A Goldilocks Life

Jesus Calls Us Friends

“What God calls us to cannot be definitely stated, because His call is simply to be His friend to accomplish His own purposes. Our real test is in truly believing that God knows what He desires. The things that happen do not happen by chance—they happen entirely by the decree of God. God is sovereignly working out His own purposes.” Oswald Chambers

When I learn good news, I call (or text) friends and family. Bad news, same. Most of the time, I praise God for the blessing of good news and pray to the Lord about the bad. The thing is that there are times I just can’t bear to share what’s on my heart or I’ve been asked not to tell anyone. But it’s comforting to know that God desires to hear from me. He knows all about it. As Chambers reminds us, God calls us His friends (John 15:13-15) and is sovereign. He is leading over everything and working in all situations for His purposes. That requires us to live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Right now, I am in a waiting time. Situations may soon change, and I’m holding my breath with anticipation and some trepidation. The comfort through it all is that Jesus is in my corner. Do I believe that He has plans for me? The Bible says God is working all things for my good since I love Him and He loves me. That’s what friends are for. To love and care for us. I’m so thankful to have friends and family who care. Greatest of all, Jesus is here for me. He is my Friend.

My Home Sweet Home

Photo by Ivan Drau017eiu0107 on Pexels.com

I’m proud to be an American, as the song says. Thank the Lord for the freedoms we enjoy. As we celebrate The Semiquincentennial of our nation, let’s remember that this freedom we enjoy was not free. It came at the expense of many men and women who bravely fought in the American Revolutionary war from 1775 until 1783. More than 90,000 people paid the ultimate price between the United States, Great Britain and the countries that helped both sides–France and Spain for the USA and Germany and the Loyalists for the British side. There were an unknown number of Native Americans who died as well. We honor all these brave people. It was a hard-fought battle.

May God bless our country for 250 more years! Have a Happy 4th of July!

Happy 250th to the United States

The Semiquincentenniel of our nation is a BIG deal. We plan to celebrate by attending a fireworks celebration in a nearby town. We’ll bring our lawn chairs and snacks and grab a spot early. While we wait for sunset, we’ll people watch or read. I am excited. It’s been too long since we have cried “Oooo” and “Ahhh” as the fireworks boomed and sizzled.

Thank the Lord for the United States of America. There’s nothing Steve and I like better than watching The Capitol 4^th live on PBS. It’s an excellent musical and theatrical presentation. Steve is not a fan of the live July 4^th fireworks displays in town, so we usually stay home and watch it on TV while also listening to and watching people blow off fireworks around us. The view from our sixth-floor apartment is such that while we watch The Capitol 4^th we keep one eye on local fireworks by people around the lake out our living room window.

I prayed with a group of friends on Zoom this morning, and many of our petitions were for our country. One of the women sent us via email prayers from founders of our nation.

Here is a portion of the First Prayer of Congress by Reverend Jacob Duché, Rector of Christ Church of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. September 7, 1774, 9 o’clock a.m.

Be Thou present, O God of wisdom, and direct the councils of this honorable assembly; enable them to settle things on the best and surest foundation. That the scene of blood may be speedily closed; that order, harmony and peace may be effectively restored, and truth and justice, religion and piety prevail and flourish amongst the people. Preserve the health of their bodies and vigor of their minds; shower down on them and the millions they here represent, such temporal blessings as Thou seest expedient for them in this world and crown them with everlasting glory in the world to come. All this we ask in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ, The Son and our Savior.