Updated on January 21, 2014
Wind Chimes
The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. – Zephaniah 3:17
I’m a sucker for wind chimes. It’s true.
A long time ago we lived in an apartment building and the lady in the balcony right above ours had wind chimes All of them. The tinkling kind, the deep echoing kind, the gonging kind, you name it, she had it.
Drove me batty.
All the live-long day and night, they chimed. Rain, sleet, snow, hurricane, they chimed. Happy days, sad days, angry days, you guessed it, they chimed. Even on the stillest of days, when you’d not think a breath of breeze was blowing, those little chimes sang.
It didn’t take a stiff breeze to set them off. Maybe a cat passed by brushed them with it’s tail. Maybe someone stomped or slammed a door. They were sensitive.
Drove me batty.
As life went along and we left that apartment for greener and hopefully quieter pastures, I found that I missed those chimes. No one was more surprised than I was when I decided I needed some of my own. I like the deep echoing kind the best. And now, well, I’m a sucker for wind chimes. It’s true.
Know why? Because God is like that. He catches the wind no matter the season or weather. He is sensitive to the slightest vibration or change in the air. And no matter the mood or whether it seems particularly appropriate, He plays back a song of love.
In the brightest sun, or the dead of night, regardless of whether or not we want to hear it, He chimes a song of love into our hearts. Maybe, like me, you need an actual wind chime to remind you. Can you hear it?
Dear God, thank You for always chiming peace and love into our hearts. Forgive us for those moments when that chime drives us batty. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
All you have to do is click one of the buttons below.
May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on January 21, 2014
We Need Your Sparkler
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! – Psalm 133:1
photo credit: Mykl Roventine via photopin cc
Envy is such a battle, isn’t it? It’s a battle within ourselves and between ourselves and others. Aren’t you tired, sweet friend? I know I am.
I have found that the battle has tread onto grounds that were never intended for such. I’ll give you an example. I am very craftily challenged. I have awesome ideas, and grand plans for how to make cutesy items to give as gifts or use in Bible stories for my children. When I was a teacher, oh how I envied every other teacher I knew (or at least it seemed to me) who could whip up the craftiest of projects at a moments’ notice. Some of them even tried to teach me, and it seemed simple under their tutelage, but alas my lump of dough always ended up looking like dog poop instead of a snowman.
How quickly I forget that God gave us each our own talents to use in his kingdom!
I have had friends tell me how they wish they could write as easily as I do, while I in turn envy their ability to speak about their faith from a huge stage with a microphone in their hand. Some long for the singing voice that God has given to their favorite musicians, while those singers may long for the ability to write the songs they croon. Some of us have a heart for the lost while others are more suited to encourage those among us.
Please believe me, dear one, when I tell you that God needs all of us to make up His body!
All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. – 1 Corinthians 12:27
While you’re there, read the entire chapter. I’ll wait…
Back already? Still believe that your talent is too small or insignificant?
Since my chronic illness struck, I have doubled down on some talents that were sadly under-utilized before. Before, writing was only a hobby for me. Now it is a direct line to God and something I pray brings hope and reassurance to many around the world. I point others to God through the words He gives me. What talents do you have tucked away because you’re afraid they aren’t “enough”, or they don’t measure up to what those talents you envy in others?
Pull them out of the cobwebs, friend! Blow the dust off, light your candle. Get out there and shine! Don’t delay one more day from fulfilling your potential in Christ. Because it takes all of us. I need you. I do. Desperately. And so do countless others. We are missing your sparkler here among the fireworks display.
Don’t let envy draw you into the battle. Don’t let it make you feel crummy instead of praising our differences. You have a calling, a talent, a blessing to receive and bestow. Let’s be about our Father’s business, shall we?
Heavenly Father, I come to you on behalf of the one reading this today. Right this moment, this prayer is for them. Show them in a definite way today the way they are to walk in. Draw them to you and shine a light on their calling. Give them a heart to use their talent in your kingdom. Help us to put an end to envy in our lives, refusing to let it hold us back. Let us instead cheer each other on and revel in the beauty that is created when we each walk our path, united in our love for You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
All you have to do is click one of the buttons below.
May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on January 27, 2014
Do You Hear the Beckoning?
photo credit: Steve Corey via photopin cc
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” – Psalm 27:8
Are you coming?
Or are you one who believes that some things are too trivial to bother God with? Are you one who feels maybe He’s too busy with others’ larger problems to give attention to your own?
Head on over and join me at Rest Ministries today, won’t you?
It’s a cozy, welcoming place where you’ll find lots of other people just like you.
See you there! <3
If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
All you have to do is click one of the buttons below.
May God Bless You,
Shelly
Posted on January 27, 2014
Surgery Update…
For all of your prayers, I am deeply thankful. They carried me through in such a big way! This was by far the best hospital stay I’ve ever had… everyone I encountered went out of their way to be compassionate and caring for me. The surgery was a huge success, and the pump was the only thing that had to be changed. Existing tubing was intact and healthy, so three was no need to do further invasive surgery.
Pain meds caused a lot of scary nausea issues for me, so I was held an extra 2 nights. While this was a bummer for me at the time, it was wonderful that the doctors and nurses played it safe and made sure I was healthy and stable before sending me home. I have 12 staples in my head, and my pain is being managed by regular strength Tylenol.
Explain that one without using God’s name. I dare you.
I came home today. It is glorious. As always, coming home is warmer and better and more than I even hope for. My people are here. And my bed. And my recliner, which has missed me terribly. And my people, did I mention my people?
Thank you again for carrying me through this time with your prayer, your cheer, and your encouraging notes. You are each jewels in my treasure chest. I am rich indeed.
photo credit: W Mustafeez via photopin cc
Much love and Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
All you have to do is click one of the buttons below.
May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on January 21, 2014
Sunday Scripture: 1/26/14
photo credit: Paul:Ritchie via photopin cc
You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.
– Colossians 2:13-14
If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
All you have to do is click one of the buttons below.
May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on January 24, 2014
Recommendation Saturday: Nothing
photo credit: jenny downing via photopin cc
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word. – 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Today, as you go about your tasks, as you face your challenges, as you doubt your worth… please watch the below video and remember this:
Somebody out there would be nothing without you.
You are loved. <3
Sweetest Brother Says He’d be Nothing Without His Sister from anberlin_fan on GodTube.
We are best when we are community.
I would love to share in some of that community
right here from my website.
You can join in, too!
Share a post from your own blog and then simply click on the
“Add your link” button below and enter your blog information.
Then, please grab my Recommendation Saturday button
below, and place it on your website or post,
so that others can find their way to our little Saturday community!
You can also Tweet your participation with the hashtag
#recommendsat
so that we can all find each other on Twitter!
You may also join in by leaving a comment.
The most important part of our community
is spreading our hope and love to others
by visiting some of the other inspirational sites linked up and leaving comments there.
Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
All you have to do is click one of the buttons below.
May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on January 17, 2014
When Resting is Hard Work
Give ear to my prayer, O God;
And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.
Give heed to me and answer me;
I am restless in my complaint and am surely distracted – Psalm 55:1-2
Most people think it would be a dream come true to be forced to rest. And it is… when we’re talking like a nap or a weekend or even a little vacation. However, if the rest of your life was mostly spent holding the recliner down or on forced bedrest… well, that’s a different story altogether.
I loved when I came across this verse, because it describes how I feel so perfectly! I am restless in my complaint. Gee, um, in my sentence, that last word would need an S on the end. Yes, yes it would.
And am surely distracted. Distracted from what? Oh, so many things. Sometimes my mind is so frantic in it’s pacing that I can’t even decide on one thing to be distracted from at a time.
You see, I don’t want to hold the recliner down or keep the bed warm. I want to run and play with my children. I want to cook a meal for my family. I want to run errands for my hubby. And so many other things that were once part of my everyday life. Rest, when in this kind of quantity, is abhorrent to me. It is unnatural.
It leaves me feeling empty, frustrated and distracted. I find myself longing for action, feeling guilty for all that is being done around me, as if I’m some princess waiting for someone to peel my grapes. It stinks. I mentally stamp my foot as I list my complaints to my Father, using my poutiest lips and my whiniest voice.
And I am surely distracted. I am distracted from His goodness. I am remiss in remembering His faithfulness. I forget His promises.
When resting is hard work, I need to be conscious of my mindset. I need to refuse to chase these trains of thoughts that run nowhere but into the dark tunnel. I need to recognize that this resting that I’m doing is what my body requires.
And the best way to focus my mind is through intentional gratitude. I am grateful for the warm, comfortable place to be. I am thankful for those around me who care for me and do all the tasks I am unable to do, oh so thankful. I even love the fact that I have a recliner to hold down.
As I list these things out loud to God, thanking Him for each one, the Spirit brings more and more things to mind. I am clearing the way for Jesus in my heart. Making room for praise and renewal.
Won’t you join me?
Heavenly Father, help me to turn to you when resting gets hard. Thank you for everything that you have done for me, every blessing that you have given me. Help me never to take these for granted. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
All you have to do is click one of the buttons below.
May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on January 22, 2014
He Will Wipe Away Every Tear
and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away – Revelation 21:4
photo credit: Cali2Okie (April) via photopin cc
In studying this passage of scripture this week, I was struck again with how personal of a Savior our Jesus is.
Look back at these passages with me, if you will:
Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. – Matthew 8:3
And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.” – Matthew 17:7
Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him. – Matthew 20:34
Jesus took him aside from the crowd, by himself, and put His fingers into his ears, and after spitting, He touched his tongue with the saliva; and looking up to heaven with a deep sigh, He said to him, “Ephphatha!” that is, “Be opened!” And his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was removed, and he began speaking plainly. – Mark 7:33-35
And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. – Mark 10:13
He, however, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Child, arise!” – Luke 8:54
But Jesus answered and said,“Stop! No more of this.” And He touched his ear and healed him. – Luke 22:51
Did Jesus need the avenue of touch to access His healing power? Of course not! He spoke the worlds into being. He formed you and me with a breath. But Jesus knew a secret.
Touch is powerful. It’s why a hug is so comforting. It’s why a handshake is a bond.
Touch shows relationship. It’s significant. It reaches way past the skin.
Jesus will wipe every tear from our eyes, Dear One. He won’t have His people call our people. He won’t assign the task. He won’t simply cause our tears to disappear. Jesus Christ will take notice of our sorrows. He will listen as our voices crack during the telling of each heartbreak. He will gather us close, and there will be compassion in His eyes. He will hold our face tenderly in His hands as He touches each tear, drawing it away and placing it in His bottle. (Psalm 56:8)
Do you long, as I do, to feel the touch of the Master’s Hand? We will. We each will. And I have a sneaky feeling that touch may be the cause of the rest of our verse for today.
there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away
Praying that you feel His touch today.
Dear Savior, You are mighty and so far above us, yet You long to touch each of us individually. You long to gather us close and wipe our tears. I can’t wait to be with You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
All you have to do is click one of the buttons below.
May God Bless You,
Shelly
Posted on January 22, 2014
News Flash…
We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to bring you this important announcement…
For those of you who do not follow me on Facebook or Twitter, I wanted to be sure you are “in the loop”.
I am requesting prayers from all of you. I just found out that this Friday, the 24th, I will be having my 2nd brain surgery. I have a shunt in my brain and it has stopped functioning. This is a blessing, because I have been worsening over the past 6-8 months and they couldn’t figure out why. We are hoping that this surgery will put me back on a better path, health-wise.
The blog will continue to post daily for the next couple of weeks, because those posts were already written and scheduled into the website. The fb page will not be as active, nor will twitter or my reply to comments, as I will be recuperating for several weeks following Friday. I wanted all of you to know what was going on. Lord willing, I will be back. I love you all. Heart Hugs, Shelly
If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
All you have to do is click one of the buttons below.
May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on January 17, 2014
Powerless Much?
O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” – 2 Chronicles 2:12
photo credit: Ivana Vasilj via photopin cc
Oh, what a great multitude of trials we face! Some days I think if they would just come one at a time, I could bat them out of the park, no sweat. But this… this is like dodgeball with rocks, and I find myself curled into a ball on the floor, trying to protect the tender areas and vital organs, more days than not.
Powerless much? Only on days that end in Y.
Israel felt that way. “O our God, will you not….” Heal us, cure us, bind our wounds?
“For we are powerless before…” The fear, the pain, the loss of ourselves!
“Nor do we know what to do…” When the next hit comes out of the blue, when we wake another day in pain, when the longing overwhelms.
“But our eyes are on You.” For every breath, in every moment, with faith, hope and love.
Our eyes are on You.
Thank You, Jesus, for never standing where we can’t see You. Guide us continually in Your way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
All you have to do is click one of the buttons below.
May God Bless You,
Shelly
