Daily Wisdom for Women - January 31, 2023

 January 31, 2023 - Like a Child  "He called a little child to Himself and put him in the midst of them, and said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all]." Matthew 18: 2-3

There are several great points in the devotion for today.

1.  The one who is greatest in heaven is one who becomes like a little child---trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving.  Why is it that as we grow older, we lose some of these attributes.  When is it that we lose trust?  Is it when we are betrayed by the ones we trust?  Do we stop loving when our hearts are broken?  Do we stop forgiving when we are hurt so often by the ones who are not supposed to hurt us?  Do we forget that God's love is unconditional and that HIS love is the most important?

2.  In the discussion of those descriptors in the devotion, this question is posed:  Do you trust God like a small child trusts her good and loving mother?  That one is hard because my mother may have been good and loving when I was little; however, she changed as I grew older and could do NOTHING right.  Whatever happened to change her affected me and I suffered from that.    As the paragraph continues...I hope that I am loving.  I am trying hard to forgive.  Humble?  I struggle with that one sometimes also.

3.  Jesus doesn't want us to be childISH, but childLIKE.  Challenge!

4.  "Find a friend who can help keep you accountable.  Pray with her about it.  Remember that where two or three are gathered, Jesus is there in the midst of them.

Help me, Lord, to become like a little child, humbly looking up to you with loving eyes, full of trust, and fully forgiving.  Amen.

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 29, 2023

 January 29, 2023 -  Closer Than Breathing  "This time I will spare the region of Goshen, where my people live.  No flies will be found there.   Then you will know that I am the Lord and that I am present even in the heart of your land.  I  will make a clear distinction between my people and your people."  Exodus 8: 22-23

This is what I struggle with.  I don't remember that God is with me always.  I try to think of Him sitting beside me or walking with me or just hovering over my shoulder.  I struggle with Him being 'in my heart' all of the time.  Maybe it is because I am headstrong sometimes (well, most of the time).  Maybe it is because I think I can handle everything on my own.  Even though I pray more frequently and with more emotion, I still struggle with knowing that He is always with me.  I see the effects of God in sunrises, in our grandchildren, in the white flakes of snow falling from the sky, in keeping us safe when we travel.  I still have a hard time with comprehending that He is always here with me.  Why is that?

Lord, my breath and hope, thank You for being so near.  Amen.

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 26, 2023

 January 26, 2023 - The Courage of Faithful Women  

"The midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them...so God dealt well with the midwives." Exodus 1: 17, 20

I have always liked the story of Moses and the bulrushes and marveled at the bravery of his mother. It isn't quite the same thing, but I also think of the courage it took for Landon's birth mother to leave him as a Safe Haven baby, just to give him a better life than what she could provide (or so I think---there may have been other reasons).  Landon has been such a blessing to our family and he is such a super young man.  I am not comparing him to Moses, not at all, but just saying that faith has played a big role in his situation as well.

Faith is my 'word of the year' for 2023.  I hope that my faith is growing stronger each day, although I do have moments, and sometimes entire days, where I feel shaky and scared about everything.  Prayer and trying to remember that God is with me in ALL situations does help, and I am getting better with trusting Him.  

Lord, help me to be as brave and faithful as my many ancestresses. Amen.

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 25, 2023

 January 25, 2023 - That Sinking Feeling   "'Come,' Jesus said.  So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and waves, he was terrified  and began to sink.  'Save me, Lord,' he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him."  Matthew 14:  29-31 

I am scared and worry about so many things.  Driving in the snow was the big focus this morning, but it didn't happen.  God took care of it.  I lost sleep.  I tossed and turned.  I tried to read, and that didn't work.  

I despise going to the doctor.  It shouldn't be an issue when it is just a routine appt. But I am still scared that the routine appt is going to turn into something that has an issue and there will be more appts and then I will be nervous about the outcome.  All of that is worry about things that haven't even happened, and in the past, haven't happened. 

So...the last paragraph is one that holds a big impact:  "To avoid the sinking feeling of fear, keep your eyes and thoughts on Jesus.  And before you know it you'll be walking on water."  I don't think I will be actually 'walking on water,' but I can settle my nerves about the appointment on Friday.

Lord, help me to train my eyes and thoughts to remain on You and Your power---not my fears, obstacles, or challenges.  Amen.

