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In His Time

Today I was scheduled to walk in my graduation ceremony for my Dyslexia program, but because of COVID-19, it has been postponed. I began this journey a little over seven years ago. At times, I thought I would never get to the end, but I believed that this was God’s plan and trusted that He would work things out when things got tough. And He did.

As I reflect on those years, Galatians 6:9 comes to mind, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” (NAS)

Many times we grow weary, especially when the road seems long and bumpy. Often, we don’t see the end. I think God understands. That’s why He encourages us to keep doing good. He promises we will see the reward for our labor “in due time”.

Have you ever thought about that phrase? God didn’t say “in your time”. He didn’t even say “in His time”, but when the time is right, when it is “due”. God knows the right time for the reaping of the reward for our labor, so it really is His timing. But we sometimes want to rush things along. It’s hard to wait, but it’s necessary if we want God’s best.

So, be encouraged today. Keep doing the good that God has placed before you. Keep your eyes on Jesus and, remember, when the time is right, you will reap the reward.

Loving Arms

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I held my arms close to my 8 month old granddaughter’s back as she wobbled to stand. She appeared oblivious to any danger, but I knew she was unsteady, having just learned to crawl and pull herself up. As I provided backup support for her, I imagined my heavenly Father doing the same for me.

There have been times God’s presence in my life went unnoticed, my wobbly spirit unaware of any danger around me. Yet God tells me in His Word He surrounds me, hedging me with His love. Just as my arms were held out to protect and support my granddaughter, so God’s arms are held out protecting and supporting me each day.  

As I go about my busy days, I pray that I will be aware of His constant care for me. What a privilege to be loved and cared for by the one who formed me.

“The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” Psalm 121:8 AMP

Happy New Year

In just a few hours the new year will have arrived.

As we look back on 2020, we can all agree that it was a difficult year, but I think we can also say we have learned a great deal. We have grown to appreciate our families and friends, being able to attend church and even go to the grocery store. We have learned to choose faith over fear, to trust God in the face of many challenges.


Although none of us knows what the new year holds, we rest assured in God’s love and care for us, His constant presence, and His listening ear. We can trust that nothing that happened in the past or will happen in the future is a surprise to Him. We can cling to the promises we find in His unfailing Word.

Praying you will keep your eyes on Jesus throughout this new year!

WelcomeHome

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God makes a home for the lonely… Psalm 68:6 (NASB)

Several years ago, as I waited for a meeting to begin, I came upon this verse. Being an introvert and raising two children on my own often left me feeling lonely. 

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, loneliness can set in as we stay at home, whether with our families or by ourselves. As I face the challenges of solitary living, I remember the devotion I wrote after that meeting and have posted it below. I pray you will realize how much God loves  and cares for you. He is with you now and always.

She sat by herself in the crowded room and watched as people mingled around her. Even though people made small talk with her, loneliness hounded her.

Sometimes the feeling of loneliness can sneak up on us, or it may take up residence in our hearts. Loneliness is no respecter of persons or places. However, God can help when loneliness consumes us.

I love the word “home”. It reminds me of family and good food, fellowship and love. Home is a place where you feel comfortable, protected–a haven from the world. That is the kind of place God says He makes for us when we are lonely.

How do we get to the place where we allow God to do that? First, we abide in His presence. Daily trusting Him, praying and reading His word. Then, we yield our loneliness to God. His arms are open wide welcoming you home where you will be comforted, loved, and protected. Accept His invitation to draw close to Him and continue in His presence. Love, worship and serve your creator as you reside daily in Him.

2020 Dichotomy

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This morning I unwrapped my new calendar and placed it on the wall reminding me there are some things about New Year’s Day that I love. I get to look back and reflect on the events of the former year, but I also get excited about the possibilities in the year ahead.

Yesterday, as I contemplated what I might post in the new year, I considered God’s own dichotomy about looking back and ahead, so I looked up “remember” and “forget” in my Bible search engine. It gave me quite a list of things to remember and a couple we are to forget.

Seven things to remember(not an extensive list): 1) the deeds of the Lord and his miracles-Psalms 77:11; 2) to obey all of God’s commands-Numbers 15:40; 3) the wonders, miracles and judgments of God-1 Chronicles 16:12; 4) to extol his works-Job 36:24; 5) His name-Psalm 119:55; 6)others in prayer (including the poor, those in prison, and our leaders-Galatians 2:10, Hebrews 13:3, and Hebrews 13:7)-Philemon 1:4; 7) Jesus Christ raised from the dead-2 Timothy 2:8.

Two things to forget: 1) the former things–don’t dwell there-Isaiah 43:18; and 2) what is behind–strain toward what is ahead-Philippians 3:13. Okay, so maybe those two are forgetting the same things, but the message is a good one to repeat (smile). Perhaps that’s why God said it twice–once in the Old Testament, and once in the New.

So what do I remember about 2019? How God met my needs and answered so many prayers I have a hard time remembering all the responses. Because of His faithfulness, I can extol His name, Jesus who was raised from the dead so that I might have abundant life. Do I need to forget these things entirely? No, but I don’t live there. God has so much more in store in 2020 and beyond! Let’s press on, looking forward to the opportunities God is going to bring our way to work in and through us in this coming year.

Happy and blessed New Year, my friends!