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Time....
"Tell me all about your faithful love come morning time because I trust you. Show me the way I should go because I offer my life up to you." (Psalm 143:8 ESV)
Taking time to s-t-o-p and be with God is difficult especially when things are crazy busy with storms happening all around. At the same time it is important to BE with God so we can feel God's presence, strength and guidance through said changes and storms. With the busy schedules, changes happening, challenges and even the storms we can take a few minutes - maybe before our feet hit the floor in the mornings - to spend time with God. This verse is from my morning God time. Something to think about.........
Taking time to s-t-o-p and be with God is difficult especially when things are crazy busy with storms happening all around. At the same time it is important to BE with God so we can feel God's presence, strength and guidance through said changes and storms. With the busy schedules, changes happening, challenges and even the storms we can take a few minutes - maybe before our feet hit the floor in the mornings - to spend time with God. This verse is from my morning God time. Something to think about.........
Promises....
"He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection." (Psalm 91:4 NLT)
The weather has been crazy, with warm spring days at the start of March, and COLD snow days at the end of March, followed by windy and slowly warming days to start April. Add in hectic schedules because of Lent and Easter and unexpected phone calls causing more changes all make a person VERY tired. Thankfully we have just celebrated Jesus's resurrection (He IS risen!) and KNOW God keeps God's promises. Then this verse appears in a morning devotional giving us even more to be thankful for. God's "faithful promises ARE your armor and protection." (Emphasis mine) He is risen, indeed!!
The weather has been crazy, with warm spring days at the start of March, and COLD snow days at the end of March, followed by windy and slowly warming days to start April. Add in hectic schedules because of Lent and Easter and unexpected phone calls causing more changes all make a person VERY tired. Thankfully we have just celebrated Jesus's resurrection (He IS risen!) and KNOW God keeps God's promises. Then this verse appears in a morning devotional giving us even more to be thankful for. God's "faithful promises ARE your armor and protection." (Emphasis mine) He is risen, indeed!!
Prayer.....
"May the words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)
Good Friday - a day of remembering the sacrifice of God's son for each and all of us. A day to take time to s-t-o-p, pray, meditate and (possibly) fast. A time to LISTEN for what God is saying to each of us, asking each of us to be doing AND a time to strengthen our relationship with God. The Lenten journey some have been using, this Lenten season, is "Listen to Him" by J.D. Walt. The emphasis has been on prayer but also strengthening our relationship with God by listening for what Jesus is saying to each of us. Today is a good day to stop and be in prayer - to really think through and act on the stronger relationship. Something to think about..........
Good Friday - a day of remembering the sacrifice of God's son for each and all of us. A day to take time to s-t-o-p, pray, meditate and (possibly) fast. A time to LISTEN for what God is saying to each of us, asking each of us to be doing AND a time to strengthen our relationship with God. The Lenten journey some have been using, this Lenten season, is "Listen to Him" by J.D. Walt. The emphasis has been on prayer but also strengthening our relationship with God by listening for what Jesus is saying to each of us. Today is a good day to stop and be in prayer - to really think through and act on the stronger relationship. Something to think about..........
Rejoicing, celebrating.....
"The people who know the celebratory shout are truly happy! They walk in the light of your presence, Lord! (16) They rejoice in your name all day long and are uplifted by your righteousness." (Psalm 19:15--16)
It is hard to remember, let alone celebrate, how God IS with us when the schedules get crazy and the weather turns crazier. Add in an unexpected phone call and making sure God time happens is even more important. Which is what happened with me this week between preparation(s) for Holy Week, winter storm warnings (think blizzard) and being with family the whole week was "crazy" to put it mildly. Then my morning God time had these verses with the reminder to be aware of God's presence - Emmanuel, God IS with us. As we continue to take care of "our" care receivers, handle hectic schedules, and deal with "winter weather warnings" we can rejoice and celebrate! Something to think about.....
It is hard to remember, let alone celebrate, how God IS with us when the schedules get crazy and the weather turns crazier. Add in an unexpected phone call and making sure God time happens is even more important. Which is what happened with me this week between preparation(s) for Holy Week, winter storm warnings (think blizzard) and being with family the whole week was "crazy" to put it mildly. Then my morning God time had these verses with the reminder to be aware of God's presence - Emmanuel, God IS with us. As we continue to take care of "our" care receivers, handle hectic schedules, and deal with "winter weather warnings" we can rejoice and celebrate! Something to think about.....
Choices.....
"As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?" (2 Samuel 22:31-32
Sometimes, even when we are doing what we think God has called us to, we encounter changes. Sometimes they are medical, or age related, sometimes others are making the changes for us but sometimes we hear God's voice asking us for more. This verse was part of my God time the other night. It came after some medical changes and working through changes for others. It came as God seems to be asking for more. All of this at the same time this verse meant a LOT. Faith is moving forward, with God, even though we aren't sure where we are going - because we know his ways ARE perfect. So what is happening with you? Are you hearing "more" from God? Something to be thinking about.........
Sometimes, even when we are doing what we think God has called us to, we encounter changes. Sometimes they are medical, or age related, sometimes others are making the changes for us but sometimes we hear God's voice asking us for more. This verse was part of my God time the other night. It came after some medical changes and working through changes for others. It came as God seems to be asking for more. All of this at the same time this verse meant a LOT. Faith is moving forward, with God, even though we aren't sure where we are going - because we know his ways ARE perfect. So what is happening with you? Are you hearing "more" from God? Something to be thinking about.........
Alone?
"Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me." (Psalm 63:7-8)
Sometimes, as Caregivers, we feel like we are all alone with "our person" (or people). Yes, sometimes we are getting great support from family, friends, agencies and various other places. Then there are the times we feel like NO ONE is paying any attention - our person or anyone else. This is when we need to remember Emmanuel. God IS with us, guiding us and giving us strength to continue to put one foot in front of the other. These two verses were a part of my God time, this morning, but also remind me of my friend Isaiah. Isaiah reminds us, 41:10 & 13, how God has us "by the hand" AND "in God's hand." So.......during the difficult times....... stop, even if just for a minute, and feel God's presence with you.
Sometimes, as Caregivers, we feel like we are all alone with "our person" (or people). Yes, sometimes we are getting great support from family, friends, agencies and various other places. Then there are the times we feel like NO ONE is paying any attention - our person or anyone else. This is when we need to remember Emmanuel. God IS with us, guiding us and giving us strength to continue to put one foot in front of the other. These two verses were a part of my God time, this morning, but also remind me of my friend Isaiah. Isaiah reminds us, 41:10 & 13, how God has us "by the hand" AND "in God's hand." So.......during the difficult times....... stop, even if just for a minute, and feel God's presence with you.
Trusting
"Those with sound thoughts you will keep in peace, in peace because they trust in you."
This verse, from my friend Isaiah, was part of my morning God time this morning. This has been an interesting week to say the least! Several of us have compared the mix of winter and spring weather - with STRONG winds added in - with the busy and changing schedule all making it seem like "Monday all day this week!!" So..... the question of trusting seems like a good one to be thinking about. And, as usual I have gone to my friend Isaiah when the schedule (and changes) start to get to me. Then a story on Facebook, about "In God We Trust" being on all of our coins, a song on the radio about "He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world" both reminded me of the God time this morning and my friend Isaiah's words. PEACE, God's PEACE IS WITH US if we will trust in God. Something to be thinking about..........
This verse, from my friend Isaiah, was part of my morning God time this morning. This has been an interesting week to say the least! Several of us have compared the mix of winter and spring weather - with STRONG winds added in - with the busy and changing schedule all making it seem like "Monday all day this week!!" So..... the question of trusting seems like a good one to be thinking about. And, as usual I have gone to my friend Isaiah when the schedule (and changes) start to get to me. Then a story on Facebook, about "In God We Trust" being on all of our coins, a song on the radio about "He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world" both reminded me of the God time this morning and my friend Isaiah's words. PEACE, God's PEACE IS WITH US if we will trust in God. Something to be thinking about..........
Talking
"When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me." (Psalm 86:7)
This verse was a part of my time with God, this morning, and reminded me of how often I have been "calling" to God this week. I am SO thankful for Emmanuel - God with us - when times are as stressful as they have been for the last week. It is the start of Lent, so a busy schedule. Added in was some "winter weather" (think icy roads) on Ash Wednesday - requiring changing schedules. AND the phone call you don't want to get. All of which means I have been spending a LOT of time in my sewing room talking (praying!) to God. Yes! God has answered. God's PEACE has been there. The schedule is still crazy. The beloved family member is still with the Lord. But we have God's PEACE with us. So....... when are you praying (calling?) to God? Do you feel God answering?
This verse was a part of my time with God, this morning, and reminded me of how often I have been "calling" to God this week. I am SO thankful for Emmanuel - God with us - when times are as stressful as they have been for the last week. It is the start of Lent, so a busy schedule. Added in was some "winter weather" (think icy roads) on Ash Wednesday - requiring changing schedules. AND the phone call you don't want to get. All of which means I have been spending a LOT of time in my sewing room talking (praying!) to God. Yes! God has answered. God's PEACE has been there. The schedule is still crazy. The beloved family member is still with the Lord. But we have God's PEACE with us. So....... when are you praying (calling?) to God? Do you feel God answering?
Beginning.....
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1)
I woke up with this verse going through my mind this morning.. This is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, with several worship services happening. Many of us remember Lent as a time of "fasting" from various things. I remember fasting from soft drinks, and chocolate, putting the money I "saved" in the offering (we called it a 'mite' box) to help with various ministries. I'm suggesting, today, that we "begin" a time of "fasting" to be in prayer. Taking time DAILY to s-t-o-p and be in God's Word and in prayer. What is God asking you to "fast" from - for at least a few minutes a day - to spend time with God? Something to think about...........
I woke up with this verse going through my mind this morning.. This is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, with several worship services happening. Many of us remember Lent as a time of "fasting" from various things. I remember fasting from soft drinks, and chocolate, putting the money I "saved" in the offering (we called it a 'mite' box) to help with various ministries. I'm suggesting, today, that we "begin" a time of "fasting" to be in prayer. Taking time DAILY to s-t-o-p and be in God's Word and in prayer. What is God asking you to "fast" from - for at least a few minutes a day - to spend time with God? Something to think about...........
Returning....
"Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Return to me,' declares the Lord Almighty 'and I will return to you,' says the Lord Almighty.'" (Zechariah 1:3)
Hectic schedules make time with God more difficult to have regularly. Changes, and challenges, mean it is even more important to have. This verse is a special blessing reminding us God keeps God's promises and IS with us. This reminder was this morning's God time -- a few minutes of Scripture and prayer at the start of the day. Something to think about.......
Hectic schedules make time with God more difficult to have regularly. Changes, and challenges, mean it is even more important to have. This verse is a special blessing reminding us God keeps God's promises and IS with us. This reminder was this morning's God time -- a few minutes of Scripture and prayer at the start of the day. Something to think about.......
God's promises
"God's way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection." (Psalm 18:30 NLT)
Sometimes the early morning quiet is when God can speak the clearest to each of us. This morning's God time gave verse 29, of this Psalm, about God being our strength. One of the blessings of our faith is knowing Emmanuel -- God IS with us - no matter what we are going through. Sometimes it is hectic schedules, sometimes it is changes happening faster than we can adjust and sometimes it feels like we are trying to "scale the walls" referred to in verse 29.
Another wonderful blessing of our faith is knowing God KEEPS God's promises. In a world where promises are not always kept it is more than "just" helpful to remember. It is how we can know God IS protecting, strengthening and guiding us - maybe even to "scale the walls" (29). One thing we do have to remember, however, is taking the time to be with God - to feel God's presence guiding us. When are you doing this - spending time with God?
Something to think about.........
Sometimes the early morning quiet is when God can speak the clearest to each of us. This morning's God time gave verse 29, of this Psalm, about God being our strength. One of the blessings of our faith is knowing Emmanuel -- God IS with us - no matter what we are going through. Sometimes it is hectic schedules, sometimes it is changes happening faster than we can adjust and sometimes it feels like we are trying to "scale the walls" referred to in verse 29.
Another wonderful blessing of our faith is knowing God KEEPS God's promises. In a world where promises are not always kept it is more than "just" helpful to remember. It is how we can know God IS protecting, strengthening and guiding us - maybe even to "scale the walls" (29). One thing we do have to remember, however, is taking the time to be with God - to feel God's presence guiding us. When are you doing this - spending time with God?
Something to think about.........
Be still.........
"Be still, and know that I am God!" (Psalm 46:10a NLT)
I was having a conversation with one of the little ones, of a church I'm serving, about sitting still. I have had the same conversation with adults. How are you at "being still"? I am NOT good at it. In fact I wiggle, squirm and wonder off (at least mentally) more than the young person I was talking to. Thankfully God has given me the gift of working with my hands. If my hands are busy the rest of me can stay still.
I was also recently asked about the time I spend quilting. My time, in my sewing room, quilting, is a major portion of my time with God. It is my time to "be still!" It is when I can listen for what God is saying to me AND to be in prayer - talking with God - about the various prayer needs happening around us.
So.......can you BE STILL? Has God given you a way to s-t-o-p and listen? Something to think about............
I was having a conversation with one of the little ones, of a church I'm serving, about sitting still. I have had the same conversation with adults. How are you at "being still"? I am NOT good at it. In fact I wiggle, squirm and wonder off (at least mentally) more than the young person I was talking to. Thankfully God has given me the gift of working with my hands. If my hands are busy the rest of me can stay still.
I was also recently asked about the time I spend quilting. My time, in my sewing room, quilting, is a major portion of my time with God. It is my time to "be still!" It is when I can listen for what God is saying to me AND to be in prayer - talking with God - about the various prayer needs happening around us.
So.......can you BE STILL? Has God given you a way to s-t-o-p and listen? Something to think about............
Seeking....
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV)
We are in Epiphany, celebrating the Wise Men searching for, and finding Jesus, to bring gifts. We talk about the "wise" still seeking God, God's presence with us AND God's strength. The question is...are we really taking time to s-t-o-p and "seek" (be with) God? Are we listening for what God is saying to us? I know sometimes we only have a "few minutes" to actually s-t-o-p, to be able to "seek," but do we? And IF we do are we listing for God -- God's presence and peace? God's guidance? Even a few minutes, especially if we try to do it several times a day, could help us to "find" what we are "seeking." Something to think about........
We are in Epiphany, celebrating the Wise Men searching for, and finding Jesus, to bring gifts. We talk about the "wise" still seeking God, God's presence with us AND God's strength. The question is...are we really taking time to s-t-o-p and "seek" (be with) God? Are we listening for what God is saying to us? I know sometimes we only have a "few minutes" to actually s-t-o-p, to be able to "seek," but do we? And IF we do are we listing for God -- God's presence and peace? God's guidance? Even a few minutes, especially if we try to do it several times a day, could help us to "find" what we are "seeking." Something to think about........
Ups and downs.....
"The Sovereign Lord is my strength, he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights." (Habakkuk 3:19 NIV)
We all work with ups, and downs, in just about every area of our lives -- weight, money, hours, emotions and, sometimes, feeling great about what God is calling us to and "tired" from what God is calling us to. Even trying to follow where God is leading is an "up and down" time. In the middle of all this God time, this morning, was about feeling Emmanuel (God IS with us) through the ups and downs. This is the Scripture verse given with the encouragement. So........ I am also using this verse to encourage each and all of us. Something to think about.......
We all work with ups, and downs, in just about every area of our lives -- weight, money, hours, emotions and, sometimes, feeling great about what God is calling us to and "tired" from what God is calling us to. Even trying to follow where God is leading is an "up and down" time. In the middle of all this God time, this morning, was about feeling Emmanuel (God IS with us) through the ups and downs. This is the Scripture verse given with the encouragement. So........ I am also using this verse to encourage each and all of us. Something to think about.......
Holding and held
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." (Isaiah 41:10 NLT) (emphasis mine)
Can you hear the wind blowing where you are? I can - it is even pretty loud. Of course we do have temps in the minus numbers so it puts the windchill even lower! Add to the windchill all the various things happening and we can start to feel like we want to return to the time when we could climb up into our parents (our grandparents, or friends) lap and just be held. The various things happening -- wars, storms, illness, travel difficulties and WIND -- all seem to come together and we begin to wonder what is happening.
Some of the things will be changing (at least the weather person said the wind will be stopping and it will get warmer!), or we wait for the seasons to change, and we will be hearing from doctors, and (important!) we have the support of family, friends, church members and prayer warriors. All of which remind us of my friend Isaiah and the verse above combined with verse 13 -- God has us "by the hand."
Sooooooo....... can you STOP for a minute and (imagine) feel God's arms wrapped around you? God HOLDING you? Something to think about....
Can you hear the wind blowing where you are? I can - it is even pretty loud. Of course we do have temps in the minus numbers so it puts the windchill even lower! Add to the windchill all the various things happening and we can start to feel like we want to return to the time when we could climb up into our parents (our grandparents, or friends) lap and just be held. The various things happening -- wars, storms, illness, travel difficulties and WIND -- all seem to come together and we begin to wonder what is happening.
Some of the things will be changing (at least the weather person said the wind will be stopping and it will get warmer!), or we wait for the seasons to change, and we will be hearing from doctors, and (important!) we have the support of family, friends, church members and prayer warriors. All of which remind us of my friend Isaiah and the verse above combined with verse 13 -- God has us "by the hand."
Sooooooo....... can you STOP for a minute and (imagine) feel God's arms wrapped around you? God HOLDING you? Something to think about....
Turn? Where?
"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."" (Isaiah 30:21)
With the busy schedules, added meetings and family trying to see us it can be hard to decide which activity to be at when. It can also be hard to decide which business matter will be handled "now" and which ones will wait "until after the holidays." Then there is the added problem of others - whether family, friends, or co-workers - who think we should have picked the "other" activity/business matter.
What we need to remember is to s-t-o-p and listen for the direction God is giving. The added benefit of this is the PEACE we feel as we are both making the choice, attending the meeting/activity and explaining why after. This is a busy time of the year for all of us. As we are celebrating the birthday of Emmanuel we need to remember He IS the Prince of Peace. We need to feel the peace AND share the peace with others we meet -- family, friends and co-workers. Something to think about............
With the busy schedules, added meetings and family trying to see us it can be hard to decide which activity to be at when. It can also be hard to decide which business matter will be handled "now" and which ones will wait "until after the holidays." Then there is the added problem of others - whether family, friends, or co-workers - who think we should have picked the "other" activity/business matter.
What we need to remember is to s-t-o-p and listen for the direction God is giving. The added benefit of this is the PEACE we feel as we are both making the choice, attending the meeting/activity and explaining why after. This is a busy time of the year for all of us. As we are celebrating the birthday of Emmanuel we need to remember He IS the Prince of Peace. We need to feel the peace AND share the peace with others we meet -- family, friends and co-workers. Something to think about............
Renew strength?
"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
It has been a busy, crazy couple of weeks and it isn't going to get better until (maybe!) after Christmas. The changes in the schedule, the added meetings, the various people needing - or at least asking for - time all cause a lot of stress. It also makes each, and all, of us tired. It makes it hard to find the time to s-t-o-p feel, and listen for, God.
I, personally, go back to my friend Isaiah, praise music and my sewing room. It is hard to find the time, in the schedule, especially with the added requests for time and help. It is hard to remember, in this time of giving gifts to others, to take care of ourselves. I can tell you, however, that it is a MUCH needed part of your taking care of others. You need to remember to take time for YOU. So my question, for you, is how do you do it? AND what is your go to verse to remind you God IS with you? When are you taking time for YOU and God? Something to think about......
It has been a busy, crazy couple of weeks and it isn't going to get better until (maybe!) after Christmas. The changes in the schedule, the added meetings, the various people needing - or at least asking for - time all cause a lot of stress. It also makes each, and all, of us tired. It makes it hard to find the time to s-t-o-p feel, and listen for, God.
I, personally, go back to my friend Isaiah, praise music and my sewing room. It is hard to find the time, in the schedule, especially with the added requests for time and help. It is hard to remember, in this time of giving gifts to others, to take care of ourselves. I can tell you, however, that it is a MUCH needed part of your taking care of others. You need to remember to take time for YOU. So my question, for you, is how do you do it? AND what is your go to verse to remind you God IS with you? When are you taking time for YOU and God? Something to think about......
QUIET!
Then Jesus said, "let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat." (Mark 6:31 NLT)
I don't know about your schedule, what has changed or what is staying the same, but I do know that with the Holiday season schedules have gotten a LOT busier - right? So far the "weather permitting" hasn't had to factor (at least where I live) in but it also means more people wanting (expecting?) us to be somewhere doing something happens more also. Then we add in the needs of "our" people and when someone wants, or needs, them to be somewhere and the schedule has really gone crazy. OH! And we need to add in finishing the gifts - either making or shopping for - that we will be giving to family, friends and loved ones.....
Now I am suggesting the need to add in something more...... I have really felt the need to s-t-o-p and have QUIET with God. You probably agree we can't go "off by ourselves" looking for a "quiet place, where they could be alone." (v. 32) In fact if we go anywhere there will probably be a crowd waiting for us also (v.33) -- or at least one person giving us something more to be doing!
We CAN, however take a few minutes, to STOP and be in prayer. In fact I have even turned off the praise music so I can concentrate on what God's Word is telling me. Yes, the praise music will go back on. But for now, for a few minutes, the QUIET is what is needed. Something to think about.......
I don't know about your schedule, what has changed or what is staying the same, but I do know that with the Holiday season schedules have gotten a LOT busier - right? So far the "weather permitting" hasn't had to factor (at least where I live) in but it also means more people wanting (expecting?) us to be somewhere doing something happens more also. Then we add in the needs of "our" people and when someone wants, or needs, them to be somewhere and the schedule has really gone crazy. OH! And we need to add in finishing the gifts - either making or shopping for - that we will be giving to family, friends and loved ones.....
Now I am suggesting the need to add in something more...... I have really felt the need to s-t-o-p and have QUIET with God. You probably agree we can't go "off by ourselves" looking for a "quiet place, where they could be alone." (v. 32) In fact if we go anywhere there will probably be a crowd waiting for us also (v.33) -- or at least one person giving us something more to be doing!
We CAN, however take a few minutes, to STOP and be in prayer. In fact I have even turned off the praise music so I can concentrate on what God's Word is telling me. Yes, the praise music will go back on. But for now, for a few minutes, the QUIET is what is needed. Something to think about.......
Helping Strength
"You are their glorious strength. It pleases you to make us strong." (Psalm 89:17 NLT)
The seasons are finally starting to change to "winter" - at least where I am. It is also Thanksgiving week with a lot of things happening - some of which requires traveling (with everyone else!). All of these things added to being the primary caregiver remind us of the need to remember our strength comes from God.
As Caregivers, especially when we are so busy, it is easy to think we are doing "all of it." There is a lot to get finished - meals, food prep AND clean up, taking care of the housework, taking care of "our person" and (somehow) trying to take care of ourselves also. This is when taking a few minutes each day to stop and be with God, to remember EMMANUEL - God IS with us - helps us to remember it "pleases" God "to make us strong."
Another thought, might even work, is to see if someone else might do the cooking or driving....... Something to think about........
The seasons are finally starting to change to "winter" - at least where I am. It is also Thanksgiving week with a lot of things happening - some of which requires traveling (with everyone else!). All of these things added to being the primary caregiver remind us of the need to remember our strength comes from God.
As Caregivers, especially when we are so busy, it is easy to think we are doing "all of it." There is a lot to get finished - meals, food prep AND clean up, taking care of the housework, taking care of "our person" and (somehow) trying to take care of ourselves also. This is when taking a few minutes each day to stop and be with God, to remember EMMANUEL - God IS with us - helps us to remember it "pleases" God "to make us strong."
Another thought, might even work, is to see if someone else might do the cooking or driving....... Something to think about........
Serving?
"If your gift is serving others, serve them well." Romans 12:7a NLT
As Caregivers we ARE serving others - right? We are trying to help, or even take care of, a family member/loved one. We are trying to do it "well" even if it doesn't always feel like it. We are trying to follow where God is leading. We are, prayerfully, even trying to take care of ourselves. The idea of taking care of self, of spending time with God - just for us, seems like an excellent idea we just aren't sure we have the "time."
An interesting point to think about is if we are willing to let someone else "serve" us. Are we willing to let someone help us by giving us respite? Can someone else do some of the cooking, for instance, so we can take a little time "off"? Can we actually 'schedule' some time just for us?
