I was praying for someone over my lunch break today who is having surgery. I prayed, of course, for a good outcome, healing, etc. Everyone prays for a "good" outcome. Nobody usually prays for death or some complication to arise to make the situation worse. Why would anyone pray for that? When people are terrified of something, they are usually terrified of the worst that can happen. Someone dies. That would be a bad outcome. Someone is healed. That's a good outcome.
Many people prayed for Hayden after his accident. There was no lack of prayer. Many people prayed for Chad. They both still died. That was not the outcome everyone prayed for. "And if not." That's something that Margaret Feinberg had in her Bible Study on joy. We have to be prepared for the "if not" because everything that we pray for is not going to come to pass. We are not in control, God is.
What do we pray for then? Prayers have been lifted up for Phil H. Now he's back to work. God answered their prayer. Miracles do happen. Life is prolonged in some cases. Does the outcome of a situation depend on prayer? The will of God is going to be done. Not everyone is going to live. Not everyone is going to be healed. It just doesn't happen.
I can't help but feel jealous when someone else's dire situation works out for them. Not that I want everyone to experience a bad outcome, but it's like someone else got something and I didn't. Why should their situation work out when mine didn't? How can someone else (almost everyone else) get in a car accident and pretty much walk away from it? There is nobody else I know who had a loved one get killed in a car accident. It's rare. It's odd. It's almost unheard of. It's unusual.
When Pastor asks us to pray for someone, he asks us to pray for the favorable grace of God. What is favorable? To be with the Lord is far better, I thought. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." We praise God when someone is ok through a surgery, like Jonathon. We lament when someone is ill, like Nancy M. Again, what are we praying for? He wondered aloud how someone who is healthy like Laura J. can get cancer and die when other people who abuse their bodies with nicotine and alcohol live on and on. Doesn't God number our days on this earth? We can't die before our time.
Death is the enemy. We try to stay safe from it. We try to protect our children from it. When we are sick, we get treatment. We marvel when someone is allowed 80 or 90 years on this earth, then we are still sad when they die, even if they are a believer.
The person who dies as a believer is fine. The people who are left behind are the ones who suffer. God can and does use pain and suffering for good. We can't avoid pain and suffering in this world, no matter how hard we try. So, what do we pray for? For God to help in a surgery? Hopefully he already is. We can obviously pray for a good outcome, but how about if we pray for peace for the family to trust whatever happens? Good or bad?
I do not know where I'm going with this. I know that God is good no matter what happens. He is worthy of praise always. It doesn't mean He loves us any less if our child dies or when other bad things happen. It doesn't mean He loves someone else more if their child lives. We blame God for things that aren't His fault all the time. Help me with this Lord! Love you sweet boy!
Friday, June 30, 2017
Great love
From Luminous Light Studio Facebook page.
The language of grief is spoken in silence.
Often through tears and insurmountable pain but it is also spoken in great love.
For every tear wept and every ounce of pain felt, love is felt tenfold.
-Jessi Snapp
The language of grief is spoken in silence.
Often through tears and insurmountable pain but it is also spoken in great love.
For every tear wept and every ounce of pain felt, love is felt tenfold.
-Jessi Snapp
Let them be wrong
Saw this on Facebook the other day.
In life, it's important to know when to stop arguing with people-and simply let them be wrong.
In life, it's important to know when to stop arguing with people-and simply let them be wrong.
If you understood
This was on Facebook the other day.
If you understood how much God loves you, you would breakdown and cry.
If you understood how much God loves you, you would breakdown and cry.
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Your face
The other day I sat down at my computer at work and clicked a button (I don't even know which one). All of a sudden, your beautiful face appeared on my screen from one of your senior pictures I had saved on my computer (the one of you in the blue button-down shirt). Like I said, I don't even know how it happened, and I probably couldn't even do it if I tried myself. Thank you! Love you!
Robbie A.
This past weekend we went to Robbie A.'s grad party. His house is amazing! I wondered if you had ever been there.
For his gift, I wanted to give him something of yours since you were such good friends. I decided on that little tray you made when you were in 4th grade (I'm guessing since it had a "T" on the bottom which might have stood for Mrs. Tew's class). You kept that on your nightstand, so I thought you might have liked it. Here is a note I included in the gift:
Robbie,
Because you were such a good friend of Hayden, we wanted you to have something that belonged to him. Hayden made this in elementary school but he must have liked it because he kept it on his nightstand all the way through high school. He used it to store change, keys and other doo-dads. May it be useful to you and remind you of him.
Congratulations on all of your accomplishments. Hayden would have been proud of you, especially that you played water polo this year. Thank you for being such a good friend to him-he will always be in your heart.
Love,
The Smiths
For his gift, I wanted to give him something of yours since you were such good friends. I decided on that little tray you made when you were in 4th grade (I'm guessing since it had a "T" on the bottom which might have stood for Mrs. Tew's class). You kept that on your nightstand, so I thought you might have liked it. Here is a note I included in the gift:
Robbie,
Because you were such a good friend of Hayden, we wanted you to have something that belonged to him. Hayden made this in elementary school but he must have liked it because he kept it on his nightstand all the way through high school. He used it to store change, keys and other doo-dads. May it be useful to you and remind you of him.
Congratulations on all of your accomplishments. Hayden would have been proud of you, especially that you played water polo this year. Thank you for being such a good friend to him-he will always be in your heart.
Love,
The Smiths
More vulnerable
I have been experiencing this lately. Listening to the lies of the devil.
During times of grief and loss, you may be more vulnerable to the enemy's lies. Be alert, be on the watch! Your enemy, the devil, roams round like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Be firm in your faith and resist him, because you know that your fellow-believers in all the world are going through the same kind of sufferings.
This is a version of 1 Peter 5:8-9. Here is the NKJV.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
During times of grief and loss, you may be more vulnerable to the enemy's lies. Be alert, be on the watch! Your enemy, the devil, roams round like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Be firm in your faith and resist him, because you know that your fellow-believers in all the world are going through the same kind of sufferings.
This is a version of 1 Peter 5:8-9. Here is the NKJV.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
The wounds remain
Saw this on Facebook somewhere-maybe Healing Hugs.
"Time heals all wounds."
I do not agree.
The wounds remain.
In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens.
But it is never gone.
"Time heals all wounds."
I do not agree.
The wounds remain.
In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens.
But it is never gone.
This intersection
From Max Lucado.
At some point we all stand at this intersection. Is God good when the outcome is not? Do you want to know heaven's clearest answer to the question of suffering? Take a look at Jesus!
At some point we all stand at this intersection. Is God good when the outcome is not? Do you want to know heaven's clearest answer to the question of suffering? Take a look at Jesus!
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Fear me
This article was on a link from Luminous Light Studio.
Why Others Fear You As a Bereaved Mother
by Franchesca Cox (love her!)
Absolutely nothing in this world could have prepared me for that moment of walking away from the purpose I thought my life had. My daughter. Her fight. Her life. The way she'd blow all the doctors and medicine away. And all their stupid science and confused faces. I thought I had it all figured out. I remember walking down a long hallway as the sun set through the giant glass windows, on our last day with a purpose there. We didn't belong anymore. I was a walking corpse, emptied, split wide open. I still cannot believe we got anywhere in that last car ride home.
Since that day there has been this mantra playing over and over deep within.
I can do hard things, I have done the impossible.
I did not believe I would make it. Others swore that I would be okay, and that offended me the most, because at the time I didn't even want to entertain the idea of ever being okay. The aftermath of grief felt like a comfortable place to crawl up and die.
But once again, humanity proved me wrong. Humanity is unreliable at best.
My own humanity that convinced myself that I could never be happy again was wrong. Dead wrong. Life isn't a dream, but it isn't half bad. It's actually this impossible kind of crazy good.
The danger of surviving something so catastrophic is that you ride on this cloud of invincibility. You throw caution to the wind, because-quite literally-you often have very little or nothing to lose.
You go for things you would never have tried before.
You say things even you find surprising.
You give up on things you realize you can't fix.
You harness your energy more efficiently. The whole life is too short thing. Suddenly abundantly clear. And suddenly fewer arguments.
You feel more intensely. All the feels. The good. The indescribably perfect. The serene. The ugly. The wretched. The brutal. The hilarious.
You lose your filter and become brutally honest, and ironically equally skilled at suppressing the most pressing thoughts and emotions.
You dare and do and dance. Wildly. Irreversibly. Unmistakably. Beautifully. Unapologetically.
You have died and been raised from the dead so to speak. Life is too precious to be boxed in. Your child died, and you swore with their last breath you'd live life full enough for the both of you.
You think about things like jumping out of planes and getting a tattoo. And other things you would have NEVER done or contemplated in another lifetime.
This isn't a dress rehearsal, this is life. And from now on until you take your last breath, you will watch others taking life for granted and while you contemplate shaking them out of shallow living, you realize that could have been you had it not been for the high price you've been asked to pay, so you sprinkle a dose of grace. And that surge of anger melts away a little more each time. So you press on, moving toward peace and purpose.
Maybe you're not the shadow you have grown so accustomed to being.
Consider that people are just as afraid of those living on the edge of life as they are of those walking in deep pain.
You will always be a scary specimen. A marvel. A wonder. A testament.
You make people feel in an emotionally withdrawn society.
You were once the reminder that their own babies could die. You are now a dare to live life a little more deeply.
Why Others Fear You As a Bereaved Mother
by Franchesca Cox (love her!)
Absolutely nothing in this world could have prepared me for that moment of walking away from the purpose I thought my life had. My daughter. Her fight. Her life. The way she'd blow all the doctors and medicine away. And all their stupid science and confused faces. I thought I had it all figured out. I remember walking down a long hallway as the sun set through the giant glass windows, on our last day with a purpose there. We didn't belong anymore. I was a walking corpse, emptied, split wide open. I still cannot believe we got anywhere in that last car ride home.
Since that day there has been this mantra playing over and over deep within.
I can do hard things, I have done the impossible.
I did not believe I would make it. Others swore that I would be okay, and that offended me the most, because at the time I didn't even want to entertain the idea of ever being okay. The aftermath of grief felt like a comfortable place to crawl up and die.
But once again, humanity proved me wrong. Humanity is unreliable at best.
My own humanity that convinced myself that I could never be happy again was wrong. Dead wrong. Life isn't a dream, but it isn't half bad. It's actually this impossible kind of crazy good.
The danger of surviving something so catastrophic is that you ride on this cloud of invincibility. You throw caution to the wind, because-quite literally-you often have very little or nothing to lose.
You go for things you would never have tried before.
You say things even you find surprising.
You give up on things you realize you can't fix.
You harness your energy more efficiently. The whole life is too short thing. Suddenly abundantly clear. And suddenly fewer arguments.
You feel more intensely. All the feels. The good. The indescribably perfect. The serene. The ugly. The wretched. The brutal. The hilarious.
You lose your filter and become brutally honest, and ironically equally skilled at suppressing the most pressing thoughts and emotions.
You dare and do and dance. Wildly. Irreversibly. Unmistakably. Beautifully. Unapologetically.
You have died and been raised from the dead so to speak. Life is too precious to be boxed in. Your child died, and you swore with their last breath you'd live life full enough for the both of you.
You think about things like jumping out of planes and getting a tattoo. And other things you would have NEVER done or contemplated in another lifetime.
This isn't a dress rehearsal, this is life. And from now on until you take your last breath, you will watch others taking life for granted and while you contemplate shaking them out of shallow living, you realize that could have been you had it not been for the high price you've been asked to pay, so you sprinkle a dose of grace. And that surge of anger melts away a little more each time. So you press on, moving toward peace and purpose.
Maybe you're not the shadow you have grown so accustomed to being.
Consider that people are just as afraid of those living on the edge of life as they are of those walking in deep pain.
You will always be a scary specimen. A marvel. A wonder. A testament.
You make people feel in an emotionally withdrawn society.
You were once the reminder that their own babies could die. You are now a dare to live life a little more deeply.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Binds
Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds.
bind: to tie or fasten (something) tightly; cohere or cause to cohere in a single mass
He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds.
bind: to tie or fasten (something) tightly; cohere or cause to cohere in a single mass
God's image
You were created in God's image. God makes no mistakes. To put yourself down for the way you are is to insult God's handiwork. You are beautiful.
Monday, June 26, 2017
Pictures of you
You were part of my dream last night. I think I was at church and I saw your face through a window-you were outside looking in. You had a huge smile on your face, of course. I got my phone and started taking pictures of you-maybe one through the window and then I went outside in the parking lot. You were posing with a group of people for a group photo and I took a couple pictures, trying to zoom in on you. I don't remember knowing anyone else in the group-I was just focused on you.
In these dreams, which I am very thankful for, it's so "normal" to see you. I don't seem to appreciate how valuable it is until I wake up. I mean, I don't take it for granted in the dream, but it is normal for me to see you. It is not normal for you not to be here anymore.
Something discouraging happened in Sunday School yesterday. Tom McP. was teaching (he is an amazing teacher/speaker by the way) and in passing, he mentioned how in heaven we won't recognize the person we were married to (don't care) or who our sons or daughters were. I have never heard that before. Part of me can understand that there will be no partiality where we won't prefer one person over another since our relationships with each other will be perfect, but that made me a little bit sad. I'm sure it's one of those things, like the concept of time and eternity, that won't make any sense to us until we are there. I just have to think about that concept for a while or research it a bit.
It's discouraging to me because that's one of the things that has kept me going through all of this-reuniting with you. I want to know it's you-not just see you there and be like, "Oh, you're nice" because everyone will be. Will something stand out about you? I don't think anyone will be better than anyone else there or they're not supposed to be anyway. But it seems like there should be something more there. I sure hope so.
