonderful results!) A friend can help me achieve what I was positive I couldn't bring to completion. Knowing there is someone in the wings with greater knowledge is such a comfort!

But there are things friends can't help with.

There are things even googling can't help with.

That's why I am most at peace when I remember God is the ultimate holder of all knowledge. God is above and beyond all else. Truly we can trust in Him for the solution to every struggle. Bigger. Better. Beyond any answer our feeble, human minds can drum up. Yes, yes, I know, His timing is different than ours. But His end result! His end result is the better way. God still supplies, provides, and guides. God does amazing, marvelous, indescribable, beyond our wildest hopes and dreams things!

After all, He IS God.

So, if you're wondering, worrying, and just can't figure a problem out  - might I suggest you turn to God. (God doesn't mind if it's big or small!) And turn it over to God. (God can handle both big and small!) Instead of being fearful of what you don't know, turn to the great I AM. The One who knows all, sees all and can do all. In His perfect knowledge.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, Who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)

And don't forget to check out my online card shop for the latest designs! New updates coming in the next day or two! FREE suggested messages too!

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/card-shop.html

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