Memorial Day

Hello friends - As I write this post, Memorial Day 2016, a rainy day, a day of remembrance for those who died in service for their country. My husband, a Vietnam Veteran and I were privileged to visit the Vietnam Moving Wall, last evening. The Moving Wall has been in our area for a few days and a great honor for it to be near us on Memorial Day Weekend.  A very sobering scene for all in attendance, quiet and respectful. 

Thank you to all who have been praying for my friend Vee's husband John. It is with sadness, I tell you that John went home to be with the Lord on May 28th. At Vee's request, I have written a guest post on her blog to inform her readers. You can find it here: God Will Take Care of You

Vee's favorite color yellow serves as the background for this hymn "God Will Take Care of You". A hymn that I believe will bring comfort to Vee as she mourns, and perhaps to you for whatever trials face you. Please keep Vee and her family in your prayers. Thank you.

God's Grace is Sufficient

My grace is sufficient for you,
for My strength is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9

From the pages of 100 Days of Grace for Women:

Of this you can be sure:  the loving heart of God is sufficient to meet your needs.  Whatever dangers you may face, whatever heartbreaks you must endure, God is with you, and He stands ready to comfort you and to heal you.

The Psalmist writes, 
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.  Psalm 30:5. 

When we are suffering, the morning may seem very far away.  It is not.  God promises that He is "near to those who have a broken heart"  Psalm 34:18.  In times of intense sadness, we must turn to Him, and we must encourage our friends and family members to do likewise.

If you are experiencing the intense pain of a recent loss, or if you are still mourning a loss from long ago, perhaps you are now ready to begin the next stage of your journey with God.  If so, be mindful of this fact:  the loving heart of God is sufficient to meet any challenge, including yours.  Trust the sufficient heart of God.

God is always sufficient in perfect proportion to our need.  ~ Beth Moore ~

If the scripture graphic I made above would be helpful for you or a friend, feel free to print out, or share online.  You can click it for a larger size, right click, and save to your computer. 

Additionally, if this devotion would help you or someone you know, please print out and share, or forward by email if you're receiving it in that manner. 

Scripture Thursday ~ Be Strong & of a Good Courage

Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and of good courage;
do not be afraid, nor be dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

A few weeks ago, my four year old grandson attended the annual local fair with his family. When seeing the climbing wall challenge, he asked his dad if he could try it. He was given permission, and prepared to be rigged up for the climb. As he waited, he quietly assessed the situation.

There was another young girl climbing beside him, which I think gave him a boost of confidence. He made it quite a way up when he told me he started to get a “little bit scared and was about to cry but didn’t”. At this point, he was lowered down to the ground to be reunited with his family. He said he was glad that he tried it.

Given my fear of heights, this exhibits a great deal of courage to me, especially at such a young age.

  Whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You.
Psalm 56:3

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines courage as:
Bravery
Valor
Boldness
Encountering difficulties with firmness

There are many stories of courage in the bible. Here are just a few of the people that faced difficult situations. God gave them strength and courage to do what was right.

Daniel, who was thrown in a den of lions,
David who faced the giant Goliath
Queen Esther, who risked her life to save her people
Jesus’ mother Mary, who faced the ultimate act of courage.

Can you imagine being approached by an angel who gives you news that is difficult to comprehend? Mary responded Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. In other words, May it be to me as you have said.

In God’s Word, the Bible, there are many verses about courage. They equip us to face our fears, not alone, but with the power of God.

My friend Denise, who unexpectedly lost her husband, is seeking the Lord for her courage and strength because she knows she’s not able to do it with her own resources.  

Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31:24 

Another friend prayerfully and courageously faced necessary surgery. In her painful recovery, she is still strong and courageous through the power of God. 

And yet another friend lost her brother and sister within a few months of each other.  She knows about courage and strength in times of adversity.

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them;
for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you.
He will not leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6  

Whatever you need courage for today, there is a God of HOPE who promises to give you the courage and strength you need. You just need to ASK, and have FAITH that He will come through for you.  

Have you ever had to be courageous in the midst of adversity?  Did you have a favorite verse that gave you hope?  Thanks for stopping by, I'm grateful for each and every one of you.   Please pray if you're able, for the three women I mentioned here.  I know they would appreciate it.  

This post is linked to: Word Art Wednesday,    Whatever You Want Wednesday,  Monday Musings, Deep Roots at Home, Fellowship Fridays

Scripture Thursday Linky Party ~ Be of Good Cheer

 These things I have spoken unto you,
that in me ye might have peace.
In the world ye shall have tribulation:
but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

Free vintage postcard

Hello my friends and welcome to another Scripture Thursday here at Little Birdie Blessings.  I chose this be of good cheer verse today as there are many people I know who are going through some serious trials and tribulations.

I’m sure many of you have friends and family struggling with various trials, and/or are struggling with your own problems.   Tribulations as you know, can come in many forms such as addictions, financial, health, obsessions, relationships, the passing of a loved one, and the list goes on.  While you may not be the one with the specific problem, it becomes your problem when it involves a spouse, child, parent, sibling or other close relative or friend. 

Free Scripture Card

In today’s verse, John 16:33 ~ Jesus tells us despite our tribulations, in him, we can have good cheer and peace.  Why?   Because He has overcome the world.  Through His death and resurrection, he secured the victory for those who put their trust in Him.   Like the chorus of an old hymn says:

Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory that overcomes the world.

In 1 John 5:4 we’re told:
 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world:
and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Jesus triumphed

conquered

and overcame

He gives you the power to do the same. 
THIS is why you can be of good cheer.  

Being a Christian, doesn’t mean you won’t have trials and tribulations,
it does mean you will have the strength necessary to overcome them with Jesus walking beside you.

Be of good cheer my friends, you are a living testimony by the way you handle your tribulations.  God tells us in 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 we will have opportunity to help others going through similar circumstances. 

…..The God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
 

Thanks so much for visiting my blog today.  I appreciate all of you.  ~ Abby
Linking to:  Think on These Things

Eternal Destination

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16, 17

Please note:  originally published on this blog 3/29/12.
I attended the funeral for a childhood friend that the Lord called home unexpectedly, and grieved for her family and friends who were closest to her.  I am thankful that my friend had put her trust in Jesus and her family could take comfort that she is indeed in heaven, reunited with her mother, and those who had gone on before her. 

These two verses above, John 3:16, 17 were her favorite passage from the Bible.  My husband had the privilege of speaking at her funeral.   He conveyed so well the message I want to share, that I’m going to use his words below. 

From these verses, one can plainly understand that getting to heaven is based on a belief not a life style.  God judges us by what’s in our hearts and only he knows what we truly believe.  Being a Christian is not based on your behavior, but a faith based belief in Jesus Christ as your Savior. 

Being a Christian contrary to popular belief, is not living a sin free life, but trusting in someone more perfect than ourselves to do for us what we are not capable of doing.  Having a belief not only that Jesus existed, but a belief that he was who he claimed to be, and a belief that he paid the penalty for your sins past, present and future.

The Bible tells in 2^nd Corinthians, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.  All we see in this world is temporal including ourselves; the invisible or spiritual world that we don’t see is eternal.  The life force inside our body or in other words our spirit, departs the confines of a mortal body, and passes into the immortal spirit realm at death, to be with God.

God tells us in His word, death is not the end, but the beginning of a life that goes on forever.  This is the hope Christians cling to, that when this life is over there is something eternally wonderful waiting for us on the other side of mortality. 

In Ecclesiastes 12:7 we read, The dust returns to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return to God who gave it.   I have always liked C.S. Lewis’s concluding words about Heaven in the chronicles of Narnia, he wrote:

Now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story no one on earth has ever read, which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before. C.S. Lewis

Thank you dear ones for reading, following this blog, commenting and sharing. You are prayed for and appreciated. 

 

Lest We Forget

Fear not, I am with thee; O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

Hymn quoted by Billy Graham on 9/14/01
during his message following the 9/11 attack.

Click on image for code to add to your blog
Courtesy of  rosepetalsfromheaven.blogspot.com

For those who lost loved ones and friends in the 9/11 attack, I am so very sorry for your loss.  For those who experienced it first hand, I can't even begin to comprehend what it was like for you.  Please know that we grieved with you that day, a day we all remember where we were and what we were doing.   Today churches, including mine, across the country will be praying for those affected by this terrible tragedy. 

My Dad

My dad, my hero.  1932-2001

For I am now ready to be offered, 

and the time of my departure is at hand.

I have fought a good fight, 

I have finished my course, 

I have kept the faith:

Henceforth there is laid up for me 

a crown of righteousness, 

which the Lord, the righteous judge, 

shall give me at that day: and not to me only,

but unto all them also that love his appearing.  

2 Timothy 4:6-8

My dad was a great guy, not just because he was my dad but because he was a great guy.  He was kind and compassionate towards others, always wanting to quietly help someone who needed it.  He was a good provider for my family, an excellent role model, and always happy.  When I think back, my memories of him are laughing and smiling.  I miss him terribly, but have the assurance that I will see him again someday. 

Old Family Photo ~ I'm the baby

One of the funny stories my mom likes to tell is on their wedding day.   The picture below is of my dad on the left and his twin brother on the right.  His brother is actually wearing my dad's flower - a stephanotis - and is pinning a carnation to my dad (the groom).  I'm sure as my dad and uncle were discussing it, they assumed the biggest flower should go to the groom. 

Have a blessed day my friends.

No Tear Wasted

Thank you for those of you who prayed for my friend's son Luke.  His mom reports that he came through the surgery fine, and the tumor does not look ominous.  Your prayers for his continued healing would be greatly appreciated.

I recently read a devotional about trials and suffering and learned that none of our tears are wasted.  God stores them up in our own bottle, He remembers our afflictions.  In Psalm 56:8, David says put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?  Notice he's referring to his own tears into his own bottle.  He makes reference to God recording them.  What a sweet thought, that God is not only aware of our tears; he saves and records them.  God cares about your personally.

Luke's mom Darlene, shared something with me that she had recently read that brought her comfort:  Trust God in every situation. There are eternal reasons for temporary trials. 

Free for personal use - WORDArt by Karen - Papercraft Memories

The above image is a sweet Victorian calling card from my collection.  I have added the scripture WORDart by Karen at Papercraft Memories.  My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  2 Corinthians 12:9  You can click on the graphic for a larger image, free for your personal use.  Please visit Karen's site for more free scripture WORDArt which she so generously offers.

Below is this Victorian calling card in it's original form, and a blank one for you.  Free as usual.  

Free Victorian Calling Card

Victorian Calling Card - Free Graphic

Thank you for stopping by today dear ones.  I hope you've been encouraged by today's post.  I am considering adding a page to my blog for prayer requests of my readers so that others can pray for you.  If you'd like to see that, please leave me a note here and you can email me your prayer requests for me to post.  Little Birdie Blessings email