After a wonderful month of relaxing vacation in North Carolina and Tennessee with my friend Michelle, I feel compelled to write about friendship and what a blessing from the Lord true friends really are. Do you see your friends as blessings from God?
It is my belief that good and loyal friends are few and far between and are really a gift from the Lord on High. That saying is so true about friends coming into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Have you been able to identify your friends in a particular category?
Some friends you meet in your youth or young adulthood and you will remain friends all the years of your life. You may lose contact, but they will always hold a special place in your heart. You may be separated by miles, but you can pick up the phone and start talking like it was yesterday, right?
Some friends are like guardian angels and God brings them into your life for a specific crisis or need. You may still keep in touch as the years go by, but then again they may just be angels that surround you and carry you thru some difficulties that come your way. I think that most of the people you meet in life are either the family you have and build, are through school, work, or church, shared interests or clubs, your community or your kids and their activities.
Introspectively, I believe that many of us live our lives in our own little world in many ways, thinking about ourselves, or our husbands or wives, our kids, grandkids, our parents and just trudging through what can often be the mundane order of life. But, do we really take time to stop and think about someone else's needs or wants? Stop to think about how our lives or actions impact others? Do we slow down enough to enjoy the company of our family and friends?
A few years ago, because of my increasing MS disability, my husband bought me a house in the mountains of NC so I could get out of this intense Florida heat during the summer. I say bought me, because it's true, I haven't worked since 2000, and although I still contribute what I can through SS and long term disability, my hubby has been the primary breadwinner in this house for many years, so I feel he really did buy me that house, because I have been the one to get the most enjoyment out of it and I am so thankful.
I have been very fortunate to have quite a few of my close friends and family come and visit me during the past 3 years and help out "taking care" of me. Doesn't that sound ridiculous? But it's pretty much true at this particular time in my life. It sure came a lot sooner than I thought it would, but at least for right now, I can't drive, cause I can't feel my right side, it's hard to stand for any length of time because of chronic pain, and the MS fatigue factor dominates most days. I haven't lost any zest for life, believe me, but in many ways I do have to be "taken care of."
Anyway, this year, my dear friend Michelle, a fellow MS' er, came along for the trip. We're pretty good buds. She lives down here in FL with me. and we hang out a lot. She still drives, so she's our wheels! We have had MS about the same amount of time, we both go to the same church, we both look at the glass as half full, not half empty. She helps makes my life bearable in many ways and I am grateful for that.
There were quite a few people who knew that we were going and were "concerned" about us making the trip, and I think that even the two of us somewhat doubted our ability to hang out alone together in the mountains. Could we really handle it? Cell phones in hand, "life alert" in the purse, and with little Miss Mollie ( our bichon pup) our journey began.
And we were psyched, we were both up for the "excellent adventure" as we called it. Two wild and crazy girls with a chronic disease like MS, both on walkers, alone in the forest, taking on the world by themselves?? Sounds pretty rustic and crazy, right? (Don't let your thoughts get too wild, because we actually have a nice 3 bedroom, 2 bath house, fully equipped.) But still, for us, it was quite a stretch, and one I think with God's help, we handled quite well. The Lord totally had His angels on guard for the whole month we were together :)
Thank you Jesus, and thank you Michelle for living day and night with me for the past month. I had a blast, and I will never forget you coming along for the ride or being my ride should I say. We did have some fun, a few adventures, a lot of laughs and talks. And, Michelle, you did TACKLE that Mountain Road, I'm so proud of you :))))
I was talking with my Mom yesterday and she made a comment that really made me smile. She said "I was thinking about your friend Michelle yesterday and her going up there and staying with you on the mountain. She's not even your family, Nicki. Taking you everywhere, and bringing you over here to see us. That was so very nice of her, you know, I think that really was a "God Thing."
I almost fell out of my chair! I have used that phrase for years, and often mention things that have happened in my life as " God Things " but I have never heard my Mom use that phrase, ever, until yesterday. I guess it's true that you never really how your words can resonate in the thoughts and hearts of others. It brought a smile to my heart.
Anyway, the summer is upon us now in Florida. The heat index yesterday was well over 100 degrees. I can feel it more each day and am asking for everyone's prayers to help me endure. I hope to head back to the mountains at some point this summer, but I just don't know how, or where, or when. But I'm gonna let the God of the Universe figure that out. He will no doubt open up someone's heart to spend some time with me, if that it what He thinks is best. He cares about every detail of our lives, not just mine, yours too!
