"He Has Made Everything Beautiful in it's Time..."(Ecclesiastes 3:11).
- Good Mourning with Marilyn
- Jan 4
- 5 min read
With the new year dawning it is a beautiful time to reflect on the past, dream of the future and choose to rejoice in the present gift of time. Life has so many shifts, turns, curves, hills, mountains, and valleys. Whatever season this finds you in may God’s love bless your new year.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
Looking out the window, she thought aloud about the upcoming holiday season. She would bravely start new traditions that would honor him and with courage she decided not to celebrate in some ways from years past. “It all feels so hard, but this is what he would have wanted.” I nodded encouragingly. “Christmas was always his favorite…I just hope the rest of the family will be ok with my decisions.”
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With extended family we all hopped in the cars and went to hobby lobby. The beautiful white bouquet was chosen to lay alongside the poinsettias. Pulling up at the cemetery the children each took some and laid them on the various gravesites. Leaves moved aside so we could read the headstone, “Apart from the body is present with the Lord.” We thanked God for their time with us and that their time is now with Him and what a reuniting that will be one day for us all. “Oh, here is his sister!...Bring the flowers over.”
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My husband found his favorite spot on the couch. His mom found him there looking at a digital photo album. “Oh look at this one! Do you remember receiving that bike?” “And look how little sweet Rebekah was!” “She loved that dress.” “I have never seen this one of Cal before, to think he has been gone now for over 15 years.” They smiled, laughed and cried together.
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Like a piece of art coming together slowly over time, we can only see a part of the picture when we look at our lives, but often times when we look back at the entire finished picture the masterpiece is stunning.
Remember our Biblical Character from the past several months? We heard about many Biblical Characters beginnings, now lets look and utilize music to reflect on their beautiful endings - God's masterpieces.
God helped the disciples see His presence by removing barriers. Scared behind locked doors and praying for rescue. Their story continues with the greatest news ever told. Jesus appears! He is there with them; He has risen from the dead and in Acts 1:9 Jesus is taken up to heaven in a cloud before their very eyes. Next in Acts 2:3 tongues of fire came and rested on each of them. And they received power the Holy Spirit.
This same Holy Spirit is offered to us today.
Reflect on this through Song 1 Listen to: You Are My Hiding Place by Selah
Describe how the Lord can become your hiding place today.
What prayer do you have for the Lord today?
Click to Read original post about the disciples here: Your Grief is a Sacred Space
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God led Moses and the Israelites out of slavery with Fire and Cloud, by Exodus 40 the glory of the Lord rests in the new dwelling place among His people.
“Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:31).
How does God’s presence provide all we need?
Practice with Moses allowing God to rest with you, even in your sadness.
Tell God how you want Him to dwell with you today.
Click to Read original post about Moses here: Moses Follows the Fire
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In the Midst of his many losses Job is reminded that God created all!
“The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen. He loads the clouds with moisture; he scatters his lightning through them. At his direction they swirl around over the face of the whole earth to do whatever he commands them.” Job 37:10-12
If God can “set the earth on its foundations” He can also set our foundations in ways we don’t even know we need. Amazingly even though we too have no right to ask Him our questions he kneels and gently answers us.
How does God’s greatness help you to trust in Him?
Practice with Job, Cast your Cares and Ask God Your Questions. He can be trusted.
Click to Read original post about Job here: Into Job's Anguish the Lord Speaks
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God heard Jeremiah’s Lament over Jerusalem’s destruction and He was faithful to allow Israel to come back to the promise land during the time of Nehemiah to rebuild the wall and eventually His temple.
“On that day I will raise up The tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, And repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins, And rebuild it as in the days of old"(Amos 9:11).
How has God been faithful to you in the past?
Practice with Jeremiah, list the things you need to trust God with today. Ask Him to help you trust.
Click to Read original post about Jeremiah here: Jeremiah’s Lament
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God sustained David as he fixed his eyes on Him during His many trials. He helped him fight Goliath, outrun Saul, and overcome many children’s deaths. And He was faithful to allow David to be in Jesus’ linage.
"Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David" (Luke 2:4).
In what ways do you need God to show up right now?
Ask God to give you courage to fight your giants.
Click to Read original post about David here: During Trials David Fixes His Eyes on the Lord
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Jesus restores our days. He is our gentle Shepherd. He renews and restores us each day.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul…” (Psalm 23:1-2).
How will you trust in His unfailing love today?
How has God lead you down green pastures and still waters today?
In what ways do you need His help restoring your soul?
Remember He is here! He is with you!
How do you feel His presence even now?
Click to Read original post about Jesus here: Jesus Restores our Grief
As you go throughout your day remember that He is with you throughout each day this year. He lives in you, He is leading you, He does still speak to us all and hear your needs and when you feel you can't walk any further He will carry you.
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