Author: nancy

luck of the draw 8

Encouragement / Prayer

LUCK OF THE DRAW—NOT

The things that happen do not happen by chance, they happen entirely in the decree of God. God is working out His purposes. OSWALD CHAMBERS NOTHING HAPPENS BY ACCIDENT This past weekend a group of friends, old and new, pushed the pause button on life. We fled to our favorite fall retreat spot–a tranquil location we have visited for the last fifteen years. Every retreat is different in theme, message, and the silly antics of our annual Friday night game. But one thing is constant–God’s presence. What I never imagined was God surprising me with a special gift. Several months...

Calm collected faith 0

Poetry

CALM COLLECTED FAITH

ASSURANCE Not one “Oops!”, “Uh-oh”, or “Sorry!” but perfection in all His ways No mistakes, sovereign ruling throughout our fleeting days What seems mistake or worse, an “accident” of chance Is well within His grasp, not dicey happenstance. But evil and injustice—how can these things occur Without Him moving quickly and justice to secure? Higher, more profound, far beyond our grasp The Master works His wonders, and one day we will gasp When dimly becomes clearly, and all is fully seen Worship, adoration, repentance in between Humbled, staggered knowing—wise beyond belief Beholding Sovereign Wisdom, the fullness of relief When Cross...

Letter to an unknown human 2

Teaching

LETTER TO AN UNKNOWN HUMAN

A Surprising Opportunity My friend contacted the prayer group to ask for a favor. A young man she is exceedingly close to will be attending a special retreat. At some point during the week he will be given letters and notes of encouragement from friends and family. My friend asked if we would consider writing a note or some encouraging Scriptures for him. While we may not be related we have been praying for him. Close enough. The Letter Alan, You, Alan Moore, are seen by God. And not only seen but loved by Him. Yep, despite what we have...

When faith becomes sight 0

Comfort and Hope / Poetry

WHEN FAITH BECOMES SIGHT

Considerations—A Poem and Several Quotes CONSTERNATION, noun [Latin , to throw or strike down.] Astonishment; amazement or horror that confounds the faculties, and incapacitates a person for consultation and execution; excessive terror, wonder or surprise. Webster’s Dictionary 1828 You can find a few more poems here.

gibson writes, the roost, thrple, the roost, prayer, praying, nasa, space, 5

Prayer

STOP THE WORLD AND TRANSCEND TIME

A MERE FORMALITY Growing up, my family recited the same prayer over every meal.  When we visited relatives, I discovered the identical rote prayer was a family tradition. The only variation concerned the words, These or Thy, which ignited a passionate debate over the grammatically correct wording. Unregenerate—reciting creeds and the Lord’s Prayer at church, the blessing over meals, and the disturbing if I die before I wake, nighttime utterance were mere forms of godliness.   But God. After delivering me from death to life, everything shifted. God took what I had known as prayer and graciously peeled it off like a thin veneer....

GARDEN HOSES, GREENS AND GROWTH 2

Uncategorized

GARDEN HOSES, GREENS, AND GROWTH

The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.  ISAIAH 58:11 I stood in my yard, garden hose in hand, watering a field of cartoon-looking, cookie-cutter bright green plants across the road. A vast expanse of weedless dirt punctuated with perfectly spaced vegetation sprawled before me. Undaunted, I held the hose coming from the field and watered the crop. A man in a car approached. Slowing down at the sight of a hose stretched across...

8

Encouragement

MINDING MY OWN BUSINESS

MINDING WHOSE BUSINESS? I was minding my business. In reality, I was helping my mother with her business—choosing floor covering. The flooring department at Home Depot looked deserted last Friday morning. We perused the aisles looking at various options until a specific carpet sample captured her attention. Familiar with my mother’s ‘that’s it’ decision-making process, we wanted to arrange the installation. There were no store associates at the desks located in the home services area. A young man with a big smile pulling a loaded pallet jack caught my eye when he appeared from behind a kitchen display. I inquired...

YOUR LIFE—A GIFT 2

Encouragement

YOUR LIFE—A GIFT TO GIVE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Last week I flew to the Pacific Northwest—a place where my soul soars unlike anywhere else. Oregon’s towering forests, winding roads, vast stretches of orchards, snowy mountain peaks, breathtaking beauty, and civil temperatures expand and enrich my spirit. Especially after enduring a long stint of stifling Texas temperatures. The primary purpose of the trip was to celebrate my mother-in-law’s 95th birthday. The big bash, scheduled for Sunday afternoon at her church, brought friends and family together. After being isolated due to the pandemic, gathering with others did her heart good. She retracted her ‘I don’t want a party’...

6

Comfort and Hope / Poetry

THE HELPER

HOLY SPIRIT Hold me close—don’t let me spin A skillful tale apart from Him Wake me up to satan’s schemes Don’t let me die within my dreams Or fancied ways of coping with The constant trials, tilts, and shifts Do keep me in Reality With Your eyes, Lord, help me see, Discern and learn, live Your truth O Lord, I long to see the proof Of what You say and who You are Fleshed out whether causing scar, Joy or peace, pain or sorrow, Every moment, every hour Clinging to the glorious Vine Your life flowing into mine Your thoughts...

10

Comfort and Hope

HOW TO ENCOURAGE YOURSELF AND BOLSTER YOUR FAITH

A dear friend invited me to help stage some new merchandise at their non-profit coffee shop. Happy to help, I had no idea God would use the experience to encourage me and bolster my faith. Zera Coffee Company supports the ministry of Denton Freedom House, where individuals enslaved by addiction find freedom through the gospel of Jesus Christ.  In between tasks, I chatted with a couple of precious ladies currently going through the women’s program. Working at the coffee shop is part of their training. God used them, and our conversations, to remind me of His eternal goodness in a...