March On

All God's people have bad days from time to time. Even my Friendly Shade does not always offer a shade with the cool breeze I so desire.  Yet, we know who holds the future.  We know that God goes before us, and that is why we can claim His promise given in Isaiah 40:31 "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."  In claiming God's promises we can endure, we can get past our bad days, and we can march on to victory. 

Marching On

Marching On – I’m marching on

Till Dusk and before the Dawn!

There is no mountain too high to climb

With my God beside me all the time-

Though steep and troublesome,

His promises help me not succumb.

There is no burden too great to carry;

 God picks me up when I grow weary-

No matter how heavy the task,

He strengthens me whenever I ask. 

Marching On- I’m marching on

Till all my hours are gone!

 There is no storm too big to weather;

God pulls it all together-

Though the winds of trouble swirl about my feet,

He is the One that keeps me complete.

There is no seed I cannot plant;

His power He will grant-

God can get it done

Even if I’ve just begun.

Marching on –I’m marching on;

I’m in the race till it is won!

                                                                        Mary Nell Jameson- 2/25/2012

Procrastation

     It’s a Holiday!  and I have plans to get so much done outside.  I have already dressed for outside
work, but when I checked the temperature it registered below 40 degrees, much colder here in my Friendly Shade than I expected, or enjoy, when I am doing outside work.  However, the sun is shining and my rationale would be to put off the work until this afternoon when things warm up a bit.  Sounds logical to me, but it is also procrastinating, and my list to things to do will not get completed. 
     We all like to procrastinate.  We allow distractions to prevent us from accomplishing goals and plans.  If I think about and avoid any excuses, all I really need to do to complete my projects today is put on a coat.  There are all kinds of options available to overcome distractions so we can accomplish more for ourselves and for the Lord.  
      David did not allow the massive size of Goliath to distract him from winning a victory.  On the other hand, the Israelites allowed the giants in the promised land to distract them.  Because of their fear and lack of faith they wandered for forty years.   We can always overcome distractions by putting on the cloak of confidence and faith.  In other words, dress for the occasion knowing that God goes before us.  Do not be found saying, “I’ll do that when….”
     This all being said, I am about to put on a coat and get to work, hoping that I will warm up quickly and need a "Friendly Shade" soon. 

The Prescription Plan

     I recently had a prescription refilled and the dosage or milligrams per pill was increased.  I have the choice to take the whole unit or split it, depending on how strong I prefer my medication.

     With God, He gives us just the right dosage in blessings and in trials, and as the Doctor, He is always there to substance us.  As I thought more on this, I wondered if everyone understands the pros and cons of their prescription so I decided to review mine as follows:

P –romise- that is what God gives; He promises to always be with us

R- est –God wants us to rest upon His promises; he established a day of rest to allow us to re-energize  

E-verlasting Life- Jesus went to prepare an eternal home for His children and He continues to intercede for our sins daily
S-aving Grace-Jesus died for us and He took our sins upon Himself; through his death we are healed and saved by faith through grace.
C- ountless blessing are heaped upon us every day. Some days we may have to look for them, but they are there.  He is our C-onstant  source of peace and joy
R- eassurance – is given by His promises, and by knowing that He lives within the heart and soul of believers
I – Am – He is the great I AM.  He knows every hair, every thought, and every need.  He stands ready to listen and guide us to complete healing
P- ower – God provides power if we will take our medicine and have complete faith. He is ever Present
T- emptations, trials, and troubles  entrap us all, but God is the Doctor that will guide us over the cliffs of the mountains and the storms of life
I – n quietness and prayer is where we can listen and hear the quiet, small voice that gives us healing and strength.  In quietness we can show our faith and receive the hope He has promised
O- nly God- He is the Omnipotent; the Only One who holds the power over all things- the earth, the heavens, and all things therein.  Only He can provide eternal healing.
N-o man – has to go through sickness alone- No man has to ever walk alone.
     
  It is my prayer that everyone will look to the Great Healer for the best prescription to good health and life. 

The Right Mix

     After sitting inside for several weekends I decided, regardless of the cold, I just had to get outside and absorb some sun.  After digging around transplanting some daffodils, I headed to my garden of straggly turnip greens with intensions of pulling up what few small turnips I had.  To my amazement I had some rather large turnips, larger than I had ever grown.  That was probably due, in part, to my adding compost and additional topsoil this past fall.  I may have finally gotten just the right mix to grow vegetables. 

    The right mix- that is exactly what we need for America.  We need a mix of people who love God and are willing to take a stand.  We need a mix of people who want to develop respect and good character; those who are willing to study hard, to learn, to work, and to love America and the God who created it.  We need a mix of people who have a passion to keep America strong, to keep America clean from pollution and liter, to keep America productive by developing businesses and their own oil production, a mix of people and governmental agencies who unite to support American schools and the English language and to allow the teachers to teach more than just passing a test.  We need a mix of governmental people who will unite as one unit to do what America needs to make it “one nation under God”  with American values.  We need a mix of people who are willing to bend the knee to find answers, strength, and courage to accept and carry out the direction provided.
     The right mix will make America the nation it once was.