“Do not consider painful what is good for you.” EuripidesThe cereal commercial of forty years ago is still recognizable to many. The two older boys didn’t want to try the ‘healthy’ breakfast cereal until they watched their younger brother enjoy it. I don’t remember the brand of cereal, but I’ll never forget the commercial or the words, “Mikey likes it!”
When I got in a fight with my sister I used to have to kiss and make up. I hated it. But when I did something wrong as an adult, no one needed to tell me it was wrong. I knew what I needed to do. I just hated to apologize. Fortunately I also discovered—eventually—it felt far better to suffer the embarrassment of an apology than to carry the burden of needing to apologize around.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15 What are your thoughts? Libby
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“The old dreams were good dreams. They didn’t work out, but I’m glad I had them.” Clint Eastwood’s character—Robert Kincade—in The Bridges of Madison County.Pay off my home and retire early, that was my dream for many years. Then I got married and we bought a home together just six years before I had hoped to retire. That dream was shot.
It was a while before I was able to let go of the old dreams I had lost to be able to see with new eyes and embrace the even older dream of marrying a wonderful man who already had children. Since I had passed my childbearing years, that dream had fallen off my radar. But when I married I became not only a stepmom to two amazing grown kids, but I became grandma to seven beautiful grand-kids.
Lord, please give me Your perspective so I may see the details of my life’s dreams, events, and outcomes, and be able to recognize the wisdom of Your timing. Amen “Do not lean on your own understanding; I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content; God causes all things to work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose.” Philippians 4:11b; Proverbs 3:5b; Romans 8:28 What are your thoughts? Libby
“Wrapped within arms of heaven, in a peace that lasts forever…all fear removed, I breathe You in, I lean into Your love…” Sinking Deep by Hillsong Young & FreeBefore my 5AM alarm went off I got up to make coffee and sat breathing in the cool air of morning. The only sounds were birds calling for sunrise and the ticking of a clock by the open window. It couldn’t have been more peaceful. Focused on gratitude for this rare stop-the-world-and-let-me-off moment, my puppy jumped into me lap and I heard my husband pouring out a cup of coffee. The day had begun. This didn’t spoil the moment, it made me more grateful for it. Later that morning the worship team was rehearsing the song, Sinking Deep, when the words got my attention. They helped me realize how available God is for precious moments like this. The song’s second verse goes on to say: “When I’m lost you pursue me, lift my head to see your glory… here in you I find shelter, captivated by the splendor, of your face my secret place.”
Songs like this remind me of the truth of God’s faithfulness. But, more importantly, moments like yesterday’s early presence of God is imprinted on my heart and mind to recall later when I need it. Because, not a day goes by that doesn’t deal out a surprise, something unexpected, often it throws off my schedule, and occasionally it's accompanied by stress or grief. But I don’t find God in peace and quiet; I find peace and quiet in God’s presence. Have you recently connected with peace and quiet? Are you looking for a mountain-top experience to renew your relationship with God? What can you do today to go to that place where God’s peace and quiet are found? Lord, your timing is perfect. Thank you for that quiet moment followed just hours later by the song that focused me on your faithful presence. Amen “Where can I flee from your presence?...If I rise on the wings of the dawn…even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me.” Psalm 139:7, 9, 10 What are your thoughts? Libby
“When I stopped seeing God solely as Soother, Easer of burdens, Eraser of discomfort, I started to trust Him more…God walks with us: not running ahead, clearing away the thorny branches…He walks with us, present, sometimes in silence, always in love.” Nichole Nordeman“We prayed the rain would stop, but we don’t have the same ‘in’ with God that you do,” said a fellow camper, pre-Christian member of the group’s annual camping weekend.
Friday evening it rained a while, but Saturday was a severe thunder storm that began early and went on for hours. The concert, bonfire, and s’mores were all cancelled as people huddled under the dozen or more easy-ups and tried to stay dry while watching their tents sag under the weight of the water pouring down. I gave him a limp smile and kept walking, but I couldn’t help think about how I would have answered if we were sitting around a bonfire with time to discuss the question. Why would God let our annual camp out in June—which is usually hot and dry—be practically rained out. Then I came across Nichole Nordeman’s quote this morning. It reminded me of the simple saying I learned when younger: ‘God does not promise us a rose garden, nor does He remove all the thorns when we do get roses, but God does promise He’ll be there through the hard times.’
Are there times when you can only see the bumps in the road? Do you find you question ‘Why?’ God is doing these things in your life? What can you do today to shift your expectations from ‘Why?’ to, ‘What can I do to make it easier for others?’ Lord, in spite of the rain, people still enjoyed the time we spent visiting since we last saw each other. Thank you that You still reign, that You are still in control. Thank you for keeping our friendships strong and growing. Amen “Blessed be the God and Father…of comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” II Corinthians 1:3-4 What are your thoughts? Libby
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WelcomeI love the wisdom of the ages gleaned from relevant quotes. In them there is a connection to the human experience that crosses all borders. Join me as I relate my personal experiences, and link the wisdom of the quote to the Source of all wisdom: God's Word, the Bible. Enjoy, Libby Categories
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July 2019
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