I believe...

Dear God~
In yet another quiet moment, I share my heart...my thoughts...my questions...and my life with You.  Answers have not arrived yet, but  I believe You hear me.  I believe You care.  I believe You know what is best.  I believe You.

Thank You for Your faithfulness, Your love, Your kindness and Your concern for a life like mine.  I will trust You.♥~thl

"But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.'"  2 Corinthians 12: 9

My hubby...serving with gladness...

What a special weekend!  Watching my hubby preach again was a tremendous blessing!  Thank You, God for opening the door through dear friends so that Tim could "fill in" preach!  What a joy!♥~thl

He hears...

Dear God~
I am listening.
I am learning.
I am waiting.
I am praying.
I am clinging to Your hope.
I am grateful for Your love.
Thank You for Your faithfulness.♥~thl

"But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me."  Micah 7: 7

Friends in Him...

Dear God~Thank You for the blessing of "true friends" in my life.  Through them, I see You.  Through their love, I see Your love.  Through their kindness, I see Your kindness.  Through their hearts, I see Your heart.  Through their faithfulness, I see Your faithfulness.  Through them, I am reminded that You truly hear my prayers, know my thoughts and see my heart.

Heavenly Father, please help me reflect Your love to my precious friends...and all those You place in my path!  May I listen, love and lead them closer to You.♥~thl

For my precious, faithful friends....
"I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."  Philippians 1: 3>6

Anyway...

Dear God~
Sometimes my words are empty when I try to share my heart with You.  Yet You hear me anyway.

At all times while praising You, I know I am unworthy to even speak Your Name.  Yet You forgive me anyway.

Many times, I strive to be strong for You but my weakness prevails.  Yet You hold me anyway.

Most of the time, I sincerely try to live for You but struggle in knowing what to do.  Yet You love me anyway.

I am amazed that You call me Yours...anyway.  Thank You, God.♥~thl

"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 with groans that words cannot express.  And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."  Romans 8: 26>27

A very white, blank, empty screen...

It was a moment frozen in time.  I could not believe what I saw...or in this case, what I didn't see. 

Recently, I typed a sermon for my husband.  As he added to it, I promptly typed the new material into my laptop.  I was so thrilled when the file was completed.  The only remaining task was to increase the font size and print out his copy.

With relief and excitement, I turned on the laptop and connected it to the printer.  Just before printing, I looked at the screen...a very white, blank, empty screen!  Everything was gone!  I froze in disbelief.  I still don't know what happened.  After a few tears, I was determined.  It was now time to start over.  And the typing began.

I began thinking.  Although my file unfortunately vanished, there are times that a new beginning is a good thing.  We realize that previous chapters have influenced our life story.  We can't rewrite history.  Yet, each day is a fresh start.  A very white, blank, empty "screen" waits for new thoughts, choices, words and actions. 

My thoughts continued.  How grateful I am that God hears our cries, sees our tears, knows our hearts and cleanses our wounds.  Only He can use previous chapters of our lives to learn, grow and reach others for Him.  Only God can hand us a new "white page" as He says..."Let's start over."  This is a new chapter.  A new beginning.  Life continues, but now has a beautiful new direction in our story. Thank You, God, for new beginnings, new sentences, paragraphs and chapters.  Thank You for new moments and very white, blank empty screens.  May my story now reflect You most of all.♥~thl

"I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.  He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord."  Psalm 40: 1>3

Heartfelt...

Dear God~Sometimes my heart overflows with laughter and song.  Sometimes my heart is quiet with prayer and petition.  Sometimes my heart feels ready for Heaven.  Sometimes my heart feels totally numb.  Yet my heart remains certain that You love me...You are with me....You will heal me and restore me.  Thank You, God, for never wavering in Your love for me.  I will trust You.♥~thl

"Praise be to the Lord, for He has heard my cry for mercy.  The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song." Psalm 28: 6>7

Holding and hoping...

Dear God~Thank You for holding us in the dark, guiding us in the light, listening to our silence and loving us each moment.  Knowing You are there...and You are moving in our lives...brings hope to our hearts.<3~thl

"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me."  Psalm 3: 5

Friends in Him...

Oh, what a blessing friends are in life.  You know those special kind of friends.  They love you through thick and thin...great times and gut-wrenching times...healthy and unhealthy...dressed up or run down.  They are there! 

They live next door, an hour away, or hundreds of miles away.  Yet they are always in your heart.  You may see them daily...every few months...or once a year.  The bond remains regardless of distance, time or circumstances.  My lifelong bgff lives in another state.  We don't talk daily or see one another frequently but we certainly make up for it when we share time together..  I know without a shadow of a doubt that our friendship of almost fifty years will always remain strong and blessed. 

Other dear friends have shared this journey with me for decades and I am amazed by their love, kindness, understanding, humor, honesty and faithfulness.  I am blessed by many precious lifetime friends and I thank God for each one.  This journey of life would be so different without them. 

Yet I thank God for my friends for another reason.  They remind me of Him.  They share laughter...compassion...creativity...courage...talents...and faithfulness beyond my imagination.  I believe that each precious soul reflects our Heavenly Father in special ways. 

I began thinking.  If God has blessed me with such dear friends whom I love so much....I wonder if I treat Him as lovingly as I treat them.  Do I communicate openly and consistently with Him?  Do I tell Him how much I love Him?  Do I thank Him for each blessing?  Do I listen to Him and what He desires to share with me? 

Dear God~May I love you more dearly, cherish You more consistently, listen to You more intensely, thank You more frequently and follow You more closely.  Thank You for being the greatest Friend of all.♥~thl

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."  Psalm 107: 1

Metamorphisis and me...

Working toward new goals in my life, my daughter and I recently discussed my small, yet determined, steps.  As she encouraged me, I simply said, "When we stop learning, we stop living.  Who knows?  Maybe someday, I will turn into a butterfly after all." 

I began thinking.  Studying metamorphosis during childhood,  I was very interested in the process of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.  How incredible!  If God displays His power, creativity and beauty in a small creature's transformation, I have no doubt that He is very interested and capable of changing our lives, too.

Sometimes I feel like a caterpillar...crawling around at a "slower than molasses" speed...with a limited perspective compared to who I want to be and what I want to accomplish.  That is not my idea of a purposeful life.

Yet in God's perfect timing, changes begin.  The caterpillar begins to change habits, (even what it eats), and wanders into a safe place for shelter.  It immerses itself into a protective covering and remain there until the process is complete.  At just the right time, it emerges as a beautiful, transformed butterfly!

We can learn much from this example.  Perhaps we need to replace some old habits, whether it's food or focus.  Maybe we need to find a safe place...finally...to immerse ourselves into the loving, protective and precious hands of God.  It is then vital to spend uninterrupted time listening, learning and letting Him transform us into the beautiful, purposeful creations He intended. 

Striving toward my goals, I realize that my greatest accomplishment in life will be simple yet significant.  May I become totally His...completely tranformed into His design for my life so that I may honor, glorify and praise Him.  Then someday, I pray I will take flight...straight into His Presence for eternity.♥~thl

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will."  Romans 12: 2

Broken blessings...

"In God's garden of grace even broken trees bear fruit" (Rick Warren)

Dear God~Thank You for loving us when we are broken, leading us when we are lost and holding us when we are healing.  May we draw nearer to You, Your love and Your purpose through it all.<3~thl

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34: 18

 

He thinks...He speaks...

It fascinates me.  On an ordinary, uneventful day, someone comes to my mind and I cannot stop thinking about them.  Usually I send a message to them.  They are often surprised and reply that the timing was perfect.

It may also be an ordinary, uneventful day in my life...except for my thoughts, plans, feelings, questions, concerns.  Then someone contacts me.  They have no idea how timely their efforts were to me.  It made all the difference.

If we truly listen, I believe we will hear Him speak to us in many ways.  His Presence is always with us.

I am amazed that His thoughts never cease.  He never stops caring or thinking about us.  His love is that deep...beautiful...and genuine.  No matter what each moment brings, He has us in His thoughts and in His hands.  He makes all the difference.♥~thl

"How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God!  How vast is the sum of them!  Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.  When I awake, I am still with You."  Psalm 139: 17>18

Walking lessons...

Walking this journey often resembles childhood.  Some seasons, we are held.  Sometimes, we crawl.  We fall frequently.  We find a way to stand again.  We take more steps.  We fall.  We hurt.  We grow tired. We weep.  We lie still and look upward for help. We are lifted up.  We walk again.  We stumble over unexpected obtacles.  We are restored. We bump into unnoticed boundaries. We learn.  We rest. We rise to our feet and step forward once more.  We rejoice.  We see a parent reaching for us.  We extend our arms...and run.  He lifts us, embraces us and carries us home.

We later realize that our Heavenly Father is with us...holding, guarding, protecting, watching, healing, restoring, reaching, rejoicing, meeting, lifting, embracing and carrying us Home. Thank You, God, for Your loving Presence.♥~thl

"Keep me safe, O God, for in You I take refuge."  Psalm 16: 1

My Strength...

When words are silenced, You hold me. When silence is deafening, You carry me. When the journey steals my strength, Your unfailing love sustains me. Thank You, Dear God, for never letting go of me.♥~thl

"I love You, O Lord, my Strength." Psalm 18: 1

Our Faithful Father...

Dear God~Thank You for knowing my deepest heartaches, hearing my hidden thoughts and seeing the struggles of my soul. Thank You for loving and leading me faithfully. You are amazing!♥~thl

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to Your Name be the glory, because of Your love and faithfulness." Psalm 115: 1

Persecuted...or persecuting...

Persecuted...the word sends chills down my spine.  Saying or typing it makes me cringe.  We studied persecutions and martyrdom in college.  It was difficult, sad, heartbreaking, troubling, disturbing.

We frequently hear of past and present persecutions...for country, faith, family, many reasons.  I wonder...who or what would I defend, protect and pay the ultimate sacrifice for in my life?

Then I wonder...do I persecute others?  Strong word.  Uncomfortable word.  Harsh word.  Yet definitions of persecution also include: harass, trouble, worry, annoy, bother, torment, afflict.

Could our actions...even as believers...harm others?  Uncomfortable thought.  Yet I am aware that we harm others when we treat them in ways that trouble their hearts, worry their minds, break their spirits and torment their souls.  What if they aren't "one of us" in cliques, level of faith, social status, wealth, appearance, talents, intelligence, profession or other ways?  Standing for truth in God's Word is absolutely essential.  What I am discussing is how we treat...or torment...others with our words, actions, exclusions, attitudes, avoidance and destructive decisions.

We never know the thoughts, feelings, experiences or struggles of another person.  We certainly don't realize our influence on them with our kindness, cruelty or apathy.  In this uncertain and unfair world, troubles and trials surround us.  Persecution is much too common.  It is my sincere prayer that we stand for our faith, our families, our country and for what honors God.  I pray, too, that we evaluate how we treat others...who are also precious to Him.<3~thl

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven."  Matthew 5: 10

Peace...sometimes stated, sometimes silent...

Growing up in the 60s, I remember the fashions, hairstyles and music of the era.  I also recall that "peace" was a rather popular word and symbol during a tumultuous time in our world.

Since then, life has taught me much more about the search, significance and sacrifices involved in peacemaking.  The cost is great. The need is epidemic.

In a world of conflict, confusion, confrontation and cynicism, peace seems forgotten.  In lives of brokenness, abandonment, criticism and condemnation, peace seems out of reach. War and weariness.  Decisions and desperation.  Indecision and isolation.  Shouting and silence.  Finding peace in our society or in ourselves seems impossible.  Where do we go for peace?

Jesus said:  "Peace I leave with you;  My peace I give you.    I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14: 27)  

I used to think that a peacemaker must remove all strife and dissention.  It didn't take long to realize that was far beyond my abilities.  I also used to think that it meant mediating all conflicts and bringing harmony into every situation.  That didn't last long, either. 

The more I read the words of Jesus, the more I realize that any peace I find or promote...must begin in my own life...my own heart...my own mind...my own surrender to Him, the Prince of Peace. I sincerely pray that He will then use my life to love, listen and lead others to Him.

Pursuing peace in this world is most difficult.  Placing my unsettled life in His Hands...is most important.♥~thl

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."  Matthew 5: 9

Pure...simple...vital....

It has always interested me that many people travel to rather simple locations for a change of scenery.  They often visit mountains, lakes, oceans, beaches, forests, parks and other scenes of nature.  They enjoy sunrises, sunsets, gentle rain and vivid rainbows.  It doesn't surprise me.  It intrigues me. Of all the options, those involving nature never wane. 

Why is that?  Answers may vary but people usually enjoy that which is natural, simple, peaceful and pure.  We tend to crave an environment that refreshes, restores and reminds us of what is authentic, consistent, vital, and pure.

We greatly appreciate purity.  Whether in food, water, relationships or life, we desire and even cherish something that is pure.  Dictionaries describe pure as untainted, wholesome, undefiled or clean. 

I wonder...what would happen if we embraced purity more in our thoughts, words, choices, attitudes and lives?  What differences would it make in our relationships, our community, our country or our world if purity became a priority?  The One Who is pure and blameless spoke very highly of it in a sermon He once shared.  If it is that important to Him, I pray it will become a way of life for us.♥~thl

"Blesssed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."  Matthew 5: 8

A time of mercy...

"I never thought I would see the day when people would fly planes into buildings to kill people.  I have seen lots in my lifetime, but I never thought I would ever see something like this."  (VFP)

Grandma Genny was shocked and saddened when I called her just after the 9/11/01 attacks.  Born in 1910, she had seen more than most of us could imagine, including several wars and the Depression years.  But my ninety-one years young Grandmother was deeply troubled at the thought of this horrible tragedy when lives were deliberately destroyed on our own American soil.  Grandma then said, "I hope I never see something like this again."  Two months later, Grandma went Home to be with her Lord.  Although I miss her terribly, I am relieved that she, indeed, never saw such tragedy, evil and heartbreak again.

I don't understand why lives were brutally murdered on that unforgettable day.  Yet I do remember something else.  I remember a spirit among our nation that put aside differences, bickering, selfishness and pride.  I remember people rushing to church buildings to pray for our nation.  I remember people putting their own lives on hold so they could help victims, families, first responders and emergency facilities however they were needed.  I remember a country united...compassionate...unselfish...determined to survive...and asking God to help us do so.  I remember people loving each other more freely...listening to hearts more sincerely...and living life more gratefully.  I remember a country of mercy...hope...and sacrifice. 

How sad that it often takes tragedy to bring out the best in us.  How heartbreaking when we all too soon forget what is important, how we can unite and Who mercifully, gracefully, lovingly and justly is with us at all times. 

Dear God~Please heal our hearts, our brokenness, our lives and our country.  May we "act justly, love mercy and walk humbly" (Micah 6:8)  with You.♥~thl 

"Blesssed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."  Matthew 5: 7

Blessed by His Best...

Dear God~Thank You for Your love, patience, grace, mercy and justice.  I can't imagine what You think and feel when we are ungrateful, unloving, critical and sinful.

Knowing that we would be imperfect...messing up, acting out and letting You down, You still gave us Your Son. You love us that much!

In a world of uncertainty, inconsistency, pain,  frustration and destruction, we are richly blessed to belong to You. As You gave Your Best, You deserve our best...our highest praise, our attitude of gratitude, our complete surrender and our deepest trust.

May our lives be totally focused on You above all else.  You, alone, are God!<3~thl

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Matthew 5: 6

Strong or sensitive?

Dear God~It's something I try to balance daily.  I need strength and truth from You.  Yet, I also need to be gentle with the hearts, minds and lives of others. 

Unfortunately, I certainly know what it is like to be "preached at," judged, condemned, discussed and criticized by those who wear Your name.   Fortunately, I also know what it is like to be cared about, listened to, valued and loved by others who serve You with tenderness, compassion, gentleness and authenticity. 

As I surrender to Your Word, truth, strength and justice, may I remember to always reflect Your love, hope, compassion, joy and peace.  Thank You for the perfect example of Your Son!<3~thl

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."  Matthew 5: 5

Good grief...

Dear God~It seems ironic that in the name of "faith," people are often discouraged from crying, grieving, feeling, hurting, suffering and...expressing what we face in this life.  I find it interesting, however, that Jesus wept. He cried. He suffered. He was in anguish.  How interesting that we are told in Scripture to comfort one another....which involves vulnerability and compassion.

Thank You, God, for the precious example of Your Son Who shared His heart, His life, His tears...and yes, even His pain and suffering openly...honestly...lovingly...purposefully. Thank You for allowing us to learn through the trials and tears. Thank You for turning our scars into stories of Your hope...Your love...Your peace...Your joy...and Your power!<3~thl

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5: 4

Needing...

Dear God~
Often, my only words on this journey are...."God, I need You." 
Life is a precious gift...yet challenging.
We live. 
We love.
We search.
We hope.
We dream.
We fall.
We walk.
We hurt.
We think.
We feel.
We run away.
We run to You...
arms reaching up,
tears flowing down.
God, I need You...now...today...always.♥~thl

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."  Matthew 5: 3

Renewed, restored and reminded...

Dear God~
Thank You for renewal, restoration and reminders that You are always with us.
May weariness be replaced with strength...wounds restored with wisdom...and our walk renewed with hope in You.<3~thl

"Create in me a pure heart, O God; and renew a steadfast spirit within me."  Psalm 51: 10

More....

Dear God~
As this journey continues, I recognize...
more questions,
more conflicts,
more heartaches,
more inconsistencies,
more disappointments,
more confusion,
more situations I do not understand.

Yet this journey with You reveals...
more faith,
more hope,
more peace,
more reliance,
more focus,
more longing,
more holding onto You.

You make all the difference...and more.<3~thl

"The Lord is righteous in all His ways and loving toward all He has made.  The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth." Psalm 145: 17>18

Holding onto Hope...

"Because He lives, I can face tomorrow..."

Thank You, God, for the blessing of hope. In the middle of heart breaks, life's aches and the toll this journey takes, we find hope in You. Your love, power, peace and promises make all the difference.♥~thl

Romans 15: 13

Peace in His Presence...

"His Name is wonderful, His Name is wonderful, His Name is wonderful, Jesus, my Lord..."

Thank You, God, for the blessing of Your Presence! Knowing we can praise You, pray to You or find peace in You at any moment makes this journey so precious. Thank You for always listening to us. You are amazing!♥~thl

Isaiah 26: 3

Leaning on the Lord...

"I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice to worship You..."

Thank You, God, for the blessing of strength. When my strength is gone, I am reminded that Your strength is more than enough...always. You are amazing!♥~thl

Philippians 4: 13