The LORD sustains them on their sickbed
and restores them from their bed of illness.
(Psalm 41:3)

Someday, I will be healed in every way.....mentally, physically, and spiritually......

As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.
(Exodus 17:11)

Winning is nice, especially when it's God's will.

If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint,
I will change my expression, and smile,’
(Job 9:27)

It really is true that if you simply change the expression on your face, your "insides" will begin to smile too.  Your circumstances will remain the same but your smiling attitude will help you cope with the difficulties and see things with a different, more upbeat perspective. 

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
(Romans 15:4)

Romans is a beautiful, exciting book in the Bible.  Although the Bible was written centuries ago, the words apply in my life today.  It's up to me to open the Book and search through the scriptures...... not as a punishment or chore, but to find scriptural ways of living a life of love and hope.

Among the gods there is none like you, Lord;
no deeds can compare with yours.
(Psalm 86:8)

Someday I hope to have a better grasp on understanding all of the good works that the Lord has done for me.  Many are obvious to me, but I have a feeling that the majority of His deeds have been quiet, behind the scene deeds that I didn't acknowledge or even recognize.  There will come a day when I will have a full understanding of all of the chapters of my life and I'm looking forward to that ultimate insight.

But as for me, afflicted and in pain—
may your salvation, God, protect me.
(Psalm 69:29)

Not to complain, but I deal with pain on a daily basis.  Some days are better than others and I know that many, many people have worse conditions than I have.  Even though the pain remains, I find comfort in knowing that God also feels my pain and and knows exactly what I am experiencing.  He helps to support me both physically and spiritually and that support gives me the strength to keep fighting and not get discouraged.  And of course, I have the wonderful hope of a totally pain free life in the New Earth.  I can't wait! 

Blessed are those who listen to me,
watching daily at my doors,
waiting at my doorway.
(Proverbs 8:34)

I'm not good at waiting, especially when it's on your timetable, not mine.  Keeping someone waiting is simply inconsiderate and rude.  However, waiting for the Lord is totally different.  I don't know the exact time that He will arrive, so I won't be inconvenienced, angry, or disappointed.  I will be patient, knowing that He will arrive in His own time, which is the perfect time.

He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(2 Thessalonians 2:14)

I had the opportunity this morning to give some Bibles to a mission heading for Africa.  I am so blessed to have several Bibles in my possession while there are millions of people that don't even have access to a single one.  Sharing the gospel.....that's what it's all about.

At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres.
(Nehemiah 12:27)

A church friend recently asked me if music and singing was even in the Bible!  (There had been some drama at church and the worship songs were under scrutiny.)  Thankfully, due to Bible study, I was able to tell her of several occasions in the Bible where music was used for celebration and worship.  My first thought was of Miriam, very much a senior citizen, leading the Israelites playing her timbrel, singing songs, and dancing!  Music.....the right kind, for the right reason....is truly food for the soul. 

Then the land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill and live there in safety.
(Leviticus 25:19)

It's pretty great living in the US with ample food and somewhat safe surroundings.  I know it's not perfect in the US, but if you compare it to other countries, we are abundantly blessed.  My physical safety certainly isn't guaranteed (even in this country), but my spiritual safety is a sure bet.

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
(Exodus 20:12)

Missing you Mom, today and everyday......

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
(2 Peter 3:14)

I'll never be spotless....at least not here on earth.  It simply isn't possible because I'm a sinful human being.  Fact or not, I must not use this as an excuse to be carelessly sinful and will continue to work on behaving in a manner pleasing to God.  I want to be as ready as is humanly possible to enter the New Earth so I will strive to fight my human nature and work on a more worthy, Christlike nature. 

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.
(Acts 9:36)

I was thinking about my Grandmother and all of the precious quilts she made in her lifetime, all but a few given away to friends, family, and complete strangers.  This scripture fits her so well.  Although my Grandmother would certainly have qualified as being poor herself, she was always giving away a quilt, a chicken, a basket of eggs or whatever else she had on hand.  She might not have enough for a hearty meal for her own supper but she would make sure that her neighbor had a hearty meal.  And if she wasn't giving something away, she was opening up her home to take care of sick people that could not afford hospitals or nursing care.  As a child, I remember many people (one at a time, that is) occupying Grandma's quest bedroom and I would bring soup to them, read to them, or just sit and chat with them to give them some company.  It just goes to show you that we all have something to give others, regardless of what we view as a limited income or lack of talent.

I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me
(Chorus)
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

This is another one of those contemporary worship songs that really touches my heart.  These words always bring tears to my eyes as I "try to imagine."  I guess it's way beyond my imagination, but I do have confidence that it will be even better than my finite brain can comprehend!

Remember the days of old;
consider the generations long past.
Ask your father and he will tell you,
your elders, and they will explain to you.
(Deuteronomy 32:7)

Our older population is a treasure chest of knowledge but it seems as though we just throw away the key and ignore them.  Although they may be out of step with today's trends and latest gadgets, they hold on to the longer lasting, timeless traditions and memories.  Please show respect to your elders....those older than you.... those wiser than you.... those who have lived longer than you and have more life experiences.  They really do have a lot to offer if you will just listen with your heart.

He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?
(Luke 24:38)

Doubts......very troubling and very powerful.  I read a quote somewhere...sorry, don't know who actually wrote it.....but it has stuck with me for years......"Believe your beliefs, doubt your doubts."  Only a few words that are as deep as my Mother's heart.  Time to reflect....  

It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in humans.
(Psalm 118:8)

There was a time in my life where I would have had no understanding of this scripture.  To say that it's better to take refuge in something that I couldn't even see, as opposed to trusting a living, breathing, touchable entity, was beyond my logic.  I'm happy to say that I "get it" now and know that all the relationships in my life are enriched and more fulfilling if I put God first.

Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.
(John 4:6)

I sometimes forget that Jesus came to us in a human form, a form that felt fatigue, pain, and everything else that we experience.  I was pretty tired today and found this scripture comforting.  It makes my "tired" pale in comparison.  I can't even imagine traveling almost everywhere on foot.  And it says that it was about noon....the hottest time of the day.  I'm feeling less tired now and very grateful for a life full of luxuries that make my life so much easier than it was in Jesus' time.  And thank you, Jesus, for staying the course and enduring not only religious persecution, but obstacle after obstacle to simply live life in that era.  

The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
(Proverbs 12:18)

You can never retract your words.....the damage is done in an instant and even an apology does not wipe out the memory of the words spoken.

May the words of God bring healing to both your body and your soul, today and everyday.  May His words speak to you in an intimate, personal way, bringing a refreshing healing that only God can provide.

But I am like an olive tree
flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God’s unfailing love
for ever and ever.
(Psalm 52:8)

Or at least, we should be flourishing.  We often find ourselves forgetting that God's unfailing love is just that, unfailing.  I think it's hard for us to absorb this kind of love because our own love is only unfailing in certain circumstances with certain people.  We know that we can't compare any of our own attributes with God's attributes, but I think we do anyway.... after all we're only human.  Leave the reasoning behind and focus on the promises of God which are rock-solid.  Believe, trust, and relax in God's love. 

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.
(Philippians 1:12)

Like everyone, my life has been full of tragedies and my life has been full of blessings. My life simply is what it is but the connecting thread that has kept me in one piece is my faith. That thread has been frazzled, frayed, and rewoven many times throughout my life, but all of the experiences in my life have given me "material" to present to others when they are going through similar circumstances. I'm now able to look back and see God's hand in even the most challenging events and realize that I actually learned many lessons from those difficult events and that there were many, many blessings hidden among the tears.

All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”
(Acts 10:43)

It must have taken a lot of courage for Peter to tell his message to believers and non-believers alike.  Even today, with the Bible and all of the other resources available to me, I find it hard to believe that I don't have to earn forgiveness.  I certainly don't deserve it, so I feel like I must "do" something to receive it.  Peter's audience had to wonder what the catch was.  As unbelievable as it sounds, there is no catch.  Jesus took care of the catch.  I have to put logic behind me, put faith in front of me, and just believe.  That's one thing that I can do!

Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so.
(Genesis 1:11)

It's so amazing that God has provided so many naturally growing, edible foods for our nourishment and enjoyment.  I was able to taste test several fruits today that had been made into all-natural jams and jellies.  The assortment was never ending with combinations that sounded a bit strange but tasted delicious.  Thank you God, for thinking of absolutely everything when you created the world! 

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
(Acts 4:31)

Praying is such a wonderful way to recharge your spiritual batteries so that you can be bold instead of being meek and retreating from giving testimony.  Prayer really does empower you, giving you strength in all areas of your life. 

So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
(Mathew 27:5)

Many people worship money more than God.  Seems odd, since it's all God's money anyway.  It never has a happy ending either, does it?  Money is temporary.  It helps us live an easier physical life but does nothing for eternal purposes.  Money easily becomes an idol in our lives and takes a number one position on our priority rung.  Just being aware of the power that money can have over us gives us the upper hand in keeping it in its proper perspective.   Turn to God for your strength and provisions and you won't be disappointed.  In fact, you will be greatly rewarded. 

You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.
(Job 11:18)

No matter what direction my life takes, regardless of circumstances put before me, the hope of the Lord remains steadfast to calm and reassure me of my safety in His compassionate hands.

In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, LORD,
make me dwell in safety.
(Psalm 4:8)

This is one of those short and easy to memorize scriptures that provides comfort in tough times.  I think our mind focuses on our troubles more at bedtime and keeps us from relaxing and finding sleep.  Keep this scripture tucked away for troubled nights and it will help settle your mind and bring peace and rest. 

Without wood a fire goes out;
without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
(Proverbs 26:20)

Gossip spreads like wild fire and can be difficult to smother.  The best thing is to avoid fanning the flames and encouraging the slanderous words.

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
(Ephesians 3:12)

I'm thankful that I live in a nation where not only am I free to approach God privately (after all, no one can control my thoughts), I'm free to worship God publicly, as well.  This is a blessed gift that I do not take for granted.

Do not let those gloat over me
who are my enemies without cause;
do not let those who hate me without reason
maliciously wink the eye. 
They do not speak peaceably,
but devise false accusations
against those who live quietly in the land.
(Psalm 35:19-20)

I live quietly in my neighborhood and get run over by those who don't.  Someday, God will tip the scales in my favor.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
(Philippians 4:11-13)

I haven't reached this point yet, but the more I believe and the stronger my faith gets, the more often I experience this joy and contentment regardless of my situation in life.