We Are the Lucky Ones

Yesterday, was a fun day for me. I went to Bible study, which was awesome. Ladies sharing how God has answered their prayers, sometimes in ways opposite of their requests, was truly amazing.

After Bible study, I went with my sister-in-law and two other ladies, to Elk Rapids to visit another lady friend, Nancy, that we haven’t seen in awhile. Everywhere Nancy lives, she creates a home with harmony and beauty. While there, we sat on her deck, enjoying each other’s company and a potluck lunch. Nancy had invited a new neighbor to join us.

Her neighbor was such a joy to visit with, yet she had struggles of her own. Losing her best friend/mother this year has taken a toll on her faith. Moving to Elk Rapids with her husband from Chicago and struggles within her marriage, has put her in a low state. Despite this, even though her faith is shaken, she still has stories of God’s faithfulness. I am thankful that she ended up next to Nancy. Nancy will wrap her arms of hospitality and love around her and build her back up. Maybe God will arrange for us to meet again.

I love that about the friendships that God orchestrates. Friendships that build each other up. He truly is an amazing God. I pray that we all have eyes that see His intervention in everything we do and see.

Time just goes so quickly these days. This summer has just flown by and I can’t say that we’ve done anything exciting. Except for!!!! Our kids were here for Independence Day and that was such a blessing.

I have been trying to keep the weeds at bay in our garden to no avail. Even still, we are slowly starting to reap a harvest. I am thankful.

I have to admit that I have gotten side-tracked by things that are just time-stealers. As quickly as we have gotten to August, I must value each precious moment. Now, is the time to regroup, reorganize and take advantage of each moment.

I do thank the Lord for carrying me through the mountain tops of excitement, the valleys of sorrow and even the bland days. He has made them all.

He is faithful, always. Despite my looking away briefly and being overtaken by the evil in this world…He pulls me back. Pulls back my attitude, my fear, my wrong thinking.

I praise Him today that when I allow Him to direct my path…then, I have peace and my days are productive and filled with joy. THEN, we are the Lucky Ones. 🙂

Sometimes, life causes you to contemplate. This is an activity that I, personally engage in frequently. No one is immune to hard or difficult times. I know that I have experienced a few. Yet, they seem so trivial compared to some.

I’ve been thinking about life recently. There are many things in this life that I find hard to explain.

Friends that have lost loved ones way too soon. My daughter-in-law’s cancer, a friend’s husband, falling asleep driving, crashing and as a result has numerous injuries, a young man that I worked with has gone through chemo and radiation for brain cancer and now, has an additional tumor on his brain. The new treatment has left him with no mobility, a classmate experiencing a stroke while camping and his life will never be the same. These are just to name a few.

Some people ask “why?”. Some, take what they have been given and deal with it with such courage and optimism.

Jesus said that in this life we would have trouble. There is much trouble in this world. I am appalled at what goes on in our country politically. It seems that those who are underhanded always win. I am disturbed that people think killing an unborn child is their right. They have changed the wording from killing (murdering)an unborn child to abortion and now to reproductive health. There is nothing healthy about abortion. It is not good for the woman or the child. It has devastating effects on the mother.

As some are dealing with sickness and loss, doing their best to survive. Political candidates are using babies as a bargaining chip for more votes. Rather than finding better funding and ways for couples with the inability to birth their own children to adopt. They would rather kill these precious little ones. Why is this not a crime? Abortion is big business. Don’t for a second think that the politicians pushing it, think it’s better for you. They get big money for themselves. My own state has the most radical abortion rights in the country. This saddens me beyond measure.

These are things that cause pain in my heart. Yet, I am not without hope. Hope in humankind? No. Hope in the Everlasting God. He never said that He would take us out of the evil of this world, but that He would be with us through it.

I have the hope that even though I feel that this world will continue on a downward spiral, there is The One that will give me strength to carry on until He feels I should be with Him.

In conclusion, I must realize that we are the “lucky ones” with every breath we take. Being grateful for all we have. Doing what God wants us to and loving our neighbors as ourselves.

Life is a gift.

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.