Not There Yet

I can hardly believe we’re still dealing with fleas, as we head into the heart of winter.  I’ve treated the cats and the house over and over.  Thought it was done . . .only to find another flea or two on Celia.  So, I bought more flea control products tonight to keep battling the little pests.
Reminds me of the forgiveness and teaching treatments I keep going to Jesus for as He sets me free.

Encouraging you as you go to Him too, with a simple poem.

Sacrifice

Jesus suffered
outside the gate,
for our sins
He bore our hate,
so let us go
to Him there
unashamed of His
reproach we bear.

“. . .let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God . . .giving thanks to His name.”  Hebrews 13:15

Grace

As we went to clean V.’s house today, we learned she’d discovered a lump in her breast on Christmas Day.  She just found out the good news though . . .it’s not cancer, but a cyst!  We are rejoicing with her, in God’s grace!

May you be encouraged at God’s grace with this simple poem today!

Benediction

Grace be to us all
and may our God of peace
help us to do good
and make us complete
as we do His will
becoming to Him well pleasing
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
His glory never ceasing.

“But do not forget to do good and to share . . .”  Hebrews 13:16

Outside vs. Inside

We cracked geodes today and all were so beautiful inside.  You’d never known it from the outside though.  I want to be beautiful on the outside, but I need to be beautiful inside, where only Jesus sees.

Here’s a simple poem of faith to encourage your own inner beauty.

Shaken Awake

When we hear You speak
may we
listen and obey

for Your voice shakes
the whole earth
of all that is made

and only that
which can’t be shaken
for Your Kingdom shall remain

so may we serve You
by Your grace
and with reverent fear today.

“For our God is a consuming fire.”  Hebrews 12:29

“Easy” Overated

My oldest daughter had to head back home today.  The house seems so empty without her.  I immediately miss her.  And God reminds me of something I had learned from Him earlier . . .easier is not always better.  It’s not always easy to have company, or to do what Jesus asks of me, but it’s always better.  I’m looking forward to her return, when we can celebrate her birthday!

Here’s the simple poem for today!

Good Company

We come to Mount Zion,
city of the living God,
the heavenly Jerusalem
where countless angels trod,
to the church of the firstborn
to God, the judge of all,
and to Jesus our Mediator
under whose sprinkling blood we fall.

“But you have come . . .to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.”  Hebrews 12:22,24

The Day After Christmas

The day after Christmas can sometimes be a let down to all the planning, preparation and excitement.  But I want to focus on the Joy of Christmas, because He remains with  me always!

Praying that today’s poem blesses you and encourages you!

Inherit the Blessing

Strengthen the hands which hang down
and the knees that feebly shake
making straight paths for the lame
so they don’t fall away and break,
but be healed, peacefully holy
living here among all men
until Jesus in His glory
comes to take us home again.

“Looking diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace  of God . .”  Hebrews 12:15

Christmas Day

I woke Christmas morning to loved ones all around me.  What a gift!  And I thought of Mary and Joseph waking to their Savior Son who’d come to save the world. What a gift!

May today’s simple poem encourage you in your faith!

Weed-Be-Gone

Checking to see
if any root of bitterness
has sprung up
in me
choking my vitality
and keeping me
from all You want
me to be.

“Pursue peace with all men, and holiness. . .”  Hebrews 12:14

Christmas Eve

It’s past Christmas now, and I’ll post for all the days I missed . . .or most of them!  Praying that everyone had a safe and beautiful time celebrating His birth.  Our Christmas Eve gathering was scheduled later than usual to help those of us who were working that day and needing a little more time.  And at just the right time in history, Jesus came into the world, bringing peace and good will towards men.

Here’s the simple poem for today!

A Race to the Finisher

Come, let us run
the course that is
before us
tossing aside
anything
that keeps us
from our King.

“. . .looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith . . .”  Hebrews 12:2

December 23, 2009

We’ve been having rain here in the midwest.  Loved ones who need to travel in this will face ice and winter storm conditions to get here on Christmas Eve.  Praying and trusting that they will know if it’s too bad to try and if they do start down, that He will cover and keep them safe.
Reminds me of the kind of year we’ve had . . .slippery.  With layoffs and an unpaid suspension, it’s been a little treacherous to navigate as well. Thanks to our faithful Counselor for seeing us through!
Has He helped you through anything difficult this year?  Please feel free to share.  And, enjoy the simple poem of encouragement for today!

Our Sustenance

It is by faith
that we see You -
hope assured,
minds at peace -
knowing this
that we now go through
will someday end
in sweet release.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  Hebrews 11:1

Well, I blew it. Said something I shouldn’t have, hurting someone I love.  In the heat of the moment, I supposed I had every reason and right to do it.  But soon reality set in and remorse. I apologized and asked for forgiveness, from the loved one and God. I thought about how Jesus laid aside every right He had . . .for me. I’m praying to keep  turning to Him in those moments when I want to claim my rights, and give them up, for Him.   Okay, time for that simple poem!

The Enduring One

The greatest of
our possessions
is our confidence
in You
and the joy
of knowing
You will always
see us through.

“. . .You have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.”  Hebrews 10:34

Hi!  My daughter has been having seizures for the last few days. This isn’t something new for her, as it happens every month.  Usuually she can get down about it.  They last about a week, and that’s a pretty long time.  But this time she is more encouraged and excited. You see, her birthday is coming up on the 24th and then there’s Christmas, Jesus’ birthday, to celebrate too.  Knowing this has helped her not get so down. She should be better by that time!

I want to remember this the next time I’m having a bad day, or week or season. I can look forward to all the good He is working out in my life and in the lives of others, even when I don’t  understand or see how right at the moment.  It’s still happening!  And here’s the simple poem for today, to bring encouragement and hope!

Holding Fast

We draw near to You
full of assured faith,
our hearts and minds sprinkled
washed by Your pure rain,
holding on to the confession
that You are our hope,
stirred to love and good works
as we see Your Day approach.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”  Hebrews 10:23