Stitches Thru Time: 2MefromHim Devotionals

Showing posts with label 2MefromHim Devotionals. Show all posts

Monday, December 11, 2017

The Candy Cane's Story

The simple little candy cane

Has a wonderful story to tell.

The story of our Savior’s love___

Perhaps you know it well.

Long ago on a wintry night

A star shone in the sky.

And angels came to sing the song

Of praise to God on high.

They sang their song where shepherds

Guarded flocks near a babbling brook.

And you can see in the candy cane,

The sign of the shepherd’s crook.

The red stripes stand for the Savior’s blood

Which was shed for you and me,

As He paid the price for all our sin

When He died on Calvary.

The white part of the candy cane

Shows the purity God imparts

To each new believer when he invites

The Lord Jesus into his heart.

Now turn your candy cane upside-down,

It forms the letter “J”,

Which stands for the name of Jesus Christ

Who was born on Christmas Day.

About the author:

Norma Gail’s debut contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 41 years. They have two adult children. If you’re interested in connecting with her, you’re to follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.

Monday, October 16, 2017

Storm Warning

The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly… 1 Thessalonians 5:2

Streaking from the dark clouds above, a lightning bolt struck the center of the empty soccer pitch with my daughter’s team playing on the next field. When the referee refused to stop the game, another off-duty ref agreed to help and we ran to the officials stand.

The officials agreed to stop the games, but their method was far too slow. Riding a golf cart from field to field of the large complex would never send the kids to safety in time. As fast as I could run, I returned to my daughter’s game and told the referee to send the kids to the cars. One after another, girls sat down to pull off shoes, socks, and shin guards in the pelting rain, lightning crackling overhead. Yelling to leave their things and run, we finally cleared the field.

Drenched and breathing hard, I ran to my own car, satisfied that everyone was safe.

“Mom, are you crazy? Did you ever think you might be killed?” My seventeen-year-old daughter’s indignant tone showed both concern and embarrassment at my rampage to clear the fields.

Never once did I feel concern for myself. All my thoughts were for others in danger from the fast-moving storm. “No.” I replied. “All I thought was that those kids might die. I’m an adult, and I know where I’m going when I die.”

People die every day without the certainty of heaven. Our world belittles Christians but fails to heed the call to salvation. They are quick to blame God, but slow to approach him for help. In recent years, natural disasters and attacks by dangerous and depraved men have rocked our world. There is no safety, and often no warning. It’s more critical than ever for Christians to speak out about the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

How many would find salvation if I proclaimed the gospel with as much fervor as I stopped those soccer games? What if Christians gave no thought to their reputation or the reaction of others in order to warn others of the approaching storm of judgment?

I must determine to live each day in the light of the Cross. People’s lives depend on it.

About the author:

Norma Gail’s debut contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 41 years. They have two adult children. If you’re interested in connecting with her, you're invited to follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.

Monday, September 18, 2017

When God Speaks through Silence

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9a

Four and a half months trapped in a silent world with no hope of finding my way out. I tried to speak and no sound came out. I couldn’t whisper, couldn’t even call my husband. But God often speaks through silence.

The doctors found nothing, even with a laryngoscopy. One told me to force myself to talk normally and get over it! How’s that for encouragement and professional advice? I was losing hope.

Months passed. And God’s silence, as well as my own, dragged on. A notepad accompanied me everywhere, including the bank. My kids were away at college, so I learned to text message. E-mail was the preferred method of communication.

I had a Bible study to lead, a busy life with major commitments. Every woman in the Bible study had a chance to lead. I sat with my notepad and wrote notes if necessary. Several women discovered they possessed and undiscovered gift. We learned new ways to be vessels used by God through being emptied of ourselves. He didn’t need my voice.

God spoke through my silence, but He also spoke into my silence. I prayed like seldom before without the distraction of phones and conversations. My inner spiritual life soared. God frequently gives object lessons to make us conscious of areas where we need to grow.

Eventually God led me to a speech pathologist at our local university hospital. Her laryngoscopy revealed what no one else had seen, a condition treatable through therapy. She thought twelve weeks. I spoke the first time. God will not allow us to suffer one moment longer than necessary.

What situation in your life seems hopeless? What frightens you? Everything God allows in our lives is to be used for our benefit and His glory.

When we take our focus off the obvious and look for what God is saying, He will reveal His all-sufficient strength. Roadblocks in life are a prompting to seek God and His plans to thrive through trials and grow. When we give it to Jesus, He will never let us down.

About the author:

Norma Gail is the author of the contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 41 years. They have two adult children.

Connect with Norma:

Website: www.normagail.org

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Norma-Gail/e/B00ILHXBAK/

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQbZIoC_JSE

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNormaGail

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+NormaGailwrites

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/normagailth/boards/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7874459

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Norma_Gail

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/norma-gail-thurston-holtman/42/71a/3b2

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normagailwrites/

Book Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Land-My-Dreams-Norma-Gail/dp/1941103170

Monday, August 21, 2017

Affliction

In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end. Psalm 102:25-27

I feel afflicted and weak from time to time, in body, but also in my spirit and soul. What struggles frighten you and make you feel inadequate? We tend to act the way we feel, and allowing inadequacy and fear to take hold makes us weak.

A weekend trip to Colorado reminded me of just how small and insignificant I am. The mountains stand strong, robed in majesty, as they have for centuries, a testament to the power of the God who “laid the foundations of the earth.” God is so much greater than I am.

Recently, I experienced a setback in my plans, a rejection of years of work. I felt weak, insignificant, inadequate, doubtful, and uncertain of the future. It reminded me of how small I am and how many people are better and more capable than I am. Surrounded by successful, confidant people who won awards for their work, the rejection of my own efforts was even harder.

The part of Psalm 102 that struck me almost as much as the word of the psalmist himself was the note my NIV Bible placed at the beginning. “A prayer of an afflicted person who has grown weak and pours out a lament before the Lord.” I was allowing myself to feel afflicted when, in spite of rejection, I received another opportunity and an unexpected blessing. God never leaves us at a dead end. He always has something else waiting up ahead.

Just as those mountains showed me how small I am in the scheme of things, they reminded me of how great my God is all of the time. The mountains will not stand forever. An earthquake could destroy them in seconds and God will someday bring them crashing down to be replaced with something better. However, the psalmist goes on to say that God remains the same forever, no matter what happens to His creation.

If you struggle against fear, inadequacies, and insignificance, look to your Creator. He has a plan for you, and He will see it carried through to completion. All that is required from us is to take the opportunities offered and do our best, seeking God’s help. He will never let us down when we are trusting in Him. He will offer another path. Look for it and go forward in His strength. I may feel afflicted, but God never fails.

Don't forget every comment this month gets your name in the drawing for our Grand Birthday Prize and our Runner-Up Prizes giveaways!

About the author:

Norma Gail is the author of the contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 41 years. They have two adult children. If you’re interested in connecting with me, I invite you to follow my blog, join me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.

Sunday, July 9, 2017

Rainbows of Hope

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:17

The magnificent rainbow, arching over the nearby mountains drew me outside to immerse myself in its glory. Rainbows remind me of the God’s goodness and faithfulness.

My husband and I once stood on top of the castle tower at Loch Ness, overwhelmed at the splendor of a rainbow ending in the water at the base of the tower. It lacked about 50 feet from forming a complete circle. Another time, I captured a photo of a rainbow arching gracefully over our mountain home.

If we are in tune with God’s Spirit, alert to His presence in every aspect of our lives, He reveals Himself in both the most glorious and darkest of times. I have struggled with chronic pain for all of my adult life. However, it was only a few years ago that I realized the revelation of Himself that God offered in the midst of my worst suffering.

Philippians 3:10 in the Amplified Version, says: “And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did]”.

It is easy to see God in those rainbow and sunset moments of His glory. It is far more difficult when pain infuses my world with hopelessness. The message of Philippians 2:10 is that Jesus Christ wants me to know Him “experientially”. If I am to comprehend “the remarkable wonders of His Person”, I must understand the suffering He experienced for me.

God gave rainbows as a promise that He would never again destroy the world by flood. However, they also remind me that I won’t be destroyed by circumstances God allows into my life. In the struggles of cancer, illness, pain, and heartbreak, I experience what Christ suffered on the cross, the depth of love of a God who would die for me.

In times of darkness and despair, I look to Jesus, and know I am not alone. He understands.

Rainbows, dark clouds, suffering, and joy reveal the amazing love of Christ, my Savior, who invites me to fellowship with Him, to understand His promises, and to live in hope of glory.

About the author:

Connect with Norma:

Website: www.normagail.org

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Norma-Gail/e/B00ILHXBAK/

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQbZIoC_JSE

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNormaGail

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+NormaGailwrites

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/normagailth/boards/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7874459

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Norma_Gail

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/norma-gail-thurston-holtman/42/71a/3b2

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normagailwrites/

Book Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Land-My-Dreams-Norma-Gail/dp/1941103170

Monday, June 19, 2017

Security in a Dangerous World

For your ways are in full view of the Lord,
and he examines all your paths. Proverbs 5:21

Security systems are designed to keep us safe in a dangerous world. Following a recent robbery in our neighborhood, we updated our home security system. New technology has bugs to work out and our system certainly had them, including a few involving me.

I turned on every reminder available. We received text messages whenever a door or window opened. Then I discovered my husband even could tell when I climbed out of bed. He checked the security camera and saw me watering flowers. He knew when I left for the grocery store.

It’s strange knowing someone sees your every move. If only we remembered that someone is watching, security system or not. God sees everything, all day, every day. Our ways are familiar to him and he misses nothing. Psalm 139 says, “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

All God’s ways are good. He wants the best for us. The scriptures brim with examples of God protecting his people, providing for them, going before and destroying their enemies. Sometimes he allowed them to get into real messes, knowing the consequences were necessary to help them learn. The Lord has set guidelines for us to follow and we should be mindful of the price of stepping outside his safety net.

A high school youth leader suggested we think about God sitting in the backseat on our dates. When my son was little, he often played in his sandbox where I could watch his every move from the kitchen and get outside quickly. He was safe within my sight. That’s how God wants us to see his loving surveillance. He is a loving parent providing security and direction for his children, not the Gestapo spying to swoop down and punish. Psalm 139 also says, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me…”

Receiving a text message every time a door or window opens assures me I am safe in my rural home. It provides safety in a dangerous world. Even if I turn off the motion detectors so I can move freely around inside, God sees me. There is nowhere I can flee His presence. He loves me enough to keep a watchful eye on my thoughts and actions.

About the author:

Connect with Norma:

Website: www.normagail.org

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Norma-Gail/e/B00ILHXBAK/

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQbZIoC_JSE

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNormaGail

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+NormaGailwrites

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/normagailth/boards/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7874459

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Norma_Gail

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/norma-gail-thurston-holtman/42/71a/3b2

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normagailwrites/

Book Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Land-My-Dreams-Norma-Gail/dp/1941103170

Monday, May 15, 2017

The Bridegroom and His Bride

As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you. Isaiah 62:5

Joy. Love. Uncontained excitement. A new name. A new home. Beginnings, long awaited, hoped for, believed. The promise of forever. Preparing for the wedding of my nephew, thinking on the death of two dear friends, reminds me that one day all who call Jesus their Lord will attend a glorious wedding. We will be the bride.

The groom’s eyes glow as he beholds his bride, joyful and radiant as she starts down the aisle. Hopes and dreams about their new life stretch out before them. And the guests celebrate. Clothed in their best, their finest jewelry, with joyful smiles, they watch, a few with tears, always with prayers.

For those who belong to the Jesus, His Church, He waits with the light of love glowing in His eyes, His hand outstretched. As a bride takes the name of her husband, believers will bear the new name Jesus gives forever. Revelation 2: 17 says, “[He] will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.”

My dear mother-in-law longed for that day, ready long before it came, her heart eager to meet her Lord and behold His face. Earthly partings contain sorrow. We don’t know when we will meet our loved ones again. But when all true believers are gathered in heaven, nothing will ever separate them from their Lord or their loved ones again.

One that day, they will meet Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, and be joined with the Bridegroom forever. And He will rejoice over them. Now is the time of preparation. The heart of the bride must be ready, longing to please her Lord, beating faster when she hears His name, for she will be His forever.

Matthew 25 tells of five foolish virgins whose lamps ran out of oil. They fell asleep and missed the coming of the bridegroom. They failed to hear his call, as one day Jesus will call all who belong to Him.

We must make certain our hearts are ready, that we are awake, prepared, and waiting for His call.

“Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” (Revelation 19:9)

About the author:

Norma Gail is the author of the contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 40 years. They have two adult children.

Connect with Norma:

Website: www.normagail.org

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Norma-Gail/e/B00ILHXBAK/

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQbZIoC_JSE

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNormaGail

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+NormaGailwrites

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/normagailth/boards/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7874459

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Norma_Gail

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/norma-gail-thurston-holtman/42/71a/3b2

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normagailwrites/

Book Links: