As I have been reflecting recently, I continue to be in awe of God!

As I read Scripture, I am amazed. We often don’t put everything together. If you pay attention, you see a God who foretells what He will do. It may be years before it takes place, but it happens just the same. Just as He said.

I wonder, when the Israelites didn’t see God’s prophecy, did they decide then, not to obey because it took too long or were they just too interested in their own everyday lives.

Last Sunday, in Sunday school, the man who leads it, pointed out that there are over 1,000 times that God said, “if”. “If” you follow me, the following will result…but, “If” you don’t, the following will result.

The teacher asks who does this apply to, us or God. Most people said, us, because He gives us a choice. I believe both. Not only does He give us a choice, but also, it allows us to see part of God’s character. That what He says, stands. He gives us boundaries to make our lives better and to do His will. His ways are always right.

I see God in everything. In the choir of birds, singing to their Maker…in the clouds, as He rides on the clouds. As I watch the leaves blowing in the wind, it not only reminds me of His Spirit but also the intricate detail that He creates in the growth of new life.

He said that in this life, we would have trouble but in Him, is fullness of joy. I am thankful that even in hard times, we can have fullness of joy.

Recently, I have had some things that have brought me joy.

Getting a video chat with my son and his family on Mother’s Day.

The kindness of my brothers to me. Recently, my eldest brother worked up my garden area. I am so very thankful. He is always so busy and he took the time to do this for us. My second eldest brother is very good about “checking in” to see how I’m doing. This is not something that I am good at. So, I appreciate this about him.

Seeing my nephew, his family and his mother and father-in-laws, and our niece at church.

Having the awesome privilege of meeting a dear friend, sharing a walk, lunch and precious conversation. How I have missed her so!

My daughter-in-law having her parents come for a visit. I am happy for her.

Seeing my longtime friend, her beautiful daughter, her Mom and siblings and meeting her granddaughter, at her granddaughter’s graduation open house.

Jesus gives me the hope everyday, but when He orchestrates meetings with nature and people. This brings much joy to my heart and all I can say is, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow”! 😊

Today, I have been thinking about marriage. Leonard and I became husband and wife on this day, forty-four years ago. We were both so young. I, personally have made a lot of mistakes but, through the highs and lows, we remain. Yes, we have changed with each scar, each bump in the road, each mountain top, each joyous moment.

Did I think long term when I was eighteen? No, and here we are… the “old “ couple. We don’t have a lot to show for our life together except the things that bring us most pleasure. Our AMAZING kids and three awesome grandsons. When we were raising our kids, I stated often that Leonard and I were so different that I hoped our kids turned out normal…they didn’t. They turned out Extraordinarily!

Today, we celebrated with lunch at the Big Buck Brewery and getting our fishing licenses.

Marriage is very similar to our relationship with God. It’s a moment by moment laying yourself aside. Now, that we are “seniors”, I can look back and see how God has guided and kept us in the palm of His hand!

Even though are personalities are as different as different can be, we have grown similar in beliefs and the basics that were there all along. I fell in love with his humor and he continues to crack me up at times. Can’t imagine growing old with anyone else.

We ARE the Lucky Ones, blessed by God.

In regard to other people, I have not concerned myself with how people view me. I do, however, have been concerned in how I treat others or how I make them feel.

So,it is fairly easy for me to be more concerned with what God wants or cares about than mere men.

Rejoicing in the uniqueness of each person, causes me not to compare myself or others.

That being said, I have noticed that there is an area in my life where I have compared myself to others.

It is in the area of prayer. Despite the fact that God is my focus in all that I do. He is my first thought when I open my eyes, my last thought before bed.

I thank Him for everything in my life. His direction is what I seek throughout the day. I just want to please Him.

It is a privilege to bring the cares or joys of others to Him. I have witnessed His hand in big and small things in this life.

Sometimes my prayers have been immature in nature. Yet, God has answered, comforted, directed, and encouraged me.

Even still, there are some that, when they pray, are elegant in speech and flow. Recalling Scripture and principles so effortlessly.

Do you struggle to pray in a crowd? Let me encourage you today. It’s okay.

I felt the Lord saying that just as all the parts of the body have their unique and specific and special abilities and purpose- so do we.

I am not eloquent in speech, neither are my prayers. God in His wisdom made me this way for a purpose and He did the same for you.

All He wants is our heart and devotion. So, never stop! The Holy Spirit takes our heart and intercedes for us. The manner in which we pray is not as important as actually praying. As with anything else in life, we are not to compare ourselves with others. He just wants us to look to Him.

Prayer is somewhat of a mystery to most. We have to remember that God is not a magic wand that succumbs to our demands. Sometimes, He answers in ways that are in line with those wants. Sometimes, He has different plans. This causes some people to turn away.

I pray that you never turn away. Keep asking, but also keep seeking Him. You will not be disappointed.

Sometimes, we get discouraged and don’t think we are impacting our world. He then gives us glimpses of blessing to help us.

Last week, I received this from my brother and sister-in-law:

In conclusion, please don’t compare yourself to others. For, it’s not a communication with others, it’s communication with our living God.