Silent Strength

 

(Source: inspirationsforlife)

When our sons were in college, a verse they turned to on many occasions was Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." They knew that God was with them through all their trials but it was up to them to prepare and trust in God.

God is our silent strength.  Have you ever had moments where you felt you couldn't make it through?  God is always there and He can calm your fears as you face the tallest barriers.  Strength is not always a physical attribute.  Many times is takes a strong faith to weather the storm.  If you believe in yourself, you believe in the gifts God has given you.  Therefore, you can keep going. 

We take so much for granted.  Is it too much to ask that we acknowledge God's hand in our lives?
Isaiah 41:10: "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."

Great Love

 

I love reading quotes.  So many writers have hit the nail on the head about life.  Here is one of my recent favorites: "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”  Mother Theresa was the author of that quote and since she did great things, I feel she was speaking to folks like me.

I have always been a volunteer.  Sometimes a reluctant volunteer and other times an enthusiastic volunteer.  As I grew in knowledge and age, I realized that the best volunteer is a person who performs good deeds with joy.  Hebrews 13:16 tells us: "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."

 

As I consider my usefulness in this big, beautiful world, I pray that my small acts of love are felt by many.

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16.

The Gift of Sight

This week I visited the eye doctor for my annual check up.  The good news is that my current vision requires no change to my glasses. The bad news is that as we get older, our eyes begin to wear out. 

(Source)

That started my thought process about not having the gift of sight.  How much I would be missing if I couldn't enjoy God's every day miracles.  How some people never get the chance to see at all.

We take so much for granted.  Think about the workings of your eyes.  A complex process involving the brain and nerves working together to produce sight.  Amazing!  Nothing to wind up each day or plug in...the human body takes care of it all.  Blue, brown, green, hazel...eyes come in many colors but each one designed by God.

Matthew 6:22 says, “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light." How blessed we are to have a lamp that lights our way.  Look for good things in average settings and be thankful you are in possession of such a wonderful gift: the gift of sight.

Wear a smile

Last week I greeted an older couple at church and asked how they were doing.  The lady remarked that she noticed I always have a smile on my face.  My answer was, "Why not?" 

I have been blessed with a happy disposition. I wake up humming and ready to see the beauty of the day.  When I was a 'tween, my parents bought me an antique looking wind-up alarm clock.  Instead of buzzing me awake, it played "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning."  Even today, I find myself singing that song as I jump into the shower.

 

The truth is, life is short.  Do you want to move through your days feeling moody or unhappy only to look back and wish for a happier outlook or what might have been?  Start today.  We aren't all optimists and Pollyannas, but each of us can try to move forward in a positive direction. Choose to enjoy this lifetime. Baby steps....now. 

I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.  Ecclesiastes 3:12

 

A beach stroll...

There is something special about a beach stroll.  Not just any beach, but a pristine, white sand beach showered with sunshine.  The hard packed sand can stretch out for miles before your feet, but it always beckons and you must answer the call.  Beach walks are relaxing, inspiring, and filled with pleasurable sights and sounds.

Always something interesting to see along an ocean stroll, don't you think?  The way the wind creates patterns in the dunes.  Or the glistening bubbles from a recent high tide.  Sometimes there are treasures of untouched shells or sea creatures spilled at your feet.

Birds on the beach are more reminders of God's creation.  Pelicans flying low level attack patterns as they adjust their bills to skim the water for a fresh bite to eat.  Seagulls guarding their favorite section of sand. 

A stroll on the beach puts things in perspective.  As tiny grains of sand create a lovely landscape, we realize that we are but a speck in a moment of time.  God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. 1 Kings 4:29.
Enjoy every blessing. God is watching over all.  How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. Psalm 139:17-18.