Category: Constant

Happy Anniversary .... Almost

8/4/2013

Nearly 50,000 of you have been on this particular journey with me now for mere days shy of a full year. And, oh, what a year it has been! As I look back over this span of time, I see that it has been filled with many changes that resulted in adventures, as well as a number of detours to our otherwise normal, day-to-day living.

This last year has brought with it a birth and several deaths; a near-divorce in one quarter and an approaching wedding in another; job and residence changes; thousands of miles of anticipated travel, and another thousand or two of unplanned travel on top of that; both destruction and construction home projects; overall, our household has been bursting with good health, with the exception of one memorable urgent emergency room visit for a ruptured appendix –  always in the middle of the night. Why is that? – that resulted in surgery and a longer-than-normal hospital stay; newly-formed friendships, reaffirmation and strengthening of older friendships, and, sadly, the deterioration of relationships due to challenges that have yet to find an amicable resolution.

All of these occurrences were tucked in between the normal demands and obligations of everyday home- and work-life.   No doubt, if you were to review
the previous twelve months of your life, it, too, would be filled with tales of
similar trials, changes or rough patches.

John 16:33 (NASB) “These things I [Jesus] have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you have tribulation [trials and distress and frustration], but take courage; I have overcome the world.” [Emphasis mine.]

Through it all – through every one of the ups and downs and sideways movements of life – God’s presence can be clearly seen as He silently wove His way in and out, around and through each and every circumstance, guiding and strengthening so we could successfully navigate these unexpected storms. He stood firm and unchangeable as the one constancy in the midst of the chaos. And He will always stand firm.

While change is a constant and keeps our life in perpetual flux, there is a much better, consistently reliable Constant available to us.

Hebrew 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

He is our strength giver …

Isaiah 40:29 “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the
weak.”

and  our wisdom imparter.

James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

He is our Rock …

Psalm 18:2 “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

and He is our peace.

Isaiah 26:3 “You [God] will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

None of us know what tomorrow will hold (let alone over the course of the next year),
but God does and He will be with us until the end.

Psalm 48:14 “For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.”

With whom will you place your trust today for the changes to come in all of your
tomorrows? The choice is yours. He’s waiting for you.

