Category Archives: Hope

Nature’s Lessons from The God of Comfort

Nature's Lessons from the Great Comforter

One of Adams’ Acres Blessings

Calico says, “Get me outa here!”

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8-9

Comfort may mean staying put.

Not pictured are three tiny fawns. Upon hearing me on the porch, they froze in place. As other deer approached, they immediately seemed to relax and melt into the soft grasses. Fear was replaced with confidence as they felt the comfort of a mother’s love.

Other times, comfort means to flee.

At the same time, a flock of turkeys in the cow pasture had stopped in their tracks. The sound of a car speeding by the house caused them to quickly turn and wobble down the hillside to safety. Secure in the shadows of thick brush, and no longer filled with fear, they gingerly resumed pecking the ground for tasty morsels.

In the second picture, the young doe followed my cat all the way up the hill. Calico was in no mood to play. Besides, he knew some good cuddling and snacks awaited as he headed for the porch!

Nature Points us to our Comforter.

I learn much from watching the critters on Adams’ Acres. Perhaps I relate all too well to the feelings of fear and doubt that paralyze and hamper good judgment. Especially as I grow older and my situation changes, even the smallest detail can cause stress.

Can you relate? Do you ever stand paralyzed or frozen in your tracks when facing some circumstance in your life? Maybe it isn’t even a big thing, but it seems overwhelming at the moment. Your breath is short and you can’t seem to shake that feeling of hopelessness.

God wants to bring comfort.

We have a Comforter who is waiting to help. He is the Great Caregiver. He knows us; every hair on our head is numbered, and every breath we take is by His command.

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 Click here for 50 more great scriptures on our Faithful Father’s care.

I want to encourage each of you, whatever your circumstance, to make time to lean on Him for rest. His word in Psalm 23 reminds us that He will lead us beside still waters and restore our souls.

Today I pray that you will “cast all your care upon Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) And you will, like the baby deer, allow yourself to melt down into the soft grasses and allow your loving Father to bring comfort and hope and peace for your journey.

Hugs,

I am looking forward to hearing from you. Let me hear the ways that God has brought comfort and encouragement to your heart.

Learning to Hear God Speak

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3

This verse has often been called “God’s phone number”. He clearly says to call Him and He will answer.

Most of us look for clear-cut answers; you know, the call we’re expecting; sick healed; needs supplied; relationships restored. But, what happens when our prayers come from a broken or weary heart; a felt need we cannot express?

Billy Graham tells how to hear from God more clearly.

Lately, for whatever reason, I find myself weighed down with struggles I can’t explain. Has God even heard my wordless cries? Am I asking amiss? Am I making too much of a situation?

Most of you know, I always carry a supply of small bags of Scripture candy and tracts to share as God leads. This week as I assembled fifty bags, I chuckled as I tossed an empty wrapper into the trash; it was sealed with no candy inside!

Praying over the bags and my circumstances, I loaded my duffle bag for the car. I know God nudged me as I retrieved the sealed, empty bag from the trash to read the Scripture.

This is the Lord’s Word for me written on that empty candy bag. “The Lord, thy God, He will not fail thee nor forsake thee.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Tears of joy and peace warmed my cheeks as I heard from my Father: “Susie, I am here for you. I will never, ever leave you. I will not forsake you. I have a plan for you.”  There on an empty candy wrapper was the assurance I longed for from my patient, loving, all-knowing Father.

Click here for 10 ways God speaks regularly to you.

Sweet, faithful friend. Do you know God in that way? Can you hear clearly when He speaks? Make time for Him, His love and grace are there for you.

Hugs,

Thanks for leaving a note. How can I pray for you this week?

 

5 Ways to Encourage Bereaved in 2023

5 Ways to Encourage Bereaved in 2023

God’s Greatest Gift is Jesus! God’s Greatest Creation is Family!

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4

This 2nd year without my sweet Russell is harder than the last. The miss looms heavy; yet, I am comforted by God’s Word.

Join me in encouraging others on this journey. We genuinely have Good News to share. Here are tips and cautions as we enter the year God has planned for us.

#1. Think about what adjustments the individual or family is having to make. Can you help with family needs?  Even the smallest help has a big impact; everyone needs to know someone cares!

Today, in the midst of a snowstorm and single-digit temps, a young neighbor stopped hauling his hay long enough to bring in my mail. He chatted for a few minutes, then took my trash to the dumpster on his way out.

#2 We were created as individuals; we do not all handle losses the same way. When you feel pressured to attend a family gathering or other event, it’s okay to say, “let me get back to you,” or “I really need to decline this time.”  Should someone grieving respond to your invitation in that way, remember to honor their request.

#3 Be sensitive; some may want to talk…a lot. For others, remembering the loss is still too painful. Note: a good hug, smile, and prayer are always welcome!

For me: I needed people last week, big time! So I left the house and headed for our local Walmart to sit on a bench by the checkouts. For over two hours, God showered me with amazing visits, hugs, and prayers! God’s Amazing Grace!

Here are some inspiring verses to help you and others through the grief process.

#4. When possible, share a cherished memory. Are you aware of some way the cherished loved one encouraged or inspired you or others? I have learned so much about my sweet husband; how blessed we were to have him in our lives!

#5.  Tell others how they can pray specifically for you and your family. By the same token, encourage specific prayer requests from your friends and family who are grieving. And make a list, remembering to faithfully pray.

“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.“ Lamentations 3:22-24

I am excited about the new year; I pray you are as well. God holds us in the palm of His loving hands. Our world has gone nuts, our losses are overwhelming, and our schedules unreal. Yet, Our Father never changes!

Let me hear from you,

Hugs,