THE TIME OF THE YEAR

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THE TIME OF THE YEAR

Many this time of year say it is the season – the holiday season, the Christmas season and even almost winter season.

Around here right now it doesn’t seem much like winter yet.  During the daytime we are still comfortable with temperatures of 50 to even 70! But, yes, it is almost officially winter according to the calendar.

This is a wonderful time of the year when the main focus is to be on God’s love and His gift to us, Jesus Christ His only Son, who came to earth as a baby so that we could have eternal life!

What an amazing thought that God would love each of us so much to make such a sacrifice and that Jesus Himself loves us so much He was willing to leave Heaven and come to earth to live and sacrifice His life for us!

His whole purpose in coming to earth as a baby was to make a way to bridge that unattainable gap between God and us! No more animal sacrifices, no more trying to be good enough, no more “well my mom and dad is so and so”.  No more!  Nothing was going to or will take away our sins, make us righteous in God’s eyes and give us direct access to God except the blood of Jesus!

Thus the baby Jesus was born and grew to be a man who lived a perfect, sinless life right here on earth only to die on a cross so we who believe in Him would have everlasting life.

Praise God today for His unending and unconditional love in the precious gift of our LORD and Savior!

Indeed it is Good News! Joy, peace and amazing grace for all – everyone one of us!

Share God’s love with others this Christmas Season. Spread joy wherever you are! Love… Serve… Give…Reach out, someone needs your loving touch!

 

John 3:16   (NKJV) 

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

 

Isaiah 9:6   (NKJV) 

6 For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

 

Matthew 1:18-21   (NLT)

The Birth of Jesus the Messiah

18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

 

THANKFUL!

| lynmckown

THANK YOU GOD FOR:

ANSWERED PRAYERS!

BEAUTIFUL DAYS!

CARING FATHERS!

DEVOTED MOTHERS!

ETERNAL LIFE!

FAITHFUL FRIENDS!

GOD’S GRACE!

HAPPY HEALTHY CHILRDREN!

INSPIRIRING WORDS!

JESUS, OUR LORD AND SAVIOR!

KINDRED SPIRITS!

LOVING FAMILIES!

MUSIC IN THE AIR!

NEWBORN BABIES!

OPEN DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY!

PLAYFUL PUPPIES!

QUIET EVENINGS!

RESTFUL NIGHTS!

SPRINGTIME SHOWERS!

THANKFUL HEARTS!

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!

VICTORIES WON!

WILLING HEROES!

EXUBERANT YOUTH!

YESTERDAY’S MEMORIES!

ZEALOUS LEADERS!

1 Chronicles 16:8  (NLT) 

8 Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness.
    Let the whole world know what He has done! 

Psalm 105:1  (NLT)

1 Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness.
    Let the whole world know what He has done! 

Psalm 118:1  (NLT) 

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
    His faithful love endures forever.

 

 

WAITING WITH HOPE

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WAITING WITH HOPE
In looking back over the past year of posts, we have had highs and lows, ups and downs, joys and sorrows, pain and wonder, and tests of faith that we would never had imagined on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2015.
Some tests of faith are small stepping stones and some are huge boulders!  Over the last six months we have had an abundance of both.
Just recently I went to New Jersey to be with my granddaughter as they planned to move into their new home.  But, they are still waiting to sign the contract due to several complications.  Indeed their faith is being tested.  They had so hoped to be in and settled by Thanksgiving which is now only a week from today.  Yet, they continue to wait with hope.
Earlier this year I posted how our faith was carrying us through the news of an inoperable aneurysm near the optic artery of Andy’s eye.  The follow up test to measure for any growth is next month.  So we too wait hopefully for good news – news of no growth.
As we are in this holding pattern there is yet another more urgent test of our faith.  With constant headaches, neck and shoulder pain, Andy once again went for more testing only to find out that he must have surgery on his spine in the neck area as soon as possible. The risk of falling or being in an accident would probably cause him to be paralyzed. The risk to wait is too great.
Once again we are thankful for symptoms that lead to the real underlying problem that needs immediate attention.  God has had His hand of protection on us in so many ways this year!

Waiting and testing seem to go hand in hand in our world lately.  Actually, waiting itself is the test to see if we will continue on in faith and trust that God is in control of all things.  Waiting times are surely tests of faith!

So grateful that God is always faithful and never fails us. His Word gives us hope as we read promise after promise that He is always with us and will never leave us.
We not only have His Word but we have direct access to God.  God’s Presence in us through the Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to talk with God anytime, anyplace and about anything.
How about you?  What are you waiting and hoping for today?  What test is your test of faith? Are you waiting with hope?
 
Psalm 5:3 New Living Translation (NLT)
3 Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.
 
Romans 12:12 New Century Version (NCV)
12 Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times.

DARK PLACES

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DARK PLACES

There has been heaviness around and in me these last couple of weeks.  There are people near me in dark places, sad happenings, difficult circumstances and loneliness.

I have seen death come in different ways recently.  Two young men we know have taken their own lives.  Another young man met death in a sudden accident. My sister-in-law’s mother struggled for weeks before she was released from this earthly life to be with Jesus for eternity.  Another friend’s life ended suddenly even after a favorable report from the doctor on his condition.

These happenings leave families grieving, hurting, and adjusting to daily life with a sudden void to fill.

Others know this void because a loved one is far away.  Sometimes this distance comes from one person choosing to separate themselves from their loved ones leaving the one left behind to wonder why, what happened, and how do we resolve this.

Sometimes distance and pain come as one chooses to be bitter or unforgiving of another. Void and loneliness is also brought on by distance through employment or military responsibilities.

Their hurt becomes my heaviness of heart as I hurt for them. Do you feel their pain? When my granddaughter was younger she would come to me with a scratch after a fall and would want me to touch it.  She would cry out, “Mammie feel the hurt!”

So I search for words of comfort and peace and love for these that are hurting today.  I feel the need to encourage them to look to God because He alone is our ever present help in time of trouble. He alone is our only hope.  Nothing and no one will be able to fill the void and bridge the distance – ONLY GOD!

2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 18 (NLT)
 
8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
 
18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
 
Psalm 46:1 (KJV)
 
 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
 
Romans 15:13 (NLT)
13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

OUR WORLD IS CHANGING

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OUR WORLD IS CHANGING
 
Our world is changing fast!  My world is changing fast!
 
Schools are locked down – students, shoppers, workers are harmed or killed – laws are changing – threats and attacks everywhere, anywhere – violence- fear-danger-confusion-death!
 
I find myself praying for the safety of my husband, children and grandchildren on a daily basis as they go about their normal activities.  Many schools and work places are no longer safe havens but are secured in various new and necessary ways. 
 
These happenings are no longer far away in other parts of the world. They are right here, right now, every day in our country, our states and our hometowns.
 
How do I stand steadfast and have peace during these perilous times?  Where does my peace and hope come from?
 
 I know the Lord is always with me.
 I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. 
                                                                                           Psalm 16:8   (NLT)                                                                                            
Whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You.
                                                                                          Psalm 56:3   (NKJV)
  
I love You, Lord;
You are my strength.
                                                                                          Psalm 18:1  (NLT)
 
You are my place of safety
and my shield.
Your Word is my only hope.
                                                                                         Psalm 119:114  (CEV)
 
 
DO YOU KNOW THE WORD, THE LORD JESUS?
 
DO YOU KNOW — HIS PEACE
                               HIS PROTECTION
                               HIS PRESENCE
 
John 3:16  New American Standard Bible (NASB)
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

WHAT IS YOUR BIG WORD?

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WHAT IS YOUR BIG WORD?

What is your big word?  Our big word is aneurysm.  Yes, that is the word we received when Andy went to the hospital with chest pains in June.

It is not a pretty word but it is a harsh word, a scary word.

The aneurysm is in the brain so near to the optic artery that they gave us another big word – inoperable.  Inoperable due to almost certain blindness, stoke or death. Inoperable unless growth demands action.  More harsh and scary words.

Lovingly and with genuine concern people ask often how Andy is feeling and how I am doing…how are we holding up?

Aneurysm, inoperable, blindness, stroke, death.   We have chosen not to look at these big harsh and scary words but to look to the Lord for peace of mind.

These things we know. God is in complete control.  God has a plan and purpose for all things. Our God is a loving, kind and wise God whose timing is always perfect.
God is giving us peace in this storm of big harsh scary words. Our rest and hope is in His love and plan for us.

What is your big word?  Cancer, bitterness, disappointment, depression, divorce, bankruptcy, debt, rejection, loss of loved one, loss of job, abuse of any kind, addiction…so many words, so much pain.

Choose peace, not pain. Choose God. He is there for you. He will see you through whatever your big word is. Get to know Him. Talk to Him.  Depend on Him.  Seek Him and you will find Him. He is within reach. In fact He is reaching out to you with love, hope and peace.

Give him your big word and know His rest and hope. He will see you through your storm. Our God is faithful and never fails. His Presence is always with us. He will be with you too!

Jeremiah 29:13 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) 

13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

John 14:27 New Living Translation (NLT) 

27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

NIGHTMARES?

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NIGHTMARES?

 
Last week, I suddenly decided to go with Andy to Fairfax and to take Addi too.  What we thought would be a simple three or four day trip with some swimming at the motel pool for Addi turned out to be a much greater adventure.
 
Wednesday was a pretty normal day but that all changed on Thursday when Andy came home from work and suggested we ride the Metro to the zoo to see the new baby panda. The adventures began! While walking from the motel to the Metro, I tripped on a very uneven piece of sidewalk. I thought after sitting there for a couple of minutes my arm would be ok so we walked on to the station.
 
We were on the silver line of the metro then had to switch to the red line on the second floor. That’s when the worst happened! Addi was right in front of Andy and the automatic speaker said step back the doors are closing. He had his arm reached out for her and was within inches of her but he had to draw it back because the door was indeed closing!
 
The look of horror and fear on her face devastated our hearts, then her tears came and we were broken.  Helplessly we watched her as the train pulled away for its next stop.  Two ladies, each from a different side of the closed doors, reached out to her – took an interest in her as she later told us.   As the train rolled quickly out of sight, I was able to make eye contact with each of the two ladies and to make a few quick motions to let them know what was happening.  
 
Andy headed to find the metro police while I stayed in case another train came through.   I began talking to the lady standing beside me.  Her name was Jane.   She suggested calling 911 even though Andy had gone to find the metro police.  I was getting all mixed up trying to tell them about the different trains and where we were so she took the phone to clarify and after a few minutes I was talking to the metro police.  Andy returned and the long eight minute wait for the next train began.
 
One of the ladies on the train had gotten off at the next stop and took Addi to the metro police who were waiting for her.  By the time we got to Addi she was just fine and very comfortable with the lady officer. 
 
We finally made it to the zoo and had a very enjoyable afternoon in spite of the continued swelling in my arm and the pain becoming more and more intense.
 
As we headed back on the Metro we got on the red train and everything was fine this time or so we thought. Once on the second train we were discussing if we were on the right line.  The lady behind us said that it sounded like we needed to be on the silver line. Well, that’s what we thought we were on but no, we were on the orange line. Both go the same direction to a point but eventually end up in different places. She explained to us how far to go down to switch over to the silver line and get back to our original starting point.
 
During our conversation I learned her name was Sheri.  We discussed the day’s happenings.  While talking with Sheri and her husband we found out that they were believers and go to McLean Church. She invited us to come any time we were in the area. I gave her one of my cards to let her know about my blog and she gave me one of her cards in case we needed any more help.
 
 As I look back over the day one could think of it as a day of nightmares but I choose to think of it as a day of God’s provision and blessing. At every turn of the road there could have been a real nightmare but God provided again and again.
 
He provided for Addi to have someone right there with her at all times while separated from us.  God also provided someone to be with me and keep me focused. I am very thankful for Jane. She even gave me a lollipop to give to Addi when we got to her.  I’m thankful for Sheri too and her husband for ministering to us as we had a calming conversation about the day’s happenings. I am extremely grateful for the lady who took Addi to the next stop. I pray that God will bless her in special ways since I have no way to thank her personally.
    
God had people in the right place at every turn to be there for us. Even as we went to the hospital late that night to get my arm checked, it was amazing.
 
The hospital emergency room was probably more than twice the size as either Williamsburg ER and there were so many people there! But yet, they took me straight back and worked with me from beginning to end with only a couple short periods of waiting.  I was in and out in less than two hours.  I truly believe that too was God’s provision as He cleared a path for me through the system. I do have a broken wrist but am extremely grateful to God that it is my left one since I am right handed.
 
None of what happened that day took God by surprise. He had someone in place, ready for each of us at the right time and even cleared the path through the hospital emergency room!
 
We have an awesome God who knows our every need even before we do!  Our God is always faithful to provide in every circumstance!  He never changes and never fails.
 
Psalm 46:1 King James Version (KJV)
 
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
 
Psalm 118:1 New Living Translation (NLT)
 
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
 His faithful love endures forever.
 
 

WHAT A SUMMER!

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WHAT A SUMMER!

What summer is right! It all started right after school was out when Andy went to the emergency room with chest pains.  Many doctors appointments and tests later we were told Andy has an aneurysm in the brain by the optic artery.

Tucked in the middle of all these appointments God suddenly provided a week of vacation in Pigeon Forge with Ted and Debbie, my brother and sister in law.   It was a special time for all of us, a much needed time away from daily activities and time be with each other enjoying that beautiful area of God’s creation in the mountains.

On the way home from that trip we picked up the grandchildren from Ohio. They stayed the first two weeks of July then went home and came back for the first two weeks of August.  Lilly is 8 years old, Lucas is 6 years old. Most of the time, Addi, who is 5 and Reagan, who is 13 were also with us.  Jenna and Reagan were such a big help during this time with unexpected doctor appointments to get to and regular every day activities.

Talk about high energy, those kids have it and like I said, I was very grateful for all those that kept things going when I was about spent physically.

The last two weeks of July were supposed to be catch up and rest up weeks but that’s not the way it worked out.  The first week I had a health issue that needed doctors and medicine.  The second week I went to be with Andy as he was working out of town.  It seems like we have been on the road a lot this summer.

There was also a great happening this summer during the first week of August at Vacation Bible School.  Lilly invited Jesus into her life to be her Forever Friend, a more understandable way to introduce her to Jesus as her Lord and Savior.  I believe she truly understands the decision she has made and I am thankful that God has touched her life at such an early age. She has a new Bible and a Survival Kit workbook that is helping her to learn to grow into a strong Christian young lady!

Andy is still out of town working and will be for the rest of the summer but that won’t stop the weekend fishing trips to the little creek by the church.  It was a blessing to see all the little ones around him enjoying learning to fish, all except Reagan that is, she is the pro of the bunch having much fishing experience with her dad.

Yes, what a summer it has been full of ups and downs, good days and hard days, fun days and prayerful days, confusing days and emotional days.

Through it all God has been right there with us giving us strength to keep on keeping on, rest when we needed it and constant provision as always.  Even with news of the aneurysm, God has been ever present with us giving us peace and hope that He has a perfect plan and purpose for all things, even the uncertainty about the future.

Think about it! Are any of us certain of our future? Do we know what will happen tomorrow?  It is my hope and prayer that you know God as your personal Savior and Lord then you too can have peace and hope in the uncertain and changing times of today’s world.

God never leaves us. God always has time for us. God’s love for us never stops. God is our hope and strength for everyday and all days no matter the busyness or the circumstance or the diagnosis.

Psalm 32:7-8 New Living Translation (NLT)

7 For you are my hiding place;
you protect me from trouble.
You surround me with songs of victory.

8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.

COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN!

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COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN!

Chronic complainers drive me crazy, how about you?

You know, they complain about the weather, their neighbor, their spouse, their kids, their in-laws, their so called best friend, the rising cost of living, politicians, and well, I could fill up this whole page but I am sure you know what and who I am referring too.

Suddenly, the other day, I saw that very person in the mirror of my mind.  Yes, sadly, I recognized myself as the chief complainer the last couple of weeks.  It is a terrible and humbling thing to confess but the truth must be faced.

I complained because of being overwhelmed with so many responsibilities, commitments and appointments. I had the feeling of being torn and going in too many directions.

I complained because little things get to me like a bad hair day or two or three. Little things lead to big frustrations.

I complained because I don’t have the physical strength to do the things I wish I could do.

I complained because I can’t focus on what I think should be priorities.

I complained because the little ones just won’t listen.

I complained because a woman’s work is never done.

Complain, complain, complain.

It is so easy to do but so very wrong!

Philippians 2:14 GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

14 Do everything without complaining or arguing.

Ouch!

There it is in black and white and right out of the pages of the Bible! Complaining is just as much a sin as any other thing that goes against God’s Word.

I had no choice but to come clean with God, confessing to Him my definite habit of complaining!  Guess what, He knew it all along! But, I needed to agree with Him that yes, I was wrong with all the complaining.

The good news is that God is still the God of second chances and He loves me unconditionally.  He never stopped loving me but it was definitely gumming up the line of communication between the two of us.

Its pretty much like what happens between friends, spouses or family members when one isn’t in agreement with the other, communication gets harder and harder until the air is cleared and the fellowship is restored.

Take a look back at that list of complaints.  Count the I’s.  There is a bunch of them.  Me, myself and I plus my circumstances were at the center of my focus every time I complained.

When my focus turns back to God and His Word, it leads me back to some very familiar Bible verses which lead me back to my close fellowship with the Lord where I once again find strength, peace, contentment and hope!

Philippians 4:13 New Living Translation (NLT)

13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:6-8 New Living Translation (NLT)

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Romans 12:12 New Century Version (NCV)

12 Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times.

Psalm 19:14 New Living Translation (NLT)

14 May the words of my mouth
    and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to You,
    O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.