On Being Essential

A New Normal - part 3

Over the last two weeks, I really wanted to be an encourager, an inspiration, a spiritual cheerleader of sorts to anyone I came in contact with, whether on social media or by phone or even in person, but I just haven't been feeling it really, at least not consistently. I thought it was because I've been sick (for 14 L-O-N-G days!) which is probably a lot of it, but today I had an epiphany.
     However, first, I want to tell you my pre-epiphanies, in case any of them would apply to someone else. My mental and emotional symptoms were depression and high, high anxiety - as in I would get in 3,000-5,800 steps a day just from pacing. I knew I wasn't scared or nervous about the pandemic because I find peace in my faith. Although I did realize from my "be still" time, that I needed to focus more of my time, thoughts, and activities on God.

So, I started with a physical assessment: I looked at how much coffee I was drinking: 5 cups a day, same as always (I know, I know). Maybe it was from going off NyQuil, but that never happened before. It could be a lack of sleep because I haven't slept well in at least a week. But none of that seems to warrant so much anxiety.
     Since it involved depression, it had to be mental in some way, especially if it wasn't spiritually or physically related. I knew it couldn't be that I'm stuck at home because honestly, that's ideal for someone like me. It very well could have been because my calendar was clear for the first time in forever. So, I got out my to-do list and added in things I want to accomplish during this time period and my anxiety reached new levels, so that wasn't it.
     Then, I dug a little deeper...loss of community. That's probably a big one for a lot of people. So I reached out to my church family and set up some Zoom meetings; my Pastor started making some prayer videos which helped me feel better, but it still wasn't enough; it wasn't the cure.

After another night of no sleep, I woke up this morning and decided to start from scratch. I laid in bed and tried to still my mind but my restless dreams kept coming to the foreground. They were dreams about work, family, church...and I began to feel an overwhelming sense of guilt. Guilt for not working, not earning a paycheck, not seeing my family, not serving in the church and who knows what else was involved that I didn't remember dreaming about. I have spent my entire life taking charge, no - actually more like taking "control" of situations (at least in my mind), handling and caring and protecting others and I can't do that in the midst of a world controlled by an unseen and unknown enemy (which sounds a lot like Satan, but at least we know him and how he operates and how to defend ourselves against him); one that spreads and infects and kills at such a rapid pace that no one can get ahead of it.
     Even though all of this is completely out of my control, it is what has been weighing on me. I feel helpless. I'm not essential personnel in any respect. Maybe that's a pride thing, but I like to think it's a longing of my recently discovered servant's heart. There are some volunteer opportunities, but I am still sick and have basically been sick off and on since last November, so I don't consider going out into the physical world to be an option, really.

So, how to fix this...
- I want to put more time and effort into reaching out to people.
- I will allow myself to feel that even something as simple as a daily bible verse may help someone; it may be just the message that someone needs to see from our loving Father.
- I will understand that staying home is my job for now and I will try to use this time as an opportunity to bring honor and glory to God in ways that I'm sure He will share with me.
- The hardest one for me is that I will quit judging myself based on life before the coronavirus. Actually, I want to expand that...I want to quit judging myself, and quit worrying about what others think of me - I hate that I've ever cared. People have been making fun of me my whole life for one thing or another and instead of developing a thick skin, it just made me more self-conscious. Well, enough is enough. What God thinks of me is my only concern and He knows I'm not perfect and He loves me anyway. His judgment is the only judgment that matters.

This is now part of my new normal.

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, 

“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

Mark 9:35 NIV

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A New Normal - A blog series dedicated to my ability (or inability) to live through this unprecedented period of time - one of a coronavirus, covid-19, pandemic, social distancing, shelter-in-place existence.
Part 1     A New Normal
Part 2     Be Still
Part 3     On Being Essential

Be Still

A New Normal - part 2

God has been urging me, pretty relentlessly, I might add, to just stop and be still. For some reason, I've been fighting Him for days before finally realizing that I didn't have the strength to keep doing that.
     After talking to a few people, I realize that I was fighting being still due to anxiety. Until this coronavirus took over, I was pretty busy, as in work all day and then some sort of meeting or gathering or activity most evenings. This virus cleared my calendar and that was kind of daunting.

