My God My Everything

I have a sign on my wall that says, “Early in the Morning when I rise, Give Me Jesus.” That is so fitting for today. Although it’s Saturday and I have the opportunity to sleep in, I need Him this morning more than a few more hours of physical rest. It’s been a very busy week with extra hours at work, several projects beginning and getting back in the swing of things after vacation. I’m tired, but mostly soul tired. I’ve thought often about why Easter is so special to me and I know it’s because of the hope and promise that it reminds us of. March and April and…

I’ve been reading through the events that took place before the crucifixion of Jesus as part of preparing my heart and mind for Easter. Yesterday was tax day for me and when I was informed of the amount we would need to pay the message of paying taxes to Caesar came to mind. Many times tax collectors are mentioned in the bible. Jesus spent time with them and ate with them. Matthew, one of the twelve apostles, was previously a tax collector and Zacchaeus was another one that was transformed by a relationship with Jesus. In Matthew 17: 24-27, Jesus performs a miracle in providing the temple tax for Peter…

Last night at a bible study, I was blessed with an incredible nugget of truth and awe in God’s word. The instructor shared the genealogy of Adam to Noah and then gave the meaning of each name. Chuck Missler wrote about macra codes in the bible and here is what it looks like all together: Adam……………..man Seth………………….appointed Enosh………………mortal Kenan……………..sorrow Mahalalel……….the blessed God Jared……………….shall come down Enoch……………..teaching Methuselah………his death shall bring Lamech…………..the despairing Noah……………….rest or comfort Isn’t that the message of Easter? Man appointed mortal sorrow. The blessed God shall come down teaching; his death shall bring the despairing rest or comfort. That is fascinating to me! As I was thinking…

Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days. I was speaking with my co-worker today about Lent and I am so blessed that she is as excited about this season as I am. What a gift from God to work with a believer and be able to share this season as we are preparing to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. We shared our favorite parts…

Today is the last day of Mardi Gras which is French for “Fat Tuesday,” the last day of a season called “Carnival.” The Carnival season is characterized by merrymaking, feasting, and dancing. Mardi Gras is the culmination of festivities and features parades, masquerades, and, unfortunately, often drunkenness and shameless debauchery. It is the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Christian Lent season leading up to Easter. During Lent, many Christians fast, and the name Fat Tuesday refers to the last day of eating richer foods before the leaner days of Lent begin. The excess of Carnival may not seem to have much in common with Lent but the…

Today we leave on a long awaited vacation. For the last several months there has been quite a bit of overtime worked and I’m ready to have a week of rest and relaxation. My mind has been whirling with all the preparations and the clock is ticking down to departure. I find myself getting anxious and worrying if the weather will cooperate. Will all the pieces come together and will we arrive at our destination safe and on time? I was reminded today “not to be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will…

I read a devotional this morning about time. It mentioned that sometimes people say they are just killing time or that was a waste of time. How many times have I thought those same things? On Sunday I was speaking to a gentleman that I met at the mid-week bible study and he was sharing his background with me. He had some very strong opinions on specific teachings and then he said, “Jesus is returning this year.” Immediately my mind went to Matthew 24:36, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” The truth is that each day brings us that much closer to our Lord’s return.…

It’s that time of year when the days start to get longer and there is hope of spring in the air. Throughout the winter months it’s dark by the time I leave work and it feels like the day is over much quicker. Then it begins to be light longer and longer until it doesn’t get dark until almost ten o’clock at night. It’s almost like you having and extra four hours to each day. Last summer I purchase some solar lights for the deck. Throughout the day they charge and then they shine for the evening. During the darker days of winter they rarely shine at night. But in…

Well today is the day! Goal date for my Fit at 50 personal challenge. It was seven months ago that I knew I needed to make some lifestyle and health goals and dedicate myself to completing them. I prayed about what those goals should be and how to accomplish them. The first two months turned out to being more of the same. Excited for the start and then fizzle out when the results didn’t come quickly. Then I realized I was doing the same things I always had but was expecting different results. I do believe that is the definition of insanity. I have a plaque on my wall that…

As I continued reading through last year’s travel journal I came across the day that my husband and the other men traveling with us went deep sea fishing. I had just finished my morning run on the beach and was watching the waves get bigger and bigger. The guys were out there in those waves and I hoped that they were doing alright. I find the ocean to be very unnerving at times and I feel much better when I’m on solid ground. I sat down on one of the beach chairs and began my bible study and as only God can do it was called, “Be Still.” The story…