Hi, friends,
Ever had a conversation with God like I did today?
It's a glorious day in Florida, the kind I used to dream of when we lived in New York. So why would I hang on my computer doing email until after 11 AM? Frankly, I'm a workaholic, wanting to change. So I put on my sneakers, turned the iTyrant off, and went out the door.
Stepping into the fresh breeze, I aimed for two miles of brisk walking and talking with God. Instantly, I was confessing what I slug I've become.
"Lord, I'm so sorry for putting off exercise again just because of a sore elbow. I could have been walking every day. Now I've gained ten pounds since last Spring, can't fit into any of my pants, and my thighs are rubbing. I'm such a mess!"
He whispered, It isn't what you put into your mouth that defiles you; it's what comes out.
"Are you telling me I've been sinning with my words more than my appetite?"
No, I'm telling you that the care of your body, mind, and spirit are designed to work together with Me? That's how I made you. Remember, Virelle?
"I guess I forgot that again, Lord. I'm sorry. Can you explain it to me again?"
Do you remember in my Word where I cautioned you to see that your whole body, mind, and spirit were preserved blameless until my coming? When you neglect one part, the whole person can't walk in step with me fully. Do you want to do that, my Child?
"Yes, of course I do. But I fail so easily, Lord. I get lazy, and selfish, and well, You know how I get."
I felt His smile.
Yes, I do. But I love you anyway. Remember, you are to live your life with Me not by power, nor by might, but by My Spirit. I will help you all the way. You have only to ask. (see Zechariah 4: 6)
"Help me keep in step with you, Lord, and stop me when I'm going my own way. I love you, Lord."
And I love you, Child.
Forty minutes later I came home, fully refreshed. I'd met countless neighbors and dogs and talked with all of them. But it's what God said to me today that made all the difference.
Had to share this with you. May only His very best come into your life in the New Year.
Virelle
1 Thessalonians 5: 23- 24 "May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it."
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 01, 2008
Christmas Love to You!
Merry Christmas, friends!
We just returned from a week in cold New York visiting our son David and his wife, Jose, and two little boys, Jack and Stephen, for Thanksgiving. What happy times we had with them, celebrating Jack's third birthday, listing to his observations about Thanksgiving ("I'm thankful for Stephen."), hearing 18 month old Stephen tap his grandpa on the cheek and say, "Papa" so lovingly. Does it get any better?
It was fun being in their home for the first time at Thanksgiving, enjoying the loving atmosphere, plus having our daughter Amy join us. Over the top family times. The day beforehand we visited my 95 year old mother in her nursing home in Albany, NY and had a grand visit together. God fills my life with more good than bad. I'm grateful for that.
During difficult times (and who doesn't have them?), it's easy to forget God's goodness. While rereading Psalm 103 recently, I realized how true each verse is in my own life. When I began thanking God for each blessing listed, it amazed me how much I take for granted every day. So many gifts of His goodness fill my plate today. Can you count your own? Maybe during this Christmas season we could each thank God out loud at the beginning and end of our day for all the ways He's showed us His love, beginning with Jesus as our real, true, forever Savior.
I remember the first Christmas after I'd asked Jesus into my heart being in church and realizing for the first time what the words in the carols meant. Wow! They were no longer holiday songs, but celebrations bursting in my heart of the new reality of knowing Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Have you felt the same way, too? Did you know God's greatest desire is for you to know Him personally, to entire His forever family completely cleansed from sin? Because of Jesus' death on the cross for each one of us, we can be fully forgiven and welcomed into God's family. Take a moment and read John 5: 24 today. Invite Jesus to be your Savior and Lord this Christmas. He's the best gift you'll ever receive.
His Best to you!
Virelle
We just returned from a week in cold New York visiting our son David and his wife, Jose, and two little boys, Jack and Stephen, for Thanksgiving. What happy times we had with them, celebrating Jack's third birthday, listing to his observations about Thanksgiving ("I'm thankful for Stephen."), hearing 18 month old Stephen tap his grandpa on the cheek and say, "Papa" so lovingly. Does it get any better?
It was fun being in their home for the first time at Thanksgiving, enjoying the loving atmosphere, plus having our daughter Amy join us. Over the top family times. The day beforehand we visited my 95 year old mother in her nursing home in Albany, NY and had a grand visit together. God fills my life with more good than bad. I'm grateful for that.
During difficult times (and who doesn't have them?), it's easy to forget God's goodness. While rereading Psalm 103 recently, I realized how true each verse is in my own life. When I began thanking God for each blessing listed, it amazed me how much I take for granted every day. So many gifts of His goodness fill my plate today. Can you count your own? Maybe during this Christmas season we could each thank God out loud at the beginning and end of our day for all the ways He's showed us His love, beginning with Jesus as our real, true, forever Savior.
I remember the first Christmas after I'd asked Jesus into my heart being in church and realizing for the first time what the words in the carols meant. Wow! They were no longer holiday songs, but celebrations bursting in my heart of the new reality of knowing Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Have you felt the same way, too? Did you know God's greatest desire is for you to know Him personally, to entire His forever family completely cleansed from sin? Because of Jesus' death on the cross for each one of us, we can be fully forgiven and welcomed into God's family. Take a moment and read John 5: 24 today. Invite Jesus to be your Savior and Lord this Christmas. He's the best gift you'll ever receive.
His Best to you!
Virelle
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