Give yourself a gift in 2013 from "His Kindness Year Round"

It's amazing to me that 2013 is here . . . . . . Praise God for a wonderful year to come!

One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is to "let it go".  Is it worth it to you to hold on to bitterness and resentment and anger?  As I've just completed reading a book regarding confronting, forgiving and moving on, it's been a tremendous reminder of what we need to do in order to free ourselves from the burden of unforgiveness.  Holding onto feelings, things, and even people that we should let go of is a heavy burden.  This does include forgiving yourself.

Imagine waking up each morning, picking up a fifty pound bag of goo and carrying it around all day, until you go to sleep that evening.  Carrying baggage of any kind is a burden.  As so is carrying around unforgiveness.  Learning to forgive doesn't mean we are excusing an activity, but forgiving for the action.  Really, truly, absolutely forgiving; letting go.

Proverbs 20:22 “Say not, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and He will save you.”

Being human, forgiving is not always easy to do.  Sometimes we “forgive”, but don’t really “let it go”.  Perhaps we’ve exchanged our fifty pound bag of goo for a twenty-five pound bag.  And being of flesh, it’s easier for me to forgive someone who has genuinely asked for forgiveness.  But what of others who don’t seem to have the ability to ever admit they are in error because they truly think they are never in error?  Or what about those who know they are in error, but come across as incapable of saying, or meaning, “I’m sorry”?  They may accept your apology, but don’t appear to realize they have caused offense also. 

We forgive anyway. 

Ah, a bit more difficult isn’t it.  But we forgive anyway.  Just as our Father has forgiven us.  And will continue to do so.

Matthew 6:14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Luke 6:35 “Be merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”

Sometimes I utilize the freedom of letting go.  And then again, I may exchange that freedom for the twenty-five or fifty pound bag of goo.  And then let it go again.  Need help with forgiving?  Ask the Lord.  He’s already given each of us the gift of forgiving others – exercise that precious gift from Him.

I am a WIP – Work In Progress.  And am thankful for God’s compassion and love and forgiveness. 

1 John 4:16 “And we have known and believed the love that God shows us. God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him.

I challenge you to study Luke 17:6 this week:

“And the Lord said, If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you say unto this sycamine tree, Be plucked up by the root, and be planted in the sea; and it should obey you.”

Let’s strive to verbally command the bitter root of one of the strongest rooted trees created and throw it into the sea, filled with salt water, which kills plants.  Destroy the root of unforgiveness with me!

Want a healthy 2013?  Want to lose a bit of weight?  Then destroy that heavy-burdened bag of unforgiveness and enjoy the freedom God wants you to have.

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

A Christmas reflection from "His Kindness Year Round"

Christmas is past and 2013 is rapidly approaching . . .

A couple of weeks ago at my parent's house, I unintentionally found a Bible from my pre and early teen years (The Children's Living Bible).  It was in God's pure divine timing I found this Bible.  The scripture is reader friendly for a teen to comprehend, yet also extremely accurate (not in story form, but actual scripture).  Just a couple of days before I found this Bible, the Lord led me to read the book of Luke.  It has been a treat to read it in my newly found Bible!

On Christmas Eve, as I began to read Luke, chapter 2, I reached for the Children's Bible.  My thoughts went back to earlier years.  In the Christmas story, it seems most kids wanted to be a majestic wise man or beaming angel or the key roles of Mary or Joseph. 

I always wanted to be a shepherd, keeper of the sheep.  I wanted to be the first to whom the angels announced the birth of our Savior. 

Luke 2:14 "'Glory to God in the highest heaven,' they sang, 'and peace on earth for all those pleasing Him.'"

The shepherds, messengers to the others of the birth of Jesus.

Luke 2:17 "The shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child."

The shepherds, praising God for seeing the baby in a manger and for their visit by angels. 

Luke 2:20 "Then the shepherds went back to their fields and flocks, praising God for the visit of the angels, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had told them."

I trust your Christmas was bright, as you celebrated the birth of our Savior; as you told others about Him; and as you praised God, the Most High, just as the shepherds years ago!

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

(Scripture from The Children's Living Bible)

Prayers and Gratitude from "His Kindness Year Round"

Blessings to you today!

Last Friday, our nation witnessed a mammoth tragedy.  The long term results of the event are beyond measure. 

I am sincerely delighted to see the out pour of love and support from our country – from financial support to prayers.  On a smaller scale, it reminds me of September 11, 2001. 

That tragic crime over a decade ago brought this nation together as one.  Our patriotism as these united states soared immensely.  Support in the form of prayers and references to the love and protection of our Savior were phenomenal.  I hoped our nation was, indeed, becoming one nation, under God.

Psalm 133:1 “How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when brothers live together in harmony!”

Unfortunately, as time lapsed, so did the spiritual acknowledgement from our people.

After a conversation last week with a dear friend who holds the same sentiments as I share, I wrote:  

“I am very grateful to see the prayers being lifted for the community of Newtown, CT during this horrific tragedy. It would be wonderful to see prayers lifted daily, in praise and thanksgiving, for all the good things in life, too.”

I genuinely am thrilled at the response of prayers being offered to our God for the community of Newtown.  I hope the unity of prayer to our Heavenly Father is long standing.  Every day, during times of calm seas and during times of choppy oceans, we should talk to our Father.  It’s okay to speak our needs because God wants us to tell Him what’s in our heart, but if you look back at the Lord’s prayer, Matthew 6:9 reads, “This, then, is how you should pray:  ‘Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name”.  In other words, acknowledge His holiness – His splendor – thank Him – PRAISE Him – love Him!  Every day should have some time of praise to our Father.  When someone converses with us on a regular basis, we want to hear about the bright moments and days as well as the trials and needs.  As I seem to recite quite frequently the past month -- Praise GOD from whom all blessings flow and to Him be the glory for great things He has done!  If today isn’t your merriest, still praise our Him.  Apparently you can be thankful for your eyesight, as you are able to read this blog . . . .

Psalm 31:21 “Praise the Lord, for He has shown me His unfailing love.”

Psalm 86:12 “With all my heart I will praise You, Oh Lord, my God.  I will give glory to Your name forever.”

My heartfelt prayers to Newtown and our nation.

(If you have not had the opportunity to hear Mike Huckabee’s three minute video about his thoughts on Newtown, CT, it’s definitely worth listening to.  You can find it on YouTube, his website, or on face book.)  

Prayerfully, with gratitude, your sister in Him,

Robin

(Coming soon in January -- the second annual "Be Extra Kind to Someone Day" . . . . !)

A Week before the Celebration from His Kindness Year Round!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

It's difficult to believe Christmas is just a week away. 

  

Years ago, the question was asked of me – If Christmas represents the celebration of the birth of Jesus, why don’t we ever have a birthday cake for Him?

As I was pondering this, thinking of the “usual” Christmas traditions of this season – Christmas trees and lights and ornaments and sending cards and giving gifts (don’t forget wrapping also) and singing carols and togetherness with friends and family and stockings and candy canes and wise men and shepherds and angels and Mary, Joseph, and the babe in swaddling clothes and then there is Santa and reindeer and etc. . . . . why have I never baked a birthday cake for our Redeemer?

It was my dear husband, Lee, who had asked me this question, almost twenty years ago.  Since that time, I have baked a birthday cake for Jesus every year.  Along with all the Christmas season goodies and desserts on December 25, there is now a birthday cake also. 

I know if there were a celebration in heaven for the Son of God, I’m sure Lee would be in the midst of it each year, since that first December in 2005.  Celebrating the birth of the Savior with the Savior!  My mind can't even imagine this sort of jubilation!

This year, Happy Birthday cake for Jesus will be a Chocolate Chip Cake, with powdered sugar sprinkled on top . . . . . .

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

We love you!

Please remember the true reason of the season, and praise, glorify, honor and celebrate Jesus!

Luke 2:8-16 “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”  When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”  So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.  But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Prayerfully, your sister in Him!

Robin

Singing a Psalm from "His Kindness Year Round"

Merry Christmas season!

Psalm 23:1a “The Lord is my Shepherd”

Several weeks ago, I began to silently recite the 23rd Psalm.  I kept getting ‘stuck’ on the first verse.  I could almost hear David playing his lyre and singing the Psalms.

“The Lord is my Shepherd” . . . . that means I am a sheep.  He knows His sheep by name and cares for us above the highest level possible to man.  He protects, guards, and keeps us safe.

As I repeated the verse . . . . the Lord is MY shepherd.  Not A shepherd -- but MY shepherd. The sheep know the voice of a shepherd.  They (we) are somewhat helpless and can’t take care of themselves well.  Sometimes they can’t find their own pastures or water. Sheep are very dependent on the shepherd, and good shepherds never leave their sheep alone. God knows each of us -- loves us for who we are. At the cross, the Good Shepherd gave up His life for his lambs.

As I continued to recite the rest of the Psalm, I was reminded of the greatness of our God . . . .

His provision in all situations;

His comfort in all circumstances; 

His guidance as He leads, giving us His Word as a guide book and the Holy Spirit as a guide; 

His restoration of our souls;

His walk with us, through the shadows, to the Light;

His offering of faith over any fear;

His supply of a rod to protect us and a cane-like staff to keep us from going astray;

His bounteous table set before us in front of our enemies -- a table of health and joy and peace and strength and purpose and love and victory;

His honor of anointing us, His chosen ones, with oil;

All this, as He overflows our cups . . . . not running out of mercy or grace or hope or love, welcoming us into His Kingdom;

His goodness and mercy following us;

As we “will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” 

John 14:2-3 “In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” 

2 Corinthians 1:3 "All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us."

1 Chronicles 16:34 "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  His faithful love endures forever."

As His child, He will personally take you with Him to His eternal home.  God will be with you on earth, through pain and illness and suffering and trials and grief and fatigue and fear and disappointment and loneliness and dark days -- we are with Him. Before you were born, He had already claimed you and reserved your room in heaven -- a room with your name on it. Life on this earth IS temporary.  We are here for a short time in comparison to our home in eternity.  Live preparing for your heavenly home.

Take time in this busy season to enjoy the Good Shepherd today!

Prayerfully, your sister sheep in Him,

Robin

All Ye Faithful Ones from "His Kindness Year Round"

Merry Christmas season to you!

Genesis 15:6 “And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord declared him righteous because of his faith.”

During the Thanksgiving holidays, I began listening to the Christmas music radio stations have begun to play.  It took me back to a time almost seven years ago.  I sat in the hospital chair, as my husband lay unconscious in the bed beside me.    

Each night, a local chorus would come and sing Christmas carols.  One particular, cold December evening, a group came by, singing “Silent Night”.  As I did each night, I sang along very softly with them.  When they finished the song, the leader of the small group asked if there was a particular song I’d like to hear.  Without even hesitating, I replied, “O Come All Ye Faithful”.  Immediately after speaking, I wondered why I’d asked for that song.  It wasn’t among my ‘favorites’ as far as Christmas carols.  It was not a song Lee cherished for any reason.  Why didn’t I suggest “Joy to the World” or “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”? 

There have been many occasions each Christmas season since that year that I have wondered why I selected that song.  Obviously, rather than being an insignificant moment to forget a song selection, it has been a request I’ve remembered.  But most importantly, I still ponder why I chose that particular song.

Just a few days ago on Thanksgiving evening, I mulled over that same thought – why “O Come All Ye Faithful”?  The past decade, more specifically the past few years and even more specifically, the past six months, I’ve experienced such a growth in my faith and trust in our Heavenly Father.  Dependence upon Him.  Direction from Him.  Obedience from trust and faith in Him does bring God’s blessings, in His timing. 

John 5:24 “I assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life.”

The Holy Spirit spoke on Thanksgiving evening:  ‘O come all ye faithful’.  The song was for me.  Now I know why I singled out “O Come All Ye FAITHFUL”.  FAITHFUL.  As I was getting ready to embark upon the most life changing event of my life thus far, I was already being reminded to be faithful.  This was the beginning of the great stepping out in faith experience of my life.  Have faith.  Trust Him.  Believe in the Almighty.  Think and speak God’s desires for you and hold them in your heart.  Believe!  Persevere.  Prevail!  Because of Him.  And be thankful!  To God be the glory!  ADORE Him as He should be esteemed.  Our Christ the King!

“O come all ye faithful,

Joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him,

Born the King of Angels;

O come, let us adore Him

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

Christ the Lord!”

Expect.  Believe.  Receive, all ye faithful ones!

God loves us.  The maker of the stars would rather have His son die for you than to live without you.  That’s a powerful love.  

I hope you will take the time today to read Psalm 91. 

Psalm 91:11 “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;” 

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

Today is from "His Kindness Year Round"

Thanksgiving blessings to all!

We have all heard, or said, "Today (tomorrow) is the first day of the rest of your life."

Psalm 118:24 "This is the day the Lord has made; let us REJOICE and be glad in it."

In recent months, I've realized every day is the first day of the rest of my life.  Each day is a new day with 24 hours to use as life determines and we choose.  Each day brings new life.  Each day brings new beginnings.  Each day, our Heavenly Father has given us new mercies and strength.  As I was recently reading from Rick Renner's "You Can Get Over It", 'You don't have to live today with the residual effect of what the devil did to you yesterday.  But it's time to move on and let the past be the past.'

All our todays and tomorrows are in God's hands.  We cannot change anything that happened yesterday or anything we did yesterday or anything someone else did yesterday.  We have today.  Today to grow and learn in the Lord.  Today to live to glorify Him.  Ya didn't like yesterday?  Today is new.  Like today!

Philippians 1:6 "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion."

I recognize it may seem easy to say “like” today.  But in actuality, we have to train our thoughts and our hearts and our spoken words to believe the new and not believe and declare the old.  It’s a process, which begins one step at a time.

When we feel life has so many changes occurring at once, we need to hold onto the constant, never changing Heavenly Father.  We learn further to depend upon Him and to follow His will for your life.  Not anyone else's will, but His will.  We listen to His direction.  Oh yes, you will have trials and you will have tests.  The enemy will try to tempt you.  Those things are stated in His Word and you know they will happen.  Be prepared.

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

Psalm 138:8 "The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me."

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.  And when tomorrow arrives, it will be the first day of the rest of your life.  Make a choice to live it God's way.  Speaking from recent situations in my personal life, His way -- His timing -- always THE way. 

Colossians 1:16-17 "All things were created through Him and for Him.  He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and weekend, giving thanks to Him who does bring forth all blessings, giving glory to Him for the great things He has done, and will continue to do. 

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin