MaggieBelle

Beloved–

How often over the last 40 New Years eve nights have I asked the Lord, “how can I give you glory in the coming year?”

Not to us, O Lord, not to us,  but to your name goes all the glory  for your unfailing love and faithfulness. All you who fear the Lord, trust the Lord!  He is your helper and your shield. He will bless those who fear the Lord,  both great and lowly. Psm 115

I have failed so often this past year to give you glory, Lord; yet that’s why I am here to give you glory!  My heart spent more time consumed with my own issues rather than than being broken for the lost.  I’ve spent more time on my comfort than time in the Word, more time worrying about things that didn’t really matter than time in prayer for those who don’t know they are lost.

Beloved, my prayer for you, as we end another year together, is that you will spend time feeding on the Word to know him better and more time in prayer praising him for who he is in the new year.  

Luv Ya!

H A P P Y  N E W  Y E A R

Beloved–

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice!*

How can I rejoice when my world is crumbling all around me?  Yet, I must!! I feel like giving up and falling into utter despair. My depression threatens to engulf me; I don’t have anymore tears. I desperately cry out, “rejoice, rejoice,” telling my heavenly Father I cannot go on.                

The darkness has receded, my world didn’t end; I marvel at the patience and abundant love that the heavenly Father lavishes on me a sinner.  And so I shout to the Lord, “I rejoice in you my Savior!”  There is just no other way!

I pray for you each day and urge you not to worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.*

Luv Ya!

M  E  R  R  Y    C  H  R  I  S  T  M  A  S

*from Philippians chp. 4

Beloved–

At what I would describe as my first real life crisis as a young Christian, scripture prevented me from sinking into despair.  From my point of view there was no possible solution to the crisis.  I had been praying and doing my daily reading but one problem after another kept occurring; I didn’t think I could physically survive.  

It was the one and only time the Lord spoke to me directly when I randomly opened my Bible.  It opened in Isaiah, chapter 26.  Verse 3 starts with “God will keep in perfect peace all those whose thoughts are fixed on him…”  

Ever since that day no matter what the situation from the driver who cut me off, to the loss of employment, to a child with cancer, to my present infirmity that memorized scripture always gives me peace of mind and heart.

I pray for you daily that God”s word will speak to your heart and that you too, will be comforted in your times of crisis.

Luv Ya!

Beloved–

Approaching each day with the attitude of “YOU LORD not me” is the only way to have peace of mind and heart no matter how trying the day.  Inside you feel like you are in a whirlwind but outwardly you appear totally calm and in control to the world; people notice and comment.

Daily reading of the Word, daily praise and prayer, and memorizing scripture is what helped me get through the chaos that regularly occurred while raising my children.  The scripture that covered a multitude of broken dishes/windows, negative report card warnings, and protecting me from me is Psalm 34.  It begins, “I will praise God no matter what happens; I will constantly speak of his glories and grace.  I will boast of all his kindness to me; let all who are discouraged take heart…”.

I pray everyday for you to be overwhelmed with the desire to feed on the Word.  No matter what happens, take heart!

Luv Ya!