Come Soon Lord Jesus

Come soon Lord Jesus
Come soon to our rescue.

Send your angels to be close at hand
As we travel through this barren land.

Be our compass, show us the way.
Strengthen our hearts as we walk through each day.

Fill us with Your Spirit; go before us in a cloud.
Part the waters with Your Word; save us with Your shroud.


A shroud is a rope which gives support to the mast which supports the sails on a ship. The shrouds allow the mast to withstand the strain of the weight of sail in a fresh wind. They hold the mast up against the wind.

What a beautiful picture of God's love and power. His hand reaches out to each of us like a shroud, steadying us, holding us up against the wind as we sail on to the place He has prepared for each of us.


Dear Jesus please help us to hold on to Your hand; help us to not be afraid.

National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week

Have you heard about National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week? I thought you all may be interested in knowing about September 10-16, 2007, a week to share about the challenges and prevalence of living with invisible illness or pain.

I live with Diabetes and am so glad for the opportunity to help others understand about invisible illness. If you'd like to know more, I invite you to visit www.invisibleillness.com.


My Prayer:

Jesus please touch the hearts of those who suffer with an invisible illness. Help each of us to trust in you to give us strength and courage to face what's before us each day. Help us to reach out in a loving way to help others to understand and be supportive.

Waiting with a happy heart

Word for the week: WAITING
Bible Verse: Isaiah 40:31

"But those who wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."

Is waiting hard? YES!

Is waiting with a happy heart harder? ABSOLUTELY!

Waiting is my least favorite thing to do. And I must admit, sometimes the thoughts which march through my mind as I wait do not reflect a happy heart.

"I don't have time for this!"
"I need an answer now!"
"I want to do this now!"
"This isn't fair!"
"Why should I have to wait?"
"This is such a waste of time."
"Hurry up!"
"It's going to be too late if things don't work out soon!"

There's no peace or happiness in those thoughts, only strife and sadness.


God's promise to those who wait on Him, is that they will renew their strength.

I have to remind myself from time to time that God knows better than I do what I really need. When He says it's time to be still and wait, then there's a reason.

Sometimes when I've had to wait it's because I needed to grow in my knowledge and understanding of what God wanted me to do.

Sometimes I've had to wait because it wasn't the right time for what I was wanting to do or wanting to happen, either because I wasn't ready or because someone else wasn't ready.

Sometimes I've had to wait because God wanted to deepen my faith and trust in Him.

So, how does one wait with a happy heart? Get involved in activities that cause you to be happy while you wait.

Pray, asking God to show you what He wants you to see and understand about the situation.
Sing praises and give thanks for where you are in life and what God has given you.
Think about the other times in your life that God has been faithful and true.
Do something kind and uplifting for someone in need.

Phillipines 4:6-9 tells us the secret to waiting with a happy heart -

think on these things:

whatever things are true
whatever things are noble
whatever things are just
whatever things are pure
whatever things are lovely
whatever things are of good report
anything that is a virtue
anything that is praiseworthy

and the God of Peace will be with you.

My Prayer:

Jesus, please help me to remember what to think on when You call for me to wait. Help me to busy myself with things that will make my heart happy while I wait on You.

Thank you for the strength that You give to those who are willing to wait on You with a happy heart.


Copyright 2007 S.Hunt All Rights Reserved

God's Mercy

I love the early morning.

The sunlight paints the sky with soft hues of pink and the grass glistens with dew.

The fresh cool air awakens my senses ; the stillness of the morning comforts my soul.

As my eyes drink up the beauty of the morning, I remember -

"God's mercy is new everyday."




Copyright 2007 by S.Hunt

When Troubles Come

Word for the week: TRUST

Bible Verse: Proverbs 3:5 and 6 NKJV

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

The past four weeks I seem to have hit a bump in the road; that happens sometimes. Things didn't go the way I planned. Problems popped up I didn't count on. To say the least, it's been crazy.

I've learned when times like this come to be still and wait. So that's what I've been doing; waiting until I could get back to writing. Praying that God would bring peace and stillness to my heart so I could hear His voice; and like always, He has.

God is faithful to hear my prayers even when the road is bumpy, and even when my heart is filled with frustration or fear. It's then, I grow deeper in my knowledge of and my faith in God's faithfulness.

I've spent time pondering the importance of troubling times. It's the looking back and knowing God was there with me then, that gives me courage for this present time of trouble. Trusting Him even though I don't understand. Trusting Him even when it feels like I'm not going to survive.

My Prayer:

Dear Jesus help me to trust you each step of the way no matter what I see, hear or feel. Thank you for hearing my prayers.

Become as Little Children

Word for the Week: Child of God
Bible Verse: Matthew 18:3-4 NKJV

Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as a little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.



Care-free
Little children don't care what kind of clothes they wear, or what kind of car their mom or dad brings them to school in. They don't care what neighborhood they live in or what kind of house they live in. They don't care whether someone is tall, short, skinny or fat; they see beauty in everyone and everything. Little children never worry about what other people think of them; they are unaware of social expectations. They don't pretend to be something they're not; they simply are happy to be themselves without any reservations.

Humble
I love to teach little children; they are full of wonder and excitement. When it comes to learning, they are like sponges, soaking up everything you provide for them to discover, investigate and experience. As they grow quickly in their knowledge and skills, they want more! More challenges, more discoveries, more experiences. Little children never think they know everything. They never think they are more important than anyone else.

Innocent
Little children are blameless. They do not intentionally cause frustration. They do not plot and plan someone else's demise. They don't gossip. They honestly express what they see, hear, and feel. Little children never think or do evil things.

Loveable
Little children love to be loved. They love to sit close to you and talk. They love to walk with you and hold hands. They love to look into your eyes and smile. They love to call your name and hear you answer. They love to lay their head on your shoulder and feel your arms around them. They love to be friends. Little children never refuse to love or be loved. They always seek to be in a loving relationship.

Dependent
Little children know they need help. When they are scared or hurt they cry and ask to be comforted. When they need help to accomplish something, they ask for assistance. When they don't know the answer, they ask for instruction. When they need to be reassured, they ask for words of encouragement. When they are hungry, they ask to be fed. Little children depend on others for help; they don't hesitate to ask or worry about what others think. Little children never think less of others for needing help. In fact, they love to help.

My Prayer
Lord, please help me to become as a little child; I fall short in so many areas. Help me to overcome the worries and fears that stand in my way. Help me to turn away from behaviors that cause harm to others. Help me to embrace who I am, and to reach out to others for what I need help with. Help me to always seek to be in loving relationship with those you've placed in my life. Help me to honestly express what I see, hear and feel. Help me to always be willing to learn and grow. Help me to not think more of myself than I really am. Help me to be authentic.

Thank you Jesus for your love and mercy. Thank you for accepting and loving me just the way I am.

Care free - My Father is in control. He gives me what I need, when I need it.

Humble - I am weak, but He is strong.

Innocent - Though my sins be scarlet, He washes me whiter than snow.

Loving - My Father loves me just the way I am, and I love Him.

Dependent - My Father will never leave or forsake me, no matter what.

by S.Hunt Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved

Mary Magdalene - Part 3

And Jesus said...

"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

John 20:29 NKJV

How much more pain could Mary Magdalene's heart endure? She was lost; confused. Nothing made any sense - She didn't know where her Savior was and she needed to find Him.

When the others she had told came to see the empty tomb, they left perplexed and went home. But Mary Magdalene stayed at the tomb seeking to know where Jesus was.

I can only imagine the joy that filled her heart when she heard Jesus call her name -

"Mary!"

She knew His voice; He was alive!

She must have thought of that day in the garden many times through out her life time-

She must have shared the experience with others as well. Did it matter if they believed her? Did it matter what they said? No, nothing could change what Mary Magdalene knew.

The "Truth" she experienced in the garden that day by the tomb would live in her heart forever; Jesus was alive!

The "Life" she experienced from that day forward, living each day spiritually connected with her Savior, would sustain her. It didn't matter that she couldn't physically walk with her dearest friend; He lived in her heart. She knew all the things Jesus had said were true; He had promised He would never leave or forsake her. Every day for the rest of her life she knew His promise was true; He was with her.

