Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.- Psalm 119:105
It has been very rainy the past days. In a period of six days, we have had three low pressure areas over the different parts of our islands.
There's been only dark clouds, gloomy weather, and rains.
In addition to this, there is a cold front, so the temperature has considerably dropped.
The weather bureau has also alerted the citizenry to watch out for flash floods and landslides.
In this weather, I am only so thankful to have a roof over my head. But part of our roof over our sun room has developed a leak, and of course, while it is raining, no repairs can be done on it.
I am asking God for a peaceful heart to help me face the external circumstances that I find myself in these days. A thankful heart in the midst of the rain (and the leaky roof!). A heart of understanding, compassion, and grace toward others when they seem to walk at a much faster pace than I am comfortable with.
There are times when your heart cries out for comfort, yes for comfort, in relationships. How refreshing when there is kindness, acceptance, and grace! No demands to measure up to heavy expectations.
Just like when you know it is raining out there, but there is the assurance of warmth and protection once you enter the door of your own home.
A few days after posting my blog entry God of My Surrender (To Grumble or To Intercede?), I received in my email the teaching by Francis Frangipane entitled Declare War on Ungratefulness and Grumbling with a Heart of Thanksgiving. I was quite amazed at the timing of this teaching arriving in my emailbox! Francis spoke of the very thing I had written about on my blog post!
"The thankful heart sees the best part of any situation!"
Thankfulness... kindness... acceptance... grace. What lovely qualities that reach out to any heart, in any weather!
My heavenly Father reminded me that He has designed each one of us to be a life-giver. How I desire to be one, not only through the words I speak, but even when I remain silent, through the non-verbal responses and attitudes that I carry inside of me!
A heart of thanksgiving that will surely bid any grumbling, complaining spirit good-bye.
The glass is half full, not half empty!
Behind the dark clouds the sun still shines!
Ah, yes! Gracious words can only come from a heart that is overflowing with grace.
Let my heart overflow with grace, dear God.
The Lord knows. I am running to Him for His arms of understanding and compassion to embrace me in this season.
I am also praying for protection in this extremely rainy and adverse weather.
More than anything else, His word has been a source of great comfort!
My dear grandson Elijah turned seven months old on the 13th of this month.
Below is a page from my journal where I have written down a blessing for him.
From my devotional journal: June 13, 2011
There's been only dark clouds, gloomy weather, and rains.
In addition to this, there is a cold front, so the temperature has considerably dropped.
The weather bureau has also alerted the citizenry to watch out for flash floods and landslides.
In this weather, I am only so thankful to have a roof over my head. But part of our roof over our sun room has developed a leak, and of course, while it is raining, no repairs can be done on it.
I am asking God for a peaceful heart to help me face the external circumstances that I find myself in these days. A thankful heart in the midst of the rain (and the leaky roof!). A heart of understanding, compassion, and grace toward others when they seem to walk at a much faster pace than I am comfortable with.
There are times when your heart cries out for comfort, yes for comfort, in relationships. How refreshing when there is kindness, acceptance, and grace! No demands to measure up to heavy expectations.
Just like when you know it is raining out there, but there is the assurance of warmth and protection once you enter the door of your own home.
A few days after posting my blog entry God of My Surrender (To Grumble or To Intercede?), I received in my email the teaching by Francis Frangipane entitled Declare War on Ungratefulness and Grumbling with a Heart of Thanksgiving. I was quite amazed at the timing of this teaching arriving in my emailbox! Francis spoke of the very thing I had written about on my blog post!
"The thankful heart sees the best part of any situation!"
Thankfulness... kindness... acceptance... grace. What lovely qualities that reach out to any heart, in any weather!
My heavenly Father reminded me that He has designed each one of us to be a life-giver. How I desire to be one, not only through the words I speak, but even when I remain silent, through the non-verbal responses and attitudes that I carry inside of me!
A heart of thanksgiving that will surely bid any grumbling, complaining spirit good-bye.
The glass is half full, not half empty!
Behind the dark clouds the sun still shines!
Ah, yes! Gracious words can only come from a heart that is overflowing with grace.
Let my heart overflow with grace, dear God.
The Lord knows. I am running to Him for His arms of understanding and compassion to embrace me in this season.
I am also praying for protection in this extremely rainy and adverse weather.
More than anything else, His word has been a source of great comfort!
My dear grandson Elijah turned seven months old on the 13th of this month.
Below is a page from my journal where I have written down a blessing for him.
From my devotional journal: June 13, 2011
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure,
then peaceable,
gentle,
willing to yield,
full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality
and without hypocrisy.
Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace
by those who make peace.
then peaceable,
gentle,
willing to yield,
full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality
and without hypocrisy.
Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace
by those who make peace.
- James 3:17, 18
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,
who gives generously to all without finding fault,
and it will be given to you.
- James 1:5
who gives generously to all without finding fault,
and it will be given to you.
- James 1:5
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this:
Everyone should be quick to listen,
slow to speak and
slow to become angry,
because human anger does not produce
the righteousness that God desires.
Everyone should be quick to listen,
slow to speak and
slow to become angry,
because human anger does not produce
the righteousness that God desires.
- James 1:19, 20
... of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times,
to know what Israel ought to do,
their chiefs were two hundred;
and all their brethren were at their command...
- 1 Chronicles 12:32
to know what Israel ought to do,
their chiefs were two hundred;
and all their brethren were at their command...
- 1 Chronicles 12:32
My dear precious Elijah,
Today as you turn seven months old, I have asked God that your little heart be prepared, nourished and nurtured to receive wisdom from above as you grow up.
This kind of wisdom is like having a roof that keeps you covered and protected, even when the rains come into your life. Wisdom from above will help you will know what to do, what to think, what to feel, and what to say!
As in all Godly qualities, wisdom is like a fruit that is cultivated. Indeed, may the ground of your heart be prepared for wisdom!
May you not be impulsive, or guided by wrong motives in making decisions. I declare that God alone will be Your goal... a weatherproof guarantee for Godly wisdom.
Based on the words of James 3:17, I pray for your heart to be pure and undefiled, untainted by hidden or false motives. May your words be ever true; may you be a promise-keeper.
Your heart will be peaceable, where the peace of God rules in your life and relationships.
Your heart will be gentle, wrapped in a gentle wisdom that will help you know
... how to make allowances for other people's shortcomings,
... that you do not always have to stand up for your rights,
...when to extend mercy; and yet, firm enough to know that you will never compromise God's truth.
Your heart be willing to yield, ready to admit when you are wrong, ready to seek forgiveness from someone you may have wronged, a flexible heart that looks at interruptions as divine appointments.
May your heart be full of mercy and good fruits, where the mercy of your heart is not in mere words but also in action!
Dear Elijah, I declare that your heart will be without partiality -- you will grow up to be a man of firm convictions, not double-minded.
And your heart will be without hypocrisy, sincere. May God protect you from deceitfulness in any of your words and dealings.
As a result of this kind of wisdom in your life, may you grow up to be a man of peace, dearest grandson.
Indeed, may you reap a harvest of righteousness as you begin to sow seeds of peace in a fertile ground watered by peace!
And dear Father, I believe that You are pleased by this prayer. Do honor these requests, the fervent prayers of a grandmother for her grandson today!
With love,
Nana
Elijah, at seven months
Worshiper and his sonSixth Month: Grace Under Pressure - Grace
Fifth Month: A Kingdom that Cannot Be Shaken - Faith
Fourth Month: Love Covers - Love
Third Month: Like a Tender Shoot - Obedience
Second Month: Elijah"s Second Month - Humility
First Month: Giving Thanks - Thankfulness
10 comments:
But you, dear Lidj, are built on ROCK---for "the winds will blow and the rains will fall", but you will weather every storm thru Him.
God bless you and your wonderful family.
As I face my own battle at work, my heart truly dreads going inside every time I'm scheduled to go to work. But when I turn on the Christian station I listen to and just enjoy the worship songs, I often find myself thanking the Lord no matter what I am about to face.
I remember teaching my son when he was little for us to stop complaining and instead say "thank You" instead for any little thing. I made it into a game until it became a habit for us. And then, I asked him that after thanking, why don't we pray for those hurting or in need of prayers...I often hear him saying in quiet whispers, "Thank You Lord" after a meal, after his homework, exams, etc...And now, I thank the Father for making us learn this by His grace...because I know that when we keep that attitude, it also takes our attention away from those trials and help us focus on what or Who matters the most.
May the Lord grant your beautiful prayers and as we speak and put power into what we say, I am also agreeing with you, praying for the Lord's gift of wisdom and discernment over your precious grandchild. Praying that always for you and protection for you and your family.
Thank you for your posts that also help me reflect on my own inner attitude.
That leaky roof...I imagine it as His love pouring and flooding your heart with His love and grace...God bless you sister Lidj and may you also have a restful time when your help comes back. I know how much of a blessing they are...(Is her name Irene? God bless her). Thank you for your much needed prayers. Keeping you in mine.
I just LOVE Elijah's Nana!
xo
I always appreciate what
the Lord communicates to me
through dear Francis and I
read that too.
I think of you often, Lidj,
and pray for you. Your little
Elijah is so very adorable.
Wish I could kiss those
cheeks.
Keep your heart and mind
on Jesus and continue to
glorify Him in all you write.
Love,
Sandy
Lidj...once again I just feel I need to take off my shoes as I am standing on Holy ground. The Lord speaks through you and I am so richly blessed..I surely can't add even a dot to what has been said.
My son is a roofer...I wished he could come fix your roof...but we both know the one who holds it all in his hands.
Hugs and blessings!
Now that is one precious face! I just want to pick him up and squeeze him.
Another beautiful post, Lidj. Blessings to you!!
Dear Lidj,
Your children and grandchildren are blessed to have you carrying so much concern and deep love for them all the time.
I always think of the promise, that His word shall not return empty.
Every prayer said, every word from God spoken is living seed.
You are the sow woman, and someday you shall harvest hundred fold.
Full of Hope is so good looking after his rough start in life. Your prayers were with him even before he was born.
I praise the Lord, that your prayers were heard and still are being heard.
Blessing and courage to you, my sister.
From felisol
Hello my dear Lidj, I love that verse from Proverbs, and if we heed it, we will always do well. I love that little statue of a grandmother with a child. Your photos are beautiful, happy and special. What a joy to the Lord is your family. And what a joy to your family are YOU!!!
I know you get weiry at times, but Lidj, God understands, He loves you, He feels your sadness and loneliness..its okay! He knows. Just imagine yourself laying in His arms, He holds you close and kisses your forehead..
Much love from me to you today. OOO XXXXX
Hi Lidj,
I love this blessing for your precious grandson, Elijah. You are very poetic and I love reading what you have to say.
Thank you for sharing and I hope and pray there is safety from the adverse weather.
Blessings,
<><
When your grandson is older, I know he will find those letters to him SUCH a blessing.
Have you read Ann Voskamp's book "One Thousand Gifts"? It's about how to be grateful, thankfulness in a world where ingratitude is the norm. If you haven't read it, I definitely suggest it--wonderful!
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