Overwhelmed?

We all have moments when we are overwhelmed or we don't think too much of life or ourselves at that particular moment. That is when this verse gives so much comfort: “ Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar.” Psalm 138:6

Even though the feeling of being lowly may not always be where we want to be it is usually where we need to be. God meets us there and what better place to be than where we find God. 

Oh, I love being on top of the world and all is good in my days but I have learned not to dread the days that are less than perfect. I find that life is sometimes the opposite of what we believe. A perfect day feels great but I have also felt that my less than perfect days can sometimes be better. When the bottom has fallen out and I have found myself in the land of the abyss where God's mercy and grace that pulled me out. I can look back in pictures remembering the blessings that came from the difficulty of that moment in time. A good example is when my husband and I look back at the 9 years when he suffered most with kidney disease. We are amazed at all the activities, trips and special moments with our kids and grandkids. It seems to us we shared more together than any other time in both our lives. That was a gift from God because there is no other way to explain how it was even possible.

This picture was taken as we were driving through the state of New York, October 2014.

Overwhelmed?

We all have moments when we are overwhelmed or we don't think too much of life or ourselves at that particular moment. That is when this verse gives so much comfort: “ Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar.” Psalm 138:6

Even though the feeling of being lowly may not always be where we want to be it is usually where we need to be. God meets us there and what better place to be than where we find God. 

Oh, I love being on top of the world and all is good in my days but I have learned not to dread the days that are less than perfect. I find that life is sometimes the opposite of what we believe. A perfect day feels great but I have also felt that my less than perfect days can sometimes be better. When the bottom has fallen out and I have found myself in the land of the abyss where God's mercy and grace that pulled me out. I can look back in pictures remembering the blessings that came from the difficulty of that moment in time. A good example is when my husband and I look back at the 9 years when he suffered most with kidney disease. We are amazed at all the activities, trips and special moments with our kids and grandkids. It seems to us we shared more together than any other time in both our lives. That was a gift from God because there is no other way to explain how it was even possible.

This picture was taken as we were driving through the state of New York, October 2014.

Overwhelmed?

We all have moments when we are overwhelmed or we don't think too much of life or ourselves at that particular moment. That is when this verse gives so much comfort: “ Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar.” Psalm 138:6

Even though the feeling of being lowly may not always be where we want to be it is usually where we need to be. God meets us there and what better place to be than where we find God. 

Oh, I love being on top of the world and all is good in my days but I have learned not to dread the days that are less than perfect. I find that life is sometimes the opposite of what we believe. A perfect day feels great but I have also felt that my less than perfect days can sometimes be better. When the bottom has fallen out and I have found myself in the land of the abyss where God's mercy and grace that pulled me out. I can look back in pictures remembering the blessings that came from the difficulty of that moment in time. A good example is when my husband and I look back at the 9 years when he suffered most with kidney disease. We are amazed at all the activities, trips and special moments with our kids and grandkids. It seems to us we shared more together than any other time in both our lives. That was a gift from God because there is no other way to explain how it was even possible.

This picture was taken as we were driving through the state of New York, October 2014.

Overwhelmed?

 We all have moments when we are overwhelmed or we don't think too much of life or ourselves at that particular moment. That is when this verse gives so much comfort: “ Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar.” Psalm 138:6

Even though the feeling of being lowly may not always be where we want to be it is usually where we need to be. God meets us there and what better place to be than where we find God. 

Oh, I love being on top of the world and all is good in my days but I have learned not to dread the days that are less than perfect. I find that life is sometimes the opposite of what we believe. A perfect day feels great but I have also felt that my less than perfect days can sometimes be better. When the bottom has fallen out and I have found myself in the land of the abyss where God's mercy and grace that pulled me out. I can look back in pictures remembering the blessings that came from the difficulty of that moment in time. A good example is when my husband and I look back at the 9 years when he suffered most with kidney disease. We are amazed at all the activities, trips and special moments with our kids and grandkids. It seems to us we shared more together than any other time in both our lives. That was a gift from God because there is no other way to explain how it was even possible.

This picture was taken as we were driving through the state of New York, October 2014.

What does FAITH look like?

This is a great picture of what “FAITH” looks like. My husband tells my nephew to jump and he does because as you can tell by his face he knows his uncle is going to catch him. He has no doubt and his face is fearless with a huge smile that this is going to work out perfectly and be fun! I have seen so many kids his age that were too afraid because they thought they were going to be hurt or worse even drown. They felt something would happen and did not believe the person who was wanting them to jump so they could catch them. Those children have to learn as they grow to trust a parent or adult that they will catch them after many words and tears usually.

Life has so many moments that make us believe or feel like those kids that we are going to be hurt or drown. We get overwhelmed and want to quit because life is too difficult. That’s the reason God writes to us in the scriptures so we don’t give up. God is in the pool saying JUMP to me and I will protect you! Do we have the faith required to jump? What is Faith?

Hebrews 11:1 Now FAITH is the substance of things hoped for. The evidence of things not seen.

Tony Evans says, “Faith is acting like God is telling the truth.” - Faith is acting like it is so even if is not so. In order that it might be so. Simply because God said so.

Handling Fear

I Kings 19:2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.”

Jezebel was letting Elijah know she was going to kill him. She was furious that he had conquered her pagan prophets and wanted revenge. Elijah had just won a great victory and was on the mountain top of life until he heard this threat. He ran for his life and found himself in the midst of despair going from faith to fear.

Elijah was a great and righteous prophet of God who ended up deep in despair and depression because of fear. He was so overwhelmed with fear that he asked God to kill him. Have you ever felt like that? I have and remember praying that same prayer in 2013 because I felt like such a failure. His emotions were more focused on his fears than on the victories God had given him just days before. Fear came while he was on the mountain top of life and immediately he was in the valley of despair.

Fear is a struggle that we all face in life and we need to encourage each other as God did Elijah. We need to rebuke the spirit of fear in Jesus name. We need to understand the power given to us by God which is the Holy Spirit and that we are more than conquerors in this life.

My prayer: Dear Lord, please send me in my times of fear those who will help me more in my faith and not those who will only crush me in my weakness. Let me know how to encourage those in my life who may be struggling with their own fear.

This picture was taken as I was traveling through Arkansas with my mom in January 2010.

The Mind Has Mountains

But those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Sometimes, like mountains, our mind can seem overloaded with too much to do, fears, struggles, and heartaches. We can feel overwhelmed from all the noise in our heads. In those times, however, remember that we have a remarkable resource. We have a heavenly Father who stands ready to help us climb that mountain.  God is capable of handling the mountains in our minds that overwhelm us.

Dear Lord, I have too much going on in my mind and in my life. I have no idea where to begin or how to get it all done. I am tired, frustrated and worn out. Lord, give me the strength to do all that needs to be done and help me to know what I need to eliminate from my life in order to have the right balance. I am trusting that with your strength and wisdom, I will be able to conquer this mountain in my mind.

 This picture was taken when I visited Ronda Spain in 2012. Around the city of Ronda are remains of prehistoric settlements.

My Tears for Ukraine

Right now I am engulfed in sadness at what is happening in Ukraine. I am overwhelmed with grief at what I am watching with the men, women and children who are caught up in this horror. I feel powerless that I cannot rise in battle with them for their freedom. I don’t believe they would find it reassuring to see this 62 year old grandma armed to aid them but I definitely would give up my life to fight for their freedom. How could I not when I know many lives were sacrificed for my own freedom.

Growing up we were taught about the dangers of communism and the price of our freedom. My family experienced living in the beautiful country of Spain during the dictatorship of Franco. They saw what that looked like in comparison to the freedom of the United States. I was taught the difference early in my life and it has always been the reason for my patriotism of being an American. 

I have never questioned two things in my life. My faith and my freedom as an American citizen. Those are definitely two things I don’t struggle to believe and to be grateful that I have. Life has given me many struggles in my 62 years but those are two things that have never wavered, thankfully.

My prayer: God PLEASE protect the people of Ukraine! Protect us all from the evil of those who want to take away any of our basic rights. Strengthen our faith as we see the injustices of this war on European soil. Guide us all to do our part to help those who are impacted personally. Give wisdom to our leaders of democracy to be able to creatively assist Ukraine and not cause an escalation in the process. Only you have the power to do this and I lift this prayer up to you to bring Ukraine and our democracy a miracle!!! In Jesus name…..

Psalm 56:8 You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.  

This picture was taken when we visited Rota, Spain 🇪🇸 

Handling Fear

I Kings 19:2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.”

Jezebel was letting Elijah know she was going to kill him. She was furious that he had conquered her pagan prophets and wanted revenge. Elijah had just won a great victory and was on the mountain top of life until he heard this threat. He ran for his life and found himself in the midst of despair going from faith to fear.

Elijah was a great and righteous prophet of God who ended up deep in despair and depression because of fear. He was so overwhelmed with fear that he asked God to kill him. Have you ever felt like that? I have and remember praying that same prayer in 2013 because I felt like such a failure. His emotions were more focused on his fears than on the victories God had given him just days before. Fear came while he was on the mountain top of life and immediately he was in the valley of despair.

Fear is a struggle that we all face in life and we need to encourage each other as God did Elijah. We need to rebuke the spirit of fear in Jesus name. We need to understand the power given to us by God which is the Holy Spirit and that we are more than conquerors in this life.

My prayer: Dear Lord, please send me in my times of fear those who will help me more in my faith and not those who will only crush me in my weakness. Let me know how to encourage those in my life who may be struggling with their own fear. 

This picture was taken as I was traveling through Arkansas with my mom in January 2010.

Wearing Woes!

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

We need to remember that everyone has problems, fears, anxiety, betrayal, and this list is endless. No one is immune to difficult circumstances. No one has the monopoly on problems and issues in this world either. There is enough to go around. We can't control the difficult circumstances that come into our life and we can't always control how we wear our woes.

woes

definition

1. grievous distress, affliction, or trouble.

All the positive thinking in the world will not work to help overcome the wounds life may bring but God can heal us in ways we don't expect.

When in the midst of conflict or problems in my own life, God sends reminders to me of all that is good. For example, I can hang around one of my grand kids who hugs me so tenderly and tells me they love me and all is well in my world. My husband and I have moments when the young adults at church will say or do something for us that our hearts become overwhelmed with joy. God has provided nieces and nephews in our life that lift us up just by hanging around them. We thank God constantly for the sweet relationships He gives us each day. My husband and I remind ourselves to take time to reflect on all the good that God has provided and we want to wear our gratefulness. Is our life perfect? Of course not, but most days it feels pretty close because of the relationships God gives to us who become the hands and feet of Jesus in our life.

My prayer today is to thank God for all that is good today and to trust Him with all that is not...

 This picture was taken by my mom in Spain of a poppy field in 2006.

If I Had My Life To Live Over by Erma Bombech

This picture was taken of the parrots in my front yard years ago. Erma Bombeck was one of my favorite writers about being a mom and wife. When I would be overwhelmed with domestic responsibilities Erma would write something that would lighten the heart!

Wearing Woes!

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

We need to remember that everyone has problems, fears, anxiety, betrayal, and this list is endless. No one is immune to difficult circumstances. No one has the monopoly on problems and issues in this world either. There is enough to go around. We can't control the difficult circumstances that come into our life and we can't always control how we wear our woes.

woes

definition

1. grievous distress, affliction, or trouble.

All the positive thinking in the world will not work to help overcome the wounds life may bring but God can heal us in ways we don't expect.

When in the midst of conflict or problems in my own life, God sends reminders to me of all that is good. For example, I can hang around one of my grand kids who hugs me so tenderly and tells me they love me and all is well in my world. My husband and I have moments when the young adults at church will say or do something for us that our hearts become overwhelmed with joy. God has provided nieces and nephews in our life that lift us up just by hanging around them. We thank God constantly for the sweet relationships He gives us each day. My husband and I remind ourselves to take time to reflect on all the good that God has provided and we want to wear our gratefulness. Is our life perfect? Of course not, but most days it feels pretty close because of the relationships God gives to us who become the hands and feet of Jesus in our life.

