Sunday, January 3, 2016

Christ, our Ultimate Strength and Resource

While taking my walk out in the cool brisk air of the afternoon
I knew when I got home that it was time to write this post.
The psalmist wrote that
"the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord" (Psalm 37:23).
God not only lovingly orders our steps but also our stops.
The apostle Paul experienced successive divine "stops"
while on his missionary journey within Asia Minor.
The Holy Spirit prevented him and his missionary team
from going to the western and northern reaches,
but instead led them to the northwest, to Troas.
God met him there with unmistakable instructions.
You can read about it in (Acts 16:5-10)




The New Year brings with it many changes, doesn't it?
For many years now I have enjoyed bringing in the New Year
quietly sitting at the feet of Jesus near the fire
and listening to my Savior speak through His Holy Word.
This year we had the joy of spending New Years Eve
with Stephanie and her family.
Instead of sitting at the feet of Jesus,
Stephanie brought in the New Year playing hymns on her piano,
and oh... it was divine.
Before the clock struck midnight, Stephanie and I sat in
her craft room and talked while the men were playing crokinole.
Our fellowship was bittersweet, as we talked about my blogging.




My plan was to e-mail some of you and just share with you
where I am at right now, but felt I owed it to you all
to share a post.
I have met so many precious woman through this blog
and each one of you have become my dear, dear friends.
You have been gracious in following along with me
even when I have not been as faithful ~ thank you!




My steps are being ordered by the Lord,
and the Spirit is not permitting me to continue with blogging
at least for a little while.
When you're a child of God, you know when the Spirit is speaking, don't you?
We hear Him speaking, but often times it is the yielding part
that can be so difficult. 
As much as I do not want to, I know I need to stop for awhile.
It was in May of 2013 while working with Hospice and Home Care
that I found myself dealing with an inner ear/balance disorder caused by a bacterial infection.
After much therapy I was diagnosed with Vestibular-Labynthitis
which has left me with some challenges.
One of the things I was told to be careful of, was the computer
or any technical device such as my phone,
which I tend to use a lot as my computer. 
My dear Stephanie is always having to remind
me that when I begin to feel over loaded while on the computer
I'm to quit. Left to myself...I forget what the therapist 
has told me as this condition also brought with it some memory loss. ha!
I have had to learn to make many adjustments
over the past couple of years
and when you are the type of person who is a goer (like myself)
those adjustments can be hard to swallow. 
  



Stephanie said it best while we sat and shared our hearts,
"mom, you need to reboot".
In her wisdom...she was conformation as to what the Lord had already
pressed upon my heart some weeks ago, 
and I knew it was time to rest awhile. 
As well as needing some rest from my blogging
my husband and I have a situation that requires
a great deal of our time and I need to set myself aside for that,
and so... this seems to be the "stop" that God has for me.
"I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord"
God's plans are far better than my own.
 "God's thoughts are not my thoughts,
neither are His ways my ways".
Therefore, I will "wait upon the Lord and trust Him completely".
It's all about trusting Christ, Who is our strength and resource.
I will trust in the Almighty God,
who cares about every little detail of my life
and know that He is looking after my own good.




My blog will remain open and as the Lord leads
I will return with a rested and "rebooted" soul
full of God's glorious energy that comes from heaven above.
I may come knocking at your door periodically 
so as to soak in your grace and loveliness.
And please~feel free to contact me.




Paul's joy could not be snuffed out by his circumstances,
but it came from his trust in God's provision;
he could be happy in abundance or in scarcity, 
for he knew that Christ was his ultimate strength and resource.
(Philippians 4:10-13)

******

Gracious Heavenly Father,
thank you for Your love and care for us.
We know that we can find rest in You
no matter what may come into our lives.
 Cause us to be so sensitive to Your Spirit,
that we hear the whisper of Your voice
as You speak tenderly to our hearts,
and may we yield completely
and wholeheartedly trusting
that You desire only our best. 
Amen.

Be Gracious!
~ Debbie ~



The scenery in these photos are where we are blessed to live.
The photos of the road is where I walk daily with the Lord.
God bless you!

42 comments:

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Dearest wonderful friend in Christ,

I am just back from evening Mass, singing His praises in song with the choir -
and yours is the first post I read after that. It fills me with joy knowing you wioll be re-booting - imagine the possibilities! I am sorry to see you away - but perhaps you will be lead back to us - but if not, that is quite alright as well. The Lord won't lead you astray!

We too always ring in the new year safely and quietly at home. At least this year we actually didn't fall asleep too early, haha.

I wish you many blessings - good health, laughter, joy, love and peace, much peace for you and your wonderful family.

I am just an email away if you need me. God bless! Happy New Year!

Hugs, prayers and much love,

Michele

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Dearest Debbie ~ You will be missed, and I pray that you have a sweet time away from the computer, being blessed and rejuvenated by Jesus our Great God.

Love, hugs & prayers ~ FlowerLady

Anonymous said...

Oh dearest Debbie , listen closely to His Prompting. Take the time away and listen to His Word dear lady, and listening to your body is also a way where our Lord speaks to each of us. I know that I have not listened as closely since now I am once again dealing with paralysis which is causing me to change my life completely and rely wholly on My Savior for strength and guidance. I will miss you but I know hat you need to 'reboot' and that is what you must do. God bless dear friend...

Linda said...

Dearest Debbie, if you need to take time away from the computer, I respect this decision. Although I will miss you and your posts, I totally understand. Your header is just gorgeous, as well as your lovely heart. God bless you. Love and hugs.

Stephanie said...

Awww... ever since we chatted on New Year's Eve you have been on my heart. I worry about you, dear mother of mine, and listening to you pour your heart out the other night brought tears to my eyes and the reminder that God has changed your way of living for a reason. You are indeed a "goer" and a "doer" and I know that is what you LOVE to you and yet God has decided to slow you down and I know it's FOR A REASON! He makes all things beautiful, mom, including your inner ear disorder. It pains me to see you "not yourself" and there are days I just want to cry because I know you're hurting inside, but through it all you remain gracious and kind. You always keep your chin up and your eyes upon God. Once again, you are seeking the wisdom of the Lord and I know He will lead you. You have chosen wisely.

Indeed, you will be sorely missed, but I am always looking for a delightful guest on my blog and you fit the bill {{smiles}} A periodic visit will be a blessing to many. This was a wonderful post and it was written beautifully. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for you. I love you with all my heart!

Alex said...

My dear sweet lady - YOU are gracious!
Take the time you need, and I will pray it brings healing and balm to you. Sorry to hear of the various challenges you have, both in body and situation.
Thank you for your thoughtful blog so far, it sparkles with the Spirit, just like the glistening snow scenes you have posted. And it will again , I am sure.
Life is more than online, and devices...they are just tools that we can have a rest from or use when we feel prompted. See you when you are ready, but I'll miss you of course.

Blessings upon your head.
X

Sylvia said...

My dear Debbie, you always touch my heart with your post.Today I pray you have increasing new health,may God's love surround you and as you sit at His feet, find comfort in your decision. Yes, we are always to obey God's spirit as His child. When we are busy about our daily lives, sometimes it gets hard to hear His whispers. I believe He is whispering this to me also, slow down,rest, listen and obey. I don't post as often as I'd like. I'll be praying for you and looking for any post you feel up to sharing, you are always an inspiration to me.
May God bless your days, my friend,

Esther Asbury said...

So sorry to hear of your physical difficulties! I've found the need to take a break from on-line activities more than once even w/out the physical handicap that you face.
Trust your time away will be refreshing and just what you need! Your obedience to the Lord is inspiring to those of us who read your blog!
Blessings~

Debby Ray said...

Precious friend...how can anyone not have anything other than honor and respect for you as you are being obedient to the Lord by making this decision?? I am so sorry about these medical issues you are experiencing and I pray God will keep his healing hand on you. I will really miss you... but the anticipation of you popping in every now and again is something I look forward to! Your posts are always like balm to my soul and I will miss them. You have had a rough year and it's time to take care of Debbie now. Thank you for taking the time to write this lovely post and I am looking forward to hearing from you...just whenever! Much love and prayers for you!

Marilyn Mathis said...

Precious friend I will greatly miss you as you have been such an encouragement to me on my blogging journey. But we must mind God no matter how hard it seems at the time. There were three scriptures in my devotional book this morning for today: Lamentations 3:25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him., Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD., and finally Psalm 37:34 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee. Sorry for the long post but thought these might encourage you. God told me to "Wait" one year ago about something and He would work it out. I kept trying to help Him, but when I truly trusted and waited, He gave the answer. You will be in my prayers.

Roosterhead Designs said...

:') Just me Debbie,
You shine Gods Love~ I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet you before the Lord closed your blog (for a while only I hope; but we shall see what is His will:)
It is a difficult thing, sometimes, to obey when our hearts are maybe looking in a different direction - but I know obedience will bring you true peace and relief my dear new friend~ Your life is a testimony to so many. Thank you for sharing your life and heart with us.
I too, have been feeling the Lords direction and am giving up Internet @ home. : l It's what I need to do to follow His plan for me, of getting out of debt and some goals for the future...)
So - I will have Int-Time only on breaks @ work. Or after work if I stay late! I will miss surfing so many lovely blogs in the evening; but I must for now. (To further signify His point; my Lap-top decided Not to work properly starting last week! and seems to be on it's last leg)
Your Friendship will be held a treasure in my heart Debbie, and I hope you feel free to just contact me anytime~
Your photo's are magnificent! And display the glories of Gods beautiful creation! (CO is set apart! LOL; I may be a bit bias:)
Love, hugs, and prayers for your healing Debbie.
I know the Scripture you were referencing in Jeremiah about His plans for you. I see your trust in Him.
Sorry so long!! OMW I do go on.
Peace to you, Karen O

Celestina Marie said...

Dearest Debbie, My sweet friend~ I understand this all too well. Several years ago I too stepped back from blogging to reboot. It is the best decision guided and directed by God. HE know just what we need and when we need it. Listening to him is the challenge, but with an open heart we find peace and the comfort we need.
You are doing what God has for you to do right now at this very moment. HE has a plan for you going forward and taking this time away is part of that plan for your life. I know it is very hard to pause from doing and going, but so necessary. It makes us stronger!!

You will remain in my prayers in the days ahead. I am forever thankful for our friendship and the blessing you are to me. God made no mistakes when you started your blog and HE makes none now placing it on hold for awhile. If you come back in time, wonderful, if not, that's okay too. You will me missed but I know you are only an email away.

Sending you big hugs filled with lots of prayers and love my friend. Take good care of you, your health and God will see you through. I am so glad you have dear Stephanie. She is such a dear and precious daughter who shares her heart and loves you greatly.
JOYS and BLESSINGS ALWAYS, xo

Melanie said...

Oh, Debbie, I certainly understand. You have to be obedient to God and to take care of yourself. You certainly will be missed but I have your email so I can check up on you and see you are doing. Your blog here has been a sweet, tender and peaceful place to visit and I'm glad you are leaving it up. Come back if or when the time is right. You have my prayers and hugs sweet friend.

Ginny said...

Debbie, While sitting in Church on Sunday celebrating the feast of Mary Mother of God, I suddenly had an overwhelming feeling that the Lord is calling me to silence. I know that does not mean not to speak or anything like that, but the silence so many of us seek in order to "reboot" so to speak. I broke out in uncontrollable weeping as I sat there looking at the Altar and feeling so relieved. Relieved? Well you can guess by looking at my blog that I have not blogged in forever. I keep it, however, because you never know when I will want to pick up and share once again, my family, my faith, and my Lord. You see, so many of my blogging contacts did not want to read what I was writing and it hurt me so much. I am not one to show my home, my tablescapes, my new things, etc. I just wanted to share my life, but I guess that did not go over too well. But I do believe that too much time on electronics can cause many uncomfortable physical problems. I for one, get dizzy, sick to my stomach, and feel a bit removed. So I truly understand your predicament. Once you experience inner ear problems, or vertigo, like I did, you have to step back and re-evaluate. I did enjoy your postings and they truly blessed me in many ways. Take care of yourself first and when and if you return, you can be assured, that I will be one of the first to read your beautiful postings. Hugs, Ginny

Anonymous said...

Debbie, your words are so sweet and your posts will be missed but I am glad that you are taking the time to rest and reboot. God bless you!

Sue said...

Dear Debbie, though I have only known you for a little while, I feel such a kindred spirit with you, and know that it is the Lord that binds us together! Thank you so much for sharing this, I will make it a matter of much prayer for your healing!
You have been such an encouragement to me! I always new when I visited here that I would leave inspired and ready to face the challenges that were before me!.
May the Lord continue to bless and keep you in His loving arms.
Much love,
Sue

Deborah Montgomery said...

Dear Debbie, I admire your courage in responding to the Lord's call on your life. It's not easy to give up things that we love, but I trust our loving God has even better plans for you. You have been a blessing to many here with your Scripture-filled posts and encouraging words.
I do pray that this would be a time of drawing even closer to Him, and that He would continue to watch over you and your family.
I will miss you. Love, Deborah

doodles n daydreams said...

I'm sure you are doing the right thing - follow the prompting of the Spirit and you won't go wrong. We will see you when and if you come back.

blessings,
Diana

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Oh my, Debbie, God Bless You for taking the time to share with us the direction that you are following through Jesus Christ. I have learned so much from you and I know I can always count on your dear, loving, sweet friendship. If you feel like coming back to blogging, after you reboot, then it will be wonderful for us. However, if not, we certainly understand. Our friendship and love for you will continue and so will my prayers for you. Enjoy those lovely walks on the paths near your home and spend your quiet time with Our Lord.

Linda Walker said...

Debbie,
You are such a sweet friend and though I was sad reading that you are taking some time away, I can totally understand. I do hope you will return to us at some point in the future. Until that time, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers (that is certainly nothing new) and I will definitely check in with you from time to time.

Wishing you much love and many blessings Debbie. You have been such a blessing to me!
xo
Linda

Cheryl said...

Precious friend! I sit here in tears. Your heart-wrenched words were so sincere, and it is just heartbreaking to know of all you have suffered...all of this, then losing your dear father, too. You will be so sorely missed in blogland, but you are always welcome to email me or stop by my place anytime for a visit, so we can keep in touch. :) Reading your post, I am reminded of the day the disciples were SO overwhelmed that they didn't even have time to eat and nourish their own bodies. So pulled and torn were they! But, our all-seeing, ever-mindful, dear Lord, was not unaware of their own needs. He pulled them aside to "rest a while", and that is just what they needed. I see this time of yours in the same light. Your gentle Shepherd will lead you beside still waters, so He can restore your soul. Rest in His arms, dear friend. Let Him soothe your soul, and let Him be the "Goer" and "Doer" for you. Surely He loves you so much and will only permit what is best. Thinking of you and dear Stephanie sitting having that chat reminded me SO much of my own precious mother and how we used to sit and do just that! Oh, I miss her! How often I have needed to run things by her and ask for her opinion, especially in light of the things my family and I are facing! So, enjoy those precious moments with your amazing, loving daughter, and know that you are so incredibly loved, dear friend. God bless you abundantly in this new year!

Camille said...

Dear Debbie ~ You shared your heart here beautifully my friend. So sorry you are struggling physically....never fun! But, so blessed to know that you are pressing into the Saviour and resting in Him. He is good and faithful and does all things well. What a precious thing it is to belong to Him. I will keep your blog on my side bar and if you post I will know. Take as long as you need to rest and refresh...and, yes....listen to the Lord's prompting...you are in the best Hands. Hugs to you! Praying for you today...with Love, Camille

hobbyloes said...

Debbie my dear friend, what a great post you have written.
We should all have listen to God's voice.
Take your time for the necessary tranquility that you need.
I wish you a very blessed New Year.
Many hugs,
Loes

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

My goodness dear Debbie! Such a precious beautiful post... and the beautiful photos that accompanied it! Oh I do understand your need to sit before the Lord and be still and "reboot" as dear Stephanie said it so well! With such beauty surrounding you and walking daily with the Lord, I will be praying that the Lord unfolds and brings you to glorious and beautiful things in Him, refreshing your heart, soul, mind and body! While I will miss you quite deeply here in "blogland"... my heart rejoices for you in another sense... draw close to Him... follow after Him, and let the joy of the Lord restore your strength! I'll be praying for you, and I look forward to what the Lord has in store for you in this new year! Much love to you dear friend!

Little Birdie Blessings said...

Dear Debbie, sometimes our daughters have wisdom and the words we need to hear. Affirmation of what the Lord is telling you. Praying for your health and your family. What beautiful pictures you've shared today. I appreciate you posting this so your readers would know. ~ Abby

Ida said...

Debbie, First thank you so much for the holiday letter you sent. It was nice to get to know you a little better. I hope your sweet bunny is doing better & better each day.
So very sorry to hear of this health problem and that you will need to take a blogging break. I understand though and just know I will be praying for you.

Vicky Hunt said...

What a beautifully written and heartfelt post Debbie. While we will all miss your post, it is most certainly understandable that you need to take a break from it. You are a blessing is this world of blogging and I look forward to your return...if the Lord leads you back. Your photos are so very beautiful and I so enjoyed each one. Take care of yourself my friend.

Hugs, Vicky

Daniela said...

My precious Debbie,
I'm far too sure you're doing the rightest thing, what God has decided for you !

This post is wonderful, believe me, for the amazing photographs and the touching words you've published, it's truly surprising and refreshes my soul, darling friend !

I'm praying for you, sending blessing and dear hugs
Dany

Anne Payne said...

Ah Debbie, my sweet sister-in-Christ! I pray for you often and understand the need to disconnect in order to take care of life. As soon as I find the email with your phone number, I will give you a call. My computer had to be reset and I lost so many things. Love you, dear! {{hugs}}

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

My Dear Debbie,
I have been catching up on blogging over the beautiful Christmas holidays and I am just now reading this. Although I am very sad to have your beautiful voice silenced for a time, I am also glad that you are following the Lord's guidance, as he will never lead you astray. I can understand how hard it is to find the right balance in life and your health is certainly the most important. As a Wife and Mother and beautiful Grandmother, not to mention a Daughter, Sister and Friend, there are always those precious loved ones that must take precedence in our lives at certain times, and your health is so important to so many. I am so very blessed to have your friendship in blogland and I wish you the very best. Please take care of yourself and know that you will be missed, but will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs and blessings xo Karen

Aritha V. said...

Amen! God's thoughts are not our thoughts,neither are His ways our ways". Wait upon the Lord and trust Him. May He bless you in your time with Him.

Cranberry Morning said...

I know this is hard for you to do, Debbie, but you are wise in following the Spirit's leading and taking a break. May God give you peace and refreshment. He's certainly blessed you with a delightful and compassionate daughter as well as beautiful scenery which is a constant reminder of his grace. Your blogging community will be here praying for you. - Judy

Dee said...

What a beautifully written post and so very encouraging. These are just the inspiring words I needed to read before I head out for work this morning.
Hugs... :)

CherylQuilts said...

Dearest Debbie, as I read this post, my mind went back to when I lost my precious dad (far too soon for me). So I know some of what you are going through emotionally. It's interesting how we can do all we need to do and then it hits. And I believe that's where you are. And it is time that you stop for however long and take the time you need for yourself and for your dear husband. It's been a year of such pain and heartache, and I've continued to pray for you and so understand your need to step away and hear the whispers of your heart as God moves you through His Holy Spirit. I pray for a time of rest, refreshment, and refocus in all you do. As others have said, I'm an email away. And you know that we will all be here for when God moves you to "reboot." What a precious daughter you have in Stephanie, and I think it's a joy you and she were able to talk about it all. I also believe that grieving takes time...a lot of it and a lot of tears even now. I recall vividly the times when I would just burst into tears for what seemed no reason. But I knew I missed my dearly beloved dad. While we know we shall see them again and that they are with Jesus, we are left with a huge hole in our hearts. May God continue to comfort and give you strength, and may you know how very dearly you are loved! Warm hugs and love, my dear friend! xoxo

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Dear Debbie,
A touching post with gorgeous photos! I certainly hope you return to blogging. Just learned of you from Kitty. Happy to know that you are the wonderful mother of sweet Stephanie. She is a darling and I am so happy to have her as a blog friend! Wishing you the best of time while rebooting!
hugs,
Jann

Jazzmin said...

I have enjoyed visiting you so much this evening! I think of you and Stephanie often and pray you are well always, and I have been thinking how much I needed to visit your blog :) My, how the Lord works to speak to us when we most need it- my heart needed to hear these words on many things- thank you so much for blessing me with your post, so much so with your listening to the Lord and your hearing him and your sharing of bible servants who sought the Lord and were and are so precious to Him.
I enjoyed so much your beautiful panoramics and hearing of the lovely time you got to spend ringing in the new year with Stephanie. You will be thought of in your time of resting from blogging- may I say how much I will miss reading your posts while you are away, but I will also smile to know that you are enjoying the sweeter moments and listening to the Lord's words inside your heart♥

I hope you are doing wonderfully!
Blessings and hugs,
Jazzmin

Kelly-Anne said...

Dearest Debbie...I did so enjoy reading what has been on your heart, and I will tell you that you've been in my thoughts... While I do miss stopping by for the precious wisdom you share and to be challenged in my walk with the Lord, I know that you, dear Debbie, need Him to fill your cup so that you may continue along the path He has for you. I pray you He may strengthen you in His mighty power, and bring peace to your heart. You are missed, but not forgotten and we hold you in our prayers! May this time of quietness be beautiful and blessed, and may Jesus walk with you all the way! May your heart be greatly encouraged today, and thank you for all the precious love you share! Oh, and what a gorgeous part of the world you live in - I loved every picture!
With much love...
Kelly-Anne

Anonymous said...

Hello Dear Debbie,
This is Shirley from Teach The Younger Women.
I have returned to my blog after what I thought was a permanent goodbye. I too am refreshed and enjoying the fellowship once again.
We just learn to heed the Lord's Voice and go wherever He guides.
Such peace. He knows what we need.
I pray you will have a wonderful rest and be held closely by the Lord and in fellowship with Him.
You are a dear lady. I think of you often as I keep your lovely blue hanky on my kitchen windowsill under a pretty ornament. Thank you again for the love that flows from Christ through you to all of your friends here on your blog.
Blessings to you from Shirley

Mrs. W. said...

Hello Debbie,

I see that you are not blogging, but if you happen to see this comment, I am hoping that you will say a pray for a homeless lady I met last night. Her name is Kathy. This quiet little lady touched my heart. I don't know if she knows the Lord, but I pray that God will show Himself to her and that she will rely on our Saviour Christ Jesus to protect her and help her in her very sad present situation. She needs a home.

Love,
Hope

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

So happy to have you visit me today and I am glad I came over to visit you. I did not know that you were taking a break to "reboot". It is always wise to take a break for physical reasons and especially when the Lord tells you too! I will pray that your rest helps your condition from being aggravated and that the situation you and your husband are dealing with will be resolved.

Camille said...

Just stopping in to let you know you are not forgotten. Hugs! Camille

Celestina Marie said...

Dearest Debbie, thinking of you and just wanted to stop by and say hello. Hope you are doing well and enjoying the last of winter. We are looking for springtime and ready for it to be here.
Thank you for stopping by and your kind comments and visits. I am always blessed to see you.
Sending hugs your way.
Love to you, xo

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