Ancient Paths…

 

Ancient Paths

“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for  your souls. Jeremiah 6:16

I love this idea!  Ancient Paths, passageways, already taken… Treacherous routes of long ago, tried, tested and proved to be so overwhelmingly safe, wise and sure. We will all come to crossroads many times during our lifetime. You know, those times when life emerges unsure and senseless. When confusion, puzzlement and  overwhelmingly disagreeable feelings of  speechlessness, direction or even explanations take over. Rest assured God knows, and He will guide each of us safely through to the other side of our own unique destinations. 

 I am thankful and relieved that God so lovingly, gives me permission to just stand still during difficult times like these. Wow! I can take the time to just wait on Him to show me the way in which I am to go! He goes before me, locking doors that I would have otherwise been inclined to enter. God is not in a hurry and neither should I be in such a rush for answers and direction. Patience and trust are the big lessons here!

God wants me to not only stand still, but I am also to take action. Look. Ask. Walk! I don’t know about you but I love to look. I usually watch and observe how others fare, before I venture out. Asking? Yes, I will ask tons of questions, after all, wise counsel is a good thing, isn’t it? But walking? This is where I usually get stuck most of the time… Faith is the other biggy here guys!

The main thing is that within this verse lies a recipe for rest… Rest for your eternal soul! Clarity. Contentment. Peace! Are you at a crossroad? Wondering what in the world you going to do? Well, stand still. Look back! Observe the “Ancient Paths” of those godly ones who have gone on before you. Ask God for wisdom and submit your own judgment to that of the Spirit of God.

When you do, wisdom will come… God will shut every door except the right one for you. Trust Him! Keep moving ahead and consider that the absence of direction is an indication and evidence of His will, and that you are on His path for you after all! At just the precise moment in time, the right door will be left unlocked for you to open and enter in! You will be blessed, opportunities will follow and God will be glorified.

Together, traveling on Ancient Paths!

Vivian May Edwards

Sometimes when darkness falls, and every light’s gone out,

I wonder to what port my frail ship goes;

Although the night be long, and restless all my hours,

My distant goal, I’m sure, my Pilot knows.

Thomas Curtis Clark

 

 

Stayed upon Jehovah…

Vivian May Edwards

Stayed. What a powerful word. Stayed! Not quit, disappear or withdraw… Isn’t it amazing how God ever so gently encourages us by simply bringing to mind the things that have encouraged us so many times before? Yes, I grew up hearing this wonderful hymn by Frances Ridley Havergal, and I’ve always loved it. Lately though, I find these particular words lingering deep within my heart and mind as though they’ve decided to make their earthly abode there forever.

Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest, finding as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

So simple isn’t it? Wait. Remain. Continue! Dwell in His presence moment by moment. I don’t know about you but peace, security and safety are very important to me. I long for these just like everyone else. When peace has fled, anxiety and fear intrude into my life, my Maker gently reminds me in many ways that the only place where I will find peace, security and joy is in His presence. His heart. Hidden deeply within the very hollow of His mighty hand. Tucked safely beneath the shadow of His comforting wing…

If such is the case, let us go there together then. Ask God to show you how to abide in His presence. He will! Trust God fully, that’s all you need to do. Because when you trust God completely for everthing pertaining to your own personal life, joy will be yours as you find Him to be not partially but entirely true!

Vivian May Edwards

I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, Psalm 16: 8 & 9

When I am afraid…

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Psalm 56:3

Wow! How I remember reciting this Bible verse with my children so many

I will trust in You LORD!

 times over while we sang along with our Steve Green’s, “Hide em’ in your heart, Bible verse songs.” When I am afraid I will trust in You, trust in You, trust in You…

Now, so many years later I am finding myself struggling. Battling fear, panic, anxiety, over the situation I find myself and my family in. Yes, circumstances way beyond our control. With a brain tumor and more health challenges and disability for my husband, along with very little work, due to the economy, for our construction company of over 30 years. Hit hard? My Oh my! Now, on the brink of losing everything we’ve worked so hard for. We are facing foreclosure and bankruptcy, with not a clue about where we will go or what we are to do.

Tears? So many tears. Whispers from up above? O yes!  Like; when you are afraid, trust Me… I am your strength and salvation! Just trust Me! I am in control of your life! I will never leave you or forsake you! I am your Refuge and Tower of Truth and Strength! I take care of My own! I am good, I am love. Your future is bright with hope because of My faithfulness, not because of your cleverness…

What horrible and unexpected tempest are you facing right now? What are you afraid of? What are those overwhelming and uncontrollable causes of your daily discouragements and depression?

Coming from someone who is presently in the same boat that you are in, I am here to say, “remember!” “Don’t forget!” God is bigger than whatever it is you are facing today! He is your source of strength and power, to move forward in the drudgery of your relentless and unending life  journey. God is there with you as you climb that difficult and treacherous mountain. He is holding your hand as you descend deep into those more confining, uncomfortable and mosquito infested areas of the valley below. And finally, who else but God, would you want with you when you are called upon to just sit quietly still, feeling  powerless as you wait for answers. Solutions. Miracles! 

Let’s do each other a huge favor and let’s just trust God together. You and I know that He loves us, that He is still on His throne, that He is all powerful and more than able to rescue and deliver. We’ve heard these things so many times already. Now comes the hard part, actually believing and trusting God, conquering that ever so real and paralizing fear and panic with faith.Victorious and conquering faith, through the power of God, the One who loves and cares for you eternally and ever so relentlessly!

I really want to hear from you and even if I don’t hear from you, I want you to know that I am praying for YOU!

The LORD is your strength and salvation. Trust Him!

Vivian May Edwards

The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

A New Venture!

Vivian May Edwards

OK, I’m gonna start at the beginning of this month, the month of May, 2009. Of course we all know, especially us women, when something has gotta change. For me, it was my progressive weight gain. I mean, all I had to do was to just look at food and I’d gain weight! Very frustrating to say the least.

No, I wasn’t the type to be up at 5:00am jogging or on my way to the gym. Or eating bird sized portions and abstaining from anything that reeked of more then 50 calories. I was just living my life like anyone else, as balanced as possible but non the less, I was continuing to put on… Yikes! Weight. In fact I found myself weighing the most I’ve ever weighed in my life!

So about one month ago, I decided to do something about it. I found a bottle of a well known fat burner and metabolizer sitting in my cabinet. This bottle had been staring me in the face for the last six months or so, every time I opened my cabinet door. Finally, I took it out and decided to try it!

The first night was spent like sleepless in Seattle. I ended up watching TV until 3:00am, went back to bed and maybe slept one hour that night. The next day I noticed my heart racing, hands jittery and yes, a little more energy for sure. Did I sleep that night? No. So I decided not to take the tablet after 12:00 noon, yes, I was able to sleep that night but the racy heart and shaky hand syndrome continued. After several days of this, I ended up throwing the bottle and contents straight into the garbage can. It was a good feeling…

It was about this time that my cousin, Elaine Bateman, introduced me to Cal NutraSciences, Inc.and their CORE4 weight loss products. Of course, I was not at all interested, this being am MLM and all, well that’s another story all together. Anyways, I finally gave in and decided to take the plunge and took Cal NutraSciences challenge to lose 8 lbs. in 2 weeks using CORE4.

I was so determined to make it work that I even announced my intentions on my Twitter and Facebook accounts, a huge thing for me, since I have pretty much always been a very private person.

Well, when the two weeks were up, I was so surprised! Did I make the challenge? Pass the test? Stay tuned!

Eternal Praise!

My mind can’t conceive what You suffered for me.

The blood spilt. The pain. Anguish! Pure agony.

How You left Your great Kingdom, Your Father, Your home…

To cover the cost of my sins, to atone…

 

You bore the full blow! To Your death You did go.

I just can’t believe it! What love You did show.

You willingly gave what Your Father demanded,

Your blood for my sins, God’s true justice commanded.

 

To You, belongs eternal praise!

Undying devotion for infinite days…

To King Jesus, the perfect, pure sacrifice

Who saved my soul, and gave me life!

 

The beatings. The whippings. The thorns on Your brow…

The laughing. The torture! My heart breaks just now.

I’m speechless! No words can express how I feel.

I’m humbled, and praising You now as I kneel.

 

So thankful am I. Yes, my heart is so grateful!

Your mercy abounded, though they were so hateful…

To You be all glory, my Fountain of Life

For dying to end, endless death, endless strife…

 

To You, belongs eternal praise!

Unending devotion for infinite days…

To King Jesus, the perfect pure sacrifice

Who saved my soul and gave me life!

 

Lord, help me to grasp the full cost of Your love.

How You cried for Your glorious Father above.

At that moment in time, when all sins were upon You…

When Your Father in pain, hid His face from His Son’s view.

 

For the sins of the world, You chose full separation,

So that I could partake of Your great invitation!

To come to Your Father, my Maker my Master…

Be saved from unending, eternal disaster.

 

Pure love fastened you to the cross.

With grace You did suffer great pain, total loss.

All hail to You Jesus, my Glorious King.

Eternal praises to You I do sing!

Vivian May Edwards

Happy Birthday Mom!

 

Sarah Barnes Rodriguez

Her lamp does not go out at night. Proverbs 31:18b

Today is my Mother’s birthday! As I reflect upon her life, her special day… Proverbs 31:10-31 pops into my mind. Why, of course! A loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and friend, she’s always been! Noble? Faithful? Selfless? You bet! With arms, hands and heart, wide open for family, and for the many who were blessed to know her through these many years, her prayers, time and presence have always been available.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.  vs. 25

I grew up with a mother who had a great sense of humor. She gave her all, not only for family, but also for those drawn to her kindness and gentle words of comfort, encouragement and prayer.  And even though those days of sacrificial giving and hard work are a thing of the past for her, she still delights in knowing her loved ones know Jesus. Her joy, is the joy and comfort of those around her. Deep down, I know she laughs at the days to come because her constant request, is to go home. I believe the Holy Spirit within her consistently reminds and reassure her of the fact that she has been on a very long journey all these years. She knows her Heavenly Home with Jesus is her final destination. Praise the Lord for that!

let her works bring her praise at the city gate. vs. 31

All my life, I have heard words of praise and appreciation for my mother. I know why, she lived what she preached. She was and is the real thing and many will attest to that fact. I also know that her greatest desire was and still is that God be honored and glorified in her life and heart.  Her hope and prayer has always been for God to keep and care for her family and friends and that they all would know the Lord Jesus as their best friend and Savior. She looks forward to seeing all of us in Heaven one day!

So, happy birthday Mom! You are loved and missed by many! May your day be filled with grace, peace and joy, unbounded!

Love you forever! You daughter,

Vivian May Edwards

Note: My Mother, in her 80’s suffers from advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, thank you for praying for her!

Out of the Storm!

Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said:  Job 38:1

Out of the storm… Not in the midst of a sunny bright meadow, dripping with colorful daisy’s and daffodils… Or, by a breezy blue ocean, sipping ice-cold pina colada’s while reclining underneath the shelter of an orchard of beckoning coconut trees… No!

It was, out of the storm! In other words, because of the storm, yes, Job’s turbulent, merciless and unrelenting life storm which plunged him spiraling downward into a pit of hopelessness and despair, that God spoke to Job. God used this situation in his life to speak His words of rebuke, reassurance and remembrance.

Praise God for storms! You know, the kind that can break you and cause your very faith to be shaken…

I have found this verse to be so true in my own life. God does desire to speak to you too, in the very midst of your own personal life storm. You just have to be sure you are listening! Comfort. Reassurance. Spiritual growth. Renewed hope! All these, along with so many quiet reminders, to trust God, will flood in to the very depths of your puzzled soul.

So, thank God for those agonizing life storms in your life. Listen! Hear His sweet, reassuring whisper… Sense His peace, comfort and presence. Seek, His perfect plan for your life. When the storm calms, and it will, you’ll see, all the pain and anguish of your storm will have all been so worthwhile.

When God is the very center of  your soul, although disaster may crowd in on all sides and roar like the waves on the seashore, there will be a constant calm within. (Streams in the Desert)

The Breath of the Almighty…

But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty,

that gives him understanding.

Job 32:8

 

There’s that word “BUT” again. That tiny little three letter word, “but”… Bellowing out. Don’t panic! Don’t worry! You mean, even if everything in my life is crazy and falling apart? Things have become unbearable, puzzling? Impossible?

 

I have no excuse now… The “but” in this verse reminds me to simply trust God. It is His Spirit in me, His very breath that gives me understanding. Just the kind of understanding I need in order to stand firm, accept and embrace my life… Joyfully!

 

The breath of the Almighty… May we breathe in His sweet, caring, all-empowering breath today!  May we smell, sense, feel… Take it all in! Bravely and with peace and quiet grace.

 

Lately I have been reading the book of Job simultaneously along with the book of Psalms for my daily devotions. Interestingly, Psalms 32:8 reads; I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

 

I don’t know about you but these verses offer me a tremendous sense of hope, comfort and security. Think about it… God’s Holy Spirit gives you and me the strength, protection and understanding needed, For each of our unique lives and circumstances. What a tender and perfect gift from God, our Heavenly Daddy Himself!

 

Rest. God is forever with you! Breathe Him in fully as you spend delightful time with Him, soaking in His love, light  and glorious presence.

 

Merry Christmas and Joyous New Year blessings,

For you and yours forever and always,

 

Vivian May Edwards

Jesus, Be My Shepherd

Jesus, be my Shepherd.

Help me as I trust in You.

Keep me safe beneath Your shadow;

As I follow, each day new.

Jesus, be my Shepherd.

Teach me as You light my way.

Fill my heart with peace and laughter;

As I trust You everyday.

Jesus, be my Shepherd.

Hold me always, tenderly,

Like a lamb, amidst a meadow,

So contented, trustingly.

With Your love, eternally.

The Most Exquisite Work!

I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, am the God of Israel. Isaiah 45:3

Treasures, extraordinary spiritual gifts; eternal glories! All created because of and within those days of continued cloud and gloom, with no end in sight. When hope fades. Struggles persist. Panic creeps in.

Been there? I’ve been there too. Many times!

Deep darkness, God is using you! He is working. Accomplishing. Producing. Fashioning, so kindheartedly! He is completing and strengthening in strange and mysterious ways, His Beloved for whom He died. Bringing about goodness and grace in their lives, yes, even genuine wholeness, joy and peace, way down deep in their heart of hearts and eternal souls.

Dear friend. Stand firm. Forge ahead in faith and love with what God has told you to do. You are in His heart to stay. God loves you tremendously and wants to be your friend! Imagine that? Tenderly, He watches, knows all about you, your situation. So intimately!

Dear one, God’s most exquisite soul work is accomplished during those days when it seems the darkest. His holy light will one day shine ever so brightly. Directly on the masterpiece He is creating in your life today!

So hang in there and remember, God is the author of miracles. His promises, hope and comfort are found in His Word the Bible. Claim them for yourself! Amazingly, you will begin to catch sight of the fact that the pain and sorrow of today will someday become the most delicate and intricate expression of His exquisite and timeless love for you.

Be blessed this Christmas Season as you drink deeply on this eternal thought!

Joy and Peace, in Christ Jesus, our LORD

Vivian May Edwards

Inspired by: Streams in the Desert, pg. 462