Sometimes Daily Devotional- 4/29

I haven't been getting up early enough for my devotions to occur as I like them to. I have tried but ended up falling asleep in my chair and then going back to bed before I have to get Evalyn up. I haven't had a lot of help with her this week, which is fine, but we have had to go out a lot and that wears me out. Good news is I can put my feet in regular shoes now and my knee pain has not been as bad.

Matthew 28:19

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

I found a book at a thrift store called "Then sings my Soul, Hymn Stories", by Robert Morgan. I just started reading it. Many of you know the song "Be Thou my Vision", we don't know who the author of the poem was but we know it is from Ireland, 8th century, and is set to the melody of a folk song called "Slane". This is such a beautiful song and prayer and one of my favorite lines is "waking or sleeping my presence my light". In the book, it talks about how St. Patrick is the only missionary honored with a global holiday. He was taken by raiders at the age of 16 from his home in Scotland and actually accepted the Lord while being held captive. He escaped and had a dream that he should return to Ireland to spread the good news. Just like God to have us return to the painful places to make a difference huh? Had an abortion, drug addiction, affected with an illness, can't have children, have too many children etc? I'm sure that if you seek God he will bring you back to some of those places to help others. To be a light, to be a St. Patrick. Not only does it help us heal but people flock towards others that understand them and you can truly understand something until you have been through it. I wear an 81/2...in shoes.... sometimes.  I think of my uncle Frank right now on 8E, who has just been diagnosed with aggressive lymphoma. I know what he is going through and personally, it's hard to go visit people there. I do it because I know God hasn't put me through the fire for nothing and I'm able to make a difference in the lives of other cancer patients.

The unfinished painting of mine I found for sale at a store. Got rid of  it because I was going through a hard time and never thought I would finish it. 

God also speaks to me in my dreams at times. I have 3 or 4 that were so clear that if I didn't follow the Lord I knew there would be huge consequences or opportunities misses. Sometimes he speaks through others. The point is that if we seek him, he will tell us what path to take. He's not going to show us the whole map, otherwise we would mess it up thinking we could take some short cuts. We have to step out in faith, like Indiana Jones, and the next step will appear if we are following the Lord. Someone asked why we are not more upset about Jonathan getting laid off from work. It's not that we are not, be we have known that this position was temporary because it is a step to the next job or promotion. We had hoped it would be there, but it is not God's will. We have been through so much in the last 3 years together we know that God is going to take care of us if we keep seeking him. I know, deep down, that his will for us is good. Why roll around in the mud feeling sorry for ourselves when we have an awesome God that created the universe and cares about us? Faith is believe what you can not see yet. St. Patrick left for Ireland despite everyone telling him not too, he knew the Lord wanted him to go.

If you have been reading, you know my story about finding one of my unfinished paintings in a store for sale. How I had been praying about going back to school or starting my own consignment booth. Well, God sent a clear sign this time. Always wanted a neon sign. I'm glad he saved it for when I have chemo brain, I needed that break! I went to pick out my booth yesterday and will begin set up the first of May. I guess the point of this blog as with some of my others... is go and do what you know God wants you to do. It may start out with a card to someone you have lost contact with, something little, then as you seek the Lord more, he will reveal more of his will from you and who knows, he does, what could happen!!! Take that step of faith. Remember to talk to your brothers and sisters in Christ before making a huge rash decision out of no where.... done that one before. I leave you with a link to the song that has inspired many..... this version is Ginny Owens, who is blind. Check out the other verses if you get a chance.

                                                                    Be Thou My Vision 

Have a blessed day! I'm going to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tonight!
Love,
Heather