“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
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“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
“The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been.” Madeleine L’engleWhen my dad was sick we spent a Saturday together. We went to lunch at an outdoor café, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, and then we walked the mall with no particular destination or shopping list. At one point he saw me admire a dress in the window of a shop. Dad passed away in 1983, but I still have the dress. Just looking at it takes me back to the memory of that day with Dad. No matter how old or gray I get, I will always remember what it is like to be a princess in my father’s eyes.
When I get to heaven I’ll have two fathers waiting for me, and I’ll be a girl again…a princess in their eyes. Can you remember an age that you most enjoyed? Do you have pictures or keepsakes that take you back there? What can you do to store a memory of today for you to remember in the future? “Light tomorrow with today.” Elizabeth Barrett Browning Lord, thank You for imprinting moments in my mind, for triggering those memories at just the right time, and for the joy, inspiration, and comfort they bring. Amen “Let days speak, and many years teach wisdom.” Job 32:7 “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” II Corinthians 4:16 What are your thoughts? Libby
Note: Amy Lee Grant (1960- ), an American singer, songwriter, musician, author and media personality, known for crossing-over from contemporary Christian music onto mainstream pop music charts; she’s sold more than 30 million albums, won six Grammys and 22 Gospel Music Dove Awards; she’s most recognized for having the first Christian Platinum album, and in 2006 she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Note: Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861), an English poet first published in her early teens, most remembered for her poem How Do I Love Thee, her work made her a rival to Tennyson as a candidate for poet laureate of Great Briton in 1850; her work influenced British and American poets including Edgar Allan Poe and Emily Dickinson, as well as Robert Browning who became her husband. She also campaigned for the abolition of slavery and child labor legislation. “How I struggle to get what I want…what I really want is to be at peace with myself. No person, possession or acclaim can do that for me.” Anonymous
I didn’t sleep well. I had stomach problems. We continually argued. And I ignored the lack of support for the decision to marry him from family and friends. Instead I prayed continually for the relationship to work while problems continue to mount up. I figured good relationships took work, so I prayed that all the heartache would pay…eventually. Bottom line, I was 39 and I wanted to be married. Finally, after telling him the wedding was off, I slept like a baby for eight hours straight. That’s something I hadn’t done for nearly six months, while playing what I called “tug-of-war with God” instead of sleeping. After months of healing I was able to say, “Thank God for unanswered prayers.” Have you prayed long and hard for something? Are you grieving for long-lost dreams that you prayed for but haven’t worked out? What can you do today to see with God’s perspective and turn regret into gratitude? Thank You for not giving up on me as I marched head-strong into what I wanted and ignored Your will for my life for so many months. Amen “Better is the end of a thing than it’s beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” Ecclesiastes 7:8 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 What are your thoughts? Libby
“Ask yourself how old would you be if you didn’t know the day you were born.” Toby KeithMy grandmother was young at heart ‘til the day she passed.
Lord, thank You for the health that sustains me so I can live at the pace I enjoy. Amen
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in purity.” I Timothy 4:12 What are your thoughts? Libby Note: Toby Keith (1961- ), an American country singer, songwriter, actor and record producer who has released 19 studio albums, 2 Christmas albums, and 5 compilation albums, with a total worldwide sales of over 40 million albums. Keith has charted 61 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including 20 number one hits and another 21 in the Top Ten Hits. “…and the calm will be the better for the storms that we endured.” Matt Boswell and Matt Papa, from Christ the Sure and Steady AnchorThe new birch tree in my front yard fell in a storm. Fortunately it was young enough that it bent but didn’t break. When my neighbors helped me secure it again they suggested I not tie it so tight as before. They said it was the winds that blow the tree and make it bend a bit in the storms that make the tree trunk stronger. In my life, it was enduring the consequences on my own that made me stronger and more resilient. It was the Storms of life that helped me appreciate making the right decisions which frequently resulted in life’s Calm. And, although some storms are unavoidable (being rear-ended on the freeway), it was equally helpful having learned Who to lean on for the strength to endure.
Note: Matt Boswell, a pastor, worship leader and band leader for a church in Frisco, TX; Matt leads a ministry called Doxology & Theology for equipping and encouraging worship leaders for gospel-centered worship. Note: Matt Papa (1983- ), American contemporary Christian music singer, songwriter, worship leader, husband and father of five, whose album Your Kingdom Come appears on Billboard Top Christian Albums and Top Heatseekers chart. Note: Ed Sheeran (1991- ), an English singer, songwriter, guitarist, record producer, and actor who has sold more than 38 million albums and 100 million singles worldwide, making him one of the world’s best-selling music artists; two of his albums are in the list of the best-selling albums in UK chart history. “…as we look down the road where all the prodigals have walked, one by one the enemy has whispered lies and led them off as slaves…” Lauren Daigle & Michael Farren, from Come Alive (Dry Bones)Later I was speaking with friends and confessed that although I pray for my mother, I don’t often remember her when I’m in church worshiping. The very moment when I’m closest to God I don’t remember to ask for one of the most important things in my prayer life. It may not be so bad that I’m focusing on God, but when I sing words from songs like this and don’t pay attention to the words, don’t give my mother a thought, don’t ask God to soften her heart toward Jesus, am I mis-using this intimate moment with God? Or, it might better be asked, am I not taking advantage of the passion in my worship to lay my earnest request at the alter?
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26
What are your thoughts? Libby Note: Lauren Ashley Daigle (1991- ), an American contemporary Christian singer and songwriter, signed to the Centricity Music label; Come Alive (Dry Bones) was on her debut album How Can It Be, released April 2015 and went on to achieve Platinum Record status. Daigle was named New Artist of the Year at the 2015 GMA Dove Awards. “All music jars when the soul’s out of tune.” Miguel de CervantesI don’t remember what upset me. Had someone said something to me, or had I said something to someone else and was under conviction to apologize? Maybe someone (even me) had not measured up to my expectations. Was I running late for an appointment, or was it merely the evening’s traffic?
In those days it wasn’t second nature to turn my thought to God for comfort. Even today, I’m sorry to say, it’s still too often a last resort. Yet, it always works. It always calms, putting my problems into perspective. As my sister used to say, “In light of all eternity, how important it is?” Do you get distracted when your problems are weighing you down? Can music sometimes be annoying? What can you do to calm the problems you are facing today? Lord, when I strive to find some earthly means to quiet my mind, remind me again that You are the true source of peace and serenity. Amen “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10. Or, as the New American Standard version translates Psalm 46:10, “Cease striving and know that I am God.”
“That it will never come again is what makes life so sweet.” Emily DickinsonIt's almost dusk on the last night of the fair. The livestock were silenced when their dinner arrived. A while later, lights flickered on and rides colored the sky with neon rainbows. In the distance bands were playing hits from the 70’s and 80’s. A slight breeze cooled the evening carrying with it the scent of corn dogs, funnel cakes, nachos, and cinnamon buns. Little girls were practicing cart-wheels and younger children chased balloons. Their parents sitting in the food court visiting. Teens walked hand-in-hand making their own memories, while older folks enjoyed rock-n-roll songs of their youth. I had a brief de'ja'-vous. Where had I experienced this moment before? It came and went so quickly. But rather than give it even a minute of attention, I returned to the present and drank in the evening, taking a deep breath and savoring the moment.
My memories are a joy and a comfort; they recall some of the best times of my life. But still I have to focus myself on the present, to make a new memory. I have to choose, to put away the cares of yesterday and concerns of tomorrow...to see, smell, feel, hear, and experience this moment to the fullest. I don't want to miss today.
Are you taking advantage of the simple pleasures each day brings? Are you even looking for them? What one change can you make right now to add gratitude to your day, today? Lord, thank you for the simple pleasures in life. Amen “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 What are your thoughts? Libby Note: Emily Elizabeth Dickinson (1830-1896), an American poet, gardener and accomplished baker. Few of her 1800 poems were submitted for publication in her lifetime due to the extensive editing publishers insisted on for conformity to the accepted style of the day. Not until 1955, when Thomas H. Johnson published a collection of her work as The Poems of Emily Dickinson, were her poems available in unedited form. |
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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