The day stretches ahead like a huge blank canvas. What will I fill it with? Lately my days have been pretty blank, with line sketches and maybe a patch of color here or there. Realizing today that I have a choice as to how it is filled makes me realize that too often the colors I use are bleak, watered down versions of the bright, vibrant colors that could grace the canvas if I would just start with God.
It puzzles me that anyone would choose to start their day without the Lord. And that I would make that choice is more puzzling still. I only do this when I’m stressed, burdened or depressed. This time I think I’m just tired from our vacation. But you can only do so much resting up. Then again perhaps the rest would do me more good if I started the day with the Lord. I’m not saying that I have neglected prayer, I pray constantly from the time I get up until I go to bed and every time I wake up at night. I pray for family, friends, pets, work, our country, all the soldiers and their families. Protection, direction, provision and healing are just a few of the things I pray for.
More than anything I want to be better, be more obedient, be healthier, be more available, and I know that God alone can help me do these things. What I need to realize is that God’s plan may not hold all of these things for me. I may struggle with weight for the rest of my life. I may have to wait ten more years to be published. God may have something totally different in mind for me. The sooner I give my; day, life, thoughts and efforts to Him the better.
I praise God that the canvas of my day may be a blessing to others no matter what colors, or lack thereof, cover it. That He is with me is something I will forever be grateful for. Even on those bleak days when the canvas remains blank I can praise my Father and thank Him for His presence.
May you feel His loving presence today, and may the canvas of your day reflect that presence to all who come in contact with you. God bless!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
How Great Is Our Father’s Love!
I’ve been reading a lot of loop emails from ACFW, and it came to me just how much I have to learn. At first I felt overwhelmed with all the technical and composition information I don't know, but after reading to the end of the page, where I had pasted three days of the digest, I realized every writer has to learn these things. That was encouraging.
I was so moved that I decided to send a letter to the loop, something I rarely do. In return I received encouragement and support from a host of members, who’ve been there. What a humbling experience it is to receive such a gift from my Father. I know it was He who inspired me to send that letter and I know He is leading those who respond.
How wonderful to know He loves me so much, to feel His presence inhabit the words of others, to know that the plan He has for me will be fulfilled. I don’t need to know the date or how it will happen or even who will be affected by my work. Just to know I am being used is an amazing gift.
How is God showing His love to you today?
I was so moved that I decided to send a letter to the loop, something I rarely do. In return I received encouragement and support from a host of members, who’ve been there. What a humbling experience it is to receive such a gift from my Father. I know it was He who inspired me to send that letter and I know He is leading those who respond.
How wonderful to know He loves me so much, to feel His presence inhabit the words of others, to know that the plan He has for me will be fulfilled. I don’t need to know the date or how it will happen or even who will be affected by my work. Just to know I am being used is an amazing gift.
How is God showing His love to you today?
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The Storm
Wow, we had a close call. It seams these storms from the gulf get closer every year. I am so thankful this was a small one. I wonder, what is it about storms that put us on edge?
Is it the realization that we have a lot to do to prepare? Or the possibly of leaving our homes to come back much later to a pile of rubble? Maybe the biggest thing storms do is bring to light the fact that we aren’t in control.
We walk through this life; working, caring for our families, visiting friends and family, helping others, going to church, taking vacations, making plans for the future when if we allow ourselves to admit it we have no control over any of these things. God allows us to live and do these things. He even blesses us with some of our dreams; travel, time with family, work, ministry, good friends, grandchildren, dream homes, etc.
What would happen if it was all gone in one day? If we were left on this earth with no family or possessions? Would we think God failed us? I know that if it happened to me I would be devastated. I would find it hard to go on, but I also know that if God allows hardship he will provide the very thing that will help me get on with His plan for my life.
Bad things do happen, but that doesn’t make God any less; God, creator, provider, Father. I can see that I would have to hold onto God with both hands if my world was so shaken. We have no guarantee that it will not happen to us one day, but we do have the promise that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. And we must trust Him to bring us through.
In the meantime; I am determined to ask Him to remove all of those things that hinder His will in my life. I’m tired of all the clutter in my life, you know, all those things I participate in that He hasn't ordained as well as the "stuff" I've accumulated that I don't need. I want what He wants. Let’s see what He moves or removes.
Is it the realization that we have a lot to do to prepare? Or the possibly of leaving our homes to come back much later to a pile of rubble? Maybe the biggest thing storms do is bring to light the fact that we aren’t in control.
We walk through this life; working, caring for our families, visiting friends and family, helping others, going to church, taking vacations, making plans for the future when if we allow ourselves to admit it we have no control over any of these things. God allows us to live and do these things. He even blesses us with some of our dreams; travel, time with family, work, ministry, good friends, grandchildren, dream homes, etc.
What would happen if it was all gone in one day? If we were left on this earth with no family or possessions? Would we think God failed us? I know that if it happened to me I would be devastated. I would find it hard to go on, but I also know that if God allows hardship he will provide the very thing that will help me get on with His plan for my life.
Bad things do happen, but that doesn’t make God any less; God, creator, provider, Father. I can see that I would have to hold onto God with both hands if my world was so shaken. We have no guarantee that it will not happen to us one day, but we do have the promise that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. And we must trust Him to bring us through.
In the meantime; I am determined to ask Him to remove all of those things that hinder His will in my life. I’m tired of all the clutter in my life, you know, all those things I participate in that He hasn't ordained as well as the "stuff" I've accumulated that I don't need. I want what He wants. Let’s see what He moves or removes.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Truth
Okay, it’s confession time. I’m a writer who has been off track for two years. I thought I was back on track, but have realized that I’ve been lying to myself and everyone else.
No wonder I am so frustrated with life. No wonder I struggle to accomplish anything during my long days home alone. I have lied to myself about the problem and now that I am able to admit it I can see where that has caused more problems with my life.
I lost the joy of keeping our home and cooking for my family. I lost the creative abilities that carried me through thirty two of our thirty four years, making suppers and desserts and special breakfasts. Why? I allowed grief to claim my heart and I retreated from life. I blamed being stuck home alone with no car or “The Change” for many of my problems. Don't mistake me, they did cause problems. Those things may have made life more difficult but they weren't the main problem.
This is where God's word comes in, it says in Matt. 10:26 "...there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known." God will always bring to light those things that hinder His will in our lives.
Those three losses in about 18 weeks took a heavy toll. I trusted God to get me through, and He has, I just didn’t expect it to take this long. I am so grateful that our Father knows exactly what we need and when. I thank our Lord for walking with me through this long valley, for helping me to navigate the treacherous paths that were often hidden by a fog, or at least a foggy mind.
What joy to know He cares so much and brought Bible study back into my life. God is growing me and I am ready to rejoin the working, ministering, writing world. It will be exciting to see what is ahead. And I know I won’t be walking the road alone.
There will still be rough places along the way but I know that my Father will be with me. He will even prepare the way before me. Thank You, Lord may all praise and honor and glory be yours. In Christ name, Amen.
God bless you.
No wonder I am so frustrated with life. No wonder I struggle to accomplish anything during my long days home alone. I have lied to myself about the problem and now that I am able to admit it I can see where that has caused more problems with my life.
I lost the joy of keeping our home and cooking for my family. I lost the creative abilities that carried me through thirty two of our thirty four years, making suppers and desserts and special breakfasts. Why? I allowed grief to claim my heart and I retreated from life. I blamed being stuck home alone with no car or “The Change” for many of my problems. Don't mistake me, they did cause problems. Those things may have made life more difficult but they weren't the main problem.
This is where God's word comes in, it says in Matt. 10:26 "...there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known." God will always bring to light those things that hinder His will in our lives.
Those three losses in about 18 weeks took a heavy toll. I trusted God to get me through, and He has, I just didn’t expect it to take this long. I am so grateful that our Father knows exactly what we need and when. I thank our Lord for walking with me through this long valley, for helping me to navigate the treacherous paths that were often hidden by a fog, or at least a foggy mind.
What joy to know He cares so much and brought Bible study back into my life. God is growing me and I am ready to rejoin the working, ministering, writing world. It will be exciting to see what is ahead. And I know I won’t be walking the road alone.
There will still be rough places along the way but I know that my Father will be with me. He will even prepare the way before me. Thank You, Lord may all praise and honor and glory be yours. In Christ name, Amen.
God bless you.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Great Expectations
Life is funny. Just as you get settled into a routine, thinking that things are going to be this way for awhile, life throws you a curve. Just as you get busy with those things God has for you to do He changes the setting.
Have you experienced God moving in your life in a powerful way? Have you had Him tell you that things are going to happen? Does that make you feel hesitant? Does it give you a great hope and joy in your heart? How do you deal with it? What do you do while you wait?
I am going through that right now. I know that God is going to use me in this new place, and I am getting excited. Even now Satan is trying to put doubt in my mind and cause me to fear that it will not happen. I will not doubt, but trust in God’s leading.
Praise God for what is ahead. Praise God for today. Praise God for our years in this place, for what we’ve learned and the people He has provided as friends. I know His provision for the future is sure and I look forward to the things He has already set in motion for us.
Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow. May you feel His blessing today and every day!!
Have you experienced God moving in your life in a powerful way? Have you had Him tell you that things are going to happen? Does that make you feel hesitant? Does it give you a great hope and joy in your heart? How do you deal with it? What do you do while you wait?
I am going through that right now. I know that God is going to use me in this new place, and I am getting excited. Even now Satan is trying to put doubt in my mind and cause me to fear that it will not happen. I will not doubt, but trust in God’s leading.
Praise God for what is ahead. Praise God for today. Praise God for our years in this place, for what we’ve learned and the people He has provided as friends. I know His provision for the future is sure and I look forward to the things He has already set in motion for us.
Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow. May you feel His blessing today and every day!!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Shadow of Danger
Rachel has been an orphan all her life when danger threatens to steal any hope she has for a future. Tossed out of the only home she’s ever known, Rachel struggles with why God would allow this to happen, as she flees in fear.
Rachel is hanging on to her faith by a thread when she finds herself without money, food or strength to continue. Being rescued by her true love, Rachel finds herself an unwelcome guest of his hostile fiancé. Will she find rest and peace in Leadville, Colorado?
An enjoyable read this story is action packed. Ms. Leach has done a wonderful job of weaving God’s love and care into this story while showing how humans can make mistakes and misread situations. This exciting story will have you turning pages to see what happens to Rachel next. Well done Jeanne Marie Leach!
Shadow of Danger
By: Jeanne Marie Leach
Mountain View Publishing
ISBN 978-1-932695-68-7
$11.95
Rachel is hanging on to her faith by a thread when she finds herself without money, food or strength to continue. Being rescued by her true love, Rachel finds herself an unwelcome guest of his hostile fiancé. Will she find rest and peace in Leadville, Colorado?
An enjoyable read this story is action packed. Ms. Leach has done a wonderful job of weaving God’s love and care into this story while showing how humans can make mistakes and misread situations. This exciting story will have you turning pages to see what happens to Rachel next. Well done Jeanne Marie Leach!
Shadow of Danger
By: Jeanne Marie Leach
Mountain View Publishing
ISBN 978-1-932695-68-7
$11.95
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Do You Believe?
Really? Do you really believe that you belong to God? I know I do, but sometimes I get side tracked by thoughts that would keep me from living like a believer. Such as;
Doubt: That sarcastic voice in my head saying things like; “You can’t do that, or “You’ll never get published, or “What makes you think you’ll succeed, you don’t even have a degree.” Etc. Etc. Etc.
Fear: Of failing, succeeding, letting my family down, and letting down all those who have been praying for me all this time. Fear; of rejection, of all those things that could harm us or of not fulfilling God’s plan for me.
Worry: This one I battle daily, more on my family’s account than my own. But I do recite Phil. 4:6-7 often. “Be anxious for nothing, but in all things through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to the Lord, and the peace of God that passes all understanding will guard you hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Did you know it is a sin to worry?
As a Believer; we/I should turn immediately from these obstacles and turn to God for His word on the subject. I must remember that I belong to Him. I was bought at a great price. I can trust that God will bring me through and that, the victory being already won by Christ, I can trust to being used for His glory.
Praise God!
Doubt: That sarcastic voice in my head saying things like; “You can’t do that, or “You’ll never get published, or “What makes you think you’ll succeed, you don’t even have a degree.” Etc. Etc. Etc.
Fear: Of failing, succeeding, letting my family down, and letting down all those who have been praying for me all this time. Fear; of rejection, of all those things that could harm us or of not fulfilling God’s plan for me.
Worry: This one I battle daily, more on my family’s account than my own. But I do recite Phil. 4:6-7 often. “Be anxious for nothing, but in all things through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to the Lord, and the peace of God that passes all understanding will guard you hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Did you know it is a sin to worry?
As a Believer; we/I should turn immediately from these obstacles and turn to God for His word on the subject. I must remember that I belong to Him. I was bought at a great price. I can trust that God will bring me through and that, the victory being already won by Christ, I can trust to being used for His glory.
Praise God!
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