Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
(Philippians 4:6)

I'm anxious today.  I have no reason to be anxious because God has it all under control.  This is one of my favorite scriptures because it is very basic and to the point, yet so full of comfort and promises, as well.  It also brings out my failure to trust God because I am feeling worried in the first place.  Prayer and petition.....God does hear me and He does care. 

; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
(Romans 14:23b)

This scripture came from a devotional this morning.  The words were bold and almost shocking to me.  Brutally truthful!

And may your hearts be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.”
(1 Kings 8:61)

I'm wrestling with some commitments right now and have been praying for resolution.  I think I have finally made my decision and I think I will have God's blessing.  I don't ever want my commitment to God to be anything but number one on my list and I pray that the Holy Spirit will keep me on track in honoring that priority.

Act according to whatever they teach you and the decisions they give you. Do not turn aside from what they tell you, to the right or to the left.
(Deuteronomy 17:11)

Decisions......I'm taking this scripture out of context, but the bottom line is that our decisions should be based on the Lord's directions, not our own will.  Our focus should be on the Lord's path, and none other.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
(1 John 4:7)

My friends are special gifts from God.  True friends love you when you aren't very lovable.  For this, I'm very humbled and grateful.

We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
(Psalm 33:20)

Hope keeps us going....hope gives us a reason to live.....hope gets it's foundation from the Lord, therefore,  hope is something I can count on through thick and thin.  Hope is hopeful!  ;)

The human spirit can endure in sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear?
(Proverbs 18:14)

It's difficult to be sick.  None of us like to be sick, but it's pretty inevitable that we will all be sick at one point or another.  When we do face illness, if we turn to God for support, hope, and strength, it eases our suffering, whether it takes away the illness or not.  On the other hand, if our spirit is ill, what hope do we have?

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
(Deuteronomy 31:6)

I've quoted this scripture before, but it's one that I return to often.  Today is just one of those days.......

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.
(2 John 1:3)

How beautiful is this!?  Nothing could be more true, more pure, more comforting. 

"The school of life offers some difficult courses, but it is in the difficult class that one learns the most."
~ Corrie ten Boom

God never promised an easy life.  I haven't had an easy life, although I hesitate to complain too much, as I certainly know people that have had more trials in their lives than I've had in mine.  If I hadn't had trials placed before me, I would never have had the appreciation for smoother days.  I would have missed the joy of a resolved trial.  I wouldn't have learned squat if life had been presented to me on a silver platter.  Would I like life to be easier? ......you bet..... but truly, my life is richer because of the hardships.  I'm a stronger and more compassionate person because of the trials, troubles, and hardships and I thank God for every day that He gives me.....good and bad.

From my Pastor's sermon this morning;

"What I don't fully understand, I will fully accept."  From this statement, he went on to read from Proverbs 3:6.... Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding:

It was a convicting sermon for me, as I often rely on my own judgement when I'm having trouble figuring out the way that God would have me choose.  I just need to trust and accept that it's OK to not understand, but it isn't OK for me to charge off in my own direction.  Slow down....wait....listen.....trust....then obey.

But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign.
(1 Chronicles 22:9)

Peace and quiet.....rest on every side......this would be perfect!

You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
(Exodus 20:16)

My newest neighbors are moving in as I write this....my fifth set of neighbors in less than one year.  It's wears me down and I try to keep "love thy neighbor" in my heart in the midst of chaos.  Please God, give me patience and wisdom!

The LORD reigns forever;
he has established his throne for judgment.
(Psalm 9:7)

God judges me everyday, not just at my life's end.  That's a little sobering, but it gives me accountability in everything that I think, do, or say. 

I give you sound learning,
so do not forsake my teaching.
(Proverbs 4:2)

God has given us His incredible Word to help us live our lives.  I started my 8th year of BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) today, still trying to learn God's word, and more importantly, apply it to my life.  BSF is in most states and many countries, so check it out and see if there is a class near you.  You will abundantly blessed!

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
(Matthew 9:36)

I have a shepherd.......if I would only follow and believe, I wouldn't be harassed and helpless.  

He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’
(Matthew 20:4)

Pay your workers a fair wage.  Their help should be valued and respected.

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
that can succeed against the LORD.
The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but victory rests with the LORD.
(Proverbs 21:30-31)

On this 10th anniversary of 9/11, I find comfort in this scripture.  Nothing and no one can succeed against the Lord!

As for God, his way is perfect:
The LORD’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him.
(2 Samuel 22:31)

Tomorrow and Wednesday, I start two new Bible studies.  One at church, one at BSF.  I'm hoping that I will be able to keep up with both studies, giving them the time and energy that they deserve.  The rewards of Bible study are priceless to me and well worth the effort.  It's the very least that I can do for a God that gives me EVERYTHING!

God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.

C. S. Lewis

(From Today's Turning Point)

 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
(Genesis 1:1)

Once in awhile,  I need to take myself back to those first words in the Bible.  There is nothing without God.  I'm nothing without God.  

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and Your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is trustworthy in all He promises
and faithful in all He does.
(Psalm 145:13)

He IS faithful.....He IS trustworthy.....He KEEPS His promises!  Sometimes I let what is going on around me discourage me and push me off of the path of righteousness.  Thankfully, the Lord and those He puts on that path with me, set me straight and get me moving back in the right direction.  Life is rough, life isn't fair, but WITH God and His loving support, I can conquer anything.

If a fire breaks out and spreads into thorn bushes so that it burns shocks of grain or standing grain or the whole field, the one who started the fire must make restitution.
(Exodus 22:6)

"Fire" is used hundreds of times in the Bible.  It has many meanings and uses, some good, some bad.  Today, I'm reminded of the fires that are destroying homes, land, animals, and even people in Texas.  The fires that have been started by natural causes are one thing, but a fire caused by a dropped cigarette or misuse of fire is inexcusable.  Please use the common sense that God gave you!

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
(James 1:6)

Doubts just make us vulnerable to outside influences, good and bad.  Doubt your doubts and you'll be OK.

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?
(Matthew 14:31)

The last 24 hours have not been the best for me and left me having moments of doubt.  Major doubts....the heavy stuff...why me.....why other people.....why bother.....etc.  I won't go into details, but I wasn't proud of myself for feeling this way.  Thankfully, due to the support of some wonderful friends, some topical Bible study, and a great day at church, my doubts have subsided greatly and I feel recharged.  Thank you to those who helped ease my fears and doubts!

As we encounter the inhumanity, suffering, and sin that wreak havoc in our world, how do we respond? If the heart of Christ breaks over the broken condition of our world, shouldn’t ours? And shouldn’t we then do everything we can to make a difference for those in need, both spiritually and physically? —Bill Crowder

Lord, when I learn that someone is hurting,
Help me know what to do and to say;
Speak to my heart and give me compassion,
Let Your great love flow through me today. —K. De Haan

(From today's Daily Bread)

The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
(Psalm 103:19)

This scripture arrived in the mail yesterday on one side of a bookmark.  (From In Touch Ministries)  On the other side of the bookmark were these words;

"as children of a sovereign God, we are never victims of our circumstances"

I've talked about it many times....being a Christian does not come with a guarantee for smooth sailing but it does come with the support of a loving God.  Priceless.....

But may the righteous be glad
and rejoice before God;
may they be happy and joyful.
(Psalm 68:3)

Generally an optimistic person, I do find that I have days where joy seems to escape me.  When I'm feeling this way, I have to remember that the Lord is watching over me and is overflowing with joy that He wants to share with me.

My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

(Psalm 62:7)

Everything depends on God....from my salvation to the events of my day. 

I thought I'd throw in a book recommendation today.  It's called The Story, and it's a chronological account of the Bible.  The text is from the NIV (New International Version) translation and the idea is that it's "The Bible as one continuing story of God and His people", (from the front cover).  My church will be taking nine months to study this book and I'm hoping for a different perspective than some of the studies I've already completed.  This sounds like a great way to read the major accounts in the Bible in the order that they happened, making it less confusing.  It would also be a study that could be done by yourself if no group was available.  I'll report back sometime in the future to let you know what I think about the study after I've completed a few lessons.

For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.
(Ezra 7:10)

I normally spend about 30-40 minutes a day studying the Bible, writing this blog, and reading devotionals.  Some days......I spend more time.....some days..... less time.  No matter how much time I spend in study, there is still so much to learn....much more than my brain can absorb.  I sometimes find it frustrating that I need to read things twice and maybe even write things down to remember and absorb bits and pieces of God's Word.  Maybe it's my age, maybe it's just lack of concentration.  The one thing I do know is that God will make sure that I retain whatever it is that He wants me to learn.  
Chill, Jeanie.

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
(Luke 6:12)

"Spent the night praying".....that's serious prayer time!

