Through The Years

Recently, circumstances have reminded me that personal relationships are vital to my life. My most important relationship is with God. He is the center and single most precious blessing. God enriches my life with people who love me and support me, and He is always with me. I cannot imagine a life without God.

I have been reading and studying the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel for the past couple of weeks. Wow!! The unconditional love of Our Heavenly Father is amazing! We fail Him, and He Forgives us over, and over, and over again! Jeremiah and Ezekiel gave prophecies about the temporary nature of all nations which were players in the ancient world and all have disappeared: Elam, and Edon, and Sidon, and even the Empire of Egypt. These are all just lines on a map. They are not eternal like the Word of God is. Some day, the world as we know it will no longer exist. We as Christians have to be careful that we do not place too much faith in human institutions and political entities. They are all built on sand and made of straw! I love my country, and I will try to make it a better place, but I have to keep in mind that this is not my TRUE home or country. That my allegiance really belongs to God, and my true home is with Him in Heaven. God and our souls are the only things that are eternal.

I have to ask the questions “Why do we waste our time and resources investing in earthly material things, ideas, and trends? Why don’t we go about Our Father’s Business and Follow Jesus’s Example?” Jesus is the Perfect Role Model for each of us. In the books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, God’s Words warn His People over and over, each of us are responsible for living a life in God’s Will and telling everyone the Truth about His Promises to us. Teachers, Pastors, Parents, and all who are in any type of leadership position have a responsibility to not only live a life exemplifying Jesus, but also to teach about His Life, His Teachings, and His Unconditional Love for us. If we do not tell others and show it with our daily lives, who will?

What is our level of responsibility for continuing to evangelize to others, even after they themselves have made the decision to stop or never even start practicing the faith? Ezekiel, in Chapter 33, has this to say: ” if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes, and takes any one of them; that man is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.” We are not responsible for the DECISIONS of others regarding faith, but we are responsible for making sure they know what exactly they are deciding. All we can do is keep blowing that trumpet. How the person responds to God’s call is his or her decision.

Heavenly Father, we give you praise and glory. Thank You for continuing to put wisdom as a goal before us so that we can have You as the one thing that our hearts are set upon. Lord God, in all the things we have to do, and all the people we have to love, and all the things that we care about in our lives which are gifts from You, they can cause us to take our eyes off you, the Giver. Please help us to have our eyes, hearts, and all our desires fixed on You so much that we desire nothing more than to live wisely so that we can attain you, that we can have you as the source and the center of our lives. In Jesus name I pray. In the name of the Father and of The Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen 🙏🏻

So many distractions and so much chaos seems to hunt me down, find me and sideline me temporarily. I have faith that all the interruptions will end one day, and life will resume at its normal pace! Of course, my life has never been what most people would call normal. My children and I have an understanding that we always expect the unexpected! After Clyde died, it seemed as though I was constantly facing problems I needed to solve which were often “firsts” or tasks I had never faced or had to do. It was necessary for me to learn what I needed to for my own survival.

Learning new things has always been part of my journey through life. It was much easier when I was young and filled with energy and the desire to tackle any and every thing that caught my attention and challenged me. I remember wanting to learn how to decorate cakes. I signed up for classes and began to pursue this new journey. I liked it for a while, and I made my sweet granddaughter’s first birthday cake. It was a clown themed cake, and it turned out beautifully (even if I do have to say so myself!). Emily’s birthday is August 5th, and as luck would have it our air conditioning was not working. Needless to say, that was one of those unexpected events. All I can say is I am truly thankful Chris married Lisa because she is the greatest blessing to me! ( She has the decorating skills down to an art! Of course, I loved her before I knew she could bake and decorate cakes.)

Last week, Pastor Larry told us about his professor and the assignment to draw what God looked like in the students’s minds. I have dwelt on that and pondered what God looks like to me. He told us in Genesis, Chapter 1, verse 27 how he created man. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis‬ ‭1:27‬ ‭KJV‬‬
Since He told us this, I have to believe Him. He never lies or tries to mislead me. Even though, all individuals come in different sizes, shapes, colors, and variations, we all are more alike than we are different. Based on that, my picture of God would be more one in words. He Loves unconditionally, Forgives over and over and over again, Comforts like no one else can, Protects when I do not even know I need protection, and His Faithful Presence is forever with me. He sends His Angels to lessen my loneliness in the form of family, friends, and even strangers. He knows my needs, desires, and my shortcomings, and yet He still loves me! I see Him as my Heavenly Father.

Heavenly Father, we thank you so much for all you do in our lives. We give you praise, Lord God. Thank you for this day and thank you for continuing to call us back to you. We get off course so easily, Lord God, but you are so gentle with us in bringing us back. Although, sometimes, You are not so gentle because we need to be awakened and sometimes you shout to us to wake up, and we thank you for that. We thank you for your gentleness and for your strength. We thank you that you are desperate, in some ways as you attempt to bring us back to your heart. Please do whatever it takes to bring us back to your heart today. Lord God, whether that be a gentle call, gentle correction, or whether that be something big, Lord God, do whatever it takes to get us back to your heart this day, so we can live our eternity and this day with you forever. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. In the name of the Father and of The Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen🙏

I am praying for you. Please pray for me!

Time passes quickly except when things are not going well, and It seems as though time is just dragging when I do not feel my best self. I was truly blessed by several different friends and family members this past week. While I was handling some tasks that needed to be completed, I had a wonderful conversation with a lady, and I realized that we all are more alike than we are different. If we watch and listen, God will lead us in ways we can share other’s burdens. It is much easier doing life when you are able to embrace friends and family. The most refreshing event is when even strangers are able to make you feel better with just a smile or kind words.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 NIV

While we are doing our everyday chores, shopping, and even driving from place to place, we are exposed to many opportunities for blessing others. If someone is driving erratically, pray for them. Let someone go before you in a line, while you whisper a prayer. If someone pulls out in front of you in traffic, whisper a prayer for them and for you instead of getting angry or upset. We do not know what that individual has just discovered or learned. They will not know you prayed for them, but Our Heavenly Father KNOWS! I promised myself years ago I will never miss another opportunity to pray for any soul, incident, or reason. When we are talking to God, we are taking away Satan’s influence.

I know that the road to Heaven is narrow and filled with unsettling situations. However, I know that God is with me on that road. Jesus paid for our sins, and prepared us a place for eternity, and I pray that all of us will spend that glorious time celebrating God’s Amazing Grace and His Precious Son, Jesus Christ!

All of us, at some time, feel as if things are pushing us down, and we think there will be no end to the problems, chaos, misunderstandings, and challenges. When I begin to feel burdened and frustrated, I find time to just sit and talk to God. He listens, and I can feel peace because I know He Loves ME. If anyone were to see me, I am sure they would probably be thinking, “She has truly lost it, now!” His Presence always calms me even when the circumstances causing my concern do not change. God never promised my road would be easy and free from stress, but He Did Promise He Would Always Be With ME! I am praying for you. Please pray for me.

All my life, I have lived with the idea that every single person who passes through our journey here on earth has been sent by God. Some stay for a reason, some stay for a season. If we are truly blessed, many of these people become friends, and many others become family. The awesome thing that happens is when friends become like family.

Our Heavenly Father gave us His Commandments as a Holy Map to guide us on our journey through our life in preparation for an eternity with Him. Jesus reminds us that LOVE is the greatest and most important factor in our relationship with Our Heavenly Father and with others. When Jesus was teaching, a Sadducee lawyer asked, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22:36-40‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Personal relationships are vitally important to all of us. However, the most important relationship we have is with God. It reminds me of a story I heard about a man who could be seen going into his church, staying a few minutes, and leaving quickly. He did this almost every day and sometimes multiple times during the day. When he was older and his health was deteriorating, he was hospitalized. The doctors and nurses noticed that the floor he was on had a different atmosphere among the staff and patients. He always had a smile and kind words for everyone. He visited around the halls spreading joy. When the time came that he was confined to his room, he had two chairs placed at his bedside. One day someone asked him about the extra chair, and he smiled and explained: “All my life, I would stop by the church as often as possible and go to the alter, and I would talk to God. I knew I could see Him everywhere, but I wanted to be in His House. I would say, “Hey, God! It’s me, Jim. I was just checking in with You!” Now, I am unable to go to His House, but that chair is for Him when He comes to visit with me.

The more time I spend reading God’s Word, the more I crave time with My Heavenly Father. Talking to God is very important to me, and I do a lot of talking. I have also learned to be quiet and listen for His Guidance and Encouragement! He is always with me!

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm‬ ‭139:23-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I have been thinking about what Heaven will be like. I believe Heaven is a place of perfection and complete painlessness. There is no sin. There is not even temptation to sin. Given that entry into heaven takes some fleetingly enjoyable activities off the table, it is more than worth it. No amount of worldly pleasure would ever be worth losing out on the chance to enjoy perfect happiness and oneness with the One who made us all.

I have been blessed by a podcast and a television series this year. The Bible in A year with Father Mike Schmitz and Ascension Press Podcast has helped me understand the Scriptures and makes God’s Word come alive for me. The Chosen television series is about Jesus and His followers. This wonderful production has opened my eyes to the humanness of Christ. It has made me realize if a Perfect Man, my Lord and Savior, can suffer and die for my sins, any suffering here on earth is well worth being able to eventually be with Our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

In His Parables, Jesus painted a picture of Heaven. In this life, we are supposed to be preparing for that glorious day. A part of that preparation is reading God’s Word and living a life filled with forgiveness for others, loving our fellowmen, feeding the hungry, ministering to the lost, and practicing the commandments that were given to us. If we are busy doing God’s Will, we will not have time to be involved with the chaos around us. If we want to be good role models for everyone with whom we come in contact, we must follow God’s Will for our lives.

Dear Jesus, Although we spend a lot of time shaming ourselves for sinful choices we have made in our past, that is not Your will for us. When You died on the cross for our sins, our guilt was erased, and the shame was washed away with Your blood. We do not have to continue feeling guilt for what we have done or beat ourselves up for feeling worthless. When we continue to do that, we are giving into Satan’s desire to steal from us, kill us, and destroy us. We need to rejoice and be glad because we have been given the gift of being completely cleared of guilt. Instead of wanting to sin more, we can experience more grace and change our entire life so that our hearts sing for you, full of praise and gratitude and new actions will spring from a clean heart. Thank You that we can be honest with others about our own tendencies because You modeled honesty and truth when You walked this earth. We do not have to be afraid of being exposed because You were without sin and You took our punishment upon Yourself and set us free. Thank You Precious Lord Jesus, for loving us so much that You laid down Your unblemished life for us. Amen

1. Never shake a man’s hand sitting down.
2. In a negotiation, never make the first offer.
3. When entrusted with a secret, keep it.
4. Hold your heroes to a higher standard.
5. Return a borrowed car with a full tank of gas.
6. Play with passion or don’t play at all…
7. When shaking hands, grip firmly and look them in the eye.
8. Don’t let a wishbone grow where a backbone should be.
9. Carry two handkerchiefs. The one in your back pocket is for you. The one in your breast pocket is for her.
10. When you marry the girl, or boy, you marry his or her family.
11. Be like a duck. Remain calm on the surface and paddle like crazy underneath.
12. Experience the serenity of traveling alone.
13. Never be afraid to ask out the best looking girl in the room.
14. Never turn down a breath mint.
15. Try writing your own eulogy. Never stop revising.
16. Thank a veteran. Then make it up to him/her
17. Eat lunch with the new kid.
18. After writing an angry email or letter read it carefully. Then delete it.
19. Ask your mom to play. She won’t let you win.
20. Manners maketh the man.
21. Give credit. Take the blame.
22. Stand up to Bullies. Protect those bullied.
23. Write down your dreams.
24. Take time to snuggle your pets, they love you so much and are always happy to see you.
25. Be confident and humble at the same time.
26. If ever in doubt, remember whose son or daughter you are and REFUSE to just be ordinary!
27. In all things lead by example not explanation.
28. Never, never, never leave angry or go to bed angry. Remember, we are not promised tomorrow. The present may be all we have.
29. Don’t let day to day problems, accidents, and misunderstandings control your relationships with your loved ones, especially little children.
30. Last and most important: Keep God’s Will as your priority! He will always love you and never leave you.

Edit :

I am simply sharing what I learned throughout my life.

When I was a young teenager, I believed love would be forever and forever! As I have grown older, I have realized a truth which is bittersweet. Life has a way of throwing things at you and causing upsets which seem insurmountable. Faith in God’s Grace and His Love sustains me and comforts me when I am sad, nostalgic, and remembering happier times and moments that meant so much to me.

Losing my soulmate was the most difficult obstacle I ever had to face. I guess I thought we would end our journey together. However, life did not see it the same as my dreams! Although my life partner is no longer with me, my love, respect, and commitment is as alive as it was when we fell in love. Sometimes I find myself in a mood that can only be described as “a pity party!” I attempt to not allow this mood to envelop me, but it does happen especially on certain occasions. The truth is the person you love may no longer be with you, but you cannot just stop the feelings. However, I have decided my goal will be to seek other outlets for the love I have to share.

Reading and studying the Bible has been one of my outlets and has been rewarding. In January I started listening to a podcast which has really enriched my life. The Bible in a Year Podcast with Father Mike Schmitz, which is through Ascension Press, has helped me to understand God’s Word to a depth that I have never before had. It could be that with age I have gained a little wisdom and a bunch of experience.

Another resource which has been truly amazing and a precious blessing is The Chosen series with Dallas Jenkins. I am receiving such a beautiful blessing of feelings of God’s Presence through this series. There is a peace that comes from knowing my Heavenly Father is always with me.

My children and grandchildren are my life. It gives me great joy being able to be a part of their lives. Watching each one of them serving God and living lives filled with love and care for others has truly been a blessing. When they suffer, I hurt, too. I have always wanted them to find love, success, happiness, and God’s Plan for each of them. My prayers for my children and grandchildren are that each individual will give freely of the gifts God has given to them, love others unconditionally, treasure the time they have with others, and make precious memories. The greatest gift I could receive is the knowledge that before they do anything, they always ask themselves, “What Would Jesus Do?” The answer will always be, “He Would Love First!”

I have allowed all the craziness happening in my life to interrupt my writing my blog. For this, I am truly sorry! It has been difficult to concentrate on the things I want to share. So many of my friends and family have been affected by the chaos and challenges facing all of us. However, I reminded myself that I needed to concentrate on doing what my Heavenly Father leads me to do. I want to record my memories for my family and friends to have when I am gone!

Sometimes I have a day that I call one of “those days.” You know, those days when you’d rather go back to bed, pull the covers over your head, and just stay there. On those days, when I feel sad, I talk to God because He is always available, always there for me, even when I feel alone. When I talk to Him, I remember things I know to be true, like how much He loves me, that I belong to Him, and that He will never leave me.
Most days, my feelings tell me I am loved and Jesus is with me; however, at times, they lie and tell me I’m on my own and alone. The feelings I have can never change the truth. Jesus hasn’t left me, even when I sometimes can’t feel Him. Ephesians 2:13 says that even though I may feel a certain way, because Jesus died for me, He is near to me . . . always. His forgiveness for my sins makes that possible. Therefore, on the hard days, when my emotions try to push me down, I can choose to remind my heart of the truth, I belong to Jesus and nothing can change that.
I want you to know you belong to Jesus no matter how you feel. Always tell Jesus what is happening in your heart and how you need Him to come and help you right now. When you are feeling happy, thank Him!
God, thank You for sending Jesus to die for my sins so that I can be near You. You forgive me for my sins, and nothing can push me away from You, not even my crazy feelings. In Jesus’s Holy Name, Amen.

When you find yourself alone after 51 years of being loved and taken care of by your soulmate, your best friend, your knight in shining armor, it is an extremely lonely feeling! Not only are you having a difficult time in making daily decisions, but you find yourself having to learn how to do the things your “other half” has always done for you. Simple things like balancing your finances become a huge deal. I could write a book on the list of achievements I have accomplished in the last six and a half years, but I will not bore you with the list. Just let me tell you, it is quite lengthy. In addition, I have tried not to rely on my precious children, but I have had to call on them more than I like to admit.

I believe the hardest thing with which I have had to deal is the loneliness. When you have had that one special someone with whom you spent all your time and he is no longer present, it is a vast vacant place in your heart and life. When you always consulted him before you made any plans, you find yourself making fewer plans. When you always found your joy in making him smile and be happy, you find yourself smiling less and preferring to be alone rather than making others unhappy. It is difficult to explain to others because you do not want them to worry or feel sorry for you. You want others to be filled with joy and happiness.

I have always thought I had a lot of love to give. My daddy told me once that the more love you gave the more you had to give. I believe that is true because my heart just keeps overflowing with love for others. I love with no expectation of receiving anything in return. In fact, the best feeling in the world is to do something for someone and not letting them know it is coming from you. Even when I know I really cannot afford to do something, sometimes I feel led to do it anyway. That action has gotten me into trouble a few times!

I do not know what my future holds for me, but I do know who holds my future in His Hands. God has always had me in His Hands since I was a very young child and accepted Jesus as my Savior! I belonged to Him even before that because He created me. Through the years I made mistakes, but He always forgave me and protected me. I know God Loves Me, and His Plan for me is better than any plan I could make for myself.