Well Mary, I'm a faithful reader if not a replier.  =)  Haven't missed a post in months!  Lately I've been getting up early (4th watch) so I like the early posts.  Here on the Christianity forum of course there aren't many daily posts, so you're not missing late readers.  You may be onto something though to delay posting to the main forum or the other large ones.

I am expecting wonderful things, but not expectant yet.  Or is that expectant but not expecting?  Whatever--you know what I mean, and I thank you for the continued prayers!

By the way, I neglected to mention earlier that I enjoyed the info on eagles.  The scripture in Isaiah that you quoted is a favorite of mine.

Take care,
Vickie

Hi Mary,

I do enjoy your Flashback devotions, and your song picks are always good.  It's nice to know that you are human like the rest of us.  Sometimes I wonder if you're not really an angel in disguise. =)

I'm sorry to hear of the struggles that you had with your daughter, but glad to hear that the relationship is doing better now.

Have a beautiful weekend.

Vickie

Hi, Everyone.
I hope you're enjoying these Flashback Friday devotions and the songs that I sometimes send along with them. It's frustrating for me, if I read about a song and don't know it or don't have a way to hear it.
When I taught high school English, I always tried to utilize all 5 senses, when presenting a lesson in literature. The kids loved that. If I had you, my OH friend, in my living room, I'd sit you down in a recliner, cover you with a warm blanket, where you could read this devotion and watch and listen to the video song, all while sipping a fragrant cup of piping-hot sugar-free cocoa.
Today's devotion is from my personal journal dated May 4, 2007, and will let you know how "normal" I am.
Have a great weekend, and on Monday we'll continue in the Life Plan Devotional, with a new biblical promise. :)

Flashback Friday Devotion #26

     I woke up this morning just plain WEARY. I'm tired physically, from not having slept much lately and because it's a "wonderful time to be a woman." [So what, exactly, do men go through?] More than that, though, I'm unbelievably sad about this situation with my younger daughter, how she "hates" me [translate that as she's under conviction by the Holy Spirit and can't stand it] and has vowed that I will never see my grandchildren again. I ache to talk to my only granddaughter. We might go weeks without seeing each other, but we'd at least talk on the phone.
     Pastor Scott and I met today. I knew I needed to talk about my daughter, and I knew we'd pray together about her need and other needs. It was a sweet time, as always.
Update: June 5, 2007  I have not been able to talk to my daughter yet, but last night I was able to talk to my grandchildren, on the phone. It was wonderful, and I'm believing that God will restore my relationship with my daughter, for "with God all things are possible."
Update: Nov. 26, 2007  My daughter and I have talked on the phone several times, and she and the kids ate Thanksgiving Dinner with us. I praise God for the work He has done and is doing.
     On the drive home, from meeting with Pastor Scott, I told the Lord again that I'm "weary," and He gave me Isaiah 40:29-31, "He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youth grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."
     In the past, when I felt weary, I'd snack on something sweet or something salty...preferably both. While it seemed to "pick me up" momentarily, it didn't really help. Even now, I still find myself temped to overeat (and sometimes do), in response to emotional triggers. Why do I do that, when I could so easily take it all to Jesus? God is so powerful. Why do I "forget" that? When things are tough, my first thought should be, "This is NO problem for my God!" and immediately turn to Him.
     I'm ready for God's way. How precious of Him to remind me that when I am weary, God's power can strengthen me. When I am weak, God's power can empower me. I just have to wait...wait in His presence. That's just what I'm going to do right now.
Later:  The song, They That Wait Upon the Lord, came to mind, so I listened to it and sang along with it. That led me to read up on eagles. While there is much information I could write, about eagles, I'll just write down two things. 1) Eagles are the only birds who fly above a storm. 2) When an eagle gets old or has feathers that are damaged beyond repair, the eagle will fly to a high, safe place, pull out all its feathers, and wait for new feathers to grow. After that, the eagle will leave that safe place, renewed and youthful once more. Isn't that amazing! God sure knew what He was doing, when He penned those verses in Isaiah 40.
     P.S. This has been my hardest day yet, on this "God Gain" lifestyle journey. I've been antsy, and when I get this way, I find myself either gravitating to the blues or wanting to eat. I've experienced both today. The good news is that I found the strength, by God's grace and mercy, to resist the enemy's darts. I set my timer and walked inside every 15 minutes. I read more in the book I'm reading about intimacy with the Father, I read in the Word, and I prayed in the Spirit.
     When it came time for dinner, I felt panicky, almost, because I was afraid I'd overeat. I spent some time in prayer, then ate with thanksgiving and obedience/discipline. This was by the grace and mercy of God.
     I have added this postscript to today's journal, so I won't forget how God brought me through. I am very thankful to Him.

Today, if you're feeling weary, take time to wait on the Lord. Allow Him to strengthen and empower you. If you can, watch and listen to this short video song:  http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=58c8934a5bfee9 d7a4a6

Blessings,
Mary

Thank you, Mary, for all that you do to "plump up our faith" daily.  It helps, really it does.  I know that as each of us calls on Heavenly Father for support, we receive it in abundance.  Sometimes we don't even recognize the many ways that it comes to us, but I know for certain that your presence has been an answer to prayer in my life.

Take care,
Vickie

Hi, Mary Beth.
Thank you so much for reading and replying. I am blessed that you read daily, and I praise God that He is using the Word in your heart and life. :)
Blessings,
Mary Lou Ann