See all the X's? (The rest I blurred)

      Not that I could possibly ever be bored because I always have a massive to-do list of cleaning, organizing, correspondence, plus I'm working(? if you can call it that) on several books, plus prayer time, and bible time and online friends and groups, etc... Oh, and I consider myself an introvert so having this time alone should be ideal, but still, there was anxiety. I think you've probably all seen that post on FB:

That was what I felt like God was saying to me and I'm so embarrassed to admit that I did not relent to just being still, even though I knew that's what He wanted me to do.
     Today, He made it so I just couldn't put it off anymore (thankfully). So, what did He want to tell me? One - write this blog post. Encourage everyone to stop what they're doing to try to cope, to try to help, and just be still. Open your mind and let Him in and He will guide you, and give you comfort and peace to get through this most unusual period of time.

     And two - well, it's a little complicated so all I could do was sketch it out. You take away from it what you want, but I believe the short of it is, let go of the problems of this world and keep your focus on God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit. "Focus" came to mind 3 times, that's why they're circled, so I think that's the most important part. Keep your focus where it should be. We keep wanting to root ourselves in this world, but it is so very temporary. Focus on your eternal future by utilizing your spiritual gift(s) that God has chosen specifically for you to do His will. Through that, you will find peace and joy and comfort and courage for your soul.

Take today and just, BE STILL.

Be still, and know that I am God;

Psalm 46:10a

A New Normal

While going through cancer, there was a phrase that was used at every turn, "a new normal." Every phase of treatment involved learning to adjust to "a new normal." Me, who does not like change, had to face a constantly wavering way of life. I couldn't even count on how my body was going to react to each round of chemo because every treatment brought with it new challenges, and side effects. Each treatment compounded the previous one so that I was more fatigued and was out of commission for a longer period of time.
     During this time, I lost my hair and gained a lot of weight (steroids). Simple things, such as taking a shower, were exhausting. Medical bills piled up as my income decreased. I managed to work part-time, thankfully. At each turn, I had to look at the new situation and evaluate how to handle it. Did I want to give into my body or did I want to press on through the fatigue? Did I want to hide because of my changed appearance or did I want to live and laugh and enjoy life? What did I need to do to accomplish those things? What was my inspiration? Where was my joy? I re-evaluated questions like that all the time and at each fork in the road formed a new normal in which I could live and be content and even happy.
     Not that this peace and contentment were always present. Like I said, things were constantly changing. Mentally and emotionally, I was all over the board. Spiritually, I grew. My faith and trust in God's sovereignty, along with the outpouring of love and support that I received, made it all bearable. People were praying for me from multiple countries; they sent cards and gifts to brighten my day and lift my spirits. So even through the "bad", there was a whole lot of "good."

My reasons for bringing this up now are probably obvious:
     1) During this time, we need to be flexible. We need to find and adjust to "a new normal."
     2) We need to be that outpouring of love and support for others so that even through these trying times, people will be able to see the "good" that shines through the storm; they'll be able to see that Christ lives in us and is here with us.

     Over the next several days, I'll offer suggestions and insight and encouragement for how to find your new normal and together, by the grace of God our Father, we will get through this and come out stronger than before.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, 

with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

Thru prayer and supplication

Do not be anxious about anything, 

but in everything by prayer and supplication 

with thanksgiving 

let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

Plans for you

For I know the plans I have for you, 

declares the Lord, 

plans for welfare and not for evil, 

to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

Be patient in tribulation

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Romans 12:12 ESV

Reward for patience

This verse is so full of imagery! I should tape this to my monitor at work. How often I pray for strength and/or guidance in a situation but then don't have the patience to wait for an answer. Those situations often end badly. Patience is so difficult but so necessary. It keeps us from saying something out of anger and instead allows us to discuss calmly. It keeps us from making stupid mistakes and acting irrationally. It allows us to hold onto hope. Be patient. The rewards are worth it.

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; 

they shall mount up with wings like eagles; 

they shall run and not be weary; 

they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31 ESV

*****

Let's pray for someone we know who lacks patience (this may mean including yourself in your prayer). I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
instagram @archadia27
facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Encouragement for the new year

I've been wanting to say something to you to comfort you or inspire you, but the words just haven't been flowing recently. With this being the last day of 2018, I feel like it's important to leave this very difficult year behind and face the new year with words of encouragement and hope. I'm thinking of you, lifting you up in prayer, and holding you in my heart. I empathize with your pain and suffering and understand the depression and anxiety that results from everything you've been through. I also know that it seems like your suffering is compounded daily by many smaller problems, problems that at any other time would be manageable but are now too overwhelming to deal with. Know that you will get through this, that tomorrow will be a little bit easier, and the following day a little easier still. Once you stare down one problem, the next one will be a little more manageable. You will heal. You'll find a new normal.

The above note is addressed to you, my family, friends, acquaintances:
To you who lost a spouse, a parent, a child, a friend.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4 NIV

To you who are facing divorce.
"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18 NIV

To you who no longer have a place to call home.
“And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Matthew 8:20
“O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear.” Psalm 10:17

To you who live in poverty, including the working poor, the retired, or the disabled.
“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me” Phil 2:12-13
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:19

To you who know someone in jail.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

To you who have been abused physically, sexually, verbally, or emotionally.
A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. Isaiah 42:3-4
The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. Psalm 33:5

To you who cannot speak up for yourself, seek advocacy. Advocates:
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9

To you who live in a dysfunctional family.
Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 1 John 4:20

To you who suffer from physical or mental pain/disease.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:4

To anyone and everyone in need of encouragement.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

Thanksgiving and gratitude

This past week has been a trying one. I'm not here to bemoan all of my small, petty problems, but more for the opportunity to share with you how easy it is to get bogged down. Last week started out in a positive way; I felt that I overcame a small situation at home and at work and was promoting that this is an excellent time for all of us to count our blessings as part of a prayer group (7th Hour Prayer Power). As the week wore on, another "bad thing" happened, and then another and another. I don't even remember what they all were, that's how insignificant my troubles are, but in the end, I let it all weigh me down. I'm very empathetic and so I take on others' bad feelings as well as my own and it's very easy to just say "chuck-it", curl up under my blankets and wait for the storm to pass.

I wish I could tell you that everything is great now and I feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the world, but it doesn't work quite that way; what I can tell you is that on top of our daily praying focusing on the positive instead of the negative, today's sermon was about "gratitude". It was the icing on the cake. I'll share the link as soon as it's uploaded to iTunes but in the meantime, I wanted to share one part of it (paraphrasing of course)...
There was a man, Matthew Henry who was a well-known Bible commentator among other things. His journal was found after his death and one of the entries was about being robbed. I think most of us if we were robbed, and if we took the time to journal afterward would be complaining and angry and feel violated which is why this journal entry was so amazing. Matthew wrote what he was thankful for that day.
- he was thankful that he had never been robbed before this.
- he was thankful that the robber only took his money and not his life, and
- he was thankful that he was not the robber.

What an amazing illustration of being Christ-like, and what an extraordinary way to look at life. When something wrong happens, how much less it would affect us if we only took some extra time (& strength) to look at it differently, to see that there is good with every bad. A young man at work tends to get the brunt of my "venting" because he's so calming and easy to talk to. No matter what I throw at him he always shrugs his shoulders and says "it could've been worse." What can you say to that except "yeah, you're right"?
No matter what happens, try not to let it crush you. One great way to do that is to count your blessings. I've counted mine and they are numerous and I am full of gratitude. My Father takes care of me, comforts me, and listens to me. I am thankful.

How To Grow A Writer

   Last Sunday I went to Books & Co. at The Greene to hear Fredrick Marion, founder of DaytonLit.com, speak  about "7 Secrets to Unlocking Your Writing Potential." This was just one of a series of informative talks offered by Antioch Writers' Workshop. I learned so much and felt inspired and motivated to get back to writing on a daily basis.
   Fred began by telling the story of a man who wanted to make his fortune at a young age so that he could spend the rest of adulthood living the writer’s life. But, then, of course, life happened and things didn’t go according to his original plan. Unfortunately, I was late to the talk and only grasped a small part of the story, but it turned out that Fred was really telling his story (and I believe it’s a dream that many of us shared at one time or another).
   He illustrated “How to Grow a Writer” by handing out a small packet of pumpkin seeds to each of us. I love what was on the envelope:

“Contents: 1 Repressed Writer. Needs space, food, time 2 grow.” 

   On the other side, he wrote that the seed was a “fairytale pumpkin” seed. I still love fairytales even though I sadly don’t believe in them anymore.

Fairytale Pumpkin

   Fred had several wonderful quotes from a diversified pool of writers. A couple of my favorites were:
“If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you." from the Gospel of Thomas, part of the Gnostic Gospels.
Another quote was by Ellen Degeneres:
“Never follow anyone else's path, unless you're in the woods and you're lost and you see a path. Then by all means follow that path.”
   There were many more, all equally poignant, some funny, some deep, but all relevant to the daunting task we who write (or attempt to write) face every single day.

Fred’s 7 Secrets are:
1. Define what it means to be a successful writer. Success is defined differently for each person and for each act.
2. Know your goal.
3. Genre = Freedom
4. Set itsy bitsy teenie weenie goals (this was the most helpful advice to me, personally and has helped me crawl out of a seemingly, somewhat nasty bout of writer’s block).
5. Ideas + Work Ethic > Writing Ability
6. Learn the “story formula” desire - conflict - resolution
7. Give your seed time, food, and space to grow.

   Be sure to sign up for Fred’s weekly newsletter at DaytonLit.com. I always look forward to reading it. He’s a talented and inspirational writer who will show you the world through a different lens. The added bonus is that the newsletter has a list of upcoming, local literary events. Additionally, check out the Antioch Writers' Workshop’s website so you don’t miss any upcoming opportunities to learn from established writers. The next free mini-workshop will be in January. I hope to see you there!

On Womanhood

Last night, I attended my first woman's group and when I say "my first" I don't mean of this particular group, I mean the first woman's group of my lifetime (well, except for Brownies, Girl Scouts, and sorority, but still ..., you get the picture, lol).

I've always stayed away from anything that was segregated into men and women because I felt like it pigeon-holed me into a category or stereotype that I've fought against for as long as I can remember. Growing up in the 60's and 70's, the Women's Movement was a huge influence on my life. Even though I was a child, I was completely aware of the idea of equal rights and that women were treated differently, and had fewer opportunities, so I did everything I could to break the mold, and defied anything that was specifically for women. I'm beginning to realize that I probably missed out on a lot by taking it to the extreme.

A few years ago, "Menopause the Musical" came to Dayton and my mother and I went to see it. That was such an unusual, almost powerful feeling being in the midst of all those women. Only a handful of men attended, so it was basically a packed house of women. Watching the musical, I realized that there is something to this sisterhood,... we have experiences and issues and problems and joys that only we, as women, can understand.

God never intended women to be just like men. His intention was to provide man with a partner for life.

As Matthew Henry wrote:

“Women were created from the rib of man to be beside him, 

not from his head to top him, 

nor from his feet to be trampled by him, 

but from under his arm to be protected by him, 

near to his heart to be loved by him.”

Matthew Henry, An Exposition of the Old and New Testament

...to be continued...(hopefully)

Are you lonely?

Billions of people on this planet and so many of them are lonely.
What a sad state of affairs that our schedules are such that we don't have time to spend with each other.
What a terrible failure of technology that we're more connected than ever before and yet so disconnected.
What a disturbing glimpse of our society and of humanity that we let people live in isolation rather than reach out to them simply because we don't want to get involved.

I personally do not understand a people who are so wrapped up in political correctness, in not offending anyone or leaving anyone out, yet these same people shame anyone who says or does something that isn't in line with their mindset or beliefs.

So many people say they really don't have any friends.
In kindergarten (back in the day), it used to be so simple. I could go up to anyone and ask "do you want to be my friend?" And they would say "yes". Now, there are countless children who are being shamed by other children because of weight, because of how they dress, how they talk, etc. How does a six-year-old learn how to shame another six-year-old? I know the answer, but leaving it out there for you to fill in the blank.

If you're lonely or if you're not lonely, make a vow today that you will be the one to make a difference in another person's life. Make that vow today and each day after. Smile to a stranger, compliment a co-worker, ask an old friend out for lunch, make a phone call, not a text; not an email, make an actual voice to voice connection with another human being. Be the hero of their story.

So do not fear, for I am with you;

    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Get Moving

I've been doing a lot of talking about exercise lately. I'm going to start exercising, someday, probably, well maybe. I'll start tomorrow; no, I'm busy tomorrow, this weekend - oops, lots of plans for this weekend...how about next Monday?
I've tried a few gimmicks like self-hypnosis. That helps to an extent, but still...
Yesterday I got some good advice that I think will help:
     Instead of this full-blown, "I will exercise" that is really very vague, I need to tell myself specifics. So, today I will start moving more by parking further away from the door, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, getting up at least once an hour at work and walk around, etc... Then build on that for tomorrow...tomorrow I will get on the elliptical at 6:30, then I will dig out my "Sweatin' to the Oldies" VHS tape for Monday morning, etc. The idea is that I Get Moving. It could be stretching while I do housework, squats while I brush my teeth, whatever it is, make specific statements for what I plan to accomplish every day as it relates to "exercise". I don't need to plan time to read because I do that whenever I have spare time, and it's something I love to do so I'm not going to procrastinate. But this "exercising" stuff is something I never seem to have time for, so I need to make it a part of my daily routine. I need to think of it as moving instead of exercising because anything I do that isn't sitting at my computer is an exercise-type accomplishment (especially since I love being on the computer).
So what are you waiting for? Get moving!

Record Your Days

   Sunday, December 31, 2017.  The Preacher spoke about this life and about time as a commodity, measured in days. He was speaking on Psalm 90 and suggested that we record each day as a means of numbering our days "that we may gain a heart of wisdom". This is my new project for the New Year. It will bring focus to accomplishing something each day, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, do something to help others, to make someone else’s day a little better, to let others know they aren't alone.
   I believe some people don’t want to commit to Christianity because they don’t feel like they can live a Christian life, or because they don’t want to give up their sinful life. I try my best and that’s all I can do. When I slip up, I pray and ask forgiveness. Christ died on the cross so that I can be forgiven, and so  I can have eternal life. I want to spend eternity with everyone I love, and even with those that I’m not too fond of. I wouldn’t wish eternity in hell on anyone. So I try to live my days purposefully. If nothing else, I hope to illustrate what a Christian life looks like, that it is flawed, but it is true and blessed. Even in difficult times, I look to Jesus for answers, guidance, and strength. I have so much to share with you.
   Join me in making each day count.

Psalm 90:10-17 (NIV)
10 Our days may come to seventy years,
    or eighty, if our strength endures;
yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,
    for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
11 If only we knew the power of your anger!
    Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.
12 Teach us to number our days,
    that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

13 Relent, Lord! How long will it be?
    Have compassion on your servants.
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
    that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
    for as many years as we have seen trouble.
16 May your deeds be shown to your servants,
    your splendor to their children.

17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
    establish the work of our hands for us—
    yes, establish the work of our hands.

Courage

Today, I found Courage from Twitter*:

Sometimes Courage can be found in the most obscure places, but when we do find it, it's like "Pow!!!, where have you been all my life?!"
Courage is a powerful thing, but so is Fear. One will propel you into the great unknown, give you a freedom like nothing else, allow you to soar with the eagles; the other will chain you down, drag you deep into a cloud of darkness, and make for an unfulfilled life.

I've read several places, when faced with a decision, or something new, especially something a little frightening (like changing jobs, going back to school, jumping out of an airplane), ask yourself:
"What's the worst thing that can happen?"
If the answer is something that is absolutely negative, then, weigh that against the positive. If the answer is something that can be remedied, then, what's holding you back?

Make a list of pros and cons if necessary. Talk to people who have done the thing you're wanting to do. But, whatever you do, don't 'do nothing.'

*I'm not adept at social media manners, so I didn't know whether or not to include the original submitters' names of the tweets, or not; decided to err on the side of caution.

I will trust in You

Lauren Daigle singing "Trust In You"

I absolutely love this song. It's an amazing reminder to trust in God and know that He has a plan for you and your life. In order to fulfill that plan, things need to be done in His time, not in ours. I've highlighted the chorus below because these words are often on my mind whenever I feel myself getting impatient.

Letting go of every single dream
I lay each one down at your feet
Every moment of my wandering
Never changes what you see
I try to win this war
I confess, my hands are weary, I need your rest
Mighty warrior, king of the fight
No matter what I face you're by my side

When you don't move the mountains
I'm needing you to move
When you don't part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When you don't give the answers
As I cry out to you
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in you

Truth is you know what tomorrow brings
There's not a day ahead you have not seen
So let all things be my life and breath
I want what you want Lord and nothing less
When you don't move the mountains
I'm needing you to move
When you don't part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When you…
                                    by Lauren Daigle

Why Christianity? Part 2

Why Christianity?
#2 Because we can see Jesus working in our daily lives.
Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Child, is a charity that our church supports. Every year the congregation donates items for the boxes: pens, pencils, crayons, paper, glue, small toys, toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap, socks, etc. Then, in November, the children of the church pack all of the items into individual boxes that are then sent off to children somewhere in the world; we don't know where our specific boxes go until sometime in December. One year, they were sent to Madagascar, which I thought was really neat. We receive many wonderful letters from children who have received the boxes telling us of their joy and the impact this has had on their lives.
I hope you'll enjoy this video. One of my favorite lines from this is that these boxes allow the children "to experience God in tangible ways."

Please check out Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Child, and consider making a donation.

Bible Verse Isaiah 40:6-8

I wanted to share these verses to emphasize that nothing in this world is certain; material things won't do you a bit of good after you die, but one thing is certain, and steadfast, and true...that is God's love for you. He is always, always there for me. He answers every single prayer. It may not be the answer I want, and it may not be within the time frame that I want it, but He always, always answers.

"...The voice said, "Cry out!"

And he said, "What shall I cry?"

All flesh is grass,

And all its loveliness is like the flower of the field.

The grass withers, the flower fades,

Because the breath of the LORD

blows upon it;

Surely the people are grass.

The grass withers, the flower fades,

But the word of our God stands

     forever."

Isaiah 40:6-8 NKJV



John MacArthur* wrote of this:
"Isaiah elaborated on how transitory humanity is: here today, gone tomorrow. People pass away like plants under the hot breath of the withering E wind. James used this illustration to teach the folly of trusting in material wealth (James 1:10,11). Peter used it to illustrate the passing nature of everything related to humanity (1 Pet. 1:24, 25).

*MacArthur, J. (1997).  The MacArthur study bible, NKJV. Thomas Nelson.
Visit Grace To You to hear sermons by John MacArthur.
(I highly recommend this bible. It has been an invaluable asset in my bible studies.)

Jesus Loves Me

I absolutely love this song; came across it yesterday when I was writing and wanted to share it.

This is Chris Tomlin singing "Jesus Loves Me"
(not the children's song).

Why Christianity? Part 1

I received a writing challenge last weekend to retell a story from the Bible, in my own words, to emphasize what is important about it to me, and what I would want to tell someone else who had never heard of the Bible story. It occurred to me, that this would be a great idea for other aspects of the Bible, as well, and could also incorporate my testimony. So,...

Why Christianity?
#1     Because, Jesus loves you.
When I was a child, I went to Sunday School almost every Sunday. We would sing, "Jesus Loves Me" almost every Sunday. There was never any doubt in my mind that He was the Messiah, the Son of God. There was no reason to ever question if I had faith in Him because I just took it as fact what the Bible said, that He loved me, that He died on the cross to pay for my sins, that He promised me eternal life in Heaven, and that one day, I would be with Him, and the Father, and the Holy Spirit forever.

I feel so blessed to have been taught these basic truths, and want to share them.

Jesus loves me! This I know, 

For the Bible tells me so;

Little ones to Him belong,

They are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! He who died,

Heaven's gate to open wide;

He will wash away my sin,

Let His little child come in.

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! loves me still,

When I'm very weak and ill;

From His shining throne on high,

Comes to watch me where I lie.

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! He will stay,

Close beside me all the way;

He's prepared a home for me,

And some day His face I'll see.

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

The Bible tells me so.