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Be Content in Every Situation

Oops! My “Mr.” Kitty’s Surprise – SIX Wee Ones

“… I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in every situation… ” from Phil. 4:11-13 NIV

On one of my lowest days, a very tiny, scrawny kitty made his way to the back porch where I was crying out to God. I missed my hubby. I was disappointed in myself. The list goes on…

“Mr. Kitty” was just what I needed; something to take care of and to cuddle on my down days. Well, I should have checked. Surprise! A few weeks ago, MISS Kitty gave me six little bundles of cuddlebugs!

God, in His wisdom, always gives us exactly what we need. I learn daily from Miss Kitty and God’s care for her. Feast your eyes on that momma’s face as she cares for her wee ones under an old rusty wheelbarrow in my front flower bed. Wind and weather never deterred her from her duties. She always meets me at the garage door for a bit of petting and heads back to her babies.

How is your life? Ever had times of discouragement? Is your life not always a bed of roses? Truthfully, each of us at times feels more like we’re rolling in a bed of thorns. My prayer for each reader is that you never lose track of God’s care for you; His love is beyond measure.

Find strength in God’s Word. Click here for encouraging Scriptures.

Here is one of my favorites. “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5

Monday, six adorable little balls of fur discovered how to climb onto my front porch. Prayers appreciated!

This week I am asking God to stir my heart as well as the hearts of my readers. “Teach us, Lord, when discouragement comes to look to You. To trust You. To praise You. You, oh Lord, are enough!”

Hugs,

Drop me a note. How can I pray for you? How have you found comfort in God this winter?

Teach Us To Number Our Days

Sunday Parking Lot Church During Covid

“Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should.” Psalm 90:12

Blessed Beyond Measure! Survived 2020 – Trusting God for 2021

And, so began our 2020 annual letter to friends and family. In August 2021 my precious Russell went Home. Trusting God for 2021? The truth is that not one of us knows when our life on earth will end. Not one of us is not guaranteed one more breath.

The letter was written at a time when we realized what we had been missing: visiting hospitals and nursing homes, shopping where we wanted, hugging a friend, and dropping in on a neighbor. We were starved for hugs, laughter, freedom, and unmasked smiles.

Personally, I wonder as 2023 soars past, do we appreciate the freedoms we now have? Take a minute to consider how we must make every minute count.

Draw closer to the Lord. Do you know for sure that your relationship with Jesus Christ is secure? Is he truly your Savior and your Lord? Are you walking in His ways daily? This is absolutely the most important issue to be settled today.

Would God have you settle a relationship? Are you harboring any resentment, anger, or unforgiving spirit against anyone? Is your heart free of greed or selfish ambition? Ask Him to create in you a clean heart. Go the extra mile. Smile and be kind. Repent and restore fellowships. (Psalm 51:10-19)

Pray more fervently for each family member and friend. Use their names, and picture each one as you pray. Ask God to stir the hearts of those who do not know Him personally; plead for healing of soul and body for others and ourselves. Take (make) time each day. (Jeremiah 33:3)

Here is some additional food for thought as we consider others.

Appreciate more fully those who care for us and tend to our needs. Hold them up in prayer. The obvious: health care workers, first responders, truckers, and transporters. Consider also mail carriers, trash haulers, grocery personnel, convenience store workers, and on and on. A sincere smile can do wonders.

I carry little bags of candies with Scripture to give to waiters, clerks, and such. Sometimes I fix a bag and leave it on top of my trash can on trash day. Or in the mailbox or for the delivery guy. Recently God impressed upon me to silently pray specifically for those persons as I leave a treat bag. I ask Him to draw them to Jesus.

From Isaiah 40 – Comfort my people, says the Lord. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

And Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! Praise Him when all is well. Praise Him when your world tumbles before you. He alone has a plan. He knows what is best. He can be trusted.

Lastly, I pray for you. I ask God to fill your every breath with His spirit. I pray that you will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that when that last breath is taken, you will be with Him. Be sure, be very sure.

Love and hugs,

No Expiration Date on God’s Plans

Goodman High School, Goodman, Missouri

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

In the late ’50s, with no established art or writing classes in our rural school in Goodman, Missouri, I grabbed every opportunity to express my creative self. In addition to the school newspaper and annual, I thrived on creating bulletin boards and posters and working in the school office.

I was clearly at home with a pen and pad and relished each opportunity to exercise my God-given talents. Although I wasn’t sure what all that would entail, I knew God had called me to be a writer.

Sadly, I must admit that God and His plan for me were far from my mind as I left school. Selfish ambition, the lure of the world, bad choices, and circumstances beyond my control pulled me away from my destiny.

But, God is faithful. He never abandons His children! Incredibly, my first book, My Mother My Child was published in my sixties. Later, after I upgraded it to include detailed discussion guides for each chapter, I put the pen down.

Click here for God Has A Plan For You Scriptures.

My loving, patient Heavenly Father used a few days in ICU and a lengthy hospital stay to draw me back to His plan. I now have four books in print.

I intend to publish two books in my eightieth year. The Rebel and Preacher Man will be out this summer. And Patches the Turtle will introduce his new friend this fall in his third book.

So, I have to ask. Have you ever felt God tug on your heart? Do you have gnawing desires in your soul that won’t let go? Could it be that He is still wanting to bless you in that way? Trust me, you are always the winner when you obey God.

And, it is never too late!

I will eagerly look forward to your comments. I challenge you to earnestly pray. There is no greater encouragement and joy than following God’s plan for your life.

hugs,