Not the end of the story yet

What an encouraging thought! As I was reading the Bible and praying today I was struck with this thought. "It's not the end of the story"

I know that I tend to get so worried about my family, my kids, or friends  and think that disaster has struck and that's it!  I mean I really worry! My stomach gets tied in knots, then I remember ... Philippians 4:6-7

"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."

Oh! And did you know that there's a verse 8?!  It is usually not quoted with 6 and 7. Why not?  

It says...

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."

So, we are first to give our worries to The Lord, ask Him to help, thank Him and then He will give us peace and then He gives us the Biblical way how not to worry so much! The world calls it "positive thinking" but the world does not have God for the foundation. We can't just think positive. We have to take our very real concerns to God first. Then He will give us peace. 

So, when you are faced with things that seem overwhelming, or things that look like a disaster remember, it's not the end of the story!! 

Greater Things

It's been a while since I wrote anything here... Doesn't mean I haven't been thinking...   I love listening to the Bible.  Somehow I can comprehend more by listening than by reading.

Anyway, today as I was listening to the Bible while driving I heard the story of Elijah and Elisha again.  I couldn't help but think about something Jesus told His disciples as I was listening to this story in 2Kings.  Elijah told Elisha that if he were with him when he was taken up into heaven he would have a  double portion of his spirit. And so Elisha was with Elijah and saw him taken up.  Then Elisha takes the mantle, calls on the God of Elijah and strikes the river Jordan and it opens just as it did for Elijah.

Jesus told His disciples in John 14:12 that they would do greater things than Jesus did and they also watched Him ascend into heaven.  He didn't say they had to see Him ascend but, they were.  Hmmm! There must be something about being with the master!! Then there is something about acting on what He says...

"Be Still and Know That I am God"

"Be still, and know that I am God" A few weeks back I was reading this Psalm. (46) I have been meditating on this now for weeks.

Something had happened once again to cause me to worry and fret. And this word stood out. Actually God had supernaturally revealed a situation to me a little while before that and when it was confirmed, I started to worry and wonder what I could do about it as mothers tend to do.

I don't think that was God's intent. I think He was reminding me in this verse that He is God! In other words, He meant I should stop trying to be God! He was saying "Be still"! Kind of hard for me!

When I look at the entire psalm there were great problems all around and in the middle of all of this He is our strength and refuge and there is a river, a place of peace and refreshment. Aaaaa what a relief!

The Hebrew word for "still" is "to let go" or "release". I need to let go and let God be God! Then I get to see what He is going to do!

Home in His Presence

"One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple." Psalm 27:4

This is one portion of scripture that I have always loved. It is such a beautiful thought, dwelling in the house of the Lord.   Have you ever read or thought about the verses surrounding this verse?  They talk about fear, enemies, attack, war, trouble...

Do you remember when you were a child how you would always feel safe when you would reach home?   There was always that safe feeling when you would go in and close the door.  It was a safe place or at least should be.  Our homes our our safe places.  That's how it is in our Father's home too.  He hides us from all troubles in His tabernacle.

Our safe place is in His presence

Love of Husband

Over the years I have learned a lot about marriage but I am always learning.  I knew how important it was to respect your husband and have always tried to do that.  Have to admit I am much more successful these days than I use to be but I am also much more aware when I am not showing respect.  Kind of stands out like a neon light.  Respect may be important for the man than love.  I think they like being loved too.  Ephesians 5:33 teaches us that husbands are to love their wives and wives are to respect their husbands.  In Titus 2:4 the older women are told to teach the younger women to love their husbands and children.  In this verse the word love means love of a husband, male companion of the wife.  So, it means,"the special affection of a woman for her lifetime mate, her husband, embracing him as her "calling"(stewardship) from God.  Gives me more to think about! God teach me more.

Thinking About Egypt

Recently I have found myself somewhat concerned about Israel's welfare with all the unrest in the Middle East.  I thought, "Oh no, Israel has lost the supporting relationship from Egypt!" Then God spoke again as I have been listening to Isaiah being read. Don't go to Egypt, don't trust in their horses or chariots, is what it was saying over and over again! Trust in God! A good reminder who we are to put our trust in for Israel and for ME.  

Here We Go Again

Painting our dining room.  My husband says painting is relaxing.  I'm glad he thinks so.  When we moved into this house we decided on red walls for two reasons. One reason was my sister use to have a red wall in her house and I loved it.  The other reason is I collect chickens and roosters. No, not real ones!  Hence, the red.  But as I have lived here I realize this dining room begs for a pale green to help bring the outdoors in.  You see, our dining room looks out onto our yard, where there is suppose to be a flower garden. That's another story... we'll get our flowers later.  Paint is not so expensive and it sure brings a nice change. Now, what to do about our floors in the dining room, kitchen and hallway to the shower... I love change, at least in our home.