Sunday, September 11, 2022

 New Beginnings


 

I’d love to go back to this tea party day years ago, but life insists on pushing me forward into unfamiliar places. My husband Wayne recently entered heaven. Our granddaughter Anna began college this month along with her twin brother Joshua. And sadly I have begun a new, non-normal life as a woman husbanded by God. 

 

I now understand why there are so many Scriptures on God’s comfort when we hurt and I need every one! Along with the extraordinary kindness of you wonderful friends and loving family members I must figure out the daily-ness of doing life alone while grieving deeply. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

 

These 10 Scripture verses speak to me and help me take each next breath:
Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” 
Isaiah 40:1 “‘Comfort, yes, comfort My people!’ says your God.” 
Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” 
Romans 15:4 “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” 
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 
Psalm 119:50 “This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.” 
Isaiah 49:13 “Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! And break out in singing, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people, and will have mercy on His afflicted.” 
1 Thessalonians 5:1 “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” 
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.” 

 

My prayer is Lord, please comfort me so that I may comfort others. Is there any reason for pain other than being able to help others to survive and to find a measure of joy and peace again? Whatever your difficult situation, I hope these verses will help you as well.

*****

 

My first little step out back into the world is Wed. Sept. 14, Lake Geneva Christian Women’s Connection luncheon. My author friend Delores Leisner and I will describe the books we wrote intending to bless men and women seeking more of God’s ways and less of self.

 

If you’ve checked my YouTube Channel lately, know that I hope to be adding soon to the free 30 videos already available on marriage and parenting. Thank you for subscribing.

 

As long as God gives me life, I know He has purpose for me. May I live it out well…