Hello Friday and, believe it or not, it is time for this year’s first Share Four Somethings! Jennifer recently took the helm of this link-up – which was exciting – and the headings/prompts are a little different. Actually, they are a bit easier for me:) I’m looking forward to connecting with everyone and seeing what they have loved, read, learned and eaten the past couple of weeks. The whole link-up will be available tomorrow (I’m a tad early since I don’t post on Saturdays). So, let’s jump right in!
Something I Loved
The Lord is so incredibly faithful. And His patience with me is more than I can describe. Certainly more than I deserve. I have been on the struggle bus lately. So overwhelmed and really having a hard time getting my feet back under me. My faith has seemed so small – which is only more overwhelming. Not a good cycle. Yesterday, in silent prayer, I asked the Lord to send me a tangible sign. Just a reassurance. I don’t know if you ever do such a thing but many, much stronger, saints in the Bible have done just that so I guess I am in good company:) Not soon after that prayer, I received a text from a friend. “I’m praying for you.” Let me be completely honest. I whispered a prayer of thanks but, truthfully, it did not feel like the kind of tangible reminder I was praying for. Sigh.
Several hours later, the doorbell rang. Our doorbell rarely ever rings and certainly not after dark. We considered not answering it. But, we did. There was the florist with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Gorgeous flowers on a random Thursday evening. Um…not random at all! They were from sweet friends (who have never sent me flowers before) and who simply wanted to say, “You have been on our hearts and we are praying for you.” Trust me. I was a God-thing and a very personal, specific answer to a desperate prayer to see God’s hand. What a faithful, loving Heavenly Father!!
Something I Read
What is the most repeated command in the Bible? I’m curious what you might think it is….although I am getting ready to tell you the answer:) I read it recently and then went to several different sources to confirm it. I suppose I had been a bit skeptical. Know what it is? It is FEAR NOT. Do not be afraid. It is repeated over and over again throughout both the Old and the New Testament. So, I started looking up some of the references. And then I had the idea to mark them in Bible – certainly not all of them – so that I could rehearse every morning and would have access to them when my faith starts to shake and my feet feel unsteady. Again. (See above. Sigh) Here’s a look at my Bible….and, truthfully, this is a mere scratch on the surface of verses encouraging us not to be afraid. I can’t really say I have a favorite….but here is one that has been extra special to me today.
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10
Something I Learned
This post seems to be creating a theme all on its own. That is not typically how these SFS posts happen but I think will just go with it. Indulge me. (Perhaps someone else needs it, too.) I have been learning (seeing it very clearly and obviously played out) that worrying is an utter waste. A waste of time, energy, thought and everything else. It completely drains our joy and, most importantly, it is one of the enemy’s most commonly used weapons against us. I seem to fall for it oh so easily. I won’t keep rehashing my difficult month but, for anyone who might also struggle with this, here are a few defenses for this trap of worry. Prayer – say a prayer the minute the spiral starts. Be in the word – read it often and do your best to commit to memory specific verses for your situation. Sing – worship songs, hymns, children’s choruses. All of the help keep my heart and my thoughts positive and encouraged. Talk – have someone who will listen and, as needed, offer wisdom, counsel and encouragement. This one is the biggest struggle for me but I am learning – every so slowly – how helpful this can be.
Something I Ate
This post has been much heavier than I intended so, hooray for ending on a lighter note. Something I ate this past month. I mentioned recently that I had made spaghetti. No, that’s not my spaghetti. I rarely garnish my plates with green. Ok, never. I would definitely call that the best meal of the month! Is it too soon to make more spaghetti?? We did try a new to us restaurant last weekend. It was pretty good but a bit of a drive and not good enough to go the distance again. We did have biscuits the size of a dinner plate that were quite good. For my dinner, I had Country-Fried Cauliflower. As their menu described it: “bee-dusted” buttermilk fried cauliflower. Not sure what the bee dust was, but it really was very tasty. I would order it again but my sides were not hot which sorta ruined the meal for me. They did have on the menu my favorite dessert of all time. Any guesses what that might be??
I will let you know on Monday:) I hope you will come back next week….and, until then, have a wonderful weekend!! Let me know your favorite dessert. Of all time!!:) Be sure to visit the link-up tomorrow.
Good morning Jennifer 🙂
I’m sorry you’ve had a hard month. Sounds like you’re in a season of having to press in to God. Seeing your markers for the verses on fear reminded me that I have a page full of those verses written out and taped in the front of my bible. I think we all go through those tough seasons where we need to draw closer and let him do some work. It’s not fun to walk through those times, but God wastes nothing, so there is purpose in the journey. I pray that the Lord will continue to show you (like friends and flowers) that he hears and sees you and you’re on his mind, always.
As for your dessert…maybe bread pudding? Or something chocolaty? My favorite dessert would involve any combination of chocolate, nuts, coffee flavored ice cream and throw in a brownie for good measure 🙂
Bread pudding – oh my! Not what I was thinking but, truly, bread pudding is a tie!! And, yes, throwing in a brownie is always a good idea!!:) Thanks for the encouragement this morning!!
What a sweet touch from the Lord, not just once but two times! And I’m with you on spaghetti or pasta of any kind. It’s one of my favorite indulgences.
