Is Your Life a Blessing?

Today is almost over and

our daily struggles through.

Has another person's life been blessed

just by knowing you?

Have you helped an ailing neighbor

struggle through his pain?

Did you give enough encouragement

to lift him up again?

Did you help a lonely traveler

who stumbled on his way?

When you heard of someone's troubles,

did you get on your knees and pray?

Did you help a hungry brother

find food that he could eat?

Did you help a wayward stranger

get back up on his feet?

So as the sun sets on this day

and it finally through,

has another person's life been blessed

just by knowing you?

Today's Whisper:

Have you tried to bless someone else each day? Maybe smiling at someone or complimenting them on their clothes or something that seems so insignificant to us can mean the world to someone else. Have you helped your neighbor when they are going through a rough spot? Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can have the most lasting and positive effect on someone else.

Today's Prayer:

Father, help me to see other people as you see us. With love and compassion. May our life be enriched by helping someone else as they struggle along in life. Give me the wisdom to know what to say to someone who is suffering. Let my words and actions reflect you and show them that someone cares for even the most minor problem that comes to all of us in life. I know you are by my side each and every day. Let me show others the same kind of kindness you show me. May I light someone else's path and help them to see you more clearly by what I do. I want my life to be a blessing to others and in it glorify your wonderful name.

Love Notes From God

I recently participated in the bible study, The Power of a Praying Wife. This bible study taught me how to pray for my husband in the major areas of his life. Through this class I was reminded of a practice I had developed when we first married. I would write my husband little “love” notes and put them in his lunch box or somewhere in the house where I knew he find them. Unfortunately, when the children came into our lives and our time was wrapped up in caring for them and making a living to support our little family, this practice was pushed to the side.

However, when I really began to read the book for the study, I knew the man I fell in love with married is the one that I still love after so many years of marriage. I knew that over the years we both had, at times, felt that we had lost something in our relationship. I realized that even though we each now have major responsibilities in the day to day scheme of things we need to let each other know that our love is still alive and has has grown with the passing years. So I again picked up the practice of leaving little notes around the house for him. Although he not acknowledged that he reads the notes he has made reference to them from time to time and I can tell that he is pleased by this gesture on my part.

One morning not too long ago I was having my morning visit with God and asking for His help with some major problems with our children. As I cried in my coffee cup and bemoaned the loneliness and discouragement I was feeling, God spoke to me and said, “Do you remember the love notes you wrote Billy? Well have you read my love notes from me to you?” Love notes from God? Was I hearing Him right or has my imagination run away with me again?” “Lord, what do you mean love notes from you?”

As I listened to His answer the tears began falling down my face as I realized that I have been so caught up in my problems and trying to come up with my own solutions to them that I had not noticed the signs God had been sending me. He is always available with His arms stretched out wide for me to fall into. All I have to do is go to Him and tell Him my problems.

“Well,” he went on to say, “Do you remember the 'cute' little note you wrote to Billy that said, 'You deserve the best—and when you married me that is just what you got'?” “Sure, I remember that one,” I said. “I left that one for him because I know he does appreciate my sense of humor—sometimes that is.” “Well,” god replied. “You deserve the best—and when you became my child that is what you got. I gave my son to die on the cross for you and pay for all your sins.”

“How about that one with the candy kiss inside?” God asked. “Do you remember that one?” Of course. I remember that one with a smile. This one had a picture of a man, who, with sagging shoulders, looked as though he were carrying the weight of the world. On the inside I had taped two candy kisses with the words: 'This looks like a two kiss day to me.' “Well how many kisses from me have you missed? I have seen you tired and burdened down with the stresses of life and that is when I send a gentle breeze to touch your face or a gentle spring rain to let you know that I am here and thinking of you. When your precious granddaughter stops in the middle of a game and runs to you to throw her arms around your neck and gives you an 'I love you Nanny' that is a message from me to count the blessings I have given you.”

“That note that asks your husband to 'wake you with a kiss' should remind you that each morning I give you a kiss of sunshine to greet you and help you start another day. I am also there to hold you up when things go wrong for you. Do you remember when you had surgery years ago and had just gotten home from the hospital. When you saw the rose in full bloom with the snow outlining the petals on that cold November day do you know what message I was sending you? I was telling you that no matter how depressed and lonely you may get and how cold the world is I will always be with you to help you see the beauty in whatever is happening in your life?”

When God had finished speaking, I was totally overwhelmed. For I had forgotten so many times to look for the beauty and love that He is always sending me. From that day forward, I vowed to always look for God's love notes and I have been blessed each time I see a message that He is sending me. God is awesome and His messages are so beautiful. Just this week I have seen a rainbow in the sky for three consecutive days and know that God is not only in Heaven smiling down but is also with me each day.

God even sends humorous love notes. When I come home after a long hard day at work and my dog jumps on my lap and puts his paw up in a “high five” I can imagine God smiling He looks down and says, “everything is going to be OK.”

I challenge each and every one of you reading this to begin to look for love notes from God and I am sure you will be able to see more clearly than ever that God does truly love us and His love will us through anything we are going through in our lives.

Today's Whisper:

Remember that He loves us and is always sending us reminders of that love. Take a few minutes today and think about the love notes He sends to you. You will always find a special note from Him. I challenge you to find a love note from God today and really read it with your heart and soul mindful of the love He is sending to you with that special note from Him.

Today's Prayer:

Father God, I know you love me with an enduring and unconditional love. Help me to stop and read your love notes to me. Often in the midst of daily life I miss them but help to sit under your sheltering wings and bask in your love for me. Amen.

Blessings In Disguise

Count your blessings
Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings
See what God hath done.
What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday? How would feel if everything you have was taken from you except what you were thankful for yesterday? Would you have your family? Your home? Would you be left with only the material things and not the love of someone? Thought provoking isn't it?
Have you counted your blessings today?  I admit I do not always thank God for all He has blessed me with.  In fact, I have been known to grumble about my blessings.  Why would I do such a thing?  Well sometimes His blessing come to us in disguise.  That’s right.  Sometimes His blessings can be found in our day to day chaos of day to day living such as dirty dishes, laundry, bills, and even our dirty houses.  I can see you scratching your head and saying “this woman is crazy!  How can dirty dishes, laundry, and bills be blessings?”
Well, dirty dishes tell us we have food to eat.  So many people do not have enough food.  Dirty laundry lets us know we have clothes to put on our backs.  When we pay our bills, we know God has provided us with the means to pay them.  A dirty house is a sign we have a roof over our heads and a family that loves us and children God has entrusted to our care.
Sometimes blessings can be hidden in trials.  James 1:2 tells us:  “Count it all joy my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
Remember, God is on the throne, in control and blessing us each and every day.  We may not recognize them at first but when we look through our eyes of faith, they are clear to see.  So beginning today, let’s all count our blessings, name them one by one.  Count our many blessings  see what God hath done.
Today's Whisper:
Look around and see how many blessings you can see. I bet you will find they are like an old potato chip commercial. You can't stop at just one. I challenge each and every one of you to see the blessings that are disguised. Maybe your grumbling about bills and dirty dishes will make you smile when you see these as blessings.
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for your blessings you have given me and the ones you are giving me.  Help me to see your love and care in my day to day life.  Everything I have and everything I am I give my thanks and praise your wonderful name.  Thank you for loving me so much.
Amen

In the Wilderness

We all wish life could go smoothly all the time. But unfortunately we find ourselves in the wilderness at times. During these hard times in our lives we sometimes question why a loving God would allow hard times to happen to His children. He seems so far away and His voice seems silent. “Where are you Father” we cry out. We often try to solve the issues in our own power. Trust me that doesn't work. I have tried that and have only made more trouble for myself.

He tells us that we are not alone in this world and we do not have to fight our own battles. He stands ready to fight the battles for us. All we have to do is take His hand and never let go. When we read His holy word we find that the greatest people in the Bible found themselves in a wilderness. Moses spent forty years wandering in the wilderness with the children of Israel. Paul was in the wilderness of imprisonment and trials but did not give up. Even Jesus himself spent forty days in the wilderness being tempted by satan. What I have learned from these stories is that God will never let His children down. He will always have a way of getting us to the other side. We are told that the world will hate us. The world hated Jesus and he was killed by people that hated Him.

I have found myself many times in the wilderness and, if you are honest, you can say the same thing. But friend, I am here to tell you that I made it out. Sometimes I prolonged the stay by not listening to Him and tried to make it through on my own. Sometimes, the trial did not turn out the way I wanted it to. But I can say He always brought me through according to His plan. This has never worked. When I turned it over to Him, He was faithful to see me through. Remember, God will not take you to the wilderness and leave you there. If He brought you to it, He is faithful to bring you through it.

I wrote this poem in the midst of one of my wilderness stays and hope it will help you make it through your own wilderness times too.

When I'm, in a desert place

where fears and doubts abound,

I look up to Jesus for I know

He's already looking down.

When I'm in a desert place

and feel overwhelmed by despair,

I can hear Jesus whisper to me,

“My child, I'm always near.

I will never leave nor forsake you

though from me you often stray.

Just take my hand and hold it

and I will lead the way.”

When I', in a desert place

Lord, help me to see

that there are others hurting

even more than me.

So when you are in a desert place

just look to Heaven above.

You will see that our Father

is looking down in love.

Today's Whisper:

When we find ourselves going through a hard time, we should not forget that we have a Heavenly Father that loves us more than anyone else. He will care for us no matter what we are going through. He takes care of the birds in the air and the flowers on the earth. How much more can He care for us—His children? The next time you find yourself in the midst of the wilderness, stop and thank Him for the blessings He has already given you. I dare say if you can think of one so many more will come to your mind that you cannot count them all.

Today's Prayer:

Father God, I thank you that you are always with me. You are there for me even when I stray from you. You wait patiently for me to return because you have everlasting and unconditional love for me. I thank you that you never fail me even though I fail you many times a day. Help me remember that every wilderness I go through you are going through it with me.

Blessings In Disguise

Blessings In Disguise
I posted this last year but Thanksgiving reminded me of all the blessings we have that we don’t always think of as blessings.  I hope you realize all the blessings you have that do not always seem like blessings.  You might be surprised. My challenge to you is to look for the many signs of God's love you can see in your day to day life. I bet you will be surprised.
What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?
Count your blessings
Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings
See what God hath done.
Have you counted your blessings today?  I admit I do not always thank God for all He has blessed me with.  In fact, I have been known to grumble about my blessings.  Why would I do such a thing?  Well sometimes His blessing come to us in disguise.  That’s right.  Sometimes His blessings can be found in our day to day chaos of day to day living such as dirty dishes, laundry, bills, and even our dirty houses.  I can see you scratching your head and saying “this woman is crazy!  How can dirty dishes, laundry, and bills be blessings?”
Well, dirty dishes tell us we have food to eat.  So many people do not have enough food.  Dirty laundry lets us know we have clothes to put on our backs.  When we pay our bills, we know God has provided us with the means to pay them.  A dirty house is a sign we have a roof over our heads and a family that loves us and children God has entrusted to our care.
Sometimes blessings can be hidden in trials.  James 1:2 tells us:  “Count it all joy my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
Remember, God is on the throne, in control and blessing us each and every day.  We may not recognize them at first but when we look through our eyes of faith, they are clear to see.  So beginning today, let’s all count our blessings, name them one by one.  Count our many blessings  see what God hath done.
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for your blessings you have given me and the ones you are giving me.  Help me to see your love and care in my day to day life.  Everything I have and everything I am I give my thanks and praise your wonderful name.  Thank you for loving me so much.
Amen

The Only Bible

The Only Bible

I know I sometimes, OK often fail God. But He never fails me. I try to live each day in gratitude for my blessings but often get too busy with the chaos of life and do not always show my gratitude. I do hope that when others see my life, they can see the joy of Jesus in me. If there is a time that you cannot see it, please remember that it is a failing on my part and not a failure on His. I am not setting myself up as a standard for what His love and mercy can do but I do hope that when you look at me you see a person that is saved by the wondrous love and mercy of my Lord and Savior. I am not a perfect Christian but one who knows I need Him every minute of every day.

My goal is live my life so that others can see the love of My Father in my life.  I don’t always succeed but He is faithful to forgive  my failures.

I may be the only Bible

That someone else will read,

So take my life and guide it

In thought and word and deed.

Let me be a blessing

To someone else I meet.

Help me show them it’s your love

That makes my life complete.

Oh, such a sobering thought to think

Of what they’re apt to see.

Help me show them it’s you, Lord

That lives inside of me.

Changing the World

Let there peace on earth and let it begin with me.
When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world. Unknown Monk 1100 AD
We all have said at one time or another, “If only the world were different....If only this country got back to the basics of life.... I wish the city government would.....” Admit it you have said that and so have I. Well, we cannot change the world, the country or the town. Believe me, if we could we would not please everyone. We cannot even change our family. But there is one thing we can change—ourselves. If we put more time into improving ourselves and less time worrying about others, we would slowly notice the change in other people. If we spent time with God everyday our families would notice the peace that time alone with the Father brings. If we start exercising on a regular basis, we would notice out health improve and so will our families.
A woman was praying to God one day to change her husband. He was not as attentive to her as he once was. The answer was not what she expected to hear. “You cannot change him, only change yourself. Be more attentive to him and expect his behavior to change.” She decided to give it a try. She started meeting him at the door after work and even wore clothes other than her sweat pants she had been cleaning the house in. She would ask him about his day and actually listen to him. She served his favorite dinners and showed him she loved him. To her surprise, he did become more attentive to her and began taking her out more. When their friends noticed the change in their relationship, the wife explained what she had learned. This made a difference in her friends' relationships, as well. She found out that by changing herself, she did manage to change her little corner of the world.
So my friends if you want to see change, it must begin within. Once we have made that change in ourselves, we will notice the change in other people.

Father, help me to realize that the only person I can change is myself and I can only do that with your help. I cannot change anyone else but I can be an example to them. I pray that others will see you in me and realize that you are the way, the truth, and the life. I want people to look at me and how I live my life as an honor to you and want you in their lives too. I realize that in order to change my little part of the world, I need to look to you and spend time with you each and every day. .

Clearing the Clutter

We all make New Year’s Resolutions that are supposed to make us better people.  Recently I decided to clear the clutter from my life and tried every diet and self improvement program I could find.  Some of these programs kept my interest longer than others but none of them fulfilled me in the way I had hoped.  The weight did not come off as easily as it went on and my attitude did not see much improvement either.   In fact, my family told me that I really needed a total attitude adjustment.  Some days I did not seem to see any good in anybody or anything.  It was then that I discovered Donna Par tow's book, Becoming the Woman I Want to Be:  A 90 Day Journey to Renewing Spirit, Soul, and Body.

When I read the book I began to realize that our homes are not the only things that can become cluttered with unnecessary things.  Our lives can become so cluttered that we go through life with burdens that we are not meant to bear.  I then made a vow to rid my life of these burdens so that I could really enjoy life and family and friends to the fullest.

The first thing I decided to discard was an old cracked jar that was filled with stones of various shapes and sizes.  The was my jar of troubles that had really slowed my growth and enjoyment of life.  The stones were different sizes because my troubles were different sizes.  Some were so minor that the solutions came with no major work on my part.  Others were the size of boulders because I had been so overwhelmed by them that I was literally crippled by the weight.  Under these troubles I had been forced to my knees.  Although God had promised to bear these burdens for me I had not let Him.  Instead I had insisted on holding onto them and not given Him control of my life.

The next thing I threw in the discard pile was  a rusty old bucket.  This bucket held  tears that had fallen throughout my life.  This bucket is extremely heavy and its weight has made by back become stooped and bent.  Again at times few tears fell into the bucket and at other times I did not think the bucket would hold them  all.  Again I remembered God’s promise that He will wipe the tears from our eyes and bear all our troubles.  I had insisted on handling these situations myself instead of giving them to Him.

I then looked into a box that was falling apart at the seams.  In this box I found grudges that I had held against other people in my life.  Although I had professed to forgive these people I held onto the grudges.  I admit that these grudges were very difficult to let go and I knew that I must release them in order to clear out the clutter that was taking over my life.  I definitely needed to place this box in the discard pile.  I realized that when I failed to totally forgive others and carried these grudges with me I was only hurting myself.  The person that needed the forgiveness was not harmed by these grudges.  I was being harmed by packing this box with me wherever I went.  The box was so heavy that my legs and back were beginning to ache with the weight.  The people I failed to truly forgive did not have this weight to carry.  Again I heard God whisper, “I paid the penalty for your sins and have forgiven you.  Why do you think you are justified in not forgiving others?

I then looked into a ragged suitcase and found regrets stuffed in there.   Regrets for the things I did not say to others  who needed encouragement. Regrets for times I could've helped someone else but because of my selfishness and unconcern neglected to.   I found  regrets for the times I was  “too busy"  or "preoccupied"  to spend time with my kids because of my misplaced priorities.  I could not bear to look into the suitcase any longer  so I slammed the lid shut and locked  these regrets in  so I would not have to think about them any longer.  it was a tremendous relief to  put the suitcase into the discard pile.   God tells us not to live in the past but look to the future.   I knew that without these regrets my future looks brighter and my load was already lighter. 

I looked in the corner of the room  of my mind and saw an old cracked mirror  that made my features  distorted and ugly.   I did not look like that did I?    I did not like this reflection of myself.   This image was the result of years of self-pity and self-doubt.  My  face was so ugly in this mirror  I could not stand to look into it  so I threw it on the discard pile and  watched it shatter.

I also saw a giant tapestry that displayed a spirit of pride. I have been able to accomplish goals  and felt that I had been able to do this on my own with no help from anyone.  I  sometimes looked down on someone not as educated or as capable as I thought myself to be.   I had put on an air of superiority  when I had accomplished something that I felt was important to the world.  My spirit of self-importance  had  hindered my testimony  and witness for my Savior and had caused some people to fall by the wayside.   Suddenly,  a feeling of shame came over me.  I began to see that without the help of my family and friends  I could not have accomplished anything at all.  this was the moment that God had whispered in my ear," Remember your favorite verse in Philippians  –  I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength ."  without me you can not do anything .  I threw the tapestry in the discard pile with a silent prayer of thanks to God .  " Thank you God for giving me the strength and knowledge  to accomplish what you have set before me to do.”

After I had thrown all the mental and spiritual clutter that had accumulated in my life throughout the years, I feel down on my knees to thank God and ask him to help me keep control of the thoughts  that I let in my mind and the feelings that lived in my heart .   He lovingly said to me , " I have waited for you to ask. You have attempted  to live life on your own terms. I have been waiting here for you to surrender all the clutter so that I can  fill your heart and soul with good things.  I want you to experience life to the fullest.  I will now fill you with joy,  love, compassion,  and encouragement .   I have a purpose in mind for your life  and those plans are to bring you happiness and prosperity .  They are not plans to harm or cause hurt to you." 

After clearing the clutter, I found I had room in my mind and life for the good things that God had for me. I do realize that this clearing was not a one-time only job but is a job that must be done regularly to ensure that I will have room for God's blessing

My Lord and I

One day I felt overwhelmed with work and worry.  I could not quiet my mind and relax.  I began to call out to God for help.  This is the prayer I prayed.

Lord, when my life seems to be spinning out of control, help me to stop and smell the roses.  Help me to savor each moment and not rush through the moments on my way to some other time or place.  Help me to take the time to see—really see—all your blessings and to truly feel your love in my heart.  Help me to be still and hear your small still voice.

When I paused and asked Him for help, here is what He said to me:

“My child, I love you and want to enjoy your company.  Just come and sit with me and tell me about your day.  I am here for you.  All you need to do is to slow down and enjoy being with me.  There is nothing you do that does not interest me.  Remember you are my child and I am your father.  I love you.  Come to me and rest.”

I then turned off my computer, went into the living room and just sat there.  I felt the peace of His love as He encircled me in His loving arms.  My worries left and we just sat there with our arms around each other—my Lord and I.

School Shopping Blues

This time of year is bittersweet for me.  Watching frazzled mothers taking their children school shopping brings back memories of shopping for my own children.

The excitement of buying new clothes and attempting to negotiate with the children to get items that are within budget but still pass the peer inspection can cause major meltdowns for parents and children alike.

I remember the scenes with my two children—especially my daughter.  When she reached her teen years, shopping became a nightmare for both of us.  “But Mom, you just don’t understand.  Nobody wears this style or brand anymore!”  These words echo through my mind when I see moms and kids going through what must be the universal conflict parents and children everywhere have this time of year.

The other day at a local department store I observed a very interesting exchange between a pre-teen girl and her mother.  The girl was trying to convince her mother to buy a very expensive pair of shoes.  The mother was clearly torn between staying within the budget and pleasing her daughter.  Just when I thought she was about to cave in to her daughter’s pleadings, the daughter’s attention was diverted to a more sensible and less expensive pair.  A smile crossed both their faces and peace was restored again.  As they paid for their purchase and walked out of the store arm in arm, I smiled and thought of the many times I had gone through the same situation with my own daughter. 

My mind was suddenly jolted back to the present when I heard a familiar voice, “Nanny, why can’t I have these shoes?”  I turned my attention back to my own 12 year old granddaughter and the only shoes in the entire store that would make her totally happy with life and me.

You see, although my own children are now grown, I have 4 grandchildren to take care of and 3 are at the pre-teen and teen years.  Although years have passed since my children were in school, school shopping is still a yearly ritual for me.  This ritual has changed very little over the years.

No matter how many tempers flare and disagreements arise, all is forgiven on that all important first day of school when the the most beautiful and intelligent children in the world step on the bus to embark on a fresh new adventure.

The Beginning of Hope

When he came to his senses he said, “How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death?” So he got up and went to his father. Luke 15:17,20(a)

We all have problems and circumstances that may or may not be beyond our control. Yes, I admit when troubles come my way, I do not always focus on my Heavenly Father but try to work through the situation in my own strength. Like the son we read about in this parable I have been guilty of wasting my time and money and then feeling sorry for myself.. That is when I feel a nudge from the Holy Spirit, “I am here. Just trust me.”

I once read “the end of yourself is the beginning of hope.” The reason we so often keep hanging on to our hurts, still looking for the solution in our own strength and making little progress is because we haven't yet come to the end our ourselves. We are still trying to control the situation instead of getting out of God's way and letting Him work in us. If we find ourselves at the end of our rope, we should just tie a knot and hang on because that may be the place God wants us so He can strip our pride and accomplish what He wants to do in us and through us.

The prodigal son came to the end of himself when he realized the pigs he was caring for had more to eat than he did. It was then that he decided to go home to his father. Did his father turn him away?: No! He welcomed him back with open arms..That is what our Heavenly Father will do when we come to the ends of ourselves. He will run to meet us with outstretched arms. What a beautiful picture that is. I can just see it in my mind's eye. Can't you? What an awesome God we serve!

`

Bloom Where You Are Planted

For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

The other day I was feeling stressed and overwhelmed. I had recently lost my job. We should have been able to make it and able to live comfortably on one income. However, we had recently been granted custody of three grandchildren, in addition to, one we have had for most of her life. I do love these children and will do anything to make sure they receive the love and care they need. I must admit that these extra mouths to feed and clothe did create some stress. To add to this stress, our “grown children” are always asking for financial assistance. I lost my job when I received custody of these children. Please don’t get me wrong, I have no regrets about this switching of roles in my life but I did feel upset because of the shortage of money to provide the little extras every child wants.

Now my cupboard is bare. I have a mountain of laundry and the sink is full of dirty dishes. I admit I started feeling sorry for myself and started complaining about my life situation. “Lord, show me what I can do to provide what these children need. I love them and want only the best for them. But am I what they need?”

Suddenly a peace came over me and I heard a whisper in my heart. “Go for a walk.” I did not think I had heard right but I heard the voice again. “Go for a walk.” “But God, I have too much to do: I have dishes to wash, floors to sweep and mop and laundry to do. Besides, the kids will be home in a few hours tired and hungry.” “Go for a walk.” “Ok, Lord,” I said as I began putting on my walking shoes.

Wondering what I was supposed to learn, I started walking along a route I had taken before. Suddenly about halfway through my walk, I saw it. It was a beautiful flower growing through a crack in the sidewalk. It was the most beautiful flower I had ever seen. The petals were a beautiful yellow color and reminded me of a ray of sunshine. I looked around but did not see another flower like this anywhere. It was then that God began to teach me the lesson He wanted me to learn. “This is what I wanted you to see. That flower is growing in a hard place but it is growing where the seed fell. It has overcome obstacles like the hot sun beating down on it and people stepping on it. Yet it is still here because I have taken care of it. If I can take care of this flower, don’t you know that I will take care of you? I know you feel overwhelmed at tines and feel as though you are all alone. You are where I want you be at this point in your life. Those kids need you. You are the person I picked that will teach them about me. You are to be an example of my love and let them see me through your life. Don’t worry. Just put your trust in me. Whatever I ask of you, I will equip you. Remember, I do not call the qualified. I qualify the called.” Suddenly, a peace came over me and I knew I was fulfilling His plan for my life. I know that He will be with me and give me the wisdom and strength to accomplish what He wants me to do.

I went back home with reassurance that the dishes, the laundry, the cooking and the cleaning are important because I am doing God’s will by bringing up these children to know God and His love. Just like that flower in the sidewalk, God will watch over me and give me the strength to make it through each day. I know I am important in the lives of these children and they are learning about God through my love and care for them. I still get overwhelmed at times with everything that must be done but I know the work I am doing is the most important work that I can do. I can rest assured that what I am doing today will be passed on through these children and they will know God as their Father.

Today’s Whisper:

Do you get discouraged with your life’s work. Do you ever wonder why you are doing what you are doing? Write about how your life seems to be getting out of control and how a visit with God can set your life on the right track. Just like the flower, we must bloom where we are planted—whether it is as a stay at home mom or out in the work world.

Today’s Prayer:

Father, help me to remember that you are in control of my life and have placed me in the special life you want me to have. Don’t let me forget that you can take care of that flower growing in that hard place and you will always be there to take care of me. I love you and trust you with my life and know that you will bless me while I am doing your work. I know you have plans for my peace and happiness and I claim that promise.

Amen

Truth or Consequences

The lip of truth shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.  Proverbs 12:19

We all fall for lies sometimes.  Let’s face it—truth is often boring; it’s much more exciting to think our neighbor is a “wanted fugitive” rather than to know the truth that he is just a hard-working father and coach for his kids’ little league team.

Lies can be more believable than the truth.  We can believe lies the politicians tell us or the smooth talking salesman that hooks us in their deception.  Too often we discover  the truth when it is too late.The politician is elected and his true agenda is then made known.  The wonderful car we bought from the salesman breaks down after we finalize the deal.  The man who promised a good job leaves and does not return to finish the job after the money changes hands.  We all learn the truth the hard way and chalk these deceptions up to experience.

I have come to the end of a long and painful battle trying to dispel lies told about me.  Although the lies were exposed and truth was finally reve4aled, more people chose to believe the lies and I am left to deal with the aftermath.  What hurts even more is the fact that two of my family members started these untruths.  I know God is holding me up and has promised He will never leave me to suffer alone.  I can rest assured that although these people continue to prosper and live their lives without obvious consequences, the consequences will eventually come.  It is up to God to deal with them.  I am so glad He is in control.

I Peter 5:8,9 tells us the enemy prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith.  We are not alone alone in our struggles.  God is there with us and He will make us strong.

Don’t let satan work his web of of deceit.  If we focus on God’s love and presence, He will give us peace that the “father of lies” cannot take away.

A lie travels around the world while truth is putting her boots on.  Jewish Proverb

My Run In With Farm Equipment

Had a little run in with farm equipment on the road yesterday. A blade from a huge disc hit my driver's side mirror and knocked it out.

No further damage and no injuries. A few more inches though and it would have taken me and my car out. Ain't God good?

Another Week Done

Well, it is Sunday afternoon here On the Edge.  I hope everyone is having a nice quiet day with family and friends in spite of the terrible events of yesterday and last night.  Let’s not forget that God is in control and He is here with us.  I hope I do not offend anyone by my faith that God is awesome but He is.  I want all of you to know that I do think of you often and send up prayers for each and every one of you.  Let’s not give up the fight for truth but keep on keeping on in the faith.  He will hold us up and be there when we fall.  I love each and every one of you and wish you only the best.

As we get ready for another week, let’s all remember we are not alone.  We do have each other and most of all we have God.   Let’s keep an attitude of gratitude.

The True Treasure

Do not store up yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

In today’s world we are bombarded with ads that tell us to buy more, want more, do more, and be more. There is nothing wrong with wanting to make our lives easier and better but when we put material things and our personal accomplishments ahead of God, we are worshipping idols.

Idol worship did not end in the Old Testament. An idol is anything or anyone we make more important than God. When we put possessions, job, money, or even our family and friends our most important priority we make them idols. God blesses us with gifts to show His love to us but too often, we replace Him with these blessings.

How can we use these blessings on earth to store up treasures in Heaven? I will explore three ways we can have treasures in Heaven that will last for an eternity. First, we must treasure Christ. In John 3:16, we read that God loves us so much that He sent His one and only son to pay the penalty for our sins. Can you imagine such love?

The second way is to use the gifts and talents God has given us to glorify Him. He has gifted each of us with talents we can use to further His kingdom. Some of us can sing, others are gifted teachers, and still others’ hearts are touched to write of His love. We have different gifts but all can and should use them for His glory.

Finally, when we spread the gospel to other people, we are storing treasures that will not rust or decay. We are called to be missionaries. We may not be called to a foreign mission field but our own communities are fertile soil for spreading the good news. Sometimes our own families and friends can be ministered to. I lead my own children and grandchildren to Christ. Nothing else I have accomplished can match that. Jesus has commanded us unto spread the news and there are plenty of opportunities to let others know how great our God is.

By storing up treasures in Heaven we are assured that these treasures will not be destroyed by moths and vermin or stolen by thieves. How great is that?

Recently in church I heard as sermon based on these scriptures in Matthew 6. As I was listening, this poem began to run through my head. I wrote it down while it was fresh in my head. It expresses how easy it is to let “things” in our life crowd out God’s place in our hearts.

My True Treasure

I bought a new car today,

Such a beautiful ride.

Church time came and went

And I pushed God aside.

I bought a new house today

Oh what a beautiful space.

Church time came and went

But I was not in my place.

I got a raise at work today

To make my bank account grow.

Church time came and went

But I did not go.

Now the car is filled with rust

And the home was taken away,

When my good job was lost

And the bills I could not pay.

One day the Lord spoke to me

When I got on my knees to pray,

He said, “My child, I’ve been right here

It was you who went away.”

The Great Possum Caper

One day my husband fixed a leak under the commode in my bathroom. Being the handyman he is, he is, he cut a small hole in the floor to make it easier to reach the pipe. Fine--no problem—leak fixed. Now he will fix the hole and life goes on, right? Wrong! He decided to leave the hole for a few days to make sure the leak is really fixed. Now that few days has turned into months. Although it is a small hole, I have tried my best to conceal it but there is just so much I can do to make a hole in the floor attractive. Now fast forward about six months. The hole is still there even though I have done all I can to conceal/decorate it. A hole is a hole and it is still there.

One night I stumble into bed exhausted after transporting four kids to four different activities as well my daily struggles of running a household with four kids. Around 2:00 in the morning my little dog woke me up with frantic barking and yelping. I forced one eye open to see him jumping up and down on the floor by my bed. He looked at me as if to say “I’m trying to protect you, now come on and do your part.” When I did manage to stumble into the bathroom, I was instantly awake. There between the commode and the waste can was a possum! Pugsley, my dog had him trapped. I could not move because I was totally in shock until Pugsley barked again as if to say, “See, I told you. Now get rid of it. I’m tired and want to go to sleep.”

Frantically, I woke up my husband and screamed, “THERE’S A POSSUM IN MY BATHROOM! GET UP AND KILL IT!” He looked at me as though I had totally lost my mind. “Ok, get me something to use to kill it,” he calmly said. I ran to my grandson’s room and came back with a ball bat. I gave the bat to hubby and jumped on my bed and covered my eyes. I could hear the battle raging on the bathroom. “HISS!” “POW!” “KA-POW! “BOOM!” finally all was silent so I opened my eyes. There on the floor lay the lifeless body of the intruder. I picked it up carefully by the tail, placed it into a plastic bag and ran to throw it into the outside garbage can. I was finally able to fall to sleep but the bathroom light was left on for the rest of the night.

I bet you thought this was the end of my story. WRONG! I pulled into my driveway the next morning after running errands and three kids met me at the car. All three were talking at once. I was finally able to understand their excitement when Christian told me, “Nanny, there is a possum in our garbage can,” “and he is alive,” Alyssa interrupted him to excitedly tell me. “Yeah, he is ALIVE!” Nikolas finished with excitement written all over his face. I went over to the garbage can to see for myself. Sure enough, when I raised the lid of the can, I could see two beady little eyes staring up at me. I slammed the lid down and got the kids into the house after explaining to them to stay away from the garbage can and leave the creature alone.

I don’t know what happened to our uninvited guest. The kids think he escaped and is now living happily-albeit traumatized-with his family. I hope that is what happened, but at least, he is living out his life in my house with my family.

When I was finally able to sit down for my visit with God, I asked Him, as I always do “What doe you want to talk bout today, Father?” His answer came as a total surprise to me. “I want to told about the possum.”

“What about the possum?” I asked in astonishment.

“That was a small hole in your floor, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, it was a very small hole.” I answered, not sure this conversation was going but definitely intrigued by it.

“Well that possum was able to come into house through that small hole, wasn’t he?”

“Y e a h,” I slowly answered.

“Just like that possum squeezing through such a small unguarded hole in the floor, the enemy can enter your heart through a small unguarded hole in your heart. Just as that intruding animal filled you with dread, the enemy can fill your heart with fears and worries. When he does that you do not fully trust me to care for you.”

Suddenly, I understood what He was telling me. We must always guard our hearts against the enemy that roams around who he cab devour. Satan doesn’t need a door with a flashing neon welcome sign, he enters through a hole he finds unguarded. Don’t make it easy for him to enter your heart. Fill your heart with joy and love and trust in your Heavenly Father who loves you unconditionally and will never leave you unprotected.

Oh, by the way—the hole in my floor has been fixed!

Today’s Whisper:

Have you ever left your heart unguarded? Did the enemy enter in and fill your heart with doubts and fears? Journal about the doubts and fears you had and write out a prayer confessing about them and ask God to come into that hole left by doubt. Just as the enemy can enter our heart God can close that hole with His peace and joy.

Today’s Prayer:

Loving Father, help me to be ever vigilant to guard my heart against the enemy’s attacks. Only you can fill my heart with the peace and joy I crave. Make me ever mindful of your love and care for me. I surrender my heart and soul to you. I know you will never leave me or forsake me. I covet your presence in my life today and forever.  Amen

Remember When

Think back if you can to a time when children were allowed to pray in school and even say the pledge to the United States flag every morning.  What! You don’t remember this.  Well let me tell you a story about how life used to be in this country.
Families actually had two parents.  If death had separated the parents, aunts, uncles, grandmothers and even the community came together to help the family. Divorces were seldom heard of.  You knew your neighbors—in fact—everyone in the community was your neighbor and all you had to do was ask for help and everyone that was able came to your aid.  Our neighborhoods were so safe, we kids could play outside until 10 or 11 o’clock at night.  We didn’t have air conditioning so we slept with windows open and sometimes even our doors because there was no such thing as crime.  Of course, we had neighborhood drunks and the occasional teen age boys that drag raced down the highway but nothing as serious as today.
If any of us kids caused any problem at school we could expect the punishment to be resumed when we returned home that afternoon.
We were taught to respect our elders and say “yes ma’am”, “no sir”, “please” and “thank you.” If a neighbor needed help with yard work or running errands, we helped without thoughts of “how much are you going to pay me”?  We had chores to do and if we forgot to do them we knew we could expect to have a “memory lesson” that would do the trick. No, we were not abused.  We were taught that to be a member of a family and the benefits that came with that also brought with it responsibility to help the family.  We brought that lesson with us to adulthood.
We were allowed freedom to have fun but we were always held accountable for where we went and what we did.  Although there were no phones our parents knew what we had been doing even before we got home.  That’s because we had “nosey” neighbors that were looking out for us.
We didn’t have video games or even much t.v but we had fun with our family and friends.
Yes, we said prayers and the pledge in school.  We helped each other.  There was no shouts of hate or police brutality no rioting in the streets or teenagers robbing the neighborhood store or beating up the elderly. The leaders of this country knew how to lead the country and be the leader of everyone in the country and not cater to a small segment of the population.
No friends, back when I was a kid, we were taught responsibility by our parents.  Our parents raised us themselves—not nannies, maids, babysitters or the gangs at the corner.  We were shown respect and we, in turn, gave respect to others.
I think this country would be better off if our society today went back to the days when we treated everyone the way the Bible teaches us: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and love your neighbor as yourself”.

The Son Still Shines

How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?  Proverbs 1:22

We live in a society that has tried to eliminate God. Children cannot say the Lord’s Prayer or even pray in schools anymore. The Bible is not allowed in schools but our children are being indoctrinated in the ways of Allah and Islam. Homosexuality is embraced while Christians who are embracing the Biblical view of marriage are being outlawed.  Christian business owners are being forced to violate their beliefs or be fined or jailed for their Christian beliefs.  In fact, Christians are referred to as “radical extremists” that need to be isolated from “normal citizens”.  Our government feels the need to protect citizens from these “radical, Christian bigots”.  Christians re being persecuted and killed all over the world while Islam is being hailed as a religion of peace.  The adherents of this peaceful religion are beheading “infidels”, raping and selling women and children for sex slaves and throwing homosexuals from buildings as punishment for their sinful behavior.

Celebrities who are too often seen as role models for our youth are openly cursing God and worshipping their awards and accomplishments.  On the other hand, celebrities who are Christians are constantly being told not to talk about their faith openly or being punished for their faith.  Tim Tebow, a prominent sports star was ridiculed for his outward show of faith.  Christians are being ridiculed while recently, a transgendered person was given a reward for bravery while the real heroes of our armed forces are being overlooked.  Our military has not escaped the discrimination of the left as they are being downsized and prosecuted for their show of faith.  Even chaplains in our military are being discharged and told not to speak the name of Jesus or say anything against homosexuals.  They are not free to do the job they have been called to do because it “might offend someone”.  Jesus offended people when He walked this earth but He did not stop doing His Father’s business because of it.  Jesus said that “if you are ashamed of me I will be ashamed of you in front of my Father.”  I would rather live my life in God’s will than live a life that honors man and keep God out.

People today are embracing the idea that man is an independent being who has no use for God.  In fact, many people go as far to say “We are gods of our own lives and there are no absolutes in this life.  If it feels good do it.”  People are more involved in putting accomplishments, people, and possessions in the placed that should be occupied by God.

Friends, there is good news for Christians!  God still sits upon the throne and He is still in control.  We can see His presence all around us.  Look around you and see how God shows us His presence and love each day.  Look at the sunrise and sunset.  No man can put such beautiful colors together—only God can do that.  No artist can put the rainbow in the sky. Only God could put such colors together in the sky.  He gives us this beautiful arc in the sky as a promise to His children.  He sends the sunshine and the rain to make the trees and flowers grow.

Friends, God loves so much that He gave us the most precious gift ever given to man. He gave us His only so9n to live among us, to die on the cross, and to arise again. He gave us His son to pay the penalty of our sins. Can you think of a greater love than this? I can’t.

People today may try to deny God’s presence but the truth is His presence cannot be denied. We can close the door and shut the shades at our windows to blot out the sun but the sun will still shine. We can close our hearts so He cannot enter but that doesn’t stop His glory. Nothing can diminish God’s glory and love for His children. It will always be there for us—always

A man can no longer diminish God’s glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word “darkness” on the walls of his cell.  C.S. Lewis

God Has a Sense of Humor

God played a joke on me today. I was driving down the road and thanking Him for His creations--clouds, trees, birds, but I did ask Him what purpose He had for creating bugs like spiders, flies, and roaches. Now I did drive with my window down and just about the time I finished talking with God--a BUG flew into my car and hit me on the neck. All I could do was look up and say "OK God, you made your point. You can stop laughing now