Lord, lift up the light of your countenance upon us.   {Psalm4:6}   For you alone, O Lord, make us dwell in safety.  {Psalm 4:8}


There is a huge difference between darkness and light, and there really isn't any way to compare it to anything else. When you sit in the sun, you know it, even with your eyes closed! The darkness is the absence of light, and you certainly know that as well. When the goodness of God touches our lives, we see his face, His countenance, and we are changed. The Bible tells us that no one can see the Father unless the Holy Spirit first draws us. It all originates with His desire to love us, and make Himself known.

Trust in the Lord, with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.     {Proverbs 3:5-6}  Our safety only comes from Him! It is a glorious truth! Who, but our gracious Lord and Savior will shelter us under His wing. It doesn't always feel that way, but this is the Word of God. Our feelings lie to us, but the Word of the Lord stands forever. Don't be moved by this report, or that report, for the Lord Our God endures forever.

Let me tell you about my friend Marian. We met about 20 years ago, when my family moved to Stony Brook. Around the corner lived two sisters who went to my church, SGT. Margaret was the first one I met. I remember pushing my HUGE double stroller down the street, feeling the world on my shoulders, when Margaret saw me and came out. She told me that she had  an amazing time of worship and prayer and that Jesus was wonderful! It stunned me, and then I realized how off  my attitude had been! I still think of that scenerio with fond memories.

As time went by, I met Margaret's sister, Colleen, who lived down the road a piece. She was a young mother like me, as well as a nurse. She spoke about the Lord all the time, and said, " You have got to meet our sister Marian, she is so wonderful, we know you would really like her." Colleen, like her sister Marian, always has the Word of the Lord on her mind. Soon my oldest son was ready for school, and Marion's children, Margaret's and Colleen's all rode the bus with my little Rudy. I was so amazed by these sisters who loved one another, and took care of each other's children.

When I met Marian, I could see why her sisters adored her. She was happy, friendly and loving, and spoke about Jesus as if He were in the room with us. She told everyone she met about God's love for them. Every time I saw her, she greeted me as if I were a long lost friend, and she always had a story about something God had done for her. She made me feel special, as if no one else mattered. Always real, always consistent in her love of God!

She suffered for 13 years with breast cancer, and succumbed to this nasty evil just a few days ago. One would never know during that time that she was sick. She went for years without a symptom, and was never concerned for herself. She asked me about a year ago if I would go with her to the local University to witness to the students there. My husband said it wouldn't be a good idea, and that we probably would be arrested. I don't think that would have concerned her at all.

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. "            {Matthew 5:14-15}NIV


Here we are with another set of windows. I like these because they are open, and they feel inviting, you can almost feel the breeze as it  gently blows the curtains away from the frame. You can tell that they are at the top of the building because of the design above the window. They are set on a "hill" in a way. Without these windows this room would be a sorry place to live. Confinement behind walls will never do for any of us.

Our eyes are a lamp for our bodies. What we allow them to fix on, will determine our reach. If we ponder the Word of God with our eyes, light and health will be our destiny. We will be able to give to others that which they long for, everlasting life! We don't reach anyone if our sight is on ourselves or others. Jesus if the longing of every heart, whether they know it, or not.

Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knowledge; For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; Let them all be fixed upon your lips So that your trust may be in the Lord; I have instructed you today, even you. Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge, That you may answer words of truth To those who send you?                    { Proverbs 22:17- 21}



What do you think of when you see a window? There are so many, of various sizes and shapes, some are old and broken, and some are shiny and new. I like this one, because it is grand, and pointing to heaven. It reminds me of a time when the majesty of God was felt by young and old, and sometimes that caused fear of God instead of worship. A window brings light, where it would not be otherwise.

I think of the line from The Sound of Music, when Maria says," When God shuts a door, He always opens a window!" What windows are opening for you this day? What exciting and new adventure does God have for you? Maybe you haven"t found yours yet, but keep looking! It can't be far away!

                                                                                                                                June 22, 2016

The Lord spoke to us at prayer today. He said, be still and know that I am God. We can be pulled in so many directions at the same time. If you listen to the news on television, or internet, you get a very different feeling about the world. There is nothing peaceful or serene in our world today. Jesus beckons us to come, sit down and talk a while. Tell me how you feel, pour out your complaint. He is God Almighty, but yet He hears the most silent cry! He wants us to lean on Him. That is why He died for us, so that we wouldn't have to shoulder the ugly, harsh evil of this world. We were not created to carry this. He already did it!

Don't get excited about politics or the craziness of society, because you have the answer inside of you if you are a christian. Allow God to fill you with his unmerited love so that it will pour out onto some very needy soul, who hasn't got a clue. Be a fountain where the thirsty can come and be refreshed. Sometimes it will be a smile to some passerby. A simple act of kindness, that no one expected. Oh Ann, that isn't going to help much. Our problems are so much greater! Yes, but if we do what God has called us to do, even in the simple things, He will give us greater things. Watch and see what God can do with a few fisherman, oh I mean, ladies who are on fire!

Known to God from eternity are all His works.      {Acts 15:18}

There are times when I ask the Lord to do something, and when He does, I get upset because I don't see how what He did could be the right thing? He just can't win with me! I so want to be the one in control, orchestrating everything, because mother knows best, right? Wrong.  Jesus, in His infinite wisdom knows from the beginning to the end, and then some. He knows better than we could ever dream of. When I let go of whatever I'm holding on to at the moment, He comes through with what is best.

This is my golden retriever, Buddy. If you let him, he will lick you all over. He's sweet, lovable and gentle, unless you try to pat one of my other dogs. He wants complete control. He will stand over my west highland terrier and Yorkshire terrier to get attention. Don't even think about giving a treat to someone else, because he will step right in. Do I resemble Buddy to God, when I try to step in and tell Him what to do? No! I hope not! Maybe this picture will remind me not to be so presumptuous in my judgements about how and why God does what He does.  Could it be that in the everydayness of life we forget who it is we are talking to? Forgive me, Lord. I give you praise!

                                                                                                                               June 20, 2016
For since the beginning of the world Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, Nor has the eye seen any God besides You, Who acts for the one who waits for Him.       { Isaiah 64:4}

Today is the beginning of summer, according to the calendar. For me, summer began when my flowers started to grow, and I went to the beach a few weeks ago. Once the temperature is over 80, I declare summer is here! Now that school is out you can't hold me back. I love the sunshine and the clear blue sky, which we don't always see on Long Island because of the humidity, but today is a clear sky day. One feels as if they can touch heaven, or maybe see it if you are short!

We may not see God with our eyes, but we sure know He is near. All of creation declares, He is here! He is here! Men have never seen anyone like our God! He is here! The bible tells us, "The heavens declare the glory of God," and this is only a tiny sliver of what our eternity will be like. A tiny glimpse of life with Jesus! Trust Him, it will be worth it all, and then some, and some more!