Saturday, August 18, 2018

Purpose

We all have a purpose.  That purpose is unique to you.  It may look different than mine, or anyone else’s. Actually, we can probably guarantee that.  Why? Because God made each of us unique.  We have different characteristics.  We look different.  We sound different.  We are just different.  And that is a good thing.
I see so many times people trying to be someone they weren’t meant to be. They are striving for something yet they aren’t happy.  That doesn’t seem like it would be your destiny. Mind you, it isn’t always easy getting to that place we feel is our purpose. It takes commitment, sacrifice, perseverance, and hard work. But it is so fulfilling and rewarding when we have reached that purpose.
How do you know what your purpose is?  I believe that is something the Lord Jesus births in us. But it may take time to realize what it is.
For me I knew at a young age I wanted to be a nurse. I worked hard to achieve that goal. But I knew that wasn’t my only purpose.  I knew I was to be a godly wife to my husband and a mother who raised my son, along with my husband, to love God and serve Him.
Sometimes I think we feel we have come up short with our purpose. But we must remember God made us with a purpose, and if we trust Him and follow Him, He will make our lives complete.
When I had to stop working it broke my heart.  I loved being a nurse, and I truly loved my job. But physically I could no longer do the work in an excellent manor. And that was the only way I wanted to do my job. With excellence.  Even though that era came to an end I still had a purpose.  Being a godly wife, and a loving mother. That will never change. And God continues to add to that. I have a beautiful daughter in law that I love dearly, and am so proud of her. And someday maybe I will have grandchildren to impart life’s  lessons into.
You see, we have purpose. And that never ends. It may change a bit as we go through life, but it never ends. God has a calling in all of our lives.  It may be hard at times, but He will always guide you and help you along the way.
Don’t give up. Don’t ever let someone tell you that you aren’t important, or you aren’t worth anything, or that you cannot achieve your goals. You ARE worth it.  You ARE important.  You DO have a purpose.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭ESV‬‬
God has created you for His purpose.  And has given you purpose.   Faithful readers, you are loved by God and He will lead you to that purpose.

Sunday, August 5, 2018

Happy Vacation!

It’s been a couple of weeks since my last blog. My husband and I were on a vacation.  A much needed vacation for him. We went to Tennessee to see our son and daughter in law.
We were so excited to be able to visit them for a week. This was the first time we took our Golden Retriever with us for such a long drive. It was 9-10 hours in the car each day. But he did great. With the help of some Benadryl the vet suggested. We went to great lengths to make sure he was safe for the car ride. We have a special seat cover that allows him to wear the doggy seat belt.  He could sit,    He could stand, or lay down. And more importantly, he was with us.
You might be wondering where this is going.  These two topics: vacation and protection.
When we go on vacation do we take a vacation from God?  Does He go on vacation away from us? And is He protecting us?
I think it is pretty clear actually, to me. I never want to be out of God’s presence and protection. When we take a vacation I want God with us. I don’t want to leave Him behind, and forget about him for a week or so.
How about God taking a vacation? I must say, I don’t believe He ever takes a vacation from us. We are His children. He wants us with Him. He wants to do everything He can to protect us.
It is our own doings that separate us from God. Or our own decision to leave Him behind.
When we were excited to take our beautiful Golden with us it was because we wanted him with us. He trusted us to protect him always.
The same goes for God. He wants us with Him always. He desires to protect us always. And I want to  know without a doubt that He is watching over us.
We had a wonderful vacation. God kept us safe the whole time.
When you are planning a vacation, include the Lord Jesus in those plans. I truly believe , you will have a fulfilling, peaceful vacation.
“When I think of You as I lie on my bed, I meditate on You during the night watches because You are my helper; I will rejoice in the shadow of Your wings. I follow close to You; Your right hand holds on to me.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭63:6-8‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

The Peace of God

 What does it mean to have the peace of God, in our minds, hearts, spirits?   That is a loaded question.  I like to think of it as being uni...