Taking Care of Me

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:5

The ancient God is home on a foundation of everlasting arms. He drove out the enemy before you and commanded, "Destroy!" Deuteronomy 33:27

God is taking care of me! God is taking care of you! He is taking care of us!

I love hearing that God is taking care of me and is so intricately involved in my life!  I love knowing that He has a plan for me and knows the way my life turns out. I find much comfort in the fact that He knows the beginning from the end and is actually caring for my every day, my every hour, my every move.

I'm happy today! I'm so excited that today is Friday and I actually get to prepare for the Sabbath. Just a couple weeks ago I would be working until almost 6pm and wouldn't get home until almost 7. I wouldn't have time to clean my home, make dinner for my hubby and myself, or relax and welcome the Sabbath. But, (thank God for buts) I get to do that today!!! I get to clean our home, I get to prepare for our dinner plans with little sister and her hubby, and I even get to finish frosting my freshly baked cake I made from scratch! (Yes, I actually had time to bake from scratch)

God is good and He is taking care of me! He knows what will make me happy and He cares about my wants and needs!

When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." God's Decree. "I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you"—God's Decree—"bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it. Jeremiah 29:13-14

In His Time

There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth. Ecclesiastes 3:1

There is a time for everything! God says to wait on Him and your life will be simple and worry-free.

There are so many people that I know (myself included) that worry about the future or try and figure out things before there time comes. I find myself worrying about things that I know I can't do today and then I just stress out about it. My hubby is the best when it comes to this! He puts things into perspective for me and shows me that worrying is pointless and everything will work out!

God wants us to think like that - like my hubby does! Don't worry about the things that are upcoming. Only think of the things of the here and now. God promises that He will take care of what is to come and we need to trust Him! There is a time for everything!!! Just remember that!

In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world. John 16:33

Gift Giving and Receiving

I'll rejoice in being an element in the offering of your faith that you make on Christ's altar, a part of your rejoicing. Philippians 2:17

Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in. Mark 10:15 

God is a giver. We have this in common. I love to give things to others and I love their reaction to what I give to them. Out of the 5 love languages, mine is definitely a giver. I'm sure that God has all 5 love languages and we are all like Him in whatever our own is.

Today's devotion happened to be about God as a giver. He has given us everything, including himself, and He wants us to accept with thanksgiving. I think God loves our reaction when we accept His gifts! I'm sure that He loves how excited we get or how thankful we are when we accept whatever He has to offer.

Today I am enjoying Christ's gift of sunshine, beautiful flowers and friendship. I will be gardening today and can't wait to bask in the glory of God through His wonders and beauties He has given us!

People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit. Isaiah 26:3

Giving Him Time

Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Romans 12:2

There are moments in this life when other things seem much more demanding of our time, interesting, or higher priorities than spending time with Christ. As I sat down to prepare for my devotions this morning I found myself thinking of other things, worrying about my day and what it was going to bring. I hardly could get through my prayer without getting distracted a couple times.

I began reading the devotion for this morning and say that it was about focusing on God and not letting the things of this world distract us! What a way to give me a reality check! Now I know that this page would have still been here whether or not I was being distracted or not, but I know that God was reminding me to give Him time and give Him my attention.

If we give God our attention and let Him be the one who is taking care of all the distractions then we won't jump into the day with the wrong foot. We will be prepared for what is to come and He will direct us.

But you walked away from your first love—why? What's going on with you, anyway? Do you have any idea how far you've fallen? A Lucifer fall! Revelation 2:4

The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, so therefore you can look forward to sharing in God's glory. It's that simple. That is the substance of our Message. Colossians 1:27 

Waiting on God

I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left. God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It's a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God. Lamentations 3:24-26

But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles. They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind. Isaiah 40:31 

Waiting on God is something that I'm learning to do. I try so hard to make the right choices and to make sure that I am "on the right path" but waiting on God is hard to do.

This morning I was reminded once again that waiting on God is what we were made for. We were created to wait upon God and to live in His presence.

Currently, I am looking for a job and anticipating the future. I am thinking ahead on doing everything with correct timing and hoping the right doors will open. I know that I should just wait on God and allow Him to guide me and not worry about it. I know that I should pray a lot about it and to let God handle it. It is so hard to do and I am trying my best to allow this.

So, today I am choosing to let it go! I am deciding that I will wait on God and see where He leads me.

Now you've got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face. Ever since you took my hand, I'm on the right way. Psalms 16:11

A Garden

Yes, indeed—God is my salvation. I trust, I won't be afraid. God—yes God!—is my strength and song, best of all, my salvation!" Joyfully you'll pull up buckets of water from the wells of salvation. And as you do it, you'll say, "Give thanks to God." Isaiah 12:2-3

There are so many things to be thankful for! I am so excited that we get to go see family today and stay until Sunday. Originally the plan was to leave Friday, late, and come back on Sunday but now we get the chance to go today!

I am also thankful for the warm weather! The rain came and went and now the sun is shining and I'm doing a bit of gardening and preparing the soil for some beautiful spring flowers! Now that I have the time to get it done I'm enjoying being in the sunshine.

It actually reminded me a bit about life. Sometimes the weeds take over and make the picture ugly. Life doesn't seem so beautiful and it seems a bit messy and unkept. It needs something to come in and clear away all the filth and weeds that are taking over and make it beautiful. But it's not easy - trust me! It hurts and it's a lot of work. It takes time and it will require maintenance all the way through. But, so glad there is a but, the garden will have beauty! It will even feel so much better once it's seen after an ugly patch! It can be appreciated for the beauty it now has - especially after where it came from!

 You pile blessings on him; you make him glad when you smile. Psalms 21:6

Thanks

The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what's ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we'll never settle for less. 2 Corinthians 5:5

And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We're free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. 2 Corinthians 3:17 

Never settle for less. Always know that God is working on us and leading is to better things ahead.

Thank Him for this. Thank Him for His love and guidance. Even when times don't seem hopeful or things don't seem worth thanks, give it anyways. We are never given up on or let go of and that is worth all the thanks in the world!

Sometimes just giving thanks for the circumstances we are in will give us enough perspective to realize that we are His and we are taken care of. All we need to do is trust and hold on!

Spread for me a banquet of praise, serve High God a feast of kept promises. Psalms 50:14 

Many Changes

All sunshine and sovereign is God, generous in gifts and glory. He doesn't scrimp with his traveling companions. It's smooth sailing all the way with God-of-the-Angel-Armies. Psalms 84:12

God promises that all things will work together for good and that He has plans for us!

My life took yet another hit this past week and I can't say that I'm shocked about it. Not because I was necessarily expecting this, but because my life has seemed to be a whirlwind of bumps and bruises these last 6 months.

Last week I was called into a meeting at work and was told that my hours and salary were being but in half and my title of "head teacher" was being given to another employee. The status for these changes was not clear to me and I was in complete shock to this news.

Of course I was angry, confused, and hurt by this sudden change, but I held it together and worked my very last day. The next day I went to get more clarification from my employer, which was utterly exhausting - emotionally and physically. At the end of the meeting I told them I had worked my last day and turned in my keys.

Through all this I know that God has a plan and has promised me something greater. I feel like He has prepared me for this very situation and is working on the next step for me to take. A part of me feels like these last 6 months have only prepared me for this time and made me strong in my faith and trust in Jesus. I know that He will carry me through this.

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. Matthew 6:34 

Wait. Trust. Hope.

Don't let this throw you. You trust God, don't you? Trust me. John 14:1

Stay with God! Take heart. Don't quit. I'll say it again: Stay with God. Psalms 27:14

Waiting. Trusting. Hoping. These all go hand in hand when it comes to a relationship with Jesus.

I know that it is hard to do all three - especially at the same time. A lot of times I am waiting but not trusting. I'm trusting, but it's not during a time that I'm having to wait. A lot of times I'm hoping but not waiting patiently. You get the point.

In order to be still and remain faithful all three components must work together. Waiting patiently while trusting only God to make things work out and hoping for the best end result. All these things, together, work wonderfully.

We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:18-20 

Fruits of the Spirit

But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Galatians 5:22-23

So, so thankful it is Friday! I am once again in a desperate need for the weekend and I can't wait to be done with work today! It will be a true blessing when the clock strikes 5:45pm.

I love this rendition of the Fruits of the Spirit in "The Message" Bible. This is where I find all my texts and I love how it really describes the fruits here in the passage. As I was reading it, I didn't think that it was the correct text. I had just read Galatians 5:22 in the NRSV and didn't think that they sounded much alike at all. As I read on, I noticed that the text was describing the fruits of the spirit instead of just naming them. I love the mental picture and clarity I get from this interpretation.

When we live God's way, we have an "exuberance about life". In other words, we are full of energy and excitement about life! This is my desire! I really want to be full of excitement about life on a day to day basis! I want this to be my focus today and my prayer. God doesn't waiver from His promises and He said that if I am living in His way I will bear these fruits. Well, this is one of them and my prayer today is that I will radiate an exuberance for life!

No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love! 1 John 4:12

Seek God

Study God and his strength, seek his presence day and night. 1 Chronicles 16:11

When we seek God's face in everything our lives become connected with Him and our attitudes change. It doesn't become magically easy (in fact, sometimes contrary to that). The Devil is on the prowl for anyone with is seeking God and His peace. Just remember, when you look at Jesus and dwell on Him and continue in His presence you will have a peace and trust that will carry you through.

Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Matthew 6:33

Hold On for Dear Life

If I'm sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection. Because you've always stood up for me, I'm free to run and play. I hold on to you for dear life, and you hold me steady as a post. Psalms 63:7-8

I love this text from Psalms. It gives me a mental picture of me standing somewhere that is super windy - maybe the beach. And the winds and rain are pushing up against me and I'm hanging on for dear life. I am frightened and can't seem to find safety. And as I'm standing there scared and panicked, I am actually holding tightly to the figure of Jesus. He is calm and collected and standing there letting me hold onto Him.

Life sometimes feels like we're being attacked from all angles. It may feel like our trials are too hard or the day isn't worth facing, but just remember that Jesus is constant. He is there and is holding you steady and letting you hang on for dear life! He won't let you fall and He will be here with you and go with you through your day.

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:2-4

Don't Worry, God's in Control, Stick with Him

He's there from now to eternity to save everyone who comes to God through him, always on the job to speak up for them. Hebrews 7:25

The past few days I've been sick and not feeling up to blogging. However, I did still read my reading for the days and felt truly inspired to write about them. They were full of so many truths and encouragement that I wanted to share!

Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? If fussing can't even do that, why fuss at all? Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don't fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? Luke 12:25-26 

Sunday's devotion was about worrying and how we should try not to do it! I am a big worrier. I find things to worry about all the time and let's just say it wears on me. Well, this reading reminded me that life is always going to have worries! There is always going to be something to worry about and it's never going to be worry-free. So instead of using up my time and energy on that, staying completely connected with Jesus and communication with Him about everything and He will put it into perspective and help you get a handle on things!

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:28 

Yesterday's devotion was by far my favorite so far! It was  such a great reminder that God is in control and has a plan for everything. Are entire life is made of up moments that all work together with our best intentions at heart! God has a plan! There is no doubt about it and He is constantly working to better our lives!

Problems still occur, and troubles still hit, but knowing that God is working them all together for something good is a great treasure to hold on to and remember.

But to us who are personally called by God himself—both Jews and Greeks—Christ is God's ultimate miracle and wisdom all wrapped up in one. 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

This morning's devotion was just another reminder that God is with us and for us. He will never let us walk alone. It is okay to enjoy our journey and face problems and adversity with confidence and strength! Walk with Him always and you will be going in the greatest direction of your life!

Get insurance with God and do a good deed, settle down and stick to your last. Keep company with God, get in on the best. Psalm 37:3-4

Knowing Who is Calling

I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.

You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness. Ephesians 4:1-6 

 We each have a calling. We all have something that we are doing in this world that is purposeful. It is sometimes hard to see what goal we are striving for or what needs to be accomplished, but hearing and recognizing God's voice is so important. In order to walk through this life with purpose and understanding we must know when God is calling us.

The world has constant distractions and many voices that try and call us their direction. Not all of them are bad or unnecessary, but we do need to know the difference between their voices and God's.

God doesn't want us to be confused or unsure of the direction our life is going. He wants us to be in complete union with Him that we never are misunderstood. When times get tough and confusion takes place, try looking to God and asking what worldly distractions are we getting confused with God's voice?

He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he gets them all out, he leads them and they follow because they are familiar with his voice. John 10:4

Finally Friday!

You don't have to wait for the End. I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. The one who believes in me, even though he or she dies, will live. And everyone who lives believing in me does not ultimately die at all. John 11:25

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Matthew 11:28-29 

God promises to give us that extra strength when we need it. He promises that He will provide us with inner peace and strength for what we are going through.

These promises are so important to hold on to. They are what get me through days where I just want to crawl into my bed and sleep the hours away. (And trust me - working with 30 three and four year olds will do that to you!)

Now it is Friday! I am so happy that Friday is here and tomorrow is rest, rest and rest! I can't wait! Luckily, today is a more relaxed day at work and I got a really good sleep last night! I thank God for that and all the other many blessings He has given to me!

You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don't see him, yet you trust him—with laughter and singing. Because you kept on believing, you'll get what you're looking forward to: total salvation. 1 Peter 1:8-9

A Minor Breaking Point

Never walk away from Wisdom—she guards your life; love her—she keeps her eye on you. Proverbs 4:6

This morning my devotion was about being anxious and coming to God with the concerns of your life and learning how to grow from them. Well, let's just say I need to hear this one after last night. I don't know if it's because I was exhausted (it is the middle of the week), or if it was a result of my throat hurting suddenly after I got off work last night; whatever it was I had a hard night.

I guess with all the things I've been going through I was bound to have a bit of a breakdown. Luckily, my hubby was there to comfort and support and he tried his best to encourage me. At his point in time, I know the only thing I can do is go to Jesus and ask for peace. I mean it is what He is striving for anyways! I know that many trials happen in our lives to teach us perseverance and to learn real peace. It is just hard at times when you're actually going through the motions of it all.

So today I'm asking God, I'm petitioning Him, to give me peace and to help me through this week. I need His love and His strength - I can't make it on my own. I need Him to show me the best way to get through and to carry me in the moment that I can't seem to move past on my own.

People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit. Isaiah 26:3