Feeling the Effects

Greetings dear and precious sisters-in-Christ, The last few nights I have been experiencing some restless hours of trying to sleep but waking up and having a hard time getting back to sleep. This is not normal for me so I think I am feeling the effects of loss of sleep. For some of you this may be routine but for me I am having a hard time trying to stay awake during the day. I'm sure it will go away fairly soon but in the meantime ... which got me to thinking ... in what other areas am I feeling the effects of whatever. Definitely in my quiet time! Since I am not as awake in the morning my concentration upon the reading of the word isn't as meaningful. Sunday's sermon was all about hungering and thirsting for God and this morning I realize that, for me, I am at a place once again where I am beginning to feel the effects of being in a dry land and am in need of the living water and bread of life to sustain me. The scripture this morning is found in 1 Corinthians 15:58, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." My prayer -- Abba Father, Praise and Glory and Honor to thy name, thank you Lord that You create this hunger and thirst within our hearts and souls that we would draw near to thee. Lord I pray for each dear and precious sister-in-Christ that she would ask of thee that You would indeed sustain her but even more gift her with more faith to be steadfast, immovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord and that her she would be feeling the effects of knowing that her toil is not in vain in the Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen. Lord I am Hungry and Thirsty,

LyndiaSue

Applying Sunscreen

Greetings dear and precious sisters-in-Christ, Spring is here! For me that means being able to take my morning walks without fear of slipping on the ice. Yes the ice is gone so accessing the walking trails is less treacherous. But also, that means before I go outside into the fresh crisp air of the morning I need to apply sunscreen to my face. As I was thinking about why I needed to apply sunscreen for protection against the harsh elements, why not also apply "protective" armor to my whole being. It has been awhile since I have even thought about the "protective" armor the Lord found in Ephesians 6:10-18. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with Truth, and having put on the Breastplate of Righteousness, and having Shod your Feet with the preparation of the gospel of Peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of Faith with which you will be able to extinguish ALL the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all Prayer and Petition Pray at ALL times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with ALL perseverance and petition for all the saints." SO... let us pray - Abba Father, thank You for Your sunscreen, Your "protective" armor. Thank You that when applied we are able to walk in Your protection. Walk in freedom, walk in Faith knowing that we have assurance that we will be able to extinguish "ALL". Lord forgive us that we forget so quickly and at times doubt or falter but Lord we ask that Your Spirit remind us that we are under Your protection. Lord I pray for each dear and precious sister-in-Christ today that she apply Your sunscreen, Your protective armor and walk forth in abundant grace filled to the brim with Your Joy. In Jesus Name, Amen. Enjoying the Sunshine,

LyndiaSue

Taking My Father's Hand - Psalm 68:19

Greetings dear and precious sisters-in-Christ, As I was waking up this morning, I got a picture of taking my daddy's hand and walking with him. It was a memory of the times that me and my daddy would take a walk around the neighborhood when I would come visit. It was our time to communicate what was happening in our lives. When the visits grew farther and farther apart and as we both got older the time was even more precious to each of us. Daddy and I had a special relationship where thoughts and situations could be shared and discussed with each of us being able to say what was on our minds. Daddy has been gone for 4 years now and I'm so thankful that the Lord reminded me this morning that I need to take the hand of my Abba Father and walk with Him everyday! Yes, everyday! There are so many things surrounding us and impacting us and stirring us and hurting us that it is impossible to get through a day without taking some time being with Abba Father and holding His hand while He directs us and guides us and listens and soothes our body, mind and soul. So with that in mind let us pray - Abba Father, Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden. O Lord, yes we come before Your throne of grace today and humbly ask to open our hearts and eyes and ears to be able to comprehend just how much You love us and all the times that we are not aware of You bearing our burdens. Lord God may each dear and precious sister-in-Christ ask, seek, and knock today and in the asking, seeking and knocking may she be still and know that You are God and that ALL of her burden(s) have already been taken care of by You. May she find the time to take Your outstretched hand and walk with You. In Jesus Name, Amen. Taking the Father's Hand,

LyndiaSue

A Spa Day

Greetings dear and precious sisters-in-Christ, My husband and I have been using facial skin products for some time now and occasionally we need to take a little extra time to replenish and hydrate our skin. We live in a harsh climate and it tends to take a toll on our exposed face. We are able to cover most of our bodies with sweaters, hoodies, parkas, scarves, and gloves. And even covering the body with all the clothing it tends to dry the skin also. So with that in mind - let's have a spa day. Aww, a spa day with the Lord. Him - the bread of life for sustaining us, the living waters to quench our thirst, the Light shining on us. As we worship and come before Him and allow Him to refresh, renew, invigorate, hydrate, inspire, and fashion us into the vessel He created and purposed us to be may we wait upon Him until we are fully drenched and rested and at complete peace with ALL things. Abba Father, Heavenly God, our Creator and Perfecter. Praise and Glory to Your Name, Oh Jesus, may Your Indwelling Spirit begin to gently flow over us and bring with it a refreshing like none other. Lord may each dear and precious sister-in-Christ experience a spa day with You. Lord only you know what is needed to hydrate her mind and body and soul. Only you know what she is in want of and as she sits before You may she be drenched and completely satisfied being in Your Presence. In Jesus Name, Amen. Having a Spa Day,

LyndiaSue

Jigsaw Puzzles

Greetings dear and precious sisters-in-Christ, Hello to March - official month of Spring! Yes and welcoming in new sounds and colors - a morning walk hearing the birds singing and looking at the trees and ground for new life. In fact, yesterday as I was emptying the trash, as soon as I exited my screen door and stepped onto the deck, the sounds of birds chirping stopped me for a moment. So how does this opening relate to jigsaw puzzles, who might ask? My aunt is having a birthday on the 4th and her favorite hobby is putting together jigsaw puzzles. So guess what I'm getting her? After my dad passed my aunt stayed with my mom for about 8 weeks and everytime I would go to visit there was a jigsaw puzzle on the table, sometimes it was still the same one and at other times a new one. I think while she stayed with mom that at least 5 1000 pieces puzzles were completed. I was invited to help but alas after 5 or 6 pieces placed my frustration level was way too high. I realized that I hate searching for things, whether old receipts or even simple things like finding the right tool in my disorganized tool box. With that in mind I am so glad that the Lord is in control and knows every little detail and where it is and how it all holds together. Since He has planned and perfected my life and is guiding and directing and knows the beginning and the end why should I try it on my own? When my grandchildren were little I would help them with a puzzle. First there were 4 pieces to place in cut outs then we graduated to 8 pieces, I stopped when there were no longer cutouts in the puzzle. These cut outs were known as cheaters. So if you are one of those who enjoy putting together jigsaw puzzles, how wonderful for you. But for me I need to sit back and realize that it is something that I am not able to manage and stay sane. Thanking the Lord today for His putting together the jigsaw of my life and me being able to enjoy the new sounds and colors of Spring. Abba Father, Praise to You and Thank You for always and in all ways placing us where we need to be and giving us the things we need to do. Lord I pray for each dear and precious sister-in-Christ today that as she walks through her day and whatever she does or sees will be the most welcoming of sounds and colors and allow You to place those into her heart and soul and mind. For only You are able to place the jigsaw puzzle pieces of our lives into the Perfect Picture. In Jesus Name, Amen. Welcoming Sounds and Colors,

LyndiaSue