My prayer today is to thank God for all that is good today and to trust Him with all that is not...

 This picture was taken by my mom in Spain of a poppy field in 2006.

Handling Fear

I Kings 19:2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.”

Jezebel was letting Elijah know she was going to kill him. She was furious that he had conquered her pagan prophets and wanted revenge. Elijah had just won a great victory and was on the mountain top of life until he heard this threat. He ran for his life and found himself in the midst of despair going from faith to fear.

Elijah was a great and righteous prophet of God who ended up deep in despair and depression because of fear. He was so overwhelmed with fear that he asked God to kill him. Have you ever felt like that? I have and remember praying that same prayer in 2013 because I felt like such a failure. His emotions were more focused on his fears than on the victories God had given him just days before. Fear came while he was on the mountain top of life and immediately he was in the valley of despair.

Fear is a struggle that we all face in life and we need to encourage each other as God did Elijah. We need to rebuke the spirit of fear in Jesus name. We need to understand the power given to us by God which is the Holy Spirit and that we are more than conquerors in this life.

My prayer: Dear Lord, please send me in my times of fear those who will help me more in my faith and not those who will only crush me in my weakness. Let me know how to encourage those in my life who may be struggling with their own fear. 

This picture was taken as I was traveling through Arkansas with my mom in January 2010.

What does FAITH look like?

 

This is a great picture of what “FAITH” looks like. My husband tells my nephew to jump and he does because as you can tell by his face he knows his uncle is going to catch him. He has no doubt and his face is fearless with a huge smile that this is going to work out perfectly and be fun! I have seen so many kids his age that were too afraid because they thought they were going to be hurt or worse even drown. They felt something would happen and did not believe the person who was wanting them to jump so they could catch them. Those children have to learn as they grow to trust a parent or adult that they will catch them after many words and tears usually.

Life has so many moments that make us believe or feel like those kids that we are going to be hurt or drown. We get overwhelmed and want to quit because life is too difficult. That’s the reason God writes to us in the scriptures so we don’t give up. God is in the pool saying JUMP to me and I will protect you! Do we have the faith required to jump? What is Faith?

Hebrews 11:1 Now FAITH is the substance of things hoped for. The evidence of things not seen.

Tony Evans says, “Faith is acting like God is telling the truth.” - Faith is acting like it is so even if is not so. In order that it might be so. Simply because God said so.

If I Had My Life To Live Over by Erma Bombeck

This picture was taken of the parrots in my front yard years ago. Erma Bombeck was one of my favorite writers about being a mom and wife. When I would be overwhelmed with domestic responsibilities Erma would write something that would lighten the heart!

The Mind Has Mountains

But those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 

Sometimes, like mountains, our mind can seem overloaded with too much to do, fears, struggles, and heartaches. We can feel overwhelmed from all the noise in our heads. In those times, however, remember that we have a remarkable resource. We have a heavenly Father who stands ready to help us climb that mountain.  God is capable of handling the mountains in our minds that overwhelm us.

Dear Lord, I have too much going on in my mind and in my life. I have no idea where to begin or how to get it all done. I am tired, frustrated and worn out. Lord, give me the strength to do all that needs to be done and help me to know what I need to eliminate from my life in order to  have the right balance. I am trusting that with your strength and wisdom, I will be able to conquer this mountain in my mind.

 This picture was taken when I visited Ronda Spain in 2012. Around the city of Ronda are remains of prehistoric settlements.

Wearing Woes!

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

We need to remember that everyone has problems, fears, anxiety, betrayal, and this list is endless. No one is immune to difficult circumstances. No one has the monopoly on problems and issues in this world either. There is enough to go around. We can't control the difficult circumstances that come into our life and we can't always control how we wear our woes.

woes

definition

1. grievous distress, affliction, or trouble.

All the positive thinking in the world will not work to help overcome the wounds life may bring but God can heal us in ways we don't expect.

When in the midst of conflict or problems in my own life, God sends reminders to me of all that is good. For example, I can hang around one of my grand kids who hugs me so tenderly and tells me they love me and all is well in my world. My husband and I have moments when the young adults at church will say or do something for us that our hearts become overwhelmed with joy. God has provided nieces and nephews in our life that lift us up just by hanging around them. We thank God constantly for the sweet relationships He gives us each day. My husband and I remind ourselves to take time to reflect on all the good that God has provided and we want to wear our gratefulness. Is our life perfect? Of course not, but most days it feels pretty close because of the relationships God gives to us who become the hands and feet of Jesus in our life.

My prayer today is to thank God for all that is good today and to trust Him with all that is not...

 This picture was taken by my mom in Spain of a poppy field in 2006.

The Mind Has Mountains

But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 

Sometimes, like mountains, our mind can seem overloaded with too much to do, fears, struggles, and heartaches. We can feel overwhelmed from all the noise in our heads. In those times, however, remember that we have a remarkable resource. We have a heavenly Father who stands ready to help us climb that mountain.  God is capable of handling the mountains in our minds that overwhelm us.

Dear Lord, I have too much going on in my mind and in my life. I have no idea where to begin or how to get it all done. I am tired, frustrated and worn out. Lord, give me the strength to do all that needs to be done and help me to know what I need to eliminate from my life in order to  have the right balance. I am trusting that with your strength and wisdom, I will be able to conquer this mountain in my mind.

 This picture was taken when I visited Ronda Spain in 2012. Around the city of Ronda are remains of prehistoric settlements.

What does FAITH look like?

 

This is a great picture of what “FAITH” looks like. My husband tells my nephew to jump and he does because as you can tell by his face he knows his uncle is going to catch him. He has no doubt and his face is fearless with a huge smile that this is going to work out perfectly and be fun! I have seen so many kids his age that were too afraid because they thought they were going to be hurt or worse even drown. They felt something would happen and did not believe the person who was wanting them to jump so they could catch them. Those children have to learn as they grow to trust a parent or adult that they will catch them after many words and tears usually.

Life has so many moments that make us believe or feel like those kids that we are going to be hurt or drown. We get overwhelmed and want to quit because life is too difficult. That’s the reason God writes to us in the scriptures so we don’t give up. God is in the pool saying JUMP to me and I will protect you! Do we have the faith required to jump? What is Faith?

Hebrews 11:1 Now FAITH is the substance of things hoped for. The evidence of things not seen.

Tony Evans says, “Faith is acting like God is telling the truth.” - Faith is acting like it is so even if is not so. In order that it might be so. Simply because God said so.

Wearing Woes

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

We need to remember that everyone has problems, fears, anxiety, betrayal, and this list is endless. No one is immune to difficult circumstances. No one has the monopoly on problems and issues in this world either. There is enough to go around. We can't control the difficult circumstances that come into our life and we can't always control how we wear our woes. 

woes

definition

1. grievous distress, affliction, or trouble.

All the positive thinking in the world will not work to help overcome the wounds life may bring but God can heal us in ways we don't expect.

When in the midst of conflict or problems in my own life, God sends reminders to me of all that is good. For example, I can hang around one of my grand kids who hugs me so tenderly and tells me they love me and all is well in my world. My husband and I have moments when the young adults at church will say or do something for us that our hearts become overwhelmed with joy. God has provided nieces and nephews in our life that lift us up just by hanging around them. We thank God constantly for the sweet relationships He gives us each day. My husband and I remind ourselves to take time to reflect on all the good that God has provided and we want to wear our gratefulness. Is our life perfect? Of course not, but most days it feels pretty close because of the relationships God gives to us who become the hands and feet of Jesus in our life.

My prayer today is to thank God for all that is good today and to trust Him with all that is not...

 This picture was taken by my mom in Spain of a poppy field in 2006.