This is the Day the Lord has Made

Let us rejoice and be glad in it! (Psalm 118:24)
I sing this scripture as a song and I use it in expressing my gratitude. It’s not unusual to read it as a text message when a friend or loved one has a birthday. I say “This is the day the Lord made you and I’m rejoicing and so glad for it.” And, for you and me, this is the day the Lord made for us.

Notice that scripture isn’t talking about tomorrow and what may happen tomorrow. The psalmist is putting an emphasis on THIS day! That reminds me of another scripture. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” (Matthew 6:34)

We have had plenty to worry about, haven’t we? As if the pandemic wasn’t enough, now it seems our country is at war with itself Oh, how we need unity! We ponder about the future and what it will look like My friends, two who are pre-school teachers and the other is a special needs teacher, were talking about what school is going to look like come August. Too often, we set ourselves in a whirlwind of worry and anxiety about what tomorrow will hold. Especially during these times: If we are concerning ourselves with the future, we are overthinking. That’s opposite to the point the psalmist was making “THIS is the Day” to focus on, to rejoice in whatever this day holds.

Remember when the disciples said to Jesus: “Lord, teach us to pray!” And Jesus gave them the template for all our prayers. “Our Father…..Give us THIS DAY our daily bread.” He didn’t say “give us today and next month’s bread.” This DAY! Can we trust Him for today’s faith – today’s daily bread?

Each day is a blessing from God. He has blessed us with a new day to live it to the fullest, doing the necessary tasks for this day, loving and helping one another and discovering new things about life and about ourselves. Being present with God Who gives us wisdom for today, may be the game changer we need for what tomorrow holds.

No matter what kind of struggle we are facing, we can be secure in knowing that if we do our best in this day to make progress and trust our tomorrows to God -- He will meet us there tomorrow like He does today. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).

God is love and everything He does in the world is out of His love for us. He can turn this day’s struggles and suffering into blessings for us if we run to Him and trust in His promises to us. But, how, Lord? And He responds with these words:
"'Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'" (Isaiah 41:10).

Stop and Look Around Once in a While

In the words of the great philosopher, Ferris Bueller, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you'll miss it!" That is so true, and unless you're my age, or more, you may not give those words a second thought now -- but give it a few years, and believe you me, you'll understand them so much, you'll be glad you did or you will regret NOT stopping and looking around.

I woke yesterday morning early to get my blog posted as usual and then getting breakfast going for the gang. Some of us departed our separate ways. Alexia and Gracie (who came in the day before) are heading to Nashville, Alexia’s friend, Zeke, is headed to Colorado and I am heading home. Payton and his friend, Chris, moved from the cabin to the RV. Larry, Staci and the guys still have more fishing and adventuring in them for a couple more days. There’s just too many hungry trout calling their names! Biggest catches of the day was yesterday as Larry and Staci took to their kayaks aka fishing-boats-extraordinaire that brought in the greatest trout haul so far!

Honestly, this group lives by John Wayne's famous words, "Hurry it up! We’re burnin’ daylight!” Usually it isn’t yet daylight when we're headed to the river. You know you're a "red neck" when your biological clock is set to the time that fish are feeding.
It is such a joy to hang out in the great outdoors with my children. My daughter, Staci, is at the helm of the adventures. In the great outdoors. She's not the girly-girl we normally see. She's an adventurer and outdoors-woman to the core, so just the thought of those fish being there for the taking, gets her "engine" revving. You know you're a "red neck" when you sleep in your clothes -- ready to hit the ground running.

The beer-battered fish didn’t disappoint and neither did the fried squirrel. You know you’re a red neck when squirrel is your appetizer. Boys will be boys! Oh, me! You know you’re a red neck when squirrel and “coon” hunting, finding and feeding is the best-of-times to you!

I overheard the three guys in Cabin 45 (my grandson and his two friends) who had so many adventures that started with the mind-set “Daylight’s burning so let’s get in as much as we can!" They dreamed out loud about having a restaurant called Cabin 45 – specialty wild game and delicacies that represent the great outdoors. By the way – no cell coverage in Cabin 45 – so their imaginations went wild! They were able to STOP, LOOK and LISTEN to the “call of the wild” and the “call of God” Who starts with dreams and visions planted in their hearts. Isn’t that what He wants for His kids? That's the stuff that God's goodness is made of -- great ideas, being creative, living with a grateful heart in the ups and downs, and enjoying the littlest of things that makes the biggest of things seem so trivial. It can only be had when we stop, look and listen.

Maybe it’s time to come to a screeching halt to the fast-lane and go off-road to all that God could be putting into your pathway! Life is a great adventure!

How awesome it is to "Look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!" Psalm 27:13. So, to put John Wayne's "Daylight's a'wasting" to scripture words, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24









M

Taking One Day at a Time

Yesterday, my sis-in-law and I caught up on each other's lives. She’s in Tulsa. For now, I’m in Austin. We both have very active, on-the-go families and there’s much to talk about. My years of caring for elderly parents have passed, but she and my bro-in-law are still caring for their 96 and 97-year-old mothers. Though George’s mom is in a skilled care facility with around-the-clock oversight, there are still high demands on his part for attending to her needs outside of that care. And Karen, has my 96-year-old mom-in-law living with her. She updated me on mom’s new hearing aids and now she can hear birds chirping. Thank God! But there are still so many needs in geriatric care. I say those words so respectfully, and you should, too! Unless God chooses otherwise, we'll be there ourselves one day! Karen and I agreed -- it's simply -- taking one day at a time!

Can you imagine how Moses felt – day-after-day spending 40 years in the wilderness? He simply obeyed and heeded God's call. But God, Who specializes in doing the impossible, was with him. He had no choice but to follow the Lord one day at a time, and in the process, God used him to save an entire nation. His greatest strength was knowing he was totally dependent on God. The One Who called Him, enabled him -- one day at a time.

As a young wife, mother, business woman and ministry leader, I remember the stresses that accompanied each station of my life. I remember the desperation in decision-making, the financial hurdles and health challenges. But, even in the anxiety, God's Word would rise up in me: "This is the day the Lord has made. I WILL rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24), even if nothing changes!” That was my declaration then AND now!

"THIS is the day. Today. Live today. Don't waste today dreaming about tomorrow or reminiscing about the past. Make the most of today. We can't change the past. Yesterday is gone forever. I remember my Mama’s famous line as a single mom raising me: “You can’t get blood out of a turnip!” She was saying “What’s the worst thing that can happen? We still have US! This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

I began to focus on this day -- not the past and not the future. I set my heart on God's will for this day. I determined to be glad in this day. I confess: "I will live for God THIS day. I will overcome by the blood of the Lamb THIS day. I will do my best in everything my hand finds to do THIS day. I will trust God with all my heart THIS day."

Why THIS day? Jesus focused on doing the will of the Father on a daily basis. Jesus’ perfect prayer includes this line: “Give us THIS DAY our daily bread.” I am now living in my tomorrow, but the truth I learned many years ago remains. I still need to plant seeds of obedience for a continual harvest, one day at a time.

In all of life’s changes (and I’ve had many), one thing remains constant. That is the peace that comes from following Him -- one day at a time. If you are going through some difficult times and are uncertain about what tomorrow holds for you -- don't let the joy of THIS day be stolen from you. Take hold of God's hand and His Word, and it will give you the calm and ability to make it through whatever is up ahead -- one day at a time.

Time Flies When We’re Having Fun

It’s official. Today, July 2nd is the 183rd day of the year -- the official middle of the year. Six months have already passed in 2019. It makes me think – how fast time does fly for me these days – compared to my youth when the time went by so slowly for school to end for the summer, or the long-awaited vacation trip we were going to take, or until Christmas would finally get here, or for reaching the double-digit age of 10, or 13 – a teenager, 16 – to be able to drive. It was taking so long before our planned wedding date in September to get here when I would be at least 18 and my sweetheart would be 19, but we couldn’t wait that long – so we moved it up to July 8th – and my mom had to sign for me to get married at 17. And, then, what seemed the longest wait EVER -- nine long months to pass before the birth of our babies!

You know the saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun!” I had a lot of fun as a kid, but time sure didn’t fly for me. We don’t get to hit a “reset button”, but we DO get to start each new day with the wisdom and knowledge we gained from the past. We're the pilot on this flight and in many ways, it is like a RESET button. Each experience – good and bad, has equipped us to be better, do better and appreciate time more.

I know for young whippersnappers, you think it will be a very long time before you get to my ripe, mature age. I was you. I thought my Aunt Lillie Mae, when she turned age 50, was the oldest old gal ever. And, actually, 50, back then, just did look and act older than we do today. I assure you when I turned 50, I was way too young to act old and you know what, that’s the way I feel at this 70-year mark. I can hardly believe that I could be that number. But, I don’t dwell on age, though I do notice that others seem to respect that age for me as my boys are quick to help me out of the car or carry packages for me. I like that it is respected and I own it! I dwell on living large with every fiber of my being. I’ve said it before…I’ll say it again: “I’m not giving up until I’m taken up!” And whether that is today, tomorrow, or years from now, I will live on purpose to be a devoted follower of Christ from sun-up until sun-down each day and squeeze everything I can out of this life God gave me.

