For some reason I feel a need to share this. A few weeks ago I snipped off some long overgrowth on a plant on our porch. I typically just throw the clippings away but figured by “rooting” them in water, I could add to an existing small plant in our dining room. As you know, any clippings not placed in water, will eventually wither and die. This is so true regarding our spiritual lives as well.
Let’s think about this. How many of you have gone through very dry seasons in life? You get distracted with raising a family, the pleasures of enjoying life, or perhaps your career…. Slowly you begin to read your Bible less and less. Your church attendance can become sporadic. Before you know it temptations come in “undetected” because you have “stopped walking with the Lord”. You become a “dry shoot” in desperate need of “living water’. Jesus is referred to as ‘Living water” many times in the Bible. (See John 4:10, 13-14 ) John 7:37-38 says, “On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”” (NLT) Jesus is our “living water”. He brings renewal, spiritual refreshing, salvation and eternal life when we surrender to Him. Jesus wants to refresh you! You might say, “I’ve made some bad choices, done the unforgivable, sinned one too many times” or whatever the excuse is you might have. Jesus is merciful and full of grace. Check out Romans 5:8, “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (NLT) (emphasis mine) When we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us. Sometimes you have to “get over yourself”! You have to admit, “I was wrong Lord.” Jesus wants to restore YOU! The Bible says He leaves the 99, to run after the 1 sheep who wandered away! What an amazing loving Savior! (See the parable of the lost sheep Luke 15;3-7) There is also the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.
Scripture after scripture we see a loving Savior with open arms saying “Come to me!” The Bible is full of these merciful invitations, with Jesus’ nailed scarred hands reaching out to you, He says “Come!” You don’t have to live feeling dried out and incapable of getting out of your “pit” He is the “Living water” that will bring such a refreshment to your soul.
Just like those clippings I placed in water in the picture above, when we feel “cut off” and we re-immerse ourself back into seeking the Lord whole-heartedly, you will find yourself once again breaking forth roots into all God has for you. Don’t delay another day. We must live with eternity in mind. Have a blessed week!
Back in the Old Testament in the book of Exodus, God sent the hungry Israelites manna from Heaven, every morning as they traveled through the wilderness for 40 years. They were only to gather enough for one day. If they hoarded it, it would rot. In this way God tested their obedience to trust Him to fortify them for each day.
I see some connections with modern day life. While we don’t have physical manna falling from Heaven each morning, we do have God’s Word that we can partake of each and every day to fortify and strengthen us for whatever we face. When I have my quiet times with the Lord in the morning: time in prayer and in scripture, God truly does refresh me This is a discipline I’ve learned that really helps me each day. I often think what an incredible difference it would make in peoples lives if they learned the habit of going to God each morning to be fully equipped for the day. We don’t know what’s coming at us but He sees the full picture.
The last two weeks I’ve been very stressed and drained by life situations. I’ve been struggling with my comprehension again for some reason. I guess I’ll need to go back and start doing auditory exercises again. My low vision has also given me issues lately, thats not to mention people. The thing about people, we are all flawed in some way. No one is perfect, but with my hearing and visual limits it takes a special kind of patience to deal with it. Last Saturday night I broke down and just cried. I explained to my husband, “I am always thinking about everyone else. Making sure everyone else is happy and taken care of, but what about me?” I struggled Saturday trying to understand what everyone was saying around me. There was that, and no notes for several weeks from the church we’ve been visiting, dealing with emails coming through regarding marketing my memoir….. combine it all and it’s just stressful. I finally did talk to my Mom about it. She told me it’s not God’s will for me to be stressed. She’s praying along with me and this week has been much better.
I can relate to the Israelites wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. My life with my visual and hearing limitations poses some obstacles that can seem impossible at times. I must remember that God IS in control. I came across a verse in Joshua 1 this morning: “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”” Joshua 1:9 (NLT) I was also reminded of another scripture found in Exodus 14: “The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”” Exodus 14:14 (NLT)
Do you need these reminders as well? We can trust God. He is faithful. He answers prayers. I’ll be the first to tell you, His timing is not like ours, however it is perfect. He sees the BIG picture and has our best in mind, as a Father watches over his children, so God watches over us.
Learning to trust God’s perfect Will is sometimes hard. About a month ago a scout came across my memoir Rooted by the Water and it was entered into some sort of selection process for “page to screen” with a production company for the inspirational true story category. I had to sign a non-disclosure so I couldn’t say anything. (I was released from that on Monday.) Out of many books I made the top 20, then I made the top 5. Two days ago I heard they have selected another story and I’ve been released from the non-disclosure. I was like, “Okay Lord, this wasn’t Your Will. What’s next?” So I wait for direction on that end. The following verses come to mind: ““My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)
Where ever you are in life, whatever you are facing, God IS trustworthy and loves us so much. We can rest in Him. When you are beyond stressed and drained by life, step back and just breathe. I do this and it really helps. Breathe, pray, worship the Lord, read the Bible and watch Him work things out in His way. Older worship songs always come to me at these moments. One is with me right now: Breathe by Marie Barnet (1995 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing) Once again the YouTube video isn’t loading. Let me add the link so you can check it out if you’re unfamiliar with it. He will refresh you are you worship along. https://youtu.be/oZhUesUaM98?si=HXoW5SAKBQ9lu3pO
Have a productive and peaceful rest of the week. Stay in prayer and God’s Word. He is faithful always. God bless you all.
This blog may take a bit of time to put together. A friend and his wife who are missionaries in Italy, actually sent me the above picture recently and it resonated with me deeply. I decided to follow “Salt & Light” because inspiring messages are always welcome.
I am not one to complain or showcase my struggles but there comes a time when sharing, although uncomfortable, most likely encourages others also in the “trenches” of life. In all honestly, in my 57 years of life, there has always been some struggle. God has always enabled me to bounce back. If you have ever read my memoir Rooted by the Water many of the chapters begin with the metaphor of water stirring, churning, waves forming then the BIG one. It seems God allows the build up of life issues, as not to totally overwhelm. I told my husband Ron recently, I feel like one of those punching toys, where you hit it, it rears back then bounces back up. I told him I feel like those punches come from all sides in life. So when my friend Jack sent me the above I totally got it. I’m often like Elijah saying “Lord, I’ve had enough! I’m done!” But it keeps coming.
Let’s see if I can briefly summarize the “trenches”: communication lapse with just about everyone…. I don’t hear it all and I dont’ see it all either. Whether I’m with hearing people or deaf people I miss something. Hearing people expect me to “get it”… well I don’t always and it’s not my fault. Deaf friends will repeat and help and I so appreciate that. Then there is the vision limitation…. Oh my goodness. “Lord why in the world do I have to deal with this?” I have not been to the eye doctor in years. At last check my vision was 20/400 (what I see at 20 feet, if you have good vision, you can see it from 400 feet. Let that sink in). There is the church issue. I miss my church. We stopped going so my husband could take our son to work. He has to be at work at the exact same time of the interpreted service. Other churches we visit don’t have sign language interpreters. Sometimes notes are sent and sometimes not. There are things with friends too: friends come and friends go, people go through different seasons in life and you feel left behind. It’s no ones fault, it’s just life.
This past Spring I began to try marketing my memoir again. A professor came across my book when looking for books on resilience. He really liked it and reached out, wondering why I have a good rating but not many reviews. I told the Lord, “You enabled me to write this story, the journey you have me on, but I have no clue on the visibility end or the marketing end. You created me to encourage and inspire for a reason. It’s not meant to sit buried online.” So, I hired a “Book Strategist”. I throughly checked the references she gave and everyone spoke highly of her. She seems very knowledgeable and kind, but we’ve hit a “hiccup”. I purchased Tier 3 which would greatly help with visibility. She is now insisting I need a professionally designed website (by her team) in order to fulfill what I pad for. This is not part of our agreement. My son Joshua created a wonderful website with all the features she said my first one lacked. We now need to add my social media links and it should be pretty much finished. She says it’s not enough for a long term career. This is not a career, but more a ministry. She and others think I will write more books. While I would love that and I’m full of ideas, alas… my vision is a real issue.
Now here comes the technology issue. Two days ago I was sent a some forms to fill out. I wanted to do it digitally because it looks more professional. I spent more than four hours trying to fill out these simple forms. More than FOUR HOURS to no avail! It would not work for some reason. The font went back and forth between small and large. The large font wouldn’t fit the line due to being cut off every single time. . It was the most absurd experience. Even Ron tried and it didn’t work for him either. He finally said, just give up. I said, “If I gave up in life I would not be standing here right now.” I finally caved, printed and filled the forms out by hand. My handwriting is not pretty. I have to use a video magnifier to be able to see what I’m writing. I carefully filled it out and Ron took it to get it uploaded for me to send off as an attachment. Guess what? The attachment wouldn’t come through! Seriously?!?! Ron caught me talking to myself and he asked, “What did youn say?” I replied, “I said I can’t do this.” And wow, I never say that! Ron went back to ask what the issue might be and he tried again. It still wouldn’t come through. They finally sent it to our son and he sent it off for me.
It seems like life is a joke at times. The struggle comes from every single side. I’m like “Hello God, I could really use some help down here”. Everyone wants something. Unsolicited advertisements come in all the time and I’m learning to trust no one. I’m the kind of person that aims to be kind and appreciative to all, but there is a fine line when it’s too much. I respond to many of the emails and many comment on how kind and pleasant I am. I try to reflect Jesus. “But Lord, I’m not meant for all these marketing pitches.”
Three days ago I was looking through Bible devotions on the Bible App. There are many plans to choose from on many topics. I found one of “EquipHer’ It talks about the “trenches” in life and how God does not waste these times. Yesterday’s lesson talked about when the trials are a long season. One of the quotes is : Faith is the glue that holds your journey together, even when everything feels fragmented. – Christa Crawford. Faith does not cancel difficulty or deny your exhaustion, it gives you strength and courage to walk through it. (Bible App reading plan. EquipHer Devotional series Volume 27, Day 3)
This devotion has been a breath of fresh air for a weary soul. Yes, I was already aware of these truths, but reminders are so helpful. Even the people closest to me don’t realize the struggles, I don’t complain. Ron is probably the only one that sees it. (Most of it) But God sees it all! He knows and he equips. This season is some sort of training for what lies ahead. All I can do is “be still and know He is God”, take some deep breaths, dig my heels in and steady myself with the deep roots of faith that have gone deep over many years of struggle. God’s got this!
Today I’m heading out for a refreshing time with good friends. Lunch, time by the pool and laughter is just what I need. Thankful for this “break” in life. If you too are struggling and can’t seem to catch a break, know that God doesn’t waste these “life trenches” He is training you because He knows you will rise up to declare His glory. Hang in there. I’m hanging with you!!🙏🤟🏼
It’s officially summer here in upstate South Carolina and it’s already been hot. This year our grass has looked better than it ever has but, yes there is a but, with the heat and little rain it’s starting to turn brown. The last three days we have had short periods of rain and it has been so refreshing. It not only cools things off a bit, but provides much needed hydration. I love the short periods of rain.
Today I not only got the short rainfall but also a much needed spiritual rain. You might wonder what I mean. Let me explain life a bit. While there are many solid Christian churches around here, I only know of one with sign language interpreters for the hearing impaired. One!! Today I got to go “home” to that one and it was refreshing to my soul. My husband and I got married in that church 32 years ago. It will always be “home” to me. Life has us in a different season right now where we can’t make it to the service that is interpreted but today I went with a friend. Oh the joy of worshipping among friends that are like family. The joy of understanding the message in a way that I could gleam from.
While I greatly appreciate notes from Pastors of churches we have gone to, it’s not the same as understanding. Being a part of worship, where I can actually participate is so refreshing. I love to worship the Lord and know many worship songs, both old and new. Being both hearing and visually impaired, I can’t see lyrics on a screen even if I’m on the first row. So worship through sign language is a huge blessing. My friend told me to go again with her sometime and my husband encouraged me to go as well. He can hear and see so he doesn’t have the comprehension issues.
