Good evening everyone! I hope that your Thursday has been a nice one! I can truly say that today has been a good day for me. Lately, I've been taking a little time off in the afternoon, to let my body rest...and I can say that God is blessing those moments with less pain. 
Tonight, as I've been sitting here...I've been thinking on the moments in a day, when I can truly say that I have felt God's presence close beside me. Have you ever had a moment, when you didn't know what to do about something...and then out of the blue...a thought comes to your mind; that actually helps you through that moment? I have those quite often...and I know without a doubt; that it is the still small voice of God's presence...reaching deep within my soul...helping me through those uncertain moments in my day. 
I don't know about you...but I'm so glad that God is there for me...to love and care for me, in ways that I may not be able to do for myself. As I've been thumbing through God's word tonight, I came across a Bible verse in Genesis 28:15, which reads... "​I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." I can say 100% that I have experienced this verse. I would say that there were eight years in a row, where I was either going through counseling or having surgeries...and as I look back on it all; God never left me alone, until He had completely finished all that needed to be accomplished. Even to this day, I continue to feel His loving presence...taking care of me and watching over me. 
You know...sometimes, I think that we feel that we have to stand tough on our own. I know that with running a ministry; that this can easily happen...while thinking that I always need to be up and at it; but there have been times, when God allowed me to see that everything could run fine on it's own...and why? Because He was the One who was running the show...not me. No matter what I go through...or face from day to day; I know that His comforting spirit will be with me...to pick up the slack and make life easier for me. 
As we close this time together...you may be trying to stand tough through whatever you are facing...and may I say that this is definitely not the way to go...because first of all, we aren't as strong as God...and these times of standing tough only drain us of what little strength we do have, which will only lead us to the place, where we want to give up. 
Tonight...my prayer for you; is that you will truly come to experience the loving care that God longs to give you each day. No matter how alone you may feel...or how burdensome life may seem...give it all to Him...and in exchange...He will give His all for you, in the best way possible...believe me, I know! 
I hope that you will have a great night...and may God's loving peace surround you as you rest!
Goodnight...and God bless!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
Diane

Hello everyone...and a very "Happy Thursday" to you all! I hope that your day is off to a good start! It's a cold one here...but the sun is shining brightly...so I'm praising God for that today!
You know...we can have days, when life feels as if it's become cold and dormant. The life we once felt...seems to no longer be there, as we struggle to hold onto what little remains. As I was thinking on this today...I was thinking on how we tend to forget about the sunshine of the Lord's presence...that remains so bright and alive, within the hearts of those who claim to know Him. Seems like we find ourselves so caught up in the dark moments and struggles of this life; that we allow that to be our lot in life for the moment.
This morning, I'm being reminded of a verse in I John 1:5, which says... "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." Do we realize that no matter how dark the circumstance may seem; that this form of darkness cannot supersede the light of God's presence. I think that if we could focus on this; then we would also see God's power, as something greater than these dark circumstances.
Early in this ministry...God gave me a small quote, with a lot of meaning...and it goes like this... "Whatever we perceive, we receive." Don't we realize that what we become deeply focused on...only leads us in that direction? I think that a lot of the struggles we tend to face...truly stem from the way we perceive life...because, when we take in thoughts that just aren't true according to God's words; then it's as if Satan is the fisherman...and we are the fish that takes hold of the bait that can get us caught up in a worse situation, than before we even took hold of the bait.
Today, we need to steer clear of the thoughts that can keep us in darkness and despair...and focus on the light of God's presence...One whose light is powerful enough, to bring darkness to light...and expose it's evil ways. I truly believe that once we are headed in this direction; then even though the trial remains for a time...there will be peace...even in the midst of the storm.
Well...it's time for me to enjoy this beautiful day that the Lord hath made! I pray that your day will be filled with peace...happiness and joy, rather than the darkness that Satan attempts to use against us, as a means of keeping us low. 
Have a great Thursday...and many...many blessings on your day!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Good evening everyone! Tonight's a little rougher night for me and my health...and I was going to wait and visit with you in the morning; but instead, I decided to stop by and share one of my favorite Bible verses with you; that I may not only encourage you...but also myself. 
The Bible verse that I would like to share with you this evening is found in Psalm 4:8, which reads... "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety." You know...this verse always brings me peace at night, when I read it...because no matter what we are facing at the time...we can lie down in peace and sleep...and why? Because the Lord is there to watch over us. In fact...when I read this Bible verse in Psalm 4:8...I think of the Lord bending down from the heavens and encircling us with His precious wings of love. What a way to fall asleep...especially, when we don't always feel well...or may even be distressed. 
No matter what you may be experiencing...and no matter how heavy something may be weighing down on your mind...just settle back and let God be there for you...to bring you peace and sweet rest. I know that this is what I'm going to do right now.
Have a good night, my friends and God bless! See ya in the morning!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
Diane

Hello everyone...and how is your Wednesday going? I am sitting here...looking out my window, to a beautiful day! This past week or so, we have been waking up to rain or dreary skies...so the sunshine is very welcome today!
This morning, I had a situation that I've been dealing with for several days. In no way did I want to misjudge what was happening...but I needed peace, as to how I was going to make this decision; so this morning...before making a call, I asked God to take control of everything that was said. 
After making the call...and talking with this person I was questioning...I could actually feel God step in and work...and before I knew it, the situation was cleared up...and I now sit here with peace of mind.
After getting off the phone, I decided to take a few minutes and just settle back and listen to some music...before writing you today...and as I was doing so; God led me to a Bible verse in Proverbs 16:9, which reads... "A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps." Instantly, I thought to myself... "Diane, just think how that phone call could have gone...if first, you didn't let go and let God lead the way." 
So many times, we seem to get in a hurry...and we pressure a situation in our life, until we find that we have made a mess of things. We have these ideas and plans...and we seem to think that it's up to us, to put them into action...never realizing that this may be exactly what Satan longs for us to do...as a means of botching it all up. Like I said yesterday...if we can't trust a situation...and have that perfect peace...that everything is going to work out; then it's time to turn to God and give Him our thoughts and ideas...and then let go; so He can do the leading. 
Today, I praise God for being there for me...to spare me from the snares and traps that Satan has awaiting me! Let me ask you a question, as we close. Do you want to feel free in life? If so; then let God do the big work in your life...and one thing I can tell you today...everything will work out just fine...PRAISE HIM!!
Well...time to see what God has for me next! I truly pray that your day will be a good one...completely led by Him! 
Bye for now & God bless!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Good evening, to all you late nighters! I guess I'm not the only one still up. I don't know what it is...but I just love writing in the evening! Maybe it's because it's so quiet and peaceful...but I think I like writing at night because it relaxes me and helps me to connect with God...before going to bed.
Anyways...I've been trying to take a little more time lately, to read God's word...as sometimes the day can get so busy; that before I know it...there seems to be no time. One thing I love to do; is to allow God to lead me to a verse or two...one that I can dissect and take apart...and sink deeply into. You know...it's good to read several chapters in the Bible...but I have found that it's even more important to walk away with something...something that can turn the heart around in God's direction, rather than our own.
Tonight, as I've been sitting here...listening to some music; God led me to a Bible verse that I remember reading as a teenager. I don't think I understood it then, as I do now; but for some reason it struck a cord with my heart...and this verse is found in Matthew 10:39, which reads... "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." 
I have truly lived this Bible verse...I can tell you that much! Through the many years of my life...I went through great loss...never really knowing why I seemed to experience more loss than some around me. It seemed that everything that meant so much to me was taken away. For instance...I will never forget the time...when as a young girl, I had to sell my bike. To some...this may not appear to be a great loss; but for me it was. I was having so many problems with my knees at the time; that the doctor finally told me...no more bike riding. My heart was crushed, as that bike became my best friend. As I seemed to sit on the sidelines of life...due to my knees...this friend of mine would take me places...where I felt free and alive. As my hair would blow in the wind...those moments became a time, when I could escape the hurt of a dysfunctional home life. 
From there....I experienced other losses...like not being able to ice skate or play tennis...which I loved...and then as I grew up, I lost the chance of having children, due to an early hysterectomy and endometriosis. 
For quite some time, I questioned God...with a heart that seemed so broken...a heart that lived in a world of it's own; but later, I came to see that each loss was being replaced with God's loving presence...and as I gained more of Him...I truly began to find the real purpose for living. 
You know...I think that loss can be one of the most difficult things to go through...but when we can open ourselves up to God and what He may be doing through that loss; that is when we truly find life...for what it was meant to be.
As I sit here tonight...and look back on my life...I now rejoice. The tears of the past have been bottled up...and now new life springs up within me...the life that God had purposed just for me, since the day He created me.
No matter what you lose out on in life...don't think of it as defeat. Instead...think of it this way; God is making room for something better. Tonight, I pray that you will come to see the hard and discouraging moments in your life, as a new beginning...one that God has purposed just for you!
Tonight, I praise God  that He has control of my life...what a God! Well...have a great night...and may God truly bless your heart with His! Goodnight everyone!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
Diane

Hello everyone...it's so good to be with you today! I hope your day is off to a good start...and that you will truly feel the loving presence of God...through each step you take today!
As I've been sitting here this morning...I've been reading some Bible verses on the subject of "trust." Throughout my life, I have had a really hard time trusting people. I guess it started with my grandfather, who sexually abused me at the age of 5. From there...I began to trust people less and less, as I've had a lot of people let me down in life...including my own family; who had made promises to me...only to break them...and break my heart deeply.
Anyways...as I was seeking God, for something to help me through this weak point in my life; He led me to a couple of Bible references; that I would like to share with you today...and the first one is found in Psalm 118:8-9, which reads... "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. 9) It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes."  Second...I would like to share a few Bible verses from Proverbs 3:5-6, which reads... "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
I guess that there is two things we must learn to do...and first; that would be to trust God. When we can truly come to see God at work in our lives and fully acknowledge that; then we will also come to trust Him. Second...when we can learn to trust God completely; then we can turn to Him, for understanding...as to whether we can trust others. In other words...He will become someone that we can trust, to help us understand others; so we can trust them too. 
You know...I am so glad I came to spend this time with you today; because my eyes have truly been open, to an easier way to trust others. I'm learning this morning; that when I can lean on God for the answers...rather than myself; then He will be there to direct my paths...and give me the wisdom I need; to know whether someone is worthy of my trust. 
I hope that this time together today, has also been of some help and encouragement to you too! You see...this is why I like this blog...because we can learn and grow through the questions and struggles we face in this life.
Well...I guess I better get to work. I truly pray that you will have a very nice Tuesday! Take care and I will hope to see you soon!
Many...many blessings on your day!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Good evening everyone! What a great day this has been! I sure hope that your day was a nice one too! This evening, as I've been sitting here alone with God; I began my evening, by reading Ephesians 2...and from there, I found myself thumbing through some older writings in my Bible;  that God has given me over the years. You know...it doesn't matter how old these writings are...because the meaning that is contained within these words of wisdom, are still alive and filled with hope...a hope that can truly keep a person standing during the difficult times. 
Anyways...as I was reading some of these older writings...I noticed one sticking out of the corner of my Bible. As I took it out to read it...the thoughts that were in this writing, took me back about 25 years...to a time when I had emotionally collapsed. At the time, I was dealing with a very painful past. Not only did the memory of sexual abuse surface; but I guess I can say that I was also going back to a time, when God was teaching me how to grow up all over again...only the right way this time...for I had been brought up in a very dysfunctional home life, as a young girl.
After being admitted to a hospital...I guess you can say that I just laid on the bed lifeless. Everything I once held so tightly too, as a means of surviving, had finally let go and I was now at rock bottom. In fact, there was not even an ounce of strength left, to shake the doctors hand that day. All I remember him saying to me was this... "It's alright Diane...I know you're hurting and we are going to help you...and one day soon, you will be able to shake my hand."
Through time, I came to see that God had allowed me to go down to nothing; so He could be my everything. One thing I have truly learned over the years; is that loss only brings gain...and the more loss I experienced from the past...only allowed me to gain more of Him.
Now, as I sit here today...I am completely free from the past...and all the deep heartache it led me to...for my Lord took hold of everything that had brought me low...and He exchanged it with something that could lift me back up to my feet. It was at one time, during that hospital say, when I felt His presence within me speaking these words... "Diane, I will bring you through this difficult time...I promise." Even though I didn't fully believe it at the time; I did come to see that He was a God of promise...and as you can see...He kept His word. 
No matter what you walk through...never think of it as a waste or a total loss; for what God may be allowing you to lose out on now; is only that you might gain Him in a greater way...and may I say...when you experience God in this way...you will never be the same again; so never give up or become discouraged; because God always has a good ending, to what He allows within our lives.
Well...I guess this has been a night of reminiscing back in time. I never know what God has in store for me, when I spend these precious moments alone with Him; but tonight, I'm so glad that I've had this time, to look back and see how far He's brought me...and even more, how He has truly kept His word to me over the years.
I truly hope and pray that you will have a great night of rest...and that God will bless your tomorrow, with something brand new...from His heart to yours!
Goodnight...and God bless!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Hello everyone...and a "Happy Monday" to you all! I hope that your week is off to a good start! I am sitting here, in the midst of hammering sounds...as the workers are back on the roof. We had a little delay with the roofing, as we have been having some rain; so I guess their back to finish the job. In fact...I just saw wood fall down in front of my window...so yes...they are back.
