Encouraging Deep Roots

Daniel 10:7-19 ~ Only I, Daniel, saw the vision. The men who were with me did not see it, but a great terror fell on them, and they ran and hid. I was left alone, looking at this great vision. No strength was left in me; my face grew deathly pale, and I was powerless. I heard the words he said, and when I heard them I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. Suddenly, a hand touched me and raised me to my hands and knees. He said to me, “Daniel, you are a man treasured by God. Understand the words that I’m saying to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you.” After he said this to me, I stood trembling. “Don’t be afraid, Daniel,” he said to me, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for 21 days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me after I had been left there with the kings ...

It's been a busy week and I'm thankful that I was able to tick almost everything off my list and then some. I do have quite a bit of energy, but there is a point each night, where my body says, "That's enough." "You're done." Usually that happens around 7:30 or so when I sit in my recliner and start by watching something on the television for about 5-10 minutes, and then spend the rest of the show sound asleep!  I've been getting out to exercise each day. (In between taking pictures, of course)!  Making meals in between checking things off the list. I eat plant-based, but do love to make my family's favorites for them. I stayed home on Monday just so I could get my house back into order. I do love that some of my mother-in-law's paintings are on my walls. I also made some vegetable broth this week and canned some sauerkraut. I had three early morning Zoom meetings in a row this week. This one was a leadership committee I head up for our d...

Mondays are my opportunity to look back and reflect on the previous week and find something to be thankful for as I also work on my list of items that I want to see happen in the new week. Last week was a busy week, but I also saw God's hand in so many of the details. I am thankful this morning. 💓 The temperatures are warmer and it was nice to have opportunities to soak in the sunshine. 💓 Tuesday was one of those crazy days where I had one meeting or event after the other. However, I was so thankful at the end of the day that I could look back with satisfaction that I got it all done. 💓 I lead a Bible study once a month at a local senior housing apartment complex. I was thankful for an opportunity to pray with one of the residents who is dealing with the heavy burden of mental illness that a family member struggles with. 💓 We have a group of women who meet once a week to craft together. But I'm thankful that I can always count on them to help with other tasks we may have at...

Each week is busy with the normal activity that needs to happen in my church ministry, district ministry and as well as my roles in our national and denomination's world fellowship position. This week however took on some added busyness with the sheer number of meetings and events I had to attend. Approximately 16 hours was spent just sitting in meetings. There was a point mid-week when I really wasn't sure if I would make it to the end of the week.  I generally always have many things I'm juggling with multiple items which must be accomplished. At the beginning of each week, I honestly am not sure I'll get them all done. And because I hold so many different roles it's always a plethora of projects. But I'm pleasantly surprised when I do manage to get it all done. Some of it is utilizing the phrase, "Just do the next thing." If I look at everything I get overwhelmed and then spin my wheels. If I just take it one thing at a time, I'm able to accompl...

My mother-in-law's graveside service was yesterday afternoon and as I reflected on it afterwards, it seemed to perfectly suit who she was. Her entire life centered around her family and each of the children, their spouses, and then any of the grandchildren who were comfortable doing so, got up and said a few words about how they impacted their life. Her youngest son and my son played songs they wrote. We sang one of her favorite hymns. It was a sweet time. The words used to describe her were joy-filled, patient, and kind. She brought art, music, books and beauty into her family's life. She loved them equally and unconditionally. She believed they could do anything. She instilled confidence in them. She loved and was loved, and that was expressed beautiful yesterday. Her family's love for her is her legacy. My nephew, who couldn't be there, wrote something and I thought it was a beautiful tribute and a fitting way to end this blog post as it expresses very eloquently wha...