Me and God Day 345

Psalm 38:10-11  My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes.  My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away.

In the brokenness of my soul, I have learned to trust and turn to the LORD for the answers that I require.  I no longer linger in the victim mentality, I desire the LORD my GOD for his wisdom to direct my thoughts and actions.  An early morning (6:30AM) kayak adventure with just "Me and God," provided the perfect senerio, that I desired with my heavenly Father.

The seclusion, the motionless placid serene river brought peace and tranquility to my soul; the flight of an eagle captured  my field of vision.  Thank you, Father God, what time do you get up?  A morning with just me and God, a private time to pray and listen; two hours later I returned to the ramp, much different than when I paddled away!

2 Thessalonian 1:2  Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the LORD Jesus Christ.

Hours later I was sitting in our local funeral home, celebrating the 82 year  life of  Urie Brice.  Urie, a community friend and faithful 51 years servant of the Hack Point Fire Company. Urie was great guy and servant in his community; he drove the ambulance on my mother`s final journey to the hospital. His faithful service opened my heart with a special bond to my dear friend.  Wonder what Urie`s job will be in heaven?

  I made it through the service without tears until the very end!   Members of the Hack Point Fire Co lined the path and honored a fallen member, as  Urie`s flag draped coffin was carried to the hearse. The sight of  Urie`s grieving wife and children, behind their father`s coffin, escorted with bag-piped "Amazing Grace," broke my tearlessness!   Rest in eternal peace my dear friend and neighbor, URIE BRICE!

Galation 5:14  The entire law is summed up in a single command; "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Hours later, as assistant wedding coordinator at our church, I assisted Jen and Jason with their special day to be united as husband and wife.  What a blessing to be a part of this service offered by our church.  Couples from near and far come to the historic town of Chesapeake City to exchange vows.

I thank God for filling the desires of my heart this day," in His presence."  Who would have thought, kayaking, a funeral and a wedding all in one short day, was just what I needed to restore my soul and spirit, thank you Father God!

Isaiah 26:9  My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you.  When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness. AMEN..........

Sap or Zap? Day 344

Sap and zap, two little words with mighty force and power.  According to Webster sap, to weaken or destroy insidiously, zap, force energy or drive.  What are you?  What effects do you have on your family,  friends and co-worker, are you a sapper or a zapper.

Proverbs 22:24  Do not make friends with a hot-minded man, do not associate with one easily angered.

Matthew 18 :4-6  Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.  But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believes in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

How do your words, thoughts and actions influence others.  Think about the people that you associated with, are you hanging out with sappers or zappers?  Through out my life, I have certainly befriended lots of sappers; not just occasional sappers but full timers!   Yes, I did have a large millstone around my neck, drawing me deeper and deeper into addiction,  I was drowning in strongholds and lies.  Satan must have delighted as I sapped, for his glory; however, Jesus never gave up on me, he was in the side-lines of my heart biding for my attention.

Matthew 3:10-11  Jesus said to him, "Away from me Satan!  For it is written: "Worship the LORD your God, and serve him only."  Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Father God, I thank you for answered prayers, as you continue drawing me closer and closer to you.  I no longer thrive on the company of sappers; but I still love my sappers.  But now, I delight  in zapping for your glory.  Thank you for our intimate relationship, yes in to me, you have come!  Use me, LORD!  Allow my thoughts, words and actions to influence others for your glory.

Luke 6:37-40  "Do not judge, and you will not be judged.  Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.  Forgive, and you will be forgiven.  Give, and it will be given to you.  A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be pured into your lap.  For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."  He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man?  Will they not both fall into a pit?  A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

Thank you. Father from the time I entered second grade, I knew that I wanted to be a "TEACHER."  It`s never to late to live our lifetime dreams!  Jeremiah 1:9  Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the LORD said to me,"Now I have put my words in your mouth.  AMEN.




 

What Time? Day 343

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1 Chronicles 16:31-32  Let the heaven rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!"  Let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them!

Why would five women who work everyday be so eager to join me on Saturday at 6:15 AM?  I`ll tell ya, for the pure jubilation as they anticipate our  dawn breaking kayaking journey.  One kayaking veteran willing to share her expertise with  five eager students.  I`m one of the students!  My neighbor Kyle and her husband Tom, have attempted for several years to spark my interest, in their love and enthusiasm for the sport.

I`m hooked, Rick is already looking on EBay for my own gear!  Guess I better take the job that I interviewed for this week, I`ll get back to that later.  Today Kyle and I were joined by Gina, Sue, Lisa and her 12 year old daughter Katie.  After a short series of instructions, we paddled up the river, as the sun followed God`s instructions, rising above our heads.

The tide was perfect, the still water enchanting as the peace serenaded our souls.  I was one happy kayaker!  Gina`s anxiety dissolved as the serenity of the morning over powered her fear and insecurity. Soon, laughter echoed from the river banks, butterflies danced above mother and daughter, as they paddled in unison in their tandem kayak.

