A Whim Before the Wedding

Donna 

Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is s nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. Selah. - Psalm 39:4-5 NIV

With my wedding less than two weeks away, I decided to do something different with my hair. A beauty shop had moved into town, and I’d heard rave reviews of one particular beautician, Carla. I cut a picture out of a magazine of my ideal style, and made my appointment.

When I arrived, I showed Carla my clipping. “Oh, no problem. That will look very pretty on you.”

She spun me around in the chair with my face away from the mirror, whipped out a cape, and wrapped it around my shoulders with a flourish. For the next twenty minutes, we made small talk about my upcoming wedding and current events, with the snip, snip of the scissors keeping an erratic beat.

“All done!” Carla spun me around in the chair and I stared into the mirror.

My hair, once flowing in long layers around my shoulders, now barely came past my chin, which began to quiver.

“You don’t like it?” Carla’s eyes grew wide as she saw my obvious distress.

“It’s fine. I’m sure it’s fine.” I needed to get out of there before I dissolved into a sobbing mess. I paid her, even adding a tip, ran to my car, and bawled all the way home.

I cried on the phone to my fiancé, “My hair is gone. There no time for it to grow back.” In my eyes, I looked nothing like the girl in the picture I’d shown Carla. Once my hair was cut off, it lay in piles on the floor. There would be no putting it back.

Have you ever thought about time like that? Hair grows back, but time, once wasted, is gone. I couldn’t pick the hair up off the floor and add it back, and we cannot re-live yesterday or add days to our lives. Each day is a precious gift from God. Let’s aim to make the most out of every single one.

Once I got over the shock, I decided to make the most of my new look. Regret would only be a waste of time. Two weeks later, I managed to get my hair to look somewhat presentable, and you know what? My veil covered up most of it anyway.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the very breath you give me. I pray I will be faithful with the use of my time each day. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Treats and Trials

Angel 

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” – I Peter 1:6-7 NIV

When I go down into my basement to exercise, I take my puppy, Angel, so she can get her workout, too. For the last few weeks, I’ve hidden treats in nooks and crannies. The purpose is two-fold. It keeps her busy while I walk, and keeps me entertained watching her.

I hid a treat on top of a table just out of paw’s reach. Angel pondered the situation and finally decided to jump up to retrieve it. The glossy finish set her legs to scrambling. She gobbled up the treat, and scampered down.

The next day, I wanted to test Angel by setting another treat on the table. When she spotted it and realized she’d have to jump on the table again, she walked over to my treadmill, sat down next to it, and began to bark as if to say, “Go get that for me.”

As I stared into her brown eyes, they seemed to beg me to make her life easier. How many times have I prayed to God, “Lord, can’t you just do that for me?”

Many times God tests us. We develop patience and character when we go through trials He allows us to experience. We learn we can trust God to bring us through. How would we mature as Christians and grow in our faith if the Lord handed us everything we requested or answered every prayer immediately?

”Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2-4 NIV

Ask God to show you the joy in trials, knowing you will be more mature if you persevere and prove your faith to be genuine.

After a few minutes of barking protest, I took a break and got the treat for Angel. Her test didn’t last long, did it?

Prayer: Lord, I thank You because I know You will bring me through every trial. Help me to consider them pure joy, because I know You are with me every step of the way. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Final Exam

I'm so blessed to report I came in first this week in the Writing Challenge on Faithwriters. I've had so much fun participating. Here's the link if you'd like to read my winning entry!

Final Exam

Running the Race

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. – Hebrews 12:1

I’ve seen several of the Olympic athletes on Christian programs proclaiming their love for God and faith in Jesus Christ. I’m so proud of them, and appreciate their hard work and sacrifice.

Eric Liddell, a missionary to China, ran in the 1924 Olympics. He is quoted as saying,

“I know that God has made me for a purpose; to be a missionary in China. But he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure."

To feel God’s pleasure! What a thought! God made each of us for a purpose. When Eric left China to run in the Olympics, he stepped (or ran) in the will of God. The Lord used his ability to witness to thousands. And did you know the movie “Chariots of Fire” is about Eric? So in that way, he continues to witness to this day.

I desire that the Lord would find pleasure in my life, don’t you? The second verse in Hebrews 12 says, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

For the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the cross. In the coming weeks, athletes will have their eyes on the prize – an Olympic medal. In our Christian walk, we strive for the prize of the high calling of Jesus Christ. We won’t be awarded medals that soon pass away, but an eternal home in heaven.

You might feel as if you can’t be a witness because you don’t preach or teach. In the body of Christ, all the parts are important. Every Sunday, a gentleman in our church cleans a glass, fills it with ice-cold water, and places it under the pulpit for our pastor. Very few people know he does this, but he is faithful. It is his ministry.

Ask the Lord what He would have you do. Perhaps you wait tables or work on cars and have a difficult time imagining how this could be God’s place for you, but God uses us if we are willing. Ask the Lord to open up opportunities for you to be a witness for Him. When you honor God in all you do, He will honor your obedience with a life that counts for eternity.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for opportunities to be a witness. I pray for endurance to run the race set before me. Thank you for the assurance that when this race is run, I will find rest in Heaven. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Back to School Already?

Got kids? Visit Saplings Magazine to read a back to school poem by Donna in the August Issue called "School Lunch."

Saplings Magazine

You're welcome to leave comments about the poem here. Thanks!

Rescued

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

As a little girl, I had nightmares, vivid dreams so disturbing I can remember them to this day. On more than one occasion, I’d climb out of bed and sleepwalk and talk trying my best to rid myself of the images playing in my head.

My mother would hear me bumping and stumbling around in my room and she’d come to my rescue. Usually when she turned on the light, I’d wake up. But a couple of times, I didn’t believe she really stood there. I didn’t recognize her. Only her persistent voice saying, “Donna, it’s me. I’m right here” awakened me and gave me comfort.

Are you stumbling around in life? Do you need to be rescued? Sometimes events cause us to feel as if our life is a bad dream. It’s during those times you may feel as if God isn’t really there.

In Matthew 14, we read how the disciples got into a boat without Jesus who went up on a mountainside to pray. After night fell, Jesus walked on the water out to the boat. Isn’t that amazing? The disciples didn’t recognize Him.

Then Jesus said, “It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Vs. 27 NIV)

Just like my mom’s presence alleviated my fear and calmed me, Jesus’ presence brought peace and comfort to the anxious disciples

Paul told the believers in Philippi, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

How do you ‘present a request to God’? You cry out to Him. I’m thankful that when I cry out in the midst of the storms of life, God comforts me. Is your life in turmoil? Cry out to God. He brings a peace that transcends all understanding to His children.

Prayer: Lord, I praise You for the promise that when I called upon Your name, You saved me. Thank You for peace and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Intruder from Below

Please visit Julie Bonn Heath's Inspiration Station to read a true story by yours truly in the latest issue.

Inspiration Station

You're welcome to leave comments about the story here. Thanks!

Donna

Consistent Care

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. – I Corinthians 15:58b NIV

Last week one of the women who attended our church died unexpectedly. Melinda was twenty-five years old, but had suffered with terrible seizures from birth, which affected her mental capacity. Just two days before her death, she brought me a picture torn out of a coloring book. She had filled the page with scribbles of bright blue, red, and green crayon.

Although she never knew it, Melinda taught me about being consistent. She never missed a church service. I know there were times when she didn’t feel her best, but she persevered. Have there been times I stayed home from church even though I could easily have gone?

Melinda was caring. In the last couple of years, she had acquired a job in a program for people with special needs. Every Thursday night in our midweek service, when the pastor asked for prayer requests, Melinda’s hand shot up and stayed there until he called on her – even if it was ten minutes later! When called upon, she’d request prayer for someone from work. How sensitive am I to the needs of those around me?

Melinda was a Christian. Even though she had a difficult time understanding the sermons, she came forward periodically to have the pastor pray for her. She’d say, “I need Jesus in my heart” every time. And every time, we’d pray with her. She had such a desire to serve God the best way she could. Oh, that the rest of us would be so desirous of a close relationship with Jesus!

At the funeral, the pastor read a short tribute written by Melinda’s sister, Jeanne. “Melinda never let life get her down. Her greatest accomplishment has just been achieved. She is now face to face with the One who died for her.”

A seizure took Melinda’s life on earth, but I have no doubt she lives on in heaven. I’ll keep my work of art by Melinda in my Bible to remind me to be a consistent and caring Christian.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for those You bring into our lives who teach us to be better Christians. I pray I will be faithful in my walk with You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

The Omnipresence of God

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. – Psalm 16:11 NIV

My church has had a tent revival for two weeks, which concluded on Sunday. We had blessed and productive services. Blessed because we felt the presence of the Holy Spirit and productive because two people accepted Jesus Christ as Savior.

Many people asked why we’d be willing to leave our comfortable sanctuary with air conditioning and padded pews for a tent with hard, wooden chairs and temperatures reaching into the nineties.

It doesn’t matter where you have church. The atmosphere in the tent was much more relaxed than in the sanctuary. People who don’t feel at ease coming to the more formal services inside might attend an outdoor meeting.

A slight breeze cooled us, we could hear the birds chirping, and one night when I walked to my car, I saw a beautiful, reddish-brown deer run by and disappear into the woods behind the church.

If we had decided to have church in the middle of the woods, God would be there. Is there a place you can go that God is not there?

The Psalmist, David, wrote, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalm 139:7-10 NIV)

If we call out to Him when we are in trouble, He is there. If we are getting ourselves into trouble, guess what? He is there! The thought that God is everywhere is both comforting and sobering.

We had services in the church building this past Sunday. It was nice to be inside again, and the same God Who met us under the tent met us in the auditorium. His presence comforted, thrilled, and convicted us. We worshiped and gave God glory and praise. Church is a time for renewal and reflection and after two weeks of Spirit-filled services under the tent, I felt revived.

But I must say – this old body finds padded pews much more comfortable.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the comfort of Your presence, and for the assurance that when I call upon Your Name, You are there. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen. 

Dust and Discipline

For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life. – Proverbs 6:23
 
I bought a new vacuum cleaner last week. It has several attachments, settings, and even a new gadget on the side with a duster that spins the dirt out after each use. After sitting in the box for several days, my husband put it together. I ran a few swipes across the floor and marveled at how helpful my new gadgets will be.
 
Then I set it in the corner of the family room where it has collected dust.
 
How many people have treadmills, stationary bicycles, and several other fitness machines collecting dust in their basements or garages? It’s delusional to think buying the equipment alone will get you into shape. I know. I’ve done it, too. My sweeper is an efficient machine, but it won’t clean my house by itself.
 
Do you have a Bible sitting in your house collecting dust? Just like buying health food and then letting it rot won’t make you any healthier, having a Bible to feed your spiritual body won’t help you if you don’t read it.
 
It takes discipline to keep a clean house or to work at keeping a fit, healthy body. It takes discipline to study the Word of God.
 
The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy,  "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15).
 
The Amplified Bible explains the last phrase as meaning we rightly handle and skillfully teach the Word of Truth. How can we teach something we don’t know?
 
Let’s dust off our Bibles and study the Word of God.
 
Since I’ve written about discipline, I realize – I need to use that vacuum cleaner again!

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your Word. Help me to correctly handle the Word of Truth. I desire to be Your disciple. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Greedy for God Bird Nerd- part 5

(Bird Nerd – Part 5)

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? – Psalm 42:1-2 NIV

Sometimes it’s difficult for me to focus on one thing. I tend to do several things at once.

My husband walked into our family room one day, looked at me, and shook his head. “What are you doing?” he asked. I had the television on with the Picture in Picture feature enabled so I could watch two shows at once, but I had the volume muted. Why? Because I had the radio on to listen to my favorite program. During station breaks, I read the newspaper!

Maybe that’s why my friend suggested I get a hummingbird feeder. When one of the delicate and elusive birds appears, I have to drop everything to watch it before it flits away as quickly as it came.

If we want to commune with God on a deeper level, we must focus on Him. While God won’t fly away and take His presence from us, He does require that we give Him all of our love and devotion. Jesus said in Matthew 22:37, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (NIV)

Even though it’s still hard for me, my goal is to focus on the Lord and all His goodness and enter into His presence. And then I find out, He’s there all the time, just waiting for me to slow down.

Prayer: God, my desire is to commune with You for it is in Your presence, I find joy and peace. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

An Audience of One

The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. – Proverbs 15:3 NIV

Have your ever felt you don’t accomplish much?

When I read blogs, I find myself drawn to the comments. Several people have told me they enjoy reading the comments almost as much as the original post. At times I have to ask myself if I’m doing this to glorify God or to generate praise for my effort.

In the twelfth chapter of Mark, we read an account of offerings given to the temple. Jesus sat across the way and observed the people as they put their money into the treasury. The rich people gave large amounts. I’m sure they made quite a spectacle of themselves to draw attention to their generosity.

Then here comes a poor widow. She drops in two very small copper coins (Money Museum) only worth a fraction of a penny – hardly worth the effort in the eyes of many. But the eyes of many weren’t watching. She had an audience of One.

Jesus called his disciples to Him to comment, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on.” (Vs. 43 NIV Bible Gateway)

Countless people through the ages have read these comments made by Jesus. A widow who thought she’d accomplished so little has been held up as a model of unselfishness and obedience.

God knows our hearts. Just like the widow, all of us are being observed. At the end of the day, what does God say of our efforts? It’s easy to get caught up in the comments and compliments of many, but we live for an audience of One.

Prayer: Lord, my desire is to glorify You alone in everything I do. Thank You, Lord, for keeping watch over me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Bird Nerd – Part 4

Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. – Matthew 9:37

Did you know that hummingbirds must feed approximately every ten minutes all day? They can consume two thirds of their body weight in a single day. It’s no wonder they seem so greedy when they flutter around the feeder I set up out on my deck.

Every Sunday, two types of people walk through the church doors. The first group comes for a blessing. They are just like the little birds, dipping their beaks into the sweet nectar of the Spirit. “I came to be blessed,” they chirp. They flutter around hungry for a blessing.

The people in the second group come to BE a blessing. These are the ones who walk through the door of the church with the questions, “What would the Lord have me do today? How can I help?”

And isn’t it funny how the Lord works? The people in the second group desire to be a blessing, and because they follow the leading of the Lord, are blessed.

There are times when we are part of the first group. Perhaps we’ve endured a trial or feel we have nothing to give, and there is, of course, nothing wrong with that. The Psalmist wrote, “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” (Psalm 57:1 NIV)

But if we find ourselves being greedy most of the time, perhaps it is time we leave the nest and become more mature Christians.

I desire to be a giver – someone who strives to bless others and work for the Lord, don’t you?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for allowing me to be a part of Your Body. I pray I will be a diligent worker in Your kingdom. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Good Intentions

A friend of ours has been very ill. When my husband, Don, visited Lonnie in the hospital, he noticed Lonnie had lost a lot of weight. This prompted Don to promise him a steak dinner when released from the hospital.

Lonnie spoke up and said, “Well, I hope you come through this time. You know, you promised me a fish dinner a long time ago.”

When Don told me about the exchange, he said, “When Lonnie said that, I vaguely remembered telling him I would, but I’d forgotten all about it.”

How many times has that happened to you? I know I’ve had great intentions, but then didn’t follow through. Many busy moms are reminded they’ve forgotten a promise when they hear a whining, “But, Mom! You promised!”

I’m so thankful I can count on God to keep His promises. The Apostle Paul told the people of Corinth, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.” (II Corinthians 1:20 NIV)

God promises to SUPPLY our needs. Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

God promises us STRENGTH to overcome. I Peter 5:10 – “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

God promises us SERENITY. Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

And the most important promise of all: SALVATION. Romans 10:13 – “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

I do need to watch my tongue, only make promises I can keep, and follow through on my intentions.

And Don and I intend to take Lonnie for his steak dinner.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to Your promises. I praise You for supplying my needs, giving me strength and peace, and most of all, for my salvation. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Bird Nerd – Part 3

At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. – Ephesians 5:20 AMP


A friend of mine bought a hummingbird feeder. He enjoyed it so much he suggested I set one up, too.

After much deliberation at the hardware store, I bought one with a picture on the box of a half dozen hummingbirds flying around it. Excitedly, I boiled water, added the sugar – measuring it to the last granule. I cooled the mixture, filled the feeder, hung it up, and waited…and waited.

After a few days, the water grew cloudy. Not one bird visited the feeder. “What’s so great about this?” I muttered as I took down the feeder, filled it up with fresh nectar, and hung it up again.

It seemed like a long time, but was, in fact, only a few days later when the first hummingbird showed up.

I held my breath, afraid to move a muscle, and watched when the tiny, iridescent bird that seemed to appear out of nowhere began to dip into the sweet nectar. He then quickly disappeared.

When a beautiful hummingbird graced me with its presence, I had to stop everything to watch it gobble up the liquid I had so carefully prepared. I found myself standing at the patio door several times a day waiting for my next visitor. Soon I had ‘regulars’ I could identify by their markings.

But I wanted more. I wanted them to flock around the feeder like the picture on the box. As if in answer to a whispered prayer, two showed up at once. How precious, I thought – until they began to fight over the feeder!

As I watched them, I realized I could identify with them. I had fallen into the trap of greediness; I had eagerly awaited the arrival of one bird, and then wanted two.

At times, I fight the tendency to be a greedy Christian. I pray and ask for a blessing. God graciously answers, and then I want more. I suspect I’m not the only one. He could send a ‘flock’ of blessings, and we would still be greedy.

How many times has the Lord blessed us, and before we even thank Him, we cry out for more? Are we are like the little birds? Do we look heavenward and cry, “Bless me, bless me”?

There’s nothing wrong with making requests of God. Paul told the Philippians, “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6 NLT)

But I’ve been guilty of having a long list of prayer requests. Where is my list of prayer praises? I try to remember to thank God first before I start asking for anything.

And I thank God for the tiny hummingbirds that taught me a lesson about greed.

Prayer: Lord, You are my ruler and have all power over my circumstances. Thank you for the many blessings You’ve provided for me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Grandma’s Special Stove

May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that 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 13:20-21 NIV


My niece is remodeling her kitchen. Her four-year-old son, Chase, heard her talking to the contractor about which stove to buy. After the worker left, Chase came running up to Michelle. “Mommy, you have to get one just like Grandma’s!”

Michelle asked him why, to which he replied, “Because everything that comes out of it tastes delicious!”

Chase credited the stove with far too much power. I’m certain Grandma Shirley would think so, too, since she’s the one who created the scrumptious concoctions that went into the oven.

How many times do we fail to give God credit when He uses mankind to accomplish His will? Just as the stove is only a vessel used to cook a meal, we are vessels used by God.

I know of people who’ve traveled hundreds of miles to have a particular man or woman pray for them to be healed. God does use men and women in the healing ministry, but the true Healer is Jesus.

Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. – James 1:16-17 NIV

Chase credited the stove with creating the meals, and at times, we credit man with the healing, instead of the Healer Himself.

We eat out so much these day I have to dust my stove occasionally. I’d really love to have one like Chase imagined.

Prayer: Lord, You alone are good. I praise You for Your goodness, for Your healing power, and for blessings, which come from You alone. I humbly ask You to use me as Your willing vessel. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

The Peace of God

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. – Psalm 4:8 NIV

Have you ever been overwhelmed with life’s circumstances? When life gets the better of me, I turn to God for help and I know He’s there to comfort me. He did in the wee hours of one morning in May 1998.

On Sunday, my husband, Don, preached two sermons with characteristic enthusiasm – something akin to an aerobic workout. The day before, he’d jogged, planted roses, and prepared his messages – not bad for a 48-year-old man.

But that night, I found Don still up at one o’clock in the morning sitting in the dark. After much probing, he admitted, “I feel pain in my back and up into my jaw.”

“I’m calling 9-1-1,” I said.

Don protested. “I’ll be fine.”

Our daughter, Leah, walked in about that time. After I explained the situation, she marched in to confront her daddy. “Dad! Your dad died from a heart attack at the age of 49. Do you want to take that chance?”

We convinced him to let me drive him to the emergency room, and I prayed all the way. What if he collapses? Oh, Lord, please help me get him to the hospital!

Within a few hours, filled with tests and bad news, I found myself following an ambulance to a nearby city. A specialist waited to do quintuple by-pass surgery on Don. I filled out what seemed to be enough forms to paper my house, made arrangements for our children, and called work, family, and friends. I found out I could stay in the hospital, so I made my ‘reservation’ for a room.

After his visitors left, Don and I prayed, and I went upstairs to my room. Imagine my dismay when the nurse took me to an abandoned wing of the hospital to a room several doors down the hallway, far enough that no one could hear me if I called. It was nearly two o’clock in the morning on Tuesday. I hadn’t slept since Saturday night.

I fell exhausted into bed, but couldn’t sleep. The enormity of the situation hit me, and I began to sob. I’d never felt so alone. It dawned on me – what if Don didn’t make it through this very serious surgery? What would I do without him? God, help me!

As if a warm blanket enveloped me, the Holy Spirit seemed to cover me, and then expanded to fill the room. I felt the presence of the Lord as I’d never experienced before.

Paul told the Philippians, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

That morning, I experienced the peace of God. I presented my request to God, and He gave me strength to go on. He is faithful, and I am never alone. He will be there for all those who call on His name.

And Don came through surgery and is back to his ‘aerobic’ preaching!

Prayer: I praise You, Lord, for Your omnipresence and the peace You bring when I call upon Your Name. Thank You. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Thank you for subscribing!

Thanks so much for subscribing to the mailing list for Devotionals by Donna. I don't send out daily emails or anything like that - just a short note when I post something new! God bless you. - Donna

The Leader and the Lamb

“For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." - Revelation 7:17 NIV

I’ve been blessed as I’ve watched televised clips this week of the late President Ronald Reagan. In many of the interviews, he witnessed of his faith in God. During his time in the White House, the country went through a tumultuous and changing period. With President Reagan at the helm, he promised Americans “the best is yet to come” – reassuring words from the leader of the free world.

This week, Ronald Reagan’s body has been lying in state on two coasts, and tens of thousands of people have passed by the casket. As I’ve watched the elaborate funeral proceedings for this beloved man, I recall the events surrounding the death of the greatest Leader of all time – Jesus Christ.

After his death on the cross, Jesus’ body was whisked away to be put in a borrowed tomb. The Bible records only two women came to His resting place the third day. What joy they felt when they realized Jesus had risen!

President Reagan may have given the American people hope in the midst of turmoil for a better country, but Jesus gives all people hope and a perfect eternal home.

On earth, President Reagan met with world leaders and dignitaries on a regular basis. I’d like to think upon his arrival in heaven, he’s already met with Jesus – the greatest Leader of all time.

Prayer: Oh, God, thank you for your guidance. Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me in a straight path. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Bird Nerd – Part 2

“and do not give the devil a foothold.” – Ephesians 4:27 NIV

As a newly hatched ‘bird nerd’ (see Bird Nerd), I took advice from my sister-in-law concerning the type birdfeeder to buy. “Donna, get the kind where those pesky squirrels can’t eat all the food.”

We’d already been battling squirrels setting up house in our attic, so the last thing I wanted to do was feed the critters.

I watched my favorite shopping channel and ordered a birdfeeder guaranteed to be ‘squirrel-proof.’ When it arrived, I filled it with food, hung it in the tree by the deck, and watched for my first visitor. Within minutes, one had arrived. Can you guess what it was? Yep. A fat, furry squirrel.

He climbed onto the deck railing. There he sat with his fluffy tail twitching, ready to pounce, trying to determine if he could jump from rail to feeder. He decided he couldn’t reach it. He scampered off, and in a few seconds, I saw him working his way through the branches. Sure enough, he stretched out his body and made a swipe with his forepaw.

The top of the birdfeeder has a smooth, plastic dome over it. When the squirrel touched it, it swung back and forth. He saw he couldn’t get a foothold on the thing, and gave up. It worked!

In Bird Nerd, I likened the birdseed to blessings from God. When I saw the squirrel trying to steal food not meant for him, it reminded me of how the devil tries to steal our blessings. The apostle Peter compared the devil, not to a squirrel, but to a lion, ready to pounce. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8 NIV)

Satan not only wants to steal your blessings, he’s looking to devour your soul. But just like the dome over my feeder kept the thief at bay, God promises protection for His children. In II Thessalonians 3:3 Paul states, “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”

I’m sure the squirrel has been back. They don’t give up easily. And the devil is the same way. He will continue to attack. But God has promised us if we submit to Him, when we resist the devil, he will flee from us. (I Peter 5:8) Isn’t that a glorious promise?

Now if only I could figure out how to keep the squirrels out of my attic.

Prayer: Lord, You are so good to me. You not only provide for the salvation of my soul, but also protect and bless me in so many ways. I am grateful. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.