Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Praying for Christmas Miracles

Just when you think you have the holidays all planned out...
when you anticipate time at home, with family, doing all the traditional things you do each year....
Just when Christmas surprises and exciting events are finally in place...

Everything changes....plans, hopes, anticipations, excitement, and joy...
They turn, 
turn into crushed dreams,  dread, confusion, and sadness.
This past weekend was, to say the least, a difficult one for the victims, families, and residents of Newtown, Connecticut. I actually can imagine the heartache they are feeling and will experience at Christmas, since 16 years ago on Dec. 26, my stepson was tragically killed in a car accident. Christmas should be a time of joy and family time, but that year it was full of sadness and loss. The death of a child is horrific, no matter how it happens. 

There have been so many prayers that have gone up for these families and we continue to lift them up.

-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=--==-=

This Christmas is going to be unique and difficult for my family, again. My brother, who was just transported from our small Indiana town to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota today, will be undergoing surgery, his 4th surgery in 2 months.  He has been hospitalized with intestinal blocks and bacterial infections for almost 3 months. In his weak physical state, he may not pull through. The doctors have admitted that they can't do much more and even if the surgery is successful,  his body may not be able to fight off the infection.

I know God is a God of miracles! He is in control and knows all that we need and desire. When we come to Him with humble and contrite hearts, He hears us.
... I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you.
2 Kings 20:5 (ESV)

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 
2 Chronicles 7:14-15

But, I also know that not always does He choose to give us what we ask for. Our ways are not always His ways.
I try not to think about the 'what ifs' of life, good or bad. Not only is that not good for the soul, but it leaves no room for the Lord to do miracles in my life. The negative 'what ifs' about my brother are difficult enough to shut out of my mind, but even more difficult are the 'what ifs' if he would not have gotten sick.(Resentment) You see, there is more to my Christmas story.

For nearly 3 years my hubby and I had been planning a special 25th wedding anniversary trip. Last year was officially our 25th, but because of finances and our house being on the market, we decided to wait till another time. I actually had come to terms that it would not happen, since what I had truly wanted was to renew our vows in my favorite place, Charleston, South Carolina on the beach. (I am a big time dreamer!) We had talked about other options, like going to Lake Michigan (much closer) to renew our vows, but it just wouldn't quite be the same. 

Well, to make a long story short, my hubby had actually been planning this coming weekend on surprising me and taking me down to S.C., with our son in tow to stand up with us, and renew our vows on the beach! My ultimate dream! But, that dream was crushed. Instead we will be spending Christmas in cold, snowy Minnesota, where the clinic is located! We may do it another time, but my son plans on moving out this spring, both he and my hubby work and don't have vacation time off other than Christmas, so it is going to take a real miracle for this dream to take place. You could say, I'm praying for two miracles this year.

Sharing the gifts He has bestowed upon me every new day through the Joy Dare.
3 gifts of  difficult choices.
1,170 - Sacrificing my dream, so that I can be with my brother and his family.
1,171 - To concentrate on God's love and blessings, rather than resentment and 'what ifs'.
1,172 - To trust God's plans for our lives, whatever the outcome is.

3 gifts ice cold
1,173 -  Taking the lives of children is so prevalent anymore, our nation is turning ice cold (and less lukewarm) - Rev. 3:15
1,174 - The ice cold reality that God doesn't always answer our prayers in exactly the way we would like Him to.
1,175 - The weather in Minnesota, where we will most likely be staying over Christmas.


3 gifts that are beacons of hope
1,176 - The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
1,177 - Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.  Isaiah 60:1
1,178 - 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
 (other verses on God's light)

3 gifts family
1,179 - Past memories of Christmas' together.
1,180 - The support and love of my family, as we gather around my brother and his family in his illness.
1,181 - My sister-in-law, who is truly an angel in disguise. She has continually been at my brother's side. (As well as my mom.)
A photo from Christmas, 2011. My sister-in-law and brother, who is at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

3 gifts Bethlehem-unlikely
1,182 - Miraculous healing of my brother's body.
1,183 - Getting to go to S.C. to renew our vow on the beach.
1,184 - This Christmas being a time of love, joyfulness, and peace.

Christmas 2011. My nephew,  niece (and her hubby), who are expecting in May.
3 gifts miraculous
1,185
1,186
1,187
Oh, I choose to wait to share these three gifts miraculous for my next post, for...
 "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Our family needs a Christmas miracle this year and I'm praying He provides these glorious gifts.....healing for my brother and a special anniversary trip to renew our vows on the beach.
 
 Family, January, 2012

My heart aches for those families in Connecticut, who don't find anything miraculous this Christmas! I also pray that somehow, God gives them a Christmas miracle, too.


Tuesday, December 11, 2012

It's Christmastime Again!

 
It seems like every year, Christmas gets here way too fast. One minute, we are planning the Thanksgiving meal and the next minute, the decorations are going up. Every year, I tell myself that I'm gonna be more prepared for the Christmas season, so I can truly enjoy it's full meaning.  
Time just seems to speed up during the month of December. This year, our family is enjoying the holiday in our new home on a lake. I wasn't sure how I would adjust to celebrating the birth of Christ in our new, much smaller home. It's an older house and, even though we have already done some remodeling, it still needs some TLC before we have it completed to our liking. 

I'm reminded of how Jesus and his parents celebrated his birth in a unfamiliar town, in a very primitive surrounding. Yet, they found so much joy and gratitude for God's leading them there and His protection. Others came to celebrate the event, as well. But nobody seemed upset or dissatisfied with where they had to go to see the Christ-child. 
This year, it seems like things are simpler. A smaller tree; less room for decorations; and even less gift-giving....yet more time with my family; more peaceful evenings; more time with friends, too. 

When we recently put up the tree and lights, my son came into our house and his first response was, this house is so warm and cozy. Wow!!! That's exactly what we all needed...a more warm and cozy surrounding, where we can truly turn our minds and hearts to that quiet, peaceful evening many years ago, when our Savior was born. Nobody was rushing around to get things done. There weren't panicked people, working overtime to be able to buy everything they wanted. The women weren't in a frenzy, baking all kinds of food to stuff everyone's faces with. Instead...
Kings and shepherds worshipped...
Angels sang glorious songs...
A mother and father rested and rejoiced...

A child slept.

As you celebrate the Christmas Season, remember to sit down, rest, meditate on the Word of God, and concentrate on all He has done for each of us! No big Christmas party is required. Actually, I encourage you to find a "warm and cozy" place, where you can rest in His presence and remember that day 2,000 years ago....the peace, the joy, the love.....

Sharing the gifts He has bestowed upon me every new day through the Joy Dare.

A gift handmade, held, happy
1,134 - handmade: A Christmas light, made with a glass block.(I'll post a photo of it in my next blog post.)
1,135 - held: A baby girl, the daughter of the mom I write to at our local Christian childcare center.
1,136 - happy: When my hubby and I show support and understanding for each other, we both feel so happy in our relationship!

3 gifts with family:
1,137 - Family discussions (most of the time they go well; sometimes they can get heated, though.)
1,138 - Eating at a new Asian Restaurant together.
1,139 - Cutting the Christmas tree together.


3 gifts red:
1,140 - Red bows, tied to my porch lights, blowing in the wind.
1,141 - My red(and black) checked flannel shirt...so warm and comfortable, when it's cold outside.
1,142 -All the beautiful red Poinsettias on display at the floral department at the grocery store.

3 gifts astonishing:
1,143 - 65 degrees on December 3rd.
1,144 - God's patience with me, as I often don't learn from my mistakes/sin and keep doing things I know I shouldn't.
1,145 - It amazes me that Jesus Christ, the very One Who created me and knit me together in my mother's womb, descended from His Throne to take MY punishment so that I could be given His righteousness and a place in Heaven.

December Gifts:
3 gifts white:
1,146 - New, white socks, worn the first time.
1,147 - My white, velor electric blanket....Oh, so warm!
1,148 - Freshly fallen snow, the first snowfall of the season, here in my little Indiana town.

3 gifts bright:
1,149 -The full moon, glowing brightly, as I drive home from work in the nighttime.
1,150 - Outdoor Christmas lights, sparkling brightly, as we drive through town.
1,151 - New LED lights for my Christmas tree.

3 gifts shining:
1,152 - The star shining at the top of our Christmas tree.
 
1,153 - An ornament the says "Shine on me".
1,154 - Candles, burning when the lights are low...giving the room a glow.

 3 gifts silver
1,155 - silver tinsel, shining in the candlelight!
1,156 - My silver wedding band, displaying the eternal love my husband and I have for each other.
1,157 -The silvery-gray hair on my hubby's head...reminds me that we have been together all these years and I still love him so much!

3 gifts sweet
1,158 - Homemade pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling.
1,159 - My sweet friends, who show kindness and constantly show they care about me.
1,160 - My sweet hubby, who surprised me with clean dishes, when I got home from work one day.

3 gifts from your Savior

1,161 - The eternal Son of God, as He prepared to leave heaven and “the bosom of the Father”(John 1:18)
1,162 - Christ descended to Earth to become also “the Son of man,” (our Savior) with “nowhere to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20).
1,163 - "Jesus Christ first took up residence on Earth in his mother Mary’s womb, then in a manger. Then in a house in Bethlehem, followed by somewhere in Egypt until the death of King Herod who had tried to kill Him. His dwelling place then was in the home of His foster father, Joseph of Nazaeth, in a despised village. Eventually His “residence” was on the cross on which His enemies could impale Him. And finally, for three days in a borrowed tomb."(Source)

A gift hung, hummed, heard

1,164 - hung: Stockings hung, not by a fireplace(our new house has none), but on a shelf, this year.
1,165 - hummed: Christmas songs. (At a Christmas luncheon, we played "Guess the Christmas song" game)
1,166 - heard: My son, commenting on how cozy and homey our new home is this Christmas season.

3 gifts ugly beautiful
1,167 - Cold, wet, dreary weather lately....glad it wasn't snow.
1,168 - Not having my car for 3 days, as it gets fixed in the shop. Having to drive a rental.
1,169 - My new job; making mistakes, but having an kind and patient boss.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Let Go, Let God! {Random Journal Day}


Seems like lately it's either a physical struggle
                     an emotional struggle
                                            or  a relational struggle...
We've all had days,
                          weeks,
                                 sometimes months
that we just seem to struggle with one thing or another.

I know struggles are supposed to strengthen us...
                                                       bring us closer to God.

So often, though, we fight and struggle even more to be free of these struggles...what a crazy cycle of actions and reactions.

That's why I'm sharing this entry from my journal today.{for Random Journal Day blog hop} It describes how I've been struggling and trying not to fight against that struggle, but instead, seek God daily.
-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Thursday, November 16th, 2012:
O.K., Lord, take these anxious feelings away from me! My emotions are on edge this morning, as I got 2 phone calls from my mom, saying my brother(in the hospital) isn't doing well. Been also feeling anxious about Tyler(my son). I just want peace and no more drama. Still wishing we could get away for a few days, but can't afford it right now. Been trying to listen to what the Lord's trying to tell me...all week a theme has been coming up in my devotions:
Let Go - Don't hang on to the yucky stuff  in life: worry, resentment, frustration, negativity

Let God - Fill me, instead, with good stuff: Joy, gratitude, love, peace.

Lord, it seems like I'm struggling with having a positive outlook, lately. My passion for life is barely flickering, some days. Help me to find that passion again, for You and for my life! Amen
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
 "There are times in life when you finally have to surrender your own wants and perceived needs to the loving direction of God. When you let go of your expectations or your need to control a situation, you will receive more good than you could ever imagine. Then, let God guide the outcome of any situation. " (source)

 **********************
Music is one of my favorite ways to seek God's presence in my life. This Audrey Assad song has really touched my heart during this time of struggle...

"Carry Me" by Audrey Assad:
Pain is a forest we all get lost in
Between the branches hope can be so hard to see
And in the darkness we've all got questions
We're all just trying to make sense out of suffering but

You say I am blessed because of this
So, I choose to believe
As I carry this cross, You'll carry me
Help me believe it


Fear is a current we all get caught in
And in its motion faith can be so hard to find
And we all falter 'cause we're all broken
We're all just trying to turn the shadows into light but

You get glory in the midst of this
And You're walking with me

And you say I am blessed because of this
So, I choose to believe
As I carry this cross, You'll carry me

And I know Your promises are faithful
And God, I've seen Your goodness in my life
And oh, I've found Your mercy is a river
Your love is an ocean wide

You say I am blessed because of this
You get glory in the midst of this
And You're walking with me


And You say I am blessed because of this
So, I choose to believe

As I carry this cross, as I carry this cross
'Cause as I carry this cross, You'll carry me

You'll carry me, God
You'll carry me
And Your love is an ocean wide
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
I also desire to make this post an opportunity to give the Lord thanks for all He continues to bless me with, in spite of (hopefully, as I learn from) these struggles in my life....sharing the gifts He has bestowed upon me every new day through the Joy Dare.

3 gifts of traditions:
1,115 - A new tradition with my hubby and son...to just take off in the car and end up where we end up on Thanksgiving weekend!
1,116 - Having a meal together with my siblings and parents.
1,117 - Attending church together on Sunday mornings, followed by eating out for lunch.

3 gifts family:
1,118 - Spending a few hours with my son and hubby at Lake Michigan on Thanksgiving Day.
1,119 -Talking and laughing at the table, after our family meal together.
1,120 - Trusting that the Lord watches over family members who can't be with us at the family Thanksgiving meal.


A gift grateful:
1,121 - Oh! How can I list only one thing that I'm grateful for? Today, it most definitely is God's presence in my life, through the Holy Spirit!

3 gifts only in Christ:
1,122 - Forgiveness of sins through the blood He spilled for me!
1,123 - Hope for eternity with Him someday in paradise!
1,124 - The power of His great love!!!



3 gifts humble:
1,125 - Becoming less, so He becomes more!
1,126  - Giving my time, energy, and heart to serving my family and those who are in need.
1,127 - In prayer, on bended knee, seeking God's will in all things.


3 gifts ugly-beautiful:
1,128 - Looking to God for hope and healing, especially when loved ones are suffering.
1,129 - Seeking the Lord's will, when things don't make sense in this world and in our lives.
1,130 - When the waves of life splash on us, knowing Christ carries us through.


3 gifts preparing:
1,131 - Preparing my heart to receive great things that the Lord is going to do in my life and the lives of those I love.
1,132 - Preparing food for family time together.
1,133 - Preparing for the cold, winter weather that will soon be here.
When you are in troubled and worried and sick at heart 
and your plans are upset and your world falls apart,
 remember God's ready and waiting to share 
The burden you find much too heavy to bear. 
So with faith, Let Go and Let GOD lead your way 
into a brighter and less troubled day!
When the cares of my heart are many,
    your consolations cheer my soul.
Psalm 94:19

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Worry Never Makes Things Better

It's the wee hours of early morning and I'm tired, but can't fall asleep. I feel the ache of my body, that begs for rest.

Once again, I find myself worrying about where he is and what he is doing. I ruminate the worst scenario. Why do I torture and punish myself this way?  

I pray, "Lord, be with him. Give him wisdom, the desire and strength to make and carry out wise decisions." I know that God hears my pleas, but my faith is weak. I struggle with trusting my son in the Father's hands. 

I know the Lord is watching over all His children. So why do I worry and fret? I know, it's said that moms worry about their children, no matter how old they get. Why is that?

I think most moms struggle with worry for their children. It's our natural instinct. But is it really biblical to worry as a mom? 

I constantly have to read and re-apply the following verses to my life, when worry starts to rear it's ugly head in my head...

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. (Philippians 4:6-7)
 and
 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (Matthew 6:27)

 I pray for a faith in God's mighty hand over my son, for peace of mind that only God can give, and rest for my mind and body. Some days, I find instant relief, but tonight it's a struggle, a battle that I know all too well Satan would love to win. 

I claim other verses that help give me relief that my son will make godly choices and that God has him in His mighty plan!

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6)


“For I know the plans I have for you,”says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. You will find Me when you seek Me, if you look for Me in earnest” (Jeremiah 29:11-13) 

My prayers and petitions for my son:
  • That he would be “taught of the Lord” and great will be his peace (Isaiah 54:13)
  • That he would hide His Word in his heart (Psalm 119:11)
  • That God would fill him with the knowledge of His will so he can walk in a way that’s pleasing to Him and his life will bear fruit (Col. 1:9)
  • That his heart would be flooded with light so he could understand the wonderful future God has promised to those He called (Ephesians 1:17-19)
  • That he would trust in the Lord with all his heart and not lean on is own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6)
  • That God’s favor would surround him like a shield wherever he goes (Psalm 5:12)
source

  Lord, I put my faith in You alone! Take my worry and anxieties and give me peace. Also, supply wisdom for me and my husband to know what You desire for us, as parents of a young adult son, to do to encourage him in his walk with You. Amen.

Sharing the gifts that the Lord has provided: November Joy Dare
3 Gifts Behind a Door:
1,097 - An owl hanging, reminding me always...

1,098 - A pantry full of food for Thanksgiving weekend!
1,099 - My son, when he walks through the door, after coming home from a late evening out.

3 Gifts Silent:
1,100 - A quiet house in the morning, after all others have gone to work.
1,101 - My prayers in the early hours of the morning, when my worries keep me awake.
1,102 - Sometimes the silence of immediate unanswered prayer - as I am waiting for the Lord to work in me and/or others in my life.

3 Gifts Hard Eucharisteo:
1,103 - Striving to entrust to God, over and over again, those dear to my heart, especially my son.
1,104 - Mornings, when dirty dishes need washed and clothes need folded and hung on hangers, but I'm struggling to get going.(Very seldom do I share photos when my house is dirty, but today this is honestly a hard Eucharisteo!)

1,105 -Knowing what to do to help encourage my brother, who has had chronic health problems and is currently sick in the hospital. (So often I feel helpless and all I can do is pray).

3 Gifts of Laughter
1,106 - Watching the antics of a squirrel in our yard, trying to find food.(And my dogs going crazy, watching him out the window)
1,107 - Playing with my dogs! (What they wouldn't do for a treat!)


1,108 - A funny skit in the church service on Sunday! Love that we can laugh even in church!

3 Gifts Made, Shared, Passed On:
1,109 - Made: A Thanksgiving Banner
1,110 - Shared: Time with lots of sisters in Christ at our annual church Ladies Tea.
1,111 - Passed on: The love of Christ to others...we need to always be ready to share such an amazing love!!!
9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. John (4:9-11)

3 Gifts Autumn:
1,112 - Colorful morning skies on the lake.
1,113 - Other mornings, when a layer of fog covers the lake.
1,114 - Morning frost on the leaves





  




Saturday, November 17, 2012

"If You Have..." Makes One Think!

I love finding different quotes and Bible verses on Pinterest. Some are quite thought-provoking! As I was reading some quotes on giving thanks, since this time of year often promotes the thought, I came across this quote. I'm not sure who wrote it or where the statistics came from, but I believe them to be true. This really does put things in perspective and reminds me how truly blessed I am. I've known people and myself have NOT had 1 or 2 of these things in our lifetime, but more people have at least one of these things. Is there anything in the list that you are blessed to have today? God provides!!


May you have a blessed and thankful Thanksgiving Week!












Linking up at these Blog Hops:









Wednesday, November 14, 2012

The War Is Already Won!

I've been studying Scripture lately on the subject of Satan and the unseen spiritual battle we, as Christians, fight every day. The battle between good and evil is strong and without God it would be a losing battle, for sure!

Ephesians 6:12 - ESV For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 

 

We are warned to be sober-minded and watchful. Satan is cunning and deceptive and his goal is to draw us away from God.

 

1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 

 

Ephesians 6:13  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

1 John 5:4  - For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 

 

I am reminded that we need to always claim these verses when we feel overwhelmed, tempted, or oppressed! We are victorious through Him! 

 

Chris August has a song about this battle between good and evil.  It is so appropriate on the subject of our battle! .....and our victory!



 Counting my blessings:  November Joy Dare

3 gifts from my window
1,082 - grass, rocks, water, and sky!!! (God's creation)

1,083 - A bird in the water, searching for food.

1,084- Sunrise on a foggy morning.
  
a gift sweet, sipped, salty
1,085- Sweet - donut
1,086- Sipped - vanilla chai
1,087- Salty - Being reminded that we are the "salt of the earth". -
 Matthew 5:13

3 gifts found in Bible reading
1,088- Along with books and study guides, Bible reading is my joy every day!
1,089- For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12
1,090- From the Bible, I am encouraged, strengthened and delivered!

3 gifts of remembrance
1,091 - Remembering in prayer, family and friends who are suffering.
1.092 - Remembering God's presence throughout my life - in good times, and bad....a great reason to keep a journal!
1,093 - Remembering Scripture, when I need to find encouragement and hope.

3 gifts at noon
1,094- The sun, shining through my window!
 
1,095 - The Lord provides! Food for nourishment!
1,096 - Warmth in my heated house, on a cold November day!



  


Everything is Blooming!!

Well, if it wasn't evident in my last post, it’s definitely very evident this time around!! Spring has sprung!!! We’ve been keeping so ...