Good evening everyone! It's been a great day for me...and I hope that your day was the same! Today, I went out and worked on another project, with the help of my husband and most of all God! Today's project was making a table frame, for a tabletop in my living room...and the legs and frame were being made out of logs from our backyard; that had dried for some time. 
At first, the project didn't quite go the way I thought it was going to happen. For one thing...I came to find out that those small logs were made out of very hard wood, which caused some of the nails to bend. I have to admit that I was on the verge of quitting. 
Since my foot was bothering me and it was a hot day, I decided to go and sit on the lounger and relax for a bit and think this project over some more. As I let go of all my thoughts and asked God for His help...ideas started to flow within my thoughts and before I knew it...I had a rustic table to place in our living room.
You know...just like the verse states above; there may be times, when we may need to be still and leave all the hard work up to God. Today, I was reminded that when we can't make it work...He will fight for us...to make a way...and that is exactly what I experienced. 
No matter what we face in life...we can feel at times, as though we are about to give up. Nothing seems to be working...and instead, everything seems to be going wrong. May I encourage you tonight...just as I learned today; to be still and let go of everything and let God fight for you. One thing I know...it won't be so draining...frustrating and overwhelming, when you choose to go this route with God.
Well...time for Diane to relax and let her legs have a break, until tomorrow morning. I pray that as you rest for the night; that you will find peace in knowing that God is there for you, when nothing seems to be working out. Take hold of a God, who can truly make a way, when you are just unable to see a way before you.
Have a great night...take care...and may the God of all peace be with you throughout the night! See ya tomorrow and God bless!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Good Saturday morning everyone! I hope that your weekend is off to a good start...and that you will truly experience the loving and peaceful presence of God in your day! It's a beautiful morning here...with a touch of autumn in the air...and I praise God that I have Him to start my day with...Amen!
What a great way to begin a brand new day; then to feel God's presence, as we walk through the day! I have found over the years; that when we walk down His path...the path of His choosing, rather than our own path; that we truly experience a peace that can make every moment seem as if we are walking down a path that is completely fragrant with His loving presence. 
I remember a time in my life, when I became so caught up in all that was surrounding me at the time; that the path I was walking down at that moment, seemed to be turning into a path, where weeds grew along the way, rather than the sweet scent of flowers...a path that appeared to be dormant and dreary...and that was only because I had chosen to walk down the path of my problems, rather than walking close beside God. 
Over time, I came to see that walking down God's pathway, truly is a humbling experience...a time, when we let go of everything except for Him...as we humbly seek His guidance through life; and once we are willing to obey Him...and walk in His ways; then even though there appears to be a storm in the distant...a light will shine brightly upon the path, while we truly sense His presence, in the midst of it all.
There was another time in my life, when I was headed 2500 miles, to the home I grew up in...to deal with my past. As we drove that distance...it seemed as if every time I looked out my window...the sun shone brightly down upon me. Even when the clouds gathered...the sunlight still managed to shine through the clouds. 
As I've been thinking back to these moments in my past...these thoughts brought this verse alive within me; because I was truly following God's will for my life...and I believe that His presence was shining down around me...letting me know that He was with me all the way.
No matter what we may face in life...what a good feeling to know; that when we choose to humbly follow God, rather than the circumstance; then we will be able to sense His presence and find peace in it all! 
As we continue to walk through this brand new day; let's take the time, to let go of everything of our own; that we may humbly choose to follow in the footsteps of Jesus...that we may find grace, to help us, in these times of need.
Have a very blessed day...take care and I will hope to be with you this evening! 
Many blessings on your Saturday!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Good evening everyone! I sure hope that you had a nice Friday! Even though it was a very busy day for me...God was in it all...and I give Him praise tonight...for giving me strength...and for sustaining me through the challenging moments of my day...praise Him!
You know...so many times, we try to hang onto life and muddle through on our own...but moments such as these only seem to burn us out and make life even more draining...but one thing I have truly come to see; is that we can let go and run into the arms of Jesus...where His loving arms will protect us and keep us close to Him, while facing these overwhelming times.
As we've been spending this time together tonight...I am being reminded of some moments in my own life, when I would hang onto the feelings that were weighing me down...just like a security blanket. I guess I felt at the time; that I needed to be in touch with what was happening, while working to keep it under control; but moments like these only made life even more frustrating...and depressing too, while I felt so alone...in a world that only included me and the problem.
No matter what you have gone through today...or no matter how long you have been facing something in your life...don't try to hang on by yourself...because first of all, you aren't strong enough to override the strength that comes through these trials..that are controlled by Satan. Instead, let God be everything you need...and in the end, you will find a perfect peace and rest; that can calm these troubled moments.
As we begin to close another day, I pray that you will find peace and sweet rest, by running into the arms of a God, who can help you to control these moments that may be bringing you low. Just think...you don't have to wonder if He will accept you or not...for He has given you an invitation in the verse above...and all you have to do is come to Him...just as you are and one thing I know...He will hold you...love you and care for you, until these difficult moments in your life have passed...Amen!!
Have a beautiful night of rest and I will hope to be with you tomorrow! 
Many blessings on your night!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Hello everyone...and a "Happy Friday" to you all! I truly hope and pray that your day is off to a good start! This morning...it's been a little crazy around here...but praise God that He can still enter the moments that seem crazy and out of control...to guide us into new moments that can truly give us peace...praise Him!
How many times do we not give credit to God, while coming through a tough situation? It seems like we get so caught up, in what we think had made the way; that we forget that it's a powerful God, who stepped in and brought us through something; that we could not have otherwise come through on our own.
One thing I truly like about King David; is that he knew it was the power of God that had entered His sword in battle...and the stone that had brought Goliath to the ground. Just think...a simple stone could not have brought a giant of a man down...and one sword could not have killed hundreds of people on their own, without the power of God entering those things first.
You know...I have come to see that when we recognize the power of God in our lives; we not only have a reason to praise Him...but these moments truly give us hope that God can help us in the same way...for other difficult times that may arise ahead of us.
No matter what you are facing today...take God with you into battle and let His power enter the moments that can bring your Goliath down to the ground...that the power of God may rise above the so-called strength of a weak moment...and free you, from whatever is attempting to bring you down.
Have a great Friday...take care and I will hope to be with you this evening! 
Many blessings on your day!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Good evening everyone...and how was your day? I have had a great day! It's been a little busier today; but God has truly been my strength...otherwise, I wouldn't be writing you this evening...right? Lol!
You know...as I took hold of this verse from Exodus 33:14 today...I was thinking on how great we have it...that Jesus longs to always be with us...no matter what we are facing. He will walk through the fiery trials...the troubled waters and the moments that just seem too overwhelming for us to get through...and He will even walk us out of the troubled moments of the day, into a perfect rest...like no other.
I'll tell you...there can be moments at the end of my day, where I barely get up on the bed...I'm so tired; but then I not only thank the Lord, for His help and guidance throughout the day; but I also pour every need before Him...and as I begin to lay back and rest; it's as if I can truly feel Him taking my hand and walking me out of the moments that once seemed so draining...that I may rest in Him.
No matter what you are facing right now...and no matter how overwhelming life can seem...may I encourage you to take hold of the hand of Jesus and let Him take you away from the cares and struggles of the day; that you too may rest in His loving presence.
As we close another day, I pray that we all will let Jesus take us by the hand and walk us away from the thoughts and feelings; that only attempt to keep us awake and overwhelmed with life...and I pray even more; that God will hold you close to His heart...and that He will exchange everything from the day, for His perfect peace...a peace that can truly put your minds and hearts at rest.
Have a great night...and I will hope to be with you again tomorrow!
Many blessings on your night!
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 and that you are connecting to the One, who can truly be everything...for everything you need in this day! What a beautiful day it is,  in the Inland Northwest! The sun is shining and the mornings are starting to feel, as if a hint of autumn is coming our way...which I just love!
How many of us can truly say today that we trust God? I remember a time, when I was just coming through several years of counseling, for sexual abuse...and a dysfunctional home life. The thing I was dealing with at the time, was trusting people. So many things had happened throughout my life; where I came to a place that I just could not trust anyone. As I shared what was on my heart with God...I said to Him... "How do I learn to trust people again"...and this is what He laid upon my heart... "Diane...all you need to do is put your complete trust in Me." For once in my life...these moments didn't seem so overwhelming to me; because I thought to myself...if I only need to learn to trust God...then that should be easier.
As I began to place my life in His hands...and lean on Him, for everything that was ahead of me...I began to see how He crowned every moment with His success...not mine, which only made me long to trust Him more. 
Today, if you are struggling to trust others...and you feel numb to what is happening around you...may I encourage you to trust in the One, who will never let you down. Yes...my ways may not always be what I expect His ways to be...but in the end, I see how He makes all things right within my life.
One thing I can tell you today...trusting God can seem as if you are walking in the dark...wondering if you may trip over an obstacle and fall...and that can seem scary; but one thing I also know...when we choose to test the waters with God; His light will shine down upon our path and illuminate these uncertain moments that may lie ahead of us...so give Him a chance. I know one thing...you won't regret it...and as you see Him crown each effort you put forth with success; these moments will cause you to trust Him even more...just as I did.
Today, I pray that you will find the strength to step out and truly place your trust in God; that you may experience the fullness...of all He longs to be for you in your life!
Have a great Thursday...and I will hope to see you again this evening! God bless!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Good morning everyone...and a happy Wednesday to you all! I sure hope that your day is off to a good start! Mine will be starting soon at the grocery store, which is actually a nice break away from the work and the home...but to be honest with you...I'd rather be serving God...because God and the ministry work has truly become my first love in life!
You know...we all have days, when we would rather give into whatever we are facing. It seems like for some...the days of pain and deep heartache can make us want to just sit down in the middle of the path for a while; but one thing God taught me...is that when we stop pressing on; then in the end, we miss out on what God had intended to bless us with.
