Month: December 2021

Tuning the Heart

December 31, 2021
Cloud, Heart, Love, Romance, Romantic

My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart! Psalm 108:1 NLT

Do you ever have a day where you are in a bad mood for no apparent reason? Nothing is tragically wrong; it’s just that you are off-kilter or something? This happened to my husband and I yesterday. For no reason at all, we were a little short with each other. Sometimes our prescriptive medicines take a small toll on us, but still…we were generally on edge, irritated, not knowing why.

Today, I think I found the answer! I am reading right now through Psalms. Chapter 147 to 150 is all about praise. I was looking inward to how I was feeling and not appreciating that I can be joyful if I really want to be. The Lord showed me that I can be joyful, even on days when I am not feeling a hundred percent. How do I make that happen? I DON’T. GOD DOES! Well, I have to decide that I want a change of heart first and then ask God to work on me. He is always on duty to fix us!

See.. When we need a ‘mood tune-up’ of sorts, the best person for the job is the One who made us. Makes sense, right? We can go to Him, PRAISE Him for all the work He has done on us in the past and ASK Him to give us another tune up. When we praise the Lord, it tunes our heart, much like an instrument. We play more beautifully. We act more beautifully. We think of others more than ourselves.

So…in case of a needed tune-up, start praising Jesus! Here are the ways David lists, in Psalm 150, that we can praise Him. Try a few of these out! You will feel your heart start to feel lighter as Jesus takes your mood and re-tunes it to praise Him beautifully! I have no cymbals or trumpet but I have breath that He gave me, so I will sing! (and I love to dance with my puppy,lol!) Maybe not so beautifully, but happily. Try these…

Praise the Lord.

Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty heavens.
2 Praise him for his acts of power;
    praise him for his surpassing greatness.
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
    praise him with the harp and lyre,
4 praise him with timbrel and dancing,
    praise him with the strings and pipe,
5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,
    praise him with resounding cymbals.

6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord.

Can you see how that could change a mood?

Dear God, When I have ‘off’ days and I will, remind me to re-focus on praise and not pouting. There is so much to praise You for that I do not have time to pout! Thank You for the desire You give me to please You and also to praise You. Help me to focus on You when I need a heart tune-up. You are the master mechanic of my heart and I love You so much! I so want to please You with my mood and actions. Put people in my path, no matter how different they are from me and give me Your kind of loving heart for them. Amen

With love from the Father to you, have a wonderful day. May you find lots of ways to praise the Lord today! I sincerely pray that you all have a wonderful New Year of peace and joy and health and make many new family memories. Blessings and hugs, Tina

He Almost Slipped!

December 30, 2021
Drop, Slip, Water, Stumble, Man, Sliding

But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Psalm 73:2-3 NKJV

Did you ever take a tumble, right in front of a lot of people? I did! In college, I was running down sidewalks, in the rain, to get to class on time. It was Art Appreciation class, not my favorite, so I overslept. Note: the classroom I was going to was on a slant. As you walk in the door, the floor slants down to the front majorly. So, as I open the classroom door, I am standing at the top of the “hill” and everyone turns to see who is late. I took one step and slid…almost all the way to the front! People tried not to laugh, but how cold they not! With a red face and hurt pride, I trudged back up the ‘hill’ to sit in the back.

I did not expect to stumble and fall. It just happened because I was not aware that I might. I was in a hurry and my boots were wet, so it makes sense. Know what else makes sense? The fact that we, spiritually, can slip easily. David, in Psalm 73 admits that he almost stumbled. He almost slipped because he was “envious of the boastful.” Then, further in chapter 73, he realizes just how much He needs God to guide him… not just for the day, but all the way to glory! (Hmm…I think that is a song or poem waiting to be written! I digress…)

David writes, Nevertheless I am continually with You; you hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Psalm 73:23-24 NKJV

Isn’t that great to know? God is right by our hand, waiting to guide us as we navigate this world, on our way to the next. His Holy Spirit is so good to nudge us when we are about to fall. We just have to listen and trust His guidance. Otherwise we will get off balance and be in danger of stumbling!

Father, Thank You for always being with me and for wanting me to succeed in my spiritual journey. I do not want to slip but the world does tempt me with bad attitudes and jealousy. Please have Your Holy Spirit speak to me when I am at the top of the hill, about to fall. Stay with me every moment of this life so I may please You. You are so so good to me. I ask all this in the sweetest and most holy name ever, Yours. Amen

May you have a blessed Wednesday. It’s raining here but God’s joy still shines if we look for it! Love, Tina

My Strength and Song

December 29, 2021
Bird, Singer, Singing, Chirp, Tweet, Chirrup, Robin

Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ ”Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:2-3 NKJV

See the picture of that little bird? He is singing his little heart out! Do you ever do that when God blesses you real good? Do you, like me, not feel like singing your heart out in the bad times? It is tough, isn’t it! The emotion is not there.

But you know what IS there? God. His strength. His wisdom. His truth. His love. His Son. His Holy Spirit. We have so many resources at our disposal! And they are spiritual, never-ending resources! Even when we are going through trials and do not feel joy, we can still KNOW, without a single doubt, that God has our back. THAT is worth singing our little hearts out!

Because God is our strength(when we have none) He will give us a song to sing(when we have none.) What a good witness it would be to others if we sang through our trials because we knew who held us in His hand!

Dear Father, Although I do not have a trial now, I am sure there will be some to come. You tell us in Your Word that we will have problems. When those time comes, please help me do the impossible and sing my heart out to You. Remind me that I am not alone and not as weak as I feel, because You are my strength. You are awesome and I love You so much! I ask these things because I know You hear me and will answer as You will. Thank you, God! Amen

With love from the Father to you, have a great day. I pray you lean on the Lord each day, so you are able to sing about how good He is! If you have a favorite song that lifts you up, feel free to tell me what it is! Love, Tina

P.S. One of my favorite songs to sing is…My Faith Still Holds.

I thought I had to see and feel
To prove that what I loved was really real
A passion turned to ashes things I held to dust
I found reality in simple trust

My faith still holds on to the Christ of Calvary
Oh blessed Rock of Ages cleft for me
I gladly place my trust in things I can not see
My faith still holds on to the Christ of Calvary

I tried to find life’s mysteries
Just by the reason of my mind to see
But void remain between me and where I longed to be
‘Til childlike faith there built a bridge for me

And oh what joy to walk the way
I followed nailed pierced footprints all the way
Though the end of where I’m bound I may not see
I choose to place my trust in Calvary

My faith still holds on to the Christ of Calvary
Oh blessed Rock of Ages cleft for me
I gladly place my trust in things I can not see
My faith still holds on to the Christ of Calvary

Songwriters: Bill Gaither / Gloria L Gaither My Faith Still Holds lyrics © Gaither Music Co., Hanna Street Music

Like An Elevator

December 29, 2021

The Lord sustains all who fall and raises up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145:14

There’s an old song that I love and it’s about love. It’s called, ‘Love Lifted Me.’ James Rowe wrote this is 1912!The words tell the story of a sinner saved when God’s love lifted Him out of the angry waves of sin. God is the master of the sea, the One who made the Sea, the One who made us. He hears our need and answers with love that lifts us from our sin or sorrow, so love is a lifter, sort of like an elevator!

Love is an elevator? Yep! As elevators work for people that need to be lifted, over and over again. God’s love is like that. He lifts the needy from wherever they are, to the higher place they need to go.

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people. Psalm 113:7-8

The idea of love being the lifting agent is priceless. Why? Because we can all love someone else, thereby lifting their day, burden or their worries. Love is like an elevator for people that need a positive lift. We can all be elevators, of sorts. Please excuse the cheesy, simplistic analogy, but sometimes it takes a silly analogy to really grasp great things of God. (At least for me!)

God’s a lifter. I’m a lifter. Wouldn’t you like to be a lifter too? (This reminds me of the old Dr. Pepper commercial…you who are old like me will get that!)

Dear God, I want to be an elevator of sorts. Help me to carry someone to a higher more positive place by caring about them. Remind me when I am down, that others feel that way sometimes, too. Help me to recognize that and be a lifter. Thank You for lifting me above the world’s problems and giving me peace. I love You so much! Tina

With love from our awesome Father to you, have a great day. If you get a chance, be a lifter. It’s fun! Love, Tina

My Strength and Song

December 28, 2021
Bird, Singer, Singing, Chirp, Tweet, Chirrup, Robin

Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ ”Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:2-3 NKJV

See the picture of that little bird? He is singing his little heart out! Do you ever do that when God blesses you real good? Do you, like me, not feel like singing your heart out in the bad times? It is tough, isn’t it! The emotion is not there.