There was no doubt in her mind now; she knew the "Way". Deep down in her heart she knew Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. She remembered His promise, "Where I am, there you may be also." She knew someday she would see her Savior again, face to face. His death made the way, His resurrection opened the door for anyone who believed. She knew now, not even death could separate her from the Savior, Christ Jesus.

Copyright 2007 S.Hunt All Right Reserved

Mary Magdalene Part 2

...these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that believing you may have life in His name. John 20:31 NKJV

The weight of loneliness and despair grew; Mary Magdalene watched as the stone was rolled up against the entrance of the tomb; sealing the body of Jesus inside.

Puddles of tears blurred her vision; the cold hard stone beneath her fingertips stood between her and the Savior. The silence was deafening - He's gone.

It must of all seemed like a bad dream. Memories of Jesus flooded her mind through out the sleepless night. There had been such a celebration just a few days before when Jesus rode into the city. People greeted His arrival with joy as they paved the road with their clothes and palm branches. She could still hear the voices crying out "Hosanna".

She remembered the words He had spoken, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.." How confused she must have been. Jesus was gone, what did she have left to hope in? Yet she still felt a strong connection even though His lifeless body lay behind the stone; it was as though He was still with her. But how could this be?

Sabbath, the day of rest was over. As Mary Magdalene walked down the road in the early morning to the tomb, she remembered all the times she and the other women Jesus saved, had followed Him to the cities and the countryside to listen to Him teach and the many times they ministered to Him by preparing food and drink. The joy still lingered in her heart from those moments she spent with her dearest friend.

The memories of Jesus brought comfort to her aching heart. Death wasn't strong enough to stamp out her joy; her life-changing experience; the spiritual connection with her Savior. These treasures would forever remain in her heart.

With spices in hand, she made her way down the dewy garden path. She had come to minister to Jesus even though he lay lifeless. Why? Because it was what she had done in days past; it was an act of love.

The light was beginning to peak over the horizon; the tomb was in sight. The stone had been moved. A sharp, hot searing pain pierced her raw heart; the tomb was empty.

Copyright 2007 S.Hunt All Rights Reserved

Mary Magdalene Part 1

Word for the week: Salvation
Bible Verse: John 3:16-17 NKJV

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."


My thoughts take my back to Mary Magdalene as she sat at the feet of Jesus, listening to His teaching; experiencing such unconditional love. What a spiritual connection she must of had with the Savior.

She knew He loved and valued her the day He saved. I can only imagine the love and gratitude that filled her heart as she looked into His eyes and saw the love and acceptance He offered her as He extended His hand. How could she ever be the same again? It was a turning point in her life she would never forget and would forever give thanks; such deep love she must have felt for her Savior.

And now she sits at the foot of the cross watching her closest, most loved friend suffering an undeserved, cruel death and there was nothing she could do- How could she understand? How could she know the depths of the saving power being poured out from the cross that dark, sorrowful day?

What unbearable pain she must have endured. Pain that rips your heart in two. Pain that takes your breath and threatens your very life and sanity. And once again, she would never be the same. How would she go on without her dearest friend?

He was the only one who had ever loved her wholeheartedly and accepted her completely in spite of her failures, in spite of her lack of purity, in spite of all the wrong choices she had ever made- How could she go on without Him?

What was it she could do for Jesus, except stay by His side until the end? A broken vessel at the foot of the cross, pouring out every ounce of love she had for the Savior and grieving her greatest loss.


Copyright 2007 S.Hunt
All Rights Reserved

Forgive, Do Not Despise

"Forgive, do not despise,"

Christ my Savior said,

As He hung on Calvary's Cross,

Blood dripping from His head.

"Forgive, do not despise,"

Christ my Savior said.

"It's you I love without regret,

Though I suffered in your stead."

"Now I ask the same of you,

Without hesitation or blame,

Reach out your hand with loving-kindness

To the ones who have caused you pain.

Let them know the love I bestow,

To those who call My name."

"Forgive, do not despise."

Christ my Savior said.

It's you I love without regret,

Though I suffered in your stead.

"Forgive, do not despise,"

Christ my Savior said,

As He hung on Calvary's Cross,

Blood dripping from His head.