Daily Wisdom for Women January 24, 2023

 January 24, 2023 - A Point of Trust "God [Himself]...has [been my Shepherd and has led and] fed me from the time I came into being until this day, the redeeming Angel [that is, the Angel the Redeemer---not a created being but the Lord Himself]...has redeemed me continually from every evil."  Genesis 48: 15-16

I have to admit that my mind is just not into this today.  My husband is watching FOX News and other news media, and he is talking to me during what he is watching.  I just can't concentrate.  Maybe I can return another time. 

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 23, 2023

 January 23, 2023 - The Complete Pathway - "The words you speak come from the heart--that's what defiles you.  For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.  These are what defile you."  Matthew 15: 18-20

This sounds....well....just horrible.  But when I read the devotion with it, the focus was on 'what is in your heart comes out of your mouth' and the emphasis on thinking more pure thoughts than those listed in the scripture itself.    That makes more sense to me.  

When we focus on reading the scriptures and pondering the messages God is sending to us through them, these are the main points to remember:

1.  God gives us perfect instructions which will renew our lives.

2.  We can trust God's testimony, which will give us wisdom

3.  God's perceptions are right so our hearts should be glad.

4.  From God's commands we will have insights into the right way to live.

 Lesson?  Immerse myself in God's word and believe his instructions!

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.  Amen.

Daily Wisdom for Women - Januray 22, 2023

 January 22, 2023 - God Sent   "Don't be upset, and don't be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place.  It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives...God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many surviors.  So it was God who sent me here, not you!"  Genesis 45: 5,7, 8

The first paragraph spoke to me.  "Sometimes we find ourselves in hard places because of the manipulations or machinations of those who wish us ill."  Usually I can come up with an example of something that happened to me, but in this case, it took a while.  Finally I thought about the last Fall Semester I was at Ivy Tech.  I had been asked to teach a dual credit ENGL 111 course at the Rochester Instructional Site.  Classes were capped at 20 and I was assured that that cap would be enforced.  When I looked at the class list, I saw 42 names. That was double the normal class size.  I called the dean of our school and explained and asked one of two things.  One was that the class be deemed an overload and I be allowed to drop one of my other four classes to compensate for that.  The other was that since the class was double the size of a normal class load that I be paid for an overload and still keep my other four classes.  Either way I would be fine with.  Withing five minutes (really probably less than that) the dean called and said he had talked to the Academic Dean of our region (actually the man who was at the Lafayette campus because of the merger of two regions) and he said no to both options.  No dropping a class.  No overload pay.  I really think that my dean didn't even talk to the Academic Dean, considering the quick response, and that my dean was trying to exert his power over someone whom he deemed to be a threat to his goal of climbing the ladder to the top rung.

By the end of that first paragraph I knew that this applied to the situation I just shared.   "He'll make sure to use whatever happens to us for good."  I really enjoyed teaching that class. Because I planned to retire the following summer, this was a 'coming full circle' for me.  I had left the high school, teaching juniors and seniors, and was ending my teaching career at the college by teaching seniors.  I was able to experience their excitement about college applications and homecoming, see all of the get-ups they created for Spirit Days, and celebrate their sports victories or sympathize with their defeats.  It was a fun semester, despite the grading load for 42 students.  

God knew what he was doing.  H gave me a routine.  I met many people I never would have known had it not been for that experience in Rochester.  He did.  "He will get us out, around, or through it."  That was true, and it will remain true.

I know hard times will come.  Many have come since I taught those classes at Rochester.  Three of our parents died.  Cleaning out the house in Wooster was emotionally and physically draining.  Making the decision to move from the only house we had lived in all of our life together was hard.  Getting acclimated in a new community took time. Then after we moved, Gary had two serious health issues.  Plus COVID hit us.  So...'through no fault of your own you are in  a mess, remain firm in both faith and hope, remembering God has a plan and all will someday be well.'  Truth!

I am trusting myself to you, Lord, for you are my light and hope.  Amen.

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 21, 2023

 January 21, 2023 - Tender of the Heart  "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart.  This is what was sown along the path."  Matthew 13: 19

I like the parable here, maybe because we are a farming family.  Maybe because I like flowers.  Maybe because I have sometimes struggled (like now) with having successful perennials.   I just can't get things to return around the gazebo and it is very frustrating!