I saw the movie, "Megan Leavy" over the weekend with Mrs. J. Even though a movie I see will seems to have nothing to do with you, I still take something away from every movie I've seen regarding you. This movie is about a girl who joins the Marines and forms a bond with a dog who is trained/she trains to sniff out bombs, land mines etc. There was a very powerful scene at the end where she goes back to adopt the dog who is retiring from service. They are walking down a long tunnel and when they emerge, they are in Yankee Stadium where tons of people are cheering for them and the lives they saved. I was sobbing all the way home from the movie (thankfully Mrs. J. and I drove separately), thinking of if that happened in heaven. When I get there, you are waiting for me in some tunnel and I don't know what's going on. You take me through it and we come out to a huge arena of people and they all clap for us because of all of the people who were saved as a result of your accident. Can you imagine the applause of heaven? Maybe you can-maybe you've already experienced it. I hope you have. And it's not like I am seeking glory for me. By having this thought it was almost like God telling me something-like that I did a good job raising you. That because of how I raised you, it helped you become the person you were who in turn affected so many lives. Affected lives for eternity-what an honor and a blessing. I don't think I will have an idea of your impact until I get to heaven. Thank you Lord!
In these dreams, which I am very thankful for, it's so "normal" to see you. I don't seem to appreciate how valuable it is until I wake up. I mean, I don't take it for granted in the dream, but it is normal for me to see you. It is not normal for you not to be here anymore.
Something discouraging happened in Sunday School yesterday. Tom McP. was teaching (he is an amazing teacher/speaker by the way) and in passing, he mentioned how in heaven we won't recognize the person we were married to (don't care) or who our sons or daughters were. I have never heard that before. Part of me can understand that there will be no partiality where we won't prefer one person over another since our relationships with each other will be perfect, but that made me a little bit sad. I'm sure it's one of those things, like the concept of time and eternity, that won't make any sense to us until we are there. I just have to think about that concept for a while or research it a bit.
It's discouraging to me because that's one of the things that has kept me going through all of this-reuniting with you. I want to know it's you-not just see you there and be like, "Oh, you're nice" because everyone will be. Will something stand out about you? I don't think anyone will be better than anyone else there or they're not supposed to be anyway. But it seems like there should be something more there. I sure hope so.
I saw the movie, "Megan Leavy" over the weekend with Mrs. J. Even though a movie I see will seems to have nothing to do with you, I still take something away from every movie I've seen regarding you. This movie is about a girl who joins the Marines and forms a bond with a dog who is trained/she trains to sniff out bombs, land mines etc. There was a very powerful scene at the end where she goes back to adopt the dog who is retiring from service. They are walking down a long tunnel and when they emerge, they are in Yankee Stadium where tons of people are cheering for them and the lives they saved. I was sobbing all the way home from the movie (thankfully Mrs. J. and I drove separately), thinking of if that happened in heaven. When I get there, you are waiting for me in some tunnel and I don't know what's going on. You take me through it and we come out to a huge arena of people and they all clap for us because of all of the people who were saved as a result of your accident. Can you imagine the applause of heaven? Maybe you can-maybe you've already experienced it. I hope you have. And it's not like I am seeking glory for me. By having this thought it was almost like God telling me something-like that I did a good job raising you. That because of how I raised you, it helped you become the person you were who in turn affected so many lives. Affected lives for eternity-what an honor and a blessing. I don't think I will have an idea of your impact until I get to heaven. Thank you Lord!
Friday, June 23, 2017
Fear the shepherd
An amazing quote by A.W. Tozer:
The only safe place for a sheep is by the side of his shepherd, because the devil does not fear sheep; he just fears the shepherd, that is all.
The only safe place for a sheep is by the side of his shepherd, because the devil does not fear sheep; he just fears the shepherd, that is all.
3 Tips
Two years ago, I never would have thought I would even be considering such topics, but I find them very interesting these days. I wasn't searching for any signs from you, they have just been there and I am thankful for them. I've read stuff from this lady before, but here's another article. Love you!
How to Recognize Signs from your Loved Ones in Spirit
by Amanda Linette Meder
When your loved ones cross-over into Spirit, they are just as eager to get your attention as you are to get theirs. Countless times, they are attempting to send you signs, visit you in dreams and show up as a presence in your life to prove to you they haven't actually died, but rather, they've shifted form.
While there may be a short period of time after your loved one crosses over in which they acclimate to their new environment and spiritual conditions and are unable to visit, afterwards, your loved ones are free to come back, visit and socialize with you whenever they feel it is right.
Which, surprisingly, is like all the time. In fact, one of the things your loved ones proclaim as their most favorite parts about being in Spirit is that they are able to spend time with you and visit you far more frequently than when they were alive.
...we have not yet discussed how you can know when a Sign is really a Sign.
There are three major ways to determine when a sign from a Spirit is actually a sign from a Spirit and part of it is removing any of the barriers you have to connecting, and the other part is understanding what may be happening.
3 Tips To Recognize A Sign From A Loved One
1. Know that receiving a sign is like receiving a compliment
Are you in the category of people who instantly reject a compliment? If so, welcome to the club. I'm that way, too. (Right now, To Where You Are just came on Pandora). Someone might compliment my shirt and I'll instantly proclaim that I got it at TJ Maxx on sale-immediately rejecting and ignoring the fact that while it was cheap, it is beautiful and looks great on me. And hey, I made the effort to be on the look out for great bargains, did I not? Now, I try really hard at not instantly rejecting these gifts from other people, because I believe that I'm worthy of being noticed and having good things come my way.
When a Spirit sends you a sign, they are sending you special love and attention, specifically to make you feel better and to let you know they value and care for you. Same intention as a compliment, really. And many times, when we reject signs, or ignore that we may be getting them, it's because we don't believe a sign from the heavens could come to us.
Why is it, that a medium can get signs from Spirit all the time, but not you? You are just as worthy as receiving messages from the Spirit world as any other being, especially if you have someone in the Spirit world who believes you are worthy of reaching. And you do.
One of the most common emails I receive from clients and readers on the blog is about a sign they received from a loved one, wanting to know if this could really be a sign. Yes, it is. And you know it is! You are worthy of a message from Spirit-so start accepting it! No need to immediately reject it as not so, or not possible because IT IS possible. It's possible because you experienced it, not because your cousin Eric says it's hogwash.
In my family, we have a saying, "If you think it's a sign from Spirit, it is." And if you think someone may be giving you a compliment, they are. In both cases, say, Thank You. You are worthy of receiving gifts from spirit people-both living and crossed over.
2. Spirit people are creative with their signs
If you have asked your mother to send you Spring flowers and you have yet to see any Irises or Hyacinths cross your path-have you really been that aware? What about yesterday, when you were at the local everything store, and your granddaughter pointed out a shirt with spring flowers all over it and commented how you should get it? That's a Spring Flower sign, if ever I saw one. Or, perhaps you asked to be visited by pennies placed in your path and you have yet to notice a penny placed directly in your footsteps tracks. But yesterday, at the children's science museum, a little boy ran up to you and showed you a pressed penny he made, placing it right in your face. Does that not count?
