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Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

The Innocence of a Child

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14

I walk by a store window and go “Yuk! Who is that woman?” I continue to ponder. Why am I not taller? I look so old and bent!

My friends’ hair is so cute blowing in the wind! Why is mine so straight? Wish I had different hair!

Hold on, Susie! Stop that! Do you know what you are doing? Do you think God made a mistake when He fashioned you in your mother’s womb?

If we are totally honest, most of us entertain these kinds of feelings; especially in today’s world! Taking our eyes off God and allowing these negative feelings to grow will affect all other aspects of our lives!

Father, I want to return to the innocence of this sweet little girl. She’s not concerned about her appearance; she is joyfully laboring to make her mother happy with her coloring.

We say we believe the Bible. It’s God’s word; it never changes. We believe God is the giver of life. We enjoy telling little children how God made them special- just like He wanted them to look. Why do we have such a hard time believing it for ourselves?

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“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

I know sin creeps in and destroys my vision. When I fail to give quality time to God each day; the old evil one has a heyday! He is constantly roaming through the earth to see whom he might devour. It begins with one little negative thought, then another, then another!

Did you catch that phrase above? We (YOU) are “God’s masterpiece”. That’s a fact! As they say, you can bank on it! If you want a revival in your heart and soul, read and study Psalm 139 in its entirety. Trust God to do work in your spirit as only He, your Creator, can.

For a very good article entitled “What does it mean to be Fearfully & Wonderfully Made”, click here.

Precious readers, I pray as we enter springtime together, we will enjoy the joy God has for us. I pray for you often; and thank you for praying for me.

Resolutions Out A New Thing In

It’s a New Year – Raccoon’s Pillow Says It All

It’s January—time to make some changes. Once again I vow to do better, work harder, and complete projects. In a few weeks, I’ll barely remember my resolutions, let alone keep them. How about you?

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19

This verse spoke to me today. God is doing a new thing. God is doing …

Beginning the year with a list of resolutions to accomplish on my own strength is futile. My good intentions and resolve last about as long as it takes to open the refrigerator door or flip the TV channel. Resolutions call on me to be better and to do more.

Suppose this year, I quit trying to do this and improve that and simply allow God to do a new thing in my life.

As I write this, it is day 5 of the new year and I have already found an element of freedom. I am not trying to accomplish goals on my own strength. I am enjoying a real sense of God at work in and through my life in a new way. My focus is on Him and not on myself.

Click here for a biblical perspective on how to set your goals for the year.

Instead of making one or more resolutions that would soon fall by the wayside, I asked God to change my direction; to give me a word to focus on for the year. My focus word for 2024 is “thankful”.

Being thankful is not something I have to “do”. It is something I choose to “be”. When I squeeze into that outfit one more time, I can choose to BE thankful I have choices. I can BE thankful I can dress myself; BE thankful I can live at home; BE thankful I have food in my cabinet.

Please note: I am not living in la la land! I do have goals, serious goals for the week, month, and year. But, my focus is on God and how He wants to accomplish them through me as I thank Him for opportunities, guidance, wisdom, and clarity.

I want to challenge you to do what I did. PRAY. Ask God for your word for the year (or week or month). Let Him change your focus each day and enjoy all that He has in store for you. Write your name in Isaiah 43:19; make it personal. Allow God to do a new thing in your daily life. He loves you so much; allow Him to direct your paths each day.

I am thankful for YOU!

Hugs,

Please leave a note so I can pray for you on your journey.

Schedule and Budget meet Reality

This was not a Minor Leak

“Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.” Psalm 4:5 KJV

My schedule and budget have been filled with more than time should allow. Today was to be a much-needed free do-what-you-want-day for me.

Munching on another cookie, I gathered my mailing list, gifts and packaging, and books to autograph as I settled down for some tea and planned my strategy.

There was a plumber on his way to fix what surely was just a slow drip under my kitchen sink. That should not interrupt my schedule and budget. I was organized and ready to enjoy the rest of the day as soon as he fixed my little leak and left.

An hour later: “Ma’am, could you bring me a few towels? How long has this water been dripping? You have a serious problem here.”

He has to be wrong. I need him to patch the thing and let me get on with my day! Not only did I not have time for a major problem, it sounded a bit expensive. Can’t he wrap some tape around the pipe until the holidays are over?

Friend, have you had days like that? Do they seem to be more strenuous during the Christmas season? I seriously believe the devil pulls us down at every opportunity, especially as we are preparing to celebrate our Saviour’s Birth. I don’t know about you, but I seem to have a shorter fuse during the holidays. I want everything to be perfect; with no surprises.

Today our scripture for the day hit my heart. I think The Message says it best. “Complain if you must, but don’t lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.“

Yes, it was an interruption in my schedule. Yes, it was costly. It has been drizzling (not dripping) long enough to rust the pipe! Who knows how long it will take the cabinet floor to dry? And, yes, some of my wants for the day were left unattended. But…

YES, Jesus spoke directly into my heart. Only by His grace, I could offer the following prayer as the plumber worked.

“Thank You, Jesus, I have a home! Thank You, Jesus, I knew someone to call. Thank you for him, and please bless his family as he helps others. Thank You, Jesus, for providing for me so I can pay him.”

I continued to breathe prayers of thanksgiving for a warm fire, a filled pantry, friends and relatives who are healthy; for my health, and plentiful provisions. For family and more friends than I ever deserve. For Jesus. For a Father that loves me just as I am.

Sweet friend, if you are having an abundance of bumps and detours in your holiday, trust God to work through it. And, if you want a shoulder to cry on… I am here and I am praying for you.

Hugs,