First ---seed falling by the roadside - woman who heard the Word but didn't understand it in her heart - seed was snatched away

Second - seed falling on rocky soil ---woman who heard the Word, happy about it, but didn't stick with it - shallow roots--caved at first sign of trouble

Third - seed falling amid the thorns---woman heard the Word but experienced troubles in the world and worried too much--Word choked out and produced nothing

Fourth - seed falling on good soil - woman not only understood the Word but reaped a good harvest because the Word was also written in her heart

Too often I am like the third scenario.  I read the Word. I pray.  I understand it.  I share it with Rhonda.  But then the 'troubles of the world' and 'worries' creep in and there I go!  Off on my own tangent and NOT trusting God to take care of everything.  I really want to be the fourth scenario.  I do understand the Word but I am still trying to reap a good harvest.  I felt myself tensing up just while sitting in the waiting room at the Clinic the other day when Gary had his doctor's appt.  I am already tensing because of the appt with my cardiologist on Friday.  Why is that?  Why can I not just trust God and go and be calm?  Being tense is not good for my blood pressure!!!!

Lord of the harvest, Sower of the Word, make me a better tender of my heart.  May I take in Your message and reap a harvest beyond my wildest hopes and dreams.  Amen.

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 20, 2023

 January 20, 2023 - A Good Heart - "Whatever is in your heart determines what you say.  A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart."  Matthew 12: 34-35

I had to nod along with the reading today and I was especially pleased to see one of my favorite verses included in the narrative:

"Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."  Philippians 4: 6

It is hard, sometimes, to focus on the attributes that the verse emphasizes.  But as I read, there were many suggestions about turning away from those things that distracted me from focusing on the pure and lovely and honorable and excellent.  That is why I didn't like to hang around with women who bashed their husbands.  That is why I don't like to watch news programs. That is why I don't understand why stealing is acceptable.  Why are people allowed to walk into a store and just take items and walk out without paying---and it is ok?  Why do people in positions of authority continue to lie and no one calls them on that?  It is hard for me to watch, to accept, and since I really can't do anything about it (I am NOT going to New York City and try to stop someone from stealing from a small grocery store), I turn away from watching those types of programs.  That is why I am sitting on the couch in the family room, watching the Game Show Network where the old shows like "Match Game" and newer ones like "America Says" are rather tame in their content.  No one is stealing or lying or being vulgar or cheating. 

Lord, Help me to truly follow You by not just loving and caring for others more than myself but by thinking only of things worthy of You and praise. Amen. 

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 19, 2023

 January 19, 2023 - Joseph Moments - "O Lord, hear my plea for justice.Listen to my cry for help. Pay attention to my prayer, for it comes from honest lips...You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong...My steps have stayed on your path."  Psalm 17:  1, 3, 5

I had no idea what a "Joseph Moment" was, so it intrigued me to read that 'every woman will, at some point in her life, experience a string of Joseph moments...'.   But as those were explained, I realized that there had been many days where I couldn't seem to catch a break.  I felt like a 'wretched victim of circumstance.'  Sometimes I was 'forced into an unpleasant situation' and couldn't avoid anger or verbal attacks from others. I remember days when I came home from teaching at WC and felt drained because very little had gone right through the day.  One problem or crisis after another.  Nothing went as planned in the classes.  People (mainly students but sometimes faculty) had not come through with their responsibilities.  Not always my fault, actually more than likely NOT my fault, but adjustments had to be made and plans had to be changed and what needed to be accomplished that day was not.  

I don't really remember thinking that God was with me during these frustrating days.  I do remember thinking that the next day had to be better because it didn't seem like it could be any worse!  I remember telling Gary often when I returned home from days like those, that I was just tired of people.  I wanted to retreat, not see anyone, clear my head, and take a nap.   But, sadly, I just don't remember asking God to help me or think that He was right there with me each step during the day.

If the same things would happen today, even though I am not teaching any more and my frustrations or 'Joseph Moments' would be different, I think---or I hope!--that I would rely on God to be walking beside me and help me get through the moments better than what I did when I was teaching.  Morning devotions and Bible study have helped me realize that He is with me every step of the way, day by day, minute by minute.

Dear Lord, I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God,.  Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways...Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.  Amen. 

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 18, 2023

 January 18, 2023-  The Path - "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."  Matthew 11: 28-29

This reminded me of the song "Fishers of Men" that we used to sing in Sunday School.  

I Will Make You Fishers Of Men,
Fishers Of Men, Fishers Of Men.
I Will Make You Fishers Of Men,
If You Follow Me.

If You Follow Me,
If You Follow Me,
I Will Make You Fishers Of Men,
If You Follow Me.

Hear Christ Calling “Come Unto Me
Come Unto Me, Come Unto Me.”
Hear Christ Calling “Come Unto Me
I Will Give You Rest.”

“I Will Give You Rest.
I Will Give You Rest.
Hear Christ Calling “Come Unto Me
I Will Give You Rest.”

The devotion isn't anything about this though.  Well, maybe how to live in the path of Jesus and how to walk with him.

Three steps:

1.  Go to Jesus to enter into His presence--truly seek Him with all of my heart 

2.  Learn how Jesus lived, walk as He walked, do as He did---become humble and gentle in my heart.  Bring rest, renewal, and peace to my soul

3.  Bless the Lord who guides me.  He is always with me.  I will not be shaken.

The prayer today:

Lord, you make know to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy...pleasures forevermore.  Amen.

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 17, 2023

 January 17, 2023 - Never Lost - "Jesus told everyone in his household, 'Get rid of all your pagan idols, purify yourselves, and put on clean clothing. We are now going to Bethel,  where I will build an altar to the God who answered my prayers when I was in distress.  He has been with me wherever I have gone.'"  Genesis 35:  2-3

I struggle in the mornings, from the time I wake up until I start moving around.  Usually it is to take a shower, wash my hair, and get dressed that pulls me out of the dreary and panicky mood that I am in. One thing I am thankful for is having the master bathroom next to the bedroom so I can pull myself out of bed and push myself into the bathroom and take a shower.  Once that happens I feel much better.  

My routine has become to start the day with devotions.  Since we re-arranged the family room just before Thanksgiving, I have moved my laptop to the plaid couch along with my two devotional books.  I try to start each day with my morning devotions with Rhonda, then post here.  Before I return to the kitchen or anywhere else, I try to post in the DWLZ forum plus play the Microsoft Mahjong and keep up with it.  Somewhere in there is breakfast.  Usually by the time I finish, and work on laundry since the laundry room is off the family room, it is time to watch The Price Is Right, and I like to do that too.  Sounds like a retirement thing, doesn't it?  

I don't feel lost as I go through the day.  I only feel lost when I wake up.  Sometimes if I wake during the night to make a trip to the bathroom, I have trouble falling asleep again. Last night was one of those nights.  I panic again, get scared, and have jumbled frightening thoughts running through my head.  It is at those times that I need to really focus on resting, praying, and trusting God to see me through the night safely.  I don't know why that is so hard for me!

The prayer today is a short one.

Lord, I'm back.  Amen.

(Actually I haven't left. I just veer off the path occasionally)

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 16, 2023

 January 16, 2023 -  The Seeking God - "When John in prison heard about the activities of Christ, he sent a message by his disciples and asked Him, Are You the One Who was sent to come, or should we keep on expecting a different one?"  Matthew 11: 2-3

When I walked into the kitchen/dining room this morning, I was greeted with the most beautiful sunrise. Various shades of red were painted across the eastern sky.  It was gorgeous.  I didn't capture it with my phone's camera since my phone was still by the bed and I didn't want to wake Gary.  Plus I knew that by the time I walked upstairs and back, the colors would change and the perfect configuration would be different.  But oh my---my first thought was that God was busy with his paintbrush.  I don't understand how anyone could look at such a beautiful sunrise and not know that there is a Supreme Being at work in the creation of it.  

Open your eyes, people.  Notice the miracles that surround you each and every day.  Be thankful for all of the blessings you receive, even if there is trouble and turmoil in your lives.  God is there.  We just need to look for Him.

Blessed God, Saving Shepherd, Holt Spirit, it is you I seek.  Amen.

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 15, 2023 -

 January 15, 2023 - Loved and Valued - "Then Jacob went on his way, and God's angels met him."  Genesis 32: 1

Hmmmm....because I have made God my refuge, His angels are guarding me (by His command!).  

Every time I read something like this:  "the next time you feel yourself overwhelmed with thoughts of worry and worthlessness, when your fear threatens override your faith, remember all those angels and the Lord of Light with you...."  I think about my mom.  She used to drill into our heads that God was going to be upset with us, wouldn't love us, wouldn't care about us...all because we didn't make our beds or clear the dishes or disagreed with her or were in trouble for some minor transgression.  I was always so afraid that if I died at that moment, I wouldn't be going to heaven because I hadn't washed the dishes correctly.  Or I would burn in hell because I left my bike out overnight.  Or if I argued with Mom about anything, God hated me.  I felt doomed.  Often I felt worthless.  Sometimes I still feel worthless.  Last night was a good example.  More on that later.  But it wasn't until we returned to the Christian Church in Francesville that I finally understood/believed that God did love me for me.  If I messed up in some way, he would forgive me.  He didn't keep a running list of transgressions that he was going to read back to me each time I messed up and then he would tell me "Let's add another one to the How Beth Was Bad list! You are DOOMED, girl.  DOOMED!"   Sad thing is...Mom was still telling me that when I was in my 60s.  Fear had been overriding my faith---but no more!  I know better!  God is my provider, my friend, my support, my rock.  He will not forsake me.  He will not desert me.  

Last night I was dreaming about Mom.  She was in the bedroom in Mt. Vernon and was looking through the closet.  She was pulling out clothes, taking them off the hangers, and stuffing them in a bag.  When I asked her what she was doing, she told me she was taking all of the clothes in the closet to Goodwill for donation.  I said she couldn't do that, that they were MY clothes, and she had no authority to take them and give the away.  She replied that she did because even though I had bought them with money I had, I wouldn't have been able to earn that money without my degree and the only way I got the degree was because she had scrimped and saved to pay all of my college costs.  She never did understand that ISU had awarded me a full tuition scholarship and that I had loans from the bank in Mt. Vernon for the rest of the costs.  I started payment of that loan the year after I began teaching and ended the year after we were married.  As I said, she never understood that.  So no...she never thought that God valued me or Greta nor did He love us.  He kept lists of all of our wrongdoings and would make us pay one day for all of those.  Just so we didn't have to wait, she would start making us 'pay' by reminded us every few weeks or month about those things we had done wrong.  What a sorry and depressing attitude!

You, Lord, are my refuge my love, my life, and light!  Amen.

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 14, 2023

 January 14, 2023 - Glints of Sunshine - "Then God remembered Rachel and answered her pleading and made it possible for her to have children. And [now for the first time] she became pregnant and bore a son."  Genesis 30: 22-23

Times in our lives when we must wait on God. How true is that?  Waiting for graduation from high school so I could go to college and be away from home?  Waiting for the first job offer (and signing the contract that I typed myself in the administration office)?  Waiting for the perfect guy to come along (and I thought I was SO old---at 24 when I met Gary)? Waiting for our first child (five years after we were married and after a miscarriage)?  Waiting for time for retirement?  Waiting for the decision to leave the job at West Central and move on to Ivy Tech?  Waiting to find the perfect house for us?  Waiting for the births/adoptions of our grandchildren?  So many times we have waited and have been restless and impatient!  But by waiting, the best things happened! The right job.  Meeting Gary.  Having Megan, then Hilary.  The list goes on and on.  All according to God's plan.

My glints of sunshine....Gary.  Megan.  Hilary, Blaine. Matt. Landon. Tessa. Cooper.  Owen.  Lynnlee.  West Central.  Ivy Tech.  Friends.  New house.  Money in the bank.  Talent to sew.  

And there are more.

"Thank you, Lord, for remembering me, for providing me with sparking glints of sunshine.  Amen."

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 13, 2023

 January 13, 2023 - Wherever You Go - "The Lord...said...'I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go...I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.' Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, 'Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn't even aware of it.'" Genesis 28: 15-16

What we all need to remember is that God is always with us.  He will never desert us.  Just like being with Jacob through all of his troubles and frustrations.  He will always be with us too,  The reminder:  God is everywhere you are.  He is with us constantly.  That is hard for me to remember sometimes.  Well, most of the time.  But the last line is key:  The more you are aware of it, the more you will be aware of Him!  No kidding!

Thank you, Lord, for being with me wherever I go--protecting, providing, loving.  Amen!

Daily Wisdom for Women, January 12, 2023

 January 12, 2023 - Perfect Peacefulness - "He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great and wonderful calm (a perfect peaceableness). And the men were stunned with bewildered wonder and marveled, saying 'What kind of Man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him!'"  Matthew 8: 26-27

I love this story because the fishermen are so stressed about the wind and the waves and there is Jesus, in the front of the boat asleep!  Not a care in the world!  But when they woke him to help, he took care of them.  He had the power.

All of this is a great reminder that God has the power over all of our storms, those that are visible and those that are invisible to others.  When He is with us, there is no reason to panic, and since He is with us always, there should be no panic at all!  Yep.  Tell me that often because I panic, I am afraid, I stress out over things, and I focus on the 'what ifs' more than I should.

Thank you , Lord, for stilling the storms within and outside of me!  Amen.

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 11, 2023

 January 11, 2023 -  The Why Questions - "Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife because she was childless.  The Lord heard his prayers, and his wife Rebekah conceived.  But the children inside her struggled with each other, and she said, 'Why is this happening to me?'  So she went to inquire of the Lord."  Genesis 25: 21-23

 

Regarding my post yesterday---I had plenty of Why questions about the event that bothered me.  However, I really didn't take it to the Lord in prayer.  I didn't look at the big picture like I should have.  Instead I fussed and fumed and let myself bristle with hurt when I shouldn't have.  If I had just gone to God and asked Him why, but even that wasn't what was important.  Looking at the bigger picture, it really was no big deal and with the COVID positive test, that meant that we didn't have to cancel or explain or whatever.  

The focus today is this:  when there is a 'why,' there is only one answer, and that one answer comes from God.

Three things to remember:

1.  God alone holds all the answers 

2.  God alone is the ultimate source of wisdom

3.  God alone can and will answer our specific questions

Truth!

Lord, You are the source of all wisdom.  So I come to You now, asking why this is happening to me--knowing that You will answer, You will give me whatever guidance I need.  Amen.

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 10, 2023

 January 10, 2023 - Praise and Joy - "I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.  I will be filled with joy because of you.  I will sing praises to your name, O Most High."  Psalm 9: 1-2

I know that God has a plan for us.  A good example popped up for me today.  I was peeved about a family situation and it really irked me.  Gary kept telling me that it was 'no big deal' which it really wasn't, but it still bothered me. However.....on Saturday I took a COVID test because I had a cold, which in itself is 'no big deal,' but I had lost my sense of smell and that was a big clue that something more was wrong.  It was positive so we quarantined ourselves, Gary slept in the spare bedroom, and I did a lot of resting and reading.  Today's test was negative which was a relief.  but the "God thing" was that if the 'no big deal' had happened, we would have had to cancel because of the COVID, just like I have had to cancel everything else that was planned for last week and this.  Why did I not just accept that the 'no big deal' was just that instead of fussing about it?  I think the devil was trying to work in my head and heart instead of letting me realize that it wasn't meant to be in the first place.  It really was 'no big deal.'

Lord, I raise my eyes to You, my mouth full of praise, my heart of joy! Amen!

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 9, 2023

 January 9, 2023 - As Promised - "The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised.  She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age.   This happened at just the time God had said it would."  Genesis 21: 1-2

As I read the devotion, the words "The Lord kept his word and did...exactly what he had promised." were emphasized.  I had been thinking on those words as I typed them in the verse above.  The writer of the devotion reminded me that these words will be important to remember when I am distraught and anxious (which is me most of the time) or even when I am joyful and secure (which has been happening more often than it did).  Right now I am struggling with testing positive for COVID because I can't go anywhere or see anyone.  I was grumbling this morning about that, and Gary reminded me that the situation could be SO much worse.  I could be VERY sick, in the hospital, on a ventilator, close to death.  Instead I had a head cold, and not even a BAD head cold like I usually get.  I had been taking OTC and was feeling much better when I tested.  The cold was more in my nose and my head and had not gone into my chest, for which I had been very thankful.  What has been the result of testing positive?  Staying at home.  I love staying at home, just not being restricted to home. I know.  I am spoiled.  We had to miss Landon's birthday.  You know what?  We weren't there when he was born either.  It's not important that we BE there with him ON the day.  What is important is that we are there for him ALL the time, whenever he needs us.  He can get his gifts when I feel better and I can actually get a hug from him then.  There are blessings all around and I just need to open my eyes and be thankful for them!

That middle paragraph in the devotion is important too.  God has given us so many promises that I need to remember each time I feel myself slipping into the 'poor me' mode.  His never-ending guidance.  His faithfulness.  His love.  His grace.  All of the blessings we continue to receive each and every day.  His wisdom through His word.  His peace and joy and power and more.

God does always keep his word.  He keeps his promises.  He is always here with us.  Nothing happens except for His reason.  As Rhonda told me, this time of rest is what I need after rushing through the busyness of November and December and the holidays, entertaining, gifts, travel, and more.  I need this time period of rest, so I need to take advantage of it and be thankful that I am not in the hospital or on a ventilator and that by next week, I'll be wishing I had more time at home!

Lord of love, lead me to the promise You would have me claim as I read Your Word today.  Amen.

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 8, 2023

 January 8, 2023 - Lot's Wife - "[The angels] said, Escape for your life! Do not look behind you, or stop anywhere in the whole valley...But [Lot's] wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt."  Genesis 19: 17, 26

Three Essential Points in Our Walk with God

1.  Always obey God.

      Rules are not to restrict us.  They are to guide us and keep us close to Him.  He knows what is best for us and we need to trust Him and His guidance for us.

2.  Cling to God alone.

       Material possessions are not important.  God doesn't care how many sets of china we have or which what the labels on our clothes are.  He cares about our obedience and faithfulness to Him.

3,  Never look back.

       We can't return to the past.   Just like I had to move on from living in our old house, we need to keep moving forward and not look back.  I won't return to teaching.  That part of my life is over.   I am having a little trouble embracing the fact that I am 71.  That's hard!

Lord, Help me become an obedient daughter with my eyes on you alone.  Amen.

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 7, 2023

 January 7, 2023 - Anything Is Possible - "Sarah laughed at herself saying, 'After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?' The Lord said to Abraham, 'Why did Sarah laugh and say 'Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?' Is anything too hard for the Lord?'"  Genesis 18:  12-14

I had to laugh because there is no way I would want to have another baby---and I can't since parts of the baby-making process have been removed!  But it is comforting to know that Gary and I will be able to do some of the things that are difficult for us IF we have faith in the Lord to give us the strength and ability to do those things.  

While I know that age is a factor, I also believe that COVID, being in the house for long periods of time, not being as active when we were quarantined, and limiting our interaction with others has influenced how limber we are and how much energy we have.  We are fortunate that we have a long lane to walk for checking the mail box and just for exercise.  We have a yard to walk around.  Gary enjoys doing the chores because it gets him out of the house and gives him a break from watching FOX News and NCIS reruns.  Even though it is a little costly, I need to continue my sessions with Megan the Trainer because I need to strengthen my muscles and increase my movement and balance and she forces me to do those things.  

Since we have been home from Branson on January 2, we hadn't left the property until yesterday afternoon.  January 6.  We had been in the house for four days solid.  There was a moment when it would have been much easier to just stay at home, but we both needed to get out of the house.  Even though I like being here and have plenty of things to keep myself busy, I don't want to slip into the trap of just staying at home and not interacting with other people.  We haven't even seen the girls!  The only family we have seen are Blaine and Owen one afternoon when Blaine came to do the chores and Owen wanted to see Papaw (and really wanted to sit in the recliner, eat chips, and watch a movie).  

I was really scared about not wanting to take a shower and get dressed.  That would be a bad sign!  That hasn't happened, and I won't let it happen!

Holidays are over.  Back to normal activity!

Help me keep in mind, O Lord, that nothing is too hard for you.In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 4, 2023

 January 4, 2023 - Breakfast of Champions - "But He answered, 'It is written: Man must not live by bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"  Matthew 4: 4

Sometimes I forget during the day to thank God for my blessings or to pray for peace or comfort or whatever else I need.  But I do pray at night.  I try to pray The Lord's Prayer as soon as my head hits the pillow, then I add in my own petitions and praises.  Most of the time I fall asleep as I am praying, which I think is a good thing, because I feel peaceful and safe as I am talking to God about my day and about my concerns.

Remind me each day, Lord, to feed on Your Word, eating the breakfast of champions.  In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

 

Note:  I accidentally posted the devotion for January 6th on January 4th so that is why the posts are on different dates.

 

 

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 5, 2023

 January 5, 2023 -  "I Will" - "The Lord had said to Abram, 'Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you.  I will make you into a great nation.  I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt.'"  Genesis 12: 1-3

One of the hardest things I ever did was move to northern Indiana by myself.  I knew no one.  I was starting my teaching career.  I had no money.  My parents had moved from southern Indiana to Ohio.  My sister was going to business school in Evansville.  I was scared.  But I did it.  I had faith that God would take care of me, and He did.  My heart sunk when I learned that at the end of my first week of teaching the veteran teachers would be receiving the final pay on the previous year's contract and that the new contract would not pay until the end of the following two weeks.  I didn't have enough money to get myself through two more weeks!  It would be either no food or no gas, and I needed gas to get back and forth to school.  Fortunately the school board decided to pay us half of our first pay that first Friday, then the rest of it two weeks later.  It wasn't much, but it was enough for me to at least eat something for the next two weeks AND drive to school.  Plus there were two other new teachers who lived in Monticello and we shared rides so that helped too!

I left behind my safety net, living at home, eating food my parents had purchased and prepared, and had struck out on my own.  I never looked back.  When I think of those times, I am amazed now at how strong I was because I certainly didn't feel strong at the time.  

I also think of the blessings I received.  Many friendships.  Meeting Gary and his family.  Getting married (and still going strong after 46 years!).  Two daughters.  Two sons-in-law.  Five grandchildren.  A successful teaching career ---33 years at West Central and 10 years at Ivy Tech, plus retiring as an associate professor!  Who would have thought that back in 1973 when I left the driveway at 1330 Barnes Drive in Wooster, driving a UHaul truck with Sherry following behind in my Ford Maverick?

That has continued into the last six years with deciding to move, finding the perfect house and property for us, and being able to pursue other interests. God has been leading us in the right direction every step of the way!

