Let your light shine!

Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven. 

In this world of darkness, let your light shine!  Can the people you meet today, see Christ in you?  Are you a witness for Him in what you do and say?  A pleasant smile, kind word, or helpful act can all help to show Christ to the world and can sometimes lead to an opportunity to share the message of salvation with someone special that God has put in your path.

Praise God for the opportunity to shine His light!

WI Indoor Flea Market!

Looking for the elusive vintage find or that perfect "something" to go with your new home decor?

If you're living in WI, or planning to visit, make a stop at Crazy Frank's Indoor Flea Market in Mineral Point!  There, you'll find my booth (pic above) full of my wonderful collections and finds from estate sales, auctions, etc.  Newly added this week . . . vintage milk crate and Hills Bros Coffee tin!  Stop in, it's full of vendors!  www.crazyfranks.com

Stillness and a Bathroom Update

Be Still.  Simple words with a powerful meaning.

Have you seen this bible verse lately?  Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10).  It's a commonly used verse that often presents a little different meaning.

What does "be still" mean?  Some say to "sit quietly" and listen.  I think "let go" or "hands off" are meanings that make the most sense to me.  Take your hands off trying to control your own life and let the Lord God take over.  We know that He is in charge, when we stop fighting Him by trying to do our own thing our own way, He will lead us and guide us in His ways.  We were designed to glorify Him, let Him help you do that!  Can you take your "hands off"?

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On a creative note ... here's a neat new addition to our bathroom I just finished today.  I bought a 1950s (?) Chrome cabinet, made a hanging picture frame jar for holding cotton squares and qtips, and attached both to a homemade rustic wood backdrop.  Turned out great!

Enjoy the beautiful fall weather!!

This World is NOT My Home

 

This World is not my home,
I'm just a passing thru.
My treasures are laid up,
somewhere beyond the blue.
("This World Is Not My Home" hymn, 1937)

 

As the world around us changes, I have nothing to worry about.  As a believer in Jesus, redeemed by His shed blood on the cross (He died to pay for MY sins), I know this sinful earth is not my home, I have a guaranteed spot in Heaven with Jesus!

 

Keep your eyes on Jesus, He is the only one who can save us! I don't have to worry, He is always with me, caring about everything I do.  I am never alone!

 

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day . . . for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
~2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Patience

 
James 1:2-4

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have it's perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

 

 

We know we can rest in God's perfect will and timing.  He knows exactly what we need to learn exactly what He needs us to know.  Trials come, things don't work out the way we plan, we lose patience over something that's taking too long, we can't imagine why the Lord would be allowing something to happen . . .  It's in our nature to question why things happen the way they do.  We can  know that God knows exactly what's going on in our lives, He even cares about the hairs on our head! 

Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin?  And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.  Matthew 10:29-31

We need not worry, the Lord knows what we're going through and He is with us all the way.  He cares about everything that happens to us and knows exactly what's best for us!

 

Without Him . . .

 

Without Him I could do nothing,

Without Him I'd surely fail;

Without Him I would be drifting

Like a ship without a sail.

Without Him I would be dying,

Without Him I'd be enslaved;

Without Him life would be hopeless--

But with Jesus, thank God, I'm saved.

 

Jesus, O Jesus!  Do you know Him today?

Do not turn Him away!  O Jesus, O Jesus,

Without Him, how lost I would be.

~By Mylon R. LeFevre (Copyright 1963, LeFevre Sing Publ. Co.)

 

What can I do without Jesus?  Nothing.  Several times in the last year, He has brought me to my knees in the realization my life is His, not mine.  I can truly do nothing without Him. 

 

My "self" has continually gotten in the way of that over the years, I always try to maintain control of my situation . . . I can't let down my guard and lose control of anything in my life, so I can't truly give the Lord my EVERYTHING.  The past year was taken up with many medical problems, each to the point where I had to let go and let Jesus take over a little more of my life.

 

Recently, my husband has been dealing with a potentially serious illness, and the stress of waiting for diagnosis has finally brought me to a point where I can honestly give my life over to the Lord . . . it's too much for me to handle and my life really belongs to Him.  The Lord truly knows what's best for us, He is truly in charge.  I can rest in whatever situation He has for me; I know it has been allowed by Him, He will help me through it and will help me to learn in it.  Thank you, Jesus!

 

Not that I speak in regard to need,

 for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content;

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. 

