It's Skyline Time

Skyline Chili is one of my favorite foods. It is a Greek-style chili that some call Cincinnati chili. However, Skyline is the original and the best in my opinion.

During my college days in Cincinnati, Skyline Chili was a staple. Our curfew was 11 p.m. But we could easily leave campus at 10:15, walk to Skyline Chili, eat a three-way or coney dog, and be back to the dorm by 11 p.m.

On my visits to Ohio to see family, Skyline Chili is a restaurant we frequent often, because I need to get my chili fix before I leave. I also purchase cans of Skyline Chili to take home so that I have a little to hold me over until my next visit.

Skyline Chili is a regional thing. There are no restaurants in Colorado and you could not purchase it here...until now!

Several months ago, my daughter called me from her local grocery store very excited. “Mom, they sell Skyline Chili!” So naturally, on my next visit to the grocery I looked to see if my store carried it. But no, I was disappointed. However, I knew I could get it in the Denver store.

I had forgotten about Skyline Chili. So imagine my excitement when I found a display at another nearby grocery store! Yes! I could purchase this product in my own state. When I wanted it. And the hassle of transporting those cans had come to an end.

Sometimes I think this is exactly how we treat God. We are not consistent with our Bible study, prayer time, or quiet visits with God. We run to Him when we have an issue. Or we talk to him about a problem. But it’s usually on our schedule and according to our own needs. We have no real desire to be in God’s presence on a daily basis.

However, if you are in a situation like this, might I suggest that you work a little harder at taking your relationship with God to the next level? God wants to hear from you (and me) on a regular basis. Just because. Or because you want to be in God’s presence.

So let’s take a look at Psalm 16 and see what benefits David says there are in being in God’s presence.

Safety

“Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.” (Psalm 16:1 – NIV)

All Goodness

“I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” (Psalm 16:2 – NIV)

God’s People

“As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.” (Psalm 16:3 – NIV)

Devotion

“The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips.” (Psalm 16:4 – NIV)

Security

“Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup you have made my lot secure.” (Psalm 16:5 – NIV)

Future

“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” (Psalm 16:6 – NIV)

Instruction

“I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.” (Psalm 16:7 – NIV)

Firm Foundation

“I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 16:8 – NIV)

Joy and Rest

“Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,” (Psalm 16:9 – NIV)

Everlasting Life and Jesus

“because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.” (Psalm 16:10 – NIV)

A Path

“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11 – NIV)

If nothing else, these benefits should draw you to a closer relationship with God. Why not see for yourself the wonderful benefits of being in God’s presence on a regular basis. Get to know Him. Learn of His ways and teachings. Love and praise Him through the good times and lean on Him through the bad. It’s exactly what He wants you to do.

As for me, I keep thinking of Psalm 84:10 (NIV). “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”

I pray that you can say the same thing.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

As You Come to Him

Broken

Imperfect

Selfish

Rejected

Insecure

Sinful

Unproductive

Incomplete

Conformed

Enslaved

Unimportant

Lost

Grieved

Dead

If you are like me, you have felt like some of these words at some point in your life. These are words that describe some of the worst times I’ve experienced. They are not words that I’d like used to describe me at all.

But, they have. And to be honest, I’m sure some of them will be used to describe me before my life on this earth is finished.

I love the phrase, “As you come to him…” from 1 Peter 2:4a (NIV). It gives me hope that regardless of what I am like when I approach Jesus, He is there waiting for me. His arms are open wide and He is looking forward to the time we spend together.

There is so much that follows this phrase in 1 Peter and because of that I think we overlook it. Yes, I am a living stone, I am a spiritual house, I am part of a holy priesthood, and I am an offering acceptable to God through Jesus. Yes, I am all of these things (1 Peter 2:5).

But, how do I come to Him? Am I approaching Jesus with a humble heart? Am I approaching Him with a teachable spirit? Am I approaching Him as a repentant believer?

How do I approach Jesus? How do I come to Him?

How do you approach Jesus? How do you come to Him?

On the flip side, that list from above doesn’t need to remain. As we come to Jesus and accept His love and grace, these are some terms that will describe us.

Whole

Perfect

Selfless

Accepted

Secure

Graceful

Productive

Complete

Transformed

Free

Important

Found

Healed

Living

So come to Jesus. Accept what He has to offer. Allow His grace to flow from heaven and cover you.

As you come to Him…

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

God's Word

One of my greatest joys is to teach women about God’s Word and how it relates to our daily lives. I love how God used and uses His Bible to show us the inadequacies and the successes as we go through our spiritual journey. When I can share these truths with others, I’m so blessed.

I lead a wonderful group of ladies on Tuesday evenings that I have grown to love and cherish because of their desire to go a little deeper into Scripture to find the greater value of knowing God’s message inside and out. But they’ve gone beyond knowledge. They implement these truths into their daily lives. They live out their faith. They are spiritual warriors in their own worlds.

While I love getting deep in God’s Word, I also love teaching those who know nothing or very little about God. I love sharing the Gospel. I love sharing God’s grace and forgiveness. I love sharing the importance of learning and studying God’s plan through His Word.

Several years ago, I was asked to lead a study on a wonderful book called A Newcomer’s Guide to the Bible[i]. The book is a great tool for beginners, but I found it to be inspiring for me as well. It gives a clear view of how the Bible is a complete work. How it fits together perfectly. It shows that God had a plan from the beginning and how He connected that plan throughout.

We really wanted to use this in our women’s Bible study program, but the problem is that this book is all reading. A person going through the book would never have to open the Bible by reading this book. So our women’s ministry director and I took on the task of writing a companion study to go along with the book. It was the first study I’d ever written and I must say I was hooked!

I say all of this because I am now working one-on-one with a young gal and we are going through A Newcomer’s Guide. This will be my 4^th or 5^th time, but I can see how God will show me different ideas this time through…just as He has done in the past.

You see, God’s Word is very relevant for our lives today. It is living and active. And it points us to the exact place we need to be in our relationship with God.

Perhaps you understand what I am saying. Verses pop out that you’re certain you’ve read before, but never meant anything to you until a certain moment. Or a passage will have greater meaning depending on what is happening in our lives. That’s how God’s Word works.

This also validates that we must never stop studying the Bible. God will always show us something as we approach our study time with an open heart and mind. Don’t ever underestimate what God will teach you when you’re an eager vessel.

Perhaps we read verses of Scripture like Psalm 119:105 (NIV), “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” and wonder how God is able to do this. But He does. God directs us through His Word to show us the path we are to take. And as we study Scripture, we’ll gain more insight into that path and we’ll learn to hear His voice.

I’d love to hear from you about this topic. Have you experienced anything I’ve mentioned today? If so, how? What new information has God shown you through your study time? Has He pointed you directly to a passage that you needed for a specific situation?

I can honestly say that He has for me.

I pray that you’re getting into God’s Word today. I pray that new insight will be shown to you because of your eager heart. I pray that God will show you exactly what He wants you to learn today.

God’s Word is a precious gift to us. Let’s never take it for granted. Let’s spend as much time reading the pages of this book as possible. Let’s glean potential knowledge and wisdom from its inspiring words. Let’s see what God has to say to us today!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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[i] Armour, Michael C., A Newcomer’s Guide to the Bible. College Press Publishing Company, 1999.

Perfection!

Perfection. What comes to mind when you think of that word? I think there is perfection in our world. The perfect combination of flavors brings a smile to my face. I believe I’ve seen perfect sunsets. I’ve experienced perfect days.

Imperfection. What comes to mind when you think of that word? I must admit there is imperfection in our world. Computers that aren’t compatible with upgraded programs. Potholes that cause flat tires. The absence of fireflies in Colorado.

Perfection and imperfection. I believe we can look at these words through Scripture and find God’s view on them. So let’s do that. Let’s see what He has to say about perfection and imperfection.

Imperfection

We know from the Old Testament that the Hebrew nation was to provide sacrifices without blemish. They weren’t to have imperfections. (Leviticus 22:21; Numbers 19:2)

We are imperfect. If you read through all of the lists of sins we are to get rid of, you and I both know that we haven’t achieved that task yet. You’ve seen the lists. Galatians 5:19-22; Ephesians 4:22-31; Ephesians 5:3-4; Colossians 3:5-10; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; and 1 Peter 2:1. Unfortunately, some of those sins are still in my life. I am imperfect.

Perfection

Paul’s final words to in 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV) were, “Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” Aim for perfection. Now that I think I can do.

Yes, we are to rid ourselves of the sins listed above, but we also have lists to show us how we are to live. Galatians 5:22-23; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 4:23-24; 32-5:2; Philippians 2:14-16; Philippians 4:4-8; Colossians 3:12-17; Colossians 4:2; 1 Peter 1:13-16; 1 Peter 2:4-5; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 Peter 4:8-11; 1 John 1:7; Jude 1:20-23.

“Aim for perfection.” Other versions of the Bible have translated this phrase a little differently. Maybe we can gain some insight from them.

“Keep things in good repair.” (The Message)

“…be made complete…” (New American Standard)

“Try to be complete.” (New Century Version)

“Aim for restoration.” (English Standard Version)

I love the ESV translation. “Aim for restoration.” It seems to help me understand that it is a work in progress. That it is a time-consuming project. Maybe even that it is a never-ending task. I must continue to work at living the way God wants me to live, because I know that it is only through Him that I am perfect.

I believe that as we remove a sin from our life, we must replace that void with something. Something good. Remove something from the imperfection list and replace it with something from the perfection list.

I also believe that I cannot do this without God and His Holy Spirit working in my life. My sinful nature is too strong for me to battle on my own. And God has given me the perfect tools to go into battle. Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us of the armor we are to take up and use. God’s armor.

Let’s strive today to live as godly men and women. Let’s utilize the tools (God’s armor and His Holy Spirit) as we head into battle. Let’s aim for perfection. Aim for restoration. Let others see Jesus through you that “…they may see your good deeds and glorify God…” (1 Peter 2:12 – NIV)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

Distractions

How easily are you distracted? Distracted during a conversation or while you’re heading in a specific direction? Or what distracts you from studying God’s Word or your prayer time with Him?

I was having a conversation with a co-worker. I couldn’t tell you what the topic was, but it was one that had kept our attention for some time. Then suddenly, I saw them.

My cubicle mate had dangling earrings. They were a combination of blues, greens and a mixture of the two colors. They were large, shiny and the shape of a teardrop. It was as if I were a fish and these fishing lures were drawing me to them.

I stopped talking. I was mesmerized by their shape, color and design. If in fact I were a fish, I would have been dinner.

Oh how often I am distracted from spending time with God or helping someone in need. The unfortunate thing is that it happens daily for me. I’ll be focused on my study time and then my mind begins to wander. I’ll remember something else I wanted to do. Or I’ll read a verse of Scripture and think, “I could use that in a blog post.” Or an interruption will draw me from my study time and it then becomes more difficult to return.

The same can be said of my prayer time. I’ve learned through the years that unless I physically speak my prayers, chances are pretty good that I’ll end up being distracted by something and then my prayer time with God is disjointed.

But I know I am not alone in this dilemma. The distractions of this world and life have kept many from spending time with God and accepting what He has to offer.

Martha was one such woman. Martha and her family had a close relationship with Jesus. Apparently, close enough to make a complaint about her sister to Jesus.

Jesus was passing through town with His disciples. Martha opened her home to the group. Her sister Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening and learning from the Master, while Martha was busy preparing a meal and their home for their guests.

Martha wasn’t happy with the way Mary was behaving. And she told Jesus. “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40b – NIV)

Jesus’ response was priceless. “Martha, Martha.” (Luke 10:41a – NIV) Now this wasn’t the end of Jesus’ response, but it tells us the message Jesus wanted to convey.

“Donna, Donna. Why are you worried about this particular thing?” “Donna, Donna. Really? You made the same mistake again?” “Donna, Donna. What were you thinking?” “Donna, Donna. Are you sure that’s what you want to do?” Yes, I can hear Jesus saying these same words to me. “Donna, Donna.” (You can insert your name here anytime you want.)

For Martha, she had been “distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.” (Luke 10:40a – NIV) And by being distracted, she missed the message.

Jesus continued with His response in Luke 10:41-42 (NIV). “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Mary chose the better. Mary got the “one thing.” She chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear His words. To know that her life would be different because of knowing this Man. She knew in that moment that her spiritual needs far outweighed her physical needs.

What lessons to learn from Mary!

My friend and I speak of that moment on occasion. Of how I was so drawn to those earrings. To be honest, they were not something I would normally be drawn to. They weren’t a color I care for. They were not my style at all. Honestly, I rarely wear jewelry. But that didn’t matter. The distraction was there and the conversation was lost.

The distractions of our lives don’t even have to be something we like. It doesn’t have to be something we’re usually drawn toward. If we are not careful, anything can distract us from doing what we’re supposed to be doing.

Isn’t it time we realize that our spiritual desires need to take precedence over our physical desires? Isn’t it time to realize that Jesus can make all the difference in our lives? Isn’t it time that we understood the “one thing?” I say yes.

My mind must stay focused. My heart must be in tune with God. My actions must show that nothing can distract me from listening to Jesus.

I don’t like hearing the words, “Donna, Donna.” What about you? Are you willing to be undistracted? I pray that you will come to the understanding that Jesus wants us to listen and hear His message and that He is more important than any distraction.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

Impossible You Say?

November is just three days away. I’ve always looked forward to November. It is the beginning of my favorite time of year. Some call it the holiday season. I call it wonderful!

Some of my favorite people were born in the month of November. My Dad, one of my Grandfathers’, and my youngest daughter all celebrate their day of birth in November. And then, of course, Thanksgiving is in November. November is a great month!

It wasn’t until several years ago that I was enlightened to the fact that November is also National Novel Writer’s Month. NaNoWriMo for short, writers are encouraged to write 50,000 words in 30 days. Since I learned of NaNoWriMo, I’ve written a novel each year. I have been awarded a “winners” badge and the bragging rights to that fact.

I have once again taken a leap of faith and have decided to write yet another novel. But that isn’t all I’ve determined to do during the month of November.

While NaNoWriMo is for fictional writers, I’ve also found a group that gathers the non-fiction writers and encourages them to write a book during the month of November. There’s a book in the back of my mind for this one too.

And then of course, there is my blog. My commitment to write here on a daily basis really keeps me hopping. But I enjoy it so. I learn so much. I feel God leading me in this direction. Full Measure of Joy has become part of who I am.

Is it possible to write this much? It would mean writing nearly 3,500 words daily. In three different directions. Is it possible?

I don’t know.

It does seem that I’m trying to be an over-achiever. That I’ve determined to tackle the impossible.

But I would have to say that I’m joining forces with some of the greatest people in history. People who accepted impossible tasks, followed through, and were successful.

I’m sure you can think of the big ones in Scripture, but what about the less spoken accounts of those who were successful when placed in seeming impossible situations?

People like Leah. Her father tricked a man into marrying her. The problem? Her husband, Jacob, wanted to marry her sister Rachel. She wound up in a situation that seemed impossible. With a man who didn’t want her and who loved her sister more than her.

Such mistreatment, frustration, and loss. God, however, was with Leah.  He saw that she was not loved and opened her womb. Leah bore children for Jacob. In this impossible situation, God showed up.

Leah’s account can be found in Genesis 29:14-31:55. In the end, Leah bore half of Jacob’s sons. Half of the twelve whose descendants became the twelve tribes of Judah. Now I call that successful.

And what about this man? He had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. He stayed by the Pool of Bethesda, waiting for the water to stir. But since there was no one to help him into the pool, someone else always got into the water before him.

Thirty-eight years. Knowing all of those years that it would never change. That he was destined to be lame his entire life. How disappointing. How discouraging. How impossible.

But Jesus had an encounter with this frustrated man. After telling Jesus his story, Jesus spoke words that would change his life. “Get up!” (John 5:8 – NIV) The man did so and was able to walk.

While we do not know how this man’s life was changed, we do know he had another encounter with Jesus. Jesus said to the man, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” (John 5:14 – NIV)

Jesus was teaching this man that being spiritually disabled was far worse than the physical implications of his ailment. Spiritual success will always trump physical success.

This man’s Scriptural account can be found in John 5:1-15. In this impossible situation, Jesus showed up.

I don’t know how God is going to show up during the month of November, but I can guarantee He will.

I’ll be encouraged by a verse or passage of Scripture. I’ll be inspired by an exceptionally beautiful sunrise or sunset. I’ll receive a boost of energy from a new piece of information or knowledge. God will show up.

I just need to be looking for Him!

Perhaps I will miss some of the goals I’ve set for November. But it won’t be because I didn’t try. And it won’t be because I tried it on my own. There isn’t much I can do without God.

There’s an old tune I remember singing as a child. “Nothing is Impossible.” As you read through these lyrics, remember that God is going to show up during the impossible times of your life. Just keep looking for Him.

Nothing is Impossible

Nothing is impossible when you put your trust in God;
Nothing is impossible when you're trusting in His Word.
Hearken to the voice of God to thee;
"Is there anything too hard for Me?"
Then put your trust in God alone and rest upon His Word;
For ev'rything, O, ev'rything, yes ev'rything is possible with God.[i]

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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[i] Nothing is Impossible, Words and Music by Eugene L. Clark

Let it Snow!

Wow! We received our first snow of the season in my area last night. As usual, that first blanketing of snow is lovely. It satisfies a longing for beauty. It protects the plants and bulbs under its warmth. It provides moisture to our dry land. It brings a purity with it that somehow seems to purify all that it touches or covers.

Yes, the snow that is covering our landscape is absolutely gorgeous!

I believe we receive some of these same benefits when we live a life that pleases God. Let’s see what God’s Word has to say about it.

God is Lovely

When we are in God’s presence, we dwell in loveliness. Psalm 84:1 (NIV) tells us of this place. “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty.”

David continues to speak of a yearning within to be in the presence of our lovely God. “My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Psalm 84:2 – NIV)

I pray that you’ve experienced this deep desire. That nothing else could possibly fulfill this desire to be with God.

God Satisfies

David knew this as well. There are three passages in Psalm when David shared the ways that God satisfied. Let’s see what he said.

In Psalm 103, David begins with praise to God. “Praise the Lord, O my soul…who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1a, 5 – NIV) God satisfies our desire with good things.

And in Psalm 107:9 (NIV) David said this about God. “He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” David urged Israel to thank God for all that He satisfied, including food and drink. We too must remember to thank God for all that He gives.

David shared another satisfaction in Psalm 147:14 (NIV). “He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.” In this section, David talks of all sorts of weather. Through it all, God satisfied David’s needs and desires. God wants to do the same for us.

God Protects

David was fully aware of God’s protection. When David was being blamed for something he had no control over, God protected him. And in this protection, David found rest and peace.

“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8 – NIV)

As we place our problems in God’s hands, we allow ourselves the benefits of rest, peace and protection. Why wouldn’t we want to give all of the issues of our lives to Him?

God Provides

David knew this very well and shared his thoughts on this topic in one line. “All my fountains are in you.” (Psalm 87:7b – NIV)

When we come to the understanding that there is nothing apart from God, then we too can make this statement without doubt. Everything we need. Everything we desire, God provides.

In our spiritual walk, we have the opportunity to walk with God and allow Him to fulfill our needs. God’s spiritual provision is all we could possibly desire. Can you repeat David’s words?

Perhaps you’ve heard the current worship song containing this line. I pray that the next time you sing these words you’ll have a better understanding of how God really does provide.

God Purifies

David’s greatest desire after his adulterous affair with Bathsheba was to be purified. He asked for God’s mercy. He asked to be cleansed. “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51:7 – NIV)

In our repentance of sin, we too have the desire to be purified. What a blessing it is to know that God is willing to do just that. We have the opportunity to be washed clean. To be as white as the first snow of the season.

God has so much to offer us. We need to remember all of them. If we jump back to Psalm 103:2 (NIV), David wanted to remember all that God had done for him, too. He didn’t want to forget. “Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Let’s not forget. Let’s remember all that God wants to give us. And then, accept them!

To be honest, this snow won’t last long. The weather will warm up over the weekend and it will disappear. Also to be honest, I really don’t like winter very much. At least I can say I don’t like the cold. But I kind of like snow.

Snow brings a beauty with it that thrills the little girl in me. I pray that each snowfall will remind me of God’s benefits. Maybe you will too.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

And Waiting Again...

I have anticipated this day for over two weeks now. The other half of our service team to SE Asia returns home today.

I’ve missed them so much. They were inspirational. They were prayer warriors. They were cheerful. They were wonderful mentors. They led wisely. They are good friends.

Being back in America without them has been okay, but the idea of them returning, to reunite the team is more than exciting to me. It is exhilarating!

I wonder if this was how the Apostles felt after Jesus left them. Acts 1:4-5 (NIV) shares the account of Jesus’ instructions. “On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’”

They were to wait. Wait for the rest of the team to arrive.

It isn’t fun to wait. I’ve had to wait quite a bit in my lifetime. Wait for pregnancies to come to term. Wait for news of an upcoming, possible job. Wait for the arrival of wonderful guests. Wait for surgery to be finished on a loved one.

Waiting. It isn’t an easy task.

The Apostles kept busy while they were waiting however. After Jesus left them, they returned to Jerusalem to wait as Jesus had requested. We see in the first chapter of Acts that they chose a replacement for Judas (Acts 1:12-26).

In Luke’s account of the time after Jesus’ ascension, we come to an understanding of other things the Apostles did while waiting.

“When he (Jesus) had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.” (Luke 24:50-53 – NIV)

The Apostles were continuously in the temple. They continuously praised God. Now that was something to do while waiting for the rest of the team to arrive. They were preparing themselves for what was to come.

Under these circumstances, I suspect the wait wasn’t as difficult as we might think.

So what should we do while we’re waiting?

Be productive. Don’t sit around with only the wait on your mind. Find something to do that will be of good. It will help take your mind off the wait period.

I believe we can also spend time with fellow believers. Just as the Apostles were always at the temple, we can find ways to be near others who believe as we do. This too will help us from becoming so focused on the wait that we miss the anticipation. The joy of something to look forward to.

And then the last thing we can learn from the Apostles is to praise God while we’re waiting. Of course we should praise God all the time, but in times of waiting, I believe praising God will again take our focus off of ourselves and place it directly on God. And let’s face it, there’s always something to praise God for.

I wish God had brought these concepts to my mind two weeks ago. I might have viewed this wait period much differently. Yes, I’ve done these three things, but I might have done a few things differently.

The good news is that now that I’ve learned a lesson, I can use it the next time I am required to wait. And that starts now.

I’m waiting for my fourth grandchild to be born. A little girl. Oh, how difficult it is to wait, but I know the importance of waiting for this baby to develop fully before birth.

So until that time, I will be productive. I will continually be in God’s house with His people. And I will not stop praising God. And so it begins.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna