Peace and still water...

 

 

Peace and still water...

Bambi looking into the patio window.

 

It is important to stop and look at the things that surround us.  When we are young, we fight to grow up.  When we are in the center of our twenties and thirties we are fighting to provide for our families.  When we are older, we have time to lie down and enjoy the things around us.

 

If you are in the center of a life changing situation, take a deep breath and look out the window.  You might see deer resting on the lawn or a fawn waiting for the evening corn.  You could possibly run into a friend who has time to listen and share in your challenge.  Perhaps they have an answer that will give you what you need.

 

I have rested in the peace and comfort that Jesus gave us through the Bible.  It isn't just a book of nice sayings.  It is a book that gives us Life.  Because we believe in the resurrection, we believe in His promise to deliver us, also. 

 

Sleep in peace tonight.

Just how tough are you?

I used to think I was tough and could handle just about any situation.  Then, one day, life hit pretty hard and I wasn't prepared for the place I found myself.  I became a caregiver without much knowledge of what I would face.  The challenges were overwhelming and I was faced with decisions that were bigger than my experience.

There has been one constant in my life that I could always count on to give me direction.  I became a Christian when I was 8 years old.  My Pastor's daughter asked me if I wanted to accept Christ and I said yes.  I didn't have a clue when I accepted Him, but my mother did and led me to a place of understanding.  The Bible became the book that I turned to and quoted when life was rough.  I found a personal experience with Christ who loved me in spite of the struggle of life.  Through the years I made good and bad decisions, but the knowledge that I was loved (John 3:16) and the peace He promised (Psalm 23) gave me direction and security.

He will never leave nor forsake His children.  He says so over and over again in the Scripture.  As I listen to the news, I know that something is in the works.  I have looked for His return since I was a little girl.  I find myself looking up at the sky.  I notice the clouds and wonder if He will step out from behind one to relieve this world of the evil that is trying so hard to destroy?

Being tough isn't the solution, knowing Jesus Christ is.  He is tough enough for both of us!

Need help?
Set a goal for yourself this week.  It can be 5 minutes to listen to a song.  You can walk three times around the block or the table for exercise.  Take a bubble bath!  Do something for yourself.

"Seek snd ye shall find..."

 

This past week I have been enjoying the deer who come to my friend Mary's home each morning and evening.  This was the scene each day about 7 AM.  The deer know where their corn is located and Paul and Mary provide for their welfare.  So, it isn't unusual for them to peek in the windows while they wait for their breakfast.

 

As you know, deer are hunted creatures.  But, for this small herd on Lake Houston, they are safe and welcome.  There are about 10 female who come with their babies to eat, rest and play.  However, there is one who is the bully of the group.  If she didn't want anyone else to eat, she just ran them off.  They would spread across the yard and then return to eat until she chased someone else.

 

God has such love for us that He allows us to find places of refuge and respite.  We can rest and relax in a safe place.  If you haven't tried Him, please do.  Seek and you will find that place where He will heal and provide for You - "For God so loved the world..."  John 3:16

Images

 
 
Some pictures I love.  Just wanted to share today.

 
Sometimes pictures are worth a thousand words.

What are you hiding behind?

 

One of the fun things about doing the blog is being able to use my pictures!

 

I have often wondered if I am fooling anyone when I am going through a difficult place.  Do I put on a disguise?  Do they realize the struggle or are they being polite and giving me my space?  It is difficult to help someone when they are afraid of the help or don't see the need for the help or just figure they can do it all themselves.

 

The wonderful thing about being a Christian is the participation of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  He gives us wisdom and discernment for ourselves and those we love.  He clarifies to our minds just where we are and what is needed to proceed to a bright and successful future.

 

My faith in Christ says He won't leave me nor will He forsake me.  That means He is there when I am a willing participant in our relationship.  It also means He is close by when I put on a pair of rose colored glasses or a big bow.  His love knows me.  He sees me. 

 

Do you know the beauty of that?  He knows you, also.  He sees where you are.  It is not easy letting someone into the situation.  But, it is necessary.  There are those who willingly will stand beside us to make the difficult places more bearable. 

 

When someone reaches out to your need, grab that hand and hold on!  (Read Psalm 23 today.)

 

JOY and PEACE.

 

I don't know what was so funny, but this picture always makes me happy.   There is a light in their eyes that puts a smile on my face and the pride I feel in my two granddaughters fills my heart.  In the center of every struggle, God has a way of dropping moments of love and peace into our situations.  How sad it is when we look around and see people who do not have a support group.  Or, people step back and away from those who love them. 

 

  When life becomes difficult, it is easy to question every thing that we have stood for.  Our belief system is challenged  by the pain we are experiencing.  There is a difference in who we were and what we have become.  So, adjusting to the new takes time and remembering what worked in our lives takes effort.  Pushing oneself to reconnect after loss is a major challenge.  Looking for something that makes us happy takes determination.

 

If you are struggling to find peace and need something beautiful in your life, and you do not have any children to hug on, try reading or watching music videos on Utube.  I was introduced to the music of Terry MacAlmon lately and found his music videos.  His piano instrumentals draw me to worship and I reconnect with Jesus Christ as I remember why I became a Christian. 

 

Today I am at peace.  Today I am able to allow His love to touch my life through those individuals who have chosen to love me and not allow me to stay in a place of isolation. 

 

If  you know someone who is isolating themselves, stay close and when the opportunity comes to love them, do so.

 

A TIGHT PLACE...

There are times when I have felt like I was in a very tight place! I was stuck and unable to get loose or get my footing.  Unbalanced, I struggled to move forward and become free from my perceptions, my realities and my future.

As a Christian, the Bible says "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Philippians 4:13. I have a promise that I can find the answer to the hold that is causing me frustration and pain.  Christ will unlock the vice and set me free.  I have to learn to trust Him.

If you have never tried God's promises, do it today.  If you ask, He will answer.  Don't be surprised when it happens.  Take the initiative and ask specifically!  I believe He is who He said He is and will do what needs to be done in my life.

He cares for each season we find ourselves in and will not leave us helpless or caught.