July Reflections

 

Writing

In one of my blog posts, I wrote on the passage Micah 6:8. One of my readers is possibly a Messianic Jew. She commented on my thoughts and gave me insight into the order of how some read the Torah. We never know what we will learn from one another. I was humbled by her thought and her comment.

Advocacy Efforts

On Wednesday, July 13^th, the Energy and Commerce committee in the House of Representatives unanimously passed by voice vote the bill to technically correct the Medicare law to include coverage of Lymphedema compression garments and sleeves. It now will go to the floor of the House for a vote. (Please note, there are 350 House co-sponsors of this bill.)

Review Book

My most recent review book is one by A.W. Tozer, Going Higher with God Through Prayer. I chose this particular book mainly because it is on prayer and because I am drawn to what the author has said in the others I have read.

Husband’s Surgery On Hold

Jim’s knee replacement surgery had been scheduled for August 10. His Pr e-Operative Tests has caused them to put everything on hold. His a1c, a blood sugar indicator, number was too high.

And Then the Rains Came

We had not had any rain for about seven weeks. On July 16^th, we got a gentle rain.

On July 17^th the sky opened up and we had a deluge. Water was standing everywhere. We had a power outage that started at 3:23 in the afternoon. Power was restored at 2:15 the next morning. The television weather people said we had NINE inches of rain.

Our side yard is an extra city lot. This lot is lower than where the house sits. When we have water standing in it we always say that we are going to stock it with fish. Our basement got flooded because of the power outage. We are waiting for the furnace to dry out. Hubby does not do well with stress. I am afraid that over the years his health has affected his level of tolerance.

My Austerity Efforts

Due to my having Lymphedema, I have some compression sleeves that I wear and a compression garment that I wear at night. Over a period of one year, at the price I see on the insurance information that I receive, this could be costly for those who rely on these tools to keep the condition from worsening. I prefer to not wait until I receive a statement from the hospital telling me I owe them a large amount of money. I have changed my word processing carrier to one that is free. I receive coupons from my pharmacy that help me save a little bit each time I shop. I cut back on extra mission giving at church.

August is here and, before we know it, it will be gone. Meanwhile, I hope to do better about writing and living for the LORD.

Book Review: AWAKE

 

amazon.com

By Anjuli Paschall

 

Anjuli Paschall, in this her second book, shows transparency about herself, her deepest thoughts, and her understanding of Jesus.

 

In fifteen chapters, she takes her thoughts and feelings about life and examines them under a microscope and looks at what she finds from different angles, much like a jeweler inspects precious stones.

 

She has learned lessons and taught me about life that we all need to learn. Lessons about how to live, how to love, and how to understand circumstances that enter our lives.

 

One thing I have relearned from her book is that I need to strive to be always in contact with God, no matter how I feel about things going on in my life.

 

In the back of the book, she includes discussion questions for individual and for group studies.  On the cover of her book, Anjuli Paschall poses holding a rooster. She speaks of her aversion to animals in her book and how she had to overcome it.

 

I would recommend this book to any woman searching for purpose or meaning in their lives. It would be a good study for a women’s group.

 

This book is available on Amazon.com AWAKE, Christianbook.com -Paying-Attention-Matters.

 

I received this book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Company. All they ask of me was that I give an unbiased review.

A Great Light

 

Pinterest/com

 

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.  Isaiah 9:2 (NIV)

 

The prophet Isaiah speaks of people walking in darkness. Who does he mean? Does he mean people who have not followed God? Let us think that to be true.

 

As we are in the season of Advent, awaiting the arrival of the Christ child, do we believe that there are those around us who walk in darkness? I am sorry to say that the answer to this question is, “Yes, there are.”

 

We read in our newspapers about people who are hurting, who are homeless, and those who traverse the law. We read about victims of others, and those who lead others into terrible circumstances because they themselves are caught up in horrible situations.

 

On the other hand, there are those who have overcome the pull into harsh lifestyles and can say they are on the right path. Those who have been victorious over the harsh life of our fallen world can attest to Jesus’s power and His love. They have seen that “great light” that Isaiah prophesies about.

 

As believers of Jesus, we must live our lives in such a way that we direct people to that “great light”.

He Carried Jesus’ Cross

 

Spread Jesus.org

 

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23 (NIV)

 

We read these words, but do we really pay attention to what Jesus says here? Let us look at one who carried Jesus’ cross along the road to Golgotha.

 

Who is Simon of Cyrene?  

Simon attended the Passover Feast in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion.

 

Why did he do it? 

He was ordered to by the Roman centurion in charge of the journey to Golgotha.

 

Where is Cyrene? 

Cyrene was what is now modern-day Tripoli, located on the northern coast of Libya. (Daily Bible Commentary, Gospel of Luke, William Barclay p.335)

 

Why was he in Jerusalem?

To observe the Passover. He may have saved for a long time to be able to make this pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Barclay tells us, Simon, most likely. saved for many years to make this pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover. The account of the Simon’s conscription for this task by Mark tells us he had two sons, Alexander, and Rufus. 

 

How did Simon feel when he was ordered to carry Jesus’ cross? 

He could have felt anger toward the Roman centurion for making him do this task against his will. Maybe he had hard feelings against Rome (for taking over the government of Jerusalem). 

 

How might he have felt when he was at Golgotha?

Was he caught up in the crowd that wanted to see Jesus crucified? He knew that crucifixion was a criminal’s death. Did he have compassion for Jesus that grew as He walked alongside Him, carrying His cross?

 How did he react to what he heard?

 “Father, forgive them.” Did Simon wonder how Jesus, a perfect man, could ask God to forgive the people for this travesty?

 “They know not what they do.” Did Simon wonder what Jesus meant by saying this? These people were causing life to end for no reason.

 “Mother, here is your son.” Jesus Christ made provisions for Mary to be taken care of in her later years of life. He voiced his wishes for everyone in the crowd to hear. Did Simon marvel at Jesus’ words?

“Here is you mother” Jesus spoke these words to John, but did Simon realize what was happening with these words? He may have had lots of time to ponder these words.

 

How did he feel when he heard that Christ had risen?

Simon must have realized that Jesus was truly the Son of God. We are told that Simon and his family became believers in Jesus. The Apostle Paul writes to the Romans they are to “Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. (Romans 16:1)

We can conclude that Simon and his family became believers because of this event at the Passover Feast. The task Simon was ordered to do was not one he would have volunteered for. Because of that task, the kingdom of God was enlarged.

 

Sometimes in our Christian walk, we will be faced with a task we really do not want to do. We find ourselves doing it because we feel we must. Later, we find that we have grown from the experience. God uses even the tasks we find distasteful to enlarge His kingdom.

The Gift of Wisdom

 

quotefancy.com 

Dear Blogging Friends: I have been dealing with taking a new med that seems to have given me several side effects. Hence, my absence from here for a good week or more. I appreciate your prayers that I am able to get through this issue as I am supposed to take this med for a lengthy period of time. Thank you, in advance.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.

                                                                                                             James 3:17 (NIV)

                We hear a lot about wisdom and about knowledge. I once heard that knowledge                               is what we know but wisdom is how we apply that knowledge.

James tells us that wisdom loves peace. Sometimes, we must let God’s wisdom guide us through difficult circumstances. These can be some personal issues or the circumstances a friend has.

He further tells us that wisdom is considerate. We have times when we must put ourselves in another’s shoes before we decide how to respond to a situation.

When we seek God’s wisdom, we must submit to His Will and His direction. Even though doing that goes against our humanity.

When we exercise our gift of mercy, we must be able to extend our hands in times of another’s need.

In exercising this gift of wisdom, it is important to remember not to ‘take sides’ in an issue. And we must be sincere about our words, thoughts, and deeds.

                A lady from church was terribly sick last month. I called her to check on her one time during her illness (COVID)  and decided not to bother her again. When she tried to talk, she got to coughing so hard that she really could not talk. I chose to pray for her as I could. She called me when she got to feeling a lot better. I shared with her why I had not checked on her more than one time. She understood.

                One of my cousins called me this afternoon, she had COVID back in November. In our conversation, she said something about her emphysema worsening. She then told me it was from the COVID. She had the original COVID six months ago.  We are both learning about using wisdom considering our individual health circumstances.

Why? Why? Why?

Have you ever asked God," Why?" I certainly have. James Watkins, an author friend of mine has written this book about this aspect of our relationship with God.

about this aspect of our relationship with God.

A three-year-old’s favorite word is why

.

“Johnny, hold my hand while we cross the street.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t want you to run out in front of a car.”

“Why?”

“Because if a car hits you, you’ll be hurt or killed.”

“Why?”

“Because if it’s a contest between a thirty-five-pound boy and an SUV, the three-ton vehicle is going to win every time.”

“Why?”

“Because the laws of physics state that mass plus momentum equals—Just take my hand, Johnnie!”

And on it goes—right into adulthood!

Why didn’t God heal my friend?

Why do bad things happen to good people?

Why do I still have acne at 60?

But like the popular game show, Jeopardy, the answers are often in the form of a question.

What can I know?

I can know the truth of Romans 8:28:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (NIV).

For instance, our group health insurance had very few maternity benefits but had great “major medical” coverage. At the birth of our first child, my wife had complications and spent five days in Intensive Care. But, because the birth was now “major medical,” every penny of our daughter’s birth was covered. Sitting in ICU for five days waiting to know if my wife was going to live or die was not good, but it did work for good.

However, it took me nearly thirty years to realize that Romans 8:28’s “purpose” is revealed in the following—and usually ignored—verse:

. . . to be conformed to the likeness of his Son. . . .

I may never know the answer to why, but I can know what is the purpose to which God is working all for our good. To be like Jesus! If you look for it, you’ll find throughout the New Testament. For instance:

And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image (2 Corinthians 3:18b, author’s emphasis).

How can I grow?

Jesus promises . . .

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit” (John 15:1, 4-5 NLT).

Our spiritual lives depend on this intimate connection with Christ. His life flows into and through us causing us to become organically one with his character. That connection is strengthened through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. And suffering!

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies (2 Corinthians 4:8-10 NLT, author’s emphasis).

When I think back to my “successful” years—award-winning author and editor, world-traveling conference speaker, denominational executive, and co-pastor of a growing church—I certainly didn’t resemble the Christ I was trying to follow. It has only been during my “failure” years—years between book contracts, estranged relationships, being voted out of a church, and having to borrow money to make a living writing and speaking—that I have come to derive my self-identity and self-worth from simply being a loved child of God.

Who can I show?

Finally, 2 Corinthians 1:3-6 has become one of my favorite passages in encouraging me while I’m going through terrible times:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer (NLT).

I now believe that God is more than willing to answer those questions and how they relate to living a life conformed to the image of His Son. Even why I still suffer from acne!

September Reflections

papertraildesign.com 

September brought with it some good cool days and a few not so cool days. On the cool ones, I was able to sit on my porch and enjoy the weather. Sometimes, those days would start out nice and cool but would heat up quickly.

My visitation partner and I had a good laugh. Facebook told me she had a birthday the day before we were to do our visitation early in the month. As I entered her vehicle, I wished her a “Happy Birthday.” It wasn’t her birthday. It’s in December. I had handed her a card when I gave her my wish for her. When she told me when her birthday was, I asked for my card back. She laughed about all of this.

Only had four come to our Friends luncheon. Several of our group had an illness, Doctor appointments or family members who were ill.

The very next day, I went to a luncheon of some of the ladies from my high school graduation class. There were 14 of us. This gathering was at the same restaurant as our friends gathering the day before. Both days, the same server took care of us. At the high school luncheon, he looked at me and said, “Are you back here today?” All I could say was, “Yes.” All 13 of those around me laughed. One of these ladies is visiting from her home in Hawaii. Another is a retired Physical Education teacher who now teaches Drivers Education at a Driving Institute. Another one has been in tapdancing from a very young age. Another lady is a naturalized citizen from Germany who participates in a group to keep their heritage alive.

On the second Friday of each month, I will be leading a Bible Study at a retirement community in our town. When it was all said and done, there were eight residents and me. One of the ladies came in very late; as we were getting ready to leave, she told us that she came down to see if she would like to join the group. A friend of mine from church was one of the seven. Another lady who attended has visited our church in the past. On that next Sunday, she came with my friend. I was told on Sunday that the group can’t wait until the second Friday in October, my next time to be there.

I have taken a step of faith. Our new pastor uses people from the congregation to act as Worship Leaders. My Sunday school teacher, our Lay Leader, has done it during July and August. They announced a “class” for those who would like to help in this capacity. I attended the meeting and decided I needed to do this. My first Sunday is in October. I will share the video with you either during the week after my Sunday or in the October reflections.

Jim, aka Hubby, had a birthday yesterday. He kept telling me he wanted lots of presents “because it’s not every day someone turns….” The number he put in there was twenty years younger than he would turn. He has a very dry sense of humor. After almost 51 years of marriage, at times, I still have trouble deciding if he is joking or telling the truth.

The woman who chaired our high school class reunion and our class’s Facebook page asked us to include our maiden names on our personal pages if we are female. I got mine done and commented on the class page about it. One of the other women messaged me and asked me how it did it. I tried to explain it to her. Well, she couldn’t find what I was talking about. I had to print my screen and explain it again. But for the screen to print, I had to go to an online site to figure out what I had to do. I am always learning something. It was frustrating until I found out what I needed to do.

Book Review: Exhale

Subtitle: Lose Who You’re Not, Love Who You Are, Live Your One Life Well

230 pages

 

Authors: Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory

Authors Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory share from their hearts about how they learned to love themselves as they learned of Jesus. This new-found love came about as they learned that they did not have to be controlled by their to-do lists or their day planners. Their book explores different scriptural passages that they have experienced as they walked along with Jesus.

At the end of the book, the include a glossary containing terms appearing in their work that were new to me. I appreciated that feature. Also, at the end of this book, they include a personality quiz. This quiz also can be accessed online along with other items that may be of help to those who study this book. Among those items is a format for a group study.

I would recommend this book for any Christian woman who wants to learn how to love and respect herself and for those who should learn how to be more relaxed in their lives. This would also be a valuable study tool for groups who desire to minister to those who struggle with not knowing who they are in the sight of God.

I received this book free from the publisher Bethany House. All they asked that I do was give an unbiased review.

Exhale: Lose Who You’re Not, Love who You Are, Live Your One Life Well is available on Amazon

We Need to Humble Ourselves

 

Due to some concerns and anxieties that some of my friends and I have experienced, I found myself fretting over some issues I could not completely put out of my mind. I remembered this scripture and studied it again. Please bear with me as I explain what it means to me.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV) 

Humble yourselves--when we look at our habits, our ways, and our activities, through God’s eyes and compare them to His teachings and what He expects from us, we humble ourselves.

under the mighty hand of God under God’s direction. All our thoughts, words, and actions must come through the filters He gives us. (see Philippians 4:8-9)

at the proper time, -- God will act on our needs and the requests we make when He sees we are ready. We might have to grow closer to Him to understand what is happening around us.

he may exalt you; -- He will use his discretion to lift us up. He is the One who calls the shots, makes the decisions about circumstances in our lives.

casting-- Picture a fisherman as he throws his line into the water. He reaches back over his shoulder, rod in hand, placing his arm behind him or her. The angler brings that arm across his body. The line flies across the water. The hook lands a great distance from him or her.

all your anxieties-- I find the important word here is “ALL”. We are not to withhold any fear or concern from God. Nothing is too small or insignificant for God to handle.

because he cares for you. -- God made each of us. Because of that, He loves us. When we have times when we think no one cares about us God does care.

Will you please pray for us for the next seven weeks? 

Interview with a Servant Girl

Denial of St. Peter, Gerret van Honthort

Quiet Spirit: Hello. Today we have with us one who can tell us a bit about one of the events at the house of Caiaphas, the High Priest. Welcome! Would you like to give us your name and tell us a little bit about yourself?

Servant Girl: Thank you for asking me to visit your blog today. It is an honor to be here. My name is not important; it is long forgotten in history. I was a servant girl in the house of Caiaphas, the High Priest. His family chose me to be in their service when Caiaphas received his appointment from a Roman official. When I had been in service for 15 years, the Feast of Passover brought tensions to Jerusalem. The religious leaders brought that rabbi, Jesus, to Caiaphas to go on trial.

Q. S.: Did you have knowledge of who Jesus was? Had you ever heard Him teach?

S. G.: A few days before the night in question, I was returning from purchasing supplies for the household in preparation for the Seder meal. I came upon a large group of people as they listened to the Rabbi preach. I asked a woman in the crowd who that Rabbi was. She told me he was Jesus. Another man stood close to this Jesus. I asked who that man was. She told me the second man was Cephas, who also was called Peter.

Q. S.: What happened on that night?

S. G.: Some of the others who were in service built a fire in the yard. A lot of people who were in town for the feast began to arrive at the gate. Soldiers brought in this Jesus for Caiaphas to interview. When the crowd brought that man Jesus into the courtyard, one of his followers came with him. Later, I recognized someone among the people who had been allowed to come into the yard. My friend told me this man hesitated outside the gate, talking to another man. That first man entered the yard and said something to one of the senior servants who went to Caiaphas’ son-in-law, Annas, conversed with him and returned to that first man. The senior servant accompanied him to the gate and spoke to the one waiting on the other side. The second man entered the yard and headed to the fire to get warm. I stood right by him and realized he had been with the Galilean. I told him that he had been with the Nazarene, but he responded with anger as he denied it. Suddenly, a rooster crowed and this man standing by the fire broke down and started sobbing. He then bolted from the fire and into the crowd.

Q. S.: Is there anything else you remember happening that night?

S. G.: Later, those in service talked about the events of the evening. Two others had confronted this man with the fact that he had been with this rabbi. Each time, he became agitated and, when I spoke with him, he seemed to not be able to contain himself any longer.

Q. S.: Servant Girl, you have given us new insight into the events of that event at the high priest’s home. Thank you for stopping by.

S. G.: Thank you for inviting me.

Anticipating Hope

http://www.georgewblack.com

Not only that but we rejoice in our sufferings knowing that sufferings produce endurance and endurance produces character and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)

Paul gives the Roman Christians sage wisdom in this passage.

“we rejoice in our sufferings,”

Wait a minute! None of us like to rejoice when we are ill. I, personally, didn’t rejoice when I severely broke my ankle and was out of commission for almost five months. No one enjoys being ill or incapacitated.

“sufferings produce endurance,”

When we experience difficulties of health crises, interpersonal issues, or financial backsets, we learn to weather the storm and wait for the situation to get better or we find a ‘new normal’. This is called endurance.

“endurance produces character”

When we wait out the issues that lay before us, we find we have unknown strength. We become different people because of these new strengths.

“character produces hope,”

When our character and that new strength takes hold of our hearts, we begin to see things in a better light than before. We have a better rein on our emotions.

“hope does not put us to shame,”

Hope brings a positive outlook of our future. It causes people to have better feelings about their futures and what comes into their daily lives. Believers in Christ know that God is in control of all the circumstances of their lives.

“God’s love has been poured into our hearts”

We receive God’s love when we ask Jesus into our hearts and lives. We become His vessels, His representatives here on earth.

“through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

God’s work in this age is done by the person He sent to us after He received Jesus back into heaven. The Holy Spirit guides us through our lives as we go through each day.

Looking Ahead into a New Year

 

Pixabay.com

Happy New Year to you.

My plans and goals for 2019 are simple. I will continue to have a topic each month for my blog posts. However, I will be posting on Tuesdays and Fridays. I plan on being more faithful with posting on my website, cecelialester.com/  I also will have scheduled blog breaks throughout the year. I have found that doing this refreshes me.

Weather permitting, I will continue to take God’s Word to the local nursing home where I received rehab treatments in 2015. I am tentatively scheduled for two times a month.

I await a decision about my taking God’s Word to the Alzheimer’s building at a healthcare campus near our church. Please pray for me about these outreach efforts.

My word for 2019 is FAITH. After a time of introspection, I have realized that my faith, while becoming deeper, needs to be growing as I continue to live for Christ in this world.

I will follow God’s leading, as He leads through the Holy Spirit, in all I write.

Peace and blessings to each of you as we begin 2019.

Pray Continually (Believing.)

Quiet Spirit 

1 Thessalonians 5:17

The Apostle Paul wrote these words of guidance to the believers at Thessalonica and to us. What does He mean?

He encourages us to be in an attitude of prayer. To listen to those who share their concerns and offer to pray with them at that time.

I recently read a novel, River to Redemption, ⁽¹⁾ in which one of the main characters expressed this verse as “Pray believing.” This character loved the LORD and used it as his life’s verse, guiding him through many trials of his life, accepting each thing as God’s Will and always told those around him to “pray believing.” How can we pray believing? We believe that

         ● God hears our prayers,

     ● God will answer those prayers, according to His Will,

   ● God will be with us as we go through difficult times.

         ● God will bring about His Will, however it affects us.

Since I read this novel and thought about the way I have prayed in the past, I have begun praying in a slightly different, a more energized, way.

Have you ever received an idea that changed the way you pray?

(1.) River of Redemption- Redemption, by Ann H. Gabhart, Revell, Grand Rapids, © 2018                        

Are Our Words Pleasing to God?

https://www.allposters.com

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you,

 Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (CEB)

When we attend church on the Sabbath, we should strive to retain what we learn in our places of worship as we go through our week. Yes, sometimes it takes effort on our part to put this in practice. However, we must strive to live for Him in our homes, our neighborhoods, in the marketplace, and among our friends. As the time for Jesus’ return to earth draws nearer, I believe we should make living for Him a priority in our lives.

Several years ago, I heard the adage that we might be the only Bible people read. This always makes me pause and think about how I measure up to what God expects from me.

As a young mother, I heard the children’s song, O’ Be Careful Little Feet Where You Go!

O be careful little eyes what you see

O be careful little eyes what you see

For the Father up above

is looking down in love

So, be careful little eyes what you see

O be careful little ears what you hear

O be careful little ears what you hear

For the Father up above

is looking down in love

So, be careful little ears what you hear

O be careful little tongue what you say

O be careful little tongue what you say

For the Father up above

is looking down in love

So, be careful little tongue what you say. ⁽¹⁾

There are some who would say this is a children’s song My response to them is: Aren’t we all children of God?

Do you have any thoughts on this?

1.) Metro Lyrics(http://www.metrolyrics.com) accessed 9/18/2018

What God Says about. . ..

cecelialester.com

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the LORD’. Romans 12:19 (ESV)

Paul writes these words to the believers at Rome. He gives sage advice from which we can learn.

In today’s world, we hear of and see road rage. Someone accidentally makes an error in driving. Another driver becomes offended and reacts. That reaction can lead to a dangerous consequence.

Interpersonal issues can start out small but sometimes escalatebecause both parties believe they have to have the last word and each retaliates. The disagreement can build as each person fights back with harsh words. Think of two boys fighting on the playground at school.

We need to learn not to ‘add fuel to the fire’.  Paul tells us to leave it to. . . God. This may sound difficult but we need to put this into practice as we strive to live for Jesus.

What can we do to model Paul's admonition before others?    

End of August Thoughts

http://www.2018calendarwithholidays.com/august-

I sit here writing this post with excitement mixed with some fear. I have built a website for my writing ministry. I chose to do this in order to further establish my branding as I try to build my writing platform.

My website is entitled Cecelia Lester Author; its web address is cecelialester.com I have been working on it off and on for a month, trying to add sections to it that are attractive and informative about me and about my writing. I have cross-posted a few of my entries from here. I have to decide on a posting schedule.  I hope and pray that you will visit my new home as you can.

In September, I have two speaking engagements at area institutions, a nursing home and an assisted living facility in my immediate area. I also have contacted a couple of other places in search of finding opportunities to share God’s word. I will be using some of my blog posts and the columns I have written for another site.

In November, I will be giving a “Children’s Moments” message at our church. I haven’t done anything like this in quite a while (think years). Our Children’s Ministry Director has some added stresses with family illness.  Some of us know the stress she is under doing both and wanted to relieve a bit of it.

God and Us

https://nancyaruegg.com

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (ESV)

This is a reading I plan on using at my first speaking engagement next month at an area nursing home. Please pray for me. 

God is faithful. He is faithful to us even when we are not faithful to Him. He goes before us into difficult places. He stands beside us when we have to hear harsh news and decisions. You know, the distasteful things of life. He was present when my doctor told me of our new-born son’s birth-defect and what would be done to help him.

God provides for us. He gives us what we need, not necessarily what we want. He provides us with food, shelter, clothes, and friends.

God protects us. He keeps us safe from harm. A few years ago, the house directly across the street from us caught fire. He kept the wind from bringing the flames across our street and into our yard. We had our car sitting next to our house. It would have been a bigger disaster if that fire had moved over to our yard.

God loves us. He loved us before we were born, before we were even formed. He loves each of us as if there were only one of us. He loves us because He made us.

God always listens. He is our best friend. He is always available when we need to talk. We feel we have to rush as we talk to Him.