In other words, your loved ones are so creative with the signs they send you to remind you of their presence. (My own note: I have noticed you creative you have been getting lately. Thanks!) If I asked my dad to send me a penny sign, he would never do that, but he would bang on the door while I was showering because now in Spirit, that's 'classic' him behavior when I was a teenager. I know he's not the only person who would do such a thing.
Does your loved one have a 'thing' that is "so" something they would do? A phrase or typical advice they would say and suddenly you hear those same words come out of someone else's mouth? Perhaps they were right there-giving that person the words right out of their mouth. I've even had brothers come through to say they feel like it would be fun to 'spook' their sister, so they turn on and off the lights-specifically to be "funny"-or spooky, whatever.
Your loved ones are creative in their sign sending and they want to lift your heart. Thus, often their signs are filled with a sense of their own personal humor. Keep that in mind when you are searching. Also, keep your mind open to your sign coming in a very unusual way or format, almost silly, or 'typical' or something only they would do.
3. Understand that you may not be receiving physical signs at all
That's right, your loved ones may be visiting you with their actual presence instead. Perhaps, rather than sending you coins and flowers and cardinals, they are just coming and hanging out with you instead. This is a really common alternative to sign sending-because your loved ones want to still be in your presence as much as you still want them there.
While these are the most common ways to begin to recognize signs from your loved ones, you may find it beneficial to hear it from the source-your loved ones-on how they visit you. Sitting with a medium and connecting with your loved ones directly may be pretty helpful.
How to Recognize Signs from your Loved Ones in Spirit
by Amanda Linette Meder
When your loved ones cross-over into Spirit, they are just as eager to get your attention as you are to get theirs. Countless times, they are attempting to send you signs, visit you in dreams and show up as a presence in your life to prove to you they haven't actually died, but rather, they've shifted form.
While there may be a short period of time after your loved one crosses over in which they acclimate to their new environment and spiritual conditions and are unable to visit, afterwards, your loved ones are free to come back, visit and socialize with you whenever they feel it is right.
Which, surprisingly, is like all the time. In fact, one of the things your loved ones proclaim as their most favorite parts about being in Spirit is that they are able to spend time with you and visit you far more frequently than when they were alive.
...we have not yet discussed how you can know when a Sign is really a Sign.
There are three major ways to determine when a sign from a Spirit is actually a sign from a Spirit and part of it is removing any of the barriers you have to connecting, and the other part is understanding what may be happening.
3 Tips To Recognize A Sign From A Loved One
1. Know that receiving a sign is like receiving a compliment
Are you in the category of people who instantly reject a compliment? If so, welcome to the club. I'm that way, too. (Right now, To Where You Are just came on Pandora). Someone might compliment my shirt and I'll instantly proclaim that I got it at TJ Maxx on sale-immediately rejecting and ignoring the fact that while it was cheap, it is beautiful and looks great on me. And hey, I made the effort to be on the look out for great bargains, did I not? Now, I try really hard at not instantly rejecting these gifts from other people, because I believe that I'm worthy of being noticed and having good things come my way.
When a Spirit sends you a sign, they are sending you special love and attention, specifically to make you feel better and to let you know they value and care for you. Same intention as a compliment, really. And many times, when we reject signs, or ignore that we may be getting them, it's because we don't believe a sign from the heavens could come to us.
Why is it, that a medium can get signs from Spirit all the time, but not you? You are just as worthy as receiving messages from the Spirit world as any other being, especially if you have someone in the Spirit world who believes you are worthy of reaching. And you do.
One of the most common emails I receive from clients and readers on the blog is about a sign they received from a loved one, wanting to know if this could really be a sign. Yes, it is. And you know it is! You are worthy of a message from Spirit-so start accepting it! No need to immediately reject it as not so, or not possible because IT IS possible. It's possible because you experienced it, not because your cousin Eric says it's hogwash.
In my family, we have a saying, "If you think it's a sign from Spirit, it is." And if you think someone may be giving you a compliment, they are. In both cases, say, Thank You. You are worthy of receiving gifts from spirit people-both living and crossed over.
2. Spirit people are creative with their signs
If you have asked your mother to send you Spring flowers and you have yet to see any Irises or Hyacinths cross your path-have you really been that aware? What about yesterday, when you were at the local everything store, and your granddaughter pointed out a shirt with spring flowers all over it and commented how you should get it? That's a Spring Flower sign, if ever I saw one. Or, perhaps you asked to be visited by pennies placed in your path and you have yet to notice a penny placed directly in your footsteps tracks. But yesterday, at the children's science museum, a little boy ran up to you and showed you a pressed penny he made, placing it right in your face. Does that not count?
In other words, your loved ones are so creative with the signs they send you to remind you of their presence. (My own note: I have noticed you creative you have been getting lately. Thanks!) If I asked my dad to send me a penny sign, he would never do that, but he would bang on the door while I was showering because now in Spirit, that's 'classic' him behavior when I was a teenager. I know he's not the only person who would do such a thing.
Does your loved one have a 'thing' that is "so" something they would do? A phrase or typical advice they would say and suddenly you hear those same words come out of someone else's mouth? Perhaps they were right there-giving that person the words right out of their mouth. I've even had brothers come through to say they feel like it would be fun to 'spook' their sister, so they turn on and off the lights-specifically to be "funny"-or spooky, whatever.
Your loved ones are creative in their sign sending and they want to lift your heart. Thus, often their signs are filled with a sense of their own personal humor. Keep that in mind when you are searching. Also, keep your mind open to your sign coming in a very unusual way or format, almost silly, or 'typical' or something only they would do.
3. Understand that you may not be receiving physical signs at all
That's right, your loved ones may be visiting you with their actual presence instead. Perhaps, rather than sending you coins and flowers and cardinals, they are just coming and hanging out with you instead. This is a really common alternative to sign sending-because your loved ones want to still be in your presence as much as you still want them there.
While these are the most common ways to begin to recognize signs from your loved ones, you may find it beneficial to hear it from the source-your loved ones-on how they visit you. Sitting with a medium and connecting with your loved ones directly may be pretty helpful.
Thursday, June 22, 2017
Two sometimes
Sometimes people pretend you're a bad person so they don't feel guilty about the things they did to you.
Sometimes you don't need to hear their excuses or what they have to say for themselves because their actions already spoke the truth.
Sometimes you don't need to hear their excuses or what they have to say for themselves because their actions already spoke the truth.
My soul remembers
Not sure where this was but wanted to remember it.
Lamentations 3:20-25
My soul still remembers
And sinks within me.
This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
Through the Lord's mercies, we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is your faithfulness.