My prayer time has been very busy lately.  So many people needing prayer support.  If you're like me, as much as I love these people, I sometimes forget a prayer request.  I actually keep a little notebook to help remind me of the prayer requests so that I don't miss one.  I send up little prayer requests throughout the day, but when I get down on my knees and really want to "cover my bases" and spend serious prayer time with God, this little notebook helps.  Another nice thing about keeping a prayer request notebook is that you also see all of the prayers that are answered when you look back over the past requests.  I'm a list maker, so this little notebook fits my personality and it lets me relax and not worry about forgetting an important prayer request.  Might not be your style, but if it is, give it a try.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
(Matthew 19:14)

We can learn a lot from the children.  They have an innocence that it priceless.  Often children say things so bluntly that it takes us by surprise, but usually, it's exactly what we were afraid to say ourselves. 
Don't just assume that because someone is very young that they don't know what's going on......they usually do understand and have an unbiased viewpoint that is worth paying attention to.  Bless the little children!

Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
(2  Corinthians 9:13)

We are supposed to share with others.  Along with sharing our services and deeds, we are to share the gospel and material goods.  Sometimes it's hard to part with the goods and difficult to bring up the gospel.  I'm blessed to have some wonderful Christian friends who generously give all of these things (and more) and set a wonderful example for me to follow.

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
(1 Thessalonians 5:8)

Faith and hope.....all the armor that I need to keep me sane in a crazy world!

Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint;
heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony.
(Psalms 6:2)

A continuation from yesterday.  Our health can fluctuate from day to day, even minute to minute.  It's a roller coaster for many of us, but God is at the center of it all.  Trust, pray, and rely on God, knowing that no matter what happens, He loves us as His own children and wants the best for us, according to His will.

Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
(Isaiah 58:8)

This is dedicated to several of my friends, both near and far, who are experiencing some terrible health issues ....life and death, in several cases. 

Illness is difficult to deal with and trusting in God's will can be even more difficult.  I'm feeling helpless right now, knowing that all I can do is pray, yet I also realize that prayer is a powerful weapon.  I'd love to see complete healing in all of these people, but I know that may not happen.  I know that God already has a plan for everyone and that plan may be polar opposite of what I would like.  I'll continue to pray, I'll continue to hope for complete healing, and I'll continue to trust that God will comfort and support those in need. 

My people will live in peaceful dwelling places,
in secure homes,
in undisturbed places of rest.
(Isaiah 32:18)

This scripture is on my screen saver right now, which also shows a welcoming log bench placed under an Autumn tree, all shrouded in fog.  Just looking at the scene brings a sense of peace and makes me want to take a seat on the bench and become part of the quietness.  And someday.....I'll be living in that scene......:)

Thus you will walk in the ways of the good
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
(Proverbs 2:20)

At church this morning, we were asked to donate the shoes that we were wearing to Soles 4 Souls.  Take off your shoes.....right then......on the spot......donate them......and go home barefoot.  Fortunately, we were given the opportunity to take a rain check and bring in shoes next week if we couldn't give our shoes today.  I had on a pair of white, flimsy sandals and didn't think they would be  great shoes to donate so I'll be going through my shoes and picking out several pairs that would be better, more useful, and versatile shoes to pass along.  We are to bring them back to the church next Sunday.  Many, many, people did donate their shoes this morning.    And seeing the ushers pass out communion in their sock feet brought a smile to my face!  During the service, the rain was pouring outside, so the people without shoes were jumping over (and in) puddles while heading to their cars.  I'm sure they were jumping for joy!

We are so spoiled that very few of us lack for a pair of shoes.  Imagine not having even one pair.  I'm not even sure how many pairs of shoes are in my closets. 

I used "walk" in a literal sense today.  These donated shoes will help those less fortunate physically walk from point A to point B.  The shoes will protect and comfort their feet.  But even better for me, donating shoes will help enrich my walk with God.

The fear of the LORD leads to life;
then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
(Proverbs 19:23)

This scripture is so encouraging as we face what seems to be, trouble after trouble.  I'm learning that the more I turn my life over to God, the less insurmountable my troubles become.  I'll always have troubles in my life, God does not guarantee smooth sailing, but when I enter the New Earth my troubles will be a distant memory.

The righteous care for the needs of their animals,
(Proverbs 12:10)

Of all the wonderous gifts that God has given me, my pets rate right up there near the top.  I love all animals, but the pets that have shared my home over the years will always reside in a special part of my heart.  God expects us to take good care of our pets, fulfilling their physical needs and offering tender care, but frankly, they give me much more than I could possibly give them.

Teach me, and I will be quiet;
show me where I have been wrong.
(Job 6:24)

Or in my situation, just the reverse...... help me to be quiet in order for You to teach me where I have been wrong.  My mind needs to be calm, quiet, and focused in order to receive direction from God.

Whoever loves money never has enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.
This too is meaningless.

(Ecclesiastes 5:10)

Money can surely cause trouble in our lives.  We really do need money for basic living needs, plus, it's nice to have a little extra for a little treat once in awhile.  The trouble lies in loving money, in making money an idol in your life.  Although I live with little monies, my life is full and blessed.  God gives me what I need, when I need it.  A little trust, like a little money, goes a long way.

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
(Luke 5:16)

Even Jesus required quiet, alone time with His Father.  While He was on earth in human form, He needed to "keep in touch" with His Father.  We too, need to keep in touch with our Heavenly Father.  Through prayer, we are able to have an intimate conversation and relationship with God.  Even on our busiest days, we must make time for an uninterrupted conversation with God.  Schedule it in your appointment book if that's what it takes to save some quality time for God!

Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
(Ecclesiastes 4:9)

I worked outside for several hours today, trying to get my yard in respectable shape.  I got the work done, but I would surely have enjoyed it more and finished it more quickly if I would have had some help.  Still, I was grateful for cooperative health and ability to do the work and even more grateful for a cool shower afterward to refresh my tired body.  And I really wasn't alone....God was there to watch over me and give me strength.

I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
(Psalm 63:5)

I love singing the older hymns on Sunday mornings.  I also enjoy many of the newer Christian songs that are sung today, but the classic, older hymns bring back sweet memories of days long past.

Now, our God, we give You thanks,
and praise Your glorious name.
(1 Chronicles 29:13)

Thank you for a delightful day to witness Your blessings and glory!

He made the moon to mark the seasons,
and the sun knows when to go down.
You bring darkness, it becomes night,
and all the beasts of the forest prowl.
(Psalm 104:19-20)

I had the opportunity to commune with nature today and it never ceases to amaze and humble me.  I'm delighted with the beauty, both the complexity and simplicity of nature, and it's miraculous workings.  Only God could orchestrate this miracle!

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
(Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

The commandments were not just for Moses and the people of his day.  They were meant for all time, for all people.  They apply today, just as they did centuries past.  It seems to me that I don't hear enough about the commandments and their applications today, which means that we aren't doing our job of talking about them and teaching them to those who may not be familiar with them.  Take the time to reread them occasionally and think of ways that the commandments are misused, misinterpreted, and ignored and put them back into the forefront of your mindset.

But with You there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve You.
(Psalm 130:4)

In Bible study today, we spoke of forgiveness and how difficult it is to completely forgive someone.  God forgives the unforgivable, so I should be able to forgive those who have wronged me and release the heavy baggage that rests on my shoulders, not on the shoulders of the person that wronged me.  Not only is it the right thing to do, it's the God pleasing thing to do and it will set me free from this burden, giving me peace and rest.

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)

I'm short on endurance today and know that I can find the encouragement boost that I need in the pages of my Bible.

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

I love the word "steadfast".  I can't completely claim this word for my own spirit yet, but I know that God is helping to guide me toward steadfast and it's true meaning. 

When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
your unfailing love, LORD, supported me.
(Psalm 94:18)

It's not unusual for me to slip, both in a physical sense and in a spiritual sense.  There have been times when I know I would have fallen if left to my own resources.  Fortunately, God was there to watch over me and give me sure footing.  When I do fall, I also know that God will be there to pick me up, dust me off, and give me the strength to keep going on the right path...... His path.

For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
(Psalm 108:4)

My blessings are endless and boundless...........

Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
(Psalm 23:6)

We all love the 23rd Psalm.  I can't really fathom what the house of the Lord will be like, but I love thinking about it and imagining it's majesty.

And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.
(Deuteronomy 10:19)

We tend to stick to those who are most like us but God wants us to be welcoming to all.  We can learn so much from people that are different from us and from that willingness to understand our differences, comes love.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
(1 Peter 5:10)

This scripture was featured in a daily devotion today and brought me such hope.  It's so comforting for me to read this scripture and absorb the healing power that I receive from these words given to me by God.  Bottom line......suffering is temporary....... eternity is forever!

Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
(Matthew 10:1)

I wish the disciples would knock on my door and cast off my illnesses!  Since this is unlikely, I'll just have to be brave and endure, knowing that someday I will be healed.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
(1 Timothy 1:15)

It's so hard to wrap my mind around the fact (yes....fact) that Jesus wants to save sinful, ol' me.  Some things are better left to faith and one day I'll understand the how's and why's.

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....