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Surprise! Welcome to the New Norm

Surprise Lily – Prayer Bench

Surprise! Welcome to the “new norm”!

Shelter in place? For most of us, sheltering in place is not normal regardless of how blessed we may be.

There are days when I starve for a real hug, for an unmasked smile, for a tender touch.

“Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31 NASB

The best strength available is focusing on God’s promises. Here are some encouraging words to comfort you.

This week I realized I was becoming a cranky old gal! Seems every little thing irritated me. I believe God took me to the woodshed!

Seriously! For instance, when having morning coffee with Jesus on my prayer bench, I seemed to focus on the weeds, untended beds, and wished for a gardener. God seemed to smile through the Surprise lilies and beautiful flowers around me. And, I learned to praise Him for my riches; for fresh air, for choices.

And I pray: Father, forgive me. Fill me with Your love. Hug me so I can feel it. Remind me again that You will never leave me nor forsake me.

When hubby was ‘helping’ more than I wanted, I wished my doting hubby had a hobby! I was reminded of how difficult it is for him right now, at least I am in my domain at home. It’s heartbreaking for him to be unable to visit nursing homes, hospitals, and individuals with needs. And I thanked God that I had a hubby that wanted to be with me.

And I pray: Father, help the single men and women shut in at home with no one to talk to all day. Bless the ministers who cannot serve their flock as they want. I ask for wisdom in finding ways to share His love with those who are hurting in care facilities, hospitals, and the like.

When I get bored at home, I pause and thank God I have a home. When we can’t celebrate an occasion at a restaurant, I can thank God I have a well-stocked pantry.

Each morning as I do my devotions, I try to focus more on God and ask how He would have me spend my day. I thank Him for overlooked blessings such as phones and e-mail and ways to communicate with others. I thank Him for you, my readers. I praise Him often that I could even have the opportunity to come into homes for a brief time and share the joy of Jesus.

Read our focus verse in the amplified version below. Let’s commit to pray for one another as we learn to “wait for the Lord.”

“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” Isaiah 40:31 AMPC

Drop me a note,

Hugs,

Never Too Old Never Too Late

“…What no one ever saw or heard, or ever thought could happen, is the very thing God prepared for those who love him.” from 1 Corinthians 2:9

What are the deep desires of your heart? How would you serve if you were younger? more educated? had experience?

NEWS FLASH: You will never be younger!

He never went to Vacation Bible School as a child. At 35, Jesus knocked on his heart’s door and he invited Him in.

He accepted God’s call to preach. Immediately his world changed as began preparing. In over 45 years as Pastor, he led many Bible schools, helping where needed, always encouraging young teachers and leaders. However, he was never actually a student in VBS himself. Until this summer!

Visiting a local church Family Vacation Bible School, he planned only to stay for the opening session. God had other plans and at 94 years of age, he went with the adult group to every class including crafts (and snacks, I’m sure)! Excited about the evening, he proudly displayed his craft at home.

For very enlightening verses about God’s plan for all phases of your life, click here. Remember, God’s plans do not expire! His love and compassion never end.

My friend in her late 60’s just had her first book accepted for publication. A fellow in his 40s shared his testimony for the first time and led a friend to Christ. Margo was 83 when she prayed aloud for the first time in her church. Now, years later, her bold witness is contagious.

It is never too late! God called me to write as a teen, I wrote my first book in my late 60’s. Therefore, I praise Him daily that He didn’t remove the call or the talent.

My challenge for you; look around you. What need can you meet in your home, community, church? What fun thing do you wish you would have tried? What talent do you need to explore? What would God have you do for Him this week? Or for yourself? Or for others?

IMPORTANT: Your immediate task may to simply take a bold stand somewhere. Show forgiveness; go the extra mile. Perhaps lead out in prayer for the first time. You can trust God to give you the desires of your heart as you lean on Him.

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Please comment at the end of this post; thanks! Also, here are some more excellent Scriptures for God’s plan in your life and world.

Patience Pays Off – Surprise Recipe

Patience Pays Off Surprise Recipe Patience pays off. Sometimes we wonder? How is your patience? In today’s confusing world, even the most patient person can quickly lose it. For me, I have to work extra hard every day to remain calm – and quiet!

May God who gives patience, steadiness, and encouragement help you to live in complete harmony with each other—each with the attitude of Christ toward the other. from Romans 15:5

Click here for 20 calming verses about patience.

Lunch with Cousin Penny was amazing: roast pork and dressing, freshly cooked Italian vegetables, crispy salad and the promise of a delectable dessert.

At 90, on oxygen, and confined to a wheel chair, she insists on cooking a for us when visit. I learned the hard way, her feathers quickly get ruffled when I suggest we bring food. It is not a pretty sight!

After a leisurely lunch, we settled comfortably in her cozy den and chatted away, sharing memories of the past and hopes for the morrow. As day lingered on, there was no mention of dessert.

“Precious Cousin, we are going to have to leave in an hour or so; it’s been such a great visit! Thanks for the fantastic lunch!”

“You cannot go yet, we haven’t had dessert!”

Just what I wanted to hear as she headed for the kitchen. “Come, follow me. We’ll bake the cake! I want to show you this new recipe!”

Bake the cake? BAKE IT? My thoughts ran rampant. Miraculously, my mouth stayed shut! (Read Romans 15:5 above; I know it well!)

The oven was set on 350 and her pans on the cabinet ready to go. Quickly she sprayed a baking dish with Pam, emptied a large can of crushed pineapple in a bowl and mixed in one box of Betty Crocker Angel Food Cake Mix. The concoction quickly began to rise as she scooped it into the baking pan and into the oven.

Soon we had fresh coffee and a warm dessert and were on our way ahead of schedule!

According to the chef: only use Betty Crocker mix as none other will do. Do not add anything but dry mix and fruit. Do not worry as it rises; it will not run over. Bake according to directions on box. A few minutes before done, sprinkle top with toasted coconut if preferred for Pina Colada Cake.

I hope you enjoy this fun recipe (call me when it’s ready!) More than that, I hope you are encouraged a bit. For me, staying close to Jesus every day is my priority. All else seems to fall in line as I spend time with Him.

Hugs,

Thanks for sharing this article with others. You are such a blessing to me. Be safe.