"The Lord is my portion," says my soul,
"Therefore I hope in Him!"
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.
Lamentations 3:20-25
My soul still remembers
And sinks within me.
This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
Through the Lord's mercies, we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is your faithfulness.
"The Lord is my portion," says my soul,
"Therefore I hope in Him!"
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.
He shall preserve
Today's Verse of the Day from Bible Gateway.
Psalm 121:7-8
The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in. From this time forth, and even forevermore.
Psalm 121:7-8
The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in. From this time forth, and even forevermore.
Safety of abiding
Bible Gateway Verse of the Day with title/heading (my favorite).
Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God
Psalm 91:1
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God
Psalm 91:1
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Not sometimes
God is not sometimes sovereign. (from Max Lucado daily devotional, but I think this statement is powerful on its own)
Do you know one?
Saw this today.
Narcisisstic sociopath:
They'll insult, belittle, and criticize you (sometimes in a teasing/joking way), pushing your boundaries until you finally speak up. Then they use you reactions to make you seem crazy. Within weeks, they can turn an easy-going person into a hot mess of insecurities and self-doubt.
My own note: Within weeks? How about 22 plus years?
Narcisisstic sociopath:
They'll insult, belittle, and criticize you (sometimes in a teasing/joking way), pushing your boundaries until you finally speak up. Then they use you reactions to make you seem crazy. Within weeks, they can turn an easy-going person into a hot mess of insecurities and self-doubt.
My own note: Within weeks? How about 22 plus years?
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Baby Kai
I don't know if I recorded this before or not, but Coach Katie's baby was born on September 20th, 2016. The 20th is a significant day you know. It's nice to see something happy announced each month around that time from her to offset some of the things that I post around that same time. Love you!
She is so adorable by the way. Actually beyond adorable. She's so cute and so happy all the time. Everyone loves her. You would so love her!
She is so adorable by the way. Actually beyond adorable. She's so cute and so happy all the time. Everyone loves her. You would so love her!
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
A Gift
This was on the Facebook page for Gift of Life-Michigan.
When there is a donor
life springs from death,
sorrow turns to hope,
and (a) terrible loss becomes a gift.
When there is a donor
life springs from death,
sorrow turns to hope,
and (a) terrible loss becomes a gift.
For Carter
This applies to Carter, but I wanted to remember it.
Strong-willed children become adults who can change the world as long as we can hang on for the ride and resist the temptation to tame the spirit out of them.
Strong-willed children become adults who can change the world as long as we can hang on for the ride and resist the temptation to tame the spirit out of them.
Anxiety and fear
From Max Lucado. This is helpful.
Anxiety and fear are cousins but not twins.
Fear sees a threat. Anxiety imagines one.
Anxiety and fear are cousins but not twins.
Fear sees a threat. Anxiety imagines one.
Monday, June 19, 2017
Hit home
I saw a picture of Halle Berry's husband (now ex-husband) and he looked like the guy from the movie, "Unfaithful." Turns out he was. I read the description of the movie on Wikipedia even though I saw it, just to see how they described it. This part stood out to me.
In the movie, Richard Gere hits this guy on the head with a water globe. It said it "severely fractured his skull, instantly killing him."
In the movie, Richard Gere hits this guy on the head with a water globe. It said it "severely fractured his skull, instantly killing him."
I'll Think About You
I watched the movie, "The Shack" with my mom this weekend, so I noted the song that was playing in the scene when they buried his daughter. Here it is.
I'll Think About You
by We Are Messengers
I don't know where you're going but I'll meet you there
I can't blame you for leaving but it's still not fair
And when I don't know what to sing
I'll sing about you
Now I don't know what to do now that you're not here
I don't know how to love, don't know how to feel
But I don't want to believe
I'll be leaving you
I'll be leaving you
I'll be leaving you
If all I can do
To keep (him) here with me
I'll remember you
Won't you remember me
If all I can do
To keep (him) here with me
I'll remember you
Won't you remember me
And when I don't know what to think
I'll think about you
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Such love
I jotted this down a few days ago and it's from one of the daily readings from Days of Praise.
The word "contemned" was in it. I looked it up. It means to treat or regard with contempt.
Here's the part I liked.
Not even the waters of a great flood could quench such love, nor all the possessions of a wealthy king ever purchase it. It is true eternal love, bought by the blood of the Bridegroom and received with undying faith by His beloved bride.
The word "contemned" was in it. I looked it up. It means to treat or regard with contempt.
Here's the part I liked.
Not even the waters of a great flood could quench such love, nor all the possessions of a wealthy king ever purchase it. It is true eternal love, bought by the blood of the Bridegroom and received with undying faith by His beloved bride.
Pieces
This was an excerpt from a book that was on a list of the 10 best books for grieving. It was weird-I've read a lot of books on grieving, but I only read one on the list and never even heard of the other ones. I might have to take a look at some of them.
From "A Prayer for Owen Meaning," by John Irving
When someone you loves dies, and you're not expecting it, you don't lost (him) all at once; you lose (him) in pieces over a long time - the way the mail stops coming, (his) scent fades from the pillows, and even from the clothes in (his) closet and drawers. Gradually, you accumulate the parts of (him) that are gone. Just when the day comes - when there is a particular missing part that overwhelms you with the feeling that (he's) gone forever - there comes another day, and another specifically missing part.
From "A Prayer for Owen Meaning," by John Irving
When someone you loves dies, and you're not expecting it, you don't lost (him) all at once; you lose (him) in pieces over a long time - the way the mail stops coming, (his) scent fades from the pillows, and even from the clothes in (his) closet and drawers. Gradually, you accumulate the parts of (him) that are gone. Just when the day comes - when there is a particular missing part that overwhelms you with the feeling that (he's) gone forever - there comes another day, and another specifically missing part.
Monday, June 12, 2017
I have this hope
Heard this song over the weekend.
I Have This Hope
by Tenth Avenue North
As I walk this great unknown
Questions come and questions go
Was there purpose for the pain?
Did I cry these tears in vain?
I don't want to live in fear
I want to trust that you are near
Trust your grace can be seen
In both triumph and tragedy
I have this hope
In the depth of my soul
In the flood or the fire
You're with me and You won't let go
But sometimes my faith feels thin
Like the night will never end
Will You catch every tear
Or will You just leave me here?
But I have this hope
In the depth of my soul
In the flood or the fire
You're with me and You won't let go
So, whatever happens I will not be afraid
Cause You are closer than this breath I take
You calm the storm when I hear You call my name
I still believe that one day I'll see Your face
And I have this hope
In the depth of my soul
In the flood or the fire
You're with me
I have this hope
In the depth of my soul
In the flood or the fire
You're with me and You won't let go
In the flood or the fire
You're with me and You won't let go
Thursday, June 8, 2017
Jealous of the Angels
This is a song that somebody found a while ago (might have been Dad) but I just looked up the lyrics.
Jealous of the Angels
by Jenn Bostic
I didn't know today would be our last
Or that I'd have to say goodbye to you so fast
I'm so numb, I can't feel anymore
Prayin' you'd just walk back through that door
And tell me that I was only dreamin'
You're not really gone as long as I believe
There will be another angel
Around the throne tonight
Your love lives on inside of me,
And I will hold on tight
It's not my place to question,
Only God knows why
I'm just jealous of the angels
Around the throne tonight
You always made my troubles feel so small
And you were always there to catch me when I'd fall
In a world where heroes come and go
Well God just took the only one I know
So I'll hold you as close as I can
Longing for the day, when I see your face again
But until then
God must need another angel
Around the throne tonight
Your love lives on inside of me
And I will hold on tight
It's not my place to question
Only God knows why
I'm just jealous of the angels
Around the throne tonight
Singin' hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
I'm just jealous of the angels
Around the throne tonight
Jealous of the Angels
by Jenn Bostic
I didn't know today would be our last
Or that I'd have to say goodbye to you so fast
I'm so numb, I can't feel anymore
Prayin' you'd just walk back through that door
And tell me that I was only dreamin'
You're not really gone as long as I believe
There will be another angel
Around the throne tonight
Your love lives on inside of me,
And I will hold on tight
It's not my place to question,
Only God knows why
I'm just jealous of the angels
Around the throne tonight
You always made my troubles feel so small
And you were always there to catch me when I'd fall
In a world where heroes come and go
Well God just took the only one I know
So I'll hold you as close as I can
Longing for the day, when I see your face again
But until then
God must need another angel
Around the throne tonight
Your love lives on inside of me
And I will hold on tight
It's not my place to question
Only God knows why
I'm just jealous of the angels
Around the throne tonight
Singin' hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
I'm just jealous of the angels
Around the throne tonight
Looking Upward
Part of Max Lucado's Daily Devotional for today.
You're a version of Joseph. You carry something of God with you - something the world needs. If Satan can neutralize you, he can mute your influence. Life in the pit stinks! Yet it forces you to look upward. Someone from up there must come down here and give you a hand. God did for Joseph. He will do the same for you!
You're a version of Joseph. You carry something of God with you - something the world needs. If Satan can neutralize you, he can mute your influence. Life in the pit stinks! Yet it forces you to look upward. Someone from up there must come down here and give you a hand. God did for Joseph. He will do the same for you!
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
The Master Builder
Noticing a theme here? This is from Max Lucado's Daily Devotional
The Master Builder
Several years ago the state was rebuilding an overpass near my house. Three lanes reduced to one, transforming a morning commute into a daily stew. The project, like human history, had been in development since before time began. My next-door neighbors were highway engineers, consultants to the department of transportation. "It'll take time," they responded to my grumbles, "but it will get finished." They had seen the plans.
In the story of Joseph, God allows us to study His plans. Brothers dumping brother. Their family feuds scattered like nails and cement bags on a vacant lot. But watch the Master Builder at work. He cleared the debris and stabilized the structure. And the chaos of Genesis 37:24 - "They cast him into the pit" became the triumph of Genesis 50:20 - "life for many people." God redeemed the story of Joseph. Can't He redeem your story as well?
The Master Builder
Several years ago the state was rebuilding an overpass near my house. Three lanes reduced to one, transforming a morning commute into a daily stew. The project, like human history, had been in development since before time began. My next-door neighbors were highway engineers, consultants to the department of transportation. "It'll take time," they responded to my grumbles, "but it will get finished." They had seen the plans.
In the story of Joseph, God allows us to study His plans. Brothers dumping brother. Their family feuds scattered like nails and cement bags on a vacant lot. But watch the Master Builder at work. He cleared the debris and stabilized the structure. And the chaos of Genesis 37:24 - "They cast him into the pit" became the triumph of Genesis 50:20 - "life for many people." God redeemed the story of Joseph. Can't He redeem your story as well?
You are God
Today's verse of the day from Bible Gateway.
Psalm 90:2,4
Before the mountains were brought forth,
Or ever You formed the earth and the world,
Even from everlasting to everlasting,
You are God.
For a thousand years in Your sight
Are like yesterday when it was past,
And like a watch in the night.
Psalm 90:2,4
Before the mountains were brought forth,
Or ever You formed the earth and the world,
Even from everlasting to everlasting,
You are God.
For a thousand years in Your sight
Are like yesterday when it was past,
And like a watch in the night.
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Yours
This verse might have been Bible Gateway's Verse of the Day.
1 Chronicles 29:11
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness,
The power and the glory,
The victory and the majesty;
For all that is in heaven and in earth is yours;
Yours is the kingdom, O Lord,
And You are exalted as head overall.
1 Chronicles 29:11
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness,
The power and the glory,
The victory and the majesty;
For all that is in heaven and in earth is yours;
Yours is the kingdom, O Lord,
And You are exalted as head overall.
Our gifts
From Daily Bible Verse.
1 Corinthians 12:11: Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours (this means God's).
We don't choose our strengths, God does, and He distributes them as He determines. How do you know the gifts you have? Just look at the things that irritate you about your church and others. Maybe you are irritated because you are expecting those people to possess what is natural to you. Maybe you are irritated that your church is not "doing what is should" when you are probably the one God has sent to cultivate that gift. Blessed is the person who is able to rejoice in their strengths and not judge others because they don't have them. As we use our gifts in humility, God will cause all of us to grow.
1 Corinthians 12:11: Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours (this means God's).
We don't choose our strengths, God does, and He distributes them as He determines. How do you know the gifts you have? Just look at the things that irritate you about your church and others. Maybe you are irritated because you are expecting those people to possess what is natural to you. Maybe you are irritated that your church is not "doing what is should" when you are probably the one God has sent to cultivate that gift. Blessed is the person who is able to rejoice in their strengths and not judge others because they don't have them. As we use our gifts in humility, God will cause all of us to grow.
God Redeems for Good
I think this is from Max Lucado's Daily Devotional
God Redeems for Good
Have you wept your final tear or received your last round of chemotherapy? Not necessarily. Will you unhappy marriage become happy in a heartbeat? Not likely. Does God guarantee the absence of struggle and the abundance of strength? Not in this life. But he does pledge to reweave your pain for a higher purpose.
It won't be quick! Sometimes God takes His time. Twenty years to prepare Noah for the flood, eighty years to prepare Moses for his work. How long will God take with you? He may take His time. His history is not redeemed in minutes but in lifetimes. We see a perfect mess, God sees a perfect chance to train, test, and teach. We see a prison; God sees bootcamp. What Satan intends for evil, God redeems for good!
God Redeems for Good
Have you wept your final tear or received your last round of chemotherapy? Not necessarily. Will you unhappy marriage become happy in a heartbeat? Not likely. Does God guarantee the absence of struggle and the abundance of strength? Not in this life. But he does pledge to reweave your pain for a higher purpose.
It won't be quick! Sometimes God takes His time. Twenty years to prepare Noah for the flood, eighty years to prepare Moses for his work. How long will God take with you? He may take His time. His history is not redeemed in minutes but in lifetimes. We see a perfect mess, God sees a perfect chance to train, test, and teach. We see a prison; God sees bootcamp. What Satan intends for evil, God redeems for good!
Purpose in life
This was something posted by KTB. It's from a series called "Note to Self."
"What is my purpose in life?" I asked the void. "What if I told you that you fulfilled it when you took an extra hour to talk to that kid about his life?" said the voice. "Or when you paid for that young couple in that restaurant? Or when you saved that dog in traffic? Or when you tied your father's shoes for him? Your problem is that you equate purpose with goal-based achievement. God or the universe or morality isn't interested in your achievements...just your heart. When you choose to act out of kindness, compassion and love, you are already aligned with your true purpose. No need to look any further.
"What is my purpose in life?" I asked the void. "What if I told you that you fulfilled it when you took an extra hour to talk to that kid about his life?" said the voice. "Or when you paid for that young couple in that restaurant? Or when you saved that dog in traffic? Or when you tied your father's shoes for him? Your problem is that you equate purpose with goal-based achievement. God or the universe or morality isn't interested in your achievements...just your heart. When you choose to act out of kindness, compassion and love, you are already aligned with your true purpose. No need to look any further.
The Master Weaver
From Max Lucado's Daily Devotional.
The Master Weaver
In God's hands intended evil becomes eventual good! Nothing in the Old Testament story of Joseph glosses over the presence of evil. Bloodstains, tearstains are everywhere. Joseph's heart was rubbed raw again the rocks of disloyalty and miscarried justice. Yet time and time again, God redeemed the pain. The torn robe became a royal one. The pit became a palace.
The broken family grew old together. The very acts intended to destroy God's servant turned out to strengthen him. "You meant evil against me," Joseph told his brothers using a Hebrew verb that mean to weave. You wove evil, he was saying, but God wove it together for good. God, the Master Weaver. He stretches the yarn, intertwines the colors. Nothing escapes his reach.
The Master Weaver
In God's hands intended evil becomes eventual good! Nothing in the Old Testament story of Joseph glosses over the presence of evil. Bloodstains, tearstains are everywhere. Joseph's heart was rubbed raw again the rocks of disloyalty and miscarried justice. Yet time and time again, God redeemed the pain. The torn robe became a royal one. The pit became a palace.
The broken family grew old together. The very acts intended to destroy God's servant turned out to strengthen him. "You meant evil against me," Joseph told his brothers using a Hebrew verb that mean to weave. You wove evil, he was saying, but God wove it together for good. God, the Master Weaver. He stretches the yarn, intertwines the colors. Nothing escapes his reach.
A Mother's Prayer
This song was also sung at Hillary's wedding. It was almost my undoing that day. Mrs. Ledford warned me about weddings that they could be hard now since you would never have one. I thought I was ok with that, because I figured I wouldn't like anyone you picked (I would be jealous of her, she wouldn't be good enough, etc.). I thought I would be ok because I never had even thought about you getting married because a relationship was never really a focus for you. I could have seen you being a bachelor for a while because you're so independent and self-sufficient. I probably would also have worried that you would have marriage troubles like me and Dad and I would never want that for you.
I also have a hard time with what "might have been." No one can really know that, obviously. It wasn't in your plan to get married. There was no girl out there destined to be your wife. It's a depressing way to think, I guess, but I can't "go there" and wonder what might have been. It wasn't to be. God knew that from before you were born.
I guess I was wrong as I listened to the words of this song. All of the little mother-son moments at the wedding-just the immense love. So much love. It overwhelms my soul.
A Mother's Prayer
by Bonnie J. Barbey and Kay Crawford
A precious little baby boy tucked in his mother's arms
Listens as she asks her Lord to keep him safe from harm
He looks at her in wonder, as he hears his momma pray
For God to bless the baby girl who will marry him someday
Keep her safe, make her strong, guard her body, heart, and soul
And let her life be filled with love
Light the path that she's begun
Give her faith for she's the one
Who will grow into the woman who will stand beside my son
Wading pools and big boy tools
His busy hands at play
Somewhere there's other tiny hands
That will join with his one day
Mom's heart goes out across the miles
As she seeks her Father's face
Prayers rise into heaven,
Transcending time and space
Keep her safe, make her strong, guard her body, heart and soul
And let her life be filled with love
Light the path that she's begun
Give her faith, for she's the one
Who will grow into the woman who will stand beside my son
A lovely bride comes down the aisle
Mom's eyes are filled with tears
Her son is joining with the one she's prayed for
All these years
She sees God's hand, His perfect plan
In the couple standing there
She breathes a sigh of thanks to God
Who heard a mother's prayer
Keep her safe, make her strong, guard her body, heart and soul,
And let her life be filled with love
Light the path that she's begun
Give her faith for she's the one
Who has grown into the woman who now stands beside my son
The marriage vows are spoken,
Exchanging of the rings and she prays
Oh Father, now I come and ask for one more thing
Keep them safe, make them strong, guard their bodies, hearts and souls
And let their home be filled with love
Light the path they've now begun
Give them faith, for they're the ones
Who will grow into a couple who will glorify your Son
Light the path they've now begun
Give them faith, they're chosen ones
Let them grow into the couple who will glorify your Son
I also have a hard time with what "might have been." No one can really know that, obviously. It wasn't in your plan to get married. There was no girl out there destined to be your wife. It's a depressing way to think, I guess, but I can't "go there" and wonder what might have been. It wasn't to be. God knew that from before you were born.
I guess I was wrong as I listened to the words of this song. All of the little mother-son moments at the wedding-just the immense love. So much love. It overwhelms my soul.
A Mother's Prayer
by Bonnie J. Barbey and Kay Crawford
A precious little baby boy tucked in his mother's arms
Listens as she asks her Lord to keep him safe from harm
He looks at her in wonder, as he hears his momma pray
For God to bless the baby girl who will marry him someday
Keep her safe, make her strong, guard her body, heart, and soul
And let her life be filled with love
Light the path that she's begun
Give her faith for she's the one
Who will grow into the woman who will stand beside my son
Wading pools and big boy tools
His busy hands at play
Somewhere there's other tiny hands
That will join with his one day
Mom's heart goes out across the miles
As she seeks her Father's face
Prayers rise into heaven,
Transcending time and space
Keep her safe, make her strong, guard her body, heart and soul
And let her life be filled with love
Light the path that she's begun
Give her faith, for she's the one
Who will grow into the woman who will stand beside my son
A lovely bride comes down the aisle
Mom's eyes are filled with tears
Her son is joining with the one she's prayed for
All these years
She sees God's hand, His perfect plan
In the couple standing there
She breathes a sigh of thanks to God
Who heard a mother's prayer
Keep her safe, make her strong, guard her body, heart and soul,
And let her life be filled with love
Light the path that she's begun
Give her faith for she's the one
Who has grown into the woman who now stands beside my son
The marriage vows are spoken,
Exchanging of the rings and she prays
Oh Father, now I come and ask for one more thing
Keep them safe, make them strong, guard their bodies, hearts and souls
And let their home be filled with love
Light the path they've now begun
Give them faith, for they're the ones
Who will grow into a couple who will glorify your Son
Light the path they've now begun
Give them faith, they're chosen ones
Let them grow into the couple who will glorify your Son
O Wondrous Love
Naomi sang this song at Hillary's wedding a few weeks ago and then sang it again the next Sunday morning. Whenever I try to hum this song in my head though, I always get it mixed up with "His Robes for Mine." This song brought me to tears mostly because of the part of how He keeps us until the day that we look into His eyes. You have done that. Amazing.
