Daily Devotions

Just before Lent this year, a good friend posted a link to a daily devotion site.  I decided to check it out and was very pleased with what I found.  www.d365.org features a daily bible verse and devotion typically based upon a weekly theme. Readers can sign up for daily email reminders.  I have found the reminders help me so much to remember to take a few minutes with God before beginning my day.  So many days what I read is exactly what I needed to hear at that moment.  It really is amazing how God works!

 

Dear Dad In Heaven

I sit here and I ponder how very much
I’d like to talk to you today
There are so many things
That we didn’t get to say
I know how much you care for me
And how much I care for you,
And each time that I think of you
I know you’ll miss me too.
An angel came and called your name
And took you by the hand and said
Your place was ready in Heaven, far above . . .
And you had to leave behind all those you dearly loved
Your work here finished, that being true . . .
It still seemed impossible, that God was taking you.
And though your life on earth is past, in Heaven it starts anew
You’ll live for all eternity, just as God has promised you.
And though you’ve walked through Heaven’s gate
We are never far apart
For each time that I think of you,
You’re right here, deep within my heart.

~Unknown

July 25, 1928 – January 28, 2001

I love you and miss you, Dad!  I know that I will see you again some day!
Love & Hugs,
Capri

 

What Would I Have Today?

The pastor at church asked this question in his sermon a couple of months ago.  It still haunts me.  I think about all the times I forget to say thank you to God for all the blessings which he has give me.  Many mornings, like today, I realize I forgot to say thank you at all yesterday.

It is amazing to think about all those things I take for granted.  Sure, I may have thanked God here and there, but He deserves much more from me than just fleeting moments.  My days may not go as planned and I may be presented with challenges, but when I ponder this question, I am reminded of how much more I do have.  And sadly, how much I have neglected Him.

 The inconveniences and stumbling blocks in my life deserve my thanks as well as far greater blessings come from them.  In November, our basement flooded.  The clean up was not how I had planned to spend the next 2-3 weeks.  But I have a house and it is warm.  The loss could have been so much worse.  There was insurance to cover the expense of the cleanup and the replacement of the damaged items.  During the clean up we discovered mold that quite possibly might have jeopardize my health.  My husband and I were reminded what a great team we are when we work together. 

In the movie, “Pollyanna”, Pollyanna likes to play what she calls the Glad Game.  She would take an unpleasant situation and look for the good to be found in it.  How much better I feel when I play my own Glad Game.  I need to remember, no matter what happens, I am still surrounded by God’s blessings. 

Dear God, please help me to remember to thank you daily for everything that you have given me, even the adversities because they are a small part in your greater plan for me.  Thank you for my family, my job, my home, and especially Your son, Jesus Christ, who died for my sins so that I may enjoy eternal life with You forever.

Copyright © 2012 Capri’s Garden
All Rights Reserved

 

A Christmas Creed

I believe in Jesus Christ and in the beauty of the gospel begun in Bethlehem.

I believe in the one whose spirit glorified a little town; and whose spirit still brings music to persons all over the world, in towns both large and small.

I believe in the one for whom the crowded inn could find no room, and I confess that my heart still sometimes wants to exclude Christ from my life today.

I believe in the one who the rulers of the earth ignored and the proud could never understand; whose life was among common people, whose welcome came from persons of hungry hearts.

I believe in the one who proclaimed the love of God to be invincible:

I believe in the one whose cradle was a mother’s arms, whose modest home in Nazareth had love for its only wealth, who looked at persons and made them see what God’s love saw in them, who by love brought sinners back to purity, and lifted human weakness up to meet the strength of God.

I confess my ever-lasting need of God: The need of forgiveness for our selfishness and greed, the need of new life for empty souls, the need of love for hearts grown cold.

I believe in God who gives us the best of himself. I believe in Jesus, the son of the living God, born in Bethlehem this night, for me and for the world.

~Unknown

 

Believe and Be Satisfied

Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone — to have a deep soul relationship with another, to be loved thoroughly and exclusively. But God, to a Christian says, “No, not until you are satisfied and fulfulfilled and content with living loved by Me alone. I love you, my child, and until you discover that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found, you will not be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have planned for you. You will never be united with another until you are united with Me — exclusive of anyone or anything else, exclusive of any other desires or longings. I want you to stop planning, stop wishing, and allow Me to give you the most thrilling plan existing — one that you can’t imagine. I want you to have the best. Please allow Me to bring it to you. Just keep experiencing that satisfaction knowing that I am. Keep learning and listening to the things I tell you… You must wait.

Don’t be anxious. Don’t worry. Don’t look around at the things others have gotten or that I’ve given to them. Don’t look at the things you think you want. You just keep looking off and away up to Me, or you’ll miss what I want to show you.

And then, when you’re ready, I’ll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than any would ever dream. You see, until you are ready and until the one I have for you is ready, I am working even this very minute to have both of you ready at the same time. Until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me and with the life I have prepared for you, you won’t be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with Me…and this is perfect love.

And dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love, I want you to see in flesh a picture of your relationship with Me, and to enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union of beauty and perfection and love that I offer you with Myself. Know that I love you utterly, I am God Almighty. Believe and be satisfied.”

~Unknown

 

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.  There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.  There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.  The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…

~ Author Unknown

Bushmaster’s Recon Scout
June 18, 1996 – September 19, 2011

“For the soul of every living thing is the hand of God” – Job 12:10. You’re going to a much better place today, my furry little brother. I’ll love and remember you forever. I’ll see you again someday! – Aary Jaclyne

 

A Dog’s Farewell

Last week, Scout, one of our older dogs took a turn for the worst.  Although we have been preparing ourselves for this, it is still a difficult time.  My friend, Jane, sent this to me.  I had not seen this poem before nor could I find it elsewhere on the internet.  It is such a beautiful sentiment.

Please don’t shed tears for me when I am in my grave.
Think of all the fun we had and all the love I gave.
I showed you only happiness, so why now should you weep?
I gave you many happy days and memories to keep.
We were very loyal friends, our love was strong and true.
I thanked God every single day for a master as loving as you.
I knew when you needed me or when to stay behind.
Your touch was strong but gentle, your voice was warm and kind.
Don’t shed your tears for me when my time is through.
I’m waiting by heaven’s gate to spend eternity with you.

 

A Dog’s Plea

As our furry kids, Scout and Skittle, face their twilight days, we recognize that each extra day we have with them is a blessing.  I am also reminded of an excerpt titled “A Dog’s Plea” from an Ann Landers column that I have saved for many years.  The author is unknown.

Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for although I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.

Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

And, my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun. Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.

 

In Christ Alone

He is risen!  He is risen indeed!

Happy Easter!

 

End of the Beginning

I wanted to post something special for Good Friday but I was struggling to with my decision.  I’m sending a big thank you to my friend Cathy for reminding me of this powerful song.   I remember the first time I heard this.  It still gives me chills and brings tears to my eyes.

It says it all.