Tag Archives: Jesus

All At Once

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It happened seemingly all at once. The sky darkened, the wind pushed the tree limbs horizontal, cold rain slashed the windows, howls screeched around our almost 100 year old house. Quick fear, followed by a quick prayer. The verse that brings so much peace came to mind….Be still and know that I am God.

These days of 2020 have produced so much panic and change, that even a benign cold front can make me freak out for a moment. But God. But God. That is what keeps me going, keeps me stable, keeps me at peace. He never changes or panics or leaves. He is God. I just have to be still.

Moments later, the sun is out, the rain has stopped. All is well.

Love, Lisa

Action Plan

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When I feel stuck, confused, hurt, sad, unmotivated….I like to come up with a plan. An action plan. It makes me feel a modicum of control in sometimes uncontrollable situations. It gives me a purpose and a drive to get moving.

What do I do when there is no action plan to be had or found? I have felt that way lately in various situations. Sometimes the problems seem too big or too complicated.

I have been thinking about the verse in Micah 6:8:

“He has showed you, O man, what is good and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

And what Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-39:

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ “

Love God. Love the people I come in contact with. Be just. Be merciful. Walk humbly with God.

These sound like really good action plans to me. Or action prayers, because I am weak. But He is strong.

Love, Lisa

Focus

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“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 3:20

“But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.” – Hebrews 11:16

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household.” – Ephesians 2:19

“For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.” – Hebrews 13:14

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.” – John 14:2

May these verses bring you certainty, peace, and focus. Turn your eyes towards Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

Love, Lisa

Swimming for the Surface

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The sea was relatively calm. Once she got past the small breaking waves, it was easy to swim. But the thoughts kept coming. She decided to swim down, into the deep of the water for a moment. She saw dark murky sand in the water through her slightly opened eyelids. The pressure of the water pushed hard against her head, her body. She could feel the pulse of the tide also. Random pieces of seaweed and a possible jellyfish brushed against her skin.

Finally, the need for air arose. She stopped the motion of her arms, her legs, and released. Her body rushed towards the air. Simultaneously, a gulp of fresh salty air, sun on her face, seawater on her hair. She felt young again with no responsibilities or expectations. Relief and joy flooded her soul. Simple joys, water and air and sky and sun. Good things. God things.

The thoughts were clearer now, not so murky and cluttered. New her, new dream, new day.

Whatever it is that you are dreaming about, maybe that is God nudging you to go for it. You have permission to dream and to go after your dreams, no matter how old you are, no matter if COVID is in the world, no matter if politics are a mess. God is on His Throne. He made you and gave you this day, today. Since God is in control, there is a bright and glorious future. Grab on to Him and your dreams, let go, and swim for the surface. Love, Lisa

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” -Isaiah 43:18-19a

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” -John 8:36