Anyways...no matter what is taking place around here...I am having a great start to my day! Pain is minimal and last night, I had the best time with God before bed! In fact...we worked on a new page together, which is a page of thoughts and quotes that God has blessed my heart with over the years...and it's titled... "Inspirational Thoughts & Quotes from Above." Right now, I have quite a few thoughts...quotes...and even some graphic quotes on the page; so I hope you will go over there and check it out. Also...from time to time, I will be putting up new thoughts and quotes; so come back and check them out later...as God has truly blessed me, with many words of inspiration. In fact...you should see my Bible...it's just filled with thoughts that have truly become a great reminder to me of His love and faithfulness.
As we close this time together, I would like to share a Bible verse with you, from Psalm 32:7...which reads... "Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah."  
The hope we live with today; is that we ALWAYS have God to run to! When we find shelter in Him, rather than a broken down circumstance; then He does preserve us and keep us from further trouble...and even the wounds that can afflict us...through these trying times. 
As you walk through your day...just know that no matter what may come your way...that God is there for you...and His presence alone will encircle you and keep you from the heavy blows that Satan has planned to strike you down with...so don't try to find refuge in your problems...but rather, seek refuge in God...Amen!!
Well...it's time for me to begin my day; so I will talk with you later. I hope and pray that your day will be filled with the loving and peaceful presence of God! 
Many...many blessings on your day!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Good evening everyone...I truly hope that you had a nice weekend...and a very blessed Sunday! It's been a great day of rest for me...and even the pain levels have dropped...so Lord, I praise you tonight, for all you are doing for me!
This evening...I've been spending some extra time with God, as we are about to begin another new week together. As I've been sitting here...looking out my window...I noticed that there are still leaves on our big maple tree...and while looking at them; I began to think on how they seem to be holding on for dear life. Even though they have turned color and are looking a little rugged...they seem to refuse to leave the tree and fall to the ground. No matter how windy it gets...or how battered they become...they hang on...never wanting to give up on the life they have enjoyed since spring. 
As I continued to think on this...God began to show me that life can seem the same for us. We can feel battered and beaten, by the winds of circumstance...and we can even feel as if we can't hold on another moment...but are we willing to look beyond the circumstance and hold onto life anyways? I'll tell you...there can be days, when I feel like these ruffled leaves I'm looking at. In fact, I have moments, when I feel as if the stem that connects me to God is about to give way, while I go tumbling to the ground; but then God gives me a reason to hang on...and that reason is Him.
As we begin another week; there may be some who can't take another step forward. Maybe you feel as if you just can't hang on another day. May I encourage you, to not give up on life; but instead, take hold of a God...who will never let go of you; but will instead, love you through it all. 
You know...life does have a time, when it comes to an end...just like these leaves; but until God appoints that time for us, can we say that we are willing to hang in there with Him. May I encourage you tonight, to let God be the strength you need...and no matter what you feel; let His arms of love suspend and sustain you through it all.
Well...time to get back with God and then get some more sleep. I sure hope that you will have a great night of rest...and that you will wake up with a smile...one from God's heart to yours! 
God bless...and goodnight!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Hello everyone...and a happy and blessed Sunday to you all! I truly pray that your day is off to a great start! This morning, we are experiencing an autumn rain...but no matter how dreary the day...the light of God's presence still shines brightly within the heart.
This morning, as we spend a few minutes together, I would like to share a couple of Bible verses with you, from Acts 17:27-28a, which reads... "His purpose in all of this is that they should seek after God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him...though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and are." Every time I read these Bible verses...I begin to envision a dark tunnel of circumstance; that almost seems impossible to get through. We can either sit in this dark tunnel and give up...or out of faith, we can crawl through the darkness, as we continue to not only press on...but seek the light of God's presence.
I have come to see within my own life; that the dark tunnels of circumstance aren't meant to torture us and make life difficult; but rather, they are meant as a test...to see if we will go beyond the circumstance, to find the One, who can help us the rest of the way. 
I remember a time in my life, when I stood before a mirror and told God that I wasn't making it through the struggles I was facing at the time. From there, He began to speak to my spirit...as though to say... "Diane, you are breathing...walking and functioning; so you are making it; for it's only the circumstances your facing; that are attempting to convince you otherwise." I'll tell you...that was an eye awakening experience...one that I truly needed at the time..to take me out of the deceptive thoughts; that had attempted to take me further down.
No matter what we face in this life; we must remember that with God, we can do all things...for it's through Him "that we live and move and are"...and sometimes, I think that God allows us to experience moments like these; because He wants us to see that it's not of ourselves...but only through Him that we can make it through these hard and difficult times.
Today, I pray that God's strength will replace the weight of our circumstances; that we may find the will to keep pressing on through the darkness, of whatever we may be facing at this time...even if it means crawling through the darkness, to find the light of hope that can walk us out of these moments of despair.
Have a great Sunday...and I pray many blessings on your day!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane