tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78125757428701340402024-03-14T21:59:21.615-07:00Picket FencesLife is good, but one thing hangs on the hinges of my mind...WHERE'S MY WHITE PICKET FENCE? Come join me, post by post, while I discover the Carpenter's picket fence.Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-25962706592019371352023-10-31T14:15:00.001-07:002023-10-31T15:52:51.117-07:00WHAT IF?<p> <b><i>WHAT IF?</i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcBrLmgTsYs2A1a1OkoHdSq6WXO1Xm4q4RS9lnpvLzejuBKWHRReL476knJkB-9c_mXbfJnmCAG34R2aUDAcQH4UwzKPF3ElaaqE64aWS91UhbrtgoEHi0yGQKPBtDwj9n_gHWiV9lp-T1O2yc_hpwMZZjtDT95SzAno8QsPh7p4t1nyNXYMf2N7qvd3x/s4032/20200602_202145.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcBrLmgTsYs2A1a1OkoHdSq6WXO1Xm4q4RS9lnpvLzejuBKWHRReL476knJkB-9c_mXbfJnmCAG34R2aUDAcQH4UwzKPF3ElaaqE64aWS91UhbrtgoEHi0yGQKPBtDwj9n_gHWiV9lp-T1O2yc_hpwMZZjtDT95SzAno8QsPh7p4t1nyNXYMf2N7qvd3x/w400-h195/20200602_202145.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">“What are you going to do if God doesn’t answer your
prayer?”</p><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My neighbor’s question left me stunned. Surely God would answer
my prayer. I could see no reason at all for God to not answer my prayer. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I spent quite a while praying that night, in my backyard, looking at the moon. It looked huge and seemed so close to earth that I felt as
though I could reach out and touch it or even step right onto it. I knew God
created that moon. He spoke it into existence. As a new believer I had not even
considered God would not answer my prayer. </p><p class="MsoNormal">He spoke the entire world into
existence. </p><p class="MsoNormal">He can answer my prayer.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It has been over 30 years since the night my neighbor asked
me that question.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Did God answer my prayer? Not the way I wanted the prayer to be answered. It was a season of grieving and growing for me.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Since then though, there have been <i>many</i> answered prayers. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And – <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My dad’s friend did not heal.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My friends did not heal. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Some family members did not heal. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My husband’s job went south. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I desperately prayed and still my babies passed because I
was unable to carry them to term. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One of those times of grief, I opened the Bible to the book of Psalms,
the words “God is good” jumped off the pages. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 136:1 “…Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 118:1 “Praise to God for His Everlasting Mercy. Oh, give
thanks to the Lord, for He is good...” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalm 109:21 “But you, O God the Lord, Deal with me for Your
name’s sake; because Your mercy is good, deliver me.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I believed what the Bible said, "God is good," despite what I was experiencing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the beginning of my faith walk, I read in the book of
John about Jesus dying on the cross to pay for the price of my sins. He went to
great lengths to pay the price for my sins. I believed what the Bible said and knew He loved me. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I did not give my neighbor an answer that night, over 30 years ago, but now I have
a firm answer to the question my neighbor asked me so many years ago.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Philippians 2:10 “…that at the name of Jesus every knee
should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the
earth, <sup>11</sup> and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is
Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” NKJV<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My knee bows. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My tongue confesses Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The nights I cry intense tears of grief into my pillow – I
am comforted knowing despite what is making me grieve, God is good. And He is my LORD.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The nights I hold onto my pillow filled with fear of all
that is going on in this world – I may be scared, but I know God is the eternal
protector of my soul. He is LORD.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Despite the pain and turmoil of what happens in this world, I
believe God hears every prayer I pray. When I cannot see the answer, it doesn’t
mean He is not there with me. His ways are higher than mine and it is then I
hold onto the knowledge that He is LORD.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My prayer for you is – you will know – you will know He is
good, He is Lord, and He hears you, He is with you.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyDsDUnO4sBnSSm7nMFRen12y5M3ybHYx3cym1qcBrySUCw_ErxMXE95nI8XM5kYzS9m6zSoiV7HYvYodX1Qao3I1m0zv-hq83lQL2cHB2RhxVW4FE-7opy1iZRlZNErrBegK_URU3Gzb8YRHPp2IYitpRNT5EzCuJhH0JqE2gVNXTkYZ8tEpN_IM0y3m/s846/1f0b80279536b331a76e674b12e6d07d.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyDsDUnO4sBnSSm7nMFRen12y5M3ybHYx3cym1qcBrySUCw_ErxMXE95nI8XM5kYzS9m6zSoiV7HYvYodX1Qao3I1m0zv-hq83lQL2cHB2RhxVW4FE-7opy1iZRlZNErrBegK_URU3Gzb8YRHPp2IYitpRNT5EzCuJhH0JqE2gVNXTkYZ8tEpN_IM0y3m/s320/1f0b80279536b331a76e674b12e6d07d.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /> <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-69202702152999110582023-10-20T09:55:00.000-07:002023-10-20T09:55:14.618-07:00Where is PEACE!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9GN6cjLtSETnPq-K5VmWQ0_Yov7Gtser9plcgO947S9hB61e24ePa8b38PqzXYvFY858ggsaAkqNPJ1CCp168SJCXz7NY99aL1gNDA0DPpAJb0k9jwOeZ6y_jqoJ2Z-mJiBRZfQf4jQ1J4ZjGYIxv9qtt-s0_XeHRVfFS4W5zC4Gndar60SXrsT0JVM1/s4000/20230818_193349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9GN6cjLtSETnPq-K5VmWQ0_Yov7Gtser9plcgO947S9hB61e24ePa8b38PqzXYvFY858ggsaAkqNPJ1CCp168SJCXz7NY99aL1gNDA0DPpAJb0k9jwOeZ6y_jqoJ2Z-mJiBRZfQf4jQ1J4ZjGYIxv9qtt-s0_XeHRVfFS4W5zC4Gndar60SXrsT0JVM1/s320/20230818_193349.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> Peace?<p></p><p><o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Where is it?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Chaos and confusion are everywhere.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>News, videos, people's choices, viruses, cancers, and relationships
exploding - information that continually fills our minds. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Closer to home, life can be fast, relationships can totter at the drop of a
hat, people are haggard, walking the streets with no home to go to, drug and
alcohol addictions is a norm in a lot of families.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Where is the peace?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>I know I can spend time during the day looking and looking for just a moment
or two for some space where there is solitude. There is no news, no demands, no
need to be emotionally available, and I am just able to take a moment to
process life. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Where is the peace for the people who have been taken from their lives and
held hostage?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Where is the peace for the ones who have been stolen and sold for the
perverted pleasure of others?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Where is the peace for the one who is caring for a loved one that is
suffering in one way or another, and where is the peace for the one who is
suffering?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Where is the peace for a child who watches their parent drift away mentally
and emotionally when the high hits or the parent walks out the door or smacks
them around?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Where is the peace for those who are on the front pages, and picked apart
for the world to see?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Where is the peace for the homemaker that is busy administrating her home
and teaching children how to live in this day and age?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Where is the peace for the man who struggles to be who he really is in this
world?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Where is the peace when a person is holding onto a relationship by the
frayed threads ready to break?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Peace isn't in the solutions to these problems because problems will arise
again. The solutions bring an end to these problems.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Two days ago, there were tornado warnings and a torrential downfall of rain.
Today, as I sit, the sky is blue, the breeze is gentle, and the temperature is
cool enough for a sweatshirt but also warm enough to sit outside and enjoy. It
is peaceful. In an hour, a day, or a week who knows what the circumstances will
be regarding the weather. It is a peaceful moment, but it isn't PEACE.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Throughout the day there are pockets of peace – enjoying time with a loved one,
seeing a victory, hearing birds singing, children laughing, seeing the smile on
a person’s face. There are many things that can bring peace to a moment.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>However, in John 16:33, when Jesus was talking to the disciples. He told
them - "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In
this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the
world."<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>THE Peace is in Jesus. He is rock solid, always there, never changing. No
matter what goes on, He is where the peace is at. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p>"Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with
peace that no can completely understand. And this peace will control the way
you think and feel." Philippians 4:7 CEV<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>So, this is my prayer for everyone in the situations I listed and for those
that are not on my list...<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine on you
and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you
peace." Numbers 6:24-26 NIV<o:p></o:p></p>
<p><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p><br /></p>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-32650269314376597222023-05-17T12:06:00.006-07:002023-05-17T12:06:50.224-07:00Not Worry? How hard is that? <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9634nYQ0SUlt-fQiGmcPOf8NI9SzFyG0fXqU_GRtJ6k6GXM8FkW2NISBbdKMPDwPRYtoJ1v5A3IFnkDx25fPwJqcOMTMD1JJfOwbJ5Vjj7untmZuX0xPmAfudBEkwHSraiADrqkmCZAFBT2jIqlOx3CBGJjfHGqrI3n1Oxd_UXQCy7cxz47dUWq4ow/s480/IMG_0313(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9634nYQ0SUlt-fQiGmcPOf8NI9SzFyG0fXqU_GRtJ6k6GXM8FkW2NISBbdKMPDwPRYtoJ1v5A3IFnkDx25fPwJqcOMTMD1JJfOwbJ5Vjj7untmZuX0xPmAfudBEkwHSraiADrqkmCZAFBT2jIqlOx3CBGJjfHGqrI3n1Oxd_UXQCy7cxz47dUWq4ow/s320/IMG_0313(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I had some time to sit on the beach and stare off into the vast unknown. Did you know just sitting there set me up for the boundaries of the ocean to be removed and taken out to the deep never to return?<p></p><p>Did you also know that sitting there is so peaceful and shows me the power of God who created such a magnificent vast ocean with the beautiful sky above and the sun that rises and sets each day? </p><p>Anxiety and worry, or Peace and relaxation?</p><p>I cannot tell you how many times I struggle to NOT WORRY instead of staying in the moment.</p><p>About 35 years ago I had a tough situation in my life. Worry filled my mind about what could happen the next day. When I opened my Bible the verse I read was “Do not worry about tomorrow, for today has enough troubles of its own.”</p><p>How hard is that?</p><p>How hard is it to not worry about things that seem intimidating, scary, or life changing in the future?</p><p>In a Bible study I am in, the discussion was on Adam and Eve after they had eaten the forbidden fruit from the tree that was off limits, and they were hiding. God came into the garden and asked, “Where are you?”</p><p>I know God knew where they were hiding because He knows and sees all.</p><p>So, I believe the question isn’t a “I cannot find you” question, I believe it is a “relational” question.</p><p>God is in the garden to hang out and Adam and Eve are hiding.</p><p>I experienced this very question the other day.</p><p>I prayed about some things that were really troubling me. </p><p>After I prayed, I thought and thought of all the catastrophic things that could happen in those situations I had just prayed about.</p><p>The question “Where are you?” came to mind.</p><p>My answer – “I am over in Catastrophic vil.”</p><p>I had moved from the presence of God, picked up my worry’s and went to Catastrophic Village instead of leaving everything in His hands, trusting Him. I didn’t wait for Him to encourage me. I didn’t wait for direction. I was entertaining the most horrific things that could happen in every situation.</p><p>I dragged my stuff back to prayer and the verse about not worrying about tomorrow came to my mind. Today has enough troubles of its own.</p><p>I need to focus on today. </p><p>I have learned worrying about tomorrow usually is just a bunch of horrific false lies my imagination conjures up. It doesn’t give direction. It doesn’t guide. And worrying doesn’t know anything.</p><p>So, as I sat and stared at the ocean I chose peace and relaxation. I worked hard to put what is happening into perspective. What can I do today. What can I not do today? And what can I do nothing about? </p><p>I can trust God and believe He’s got this and will give me what I need for what is ahead. </p><p>I find I can enjoy moments more when I do let go and fight hard to not worry about the unknown that is ahead and trust Him.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKsaDrNZLG0qh7_vvh_GYMduLLnF0nWpCpKCWOR_kEbMQhZefZGXbTHxXef_t-wsDQA2leUfNEH8OpPIvotXjQJOIFX18Q-jK3uUfL66ANce8PW5RP3ZKqUX0MahJJ3CCD4RT50kiuRcp3fBEjjE7Qq3D2pMKlU7vRBquetxmKVkfGs27M8FvWAbQpA/s480/IMG_0338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKsaDrNZLG0qh7_vvh_GYMduLLnF0nWpCpKCWOR_kEbMQhZefZGXbTHxXef_t-wsDQA2leUfNEH8OpPIvotXjQJOIFX18Q-jK3uUfL66ANce8PW5RP3ZKqUX0MahJJ3CCD4RT50kiuRcp3fBEjjE7Qq3D2pMKlU7vRBquetxmKVkfGs27M8FvWAbQpA/s320/IMG_0338.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-33814487255507542992023-04-07T08:46:00.002-07:002023-04-07T08:49:47.742-07:00Easter <p> Galatians 2:20 NKJV</p><p><br /></p><p><span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #616161; font-size: 16px;">I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh <i>I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Italics mine)</i></span></p>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-61836319121247943272023-02-23T13:38:00.000-08:002023-02-23T13:38:19.970-08:00To The Creator - Amen<p> Yesterday I watched a short portion of a movie about Anne Frank. I have read the story, so I know the sad ending. </p><p>When there is war, or a battle for power over people, there are many victims. Somehow, (usually very cruelly), certain people will be put in a weaker position than the power seeker.</p><p>Somehow people are forced to live in a way they do not want to live at all. Their normal daily lives are stolen from them. It starts back in biblical times when the Israelites were slaves to the Egyptians. I can instantly think of some more, for one, after seeing Anne Frank yesterday, the concentration camps for the Jewish religion and those who helped them. There have been slaves throughout history all over the world, even today, such as those who are victims of sex traffiking. </p><p>There are those at the mercy of drug lords, due to drug addiction. People dominated and abused in relationships, by a parent, spouse, boyfriend, or friend.</p><p>I thought of these situations, and the people caught in them, as I read a devotional today.</p><p>"He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak." Isaiah 40:29 TLB</p><p>In the NKJV it is translated, "He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength."</p><p>This verse mentioned above, I pray for you. Whoever and wherever situation you find yourself in today. For those in war, abuse, slavery, sick in any way, and to those who are just emotionally weary and tired.</p><p>I ask this verse and more to be applied to your life from, "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable." Isaiah 40:28 NKJV</p><p>Amen</p><p><br /></p>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-84862956684191963922023-02-19T23:37:00.003-08:002023-02-19T23:37:29.104-08:00Shine In The Dark<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjBYNqwuxzYxPlgAuoZKyvBto2p_iefJ0i1_bR1lXx15qawC0iDboSs6jPyIkgv1ya6XiE7UVx3nq9IXaFqdYZjLD03qFEXAXFTtOfeqZq-o2CzJ-e-fuAG8rlKWPLz5a3lyeypfSRUmMd4eMIjAqtIM2PEhKDRb6AWEWGAkioBVoFPX8X9VORNKOqg/s1360/Resized_2(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="1019" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjBYNqwuxzYxPlgAuoZKyvBto2p_iefJ0i1_bR1lXx15qawC0iDboSs6jPyIkgv1ya6XiE7UVx3nq9IXaFqdYZjLD03qFEXAXFTtOfeqZq-o2CzJ-e-fuAG8rlKWPLz5a3lyeypfSRUmMd4eMIjAqtIM2PEhKDRb6AWEWGAkioBVoFPX8X9VORNKOqg/s320/Resized_2(1).jpg" width="240" /></a></b></div><b>Proverbs 12:25</b><p></p><p><b>"Worry weighs a person down; An encouraging word cheers a person up." NLT</b></p><p>I really hate that so many people are struggling. It's hard to hear about the violence on the news. </p><p>I hate driving down the street and seeing the people who must live in tents on the side of the road. </p><p>It is troubling that drugs are addicting, and people are trapped looking for the next high.</p><p>When I hear about someone kidnapping and killing another person it angers and baffles me that they thought they had the right to interrupt someone's life in that way. </p><p>My heart hurts for those who are mourning loved ones who have passed away. </p><p>It seems like we have all walked into a big dark hole that has a swirling tornado of sickness, evil, and death flying at us. </p><p>It really is a miracle to rise in the morning, healthy, fed, and sheltered and to return to bed at night safe. </p><p>Some people can't even trust the very people they live with to keep them unharmed. </p><p>What does a person do with all of this?</p><p>Hide in fear?</p><p>Live in denial?</p><p>Be angry or bitter? </p><p>Walk in hopelessness?</p><p>It's all so much to deal with.</p><p>Sometimes I will feel scared, anxious, or depressed about things. </p><p><b>Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."</b></p><p>This is one of the hardest verses in the Bible for me because worry is such a present thing in my life.</p><p>However, the weariness or the heaviness I feel is lifted when I take time to see what He is doing instead of focusing on the terrible things happening. </p><p>How do you see the good - standing at a freshly dug grave, sitting beside a hospital bed, reading the news, or driving down the street and seeing people struggle? </p><p>Sometimes the position of life is the position of mourning. It is the position of grief. </p><p>In Ecclesiastes Solomon tells us there is a season for everything. Even for death and mourning. </p><p>What I have also found is there are those who come into our lives during those times to comfort us. </p><p>Just a few days ago I was in line at Starbucks next to the homeless tents. A pickup truck was parked by the tents. The back of it had a bunch of coolers. A couple carried them over to the people living in the tents. I don't know what was in the coolers, but I could see by the reactions of the people the couple brought them some joy. </p><p>Their actions reminded me of the Bible verse that says to let our light shine and not hide it. </p><p>It also made me think of the flashlight I received from my husband for Christmas. </p><p>My name is on it. </p><p>When the flashlight is turned on it can have a narrow stream of light that focuses on a particular spot or it can have a wide circle of light that fills the room. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUW8pu22aUr86EBrTl5-3uqLD5G1dfQ3jH1icDtvBaj-ANzjuluTuZgr_DP9KoXf1DY0-m0cW5uGu8UzMtVEivZyKbcLF2k6U6H4EdZfHILCYsv1ZDDRS0qTtV7ffjCSZg8PGHKGU3SaSlYhaypcNmTEoYZyDMUgpw6WpcrYlx-7fWm6fMNTiargdA5w/s12000/20230123_065303.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="12000" data-original-width="9000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUW8pu22aUr86EBrTl5-3uqLD5G1dfQ3jH1icDtvBaj-ANzjuluTuZgr_DP9KoXf1DY0-m0cW5uGu8UzMtVEivZyKbcLF2k6U6H4EdZfHILCYsv1ZDDRS0qTtV7ffjCSZg8PGHKGU3SaSlYhaypcNmTEoYZyDMUgpw6WpcrYlx-7fWm6fMNTiargdA5w/s320/20230123_065303.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7c-fMuT4HLUnmnJuO_tndrBi_bMPmXdO1EdcGje1ZGMpX89uI0gZ6XgHe6dRa8xv67zZRyNHo2FA8ZaBz1emuV_rSK7PmLZRdjK41oeO3roB0kpSyVDtTXKc0mRKKl1mlWsWolOUmvto7p7YCOClCxXU1uci1N2_Oh7ES6BZV6QFKmIwT9MOxh-nDJA/s12000/20230123_065420.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="12000" data-original-width="9000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7c-fMuT4HLUnmnJuO_tndrBi_bMPmXdO1EdcGje1ZGMpX89uI0gZ6XgHe6dRa8xv67zZRyNHo2FA8ZaBz1emuV_rSK7PmLZRdjK41oeO3roB0kpSyVDtTXKc0mRKKl1mlWsWolOUmvto7p7YCOClCxXU1uci1N2_Oh7ES6BZV6QFKmIwT9MOxh-nDJA/s320/20230123_065420.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>That couple shined a narrow stream of light into a dark situation. They might not have been able to hit every homeless camp, and be a light that hits everyone, but their light shined into that situation. </p><p>Things do seem overwhelming lately, and a person may not be able to deal with all of it, but there are ways to bring a focused stream of light into places in this murky world.</p><p>Matthew 5:14</p><p>"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill."</p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-51272717105003023962023-02-10T20:30:00.005-08:002023-02-11T11:26:19.366-08:00Dark <p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3R24gLj-tu02eDj5WvvzjaaruwdwahTqkqNZgFms5San2Q45Fg2TmPhc0lKOiXKs46FkGcWabXZ325p68cXFSjdfpU_S0ImQi3dpP9TFO1YjFHG7UqZ1mJjpfeEyIDrsLeXZMv7I2-jecEX6vIwx-itHcawr-W1jHzsj8TTuv6v9GEqgChLdNf6u_g/s4000/20221130_201131.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3R24gLj-tu02eDj5WvvzjaaruwdwahTqkqNZgFms5San2Q45Fg2TmPhc0lKOiXKs46FkGcWabXZ325p68cXFSjdfpU_S0ImQi3dpP9TFO1YjFHG7UqZ1mJjpfeEyIDrsLeXZMv7I2-jecEX6vIwx-itHcawr-W1jHzsj8TTuv6v9GEqgChLdNf6u_g/s320/20221130_201131.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">January can either be a long, dark, boring month after all of the celebrating from Thanksgiving to New Years. Or January can be a month probably every introvert enjoys, relaxing, refreshing, and renewing. </p><p class="MsoNormal">The one thing that seems consistent in January is; it is dark. They say it is a time where the days start to stay light longer, but it doesn't feel that way to me. It seems dark and the days are short. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Especially after people start taking down their Christmas lights. </p><p class="MsoNormal">When daylight savings time was over, it was quite an adjustment to the darkness that came earlier each day. For a season I can't watch the sunsets, while walking the dogs, after dinner. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The street lights are on, and the porch light is needed in order to see to unlock the front door. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Instead of natural light the
lamps must go on so we can see without stubbing our toes or bumping into
furniture. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Because of that it really was a clear visual for me when I read Matthew 5: 15-16
ESV -“15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand,
and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light
shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to
your Father who is in heaven.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Of course, I am going to put my lamps in a place they light up the house so I can see what I am doing. I am not going to take one of my lamps and put it
under a basket. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jesus teaches us to let our own personal light shine so
others can see our good works. Those good works give glory to God in heaven. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">No one needs to be reminded that there is a lot of darkness
in our world. There are many different struggles happening all over
the world right now. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My family has experienced dark times. When someone brings light
into my life in those dark moments. My thoughts are directed to the goodness of God. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many years ago, I experienced some great losses in my life causing
a lot of emotional pain. My neighbor brought me over some big, beautiful
strawberries that tasted so sweet. She also brought over a book of
encouragement for me to read. I remember I asked her, “Where is God?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">She gave me a loving smile, “He’s here.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And I knew she was right. Her caring presence helped me to
see that God was there. God was there to comfort me. He even brought someone
over to show me that. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At times, when there is a tragedy or a special moment,
people gather and light candles. They either have moments of silence or they
sing songs. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One Christmas eve we were at a candlelight service. We had
our foster son with us who had experienced more challenging times in his short
life than I have in my entire life. As we lit the candles that night, he sat on
my husband’s lap. The room was dark except for the lit candles all over the
room. I looked over at that little boy, and he was the only one not holding a
candle, but the light of the candles surrounded him. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What an incredible picture to see that boy who suffered so
much darkness surrounded by light like a protective shield. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Today, I hope I let my light shine, by doing good works that
glorify God. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I know it doesn’t have to be a bunch of hard things, because
I knew there was a God in heaven looking out for me, when someone brought me a
strawberry. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I hope the shining lights, from other people, surround you, and
you will know there is a God in heaven that really loves you. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-76763858056066591412023-01-23T08:41:00.002-08:002023-01-23T09:21:10.092-08:00Paper Airplane Ride<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH0nVR_0gL7P418uZbyIxqNeZqJCXKCpXBrEaeFatJOZK1Yf_DSwyYsT1J5UrzjWSDyRXvQ56H2YfQpC99xFgUNFrMguinCTsZYGidLSKnWObNnMWpE0y4Jt7G6KeL_Rwo-_5NmD0Tn9fciCD33rg0_P1SfTXViNBHJ_t9j80f2AMPfWej466x9K5sA/s6624/20230123_082408.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5568" data-original-width="6624" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH0nVR_0gL7P418uZbyIxqNeZqJCXKCpXBrEaeFatJOZK1Yf_DSwyYsT1J5UrzjWSDyRXvQ56H2YfQpC99xFgUNFrMguinCTsZYGidLSKnWObNnMWpE0y4Jt7G6KeL_Rwo-_5NmD0Tn9fciCD33rg0_P1SfTXViNBHJ_t9j80f2AMPfWej466x9K5sA/s320/20230123_082408.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p>Today I woke up thinking of the future. So many things went through my mind. It looked scary and intimidating. </p><p>Do you ever look at the great unknown of the future and miss seeing the possibilities, but instead, focus on what can go wrong? </p><p>The great “what if” question can lead a person on a dark rabbit trail filled with thorny vines that ends at a high jagged rocky cliff to stumble off in to certain demise.</p><p>My thoughts were looking over that jagged rocky cliff. They hadn’t stumbled off yet, but I could envision what was certainly there to meet me in answer to my “what if” questions. </p><p>Then I picked up my devotional. “Courage Instead Of Fear” said the bold Calibri 20 font heading at the top of the page. There is a picture of a paper airplane, with a heart emblem, flying directly at the bold Calibri 20 font heading. It is followed by this verse -</p><p>“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you: I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 HCSB</p><p>Do not fear.</p><p>Why?</p><p>The WORD says; </p><p>I am WITH you. </p><p>I am your GOD. </p><p>I will STRENGTHEN you.</p><p>I will HELP you.</p><p>I will HOLD on to you with My righteous right hand. </p><p>So, instead of stumbling down that high jagged rocky cliff into certain demise, by faith in what God’s word says, my heart can hop onto that paper airplane, and fly right off that ledge into the great unknown filled with possibilities. </p><p>After all, God is holding ON to me with His righteous right hand. He will help me. He will strengthen me. He is with me. </p><p>Whatever high jagged rocky edge you too are standing on, I hope you can know by faith, He will HOLD ONTO you with His righteous right hand. </p><p>He’s got you and me. </p><p>Matthew 6:34 says “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>(My thanks to Shanna Noel for her encouraging devotional journal “100 days of Bible Promises”.)</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-32837829669818638792023-01-20T08:55:00.003-08:002023-01-20T10:06:51.635-08:00Can I Have My Way Please?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL36AOAMUzu8bo-vnh5aPm2PMq9BWUWg7VO7MAwmFGsS3YRu5E7OGww96zzH98zFs1qSjHdgFU9U4seL7aMGS8ehyXIY4aqSgwChHmozptO_bNjht_N6hMMAfj25EGi8NzBLLmS7-tYs7mTGaUcRwMfZBMLxCmfIWdhZiCA_pqBf6yyqgum9UusP4-4A/s1280/IMG_1304.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL36AOAMUzu8bo-vnh5aPm2PMq9BWUWg7VO7MAwmFGsS3YRu5E7OGww96zzH98zFs1qSjHdgFU9U4seL7aMGS8ehyXIY4aqSgwChHmozptO_bNjht_N6hMMAfj25EGi8NzBLLmS7-tYs7mTGaUcRwMfZBMLxCmfIWdhZiCA_pqBf6yyqgum9UusP4-4A/w400-h300/IMG_1304.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <i><b>James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, you should ask God, who
gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” NIV</b></i><div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>I have been praying about something in my life. I would
like to have this prayer work out a certain way. I pray for guidance and direction.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Today I also confessed I want this prayer to turn out the way I
want it too. I don’t think I want it to turn out another way. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When I get direction I hope it is what my will is desiring.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have to take a moment and think, what if the answer to this prayer is not what I
desire? Will I struggle and struggle in prayer to try to see that outcome? Will
I waste time whining and complaining about this matter? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Will I be able to trust God with the wisdom He gives me?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes answers to prayer don’t come right away, but when the answer
comes will I take note and follow if it is in the opposite direction?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is exciting when a prayer is answered.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sometime though answers to prayers can be very disappointing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A pastor once said something along the line - to pray until
your heart is in line to God’s will.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That changed my perspective on prayer. It’s not just a go "ask your Father" kind of thing and you wait for a yes or no. It is truly a time
to get God’s perspective and walk in His wisdom. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I will admit at this time I am still hoping His perspective
gives me wisdom to have things work out the way I plan. However, if not, I do hope
my heart is lined up with His will. I can then go and do things with His
wisdom. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Hopefully I will do things cheerfully or at least with a heart that knows His way is the
best way.<o:p></o:p></p></div>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-2410558398110564742022-10-20T22:23:00.000-07:002022-10-20T22:23:05.806-07:00Goodbye For Now Rosey<p>I just want to take a few moments to thank God and say how
much I appreciate that I was fortunate enough to have an Uncle Rosey in my
life.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A few days ago, after a huge physical battle for the last
couple of years, my Uncle went on to heaven. That man will be missed by me and
many others. He suffered for so long, that he is probably dancing in heaven
from the relief of physical pain. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am not surprised when I hear the comments about my Uncle
on social media. One thing that is a common thread about my Uncle, is how
polite and easy going he was. Favorite saying that I heard him say, “Go with
the flow.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You will also hear that he treated people with respect. He
thanked people that waited on him and took care of him. His last days he was
pretty sick. When I saw him interact with the nurses it amazed me. A constant
thank you fell from his lips and no complaints. With all of his struggles, and with
the length of time of his struggles, he still considered others. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He was the oldest boy in a family with 2 girls and 6 boys.
My dad and him were close in age. He was very protective of his family. That is
one of the reasons that I admired him so much. I knew he had my Dad’s back at
all times. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">His protectiveness had been proven to me many times, however one night, from
when I was young, sticks in my mind the most. I came home really late one
weekend. I was in the bathroom and out of the side of my eye I saw something
hopping up and down. A black mouse was in our bathtub. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I had never experienced a mouse in the house before. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I woke up my parents. My dad and mice do not go together
well. My dad called my uncle. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Despite the hour. My uncle came over and set a trap for the
mouse then went home. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That action of my uncle has stuck with me every day since. No
teasing, and no complaining came from him, just protective action. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That particular action gave me a secure feeling. I have
always known that if I needed someone he would be there if he could. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I ran out of gas once by his house. He took care of it. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Whenever my parents were in the hospital. He would be there
for us. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When I was young, and my brothers played baseball he hung
out with me at the park. We ate sunflower seeds and corn dogs with mustard
while we watched the games. He would sit between me and my friend.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Rose between two thorns he would say. So, he became my
uncle Rosey. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">He was a security in my life. A loving, smiling security.
I think his example made it easy for me to believe when I heard how God loved
me and had my back. I mean I had a physical example of someone who just cared
about people and had their back. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>When people walked in the room, they received a big
welcoming smile and hello from him. It didn’t matter how long it had been since
I had seen him, he always lit up in a smile and gave me a welcoming hello.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>I was blessed to have an Uncle Rosey. Many people were
blessed to have him in their lives as a dad, grandfather, brother, uncle,
friend, and neighbor.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>I am going to miss you and hearing of your times with my
Dad, Uncle Rosey.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>I thank God for letting me know you and seeing a loving
way to interact with others. I love you a lot.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>Goodbye just for now.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-55161771331780350022022-08-26T11:57:00.004-07:002022-08-26T12:03:48.192-07:00Majestic Weeds<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkLA_p12dRjXVzVMJh3bz5-XsKe8Fg6PmGgKPy_5vTc9hhQojOK2Td_Atn0QNql9y6ew7-bZHa31Vclkvvk-n2Q3hXKKF5BaY6uxVhZxFgSR4KIOcoep4C4vywkipQCTYiUmRbov8eC3OfwdUTUfvUAGFo6O9Hb5sp7asVlM4nd1TJrxiXvw5dhfWlg/s3200/20220826_103122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="2023" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkLA_p12dRjXVzVMJh3bz5-XsKe8Fg6PmGgKPy_5vTc9hhQojOK2Td_Atn0QNql9y6ew7-bZHa31Vclkvvk-n2Q3hXKKF5BaY6uxVhZxFgSR4KIOcoep4C4vywkipQCTYiUmRbov8eC3OfwdUTUfvUAGFo6O9Hb5sp7asVlM4nd1TJrxiXvw5dhfWlg/w405-h640/20220826_103122.jpg" width="405" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Right in front and center of this plant is a weed. The weed is growing so fast and majestically. Within a few days it has reached heights that this flower will not achieve. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To add to it's glory it has fine little thorns that hurt when you touch it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The weed isn't growing in the pot with the plant. It has taken residence smack dab in front of the pot and it's deep root is between the bricks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What do you think will grab my attention when I walk up to the plant? The beauty of the flower or the weed that has grown in front of the flower?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It makes me stop and wonder, what negative thing in my life, has grabbed my attention instead of seeing the beauty of what is in front of me?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I pulled the weed out and now when I look I can see the pretty flowers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However, the root is deep in the bricks. The weed will come back unless I take the measures to get completely rid of it. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPEZuIvnE87mvTpri0EPRUjmZlSgART1k-LpP83MqCZ3FNlUOwPuE177eIU6VCt4MBhqLAyC7ZHLQIVTazV_pbvRk-P62tAhVcO8ocn2wY66PNm-CGlCKcCvA3Qh4k5tSxeeyJ2KtZaBFacW2A0WWn4e_AK2c8Zg6lzHIE8LUrX7Gvwc3otrZMMjfTA/s4000/20220826_103244.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPEZuIvnE87mvTpri0EPRUjmZlSgART1k-LpP83MqCZ3FNlUOwPuE177eIU6VCt4MBhqLAyC7ZHLQIVTazV_pbvRk-P62tAhVcO8ocn2wY66PNm-CGlCKcCvA3Qh4k5tSxeeyJ2KtZaBFacW2A0WWn4e_AK2c8Zg6lzHIE8LUrX7Gvwc3otrZMMjfTA/s320/20220826_103244.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can take care of this weed. Eventually.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Are there things you are focused on that can be taken care of eventually so you can see the beauty around you? Do they take up your time and focus? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am thinking of taking care of a few things so I can focus on what is good around me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What about the things that I can't take care of and have to learn to live with? The things that really take up my focus and make it hard to see the beauty of things. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Like the deep root of this weed that is lodged between the bricks. Who knows how deep this root will be. I may have to learn to deal with it and keep pulling it out over and over again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have things that are rooted deep in my life that I have to trust God with, and also learn to be able to maintain, in order to have a healthy or fruitful life. That process is not always easy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you are a drug addict or an alcoholic I can imagine that is a constant struggle each and every day and somehow that root of the addiction weed has to be pulled from deep, deep within. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you are mourning and suffering loss, that root of pain can be so intense and hit you by surprise at the most inopportune times. I know there are times I will suddenly feel a loss and it can be so painful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are many, many different types of things in our life that take root and the root is deep. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My prayer for everyone is found in Ephesians 3:14 NIV</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>"<span style="font-size: xx-small;">14 </span>For this reason I kneel before the Father, <span style="font-size: xx-small;">15 </span>from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">16 </span>I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, <span style="font-size: xx-small;">17 </span>so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, <span style="font-size: xx-small;">18 </span>may have power, togetherwith all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, <span style="font-size: xx-small;">19 </span>and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">20 </span>Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work with us, <span style="font-size: xx-small;">21 </span>to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever! Amen."</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">AMEN!</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-36229787245699104972022-07-05T21:35:00.003-07:002022-07-06T17:59:38.383-07:00Consider Who?<p>Luke 12:24-25</p><p>"Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than the birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?" (NIV)</p><p>If there is one thing I do not like is ravens, blackbirds, or crows. </p><p>The first word that comes to my mind is "mean". Other words for them is scary and vicious. </p><p>Years ago I lived in a neighborhood where there was the battle between the ravens or crows and the people who lived there. </p><p>The block was set up uniquely where the road encircled an island of homes. The road was the same length as a track around a football field. It was convenient to go for a quick run or walk with a neighbor instead of hitting the track at the local school. </p><p>The blackbirds did not appreciate the people who made it a habit to use the road for their daily activities. They were big and loud, mean birds. </p><p>Some sat up high, perched on a lightpost, and cawed very loud when a person went past. </p><p>Others swooped down in front of the walker or runner from one post to another. Sometimes you could almost feel the feathers of their wings when they flew past. </p><p>Sometimes they would actually swoop down and go for the head of someone walking or running by. Many started wearing hats to protect themselves. </p><p>One day I found myself crouched down as one of those black bullies came after me. My neighbor moved quick to grab a broom to swat that beast away from me. </p><p>Gardening became a battle too. The birds would sit on the gutters of roofs or branches of the trees making obnoxious noises overhead and follow a person around the yard. They do not have a beautiful chirping noise as others birds do. It would cause a person to be nervous that the bird would soon swoop down and attack. </p><p>In the verse above, Jesus is speaking the words to CONSIDER the ravens! I of course only think of pesky, annoying, and threatening animals. </p><p>Yet, Jesus cares for them. He feeds them. </p><p>And Jesus says we are MUCH more valuable than birds. </p><p>You know there are some birds that are super sweet sounding. </p><p>We have quite a few of them whose songs fill the air each morning and throughout the day. It is a pleasure to sit outside and listen to them sing. </p><p>I can see Jesus making sure they are fed. However, He doesn't just care for the birds that make life sweet. He feeds the pest too. </p><p>And we are more valuable. </p><p>I was in a situation recently that I felt led to give to someone who made those big, ferocious, black, cawing birds seem like angels to say the least. </p><p>I didn't want to give to this person. The person had taken enough from me. </p><p>I begrudgingly put the things together to give to that person after my friend encouraged "Jonah" to go do what I felt led to do. </p><p>They had a need and I had the means to take care of it for my "enemy".</p><p>Jonah was a man sent to warn his enemy God was going to overturn them because of how they lived. Jonah knew if they repented God would bless his enemy and not destroy his enemy. He knew God's heart toward people. </p><p>I do too.</p><p>I knew this was a time this person needed to see the goodness of God. </p><p>I however did not want to be the messenger. </p><p>I wanted someone else to do it.</p><p>I ended up doing it. Not cheerfully. It wasn't about me though. </p><p>It was about what Jesus was doing in a person's life and no matter how I felt about it, I was one of the messengers. </p><p>I have been a witness of seeing a changed heart as others have brought messages they were called to bring to that person. I have seen a heart turned to God. </p><p>People are valuable to God. Even those that are our enemies. He takes care of them. He is the one who gave His life for each of is so we can be with Him forever. </p><p>It is about Him.</p><p>Jesus loves my enemies. Jesus values my enemies. Jesus died on the cross for the sins of my enemy. </p><p>Jesus loves me and I may be someone's enemy. He values me. He died on the cross for my sins. </p><p>Just so YOU know, Jesus loves you!</p><p>He cares for the RAVENS! </p><p>He values you above the birds in the air. He cares for YOU!</p><p>He died for all of your sins. He paid the price </p><p>No matter what, God really cares for you and me and values us. </p><p>YOU are VALUABLE!</p><p>You may not FEEL valuable to anyone or even think of yourself as valuable. I am here to tell you that you are valuable. </p><p>Sometimes that can be so very hard to believe, however, it is true.</p><p>You are valuable. </p><p>Jesus says you are worth more than the birds that fly in the air. He gave His life for you. </p><p>I pray you will walk in the true value that comes from the one who loves you more than any person on this earth ever could love you. </p><p>If there are any thoughts, actions, or lies in your head telling you that this is not true, I would say check out the story of the thief on the cross. </p><p>It was not his finest hour when he talked to Jesus hanging there on the cross. There wasn't anything he could say or do to make himself look or be any better. The guy was nailed on a cross right next to Jesus and Jesus said he would be joining him in heaven. </p><p>Why? Cause Jesus cares for all of us people. All of us.</p><p>And He definetely cares for you!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
<!--/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_bodytext_220630_104603_081.sdocx-->Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-51256613679667964352022-06-24T00:11:00.004-07:002022-06-24T00:12:22.981-07:00Sometimes The Answer Is Time<p> <span style="font-size: 15px;">I am sitting in my car under the shade of a tree, drinking a coffee, and feeling discouraged.</span></p><span style="font-size: 15px;">Tired.</span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">Hopeless.</span>
<br /><br /><div>Frustrated. </div><div><br /></div><div>Many negative adjectives will fit right now. </div><div><br /></div><div>Shaking my head, I wonder if certain things are really worth doing if they only cause negative adjective feelings. </div><div><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">What answer can there be to what is stirring in my heart?</span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">There doesn't seem to be one.</span>
<br /><br />Except one - <span style="font-size: 15px;">Time. </span>
<br /><br />Oh, a hard one right now...<span style="font-size: 15px;">Love.</span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">Sometimes in the fight, time becomes the answer. Whether it is time to heal. Or time to mourn. Restore. Rest. Develop. Finish.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div>
<span style="font-size: 15px;">And love, love always is part of the answer.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">When time is the answer it can be hard. Time passes so fast each day, except when something is on my heart and mind, then it seems to drag. The clock seems to go backward instead of forward. The future looks tiring. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 15px;">My friend had heard that when we worry about the future we usually see it without God in it. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">Hmmm - Seeing the future without God in it. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">So what happens when I put God in my situation that has me troubled, tired, and discouraged and any other negative adjective?</span>
<br /><br />Well to take that first step the Bible has a good verse...</div><div><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">Isaiah 26: 3-4</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;">"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust on you,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;">all whose thoughts are fixed on you!"</span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">So for one, just from this verse alone, PEACE happens. Not "just" peace, "perfect" peace. I am sure there are others verses in the Bible that back this verse.</span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">The problem isn't solved, but there is peace. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">What about the problem? </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">Sometimes it does take dreaded time. There is no microwave fix in sight.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">20 years ago I was in a very serious car accident that included a fatality. I got hurt pretty bad. Some of the injuries will still bother me to this day.</span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">There was one particular physical thing from the accident that hung around and really bothered me. I had to eventually learn to live with it. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">Then a year and a half ago I had a serious back injury. Then 7 months later I had shingles that messed up my foot and leg. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">With the combination of the two I have had quite a bit of physical, chiropractic, and massage therapy. I have now added acupuncture. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">One day during my acupuncture appointment, I was told that acupuncture could take care of the problem from 20 years ago! </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">I have slowly seen a tremendous difference. The rehab from the back injury and the shingles, led me to a healing from something that happened 20 years ago!</span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">There is a time for everything. It tells us that in Ecclesiastics.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">Do I want to wait 20 years for this issue to be solved? I will answer that with an emphatic NO! However, what if I cast it to Jesus and see what He will do with it? </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">1 Peter 5:7. </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">Cast it to Him everyday. Cast it to Him every minute or second if I have to. Then fixate on Him instead of this issue. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 15px;">I wonder if the tiredness would go away? The frustration? Or will I learn to deal with it or will it be solved? </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">Starting a little over three years ago I had an issue that literally made me physically sick from the stress. The toxicity of the other person involved, literally seem to soak me like a shower with filthy, stinky water from the sewer, at almost every encounter. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">Recently this very person is someone who supports me and cheers me on. </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">Believe me I witnessed and lived a miracle. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 15px;">There are many people who said the same about me after I became a follower of Jesus Christ. There are some who actually expressed to me absolute amazement of the changes He did in me. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">When I tell people my story they usually express disbelief that I have history like I do...why? Because God did such an amazing work in my life and still is everyday. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">So why do I struggle to simply give heartwrenching, mind-boggling frustrating situations to Him? I chew and chew on them. I let them take over my thinking and stab at my heart.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">Maybe this is a time to look at the faithful work God does in my life and those around me. Maybe I need to remember who He is and what He does. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">MAYBE I need to put Him IN the situations of today and IN the future. Maybe I need to not only say look at what God did in the past. Maybe I need to start focusing and look at Him this day. </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">The situation is there but, look, look really hard, and push past the situation that is clouding my mind. See! See He is there! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 15px;">He is. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 15px;">He is in the future.</span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">Can I rest in that? </span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">I may struggle with that today, I may struggle with that tomorrow, I may have to sweat and push and pull to see past the situations to see Him each day for awhile,</span><span style="font-size: 15px;"> but I have a feeling someday I will be able to say, No Worries, God's got this. I will be able to see He is right here, in my past, in my present AND in my future.</span></div><div><br /><br /><br /><!--/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_bodytext_220623_113858_068.sdocx--></div>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-37698032264908537492022-06-07T00:13:00.003-07:002022-06-07T10:43:28.968-07:00Evil Ignored The Eyes Of A Child<p>I know how fast life can change - forever. One moment life is going a certain way and the very next second - life isn't. </p><p> I remember the day, I walked up to the flagpole at my daughters elementary school, to pick up her up and bring her home after the final bell. I discovered someone's child in Portland disappeared from school. That was the first report.</p><p>Today is the anniversary of that disappearance. The boy has never been found. There is a lot of speculation of who did it, but what is most important is, he has NOT been found. </p><p>Each day the parents must awaken with the hope to find him. At the end of the day, I can imagine the devastating discouragement and pain when he is not found. It has been 12 years and how can a person ever lay that to rest? </p><p>Last week children were at school in a quiet small town. It was just after recess and the teacher found herself in a struggle with the door and a gunmen pushing into the classroom.</p><p>The teacher tried to protect the children - then she was gone as he opened fire.</p><p>The memorials started this past weekend for the teachers and children who were viciously slaughtered in their small town elementary classrooms.</p><p>The gunmen bought himself these things for his eighteenth birthday and he had a plan. </p><p> That evil plan has caused destruction in a senseless way.</p><p>The parents, brothers, sisters, friends, relatives, have a hole in their daily lives they cannot refill.</p><p>Those bullets didn't just kill those in front of the gun, but it killed dreams, and hopes, but it didn't and cannot kill the love that connected the victims to those who are still alive. </p><p>Evil is destructive.</p><p>Evil has no boundaries. </p><p>Evil has no love. </p><p>BUT evil cannot destroy love. </p><p>Love is more powerful.</p><p>Love is forever. </p><p>In each of these situations the love will not ever die between the victims and those who are still here. </p><p>The Bible says God is LOVE. </p><p>The Bible says there is an evil one. </p><p>Not to confuse them. </p><p>The evil does destruction. </p><p>Love does the good. </p><p>God said when there is evil in the land for His people to pray and He will heal our land. </p><p>This is not a gun blog. I just want to say though, someone has to pull the trigger. There was a person who looked into the eyes of a child and had no mercy. There was a person who planned evil. He purposed to do this. </p><p>And I also have to say that type of trigger and ammo should NOT be in the hands of an eighteen year old. It is only obvious it was of evil intent. </p><p>Christians there is power in the One we pray to. He is the God of all creation. He calls us to talk to Him. </p><p>The movie the TERMINATOR tells of a robot who was sent to the past to kill a woman that would give birth to the one who would win the war against the robots. </p><p>This robot had a purpose to kill her no matter what. He had no feeling toward her only a purpose.</p><p>Another was sent to protect this woman and he did, no matter what. He died and the woman and the child, who ended up being his child, lived.</p><p>The Bible tells us about the destruction the evil one will do. He steals, kills and destroys. That is what he does. </p><p>However, God sent His Son to protect us no matter what. And He did. He died for us. The battle is won. </p><p>We now have free access to talk to the heavenly Father because of Jesus His Son. </p><p>Father in Jesus name, I pray for a blanket of comfort to cover those who have lost their loved ones, for those who are looking for their loved ones, and for those who are angry at what evil did in our land. I pray you would comfort the hearts and minds of the children and teachers who survived. Hold them so close they can feel it. Empower them. Lift them up. Strengthen them. </p><p>I ask for hearts of those with evil intent to change, to love instead. For their minds to have an understanding of what their actions will do. I pray they will feel the pain it would cause others, themselves, make them empathetic. That they would be freed from the temptation to randomly hurt or use or control or kill another person. I pray for healing for those people. That they would be free from the evil chains that bind them and be free to walk in Your love instead. </p><p>I pray for the protection of those who are in the sight of an evil minded person. Blind the eyes of the person with evil intent, foul their plans, and hide the person from them, who would be a victim to their evil intent. </p><p>Lord forgive us of our own evil. Lead us to walk with You, talk with You and be with You forever and always. </p><p>In Jesus name</p><p>Amen</p>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-31924979871037997332022-03-12T15:31:00.000-08:002022-03-12T15:31:37.454-08:00THE LIGHT SHINES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCbp6Kk7nW0ThbYIONbopMe6DNOFo0p1B07Nq8VOnuY4BBHTZirujELRM6M8d9U3bzVnhW2I0pmysdt5GGd2lbh_XIGZ63Qnvrxjj5cqJjO96J_XTuvBl8R4NqhDV_vaAWv55S6IX_2tQaMPekNph02ov58PQAJl1HhEnR-uviSf3HWJrbOIF_97WRJA=s3000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1871" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCbp6Kk7nW0ThbYIONbopMe6DNOFo0p1B07Nq8VOnuY4BBHTZirujELRM6M8d9U3bzVnhW2I0pmysdt5GGd2lbh_XIGZ63Qnvrxjj5cqJjO96J_XTuvBl8R4NqhDV_vaAWv55S6IX_2tQaMPekNph02ov58PQAJl1HhEnR-uviSf3HWJrbOIF_97WRJA=w640-h400" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Many mornings incredible colors fill the sky as the sun
rises to start the day. My husband is one of those who loves to take pictures
of the sunrise. I don’t see the sunrise that often, but when I do it is like
watching a painter mix and stroke the colors on to the canvas in a fascinating eye-catching
way and then, ta-dah - it is a new day.</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is so great when the sun is shining and there are blue
skies, birds singing, and it doesn’t really matter if it is cold out. A day
with sunshine to light up the sky can help a day be better no matter what the
temperature. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYS7tXEDVdATua8BoKMCN0crJg1nrHyDbnVx69IfsccQIf0B5X-9DAM4cSMxdiTzG_mYGqR5dt1hyOi2yc2U-AZJYZp0bYAqcDdG6DDovZqqNoYP8c30PXu35eeXJGkSlUc7oj2JPkrCXfvYAFR7tNd4zdwV-QkgDBR_CG0FYpvBdC7HwkfjQPKIg4qg=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYS7tXEDVdATua8BoKMCN0crJg1nrHyDbnVx69IfsccQIf0B5X-9DAM4cSMxdiTzG_mYGqR5dt1hyOi2yc2U-AZJYZp0bYAqcDdG6DDovZqqNoYP8c30PXu35eeXJGkSlUc7oj2JPkrCXfvYAFR7tNd4zdwV-QkgDBR_CG0FYpvBdC7HwkfjQPKIg4qg=s320" width="320" /></a></div>I do get to see the moon rise over the horizon quite often.
I have walked in the evening looking up at the sky and tried to take many
pictures of the moon and the twinkling stars. The pictures typically do not
compare to what I am viewing at the time. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is a place in our neighborhood that I have spent time
just gazing up at the lights in the sky while mulling over things happening in
my life or others’ lives.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I cry,
sometimes I talk to God, and sometimes I just plain admire the
amazing handiwork that I see before me up in the sky. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes the clouds are so thick you can’t see all the
stars or the moon. Sometimes a cloud will part a bit and I can get a peek at
the lights in the sky. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Even when it is stormy, I know there are lights behind those
dark clouds. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When I go inside, throughout my home little night lights are
placed to guide our way when we turn the main lights off at night. If we get up
at night, it isn’t completely dark. There are soft lights to guide us.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">God created light for our day, and He created lights to
shine in the dark of the night.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The book of Genesis tells us on the fourth day of creation in
chapter 1 verse 16. “Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule
the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. 17 God
set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 and to
rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the
darkness. And God saw that it was good.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This Sunday we get to set our clocks forward which will make
our early evenings brighter.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJhxRueRY3b4DQgS69Ufr_23CBZ2stcrOabwZW2hFU-EsjSn4-XS_UqYh_xHSGG5s488fH5XTT-M4pBTnhsnWnXsVcafmK8kcGlrcv7X6dJkHKIerrccyfDB668B81JNnQT1uyoRLMt0_1Bc7Oxa3DuCVC4Da1AwY6j-ECj-D2NnS_Y-5NOXcXzXb2UA=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJhxRueRY3b4DQgS69Ufr_23CBZ2stcrOabwZW2hFU-EsjSn4-XS_UqYh_xHSGG5s488fH5XTT-M4pBTnhsnWnXsVcafmK8kcGlrcv7X6dJkHKIerrccyfDB668B81JNnQT1uyoRLMt0_1Bc7Oxa3DuCVC4Da1AwY6j-ECj-D2NnS_Y-5NOXcXzXb2UA=s320" width="320" /></a></div>In the fall when we switch our clocks backward each year it
is instantly dark and dreary early in the day. The rainy weather starts, and
people head indoors. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal">However, a wonderful thing happens in October, (now that
people decorate for Christmas earlier) the neighborhoods light up one by one around
our city with bright beautiful light displays that have become more and more
extravagant each year. There are lists in the paper to let you know where the most
exquisite light displays are around the cities. There are quite a few on that
list and there are quite a few that don’t make the paper.</p><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Just down the street from us the neighborhood puts on a
wonderful Christmas display. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
looking at the beautiful light displays so I turn on to that street quite a bit
to see it up close.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAMbLp7vWH8WUJx28ATze9O4Zq1-kg1jPVZ1n3NX3gS7ZSYUhqARkGpn05eg38UN2O-YDV8kdTJdM4kx6Nx6qprR1typX5a4pY5sNBPYOUGhMcMqwHascnVYoYk8ome4hGb7VIZCz3HXxyg4Gdk4jaT36b3RJ8SGOpiRAkxGBF36Bc7HyRBjEgoE4LGQ=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAMbLp7vWH8WUJx28ATze9O4Zq1-kg1jPVZ1n3NX3gS7ZSYUhqARkGpn05eg38UN2O-YDV8kdTJdM4kx6Nx6qprR1typX5a4pY5sNBPYOUGhMcMqwHascnVYoYk8ome4hGb7VIZCz3HXxyg4Gdk4jaT36b3RJ8SGOpiRAkxGBF36Bc7HyRBjEgoE4LGQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Then closer to the Christmas holiday I come home to cheery
decorations that await in my house along with the Christmas tree that has its
own light display. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All of this helps make it truly the most wonderful time of
the year. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And then the new year begins, and we celebrate newness. It
brings a sense of hope for the days that lie ahead. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Then…the lights come down. The trees are put away. The
celebration time is over.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Except for a few homes there is no longer those beautiful
lights causing the streets to be illuminated with color.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is a deeper darkness to the evening, and the nights seem
longer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Darkness is all around. It makes it so hard to see. Sometimes
it can be easier to close your eyes, hide your head, or hide your heart, so as
not to think about what causes things to be dark or what happens in the dark. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The news and social media plagues us with information of the
virus. There has been a huge loss of lives and suffering of loved ones. It can
be terrifying to have someone cough near you. People wait at home for information
of their loved ones on whether they are okay or not while they suffer in the
hospital. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There has been so much misunderstanding between people.
Anger. Retaliation. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Drugs, sex addiction, and sex trafficking is rampant in
America. It is rampant in our very area!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Families are being torn apart in so many ways whether it be
by isolation from the virus, the vaccine opinions, the masks fights, different
addictions, the list is long. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The homeless line the sides of the roads and freeway. Their
garbage and belongings fill the grassy areas. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is an outrageous number of children in the foster care
system and there is not enough homes for them to be stay safe while their
parents deal with their issues. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
there is so many burnt out foster parents, CASA, and caseworkers because of a
system that doesn’t appear to be handling the overload very well. It leaves a
person shaking their head with a broken heart. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Young adults are dealing with mental issues during this
pandemic time. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Murders, robberies, and kidnappings are the norm in the
paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It seems the lights are not only put away for the holidays,
but the light is gone from life itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is darkness. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And in the dark is where the mourning cries of the heart are
not always heard, and hope can be lost. In the dark is where a person can feel
so alone. In the dark is where it is hard to see the helping hand that is
reaching out to comfort. In the dark is where it is hard to find those who need
comforting the most. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the dark is where we sometimes hold on to things that
only make it darker because we cannot clearly see.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The other day I read in Genesis 1 that in the beginning of
creation darkness was all around. God said, “Let there be light.” And there was
light, and God separated the light from the darkness. He said it was good. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It really caught my attention that light was the first thing
God spoke into creation. And He SEPERATED the light from the darkness. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was dark and then there was light. This was the first
day.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And it was good. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He didn’t leave it at that. As we read earlier on the fourth
day, He created a lesser light to RULE the night.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In each day darkness does come in one form or another, but so
does LIGHT. Each day there <i>is</i> light. God spoke light first into the day.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">During the Christmas celebration Christians celebrate the
birth of Jesus. In John 1:1-5 – it says that Jesus is the light…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and
the Word was God. <sup>2</sup>He was in the beginning with God. <sup>3 </sup>All
things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. <sup>4
</sup>In Him was life, and the life was the light of me. <sup>5 </sup>And the
light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Even after the Christmas lights have come down. Even when
the nights are dark. Even when darkness tries to cover the light. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">LIGHT is still there. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Even when the sun goes down each day and darkness fills the
land, God put stars and a moon in the sky to keep it from becoming completely
dark. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The book of John tells us that Jesus light shines in the
darkness…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We need the light that shines in the darkness. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is a cute little song from Sunday School, <i>This
little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m
gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. <o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is a lot of pain in life right now. A lot of grieving.
Believe me I know. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is a light that shines eternally and that is the light
of Jesus. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Believe me I am not just trying to say something simple. I
have also experienced dark nights. A heart so broken I didn’t even know how I
could smile again. I have struggled with physical things this last year like
never before and the process of healing has been long. I have lost ones I love,
and miss that I will not hear their voices or spend another moment on earth
with them. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXNh6tfHCkxRyM_1fF1UACKHIhqhZr8siYqeGMYehnYSsJFvtb2d2vSDCkSIGUhvcWVRkaI0WWm_9lsQttSOsGTacpdznozKlOi5yUi5bMzvZVp-bjmndgColPXd8ye77VXjNE8ipNbgQSAZ_TgVEgVS4VxuNNw6F4zINYgFAEYcUanBss46-dubuEJw=s960" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXNh6tfHCkxRyM_1fF1UACKHIhqhZr8siYqeGMYehnYSsJFvtb2d2vSDCkSIGUhvcWVRkaI0WWm_9lsQttSOsGTacpdznozKlOi5yUi5bMzvZVp-bjmndgColPXd8ye77VXjNE8ipNbgQSAZ_TgVEgVS4VxuNNw6F4zINYgFAEYcUanBss46-dubuEJw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a>My family and I gave a big chunk of our lives to bring good
to a situation that seems like it didn’t matter what we did. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It looks so dark sometimes, and the dark can cause a heart
to feel hopeless. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Yes, it can. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am here to say it is never, never, never completely dark.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">NEVER.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jesus <b><i>is</i></b> the light of the world.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Yep, there is a lot of dark, but God’s light shines brighter.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">God SPOKE and there became light. A light that has never
been put out since the day of creation.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And every single day that sun rises. The stars twinkle. The
moon shines. And it is a complete day. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is <i>hope</i>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">See the night comes, but it cannot be completely dark, even
if the skies are cloudy. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And we have PEOPLE.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">God’s people. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jesus says to be a city on a hill.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is always, always a person. Maybe they won’t solve
everything, but every little good thing a person does can light up a day so
bright.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The nights may be dark. The days may seem as dark as the
night, but there is a light that can come to shine in your life. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jesus’ light. It shows through creation, it shows through
people.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">His light <b>shines </b>no matter what.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGBv1fkR4CjJO9Z_k9PLPh8kvAI4XRgg1NBDNddkPWqI9rjv57ZyyZqklZK1HT7zpAHIK3S_D2i_gLsjPVnD7UFZ2ih4HV7GkLJZTjEGXvFpJsHF2E1twmj7_uOQKORON78VeWxQLx9co4dvrrc2OTsrzE-_jEBJpuInDYmShhfTYZnZ8CzkrwRPH3ig=s763" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="763" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGBv1fkR4CjJO9Z_k9PLPh8kvAI4XRgg1NBDNddkPWqI9rjv57ZyyZqklZK1HT7zpAHIK3S_D2i_gLsjPVnD7UFZ2ih4HV7GkLJZTjEGXvFpJsHF2E1twmj7_uOQKORON78VeWxQLx9co4dvrrc2OTsrzE-_jEBJpuInDYmShhfTYZnZ8CzkrwRPH3ig=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-86025521085457453632022-02-07T15:21:00.001-08:002022-02-07T17:38:16.751-08:00Some Salt Please<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiY7DmGVv867ZGzkBqcjvdPavBE0PKZbn9WuFMK718iykdYmCqgyLCI_v4VF6PnjjNwIn6THEkBphtWZ_2kDi2_x8oBAObl4rKfqAKozz-Mds1Y2RCjfgLdWlSNYH9OK3KTi11WGbkPIbPBrCmyESYnbzJsFoItckwrmMAsAqlwZyCRpAAtIbxqYYhAbQ=s2449" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2449" data-original-width="1679" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiY7DmGVv867ZGzkBqcjvdPavBE0PKZbn9WuFMK718iykdYmCqgyLCI_v4VF6PnjjNwIn6THEkBphtWZ_2kDi2_x8oBAObl4rKfqAKozz-Mds1Y2RCjfgLdWlSNYH9OK3KTi11WGbkPIbPBrCmyESYnbzJsFoItckwrmMAsAqlwZyCRpAAtIbxqYYhAbQ=s320" width="219" /></a></div>"We are called to be salt. And sometimes salt stings.” My sweet
friend said.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Her words spoke truth into my troubling thoughts. Along with being a light, we are the salt
of the earth.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The <i>Sound of Music </i>has the famous song that goes -</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Programme, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down</span></p><span face="Programme, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">The medicine go down, the medicine go down</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Programme, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" /><span face="Programme, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Programme, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;" /><span face="Programme, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">In a most delightful way</span><p class="MsoNormal">Sugar looks like salt, but taste and functions differently. In
the Bible, Jesus doesn’t say we are the sugar of the earth. We aren’t just to
sweeten things up to make things go down easier.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes salt does sting. </p><p class="MsoNormal">I had been troubled by something that I had to do. To not do it would be wrong. However, it
didn’t feel very loving. It bothered me.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Yes, sometimes salt does sting. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My husband Ben’s trick for sore throats or a sore in the
mouth is to gargle or swish around a saltwater rinse. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first time I did this I didn’t expect the salt to sting
so intensely, and tears filled my eyes. It hurt and I wanted nothing to do with
rinsing that way again. Knowing the results of gargling and rinsing, my husband
encouraged me to continue to swish the saltwater mixture around my mouth again.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I did. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It worked. The next day I all but forgot about what had
troubled me the day before. The saltwater rinse was horrible, but it took care
of what was causing me trouble and pain. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpHwenahHlIGNtmGqaNXUPW5P3fh7TPSbreTYfxJRL6ecJbuSQnMfqCwSDUl8ubddEyoX0oJJ563t9s3A890Y1XRR_cDUl0HQ0wYz7xulyHiFtfmk6D8_L16Xdrx8dNC4bszilonZHEfVIiDB_UfOpgb9PiBwD1kkzINiNjqSeW-Zi0EsQqo0yWIf95g=s2258" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2258" data-original-width="1521" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpHwenahHlIGNtmGqaNXUPW5P3fh7TPSbreTYfxJRL6ecJbuSQnMfqCwSDUl8ubddEyoX0oJJ563t9s3A890Y1XRR_cDUl0HQ0wYz7xulyHiFtfmk6D8_L16Xdrx8dNC4bszilonZHEfVIiDB_UfOpgb9PiBwD1kkzINiNjqSeW-Zi0EsQqo0yWIf95g=s320" width="216" /></a></div>Salt isn’t supposed to ALWAYS sting. And salt isn’t SUPPOSED to purposely sting. The sting of salt shows there is an open wound. Opens wounds need care so they heal.<div><br /></div><div>Sometimes salt doesn’t sting at all. It adds flavor. It
makes something better. In fact, some people want more salt than I can figure
out how they manage it for flavor on their meal. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Salt can also be comforting. Just because of the comfort feeling that comes from eating a salty treat, I have sat on my chair watching a movie, and crunched on more salty popcorn or chips than I should.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Salt can also be completely disgusting. When you put too
much salt into a recipe, or put salt where sugar should be, it leaves a bad
flavor in your mouth.The sting of salt produces good. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The flavor of salt can produce delight and enjoyment.</p><p class="MsoNormal">The comfort of salt can bring a touch of love and
safety.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Any overload of salt or salt where it doesn’t belong can
produce repelling and dislike. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrGUYvjzI6s27xmwYoavWGD0K7PiQC1VjaVtGu3toOA1wbT9hKI2iDE0jq_UMfFXIUlVs5xPhz1VVbTv6SSvsrmXDZz7kavVcGSna4vIzPC4duo5zMTe-efRPtB0yuEOZfSXXF8kj7CWFMNKbQs1ESVwbJgR0jDIjPaDhOKv16mhZrAobD0mUxtMQxtg=s1810" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1810" data-original-width="1676" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrGUYvjzI6s27xmwYoavWGD0K7PiQC1VjaVtGu3toOA1wbT9hKI2iDE0jq_UMfFXIUlVs5xPhz1VVbTv6SSvsrmXDZz7kavVcGSna4vIzPC4duo5zMTe-efRPtB0yuEOZfSXXF8kj7CWFMNKbQs1ESVwbJgR0jDIjPaDhOKv16mhZrAobD0mUxtMQxtg=s320" width="296" /></a></div> Colossians 4:5- 6 “Walk in wisdom toward those who are
outside, redeeming the time. 6. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned
with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I wish I could say that whenever I talk, my words come out
filled with grace and seasoned with salt. I wish I could say that I don’t put more
salt than I should in a situation and make things be distasteful, but I can’t. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I can hope and pray that I do remember to be careful when
pouring salt on wounds, to not put more salt than needed into a situation where
it is distasteful. Rather to be salt for comfort, for love, healing and for good.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-3299071225548064102021-09-17T10:16:00.005-07:002021-09-17T11:30:43.912-07:00The EVERYTHING'S<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrF18Kqer_fKyVaVVeKrczXT7oyrFjEmTMTfoZye-L4YehUZ1xbwXTsxadELO-XVeV4Z2Fw5w6Y5hbDcm2f4fbRHDzdBepfN0q6mL8p5fPrfOnRco25w2EbneVq4hajpkTcLRo2ddyJBk/s2048/sam-carter-GHOiyov2TSQ-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrF18Kqer_fKyVaVVeKrczXT7oyrFjEmTMTfoZye-L4YehUZ1xbwXTsxadELO-XVeV4Z2Fw5w6Y5hbDcm2f4fbRHDzdBepfN0q6mL8p5fPrfOnRco25w2EbneVq4hajpkTcLRo2ddyJBk/s320/sam-carter-GHOiyov2TSQ-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Isaiah 40:11<p></p><p>"He tends his flock like a shepherd:</p><p>He gathers them in his arms and carries them close to his heart;</p><p>He gently leads those that have young."</p><p>This verse conjures up the image of a grassy meadow by a hillside. The sun shining in a blue sky. The sound of the water playing a soothing song and a strong person with his shepherds hook, watching over a flock of sheep. </p><p>Peaceful. Soothing. Safe.</p><p>There may be wolves, bears, or other wild animals in the woods wanting to devour the sheep. A storm may be on the horizon. There may also be a cliff somewhere up around the bend, but the shepherd is there to tend them. The sheep only need to follow him and pay attention. They don't need to worry about those other things, because the shepherd takes care of those other things. </p><p>A sheep doesn't see the wolf or the bear or any other wild animal and go take care of it. No they get scared, make noises, move around, and the SHEPHERD takes care of the enemy.</p><p>The same with a storm, or if there is rough water, or a cliff, the shepherd brings the sheep through.</p><p>Psalm 23 Starts with - "The Lord is my shepherd."</p><p>How many times have people said this verse from memory. For me it was one of the first verses I memorized as a child. </p><p>The Lord is our shepherd. </p><p>When I come to the shepherd with my cares, my concerns, I know, He is the one who takes care of all of those outside things that threaten to harm me and my loved ones. </p><p>When I am walking through a storm, through rough waters, or it looks like I am going to just fall off a cliff, it is the shepherd who brings me through it all. </p><p>I do make a lot of noise when I am upset or scared. I do have my opinions like I can fight off the big bad wolf or bear, all by myself. Sometimes I try to walk through storms, push through the rough waters, or even jump from one cliff to another without first holding on to my shepherd, and I do get hurt often. </p><p>Fortunately, for me, Jesus does leave the 99 to go get that missing lost sheep. He doesn't leave a person out there when they leave the flock. He brings them back in. </p><p>When I start making noise in front of my Shepherd or I am moving all about because I am nervous or scared, He brings me comfort. </p><p>When we trust the Shepherd we get the blessing of laying in a green meadow, or walking beside still waters and we get to dine in the presence of our enemy.</p><p>Right now is such a rough time. It can be scary too. There are so many different things happening.</p><p>We can run off and try to fight the enemy that is trying to devour us or the storm that can wipe us away, or the waters that can drown us, we can also fight with the other sheep in the flock. Or we can as a flock of sheep gather around our Shepherd. </p><p>I can conjure up an image of that too. I can imagine all of His people gathered around Him and allowing Him to take care of the problem the enemies are bringing. </p><p>Can you picture Him taking His shepherds hook and pulling the sheep in that are trying to take care of things on their own?</p><p>Can you picture Him seperating those that are fighting against each other in the flock?</p><p>I think wonderful things would happen in this world, if we as sheep stopped fighting each other, or stopped fighting the battles that are all around us on our own, and gathered in around the shepherd. </p><p>As we make noise, as we move about, He will take care of the other things. </p><p>Come let us bring all things to Him. Let us turn to our Shepherd.</p><p>Isaiah 40: 25 (NIV)</p><p>"To whom will you compare me?</p><p>Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.</p><p>26 Lift your eyes and look to the heavens;</p><p>Who created all these?</p><p>He who brings out the starry host one by one, </p><p>and calls them each by name.</p><p>Because of His great power and mighty strength,</p><p>not one of them is missing. </p><p>27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain O Israel.</p><p>My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God?"</p><p>28 Do you not know?</p><p>Have you not heard?</p><p>The LORD is the everlasting God and Creator of the ends of the earth.</p><p>He will not grow tired or weary,</p><p>and His understanding no one can fathom.</p><p>29 He gives strength to the weary, and He increases the power of the weak.</p><p>30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;</p><p>31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." </p><p>May you TRUST the LORD, our Shepherd, with all of the EVERYTHING'S, and soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, and walk and not be faint! </p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by photos-sam-carter-GHOiyov2TSQ-unsplash.jpg</span></i></p>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-60213495581611597302021-09-13T10:45:00.000-07:002021-09-13T10:45:10.517-07:00Remember? ...Remember!<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="break-before: page; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-before: always;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJ0z8mdL0v1Yc7FaEP6Wxm3tnjfD5urIeN_WpEeiJmdarIfqCgCok2H6885WBX3bJkv4DZ_DXf9NRBEA9gZNoXwvE8Ru9SMB5_sKqNPgT43HLFqG9X1-Hm1eNoLNk_J8-wa26_ZerqypW/s2048/easter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJ0z8mdL0v1Yc7FaEP6Wxm3tnjfD5urIeN_WpEeiJmdarIfqCgCok2H6885WBX3bJkv4DZ_DXf9NRBEA9gZNoXwvE8Ru9SMB5_sKqNPgT43HLFqG9X1-Hm1eNoLNk_J8-wa26_ZerqypW/s320/easter.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">Psalm 145:18<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">“The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who
call on him in truth.” NLT<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I sat down with anxious thoughts and confessed them in my
prayers. I prayed for all the things that overwhelmed me, my imaginary fears,
and the fear of what reality brought to my life.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I remember where I was 19 years ago. (Why 19 years ago?) Nineteen years ago on my husband's birthday, I woke up, and was very scared.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I had experienced 2 miscarriages already and I had believed I was experiencing yet another one. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> I had been so afraid a miscarriage would happen again, </o:p></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">then my fears came true...on my husband's birthday.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">I was devastated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Angry. Hurt. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I had two nuts in my close circle who told me I DID NOT
MISCARRY.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I was so mad at them. I needed comfort. I knew what was
happening to me. I knew what I saw. I needed to be comforted not lied to and I
didn't want to deal with their false hope.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">They insisted I did not miscarry.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">A few days later, I had to go for an ultrasound to make
sure everything had cleared.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> I</o:p></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> was so depressed and just wanted the day to be over
with. In my mind it was senseless for me to be there. I knew what had
happened</span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I laid on the table waiting for the procedure to be
done.</span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The technician looked at the screen and got a questioning
look on his face. He said he was under the impression I was here because of a miscarriage,
and I told him that I was.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">He turned the screen around and showed me a beating heart on the screen.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">She was alive.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">ALIVE! I had experienced 2 miscarriages before, and I knew
what it looked and felt like and that is exactly what was happening to my body.
Yet she was alive!!!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">And now 19 years later she is not here at home, and it is
an empty hole. I miss her and at the same time encourage her on her journey,
for she is at college this year!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">In the space of this 19 years; life was not like a beautiful
Hallmark movie.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We have climbed many steep mountains and many mountains
have been moved out of the way. We have had many trials and, we have seen one
miracle after another.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">And here we are today...yes, I came and gave my anxious
thoughts to God, and God gave me a reminder of where we were 19 years ago and what different things He had done in our lives. Nineteen years ago, I thought I had lost my daughter,
today she is in college. </span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">In the Old Testament the Israelites made altars to
remember. In Joshua 4 after they had crossed over the Jordan river on dry land into the promise
land, the Lord had them build an altar to remind them. When those in future generations
asked what the altar had been built for, they could tell them the story of how
God brought them into the promise land.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><o:p> My husband's birthday is a clear reminder of just one story of what God has done in our lives. </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">One of Susan Larsen’s blessing speaks right to those altar reminders. </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">https://susielarson.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9d8f75989af0c7470a5be3155&id=c33671fc0a&e=cdf983d709<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24.4pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;"><b><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #202020; font-size: 19.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Daily Blessing<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt; margin: 7.5pt 0in;"><b><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #202020; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">May God open the heavens and
give you a glimpse of how far you’ve come on this journey. You’re still
standing! In Christ, you’re stronger than you know. May you see with eyes
of faith how many mountains have moved on your behalf! May Jesus speak
peace to your soul and strength to your heart. May you understand—on a
whole new level—why God has allowed you to walk through your trials. He
has something for you in these places…treasures in the darkness that will
serve you well in the days ahead. Don’t lose hope. Don’t let go of His
promises. Circumstances are changing because of your faith. Pause this
weekend and celebrate even the smallest victories! </span></b><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #202020; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt; margin: 7.5pt 0in;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #202020; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 32:7 NIV <b>~<i> </i></b>You
are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me
with songs of deliverance.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.5pt; margin: 7.5pt 0in;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #202020; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*Photo: Pixabay<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #656565; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Copyright © 2021 Susie Larson Ministries, All rights
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">No matter how hopeless it looks. No matter how scary it
gets. Remember. Remember! God is close. God is near. God is working. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">Remember.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">What reminders do you have of God's work to help you through what you are dealing with today? </span></p><br /><p></p>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-7773031281708745792021-09-01T11:57:00.001-07:002021-09-01T12:27:20.270-07:00What Is Going ON?<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">I clearly remember squabbling
with my siblings when I was younger. I also remember when my Mom or Dad came in
the room and ask, “What is going ON?” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">As we would hurriedly say our
points, my parents would listen and then tell us what was right and to stop
fighting. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">I didn’t like it when they
didn’t pick my side. Seriously I didn’t, but they were the parents. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">In 2020 the argument started
about the mask order from the government. The opinions have been heard from
both sides and loudly. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">In reading the Bible I believe
I have found God has His opinion about the battle of the mask. To wear a mask
or to not wear a mask?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Romans 13:1-3 “Everyone must
submit himself to the governing authorites, for there is no authority except
that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been
established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is
rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring
judgement on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but
for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in
authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Yes, there is the arguement
that we don’t have to submit to the governing authorities if denying Christ
or sinning. TRUE.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">When Peter was told to quit
talking about Jesus he said, nope. And kept talking, BECAUSE he would be
denying Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Acts 4:18-20. “Then they
called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the
name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it
is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help
speaking about what we have seen and heard.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Wearing a mask is not a sin (annoying,
but not sinning) so in submitting we are not denying Christ in anyway. We are
not sinning. We are obeying the WORD of God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">The saddest thing to me, is
we are arguing with each other and rebelling because of a mask law. How
embarrassing is that when you put things into perspective?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">The bigger thing truly is - holding on
to the FEAR of what submitting to wearing a mask will lead to. Our freedom is
in Christ, not in this world. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">One thing we can trust, is
that submitting to wearing a mask, and not arguing, will bring us into union as a
body of Christ with God’s will. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">When we are in GOD’s will, despite
what any other man or woman says or does, we are in a good place. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Way, way, back in the day,
Moses was leading the Israelites through the desert. People starting questioning
him. The whines arose, the arguments, and opinions arose and God heard. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">God made it clear that Moses
was right and they were to follow him and what he had to say. The people suffered who were against Moses. (In the Bible, the
book of Exodus, in the Old Testament, is where you can read the story about
Moses leading the Israelites out of captivity.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Are we going to act like the
Israelites under Moses command and suffer? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Or are we going to put this
into God’s perspective instead and obey God no matter what OUR opinion is about
the matter. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Wonder if we submitted? Would
God bless us? Would suffering stop? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">It is clearly not stopping now while
we are fighting.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">So what if by faith we
decided to stop arguing and submitted in peace to God telling us to submit to
governing authorities. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">We are not denying Christ if
we put a mask on to shop, work, learn, or do daily activities outside of our
homes. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">That is a FACT. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">So what should a person do?
Who are we really fighting against when we will not wear a mask?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Let’s wear a mask Christian
and be in union with God’s will. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">2 Chronicles 7:14<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Says more than just to pray. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">“If my people who are called
by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their
wicked way, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal
their land.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Let’s turn and let’s pray.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-15412036499451127642021-08-23T13:33:00.000-07:002021-08-23T13:33:10.359-07:00And There He Is...<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjOzOzbW5niQPjHZts-TL99HM6PTUEYdyMgB-pw0IS7opOL1UpMXTvup28dwQ8KLuZHUSCmnR3ARUkhE4s8OyP5YPXykXqLDXOBTmGv_Gx0XeTcfTUulLit07inMHoRorsNRfb04WF5zJ/s4032/20210711_181017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjOzOzbW5niQPjHZts-TL99HM6PTUEYdyMgB-pw0IS7opOL1UpMXTvup28dwQ8KLuZHUSCmnR3ARUkhE4s8OyP5YPXykXqLDXOBTmGv_Gx0XeTcfTUulLit07inMHoRorsNRfb04WF5zJ/w300-h400/20210711_181017.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />I sat down with every intention to do my morning
reading. I had my coffee, my notebook, my blanket, and…my phone.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I picked up my phone for a brief text which ended up
being another text, and another text…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A few times my emails got a look through. I didn’t open
my devotional emails. The titles were glanced at for a few seconds and then back
to perusing through other things on my phone. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Videos of my cat’s were sent to my husband. Morning gifs
were sent and oh, another picture and video of my cat’s. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My Bible got pulled over closer to me. Then another
glance at my devotional’s<i>. Oh, this one looks simple it is about the writer’s
job. Okay</i>…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And there He was. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Every word in that devotional spoke to the place in my
heart that I really didn’t want to deal with at the moment. It was easier to
play around until I felt I could get up and get busy with my day. It was as
though, I was the writer of that devotional, not someone else, who I had never
met before. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He was waiting.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He was right there. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He let me know too. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The verse, Genesis 16:13 (NIV) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her. ‘You
are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Many, many, many years ago Hagar was in a scary,
lonely place in the wilderness. A single mom, no income, abused, used, put
aside, her feelings didn’t matter to those around her, and she had an unsure future.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God met Hagaar there. He saw her. AND she KNEW that HE
could see her. And she left from that place in the wilderness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That is what God did today for me. He literally dumped
right in my lap a comforting direction and let me know He sees. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He sees me. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He doesn’t just see me standing, sitting, laying,
crying, and laughing. All those things that a person sees on the outside.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">No…God sees my pain that is in my heart, He sees the
joy inside of me, He knows before I do what I think about something, He knows
my anxious thoughts, He knows my careless whispers and shouts, He knows every
single thing about my past, and He knows my future. Psalm 139.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He sees me right here – right now and He not only
sees, but He knows. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Are you scared? Are you lonely? Are you grieving? Are
you angry? Are you frustrated, trapped, or need direction? Are you happy,
excited, and hopeful?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">HE SEES YOU.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Even though things are crazy in Haiti, India, and
Afghanistan He still SEES you, my friend. He SEES us standing here needing Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Even as reports of Covid, masks, cancer, and death are
everywhere you read and look, He SEES you, my friend. He SEES us needing HIM.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Are you waiting for the call? Are you standing beside
the grave? Are you sick in the bed? Are you broken hearted?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Does tomorrow look dark?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">HE SEES. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Let’s start right there. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That no matter what is going on GOD SEES each of us
exactly where we are at this moment and the moment, He gives us after that. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thank you, LORD, that YOU SEE each of us. Right here.
Right now. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">May we move from this moment into the next knowing His
eyes are upon us and He knows. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-76601856929521793172021-05-13T11:18:00.000-07:002021-05-13T11:18:14.322-07:00In The Boat<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKNc53xG1vXyWUmsyU35pYn7tfEfE-UPJ0XQ8W2t497sjeoZHl94YS1_idnRJ-XYZaFbfjZohxVctK_ErHYfmTWraHcj1qJ0PzXq73xQIkPIPYDjH55QxkfBm3vjv4lkH-bMd6R7cHT-i/s4032/20210411_175509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKNc53xG1vXyWUmsyU35pYn7tfEfE-UPJ0XQ8W2t497sjeoZHl94YS1_idnRJ-XYZaFbfjZohxVctK_ErHYfmTWraHcj1qJ0PzXq73xQIkPIPYDjH55QxkfBm3vjv4lkH-bMd6R7cHT-i/w640-h312/20210411_175509.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Matthew 14:25 – 31<o:p></o:p></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>“25…Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When
the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified, in their fear,
they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he
said. “Take courage, I am here!”<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>28 Then Peter called out to him, “Lord, if it’s really
you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The amazing thing about this story is that Peter then swung
his leg over the railing, and put his foot ON the water. Not <i>in, </i>but <i>on.</i>
There were strong winds and heavy waves,
yet Peter swung his foot over the boat and started walking to Jesus. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It amazes me for one that Peter asked to walk on the water,
for two that when Jesus said come, Peter swung over the railing and slipped
onto the water. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So many, many times I have gone over and over the part where
Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and instead puts his eyes on the storm then
sinks. I love that when Peter calls out Jesus <i>immediately </i>puts His hand
out for Peter. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, there is a big point here that I cannot miss. Jesus
said come, and Peter swung his leg over the railing of the boat and put his
foot on the water. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Peter’s faith at that moment is astounding. He had just
returned from his own mission trip where he touched people’s lives. He had just
participated in passing out food to thousands of people from 2 fish and a loaf
of bread, and there was left over bread and fish. Peter now saw his Lord
walking on water, and he wanted to join him there too. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I can only imagine the disciples on the boat when they
listened to the interaction between Peter and Jesus. I can only imagine their
eyebrows going up high and their expressions on their faces as they watched
Peter swing his leg over that railing. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Did they try to stop him?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Did they cheer him on?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Were they afraid he would just splash into the water?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Or did they hope he could do it, and maybe they could too?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My husband would be the one on the boat to swing his leg
over the railing to walk on the water. He would ask Jesus the impossible and
then believe it could be done. There is usually no stopping him from stepping
out in faith even in the scariest of situations. I have often stood there with at least one of
those questions going through my mind. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In watching his faith over the years, it has encouraged me
to swing my leg over the railing and step out on waters that look overwhelmingly
scary. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I can imagine the excitement of the others on the boat. I
can imagine the courage it gave them watching their friend, to step out in
faith and be right with Jesus IN the midst of the storm.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When Peter did sink, they had front row seats to see Jesus’
response. They watched Jesus put his hand out and pull Peter up. They heard
Jesus words and heard Jesus ask Peter, why did you doubt? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They got a clear visual of Jesus calling someone out into
the storm and sticking right with the person the entire time. They clearly saw
that even when the storm is overwhelming and a person’s faith makes them sink,
Jesus is still standing on the water. Jesus still had Peter’s back. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They didn’t watch Jesus scoff at Peter and walk away from
him when Peter sunk. No, they watched Jesus immediately be there for Peter and Jesus
then stayed close to Peter. Jesus walked him through the storm. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I honestly think Peter learned Jesus had his back even when
his faith failed. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Maybe that is why when he denied Jesus he went and cried,
instead of taking his life like Judas. Maybe that is why when he heard Jesus
wasn’t in the grave, he raced John to the grave to see for himself, instead of
hiding in shame. Maybe that is why when Peter was on the boat and Jesus was on
the shore that one early morning after Jesus’ resurrection, Peter ripped off
his outer garments, jumped out of the boat, and swam to Jesus to be with him. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I think Peter learned that Jesus had his back even when
Peter failed. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I know for myself when I have watched my husband step out in faith, many storms have hit him and knocked him down, but I have seen
God pull him through and provide everything needed to get him to where he needs
to go. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It isn’t always a pretty picture, but it is always a
beautiful story in the end. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As I watch from the security of the boat, I get to see God
work in a person’s life. I get to see God have his back when it looks like
there is no hope. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It encourages me to step out of the boat when Jesus says
come. When storms blow in, I can remember the stories I have read, and the
stories I have seen of those who have gone on before me in faith. I know the
answer when I am sinking, is simply to call out, “Jesus, help!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I know Jesus has my back when I fail. I know I don’t have to
hide in shame but can boldly go to the throne of grace and confess my failures.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Faith in Jesus, not in me, or what I say or do, but simple,
faith in what He will or can do. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Who are you watching from the security of your boat?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Are you encouraged to swing that leg over and step out in
faith?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Who do you think gets the opportunity to watch you in your
own walk of faith?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">No matter, it isn’t about Peter, me, or you, but it is
about what Jesus will do in our walk of faith.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Save me, Lord!” he shouted.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him.”<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wherever you are, whatever you are going through, Peter’s
story reminds us that Jesus has our back when we step out in faith to be with Him.
When we are afraid and call out, the storm may not disappear, but Jesus doesn’t
either. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">When people are watching others faith walk from the security of the boat it gives encouragment and hope for them to step out in faith themselves. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Also, sometimes the wind and the waves are whirling around
out of control, it can be so dark and scary. He is there. I know I don’t have
to be all that, brave, and confident, it is okay if I am completely unnerved.
When I cry out, I know He will get me. Sometimes it is during the storm that we
have those special moments with Jesus. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When no one can really do anything at all to solve the
problem. When a person feels so alone because the storm like a tsunami crashed
in and flooded right through everything that was once stable and secure. There
is no stopping the tsunami. Do like Peter did and call for help.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Help!” Peter cried out in his storm. Immediately Jesus
reached out his hand for him and pulled him up. The storm still raged around
them, but he walked with Peter through it. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Lonely, dark, wind filled nights with the waters raging
against a person, holding on to Jesus, a person WALKS THROUGH the storm to
safety. A person on their own, sinks when the storm is too much for them. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The storms are many and can be so scary. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We have many unpredictable storms going on right now. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Don’t sink.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you do…reach up your hand. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Call out for HIS help.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jesus is there to grab your hand. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He may tell that storm to stop now. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Or He may walk with you right through that storm. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Mark 4:35 -36 NIV<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Matthew 14:25-31 NLT<o:p></o:p></p></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><p></p>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-58198485703778611422021-04-02T00:18:00.002-07:002021-04-02T08:57:26.042-07:00The Crazy, Overwhelming Storms<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4u634T4exVuMbK3pC5iyCNKe6pr0mlhlc4ZcuwdFOcOHpGlrirRZYUxCsFqua7zs-5Bwa5adT7wD8No0z1qIzlA95o6fOA9TVh4WNB6YnVEYX1d6a7PEqwqGrp0COe-LNWqwDvjGlOzlx/s4032/20210213_132856.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4u634T4exVuMbK3pC5iyCNKe6pr0mlhlc4ZcuwdFOcOHpGlrirRZYUxCsFqua7zs-5Bwa5adT7wD8No0z1qIzlA95o6fOA9TVh4WNB6YnVEYX1d6a7PEqwqGrp0COe-LNWqwDvjGlOzlx/w640-h312/20210213_132856.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The storms have been crazy lately. March 17
produced 21 tornadoes in Alabama, and Mississippi, Georgia and Florida also had
tornadoes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There is flooding in Tennessee.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And we have had a virus that has caused a
storm over a year not only in the United States, but the entire world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The virus has attacked the health of many
people, taken many, many lives, and attacked the emotions of many people too.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The virus has swept through our nation and
people not only are suffering physically and emotionally, but financially and
many relationally.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">People are thrown together and people are torn
apart.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then another storm arose - the mask wearers
versus the non-mask wearers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And, whether to be vaccinated or to not be
vaccinated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This nation was already in the throes of an
internal battle over politics. Many hated the President that was in office,
many loved the President that was in office.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then our nation dealt with the horror of
watching a video of a man dying before our eyes. The trial is now in
process. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The riots came full force.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We haven’t just had mild storms, there has
been a tsunami of one negative thing after another pouring into our lives in
this nation. Even all over the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the Bible there is a story that has been
told repeatedly. There are even animated shows to teach children this story
about a storm and Jesus asleep in a boat. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is easy to read the story and move on.