For anyone in ministry, I highly encourage you to provide services for the hearing impaired where they can fully participate in the service, receiving of the Word of God and worship. Because of language barriers many deaf people do not know Jesus. Many churches send teams for mission work when there might be mission work right under your roof. Just saying. While I always appreciate any kindness, any notes or assistance, it honestly is truly refreshing to fully be able to participate. I’m so thankful for this church and the hearing impaired family there. The interpreters are like family. Such an amazing blessing to all who enters their doors or watch online. You can check them out at http://www.centralnc.org
I pray you too have times of refreshing coming your way. The daily grind of life can wear us down, but time in prayer, God’s Word and worship brings rest to our hearts and makes the burdens lighter. Have a blessed week.
I have been doing a little devotion on this topic. I enjoy reading different devotionals along with my online Bible. (I have many physical Bibles in different translations but can no longer see well enough to read them.) It’s interesting to see peoples views on the Bible, but of course the only one that matters is how the Holy Spirit guides me in scriptures and helps me apply it to my life.
As a person living with vision and hearing disabilities, I’ve always been drawn to the miracles Jesus performed in the Bible. (He still performs them today as well.). While I have experienced healing within my heart in dealing with my limitations, I have not “yet” experienced physical healing, although I have been prayed over for years. I can just assume it’s not God’s perfect time just yet. I have learned to surrender my desires and pray like Jesus, “not my will but yours be done.” I like how the Gospel of Mark shares this verse, although it is in orther Gospels in the Bible as well. Mark 14:36 says, “And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”” (NKJV) I know this to be true and so I cling to it. I don’t understand the suffering in this world, but I know God is completely sovereign and is able to do anything He wishes. I trust He sees the big picture and is taking care of me, placing me where He desires for His kingdom work.
I came across the following verse this morning. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”Galatians 5:1 (NKJV) Every day, I must submit to God. I must seek Jesus in everything I do. It must be way way more than seeking a miracle. It must always be about seeking His presence and guidance.
Can I be completely transparent here? A few weeks ago a street evangelist I met years ago sent me his YouTube channel. Joel is a humble amazing Bible teacher. He was healed from stage 4 cancer and sees many many miracles. I messaged him and asked him if he would minister to a friend who has cancer. He said he would but asked me to share a video of him teaching on the topic. (Preparation for the conversation) I watched the video myself, reading the transcript (zoomed large so I could see it) since I can’t hear well. It is am amazing insightful Bible teaching. I will ask if I can share it. There were three things we need to examine our hearts for. Do we have any un-forgiveness? Do we have any bitterness? Do we have any envy? These are things that can hinder receiving healing and we must confess them to the Lord. I thought to myself, I do not harbor any un-forgiveness as I am a very merciful person. I also don’t have any bitterness that I am aware of. But envy….Lord I have envy and it troubles me. Before you judge, let me explain. I have a servants heart and I’d love to be able to just get in the car and bless someone, but I can’t see well enough to drive. Every place I go in life must be first filtered through someone else’s willingness to take me. That is something I “had” to come to terms with a long long time ago. Just because I want to do something does not mean someone else will be willing to take me and pick me up and even help me understand while I’m serving It’s a real struggle and I realize as I think of this that perhaps I envy those who can just make decisions and do them without someone having to help. I’d love to be able to work. Yes you read that right. The vast majority of jobs require ability to hear and see. The combination of my disabilities is very hindering. (Not to mention it requires getting there and home.) As I reflected on this video, ever since watching, it honestly sadden me. I have prayed, “Lord I am human. Yes I envy others ability to have independence, be able to comprehend speech well and be able to see. 20/400 vision with hearing difficulties is no joke. It’s tough. And of course there are those who notice, “You’re not hearing well today”. Yes, unfortunately but what can I do about it? My mantle in this life is to lean on Jesus and seek His presence to enable me to function for His glory. You might wonder the definition of mantle. Mantle means, accepting a significant calling, profound responsibility, or specific life mission. (Google definition) This mantle truly requires me to lean heavily on the Holy Spirit, otherwise I’d be long gone by now. So you see, for me it goes way beyond seeking a miracle, but actually living in the miracle worker’s (Jesus) presence.
Do I still desire healing? Oh yes! (And I pray for many people who also need healing.) I’m trusting God with His best. He has us where we are for a reason. He doesn’t waste any opportunities to be glorified. “Here I am Lord” use me, my story, my limitations, the fact that You work so powerfully in our weaknesses. Be glorified today Lord”
P.S. I reached out to Joel for permission to share his video. I will add the link below. It is very good. I recommend subscribing to his YouTube channel. It will bless you.
First let me say, Happy Memorial Day. I’m beyond thankful for the service men and women who have given it all for our freedom here in America. Take time to reflect on the “cost” of the freedoms we enjoy. 🇺🇸
I was not planning to write today but my heart was deeply touched this morning. Since working with the “Book Strategist”, reviews and ratings are beginning to trickle in on Goodreads. When my book first came out five years ago a few friends wrote reviews on Amazon. I greatly appreciate them taking the time. It’s a completely different thing when perfect strangers read and put into writing how the book moved them. I was in tears as I read the review this morning on Goodreads. Below is a screenshot of the review. This is why I wrote the book. Marion “nailed it” in the review. Just wanted to share. During my quiet time this morning I prayed, “Lord this is your story. Take it where you want it to go and reach those whom you desire to encourage.”
Another quick note….shout out to my son Joshua. I mentioned some things that I’d like to add to the basic website.It’s now a work in progress as he has taken over the website for me. He too faces visual and hearing limitation challenges, but it’s not as severe as mine. (Thank you Got and God willing his won’t worsen) He is a smart guy and wanted to see if he could figure out the website management. He was able to add my new book video trailer. He was so excited. You don’t realize how we use the computer….. we have to zoom in so we can see. I had not seen him on a computer in a while and it made me pause to watch him and his determination to figure it out. The “apple surely doesn’t fall far from the tree” He face timed a friend who is very talented with these things and his friend was laughing, telling him what he had accomplished wasn’t easy. Joshua wants to try to figure it all out for me. I’ll tell you, he can be a prankster though. He told me he thought about changing the name to “Rooted by the Booger”. I said, “You better not!!!” We have that playful kind of relationship. Anyway, check out the website link below if you’d like to see the book video trailer. We will see where God takes this. I am humbled and beyond grateful for this experience.
My son Joshua and his dog Moose at Folly Beach, S.C.
Sometimes it’s good to take a break and go away for a reset. A change of scenery with sunshine and the ocean breeze does the soul good. We did this recently. We sort of made a spur of the moment decision to go somewhere different for some rest and relaxation. For some reason we picked Folly Beach just south of Charleston, S.C. This is a quaint little beach town. We made sure to find a dog friendly place so Joshua could bring his dog Moose, Tides at Folly Beach was a perfect spot and everything was within walking distance. Once my husband Ron parked the car, we didn’t get back in it until it was time to go home. It was refreshing to not be in traffic. Even the local restaurants were dog friendly. Rita’s was across the streeet from the hotel. They even had a dog menu and the items were served on frisbees. Joshua ordered Moose scrambled eggs one morning and he loved it. The restaurant was even playing the song Who let the dogs out.
We thought we were going to be there before “peak season” but we just missed it. Peak season started on May 1 so Moose was only able to go on the beach before 10 am and after 6 pm. He really loved it though and enjoyed meeting the other dogs. I’m glad we brought him along. He did really well.
Our old 15 year old rescue Joy had a “staycation” A friend came to stay with her while we were away. She too got some rest and relaxation without Moose always trying to play with “Granny Joy”. My friend sent a picture and video of Joy enjoying her rest while she played “dog music” off YouTube. I’ve never heard of “dog music” but it apparently made Joy relax and fall asleep. (I played it on my iPad this afternoon and both Moose and Joy looked at me like, “what are you playing?”)
I’m truly thankful for the time away with my little family. Sometimes life become kind of chaotic with the constant same routine. It’s good to take time to get away to rest and refresh, then you return ready to “go at it again”. The weather was perfect and the sounds of the ocean, so refreshing. We need to do this more often and we will definitely return to Folly Beach. If you have never been and would like a family friendly low key place to enjoy, this is it. (Especially if you want to bring your fur babies too)
It’s important to take a break and take care of yourself so you can continue pouring into others. Be blessed!!
Sometimes in life we get pressed from every side and need some “down time’. Years ago there was a chewing gum commercial jingle that said “When you need a little lift but you just can’t take a break, chew Wringleys spearmint gum”. Oh…. the things I remember back when I could hear well. But seriously, sometime we do need a “little lift” in life.
For me, I feel the tension through my shoulders throughout the day as I deal with ‘life” with vision and hearing issues. The attempts to see what I can, to see where I’m going in unfamiliar places, not missing steps, crossing steers and so on, and the constant need to understand speech with my cochlear implant processor. It can be a lot. What can I do when I need that ‘little lift” but “can’t take a break from life”? Honestly, I will go to my bedroom and lay down with a good book to unwind. Speaking of which, I recently started a new book that I borrowed from the library app. The thing is, the largest font on the app was not quite large enough to comfortably read it. I checked Apple Books app and saw the book there with adjustable font so I could actually enjoy the book. Oh the things I have to do. Sometimes I sip out on the back porch to pray and mediate on God’s Word. I have to be conscious to relax my shoulders and breathe. I’ve told the Lord I’d like to go far away by myself and sit on a beach: just me, myself and I. To soak in the warmth of the sunshine and ocean breeze. But alas, I’m stuck. Just have to learn to “let it roll”. Let the tension go.
As I was praying this morning I just poured out “life struggles” to the Lord What amazed me is when I finished praying I opened my Bible app and a new seven day reading plan was on the screen. I thought, “Okay, let’s take a look at this.” It was about the widow and Elisha in 2 Kings 4:1-7. The widow had a lot of problems coming at her and she asked Elisha for his help. He asked her what she had inside. He gave her practical instructions to use the oil she had to pour into empty vessels. This made me think, what do I have? How can I use what God has already given me to pour into “vessels”. What about you? What do you have that could possibly be multiplied to pour into others? For me, it could possibly be my writing, encouraging others and serving my family. One thing about serving others, whether it’s through writing blogs, sending encouraging text or commenting on posts, it takes the focus off yourself and seeks to uplift another. In so doing, you end up uplifted yourself.
In seasons of trials, because sometimes it is a SEASON. We have to be mindful to “bloom” in that hard places. Smile anyway! Serve anyway! Write anyway! Use what you have to the best of your ability then release it to God and allow Him to use it for His glory. At the end of the day, that is a day well lived, even in the midst of struggles. God is with us. 2 Timothy 1;7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind (NKJV) Let’s be mindful to grasp on to the power, love and sound mind that God gives us. We are equipped for every good work. Press forward! It’s a new day with new mercies. Be blessed.
Jesus’ nail scarred hand ~ picture found on Pinterest
We are right in the middle of “Holy week” and I can’t help but reflect on all Jesus has done for us. This is the 56th Easter of my life and for some reason it hits closer this year than before. Easter is not just an annual Christian holiday when we observe the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It’s not about the pretty outfits, the egg hunts and chocolate bunnies. It’s about what Jesus endured for us and what He powerfully overcame in order to reconcile us with God.
I know the story well but when you have to teach it, it does something to your heart. It was just so personal tonight as I shared “All Jesus has done”. I teared up as I shared this with the homeless people at the shelter. Some of them are believers but I don’t know just how many believe and how many have yet to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
As I studied and prepared for tonight’s devotion, I studied Mark 14-16. As I reflected, I recalled seeing it as a prophecy in the Old Testament. Sure enough I found it in Isaiah 53:3-9. So thankful my husband Ron read it for me. I don’t like to read in front of people due to my low vision. It is so amazing how Isaiah wrote this prophecy hundreds of years before it took place. The prophecy is so incredibly accurate.
As I shared, I told the people that Jesus fully understands our struggles. I shared how Jesus was falsely accused, deserted by his closest friends, verbally abused, horribly physically abused, spat on, mocked, pierced and whipped then crucified for OUR sins. He who had never sinned, bore ours sins. What an incredible Savior who is so full of loving compassion, mercy and grace! All He’s done….. all the glory and the honor is His and His alone.
Let’s think about this. Jesus told his disciples He would be betrayed and would die. Peter boldly said he would die with Jesus, yet he denied Jesus three times before the night was over. Jesus prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, fully knowing what was ahead; ““Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”” Luke 22:42 (NLT) Then Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus with a kiss, while leading a mob to arrest Him. This was followed by harsh questioning by the High priests and teachers of the law, where they brought false witnesses whose stories contradicted each other. Jesus stood trial before Pilate the governor who found that Jesus had committed no crime. It was Pilates tradition to release a prisoner during the Passover. The Chief priests and teachers of the law incited the crowd to ask for another prisoner and shouted to crucify Jesus. Earlier, John the Baptist called Jesus “the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29) and that is exactly what Jesus did.
The crucifixion was not the end but set the stage for the miraculous resurrection of Jesus 3 days later. I love the old hymn “Because He Lives”. 🎶Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future. And life is worth the living just because He lives.
Looking back at my own life, I see so many things that Jesus has done for me and my family. So many things He has protected us from. Sure, there are many unanswered prayers as well. Honestly it is those times of uncertainty when we can’t understand God, but choose to trust Him anyway, it’s then that our faith really “takes root” and grows. He is a faithful God, an on time God, Always knowing what’s best. He’s my Abba Father. I trust Him with my life, even though it’s got some broken pieces with the hearing and visual issues. In all honestly, I’ve learned when I’m weak, He’s my strength. It is He who makes me strong. That is a miracle in itself.
As we draw closer to Easter, I pray you will truly reflect on all Jesus has done for you. For us all! It’s personal. Take the time to humble yourself and seek His face. Share with others the fact that Jesus is Alive! He has overcome! He’s just a prayer away! If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, His nail scarred hands are open wide to you saying, “Come to me! The gift of salvation is paid for and free.” Jesus loves you! Let Him help carry your load.
Share the good news of the Gospel with someone this week. Be blessed! You are loved.
Right now I’m sitting on our back porch for my quiet time with the Lord. I had thought about not blogging this week, taking a break but this dropped in my heart. I aim to be obedient when the Holy Spirit drops something in my heart. My thoughts are a swirl of Spring, regrowth, rising up “yet again” , resilience and persevering for the glory of God.
The worship song Goodness of God (I don’t see how to underline that) was just playing in my head. I decided to find it on my iPad. As I started to sign the song in ASL (American Sign Language) our silly gran-pup thought my hands were a moving target game for him and He was trying to nibble my fingers. Nothing like the joy of a dog. That was off topic but a fun little addition so you can envision me blogging.
Now back to the topic —— In every season of life, we have to start somewhere. It’s a very rare moment when it’s not a small beginning. Just like seeds that are planted, we go through those small insignificant moments of isolated darkness as we grow up for the glory of God. For me, I just try to be obedient in whatever situation I’m in. Quite often it feels insignificant and unseen, but God sees me. That’s all that’s important.
So many things can seem like a “planting”. Sort of like a new start, a replant or even transplant. Last week I had to have a new “mapping” for my cochlear implant processor. That is sort of like reprogramming the processor that attaches magnetically to my head to the internal implanted device. For some reason that we don’t understand.some of the electrodes (there are 15) that are implanted in my brain were giving me some issues. Sounds were more “sharp” and bothered me like “fingernails going down a chalk board” kind of effect. My audiologist is amazing. She made adjustments so once again I’m having to transition and it makes me very tired. My husband Ron is really the only one that sees how this affects me. It can take a couple of months for my brain to adjust but I’m working on it and trying to balance out social life so I don’t get too drained. It’s a “replant” of sorts. My audiologist makes the changes (kind of like a replant) and I try in vain to bloom with it. 😂 (an emoji is suitable here)
Last night I was drained again. As I studied my notes for tonight’s devotion, I prayed, “Lord will I always be invisible?” My problems are unseen. My low vision can be somewhat hidden, mostly because of stubbornness to push through. My hearing impairment can also be hidden. My speech is pretty good so it doesn’t “give away” the hint of hearing loss. Combined the two issues together and it can really be a doozy, especially with a new cochlear implant processor”Map”.
Yesterday my 83 year old Mom and I went to hear my brother speak at the Novant Cancer Center. He is five and a half years post bone marrow transplant. Praise God he is doing so well. He spoke on his journey, his amazing wife’s strength, God’s provision and healing through the wonders of medicine. He spoke over the staff there, telling them they were like God’s angels as they cared for the patients. It was a beautiful thing. Mom signed a little bit of it so I could basically follow. The thing was, we had to find my brother and hie wife before it started. My Mom was driving (I can’t see well enough to drive) and she put the address in her gps then decided to go another way. So the entire time the gps was telling us to go in a different direction. 🤪 (another suitable occasion for an emoji) We get to the parking deck and didn’t know where to go. Seeing a flight of stairs we went that way. Up several flights, I turned to Mom and said, “Wait here, I’m going to see what’s up there”. So glad I did because it just led to the upper parking deck. Now the thing is, I detest flights of concrete stairs Low vision and flights of stairs don’t go hand in hand. I can’t tell you how many times I have missed a stair while going down. Going up in fine, down, not so much. But I was not going to let my elderly Mom go up all those stairs. We walked across the parking deck towards the “light” (outside). I’m like, “Lord help me not to fall in this parking deck”. We made it (I never mentioned any of this to Mom) went in and supported my brother. When I got home I was so tired. I made dinner, studied for tonight and went to bed. Moral of the story, everyone you see might be struggling with an “unseen” issue. Be mindful of that. Always be open to hearing others situations and needs in a loving way. Always bloom in whatever situation you are in. It’s not about us as individuals but about giving God glory in whatever situation we find ourselves in. In order to bloom we have to watch our attitudes, face expressions, cover whatever it is in prayer and step forward in faith that God is with us every step of the way.
One last thing: last night as I was checking e mails and also the junk email file I saw an intriguing email from a professor. He had found my book Rooted by the water by looking for stories of resilience. Interesting thing is he wanted to know what I have done for exposure for my book. He said it has a 4.6 rating on Goodreads but only 11 reviews. I’m not on Goodreads so I have no clue. I haven’t responded to his e mail. If you knew how many scam emails come through weekly regarding my book, it would blow your mind. That was what I was actually doing last night, deleting potential scammers. This morning a trusted family friend (actually my aunts sister) told me to try a certain app, saying that perhaps it would help with exposure. She said my words needed to be exposed. I’ll take her word for it. I just write what God gives me and “hit publish”. The small beginning started with social media posts, then my autobiography Rooted by the Water , then on to blogging. The audience has been interesting with blogging. It evidently trickles around the world with a few views here and there world wide. It is very interesting to see the map and the country names. So often as I look at it you could hear me say, “This is so weird”. Just being honest. I’m just a hearing and visually impaired woman speaking life into others, advocating for those who might need it and spreading God’s truth. It’s a small beginning but the rewards come in Heaven. If you have read my book, please consider writing a review. It could be on Amazon or Goodreads. (I wasn’t’ aware I was on that.) I would love to somehow get into the library system but have no clue how to go about doing that. I personally read ebooks off Hoopla library app because it’s a way I can see them, zooming the font on my iPad. If you know how to go about entering a recommended book, please reach out.
Wherever you are, whatever the situation don’t despise the small beginnings. God sees you! That’s all that matters. Pray for one another. Be mindful of others issues. Speak LIFE! I say it again… speak LIFE over people and others situations. God bless you all! Now let’s spring into this Spring day. I’ve got to study some more for tonight’s devotion. This teaching never gets easy. Lord take the wheel!! Stepping forward in Faith, knowing God is with us all! Be blessed.
rootedbythewater.blog 