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The Goodness of the Lord

For the word of the Lord is right, And all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. Psalm 33:4-5

Do you find yourself complaining about our world today? Truthfully, I do. With all the noise about climate change, gender identity, low wages, increasing costs, and—dare I mention it—politics?

Amid my murmuring over world situations, personal issues, and concerns for my family, a friend posted this photo of her mother cuddling a little one.

I know sweet Ottilla. I am sure her gaze is not on her uneaten food; her thoughts are consumed by that precious child in her arms. She loves God and trusts Him as she loves and prays for her family and friends.

Ottilla has seen a world in turmoil more than once; yet she believes in every word of the Bible. Amidst the storms of life, she looks for “the goodness of the Lord” in the world. She trusts God now and for the future.

The longer I gaze at this picture of pure love, the more I think of God’s overwhelming love for His children.

Friend, do you fully understand that our Father in Heaven sincerely desires to hold you like that? He knows you. He knows what the future holds for the world and you. Will you pause just now and close your eyes with that picture in mind? Ask God to hold you in His arms. Let Him be the Father He wants to be. Trust Him to bring peace, comfort, and direction in every circumstance you are facing.

God’s love is so much greater than any love we will ever experience here on earth. “The word of the Lord is right,” you can trust Him. Journey with me as we seek to live by the verse above. Let us look for the good in the world; trusting Him with what we do not like or understand.

I am closing this note with a prayer of peace for you. Please, let me hear from you.

Hugs,

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

The Innocence of a Child

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14

I walk by a store window and go “Yuk! Who is that woman?” I continue to ponder. Why am I not taller? I look so old and bent!

My friends’ hair is so cute blowing in the wind! Why is mine so straight? Wish I had different hair!

Hold on, Susie! Stop that! Do you know what you are doing? Do you think God made a mistake when He fashioned you in your mother’s womb?

If we are totally honest, most of us entertain these kinds of feelings; especially in today’s world! Taking our eyes off God and allowing these negative feelings to grow will affect all other aspects of our lives!

Father, I want to return to the innocence of this sweet little girl. She’s not concerned about her appearance; she is joyfully laboring to make her mother happy with her coloring.

We say we believe the Bible. It’s God’s word; it never changes. We believe God is the giver of life. We enjoy telling little children how God made them special- just like He wanted them to look. Why do we have such a hard time believing it for ourselves?

Click here for a proven way to improve your looks.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

I know sin creeps in and destroys my vision. When I fail to give quality time to God each day; the old evil one has a heyday! He is constantly roaming through the earth to see whom he might devour. It begins with one little negative thought, then another, then another!

Did you catch that phrase above? We (YOU) are “God’s masterpiece”. That’s a fact! As they say, you can bank on it! If you want a revival in your heart and soul, read and study Psalm 139 in its entirety. Trust God to do work in your spirit as only He, your Creator, can.

For a very good article entitled “What does it mean to be Fearfully & Wonderfully Made”, click here.

Precious readers, I pray as we enter springtime together, we will enjoy the joy God has for us. I pray for you often; and thank you for praying for me.

Resolutions Out A New Thing In

It’s a New Year – Raccoon’s Pillow Says It All

It’s January—time to make some changes. Once again I vow to do better, work harder, and complete projects. In a few weeks, I’ll barely remember my resolutions, let alone keep them. How about you?

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19

This verse spoke to me today. God is doing a new thing. God is doing …

Beginning the year with a list of resolutions to accomplish on my own strength is futile. My good intentions and resolve last about as long as it takes to open the refrigerator door or flip the TV channel. Resolutions call on me to be better and to do more.

Suppose this year, I quit trying to do this and improve that and simply allow God to do a new thing in my life.

As I write this, it is day 5 of the new year and I have already found an element of freedom. I am not trying to accomplish goals on my own strength. I am enjoying a real sense of God at work in and through my life in a new way. My focus is on Him and not on myself.

Click here for a biblical perspective on how to set your goals for the year.

Instead of making one or more resolutions that would soon fall by the wayside, I asked God to change my direction; to give me a word to focus on for the year. My focus word for 2024 is “thankful”.

Being thankful is not something I have to “do”. It is something I choose to “be”. When I squeeze into that outfit one more time, I can choose to BE thankful I have choices. I can BE thankful I can dress myself; BE thankful I can live at home; BE thankful I have food in my cabinet.

Please note: I am not living in la la land! I do have goals, serious goals for the week, month, and year. But, my focus is on God and how He wants to accomplish them through me as I thank Him for opportunities, guidance, wisdom, and clarity.

I want to challenge you to do what I did. PRAY. Ask God for your word for the year (or week or month). Let Him change your focus each day and enjoy all that He has in store for you. Write your name in Isaiah 43:19; make it personal. Allow God to do a new thing in your daily life. He loves you so much; allow Him to direct your paths each day.

I am thankful for YOU!

Hugs,

Please leave a note so I can pray for you on your journey.