Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Hey all:) I thought a note might be in order. Not to get too personal, but I wanted to put it out there that the reason I haven’t posted super consistently lately is I was dealing with life/health stuff. I am sure you have that stuff too, that makes you want to dive in, handle it and let everything else go on the back burner for awhile? My problem was, and is, I am independent and a planner, so when my plans go awry and life stuff happens, it throws me a bit. Well, honestly a lot!

Does that happen to you? I should not be surprised because, well, it’s a fact of life. Not all plans work out. Unfortunately, when they don’t it is a great time for the enemy to tell you to give up and give in to the stress. He LOVES it when we worry ourselves into inactivity. (He made me worry myself into not writing because I was so stressed. Grr…)

What he won’t tell you…is to praise God and have hope! Accept the changes, delays and winding path as an adventure. If our plans do not work out, I am convinced there is a reason for it. I will not begin to tell you what reason that is, because every situation is different and sometimes we never know the reason, right? That is sometime a hard pill to swallow for me. We have to accept that whatever God allows, He will take us through. That’s what I DO know for sure.

Dear Father God, Thank you for being my hope. When I get “sidetracked” into thinking that worrying will help me handle a trial, please nudge me to look up and see hope from you. It’s still hard for me to process that you are God and you love me, but I know you do! Thank you for your plans for me, whatever they may be. I love you! Amen.

Have a wonderful day. I am praying for you all to have peace in your trials and joy in your heart:)…Tina

Today’s Verse:  But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.  Psalm 3:3-4 NIV

My husband and I love to explore small towns. As we drove down Main Street in a small town recently, I absorbed the beauty of old houses made of brick and stone and logs.  These smallish homes were squeezed together, side by side down the narrow street. There was a small park at the end of the street, with a little bridge over a creek. Young kids were playing there. Everything was just so small, simple and pleasant. It was a nice change of pace from the big city where we lived.

Then, I glanced up and was struck by the beauty of a huge mountain right behind the row of houses! I hadn’t noticed it. That mountain probably kept many storms at bay, so the little town stayed safe. Instantly, I thought of how big God is and how He surrounds us little humans with His protection. I also thought of how I missed seeing Him when I needed help.

Like the mountain I almost missed, how many times has God been there for us and we didn’t see Him? How much He must love us, to stand and guard us from harm. We are small but He is big enough to handle any storm in life that we may face. How comforting to know that we are surrounded, much like a mountain of rock, by His love and care!

Today’s Takeaway: God is always there. He is our shield of protection!

Dear God, Thank You for Your mountainous love and protection. I feel surrounded and safe when I consider how big and strong and good you are. You truly are my solid rock. Please nudge me to look at you when I forget how close you are. Amen.

Have a wonderful day and don’t forget to look up today!…..Tina

God has a plan. He gets to choose
how flowers dress in rainbow hues.
One flower to the other said.
“How come I’m purple and you’re red?”
Red then replied,”I have no clue.”

They both decided, since confused,
to ask how colors were infused.
The robin heard and shook his head.
“God has a plan.”

He then explained and gave this news:
“God chose to make us diff’rent, use
the gifts and talents that He bred,
to help each other walk life’s tread.
Though we peruse,
God has a plan.

copyright2022christinacrute

May you have a great day, knowing God has a plan for you!…Tina

If truth be told, my trophies gold glimmer in glory of self.
So highly praised are accolades
attracting dust on a shelf.

True, for a time, wins are sublime;
 it’s nice collecting awards.
Real treasures, though, our Lord bestows;
pure faith in Him He rewards.

Light for each day, joy all the way,
God takes good care of His own.
Faith’s a treasure, shines forever.
No need to go it alone.

Trophies are best, seen in context.

The Golden reason is this:

God’s only Son, forgiveness won;

So all of the glory is His.

copyright2021christinacrute

I had lots of trouble with the format so please excuse the inconsistent spacing:) Have a great day giving lots of glory to God for all He has done!….Tina