I'll just do my best, stay in His will and try to stay "cool in the pool." You have a great weekend blog friends, where ever you are. Take some time this summer to reflect on the blessings in your life and thank the Lord on High for every breath He gives, for it truly is a gift. Enjoy this beautiful NC waterfall! I feel cooler already :)
My verse for today is from Psalm 91:9
"If you make the Most High your dwelling place, the Lord your refuge; then no harm will befall you and no disaster will come near your tent. For He commands His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways."
My prayer for today:
Thank you Lord for a safe and fun time away with my dear friend, Michelle. Thank you for Your protective Hand that was upon us during our trip. Thank you for my husband, who always so unselfishly and lovingly devotes such time and attention to me and my needs. Thank you for all the friends and family that touch my life each day. Help me to reach out to them in love so that You may be Glorified always in all my words and actions.
I pray this in the Mighty Name of Jesus,
Amen
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
The Peace of God
We all go through dark times or valleys in our life. But, how we handle those low points says alot about how we are as people and the happiness or lack of happiness in our lives. How do you seek the peace of God?
The book of Ephesians, chapter 6, 10-17 clearly tell us that our struggles in this world are not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the authorities and powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Kinda sounds like Darth Vader, doesn't it? But I believe that is exactly what we are facing each day.
We can choose to live our lives in the darkness or in the light. We all stumble, we all fall and need help. When I am having a down day, maybe feeling sorry for myself, letting my sickness get the best of me, or letting the problems in my life overwhelm me, I try to stop and say a few prayers and ask God to help me re-focus. Then, I put on some Praise Music. That will always turn my thoughts away from me and my problems, and towards the God of the Universe, the one that can always give me peace and happiness.
Try it once. Take a moment to turn your thoughts away from the problem that is consuming you: maybe it's something at work, or problems at home with your spouse or kids, or with your finances, or anything that has you feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders ---- turn off the the TV, the internet, the things of this world, and totally focus your thoughts onto the things of God for a moment. Rejoice in Him. Thank Him for everything you have. Read a few verses in the Bible, put on some uplifting Praise music and take a moment to think of everything that is good in your life. I think you will be humbled and thankful once again.
It's so easy to complain about the situations in our life and so quick to miss God's many blessings that are right in front of our eyes. I choose to live in the light. I choose to look for God inside everything that happens in my life, good and bad, because I know He is there. There have been so many situations in my life that I can look back on now, and at the time I was thinking, "Where are you God?" but now. year later, I can see His Hand guiding me through all the thickets and forests that seemed to overwhelm me at the time.
If you are going through a rough patch, I suggest you look up to God instead of inside yourself. We are weak, but He is Strong! Your answers will become much clearer and your peace will grow, if you give over all your problems to the One that created you, the One that is longing for you to come home to Him. Have a blessed weekend everyone!
My verse today is from Phillippians 4:2-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, and with thanksgiving, present you requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
My prayer for today:
Dear Lord Jesus:
Help me to always seek Your light and look for the blessings in my life. Help me to seek Your Face in all things and in all ways. Thank you Lord for the many blessings in my life.
In Jesus Name I pray,
Amen
The book of Ephesians, chapter 6, 10-17 clearly tell us that our struggles in this world are not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the authorities and powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Kinda sounds like Darth Vader, doesn't it? But I believe that is exactly what we are facing each day.
We can choose to live our lives in the darkness or in the light. We all stumble, we all fall and need help. When I am having a down day, maybe feeling sorry for myself, letting my sickness get the best of me, or letting the problems in my life overwhelm me, I try to stop and say a few prayers and ask God to help me re-focus. Then, I put on some Praise Music. That will always turn my thoughts away from me and my problems, and towards the God of the Universe, the one that can always give me peace and happiness.
Try it once. Take a moment to turn your thoughts away from the problem that is consuming you: maybe it's something at work, or problems at home with your spouse or kids, or with your finances, or anything that has you feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders ---- turn off the the TV, the internet, the things of this world, and totally focus your thoughts onto the things of God for a moment. Rejoice in Him. Thank Him for everything you have. Read a few verses in the Bible, put on some uplifting Praise music and take a moment to think of everything that is good in your life. I think you will be humbled and thankful once again.
