Slideshow image

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

His mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is Your faithfulness.

~Lamentations 3:22-23



Good morning dear sister!!

Isn’t it wonderful that the Lord allows us to start each day with renewed love and never ending mercies? Oh, I know that we don’t always jump out of bed singing God’s praises, but we can and we should!

It only takes a moment to give thanks as you open your eyes. That in itself is a gift from God, even as you’re struggling to find the snooze button! 

Haha, the snooze button….

When I became a wife and then a mother, I realized, to my surprise, that God has put in our imperfect hearts the desire to satisfy the needs and even the hopes of those we love! I became an early riser and an early go to bed-er, and the snooze button was no longer an option! 

Unlike us, our faithful and perfect God never slumbers nor sleeps nor snoozes. He is always awake! How much more then, in His steadfast love and mercy, does He long to satisfy our needs and desires? 

As a result of family life, busy wives and mothers need to take some of our time with the Lord whenever and wherever we have the opportunity! God is always with us, not just at appointed times or places, and His word instructs us to "pray without ceasing”. (1 Thes 5:17) 

I’ve heard that people pray and praise even while they’re driving! (keep your eyes open and your hands on the wheel!) Some months ago I began to take the opportunity to pray while at the ‘well’. Actually, it’s the town gym called “The Wellness Center”. Sometimes I wonder if we might be surprised at spiritual wellness being worked out as well as physical wellness! 

At first, my prayers were for myself and my beloved (“help us Lord!”), but as my strength grew, my prayers expanded too! These days I warm up by praying for my children and their families on the treadmill. Moving on to the bicycle I begin to pray for my extended family. Prayers for friends are raised to the rhythm of the rowing machine and situations lifted up on the elliptical! Transferring from machine to machine, I find myself praying for the people at the ‘well’ and even those walking outside by the ‘well’!

Sometimes a scripture verse will come to mind like “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). God’s faithfulness to us personally is a promise, and when we decide to move a step closer to Him, to invite Him in whatever activity or occupation with which we’re engaged, He delights to come close and perhaps even whisper to our spirit!

For example, I’ve been praying for a situation for more than a year now. I’ve noticed through the last few months how the Holy Spirit has gradually shifted my attitude from one of hurt, suspicion and frustration to a strange mix of forgiveness, confidence and expectation! 

As I was communing with the Lord, I was reminded of the question the Lord asked the prophet Ezekiel, “Can these bones live?” Surprisingly, I even smiled as I answered in a whisper, “Sovereign Lord. You alone know.” all the while rowing my way halfway across the Atlantic Ocean! (well, it seemed like it)

The assurance I have now about that situation is in God’s steadfast love, not mine! The mercy that He has shown me gives me confidence that His mercy will never fail those lifted up to Him as well! His faithfulness endures forever! When we call on God, He shows up every time, everywhere, every morning!

Where are the wacky places in your life where you pray? There is no wrong place when you’re looking for your Abba! What is God working in you as you wait on Him? How has God answered your prayer?

Let’s encourage one another this week with testimonies of God’s steadfast love, His mercies that never come to an end and His enduring faithfulness in our own lives! 

They are new every morning, so we should all be able to testify something that will encourage someone’s soul! Be looking for it! It seems that the more you share, the more you’ll see God’s hand in your life and the blessing keeps growing and multiplying!

Because our God is an awesome God! Hallelujah!

Keep loving Jesus and moving forward!

With love, your sister, Celeste