hi!

Happy First Day of Autumn!
(I’m so looking forward to breathing some crisp mountain air!)

Since the US is in the northern hemisphere, today at 5:18 PM will be the first day of Fall. It will last from the autumnal equinox (September) to the winter solstice (December).I know, this is more information than you wanted.

joy is coming

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I needed to read this today.

weeping may last for the night,
but a shout of joy comes in the morning.

PSALM 30:5 NAS

Joy Comes in the Morning

You’re not the first to be
acquainted with sorrow,
grief or pain,

But the Master promised
sunshine after rain.

Hold on my child,
Joy comes in the morning,

Weeping only lasts
for the night.

Hold on my child,
Joy comes in the morning,

The darkest hour means dawn
is just in sight.

before the throne

Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.

Psalm 95:6 NAS

Nine years ago yesterday, my Dad walked thru a gate made of a single pearl. He entered into a city whose foundations were made of many precious stones. My Dad took a walk down streets of pure gold. It was such a beautiful bright place. He came before the throne of God, and bowed down and worshiped the King, his King.

At the graveside service, my dear husband read this poem:

THE LIFE THAT COUNTS

The life that counts must toil and fight;
Must hate the wrong and love the right;
Must stand for truth, by day, by night…
This is the life that counts.

The life that counts must hopeful be;
In darkest night make melody;
Must wait the dawn on bended knee…
This is the life that counts.

The life that counts must aim to rise
Above the earth to sunlit skies;
Must fix its gaze on Paradise…
This is the life that counts.

The life that counts must helpful be,
The care and needs of others see;
Must seek the slaves of sin to free…
This is the life that counts.

The life that counts is linked with God;
And turns not from the cross…the rod;
But walk with joy where Jesus trod…
This is the life that counts.

Anonymous

what is ‘quiet time’?

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It’s time set aside each day to spend alone with God. Him and me, alone.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.

Psalm 139:23-24 NAS

As I begin each new day, my first priority should be quiet time with God. It should be an automatic habit, so much more than my first cup of coffee. I should consistently use an outline or a guide or a devotional book. They do help in keeping my mind focused. There are many ‘quiet time’ resources available, ranging from simple to very detailed.

Quiet time can be spent...

reading and studying the Word of God

listening to God

having prayer with God

feeling the presence of God

praising and worshiping God

It’s during these times I seek God’s will. It’s during these times when I gain strength from God. It’s during these times I’m prepared for service to God. It’s during these times when I have fellowship with God, when I ask for forgiveness, when I’m obedient, and I’m blessed, and grow, and learn and...

It’s during these times when God speaks to me.

This is God's time.

i am His child

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.
1 John 3:1-2 NAS

I am His child. How invisibly minuscule I must be. I am but one in the midst of His vast creation, yet He knows me.

I am His child. How great and powerful and awesome He is. I am but one in the midst of many, yet He loves me.

I am a child of God. He is my Father in heaven, He is my Savior Jesus Christ, He is the Holy Spirit, He is my Lord and Shepherd, He is my King, He is the Lord God Almighty, He is my Everything. He is all I need.

The lyrics of the song “Child of God” are below. It expresses my feeling very well.

Child of God
(Words and Music by Noel and Kathryn Scott)

With every breath, with every thought
From what is seen to the deepest part
I offer all that I've come to be
To know your love fathering me

Father, You're all I need
My soul's sufficiency
My strength when I am weak
That love that carries me
Your arms enfold me, till I am only
A child of God

With every step on this journey's walk
And wisdom's songs that the soul has sought
I give myself unreservedly
To know Your love fathering me

pause ‘n ponder

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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...

it's about learning to dance in the rain.