Timing.....

Timing....

I have been thinking about this subject, timing, for awhile...

Why do different events happen at just the right time...

Strangers or familiar faces are at the right place and the right time...

The right piece of mail turns up at the right time....

Ready to learn new life lessons just as  the right group or book shows up .....

Why do some people live and others die....

Why was one family late for the airport and others weren't .....

Why was our house opened up just as someone else needed it and we didn't ....(that certainly wasn't our "plan")

And on and on...timing....

I can look back at so many years of "timing" and only say that it was by God's divine timing that a variety of events happened...pretty simple statement, I know...but there are other times, that I wanted to push for "my" timing and not wait for His...not a good idea...the importance of waiting  for the right  timing is paramount....even when I don't want to.....He has it all under control, even when I don't acknowledge it...He understands it all, sees the whole picture when I may see a pinpoint of information, if that....

thank YOU for Your perfect timing ....help me to wait, be open, acknowledge, Your perfect timing and then to thank You...and not begrudge .....

Psalm 5:3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;in the morning I lay my requests before youand wait expectantly. 

Psalm 33:11, 20 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,the purposes of his heart through all generations. We wait in hope for the Lord;he is our help and our shield. 

Psalm 130:5-6 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord More than watchmen wait for the morning,more than watchmen wait for the morning. 

Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. 

Zephaniah 3:8aTherefore wait for me,”declares the Lord,“for the day I will stand up to testify.I have decided to assemble the nations,to gather the kingdoms.....

Jesus calling-January 9

I am with you and for you. When you decide on a course of action that is in line with My will, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you. You may encounter many obstacles as you move toward your goal, but don’t be discouraged—never give up! With My help, you can overcome any obstacle. Do not expect an easy path as you journey hand in hand with Me, but do remember that I, your very-present Helper, am omnipotent.

Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come. One of the main ways I assert My sovereignty is in the timing of events. If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment. Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let Me set the pace. Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My Presence.

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
—Romans 8:31

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling.
—Psalm 46:1–3 nkjv

“For nothing is impossible with God.”
—Luke 1:37

I can only take in so much....

I can only take in so much.....

I am glad God gives us snippets sometimes...just glimpses instead of the whole view...there are times when a sunset or sunrise is just so beautiful that i can't take it all in or the pain is  too deep that He gives us a cocoon .....after the death of a loved one, we seem to be in a fog for awhile until He lets us slowly reenter the world around us...there seems to be too much for us to take in all at once....we may not remember all that goes on or even some events that take place...we are finite ...no infinite as God is...

Even physical pain sometimes doesn't register....I had been so caught up in my husband's care, that I didn't realize that my body was so tired, my right hand was injured, or even my whole right side was traumatized ....everyday was different, but there was no turning back, we had to keep moving, caring, laughing, grieving, planning at breakneck speed it seemed...there was no time to think, we just DID....those were the times we were carried in God's arms....

Then The same thing happened with my father. I was a little more prepared, I had already been down the similar path...but the cocoon was still there, the love, the God arms holding us up again and again...

Even when Jesus taught, He gave only what the people could take in, could understand....not the whole lesson...He knew their minds just as He knows ours....He knows us much better than we know ourselves ....

When we reach heaven, will we get the whole? Will we be able to take it ALL in?   Our whole being will open to His Glory....it is hard to imagine....finitely....

Thank YOU that you reveal what we are able to handle...not too much, not too little..Just right...

Jesus calling-January 8
Softly I announce My presence. Shimmering hues of radiance tap gently at your consciousness, seeking entrance. Though I have all Power in heaven and on earth, I am infinitely tender with you. The weaker you are, the more gently I approach you. Let your weakness be a door to My Presence. Whenever you feel inadequate, remember that I am your ever-present Help.
Hope in Me, and you will be protected from depression and self-pity. Hope is like a golden cord connecting you to heaven. The more you cling to this cord, the more I bear the weight of your burdens; thus, you are lightened. Heaviness is not of My kingdom. Cling to hope, and My rays of Light will reach you through the darkness.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
—Psalm 46:1
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
—Romans 12:12
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
—Romans 15:13

If you are having trouble viewing this daily devotion, please click here Secrets Revealed Daily Devotional for January 8 From the Writings of Ray Stedman From your friends at www.RayStedman.org Read the Scripture: Mark 4:30-34 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand (Mark 4:33). This verse presents one great rule of revelation in the words as much as they could understand. Jesus teaches people only as they can take it. This is the rule upon which God works with us. He does not show us everything at once. If He did, He would destroy us. One man who attended a pastors' seminar held at Peninsula Bible Church was a great big man. He was drinking in all that was given to him, and at our closing meeting it was amusing to watch him. He was like a child around a Christmas tree, so turned on by all he had discovered that he was just glowing, going around hugging everyone he met. He told me, Oh, this has been so great! I'd like to go home and take my Bible and get into it and find so much more of this. Then he stopped himself and said, But I suppose if I did, it would kill me! I just couldn't handle it. And he was right; he could not have handled it. It would have been too much. And God knows that and does not show you any more than you are able to handle. That is the glory and the wonder of the Scriptures. They are put together in such an amazing way that it takes both the Word and the Spirit to understand the Bible. You can read the Word, and if you are not ready for them and open to them, those words will not say a thing to you. But if you are open, you will learn something from them. The next time you can come back, read the same words, and learn something more. Each time you will learn something more. It never ceases to refresh your spirit and instruct your mind and to open and expand your capacity to receive from God. That is the way God teaches us truth--as we are able to bear it. And this is true also of His revelation to us about ourselves. One of the things about Scripture is that it shows you who you are and who you have been all along. God is gracious to us that way. He does not just rip the veil off, and suddenly you see the whole ghastly thing. If He did, we would be wiped out. But He lifts it little by little. You shake and tremble and say, Is that the way I've been? You are aghast at the way you have been treating people, and you think, Thank God that's over!The next week He lifts it a little higher. You shake and tremble and go through it again and say, At last we got to the bottom! Then God lifts it high enough for you to see more, and you are wiped out again. But you handle it, little by little. Because, along with the revelation of yourself, He also reveals Himself and His adequacy to handle your inadequacies. Is it not wonderful that He understands us that way and deals with us like that? If He revealed the glories of heaven to us suddenly, everyone of us would be running out to jump into the ocean, to get there as fast as possible. But He lifts the veil only a little at a time, as we are able to bear it. Open my eyes, Father, that I may see glimpses of truth you have for me. Help me to under stand what I read and to search out what I do not understand. Life Application: Are we willing to accept God's timing as He brings us to mature understanding of His will and ways? Are we perhaps pushing for instant maturity or avoiding the process? Related Message: This daily devotional was inspired by one of Ray's messages. Please read "The Dimming of the Light" or listen to Ray for more on this portion of scripture. Devotions for January from Mark << Previous Day Next Day >> Subscribe/Unsubscribe to the Daily Devotion by Email Copyright © 2007 by Elaine Stedman — This daily devotion is from the book The Power of His Presence: a year of devotions from the writings of Ray Stedman; compiled by Mark Mitchell. It may be copied for personal non-commercial use only in its entirety free of charge. All copies must contain this copyright notice and a hyperlink to www.RayStedman.org if the copy is posted on the Internet.

Thirteen week journey....

