Marching Orders

March 6, 2011 by 7 Comments


March on, my soul; be strong!” Judges 5:21b

I saw this verse this past week in one of Beth Moore’s blog posts. She was sharing scriptures about marching since it’s the month of March, and I fell in love with these simple yet powerful words instantly: “March on, my soul; be strong!”

Just reading or saying those precious words from the Word of God seems to infuse my soul with His encouragement and strength. I think most of us probably feel the need for such encouragement on a daily basis as we face the challenges of life, but there are times when the need for fresh strength is almost overwhelming.

Are you faced with a difficult road to travel this month? Do fear and uncertainty loom ahead? Maybe the road is a continuation of an already difficult journey, and no end is in sight. Whatever the case, let’s allow the breath of heaven — the Word of God — to give us our marching orders and the strength to carry them out. Let’s march on!

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.” Psalm 84:5

*Flickr photo by sudeep1106, Creative Commons License

Filed Under: challenge, determination, perseverance, road, Word of God

Never Give Up

January 16, 2011 by 6 Comments

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

Have you ever felt like giving up in your prayers for a certain person or about a particular issue? Maybe his or her heart seems too hard to ever desire a change or maybe that issue seems impossible and beyond all reasonable hope. You may feel like your prayers aren’t making a difference at all.

We’ve probably all experienced discouraging thoughts like these about some of our prayer efforts. When we grow discouraged, when we grow weary in our prayers, let’s remember that “…nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:47)

The next time we lose heart, let’s be honest with the Lord and ask Him to refresh us. Let’s share our burdens with one another and encourage each other. Let’s determine to keep looking for the harvest. Let’s determine to never give up.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

*If you have a prayer request you’d like to share, please feel free to share it in the comments. I’d like to ask your prayers for my mother-in-law. Her ongoing serious health problems kicked into high gear again on Christmas Eve, and she is not doing well at all. Please pray that things can go as easily as possible for her.

*Flickr photo by ^@^ina, Creative Commons License

**The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, will come out in early February. Sign up is free and to the right!

Filed Under: determination, fighter, perseverance, prayer

The Grandstands

November 3, 2010 by 5 Comments

True to our own little tradition, Don and I went to the movies on Halloween. This year we saw Secretariat and joined thousands, past and present, who have watched victory unfold from the grandstands. Couple this inspiring story of a triple crown winner with the movie’s amazing and moving musical score, and you feel like you’re there, one of many pulling for the big, red horse to win it all.

I couldn’t help but notice one young moviegoer who was so engrossed in the story playing out before us that she nearly came out of her chair with excitement during the last race segment. Sitting in front of us and down a few seats, she rocked on the edge of her chair in time to the beat of Secretariat’s hooves. She was determined to help him win — as were the many who were really in the stands that day.

The energy and cheers of the fans undoubtedly provided Secretariat with the extra measure of inspiration and determination needed to gain the victory. And when the victory was won in such an amazing fashion, the grandstands erupted in unbridled cheers. Not only did the fans earnestly pull for Secretariat, they rejoiced wildly in his victory.

A scripture passage from Hebrews tells us that we, too, are surrounded by such a throng as we run the race of life. People are in the grandstands for us. Yes, folks are pulling for us. Not only those who know and love us, but the scripture refers to those who have gone on before us. What a powerful thought — the hosts of heaven pulling for us, willing us to do our best and then rejoicing in our victories.

Anyone in need today of an extra measure of inspiration and determination as you run life’s race? Close your eyes and envision the grandstands around you. Remember they’re filled with people who want to see you win. Do you hear the cheers? Let them spur you on to victory. Press on. Give it your best!

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1

Flickr photo by Ryan Bjorkquist, Creative Commons License

*The Life Notes Subscriber Appreciation Giveaway deadline is this Sunday. Details are in my Oct. 10 post and sign-up is to the right. Don’t miss out on the chance to win a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble!

Filed Under: cheer, determination, movie, perseverance, victory

"Back At It" Winner!

August 29, 2010 by 1 Comment

Time to announce our “Back At It” Giveaway winner! The lucky winner of a $15 Barnes & Noble gift card is Nanette (Mom Never Stops)! I’ll get the gift card to you, Nanette, as soon as possible. Have fun picking out something that hits the spot for you!

Have you all been busy the past couple of weeks getting “Back At It” in some area of your lives? I got back on track with writing my normal blog posts after several weeks of Time for Photo Fun, and I hope our “Back At It” theme spurred you on to get back on track with something as well.

Let me leave you with some thoughts that can help us all be “Back At It” winners — thoughts that can inspire us to stick with it and be victorious in whatever our “Back At It” efforts may be. Hope one of these quotes hits the spot for you!

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.” Abraham Lincoln

“Energy and persistence conquer all things.” Benjamin Franklin

“There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.” Ella Wheeler Wilcox, American author and poet, 1850-1919

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7

*Flickr photo by Richard Moross

**Please be in prayer for our blogging friend and frequent commenter here on the blog, Elaine. She recently found out that she has breast cancer. Let’s support her and her family with our prayers!

Filed Under: determination, giveaway, perseverance
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