When God Heals You in a Moment

"Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise...You turned my mourning into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy..."   --- Jeremiah 17:4, Psalm 30:11

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Isn't it remarkable when God does something specific just for you?

Like the time I told you about out at the farm after the passing of Lennon The Cat. Or when He did something so unique after the loss of Betty, a dear online friend, even sending confirmation via a tv show the next day. 

Well, 4 days ago while upon our red couch, I gazed past the picture window to the chair Sally always used upon her porch. A space between the huge tree and her house enabled me, in the past, to see her profile as she contentedly gazed at her neighbors' homes and the river down the way.

But this day I only thought, "I sit here and look out that window every. single. day. and now that Sally's gone? It will just make me sad to never see her there again. Perhaps I'll keep the sheers closed. "

And that's when God came through once more. In a half-vision, half-imagination way, it's as though I suddenly watched Sally rise from her chair, step to the railing, and begin joyfully waving to me! 

With full range of motion, something she hadn't had for years.

Sally appeared 50 years younger. She glowed in a long white dress, wavy hair shining. And standing at the rail, waving to get my attention, she reminded me of Betsy Ray standing on a ship's deck waving farewell to friends below:

Except Sally was dressed more like this:

I stared while Sally waved and waved, as though to tell me she was off on a huge, new adventure! That Heaven was all she dreamed--and more. That she was healed, fine and free. And she'd see me again someday.

Wow. And remember how I'd thought looking over to Sally's porch would from now on sadden me? Ha! Now it's as though that image of her was burned upon my blue eyes. I gaze over there, my mind brings up that memory and I nearly envision her again.

Every. Single. Time. And now I feel such joy in the remembering.

Oh, how God wants to heal our hearts! And as long as we remain open to Him doing so, anyway He wishes, no fear, no boundaries allowed, He will do exactly that--

-- in ways meant just for us because He knows us better than we (think we) know ourselves.

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."   --- Psalm 147:3

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Not normally a big fan of Christmas movies, I truly enjoyed this special one  yesterday at Youtube.

And this one! Oh my, we both really loved The 12 Days of Christmas Eve. Especially me.  ツ

We'd not watched Welcome to Mooseport in eons, so it was fun seeing it again.

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This can change us so much! --

If we'll never stop seeking, we'll never stop finding!

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Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

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 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

Another Season Of My Life Ended

"Blessed be ... the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."   --- 2 Corinthians 1:3,4

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Friday evening we lost our neighbor, Sally.

For 10 years Sally and her daughter, Sue, lived across the street and often I mentioned her to you. Sally in her dusters feeding the birds or sweeping her lilac-scented porch where we chatted (after one icy, long winter I told Sally her sunny, warm porch felt like a corner of Heaven).

Waving to Sally and shouting, "Hello!" while I raked leaves. Sitting in her cozy living room with Sue's dogs, The Price is Right playing. Taking Sally little birthday cards or gifts in May. Watching from our big windows Sally and her granddaughter and great-grandchildren and Sue lounging beside wading pools on oppressive, hot days, laughing. Sally walking Buddy, the dashchund, down the street.

Sally at the back door bringing us stew she'd just made or visiting here and complimenting me on a dessert I'd created. Sally thanking me for the strawberries from my yard, joking that she'd probably finish the entire jar before Sue got home. Sally companionably speaking with neighbors out on walks past her house.

Oh dear, Sally was 21 years older than me, but I tried not to think about when she would wing her way to Heaven, thus leaving our neighborhood without her sweet presence, sense of humor and peaceful heart. What will we all do without her?

Frankly, God is still showing me. He's still trying to cheer me up.

He said I could honor Sally by feeding the birds as faithfully as she did, so I filled the feeder and the suet basket, as well. Went inside and soon spied a squirrel nibbling the suet, but just as I raised my hand to pound on tap the window, I recalled Sally loved squirrels. No, really, cared for them like outdoor pets.

So, instead, I stood silently at the kitchen window and realized I'll need to love squirrels now, also.

And, too, be even more smiling and chatty to neighbors stepping past our house and wave and share an unhurried peace, an invitation to talk longer than just in passing.

And so, the Sally Season of my life is over. For years I reminded myself to appreciate it, to slow it down, but still it sailed by in a blur.

Yes, I know Sally's all giddy in Heaven; she loved Jesus with all her heart, but! When you see someone across your street for 10 years and during your up-close interactions, oh my, the hole they leave. The jarring change. 

You're assured of their eternal joy, but what about this new empty space in your own still-here, daily life?

But last night God did hint that He has things in store for me up the road a bit. Things yet unimagined. Things which will bring from-the-heart smiles again while helping others and being a conduit for godly joy.

And for the first time since hearing of Sally's passing, I began feeling anticipatory even in a neighborhood without my friend. Who ever knows just what kind of adventures God will provide...

... and what new beginnings He'll bring to help heal our hearts?

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted...This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. "   --- Matthew 5:4, Psalm 119:50

A special thanks to those of you at Facebook who gave me your condolences.

A favorite Sally post.

And this one.

And the day I first met Sally.

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Did anyone watch that over-the-top-Autumn-decor movie yet?  ッ

The seasons of our lives... 

None were meant to last forever, at least, none upon this temporary plain, so it behooves us to live each season well and do our best to appreciate all moments of its--and our--life here.

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Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be.

 

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 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

You've Done Thousands of Things! (And You Can Do Thousands More.)

"Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written...For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."   --- John 21:25, John 13:15

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I'm hoping no one who reads this blog thinks in her/his brain, "I'm forgettable, talentless, plain. Like vanilla. Nothing stands out about me."

Because oh dear, that's too sad--and a lie.

Yet if those sorry thoughts often swirl around your mind, this post is for you. It's a simple reminder that yours is not a wasted life! You've made a difference. You've done thousands of things, Honey, in this stopping-off place before Heaven.

Just read down this list of examples of what you may have accomplished. Things you might have done thousands of times--literally!

Perhaps, over decades, you've cooked thousands of meals

 for loved ones.

Read thousands of books, 

which made you more understanding.

Driven thousands of miles, 

sometimes giving needed rides to others.

Taken thousands of walks for your health.

Decluttered thousands of items so to

make your passing easier on your kids.

Written thousands of letters and/or emails

to let others know they're not alone, but cared about.

Washed thousands of dishes (and clothes), 

illustrating your love for family.

Made thousands of social media posts and/or phone calls 

to encourage friends.

Shopped for thousands of groceries thousands of times so to feed your family.

Perhaps thousands of times you've attended church, prayed prayers, sang songs thousands of times, spent hours alone with God. Vacuumed carpets, walked dogs, emptied litter boxes. Watched tv shows/movies/Youtube videos, learning new skills or ways to be (or not to be) and live Jesus-style upon this planet.

And those of you with 'real jobs'? Just imagine the thousands of hours you've poured into those for the care of your family!

Such a short list, this one. I'm certain you can think of other things you've done thousands of times.

What I believe? God keeps track of all this. He records it all in books--and He remembers. He appreciates what we do from a right heart, what was born from a godly compassion, the kind that keeps us giving, moving forward, in Him, decade after decade.

We're just passing through this place, but oh, what we're meant to learn here so to prepare us for Heaven! What we're meant to do, thousands of times in the name of service and aid to others.

The loving, the service, begins on this temporary plain, but will go on and on, forever. In obedience, in joy, now and for eternity.

I hope today you'll ask yourself what you've done thousands of times!

And Grace! Don't forget how Grace helps us do it all, every single thing God asks of us. What's important is to rely more upon Grace than ourselves.

The only way I could give away 2,500 items since 2019? By following Grace. Her idea of letting go of 10 items per week was genius! Doable. Not painful. And with Grace making it even enjoyable, for me, it's been downright miraculous.

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A Harvest Homecoming--a cute movie (very Hallmark-ish. I watched it alone.), but oh my. The set decorator! She (it had to be a she), strung bright orange leaf garlands in every house and business and even the elementary school gym(!) I thought maybe it was just me who was consistently distracted by this, but no. Half the comments pretty much said, "It was like Autumn threw up everywhere." Heee..... I'd never seen anything like it. She'd even tossed fake leaves all over lawns. Oh dear.  ッ

Tom and I finally watched the new Twisters movie. Really enjoyed it. Very little 'language' and yes, there was violence, but only the kind you'd expect in a movie about tornadoes. Er hem.

And we really enjoyed 50 to 1, a film about the race horse, Mind The Bird. Starts a bit slow and is a very simple movie, but the payoff at the end is worth it. We do love based-on-a-true-story movies!

To me, this tiny house felt huge! (Well, relatively. heh.)

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This began my morning with a big smile!  


----"Whenever i'm about to open up a bag of chips, i picture RFK Jr giving me this look, and I put down the bag of chips and get myself a carrot."
--@Annette Prestia

God notices every single thing we do, tiny or huge, out of love!

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Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

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 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

When You Realize Life Could've Been Sweeter

"But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."   --- James 1:6-8

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Know why my last two posts spoke about fear? 

Because it grieved me how--for months-- many Christians were all back and forth and sideways and downright scared (or low-keyed nervous) about the upcoming election. They worried about later, future events and viewed our Country stepping soon off a cliff into oblivion.

Many were confused as to why Jesus hadn't already scooped us up and rescued us.

How tragic to walk by sight, not by faith. To resemble the weary masses. To listen to fear and worry rather than the Holy Spirit who knows the future.

"... He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; He will speak only what he hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come."   --- John 16:13

Oh, when we listen to the Holy Spirit, instead!

Our short life upon this Earth will have more sweet hours than melancholy ones. 

More peace of mind than uneasiness. 

More godly assurance than gloomy doubts. 

More hope than dread.

More energy than fatigue.

More joy than upset.

Yet here's the good news: God delights in mercy and second chances. Today can become a whole new beginning! And what will help? This--

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."   --- Psalm 139:23, 24

Today we can make changes. We can choose to do better. Humility opens those kinds of doors for the fingers of God to work, you know.

We can tune-in more finely to the Holy Spirit's voice and receive His incredible daily assistance to become the gleaming lights Almighty God created us to be ...

...so to help the hurting, confused world He sent us to bring alongside  when He calls us home after other adventures He has in mind, first.

What are you choosing to believe for the days to come? Here's my personal list:

Today I'm believing for dancing in the streets, not violence.

Celebration, not mourning.

Anticipation, not dread.

Recompense. Restoration. Reward.

Reapings from actions sown.

Course correction. Awakenings. Change.

And healing. Much, much, much healing.

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The days are going to keep passing by. What matters is how we choose to live them physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally.

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Also? I'm choosing to believe over the next few years our Country will aim toward this--

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Books I finished reading in October:

Panty Hose, Hot Peppers, Tea Bags and More for the Garden by Yankee Magazine

Autumn by Susan Branch

Basket Case by Nancy Haddock

Farm to Trouble by Amanda Flower

The Ghost at Penniman House by Wilma P. Hays (the Scooby-Doo type of ghost. heh.)

The Inn at Tansy Falls by Cate Woods

The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer

Aunt Erma's Cope Book by Erma Bombeck

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Real Life Stars Hollow

Come Tour Some Tiny Homes With Me (Only for those who never tire of seeing tiny homes, even new, not yet lived-in ones.)  シ

Cottage Style Thrift Haul

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Fear not!

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

"Behold, I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland."   --- Isaiah 43:19

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Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

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 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

Think I'm Gonna Make a Rental Agreement With Worry?

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."   --- Isaiah 41:10

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See that dresser in the center of our kitchen? 

From the red couch, I watch Tom step from the left-hand countertop to the right-hand one, always pausing with his hand upon that dresser, first. No longer can he walk across the kitchen without bracing himself in the middle.

Sometimes, that hurts my heart. (If you're new here, as a baby, Tom had polio which settled in his leg.)

Last week we reminisced how Tom, decades ago, would carry his heavy guitar case into church. Or an amplifier. Out in the woods, he chain-sawed-down huge, towering trees, cut the rounds, loaded them into our truck. At his job, he climbed steep stairs to verify the highest boiler readings or just as exercise. On vacation we'd travel, sight-see, zoom along by train, camp.

Now? When out and about, Tom can carry only what fits into the brown leather 'man bag' around his shoulder. His hands must grip two sporty canes or the car-stored rollator. When descending our three steps to the back door, I stand at the bottom for encouragement. Always.

When home again (after oh-so-slowly climbing those three stairs), he uses our home's rollator to walk to each room. It can carry dishes, clothes, water bottles, etc. via the box he installed on top.

Travel: at this date we can't see that happening again.

But where I refuse to allow my mind to wander? To an imagined future world of scary unknowns, one stuffed with hours too tough to handle, days where I must do everything Tom no longer can.

And just so you'll know, I refuse to make peace with fear. I will never grant Worry a rental agreement inside this brain! No way, Honey, will I tolerate fear's lying mouth.

Probably you've heard 365 Bible verses exist telling us not to fear, one for each day of the year. That's lovely to know, of course, but if I choose to worry/fear/dread anyway? That's not lovely at all. That's actually disobedience. 

Yikes.

Besides, I believe it hurts God's feelings when I doubt His continued supernatural care. (One example is that He gave Tom his dream job at age 56. Eleven years later he still has it and our gratitude is huge. I mean, how often does that happen?)

During our hour of reminiscing, we felt so thankful we did the activities of our youthful years while we still could. We respected those early seasons; I like to believe because we followed God's promptings.

Only He could see this far ahead and realize we'd--now--so appreciate our memories of Young Tom and Debra On The Go.

The changes in Tom's body arrived slowly and each time, God provided a way to handle, to overcome each one. And here's the wonderful thing: still, even now, God gives us new dreams, ones we can do at this late date.

Of course, they are simpler and most folks wouldn't understand the delight. But that matters not.

What we know is that consistently shoving away walls of fear will allow us to grow closer to God in love and anticipation of days to come...

... and even with a 100 percent healthy body you cannot top that.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that Naomi goes with Tom to nearly all his appointments, most likely for the same reason I stand at the bottom of the stairs--encouragement that we have his back. We are blessed to have Naomi's help these days.

... and I do want to mention Tom faithfully works out on the treadmill (it has strong arm rails) and with weights and tries to eat right. He's not just sitting around waiting for 'the hammer to drop'. He's doing his part and believing that God will do His.

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What I'm still doing each day? Expecting at least 4 favorable things to happen, then counting them at night.

(Joyce Meyer said she wakes up thinking, "Something good is going to happen today," and I thought I'd up that to four good things will happen. heh.)

At first I expected many positive things would come from other people, but only a small percentage do. Most come when I stop procrastinating and actually make progress on various things. 

I'd show you a typical list, but you'd laugh. シ  But what matters is that always I can count on at least four lovely things happening every single day of my life!

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New England in Autumn  Oh my, this was almost too gorgeous to watch!

Shabby Chic Tiny Homes

Inside Frank Sinatra's Palm Spring Mansion

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If that spirit of fear does not come from God, why would I want even a tiny piece of it?

Your homework, if you choose to accept it (heh) is to see how quickly you can recall 10 times God gave you something special after you lost an earlier blessing.

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Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

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 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

Afraid After All These Years?

"We walk by faith, not by sight ... and no one shall take away your joy."   --- 2 Corinthians 5:7, John 16:22b

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The short version of this post? -- 

God created us with the ability to choose adventure and joy, so why would we pick dread and worry, instead?

So.

On October 1st I celebrated my 54th 'spiritual birthday', you know, when I gave Jesus my heart and trust and became a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

And on this past October 1st, I remembered that 11-year-old girl of eons ago and how, ever since, she's never felt alone. Lonely at times, yes, but never alone. And what else? Oh my, did she ever have mega stuff to learn.

Sheesh. What a fearful little gal she was! But now I can gaze backward and understand why God pretty much began yanking me out of jittery, wimpy pits of dread and fear of the silliest things. 

Over decades and by peeling back layers, He used vibrant, outgoing friends to help me lighten-up and desire a smile-worthy freedom. Other times, He used teachings from books or pastors or He taught me by lots of trial and error. 

Or He just silently tweaked me on the inside like a person standing, head bent, at a workbench with tools. God has abundant ways of setting us free, you know.

Well, I'm meandering, so let's get to today's point:

With all the thousands of hours and (literally) blood, sweat and tears Jesus has poured into me? What type of an example of His work would I be if I was all bug-eyed anxious and tense about the upcoming presidential election?

I mean, really. After 54 years of walking beside Him everywhere, should I still be apprehensive after all I've spied God do during my decades' long, incredible journey?

I think you know the answer.

These days, these past four years, especially, God reminds me that He's expecting me to--more than ever--walk by faith and certainly not by sight.

With great godly workings comes great responsibility. The more He pours into us, the more He expects us to know what we believe. To find peace in not wavering. To grow strong in Him and the power of His might. Stronger in joy. In gratitude. 

And in knowing with all our heart, that all will be well in Time because never will He leave us alone. Never.

"But we have the mind of Christ."   --- 1 Corinthians 2:16

Is the Holy Spirit within us worried about the future? Uh, no. So it would benefit us greatly to ask Him to show us His mind and thoughts in all matters. To crave His ways a million times more than our own.

If I'm a nervous wreck while waiting for God to answer a certain prayer, then I'm certainly not waiting in faith. And without faith? It's impossible to please God.

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Small Yellow Vintage Cottage Home Tour (although Honey, some of those yellows are mighty intense, indeed. heh.)

Step Into This Colorful English Country Cottage

Autumn In a Quaint New England Mountain Town

Here's a book I'm reading during my quiet times:

It's like a workbook (old school word) and is filled with marvelous quotes about overcoming those daily fears which can hold us back from our best life.

What's incredible? God can give us the wisdom and boldness to handle anything dark standing in our path. And remember: He's brought you through 100 percent of everything you've ever experienced. You're still here!

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Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

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 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15