(For more information about forming a relationship with the Lord, see How You Can Find Him located at the top of this page.)

~~~~~~~

Dear Fellow Travelers,

A known change is ahead. I am being led onto a new path which will result in either less time being spent here on this site, or else may indeed lead me away from it altogether.  Until that is known, I will write pieces as I am able that will continue to show that God truly is present in everyday things each day of our lives. Do please check back for the new postings, or else to re-read postings that have previously been published. They will continue to be available for you to read over the course of the next twelve months.

Thank you again for traveling this particular path with me. I hope to meet each one of you in heaven.  Remember, the choice is yours.

Be blessed,
Robin

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Dear Diary ...

5/14/2013

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Not long ago, while searching through one of my bulging bookshelves, I came across several journals that I had written over the span of three or four years. Unable to find the book I had originally been seeking, I opted instead to curl up into a cozy chair and have a little visit with my past self while I read about life during that time.

It was good to take this leisurely walk down Memory Lane.  Each page contained private thoughts (concerns, confessions, hopes and dreams) as well as an accounting of the people I met, conversations I had, places I visited, how the workday unfolded, the daily chores I either had to do or else had performed, and the projects I hoped to accomplish in the house or yard.

Frequently interspersed between these subjects were the many prayers to God for help or
healing for others or me. When an unbearable, impossible or unnavigable situation had risen to its’ apex and was about to crush me, the next page would reveal the details of how God
unhurriedly, gently and faithfully provided an answer at just the right time. Recorded immediately following the resolution of a situation was the prayers of thankfulness for the many ways – oftentimes unexpected - in which God had supplied the answers that I had diligently sought.

Within these pages I discovered in amazement how God brought into reality the dreams that I had carried in my heart and prayed over for as long as I could remember. There were several times – more than I care to admit - when I had nearly given up.   I poured my heart out to God and would constantly have to remind myself to hang on because the God who had answered earlier prayers (as evidenced by previous journal entries), would somehow also furnish answers to these current matters even though I could not see how.   On more than one occasion I whispered the same words that the father of the possessed son said to Jesus in Mark 9:24: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.” Ever eager to help His children, He also helped me.  It was with great joy to read the evidence of His faithfulness recorded in black and white by my own hand on the pages of my journal.  I fell in love with Him even more.

While we are in the midst of trying times, it’s easy to question where God is or if He has forgotten us because, instead of seeing His hand directly at work in a situation, we see only the blaring, crushing details of our oppressive circumstances.

In ages past, God knew that the Israelites of the Old Testament would behave similarly. He had performed great feats for them, yet each time they would enter into a new seemingly impossible
situation, they would forget that what He had done before, He could do again. As a result, He frequently admonished them to ‘forget not’ or to ‘remember.’

Deuteronomy 4:9 “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live.  Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”

He knew that they would need to intentionally remember what He had done for them in the past so that they could be confident that He would take care of them from generation to generation. But He didn’t want them to stop with only remembering for themselves; He also wanted them to tell their children and grandchildren of the wonderful provision He had made for them in every contingency.  As a result of their repeated telling to others, they would also be reminded of God’s faithfulness to them which would, in turn, also be an encouragement in their present circumstances.

Today we have God’s Word (the Bible) available to us as a written reminder of the things He has done, and the things He longs to do for His children.  While the Holy Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God, I like to think of it also as God’s journal to us where we can read of the struggles,
failures and triumphs of others as well as the abiding faithfulness of God in any and every situation that mankind could find himself in the midst of. It is also filled with the many promises
He will fulfill in our life if we let Him.

Psalm 103:2-5 “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

While it is not good to dwell on the past, it is beneficial to see the route you have travelled and the many obstacles you have encountered (and hopefully overcome) along the way. If you look
closely, you will be able to see evidence of the presence of God’s hand at every turn.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

For those times when you cannot see His hand, trust His heart.   He will never fail to keep His promises. The choice is yours.  He’s waiting for you.

(For more information about forming a relationship with the Lord, see How You Can Find Him located at the top of this page.)

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In the Midst of Chaos

11/26/2012

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At this time of year in many parts of the country, the outdoors is transformed into a magical place as pristine blue-white snowflakes fall to blanket the dreariness and drab colors that remained after the beautifully colored leaves of fall dropped to the
ground. For those areas without snow, holiday lights strung in windows, in doorways and on trees can make the humblest of structures appear enchanted and festive.  Everywhere we turn, Christmas carols fill the air.  Our childlike wonder awakes and, for a brief moment, we feel the joy and expectation of the holiday season.

Until we have to go shopping.

While the stores have Christmas decorations up and have well-remembered carols playing in the background, holiday cheer is blatantly amiss amongst the majority of the masses as they try to navigate their shopping carts down store aisles that more closely resemble rush hour traffic that is at a near stand-still. Some, impatient to get the items they need, plow rudely and heedlessly through other holiday shoppers with dogged determination and without so much as an “excuse me”as they cut others off, then bang and bump on their selfish way, ticking off both the items on their list as well numerous people along their route.

And yet, even in the midst of all of this stress and chaos of this shopping experience, simple childlike wonder could still be found.

We heard her singing before we actually saw her. A four-year-old girl was sitting in a shopping cart as her expectant mother tried to maneuver their cart through the store.
Completely oblivious to the stress, impatience and disgusted looks on the faces of the adults around her, she sat intently playing with a small toy while she absent-mindedly sang a Christmas song to herself.   It was obvious that she felt no stress, was completely secure in her environment, and knew that she was safe with her mother watching over her.

There were several of us standing around – in yet another buggy traffic jam – who couldn’t help but hear the words she sang. This melodic reminder out of the mouth of a child about the joy of the holiday season helped to mitigate some of the hectic feelings that had been growing since we had entered the store. We smiled towards this precious singing soul before turning to also share the smile with our buggy-neighbors. Many of the hearers began to hum along with her and, as they gently eased their buggy on their way, were no doubt better able to enjoy the remainder of their shopping experience.

Seeing this little girl and her mother in the midst of the holiday craziness was a beautiful reminder of the relationship between God and His children.

As His child, we do not have to carry anxiety.

Philippians 4:6  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petitions, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

As His child, we can feel secure because He is always with us.

Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

As His child, we are safe in His care.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”

Once we accept the assurance of God’s promises, we will be able to perform tasks in our life with more ease as we live in the security of His constant care. And with a joyful heart, we can sing our praises to Him.

Start your Christmas gift exchange early this year. God has a very special gift to give you and there’s nothing better you can give to Him than yourself. He’s waiting for you.

Luke 18:17 “I [Jesus] tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

(For more information about forming a relationship with the Lord, see How You Can Find Him located at the top of this page.)

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Thanksgiving

11/19/2012

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This week, many across our beloved country will be busily preparing a Thanksgiving feast for their family and/or friends this Thursday. It’s an exciting time of traditional recipes, or for the more daring, new recipes that we hope will turn out picture-perfect and become a new favorite. In addition to all of the food we will overindulge in, there are football games to enjoy – “Please, God, if you’ll just let my team win, I’ll thank you from the bottom of my heart!” – as we head into ‘Black Friday,’ the day that usually begins in the wee hours of the morning for many die-hard shoppers so that not one door buster sale is missed.

Yet Thanksgiving is so much more than overeating, watching too many football games or spending more money than we can repay before Christmas the following year. In our state of bountifulness, it is easy to think that everyone else is also experiencing the same level of plenty. The truth is that many of the holidays on our calendar can be painful to people who are alone, feel forgotten, or who do not have the opportunity to feast and spend as others do. For all of us, regardless of where we fall on the ‘plenti-meter,’ Thanksgiving is an attitude that begins in the heart.

Psalm 9:1 “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your
wonderful deeds.”

What wonderful deeds has the Lord done for you? Or do you have a difficult time recognizing any of them because you haven’t received what you think you should have by this stage in your life? If you are having a hard time seeing them, then start simply and thank God for Who He is.

Thank Him because He gave us life.

Revelations 4:11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their
being.”

Thank Him for His love and faithfulness.

Psalm 115:1 “Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”

Thank Him for the wisdom …

James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

… and for the strength He offers to us.

Psalm 18:32 “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.”

Thank Him for His constancy.

Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

And, best of all, thank Him for the gift of eternal life through His Son.

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Start a new tradition this Thanksgiving and take time to thank God for all of the good He has given to us, for “apart from you [God], I have no good thing.” (Psalm 16:2) You will discover that the more you give thanks to Him, the more you will find to thank Him for. He’s waiting for you.

(For more information about forming a relationship with the Lord, see How You Can Find Him located at the top of this page.)

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Constant Vigil

10/25/2012

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The longest awaited dawn is one that is preceded by a night of watchfulness over a sick family
member.

I sat alone – a solitary sentinel – in the darkened hospital room that was lit solely by the glow of the LED lights of the many buttons on several pieces of medical equipment. The whoosh whoosh sound from the various machines acted both as a comfort and as a constant reminder as to why I was here.

It’s challenging to see a loved one’s fever-wracked body in a tug-of-war hour after hour as it works hard to fight off infection. Throughout this particular battle, mine were the loving hands that, time and again, placed a cool compress onto the heated brow; mine were the many prayers - filled with both petitions and thanksgiving - that were whispered into the dim surroundings; and it was my hand that held the hand of the one in discomfort as an assurance of a steady presence so they knew that they knew they were not in this fight alone.

Many, including our Lord, have endured these ‘bitter watches of the night.’ Yet none were so bitter, or so vital, as was this particular night for Him.

Matthew 26:36-38 “Then Jesus went with his disciples to a placed called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.  Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of
death. Stay here and keep watch with me.””

Jesus, ‘sorrowful to the point of death,’ desired the comforting presence of His friends while He entreated His Father in prayer for another possible way for mankind to be reconciled to God other than for Him to have to walk the painful path to crucifixion.

Yet His friends could not stay awake to keep watch with Him while He agonized in prayer.  Twice He returned from praying only to find them asleep.  You can almost hear the deep disappointment He felt when He asked them in verse 40 of Matthew 26, “Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?”

Jesus, full of compassion, knew how heavy the eyes of His friends were and He also knew the emotional challenges the next three days held in store for them.  While the humanness in Him longed for someone to watch with Him, the Godliness in Him knew that no one could walk this path with Him.  So He went quietly a little way away from them – for the third time – to once again converse alone with His Father.

In full submission to the Father’s will, Jesus prepared Himself to face the only way the sin-debt of mankind could be paid so that we could truly be in right relationship with Him.  He then willfully, with purpose, accepted the path that led to His death.

And as dawn broke three days later, He arose from the grave the Victor over sin and death.  We could now be free from the bondage of sin and would never again be alone or without hope.

Unlike Jesus’ human friends, we are assured that God never sleeps ….

Psalm 121:4 ”Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”

... and that He is a constant presence.

Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

What is it that you are facing alone today? Jesus longs for you to know the assurance of His constant presence and wants to accompany you along life’s journey, through all that it may hold. The choice is yours.  He’s waiting for you.

(For more information about forming a relationship with the Lord, see How
You Can Find Him located at the top of this page.)

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Happy Anniversary .... Almost

Dear Diary ...

In the Midst of Chaos

Thanksgiving

Constant Vigil

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