Find refreshment for your heart, home and life
Our tendency in uncomfortable circumstances is to get out. We often overlook the future consequences for present relief. We see this in the life of Elimelech and often fail to see how we do the very same thing. Today’s podcast is the first in a series as we begin a topical study of the Book of Ruth. I pray the practical truths will encourage you to stay on the path God has for you, no matter how difficult it may presently seem.
I had looked at the triangular yellow sign on the ceiling for six days. It was placed above the patient bed of the hospital where my dad had been admitted. I knew that hospital staff would boast how many days since their last patient had fallen, proving that they were capable and conscientious. I read it the first day I arrived to help assist in caring for my father, then the days following, like a freckle on my face, I had just gotten used to seeing it, and overlooked it – that is until a crucial moment in my dad’s care happened.
Continue reading “Call, Don’t Fall”Whenever we step out to follow and serve the Lord, we can pretty much be sure that there will be a battle. It is allowed through the loving hands of a God Who knows we need it so that we will be strengthened for the work. You might ask,
Continue reading “Strengthened Through Trials”“Strengthened by trials?” How?
Thunderstorms can be scary. They pop up out of nowhere! They last longer than you expect. They make things dark. They’re loud. They get our attention. They teach us important lessons.
Our sweet little “grand kitty” had probably been used to hovering somewhere against a building or under a leaky overhang during storms before she was adopted into my daughter’s family last week. But life has changed for this little girl (Socks is the official name). This week when a storm pounded around us in the afternoon, my daughter went out and snatched up Socks and put her in their dry, comfy garage where she was met with a new kitty bed, a dish of food, and all the comforts of those snobby indoor cats! Now that she’s adopted, she has a home to run back to for safety and security!
The funniest occurrence happened this week and I’ve lost track of how many times this scenario has happened in the past. I was out shopping and a couple walked past me and greeted me…warmly, with that recognition kind of “Hello!” I kept walking because I have never seen them before. Then they called a name ~
“Dianne!”
It was at that moment that I realized this person thought they were seeing my twin sister, Dianne! I turned and confessed that “Dianne” wasn’t being rude and ignoring them, but that I am her twin, Denise! They responded with,
Oh my! You look just like her!
These situations have happened out of the state in which she lives, which makes it even more crazy! Even as adults, I guess we must still look alike.! There’s something in me that makes them think they’re seeing Dianne.
The following day after this happened, I was thinking of a difficulty I’m facing and was praying about my responses. It’s so easy to turn cynical, sarcastic and even want to pull away, but then I was reminded that when others see me, they should see Christ in me. He should be so recognizable in my words, my actions, and even what my expression reveals. Is there…
If so, others will walk right on by, seeing only Denise instead of Jesus. But what if I allow the Lord to help me be mindful of His responses towards me so that I can show those same traits to others by His power? They will see:
Could people walk past you and me and see Jesus? Oh no, we’ll never be perfect this side of heaven, but there should be something so familiar about our lives and responses, that they would be reminded of Christ! Let’s pray that we look more and more like Him as the years pass!
I’m thankful for a twin so the Lord could remind me today that I need to look like Him!
Who are you showing to a watching world?
RefreshHer 