Have you ever had a moment, when you wanted to give up...but yet you felt this tugging at your spirit...as though you weren't supposed to do that? I remember a time, when I had fallen to the bottom of the barrel emotionally...and as I sat alone one day...trying to see how all the broken pieces of my life were going to be brought back together; God began to speak to my spirit and say... "Diane, it's going to be alright...because I will bring you through this very difficult time in your life...I promise." As I got up to go into the other room; there was something within me that wanted to believe that; but at the same time, I had fallen so deep in my emotions; that I had found it difficult to believe what God was laying upon my heart. 
As the days passed by, I began to see God's promises come to life...and it was because I chose to not give up...but to press on, even if it meant baby steps...and you know what...I'm so glad that I chose to do that; otherwise, I wouldn't be where I am today...serving God and allowing the past, to be used for Him...to help and encourage others.
No matter what you may be walking through today...and no matter how difficult it may seem to get through, may I encourage you to not sit down in the middle of the path...but to keep moving forward, with the strength of almighty God. One thing I know for sure...once you come out of these moments of despair; you will come to see what God had planned for you all along!
Have a great Wednesday...take care and I will see you this evening! 
Many blessings on your day!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Good evening everyone! I sure hope that you had a nice Tuesday...I know I did! Tonight, I want to thank God for His strength and the way He carries us through moments; that can sometimes seem impossible for us to get through...praise Him!
When I came across this Bible verse, in Psalm 32:7...it took me back to a hymn that I used to sing...throughout the many years that brought me pain and heartache...and the song is titled... "The Haven of Rest"...and a few of the lyrics go like this... "My soul in sad exile was out on life’s sea; so burdened with sin and distress; till I heard a sweet voice, saying, “Make Me your choice and I entered the “Haven of Rest". I’ve anchored my soul in the “Haven of Rest,” I’ll sail the wide seas no more; the tempest may sweep over wild, stormy, deep; but in Jesus I’m safe evermore."
What hope to know...that there is a place, where we can feel sheltered...safe and secure from life's storms...a place, where all we are surrounded with; is the very best that God longs to offer us, during these difficult times.
You know...a circumstance can make us feel as if we are out on a stormy sea, with wind, rain and the blunt of the storm coming at us, from all directions...but there is hope...a hope that can only be found in Jesus...and when we choose to make Him our choice; then He will reach out His loving hand and guide us safely into a haven of rest...a place where we can wait out the storm, until it has passed. 
No matter what you are facing right now...and no matter how rough the storm may be that's surrounding you; just know that there is a place, where God longs to shelter you and sustain you, until the storm has passed. You know...even though God may be using these storms in our lives, for reasons we don't fully understand; it is not His desire to let them overtake us and have control over our lives. So tonight...are you going to make the choice, to come out of the storm and allow God to shelter you and keep you safe, until the storm passes by...or are you going to try and remain tough on your own? One thing I know for sure...when we try to muddle through the storm on our own; we only get beat up and go through long and drawn out moments of needless suffering; so come out of the storm and let God protect you and help you through the moments; that just seem to be too much for you to handle.
As we close another day together, my prayer is that God will shelter us, with His almighty wings of love; that we may rest in sweet peace...no matter what is going on around us! 
Have a great night of rest...and may God truly bless your night with His loving peace! See you tomorrow!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Hello everyone...and very happy Tuesday to you all! I pray that you're enjoying this brand new day that the Lord hath made...just for you! Last night was a better night for me...and this morning is fresh and new...as I anticipate God's very best for the day! No matter what we face in life...isn't it good to know that God gives us a brand new beginning everyday! Praise Him!
You know...life definitely has a way of taking a toll on our minds and bodies. These moments of struggle can make us feel as if we are wasting away to nothing; but little do we know at the time; that God is in the background...using these moments to renew us and make us stronger.
I remember many times in the past, when depression...and the other problems I dealt with from the past, only made me feel as if I was slowly wasting away to nothing. In fact, I felt as if I was losing out on life...and there were even moments, when I felt as if I would die in this way. 
You know...it's so easy for us to get caught up in the feelings and symptoms of our problems; that before we know it...we lose the grip we once had on our faith, as we allow these feelings to dictate our lives. One thing we need to remember; is that whatever God allows within our lives...it will not be wasted...or it won't allow us to waste away to nothing; otherwise that would make God a defeated God. 
No matter what we are walking through...whether it be pain, illness...the loss of a job or even deep heartache from the past and present moments; God will take hold of these moments and He will use them. Maybe we just need to quit focusing on how the problem is making us feel...to look above the problem and see what God may be up to. 
One thing I know for sure...the moments that made me feel as if life was going to take me down for good, actually lifted me higher with God and brought me to where I am today. In fact...I found over time; that the problems that were attempting to take me down, did eventually nudge me along in God's direction...so never give up on what is taking place in your life.
As we walk through this day...my prayer; is that God will give us strength to let go of the feelings that are weighing us down...to pursue a God, who is working through these difficult times; that we may find hope through it all...a hope that can keep us pressing on!
Have a great Tuesday...take good care and I will hope to see you again this evening! 
Many blessings on your day!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane