Day 12 Just Thinkin'

 

1/12/2026

"Our faith in prayer can be no passing attitude that changes

with the wind or with our own feelings and circumstances;

it must be a fact that God hears and answers, that His

ear open to the cry of His children, and that the power to do what

is asked of Him is commensurate with His willingness."

E.M. Bounds

 

Life becomes more interesting with each passing day, and I am learning that God has His unique way of getting our attention. Strange, as I was writing those words, a friend was texting me, so I shared them with her. Maybe she needed to hear them also. Our job is to trust God, stand strong, growing in our faith. I think the best way for that is to share our faith and our stories. My story over the past month or so hasn't been too exciting, rather discouraging in many ways, plus now my health has been affected. It's nothing I haven't grappled with before, but the trial is stressful and painful. Still, in faith I stand knowing that God knows my needs, and He will make a way where there seems to be none. 

Each day I receive prayer requests from people I don't even know, but with whom I am acquainted through various other people or the church or churches, here, there, and yonder. Plus the intercessory prayer circles. Daily things are becoming more chaotic in our nation and across the world. Things are gearing up, and only God knows the outcome. It's not a time to fear, and it is definitely not a time to shirk our responsibility as Americans or as followers of Christ. Many times I've written and spoken about a time has come when we must draw a line in the sand, saying this is it! No further, devil! That time has come. Actually that time has been here, but I think even the casual observer is noticing things or seeing a bit more clearly these days. 

Today I was supposed to get a few things done, but I was too sick to leave the house. Remember, I've been without my own "wheels" since early December, so having to turn down a ride is serious business for me, as it's the only time I can get things done outside of the home. But my sister, bless her, showed me more grace, so we will do the needed errands on Wednesday, if all goes well. I'm blessed to have my sister living so closely to me. For years I lived in one State and she lived here. The 1200 miles between didn't make it easy to see each other, except when our parents were living. So, I'm glad that I have the opportunity to make up for lost time. My brother lives about two hours away, and although they are retired, their lives are busy, so I still haven't spent much time with him. Hopefully, that will change one day. Time is precious.

My high school graduation class will be getting together for our quarterly lunch in March. It seems so far away, and yet, Valentine's decorations and candy is already out. Time goes by so quickly, especially as we grow older. This week we said "see ya later" to two of our class members who passed on. I pray we'll see them again in glory, only God knows the heart. It seems as if we have lost several members of our class in recent years. That's another thing I wasn't expecting when I returned home. It certainly gives one pause to consider how we spend our lives, and it makes us appreciate others more.

My son was whistling this morning shortly after he got up. That's a good sign for the day. He struggles so much with depression, and it seems as if the doctors' answers for everything is another new pill. I live by some of my mama's old rules she taught me growing up that have served me well. One was when you are sick or feel down in the morning, get up, take a bath, get dressed, and get busy doing something. It has served me well. I even followed that golden rule when I was so sick with migraines that I couldn't stand the light, and I could hardly stand up on my feet from fainting. But, I knew I had to, especially when I got older and had children and a job. I mustered the courage and the strength from my faith and many prayers. God got me through all of it, and I know now that He will see me through anything that comes. I won't give up or in, I can't. It's not the way of faith and trust. It's okay to lie down for awhile, and it's okay to cry and throw up. After that has passed, then try again. God is so good, and He hears our cries. Scripture proves that over and over, as does my life.

Things may appear a little bleak today, but the sun will come up tomorrow on a brand new day. This one will end in gratitude, and tomorrow will begin the same way. All praise!