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HE IS THE POTTER, WE ARE THE CLAY
True life stories to encourage and inspire
SERVING
DO UNTO OTHERS 7/4/2025
“What do you think Grandpa is doing up in heaven?” I asked our great-granddaughter, Oaklynn, on a recent day at dusk, while we were walking around a country block near my home. She didn’t hesitate a beat and answered with exuberance, “He’s taking care of the babies!” Not a surprising answer from this grandchild, Hubby babysat while her Mom, her Mimi, and I worked and were unable to do so. Those two became the best of buddies, for as John used to say, “We grew up together.” This may sound like an odd explanation, but I knew what he meant. I told two friends at lunch about Oaklynn’s remark, and the one from Church agreed that John surely did get a kick out of the children at Church. “But I especially recall the rapport he had with people older than himself.” Tis true! He always took time to converse with senior citizens, and he loved volunteering to cook meals for shut-ins.
IN HIS HONOR
Months ago, I read a short story about a daughter’s quest to honor a departed mother on her approaching birthday. What were a few favorite activities of Mother’s? This thought exercise led to a meaningful idea. Her Mom used to be pitiful at raising houseplants until someone gifted her with an African Violet. Soon her house bloomed with the plants, and she started giving them away. The daughter called her siblings, who each agreed to buy a violet, repot it into a better pot, and give it away on their mother’s birthday. On July 11th, I will honor my late husband, John Frederick Horn, by cooking and delivering food to a senior citizen. On this 1st birthday since his passing, if you knew and loved John, please do the same. Someone will be greatly blessed.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Galatians 5:13&14 speaks of liberty as no longer being under the law, but free thanks to Jesus’ willing sacrifice on the cross. Forgiven! For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, (selfish, sinful behavior) but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
SERVING
DO UNTO OTHERS
“What do you think Grandpa is doing up in heaven?” I asked our great-granddaughter, Oaklynn, on a recent day at dusk, while we were walking around a country block near my home. She didn’t hesitate a beat and answered with exuberance, “He’s taking care of the babies!” Not a surprising answer from this grandchild, Hubby babysat while her Mom, her Mimi, and I worked and were unable to do so. Those two became the best of buddies, for as John used to say, “We grew up together.” This may sound like an odd explanation, but I knew what he meant. I told two friends at lunch about Oaklynn’s remark, and the one from Church agreed that John surely did get a kick out of the children at Church. “But I especially recall the rapport he had with people older than himself.” Tis true! He always took time to converse with senior citizens, and he loved volunteering to cook meals for the shut-ins.
IN HIS HONOR
Months ago, I read a short story about a daughter’s quest to honor a departed mother on her approaching birthday. What were a few favorite activities of Mother’s? This thought exercise led to a meaningful idea. Her Mom used to be pitiful at raising houseplants until someone gifted her with an African Violet. Soon her house bloomed with the plants, and she started giving them away. The daughter called her siblings, who each agreed to buy a violet, repot it into a better pot, and give it away on their mother’s birthday. On July 11th, I will honor my late husband, John Frederick Horn, by cooking and delivering food to a senior citizen. On this 1st birthday since his passing, if you knew and loved John, please do the same. Someone will be greatly blessed.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Galatians 5:13&14 speaks of liberty as no longer being under the law, but free thanks to Jesus’ willing sacrifice on the cross. Forgiven! For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, (selfish, sinful behavior) but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
Last week's blog about asking God for someone to bring me a lunch at work was brought to min this week when someone who did not know I wrote that, bought me a wonderful meal at work. Does God have a sense of humor or what?
god's ways
"UH OH" 6/27/2025
On my way to work, I realized my lunch was not in the car; I left it on the counter near the front door. With too little time to turn around and retrieve it, an alternative plan took form. Nothing elaborate, I just decided to make this situation a matter of prayer. I don’t like locking up the Museum and leaving a note on the door saying when I will return, so I asked the Lord to send someone over with lunch for me. When 11 a.m. came around, two friends popped in to say, “Hi.” They made no mention of food, so neither did I. I figured my help would come from another source. By 3 p.m., it became apparent no food would be coming. Strangely, it did not matter because I had no appetite. By 5 p.m., I still was not hungry. Upon reaching home, I leisurely took my time to prepare a nice meal and ate at 6:30 p.m. Still, not hungry.
I SENT TWO BOATS…
The man on the roof prayed for God to save him. The water continued to rise, and a man in a rowboat appeared. “Get in,” he says. “No,” the man on the roof replied, “I have faith in the Lord; He will save me.” Next comes a speedboat, and the conversation is the same as the first. Then a helicopter appears. It’s the same conversation. Sadly, the water continues to rise, and the man drowns. In heaven, he finds God and says, “I had faith in you… I prayed to you to save me, yet you didn’t. Why?” With a puzzled look, God says, “I sent you two boats and a helicopter!” Hmm, were my two friends the rowboat? Anyways, He DID answer my prayer by keeping me from being hungry. Pretty cool, but definitely not the answer I expected.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Isaiah 55:8&9 says, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. Proverbs 3:5 tells us, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.
HE STRENGTHENS US
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME 6/20/2025
According to the calendar in my kitchen, my “extracurricular” activities are slowing down. Good. I’m weary of running here and there and back again. Adages like “Home is where your heart is” and “Home is where you hang your hat” come to mind. Surely this must be part of the ageing process? Daydreaming about lounging around the house or on the porch, reading novels in the middle of the day? Am I gearing up… to, honest to goodness, “retire”? Maybe. But not tomorrow. The Lord will let me know when the time is right.
MEANWHILE, WORN OUT!
The Museum’s yearly Ladies Tea took place last weekend. Vickie and Dave assisted, so the whole affair wasn’t on my shoulders alone. We waited until that very morning to see what the weather would bring, and chose to set up the tables inside, just in case. We arranged china cups and saucers, Fiesta serving dishes, pottery and china teapots, and cloth napkins. The night before, I baked shortbread, but wasn’t pleased with the outcome, so I used a different recipe and tried again. Success! The blueberry scones turned out perfectly, but the Devonshire cream required sour cream, which I used earlier in the week. No, I’m not going back into town to buy more! The Greek yogurt in the fridge would have to do. I’d also been munching on that 1st batch of shortbread until I busied myself rinsing, draining, and dipping strawberries into dark chocolate. I drizzled white chocolate over the dark and noticed some of the finished strawberries didn’t look quite right, so I ate them. I even got to bed early, but not by my choice; too many sweets! My stomach was killing me!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Jesus would want us to be good witnesses in our busy seasons. To bloom where we are planted. Psalms 31:23&24 says, Oh love the LORD, all ye his saints; for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
FORGIVEN
A DONE DEAL 6/14/2025
I googled www.sermonindex.net once again to listen to a preacher from way back. When the name David Wilkerson caught my wandering eyes, I looked no further. I’d read his autobiography about his ministry to gang members in the slums of New York City as a teen, and the account had been riveting! Curious to hear him preach, I clicked on his name and listened to the nuances of a voice I’d never heard before speak of the Prodigal Son. He likened the son to a Christian who ignored the Holy Spirit’s prompting and turned to a life of sin. The Father, he said, represents God who looks at the Christian, and instead of responding to sin with recriminations, opens his arms and warmly welcomes the lost soul back home.
A SOLDIERS STORY
My daughter-in-law, Rachel, is researching a military family tree for both her family and ours. So, this week, I got in touch with cousins I rarely see to ask questions I normally wouldn’t ask. From one family member, I heard a story which touched my soul with deep sadness. A great-uncle of mine served in Germany during the Second World War. When he returned home, he had a conversation with his mother about not being able to return to Church because “It was either kill or be killed.” He felt unworthy, guilt-stricken. Sad, huh? This makes me think of the older brother in the story of the Prodigal Son. Who does he represent? Is it people with unforgiving hearts who can’t get past the sin to see the person beloved by a God who only sees Jesus' finished work on the cross when he looks at us? I wonder.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
In Luke 15:22-24a, we see the happy ending to the account shared above. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry. For this, my son, was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.
PEACE
A MIXED-UP DAY 6/6/2025
Sometimes, life will throw you for a loop, like yesterday. In the morning, after completing errands in town, I headed down to the Mill on a workday to find quilt backing for a project at the museum. We found something suitable, and since I had a couple of hours to spare before a 12:15 Zoom meeting, I took an empty seat at the quilting frame. It’s been 40 years since I last quilted, but the stitches looked fine, and the ladies were loads of fun. At noon, I went to the office to learn the WIFI password, but found the building empty. No one in the dining hall knew the information, so when I attempted to connect to the internet, I failed. Grabbing the computer, I rushed to my car and sped to town and McDonald’s. By the time I logged in, I’d missed half of the meeting. By 2:00, I’d redressed in Victorian clothing and welcomed a group of ladies into the museum who had booked a tour. At 4:30, a prayer and practice for the Church musicians took place in the sanctuary. Since I sing on Sunday, I went, but the sound technician was a no-show. Not his fault. We had to reschedule. Lastly, on this full day, granddaughters, Jul and Oaklynn, were coming to my house for mowing, but since a thunderstorm got in the way, we went out for Mexican food instead. Great idea, except after our return trip to the car – giggling and dodging raindrops with our classy umbrellas all the way – my great-granddaughter’s awestruck voice called out to me from the back seat. “Grandma, look what I found on the table!” Her treasure, of course, was the tip. Uh oh!
GOOD NEWS
Life gets busy. Life gets messy. But through it all, we are so blessed! We have a loving Savior who holds us and gives us peace. At this moment, I am reminded of the wonderful poem called “Footprints.”
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Psalm 71:6a, (probably David) says, “By Thee have I been held up from the womb.” In John 14:27, Jesus says, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
patience
WORTH THE WAIT 5/9/2025
Last night, I scrubbed the bathtub and prepared for a luxurious hot bath. I grabbed a bath bomb, a clean towel, a tall glass of chocolate milk, and my novel, The Everlasting Kind. I paused to leave a message on a few phones telling of this momentous occasion while steaming hot water poured from the faucet with fancy white porcelain handles marked “hot”, “cold,” and “shower.” Next, I closed the windows for privacy and admired the exterior of the old clawfoot tub that Hubby had skillfully painted a rich copper color and used gold for the feet. I gazed inside at the original porcelain and smiled, it looked brand-new.
A LONG PROCESS
We had admired the property for weeks, but couldn’t see the house's interior until auction day. We’d eaten takeout on the porch several times and peeked through windows, making plans. We adored the yard and outbuildings. But on auction day, I clearly remember telling Hubby, “I can’t live in a house without a bathtub!” “No problem,” he responded calmly, knowing full well the seriousness of the situation. “We can install a tub after we buy it.” Seven years and several delays later, my dream has finally come to fruition!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
We pray for our loved ones to come to Christ, and wonder if it will ever happen. We groan and complain when life gets hard, asking, “How long will it be until you rapture your people and establish your kingdom on earth? Patience, says He. It’s worth the wait. 2 Peter 3:4,8,&9 explains, “And saying, where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
MARRIAGE
PART THREE OF "YOU HAVE TO CHANGE" 3/14/2025
Someday I planned to write about the miracle God used to heal my marriage, but the truth was, I didn’t want to hurt or embarrass the other person involved, John. But God. God knew how badly I wanted to share my husband’s and my story, so on the second Friday in January, when I settled down to write this weekly blog, out of the blue, a strong impression changed my mind about the subject matter I planned to use. Now, I must add that at this time I had no idea my husband would be passing away in less than a week! There were no signs of decline – although he was a bit depressed about leaving the Cardiac Therapy class he attended for a few weeks. What we hoped would strengthen his heart had to be discontinued because his blood pressure wouldn’t cooperate. Once I finished writing the blog I asked John to read it and to give me his honest opinion. His face showed no expression until the very end when he smiled, and advised, “Yes. Go ahead and use it.”
A NIGHT OUT
Twenty-seven years earlier, two months after the marriage miracle, we were returning home from a “date night.” Sitting as close to each other as humanly possible, we were sublimely happy. However, John knew nothing about the miracle as yet. I asked, “Have you noticed a difference in our relationship?” “You bet I have! What happened?” My reply? “God gave me the kind of love for you, that I should have already had.” I filled him in on all the details (a few I did not share here). When I finished, he cried. He knew everything I said was true because of the change in me.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Genesis 2:24 says, Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh. (Like being glued together). Ephesians 5:33 adds, Nevertheless, let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife, see that she reverence her husband.
GRIEVING
WHAT IS HEAVEN LIKE? 2/28/2025
Will we sit at the feet of Jesus, see his nail-pierced hands and feet, and watch His shining face when He speaks of the kingdom to come? Do we eat food because we want to and not because we have to? Do we need any sleep at all? Will the angels sing? Will we?
GRIEF IS A PROCESS
Looking back these six weeks to the days when l first lost John, I must admit, after the shock of his passing, my thoughts raced to list all the things we could no longer do together, like plant a garden, work in the yard, watch movies, go thrifting or out to eat or hang out with family and friends. Poor, pitiful me, I thought, the one left behind picks up the pieces, alone. After these self-centered moments passed, I stared at the places in the house where he normally could be found. Although he wasn’t present anymore, I could conjure up a mental picture of him at the drop of a hat, and I did. I wanted to share my thoughts with him about this or that and found myself doing so, often. Most recently though, I am finally connecting the dots, considering his lengthy hospital stays (which he hated) and the painful issues he suffered in between. It’s over now, dear one. Rest easy.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
In I Thessalonians 5:17&18, Paul advises, Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. In EVERYTHING give thanks. Even while grieving.
fear
A PROFESSIONAL DRIVER 2/21/2025
Hubby felt right at home in his “office” behind the steering wheel of an 18-wheeler, speaking CB jargon to his “Good Buddies” and keeping a wary eye out for pesky Smokeys. (Which one day he would become for a while!) He hauled commodities across the USA as an “independent,” a rogue, doing what truckers called “gypsying,” until loads were no longer trip leased to owner-operators, and drivers were forced to become company employees. Most of Hubby’s adventures took place in or around vehicles, starting at an early age when he drove farm equipment then worked as a mechanic in the service. Not so with me!
“NOT” A PROFESSIONAL DRIVER
I must have been about 14 when Dad tried to teach me how to drive our old pick-up truck out in a hayfield. I was timid and frightened, becoming overly distraught. Consequently, my next lesson came a few weeks before Driver’s Ed. With me behind the wheel, Dad and I rounded a hidden bend in the road, and to miss a corn picker, I nearly drove us into a fence post, but Dad saved the day by grabbing the wheel. Strike two, and you’re out! No more lessons. The Driver’s Ed car had two experienced student drivers and me. When I took the driver’s test, the examiner gave me 100% for what we called “parking” back then and a 71% driving score. I passed! Yeah! In front of the Municipal building, the examiner stopped me on the road to let him out and he handed me the paperwork. I drove up the road a little way and made a U-turn. When I passed him and waved, he looked at the ground and shook his head.
THE MORAL OF THE STORY
Now that I am alone, I must do all of the driving; and when I am out of my comfort zone, I should remember my successes, like when Hubby taught me to drive a stick shift in 20 minutes. I loved it! My Goliath.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Timothy 1:7 reminds us God is more powerful than our foes, Satan and ourselves. For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Memorizing scripture will lead us in our quest to become overcomers. Psalms 119:11 advises,Thy word have I hidden in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
HIS PROVIDENTIAL CARE
"I WANT A RED ONE!" 2/8/2025
It’s a good thing my new car is a “smart car” because I am not mechanically inclined and can use all the help I can get. For example, the shifter confused me. I attempted to put the car into drive, but couldn’t figure out how until the cluster panel lit up with the answer. “Press the shifter side button to shift.” Then I had an issue with the windshield wipers as I waited outside the entrance to the carwash, and it started to rain. The wipers came on automatically and it scared me to death! I was so worried about losing my wipers in the carwash on the auto (Rainsense) setting, and I frantically tried to turn them off! But the car is a “smart car” so I had nothing to worry about. It even senses the interior temperature when I first enter and sets the seat warmer to the appropriate setting. Yesterday I tested my smart car at a red light, on a grade. With no one behind me, I took my foot off the break. Nothing happened. Eerie.