Copyright 2001 S.Hunt

All Rights Reserved

God's Treasure

Word for the week: Treasure
Bible Verse: Matthew 6:19-21 NIV


"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "

God's Treasure

Lay all your burdens at My feet,

Misery, Anger, and Defeat

In exchange for My treasure

Love, Joy, and Victory

beyond measure.

copyright 2007 S. Hunt All Rights Reserved

Treasure Under the Tree

Like most, I have a daily routine. Each morning I get dressed, gather the daily necessities, and off to work I go. I park in the same place everyday. I walk up the same sidewalk everyday. I greet the same people everyday. I hear the bird’s serenade and I see the glorious sunrise everyday.

One day last May was the same, with one small exception. I found an egg. There under the small tree that stands by the sidewalk, I spotted an Easter egg. What a surprise! “Hmmmm”, I thought, as I started to walk past; then a small, quiet voice spoke to me to go back and pick up the egg. So I did.

The green plastic egg was a little dirty and wet with the morning dew. I took it inside, washed and dried it, and placed it on my desk. I was somewhat amazed that I had found an Easter egg since Easter had been six weeks before. And then I began to think about how everyday I had walked up the sidewalk, past the small tree, yet I never noticed the oval treasure sitting there. How could that be, I wondered?

How many times is it that God prepares something for us, and places it right along side our path for us to discover, and we walk past it day after day, not noticing. And why is it we don’t see it sitting there?

As I looked back over the few weeks that had gone by, I remembered days I walked up the sidewalk past the small tree in a hurry, thinking about all the things I needed to do. Some days I worried about personal matters. Some days I grumbled and complained up the sidewalk past the tree where the egg lay.

The three mornings before, I had been troubled about why God was allowing certain things to happen in my life. People around me were questioning God’s purpose, and I had no answers. I hardly even remembered walking up the sidewalk I was so distracted.

I wonder what made this day different. There was nothing about my daily routine that had changed. However, I wasn’t in a hurry. I wasn’t worried, and I didn’t grumble and complain.

In fact, this May morning my heart was filled with praise and thanksgiving. The song on the radio had echoed in my ears, “Though I cannot see, I still believe in Your faithfulness, in Your truth and in Your holy word.” The words had confirmed my decision to trust God no matter what happened in my life, even though I could not see the reason.

Then I knew why I had found the egg. It truly was a treasure. Even though I could not see the egg, it had been there all the time, just like God’s blessings are. And just like the egg, when the time is right new life will spring forth and God’s blessings will be revealed.

The treasure I found under the tree will be a reminder to me that God is faithful to prepare and provide what I need, when I need it, and I will most likely see it on a day when my heart is filled with praise and thanksgiving.


May 2006 S. Hunt All Rights Reserved

Be My Compass Lord

Word for the Week: Trust
Bible Verse: Proverbs 3:5 -6 NIV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
In all you ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Wherever the road leads, be my compass O Lord.
Show me the way to the place you have prepared for me.
You alone know the way -

Ready me for the journey.
Equip me with Your knowledge and understanding.
Fill me with Your words of peace.
Instruct me Lord, so that Your Will can be fulfilled in my life.
Nurture me along the way so that I may continue to grow into what You want me to be.
Enable me with Your strength and power to fearlessly go wherever You send me.

Mend me when I stumble and fall so that I may continue to walk the path You have set me on.
Embrace me with Your arms of love whenever the journey seems more than I can bear.

The Path

If only there were road signs

All along the way,

I could see much better

The path on which to stay.

Instead there are landmarks

Only eyes of faith can see,

Grace, Mercy, Love and Peace

Sent to set my spirit free.

Sometimes the path seems dim and lonely,

Sometimes the briars cut deep.

Sometimes the path is stony,

Sometimes it's narrow and steep.

Sometimes I feel like sitting down,

I'm tired of walking, you see.

But then I hear my Father say,

"Come go a little further with Me."

My feet are sore,

My heart is weary.

I can't walk another step

Down this path so dreary.

Then in the distance on the ground

The shadow of the Cross I see,

And I remember the cruel road

Jesus walked down for me.

The nails, the spear,

The thorns, the shame.

He didn't stop, He persevered

Without a word of blame.

"Stand up My child and take My hand,"

my Savior said to me.

"You must make it to the end of the path,

Where at last My bride you will be."

copyright S.Hunt 2007 All Rights Reserved

All for the Price of a Penny

The smells and sights still linger in my mind as I think back to the little country store where I loved to go when I was a child. I can still remember the feel of the cool concrete floor under my bare feet as I pitter-pattered up and down the short isles behind my mom. It was there in the little country store that my life was changed forever.

I had no idea this would turn out to be a day of remembrance for me when I entered the little country store, trailing after my mom. The tingling bell always greeted visitors as they came and went, and the smell of hamburgers sizzling on the grill was a reminder that lunch was nearing. And like always, my mom grabbed a grocery cart and off she went, tossing things right and left into the squeaky contraption.

Of course, I had my own agenda. I spied my favorite bubble gum as I passed by the candy shelf. There it was, Green Apple, a penny a piece. My mouth watered at the thought of the tangy experience. I didn’t have a penny, but I did have a plan.

My mom was busy talking to the man at the meat market, and the lady at the counter was busy talking on the phone. Just at the right time, I very carefully positioned myself in front of the green apple bubble gum and while no one was looking I took a piece and hid it in my pocket. My heart was pounding as I slowly moved away and caught up with mom. WHEW! I did it. I could hardly wait to get out of the store.

I didn’t have to wait long. I stood there at the counter looking innocent as my mom paid the wrinkle-faced lady for the groceries. Finally, out to the car to safety, I hopped in and slammed the door. I dug the green ball of gum out of my pocket; the paper fell to the floor and I popped it into my mouth before my mom finished putting the grocery sacks in the back seat.

Oh, the taste of the tangy green apple gum was sending my jaws into spasms. I was chomping and savoring every drop of juice that squished out, when I heard my mom say, “Where did you get that?”

My heart sunk, and my face felt hot. With the wad of gum clinched between my teeth, I confessed I had taken it from the store. “Did you pay for it?” She knew by the look on my face that I hadn’t. She frowned and put out her hand for me to spit it out.

“Well, little lady, you are going right back in there and tell Mrs. Janelle that you stole a piece of gum and then you are going to pay for it.”

Puddles of tears filled my eyes as I asked my mom to come with me. The last thing I wanted to do was go back in and tell the lady at the counter what I had done. I would have rather suffered a spanking. “NO”, she said. “You have to go by yourself,” as she handed me a penny.

I did as she said, and went in and confessed my sin. It burnt like fire inside my chest as I looked into Mrs. Janelle’s wrinkled face and told her that I stole a piece of gum. I handed her a penny; she smiled and said it was okay.

As I ran out of the store that fateful day, it was clear that the tangy taste I had so desired was not worth the scorching consequences I had just endured.

Many years have passed since that day. Many opportunities to take things that didn’t belong to me have also passed; each time, I walked away knowing with certainty it was the right thing to do.

I will forever be thankful for that painful experience. A valuable lesson was burned into my heart that day; it changed my life forever, and all for the price of a penny.


“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NIV


copyright 2006 S.Hunt All Rights Reserved

Grief

Word for the week: Comfort
Bible Verse: Isaiah 51:12


"I, even I, am He who comforts you."


Jesus, please touch the one who's heart is broken and let Your love be a blanket of comfort.

Little Lamb

Little lamb wounded,
The Shepherd is coming to your rescue.
Though you may not know it,
His love for you is true.

Little lamb wounded,
The Shepherd is drawing near.
Though you may not know it,
Your cries of pain He can hear.

Little lamb wounded,
The Shepherd is reaching down.
Though you may not know it,
He's going to pick you up off the ground

Little lamb wounded,
In the Shepherd's arms
Do not be afraid,
He will keep you from all harm.


copyright S. Hunt 2003 All rights reserved

The Valley of Despair

The pain within my heart
Is more than I can bear.
I don't know how I'll make it.
I don't know how I'll fair.

This loss has left me all alone
And no one seems to care,
But then my Savior draws me near,
There's no doubt, I know He's there.

His love surrounds me night and day,
With Him my grief I share.
He knows my every thought.
He knows this cross I bear.

He takes my hand and walks me
Through this valley of despair,
And as we travel slowly
He makes my heart aware.

Even though I'm broken,
There's nothing He can't repair,
If I trust Him with my life
And continue this journey in prayer.


copyright S.Hunt 2007 All rights reserved

Where the Road Leads

As I walk down this road,
I know not where it leads.
I can not see God's purpose.
I do not know my needs.

As I walk down this road,
I see footprints in the sand
Left by those who've gone before me,
Who also didn't understand.

As I walk down this road,
I begin to pray
God will give me strength and courage
To walk another day.

As I walk down this road,
Darkness begins to fall,
But in the distance I see a light
And I hear a voice call.

As I walk down this road,
Through the blackest night,
I hear my Savior beckon-
"Do not despair, I have you in my sight".


copyright S.Hunt 2005 All rights reserved

Ginger

Sunday tradition at my house is to enjoy a carefree day. The freedom to be lazy abounds. What a way to start the week.

Sundays like this seem to float by as quiet and insignificant as the white swirls of clouds on a warm sunny day. Then, there are those exceptions that come along once in a while and interrupt the quiet to announce life is about to change.

Startled awake by my beagle's alarming bay, I sat straight up in my lawn chair to see what was going on. "What is it boy?" His tail was springing back and forth as though it was keeping time to music. I knew he had seen something in the yard. I crept up to the gate to see what was around the corner of the house. What was it that Sam was barking at so insistently?

At first, I couldn't see anything. The cars were fine. The padlock on the storage room was intact. But then, I noticed something moving in the pile of dead tree limbs at the far end of the yard. "Oh Sam, it's probably a cat".

Satisfied I had identified the source of disturbance, I went back to the comfort of my lawn chair. I tried closing my eyes and tuning out the non-stop barking, but it was more than my ears could bear. "OKAY! OKAY! I'll go see what it is."

Once I stepped outside the gate, the quiet returned. Sam watched as I walked towards the pile of branches. Sure enough, there was something caught in the tangled mess. The closer I came, the better I could see. "Oh, it's a little dog." I could hear it whimpering as it struggled to escape.

"Be still and I'll try to help you." I picked up a couple of branches from the top of the pile, and the little dog leaped out and ran off. The poor little thing was skinny and scared. But now it was free, so I guess I did my good deed for the day. "Come on Sam, let's go inside and find something to eat."

The sound of the can opener signaled the other two dogs that it was supper time. As I scraped the dog food cans clean, I heard a squeaky sound at the back of the house. Of course, I wasn't the only one who had heard the peculiar noise. The three dogs stampeded out the back door. When I got to the door there the poor skinny little dog was outside the fence lying in the grass, barking towards the house. I was sure it needed some food too, so I opened a can of Vienna sausage and plopped them out onto a paper plate. "Here you go."

There was a scared, desperate look in the little dog's eyes as she scarfed down the food and then ran off. How sad for an animal to be so desperate and no one care. I brushed tears away as I plopped another can of sausage onto the plate, hoping she would come back and finish the rest.

For the next three weeks I fed the little ginger-colored dog every evening . She hid in the pile branches until late evening. Each day I drove up into the driveway after work, there the little dog was, sitting in the yard watching and waiting for something to eat.

Day after day the little dog would follow strangers down the sidewalk, begging to be noticed. Each time the person would disappear around the corner, the little dog would stop and look back at the house, then trot across the street back to the pile of brush. Sadness filled my heart as I watched. No one wanted the little dog. I knew it wouldn't be long until she would probably die.

On the third Sunday, I decided I would try to gain the little dog's trust. I took a plate of dog food outside the gate and sat down in the grass. I hoped that she would trust me enough to let me pet her. It took two hours to finally gain her trust; it was worth it though. She climbed up in my lap and I held her close. She licked my face over and over as though she was telling me "thank you." It was at that moment "Ginger" became part of our family.

copyright 2006 S. Hunt - All Rights Reserved

*************

Word for the Week: Family

Bible Verse: John 3:16 NKJV

God so loved the world, He gave His only Son, that whosoever believed inHim, would not perish, but have everlasting life.

It's been almost a year since Ginger came into our family. I have four dogs now, and I've had to make the decision that I can't take in any more strays. I love my dogs; they are my family. But I have limited space and limited finances. And as I pondered this decision, God tapped me on the shoulder.

He reminded me that He never runs out of space or provisions for us. He is continually inviting anyone who will trust Him to come into His forever family.

Come as you are, there are no limitations. God is faithful and true and will accept you into His family no matter what. All you have to do is trust Him.

copyright 2007 S. Hunt - All Rights Reserved

Sick With Strife

Word for the week: PEACE
Bible Verse: Romans 12:18 NKJV

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Is your family sick with strife? How about your workplace?

Strife is a painful condition. If it persists it can become a chronic inflammation that can damage relationships. The longer the strife continues the greater the loss is.

Some people live years sick with strife; sometimes their whole life. If you answer "yes" to the majority of the questions that follow- you may be sick with strife.

1. Are you irritable all the time? Does it seem like no one can do anything right?
2. Is your stomach always tied in a knot?
3. Do you have frequent headaches? Backaches?
4. Are you depressed?
5. Does it seem like you are always fussing and fighting with family members? Co-workers?
6. Do you find yourself yelling at others, threatening retaliation, or giving the silent treatment?
7. Do things seldom go the way you expect them to?

Do these symptoms sound familiar? It's not uncommon for families or workplaces to suffer from the ravages of strife. It kills relationships, steals joy, and destroys self-esteem.

Although strife is a painful condition, it can be overcome by PEACE. Below you will find five powerful ingredients that when combined and applied daily will bring peace to your heart and those around you.

Pray for those around you. Ask God to help you be patient with them, and to help you extend grace to them when they fall short of meeting your expectations. This will develop a forgiving spirit.

Embrace those around you. Draw them near to you. Share your heart with them, and allow them to share their heart with you. This will develop a relationship built on trust.

Accept those around you just as they are. Everyone has different abilities, likes and dislikes, and levels of performance. No one likes to be rejected or made to feel like they're not good enough. Love and acceptance builds self-esteem.

Cherish those around you. God placed the people around you in your life to meet your needs and to help you grow spiritually. Look and see how God is using each one in your life. He also placed you in their lives too. How is God using you to touch their lives? This will develop a thankful spirit.

Encourage those around you. They have the same fears you have. Let them know you support them; that you see their effort and their accomplishments. It's important to let people know that you still love and support them even if they make mistakes. This will develop a sense of security that comforts the heart.


If you are suffering from strife, try the recipe for PEACE. Prayer is powerful. God the Father will help you if you ask. As you start the week with a new commitment to overcome the strife in your life, write down how you plan to apply these actions.

Who will you pray for?
How will you embrace this person?
What will you accept about this person?
What will you cherish about this person?
How will you encourage this person?


Prayer:
Dear Jesus please help me to begin today to overcome the strife in my life with Your PEACE.

copyright February 2007 - S.Hunt - All Rights Reserved

Seeing the Unseen

The word for the week: FAITH
Bible Verse: II Corinthians 4:16-18

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at things which seen, but at things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

No matter what happens to you in this life, God the Father has a reason for allowing you to experience "your outward man perishing, yet your inward man being renewed day by day".

Why? God wants to reveal the depth of His love; His faithfulness. He wants to teach you to count your loss as gain; to find peace in the midst of your sorrow. As you go through the pain and heartache you've been called to endure, will you trust Him?

It's during the hardest parts of life- the darkest moments of despair that God the Father will reveal His love and faithfulness to those who trust Him and call on His name.

To see the unseen is to see God in the situation and know He is in control, even though you can't see His purpose. It's to seek to know the eternal truths He has for you, in spite of the pain. And in doing so, you will find the strength and courage to face what's before you.

Seeing the unseen is to sing songs of praise and thanksgiving even though you have no idea why this thing has happened. Why? Because His love endures. No matter what- He is with you, never leaving you, always comforting you.

It is then, the unseen becomes solid; concrete in your heart and mind. Knowing without a doubt, in spite of all that is happening, God is with you, and will help you get through the pain you're suffering.

How then can you "lose heart" when you know God the Father always has something (eternal) of Himself to give to you? No matter what you have to go through, it will always be worth it in the end.

The more you know Him, the more you will see that everything in this life is temporary(it will end someday). The only thing that's not is God the Father- His love, His faithfulness, His mercy, His grace, and His peace are eternal treasures from His Heart. He is waiting to give them to you if you accept His Will in your life, and trust Him no matter what happens.

copyright 2007 - S. Hunt All rights reserved

Open My Eyes Lord

The word for the week is CHARITY Bible Verse: Isaiah 58:6,7,and 8

Is this not the fast I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness.
To undo the heavy burdens.
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him.
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?


Is there someone you know today who needs help? Stop a moment and look around this week to see who it is that needs your help. Sometimes it's not apparent when someone is in need. Most people are reluctant to share their needs with others. But if you ask God the Father to show you who He wants you to help and how He wants you to help, He will open your eyes.

You may think that you don't have the time or the money. You may not want to get involved, feel obligated, or make a commitment. But God is calling you to to stop and be still for a moment and consider what He has blessed you with that you could share with someone in need.

In every town and city across the nation there are single parents struggling to take care of their children. Many of which, are living well below the povery level. Four of the most important things that single parent families need help with are:

1. Child-care - In order to work, a single parent needs a safe place to leave their children. Could you help pay for child care? Could you offer to babysit - free of charge?

2. Groceries - After the utilities and rent is paid, there's little money left to buy food and personal care items. Could you pick up an extra bag of food items each time you go shopping? Or maybe non-food items like diapers, toilet paper, soap, deoderant, toothpaste, shampoo, or medicine. Children also need school supplies and lunch boxes, backpacks, clothes, and shoes.

Providing any of these items can make a difference as to whether a single parent will be able to make ends meet or not.

3. Community Resources - Can you help a single parent locate and access community resources they may not know exists? Maybe a church, a support group, a pantry or clothes closet ministry or free medical care or dental care?

4. Fellowship - Could you be a mentor to a single parent? One of the hardest things to deal with is loneliness; having no one to turn to for emotional and spiritual support. Single parents need someone who is reliable and sincere that they can lean on. A call or visit every week or a couple of times a month would make a difference in the emotional and spiritual stability of a single parent and their children. Could you be the one who reaches out with God's love and provides encouragement and fellowship to a single parent family?

Will you answer God's Call?

Here are a few suggestions that you may have not considered as ways you might could help:

• Give a garage sale and use the money to buy groceries or pay a utility bill for a single parent family
• Pick up one or two extra personal care items each time you shop. That's one or two less items the single parent has to worry about.
• Buy a book of gift certificates from a fast food establishment to give to the single parent. This is an inexpensive and fun way to provide a treat and relieve some stress.
• Go through your closet and see what you come up with you could give away that a single parent family could use or sell.
• Offer free service: do you cook, clean houses, cut lawns, repair appliances/cars, cut hair or do nails? Maybe you quilt or sew. Maybe you could provide transportation or babysit.
• Buy tokens to wash and dry clothes at a laundry mat or offer to do the single parent family's laundry for them.
• Fill their automobile up with gas.
• Invite a single parent family to have dinner with your family, go out to a movie or play putt putt. Your treat!
• Stop in to visit and drop off a care basket full of treats: fruit, homemade candy, cookies, popcorn, a cake, or even a cassarole can put a smile on lots of faces, and show someone cares.
• Send an ecouraging card in the mail to let the single parent family know you have them in your thoughts and prayers.
• Maybe you have several friends that might be interested in helping too. Look at how much more you could do.

If you stop and take some time to think about how to help someone in need - you will discover that there's lots of ways to help relieve stress and lift the spirits of a single parent family without spending a lot of time or money. A little bit here and there goes a long way.

There are spiritual blessings in store for those who answer God's call.

copyright 2007 - S.Hunt All rights reserved

*******

Please feel free to share the ideas or suggestions you may have as to how to help someone in need. You never know- your idea might just be the answer someone else is looking for.

Have a great week!

New Beginnings

Welcome to my weekly blog. I hope you will find something here that will help you in some way.

This past week has been a good one for me. I feel excited and confident about my life as a writer. When I look back over this past year, I am amazed at the growth and progress I've made. God has led me to the right places to find what I needed. He has caused me to cross paths with the right people to help fulfill His will in my life. Once again He reminds me that He is faithful to provide what I need just at the right time.