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“and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:3

Why Lord do you cause us to suffer? This is not a perfect world. We don’t always get what we want. But we do get what God knows is best. His ways are so much beyond our own. He can take the worst situations and turn them around if we just trust him and let him work. The hardest thing had to be when his very own son willingly let himself be crucified for our trespasses. When sin entered the world God knew that he could fix things that were broken. Jesus had been with God from the beginning and he would have to be willing to become a man like us. Giving up his rights as the chosen prince. God loved and respected his precious son. He even declared that to the world. Even Jesus lost his living father to death and his cousin was be headed. His very good friend died and it grieved him to see the sisters suffering even though he knew it was only temporary. I know when I had my stroke so many people came to the hospital to check on me when they heard about my stroke. I wasn’t really coherent but I knew they were there. I’ve known women who tried for years to successfully have a child. Even Hannah cried out to God in bitter grief wanting a child of her own. Her son was very important and took time but she still gave him back to God. I know a woman who had a baby that weighed only one pound. It did not look good but he hung on. My stroke actually saved my life because a destructive behavior that was not good for me had taken over my life and the stroke woke me up when I almost died. Things can hurt but we need to trust God. We need to stop looking backwards but to the future. It is impossible to not grieve when someone you love dies. But will you let God make you better through it or bitter. It’s up to you. God will give you the strength to grow better if you just ask. He can turn things around if you let him.

God made heaven and earth and everything that ever was and will be in them. Everything we could ever need or desire. And it was very good. He is perfect, could he do any less. I am amazed at all the unique and intricate plants and animals. I believe God was excited to create them. The gorgeous environments and magnificent scenery.

“God blessed them and said to them, ‘be fruitful and increase in number’; Fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and every living creature that moves on the ground.” Genesis 1:28

He was so happy to have people to love and he wanted more. Everything was just for them. He thought of everything that we could enjoy. It was theirs to rule over and nurture. Nothing was too good for them.

“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning-the sixth day.” Genesis 1:31

It had to be perfect and everything we could ever desire was thought of. At times I just sit and ponder the things in my surroundings, which isn’t much, but each thing has so much pleasure and memories attached. Pictures of my family and special things from people I love. Simple things like my clock. How God created seasons and time to come and go.

“I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, that brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.” Exodus 6:7

If he could just have a special people all his own he would do everything for them and they would love him and obey him out of gratitude. But we are selfish and wicked. We don’t deserve anything but that doesn’t stop him. He still wants that special people to do everything for.

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

“I will do it. I am willing to do the hard work for you. I just want your love, says the God.

“The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” Exodus 15:2

We really need to realize just what we have. He is everything and he does everything and he promises a future because he is our ultimate salvation through his son.

“Who is like you- majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” Exodus 15:11

The more you get to know him the larger he becomes in your eyes. Just like a jumbo jet is tiny when you look up at it 30,000 miles away. But stand beside it, it is massive. Draw closer to God and see just how big he gets.

“The Lord reigns for ever and ever.” Exodus 15:18

This is the reason I am at peace. Bottom line is that God does have us all in the palm of his hand and he is always working. His will, will be done.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3

Jesus was raised to life and is now in heaven at the right hand of God. Now I can know for sure that when I die I will be raised to life with him in heaven forever. I can totally rest in my God knowing that nothing can separate me from him. One day I will be with him forever.

All those who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3

All we need to get to heaven is faith. To believe that he meant what he said, that we could come to him and he would forgive everything. No limitations. Once we believe we are purified and God sees us just as our King, Jesus, perfect.

“For I know the plans I have for you, ‘declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

It is hard at times not knowing what the future holds for me. I do have good people taking care of me and so far I can do most things for myself as far as keeping busy and basic needs. My body needs help getting up, showered, and dressed. Will I get worse? I can’t stand anymore and my feet and ankles are bent pretty bad. I know I will decline as I age. But God will take care of me.

“My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm.” Isaiah 51:5

Justice is difficult to describe, but God is very just and will eventually bring punishment to those who deserve it. He will make all right.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12

It is hard to wait for things we need and want and this can bring angst. But when good finally does come we rejoice in God who is so faithful.

“May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.” Psalms 25:21

When I spend my time doing things that are good, following his commands and his example it does bring rewards. It brings joy, peace, and blessings. His ways work and are always worth it.

“For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.” Psalms 37:9

When we get to heaven there will be no evil, and wicked people, those who have been forgiven and are free from past mistakes. We are totally new creatures. We will be perfect in our perfect home.

“Hope in the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed you will see it.” Psalms 37:34

One day we will be rewarded for all of our efforts to serve patiently. Those who have not done God’s will and have lived evil lives will have to face his wrath.

“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” Psalms 39:7

The Lord knows just what I need. I have learned that he will provide even if there is not much I have control over. Lately because of illness the people doing my laundry have been running behind getting my clothes back. I joked with caregivers that I would have to go naked tomorrow because I had no more pants. Well bright and early they came in with a stack of clothes. Just in time. Thanks God.

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalms 42:5

I wake up each day with hope and expectation, I didn’t always but I can think of a million reasons to choose joy and not sadness or anger. The biggest one is that I only want good so I choose joy. It never causes regret or anxious thoughts.

“For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.” Psalms 52:9

Coming together as a common people to worship and learn more about God with people who believe the same way is so important. We hold each other up. Community, us and God. A threefold strand will stand strong.

You are so good to me and you have given me awesome daughters that always make sure I have everything I could need and want. Thanks!

You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.” Psalms 65:5

You are always working and you are always good and that will never change.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3

Our minds can travel many different paths during our day but we need to be training our minds to always remain on God, Satan is busy trying to control our minds and we need to deliberately refocus them back to keep peace.

“The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; it’s effect will be quietness and confidence forever.” Isaiah 32:17

Righteousness is getting closer to God’s perfect example every day. That will not happen unless we battle our flesh every minute of every day.

“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:18

Keeping peace around you is not easy. But it is worth the effort. I have learned to work with people and try to see them through God’s eyes. We all want to be liked and respected so treat others kindly and respectfully.

“Now may the God of peace, through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20

Our savior was willing to do so much for us because he loved us so much. We should in turn show him the same love by listening to him.

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14

Forgive and let things go that upset you. Just as Jesus so freely let the people who were to sacrifice him do what they had to do and still said, “father, forgive them …”.

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11

Just as any athlete trains his body by exercising we need to train our bodies to do God’s will. Our sinful bodies don’t wish to change but as children of God we are called to be changed. To be different from the world.

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16

As we consciously keep our thoughts on God and all his promises, and keeping his will, we will be overcome with peace and joy.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

When you just realize how much God greatly loves and thinks about each of us, how he will bring about good in our lives and will continually work to see us grow, you will begin to want that also in others lives. I do want peace to reign.

“But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the Lord only if his prediction comes true.” Jeremiah 28:9

People will not find peace until they earnestly seek God and his will. People will see the peace in your life when you have completely put your trust in him and his ways.

“I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.” Jeremiah 33:6

As we trust in him and spend time in his presence we will have abundant peace.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 14:7

I never understood about peace that was so consuming and unimaginable before I went through some dark places. One was when I almost died from my stroke. When you have no control over your outcome, peace just flooded my soul and I knew I would be ok.

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it in practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Phillipians 14:9

When you watch someone else going through very difficult situations and can still see them smile and be calm, you will choose to be more like them .Prison, beatings, flogging, and shipwrecks but still have peace.

“If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well being like the waves of the sea.” Isaiah 48:18

People complain about all of their troubles and woes but if they aren’t keeping God’s commandments they shouldn’t expect his blessings.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

The blood of Jesus Christ has paid for so many curses. There are so many wrongs in this world that come about because of that very first sin. But because of his blood we can receive healing, forgiveness, freedom and deliverance.

“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.” Isaiah 54:13

As parents I believe that our number one goal is to raise children to love, respect and follow after the Lord. Teaching them to do the things that will bring peace to their lives.

PEACE

God speaks so much of peace and isn’t that what we all really want and need. If we just listen he tells us plainly that is what he wants for us and just how to have it. I remembered thinking once how awful to live in a nursing home. But God has shown me it’s not where you live or what you have but how you react to it and the people around you. It helps to know that God is right there with you and he is the one of true peace. I have had hard and painful times living in this care home but I am not alone. I am not homeless but I have a huge family here that loves me and I am truly at peace with that now. I love my life.

“I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid. I will remove wild beasts from the land, and the sword will not pass through your country.” Leviticus 26:6

I live in such peace. It used to bother me that I live with whining and complaining, people who are not all there mentally. Rules, regulations and requirements to follow. But God has given me such understanding and compassion. 2020 is my fifteenth year here and I have been in my room since February and having my own private room is nice. It bothered me at first but I have grown so much with God this year.

“the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:26

I seldom think of this verse. God must smile when he turns toward me because my level of peace has gone up so much lately. God is good.

“Submit to God and be at peace with him: in this way prosperity will come to you.” Job 22:21

This is a big way to bring peace into your life. Submit, sounds hard but now his ways are my ways and it works great for me. Prosperity is not just money and things. Things don’t bring happiness. I have very little money but God supplies my every need and I’m very prosperous mentally. More than prosperous. Another aspect of submission is realizing how good God is and that he only wants the very best for me and that’s why there’s rules. To submit and commit to following his ways is huge but very liberating at the same time.

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me lie down in safety.” Psalms 4:8

I did feel nervous when Covid first started. Several people in the building have had it but God has taken good care of me . If I get it I’m not worried. I still have my peace and when I lie down at night he does give me such sweet sleep.

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalms 29:11

I know everything I do comes from his strength. I know whatever he has for me next he will come through with the strength I need to do it. His mercies are new every day.

“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalms 34:14

Turning from evil is also how to gain peace and it gets easier day by day. Seeking to do what God has for you to do will also bring peace. We have to be intentional about everything we do. Today I will do one more right thing and one less unrighteous thing. So I will become just like my dad.

“But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.” Psalms 37:11

I try to be easy and agreeable to work with. This is not an easy job and they don’t have to do things my way to get them done. I’m just grateful for excellent caregivers. People who love me and really care about my life.

“Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.” Psalms 37:37

Those that are doing right before God are those with true peace. Doing God’s will and keeping his commands is the only way to freedom.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Psalms 23:1

That says it all! Nothing do I lack. Man can want many things but things cannot satisfy. Just ask a wealthy person, he needs just one more thing. Never enough. God is so fulfilling and he does know just what I need. Always. Most of our needs are for love. I’ve lost a lot of things since my stroke but what I have gained in peace, joy, and love do surpass it all. I’ve never been so full in my life. Every day I wake with a new expectation in my heart. What’s God got for me today? Whatever it is, good or bad, he is with me and I will rejoice!

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.” Psalms 24:1&2

God made everything that ever was and he loves everything he ever made. Every man, woman and child, no matter color, race or religion, we are all his creation and he will always love us. He wants the very best for us. He wishes to give us his very best. But we have to accept this because he is very gracious and will not force anything on us. He will allow you what you want, but he is all knowing and does know what’s best for us.

“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol, or swear by a false god. They WILL receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from their savior.” Psalms 24:3-5

Who wants it all? Those who are good and who trust in God will be blessed by the Lord and will receive all good things. That’s a promise.

“Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants shall inherit the land. The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.” Psalms 25:12-14

He is right here with me always leading and guiding me. He will help me every bit of the way. The best added bonus is that he will bless my children. I love to see them happy and blessed. My son-in-law is a pilot and always dreamed of traveling around the world and enjoying God’s beautiful world. He just got upgraded to a big jet and flys all around North and South America. Some awesome places to visit and he gets stuck there over night. Like the Virgin Islands. Tough job.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of who shall I be afraid?” Psalms 27:1

With God on my side I fear nothing. He will do whatever it takes. Whatever comes my way we can handle together. I’ve had some challenges lately but my new motto is “OK God we’ve got this so let’s do it.” I can trust he will guide me with wisdom.

“Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trust’s in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy. And with my song I praise him. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one . Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.” Psalms 28:6-9

During the simplest things I can cry out to him. He is always listening. Even if I just long to be near him. He is carrying me most of the time and it’s so comforting. He gives me each new moment and I long to be with him.

“Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalms 30:4-5

I love to listen to praise music, it inspires me and I can’t help but join in. It keeps frustration at bay but things can slowly get out of control. Some nights I go to bed so frustrated, but by morning I wake up to a brand new day and get to start all over. God’s mercies are new every day!

“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.” Psalms 32:1-2

It doesn’t matter what you do or how bad it is. God wants to forgive you. Just talk to him. He is so righteous and the King of do-overs. My heart can be heavy one moment and full of peace the next.

“Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous.” Psalms 33:1

Do you realize that this is a command. Those who love the Lord should always be singing his praises. I know I will wake up in the night and be singing in my heart. I can’t help it anymore. I want everyone to know just how awesome my God is. It is a command with blessings attached, because it will make you so much more alive and happy. God dwells in the praises of his people and that’s where I want to be.

“The angel of the Lord encamp around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Psalms 34:7

The Lord has always taken good care of me for I am his. A very precious possession. In my forties I went through a very selfish period. I had to learn how to fly. I even bought my own plane. Just for fun. I know that his angels were taking care of me because sometimes I think I was in a little over my head. I can’t tell what might have happened, but he always kept me safe and brought me back to him.

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: he will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait for him.” Psalms 37:4-7

I desire to do all God has for me. He knows my desire is for more of him. He has blessed my life. It’s not about wealth or things, but about how happy and satisfied I have become. I wake excited for every new day. Life is good!

“The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion. On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulphur, a scorching wind will be their lot. For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face.” Psalms 11: 4-7

God sees everything and because he is just all will see their rewards or punishment. We who are forgiven will see his face. Those who are wicked will see his face of judgement and wrath. He ignores nothing.

“You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and protect us from the wicked, who freely strut around when what is vile is honored by the human race.” Psalms 12:7-8

Does it seem like evil is accepted all the more often, and evil increases? Well God will take care of his own. He will not loose even one.

“But I trust in your unfailing love ; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.” Psalms 13:5-6

I can’t say enough. He is so good and I can see so many little things he is doing every day.

“Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may dwell on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord ; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind, who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.” Psalms 15:1-6

It can be hard at times to do the right thing. To always tell the truth and keep your promises. Think of others first. It seems easier to take care of yourself first. But God notices when you choose to do the right thing when it’s tough. He will reward you.

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalms 16:8

Watching all God does is so rewarding. He is always working in and through people I know. My church is changing lives around the world and it’s amazing to watch.

“I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.” Psalms 17:6

Nothing is too simple or too difficult for you. How simple of me to assume, I don’t need to bother God about something. I was fretting about having the same breakfast every day once. It’s good but getting annoying. Well I prayed about it and this morning it was totally different and so was lunch. I don’t believe in coincidences. God is good and I thanked him.

“To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd. You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.” Psalms 18:25-26

God treats us just how we treat others. Therefore you should always treat others how you wish to be treated.

“With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.” Psalms 18:29

How big is your God? My God always wins. He is not afraid of your problems. He fights every battle you surrender to him. Are you complaining about your problems, or are you leaving them at his feet. I have left some strange problems at his feet. He has never let me down. He may not answer every need just how I choose. People do die and trials do come, but he always brings me through victoriously.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.” Psalms 19:7-10

God does not lie. He is right and righteous. I have never been let down. His ways bring life and joy. They make sense after using them. They are very simple but they work. The more you follow the easier they are to follow. It all begins with the fear of the Lord. He is more important to me than anything.

“Now this I know: the Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fail, but will rise up and stand firm.” Psalms 20:6-8

I love being victorious, it feels good. Just reading through Psalms is so rewarding and I couldn’t include every promise. It is definitely something to read if you are discouraged.