Category Archives: Trials

Stove Knobs Part 1

Discouraged Christian, Freedom in Christ, Grace, Hope, Jesus Christ, Spiritual Encouragement, Trials, Troubles, Who I am in Christ, , , , , , , , , ,

stove

How to fix the stove knob. Part 1

That was my google search. My knob needed fixed, at the time my husband was at work. To say that I am mechanical in anyway would be a complete and utter lie. Quite frankly, my husband does not claim that talent either. However, to say that I am stubborn is the complete and utter truth. Or we could say determined…you may decide. Nevertheless, the search began!

I soon found the stove make and model and realized that I needed some special tools that did not include the small hammer and kitchen knife I used for every other “fix it” job I encountered. So, I opened the door of my husband’s shed…and yes, the toolbox was calling my name! Everything I ever needed to fix anything I needed fixed was right there!! Those tools had been there forever, but I really never knew I had them at my disposal.

Armed and now ready for battle, I took my newly discovered toolbox and headed for the kitchen. I was ready to fix that knob. It sounded like a simple enough job, and remember…I was “determined”. With printed instructions in one hand and my toolbox in another, I began my session.

Many times I had the same thought…”what is this tool”? I could not even begin to know how to use them. What good was that tool chest going to do me I did not know what the tools were or what their purpose was? If the toolbox just laid next to me on the floor it was not doing any good either.

So as any determined woman would do, I headed to the internet again. “How to Use Tools” seemed logical. Yes, I found more instructions and you will be interested (or not) to know that I fixed that knob in ten minutes!! Even I was surprised at my accomplishment! I had the instructions and the tool box. Applying that knowledge with the tools I possessed solved the problem at hand.

Stay tuned to Part 2 of STOVE KNOBS” to find out what this means to you!! Ephesians 4:11-15…..It’s good stuff!

Blessings dear ones…

IN CHRIST ALONE

Isaiah 55:8-9

*google search image, NIV Bible*

Not Just Reading Glasses…

Christ's rest, Discouraged Christian, Hope, Jesus Christ, Spiritual Encouragement, To Rest in Christ, Trials, Troubles, , , , , , ,

ANIMATED%20GLASSES

It used to just be reading glasses…

Do you like to read?  I must say it is one of my favorite past times…but usually it is late at night and I fall asleep before I get through three pages!  But I still enjoy reading anything put in front of me.

There in lies the problem.  When I turned 40 my arms simply were not long enough. As time went on, I transferred from just reading glasses to the tri focal version.  And at 53, they are the first thing I grab in the morning.  They certainly amplify the words, and quite frankly, everything else I lay eyes on! All these things appear larger than they really are…but they indeed are true in image and focus.

I am so grateful for the ability to actually see better.  Looking through these glasses really gives me perspective of what I am looking at.

I contend that the Father gives us His eyes if we allow Him to do so. If we see personal problems and issues of this world through His eyes, somehow they become so much clearer.  They don’t go away, and we still might not understand.  But I have found that I can deal with personal problems with much different “vision”.

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet without sin.  Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  Hebrews 4:14-16

 
Jesus gets it folks. When no one else understands, He does. He sees it with clarity, and although we may not really understand, we can always trust Him. I know from experience.

So I need my glasses. I am grateful with the “clarity” in which I now see…trust me, they help in many ways…..

Blessings dear ones…

IN CHRIST ALONE

Isaiah 55:8-9

*google image, NIV Bible*

CORD=HOPE

Christ's rest, Discouraged Christian, Freedom in Christ, Grace, Hope, Jesus Christ, Spiritual Encouragement, To Rest in Christ, Trials, Troubles, , , , , , , ,

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A cord, an attachment….

When you think of a cord, what comes to mind? Is it a telephone cord? (Then you are my age).  Could it be a computer cord? (You might be in your 30’s).  How about the cord to charge your iPhone? (You are much younger).

What do all these cords have in common?  What is their purpose?  What do each of them do?  They attach to something!  The telephone, the computer and the iPhone.  All are attached to the power source with a cord. Here is where it gets good.

“Find rest , O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him.”  Psalm 62:5.  

The word “hope” in this verse is “tiquah”, which literally means “a cord, as an attachment.” (Strongs)  So our “CORD” or “HOPE” must be attached to GOD alone!  A cord is strong.  If we hang onto any thing else, it is like hanging on with a thin string.  

There seem to be so many people right now without “hope”.  They are “hopeless”.  But friends, if we have Jesus Christ, we have HOPE.  We are attached with a cord to HIM.

My song, or the song that the Father has used in my life for years is “In Christ Alone”.(Shawn Craig and Donald A. Koch, 1991) The words in that song have ministered to me in so many crisis in my life.  It would play on the radio at just the right time…always.  Micheal English,(http://www.michaelenglishmusic.com) my all time favorite artist, sings it best…

“In Christ alone will I glory …Though I could pride myself in battles won. For I’ve been blessed beyond measure and by His strength alone I’ll overcome. Oh, I could stop and count successes like diamonds in my hands, But those trophies could not equal to the grace by which I stand.
[chorus]In Christ alone …I place my trust ..And find my glory in the power of the cross …In every victory …Let it be said of me …My source of strength, My source of hope ….Is Christ alone 
In Christ alone do I glory ..For only by His grace I am redeemed. For only His tender mercy, could reach beyond my weakness to my need.  And now I seek no greater honor in just to know Him more, and to count my gains but losses to the glory of my Lord!

Dear friends, our attachment is strong, our cord will hold.  Our HOPE is in Christ.

Blessings dear ones,

IN CHRIST ALONE

Isaiah 55:8-9

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*google image, Strongs, IN CHRIST ALONE lyrics by Shawn Craig and Don Koch)