Category Archives: GENERAL INTEREST

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Please, Help Someone; Anyone

You can do it. Let God help you. Why? Someone needs your help. Every day is only lived once. Why not help make the day better for the person in need. You can. You should. Don’t be afraid to do it. You might be just the person someone needs. You can help. Really, you can.

When You Help, You Can, Since God is Your Helper

I don’t know, but people seem more hesitant to help than before the pandemic hit. We’re more afraid; I’m speaking for myself, too. What can we do to turn this around? God is still in control. We need to remind ourselves that He cares for the man, woman, or child that we might intentionally ignore. It’s time to question ourselves. We have something that has the power to help them. We have Jesus. He is mighty to save. He can change their life, and He can change YOUR life. Here’s how—

It’s Not That Easy, But You Know or Don’t Know

We don’t know unless we ask. Let God lead you and He will lead you. It starts like this. Ask Him to be with you every day and everywhere. Be intentional. Be kind. Be helpful. Listen to the Savior when He speaks. When we determine to share our lives with the people we meet, God has a way of bringing them our way. He also directs our path to where we meet the people God wants us to meet. We become willing. We are willing to be willing. It’s an amazing thing really. Ask God to direct your path today, tomorrow, the month ahead; whenever and whatever, however and, of course, surprisingly curious.

God Brings It To Pass; You Don’t Have To Get Their Attention

You don’t think you can do it. That’s normal. Neither do I. We get this wrong. It’s not up to us, although we determine what God may bring into our lives. What we must do is speak the Word when He gives us opportunities to share. We may hold back when He wants us to speak. Stop! Let God lead. You follow His lead. Then you’ll get it right. I’m speaking to myself too. I’ve been inordinately quiet as a result of health issues. But I’m coming out of it now. I see discouraged men and women. Hope is what they need in abundance. Then grace, love, help and peace will be quick to follow.

God Speaks, We Speak; They Speak, We Listen (^)

Everything in life is on God’s time allotment. We don’t know when God is going to bring things to pass or not. The thing is, we should listen. You are to do some things at just the right time, not too early and not too late. This is often hard to understand. We aren’t sure whether to proceed or not, and we don’t know if the time is right. You ask God for directions. You wait in anticipation. But you wait to proceed until God makes His will manifest in your life. But we don’t want to not act if God has given you the go-ahead, which means we must keep close to the Source.

We Listen When God Talks

Get alone with God. Push other thoughts aside. Open up to Him. Record what you hear. Think about it. Consider what He tells you. If you aren’t certain, talk about it with Him. Fluidity comes in time. How do I know God will speak to the person who truly wants to hear from Him? His word tells us “My sheep here my voice, and I answer them.” He sends the answer at just the right time, not before or after the incident. We sometimes think He waits too long. But God is never too late. He is always right on time. We learn to trust Him for He knows the journey. God is working in everything, in every way. God knows what He is doing. We’re lucky we get to be a part of His plan.

Thank you, Father God.

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An Uncomfortable Subject: Suicide

I’ve written about this before. We don’t want to talk about it, and we really don’t like to listen to others talk about it. I’m talking about suicide. There’s no easy way to talk about suicide. Unfortunately, suicide comes into many conversations these days. I suppose it’s not surprising with the way our society is spinning out of control. But I’d rather not go there especially now when so much is against us. But this is the month that gives me an appropriate pause, for my sister took her own life in September. My family didn’t expect it nor did they expect how it would change our lives. There’s no going back after a suicide.

Remember Robin William and His Suicide

I’m not a movie buff, but I saw enough of Robin William’s acting to know there was something extraordinary about him and his acting. His will made his suicide became one of those tragic losses you remember and don’t forget, like Princess Di in a car crash and President Kennedy when he was shot. The upset about William’s death left a residual impact on a family, school, community, nation, and world. Suicide has a ripple effect that touches everything in its path.

My Family’s Impact from a Suicide

My family was a devout family of Christian believers. Suicide touched us all. I now rarely think of my sister nor think of how we lost her. It doesn’t take much, though, and my mind hitches a ride back to her death by suicide and exactly how much it affected me and my family. There are no words. I can’t tell you exactly how awful it is to lose your loved one by their own hand. My sister was beautiful, talented, and successful woman. Her life touched many lives. The sorrow of her death almost buried us. Disbelief and sadness engulfed our days as we traveled to Oregon to say goodbye, bury. to her. It’s a terribly harsh thing, even now.

Even My Kids Couldn’t Help but Be Sidelined

My children were also impacted by Lois’s death. She was their ‘fun’ aunt, always bringing them kid-friendly gifts. The oldest ones especially didn’t understand. How could they? My oldest daughter tried to comfort me, which I appreciated more than I can say. And my oldest son was tried and true in his understanding of the situation. We all hurt. We all grieved. We all wished she was still here with us. My parents are now free of her death since they have gone to heaven and are now with their everlasting Savior. I believe Lois is with them. I will always miss her for as long as I live.

Learn and Grow: Never Stop–No Matter What

I have found peace in my own way. About ten years after Lois’s death, I asked God to heal me of the hurt in my heart that was associated with her passing. Eventually, the pain lifted, peace entered, and sorrow lessened. Publicly, I share now since I know it will help others feel less alone in their suffering. At least I can say good things came as a result of her passing. We are more demonstrative that we used to be. We have become more compassionate and understanding, less set in our ways and less rigid. We show more concern and emotion than we did before we lost my sister. We are a changed people. We have learned how God truly uses our past heartaches as a way to bring comfort to others during their times of misfortune.

Here’s a Remarkably Genuine Thought You Can Take with You

God can, will, and wants to help you deal with your problems, troubling stuff, and everything and anything that matters. God is here. He wants to help you. You may feel alone but you are not. The problems may be overwhelming which would be no surprise, but He always welcomes you. I know God will help you. No matter what, he is always with you. God always and abundantly cares. Call out to him. He is so interested in you and your life. You can’t surprise Him. His arms are ready to give you a great big hug. I must tell you, though. He waits till just the right time to answer your call. But don’t worry, he will answer you and at just the right minute.

Until later,

Norma