SERENDIPITY?
John informed me on New Year’s Eve Day he thought it was time to trade in our SUV. That night we drove through the car lot in town, and Hubby pointed out a lovely red car with a curious emblem on the front. I liked it very much and spent a part of the next day googling car emblems. The first day of the next week we headed back to the car lot, and Hubby told me I would be the one to drive it, so I should be the one to test drive it. Odd. But I didn’t say a word. We bought the Cadillac SUV and since the weather was not the greatest, we only drove it a couple of times before John passed away. Not surprisingly, a month or so previously, in a conversation with the Lord, I told Him, “If John and I buy another car, I want a red one."
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Psalms 28:7 says, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped. Therefore, my heart greatly rejoiceth, and with my song will I praise Him. Psalm 105:1 says, “I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.”
I HAVE LOST HIM TO A BETTER PLACE 1/17/2026
This is not my typical blog, but a declaration of love to the man I married 51 years ago and lost yesterday. He was the love of my life. We hung out in next to new shops, antique stores, and flea markets. John loved to grocery shop until he dropped and I would go along for the ride. We enjoyed worshipping with our friends at the Carrollton Bible Chapel for 45 years, where his humor is legendary. He will be missed by his friends, family, and facebook followers for his satirical wit. I look forward to seeing him again on the "other side." His faith in Jesus was the only ticket necessary to go there.
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved," Acts 16:31
DESPAIR
PART TWO OF "YOU HAVE TO CHANGE" 1/10/2025
Last week I shared a personal story about how the Lord miraculously intervened to heal my broken marriage. He could have chosen a different method, like conviction through His powerful word or directing us to the right godly counsellor. Why a miracle? I don’t know. It was His choice. A valuable lesson I learned that night is that I am not responsible for the behavior of others, only my own. In short, we can’t fix them we can only fix us. But the good news is, when we change, they change too.
SPECIAL MUSIC
My favorite place to practice singing is in the basement. I set my CD player on the chest freezer, like it’s my desk, and plug in the cord before setting CDs in an array in front of me. (CD’s? I know. I’m old school.) I start by singing with the artist until I can remember the prompts and go it alone. This reminds me not to handle anything alone without first seeking the original Artist’s help. I love these lines from Lauren Daigle’s song, Trust in You. “I’ve tried to win this war I confess, My hands are weary I need your rest, Mighty Warrior King of the fight, No matter what I face You’re by my side.”
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Psalms 145:18&19 tells us, The LORD is near unto all those who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry, and will save them.
NEW GOALS
"YOU HAVE TO CHANGE" 1/3/2025
Right or wrong, we are alwaysresponsible for reacting in a Christian manner, no matter what. God holds us accountable to a high standard – the life lived by our dear Savior. A long time ago, at the insistence of a close friend, I had to face the facts. Hubby and I were not getting along and if nothing changed, we would remain unhappy forever. I prayed earnestly for a long time until one evening on my way home from work I implored God one more time to intervene. Then something miraculous happened! In an audible man’s soft voice from the direction of the empty seat beside me, I heard the words, “You have to change.” “What do you mean, I have to change?” I retorted with irritation, listing a couple of Hubby’s faults for good measure. When I paused, the voice restated what it said before, “You have to change.” My thoughts? This is either an angel or the Son of God speaking to me! Pay attention! Suddenly I recalled a kind act Hubby did for me every morning and an uncharacteristic softness stole into my heart. Thirty years later, it is still there.
GREAT ADVICE
Today the memory of that night came to light when I considered the three goals I made for myself for the new year: to be less critical, be a better wife, and humble myself before the Lord. “You have to change.” The words once turned my life around, and if I apply them to other circumstances today, who knows what will be the outcome? After all, I can use some tweaking!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY? I always believed those words would not be audible to anyone else in the car, had I not been alone. In Acts 22:7-9 we read in part about Paul’s conversion. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, “Saul, Saul, why persecutes thou me?” And I answered, “Who art Thou, Lord?” And he said unto me, “I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.” And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of Him that spoke to me.
holy spirit
BACK IN THE SLAMMER? 11/29/2024
When the dishes were finished after an incredible Thanksgiving meal at the family farm, Emily and I decided to check on the calves and kittens at the calf barn. Along the way, we untied Dad’s beagle, Red, who couldn’t have been more overjoyed! Emily had a strong grip on Red’s leash until she leaned over for something or another and then off he went like a shot! Past the barn, making a sharp left-paw turn, racing across the pasture toward the township road – Oh no, I worried in despair, he’s heading for his girlfriend's house and we’ll never catch up with him now!
IN RETROSPECT
Later, while the family conversed in the living room about this or that, Emily, Mom, and I sat on a couch discussing Red’s latest escapade. Yes, we did apprehend the roving Romeo, in the neighbor’s driveway after he had the chance to say “howdy” to the love of his life. Mom laughed warmly, saying, “Good, now your Dad won’t have to “spring him from the slammer.”
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
I can’t help but think that Red’s behavior is much like ours. Psalms 143:10&11 says, Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God. Thy Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Revive me, O LORD, for Thy name’s sake; for Thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.
joy
BOOK 2! 2/23/2024
Throughout the years I had many moments in life that were simply stellar. You know the kind. You’ve had them too. Something extraordinary transpires, random or planned, and you are struck with utter joy, so much so, that you can hardly stand it! This month while I anticipated the publishing of my 2nd novel, I prepared for this. The date for publication was yesterday and the night before, I scrolled to Amazon Books on the off chance that The Abiding Kind would already be listed there. When I spied its now familiar cover, the one I chose out of hundreds of options, I nearly cried. I should have! Or I should have yelled, “Hooray!” or “Yes!” or “Yippee!” Or I should have leapt out of my seat to jump up and down like a crazy banshee! But I didn’t. Instead, I sighed with satisfaction and just grinned.
DO I DESERVE THIS?
Why does He give me what I desire? It seems the closer I draw to Him, the fuller He allows my life to become. Sometimes I even imagine He is smiling down at me when my prayers are drifting upward. Drawing nearer to Him is giving Him His due if you know what I mean. It’s sort of like tithing. A year or so ago I felt like I should step up the amount of money I put in the offering plate, and in turn, the Lord is making sure enough is coming in for me to continue to do so. The other day I stepped it up once more and the same thing is happening all over again.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Psalms 145:18 & 19 says, The LORD is near unto all those who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry, and will save them.
faith
NEVER FEAR, ONLY TRUST AND OBEY 4/23/2021
Our 3 year old great-granddaughter, Oaklynn, and my husband share a special bond they developed when he babysat her as an infant and toddler while Mommy worked. This bit of information will be detrimental as you continue reading, so please keep it in mind.
TOOTHPASTE DILEMMA
While Oakey and I were brushing our teeth, somehow or another, toothpaste got into her eye. Oh - how she wailed! It would be futile to try to rinse the offending goo out with water, so I grabbed the Visine out of the medicine cabinet. "These drops will help." "No-o-o!" she wailed on. John's voice came to us in a clear and unworried tone. "Why don't you come here and let my magic hanky take care of it?" (His what?!) She rushed to his side, weeping less, as he explained calmly how the magic hanky would immediately draw out the pain. She laid down, and he covered her eye with the cloth but a moment, pulled it away with a flourish, and asked, "Does it hurt anymore?" Joyfully she replied, "No!" Although he never tried this before, Oakey trusted him so completely, the ruse worked! A verse from an old hymn reminds me about this kind of devotion.
Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet
Or we'll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do
Where He sends we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
If we trust in God the way Oakey trusts in Grandpa, the peace mentioned in Philippians 4:1-7 will be ours! In Psalms 37:3-5 we see how this actually transpires.
1st, TRUST in the Lord and do good, so shall thou live in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. 2nd, DELIGHT thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
3rd, COMMIT thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.