My God Who Fills Me

Romans 15:13

New International Version (NIV)

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1 Timothy 6:17

New International Version (NIV)

17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

C.S. Lewis, "Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer"

I have tried...to make every pleasure into a channel of adoration. I don’t mean simply by giving thanks for it. One must of course give thanks, but I mean something different. How shall I put it?

We can’t—or I can’t—hear the song of a bird simply as a sound. Its meaning or message (‘That’s a bird’) comes with it inevitably—just as one can’t see a familiar word in print as a merely visual pattern. The reading is as involuntary as the seeing. When the wind roars I don’t just hear the roar; I ‘hear the wind.’ In the same way it is possible to ‘read’ as well as to ‘have’ a pleasure. Or not even ‘as well as.’ The distinction ought to become, and sometimes is, im- possible; to receive it and to recognise its divine source are a single experience. This heavenly fruit is instantly redolent of the orchard where it grew. This sweet air whispers of the country from whence it blows. It is a message. We know we are being touched by a finger of that right hand at which there are pleasures for evermore. There need be no question of thanks or praise as a separate event, something done afterwards. To experience the tiny theophany is itself to adore.

Gratitude exclaims, very properly, ‘How good of God to give me this.’ Adoration says, ‘What must be the quality of that Being whose far-off and momentary coruscations are like this!’ One’s mind runs back up the sunbeam to the sun.

As our beautiful summer is giving way to our usual cloudy and rainy fall, I've been thinking much about the sun I shall soon miss.  There are few things lovelier than feeling the sun's warmth on my face.  I have to close my eyes and thank God for the gift, and as C.S. Lewis writes, I must adore the Giver.  It's the rain that persists through fall, winter, and spring that makes the summer so beautiful, leading to those moments of total awe of the Creator.  So I will praise the Giver of all good things.  He does love me so.

"Oh To Be Loved" - Thad Cockrell

I Don't Want to Say Goodbye...

...to the summer.

School Days

1 Corinthians 13:11

New International Version (NIV)

11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.

School is about to start up again in my town.  It's good that it's been raining for it will make the going back a little easier.  I suspect, though, that my husband who works in a school will have to hold back tears like the little girl above.  Then again he's just weird enough to put a colander on his head and fit right in.  There are times when we all have to be drug kicking and screaming into our mature years, and there will be times when we all still want our moms; but we soldier on knowing that our children need us to be the grownups.  I pray for God's protection on our all our children this school year and strength and wisdom for their teachers.

I Won't Back Down" - Johnny Cash

Our Father's Joy

The young man who lives in our house but doesn't want to be blogged about is the same age as a former Disney star who seems to want nothing but attention right now.  I am ever so thankful for him.  He has admitted that while he knows he's an adult, he also knows that we've been adults longer than he has been, so he'd appreciate our input and advice.  He has given us the great privilege of encouraging him in his walk of faith, and it is our joy to do so.  Yes, he is a man who makes his own decisions but he does so with prayer and the counsel of trusted friends as well as his parents.  Lift this generation up in prayer so that they may follow God's path for their lives.  May we all be our Father's joy.

Andrew Peterson - "You'll Find Your Way"

What I'm Listening To...

Ephesians 3:17

New International Version (NIV)

17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,

Steven Curtis Chapman "Life's Railway to Heaven" Live at The Grand Old Opry also on his "Roots Run Deep" album

Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Getting What I Don't Deserve

Galatians 5:22-23

English Standard Version (ESV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

English Standard Version (ESV)

12 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; 13 also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.