But you know what IS there? God. His strength. His wisdom. His truth. His love. His Son. His Holy Spirit. We have so many resources at our disposal! And they are spiritual, never-ending resources! Even when we are going through trials and do not feel joy, we can still KNOW, without a single doubt, that God has our back. THAT is worth singing our little hearts out!

Because God is our strength(when we have none) He will give us a song to sing(when we have none.) What a good witness it would be to others if we sang through our trials because we knew who held us in His hand!

Dear Father, Although I do not have a trial now, I am sure there will be some to come. You tell us in Your Word that we will have problems. When those time comes, please help me do the impossible and sing my heart out to You. Remind me that I am not alone and not as weak as I feel, because You are my strength. You are awesome and I love You so much! I ask these things because I know You hear me and will answer as You will. Thank you, God! Amen

With love from the Father to you, have a great day. I pray you lean on the Lord each day, so you are able to sing about how good He is! If you have a favorite song that lifts you up, feel free to tell me what it is! Love, Tina

P.S. One of my favorite songs to sing is…My Faith Still Holds.

I thought I had to see and feel
To prove that what I loved was really real
A passion turned to ashes things I held to dust
I found reality in simple trust

My faith still holds on to the Christ of Calvary
Oh blessed Rock of Ages cleft for me
I gladly place my trust in things I can not see
My faith still holds on to the Christ of Calvary

I tried to find life’s mysteries
Just by the reason of my mind to see
But void remain between me and where I longed to be
‘Til childlike faith there built a bridge for me

And oh what joy to walk the way
I followed nailed pierced footprints all the way
Though the end of where I’m bound I may not see
I choose to place my trust in Calvary

My faith still holds on to the Christ of Calvary
Oh blessed Rock of Ages cleft for me
I gladly place my trust in things I can not see
My faith still holds on to the Christ of Calvary

Songwriters: Bill Gaither / Gloria L Gaither My Faith Still Holds lyrics © Gaither Music Co., Hanna Street Music

Hide and Seek

December 27, 2021

“Who can hide in secret places that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 23:24

As a kid, did you play hide and seek with your friends or siblings? How fun was it to try and fool them and remain hidden the longest! We cannot hide from God, though we may try. I admit… I have hoped, a time or two, that God would look the other way when I strayed from where I should be. But, as His Word says, He fills up heaven and earth, so He is everywhere.

When we are tempted to sin, it is actually a relief to know that He sees everything. It is a good thing that we cannot hide from God, nor can we hide anything we do from Him. He always sees us, because He is always there, caring for us. I have often said that I feel like God is our cheerleader. He is on the sidelines encouraging us to do our best and when we fail, He still cheers for us to get back up and try again. He tells us we can do the impossible with Him.

Whether the sin be pride or selfishness or any matter of the soul that no one else can see, God sees it. It is something to be thankful for. We do not have to play a game to find Him. We just need to seek Him in prayer and He always comes.

Dear Lord- You are so perfectly what I need. Thank You for always watching me and cheering me on. Knowing You are doing so with Your merciful eyes and loving heart, makes me know You love me. Please help friends and loved ones who are going through trials. Won’t you please show me how I can make a difference at this holiday time, for them? Make me their cheerleader. You are the best and I love You so much! Amen

With love from our Father who is our greatest cheerleader and Father, have a wonderful day! Happy New Year to you! With many blessings, Tina

My Favorite Comforter

December 24, 2021
Cat, Domestic Animal, Sleep

In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comfort delights my soul. Psalm 94:19

Do you have a favorite comforter that you snuggle in, say for movies? Maybe you had a hard day and at the end of the day you look forward to relaxing in the comfort of your favorite blanket on the sofa? Our favorite things are things that are tried and true and work for us. They comfort us like a friend. The dog’s blanket or a towel or a coat won’t do when I am stressed or tired. As old as I am, I still like my own, soft, warm, comforting blanket to relax in.

In the same way, we can relax in Jesus’ arms. He is our greatest comforter! Always available before we even seek Him, He is ready to meet our needs. We can go to Him at any time and get the rest and comfort we need. All it takes is a word from us and we have His comfort at our right hand. His comfort is special and spiritual and soothes the soul. His warmth penetrates our hurts and stress and, if we let Him, He takes them from us. He replaces them with hope and love. Is there anything more comforting than His love? Nope!

We can call on God’s own Son! Does that thought blow your mind? It does mine. I can talk to the creator of the universe and His only beloved Son…and He hears and answers me!!! He does the same for anyone who calls on His name. It is that simple and that amazing. Just say His name…Jesus…and revel in the warmth it brings. Jesus is my favorite comforter!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for being there for me, even before I realize I need You. What a joy to know I can call on You and You will comfort me. Your grace and mercy to me are much appreciated. As I try to do the best I can here on earth, help me to do my best for YOU. You can call on me, count on me to do Your will. Remind me to use the comfort You give me to comfort others. I just love you so much! Amen.

With love from our Father, have a wonderful day and week. When you wrap up in a comforter or blanket next, remember the best comforter ever, Jesus. Love, Tina

Take Five

December 23, 2021
Sun, Five, Dawn, Sunset, Girl, Hand, Hat

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV

Good morning! I thought we would try something new! I don’t know about you, but I find that I need verses in the morning to set my focus for the day. God guides us with His righteous right hand, so how about we apply His Word to our hand, one finger at a time? It will be like giving God a high five for His Word that sustains us! I think this will help me and I hope you get benefit from it too!

A- (thumb)All to You I surrender

All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant. Psalm 25:10

B-(pointer finger)Be my guide today

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8

C- (middle finger) Create in me a clean heart

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

D- (ring finger)Do not let me be anxious

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. Isaiah 41:10

E- (pinky) Encourage me to encourage others

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. Romans 15:2

Dear Lord,

Please help me with Your Holy Spirit, to submit all to You and follow Your commandments. Thank You for being my constant help. Create in me a clean heart. This is something I cannot do myself. When I am afraid, remind me that I am listening to someone other than You. Encourage me to encourage others. Help me to see things from another’s perspective and be sensitive to their needs and meet them as You would have me do. I ask these things because I love You and need You and desire to serve You. Amen

With love from our awesome Father to you, may you have a blessed day and week. In the busyness, remember how much God loves you. Love, Tina

On the Way to Forever

December 22, 2021
Old man climbing heaven's stairs.

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 KJV

I came down to my office with a heavy urging to have God help me write something that matters, something that will encourage you and myself, too, something from the Word of God. Just saying those three words…Word of God…how blessed are we to have that resource of truth and hope?! Not only that, but we can have the Word and hope inside us, with us, every second of every day!

As humans, we forget that we are totally provided for and supported by God, especially when the enemy tempts us to fix things ourselves. We need to remember that God is our fix! We should also remember that our current sufferings are just that, current. They will not last forever!

We are on our way to forever and we need to suffer a bit, perhaps to appreciate God’s strength, Jesus’ teaching and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. It is too much for our brains to figure out all the whys of this world or life, but God has it all planned. Since we are on our way to forever, we can trust the One who made the forever plan!

Thank you for reading! I pray to the Father that you have a great day and holiday week and you feel the joy and hope of Jesus in your heart for now and always. He was born just for us! Love, Tina

Light Came to Earth

December 21, 2021
Crown Of Thorns, Jesus, Crucifixion

Today is a poetry day! I was thinking of the Christmas story when I wrote this. Jesus’ birthday is coming up and I just want to marvel in the purpose of His life. He had one purpose…to do God’s will. Isn’t that amazing? He did not come to accomplish one thing for Himself. It was all for us. I hope you know Jesus and also still marvel at His light that changed our world and hearts forever.

Light Came to Earth

Light came to earth by virgin birth, salvation to fulfill.

He took His place. Our Jesus graced a cross, died on a hill.

Death could not stand against God’s plan, so breath and life returned.

God’s success was Jesus’ best, the dark of death was spurned!

Now Jesus lives and longs to give, says, “Please abide in me.”

His birthday’s near, good cause to cheer for all eternity!!

Copyright © 2021 Christina Crute

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for loving me and saving me. Never let me forget all that You did for me, because God wanted You to. Thank You for obeying our Father and help me to do that, too. I love You so much! Amen

With love from our Father to you,

Have a beautiful day and make someone else’s day beautiful, too!

TIna