Five Personal Lessons Learned in 2020
GOD WAVING “HELLO” TO ME
Five personal lessons learned in 2020—preparing for 2021.
In Genesis 50 we read: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for…the saving of many lives.” We have a limited view of what God is doing. Click here to read the story.
Let’s be honest, life doesn’t look so rosy right now. I am concerned about my family, friends, our government, Christian persecution, Covid. and world events. However, when I look up, I have hope. God has taught us much this last year. I praise Him because He never changes.
In my photo, the limb that chose to grow down instead of up is a source of great joy to my heart! I see it as a God Hug. It hangs over the highway on our drive out of town. I have snapped it in snow, filled with birds, waving in the breeze, laden with ice, or adorned with green or golden leaves. It brings me comfort for I know God is in His heaven and all is right in my world!
(Regarding the photo, I have a personal challenge for you at the end of this article.)
- I have been reminded of what I’ve taken for granted. Simple, life-sustaining events have become elusive at best. I miss shopping when and where I wish, hugging a friend in the store, planning a trip, dropping in on a neighbor, or visiting hospitals and nursing homes.
- I have learned to pray more fervently for each friend and family member by name. I pray diligently for the churches we serve and their pastors and families. I ask God to stir the hearts of those who do not know HIm personally, pleading for healing of soul and body for others and ourselves. Through it all, I’ve clung to His promises; He remains faithful.
- My husband and I are having more meaningful conversations. End of life issues have become a reality; are our finances and papers in order? Do our children know where we keep important documents? Do they know our needs and desires?
- We’ve both drawn closer to our children and their families. At a time when we wondered who would be here at year’s end, we learned to talk with them in a more personal way about current concerns and what the future holds. We talk of life, we talk of death; we talk of the future God has for each of us who trust Jesus as Savior and Lord. Jeremiah 29:11 Thankful God has the final word.
- I’ve asked forgiveness for being at ease in Zion. Worship online without the opportunity to lift voices together in song and prayer lacks something. I starve for hugs, laughter, freedoms. “Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should.” Psalm 9):12
Precious friend, I treasure this time together. God has created us to need others in our lives; I thank Him often for you. I pray earnestly for you. I am encouraged by your notes, e-mails, and cards.
Hugs,
Here’s your challenge: Identify one thing in your life that will cause you to “keep looking Up!” It may be an object, a Scripture to carry, a personal contact. God Hugs are everywhere; look for yours this week; let me know when you find it.
Each day we have is precious and not to be taken for granted.
Be thankful for our families and friends.
Don’t worry about things we can’t control.
Even just a smile or kind word can mean a lot to someone.
God is always in control and is here for us!
Maryetta,
Thank you for your reply. Wow! Wonderful words to live by; each line you wrote is perfect for today and every day. The world is tugging at us from all ends but we have an Anchor; He will never leave. So blessed by Him every day. Your note is an encouragement to my heart. Blessings on you and your family.
I love you Miss Susie! I am encouraged by the out of doors as you are. I love watching the clouds and imagining my Lord stepping out on one some day. I love watching my kitty sniffing around to see who has been snooping in his territory. Ha His indeed – its all God’s and he should know it.
I am saddened by my Mom wanting to be off the earth and in heaven. Impatient for sure! She just wants us not to have to worry with her any more but she doesn’t understand we love her here till God takes her home (she assures me to heaven.)
Pray for Pam. She has trouble with her hand and arm. Carpule tunnel I fear. Has a doctor appt. too far away. Hurts every day. I fear surgery will be needed. Appt. is in March. Pray for a cancellation.
Love your newsletter. Keeps me on my toes and looking up. 🙂
Wow, Gina, thank you so much for your reply, comments, and prayer request. You can be assured I will be praying for Pam as well as your precious mother.
I remember those days when I had Mother; I understood how much better off she would be in Heaven with Jesus and so many of her family. But I needed her here. And, yes, caring for them is so much more than a burden or sacrifice; it is an honor and a privilege. I’ll always remember your mother, pain and all, driving the lonely country road to every single meeting at Promise Point Church and all the women’s events. Such a trooper. And, always with an encouraging smile.
I would ask for prayers as well: I’m working on a devotional book using some of my articles. Finding it more difficult than I expected but feel it’s what God would have me do. Blessings on you and your family.
February first. Cold but not a foot of snow. Trees. Yes, I have my recliner squarely in line with a view of the back yard. I remember many of the children playing on the trampoline in the sandbox running up the steps into their playhouse fort as I marvel at the trees knowing only God can create a tree to have roots grow downward and the branches reach to the Heavens clapping them in Praise for His Greatness.
Diana,
Your notes always encourage me. I am saddened to think of all the simple pleasures we had growing up amongst the trees and outside activities. I treasure those memories of my own; I had “my oak tree” on our twenty acres; it was mine alone! Well, mine and a gazillion black ants that I would chase up and down the bark in the summertime.
Yes, I agree that the branches reach to the Heavens clapping in Praise to the Creator.
Thanks for your comments. Praying for you and family.
Susie, I’ve been busy and haven’t been at my computer for a few days. Last weekend several of our men, many young men, attended the Men’s Encounter. Two young men hugged my neck last night at our Embrace 29:11 pre-meeting meal and were beaming at their experience. One had just recently lost his wife, the love of his life from Jr. High, and yet God had given him some comfort and encouragement to serve the Lord even more. The other informed me he already had 6 new men who had never been to the Men’s Encounter coming the next time. (I’m thinking a few may not be churchgoers or even Christians.) The grandson of a childhood friend of mine from another church in the area had his life changed at the same event and was baptized. I wept when the middle boy told me about the 6 men he had invited. One man, the father of one of the young men, drove his semi to the Tuesday night event because he didn’t want to miss the testimony. I have wondered since I was a young girl and confided to the LORD, is it possible for the spirit to fall again upon the believers as it did in the days of the Apostles in Acts? Could it be, He is going to give us all a glimpse of that awesome sight the early believers were privileged to see? Will we all see revival start for this state, country, and then the world in Dallas County Missouri?
Thanks, Cathy, for sharing those stories with me. Surely God is at work in so many ways. Exciting to me that so many younger men are being touched and changed by His Holy Spirit. I believe strongly that God is teaching many of us lessons; the key is to learn how to listen and to obey.
Thanks again for taking the time to write, hugs and blessings to you.