Dear family and friends,

After a difficult night and then all this day, I admit I felt like I shouldn't be trying to present this Gospel because, well, I'm not feeling it right now. A heavy heart in prayer concerning a loved one. A circumstance that I personally cannot change. But then, maybe I can.

Have you ever felt like you were in a crowd striving to get to the gate into a larger place? You feel the push and flow of so many around you; the hallway getting tighter; and it seems like you couldn't turn directions if you life depended on it?

Then, you see someone you recognize across the crowd. It gives you hope, even though you know shouting they wouldn't hear you. So, you jump up and down waving your arm to get their attention...but, they don't see you?

I have had plenty to keep me busy today and I am very weary. Yet, when I took a minute to sit down and watch the little wren taking food into the bird house, I had to smile. Again, realizing that God's eye is on that little tiny bird. 

Our neighborhood, obnoxious, always getting into trouble squirrel was walking the fence near the nest. You should have seen the tiny, bold, protective nature of the house wren! She dove at the squirrel, unintimidated and pecked it all the way down the fence line! I loved it! And, that is why I chose to write to you now. 

We are in a battle! Everyone of us! Day and night, so it seems like the hours and anxiety just don't give us a break. But, as the wren, I am going to pour out my heart to God. 

You see, Jehovah really does see! He does hear our cry for help. And He is always working on our behalf. You need proof??

I am hanging out with Romans 8:37-39 right now..."Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.

For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening not things to come, nor powers,

Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

My application. For instance, my car was having some electrical problems where the whole dash would go black and it would stall out anytime along the hwy. We had someone hook it up to test and that was about $100, ouch. We prayed. God answered! Today, it came back without a charge because only a single wire came loose from a sensor. How tiny one thing can disturb such a large vehicle. He hooked the wire back up and all the sensores worked again. Our friend only wanted his small crew to have a lunch for payment! 

We serve an awesome God! Can you see? Maybe not, right now, but in your life God Is Working! The only thing the enemy can do is take our eyes off of God's wondrous promises. So, we lift up our heavy hands in worship whether we feel it or not and soon before we know it our hands aren't so heavy anymore!

Another example for you...I sprained my wrist on Monday. It hurts and is taking too long, by my calculations anyway, to be completely well. I do get in a hurry! But, as I am typing, God is helping me write to you! Why? Because this was an appointment for you and I to take courage, like the house wren and fight back those irritating squirrels!

Finally, back in Romans 8:28 we read..."We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose."

Question...Do you love God? Or do you worship all the stuff and things that appear to make your life good? Have you ever asked God what He has designed for you, personally? Could it be the pain you are in, is there for you to depend completely on Him? Could it be the undying, unanswered prayers of your heart, for you to see that He does care for you? 

In His time. If you don't know God and long to have someone fighting the battle for you, alongside of you...then you need to put your trust in His Son Jesus and find redemption back to the Father. Fresh life is waiting for you. Your circumstances may not change, but your heart will find perfect peace in having a Savior. I am praying for you. Will you trust the Lord in all things?

Thank you for allowing me to share Heartstrings with you. I am so glad to be here with you! I do feel it now! No more heavy heart! Praise the Lord Who goes before us and perfects His Word in us. Through the matchless name of Jesus, amen.

Abundance is...thankful even in battle