Good evening everyone...and how was your day?! I sure hope that it was a good one! My day was great and even though it was a busy one...it was also a blessed one...for as I walked through each part of my day...God was right beside me...making the way before me...PRAISE HIM!!
Many times, we feel that just because we are going through a time of weakness; that this means that there is no hope or a way out. We seem to become so caught up in what is happening; that we forget that there is a grace that is more than sufficient to see us through these times...and a strength that can lift us to our feet...high above these moments of weakness. 
I will never forget the time, when I truly took hold of this Bible verse in 2 Corinthians 12:9. I was recovering from one of many knee surgeries...and I was alone that day, as my husband was working at the time. As I sat in our living room one afternoon, I began to talk with God about everything that was on my heart that day. As I began to get into His word...He led me directly to 2 Corinthians 12. In fact...verses 7-10 are now my life verses. Anyways, as I began to read...the part of this verse that says... "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me," I became a little confused. I said to God... "How do you expect me to rejoice in this pain I'm experiencing?" For some reason; that just didn't make sense to me at the time. From there, He began to show me that it wasn't the infirmity alone that I should take glory in...but it was truly knowing that during these difficult times; was when we would feel His hand upon us the most, which should cause us to rejoice and find hope in Him. From that moment on...I began to see my disability differently, along with everything else I was going through. In fact, I no longer felt alone; but I knew that this was actually the time, when Christ was the closest to me!
No matter what you are facing...and no matter how weak you may feel; just know that this isn't a time to be down and out; but rather it's a time to rejoice...knowing that these are the moments, when the hand of almighty God is resting upon you...praise Him!!
As we prepare to end another day; my prayer is that we all will come to see that we are never alone, during these difficult times; but rather, Jesus is there too...ready to touch us in a special way...one that will truly lift us out of these moments of despair!
Have a great night...a good rest...and may you feel the presence of almighty God throughout the night! See ya tomorrow!
Many...many blessings on your night!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Hello everyone...and a very "Happy Monday" to you all!! I truly hope that your week is off to a good start...and that you will truly experience the loving and powerful presence of God in your day!
As I begin my week...I'm sure that every day will be jam packed with something to do...but you know what...I don't have time to think about what happened last week...or what may come my way this week; because I need to have an open mind and heart, for what God has for me today...and where He is leading me. In a similar way...we will never truly know what is before us; if we are reminiscing in the past. In fact...I have found that when my mind drifts back to moments such as these; then my mind becomes captive to the thoughts of the past, which only places us in a standstill. 
Just think...we are all on a journey...and that journey as Christians, should be leading us in heavens direction; but if we are carrying baggage from the past with us; then it's just going to be that much harder to reach our destination. 
Today, we need to let go of what is weighing us down and reach forth, to the things that lie before us. When we are willing to aim our thoughts and hearts in God's direction; then the journey will be much easier...and we will be less likely to give up.
As you continue to walk through your day...I pray that your sight and vision will be fixed completely on God...and where He longs to take you in life...that you may anticipate His next more, rather than dreading what may lie ahead of you. 
Have a great Monday...take care and I will hope to be with you again this evening!
Many...many blessings on your day!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
Diane

Good evening everyone! I hope you had a great Sunday! My day was a good one...spent with God...my husband and much rest! Praise God that He knew in advance; that we would need one day in our week like this!
You know...some of us may have had a difficult time last week...and a trying weekend. Now, as we think about starting another new week; we can sometimes feel as if there is nothing more to give, which in turn causes us to dread another new week ahead. May I encourage you tonight...through this verse in Isaiah 40:29; that God is a limitless God of strength...and He truly does know the moments that just make us feel, as if we won't make it.
You know...I have faced many weekends in the past, when I just didn't feel caught up from the previous week, which truly made me dread Monday; but then, when I read verses like this one...I am reminded that God does give power to the faint; and to those who have nothing left to give...He will increase in strength...a strength that can carry us way beyond what we could ever imagine or think. 
Sometimes...I think that we become more focused on the weakness we're feeling; that we tend to forget that our God is always there for us...to lift us to our feet and strengthen us, with a strength that can kick these weak moments into overdrive.
As we prepare to start another new week...try not to focus on how tired you are...or even how you feel physically; but instead...take the time to focus on what God can do, to help you through those difficult times. One thing I know for sure...when God sees that we are weak in spirit...He will come and make an exchange...His strength for our weakness; so turn to Him...and let go of a weakness, whose only intention is to keep you down and out of commission with God. 
Tonight...as you rest for the night...my prayer for you; is that God would enter your room and fill you with a strength that can truly lift you to your feet in the morning. Remember...it's not the sleep alone that helps us...but it's a powerful God...entering these moments of rest; that truly do give us the strength to press on...Amen!!
Have a great night everyone...and I pray that your night will also be filled with peace and sweet rest! Take care and I will hope to be with you again tomorrow!
Many...many blessings on your night!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Hello everyone...and a very happy and blessed Sunday to you! I truly hope that your day is off to a great start! Well...this morning, it's a little gray outside...with more rain/snow in the forecast...but the light of God's presence is still shining bright...deep within the heart...and that is all that matters to me today!
One thing I have come to see over time; is how dark a path can seem, when we are hit with a circumstance. These moments can make us feel as if there will be no light to guide us safely out of these moments...and that is only because we tend to get caught up in the darkness, while allowing it to dictate our thoughts and feelings.
What we need to do...is allow God's word to become a light, within these dark moments. I remember a time in my life, when I actually used God's word as a survival manual. I was caught up in so many dark moments of the past; that there was no way that I would have found my way out of that darkness alone. In fact...I wonder sometimes, if God allows these darkened moments into our lives; so that we will have a reason to not only turn in His direction...but the direction of His holy word.
If you were to look at the two Bibles I used during those darkened moments; you would truly see, how I sought God's word, to help me overcome these times; that were so out of control in my life. One thing I did notice at that time...is the more I sought His word for help...the more that darkened path seemed to brighten up. In fact...His word became like a bright flashlight...shining through the darkness...and the more I learned...the brighter it seemed to get.
No matter what you are facing...and no matter how dark and dismal these moments may seem...search God's word for the truth that can free you, from these prison cells of despair...and one thing I know; is that you will walk out of the moments that once kept you captive...as the light of God's word, will light the way before you, until He has brought you through each painful moment in your life. 
Today...I pray that you will not only find God's presence to be very real in your life; but I pray that you will search for the answers you're looking for in God's word...that the light of that wisdom will brighten your path and help you, to walk out of these difficult moments you're facing!
Have a very special Sunday...take care and I will hope to be with you again this evening!
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 Saturday! Mine was spent with a few things to do around the house...and a couple of relaxing hours around the fireplace...yes, the fireplace. Today, the temperature only reached the upper 30's and I actually saw our first snow...even though it didn't stick to the ground. It seemed so strange...seeing green leaves still on the maple trees, while it was snowing outside. This is one moment in my day; that became a reminder to me, as to how amazing our God truly is!
This morning, as I was getting around for my day...a song came to my mind, which led me to this verse in Deuteronomy 1:31...and as I read it several times; it reminded me of the moments that God had truly carried me through some tough times. There was one time in my life, when I felt lost within a wilderness of despair. It seemed that no matter how hard I tried to get out of this wilderness...I only ended up at the place, from which I first began. Little did I know at the time; that all my efforts were only leading me through needless moments of suffering...and no way out. It was at a time, when I fell to the ground emotionally and began to realize that my way wasn't going to work...and that is when I admitted that to God and asked Him to help me. As I let go completely to the reigns of my life and handed everything over to God...that is when He took hold of a lady, who was emotionally exhausted...and He carried her, to the place that she had been trying to reach on her own for so long. 
No matter what you are facing right now...may I encourage you to not try it alone; for you will only end up like me...going in circles, with no direction in life. Instead of trying it alone, why not ask a good Friend to join you...One who will carry you through the hard and difficult times, until you have reached your destination. 
As we prepare to end another day, my prayer is that we all will truly fall into the arms of Jesus...the One who out of love, will lift us high above the difficult moments, while carrying us to the place, in which He longs for us to be...a place where we remain close to Him and distant from despair. 
Have a good night...and may God truly bless your night with peace and sweet rest! See ya tomorrow!
Many...many blessings on your night!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Hello everyone...and a very "Happy Saturday" to you all! I hope that your weekend is off to a great start! My day is definitely revealing the season of autumn, with rain and cool temperatures...and get this...I heard that we may even see some snow showers over the weekend. This just goes to show that God has control over everything, including the weather man!
I don't know how last night was for you; but last night was a rough night for me, as the pain in my body was definitely out of control. As I sat on the edge of my bed...talking with my husband...tears began to flow, from a pain that just wasn't settling down. 
As I attempted to get back on my feet...with cane in hand...I got around for bed...and as I sat quietly to myself; I cried out to God for help...and told Him that I could no longer handle what was going on in my body. Right in the middle of my prayer...God spoke to my spirit...and before I knew it, I was writing a very heartfelt writing, from His heart to mine, which I will probably be posting next Wednesday, on "A Journey of Thoughts...from God's Heart to Yours." 
As my hand glided uncontrollably across the tablet...with ink pen in hand...words began to sooth my aching heart...and instantly became a reminder to me; that God would always be there...just as He had in times past. 
You know...we don't always understand the reasoning, for why God allows these painful moments to remain within our lives. Sometimes, we can feel, as if He has forgotten us...or just doesn't care; but last night truly became a reminder to me; that when we cry out to God...He will be there, to deliver us from moments that can seem so out of control. 
After finishing the writing...and truly taking hold of each word...I laid back and within minutes, I was asleep...and from there, God began to work with the pain...and as I got up with my cane, in the early morning hours...the pain was minimal.
I think that sometimes, we try to hold onto whatever is bothering us, until we can no longer take it...before crying out to God; but I have come to see that moments such as these only produce needless moments of suffering. Even though God has His reasons, behind each thing we go through...He will be there for you...to help you and walk you through the moments that can just seem so out of control...just as He did for me.
As we walk through this day...I pray that you will not hold so tightly to a problem that you can't handle on your own; but instead, I pray that you will find the strength to let everything go, into the hands of a God, who can be everything...for everything you need...praise Him!
Have a nice Saturday...enjoy the day...and I will hope to be with you this evening!
Many...many blessings on your day!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Good evening everyone! I truly hope that your Friday was a good one! It's been another busy day for me...but I'm praising God tonight, for bringing me through every moment of it...Amen!!
How many times have we chosen to take refuge with our problems? In other words...why do we choose to become attached to something that only causes us much pain and heartache? I still haven't been able to figure out why we do that. Maybe we aren't intentionally seeking refuge with them; but rather, maybe it's a deceitful trick from Satan...to lure us deeper into the problem. No matter what it may be...I have truly come to see that this is the worst place to take refuge. First of all...this broken down problem that we attempt to run to...doesn't really shelter us from the blunt of the storm; but rather, it enhances the problem, until we can no longer bear it any longer...which is Satan's deep desire.
You know...today may have brought about some difficult struggles and challenges...and maybe you are still feeling the side effects of these hard times; but one thing I know...staying closely attached to that problem will only allow the problem to abuse you. What we need is a shelter that will keep us safe and secure...one that will also give us rest, from the blunt of the storms we're facing...and the only shelter I know of like this; is under the wings of the Most High God. 
Many times...after a hard day, I crawl into bed...barely awake...but as I close my eyes; I ask God to come and cover me with His wings of love; where I can be safe and secure throughout the night...a place where Satan can't have his way with me...and every time I pray that prayer, I truly do feel as if God's presence has surrounded me, with a place of refuge...a place, where I can rest in His loving peace.
As we close another day together...I pray that you too, will truly find God's loving presence to be a place of refuge...a place where you can run to and feel safe and secure, until the storm has passed.
Tonight, I pray that God will truly bless your night with His perfect peace...and may you feel a love surrounding you; that will free you from the thoughts of the day and give you rest! 
Have a good night everyone...and I will hope to be with you again tomorrow!
Many...many blessings on your night!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Hello everyone...and a very "Happy Friday" to you! Praise God...He has brought us through another week! You know...we can have moments in the week, when we feel as if we won't make it...but then we reach the end of the week...and that is when we truly realize that God did sustain us and bring us through...what we saw at one time, as something impossible to get through...PRAISE GOD!!
Yesterday...as I was searching God's word, for a verse or two...to inspire us today; God led me to this verse in Psalm 40:2, which is truly the story of my life...as I remember a time, when I felt as if I had fallen deep into a pit of despair, with no way out.
I will never forget what God has done for me, as long as I live. In fact...I feel as if these moments have truly been embedded deep within my heart; where they will always be a reminder to me, as to how far God has brought me...for there was a time, when I was so low in spirit; that these moments had actually placed me into a very deep pit of despair. As I sat all alone within this pit of despair; I remember trying many...many times to get out on my own. It seemed like every time that I tried to climb out...I just fell back, to where I first began. 
Over time...this pit made me feel, as if this would be the place where I would die...for I could not even see one glimpse of hope shining down upon me...only the darkness that surrounded me at that time. 
Out of desperation...I began to cry out for help...never knowing if anyone would even take the time to care about me and what I was facing at the time. Not once, did anyone come to my aide...no family or friend; but there was One who did come...and when He approached the place, in which I had been, for quite some time; He reached deep within the pit and lifted me out of those deep moments of despair...and that "One," was Jesus Christ...praise Him! You ask me how I knew it was Him? I knew without a doubt it was Him, by the nail scar print upon the hand that reached down to save me...and ever since; He continues to sustain me and keep me close to Him. I have truly come to see in my life; that there is no other love like His...for He never judged me or kept Himself distant from me; but rather, His love was what actually drew me out of that pit...and there will never be enough praise, for all He's done for me!!
Today...do you feel as if you have fallen too, into a pit of despair...one that seems impossible to get out of? May I encourage you...to call out to the One, who will truly hear your cries for help...and save you, from the moments that seem impossible to overcome.
As we continue to walk through this day...I pray that God would truly reveal His presence...to all who feel buried beneath the weight of a circumstance; that you too, will come to see the love that He truly has for you! Have a great Friday...and may God be ever near...no matter what you may be facing at this time! See ya later this evening!
Many...many blessings on your day!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane 

Good evening everyone...and how was your Thursday? Mine has been great! There's been some pain...some challenges...and a lot of work; but it's been a great day because God has been in it all...PRAISE HIM!!
As I was asking God to lay a special Bible verse or two on my heart for this evening...this is the one He gave me, in Ezekiel 34:11-12. What hope...in knowing that our Shepherd is always watching over His flock! Just think...no matter where life takes us...and no matter where we end up...He will search and search for us, until He finds us; then He will deliver us from the detour roads that life placed us on...and He will lead us to brighter paths.
This morning, as I was doing some cooking for this evening...I was struggling a little with my legs...and I was thinking on how these moments can truly make a person feel as if they are in a world of their own...where the only two things that exist; is us and the problem. We can feel as if no one cares or understands...and even more; we can have moments, when we feel forgotten by God. 
No matter where the circumstance attempts to take us...one thing we know for sure; is that our God will always come looking for us. In fact...there have been several times in my own life, when I have truly experienced this. At a time, when I felt that it was easier for others to stay away...or just not care...God did come to me...and one thing I know...He was there through it all...and He continues to be there for me everyday.
Sometimes I think that we become too lost in the problem...and all that is happening around us; that we completely bypass the moments, when God is reaching out to hold our hand and walk with us. I know what that is like...but you know what? He never gives up on us...and that is what I came to see. Even at the moments, when I wanted to give up on myself...He held me up and became everything that I couldn't be for myself. 
You know...the difficult times can make us feel alone in this lonely world; but just remember...you are never alone...for there's a great big loving God, who is always keeping a close eye on you...and no matter how far you wander from Him...He will keep searching, until He finds you and He will truly love you back into life...just as He did for me; so never give up!
As we close another day, I pray that God's presence will truly surround us all; that we might feel loved, safe and secure, within a refuge that can make us truly know that God is always near! Have a great night of rest...and may God's love be ever near throughout the night! See ya tomorrow!
Many...many blessings on your night!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Hello everyone...and a very "Happy Thursday" to you all! It's so good to be back with you today...and I truly pray that God will bless your day, with His very...very best!
You know...the Bible teaches us that we must have faith...but what happens, when every ounce of strength is gone...and we're just too weak to have the faith we once had? One thing we must remember; is that God will not disown someone who is a part of Himself...just because we have fallen prey, to this form of weakness.
I will never forget the time, when I had been hospitalized...because I had fallen so deep... emotionally, due the memory of a past sexual abuse. As I sat in the hospital...starring at the floor...all hope, faith...and everything of myself had fallen so low; that I couldn't get back up. It was that day; that God made a promise to me...from His Spirit to mine; that He would bring me through those times...and He did; for He came in and became strength for me...and everything I would need, to get back up to my feet and live once more.
Let's face it...we are all going to face difficult struggles in this life...some not so hard...and some that truly take us down into a deep pit of despair; but we must remember that our God is watching everything that concerns us...and He will come to our rescue and do everything that needs to be accomplished; that we may rise again...but only this time, with His presence along side of us.
No matter what you may be facing today...and no matter how difficult it may seem to rise out of these moments...just know that God won't leave you there; but instead, He will come and remain faithful to you, during these hard and difficult times...believe me, I know!
As we continue to walk through this day together, I pray that we all will come to see that first...we are not alone, in whatever we're facing; but also...that there is a God, who stands on every promise He has ever made to us through His word...that He would never leave us or forsake us; but that He would truly be close to the one with a broken heart!
Have a nice Thursday...take care and know that God is watching everything that concerns you! See ya this evening!
Many...many blessings on your day!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane