September 26, 2020

We are Part of Something Bigger than Us!

September 26, 2020/ jan

John Eldridge in his book The Sacred Romance says that deep inside of us is a longing for intimacy and adventure. Here in Hebrews 11, we definitely see both! The intimacy is with a God who spoke us into existence and now can be trusted to care for us every step of the way (we will see this again in Heb 12). And the adventure...oh my! We are part of something bigger than ourselves...and that's exciting! We are in the "race of faith" with a long line of "runners"...some famous, like Abraham and Moses; some infamous and unlikely, like Rahab and Samson; and some unknown, like those who were sawn in two (among other horrors)...people "of whom the world is not worthy," the writer to the Hebrews says (Hebrews 11:38).

September 23, 2020

Running your Lap in God's Race of Faith during the Time of COVID

September 23, 2020/ jan

I have told you all this so that you may have peace IN ME.
Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.
But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NLT

God wants us to live in peace, no matter what is going on around us. But during this unsettling time, I have observed so many children of God walking through their days fighting their own lives. As a result, I think many have no peace in their souls.

In contrast, those who have come to a measure of acceptance despite the confusion do have peace because they have embraced Him who is their Peace. And they have embraced their real “today” life.

September 16, 2020

"Never more than I can bear"-- Oh, really?

September 16, 2020/ jan

"God never gives us more than we can bear!" For some reason, I've been hearing that a lot lately, have you?

I don't know about you, but in my experience, it has been the opposite! God regularly gives me more than I can bear...and I'll tell you what I think is the reason.

As I now like to say, "I'm a tough nut to crack." I'm a pretty strong personality! So for a lot of my Christian life, I've believed that it's my strength and know-how and abilities and wisdom, coupled with the blessing and help from Above, that will get the job done...successfully...even in the spiritual realm. I've eaten over and over again from the "Tree of knowledge of Good & Evil" thinking that was God's will and way!

But now I know differently. His way is His strength in my weakness! Not His help in my weakness! HIM doing it and being it!

September 13, 2020

Suffering . . . Never Punishment

September 13, 2020/ jan

Everyone suffers.

You may be suffering right now, or you have recently suffered, or you may soon suffer. But for a child of God, suffering is NEVER punishment!

Jesus was punished for us!

September 10, 2020

Sorrow's Refining Influence: His Peace-filled Presence

September 10, 2020/ jan

This is scary. This is hard. But I have Jesus!

I was on my way to the hospital to pick up a CD and written report on my CT scan done several days ago. Something suspicious had showed up in a previous test. I wanted to find out, but I didn't want to know.

Walking from the parking lot, I sensed the Holy Spirit give me my "Jesus Prayer."

September 07, 2020

Two Truths to Count on in Trials

September 07, 2020/ jan

Surely goodness and steadfast love shall follow me all the days of my life... Psalm 23:8

PAIN!

Bloody! Cutting! Unrelenting! and Soul-numbing...or is it?

For me, pain has a way of sifting through the non-essentials of life!

And I find my soul awakened abruptly from its numbing slumber to longing, loss, grief, confusion, perspective...

...but most importantly, the presence of GOD.

August 30, 2020

Kindness . . . Paying It "Backwards"

August 30, 2020/ jan

Yesterday was amazing!

Who knew that a trip to Dunkin’ Donuts would feed more than my body. It would feed my soul!

We were on our way to do a “Backyard DD Brunch” with our son and family. So of course we pulled into the drive thru of my favorite coffee place, Dunkin Donuts in Kettering.

The line circled around the entire building and then some, but not to worry. Those people know what they are doing — efficient service, good food, yummy donuts and muffins, and great coffee … and speedy.

So prepared with my drive through order, I spoke it loud and clear:

August 29, 2020

Where We Need to Live Today. . .Under His Wings

August 29, 2020/ jan

I posted this back in March. I need this again. Do you? Read these Scriptures aloud. Let them wash over your soul. Listen to the song … the words … the imagery … the truth.

And be still and know HE is GOD, and HE is what we need in the midst of the upheaval and discord and confusion and ungodly attitudes all around us. And may the mind of Christ have sway in us His sons and daughters! Amen….

…When in the deepest of troubles...when there is no consolation or comfort...go to the sacred place where you and the Lord live together and nothing can touch...the place of union with our God through Jesus Christ by faith (Colossians 2:9-10 ESV)...and rest in Him who rests in you (John 17:20-23 ESV)!

Hide me in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 17:8b

August 27, 2020

Touch Jesus . . . Touch Life TODAY!

August 27, 2020/ jan

In the midst of this pandemic … and all the controversy it has spawned. Yes, among Christians too. Now more than ever, we need HIM!!!!!!

… my indwelling Lord Jesus Christ is my All in All! He is the Father's Ultimate Gift to me...no-thing else, no-thing more!

Jesus + Nothing = Everything

August 22, 2020

Read My Mail: Clues to Getting Free of Legalistic Living

August 22, 2020/ jan

For the last six months or so, I have been leading a small group of maturing sisters in the Lord. We call ourselves “Branches,” from the metaphor Jesus uses of Himself and His people in the gospel of John, chapter 15 — “I am the Vine; you are the branches.”

Our unifying theme is “living from our union with Christ.” We all long to understand and experience the freedom and fullness of our indwelling Lord Jesus through His Holy Spirit living in us and through us as us. And so we study and share and pray with and for each other.

In the course of our meetings and discussions, I was moved to write the following email. Maybe you would like to “eavesdrop” and read our mail. Feel free to jump in and respond. We can learn from each other.

Also be sure to check out our reading list and related blogs.

August 19, 2020

Sunrise Serendipities -- a trip into Yesteryear

August 19, 2020/ jan

Sunrises are always serendipities -- not that we don't expect them and not that they don't always come, but we never know what we will get. Each one is different, and each one is a gift from the hand of our Creator! Maybe the gift part is more true than we realize, because each sunrise signals a new day. And really, none of us is promised that day ahead of time...pure grace when it comes!

August 16, 2020

Fresh Mercies Every Day

August 16, 2020/ jan

I'm at my "Happy Place," the Jersey Shore. It took the whole summer to get here this year, but it was so worth the wait.

I am never disappointed at the beach. I see and hear and feel and smell and even taste God here in a unique way. The vastness of the ocean and the littleness of me on the shore help to correct my perspective about God and my life. And the sunrise over the ocean speaks with new messages every day.

These mornings here at sunrise in Belmar, I have been arrested by an awesome observation.

August 13, 2020

Senses Come Alive at the beach!

August 13, 2020/ jan

Since my mom moved to the beach in New Jersey many years ago, I've been able to spend the early morning hours on the beach.

Now I am basically an intuitive, rather than sensory person (a la Myers-Briggs). But I've found over the years that my senses come alive at the beach.

August 11, 2020

Ocean Sunrise in Scripture & Song

August 11, 2020/ jan

For several years before my mom went to Jesus, I spent lots of precious time with her on the coast in New Jersey. One of the highlights had always been my early morning walks along the beach at sunrise.

Since the summer is coming to an end, school is gearing up with all its uncertainties, and we are staying put in Ohio, I’m returning to this blog that I wrote after a sweet summer with my mom at my sister's house in Belmar.

Maybe you too need some peaceful reflection today. Why not join me as I "go down the shore" and enjoy the glory of our great Creator in pictures (my own), Scriptures and song.

Blessings, my friend.

August 08, 2020

My Beloved Beach and Sunrise Club

August 08, 2020/ jan

We are remaining in OHIO this summer…canceling our upcoming week on Long Beach Island at the Jersey Shore because of a 14 day mandated quarantine. So I’m revisiting my many ocean sunrise posts.

Join me as I reminisce and experience the immensity and beauty of our ever fresh and new God of Creation:

August 03, 2020

Live While You're Alive

August 03, 2020/ jan

Years ago, when our family was gong through a cancer health crisis, I read a book on alternative cancer therapies. It was a good book, but the best and most memorable part of the book to me was the introduction by Dr Patch Adams. You may remember the movie about this doc played by Robin Williams.

In the intro, the real Patch Adams said something I will never forget. He said, “Live while you’re alive.” He said probably for most of us it takes a life-threatening crisis like a cancer diagnosis to realize the preciousness as well as the brevity of life. It is then that people really begin to grab hold of each day as the gift it is.

July 31, 2020

Embracing the Life that's Mine, not the One I Wish were Mine

July 31, 2020/ jan

I was searching around in my blog the other day, looking for this post. Though I wrote it five years ago, I think it applies not only for that time, but also for today . . . and actually every today of my life. It preaches to me (the author) to never lose sight of the present reality of my God in my very real today.

If I just lost you with that last statement, why not keep on reading.

This is where I chose to live. How about you?

July 27, 2020

Take Two and Call Me in the Morning

July 27, 2020/ jan

It was mid-March 2019, and I had developed a skin irritation that was intensely itchy with a burning sensation. This, of course, was made worse by clothing that constantly touched it. Most may not give the matter much thought. Just call the doctor and take the given prescription. But no, not me. I’d had this type of irritation before.

The first time was during a bout of clinical depression which developed after the birth of my fourth child. The irritation wasn’t an actual rash although it came with severe anxiety as I obsessed over it. Through treatment for depression and anxiety, the “rash” disappeared….

July 26, 2020

You're Still You -- a Love Song from Jesus

July 26, 2020/ jan

Days of angst, emotional upheaval, going deep into past feelings and relationships!

Then this morning, as I sat alone with the Lord, the Lover of my soul tenderly “sang” to me.

And somewhere out there, I sense that He is singing to one of you too. Hear and receive for your inner healing.

July 16, 2020

Getting a Grip in this Pandemic

July 16, 2020/ jan

This day in July 2020 is our reality. It is part of the journey God has ordained for each of us.

If we are believers in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, may we live it out from our union with Christ. He lives in us, and we have the mind of Christ. Let us live with His indwelling attitude.

First posted in May 2020. But I fear we need this reminder again:

Brothers and sisters, we all need to get a grip! Our God owes us nothing! Absolutely zip! As Americans, as His children, as ____________ (whatever you may think entitles you).
All is pure gift! Absolute grace! Amazingly unconditional love!

A Branch in the Vine