Daily Echoes with God

Sunday, June 19, 2022

Father's Day thoughts...

Happy Father’s Day to all dads, grand-dads, dads to be… 💖

Bringing up the subject of fathers can have different reactions for people. Some are excited at Father’s Day to celebrate the day and their family. Others struggled with the entire day because they didn’t have what they expected or needed in a father. For many years of my life, Father’s Day was a bit stressful. Actually, stressful was an understatement. Without going into too many details, I envied what others had and over the years and I hardened my heart towards the holiday all together. I was bitter towards what I missed out on as a child.

When I accepted Christ as my savior, God taught me a new way to look at Father’s Day. I discovered a new meaning of the word Father. One who will always be with me until I am able to be with Him face to face. Those moments of learning helped soften the scars that had formed in my heart over the years. It also helped me to forgive my earthly father and understand the humanness in him. None of us are perfect and everyone has scars from something. It didn’t happen overnight. I didn’t even happen in a month or a year. It took years for God to work in my heart.

Today I know I can call my heavenly Father - Abba, and know He hears every word I speak. Psalm 116

I know He loves me unconditionally. John 3:16

I know He will never let me go, no matter what I do. Psalm 100

Today Father’s Day has a different meaning to me...

Today, I remember this day with gratefulness to God because He has not only taught me over the years about what a true Father is, but also brought healing in my life through my earthly father. He truly has restored what the locust have eaten. God has also given me the gift of seeing my father come closer to Him each day.

Is our relationship perfect? No, but we are better with Gods mercy and grace.

Am I perfect? Not even close. I fail every day.

However, each day, we get closer by the grace of God. He works in us and through us until we see Him face to face. How awesome is our God?

If Father’s Day is a struggle for you - Step out today in faith and share your thoughts with our heavenly Father. He is there to listen and bring healing. Ask Him to help you see your earthly father through His eyes. He can clear the fog. He can bring perspective. Remember God was the first Father. He understands more than you realize about parents and children.

Happy Father’s Day dad… 💖

Happy Father’s Day Abba… 💖

Psalms 68:5 (NIV)

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.

Psalms 103:13 (NIV)

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

1 Corinthians 13:12 (NIV)

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Philippians 1:3 NIV

I thank my God every time I remember you.

Friday, June 17, 2022

Today's encouragment...

Have you ever been picked last in a game when you were a kid?

I have.

I wasn’t part of the popular crowd. I was an outsider for most of school due to moving every two to four years. Getting picked last was the norm for me. It is not a very good feeling at the time. As I got older, I realized that was a small part of my life and being picked last wasn’t the end of the world. It did leave an impression on me though.

Today I go out of my way to reach people others may ignore. I am very sensitive to those who are not in high positions. I try to start up a conversation with the wait staff at the restaurants we go to. I go out of my way to say hi to the janitor or cleaning staff in a building. I know how it felt to be ignored. I want them to know they matter and are special in God’s eyes. I let God use me to remind them.

I went to an event recently that seating was not assigned. I didn’t mind and stood in the line waiting our turn to go into the event room. I knew, no matter where I sat, I would see and hear the musicians. WE stood in the line and walked into the room with another couple. They took that moment together to share what they observed throughout the weekend.

They saw people running in the room towards the front and grabbing seats as fast as they could. Grown adults pushing and running to be first. I was a bit surprised because this was a Christian event. I guess selfishness is rampant in the church as it is in the world. I sat and thought about that for a minute.

While I was thinking the same woman said to me, “Wouldn’t it be amazing if after everyone came rushing into the front, the main stage moved to the back and the last were suddenly the first?”

I laughed out loud at the thought. Then I went back to my own thoughts and wondered is this what Jesus meant when he said, “Anyone who wants to be first must first be the very last.”

So, my thought for today is if you are feeling left out, take heart, God notices, and the last will be the first. Our crowns and prestige come from someone much higher than this world. Never forget whose you are. You are a child of the King, a chosen people, God’s special possession...

Mark 9:35 (NIV)

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

James 1:12 (NIV)

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Monday, June 6, 2022

Never give up hope...

This may look like an ordinary lemon tree, but it is not.

We originally purchased it many years ago to bring lemons into our home. My husband and I love to cook with lemons so we believed owning a lemon tree would be a treat.

The first year we had many lemons on the baby tree. I was overjoyed as I picked the small balls of sunshine and used them in our many recipes.

The second year there was only one lemon.

The third year there were buds but no lemons.

Each year it became clearer that the lemon tree would not bear fruit.

We researched everywhere how to get a lemon tree to bear fruit. We tried multiple ideas with no avail. Finally, the tree seemed to give up and the buds stopped.

We decided to give up on the small tree and my husband put it outside for disposal. It never made it to the dump and ended up in our garage for future removal. It sat in our garage for two years untouched. The branches were bare, and the dirt was dry.

Then something happened...

Yesterday I walked into the garage to grab something, and the little tree caught my eye.

There were not only leaves on the branches, but there were buds and a flower.

HOW did that happen? I went closer and looked at the tree.

Yes, there were multiple leaves and buds. I touched the dirt.

It was as dry as it could be.

No moisture at all.

So, I proceeded to drag the little tree out of the garage and gave it some water. Not sure where this is going, but I can see the lessons here Lord.

Lessons for today...

NEVER give up hope. Even when the dream or relationship is dead. It may not be according to God. Keep praying!

Miracles happen every day, even in a baby lemon tree.

My personal lesson is to trust Him and His timing.

Why am I always surprised when God intervenes?

A reminder today from the most unlikely source…

A lemon tree in the garage.

Luke 7:4

Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!”

Luke 8:54

But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!”

John 11:43-44

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Psalms 62:5 (NIV)

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.

Thursday, June 2, 2022

Who do you call on?

Have you ever been overwhelmed by the world or even in your backyard? What I mean, is have you ever felt overwhelmed by what is going on around you? The news around us can be discouraging. There is so much pain and the enemy seems to be running rampant.

Are you experiencing a personal attack by the enemy? The enemy likes to attack in many ways however, his attacks are not new. He uses the same old tricks to get to believers. If he can’t get in your mind, he attacks your family and friends. If he can’t attack your family and friends, he goes after your health or finances.

Job understood these things. Remember though, Job couldn’t be touched without God’s permission. There is always a lesson for either us, or those around us. We might not learn that lesson until many years from now, or until we are with Him face to face.

We can take heart today that God is not surprised by anything that happens to us or around us. He is all knowing and with us through each step. He is with us even in the fire – Daniel 3:25

Take Heart today! Take Courage today! You are not alone. John 16:32

The enemy is not all knowing – only God is. Job 21:22

The enemy can not read your thoughts - only God can. Psalm 139:2

The enemy is not everywhere at the same time – only God is. Proverbs 15:3

The enemy can’t touch you without God’s permission. Job 1:12

The enemy cannot change the end of the book – he loses. Revelation 20:10

Cling to Him today. Strengthen each other in Christ today. Your Christian friends can pray with and for you through every situation. You can also pray for those who are suffering around you today. Hold each other up and encourage each other in Him today.

Never forget - we know how the book ends.

Never forget – we are not home yet – but travelers on this small blue planet.

Keep looking up! Jesus is coming soon!

Job 42: 1-3

1 Then Job replied to the Lord:

2 “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

3 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’

Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.

Colossians 3:2 (NIV)

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

1 Corinthians 14:33 (NIV)

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

Revelation 22: 20-21 (NIV)

21 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

22 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Reflecting on time...

With all that is going on in our world, I wanted to set aside some time to sit and reflect. Yes, we are busy here in the business. The calls are coming in non-stop for service and installations. However, my husband and I need to take a moment time to refill our cups as the world continues to move at a fast pace. You can’t pour from an empty cup. You need to fill it daily with His help.

We are filling our cups this coming weekend.

We will be taking some time off over the next few days. There is an annual event we love to attend that brings other believers together for fellowship and worship. I love to sit at His feet during these times and listen for a word from my Father. It is refreshing to my soul when I take time to just sit and be like Mary for a minute.

Before I leave, I wanted to share a few thoughts with you.

Have you ever noticed that time seems to march on every day? Time is one thing we can’t hoard like food, or supplies. Time goes on with, or without us. I don’t know if this happens to you but when I get busy at work, the next thing I know it is time for lunch. And shortly after that it is time to shut the phones off. Days turn into weeks. And then the weeks turn into months. Next thing I know it is Christmas again. Or is that just me?

However, did you know that a thousand days are like a day in the Lord’s eyes? Psalm 90 verse 4 shares – A thousand years in your site are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.

Can you imagine that?

God is outside of time. When we are face to face with Him, time will be gone. How awesome is that? It is almost unfathomable to imagine being outside of time. I can’t wait to be a part of that with God.

Another thought…

You can’t get time back either. No matter how hard we try, there is no time travel back into an event or moment. Time travel does not exist. Except with God. Again, He is outside of time remember?

Today is a reminder we need to number our days. We only have a few days here compared to eternity. Psalm 90 verse 12 says – Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Are you numbering your days?

Remember we all have a date with God and only He knows that day.

What are you doing with the minutes, days, years given to you by God?

Take a moment to sit at His feet like Mary. Ask Him to give you a word.

Let Him fill your cup today.

Psalms 90:17

'May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.'

Friday, May 20, 2022

Lower the net...

Sometimes you need to try again, even if it didn’t work the last time.

God doesn’t get mad when we ask. Do we get mad at our kids when they ask more than once? We might get frustrated, but we understand where they are coming from. Sometimes we tell them no because the timing isn’t right. Ice cream right before dinner would be a no. However, after dinner could change the response to yes.

God is patient and longsuffering when it comes to His people. I am so grateful for that. I am sure I get on His nerves a bit asking the same request over and over. I can be like that broken record. But remember He loves our fellowship, even in asking.

Sometimes the answer is not yet or wait. So, we ask again. Sometimes the answer changes as the circumstances or timing changes.

We can get frustrated because we did a task that didn’t produce fruit. We then decide in our own intelligence it can’t work because we did it once and it failed.

Read that sentence again.

Remember Peter and the net? He had been fishing all night and decided in his head there was no fish to be caught. Jesus told him to let down the net one more time. After pleading his case, Peter eventually gave in and lowered his net. He was shocked to see the results. There were so many fish that their nets began to break.

Timing…

How about Gideon and his multiple requests regarding the fleece? He wanted an answer but also wanted to confirm God was speaking. Asking more than once was not disbelief, just confirmation of the request.

Today, think about something you tried before for the Lord, and it didn’t work. Maybe it was a no. However maybe it was just a ‘not now’ response from God.

Please don’t give in to complacency thinking God is done with you. He may have other plans in mind. He might want you to pick up that fleece again and ask for His direction.

Let me leave you with one thought.

Lower the net again…

Luke 5:4-7 (NIV)

'Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. '

Judges 6:39 (NIV)

Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece, but this time make the fleece dry and let the ground be covered with dew.”

Friday, May 13, 2022

Persistence...

Spring is here and the robins are busy preparing their nests for eggs. I personally get excited for the warm weather, trees budding, and flowers blooming all over. This spring I learned a lesson from an unlikely small source.

A robin.

My husband went outside one morning to our barn and found traces of a nest being built in the overhang. We love nature, but not so close to the barn. So, that morning my husband apologized to the robin and proceeded to take the nest down and clean up the mess. Well, in full disclosure, I don’t think he apologized to the robin. I might have if I was out there with him.

The very next day, the nest was back in the same spot under the overhand. My husband once again took the nest down and cleaned up the debris.

The third day he greeted the robin before work and let her know there was no room at the barn for her nest. He removed it once again. She wasn’t too happy but flew away to a nearby tree.

When my husband came home from work he went out to the barn. Guess what he saw?

Another nest. She is a persistent bird, but my husband is more stubborn.

After a week or so, the daily ritual of removing the nests ended. She found another place for her new home and the battle was over.

The weeks activities made me pause and think about two things…

1. How persistent was that robin? How could we learn from her persistence? What if we sought life or God with the same never-ending persistence? How far would we be in life? How far would our walk be with Him?

2. How stubborn was that robin? She could make a nest anywhere but chose to make one in a place that wasn’t welcome. Are we doing things in our own strength that God does not want us to do? Can we learn to take our tools and build in another area God is calling us to go?

Just a few thoughts for a Friday…

Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Thursday, May 5, 2022

National Day of Prayer thoughts...

Lifting each other up by stepping into His presence…

I thought today would be a good time to talk about prayer since it is the National Day of Prayer.

I have a hard time praying sometimes. I often lift friends and family up to my heavenly Father in prayer. I want to say the right words. I don’t want to just ‘pray’ for the sake of praying. I don’t want to pour out the same words I have used before. I want it to come from the depths of my soul.

However, sometimes I don’t have the words. I would love to say I can pray eloquently on a dime. I would love to speak beautiful words I have heard others cry out to our Lord. That is not me. And honestly, God doesn’t want me to be someone I am not. He only wants me to reach out to Him. He desires fellowship with Him through prayer.

My heart breaks for those who are hurting physically, emotionally, spiritually. I want to ‘fix’ it. I know I can’t. I can go to my Father and ask Him to fix it. He is the all-knowing healer, redeemer, and comforter. He can do what I am incapable of doing because I am only human.

I am grateful for the Holy Spirit who can intercede for me. I need all the help I can get daily. The Holy Spirit gives me the words when I can’t. I am appreciative for the grace He gives me each day and to have an instant line to His ear through prayer.

Back to the National Day of Prayer. I am grateful for this reminder; however, shouldn’t every day be a national day of prayer? Do we need a holiday to remind us to speak to our loving Father who craves our conversation?

Reach out today to God and just share your thoughts. Yes, He already knows them, but He wants to hear from you. He wants fellowship with you so you can come closer to Him. This is just a quiet reminder to seek Him today and everyday in prayer.

James 5:16 (NIV)

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Matthew 6:6 (NIV)

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Jeremiah 29:12&13 (NIV)

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me with you seek me with all of your heart.

Sunday, May 1, 2022

Mother's Day

I have mixed emotions over Mother’s Day every year. As a mom, I struggle with being the best I can for our grown kids. I know I fall short daily, but by the grace of God, I get back up and keep trying. There is no perfect mom, or person. My perfectionism comes to play often as I try to be that ideal mom and wife. That is my pride getting in the way. God reminds me through my lessons that I am not perfect and that’s okay. He holds the bar to strive towards in our weakness with His help. Only God is perfect.

Only God.

Then I think of my mom during this time of year. I realized after many years that I was hard on her because my expectations were higher than she could reach. I wanted the June Cleaver mom who had all the right things to say and do. I am sure I am dating myself again with this reference, but you get it.

Remember there is no perfect person. She could only do what she was taught by her parents. Did she do everything right? No. But she did the best she could for us. And when she couldn’t do any more, I picked up the slack and helped her through the years. That is what God wanted me to do. Not to compare her with other moms, just be there for my mom. I am so glad I could be there for her when she needed me most.

Hindsight is 20/20 – right?

Mom has been dining with Jesus for 10 years now. I know she is transformed and pain free today. I can’t wait to have that new conversation with her when I get there. What a glorious day that will be!

In the meantime, my advice is to give your mom a break today.

Give your mom a hug.

Give your mom grace today.

And if you are a mom, give yourself grace today too. He gives it freely for you as well. Take time for you today and reflect on His love for you. Let Him fill your cup.

Exodus 20:12 (NIV)

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

Psalms 29:11 (NIV)

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.

Thursday, April 28, 2022

Teachable moments...

God uses the smallest and sometimes painful lessons to be teachable moments. Have you ever done something that you really don’t want to share but is a teachable lesson for your children or friends? I am going to share one of those stories. Please give me grace here…

Many seasons ago when my children were young, I operated a home daycare along with homeschooling my three. I had a lot more energy back then, in case you are wondering how… Each day would begin by setting up the daycare equipment before the kids would arrive. Then the meal planning would ensue. I fed five plus my three multiple times during the day. I had a daily schedule on the refrigerator to keep things in order and forced a bit of variety. I would plan a week of meals in advance and have them ready to go when the kids arrived.

One afternoon I was running late, and I didn’t leave enough time for my hamburgers to thaw before separating and cooking them for lunch. As the kids were sitting at the table doing an activity waiting on me, I grabbed a steak knife and proceeded to separate the burgers. As I was holding the knife, a fleeting thought of – ‘I better be careful – this probably isn’t a good idea’ crossed my mind.

Then I slipped with the knife, and it went through the hamburger and into my hand. The bone in my hand stopped the knife. For a minute I thought it was okay because I didn’t feel any pain.

Then I felt it…

The sharp pain was intense. I grabbed a dishcloth and wrapped my hand for a minute and let my oldest know he was going to finish making the burgers while I addressed the issue at hand.

Sorry for the pun…

The good news is that I didn’t need stitches and by fate, the cut followed the line in my hand, so the scar just accentuated the line.

That was a painful lesson for me but also a teachable moment for my kids. The kids were told that day to never to do what I just did. I was determined to take my own advice going forward and never used a steak knife again to separate frozen meat.

The dull ache lasted for days. Many days later as I stared at the scar on my palm, I meditated on what Jesus did for me on that cross. I can’t begin to imagine how painful that was for Him.

And He did it for you and me…

Today I have a small reminder of what He did for me on the cross when I look at my hand.

Sometimes scars are long term lessons in life. My scar is a teachable moment and reminder of His love for me.