Yes – not once but twice! I am blessed:)
Those flowers are beautiful and they probably seem even more so to you since they were God and friend sent ;). Spaghetti sounds really good. Our remaining child at home does not care for it so I will add it to the long list of, “dinners I’ll make when we’re empty nesters.” I hope that, “fear not” becomes second nature to you (though I”m not sure that is possible 100% of the time this side of heaven). I hope you have a great weekend!
First, I wanted to thank you for stopping by Marmelade Gypsy and leaving a lovely comment about Pumpkin the Deer. That pasta look great and the flowers gorgeous. What treasures your friends are!
So glad to meet you, Jeanie!! I look forward to visit more –
I actually could use this today; I have been trying to remember that worry does not help and turn my worries over (but somehow that doesn’t seem to rid me of them!). Spaghetti is always a family favorite here; in fact I have it on the menu already for Sunday!
I’m coming for dinner on Sunday!!
I love this! And I also think it’s amazing how God uses us at times to help someone else, like he used your friends for you. He is good!
I think that far too often when I am stressing about something, I pray and give it to God – and then I pick it back up again!
Oh, Mari, so glad that I’m not the only doing that!! Glad you stopped by today!
Those flowers are so pretty! I am glad they made you happy. How special that someone knew you needed those. Fear Not is a verse that I have needed a lot over the years. In 2020, my word was peace and that really helped me not to fear during Covid. I became more dependent on the Lord and the Word. Bible journaling has really helped too! Thanks for visiting my blog and enjoy your weekend!
Thanks for visiting, Susan….and, yes, I am enjoying the weekend. It has been so pretty here today!!
Hi Jennifer. I love spaghetti, so your picture made me hungry! So sorry you have been struggling. I am glad that you received reassurances that God hears your prayers and loves you. I will pray for you as well. I hope things look up soon. Have a good weekend.
Thank you, Deb, for the prayers! I hope you are also having a good weekend!
Thank-you for visiting me! You are absolutely beautiful. I love how God has been at work in your life. I am a teacher and I pray every day for God to be with me as I teach my kids. I agree with you on the fear not scripture. During covid, I felt so much peace because of God. Proverbs 3:5-6 is the scripture I live by. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your path. I trust HIm, I put my life in His hands. He hasn’t let me down so far. I loved your post. Have a nice weekend. ♥
https://lorisbusylife.blogspot.com/
Another great verse – thanks! And thank you for your sweet comment! Glad that you stopped by…and look forward to visiting more often.
How nice that you received such lovely flowers from your friends. I love eating spaghetti for dinner and most pasta dishes. Thanks for your visit to my blog and I hope you have a nice weekend.
Hope your weekend is going just as well!! Glad you stopped by –
You have not been alone on the struggle bus, my friend. In fact, I use that exact phrase in my own Four Somethings post that I’ll publish next Tuesday. The flowers are beautiful, and what a blessing that God answered your request for a tangible sign in such a special way. Your favorite dessert of all time? I can’t guess but I hope you will tell!
I look forward to reading your Share Four Somethings!!
I am so sorry it has been a difficult month for you. I am not sure what is shaking your faith or if is winter blues, but I am so thankful that God showed you tangibly that you are so very loved and cared for! We all have hard seasons but I think it’s how we handle them that makes the difference. I pray whatever is going on gets better/goes away, basically that God would meet you at the point of your need! I love how God creates themes when we are not looking for them, LOL. I am sure you are not the only one He spoke to through this post. Thank you for being faithful.
Cindy, thanks much for the sweet comment and encouraging words. I take them to heart and they really are a blessing!! February might be a rough one but, yes, God is walking right beside me into these days ahead!
Jennifer, I will try to remember you in my prayers! (my memory stinks lately, but I will write it down, which will help!)
Thank you, Cindy. That is so sweet…and appreciated more than you know!
The Lord was so sweet to assure you of His Love through your friend’s text and flowers. Rejoicing with you in the heart kindness from Him! Big hug for the struggles of January. So thankful He met you with fear not, worry not, and I am with you, Jennifer. Always. There’s nothing like His Presence! May the potential roughness of February be smoothed out before you, may you experience His peace that passes all understanding, and may you sense His loving arms around you.
Thank you so much for you sweet and reassuring comment, Lisa. I am so grateful for peace…and that peace that passes understanding!
Jen, those flowers are such a treasure. What a surprise and a lovely reassurance from God. I appreciate you sharing your heart here sweet friend.
Visiting today from Share Four Something’s #17
Paula, so glad you stopped by! Those flowers are still looking beautiful and continue to be a blessing!
First, I am behind on blog reading! I’m catching up now. Secondly, thank you for sharing with us in your struggles. We all struggle from time to time, and I really appreciate when people share their vulnerabilities as well as strengths. It’s good for us to do that for several reasons- one, so that our friends can pray for us when we need them to lift us up to the Lord. Two, it’s good for others to see that we struggle, even when we walk closely with Jesus. Lastly, it’s my opinion that it’s good to share for ourselves so that we can look back and see how the Lord worked and brought us through. That is AMAZING that He answered your prayer not just in one way, but in TWO ways. I never want to get over being blown away by Him and how He works. He is so good to us! Much love to you, my friend.
p.s. Those flowers are gorgeous!
Flowers are just the right time are such a God-send! Glad you received them. Spaghetti is now one of my favorites, but as a child I never touched it. 🙂