Tag Archives: Ireland

Uphill

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At the top of Bray Hill, Valentia Island, 2011. Photo-Ed Lyons

“When everything feels like an uphill struggle, just think of the view from the top.” -Unknown

“When you don’t feel like doing anything, just do something.” – Lisa Lyons, on a sleepy Monday morning 😉

Yes, it’s Monday. And regardless of how I feel, how tired I am, etc……this is the only chance I have to live this day. So I am writing, and looking out my kitchen window. The sun is very bright. Good thing. Yesterday’s snow is melting, yet glistening. Good thing. I have a warm house and had food for my breakfast, and lots of good Irish tea. Good thing.

Thanks be to God, who puts up with my tired, unmotivated self, and lets me begin to see something good and true in the day. Very good thing.

However you are feeling this morning, be kind to yourself. And I am praying that your day goes as smoothly as it can, that you have good tea at your disposal, and a fair view to look upon. Also, that tonight’s sleep will be better than the last. 🙂 Love, Lisa

Being

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Belvedere Gardens, County Westmeath, Ireland, 2015

What is life? the young one asked

And why are we all here?

What is life? the old one asked

How is the purpose clear?

In Him we live and move and have our being

The sum of all our lives

Is found in knowing, loving Him

Who made us, formed us, created life

And breathed us into being

c2021 Lisa Lyons

My daughter is taking biology this semester. They discussed the question, “What is life?” I realize that there are valid observational qualifications for life. I don’t negate that. But all I kept thinking over and over again in my mind was, “Life is God. In Him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28)

What a comforting thought to be held together, to be created by Almighty God, who has made all things. Beautiful things….oceans, mountains, waterfalls, pine trees laden with snow, hummingbirds, cuddly puppies.

Praise God for life and for being our entire being.

Love, Lisa

Keep Being Strong

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Which is stronger? The mighty ocean, crashing upon the immovable rocks?

Or the humble sheep, trusting in his shepherd to lead him to pasture and water?

I would argue both are strong. Trust and faith take great strength. Strength only comes from the power of the only truly strong One. The Lord Jesus Christ.

My dad once told me, “You’re being strong. Keep being strong.” I can tell you that I do not feel like a strong person. I have many anxieties, physical weaknesses and chronic disability. But his faith in my strength helps me to remember that true strength resides within. It comes from relying, moment by moment, on Christ.

” ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me….For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” – 1 Corinthians 1:27

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

“Finally, be strong in the LORD and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” – Ephesians 6:10-11

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak…those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:29, 31

Keep being strong. Love, Lisa

Hope and Rest

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Co. Kerry, Ed Lyons

Have you been feeling weary lately? Reality and its grim companion, the constant news, have been taking a toll. All of us long to rest and live above the stress somehow.

I would be so selfish if I did not share with you the gift I have been given. In 1990, I heard a radio broadcast that changed my life. That no matter what I had done, it could be forgiven and forgotten, forever. That Jesus died to pay for it all. That He rose again on the third day, and that everyone who believes in Him will never die. They will live forever with Him. Since that day, I have a constant Friend and Savior who gets me through the hardest of days and the best of days. I know I am never alone, and that I am loved beyond imagining.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

“Whoever comes to me, I will never drive away.” – John 6:37

“In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Lay it down, talk to Him, give Him your burden. He is strong enough to carry it all. He cares enough for you to do that. He is there, right now, waiting.

Please always feel that I am here to talk if you need to, or if you need me to pray for anything for you. I don’t have it all together, or have all the answers, by any means, but I know the One who does.

Love, Lisa

Rock of Ages

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“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.” – Psalm 18:1-2a

Near Glencolmcille, Ireland. Ed Lyons

“From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” – Psalm 61:2

Giant’s Causeway, Ireland. Ed Lyons

“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” – Matthew 7:24-27

Cahir Castle, Ireland, built in the 12th century. Lisa Lyons

Love to all of you, Lisa