This is the dawn of a new day, today. I know one thing for sure -- we can’t live in the past, and the future isn’t ours to predict. But, we can make minutes, hours and days really count for what matters most. I speak a lot about it, but I repeat, treasure THIS day – make memories for yourself and someone else. Take lots of pictures. I do. I treasure them. Live as if there were no tomorrow. Spread sunshine. Give love and laughter and life to those who need an injection of fun, faith, and friendship. The BAD news -- time flies, but the GOOD news, we're the pilot in the hands of the MASTER PILOT!

And, I assure you, if indeed “Time flies when you’re having fun”, then I must be having a blast!”

Psalm 118:24 "This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it."

THIS IS THE DAY the Lord Has Made! Let's LIGHT It Up!

Indeed, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad for it!” (Psalm 118:24) This day was created by God from the very beginning for His will and good pleasure. It’s a day of great joy to be alive and to celebrate His goodness and mercy that endures forever. I raise His banner of love high on this 31st day of October and I sing out His praises for His greatness and unfathomable love.

I said all that to urge us to light up this day with the Light of Christ. I’ll admit that talking, walking and living in the Light is my number one priority. I've seen lots of photos, on my FB newsfeed, of cute little kiddos being introduced to their first Trick or Treat experience, as well as photos of some quite spooky, blood-curdling Halloween costumes donned by fun-loving grown-ups. I know it’s all about the fun of sporting those costumes and acting out their characters…..BUT!

Not to take away any fun from anyone, but the older I get, and the closer and more intimate and familiar I've become with THE LIGHT, the more I shun darkness and evil on TV, in books and movies, the sweeter and more peaceful my journey has become. How precious that is to me. I steer clear of darkness with intentional determination-- and I'm consistently drawn to THE LIGHT. So in writing this post, it's not to judge anyone's personal convictions, but I really desire to share why I am wrapped up in THE LIGHT.

When I was a child, Halloween was one of the two days a year that we hauled in lots of candy (Easter, being the other). I would usually dress up in some homemade costume -- like a hobo or my pj's. Yes, I went trick or treating as a child and yes, I turned out alright. However, our world around us has changed so much since my childhood.

Over the years I've become more aware of the origins of Halloween and have become more troubled in my heart about this "fun" day. So much so, that I steer clear of Halloween festivities that celebrate this day. I'm posting this because I'm compelled by the LIGHT that has transformed my life, so much so that I truly determine to be God's fully devoted follower in every way. I'm simply sharing these words for you to ponder, consider and seek God's wisdom as you celebrate this day with your sweet, innocent and precious family.

Whether you celebrate this day with your family as a Fall Harvest or go door to door trick or treating, ask God to show you His LIGHT on the subject. We all want our families to have the best, most blessed options....every day. May we humbly ask God for His wisdom and then allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. There is darkness all around us and it's up to us to make God (The Light) famous. It may be a good idea to have a discussion with our family about the origins of tricks, treats, witches and jack-o-lanterns AND then focus on the abundant life and LIGHT of our Savior! If you're celebrating today, know what you're celebrating......celebrate LIFE and the LIGHT! “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Have a GOOD Day!

Day 293 of Photo Inspirations -- Have a Good Day!
"Have a good one!" "Have a great day!" "Have a wonderful day," "Have a terrific day,"  We’ve all heard those words, in one form or another, and we've given those words at some time to someone. And then there are those of us who take it even to a HIGHER level and we say, "Have a blessed day!" After ALL, we say it with the words ringing in our ears "This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it!"  (Psalm 118:24)

What DOES a good day look like to you?   Does it depend on sunshine and no rain?  Is it a day when all is calm and there are no storms?  Is it just smooth sailing and no waves?  Is it just laughter and no tears?  Is it making progress and no setbacks?  Is it just exciting times with no disappointments? What really DOES a good day look like?

A GOOD Day has GOD in it -- no matter what that day holds. God in our heart; God in our day; God in our circumstances; God in our valleys; God in our mountain tops; God in our joys; God in our sorrows; God in our going out; God in our coming in; God in our trials; God in our triumphs; God in our need; God in our abundance; God in our deserts; God in our fruitful fields!

ANY day is a GOOD, blessed day when we are mindful that where we are and whatever we're doing, He Who holds our yesterdays, todays and tomorrows, is with us.  He is for us.  He is able to sustain us, provide for us, equip us and fill us with His peace, comfort and joy in our EVERY day!

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new EVERY morning; great is Your faithfulness”  Lamentations 3:22-23

Now, you go out there and have a good, great, wonderful, awesome, fantastic, fun, BLESSED day!    After all, God made it for us and He is smack dab in the middle of it so we might as well jump wholeheartedly into this day and make it the BEST one EVER!