Do you ever look around and say, “wow, life is really hard sometimes?”
Pictured is my granddaughter, Jada, laughing very hard, while enjoying some time at the playground near her home. .
I remember her coming to the birthday party. Every time we had a birthday party for one of the boys, she and my Grandma made the trip over. This time was different though. This time a tear made its way down my cheek as she walked through our door. This time she walked into our home without my Grandma. Her sister had died just months before, and for the first time, she arrived without her best friend.
It was hard for me not to have my Grandma there, but I knew it was even harder for her to be here without her. With both of their husbands in heaven, these two had become almost inseparable. They met for lunches. Trips to Frankenmuth. Visits with their children. And yes, birthday parties.
As I sat down at the table with my Great Aunt Marney, we began talking about Grandma. And during that time of sharing, her response to one of my questions has always stuck with me. I asked her what it was that she missed the most about her times with Grandma. And the biggest smile came across her face, and she said “laughing”. Really, laughing? I thought about these two sisters, best friends, and was intrigued to find out more about their laughing. I mean, I knew they always had smiles on their faces when I saw them. They were obviously “filled with the joy of the Lord”. I had to further investigate; I wanted what they had.
As the smile continued to spread across her face, I caught a glimpse of liquid in her eyes, and she began to tell me more. She told me how they would start talking, and they would finish each other’s sentences. How one of them would start to laugh, and as if laughing was the most contagious thing on the planet, it spread to the other. They would laugh with one another until their “bellies ached”…about nothing in particular…just “giggle and laugh”.
“I miss laughing with my sister”, she said, as her eyes now looked beyond the walls of the house, obviously envisioning times gone by, when she was seated at the kitchen table, finishing her sister’s sentences, and laughing until their bellies ached.
Laughter is one of those things that truly can make us “feel better”. Studies have even shown that laughing has positive impacts on our physical and emotional health. It’s a stress reliever. It fights depression. It lowers blood pressure. All of that shouldn’t come as a surprise, since scripture tells us, “A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). What a gift God has given us in laughter!
When was the last time you laughed, the type of laugh that can’t be contained? The type of laugh that my Grandma and Aunt Marney experienced. I encourage you today, and every day, to find a way to laugh. Find those people who bring it out in you. And let out a laughter that allows God to wash over you with His joy. A laughter that is healing. A laughter that is healthy. A laughter that is contagious, and perhaps a laughter that even gives you a belly ache.
Enjoy these scriptures and quotes on laughter:
We are filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. (Psalm 126:2)
A good laugh is sunshine in the house. William Thackeray
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. (Proverbs 31:25)
From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere. Dr Suess
A time to laugh and a time to cry. (Ecclesiastes 3:4)
Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine. Lord Byron
He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. (Job 8:21)
A smile starts on the lips, a grin spreads to the eyes, a chuckle comes from the belly; but a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, overflows, and bubbles all around. Carolyn Birmingham
Misty Cramer, is an author and speaker who enjoys laughing, and whose desire is to encourage others, as she shares the hope Jesus provides in the midst of life’s darkest challenges, as well as it’s brightest triumphs. If you would like to receive “Wednesday’s Word”, as well as other encouragement, you can subscribe to her website, https://mailchi.mp/7844a4ba7f8b/welcome and follow her on Instagram @mistydawncramer and Facebook, Misty Cramer, Author & Speaker. She would love to connect with you!
#wednesdaysword #imagine320 #laughter #joy #laugh #happy #happiness #truth #encouragement #family #memories #sisters #grandma #bellylaugh #bible #scripture #atimetolaugh #funny #drsuess #devo #devotions
Pictured is my granddaughter, Layla, watching in wonder, as someone blows bubbles and they float up into the sky. Photo credit: Son, Micah Cramer @cramer.11
Sense of Wonder
My heart seemed to momentarily stop, as I gazed across canyon. Mountains bigger than anything I had ever seen. The tops of them laced with snow, as the base of them held the lushness of multiple shades of green. The clouds hung loosely in the sky, the rocky earth below them, the endless galaxy above. And it filled me with wonder.