2 Corinthians 1:5

New International Version (NIV)

5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

James 1:2-4

New International Version (NIV)

Trials and Temptations

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

I've been trying without success to find a Bible verse that assures me that I have a right to happiness.  What? No verse?  The Bible sounds almost un-American!  What about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as well as truth, justice, and the American Way?   Okay, so I'm mixing the Declaration of Independence with the Superman comics, but they both sound so good.  Man's laws are not God's promises.  I have no right to happiness or justice.  I do have the joy of sharing in the sufferings of Christ, the testing of my faith through trials, the pleasure of toil, and the fruits of pouring myself out in practicing the fruits of the Spirit.  Where's the fun?  Where's the fairness?  Oh, child of God, it is ever so much better to have the love, grace, mercy and peace that only Jesus can give than anything this world has to offer.  Our supposed rights will never override God's laws and that's good.  For He is God and I am not, and my time on earth is ever so brief in light of my eternity.   I write this because today I was given another opportunity as C.S. Lewis described to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in me.  For such a Savior I will gladly surrender my rights.  He doesn't give me what I deserve but does give me what I don't deserve, forgiveness.

Matthew West - "Forgiveness"

Better a Subject Than a Queen

John 12:43

New King James Version (NKJV)

43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Psalm 84:10

King James Version (KJV)

10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

There were three amazing happenings this past week.  By Saturday, noon, my house was clean, however briefly, it was really clean!  Today I repaired, using a needle and thread, a favorite tee shirt for the young man who lives in our house but doesn't want to be blogged about.  Tonight, I fixed a complete and tasty dinner and we didn't even have company.  I was so impressed with myself that I expected my family to be impressed as well.  I wanted praise and accolades, instead of a simple thanks as they pushed themselves away from the table.  (Wait, make that four things, we actually ate at the table on a weeknight.  It even had a table cloth!)  I really wanted to be their queen and they my adoring subjects.  I should have realized that royalty is bestowed and never earned.  Also, one day of effort does not a Proverbs 31 woman make.  Tonight, as I write, I'm back to being the doorkeeper for our pets who want to go in and out, for whatever reasons pets have for going in and out.  It's all good, as Shakespeare reminds me, "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown."

"Jewels" - Alison Krauss and The Cox Family

Caution, Children at Play

Luke 18:16

English Standard Version (ESV)

16 But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.

John 16:21

English Standard Version (ESV)

21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.

I've failed as a parent if I didn't let my child be a child, if I've allowed his innocence to be compromised, if I've let him grow up too quickly.  I failed enough in these ways to be grateful that God, the perfect Father, over rides my parenting failures.  This weekend I found myself troubled by yet another parent peddling their child on Youtube, including a personal letter and request for my subscription that really couldn't have been written by such a young child without parental help.   Please, let children sing for their friends, their dolls, and better yet, sing for God at home and in church.  Let them sing as children should, bringing joy to their Creator; and, in doing so, give them time to grow up.  

It's Sunday!

Hebrews 10:25

King James Version (KJV)

25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

There's a place for you in church.

Tonight's Sunset...

Isaiah 40:28

King James Version (KJV)

28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

Nehemiah 9:6

New International Version (NIV)

6 You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

Revelation 4:11

New International Version (NIV)

11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God,

    to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things,

    and by your will they were created

    and have their being.”

...was brought to you by God, the Maker of Heaven and Earth.  The picture was taken by my husband.  

"Angus Dei" - Bigstuf Band

My Counting God

Matthew 10:29-31

New International Version (NIV)

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.[a] 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Psalm 139:13-18

New International Version (NIV)

13 For you created my inmost being;

    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

    your works are wonderful,

    I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you

    when I was made in the secret place,

    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;

    all the days ordained for me were written in your book

    before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!

    How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,

    they would outnumber the grains of sand—

    when I awake, I am still with you.

I just googled the number of hairs on a human head and found it to be an approximate number, 100,000, God being the only One who has counted each hair.  Amazing, isn't it?  I count ten toes and ten fingers on a baby and stop there, but God keeps going.  

Forgive me, Father, for all the times I value you less than you value me.

"Small Enough" - Nichole Nordeman

A God to Worship

Matthew 15:8-9

English Standard Version (ESV)

8 “‘This people honors me with their lips,

    but their heart is far from me;

9 in vain do they worship me,

    teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

John 4:23-24

English Standard Version (ESV)

23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

I just really liked this song by Jimmy Needham and wanted to share it.  May my own worship be reserved for God and God alone. 

"Clear The Stage" Official Lyric Video

No, Nothing...

...is too hard for God.

Almost Persuaded

Acts 26:28-29

New International Version (NIV)

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

Poor Agrippa, Paul nearly persuaded him to become a Christian.  So tragic, to be only "almost persuaded."  I hope he did make peace with the Savior but that isn't recorded in the Scriptures.  I'll trust in our righteous and just God.  As long at you are breathing, there is hope; but because we don't know what breath will be our last, please don't be almost persuaded.

"Almost Persuaded" - Josh Turner

G-O-N-E!

A childhood chorus has been coming to mind, I haven't heard it in a long time; but there are some songs I should never outgrow.   I shall sing this wonderful truth! My sins couldn't be more gone.  Praise God!  

Gone, gone, gone, gone,

Yes my sins are gone.

Now my soul is free and in my hearts a song.

Buried in the deepest sea

Yes, that's good enough for me

I shall live eternally

Praise God! My sins are g-o-n-e, gone!

My God of the Sheaves

A young lady named Helen Burke holding her winning sheaves of wheat from a school fair, Milo, Alberta, c. 1920.

Psalm 126

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 126

A song of ascents.

1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of[a] Zion,

    we were like those who dreamed.[b]

2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,

    our tongues with songs of joy.

Then it was said among the nations,

    “The Lord has done great things for them.”

3 The Lord has done great things for us,

    and we are filled with joy.

4 Restore our fortunes,[c] Lord,

    like streams in the Negev.

5 Those who sow with tears

    will reap with songs of joy.

6 Those who go out weeping,

    carrying seed to sow,

will return with songs of joy,

    carrying sheaves with them.

Today I had the privilege of witnessing for my Jesus.  I don't know if the seeds I scattered were on fertile soil, but I do pray that someday they will yield a good harvest.  Even so, if the seeds were scattered on barren land; they still produced growth in my own heart, because I found joy and thankfulness in the telling of what my Lord has done.  Be encouraged those who go out weeping because you will return with songs of joy.  Persevere and you will be bringing in the sheaves.

"Bringing In the Sheaves" - The Mills Brothers

I Just Needed to Stop...

and praise God!

"Doxology" - Nichole Nordeman

My God Who Calls Sin, Sin

1 Corinthians 1:18

New International Version (NIV)

Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

I believe the Bible is the word of God from cover to cover.
Billy Sunday 

I believe that a long step toward public morality will have been taken when sins are called by their right names.
Billy Sunday 

The rivers of America will run with blood filled to their banks before we will submit to them taking the Bible out of our schools.
Billy Sunday

Billy Sunday, the early 20th century evangelist, wasn't afraid to speak the truth.    He believed in the absolute inerrancy of the Bible.  He knew when to call sin, sin, and did so.  He didn't, however, predict that 21st century Americans would walk the wide road of tolerance for everyone, except those who believe in absolute truth.  Sin is celebrated and Christians are shamed.  I am a people pleaser.  I don't want to be shamed; but shouldn't I'd rather be shamed in the eyes of men then the eyes of God?  Thankfully He still forgives me, his fearful child, even when I don't love those, who are heading for hell, enough to tell them so.  I need to find my holy backbone and put it to use.  Big girl pants aren't mentioned as part of the armor of God, but for me they may be needed.  I've just got to pull them up and carry on with my Father's business. 

 "Sinner You'd Better Get Ready" - The Louvin Brothers

It's Sunday!

I've Been Set Free

Galatians 5:1

English Standard Version (ESV)

Christ Has Set Us Free

5 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Matthew 11:30

English Standard Version (ESV)

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Romans 8:2

New International Version (NIV)

2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death.

I don't always know why it is, but all it takes is one image to give me the desire to upload a song around it.  This one of the smiling boy sitting under the print of Jesus with a child was the inspiration for my newest upload.  It is good to know from an early age that Christ has set one free, even if we don't quite know from what we have been freed.  A life , however, that continues to live without that understanding lives with shackles of their own making.  Worry, fear, bitterness or simply sins that we'd rather keep than let go keep us from enjoying our freedom in Christ and from living a courageous life.  Be of good courage.  Our God who has set us free has also promised His presence.  Wherever we are He is also there.  We have been set free.

"He Set Me Free" - Thad Cockrell

What I'm Reading

THE INSANITY OF GOD: A True Story Of Faith Resurrected (book trailer - long version)

My Grandma's Kitchen

1 Timothy 5:10

New International Version (NIV)

10 and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

John 14:2

King James Version (KJV)

2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

I don't know who's grandmother this is in the picture, but I look at it and find myself missing mine. Her life wasn't all about her as my own is wont to be.  The love she gave was sweet indeed.   I would like one more chance to stay over at her farmhouse and sit at her table but she's long gone home to her Lord; and Heaven is ever dearer.  We will one glorious day share our Father's house and eat at His table and bask in His presence.  I hope it will look a little like my grandma's kitchen. 

"Never Grow Old" - Patty Griffin

My Jesus, My Safe Place

Psalm 84:1-12

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 84[a]

For the director of music. According to gittith.[b] Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.

1 How lovely is your dwelling place,

    Lord Almighty!

2 My soul yearns, even faints,

    for the courts of the Lord;

my heart and my flesh cry out

    for the living God.

3 Even the sparrow has found a home,

    and the swallow a nest for herself,

    where she may have her young—

a place near your altar,

    Lord Almighty, my King and my God.

4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;

    they are ever praising you.[c]

5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,

    whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.

6 As they pass through the Valley of Baka,

    they make it a place of springs;

    the autumn rains also cover it with pools.[d]

7 They go from strength to strength,

    till each appears before God in Zion.

8 Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty;

    listen to me, God of Jacob.

9 Look on our shield,[e] O God;

    look with favor on your anointed one.

10 Better is one day in your courts

    than a thousand elsewhere;

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God

    than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;

    the Lord bestows favor and honor;

no good thing does he withhold

    from those whose walk is blameless.

12 Lord Almighty,

    blessed is the one who trusts in you.

I've had this song running through my head ever since singing it for the first time in my church worship service.  It's truly lovely and affirming to know that Jesus is now and forever will be my safe place.  Welcome home, all you who put your trust in Him.

"Safe Place" - Enter the Worship Circle

Down But Not Out

Proverbs 3:5

English Standard Version (ESV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

    and do not lean on your own understanding.

Hebrews 10:23

New King James Version (NKJV)

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Luke 18:1-8

New International Version (NIV)

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

18 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’

4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”

6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Job 2:10

English Standard Version (ESV)

10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?”[a] In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

So I took a hit today.  I was rejoicing over receiving something that God didn't intend me to keep.  I then found out how quickly I could sin with both my thoughts and my lips.  Sigh.  I've had to go back to God with this one, even while feeling that God may have been the one behind the knockout punch.  He wasn't, of course, but it didn't feel that way.  I really do want the Lord to find me faithful, really.  I don't want to be caught with my sin showing, when He comes for me.  I may be a whiny toddler pulling on his pant legs, but He's stuck with me and I'll stick with Him.  

"Won't Turn Back" - NEEDTOBREATHE

Feeding My Sheep

Psalm 104:15

English Standard Version (ESV)

15     and wine to gladden the heart of man,

oil to make his face shine

    and bread to strengthen man's heart.

John 21:17

King James Version (KJV)

17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

If all else fails, serve donuts.

  I find I can get away with lazily nursing my rheumatoid arthritis and still make the men in my house happy as long as there's food to eat when they come home.  i'm especially found of recipes that require five ingredients or less and still taste good.  Five can casserole, the pulled chicken cooked in a crock pot with a chopped red onion and a jar of barbecue sauce, and the pistachio salad that takes only a can of crushed pineapples, cool whip and a pudding box are all fall back upon dishes in my house.  I've pretty much given up grating and chopping and peeling to preserve my hands for other things, like turning the page of a good book, easier now that I read with a tablet.   I think I'll turn out the old lemonade pie recipe next.  It takes cool whip, a can of lemonade concentrate, sweetened condensed milk, and a ready made graham cracker crust.    So goes the battle in this house of the level path.

God Is In the House

Psalm 46:5

English Standard Version (ESV)

5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;

    God will help her when morning dawns.

I think this verse may be ripped out of context but I like it anyway.  God is ever with me, even if I'm doing something so mundane as washing the dishes.  There is something about a clean kitchen that satisfies me.  (Maybe I should do it more often to be even more satisfied.)  Right now it's late and my kitchen is still a mess but I'll let it be.  I have two crockpots full of food to feed the young man who lives in my house but doesn't want to be blogged about.  This is his late night at work and I find it hard to sleep until he's home.  He'll soon walk in hungry and add more dishes to the ones already there.  Still it's all good.  I like having feet under my table, even a few paws if you count the pets.  

These are just a few thoughts from my house of the level path.

"A Diamond In My Crown" - Patty Loveless

It's Sunday!

Yes, God does love you!

Never Forsaken, Never Alone

Joshua 1:9

English Standard Version (ESV)

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

John 21:18-19

New International Version (NIV)

18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

Between this image of eskimo girls dancing in the harsh clime and my current reading of the book, "We Band of Angels," the story of the nurses trapped in Bataan by Japanese forces in World War II, I find myself in awe of those who continue on in the face of adversity and man's depravity.   God's ways are not my ways and I have to accept that even when I want to whine and ask, "God, What were you thinking?"  Maybe He'll answer that for me when I get to Heaven or maybe not.    Either way, God knows, and that needs to be enough.  Even if the world never sees my victories or celebrates my life, I know that God does.  Again, that needs to be enough.  So I'll keep reporting for duty, ever so glad that God leads me in the dance.  

"Anywhere With Jesus" - Amy Grant

For the Love of Cows...

...and cats.  

The Wisdom of Pooh

Mark 16:15

New International Version (NIV)

15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Romans 10:13-15

New International Version (NIV)

13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”[a]

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”[b]

"Go Yes Into All the World"

My God, My Higher Rock

I've been feeling dull of spirit and achy in body today.  Somehow, a cowboy song, fits my mood.  It's the kind of day when I need to be led to the Rock who is higher than I.  God is good.  If I need to go a little higher today, He'll lead me there.

Psalm 61[a]

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.

1 Hear my cry, O God;

    listen to my prayer.

2 From the ends of the earth I call to you,

    I call as my heart grows faint;

    lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3 For you have been my refuge,

    a strong tower against the foe.

4 I long to dwell in your tent forever

    and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.[b]

5 For you, God, have heard my vows;

    you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

6 Increase the days of the king’s life,

    his years for many generations.

7 May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;

    appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.

8 Then I will ever sing in praise of your name

    and fulfill my vows day after day.

"Lead Me to the Rock" - Ricky Skaags & Kentucky Thunder

I Heard The Voice of Jesus Say (Kingsfold) - Audrey Assad

My Merciful Jesus

Nicholas Nixon

Psalm 71:18

English Standard Version (ESV)

18 So even to old age and gray hairs,

    O God, do not forsake me,

until I proclaim your might to another generation,

    your power to all those to come.

2 Corinthians 4:16

English Standard Version (ESV)

16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self[a] is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.

Romans 8:18

New International Version (NIV)

Present Suffering and Future Glory

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

I woke this morning to stiff and swollen rheumatoid hands.  No, I didn't lift them in praise to my Lord, but looked at them with worry instead.  You'd think I'd be there by now, because I'm not a baby Christian: but I'm still learning to consider each day a gift from God.  So my hands hurt sometimes, it's nothing, really, to the pain inflicted on my Savior's hands.  I may sometimes lose my way, but I will proclaim the name of Jesus all my way Home.  

"How Mercy Looks From Here" - Amy Grant