Hello my sisters, (August 6, 2010)
“You are safe in His hands” are words that have been on my mind this last week. When we can believe this—all of life and its challenges seem different. To know, without doubt, that our Father in heaven watches over us, protects us and comforts us brings a sense of peace beyond description. The Almighty God of the universe knows us, hears our prayers and acts on our behalf. There is nothing beyond His ability to act upon.
This does not mean that we get everything we ask for. People we love do not live forever. Our bodies, so fragile and frail, may continue to bring us pain. Relationships can be damaged beyond repair. Yet no matter what is happening in our lives right now we can always count on God’s love for us. He will keep us safe in His hands.
Knowing this to be true has brought great peace to my heart this week as a dear friend lies near death in a hospital bed. I trust God to hold him gently and lovingly during these hard days. I pray for his wife as well, that she will feel God’s peace and comfort even as she grieves. With all my heart I hope God heals my friend and he can go home again. Regardless of which way God choose to answer my prayers I believe with all my heart that Dave is safe in God’s hands.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy
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Hello my sisters, (July 23, 2010)
In John 15 Christ tells us that we, as Christians, are like branches. He is the vine and each of us is connected to Him. We are instructed to “abide in Him” and He promises to “abide in us.” Abide means “to stay” in a relationship with Him. It also includes the ideas of being present, remaining, dwelling and enduring.
Christ teaches us that we will bear spiritual fruit in our lives as a result of this firm connection. We will be able to love others, be patient and forgiving. Our faith will be strong, which will bring peace and joy to our lives.
No one can remove us from the vine, my sisters. There is no force great enough or trial hard enough to sever that connection. The only way we can become disconnected is if we ourselves choose to be. If we stop praying, stop reading the bible, or stop living by God’s words our connection to the vine will wither.
In John 15:16 Christ says, “You have not chosen me but I have chosen you and ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit and your fruit should remain.”
I have found great comfort in these promises this week. I hope these scriptures encourage you as well. Let us rejoice in the fact that we are living branches connected to Jesus Christ.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy
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Hello my sisters, (July 16, 2010)
My little three year old granddaughter slipped her hand into mine. We walked along slowly, talking about the trees, birds and animals that we saw. My heart was filled with love and tenderness for this little girl.
Later she fell while climbing and I scooped her up in my arms. We looked at all the scrapes and brushed off the dirt and rocks. As I held her close to me her sobs subsided and she was comforted. How I wanted to protect her from all the bumps and scrapes in life, but I had to let her go. Soon her laughter filled the air once again as she threw rocks into the stream.
My thoughts turned to God and how much He must love us – His children. When we reach out to Him asking for His presence in our lives, He is always there. If we fall and hurt ourselves in any way, He comforts us. Yet it is His desire that we get up and try again. I believe that He loves to hear us laugh and enjoy this life that He has given to us.
All around us is evidence of His great love for us. We just need to believe it is true.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy
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Hello my sisters, (July 2, 2010)
This is just a quick note to share the blessings of the last week. You have been aware of our lack of work and the resulting cash crunch in our lives. My husband I decided to run a half price sale on the many lights we have in stock. God has blessed us with several nice sales in the last couple days. We have even received an order to build two lights for a past customer. Once again God has supplied just enough for our needs. The sense of relief is great as we pay some bills.
However, even more beneficial to me is the comfort of seeing God’s intervention in our lives. In the scriptures He often tells us He will supply all our needs. We know this to be true and we believe His promises. Yet it is so much more personal when our need is the greatest. Maybe the value of a trial can be the reassurance that comes when prayers are answered. We are reminded that we are never far from His love.
I thank each of you that have prayed for us in the last months.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy
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Hello my sisters, (June 18, 2010)
“And His kingdom shall contain none that will offend” is the refrain from a song in our hymnal.*
It came to mind this week as I was studying in I John 3. In this chapter John describes very clearly how we are to behave as Christians. My mind wandered as I tried to imagine what our church would be like if all of us lived by these words. With a jolt I realized I would not want to live for eternity without peace and unity. That is when this song came to mind. God will not allow it. In His kingdom there will be only peace, love, joy, mercy, etc.
As we learn to live a godly life now we are truly preparing for the kingdom of God. Each of us can be peacemakers as we love others and show compassion. Individually we choose how we will live each day. I, for one, am more deeply motivated to put off those behaviors that will not be allowed in the family of God. None of us can change others or their behavior, but we are told that the Holy Spirit will give us all the help we need to change ourselves. Our time on this earth is important as we learn and grow.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy
*The One Whom the Father Sends, page 156.
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Hello my sisters, (June 4, 2010)
Lately, I’ve been moping around and feeling sorry for myself. This is the honest truth. That stopped today with just a phone call.
My cousin, Jo, recently fell and broke her hip. This morning I called her at the nursing home where she is recovering. I hoped to lift her spirits, yet it was she who lifted mine. Her peace, joy and faith traveled through the phone line to touch my heart. My financial trials seemed like nothing in comparison to the challenges she faces in her life.
You see, besides what I’ve just told you, her husband is paralyzed from the chest down. A tragedy two years ago changed their lives forever. Yet they have adjusted and adapted to their challenges in an inspiring way. Their love and respect for each other has grown rather than diminished. They have found value in their trials and look for things to be grateful for. She told me today that, “God never gives us a trial that we cannot handle.” She holds Him to that promise and relies on His strength to carry her through.
I’m inspired by her words. I’m awed by her courage. I’m humbled by her faith. My hope is that in hearing her story it will give you perspective as it did for me.
I think I’ll go outside to water my flowers and thank God for this simple pleasure.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy