Life in His Hand

Typically, at my bible study, we do celebrate birthdays a little. So this morning as we got started, and nothing was brought up about my birthday, I figured maybe that was going to fizzle out and that was okay with me. I told them about all the surprises that had gone on over the past few days. They were happy to hear the details. When everything was over, Julie says, "Hope no one's in a hurry. We brought a party!!! Then I saw balloons all over my bed that she had had my daughter blow up on the sly. I had to run one lady home and when I got back, I found they had done their magic!! This is my group--usually there are about two more people. So now I am wondering...what's gonna happen tomorrow?!

Words are powerful. You can use them to build people up or tear them down. For many years, I listened as someone tore me down, bit by bit - using words. At the same time, I had God building me up with His words. The negative words still hurt - still affected me, but did not destroy my self-worth. I believed what God said about me and that helped me to hold onto who I was, even in the midst of trials. I knew that being in such an environment was not what God wanted for me. I had to learn to trust Him enough to let go and follow His plan for my life. Which hasn't been easy. Earlier today, I had a talk with a good friend. This friend amazes me with his ability to use his words to encourage, to uplift, to simply understand. When I am critical or hard on myself--he sticks up for me; defends me. Hey wait a minute, maybe this is why you did that or of course you're going to feel such and such a way--look what you've been through. When I am down, he lifts me up, he prays fo...

How wonderful are the friends who remind us that God IS right here with us, even when it doesn't seem like it. And when we feel most down, they are there to pick us back up again, dust us off and help us on our way. What a priceless gift friendship is. So as we speak, my problems have not gone away, but my heart is warmed by the tender compassion shown me by a true friend. I have also been able, through this encouragement, to hand it all over to God and let Him carry it. I thank God for the amazing superpower, called love, He gives to some. For when it is shared, amazing things begin to happen.

Easter Plans Busy morning planned. Lots of eggs to boil and color and plastic ones to fill with candy and money. And of course, we will have to clean the house!!! And make food. On Saturday nights I like to stay up late...so I'll suffer for it in the morning! What started out as a small family thing, with just us and the grandbabies, grew into a bigger thing, with a few more people. And because of that, I have to make sure the house is actually clean. I am not complaining, company always makes it feel like a party. We're planning an Easter egg hunt and a vegetarian, for the most part, barbeque. My flowers are blooming nicely and are so colorful and pretty - perfect for Easter! My porch got cleaned off and the grass is long enough. Oh and the weather will be cooperating. Yay!                                                           ...

Some days are so amazing. Today was one of those kind. I am on a spiritual high for sure and feeling extremely happy. Had a wonderful time at church. A very nurturing day for me. We had communion, but first had our humility service (foot washing). There were several of us ladies in the small room. Some of the dearest people on the planet were in that little room today. My sister/friend was there, a very good friend of several years, my aunt/friend, and a very special newer friend that is struggling with cancer as well as my sweet sisters from church. It was a beautiful time. After we washed each other's feet, we joined hands and had prayer. I was holding my friend's hand that has cancer and after my sister prayed, I asked that I may say a prayer. And holding hands still, I prayed that God would be very near to my friend as she goes on Monday for another chemo treatment. That this is such a hard time. I prayed that God would be with her, that He would let her feel His presence t...

This song takes me to a simpler time. A time of friendship and discovery. Just to know someone for the sheer pleasure of knowing them. Without analyzing and all the what ifs. Of feeling free to really understand someone else. Takes me back to friends I used to have. Friends I'd spend endless hours talking to, dreaming and listening to music with, which glued our hearts together. It brings me to sadness at the thought of no longer having that. But always having to guard and measure my words. It brings me to hope. That possibly, by some good fortune, I will recapture a bit of that someday. And yesterday I saw you kissing tiny flowers,  But all that lives is born to die. And so I say to you  that nothing really matters, And all you do is stand and cry~Led Zeppelin

There is one gift the Lord gives which is sweeter than most anything. True Christian friendship. It's the kind your heart longs for if you do not possess it and rejoices in, when you do. It's the meeting of heart and mind and soul together with others to worship God. I am so privileged, at this time, to have this wonderful, close, bond with the women in my Bible study group.  Jesus says...Where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20 I've not always had this type of intimacy. I remember years of feeling lonely in church, of feeling isolated. There were friends, acquaintances and people you greeted every week, but for me, it wasn't enough. I longed for more. I decided to put together a small group to meet in a home where we could really focus on God. It truly turned out to be a blessing. We were drawn closer to God and each other. It was a great source of strength and joy. When the group had to end, it left a void in my li...