All week long I have been thinking about what to say to you. I asked the Lord and heard nothing. I tried to put this article together and found myself speechless. Then a still quiet voice began to say, "Tell them I love them." But I kept telling myself that there must be more to say. Sometimes we just need to get back to the basics and keep things simple. I just want to tell you today that Jesus loves you.
This week I felt overwhelmed with work and not knowing what to cook for dinner. The laundry grew out of control and it was a trial to get anyone to clean their rooms. I tried to tell myself that the joy of the Lord is my strength. But the truth is - I didn't feel joyous at all. I felt lonely, hurt and rejected. My life seemed to be at a difficult place. There's just no prettier way to say it. Please tell me I'm not the only one who has to deal with these feelings. My emotions got the best of me. I know that there is joy in Jesus. But sometimes I just want to sit and cry. And many times I do. Right now I feel that the Lord just wants me to simply share His love and to be real. So l ask that you keep me in your prayers.
Serving God isn't complicated. Although the devil will have you think that it is. There are challenging moments, of course. When I find myself under a cloud, sometimes I just sit in a quiet place. I imagine resting in the arms of Jesus. Just sitting there. You ever have a friend visit you and just sit with you? You don't have to worry about entertaining with witty conversation. Well that's what Jesus is for me. Talk about the perfect shoulder to cry on. He is the best-est of best friends you could ever hope for. You have a friend who really does know it all. Jesus is my best friend. I love Jesus. I want to love Him more.
Jesus has a way of making me smile when I don't feel like it. That's what friends do. I was having a really bad night and needed to get some air. So I went to sit in my car and called a friend to invite her to my pity party. She didn't participate in the pity party games but was there nonetheless. So I tell her how my world is upside down and that I just can't go on. I don't remember everything she said but just remembering that moment brings a smile to my heart. She was so warm and loving and understanding. She knew I needed to just get it all out. Jesus knew I needed to get it all out. I didn't feel judged and she didn't tell me what I really wanted to hear - pack you bags Karen and come on over. She listened. We all need a friend like that. God will bring people in your life for a season or for a lifetime. He'll bring you someone that you can share your heart with and not feel judged.
Cookies to Share
After my friend prayed for me, I sat in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Then God spoke to me. "Karen, go back in the house." Okay. I can do that. I'm pretty tired about right now. "And make some cookies." What! Make cookies! You've got to be kidding me! It was late, I wasn't feeling the love from my family and I'm suppose to treat them to some home made cookies? I'm not making any cookies. If anything, someone should be making cookies for me! "Okay, Lord. I'll go back in the house and I'll make some cookies. But I'm not sharing them." Okay, the Lord said back. When I went back into my home, the Lord went before me. It was quiet and to my surprise, quite pleasant. When the smell of the freshly baked cookies filled the house my kids were so happy. Their smiles reminded me that Jesus loves me. Simple, pure, real, precious love. I shared my cookies. I shared my love. I shared Jesus without having to say a word.
Jesus wants me to share with you today that He loves you. He cares about how you feel. He wants you to know that He wants to be your friend. He does care. Sometimes He puts it in my heart to tell someone in my family that I love them. I'd like to think I know my family's every need - but I don't. Only God knows what's in their hearts. He moves me to give a hug or a word of encouragement. Thank you, ladies, for letting me share with you from the heart. And please feel free to drop a note my way. God's favor is for a lifetime; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (see Psalms 30:5 )
All week long I have been thinking about what to say to you. I asked the Lord and heard nothing. I tried to put this article together and found myself speechless. Then a still quiet voice began to say, "Tell them I love them." But I kept telling myself that there must be more to say. Sometimes we just need to get
back to the basics and keep things simple. I just want to tell you today that Jesus loves you.
This week I felt overwhelmed with work and not knowing what to cook for dinner. The laundry grew out of control and it was a trial to get anyone to clean their rooms. I tried to tell myself that the joy of the Lord is my strength. But the truth is - I didn't feel joyous at all. I felt lonely, hurt and rejected. My life seemed to be at a difficult place. There's just no prettier way to say it. Please tell me I'm not the only one who has to deal with these feelings. My emotions got the best of me. I know that there is joy in Jesus. But sometimes I just want to sit and cry. And many times I do. Right now I feel that the Lord just wants me to simply share His love and to be real. So l ask that you keep me in your prayers.
Serving God isn't complicated. Although the devil will have you think that it is. There are challenging moments, of course. When I find myself under a cloud, sometimes I just sit in a quiet place. I imagine resting in the arms of Jesus. Just sitting there. You ever have a friend visit you and just sit with you? You don't have to worry about entertaining with witty conversation. Well that's what Jesus is for me. Talk about the perfect shoulder to cry on. He is the best-est of best friends you could ever hope for. You have a friend who really does know it all. Jesus is my best friend. I love Jesus. I want to love Him more.
Cookies to Share
After my friend prayed for me, I sat in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Then God spoke to me. "Karen, go back in the house." Okay. I can do that. I'm pretty tired about right now. "And make some cookies." What! Make cookies! You've got to be kidding me! It was late, I wasn't feeling the love from my family and I'm suppose to treat them to some home made cookies? I'm not making any cookies. If anything, someone should be making cookies for me! "Okay, Lord. I'll go back in the house and I'll make some cookies. But I'm not sharing them." Okay, the Lord said back. When I went back into my home, the Lord
went before me. It was quiet and to my surprise, quite pleasant. When the smell of the freshly baked cookies filled the house my kids were so happy. Their smiles reminded me that Jesus loves me. Simple, pure, real, precious love. I shared my cookies. I shared my love. I shared Jesus without having to say a word.
Jesus wants me to share with you today that He loves you. He cares about how you feel. He wants you to know that He wants to be your friend. He does care. Sometimes He puts it in my heart to tell someone in my family that I love them. I'd like to think I know my family's every need - but I don't. Only God knows what's in their hearts. He moves me to give a hug or a word of encouragement. Thank you, ladies, for letting me share with you from the heart. And please feel free to drop a note my way. God's favor is for a lifetime; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (see Psalms 30:5 )