Life leaves scars. Internal and external marks of what we have been through. Sometimes, only God knows the deep wounds. My heart breaks at the nightmares some have endured. I study my own scars--marks that show my journey. How grateful I am for God’s help and healing.  
 

No matter what we’ve been through, God is big enough to handle all our needs. He will free us from the past. He will restore what has been taken. He will renew what has been destroyed.  
 

God doesn’t make idle promises. Jesus came to make a way when there wasn’t a way. He conquered death and showed that through God all things are possible. Through the Marks of Jesus’ mission we receive forgiveness and healing. There is no impossible situation with God. No matter how deep the scars, God’s love runs deeper.

 

“As white snowflakes fall quietly and thickly on a winter day, answers to prayer will settle down  upon you at every step you take, even to your dying day. The story of your life will be the story of prayer and answers to prayer.” O. Hallesby 
 

“I call on You, O God, for You will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer” (Ps 17:6 NIV).

 6:07 am cst

 

Porch Sitting


I’ve been a bear the last few weeks. Distance seemed to separate me from God as I worried and fretted. My husband's layoff is coming, my health again seemed fragile, and I wondered what would happen in the future. Even with change, would things be different? Would we move once again but stress of job, school, and health continue?  
 

 

I had quite the pity party, snapping at my family, sitting in my office chair, and feeling quite the martyr. Whimper, whine, and moan, please stop the world, I want to get off.  
 

This morning, during my quiet time, I read the following question in Max Lucado’s study, Experiencing the Heart of Jesus--“Why does the joy in Jesus’ presence have a physical effect on our countenance, stress level, attitude, and demeanor?” 
 

My answer for the question… Abiding in His presence everything else fades, worries vanish, stress abates, and joy returns.  
 

I have a mental picture of sitting on the front porch of a cabin in the woods, the porch high enough that I can sit on the edge and my feet dangle. The weather is perfect, and the scenery beautiful. Next to me is Jesus, and He’s smiling. The past, present, and future, disappear in the light of His presence. I am immersed in pure joy. 
 

How amazing that the God of the universe would want to spend time with us, that He delights in His children. No matter what tomorrow holds, God’s grace, mercy, joy, guidance, comfort, peace, provision, healing, strength, and unfailing love will keep us safe forever. 
 

Join me on the porch, there’s plenty of room. Dangle your feet, look into your Savior’s eyes, and experience His joy.
 

“You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever” (Psalm 16:11 NASB).

  9:02 am cst

The band is playing again! The fans are cheering! 

 

We have another winner!!!! 

 

Cindy from ShoutLife is the winner of December's giveaway!  

 

Congratulations Cindy!!

 

Happy New Year!