Inspiration – Page 5 – A Grateful Grace-full Life

The Glad Game

I enjoy old movies. When recently thinking about being mindful to be grateful, I thought of the movie Pollyanna. I haven’t watched this movie from the 60s again just yet, but I found the story available on Kindle and I am reading it. If you want to learn more about the movie and see some clips, here is a link to Turner Classic Movies.

In the story, Pollyanna is an orphan who was born to missionaries and being sent to live with her wealthy, austere Aunt Polly. Early in life Pollyanna’s father taught her to play the Glad Game. The object of the game was to find something to be glad about no matter the situation or circumstance. To the chagrin of people around her (including her Aunt Polly–who did not want to hear anything about Pollyanna’s father), Pollyanna was very good at it! Although several did not like her positive attitude, eventually many of them found themselves learning to play the game too. She touched the lives of many around her, even the minister of the local church.

Not only do I enjoy Pollyanna’s story, I admire her courage and perserverance to do just what her father said, even when it was difficult — choosing to find something to be glad about. It seems that at the root, the Glad Game is quite biblical. It goes right along with the scripture below from Philippians. And with the following scripture that talks about the Lord being glad.

Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always.
Philippians 4:8 TPT
https://bible.com/bible/1849/php.4.8.TPT

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/zep.3.17.NLT

So as we near this Thanksgiving season, I’m making an effort to do just that — to hear and obey the Word of my Father — to choose to fix my thoughts on what’s good, pure, lovely… And no matter the circumstance to choose to BE GLAD, BE THANKFUL, and BE GRATEFUL.

Here’s an example: I would really enjoy being able to sit and talk with each one reading this. That might not be possible, but I am glad to have the opportunity to share my thoughts and my faith with you. Oh how HE loves you and me! I pray you will find many reasons to be glad too!

Higher than the highest Heavens

Thinking on this today:

Higher than the highest heavens— that’s how high your tender mercy extends! Greater than the grandeur of heaven above is the greatness of your loyal love, towering over all who fear you and bow down before you! Farther than from a sunrise to a sunset— that’s how far you’ve removed our guilt from us. But Lord, your endless love stretches from one eternity to the other, unbroken and unrelenting toward those who fear you and those who bow facedown in awe before you. Your faithfulness to keep every gracious promise you’ve made passes from parents, to children, to grandchildren, and beyond. You are faithful to all those who follow your ways and keep your word.

Psalms 103:11‭-‬12‭, ‬17‭-‬18 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/psa.103.11-18.TPT

Staying focused

I have been reading and thinking a lot lately. There is a lot going on in our world and in my personal life. I have been feeling more emotional and find myself needing to be more diligent to remain focused, in faith and resting in Him.

I’ve been reading and meditating on Ephesians 6 (in The Passion translation) about warfare and the armor God has given us the right to use. I am sharing the lead in verses below, but I recommend reading to the end of the chapter. I hope you will find strength in it as I have. I needed the reminder of whose I am and the weapons He has provided.

Now my beloved ones, I have saved these most important truths for last: Be supernaturally infused with strength through your life-union with the Lord Jesus. Stand victorious with the force of his explosive power flowing in and through you. Put on God’s complete set of armor provided for us, so that you will be protected as you fight against the evil strategies of the accuser! Your hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms. For they are a powerful class of demon-gods and evil spirits that hold this dark world in bondage.
Ephesians 6:10‭-‬12 TPT
https://bible.com/bible/1849/eph.6.10-12.TPT

We must gird ourselves with the belt of truth, put on the helmet of salvation, pick up the shield of faith, arm ourselves with the Sword of The Spirit (the Word of God), walk out the gospel of peace, and pray passionately.

WE ARE SOLDIERS OF THE LORD!

Rest

I was inspired to write this poem several years ago. It fell out of my Bible today and reminded me of the many benefits of my relationship with Jesus. I hope you know Him too and are experiencing the benefits of trusting in Him.

Rest
I am your deliverer and salvation,
You are my covenant child,
I have justified you,
I have made you righteous,
I have made you holy through the blood of my son.

Rest
You are hid in Christ,
My Spirit is in you and with you always,
I am at work within you,
I am causing you both to will and to do my good pleasure. 

Rest
Trust in my love,
I know the plans I have for you, 
I planned them before your birth, 
I see the end result,
I am focused on your future, not your past. 

Rest
I am your Lord, I am King of Kings,
I am working all things together for your good,
I am the author and finisher of your faith. 

Rest
I am faithful to My Word, 
My promises are true, 
You are a branch of The Vine, 
Rivers of living water are in you. 

Rest
I am your life and light, 
The strength and might of my Spirit are being imparted to your inner man, along with My wisdom and My ability. 

Now My beloved child, rest.

Hebrews 4:3a For we who have believed(who have adhered to and relied on God)do enter into that rest.

Learn more about Jesus…pick up a Bible and read the book of John, then see Romans 3:23 and Romans 10:10.

I’m praying that you find rest in Him. Oh how He loves you and me.

King David & Anne with an “e”

I’m smiling as I write this because it seems both amusing and lovely at the same time. I’m thinking about both King David and Anne of Green Gables.

If you haven’t seen the Anne of Green Gables series of movies with Megan Fellows, I highly recommend it. I’ve been known to binge watch all of them on a rainy or snowy weekend.

The things I enjoy most about Anne are her flair for the dramatic and her sensitive heart. Due to pride she sometimes gets herself into predicaments (some quite hilarious), and is moved to “the depths of despair.” But she also loves with all her heart, as in her relationship with Diana, her “kindred spirit and bosom friend”.

You might find it strange, but as I read the Psalms tonight, it seemed to me that she and King David may be a lot alike. Some of the Psalms are so very dramatic (due to real life situations), but the writing reminds me of “the depths of despair.” Then there are others that clearly reveal a tender hearted man with a deep love for God and how much He loves us. Below are examples, I can almost imagine how they would sound if Anne read them.

He’s the hope that holds me and the Stronghold to shelter me, the only God for me, and my great confidence. 
Psalms 91:2 TPT

Gaze upon him, join your life with his, and joy will come. Your faces will glisten with glory. You’ll never wear that shame-face again. When I had nothing, desperate and defeated, I cried out to the Lord and he heard me, bringing his miracle-deliverance when I needed it most. The angel of the Lord stooped down to listen as I prayed, encircling me, empowering me, and showing me how to escape. He will do this for everyone who fears God. 
Psalms 34:5‭-‬7 TPT

Finding Beauty, Goodness & Grace in Every Season

The peonies are blooming, the end of spring coming and summer is near. Some days are cold and rainy, and then suddenly we have warm and sunny days. Both are needed and beauty is found in fragrant blossoms even as they soak in the rain. Soon the hot summer days will take over and plants change their focus from blossoms to bearing seeds and fruit. The cycle of seed, time and harvest is in motion, it happens every year, just as the Father designed it.

In every season He is always good and He wants to reveal His grace, goodness and faithfulness. Just ask Him. Oh how He loves you and me!

 For the Lord is always good and ready to receive you. He’s so loving that it will amaze you— so kind that it will astound you! And he is famous for his faithfulness toward all. Everyone knows our God can be trusted, for he keeps his promises to every generation!        ~Psalms 100:5 (The Passion Transkation)

A Savior, Strength, a Father’s Help

Sometimes we all need to be reminded… Whatever the circumstances are around you today, whatever the trouble, wherever you are, know this – God is there. Jesus is willing to be your Savior, the Holy Spirit to be your strength, the Father to be your help and deliverance. Just ask, then run into his waiting, out-stretched arms, receive His love and hide yourself in his care. Oh how He loves you and me!

Excited to Reach Nations!

The image below represents over 41 different nations from which one or more people have logged on to read this blog. This “blesses my socks off!” because my desire is to share the love of God with everyone – everywhere. Although my feet may never touch these nations, my prayer is that those who have read it are encouraged, have had their hearts lifted, and that they get a glimpse of how very much they (and YOU who are reading this) are loved by God. I pray that HE is honored, and I thank you for honoring me. OH HOW HE LOVES YOU AND ME!

Love & Prayer

This is the most personal thing I have written so far, but I feel led to do it. If you read this and pray, I thank you with all my heart.

It’s almost been 17 months since this journey began for Ed and I. Tonight I am moved to tears by his love. He is unable to do many things YET (like cooking or driving). But tonight he got leftovers out of the fridge for dinner and proceeded to fix both of us a plate and reheat in the microwave ( I recently had surgery and am using a knee scooter so he is helping me.) Sometimes it’s easy to forget how far he has come since last January, and to be overwhelmed by the “waves” of this storm. But for me this act of love was a needed reminder that God is with us, He is for us, He is faithful, He is love and He is working.

This is Ed on our 45th anniversary, about a month before he became ill. I thought a photo would make this article more personal, give a focus for prayers.

The good news is that as of April 30 he will be on no daily drugs for CNSV. The next thing for him is Cervical laminectomy and fusion of C1-6 on May 10, followed by 12 weeks in a neck brace.If you are someone who prays, please say one for him and those who will perform the surgery and care for him after.

I am adding my prayers too. I am thanking God that according to…
Psalm 103 He heals all of Ed’s diseases
Psalm 91 He satisfies Ed with long life
Psalm 23 He restores Ed’s soul (mind, will and emtions)
And that all medications given are helps to his body and do him only good and no harm. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Oh how grateful I am that He loves Ed and you, and me!

A Fun Challenge from Faith Outside the Lines

I am recovering from foot surgery and my sister-in-law/friend Jan gave me a fun journal called “Faith Outside the Lines.” The image below is from the page that said to write my favorite Bible verse with my “wrong” (not normal) writing hand. It is mostly readable but was not an easy task. It made me grateful for my hand that can write well.

It also reminded me that this faith walk I am on can be challenging at times but He sees my efforts through eyes of pure love. He isn’t expecting perfection, He is pleased that I try, that I am learning and growing by His grace. Oh how He loves you and me!

Yes! It’s “Spring forth” Season

I was outside yesterday enjoying the signs of spring in my yard and I thought I would share them with you too.

I am grateful this winter season is over. This year I am especially aware of the change. Not only seeing it, I feel it in my spirit and soul. I am looking forward expectantly to the good things of God that are undoubtedly coming. It’s time for seeds sown to spring forth.

Isaiah 61:11 just seems to fit, and I enjoy the differences these two translations highlight.

For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
Isaiah 61:11 KJV

For just as the earth brings forth its plants, or a garden makes its plants spring up, so Adonai , God, will cause victory and glory to spring up before all nations.
Yesha ‘yahu (Isa) 61:11 CJB

Measureless Grace

Psalms 55:22 The Passion Translation

Honoring Women

As the world celebrates women in general, I want to honor those who have impacted me. I have and still am being blessed by many so women of faith. There are too many to name, so instead I will reshare this poem (by one of them).

As you read this I pray that you will hear and receive the Father’s love for you. Oh how He loves you and me!

Most Precious Treasure

Be encouraged, little Daughter:
Your God is on your side.
Draw near. Bask in My Presence.
Let My Love abide.

Allow My living waters
To wash away each thought
That counteracts My promises
And the life that Christ has bought.

You are My precious treasure
Purchased at great cost,
The sheep that I came looking for
Who is no longer lost.

Arise and shine right where you are.
Let’s join in harmony.
Your world awaits your entrance.
Through you, they’ll soon find me.

I find in you, great pleasure.
You’re the apple of My eye
I promise: I’ll not leave you.
I’m always standing by.

By Roberta M. Spinney; shared with permission.

If you do not know Jesus as your Savior and Lord, simply pray this prayer in faith, and Jesus will be your Lord!

Every Evening, Every Morning

This verse has been resonating with me so much that I made 2 versions in the YouVersion Bible app to put on my phone. I have a habit of checking my phone every morning and using it to read the Bible before going to sleep. I also see these images throughout the day as I use my phone.

There are always needs…but at night when I talk to the Lord, I am reminded that it’s him that I need above all else. After all , in Philippians he said he would supply all my needs according to his riches in glory. And that’s not limited to just physical things.

In the morning, it’s a reminder of his constant presence and unfailing faithful love.

And throughout the day to be aware of him, worship him, commune with him. And to trust that when I cry out to him, he hears and he responds.

Oh how He loves you and me!

Every evening I will explain my need to him. Every morning I will move my soul toward him. Every waking hour I will worship only him, and he will hear and respond to my cry. Psalms 55:17 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/psa.55.17.TPT

Peace, Rest, Quietness, Strength & Confidence

The last 16 months have been the most difficult of my life. I’ve been learning to live through what often feels like a storm with wind and waves. Some days it has felt like a roller coaster ride with wild twists and turns, and like going two steps forward and three steps back. With time flying both by or seeming not to move at all.

I haven’t always handled it well or right, but I take comfort that God knows. He knows me. He knew me in my mother’s womb and He is not surprised by any aspect of my life. At times I have felt so very weak, at others very strong – but in both cases I know He is carrying me. With uncertainty all around, He is faithful, and even reminds me of my dreams, and of His dreams for me. He isn’t surprised or worried. He has a plan, He’s always had a plan for me that includes love, redemption, forgiveness, grace, help just when I need it, and wisdom when I ask.

My part is to listen, trust and rest, to believe Him. To stay in faith even when I can’t see the way forward. To cast my care on Him because He cares, to live in expectation that He is working. Sometimes I must remind myself of what Jesus spoke to the storm, and that He is Christ in me, with me, always. I’ll close my eyes and say, “Peace, Be Still,” (agreeing with Him) and I choose to receive His peace.

I read in Isaiah 30 about the rebellion of the people and the graciousness of God, and this verse ministered to me… I am purposely leaving of the last 4 words (“but ye would not”) because I want Him to be able to say of me “and she did.”

For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: in returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength…” Isaiah 30:16

I pray that both you and I will always find in Him our peace, quietness, strength and confidence. Oh how He loves you and me!