Help me, Lord, to not get sucked into the idea that I need material things to give me joy. All I really need is you.  Amen.

After I read the prayer, I realized that I went in a different direction than what the devotion was.  Material things.  I know I like material things, and I do buy probably too many things to decorate the house or have too many clothes and especially shoes.  But I am not obsessive about those things like my mom was, and I hope I never am.  I am thankful that I have the means and the ability to buy what I need and sometimes things I don't really need, but I am not substituting them for the relationship I have with God.  

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 6, 2023

 January 6, 2023 - Above and Beyond - "You have heard the law that says 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies!  Pray for those who persecute you!  In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven."  Matthew 5: 43-45

Oh my!!  In the first paragraph is this lines "It means not just tolerating your enemies but loving them!"  Rhonda and I have had many discussions about that word 'love' and its meaning.  Both of us tend to reserve the word for people we have strong feelings for, such as our children and grandchildren and, of course, our husbands.  It is hard to show 'love' to someone who troubles us, such as a belligerent student. If I think of the word 'love' and attach a meaning of 'showing kindness or compassion,' then the word can work for me in situations where I need to show 'love' to others, those not in my family  

Next we are to pray for those who give us a hard time.  That is much easier for me to do.  I can pray silently for those who trouble me, who hinder what I am trying to do, who act differently than I expect in certain situations.  

There there is the word 'faith.' It is popping up more and more, probably since I selected it as my Word of the Year.  That's good though!  I need to see it used in various ways so that I can indeed grow in my own faith.  "Simply call up whatever faith you need to do His will, what He would have you do, remembering HIS way is the only true way."

The prayer:  "Help grow me, Lord, into the woman You want me to be.  Give me the strength, power, determination, and mindset, to walk in Your will and way.  Amen."

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 3, 2023

 January 3, 2023 - Habitual Fellowship - "Noah was a just and righteous man, blameless in his [evil] generation; Noah walk [in habitual fellowship] with God."  Genesis 6: 9

The key in the devotion today, which focuses on the story of Noah as a person, is that we need to spend time with God---making that a habit.  A good quote from the last paragraph in the reading is "When you habitually spend time with God, you too will begin the process of realigning yourself with Him, beginning with your thoughts  Doing so will not only save you but aid you in saving others."

Rhonda and I have been sharing devotions for at least 6 years.  So far we have not faltered from our daily routine, even though there have been times when one of us has to post each day while the other is away from home or busy with other things and just can't access the computer.  But we always catch up and continue.  We never abandon the journey. 

We chose the book 365 Morning Devotions for Women because we both try to focus on our devotions first thing in the morning, especially since she retired last year.  It is a good way to start our days.  I added in this devotion each day.  I saw this book on my stack of books by the bed and I am not sure where it came from.  Maybe I bought it a while ago as a possibility for Rhonda and me to  use/  At any rate I am using it as a secondary devotion source and posting here.  

I like the title of this devotion also---Habitual Fellowship.  I enjoy starting my day with devotions, with a look at the scripture, and with a focus on the prayers at the end of the passages.  It is true what they say about doing something for so many consecutive days, then it becomes a habit.  I would really miss my morning devotions if I couldn't do them!

Daily Wisdom for Women - January 2, 2023

 January 2, 2023 - Continual Refuge - "Kiss the Son [pay homage to Him in purity]///O blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) are all those who seek refuge and put their trust in Him." Psalm 2: 12

The big message in today's devotion is that God is always there for me.  No matter what I do, no matter how much I mess up, no matter how much trouble I think I am in, God is there for me, forgiving me and encouraging me to remain faithful to Him. There will be consequences for our actions, but God will never desert us.

Help me to always remember, Lord, that You are there for me---always have been, always will be.  Amen.

Daily Wisdom for Women - Jan 1, 2023

 January 1, 2023 - A New Beginning - "The earth was without form and an empty waste, and darkness was upon the face of every great deep.  The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light;' and there was light.  And God saw that the light was good (suitable, pleasant), and He approved it; and God separated the light from the darkness."  Genesis 1: 2-4

 

Starting at the beginning.  How fitting for the first day of a new year.  Not only that, but New Years Day is on Sunday which to me is the first day of the week as well.  How about that!

New day!

New week!

New month!

New year!

All rolled into one!

The last paragraph is important and words to remember:  "Make it good by training your mind to look for God's light, to seek ut His Word, remembering He's with you, every step of the way." 

Lord, fix my eyes and mind on Your good light.  Amen.