Thirteen week journey....... Last night a few people gathered in my living room...we were all here to start a 13 week journey through Griefshare.  We all come from different backgrounds, we are all at different ages and stages of life...but we all have one thing in common...the loss of at least one loved one...we may be accepting, we may be in denial, we may be angry, we may be anywhere on the life scale of grief, but the Kleenex box was passed freely.....most of us were strangers until last night, but now we have chosen to walk a path together ....listening to God, receiving His comfort and Grace....sharing in the pain, the joys, the tears, the revelations, the Word, the light shining in the dark times of our lives, the growth..... The lessons are guided through DVDs and a workbook, but they are also freeing to let our lives be open to what God has to say to each one of us, how He leads us into a "new normal" life...what paths He opens for each one of us...what new directions He takes us...how He comforts us through Himself as a Father, the Holy Spirit as a truth bearer and revealer, Jesus as a redeemer and fellow sufferer... Growth through pain and joy, comfort through trials, and seeing God's fingerprint gifts of timing...we share them all....guilt free laughter and tears....cookie and tea...lives bonding.... We can do this by God's strength ....He lifts us up, sets us on a path, and then joins us..even explaining the scriptures as Jesus did on the road to Emmaus.....thank YOU for Your protection, comfort, guidance...help each one of us to be enfolded in your arms, comforted...help us to comfort others along their paths as well...that we would reflect Your light.... Psalm 119:50 My comfort in my suffering is this:Your promise preserves my life. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. I thought this following devotional apropos to include... If you are having trouble viewing this daily devotion, please click here Seed Thoughts Daily Devotional for January 7 From the Writings of Ray Stedman From your friends at www.RayStedman.org Read the Scripture: Mark 4:1-29 He also said, This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how (Mark 4:26-27). This is a secret of the kingdom of God, and to me it is one of the most encouraging of all the parables Jesus ever uttered. He is speaking of how this rule of God increases, how it grows in a life. He explains it as a coming to harvest by a patient expectation that God will work. The key of this whole passage is, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. That is, there are forces at work that will be faithful to perform their work—whether a farmer stews and frets about it or not. Farmers do what they can do, what is expected of them. But then God must work. And God will work. And in the confidence of that, this farmer rests secure. As Jesus draws the picture this farmer goes out to sow. It is hard work as he sows the field, but this is what he can do. But then he goes home and goes to bed. He does not sit up all night biting his fingernails, wondering if the seed fell in the right places or whether it will take root. Nor does he rise the next morning and go out and dig it up to see whether or not it has sprouted yet. He rests secure in the fact that God is at work, that He has a part in this process, and He must do it; no one can do it for Him. But he will faithfully perform it. So the farmer rests secure, knowing that as the seed grows there are stages that are observable: first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. It is only as the grain is ripe that he is called into action again. When the harvest is ready, then he is to act once more. This is exactly what Paul describes for us in that passage in 1 Corinthians 3:9a: For we are God's fellow workers. This is the way we ought to expect Him to work. It involves a witness first, perhaps a word of teaching or exhortation to someone—or to ourselves. And then an inevitable process begins, one that takes time and patience and allows God to work. One of the most destructive forces at work in the church today is our insistent demand for instant results. We want to have immediate conversions, immediate responses every time we speak. We tend not to allow time for the Word to take root and grow and come to harvest. I have watched a boy in Peninsula Bible Church (PBC) growing up since grade school. I watched him come into adolescence and enter into a period of deep and bitter rebellion against God. I watched his parents, hurt and crushed by his attitudes, yet nevertheless praying for him—saying what they could to him—but above all holding him up in prayer. I watched the whole process as the seed that had been sown in his heart took root and began to grow. There were tiny observable signs of change occurring. Gradually he came back to the Lord. And as an adult young man, he asked me to fill out a reference for him to go to seminary. That is the Word growing secretly. The sower knows not how it happens but can rest secure in this. Our Lord is teaching us the fantastic truth that God is at work. It does not all depend on us! Thank You, Lord that I can trust that as I do my part and sow the seed of Your Word wherever I can, You will do the rest. Life Application: We have the privilege of sowing the fertile seed of the gospel. Do we trust the sovereign work of the Spirit to produce a harvest, or rely on our own effectiveness? Related Message: This daily devotional was inspired by one of Ray's messages. Please read "Seed Thoughts" or listen to Ray for more on this portion of scripture. Devotions for January from Mark << Previous Day Next Day >> Subscribe/Unsubscribe to the Daily Devotion by Email Copyright © 2007 by Elaine Stedman — This daily devotion is from the book The Power of His Presence: a year of devotions from the writings of Ray Stedman; compiled by Mark Mitchell. It may be copied for personal non-commercial use only in its entirety free of charge. All copies must contain this copyright notice and a hyperlink to www.RayStedman.org if the copy is posted on the Internet.

Bloom where you are planted....

Bloom where you are planted.....

