Tag: #praisegod

SON RISE

With the days growing shorter as winter approaches, I was delighted to experience a glorious sunrise and sunset on the same day while at a retreat at one of my holy places on Canandaigua Lake. I am more of a night owl than an early riser, so noting that the sunrise was around 7:30 a.m. inspired me to get up a little earlier. This was the first time I had a room with a lakeside view, so when I awoke, I was greeted with the horizon bursting with red and orange color before the sun rose. Naturally, I had to go outside to get a better view, feeling united to God and the beauty.

 

A sail boater enjoying the sunrise on Canandaigua Lake

 

A glorious sunrise

 

I enjoyed the quiet, still atmosphere of being all alone in the grassy field overlooking the lake. Just God and me. It was a sacred time, watching the horizon in expectation as the sun came up. I wondered what specifically the Scripture said that I knew contained the words “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.” Continue reading “SON RISE”

BUILDING TRUST

“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.”  –Fred Rogers

 

A music director of a church congregation shared this quote. He was having surgery for cancer the following day. What wisdom can we take away from the quote?

 

 

 

While reflecting on this quote, I couldn’t help but think how God is the perfect model for us.

When we turn to God in our brokenness as we go through trials or when life’s problems seem to overwhelm us, doesn’t God…

…welcome us in the safety of His arms as we share our hearts with Him?
  His huge outstretched arms protect you – under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm.  –Psalm 91:4  (MSG)

…listen to us with His heart?
  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  –Jeremiah 29:12  (NIV)

…let us know we can trust Him?
  Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.  –Psalm 62:8  (NIV)

…send us encouragement, be it a blessing in nature or a passage in the Word?
  For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.  –Isaiah 41:13  (NIV)

…assure us He is with us?
 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  –Joshua 1:9  (ESV)

 

Photo courtesy of Eric Holmes under Creative Commons License (CC0 1.0)

 

What a treasure it is in our lives when, especially in our distress, we first turn to God to share with Him. Knowing that God is always there for us, listening to us, comforting us, and encouraging us gives us true peace. As we trust the Lord more and more, we realize we are never alone. God is with us in the most difficult of circumstances.

It is always an extra blessing to see the people God puts in our path who model those Godly attributes in the human form. Sometimes we need that human connection to feel God’s grace even more in our lives.

Can you think of people who provide that for you?
Who comes to you knowing you are there for them?

 

This week may you be encouraged to…
…reach out to God and share your heart when life is tough, and you need a reminder you are not alone.
…look for faithful, trustworthy humans who will be there when you need them.
…seek ways you can improve yourself in building trust with others.
…praise God by the way you respect and honor those in your path by meeting them in their need.

 

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.  –1 Peter 1:22  (NIV)

THE GIFT OF SIGHT

This week come along as we go on another journey. You get to participate by becoming a main character in the story.

 

Imagine you are living back in the day when Jesus was walking this earth during His three years of public ministry.

You are blind.  One particular day you are sitting on the side of the road, and you hear the footsteps of a crowd walking by.  There is so much noise, but your ears perk up as you hear the crowd reacting with excitement at something.  You ask those nearby what is happening. Continue reading “THE GIFT OF SIGHT”

THE BARREN DESERT

Looking at the bare trees in late fall, one can sense the winter months are quickly approaching here in the northeast.  I was a little saddened looking at this scene, as I do not prefer the winter months as much.  It is more difficult being inside most of the time because of the colder weather; how I enjoy being out in nature, especially since this pandemic started.

 

 

This view was at least comforting with having the sun beating down though it was still very chilly.  In fact, I had five layers of sweaters and coats on!

 

Have you ever felt like those barren trees? Continue reading “THE BARREN DESERT”