Everywhere and in all things I have learned

both to be full and to be hungry,

both to abound, and to suffer need. 

 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

~Philippians 4:11-13

 

*Photo by Olivia Richardson, Copyright 2016

Merry Christmas!
 

Thank you God for sending Jesus.

 

And she will bring forth a son and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.
~Matthew 1:21

 

Our Daily Bread

 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

 

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  His mercy endures forever! ~Psalm 118:1

Thank you God for this country, our founding fathers, a warm house, plenty of food, Your beautiful creation, a loving family, and most of all, thank you for salvation through Jesus Christ!  What a wonderful reminder for us to be thankful.  We can thank the Lord for His love for us, no matter what circumstance we are in.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
 

Our Daily Bread

Following Him

 

 

As the world changes rapidly, how willing are we to follow God in the midst of persecution?  Living in the United States, it's been easy to SAY we follow Christ and devote our life to Him.  But, we haven't had to face a situation where our faith in Christ could lead to imprisonment or even death.  Are we still willing to follow Him with the threat of that kind of persecution?

 

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 
II Timothy 3:12

 

In the recent college shooting, students were asked if they were Christians.  Knowing the outcome of their answer, they didn't back down.  How would we respond?

 

How about a lesser persecution?   As Christians, our freedoms are rapidly being taken away.  Can we remain steadfast in the Lord and not compromise our belief in Him by giving in to the world's immoral demands?  What are we willing to lose to stand up for what we know is right according to God's Word?  As our country continues downward, we will face persecution right here . . . are you ready?

 

I think we've become complacent and give in to the world's distorted view of what is right far too easily.  We need to know what is right and wrong according to the Word of God.  Stay steadfast, spend time in prayer and studying God's Word each day.  Rejoice in the persecution you endure!  Yes, rejoice, knowing we are growing closer to God.  Rejoice, in the opportunity to pray for those who persecute us. 

 

Thank you Lord, for being with us through everything!

 

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 
1 Corinthians 15:58

Answered prayers . . .

This is the confidence which we have before Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.  And, if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. 
1 John 5:14-15
 

Does this mean we can ask anything, as believers, and He will give it to us?  Many people make that mistake.  They conveniently leave out the part "according to His will".   God DOES answer prayer, every single time!  His answer just might be different than we expect.  Since God knows exactly what's best for us, He answers our prayer according to His will.  Praise to Lord!
 

What is God's will?  If we study God's word, we can pray according to His will.  His will brings glory and honor to Him and is always according to His word.  Pray for wisdom in knowing God's will.  Study God's word . . . 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 is a great place to start. 
 

Have a glorious day!  It's fall here in Wisconsin, cold nights and warm(ish) days are ushering in the season.  It's time for a trip to the apple orchard, a fire in the wood stove at night, and a rush to complete projects before winter sets in!
 

Enjoy fall!  Rejoice in the beauty God has given us!
 

Whose time?

Whose time is it?

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.  ~Ephesians 5:15

How easy it is to let my day get away from me, to waste my time on something of little importance the next day, let alone to eternity.  When I think of my time as a gift from the Lord, and not really "mine" at all, but His, it puts a whole new perspective on what I do.  What can I do for Him today with the time He has given me?  Will doing this or that matter for eternity?  Will it matter for someone else's eternity? 

Spring is here in Wisconsin! It's easy to feel refreshed with the spring air blowing through the open windows.  Thank you Lord for spring breezes!  Help me to remember that MY time is actually YOUR time and I should use it for YOUR glory!

Merry Christmas!

It's Christmas! 

Thank you God for sending Your Son!  

What's Christmas?  Read the REAL Christmas story, the reason we are celebrating in Luke 2:1-20. Christmas shows us God's tremendous LOVE for us. Merry Christmas!

Hurray for snow!

SNOW!  The first STICKING snow of the season!  Yay!  Yep, if you live in WI, you might as well be excited about things like snow and cold and short days and wind chills and ice and frozen pipes and frostbite and . . . .  Okay, maybe not all of that!  Regardless, we were thrilled to see the snow actually staying on the ground today with more expected tonight.  We certainly aren't getting the nearly 2 feet of snow some places in northern WI received over the weekend, but this is a good start.

Along with snow today came venison for supper (with stuffing, rice, steamed cabbage & carrots).  Mmm, another first of the season!  Thanks honey for providing meat for the table!

That's Trouble, our top rooster in the pic, he's coming out of the hen house and heading to the greenhouse (can you say "spoiled chickens"?)!  The greenhouse (aka the Bubble) isn't heated, but does get warm with the sun and keeps the wind and snow/rain off the chickens so they can enjoy their day.  They love it, especially in winter!

Finding time

Finding time for daily devotions . . .
"I don't have time to read the bible or do a devotion, I barely have time to get dressed!"  Ever said those words or some like it?  It's easy for us to get so involved in the world (and worldly things) that we think we can't make time for God.  Spending time in His word, studying it and praying are the most important things we can do all day.  Here are some ideas on fitting time with God into your already busy day (some of these came from Doorposts):

1. Start with small goals (don't endeavor to read a full chapter in a book of the bible, try aiming for just a paragraph or just 5 or 6 verses).  Don't choose a long devotional, pick one that is short, meaningful and workable in 5 min.  Don't have a devotional?  Our Daily Bread (odb.org)offers an emailed or printed copy of their daily devotionals that include a short passage to read from the bible (you can even click to read it on the email version), plus a short devotion.
2. Put everything you need in one place so it's ready to grab when you have 5 min.
3. Where?  Carry a small bible with you to squeeze in a little bible reading anytime you're waiting (in line, waiting to pick someone up (or waiting to be picked up), etc.).  If you ride (instead of drive), that's a perfect time to read, pray, and do a devotional. 
4. When?  Have a little break at work or school, there you go!  Just layed the children down for a nap, there you go!  Waiting for something, there you go!  You get the idea, there are 5 min. increments of time in our day to squeeze in anything.
5. Can you get up 5 min. earlier?  Or, can you take 5 min. before going to bed?  How about honoring good priorities and doing a devotion before checking your email or going online?
6. If you're a busy mama of little ones, how about starting a 30 min. quiet time in the afternoon where they can do anything quiet on their beds (play, read, nap), with no talking?  It might take a bit of time to make it work, but eventually you will all value that special 30 min. of quiet. 
7. If your children are old enough, have them start learning to do a devotion when you do.
8. Pray for wisdom in finding time to devote to God.  He desires that we spend time reading and studying His Word and praying, if we pray for guidance in finding time to do that, He will help us. 
9. Something I heard a while back may help us put perspective in this . . . do you reach for your bible as often as you do your cell phone?  Do you never want to leave home without it (like you do your cell phone or purse)?  Do you spend time in prayer as often as you do on your cell phone?

May the Lord help you find time today and everyday to spend with Him!  "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." Proverbs 4:23 (NASB)

As I write, a commercial airliner has been shot down in the Ukraine, Israel has launched a ground operation in the Gaza Strip, thousands of refugees/illegal immigrant children are pouring into the United States along with a number of undetected illegals who are taking advantage of our currently less-secured border, people around the country are fighting for their "rights" and against laws they say are discriminatory to their alternative lifestyle, our country seems to be upside down in declaring what's wrong as right and what was once known by all to be right is now said to be wrong, . . .  Listening to or reading the news can be depressing or even scary, not knowing what's going to happen next. 

Don't despair, there is hope.  I spent last week as a counselor at a bible camp with no radio, no computer, no internet, no tv, no video games, and no newspapers.  My contact with the outside world was a few text messages relaying prayer requests and one phone call to my husband on his birthday.  We learned about God's creation, we spent time in personal and cabin devotion with our Lord, chapel time, games, hiking, swimming, singing, talking, walking, sharing, praying, . . .  Spending time in God's creation, each responsible for kids we had never met before that week but would have given our life to protect.  We prayed for them, ran with them, shared our lives with them, and took care of them.  Most of all, they learned more about God that week and we learned even more than they did.  Yes, I can put my complete trust in my Lord.  He asked, I was willing, and He sustained me through the week.  I know God planned for me to be at camp this year, He planned for each of the children to be there too.

Yes, the world is in turmoil, seemingly more every day, but we know God is in charge.  Nothing surprises Him, He knows everything about us, everything going on now and everything that will happen for eternity.  Psalm 139:16 says "...and in your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them."   God knows what He's doing, He has my life planned out for me, that's a comfort beyond measure.  He allows certain things to happen in this world, we don't always understand why, but we can rest in the assurance that God is in charge.  Our country will continue down this path for as long as the Lord allows, but I am not worried . . . this world is not my home, I'm just a passin' through.