It's so easy to complain about the situations in our life and so quick to miss God's many blessings that are right in front of our eyes. I choose to live in the light. I choose to look for God inside everything that happens in my life, good and bad, because I know He is there. There have been so many situations in my life that I can look back on now, and at the time I was thinking, "Where are you God?" but now. year later, I can see His Hand guiding me through all the thickets and forests that seemed to overwhelm me at the time.
If you are going through a rough patch, I suggest you look up to God instead of inside yourself. We are weak, but He is Strong! Your answers will become much clearer and your peace will grow, if you give over all your problems to the One that created you, the One that is longing for you to come home to Him. Have a blessed weekend everyone!
My verse today is from Phillippians 4:2-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, and with thanksgiving, present you requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
My prayer for today:
Dear Lord Jesus:
Help me to always seek Your light and look for the blessings in my life. Help me to seek Your Face in all things and in all ways. Thank you Lord for the many blessings in my life.
In Jesus Name I pray,
Amen
Monday, May 31, 2010
An Attitude of Gratitude!
Today is Memorial Day, 2010 and I am feeling moved to write about how grateful I feel about all the blessings in my life. I have much to be thankful for because the Lord has bestowed tremendous blessings on me and my family.
The Bible tell us to give thanks in "everything." That is not always easy, and often seems almost impossible, but as followers of Jesus, we are commanded to do what the Word of God instructs us to do. That can seem like a pretty tall order on most days, especially with all the craziness of this world we live in.
I talked to my Dad yesterday and I can say happily that it is the best he has sounded since he got sick over 3 1/2 months ago. He was engaging in conversation, asking alot of questions and seemed to be interested in something other than how we was feeling for the first time since his sickness began in February. That is an answered prayer, no doubt in my mind about that! I thank my Mom and especially my Dad for instilling in me the deep love of Jesus I feel in my heart at a young age. I went through the usual rebellion of young adulthood, not thinking I needed the Lord, but as soon as we had children, I knew I wanted them to grow up with something to hold onto in life, other than themselves. My prayer is that my kids will recognize and acknowledge the Lord in their life earlier than I did, because I know how much it can help them get through the ups and downs they will inevivitably endure.
I am grateful to God that my parents are both with us. My Mom is now in a nursing home, but adjusting well. She will be even better when Dad returns to the same home after the hospital releases him, which should be today or tomorrow. They have been married 62 1/2 years and naturally feel lost without each other. What a blessing to still have my parents at this late age in life. I know alot of my friends who lost their folks many years ago, and I know that I am very fortunate to have them.
I am grateful for my brothers, who have always dilegently watched over my folks. They have both been so devoted to them, and I am so fortunate to have them so close by and being able to handle everything. I physically couldn't do it, so what a "God Thing" that they are right there where they are at this time in their lives. That you for my sister-in-laws and their devotion to my parents. Thank you for the blessing of having all my family living so close by my parents these past years.
I am especially thankful for my faithful and loving husband of 32 years, who has been by my side without falter for the duration. He was absolutely a gift from God, and I will never cease thanking God each day for him.
I am thankful for my sons. That they are both healthy and safe. As I have been watching the news tonight and seen the many grieving mothers and fathers going to the graves of their children at Arlington National Cemetary, I am especially thankful that my kids are both alive and well. Their young lives are now out of our hands and in the most capable Hands of the Almighty God. Thank you Jesus for my imperfect life and my imperfect, but lovable family, who you have given me to watch over, to encourage, to stand by and to love, whatever the case. Give me the strength to do Your Will each day.
I am thankful for my generous friends, who are always so loving and so giving to me. The Lord has really blessed me with alot of love from many sources, and I will be forever grateful.
I am very thankful that I live in this free country of ours, and I am so grateful for those who answer the call to serve, often sacrificing their all so that we can live and worship our Lord without persecution. That is not always the case in many places in this world, but Thank you Jesus, that is the case in this great nation of ours. Many have died to protect our freedoms and I thank all of them from the bottom of my heart.
As a nation, we have SO MUCH to be thankful for. Please take the time today to thank the Lord for the many blessings in your life. Everything we have comes by the Hand of God. He made us, and He in in charge of ALL. Thank you Lord, that we can come to you with every thankgiving, with every detail and every problem we have in life. Help us to be patient in waiting on you to answer our prayers. You know our needs, and you know everything about us, right down to every hair on our heads. Your Kingdom Come, Your will be Done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
My verse for today is from Ephesians 15:19
"Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
My prayer for today:
Thank you Jesus for my life and the for the lives that touch mine each day. Thank you for putting certain people in my path to lighten my load. Thank you for my right to worship You, freely each day without persecution. Watch over those who protect and serve this great country of ours. Keep them safe, bring them home to their families. Be with the Moms and Dads, wives and husbands who grieve the loss of their loved ones on this holiday. Let them find comfort in Your Loving arms.
In Jesus Name I pray,
Amen
The Bible tell us to give thanks in "everything." That is not always easy, and often seems almost impossible, but as followers of Jesus, we are commanded to do what the Word of God instructs us to do. That can seem like a pretty tall order on most days, especially with all the craziness of this world we live in.
I talked to my Dad yesterday and I can say happily that it is the best he has sounded since he got sick over 3 1/2 months ago. He was engaging in conversation, asking alot of questions and seemed to be interested in something other than how we was feeling for the first time since his sickness began in February. That is an answered prayer, no doubt in my mind about that! I thank my Mom and especially my Dad for instilling in me the deep love of Jesus I feel in my heart at a young age. I went through the usual rebellion of young adulthood, not thinking I needed the Lord, but as soon as we had children, I knew I wanted them to grow up with something to hold onto in life, other than themselves. My prayer is that my kids will recognize and acknowledge the Lord in their life earlier than I did, because I know how much it can help them get through the ups and downs they will inevivitably endure.
I am grateful to God that my parents are both with us. My Mom is now in a nursing home, but adjusting well. She will be even better when Dad returns to the same home after the hospital releases him, which should be today or tomorrow. They have been married 62 1/2 years and naturally feel lost without each other. What a blessing to still have my parents at this late age in life. I know alot of my friends who lost their folks many years ago, and I know that I am very fortunate to have them.
I am grateful for my brothers, who have always dilegently watched over my folks. They have both been so devoted to them, and I am so fortunate to have them so close by and being able to handle everything. I physically couldn't do it, so what a "God Thing" that they are right there where they are at this time in their lives. That you for my sister-in-laws and their devotion to my parents. Thank you for the blessing of having all my family living so close by my parents these past years.
I am especially thankful for my faithful and loving husband of 32 years, who has been by my side without falter for the duration. He was absolutely a gift from God, and I will never cease thanking God each day for him.
I am thankful for my sons. That they are both healthy and safe. As I have been watching the news tonight and seen the many grieving mothers and fathers going to the graves of their children at Arlington National Cemetary, I am especially thankful that my kids are both alive and well. Their young lives are now out of our hands and in the most capable Hands of the Almighty God. Thank you Jesus for my imperfect life and my imperfect, but lovable family, who you have given me to watch over, to encourage, to stand by and to love, whatever the case. Give me the strength to do Your Will each day.
I am thankful for my generous friends, who are always so loving and so giving to me. The Lord has really blessed me with alot of love from many sources, and I will be forever grateful.
I am very thankful that I live in this free country of ours, and I am so grateful for those who answer the call to serve, often sacrificing their all so that we can live and worship our Lord without persecution. That is not always the case in many places in this world, but Thank you Jesus, that is the case in this great nation of ours. Many have died to protect our freedoms and I thank all of them from the bottom of my heart.
As a nation, we have SO MUCH to be thankful for. Please take the time today to thank the Lord for the many blessings in your life. Everything we have comes by the Hand of God. He made us, and He in in charge of ALL. Thank you Lord, that we can come to you with every thankgiving, with every detail and every problem we have in life. Help us to be patient in waiting on you to answer our prayers. You know our needs, and you know everything about us, right down to every hair on our heads. Your Kingdom Come, Your will be Done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
My verse for today is from Ephesians 15:19
"Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
My prayer for today:
Thank you Jesus for my life and the for the lives that touch mine each day. Thank you for putting certain people in my path to lighten my load. Thank you for my right to worship You, freely each day without persecution. Watch over those who protect and serve this great country of ours. Keep them safe, bring them home to their families. Be with the Moms and Dads, wives and husbands who grieve the loss of their loved ones on this holiday. Let them find comfort in Your Loving arms.
In Jesus Name I pray,
Amen
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