O wondrous love that will not let me go
I cling to You with all my strength and soul
Yet if my hold should ever fail
This wondrous love will never let me go
O wondrous love that's come to dwell in me
Lord who am I that I should come to know
Your tender voice assuring me
This wondrous love will never let me go
I'm resting in the everlasting arms
In the every faithful heart
The Shepherd of my life
You'll carry me on Your mighty wings of grace
Keeping me until the day
I look into Your eyes
O wondrous love that sings of Calvary
The sweetest sound this sinner's ever known
The song of Your redeeming Son
Whose wondrous love will never let me go
O wondrous love that rushes over me
I can't escape this river's glorious flow
You overwhelm my days with good
Your wondrous love will never let me go
O wondrous love that will not let me go
I cling to You with all my strength and soul
Yet if my hold should ever fail
This wondrous love will never let me go
O wondrous love that's come to dwell in me
Lord who am I that I should come to know
Your tender voice assuring me
This wondrous love will never let me go
I'm resting in the everlasting arms
In the every faithful heart
The Shepherd of my life
You'll carry me on Your mighty wings of grace
Keeping me until the day
I look into Your eyes
O wondrous love that sings of Calvary
The sweetest sound this sinner's ever known
The song of Your redeeming Son
Whose wondrous love will never let me go
O wondrous love that rushes over me
I can't escape this river's glorious flow
You overwhelm my days with good
Your wondrous love will never let me go
Monday, June 5, 2017
Stalker
There were three instances today where I was thinking about something and then there was something that related to that on my computer. I think you're stalking me-but stalk away! Love you boy!
I was just thinking about Hope's banquet tonight and the video, last time with the team, etc. and the song, "I Bet My Life" by Imagine Dragons came on which was one of the songs from your banquet video.
I was talking to a customer named Barbara Anderson Kari today and I noticed in my email that I had corresponded with someone from KeyBank named Kari Anderson.
I was thinking about the patio furniture that Don offered to us and an ad for patio furniture popped up on Pandora.
You are getting creative! Thank you! Love you sweet boy! I need you today really bad! Having a rough time these days.
I was just thinking about Hope's banquet tonight and the video, last time with the team, etc. and the song, "I Bet My Life" by Imagine Dragons came on which was one of the songs from your banquet video.
I was talking to a customer named Barbara Anderson Kari today and I noticed in my email that I had corresponded with someone from KeyBank named Kari Anderson.
I was thinking about the patio furniture that Don offered to us and an ad for patio furniture popped up on Pandora.
You are getting creative! Thank you! Love you sweet boy! I need you today really bad! Having a rough time these days.
Thursday, June 1, 2017
I'm a Christian too
When I was reading that article about divorce, the above thought occurred to me. I'm always hearing from Pastor and Dad about what Christians should do and how they should behave, but I know too. I have a relationship with God and His Son, Jesus Christ. I listen to sermons, I read my Bible. I know what is Christ-like behavior and what is not.
I'm not some dummy who's like, "Oh, I'm not supposed to fight with my husband?" I am convicted by the Holy Spirit when I'm doing something wrong. I am ashamed of my marriage. So much so, that I can't even really pray about it. I ask God to help me "deal with Bill", but that's about it. There are things that I let Carter and Hope do that I know are wrong sometimes. I am very familiar with Biblical principles and commands. I know Pastor knows more than I do, but I at least know the basics. I know I'm not supposed to fight with my husband. But there are things that he is supposed to do too. He's not supposed to antagonize me. He's supposed to look out for my best interest, sometimes above his own. He's supposed to be kind, slow to anger, patient. So many things he is not. I know I'm not perfect either, and everyone likes to point the finger at the other person. But sometimes they're right to do so.
All that I am saying is that I recognize what is going on and that it is wrong. I have tried to stay silent, but I can't, especially when it comes to the kids. I am sick of talking about it with people, thinking about it, etc. It's a huge drain on my energy and on my joy. God gives us the freedom to make choices, and he is making bad choices that I have to deal with in my own way. If Pastor knew of even half of his behavior at home, I would think he would be very disappointed. But, then again, I mostly spelled everything out in that letter and Pastor didn't even seem to care about the issues. The issues have to be dealt with. They are a reflection of character issues. They can't be swept under the rug under the command that I just have to obey him. I don't think that this is what God intended for marriage-to bring so much misery. The Lord will see me through this though-I know that. Thank you Lord!
I'm not some dummy who's like, "Oh, I'm not supposed to fight with my husband?" I am convicted by the Holy Spirit when I'm doing something wrong. I am ashamed of my marriage. So much so, that I can't even really pray about it. I ask God to help me "deal with Bill", but that's about it. There are things that I let Carter and Hope do that I know are wrong sometimes. I am very familiar with Biblical principles and commands. I know Pastor knows more than I do, but I at least know the basics. I know I'm not supposed to fight with my husband. But there are things that he is supposed to do too. He's not supposed to antagonize me. He's supposed to look out for my best interest, sometimes above his own. He's supposed to be kind, slow to anger, patient. So many things he is not. I know I'm not perfect either, and everyone likes to point the finger at the other person. But sometimes they're right to do so.
All that I am saying is that I recognize what is going on and that it is wrong. I have tried to stay silent, but I can't, especially when it comes to the kids. I am sick of talking about it with people, thinking about it, etc. It's a huge drain on my energy and on my joy. God gives us the freedom to make choices, and he is making bad choices that I have to deal with in my own way. If Pastor knew of even half of his behavior at home, I would think he would be very disappointed. But, then again, I mostly spelled everything out in that letter and Pastor didn't even seem to care about the issues. The issues have to be dealt with. They are a reflection of character issues. They can't be swept under the rug under the command that I just have to obey him. I don't think that this is what God intended for marriage-to bring so much misery. The Lord will see me through this though-I know that. Thank you Lord!
God Himself
This was today's Bible Gateway's Verse of the Day.
Revelation 21:2-4: Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.
Revelation 21:2-4: Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.
The Lord Himself
This was on the Bible Gateway's Verse of the Day yesterday. This has become one of my favorite verses.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
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