It's Sunday and another colder than usual day here in Florida. It's very unusual to have a January day with 54 deg. at 1:45 PM.
Yesterday it was wet and cool but not the stormy day that the weatherman had predicted. Thank you Lord!
I'm finding that I'm very unsettled today. My sleep was interrupted during the night and though the hours were more than my usual it was fitful sleep and I just can't seem to shake it.
For strength and comfort I turn to the Lord's Book and read from Psalm 61, a Psalm of David -
..........."God, hear my cry; pay attention to my prayer. I call to You from the ends of the earth when my heart is without strength. Lead me to a rock that is high above me, for You have been a refuge for me, a strong tower in the face of the enemy. I will live in Your tent forever and take refuge under the shelter of Your wings. God, You have heard my vows; You have given a heritage to those who fear your name."
and in Psalm 63 - "God you are my God; I eagerly seek You. I thirst for You; my body faints for You in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water....So I will praise You as long as I live; at Your name, I will lift up my hands. You satisfy me as with rich food; my lips will praise You with joyful lips. When, on my bed, I think of You, I meditate on You during the night watches because you are my help; I will rejoice in the shadow of Your wings. I follow close to You; Your right hand holds on to me."
His Word dear friends is the balm that brings peace to my heart this day as I am assaulted by the cares of the world and the lies of the enemy. Ephesians 6 comes to mind and it asks the question - Judy do you have your armor on?? Let's see, I love how the Holman bible says it -
.." For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of eveil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared for everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore,
with truth like a belt around your waist, check!
righteousness like armor on your chest, check!
and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. check!
In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. check!
Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God's word. check!
Thank you thank you, thank you Lord, that greater are You who is in me than he who is in the world! I have victory in Christ!!
In a holding pattern today Lord watching and waiting and trusting that you will tell me when you want me to move!
As I wait I'm thinking of you who read these heartstrings and wondering how God comforts and holds you steady when you lose your balance?
Send me a comment or two.
Til then,
Judy
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Musings on Writing
Over the last several days I've been reflecting on where I am on this journey the Lord has planned out for me.
During the past 20 years I have written sometimes devotedly and other times sporadically; in journals, in my bible and on whatever was handy at the moment. I've kept most of these. The writing has been warnings and exhortations from the Lord to me; a compilation of verses that have become a strong foundation for this journey; as well as reflections and insights; quotes from favorite writers and AH-HA moments as the Lord has been guiding me on this path of learning who He is, who I am and Whose I am.
When I was a child then teen then young mother,I wrote poetry and composed original greeting cards for special friends and family members. How I wish I had kept those. Deep in the recesses of my heart I believed I was to "write". As life happened and years past I buried this dream deep.
Over the years writing has served as a sounding board for my thoughts and has let me try out words and think about their impact and effect on those who might hear them. It's been a record keeping tool of life lessons.
As I have grown in my faith walk with the Lord Jesus I have been inspired by Him through His book: the translated, printed and bound Word of God! Every type of writing is found within the pages of the bible. Reading it has increased my desire to write and now in this season of my life...the final season of my life - God is prodding me, pushing me and commanding me to "just do it".
I believe it is His voice I hear and no matter what opposition I might face I am committed to obey Him. He's increasing my listening skills and opening my eyes to sights and sounds I've discounted before. All my senses are hightened. And the anticipation of what He has in store for me far outweighs the fear that has kept me silent for so long.
I invite you to join me on this adventure. I don't know where the road will lead. There will be twists and turns along the way but I'm sure of Who is leading: Our Great Shepherd, Counselor and friend; The King of Kings and Lord of Lords - Jesus!
The time is now!
Judy
During the past 20 years I have written sometimes devotedly and other times sporadically; in journals, in my bible and on whatever was handy at the moment. I've kept most of these. The writing has been warnings and exhortations from the Lord to me; a compilation of verses that have become a strong foundation for this journey; as well as reflections and insights; quotes from favorite writers and AH-HA moments as the Lord has been guiding me on this path of learning who He is, who I am and Whose I am.
When I was a child then teen then young mother,I wrote poetry and composed original greeting cards for special friends and family members. How I wish I had kept those. Deep in the recesses of my heart I believed I was to "write". As life happened and years past I buried this dream deep.
Over the years writing has served as a sounding board for my thoughts and has let me try out words and think about their impact and effect on those who might hear them. It's been a record keeping tool of life lessons.
As I have grown in my faith walk with the Lord Jesus I have been inspired by Him through His book: the translated, printed and bound Word of God! Every type of writing is found within the pages of the bible. Reading it has increased my desire to write and now in this season of my life...the final season of my life - God is prodding me, pushing me and commanding me to "just do it".
I believe it is His voice I hear and no matter what opposition I might face I am committed to obey Him. He's increasing my listening skills and opening my eyes to sights and sounds I've discounted before. All my senses are hightened. And the anticipation of what He has in store for me far outweighs the fear that has kept me silent for so long.
I invite you to join me on this adventure. I don't know where the road will lead. There will be twists and turns along the way but I'm sure of Who is leading: Our Great Shepherd, Counselor and friend; The King of Kings and Lord of Lords - Jesus!
The time is now!
Judy
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
A Love Letter at Day's End
Today is nearly gone. It's been a day filled up with God moments. You know, the kind of day you spend with a dear friend and you have the privilege of being the one who listens and empathizes? So many years of the give and take that characterizes a solid friendship.
Lord, You are so good and You do good, in my life and the lives of those I love. As I reflect on the last 12 hours I'm encouraged because You have given me glimpses of a woman maturing in Christ. I need these glimpses Lord.
So many times, without warning it seems, I'm taken off guard and after failing You and others my cry is always the same: "When, Lord will I get it right? And again I'm tempted by that "old voice" in my head to become discouraged.
I need these days where I see You so clearly, moving in and out of every moment as I walk through my ordinary, everyday life. At these times I'm so aware of You. Sometimes I can "almost" reach out and touch You and then I feel You touch my heart. Your handprints are all over this heart You continue to renew day by day.
Thank you for Your love, Your patience, Your mercy, and Your grace that are new and available to me every day. When I sleep You watch over me. When I wake You greet me. When I'm puzzled about what You want me to do, You go before me to show me Your path. There's nowhere I can go that You're not there. When I begin to wander from the road You've placed me on; You, my Good Shepherd take your mighty staff and nudge me back. Everything You have said inYyour Word that You'd do for those who love You I've seen You do in my life. I love You Lord, with all my heart and all my soul; today, tomorrow and forever.
Judy
Lord, You are so good and You do good, in my life and the lives of those I love. As I reflect on the last 12 hours I'm encouraged because You have given me glimpses of a woman maturing in Christ. I need these glimpses Lord.
So many times, without warning it seems, I'm taken off guard and after failing You and others my cry is always the same: "When, Lord will I get it right? And again I'm tempted by that "old voice" in my head to become discouraged.
I need these days where I see You so clearly, moving in and out of every moment as I walk through my ordinary, everyday life. At these times I'm so aware of You. Sometimes I can "almost" reach out and touch You and then I feel You touch my heart. Your handprints are all over this heart You continue to renew day by day.
Thank you for Your love, Your patience, Your mercy, and Your grace that are new and available to me every day. When I sleep You watch over me. When I wake You greet me. When I'm puzzled about what You want me to do, You go before me to show me Your path. There's nowhere I can go that You're not there. When I begin to wander from the road You've placed me on; You, my Good Shepherd take your mighty staff and nudge me back. Everything You have said inYyour Word that You'd do for those who love You I've seen You do in my life. I love You Lord, with all my heart and all my soul; today, tomorrow and forever.
Judy
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
A Day to Remember
January 2, 2010. The day began like many other Saturdays. Early rising to run into the Lord's arms then off to breakfast with friends who've loved me through many twists and turns as the Lord has led me to this time joining Him where He is already working.
Seven women who mean so much to me. There was happy chatter interlaced with laughter.
How I thank God for the gift of laughter. It flushes all the debris from your heart when you're able to laugh with a friend. Service was slow at Perkins this cold morning and as we waited for coffee and food we shared photos of grandchildren and admired our group photo taken the week before. When breakfast arrived the conversation slowed as we were each intent on devouring the breakfast on the plates before us.
After breakfast I headed north to spend more time with my adopted mom and mentor. We landed at the mall. It was an hour or so of walking and admiring some of our favorite things...handbags, jewelry, shoes and clearance items...sprinkled with choice words of wisdom. When our legs began to complain we decided to get back on the road and head toward home.
On our way we took a detour. There's always time for Starbucks. The fellow behind the counter took our order: 1 venti iced latte w/nonfat milk & 3 splendas; 1 venti iced half caff quad latte with nonfat milk, 4 splendas, and extra ice; 1 chocolate biscotti to share. Two overstuffed purple chairs. To blessed women resting their feet.
As we settled into the comfy chairs, a young woman walked in and ordered a tall coffee and headed for a corner. (The corner was directly across from my line of vision) I noticed this gal taking a large leatherbound book (a bible) from the tote she was carrying. My attention drifted back to my friend and our coversation. We were savoring every bite of our chocolate confection and every swallow of the sweet, frosty coffee. My eyes drifted back again across the room and noticed this woman intently reading her bible! For this bible teacher I can barely put into words the emotions that bubbled up from my heart and into my throat. My eyes were tearing up. It meant the world to me. I wish I had interrupted her....told her how observing her had blessed my heart. I wish I'd told her how what may have been a very normal, ordinary practice for her was affirmation to me that God is raising up a body of believers here in Tampa and all over our land to love Him and to treasure His Word so that when difficult days come they will be able to stand strong. Believers who are not ashamed of the gospel and put action to their faith.
As I recount the day here, I'm reminded that every day the Lord is doing a thousand things that we cannot see and many that we can if we will just open our eyes!!!
God is in our midst. Can you see Him?
It's my prayer.
Judy
Seven women who mean so much to me. There was happy chatter interlaced with laughter.
How I thank God for the gift of laughter. It flushes all the debris from your heart when you're able to laugh with a friend. Service was slow at Perkins this cold morning and as we waited for coffee and food we shared photos of grandchildren and admired our group photo taken the week before. When breakfast arrived the conversation slowed as we were each intent on devouring the breakfast on the plates before us.
After breakfast I headed north to spend more time with my adopted mom and mentor. We landed at the mall. It was an hour or so of walking and admiring some of our favorite things...handbags, jewelry, shoes and clearance items...sprinkled with choice words of wisdom. When our legs began to complain we decided to get back on the road and head toward home.
On our way we took a detour. There's always time for Starbucks. The fellow behind the counter took our order: 1 venti iced latte w/nonfat milk & 3 splendas; 1 venti iced half caff quad latte with nonfat milk, 4 splendas, and extra ice; 1 chocolate biscotti to share. Two overstuffed purple chairs. To blessed women resting their feet.
As we settled into the comfy chairs, a young woman walked in and ordered a tall coffee and headed for a corner. (The corner was directly across from my line of vision) I noticed this gal taking a large leatherbound book (a bible) from the tote she was carrying. My attention drifted back to my friend and our coversation. We were savoring every bite of our chocolate confection and every swallow of the sweet, frosty coffee. My eyes drifted back again across the room and noticed this woman intently reading her bible! For this bible teacher I can barely put into words the emotions that bubbled up from my heart and into my throat. My eyes were tearing up. It meant the world to me. I wish I had interrupted her....told her how observing her had blessed my heart. I wish I'd told her how what may have been a very normal, ordinary practice for her was affirmation to me that God is raising up a body of believers here in Tampa and all over our land to love Him and to treasure His Word so that when difficult days come they will be able to stand strong. Believers who are not ashamed of the gospel and put action to their faith.
As I recount the day here, I'm reminded that every day the Lord is doing a thousand things that we cannot see and many that we can if we will just open our eyes!!!
God is in our midst. Can you see Him?
It's my prayer.
Judy
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