Everyone wants to have peace, the kind that allows one to have restful sleep, be free of nagging anxieties, and have the freedom to move on with life. I always wondered about that "peace that passes all understanding". Have you ever wanted to know what it is? I wondered what that kind of peace would look like. How would it work?
I got the chance to experience and examine this peace from God first hand in 2005. My husband and I were in a surgical center where tests and procedures are given to see if patients have operable tumors or repairable injuries before any surgeries are recommended. My husband had been in with doctors and technicians for about an hour. Then, the doctor came out and I was directed to a very small, cramped room. The doctor sat across from me and looked me directly in the eyes. He said,"Your husband has cancer . . .". I know he said many other things and the last thing he said was, "I won't be able to speak with him about this until around 7:30 this evening. You will have to tell him what I have told you."
I actually mumbled, "Thank you and God bless you." I really don't know where that came from. Unbelievable! I said "Thank you",for telling me my husband of over forty years has cancer, and I get to tell him, and our sons!
I will admit there was a very brief meltdown on my part right after this news. It was handled nicely by one of the gals in the reception area of the surgical center. I told her that aside from the word cancer, everything else the doctor said was going to happen just disappeared from my mind,just like an egg sliding off a teflon pan. I panicked. I did not know what I was going to say, to my husband,or to my sons. Then the lady prayed with me. From that moment on, I was peaceful.
So how does that peace beyond understanding work? I can only tell you how it worked for us. We were literally held up physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I saw clearly what I must do, say and decide, and I did it. Neither my husband nor I asked "Why?" We did ask, "Where do we go from here." We rested in those loving arms holding us up. God really is there in a time of need and at all times!
I began to recall scripture that applied to the situation, and we prayed and prayed with everyone. And we were peaceful, truly without fear and without anxious thoughts. Because, as I said, we were being held closely by the One who loves us.
So I say that now in these trying times,when things are so unstable and fear wants to rob you of every shred of confidence in God and in yourself,yes now is the time to ask for this peace. It is real and it is for you. Just ask. Doma
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Beyond the Gloom
The day was overcast and gray. It matched my mood perfectly. Lately, I had been frustrated and depressed and it was becoming increasingly difficult to see beyond myself and my dismal prospects. As I boarded the plane and settled down in the seat, I let out a sigh of resignation.
"So this is all life is ever going to be, one disappointment after the other."
As the plane gained altitude, I looked out the window for no particular reason. We were quickly rising above the clouds and the brilliant sun and the vibrant blue of the sky were startling. What a contrast to what I had seen just minutes before. The blue sky and sunshine were up here all along, but down below all anyone could see was a gray, dreary day.
The earthbound perspective was so limited. If someone said to me, "Look up there, beyond what you can see, there is a beautiful day." I would not believe them, or I would not care. So what? I am a realist and I'm used to rains on my parade.
But, as I continued to look out the plane's window at the sky with the incredible shades of blue, I came to a realization. If I were to start each day knowing that there is a marvelous view just a few thousand feet above me, even though I may not see it, I can have hope. A simple hope, to be sure, a blue sky kind of hope, but it's a start.
Looking beyond what I can see and rising above where I am, I can hope in the God who made the heavens. I can begin by asking for His perspective each day and in each situation.
"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the LORD." Psalm 31:24
Oh, the things You do with shades of blue. LORD, You have an admirer in me! Doma
"So this is all life is ever going to be, one disappointment after the other."
As the plane gained altitude, I looked out the window for no particular reason. We were quickly rising above the clouds and the brilliant sun and the vibrant blue of the sky were startling. What a contrast to what I had seen just minutes before. The blue sky and sunshine were up here all along, but down below all anyone could see was a gray, dreary day.
The earthbound perspective was so limited. If someone said to me, "Look up there, beyond what you can see, there is a beautiful day." I would not believe them, or I would not care. So what? I am a realist and I'm used to rains on my parade.
But, as I continued to look out the plane's window at the sky with the incredible shades of blue, I came to a realization. If I were to start each day knowing that there is a marvelous view just a few thousand feet above me, even though I may not see it, I can have hope. A simple hope, to be sure, a blue sky kind of hope, but it's a start.
Looking beyond what I can see and rising above where I am, I can hope in the God who made the heavens. I can begin by asking for His perspective each day and in each situation.
"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the LORD." Psalm 31:24
Oh, the things You do with shades of blue. LORD, You have an admirer in me! Doma
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Hard Knocks Make Strong Faith
In the 1980s, our family went through a terrible financial struggle. I am still finding out some of what went on. We really had very little money and slim prospects at the time. When bills were due and threatening phone calls from creditors came, my response was always to dissolve in tears. After that, I would pray and pray, trying to find peace and asking God to help us find a way out.
God did answer prayers in our behalf, but first I had to undergo a profound surrender experience. I had adopted a "poverty mentality" that tainted all my thoughts and plans. "We can't afford this, we will never have that.", I was dogged by these thoughts. Finally, I collapsed in a weeping pile of self pity and just gave up trying to cope. That was when I began to search the scriptures for a lifeline.
I found so much evidence of how God takes care of people who trust in Him. I met Jehovah Jireh, my provider. His provision took on many forms. I learned how to make many, many good tasting recipes from government commodities. I also learned how to shop with an eye for bargains. I gained important insight into how blessed it is to receive and how great it is to give back.
Some people have heard my story of the over $2000 that our family received during this rough stretch in our lives, but I love to tell it because it shows the faithfulness of our living, loving God.
Our sons remember the simple ways we spent our time. We hatched chicken eggs and duck eggs. We learned why the struggle to get out of its shell is vital to a chick. We also learned how struggle is vital to our spiritual growth as well. Without this hard time, we would not be generous people, for we learned how wonderful it is to receive. We would not be grateful people, for we were so happy to have anything. And, we would not love our God so very much and know first hand of His faithful care!
So if you find yourself in a hard place financially, rest assured that God cares about you. He will provide for your needs and allow you to stretch and grow in your faith through these struggles. He is pulling you closer to Himself, and that's a good thing!
God did answer prayers in our behalf, but first I had to undergo a profound surrender experience. I had adopted a "poverty mentality" that tainted all my thoughts and plans. "We can't afford this, we will never have that.", I was dogged by these thoughts. Finally, I collapsed in a weeping pile of self pity and just gave up trying to cope. That was when I began to search the scriptures for a lifeline.
I found so much evidence of how God takes care of people who trust in Him. I met Jehovah Jireh, my provider. His provision took on many forms. I learned how to make many, many good tasting recipes from government commodities. I also learned how to shop with an eye for bargains. I gained important insight into how blessed it is to receive and how great it is to give back.
Some people have heard my story of the over $2000 that our family received during this rough stretch in our lives, but I love to tell it because it shows the faithfulness of our living, loving God.
Our sons remember the simple ways we spent our time. We hatched chicken eggs and duck eggs. We learned why the struggle to get out of its shell is vital to a chick. We also learned how struggle is vital to our spiritual growth as well. Without this hard time, we would not be generous people, for we learned how wonderful it is to receive. We would not be grateful people, for we were so happy to have anything. And, we would not love our God so very much and know first hand of His faithful care!
So if you find yourself in a hard place financially, rest assured that God cares about you. He will provide for your needs and allow you to stretch and grow in your faith through these struggles. He is pulling you closer to Himself, and that's a good thing!
Friday, January 23, 2009
The Ultimate Civil Rights Violation
I want to examine the issue of abortion from my perspective. Economically, we have allowed a generation of people to be destroyed by not revoking Roe v. Wade. What this means is that 49,551,703 people are not paying taxes, consuming goods, contributing to Social Security, or creating solutions to problems. What difference could nearly 50 million people make in our country?
An entire generation of human beings will never get a chance to produce cancer cures, develop improved methods of doing so many things. There are songs that will never be sung and artwork that will never be seen. There is a great man or woman who could be President right now.
What would be different if they were here? We were told so many lies about abortion. For example, "Every child would be a wanted child." It was suggested that child neglect and abuse would be a thing of the past if abortion was legalized. Nothing could be further from the truth.They said all the preborn were was tissue and we now know for certain this is a lie.
The ultimate violation of civil rights is not to be allowed to be born! That is a fact we must get our minds around. How can anyone justify denying a baby its life? The horror of late term abortion can only be understood by the fact that the conscience of those involved is seared; their hearts and minds hardened. Spiritual blindness has perpetrated this evil. I pray somehow it will be seen for what it is! Sin. Doma
An entire generation of human beings will never get a chance to produce cancer cures, develop improved methods of doing so many things. There are songs that will never be sung and artwork that will never be seen. There is a great man or woman who could be President right now.
What would be different if they were here? We were told so many lies about abortion. For example, "Every child would be a wanted child." It was suggested that child neglect and abuse would be a thing of the past if abortion was legalized. Nothing could be further from the truth.They said all the preborn were was tissue and we now know for certain this is a lie.
The ultimate violation of civil rights is not to be allowed to be born! That is a fact we must get our minds around. How can anyone justify denying a baby its life? The horror of late term abortion can only be understood by the fact that the conscience of those involved is seared; their hearts and minds hardened. Spiritual blindness has perpetrated this evil. I pray somehow it will be seen for what it is! Sin. Doma
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Unbelief Is Hard Work
This morning, as the sun shone and the blue skies were overhead, I started thinking about how the sun is at the precise distance from our planet. Any closer and we would fry,any further away and we'd freeze solid. Some would say this precise placement of our sun is just a coincidence.
Add this to all the other marvelous coincidences that maintain and sustain our very lives, our bodies, and there must be a source beyond ourselves. I choose to believe it is God, the mighty Creator. It is really hard work to explain away the breathe in your nostrils, the beating of your heart, the tiny baby in the womb. It takes stubborn resistance and the determination to ignore certain facts like the perfect symmetry of snowflakes and their variety, the DNA sequence differences in twins, the order, systems and functions and the diversity of cells in the human body. Even the tiniest particles,such as atoms and quarks have order. Why? Coincidence?
It is work to deny the facts of nature which so obviously reflect its Creator. To acknowledge Him means we are not the center of all things. And, we are accountable to Him. It does take hard work to always be in denial and continually justifying your actions.
Isn't it easier to embrace the One who is the source and sustainer of all of it? Praise just naturally wells up at the sight of a sunrise or sunset, but praise for whom? There is only One God, there is no other, and He is greatly to be praised! It's easy. Doma
Add this to all the other marvelous coincidences that maintain and sustain our very lives, our bodies, and there must be a source beyond ourselves. I choose to believe it is God, the mighty Creator. It is really hard work to explain away the breathe in your nostrils, the beating of your heart, the tiny baby in the womb. It takes stubborn resistance and the determination to ignore certain facts like the perfect symmetry of snowflakes and their variety, the DNA sequence differences in twins, the order, systems and functions and the diversity of cells in the human body. Even the tiniest particles,such as atoms and quarks have order. Why? Coincidence?
It is work to deny the facts of nature which so obviously reflect its Creator. To acknowledge Him means we are not the center of all things. And, we are accountable to Him. It does take hard work to always be in denial and continually justifying your actions.
Isn't it easier to embrace the One who is the source and sustainer of all of it? Praise just naturally wells up at the sight of a sunrise or sunset, but praise for whom? There is only One God, there is no other, and He is greatly to be praised! It's easy. Doma
Monday, January 19, 2009
Thoughts About the Presidency
I see World Net Daily has a poll asking if we should pray for Barack Obama to fail. I was appalled to say the least! My take on praying for the President is that in obedience to the scriptures, we are to pray for those in authority over us. Obama is painted as an enemy and he hasn't done anything yet. If he follows through on some of his campaign rhetoric, he may be acting in direct opposition to many people's faith, mine included. I will wait to see what he is going to do, praying all the while.
So how am I going to pray? I am praying that President Obama will be compelled to seek godly counsel, listen to reason in matters of morality and ethics, and use the brain God gave him to lead a country in which his own children will be able to live and thrive.
Maybe the fact he has small children will help temper some of what he chooses to do in regard to enacting laws about abortion. I doubt it though.
Lord, please hear our prayer for our new President. Guide him in the decisions he must make. Give him clarity of perspective, not tarnished by negative political influence, grant him firmness of purpose about solving our nation's problems, and give him some influential councilors who listen to You, Lord. Show him your mercy and grace each day and protect him. Amen, Doma
So how am I going to pray? I am praying that President Obama will be compelled to seek godly counsel, listen to reason in matters of morality and ethics, and use the brain God gave him to lead a country in which his own children will be able to live and thrive.
Maybe the fact he has small children will help temper some of what he chooses to do in regard to enacting laws about abortion. I doubt it though.
Lord, please hear our prayer for our new President. Guide him in the decisions he must make. Give him clarity of perspective, not tarnished by negative political influence, grant him firmness of purpose about solving our nation's problems, and give him some influential councilors who listen to You, Lord. Show him your mercy and grace each day and protect him. Amen, Doma
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Winter Reflection
Deep, profound quiet
Cold, so cold you can't breathe
Even the animals are smart enough
To stay someplace warm.
As the late afternoon sun
Paints streaks of grayish blue
And pale mauve on the snow,
A lone bird pecks at the feeder.
Inside the house,
Insulated from the cold,
humans eat, sleep and dream
Of the green, warm days to come.
Cold, so cold you can't breathe
Even the animals are smart enough
To stay someplace warm.
As the late afternoon sun
Paints streaks of grayish blue
And pale mauve on the snow,
A lone bird pecks at the feeder.
Inside the house,
Insulated from the cold,
humans eat, sleep and dream
Of the green, warm days to come.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
A Powerful, Humbling Reminder
If you have read my former blog entry you know I have been stewing about what is going to happen with Mr.Obama and whether he is legally qualified to be President or not. I have been thinking and praying about the economic hard times and the pressures of our culture and those who are suffering because of all this. In the middle of these thoughts, the LORD reminded me that He is still in charge.
Today, in my scripture reading I read some of the questions the LORD asked Isaiah and Job. They are very humbling and reinforce the concept of WHO has the ultimate control of things. Here are some of the questions I read that quickly realigned my thinking and may help you as well.
From Job 38:12 "Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place?" From Isaiah 40:12 "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, or with the breadth of His hand marked off the heavens?"
And talk about knowledge of heavenly things, just look at Isaiah 40:26 "Lift your eyes and look to the heavens; who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls each by name, because of His great strength and power, not one of them is missing." And Job adds in chapter 38:31 "Can you bind the beautiful Pleiades? Can you loose the cords of Orion? Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons..."
A resounding answer to all of these questions is, "No! Only You, O LORD, can do all of these mighty things." How graciously and lovingly our God still speaks to us through the Bible. So be encouraged and strengthened. Our God is the Sovereign LORD and He reigns. Notice at the end of the book, God wins, Jesus rules and believers are with Him. Rest in His care. Amen
Today, in my scripture reading I read some of the questions the LORD asked Isaiah and Job. They are very humbling and reinforce the concept of WHO has the ultimate control of things. Here are some of the questions I read that quickly realigned my thinking and may help you as well.
From Job 38:12 "Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place?" From Isaiah 40:12 "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, or with the breadth of His hand marked off the heavens?"
And talk about knowledge of heavenly things, just look at Isaiah 40:26 "Lift your eyes and look to the heavens; who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls each by name, because of His great strength and power, not one of them is missing." And Job adds in chapter 38:31 "Can you bind the beautiful Pleiades? Can you loose the cords of Orion? Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons..."
A resounding answer to all of these questions is, "No! Only You, O LORD, can do all of these mighty things." How graciously and lovingly our God still speaks to us through the Bible. So be encouraged and strengthened. Our God is the Sovereign LORD and He reigns. Notice at the end of the book, God wins, Jesus rules and believers are with Him. Rest in His care. Amen
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Constitutional Quandry
I was looking forward to a change, as we have been promised. I was welcoming the idea that a black man was to be our President since I am not a racist. However, something has occurred to make me worried about the future of our country.
I have been reading and hearing about a Barry Soertoro, AKA Barack Obama, and wondering how on earth he was able to be elected President of the United States, since he was not born here. The Constitution states, in Article II section 1, " No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States, at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have attained to the age of thirty five years, and been fourteen years a resident within the United States." These qualifications are basic. Not having seen an actual birth certificate, how can we certify his age or his citizenship. All that exists is a certificate of live birth with two different seals on it, from 2007 and 2008, making it appear that it has been altered. In Kenya, there is talk that he was born there. A quote from the since withdrawn cabinet appointee, Governor Richardson of New Mexico, stated, "Obama is an immigrant..." What is going on?
I speculate that the can of worms, that would be opened at an incredibly vulnerable time for our country, is just too big to deal with, but it is also too big to hide. This explains in part why no major news media will cover this story. No one in the media dares to approach it lest they be labeled as racist as well as trouble makers!
The Internet is filled with sites featuring serious allegations and also some startling information letting people know there is a very real question about out President to be. A court case has been denied hearing several times over this very issue and just this week. Why do you suppose that is? Look at who is bringing the case to the Supreme Court. It isn't a bunch of disgruntled Republicans! Where is this going? Well, it appears that on Jan. 23 there will be a conference reveiwing the fourth case on this very issue before the Supreme Court. It is not going to go away!
Why, I ask myself, why doesn't Mr. Obama just address the issue, show the birth certificate and summarily dismiss this whole question? The silence is deafening. It appears that everyone is waiting until the swearing in is a done deal. Will he be allowed to violate the very Constitution he will swear an oath to uphold? Incredible!
I have been reading and hearing about a Barry Soertoro, AKA Barack Obama, and wondering how on earth he was able to be elected President of the United States, since he was not born here. The Constitution states, in Article II section 1, " No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States, at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have attained to the age of thirty five years, and been fourteen years a resident within the United States." These qualifications are basic. Not having seen an actual birth certificate, how can we certify his age or his citizenship. All that exists is a certificate of live birth with two different seals on it, from 2007 and 2008, making it appear that it has been altered. In Kenya, there is talk that he was born there. A quote from the since withdrawn cabinet appointee, Governor Richardson of New Mexico, stated, "Obama is an immigrant..." What is going on?
I speculate that the can of worms, that would be opened at an incredibly vulnerable time for our country, is just too big to deal with, but it is also too big to hide. This explains in part why no major news media will cover this story. No one in the media dares to approach it lest they be labeled as racist as well as trouble makers!
The Internet is filled with sites featuring serious allegations and also some startling information letting people know there is a very real question about out President to be. A court case has been denied hearing several times over this very issue and just this week. Why do you suppose that is? Look at who is bringing the case to the Supreme Court. It isn't a bunch of disgruntled Republicans! Where is this going? Well, it appears that on Jan. 23 there will be a conference reveiwing the fourth case on this very issue before the Supreme Court. It is not going to go away!
Why, I ask myself, why doesn't Mr. Obama just address the issue, show the birth certificate and summarily dismiss this whole question? The silence is deafening. It appears that everyone is waiting until the swearing in is a done deal. Will he be allowed to violate the very Constitution he will swear an oath to uphold? Incredible!
Monday, January 5, 2009
No Offense Intended
So now anyone with a differing viewpoint is considered giving cause for offense? Have you noticed this behavior lately? No time to examine any value in the comment; no consideration of any facts; no questioning, just rabid reaction!
One has to ask, if no offense is intended, why are so many people ready to be offended? Can we even agree upon what is offensive? Guess we have to walk, talk and write on egg shells, so to speak. This politically correct atmosphere does not bode well for free speech.
Could it be that the offended party is actually saying more about himself/herself by loud, excessive protests of being offended. Perhaps an internal nerve is close to the surface or perhaps a button is pressed that caused a degree of guilt to begin an uncomfortable feeling in the hearer's mind.
How are we supposed to know when and to what degree we are being offensive, especially if no offense was intended on our part? I find the whole thing stifling as far as the right of free expression is concerned. So much for sharing ideas in the marketplace. Doma
One has to ask, if no offense is intended, why are so many people ready to be offended? Can we even agree upon what is offensive? Guess we have to walk, talk and write on egg shells, so to speak. This politically correct atmosphere does not bode well for free speech.
Could it be that the offended party is actually saying more about himself/herself by loud, excessive protests of being offended. Perhaps an internal nerve is close to the surface or perhaps a button is pressed that caused a degree of guilt to begin an uncomfortable feeling in the hearer's mind.
How are we supposed to know when and to what degree we are being offensive, especially if no offense was intended on our part? I find the whole thing stifling as far as the right of free expression is concerned. So much for sharing ideas in the marketplace. Doma
Saturday, January 3, 2009
New Year's Anticipation
Well, first of all, I need to explain what the name of this blog indicates. I tell people that if they disagree with what I have to say, then they can use that old phrase, "The light is on, but there's nobody home!" In other words, Doma doesn't have a clue as to what life is really about, or she is really off on this issue. However, if you happen to agree with me; like how I say something or I make you think, then this saying may come to your mind, "The light bulb is on, she's got a good idea, a good sense of the issue."
There is also the spiritual light that I believe is on in my mind through reading and studying the scriptures. I may veer away fron strictly spiritual observations, but the light remains on to ultimately guide how I see things.
Having said all of this, I want to predict a few things about the coming year based on indicators I have read about or observed. In 2009, the need to take a stand for one's faith will be apparent, but many will weaken and have to repent and go at it again. While this is always true, the pressures will be greater and the temptations to compromise, disguised as tolerance and peaceful intentions, will increase, so be aware of this fact.
What do I mean? You will be faced with situations where you know what is being said or done is wrong, according to the Lord and His word, but the culture will be saying the total opposite. If you disagree, you will be seen as intolerant or as a trouble maker, not the good peace-maker a Christian "should" be. Yes of course, "Blessed are the peace-makers..." but it is not breaking peace to stand for what is right! Keep that thought in mind. Also, tolerance does not stand in the way of truth, but rather reveals the truth so that it can be seen. Tolerance considers that there are several views of the same issue, but there are basic facts involved and these need to be examined, not denied.
Our nation's problems will not go away; they will be given new names and new remedies will be applied, that is all. I wish I could say more positive things about 2009 politically, but that's how I see it right now.There will, however, be wonderful witnessing opportunities and we have to be ready for them. Since this world is not our home, since we are passing through, we can look with joy to each new day of this coming year because the LORD's coming is ever closer or our home going is approaching. Either way we can say with Paul "To live is Christ and to die is gain." So live it brothers and sisters! Love & Prayers to all, Doma
There is also the spiritual light that I believe is on in my mind through reading and studying the scriptures. I may veer away fron strictly spiritual observations, but the light remains on to ultimately guide how I see things.
Having said all of this, I want to predict a few things about the coming year based on indicators I have read about or observed. In 2009, the need to take a stand for one's faith will be apparent, but many will weaken and have to repent and go at it again. While this is always true, the pressures will be greater and the temptations to compromise, disguised as tolerance and peaceful intentions, will increase, so be aware of this fact.
What do I mean? You will be faced with situations where you know what is being said or done is wrong, according to the Lord and His word, but the culture will be saying the total opposite. If you disagree, you will be seen as intolerant or as a trouble maker, not the good peace-maker a Christian "should" be. Yes of course, "Blessed are the peace-makers..." but it is not breaking peace to stand for what is right! Keep that thought in mind. Also, tolerance does not stand in the way of truth, but rather reveals the truth so that it can be seen. Tolerance considers that there are several views of the same issue, but there are basic facts involved and these need to be examined, not denied.
Our nation's problems will not go away; they will be given new names and new remedies will be applied, that is all. I wish I could say more positive things about 2009 politically, but that's how I see it right now.There will, however, be wonderful witnessing opportunities and we have to be ready for them. Since this world is not our home, since we are passing through, we can look with joy to each new day of this coming year because the LORD's coming is ever closer or our home going is approaching. Either way we can say with Paul "To live is Christ and to die is gain." So live it brothers and sisters! Love & Prayers to all, Doma
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