Sue lagged behind soaking in the LORD, in a somber mood induced by grief, on the anniversary of her sweet young friend Ashley`s accidental death.  It`s been two years since the boating accident that claimed Ashely`s life.  How is it that years later, the pain seems to surface days prior to the anniversary date.  I`ve questioned this fact for years; perhaps rather than grieving, we`re to celebrate the memory of their eternal birth?

John 3:16" For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Two hours after our departure we trickled back to the ramp, smiles of peace and joy emerged, as we ended where we began with a day starting prayer!.  Thank you, Father God for six women willing to roll out of bed early, to enjoy your gift of a morning on the Bohemia river.  Father, thank you for the peace that lingers in my soul.

Psalm 91:1-2 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,  my God, in whom I trust."

Loving Forgiving God Day 342

Romans 3:22-24  This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.  There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

With great faith in God and confidence from writing the blog, I have written and entered the following essay in Consumer Cellular, "Grandparents Day" contest.   I invite you to visit this site, read and if you like this essay, please vote!  With your votes, perhaps I could win this contest and share my story for the "Glory of God," and what He has done in my life!  Since I have just submitted this, I lag way behind the leading entry, who currently have over 1700 votes.  You may vote on a daily basis, feel free to share with friends.  I humbly thank you! Any questions contact me at lindasquier2@aol.com

http://www.consumercellular.com/Grandparents/Gallery/1709Loving Forgiving God




 

                                     LOVING FORGIVING GOD
Who would think that a decision made by two young high school sweethearts, prior to their upcoming marriage, would haunt one of them for more than thirty years! Long after our short marriage and divorce, the secret and guilt of our decision entangled my very existence; holding captive, my body, my heart and soul for decades.

How could God possibly forgive the naivete of our bad choice to terminate the untimely pregnancy? For decades and remarriages, I was held captive by strongholds and lies, living a life in bondage of condemnation; never to conceive a child again, there was no medical explanation!

Today, I thank God for my wonderful husband, Rick my step-children Stephanie and Rick and grandbabies; finally my life-time desire to embrace the love, to hold, to cuddle and nurture a newborn was fulfilled. Oh no, I’m not step anything, I’m “Mimi,” the grandmother of four wonderful, gifts from God! Ricky 12, Jillian 7, Nolan 5 and bringing up the rear, one year old surprise addition, Oliver!

The love given and received from my grandchildren was a vital step in the healing process that I so desperately needed for decades. This love opened the chambers of my mind, body and soul to receive God’s loving forgiving mercy and grace; restoring the truth and igniting the light for the salvation of my soul.

Weekends at Mimi’s and pop’s, what a joy! Last weekend as Jillian and I read about heaven from, “A Faith to Grow On,” by John MacArthur, she suddenly got very serious, demanding the entirety of my attention. “Mimi, you have to promise me something! Mimi, when you go to heaven, will you PROMISE to always watch over me! I mean wherever I am, no matter how old I am! Do you PROMISE?”

As I struggled to conceal the tears that lovingly trickled down my cheeks, I replied yes Jillian, I PROMISE! I love you, honey! I pray that God has a divine provision that will allow me to keep my promise to Jillian.

I thank God for his unconditional love, for my Savior Jesus Christ and my grandbabies!

Romans 8:1-2  Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

Father God, I pray that this message may touch the life of  anyone who may by trapped in captivity and bondage, living in condemnation.  I pray that these words may encourage them to receive your love, forgiveness and unconditional love.  Once again, Father I thank you for Jim Mullen and your message through him to my heart and soul, "WE HAVE A LOVING FORGIVING GOD." Love and miss you Jim, see you at the gate!

Amen............................................

Jillian and Nolan Day 341

Matthew 9:36-38  When he saw the crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the LORD of the harvest therefore, to send out workers into the harvest fields."

Growing up I didn`t have the blessing of knowing my grandparents, I have no memory of my dad`s parents, hum wonder why, that`s really sad.  My maternal grandmother died when I was very young, leaving only my pop-pop to fill the grand-parenting position.  Pop-pop lived alone, living a typical bachelor-style life.  Visits were short and sweet, never allowing much time for an intimate relationship, but I loved my pop-pop with the big belly and he loved me!

Rick and I are blessed with four wonderful grandchildren, we enjoy and appreciate spending time with them.  I often share with Rick, that we are creating childhood memories that they will carry throughout their lives; we`re making memories, baby!

Deuteronomy 4:9  Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live.  Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Jillian and Nolan love going out on Pop`s pontoon boat, along the dock it`s great fun to catch minnows.  Last summer the kids decided to keep the minnows as pets, so we found a container, filled it with water and fed the newly captured treasures.  However, in a effort to escape captivity, one of the minnows leaped from the bowl, hoping to find deeper water only to perish a waterless death on the kitchen counter!

Jillian was sad to find the fish but Nolan was a different story.  He cried and cried, I told Jillian we shouldn't`t keep them!  He was so upset; I pray that he recognizes that little nudge from within, as the Holy Spirit and learns to obey. My four year old compassionate grandson learned and reacted to one of those difficult life lessons.   He knew better but gave into his sister`s wishes; he was suffering the consequences of their poor choice.

Yesterday, as Jillian and Nolan once again netted minnows, my now five year old mature grandson, was in near panic mode.  He enjoyed catching the tiny fish but his prime concern was to quickly catch and release. No way was he going to put the poor helpless little minnows in harms way!  I pray that Nolan will carry this lesson of compassion for his entire life!

Matthew 4:18-19  As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brother, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.  They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fisherman.  "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Amen.

Praise To the LORD! Day 340

Psalms 113:3  From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.

I love God sooooo much, I`m in awe of his perfect timing and the fact that I have a personal intimate relationship with him!  How did I survive without his love and direction?  Ecclesiastes 10:15  A fool`s work wearies him; he does not know the way to town.  I`m no longer lost but directed by the LORD! Thank you, God.....

I love it when I receive one of my favorite God winks; last week after praying to the LORD before writing, I wrote about my friend Dianna.  I wrote about lighting her darkness by letting this little light of my shine.  Sunday as our new pastor, Pastor Mark, delivered the gospel and the message, he mentioned letting our light shine and the song, "This Little Light of Mine."

 Light bulb moment......to me, this was an affirmation that my message was truly inspired by my Heaven Father!  I have learned that this is no co-inky-dink!  I can image God smiling down on me, as I received this affirmation.  I delight in making God smile!

 Psalms 96:11  Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad. I love you LORD, I love you LORD, I love you LORD, I love you LORD, I imagine that the LORD likes to see the smile on my face too!

  This little light of mine, I`m gone to let shine, this little light of mine, I`m going to let it shine, let shine, let it shine, let it shine........................Psalms 27:1  The LORD is my light and my salvation---whom shall I fear?  The LORD is the stronghold of my life----of whom shall I be afraid? Amen.

Encouragement Day 339

Proverbs 15:30  A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

It had been nearly three years since I pulled  into the long country driveway to visit my friend, Dianna.  Things looked different, the once manicured farm, looked overgrown and neglected.  What happened? Where`s the love and joy that was once thrived on this country farmstead?  Dianna soon brought me up to speed, in the past years she had 3 major back surgeries.  The surgeries and recovery have taken their toll on her 45 year old body, her family and the farm.  If momma`s not happy, nobody`s happy; as is in many families, Dianna is the "rock" that motivates and encourages the entire family.  Dianna, admitted that she was really struggling with depression and constant pain, often spending her days in bed focusing her attention on the boob-tube, while shoveling in junk food.

I first met Dianna and her two beautiful daughters, Dwayna and Miranda, when they joined Curve`s; our friendship thrived even after Curves closure.  Once again, I find myself encouraging Dianna to exercise,  this time hoping to help her battle the bondage of depression and overeating. Been there done that more than once!  Seems like we both packed on the pounds we had once shed; time to focus and get busy, nothing better than an accountability partner.

For the past three weeks we have been walking, not sure what was more effective the first week, the walking or the talking.  Often, once depression takes control we don`t realize how dark we`ve become until we are exposed to the light. This little light of mine, I`m going to let it shine!  Probably no co-inky-dink, that "This Little Light Of Mine," was the Curve`s theme song; hum, was that one of my favorite God winks?  Thank you, LORD!

I thank God that I obeyed and that I surfaced in Dianna`s life at just the right time.  I love how God directs our steps, our job is to obey.  Of course, He knows that I need Dianna too; I`m sick of carrying around this twenty pounds that made itself at home on my 5'6" frame.  Father God, thank you for the accountability and walking partner.

As Dianna and I walk and continue to encourage one another, I look forward to the restoration of a healthy fit body and the plans that God has for this rekindled friendship.   I pray that God will allow Dianna and I to share the fruit of the spirit.  Galatians 5:22-23  The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.

 Tomorrow after we walk I`m helping Dianna make a batch of goat`s milk soap.  Hope I don`t have to milk the goats, I`ll get back to you on this adventure!  FYI, goat`s milk soap is wonderful, Dianna`s homegrown herbs and secret concoctions add just the right combination to her delightful skin rejuvenating soap.  The women at Curves used to swear by it`s healing power.

Numbers 9:23  At the LORD`s command they encamped, and at the LORD`s command they set out.  They obeyed the LORD`S order............Lord what do you have planned for two over wieght friends?  Oops, I mean soon to be fit and trim friends! Thank you, Father God for the gift of friendship! AMEN.