Remembrance

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.”—Lamentations 3:22

           Yesterday morning while going through some paperwork in my home office, I ran across some old mail that gave me pause, and caused me to slow down and remember the goodness of the Lord.  As I sorted through what initially appeared to be junk mail that should have long ago been discarded, I discovered a piece of mail I’d sent to my ailing and dearly departed friend *Dee two years ago.  I’d created the cover of it with Valentine’s Day in mind for my church.  The cover bore the simple yet powerful words God laid on my heart that day while putting it together: Jesus Loves You!  I then selected a photo of a beautiful ruby red rose to complete my design.  Sadly this would be the last bulletin I mailed to her.   She was admitted to the hospital for the last time a few days after Valentine's Day, ultimately succumbing to the cancer that metastasized throughout her body, taking her just sixteen days later.   I know it was not by accident that I happened upon that piece of mail.

            As I sat quietly weeping, remembering, and missing my friend, I thanked God for the seven years of friendship we shared.  Then the Holy Spirit gently reminded of the simple words I’d typed on that cover, Jesus Loves You!  Among other things, I ran across a Sunday School lesson I’d taught  in January of that same year, and my first message spoken at a local mission in my hometown of Colorado entitled: He Knows and He Cares.   I’d taken my theme from the words of the prophet Jeremiah chapter 29 and verse eleven where the following words are found:

            “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace and, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”  As I continued to sort through that paperwork and mail, I ran across other reminders of God’s mercy and grace in my life, and reflected on his infinite love.  By my own admission, I realized that I’d become stale and jaded by what sometimes feels like just the ordinary and routine tasks associated with my work as an administrative assistant.  Yet in that moment I was reminded that even the seemingly little things we do in our day to day lives matter.  On that day I remember wanting to express to each and every member and visitor of my church, that not only do I love them, but more than that: Jesus loves them, and that if I could share just a small part of me, and whole lot of Him it was all worth it.  Indeed, God takes the ordinary, and sometimes seemingly insignificant pieces of our lives and uses them to bless others and share His love. 

Grace in My Time of Need

I’m restless today.   My birthday is just eight days away and I guess I'm feeling somewhat melancholy, and undone.  The last twenty-four hours have been a mental and emotional rollercoaster ride.  In an effort to encourage myself, I’ve read devotional blog after devotional blog by some truly inspiring women, and come to the conclusion that I need to “get off the fence” and write my own.  What could it hurt?  If they can be transparent and share their stories in an effort to help others surely I can do the same.  So instead of wallowing in self-pity, and emotional eating (I’ve eaten almost an entire package of Twizzlers)!  I’ve come to the realization that it’s far more productive for me to write a blog than to inhale a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ice cream while reading someone elses!  

For me writing is extremely therapeutic; it gets the erratic thoughts out of my head and onto a page where they can be of some use,  to either encourage someone or make them laugh or smile.  I’ve spent the day doing many things: reading Psalm 83 twice, and as stated previously read at least three to four blogs dealing with the topics of persevering, being content, and giving God praise.  

As I sit enjoying a hot cup of tea, my eyes gaze upward at the clouds as they glide over the roof above the vaulted windows of our living room. My heart meditates and is consoled by the words from the author of Hebrews which states:

          “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

Several hours later, I’m encouraged and thank the Lord for the peace of mind and joy in the little things I’ve accomplished today, as I look forward to an even better tomorrow.