However, I find a strong message to hold on to in this story.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some of Jesus disciples were fishermen and
were out on the water daily. One night they were out on the boats. A storm
arose that even the disciples who were fisherman found themselves in an uncomfortable situation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the book of Mark 4:35-41. Mark tells about
this time. Jesus was asleep on a cushion in the stern of a boat. A “furious
squall” came up and waves came up over the boat so that it was nearly swamped.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I looked up the definition of a squall –
(verb) <i>sudden violent winds often accompanied by precipitation</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sudden violent storms.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One minute everything appears fine, and the
next, whoosh the storm comes in and the person is overwhelmed with all that is
suddenly coming into their life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The disciples had been with Jesus long enough
to know to go <b>to</b> him. They woke him up.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Jesus don’t you care if we drown?”</span></i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> they asked him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ever have that question leave your lips? Ever utter
that question in one form or another over the last year?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They woke him up and asked him that question.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus don’t you care if...<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am hurt?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m sick?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am alone?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I can’t see my family?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I see too much of my family?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am abandoned?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am broke?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am angry?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am scared?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are so many different scenarios - don’t
you care Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I had a day when a “squall” came into our
lives and I spent part of an afternoon where I cried tears that came from deep
within me. I suddenly sat up and said, “What am I crying for? Who cares if I
cry? What difference does it make?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A few days later there was a knock on my door.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I opened the door to a very dear friend. This
friend however didn’t usually come to my house. We usually did groups together
or saw each other at the same events. So, it was a surprise to see her standing
on my porch.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She tried to explain haltingly why she was at
my home. She didn’t know what was going on in my life, but she was told to help
our family.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She carried in bags of groceries and although
she had not eaten at our home before, she had purchased everything we needed at
that time. Not only had she not eaten at our home before, but she was on a
special diet due to medical reasons and these were items she would not
necessarily purchase.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Included in the shopping were two items I was
to bring to an event later that week in which she knew nothing about.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soon afterward I got in my car to go on an
errand. I felt absolutely astonished at what had just transpired. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I put my car into gear a thought went
through my head. <i>You asked who cared? I care?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have no question where that thought came
from, God did care that a sudden storm had hit us, and He did care when I
cried.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There have been many, many times I have cried
out. Even when I have had to walk through the storm of mourning, loss, or
whatever tsunami hit my life, He has showed up.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Because HE cares.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mark goes on to tell us that Jesus <b>stood
up</b> and told the wind and the waves, “Quiet. Be still.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The storm stopped immediately.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He then asked them, “Why are you so afraid? Do
you still have no faith?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even though the disciples ran to Jesus for
help, they were still terrified that Jesus was able to tell the storm to stop.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey
him?”</span></i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I too am astonished when Jesus answers me and
takes care of the issue. Yes, I too, am probably asked many times, “Why are you
so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They ran to him and when He took care of the matter,
they were like Whoa! How did he do that? Who is this person?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They were overwhelmed and ran to Jesus. They
woke Him up and then stood astonished at what He did for them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These stories in the Bible are not just to be
read. They are for us to really know Jesus and who He is and can be in our
lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There is a verse in the Bible that holds
strong for me. When things are going awry, I remember in the book of Philippians
it tells us - “Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus doesn’t change. Circumstances change,
but not Him. He has always been the same.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This story is an example of what to do in a
sudden violent storm that is making things pour into your life that are terrifying.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">RUN to Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PRAY.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus, don’t you care?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PRAY and remember - Jesus does care.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We know He cares.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christians…let us pray.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let us see what happens when Jesus stands up.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let us run to Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The world needs Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We need Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-70609503141770370622021-01-23T21:57:00.002-08:002021-01-24T09:21:57.999-08:00It's A Wonderful Life?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUrft-p5mu-Jr5bED4yn3Noa2UsFHaZuQysbMszXQyoMiy65uV8GYIwMNHfb0VnBDGoTKe8lkYuKG_E1fG-1FHF7LnupFvQJpVgyTFlfPEoKq6-N385CGDTH3CMgFyDS1_83x6uybpQoK/s4032/20201111_170017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUrft-p5mu-Jr5bED4yn3Noa2UsFHaZuQysbMszXQyoMiy65uV8GYIwMNHfb0VnBDGoTKe8lkYuKG_E1fG-1FHF7LnupFvQJpVgyTFlfPEoKq6-N385CGDTH3CMgFyDS1_83x6uybpQoK/w640-h312/20201111_170017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />At least once a year I try to watch my favorite Christmas movie, "It's a Wonderful Life."<p></p><p></p>I tear up, I smile, and I laugh everytime I watch it. <br /><br />This year, we watched it on New Years Eve. George Bailey experienced seeing what life would look like without him in it. He saw first hand what a wonderful life that he had. <br /><br />When he stood on the bridge, leaning on the railing, praying and begging God for his life back, I cried that same prayer.<br /><br />Literally.<br /><br />A month ago, in the midst of the excitement of the Christmas season, one minute I was a busy girl, the next, I was flat on my back in bed.<br /><br />I am telling you, by New Years Eve I was done not being able to do my normal life. I missed it so much. I even missed doing my dishes. <br /><br />I have felt trapped. I have felt scared.<br /><br />I wanted to be back in the game, and still do.<br /><br />I will tell you, I have rested a lot. <br /><br />The last two years have exhausted me. It seemed like my responsibilities had taken over and I could not catch up. I was basically running on empty physically and emotionally. <br /><br />When people came in last March for the pandemic, some were bored. Not me. My schedule and responsibilities increased at my home due to certain circumstances. <br /><br />I wanted a break. I needed a break. <div><br /></div><div>I definitely did not want a break where I am flat on my back in bed. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have had LOTS of forced rest this last month.<br /><br />I have prayed to get back into life. <br /><br />When I look at how covered I am with love and provision I rest.<br /><br />When I don't - I struggle. I struggle big time. <br /><br />Fears assault my mind about moving <br />forward in healing. I worry that what I do will send me back to where I started.<br /><br />Struggles are real...<br /><br />Isn't that how life around the globe has been this last year?<br /><br />Aren't we struggling to get back to our normal?<br /><br />Feeling trapped?<br /><br />Lost?<br /><br />Controlled?<br /><br />Yet, sometimes I wonder...when I am better, do I want life to look exactly like it did before? I was tired. Running on empty and not really going in a direction I wanted to go. <br /><br />When I am back to what is normal how can I make my life even better. What changes can I make?<br /><br />A verse from the Bible kept showing up when I was reading things.....</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Isaiah 43:18-19</i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1MDZ5bNiSB58iYhDxkjBR3kmmMCRZm3E_HN8kUPQaP_-km0H6f-eAQ8NUzPSvAcd0Vg5ADiF9ikYZJ06sD5aBTyxbWnC4f26jrr7Hp1S1U6CuezIDene5iYemnPxmQCVKHFEzWxOBWxE/s4032/20200918_152151.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1MDZ5bNiSB58iYhDxkjBR3kmmMCRZm3E_HN8kUPQaP_-km0H6f-eAQ8NUzPSvAcd0Vg5ADiF9ikYZJ06sD5aBTyxbWnC4f26jrr7Hp1S1U6CuezIDene5iYemnPxmQCVKHFEzWxOBWxE/s320/20200918_152151.jpg" /></a></div><i>"18. Forget the former things;<br /> do not dwell on the past.<br />19 See, I am doing a new thing!<br /> Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?<br />I am making a way in the wilderness<br /> and streams in the wasteland."</i></div><div><br /></div><div>I have been out of circulation for a bit. Oh, that God would make a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland so I can get back into life.</div><div><br /></div><div>It isn't fun in the wilderness when there isn't a way to go. Nor is it fun in the wasteland without streams to refresh one self.</div><div><br />What is the new thing? How can I step back into life and start picking up responsibilities in a new way? A better way?<br /><br />How can we around the globe make things better as life starts to resume some normalcy?<br /><br />What new way does God have for us?<br /><br />In George Baileys case it was merely a new perspective. He went back to life with the knowledge of how wonderful his life really was. Even the loose banister post that frustrated him no longer did when he returned back to his normal life.<br /><br />Maybe it can just be a perspective change. <br /><br />However, or whatever it is, when life moves to more normalcy I hope we can see God's new way for us. That for now, that we would walk on the path He made through the wilderness and be refreshed by the stream in the wasteland. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSvgW7PYKshuvYoxFol-tqlfdkGt09upbNBqTCFLSbax-zWR4PSRSUHIqr75Jc_3Vp3CgDwy9pF_1JaztgrAFZp3zX3rDynPiRaDqYag2K2mx1es2VJmGVlH9BAD-k2sT-m2iRd1nve7G/s4032/20201111_143655.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSvgW7PYKshuvYoxFol-tqlfdkGt09upbNBqTCFLSbax-zWR4PSRSUHIqr75Jc_3Vp3CgDwy9pF_1JaztgrAFZp3zX3rDynPiRaDqYag2K2mx1es2VJmGVlH9BAD-k2sT-m2iRd1nve7G/w640-h312/20201111_143655.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-16543149790954539082020-12-31T21:50:00.002-08:002020-12-31T22:04:23.838-08:00Saying Goodbye<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmKGapHaqfe9mXJf9BWBdDa1DDdENpyfgorxTcFb-pJtOt9CjAWuz_Ua3aua31yDpQwUcD_mW4KDcA1_lNeoIwnBpVsOnYgTpDjCRdW_vZO0Fe_yVTa43N-kkf-k5A0JEUrxAeThHxraG/s918/93ca6d8bb0b1d8859146855a2cefb7f8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmKGapHaqfe9mXJf9BWBdDa1DDdENpyfgorxTcFb-pJtOt9CjAWuz_Ua3aua31yDpQwUcD_mW4KDcA1_lNeoIwnBpVsOnYgTpDjCRdW_vZO0Fe_yVTa43N-kkf-k5A0JEUrxAeThHxraG/s320/93ca6d8bb0b1d8859146855a2cefb7f8.jpg" /></a></div>The end of the year. The beginning of a new one.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A lot of hopes arise at this time and goals are set. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">No matter what goals were set last year, so many things out
of people’s control put a halt to them. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I don’t think I have to recap all of the thing’s that
happened throughout the year. Any social media gave news and opinions of the
goings on in the world. So many hard things. So many opinions about those hard
things.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As the new year of 2021 starts I can think of many who are
moving into this year with loss. It doesn’t look very hopeful. The steps into
it are missing loved ones. Loved one’s that have lost their lives from cancer, car
accidents, a dangerous virus, shootings, murders, or some other illness. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Saying goodbye to 2020 is also saying goodbye to the last moments
they spent with the person they dearly love, outweighing all of the other
things that happened in 2020.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">God does say in the Bible that He has plans for us. A
future. Hope. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">God’s word also says there is a time for mourning.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Each person who is not going into 2021 with their loved one
deserves to be mourned. They played a part in the history of the lives of those
around them. They are a part of the memories of the years they shared together,
good and bad memories. Though they are gone they go forward with those they
love because they played a part in the development of their loved one’s life.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While people are celebrating it hurts to not have that
person by our sides. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The ball will drop at midnight signifying a new year.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">More time away from the final goodbye.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A new way of living. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Goodbyes are not permanent in Gods world. He still is able
to see those we love that have passed on. And someday we will see them again. Until
then the missing is okay. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And I pray you will be comforted each day and are ble to build
a life that is filled with love with those who are still with you.<o:p></o:p></p>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7812575742870134040.post-55785271615210528292020-11-11T20:00:00.003-08:002020-11-11T20:00:57.410-08:00Thank You To All Who Have Served In America's Military<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqvth4Iq07ch_7BDeoQoKCIGLlKr4Ebrj_1u1-mIJhS6_QXvW4jpmL-UCl8deN1YQPVahfifAanYdmX4uUr483qcNnOpwn2_GhPTYLeV_SM8yxQ18RtWnBYOoVcQIBbJ0m-0tgRIkqfXp/s695/33f1e1b868fbbcc29a1317456c41322e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="695" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqvth4Iq07ch_7BDeoQoKCIGLlKr4Ebrj_1u1-mIJhS6_QXvW4jpmL-UCl8deN1YQPVahfifAanYdmX4uUr483qcNnOpwn2_GhPTYLeV_SM8yxQ18RtWnBYOoVcQIBbJ0m-0tgRIkqfXp/s320/33f1e1b868fbbcc29a1317456c41322e.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Linda Reinhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18045374724773030938noreply@blogger.com0