i called

In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry... But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit. When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.  “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good.    I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’

– Jonah 2:2, 7-9

I called to the Lord.

How often do we do that for real? 

Do we lean on Him when we are hurting, scared, lonely, lost, distressed, or do we try to handle everything by ourselves?

If we try to do things without His help, in a way we are clinging to those worthless idols: money, time, leaders . . .

And we will end up in a pit.

Aren’t we lucky that God listens for our cry, He hears our cry.

And He lifts us up from our sorrow.  

Thank you, God!

Have a blessed day.

great!

Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.

– Psalm 117

I have refrained for a while, but I have to now . . . Song reference!!  

Great are You, Lord

Mighty in strength

You are faithful

And You will ever be

We will praise You

All of our days

It's for Your glory

We offer everything

Raise your hands all you nations

Shout to God, all creation

How awesome is the Lord most high

Where You send us

God, we will go

You're the answer

We want the world to know

We will trust You

When You call our name

Where You lead us

We'll follow all the way

Raise your hands all you nations

Shout to God, all creation

How awesome is the Lord most high

We will praise You together

For now and forever

How awesome is the Lord most high

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

How awesome is the Lord most high

Have a blessed day.

I chose that song today, there are so many songs out there that we could talk about with this verse.

His Love endures forever.

Great is Your faithfulness.

Praise His Name.

I have so much for which to praise Him, so much for which to thank Him.

I sure hope that you do too!

Have a blessed day!

what has you down?

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

– Proverbs 12:25

Oh goodness.

Ever feel like someone is speaking directly to you?

I suffer from anxiety disorders, I try not to let it affect me, but it does, sometimes it is overwhelming.

For the most part, my husband can see when I am stressed and talk me down, but sometimes he adds to it instead.

I am pretty sure he knows this.

My heart can get pretty down, and God’s word is the kind word I need.  

If this is you today, let me know.

We will find the words you need to hear together.

Have a blessed day.

my answer

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

– 1 Peter 3:15

Everyone has something to say.

Some people do not understand how to say things with gentleness and respect.

I have had many people over the years ask me why I have so much faith in a god I cannot see, especially if they know some of the things I have been through.

First let me say that there are many out there, some that are reading this right now, that have been through far worse than I have.

And they too, still have faith in God.

I have hope, because I know the promises my God made.

I have hope because I have seen His miracles.

I have hope because I know my Redeemer lives (oh yes, that is a song reference).

I will share those reasons with anyone who inquires.

Have a blessed day.

knock, knock, knock . . . all my friends?

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. ... "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."

—Revelation 3:14, 20

Knock, knock, knock, all my friends?

Knock, knock, knock, all my friends?

Knock, knock, knock, all my friends?

I am a huge fan of the TV series The Big Bang Theory, and that is really one of my favorite lines. 

I love it when someone opens the door before Sheldon can finish, and he is frustrated, or when Penny answers in crazy ways.

How do you answer when someone knocks?

Do you stand on the other side of the door and talk to them?

Do you look through a peephole or a window to see who it is?

When you see who it is, or hear their voice, and it is someone you know, I am guessing that you let them in.

So, why is the door to your heart still closed?  Jesus is knocking.

Have a blessed day!

who do you belong to?

If we live, we live to the Lord: and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

—Romans 14:8

I get fussed at for not always wearing my helmet when I ride my motorcycle.

I understand this, especially having already been in an accident myself (years ago), and having several close friends that have had major accidents resulting in serious injury.

Maybe this sounds terrible, but honestly, if I die today, I know to whom I belong.

My heart belongs to Jesus.

Have a blessed day!

my approval rating

Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”

—2 Corinthians 10:17-18

Today’s world is full of participation awards.

We can’t go anywhere or do anything without someone wanting to brag that they were there.

Back in the day (yeah, I am old), you had to try out for a position on the team, and if you were not good enough you were not part of that team.

I get it, our precious self-esteem needs a boost.

But i would rather have my boost come from God, than an “I was there” trophy.

Have a blessed day!