The little spider had created its intricate web. And as intriguing as I have always found the spiderweb to be, this time it was the spider in the web that caught my eye. The contrast between her black body and the yellow stripes and dots on her back, actually was beautiful. I’m far from being someone who enjoys spiders, but this particular one, caught the eyes of our whole family. And we examined it closely, filled with wonder.
Do we take the time frequently enough to allow ourselves to be filled with wonder? Sometimes it’s the things in nature, like I mentioned above that cause us to stop and reflect on God’s goodness with a sense of wonder. But I believe there are reasons to pause, right in the midst of a seemingly “normal” day, to soak in the wonder of God.
The birth of a newborn baby. Wonder.
The flower buds in the front yard, ready to burst forth with color. Wonder.
Time spent with someone special, caressing their hand, sitting silently, yet being so very much connected. Wonder.
Watching the eyes of child light up as bubbles are blown, released into the sky. Wonder.
The hummingbird at the flower, flapping his wings at 53 beats per second. Wonder.
The gaze of a parent, looking down at their sleeping child. Wonder.
The list goes on and on. What comes to your mind today, when you hear the word “wonder”?
Below are some verses and quotes that can help inspire and encourage you. I pray that the Lord fills you with wonder today, as you catch multiple glimpses of His goodness in the midst of your daily routine.
For you are great, and do great works of wonder; you only are God. Psalm 86:10 (BBE)
Look at everything in the world as if you are seeing it for the first time, and paint everything as if you are seeing it for the last. Andrew Hamilton
And the men were full of wonder, saying, What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea do his orders. Matthew 8:27 (BBE)
A state of wonder is a state of mind. Margaret Stone
And hearing it, they wer full of wonder, and went away from him. Matthew 22:22 (BBE)
Wonder is the beginning of wisdom. Socarates
Make clear the wonder of your mercy, O saviour of those who put their faith in your right hand, from those who come out against them. Psalms 17:7 (NIV)
All of us have wonders hidden in our breasts, only needing circumstances to evoke them. Charles Dickens
I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge. Psalm 71:7 (KJV)
Misty Cramer is an author and speaker who enjoys walking alongside others in this journey we call life. Her deisre is to encourage others, as she shares the hope Jesus provides in the midst of life's darkest challenges, as well as it's brightest triumphs. If you would like to receive “Wednesday’s Word”, as well as other encouragement, you can subscribe to her website, https://mailchi.mp/7844a4ba7f8b/welcome and follow her on Instagram @mistydawncramer and Facebook, Misty Cramer, Author & Speaker. She would love to connect with you!
#wednesdaysword #imagine320 #laughter #joy #laugh #happy #happiness #truth #encouragement #family #memories #sisters h #bible #scripture #atimetolaugh #funny #drsuess #devo #devotions #wonder #awe #inspiration #awestruck #god #psalm
FOCUS
The sun had not yet risen over the Houston sky, when our driver dropped my husband and I off at the MD Anderson Cancer Center that cool spring morning in 2015. I had a full day of blood work and imaging, as well as an appointment with the surgeon on the docket for this day; the day before I would undergo surgery to remove the cancer that had decided to make its home within the walls of my uterus.
Soon after my arrival that day, nausea and stomach pain began to take over my body. Could I possibly have a stomach virus the day before I was scheduled to get rid of this cancer? As the symptoms intensified, and the trips to the restroom became more frequent, I waited for my MRI, and it became clear that yes, I was indeed sick. After explaining my symptoms to those at the center, they attempted to get me in quickly. The pain in my body began to worsen; by now, I could barely make it to the restroom without assistance. However, delaying the test was not something they were interested in doing. They wanted this MRI, and they were going to get it.
I had undergone many MRI’s since my diagnosis, and I remember wondering that day how I was going to be able to lay on that cold table, without moving, without needing to stop the test so I could run to the restroom. My name was called. Upon seeing me, the faces of those caring for me turned immediately to concern. But they would see me through this. They walked me back, and as I changed into my gown, I was certain I was going to collapse. The cool tile floor beneath my feet beckoned me, begged me to lay down on it; the desire to curl up in a fetal position upon that floor took a strange type of resistance I had not met before this day. I needed to stay focused on the objective of the day, which was to get that MRI.
The man helped me onto the MRI table. The sterile, hard surface attempted to embrace me as my body shook. Focus. You can do this. Focus. My mind wanted to do anything but focus. My body wanted to be anywhere but on this table. The man explained, if I move, if I interrupt the test, they would need to start it over. I understood. I also understood that it would take more than what I possessed within myself to make it through this test, without rushing to the bathroom, without curling into that fetal position that continued to tempt me. Focus.
What would I focus upon? God, are you there? I can barely think coherently, but I know that you are the only one who can get me through this test. My focus will most certainly need to be on you. The machine began to move me inside the walls of the cylinder. And as it did, music began to play. Not just any music, but to my suprise, a familiar song of promise by one of my favorite artists. “Overcomer,” by Mandisa filled my ears. Yes, God was indeed here. My focus was on Him alone. My frail body. My fearful mind. Both were filled with laser focus on the Father who was in this cylinder with me. The Father who walks this journey with me today. The Father who would walk with me in the days ahead, as the cancer was removed from my body. The Father who made focus possible.
Focus is not always an easy mission to accomplish. The distractions are endless; ongoing temptations attempt to pull us away from Focus. And then, God.
I wonder what you may be encountering today that takes more focus than you believe you have within yourself. Do you have a work deadline, one that is weighing you down, that needs your focus? Do you have a spouse who is drifting further from you; one who needs you to take the time to focus on him/her? Do you have a child who is struggling, one who is exhausting you, one who calls for focus in a way that you feel you can’t give right now? You may not have the ability to focus on what is on your plate today, but I guarantee that if you change your focus to God, He will guide you. He will adjust the lens of whatever needs your focus today, and equip you with the strength to zoom in on it in a way that would be impossible without His strength. You may not be able to focus like you need to, but…God, He can.
I hope you are encouraged by these quotes, as well as these scriptures, that offer the reminder to put our attention unto the One who fill our hearts and minds with all things good.
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 1 Peter 1:13
It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. Aristotle Onassis
Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Proverbs 4:25
Choose to focus your time, energy, and conversation around people who inspire you, support you and help you to grow into your happiest, strongest, wisest self. Karen Salmansohn
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2
Every day is a gift from God. Learn to focus on the Giver and enjoy the gift! Joyce Meyer
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable…if anything is excellent or praiseworthy…think about such things. Philippians 4:8
When trouble comes, focus on God’s ability to care for you. Charles Stanley
Misty Cramer is an author and speaker who enjoys walking alongside others in this journey we call life. Her deisre is to encourage others, as she shares the hope Jesus provides in the midst of life's darkest challenges, as well as it's brightest triumphs. If you would like to receive “Wednesday’s Word”, as well as other encouragement, you can subscribe to her website, https://mailchi.mp/7844a4ba7f8b/welcome and follow her on Instagram @mistydawncramer and Facebook, Misty Cramer, Author & Speaker. She would love to connect with you!
#wednesdaysword #imagine320 #laughter #joy #laugh #happy #happiness #truth #encouragement #family #memories #sisters h #bible #scripture #devo #devotions #wonder #awe #inspiration #awestruck #god #psalm #challenges #difficulties #psalms #psalm #hardship #pain #endurance #jesus #marriage #financial #pain #cancer #cancer recovery #sarcoma #pain #sickness #illness
ANGER & ACHING
I had my Wednesday's Word all written and set to send out to you, and then the shooting happened in Texas. It somehow didn't seem fitting anymore because the words that were on my heart were now ANGER and heart ACHE. And so, with that said, I am choosing to share with you my heart today. It's a confused heart. A broken heart. An angry heart. An aching heart. But it's my heart. And part of who I will always be with my writing, is someone who is real with you. So here's my heart today: Wednesday’s Word(s): Anger & Aching
My heart is angry that there are fifteen plus families going through unspeakable pain because of this shooting.
My heart is aching for those families who will not hold their children in their laps any longer, tuck them into bed tonight…or any other night.
My heart is angry that someone can walk into a school and in a matter of minutes, take the precious lives of others.
My heart is aching for the hopes and dreams that will never come to fruition for these families.
My heart is angry at the people and systems that have failed, bringing us to this point…again.
My heart is aching, as so many search for ways to help, but don’t know how to meet the needs of the hurting.
My heart is angry that we need to create pretty memes, once again, asking for prayer for yet another American town because of the devastation of a shooting.
My heart is aching because I don’t know what to do to make it better.
As I tucked my seven-year-old granddaughter into bed tonight, my heart was broken for the grandma’s who won’t get to do that tonight. I couldn’t help but picture the parents and grandparents who sent their children to school, for just another day, counting down til summer vacation, only to have them not return home. It makes me angry. And it makes me ache inside.
Lord, I don’t have a lot of answers. But I do have a lot of anger, and a lot of heart ache. As a parent and grandparent, my head and heart cannot wrap themselves around the needless deaths of children, family members. I’m tired of it, and yet honestly, I feel helpless. I don’t know what to do, to help, to move forward, to stop it from happening again. So, I guess I’m venting here Lord. Hear my prayer today, even when I don’t really know the words to speak. You know the deepest parts of my being, the utterances that cannot be verbalized, the pain that I can’t figure out how to put into words. Take it Lord. Take my anger. Take my aching heart. Pour your comfort and strength upon those who need it most at this very minute; show those who are feeling this tragedy personally, that you are still on the throne, that you love them so very much. And show me, how to love others better today, impacting them in an eternal way. Amen
Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Misty Cramer is an author and speaker who enjoys walking alongside others in this journey we call life. Her deisre is to encourage others, as she shares the hope Jesus provides in the midst of life's darkest challenges, as well as it's brightest triumphs. If you would like to receive “Wednesday’s Word”, as well as other encouragement, you can subscribe to her website, https://mailchi.mp/7844a4ba7f8b/welcome and follow her on Instagram @mistydawncramer and Facebook, Misty Cramer, Author & Speaker. She would love to connect with you!
#wednesdaysword #imagine320 #laughter #joy #laugh #happy #happiness #truth #encouragement #family #memories #sisters h #bible #scripture #devo #devotions #wonder #awe #inspiration #awestruck #god #psalm #challenges #difficulties #psalms #psalm #hardship #pain #endurance #jesus #marriage #financial #pain #comfort. #security #salvation
Wednesday’s Word: SECURITY
The day at my grandparents’ house had once again proven to be one filled with laughter, games, and of course running down the big hill their home sat upon, as it towered above the river below. A child’s paradise. Swimming. Boating. Hiding in the pine forest across the way.
After a day like that, it wasn’t surprising when we loaded in the car to head home, that the eyes of my sisters and brother and I, would quickly grow heavy and come to a close. As I leaned on the car door, my sister rested her head on my shoulder, and I felt the breeze from the open window brush against my face. The whirring of the tires could be heard, lulling me to sleep. As my dad sat behind the steering wheel, it didn’t take long before my mom glanced to the back seat, “Yup, looks like they’re all asleep already.” Although my plan was to “pretend sleep” in case my parent’s decided to say anything interesting, sleep quickly overtook me, just as it had my siblings.
As I remember back upon those childhood drives, Wednesday’s Word, security, comes to my mind. I found comfort in knowing that my two protectors were in the front seat. That as I leaned my head against that window, I was safe. Secure. The person behind the wheel would get me safely to my destination. The person next to him, would keep an eye on the road and watch me as I slept. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind; I could rest. And in 90 minutes, I would be safely delivered to my destination. Home.
Now as an adult, some of the roads I travel look a little scarier. There are roads that contain illness. Roads that contain relationship pain. Other roads that hold fear of the unknown. Potholes that suddenly appear, ready to swallow me, or at least jar me to the point that I’m hurt. Security doesn’t seem as simple as it did in those childhood days.
And yet, God gives us promises such as this verse in Psalm 4:8 that says, “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” We can be secure in knowing that regardless of what road we may travel, we have someone in the driver’s seat who is prepared to make the journey with us. Someone who will undoubtably get us to our destination. Someone who not only provides us with security on this earth, but upon trusting in Him, provides us security forever, eternal security.
I pray that today, you are able to rest securely in the truth that Jesus loves you, and that He will walk this journey of life with you. He will deliver you to your destination, and He won’t take His eyes off you. And if you aren’t secure in knowing your eternal destination, then I pray you do that today, by letting Him know you desire a relationship with Him. (Message me if you have any questions on that.) You may soak in more of His promises by reading the scriptures below.
I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Psalm 16:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.Philippians 1:6
Misty Cramer is an author and speaker who enjoys walking alongside others in this journey we call life. Her deisre is to encourage others, as she shares the hope Jesus provides in the midst of life's darkest challenges, as well as it's brightest triumphs. If you would like to receive “Wednesday’s Word”, as well as other encouragement, you can subscribe to her website, https://mailchi.mp/7844a4ba7f8b/welcome and follow her on Instagram @mistydawncramer and Facebook, Misty Cramer, Author & Speaker. She would love to connect with you!
#wednesdaysword #imagine320 #laughter #joy #laugh #happy #happiness #truth #encouragement #family #memories #sisters h #bible #scripture #devo #devotions #wonder #awe #inspiration #awestruck #god #psalm #challenges #difficulties #psalms #psalm #hardship #pain #endurance #jesus #marriage #financial #security #grandparents #memories
Wednesday’s Word: NAMES
As a seventh grader, I walked tentatively into my art class. Since I was a very quiet young lady, I was surprised when I walked in the room and heard my name come from a group of boys in the back of the room. I didn’t know these boys knew I existed, let alone knew my name. My surprise quickly turned to pain, as one of them yelled to me, “Hey Black Teeth!” The little group laughed, as I sank lower into my seat, blinking back tears, wishing I could be anywhere, but in that room.
We have all experienced those times in our lives when people have labeled us or called us names. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always stop when we leave high school. We may enter into a job or family where the labels or names don’t cease. Perhaps it’s a name that is tied to a physical attribute we hold. Sometimes it is connected with the gifts and talents we possess or don’t possess. Other times, a name is thrown out as a “joke”, and yet when it penetrates our hearts, it is anything but.
Do you have any names that were throw out at you, ones that stung? Ones that have perhaps stuck with you for years? Ones that came from someone you respected, or even loved, making it hurt even more deeply?
Well today, with our Wednesday’s Word, NAMES, I want us to shift our focus to some of the NAMES that God has for us. He has created each of us uniquely, specifically to be a part of his family. We are Children of the Living God. Let’s allow His truths, the NAMES He has given us, to wash over the pain of other names and labels, and remove them from our hearts, replacing them with who HE says we are. Please check out the scriptures below, taking time to focus on the NAMES the Creator of the World has given you.
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called CHILDREN OF GOD! And that is what we are! I John 3:1
But you are a CHOSEN PEOPLE, a ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, a HOLY NATION, a PEOPLE BELONGING TO GOD, that you may declare praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you FRIENDS, for everything I have learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15
Do you not know that you are GOD’S TEMPLE and that God’s Spirit lives in you? 1 Corinthians 6:19
For we are his WORKMANSHIP, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that Gid prepared beforehand so we may do them. Ephesians 2:10
Misty Cramer is an author and speaker who enjoys walking alongside others in this journey we call life. Her deisre is to encourage others, as she shares the hope Jesus provides in the midst of life's darkest challenges, as well as it's brightest triumphs. If you would like to receive “Wednesday’s Word”, as well as other encouragement, you can subscribe to her website, https://mailchi.mp/7844a4ba7f8b/welcome and follow her on Instagram @mistydawncramer and Facebook, Misty Cramer, Author & Speaker. She would love to connect with you!
#wednesdaysword #imagine320 #laughter #joy #laugh #happy #happiness #truth #encouragement #family #memories #sisters h #bible #scripture #devo #devotions #wonder #awe #inspiration #awestruck #god #psalm #challenges #difficulties #psalms #psalm #hardship #pain #endurance #jesus #marriage #financial #security #grandparents #memories
Our family had just finished up a delicious meal with my parents. In fact, my mom had brought over most of the meal, so to me it was extra delicious; I didn’t have to cook.
Throughout dinner, there was one dish that was being avoided. It wasn’t because it didn’t taste good; I tried it and it was yummy. But the appearance of the mushy broccoli mixed with cheese was not very enticing. By the end of dinner, that particular dish had become the joke of the meal. Thankfully, my mom took it all in good humor. As my Dad prepared to take their dishes home, he grabbed that one and began piling the other dishes right on top of the broccoli dish. Apparently, he had no plans to eat the leftover broccoli the next day. As we all laughed at this funny demise of the broccoli, my son caught this picture of my Dad carrying said broccoli out of the house. His face tells it all.
My Dad is someone who is filled with joy. He’s filled with the kind of joy that creates lightness, laughter, and love. The kind that someone holds when they are having a fun day or holding a great conversation. It’s part of his personality and attitude that we all admire and love. He’s a cheerful man!
He’s also someone who is filled with the kind of joy that fills him even during difficult times. This is the kind of joy our family saw in my Dad as he battled cancer over the years. It’s the kind of joy that floods my Dad’s soul throughout all circumstances, not just the happy ones. The kind of joy that comes because of a relationship with Jesus. The kind of joy the bible speaks about when it says, “the joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10) or “consider it pure joy my brothers when you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2).
This second type of joy doesn’t happen as easily. This second type of joy may be more difficult for us to see. This second type of joy often comes through tears rather than laughter. Through challenge rather than cheer. Yet, this second type of joy, is the biblical joy that does indeed give us strength. Does indeed produce perseverance, as James goes on to say. This type of joy, comes from knowing that we serve a God who has provided hope in the midst of all situations. A God who has provided a way for us to experience life abundantly on this earth, pain and all, as well as provided us with an eternal destination with Him when we finish our time on this earth. Now that’s something that should bring joy to each of one of us! I hope you will be filled with this type of joy today, and every day. And also remember to enjoy some of the laughter of the “broccoli joy” too, because the bible also tells us in Proverbs that “a joyful heart is good medicine”, and we can all use some medicine like that.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24
If you would like to receive notice when Misty posts a blog, you can subscribe to her website, https://mailchi.mp/7844a4ba7f8b/welcome and follow her on Instagram @mistydawncramer and Facebook, Misty Cramer, Author & Speaker. She would love to connect with you!
#wednesdaysword #imagine320 #laughter #joy #laugh #happy #happiness #truth #encouragement #family #memories #sisters #bible #scripture #devo #devotions #wonder #awe #inspiration #awestruck #god #psalm #challenges #difficulties #psalms #psalm #hardship #pain #endurance #jesus #yestogod #appreciation #thanks #thankful #appreciate #gratitude #rest #relax #grandparents #gen z #gen x #generations #hopeforthenextgeneration #hopeforthefuture #marriage #arguements
When I look out my living room window to the west, I have the gift of being able to VIEW the waves of Lake Huron crashing the shoreline of our yard, or watching a beautiful sunset in the evening. And when I look out my window to the east, I have the gift of being able to VIEW my parent’s gorgeous pond and yard, lined with a fence row of trees, flower gardens accenting the grassy areas, manicured beautifully by my parents. And yet, even with these most spectacular VIEWS, there is one that is even more special, more precious, exceedingly more beautiful than any VIEW Lake Huron, the sunsets, or the pond can provide for me. It is the VIEW of my parents walking across the yard.
If you look at the picture above, you will see my parents, walking from their home to ours. Sometimes it’s to pick me up for a walk around the neighborhood. Other times it’s them coming over for dinner. Or perhaps it’s the journey over for nothing other than taking time to have a tea and sit together. Seeing them walk over brings a smile to my face, and then hearing them say, “have time for a tea?” is one of the biggest blessings of having them next door.
There can be many beautiful VIEWS, images, that become imprinted into our minds. Sometimes from a childhood memory. Or the birth of our child. Times when the clock seems to stop, and we see God’s hand in something remarkable. Moments in time that become etched into our hearts and minds, as we seek to hold onto them for a lifetime.
My prayer today with our Wednesday’s Word, VIEW, is that we ask God to show us some VIEWS that He would like to have embedded in our hearts and minds. Perhaps there are some VIEWS that we take for granted, ones that we rush past without notice. Ones that God is asking us to see, to pause and VIEW the beauty in them. A child running to us with arms open wide. A spouse seated at the table reading the Word of God. Someone laughing. Someone helping a person in need. Or parents, walking across the yard, to sit and have a cup of tea.
What types of moments will you allow God to place in your heart and mind today? Comment below if you, like me, have a special moment embedded into your heart and mind. I’d love to hear about it.
One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. To beyond the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple. Psalm 27:4
If you would like to receive notice when Misty posts a blog, you can subscribe to her website, https://mailchi.mp/7844a4ba7f8b/welcome and follow her on Instagram @mistydawncramer and Facebook, Misty Cramer, Author & Speaker. She would love to connect with you!
#wednesdaysword #imagine320 #laughter #joy #laugh #happy #happiness #truth #encouragement #family #memories #sisters #bible #scripture #devo #devotions #wonder #awe #inspiration #awestruck #god #psalm #challenges #difficulties #psalms #psalm #hardship #pain #endurance #jesus #yestogod #appreciation #thanks #thankful #appreciate #gratitude #rest #relax #grandparents #gen z #gen x #generations #hopeforthenextgeneration #hopeforthefuture #marriage #arguements
It didn’t take long for me to dread my physical therapy appointments. After my car accident, I went through a couple shoulder surgeries. The real pain came from the therapy and exercises, following the surgeries. I remember all too well, attempting to climb my fingers up the wall, working intensely to make it even to waist height. The pain radiated through my arm, from finger tips to shoulder blades. Tears streamed down my face. Teeth clenched. One more crawl. One more inch. Day after day. Week after week. Month after month. It was exhausting, painful. And yet, every day, I went at it again.
What keeps us moving forward through painful experiences? What keeps us “SOLDERING ON”? In my example, the reward for moving forward was the truth in knowing that if I didn’t, progress wouldn’t be made. My shoulder would lock in place, with the inability to move higher; my arm would be of little use with no mobility and no strength. How did I know this? I trusted what the doctor said was needed; and I carried out his plan faithfully, SOLDIERING ON through the pain.
Physical pain certainly isn’t the only type of pain we experience. Often times, our emotional pain is much greater than our physical pain. Emotional pain grabs ahold of our hearts, pulling at it in ways that make us feel as if our chest is literally going to rip apart. The tears stream down our faces. Our teeth clench. We wonder if we can crawl even one more inch. What will keep us SOLDIERING ON through that type of pain? Trust in a mighty God; one who says that He is walking with us and that He will not leave us, regardless of how difficult and painful the journey may get. One who tells us there is always hope, for He Himself, is hope.
Are you having difficulty today SOLDIERING ON? Is there a pain deep within your soul that is keeping you paralyzed? Are there relationships in your family that are causing you to grieve? Is your marriage in a place that has you wondering how you will manage to climb from the pit it seems to have spiraled into? Are the bills piled up on the desk, bank account low, leaving your heart rapidly pounding, as you gasp for air to reach your lungs? Are you wondering how to climb out of bed this morning, as the agony of a deep loss in your life has you captive?
My dear friend, I see you. I have grieved for family to the point of being physically sick. I have had anxiety overtake me while paying bills. I have caught my breath by breathing into a paper bag after my cancer diagnosis. I have wondered how to get out of bed, how to function, after the loss of a family member. I see you; my heart cries with you, and I am sorry for what you are experiencing. I promise you, even in your darkest moments, there is a God who sees you. Who wants to meet you in your pit of pain. Who wants to help you climb out of that pit, carrying you if necessary. He wants to walk with you, speak to your heart, grieve with you, and help you stand once again. Will you trust Him?
Perhaps you don’t know what trusting God looks like. If that is you, please reach out to me; I would love to share Jesus with you. Need prayer? I would be honored to pray for you; please message me with your request. Together, we will see God at work; I just know it.
Below are some scriptures to help us all continue to SOLDIER ON during our difficult times:
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. Habakkuk 3:19
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:11
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:4
If you would like to receive notice when Misty posts a blog, you can subscribe to her website, https://mailchi.mp/7844a4ba7f8b/welcome and follow her on Instagram @mistydawncramer and Facebook, Misty Cramer, Author & Speaker. She would love to connect with you!
#wednesdaysword #imagine320 #laughter #joy #laugh #happy #happiness #truth #encouragement #family #memories #sisters #bible #scripture #devo #devotions #wonder #awe #inspiration #awestruck #god #psalm #challenges #difficulties #psalms #psalm #hardship #pain #endurance #jesus #yestogod #appreciation #thanks #thankful #appreciate #gratitude #rest #relax #grandparents #gen z #gen x #generations #hopeforthenextgeneration #hopeforthefuture #marriage #arguements