Keeping the Faith

In life we often have challenges that seem to come out of nowhere.   Often they tiptoe through the back door.  When we turn around there they are sitting at the table.

Generally they don't come alone.   They bring companions.  Soon every chair is taken and one is faced with the overwhelming task of prioritizing which needs attention first.
This has been my parents' experience for the past several months.

Tomorrow my dear mom will be having a medical procedure done in a near by hospital.  What the outcome will be is yet unknown.  I am hopeful that all will be well.

 It is scary when we have to surrender our loved one into someone else's hands.   No one can be certain that things will go smoothly.   Sometimes they do...sometimes not.

Keeping the faith in spite of uncertainty is never easy.   Yet without it life can be a dark place.  In the end  "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."   Gal.5:6

Tonight as this post comes to a close I encourage any of you who might be in the midst of some big challenge to keep the faith.   God loves it when we take time to look up!!

P.S.  If you are so inclined would you take a moment and look up for my Mom tomorrow!   I would so appreciate it.   Thank you!

My Perfect Word

Several months ago I read a book by Debbie Macomber.  It was titled "One Perfect Word".   Debbie every year chooses a special word for her focus.   It can be anything.  The plan is to study the word and make it what you search for on a daily basis.

I was inspired and intrigued by this concept.   After much thought the word "Love" came to mind.   It was more like it chose me than I chose it.   My mother had given me Joyce Meyer's devotional  "Love Out Loud" for Christmas.    It is about loving God, others and yourself.   

One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is 1 Corinthians 13 where Paul describes love so well...love is patient, kind, it does not envy, nor boast or is it proud, it does not dishonor others, it is not selfish, not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs.  It does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth.   It always trusts, hopes and always perseveres.   Love never fails.

Wouldn't our world be a perfect place if real love was practiced daily?   Just think there would be no fear.   Children would go to school safely.  Hate would be gone as well as corruption.   We would treat the stranger on the road as a friend.  Hunger would be a thing of the past because all would share.  Greed, lies, stealing all gone.   It would be just the way God planned.  I am more than ready for this place - how about you?  Wish me well as I seek to love more in the coming year.
                                                                    
Thank you for letting me share my perfect word with you.   May God Bless You!

            






 

Life cast a shadow...

Life cast a shadow this week.   It made us very sad . 

We loved her too much though to not let her go.   She brought us joy and for that we will always be grateful.    Sleep well my sweet one. 

When life casts shadows...

When life casts shadows (and every life has them) I look up.  Seems upwards gives me a better perspective.   It helps me focus on God's blessings.   It shows me a heavenly view.

Like everyone I've known moments of great joy and times of deep sorrow.  This just goes with the landscape of life.  Through trials I have learned that I am not alone.   I go outdoors, look-up and am reminded "sorrow is for the night but joy comes in the morning."  I just need to hold on.

These three things sustain me... Faith, Hope and Love.   Love...to accept it and to give it.   This is the greatest gift of all.   Hope that tomorrow will come and Faith to know the shadows do not last.

For all who have shadows being cast today - I am looking up for you.   God Bless!