Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ~Luke 12:27
I spring forth unexpected
A wanton, lowly weed
Adorned in yellow
Not the color of cowardice
But of sunny survival
I bloom where I'm planted
And thrive against odds
For I'm content to call home
Wherever God intends
For my roots to take hold
And when I go to seed
I am grateful still.
Amen!
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ~Galatians 3:28
How different we are
Yet how alike
In loving the same
Precious persons
With no exception
We deeply care
In every moment
Miss them when
Time demands absence
From one another
We wait anxiously
Until we feel loving touch
Soothing voices calling
Renewing, so we know
We are never alone
Our loved ones manifest
In our one-another love
And that's a comfort divine.
Amen!
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'" ~Matthew 25:21
The past week brought with it an unexpected turn of events that have plunged the world into mourning. Queen Elizabeth's death at 96 years of age, though not entirely unexpected, marks the end of an era highlighted by the civility, duty and devotion she displayed to her country in love and selflessness, throughout her 70-year reign. There is no monarch, past or present, who can hold a candle to her longevity and exemplary dedication and service to her country and to her God.
The passing of the beautiful Queen also stirred up memories of losing my own mother, who was born in 1928, just two years after Elizabeth's presence graced this world. I'm propelled back in time to the wonder and strength, faith and fortitude of the greatest generation, the one passing away before our very eyes as the days progress at a speed beyond our control. We deeply miss our loved ones who promoted the values of common decency, truth and responsibility which all of us should don as the mantel of our life's purpose.
As the entire world mourns the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, I am reminded of her well-known quote: "Grief is the price we pay for love." Yes, your Majesty, indeed, it is. And you were loved as greatly as you loved others.
Rest in peace, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, and share joyfully in your Master's happiness.
Amen!
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he might stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. ~Psalm 37:23-24
Invitation offered. Will you accept?
Placing one foot before the other
Dedicated to journey unknown
Mysterious to you only because
The Lord knows your path, destination
Way before your decision to accept
Becomes undeniable reality
Take that first step, followed by
Another and another, in faith alone
When all else fails and fades away
His invitation will ever remain.
Amen!
~
My friends, my family really needs your prayers. With the children back at school, my daughter, Sarah, was able to secure a job at a grocery store that is within walking distance from their home, and her training has been going swimmingly. Unfortunately, youngest daughter, Alexandra, came home from school on Wednesday with a diagnosis of Covid - highest temp at 104 before Tylenol and a cold bath. I have every confidence that this little one will pull through, but Danny and I worry that this glitch in Sarah's schedule could effect the future of this most needed job for her. Please pray for understanding on the part of her new employers and for restoration of health for precious Alexandra!
Do you need prayers for friends and family? Please let me know in the comments.
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. ~Psalm 62:5
My little big girl
So grown and yet so young
Innocence surrounds you still
Despite world's influence hung
About your shoulders, weary
Before their time is near
To face the wiles of growing up
In spite of doubts and fears.
God is with you through it all
His grace, your joy, to find
In unfettered, dreamless sleep
That leaves the world behind.
Amen!
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. ~Psalm 42:5
Lately, I've been struggling with overwhelming feelings of melancholy mixed with bittersweet nostalgia. These emotions are leaving me drained of the energy I need to keep posting regularly here at Meditations of My Heart. I'm not saying that you won't be hearing from me as the days roll on, but I've decided to only post when the Spirit moves me to do so.
Will I be keeping up with your blogs? Of course! I'm not going anywhere, so to speak. In fact, the tides could turn has early as tomorrow and BOOM! A new blog appears in your email or Blogger reading list. Just don't count on the Tuesday/Friday routine, at least in the near future.
Know that I so appreciate and value all of my readers, and hope you'll be patient with me. The feelings I'm experiencing are taking their toll; I feel strongly that I need to confront them head-on and allow myself the grace to heal.
But before I go, it's time to announce the winner of The 56 giveaway. Drum roll please . . . And the winner is: Pamela Steiner who blogs at Closed Doors, Open Windows! Congratulations, Pamela!!! I will mail the book to you this week, my friend, so be on the lookout!
Love and blessings to all of you, my dear friends and loyal readers!
Amen.
Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment, and the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" ~Matthew 22: 37-39
Last week, I officially begin physical therapy at an outlet called Benchmark. My coach, Stephanie, is nothing but helpful and encouraging as I try each new exercise she introduces. The routines seem, on the surface, to be innocuous. And I wonder - how can such simple movements lead to rehabilitation? Will these really increase my strength, mobility and balance?
But as I pursue these routines and try new ones, I begin to realize that the simpler way is the best path to take. Not just in physical exercise, but in spiritual exercise, too.
Jesus main message to us is as simple and straightforward as it can get: We are to love God first, and love our neighbor as ourselves. Period. No ifs, ands or buts.
No unnecessary complications.
Yes, the daily humbling of ourselves to follow these commandments may seem repetitive, but it is all working toward a greater good - honoring God in all things. And who doesn't want to do that?
There's nothing wrong with reading devotionals, participating in Bible study or reading God's Word. In fact, it's icing on the cake when we don't take our eyes off the real prize.
But, keeping it simple goes a long, long way in our journey with Jesus. Let's not overcomplicate things when His message is so clear and concise.
Yes, let's keep it simple; simply about God.
Amen!
Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one...