We all have the chance to move residences in our lifetimes...some by happy circumstances and others, not necessarily by choice...some by job switches, needy elderly parents, marriage, empty nests, deaths, age...

For me, each new home has distinct memories...our first home with slanted floors and slugs, our first apartment in a new city for grad school, ....our first home that needed a tremendous amount of new paint,.... our second home that was completely new where we welcomed our first child...a country modular home where we had a acre garden and fruit trees,... a cabin high in the Cascades where we welcomed our second child....a 19 foot travel trailer that took us to many spots as my husband worked on geology.....the fun of building from barren earth, two homes, each unique...a home in town with full grown trees, ....apartments near cancer medical facilities....and now a small home for one.....what a path....and there were more as well, each with a different phase of our lives....each in family pictures over the years...memory making....hosting families from all over the world, kids choirs, good news clubs, small Bible study groups, home economics classes, family gatherings, foster children, Christmas stockings, the Easter string game, new babies and elderly parents......

Each home we live in may not seem like home at first or it fits like a glove....we take time nesting into each with our personal items, some of our earthly treasures, heirlooms, family pictures, personal colors....each has its own personality, it's own setting, view, set of neighbors.....all personalized for us for a certain period of time in our lives...some are hard to leave, with tears of change...others almost push  us away to new adventures....

Each home a training ground of sorts for our heavenly home which beckons us  with waiting arms, prepared especially for us by our Redeemer and Provider....no light bulbs to change, the colors will be perfect, the neighbors wonderful and friendly, dirt free floors,  and music....

Thank YOU for all the provisions of various earthly homes...all so different...all by Your provision .....shelters in the abundance and storms of life....

Psalm 26:8 Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory 

dwells. 

Proverbs 24:3-4 By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. 

Psalm 84:4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;they are ever praising you. 

Psalm 127:1a Unless the Lord builds the house,the builders labor in vain.

Proverbs 15:6a The house of the righteous contains great treasure....

John 14:2-4 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” 

Hazel.....

Hazel.....

Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord Is the death of his faithful servants. 

Psalm 127:3 Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. 

For some reason I dreamed last night of people who have left this earthly space to join others in a heavenly place.   They were all healthy, 30 year olds, building, doing various activities that they did while here only easier....I picked up nuts and bolts that were left lying around on golden floors....making sure that everything was tidy for the builder and the new residents...

I woke up, praying for Marie, a ninety plus widow whose daughter passed away this week.  Hazel, a special woman, 50 plus years, precious...faithful...

Hazel loved routine, flustered by change.....loved those who loved her, ....hugged those who hugged her, ....cut out pictures by the hundreds, maybe thousands ....would welcome those she hadn't seen for months, remembering their names.....sang off key, but with much joy and vigor, songs she knew in her heart....endured pain, suffering,.....loved her dolls and cared for them......talked about Jesus as if he were standing close.....now resting with Him....

Matthew 19:13-15 Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. 

When I think of Hazel, I think of her sitting on Jesus' lap along with others, not just children, but those who needed His touch as well...as we all do at different times...held closely as a lamb, comforted, loved, cared for....

Thank YOU for sending Hazel,  a light, .....comfort her family in her absence ...give them rest in their weariness .....

Where are we going??.....

Where are we going?

I recently received a letter from a friend who has returned to school substituting  after home schooling for 22 years...she asked her class of 40, "why do we have Christmas?" A fair question as "winter break" was coming  soon......not one child knew even the historical reason for Christmas .....a sad commentary...it was for presents, winter weather, etc....no mention of Christ...

Cal Thomas "-The late British diplomat Sir John Glubb wrote a book called "The Fate of Empires and Search For Survival." Glubb noted the average age of empires since the time of ancient Assyria (859-612 B.C.) is 250 years. Only the Mameluke Empire in Egypt and the Levant (1250-1517) made it as far as 267 years. America is 238 years old and is exhibiting signs of decline.

All empires begin, writes Glubb, with the age of pioneers, followed by ages of conquest, commerce, affluence, intellect and decadence. America appears to have reached the age of decadence, which Glubb defines as marked by "defensiveness, pessimism, materialism, frivolity, an influx of foreigners, the welfare state, (and) a weakening of religion.""

Theses two quotes have touched my heart in the last day or so.....what are my children and grandchildren and on....going to face in their world? 

God is still on the throne, and is ever present, but there may not be the comfortable, acceptable,  the unpersecuted Christianity for them as we know it today...our country may not look like it does today....the "rules" may change...I pray that they will stand strong in their faith...through whatever they face...

Thank YOU, God, for the generations to come, for Your watchcare, Your strength. You promise never to leave or forsake...

Hebrews 13:5-6 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence,“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” 

Psalm 94:1-23 The Lord is a God who avenges.O God who avenges, shine forth. Rise up, Judge of the earth;pay back to the proud what they deserve. How long, Lord, will the wicked,how long will the wicked be jubilant? They pour out arrogant words;all the evildoers are full of boasting. They crush your people, Lord;they oppress your inheritance. They slay the widow and the foreigner;they murder the fatherless. They say, “The Lord does not see;the God of Jacob takes no notice.” Take notice, you senseless ones among the people;you fools, when will you become wise? Does he who fashioned the ear not hear?Does he who formed the eye not see? Does he who disciplines nations not punish?Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge? The Lord knows all human plans;he knows that they are futile. Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord,the one you teach from your law; you grant them relief from days of trouble,till a pit is dug for the wicked. For the Lord will not reject his people;he will never forsake his inheritance. Judgment will again be founded on righteousness,and all the upright in heart will follow it. Who will rise up for me against the wicked?Who will take a stand for me against evildoers? Unless the Lord had given me help,I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, “My foot is slipping,”your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me,your consolation brought me joy. Can a corrupt throne be allied with you—a throne that brings on misery by its decrees? The wicked band together against the righteousand condemn the innocent to death. But the Lord has become my fortress,and my God the rock in whom I take refuge. He will repay them for their sinsand destroy them for their wickedness;the Lord our God will destroy them. 

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/12/30/2015-beyond-obama-new-congress-need-revival-american-spirit/?intcmp=ob_article_footer_text&intcmp=obnetwork

2015.....

2015

This past year has flown quickly...as have several years .....some seemed to last forever and then others are gone in a blink of an eye...I asked, "what is there to show for it"......the day to day work, the Bible studies, the words in "words with friends", the daily writings, hugs with family members, walks and exercise each day, taxes, phone calls, reaching out to others.....

"How am I growing?"

"What am I doing for eternity?

Some days, I feel like those rubber band balls, a mass of stretched emotions....other days, the still waters....

This past year, in world view, many tragic things have happened,...are we closer to Christ's returning? Are times bad enough?  Not sure, but He will return on His time....that we are assured of...

Each year, each moment, each day, we have the choice of whom to serve....where to serve...in whatever way we can...from our bedridden selves to those more active.....from silent prayer to traipsing the jungle mountains with Jesus films, orphanages, or street evangelism...from the poor to the rich...from the apathetic to the most evil....the fields are wide open...and Jesus said that the harvest is plentiful....

What will 2015 bring?  thank YOU for a new year...new insights...new growth...new opportunities....more of Yourself.... help me seek You in al I do...

Psalm 33:1-22 Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous;it is fitting for the upright to praise him. 

Praise the Lord with the harp;make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song;play skillfully, and shout for joy. 

For the word of the Lord is right and true;he is faithful in all he does. 

The Lord loves righteousness and justice;the earth is full of his unfailing love.

 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars;he puts the deep into storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord;let all the people of the world revere him.

 For he spoke, and it came to be;he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord foils the plans of the nations;he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.

 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,the purposes of his heart through all generations.

 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,the people he chose for his inheritance.

 From heaven the Lord looks downand sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watchesall who live on earth— he who forms the hearts of all,who considers everything they do.

 No king is saved by the size of his army;no warrior escapes by his great strength. 

A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;despite all its great strength it cannot save. 

But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from deathand keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the Lord;he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 

May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you. 

http://www.coolestone.com/media/11311/An-Astronauts-Guide-to-Optimism/