We usually think of how we are serving. We rarely think about how someone else might be able to serve us. Can we accept the challenge to think of both -- how we can serve "well" but also how someone can serve us?
As Caregivers we ARE serving others - right? We are trying to help, or even take care of, a family member/loved one. We are trying to do it "well" even if it doesn't always feel like it. We are trying to follow where God is leading. We are, prayerfully, even trying to take care of ourselves. The idea of taking care of self, of spending time with God - just for us, seems like an excellent idea we just aren't sure we have the "time."
An interesting point to think about is if we are willing to let someone else "serve" us. Are we willing to let someone help us by giving us respite? Can someone else do some of the cooking, for instance, so we can take a little time "off"? Can we actually 'schedule' some time just for us?
We usually think of how we are serving. We rarely think about how someone else might be able to serve us. Can we accept the challenge to think of both -- how we can serve "well" but also how someone can serve us?
Rescue and strength Exodus 14:30-31, 15:1-2
2. "The Lord is my strength and song, And he has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will extol Him." (Exodus 15:2)
God has just "rescued" the Hebrew people from the Egyptians. God has not only brought them out of Egypt He has brought them through the Red Sea on "dry land" (v. 14:21) and then "the sea returned to its state." (v. 14:27) Now Moses and the people are singing and praising God. Yes, God is their strength and song. (v. 15:2)
There are times when we know God has given us a miracle too. Being able to arrive, safely, at our destination - especially after a storm is one I can think of right away. At other times it can feel like we are between the "sea" and the "Egyptians." It is good to know God is with us during those times. And, like Moses, we can sing songs of praise.
Thinking about God's strength, in us, can be harder to do but just as important. Caring for each care receiver can feel like a very long journey between the sea and the 'enemy.'
This is when we need to come together to encourage. We need to sing the songs of praise and remember God IS our strength.
Who are you doing this with? When are you doing this?
God has just "rescued" the Hebrew people from the Egyptians. God has not only brought them out of Egypt He has brought them through the Red Sea on "dry land" (v. 14:21) and then "the sea returned to its state." (v. 14:27) Now Moses and the people are singing and praising God. Yes, God is their strength and song. (v. 15:2)
There are times when we know God has given us a miracle too. Being able to arrive, safely, at our destination - especially after a storm is one I can think of right away. At other times it can feel like we are between the "sea" and the "Egyptians." It is good to know God is with us during those times. And, like Moses, we can sing songs of praise.
Thinking about God's strength, in us, can be harder to do but just as important. Caring for each care receiver can feel like a very long journey between the sea and the 'enemy.'
This is when we need to come together to encourage. We need to sing the songs of praise and remember God IS our strength.
Who are you doing this with? When are you doing this?
Strength Joy -- thoughts
"Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength" Nehemiah 8:10b (NIV)
This part of Nehemiah is taking place right after Nehemiah, and Ezra, have read The Law to the Hebrew people. They are upset about not following God let alone following where God is leading or calling. Many of us think we are following hte Law even if we aren't, necesarily, following where God is leading.
At the same time the JOY of following God -- The Law and where God is leading -- is both a wonderful, strengthening feeling and hard to describe. The "joy" is both the peace of celebrating with God and the knowledge of God's strength in us. It is an interesting combination of feelings, knowledge and emotions.
How do we know the Law? How do we follow where God is leading? How do we celebrate not just the strength God gives but the "joy" of said strength? Can we celebrate the strength and the "joy" with others?
This part of Nehemiah is taking place right after Nehemiah, and Ezra, have read The Law to the Hebrew people. They are upset about not following God let alone following where God is leading or calling. Many of us think we are following hte Law even if we aren't, necesarily, following where God is leading.
At the same time the JOY of following God -- The Law and where God is leading -- is both a wonderful, strengthening feeling and hard to describe. The "joy" is both the peace of celebrating with God and the knowledge of God's strength in us. It is an interesting combination of feelings, knowledge and emotions.
How do we know the Law? How do we follow where God is leading? How do we celebrate not just the strength God gives but the "joy" of said strength? Can we celebrate the strength and the "joy" with others?