Tag Archives: Joy

Into Every Hand

27 Nov

Into every person’s hand,

God brings life.

Sometimes they are the children of our passion;

Sometimes the children of our compassion;

Sometimes the hopes and dreams of our soul.

.

And with the honor comes obligation;

to breathe truth, to breathe love,

to breathe hope, to breathe light,

into that life.

.

With the guard of ministering angels, life can grow.

But tempted by the guard of the fallen,

they find anger, they find strife,

they embrace perversion.

.

We choose their angels, in their toddler years;

They choose their angels, in their teens;

All choose again, in the maturing of life.

.

Where have we sent them, these precious lives?

What have we shown them?

What example have we set?

.

Do the angels of our light,

war with the angels of their darkness;

Or do the angels of our darkness,

strive to drive away the angels of their light?

.

Into every hand, God places the gift of life.

Some are the children of our passion;

Some are the children of our compassion;

Some are the hopes and dreams,

of our soul.

Written By Linda J. Humes

10-11-98

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Dear Friends

25 Oct

”Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

We all have memories; some wonderful, some good, some bad, some nightmare grade. We don’t dwell on those memories, unless we get together with family and friends and the “remember when\s” start up. Once in a while something triggers a memory that takes you back; a smell, a touch, a glance at something similar, or maybe a dream.

I was looking at my one bookcase of books and study materials that remain in my small home. Books have always been dear friends to me. They took me away on incredible adventures, or to a world I would never be able to see in person. They answered questions that no one nearby could reasonably explain. They helped me see into the heart, mind or soul of a person, place or event; some imaginary, some real. They inspired me to think!

If it was a story book or a poetry book, the pages had to stay clean and unwrinkled. No folded corners or marks, except for a date on the front page indicating when I had read it, and my name and address if I had loaned it out. If it was a study book, the pages would be highlighted and notes in the columns and sides of the page of thoughts to remember. Notes to teach from, notes to write from. Books – dear friends and precious teachers.

Those memories that I spoke of are the root of every writer’s story. The memory that started this piece was how much I loved the first day of school. Stepping through the classroom door and smelling the fresh coat of wax on the floor, the stack of freshly sharpened pencils, the inky smell of the tan/brown paper with stout royal blue lines, and a new textbook. The first thing I would do is open the book and put my face deep into the pages, breathing in the rich printing press smell. Dear friends that take me far away from the trials and the challenges of today and into a place of hope and promise. Dear friends that took me places I could not go to and taught me things I did not know.

A little over a year ago I moved into the smallest house I’ve had. I made the decision not to keep a library. I kept my one bookcase of materials to teach and counsel from. I have been on an incredible faith journey since March 1988, when I met Jesus in an intimate and personal way. Books have helped me along the way.

I thank you Lord, for the words you have placed in people’s hearts to share with the world. Words they may never realize made a difference in the lives of others. Words of a tale, words of a concept, words of history, or words of encouragement, helping us to step forward a little stronger every day. Thank you, I am truly grateful.

——– Update:

Since this writing in 2012 I have moved into a much smaller home – and rebuilt my library. Not as large as it once was, but delightfully larger, and hope to build bookcases in my second bedroom to accommodate these books and more to come!!!

Written by Linda J. Humes

10-21-2012

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You Covered Me

28 Jul

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV

God, this season has been the most difficult season of my life, But You covered me.

When scripture verses made no sense and chapters were just blurred words on a page, You reminded me that they never change, are never returned void, are always “Yes” and “Amen.”

When I searched for answers, only to find confusion and frustration, You sent me the right words through the voice of another.

When the weakness and fatigue overwhelmed me and all I could do was sleep or rest in my chair, I felt Your strong arms as You held me.

When loneliness started to creep in and I wondered what I had done to cause You to abandon me, You showed me that You were right there with me, every moment of every day.

When the illness made me doubt my faith, and all I know to be true, You wiped my tears and held me closer.

As I get stronger I can see the many miracles you provided along this journey, I am so grateful.

How do I thank a mighty God who holds a universe in His hands and knows the needs of every falling sparrow? By being an instrument of Your love. Knowing that You will always be there, Covering Me.

—

Written by Linda J. Humes

5-16-18

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The Flame Inside

13 Feb

“And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”   Acts 2:3-4

 

The flame that glows inside my soul speaks endless words:

  • Words of Joy for the brokenhearted,
  • Words of Peace for those caught in turmoil,
  • Words of Healing for those who suffer,
  • Words of Hope for those in despair,
  • Words of Patience for those who strive,
  • Words of Kindness for those who have suffered at the hands and words of others,
  • Words of Gentleness for those who have lived through trauma,
  • Words of Self-Control for those torn by addictions,
  • Words of Goodness to those who have felt the pains of rejection,
  • Words of Faithfulness for those who have been betrayed,
  • And Words of Love for every soul, young and old, pleasant and tormenting, with a deeper portion for the most unlovable.

 

Lord God, give me the power to unleash the flame,

Growing it large enough to cover every need with Warmth and Grace.

 

Let my words flow with the gift of Life.

Use Me . . . . .

————

Written by Linda J. Humes on 2-13-2018

Published 2-18-2018

Republished 10-13-2021

Republished 6-26-2022

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Musings From A Princess Bed

6 Jul

I was awakened by a bright light coming through the curtains. It was the moon, brighter than I had ever seen before. 4:00 AM!

“Good Morning Lord! Speak to me, why have you awakened me with the moon?”

“It’s time to write My daughter,” He said.

We shared a sweet time of prayer and reflection. I walked outside, the scripture echoed inside of me, “To him that made great lights: for His mercy endureth forever. The sun to rule by day: for His mercy endureth forever: The moon and stars to rule by night: for His mercy endureth forever:” Psalm 136:7-9

His Mercy Endureth Forever!! Selah!!

 We all begin new journeys. Some journeys are amazing. Some journeys are enlightening. Some journeys are very difficult. All journeys help us grow, in one way or another. We can grow spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and (ahem!) physically!! And some journeys are . . . well . . . adventures in disguise!!

I have been on so many journeys in my lifetime. I like to believe that we all begin a new journey every year on our birthday, those are the journeys of home and growth, entwined with dreams and planning for the future. But then there are those journeys that sort of begin without warning and take you to places that test you to the very core. I started one of those journeys several months ago; walk with me for a while!

The Journey Begins

I sold my home in Snowflake, AZ in March of 2021. I felt that I had received a fair price for my home, I had taken very good care of it and it was on a nice piece of land. I had to rehome some of my farm animals; I won’t kid you, that was very hard. I had all of the possessions at my home moved to Chino Valley, AZ where I planned to purchase another home and settle into the last home I will purchase (Note: I told myself that on the last 2 purchases too). What I didn’t understand was that the homes in Snowflake were much less expensive than the homes in Chino Valley and surrounding cities, and to purchase a home here of the quality I had there would be $100,000 more than I received for my home there. 

I hadn’t found a home to purchase before I left Snowflake and there weren’t any meeting my needs up for sale. My time was fast approaching to leave my home in Snowflake and go . . . where??  I posted on Facebook and asked everyone in the area to keep their eyes open for me as I was soon going to be in quite a predicament with 4 dogs and a 20 pound cat and only my van to stay in.  All my possessions were in 2 storage lockers, one in Chino Valley and one in Snowflake. 

A dear friend contacted me and said that I could stay with her. I kept reminding her of my fur family and she said it was okay. As the days approached I would text her every day and ask again if it was ok, the answer was always yes. I really don’t think she understood exactly what she was getting into. All of my animals are rescues and very nervous with change and new people. They sleep as close as they can get to me and never leave my side during the day.  Thankfully, since they have all been in shelters and around a lot of other animals they were good with the new environment and the additional cats and dogs when I arrived. What a blessing that was. 

My new temporary home was a 10’ x 10’ bedroom, minus a door. There was plenty of room for the floor blankets and suitcases and 2 pet carriers. The interesting part of the room was that the only bed was a princess bed. Yep, hand built by the lady of the house for her young daughter. This princess bed was to be my place of rest for the next several months. 

I learned a lot while sleeping in that bed! Let me share some of those “Musings” with you. Place yourself in that setting and smile with me on this journey.

The Unique Qualities of Sleeping in a Princess Bed!!

There is a definite stacking order when getting fitted into the princess bed. Largest participant should be first (that’s me), then the next sized participant (that’s my 20 lb cat), and then the smallest – my little 4 pound dog, Joseph Moses! He often gets moved around until we all fit like puzzle pieces, and once installed NO ONE MOVES;mostly because we don’t want to squish Joseph Moses. There are railings all the way around the Princess bed and there isn’t any chance of anyone falling out! I guess that’s good – right?? Poor Joe.  **sigh**

When you have dogs they always want to be right next to you – when you eat, when you watch a movie, when you write and especially when you sleep. It is complicated enough to get out of a princess bed at my age, let alone have the only exit blocked by 3-4 dogs at any given time! **sigh**  All Princess Beds should come with servants to help you get in and out!

I think I need a big Princess hat (the pointy one with tulle dangling) and Princess shoes (the ones with the curled up toes)! Wait! Uummm, maybe not – Scratch that!!

When you climb into a princess bed you can feel every bruise, scratch and “ouchie” on your hands, wrists and knees. Being the graceful grandma that I am, face-planting is not unusual! I have lots of experience in yipping “ouch” with every inch across the bed to the top. **sigh**  I think I need to consider a bubble-wrap suit.

Pain is still pain in a Princess bed. It isn’t better, it isn’t worse, it just is. Physical, emotional or psychological pain doesn’t give way to how fancy your bed is, it just doesn’t. I guess that’s just for the fairytales!

I have discovered that trying to sleep with all those pillows in the corner of the Princess bed is not as easy as it seems it might be. I start out on top of all the pillows and end up underneath them all. Not sure what happens in the middle of the night to end up with that result. I generally wake up early in the morning (blame the dogs dancing around) with a Trump hairdo!! Yay! Actually, he wears it much better than I do. **sigh**

I went to get my haircut so it would actually look nice and found out that all hair cutting personnel are not created equal!! In this area of the world it took 2 different hair stylists and 3 tries, to attempt to make something of my mop. The first one did such a bad job that the second one threw up her hands after a half hour and said “That’s the best I can do!” Note to self, may be time to look into wigs for such a time as this!!  **sigh**  I am definitely not princess material!!

Dreams don’t change in a Princess bed. You don’t dream of Knights or castles or dragons, or even of a handsome prince. You still have the crazy dreams you always had that rarely made sense. But, if you blame it on the bed others will likely nod in agreement, because, most likely, they don’t have anything to compare it to. I guess that can be good! Right?

There’s a silver cherub face glued to the wall opposite the wall with the Princess bed. It appears to be blowing silver stars across the wall. If you shine a flashlight on it in the dark it reflects up and the stars glow on the ceiling. That makes me smile every time. Why do I have a flashlight in bed? Because the light switch is on the same side of the room as the cherub face. **sigh**

If you think changing sheets on a regular bed is a pain, try changing sheets on a Princess bed where the mattress is wedged in so tight that you have to really manipulate the sheet to get it to go between the rails and the mattress. Consequently most of the sheet and covers lay on top of the mattress and on those “toss and turn” nights (everyone must turn in unison) all the covers end up in a big pile in the middle of the bed. Poor Joe – he’s usually at the bottom of the pile somewhere.

Must I even bring up the issues of drinking too much water before bed and having to get up and visit the “facility” in the middle of the night?!?!?! **sigh**  I didn’t think so.

One nice thing about sleeping in a Princess bed is that you actually have 2 roofs over your head! So in the event that we ever get rain (it is Arizona after all) and it leaks through the first roof, I have a little more protection! Maybe. HHHmmmm????

Getting in and out of a Princess bed is the biggest challenge of sleeping in one. There are 2 possible methods: Crawling across on your hands and knees and scooting across on your behind. Crawling can be hard at this age, but scooting can be quite embarrassing if you aren’t careful (literally). I generally crawl. Enough said!

Shiloh, my biggest dog (130 pounds) has always awakened me by licking my toes, which generally stick out at the end of the covers. One morning was quite cold and I had pulled up into a ball to stay warm under the covers. Shiloh “had to go!” What’s a dog to do??? In she hopped and started digging in the covers to find my toes! Nothing like slimy toes at 4 in the morning. UUGGHH!! Plus a quick retreat to the yard to solve the original issue. Really looking forward to a yard with a fence and a gate! **sigh**

Sleeping in a Princess bed doesn’t automatically make you a Princess. If it did I would have control of the Mariachi music playing at 2am almost every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If it did I wouldn’t have to do a daily pooper scoop of the dog doo!! If it did I wouldn’t have to do any chores. No, sleeping in a Princess bed definitely doesn’t make you a Princess. I still think it should come servants. 

What do I love about sleeping in a Princess bed? I get to be close to my dear friends. I get to look for my new home in person instead of online. I have a place to live and have all of my dogs and Cat (that’s his name – Cat) with me. And most of all, I get to attend a church that I have missed so much for 10 years and it is still so on fire for Jesus that you can almost see the flames on top of the church building. And that makes sleeping in a Princess bed all worthwhile.

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WHICH SIDE

17 Sep

He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Matthew 12:30 KJV

✝

When tempests boil and turn,

This way and that,

Uprooting all you find sacred,

All you find worthy –

On which side of the cross do you rest?

✝

When your thoughts are so strained,

Facts threaten your hope,

Doubts threaten your faith –

On which side of the cross do you rest?

✝

When your family and friends,

Dwell on sorrows and pain,

Straining joy,

Stretching joy,

Quenching joy –

On which side of the cross do you rest?

✝

When you’ve let promise down,

To the ones that you love,

To yourself,

To your dreams –

On which side of the cross do you rest?

✝

Do you curse and cry out,

Blaming God in the dusk,

Screaming “why” in self-pity,

In pride?

✝

Or do you lay yourself down,

At the foot of the cross,

And rest in His promise,

His love?

✝

Written 6-20-1998

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THE TRIAL

17 Sep

“In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” Psalm 18:6 KJV

※

I couldn't pray today,

The words wouldn't form in my heart.

※

The Scripture made no sense,

Blocks of words and numbers.

※

I didn't know who to call,

It all seemed so confusing.

※

Crying out - Lord,

What to do,

What to do.

※

Simple words,

A simple sacred sacrifice.

※

I praise You, Lord,

I thank You for this trial.

※

Then, in a moment,

The miracle occurred.

※

It was Joy,

In the height of the storm,

It was Joy.

 

 

 

※   Written  9-1-1991

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TO BE 50

17 Sep

Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and depise not thy mother when she is old. 

Proverbs 23:22 KJV

❤

Oh, what enjoyment to be 50.

At the stroke of midnight,

I went from rebellious to eccentric,

Opinionated to wise,

Distant to decisive.

❤

I’ve seen the joy of a new century,

And remember the fear of nuclear fall-out.

❤

Saw a man walk on the moon,

Which disproved a childhood belief,

That the moon was a ball of green cheese.

❤

I’ve seen skirts go up, and down, and up again,

And pants that bell, then snuggle, and bell again.

❤

I’ve started a life without TV

And now enjoy home theatre,

In my own living room.

❤

I started with out-houses,

And ended up with 2 wonderful bathrooms,

One totally “Mickey” and one totally “Sports”.

As long as the water continues to go down,

And not come back up,

They can stay in the house.

❤

I’ve grown up to big bands,

Country/Western,

Folk Songs,

Rock & Roll,

And Rap.

I’ve heard it loud, I’ve heard it soft

– I prefer it soft.

❤

I’ve seen my children born and grow,

Laugh and cry.

❤

I’ve seen things that were once

So important to me,

Rest in boxes headed for a thrift shop.

❤

I’ve found the value of a 2-hour nap,

And the treasure of eating out.

❤

I still love reading a good book,

While sitting in front of a warm fire,

If it’s winter.

A cool air conditioner,

If it’s summer.

And out on the deck if it’s spring.

❤

Have I changed?

Maybe a little over the years.

But, I still wear Mickey Mouse shirts

And Eeyore overalls.

❤

I have overindulged in surrounding myself

With pets,

Still treasure my family,

And covet my “free” time.

❤

What has changed?

The way you look at me.

❤

I slipped quietly into the next level of life,

And it made this wild ole’ grandma acceptable,

With just the stroke of a clock.

❤

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be accepted

Without having to grow old?

 

❤  Written 11-28-2000

 

❤  Wow!  That was 20 years ago!!!

Other than longer naps,

nothing much has changed!!  ❤

 

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Pandemic 2020 – What Should You Do??

12 Jul

Coronavirus: What is a pandemic? - CBBC Newsround

 

So, I am going to share a little of my point of view. Folks are sharing posts saying that they believe the Rapture is almost here – I disagree. I firmly believe Genesis 50:20 – “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

Yes, these times have been hard and even a bit unfair – but God!!

* How many times in years past have you said that you wished your family was all together for meals? Able to spend time together playing games and just talking? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

* How many times have you prayed to God for more time to pray, seek, read the Bible and study? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

* How many times did you say that you wished you had time to try new recipes or start canning or make a bunch of different sorts of desserts? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

* How many times have you said (or thought) that you wish you had more time to connect with distant family and friends – send a card, send a letter, start a texting conversation? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

* How many times did you wish that you had time to start a backyard garden or repot house plants or start a new hobby that you have always wanted to start? This gave you that opportunity – did you take it?

I understand the oppression and depression that has come with this time of our lives, I really do – I fell right in with everyone else. I had to stop watching the news on TV. I had to block pages on my FB that was FB spamming all sorts of negative things. I had to tell myself to get out of bed and make a difference in this chaos!

What can YOU do? Get out a piece of paper. Make a list of all of the things that you wished you could have done in the past, but never had the time to do.

* If you don’t have the supplies for some of the, post a note on FB or the Online Yard Sales for supplies for – for instance – painting. Make a note that you needs inexpensive supplies – I bet folks will send them to you for free or for very little. You would be surprised at the number of people who will step up along side you – because – well – they are in the same pandemic as you !! Also, the dollar stores always have a small section of crafting supplies for really cheap – then as you get better you won’t mind spending a little extra on good supplies.

* Send an encouraging email – or MEME on FB – or a text message to someone every day! Doesn’t have to be the same person, just pray and see who God puts on your heart.

* Read a new book – lots of your friends will give you suggestions of great books to read, I have seen it over and over again lately.

* Bake that dessert!! YUM.

* Google a recipe for something you have always wanted to try – you will get a dozen hits! Read through to the ones that find your fancy and give it a shot.

* Build that tent fort in the living room and gather the family for story time or desserts or old fashioned kids songs or ??? Well, just take a nap!!

* Get that Bible out and a good Bible Study (hundreds are online) and a good “read the Bible in an year plan” – And Get Started!!

* – Your Turn: Put suggestions in the comments below – be “G rated” please.

What are you waiting for. What if you find out that there are actually wonderful things you can do while locked in at home. Yes, it is scary at times. Yes, financial burdens can be overwhelming. Yes, it isn’t always fun being alone.

SO WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?!?!?!?!

I am praying blessing over you. I am praying an enhanced imagination over you. I am praying peace over you. I am saying “Seize the time!” Refuse to live in fear. Refuse to live in depression. Refuse to live in oppression. Make every day count.

Feel free to share!

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HOLD US CLOSE

12 Apr

“And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?”  Luke 24:32

…

 

We come to you, Oh, Lord,

Our hearts we open wide,

Sweet angels guide us home,

Through prayer we’re safe inside.

…

Keep hunger in our souls,

Sweet fillings every day,

We’ll gently teach your Word,

And live you ways.

…

Please hold us close, Oh, Lord,

The way is dark and steep,

We comfort in Your love,

With joy we weep.

…

Please walk with us, Oh Lord,

You’ve sent us to the world;

Their lives are dark and lost,

We’re here to stop their hurt.

…

Put mercy in our souls,

Your perfect love we seek;

For danger stands nearby,

Each time we speak.

…

We represent Your truths,

Our Joy must never dim;

That all may want to know,

The peace within.

…

 

We drink Your word, Oh Lord,

Our hearts and souls are filled.

Your teachings guide our steps,

Our fears and hurts are stilled.

…

We come in daily prayer,

Our vigils never cease.

We gladly intercede,

To bring our brothers peace.

…

Please guide each step, Oh Lord,

To keep our witness true,

Your Spirit lights our path,

Each faithful step renews.

 

 

Written 9-3-91 as a song

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