Hello everyone…and a “Happy Tuesday” to you all! What a beautiful morning! The sun is shining and I’m feeling much better than last night! One thing I have truly come to see…through all the deep pain and heartache that I’ve faced in life; is that the sun does shine again.
As I look back on my life…I remember many times, when all I felt was darkness…and to be honest with you, I never thought I’d see the light of day again; but God has shown me over time…and through other instances in my life; that the sun does shine again…just like one season changes into another.
This morning, as I’ve been sitting here…God has been taking me back to a beautiful verse of hope, in Psalm 30:5b, which says… “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
You know…the nights of pain and heartache that enter our lives can seem ongoing, as though another new dawn will never appear; but as time passes…through the long hours of the night; a time does come, when a glimpse of light begins to shine through the darkness once more…just like I’ve come to experience this morning.
Maybe today, you are feeling hopeless. Maybe all you see around you is the darkness of another circumstance. May I encourage you to take hold of God…for He will never allow you to become lost in the dark; but instead, He will walk you through the darkness, until you once more enter another new dawn.
I’ll tell you…life may be hard and difficult at times but I praise God that He is there to walk me through the darkness! Maybe we can’t find hope on our own…and maybe we can’t find our way through the darkness that stands before us; but one thing I know without a doubt; is that He can…and He will; but first, we must take hold of Him, rather than the darkness of a circumstance.
Well…time to begin my day and see what God has for me. I truly hope and pray; that you will find hope in knowing…that this too will pass! Have a great Tuesday…and I will see you soon!
Many…many blessings on your day!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
​

Hello everyone…I’m writing later this evening because it’s been a rougher day for me. This evening, as I sat in the living room…talking with my husband, I began to break down and truly pour my heart out before him and God.
Some of you may not fully understand my life; but it’s been about 50 years; that I have suffered with two bad legs…and lately, it’s really been out of control at times. As I look back on my life, it seems that all I’ve lived; is a life of disability. I have truly experienced the loss of many things…and lately, it has felt as if I have been living in a prison cell of pain. I guess that sometimes, we just need to release the feelings that are attempting to take us down for good and expose them, for what Satan is longing for them to truly be…and that is what I’ve been doing this evening.
Like I’ve said before…there have been many Bible verses that have touched my life; but the ones that I began with…many years back, are found in Philippians 3:7-8, which reads… “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8) Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,”
The thing I was thinking on the most this evening was this…if it wasn’t for the things that I have gained through knowing Christ, while experiencing these moments of suffering; then I would definitely have given up on life many years ago. In fact, as my husband and I were talking tonight; God was taking me back and reminding me, as to what I have gained through much loss and pain.
About several years ago, I met up with an old girlfriend; that I had grown up with in our neighborhood. When I was a young girl…facing many surgeries…dislocations and pain, I wasn’t always being treated right by her and others that were supposed to be my friends. For the longest time in my life, I felt so broken and hurt; as I watched her and others live a normal life, while I sat on the sidelines of life. Anyways…when I recently caught up with her again…she was so happy to see what I was doing through these difficult times in my life. As I talked with her more, I began to see that what I had counted as loss, at that time in my life; was only so I could gain more later…more of Christ and what He longed for me to do for Him.
Even though my heart sees life a lot different now; that doesn’t always mean that it’s easy to get through the day to day pain. Most days…I am upbeat and my normal self…but I guess it’s the moments, when life just takes a toll on a person; that truly attempts to bring them down…down to a place, where Satan can use the weakness against them. The only thing Satan doesn’t realize; is that my God is stronger than my weakness…and He always seems to be the One who lifts me back to my feet.
One thing I can tell you tonight; is that these hard and difficult moments I’ve faced…for so many years of my life, have truly made me long for heaven. Many times, I stop and think…soon a time will come, when the memories of a pain past will be no more…and the pain and scars that have racked this body will be no more…for all the old things in my life will pass away forever, as my friend…Jesus Christ, will make all things new.
I guess what keeps me going; is in knowing that there is hope, in a place called heaven…and that these painful moments won’t last forever. If I didn’t have that hope; then I would probably never give life the time of day…but you see, I’m on a journey and eventually this journey is going to walk me into heaven…and one thing I can tell you for sure; is that we never get there any sooner, by sitting along the wayside. Today may have been a rough day; but my God is there…and heaven awaits me…and that is all I need!
Thanks for letting me share my heart with you tonight! Take care & I will see you soon!
Goodnight & God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
​

​Hello everyone…and a very happy and blessed Monday to you all! What another great day the Lord hath made! As I woke up this morning…the darkness still surrounded me; but now, God has pulled up the shades to a brand new day…one that He has designed, just for you and me…one that was also designed, in a way that would give us a new beginning…so praise Him, for this brand new day!
Last night…before going to bed, I spent a little time in God’s word…and one of the verses God led me to, was found in Isaiah 41:10…and we read… “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” In other words…He is it…everything we need. He can do it all, while strengthening us…helping us…and upholding us…praise Him!
I will never forget the first time that I read this Bible verse in Isaiah 41:10. It was as though the words… “I am thy God” lit up before my face. You know…it’s so easy to just know about God and talk about Him; but do we truly know in our hearts; that He is our God…the One, who can be everything…for everything we need?
As I look back to all of the twenty one knee surgeries that I’ve endured over my lifetime…I also remember how desperately I was searching for a cure. Even though there really was no cure, to this congenital problem that I was born with…I found myself holding tightly to the hope…that just maybe something would happen, to turn this whole ordeal around.
After facing not only the surgeries…but years of physical therapy and a lot of laid up days of pain, I finally went to my husband and said… “I think it’s time for us to stop praying for a cure.” Right about now, you must be saying to yourself…“where is your faith?” First of all, it wasn’t my faith that failed me; but rather, I had finally come to see how God had a plan. Second…He was the One who created me; so that meant that He also had control, over what He had allowed within my life. To make a long story short…I truly came to see…through it all; that “HE WAS MY GOD!”
One thing I can say without a doubt today; is that if I wouldn’t have gone through all that I have had to face in my life; then I wouldn’t be where I am right now with God. Another thing…if it wouldn’t have been for these hard and trying times; then I wouldn’t have come to see how God could be everything, for everything I needed…because you see, even though He allowed these painful moments in my life; He was the One who strengthened me…helped me and sustained me through it all. Maybe there wasn’t a cure for these two bad legs; but I did find a cure to a hurting heart and soul…and that cure came…not only through the hard and difficult times in my life; but also through Jesus Christ.
How many times, are we going to walk down a road of needless suffering…only because we want something to happen our way? Don’t we realize that when we have exhausted every effort; that there is a God, who can step in and be everything we lack in life. Maybe my life didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to; but one thing I can tell you today; is that I would rather have two bad legs and know God…in the way I know Him; then to have two perfect legs and not know Him at all.
As we walk through life, there can be times when great disappointment seems to attempt to break every part of our being…even to the place, where we feel as if God has forsaken us; but I am here today to tell you that when we choose God’s path over our own; then we will truly come to experience Him, in a way like no other.
Well…time for me to begin my day…and see what God has in store for me. I truly hope and pray that as you continue to walk through your day; that you will come to see how God can be everything…for everything you need!
Have a great Monday & God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane

Good evening everyone! I hope that you’ve had a very nice Sunday…I know I did! Keith and I had some great time together with God today…and then later, I was able to get a couple hours of rest; so I’m ready to begin another week…and it’s not only due to the rest; but to a strength that replenishes weakness…a strength that comes from Jesus Christ…Amen!
This morning…Keith and I were visiting together and we were talking on how it’s so easy to speak words…and even tell ourselves that things are going to change for the better; but until we are willing to allow those words to become something that actually leads us to the desire of our hearts; then these words we speak, will only remain as plain and empty words.
As our conversation continued, I was saying how easily we can convince ourselves…through easily spoken words, as to how we are truly devoted to Christ; but when a difficult moment arises; we seem to fall short of the words we speak.
Tonight, I would like to share a couple of Bible verses with you, from Proverbs 3:5-6 and we read… “Trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” There is one thing I can tell you about my life tonight…and that is that I have truly come to learn these verses. Many times, I have stopped and thought…if I was to put my trust in myself or these health issues I’m facing; then none of these writings would ever exist…because it takes a heart that loves God, even more than the weakness of pain and fatigue, to do what I do for Him. You see…I have come to see that my words aren’t going to make a difference in my life and in the lives of others, unless they are followed with some form of action. Maybe it’s not always easy to come in this office and write, when pain is attempting to take over my thoughts; but like the verse says above, I believe that when we put God first; then He will direct us and crown every effort we put forth with success.
No matter what you’re facing…don’t allow your words to become a road block in your life; but rather, allow them to take you to the desire of your heart; that God may meet you there…and crown every effort you put forth with success. It might not be easy at first…and that first step may be a hard and difficult one; but once you start moving forward, while allowing your words to become a message, from your heart to God’s heart; that is when I truly believe that this is when you will begin to see your life change for something better. Don’t allow your words to be powerless…words that lead you nowhere in life; but rather, let them come alive and lead you to God’s very best for your life.
As we prepare to begin another new week, I pray that God will give each of us the strength to move forward with our words; that we may begin to truly experience a powerful God at work within our lives…Amen!!
Well…I sure have enjoyed this time with you. I truly pray that your night will be a night of peace and sweet rest…completely and totally blessed by God above. Take care and I will see you soon!
Goodnight & God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
​

​Good evening everyone…and how was your Saturday? I had a very nice day…doing a little cooking…and relaxing with my husband and a movie. For some reason this afternoon, I was in a Christmas movie mood; but wanted to watch something that didn’t pertain to Santa Claus…and all the materialistic part of Christmas; so I chose to watch a DVD that we had put away, titled…“The Christmas Box,” which I just love! I won’t give the entire movie away, in case you haven’t seen it; but the part I always enjoy the most; is when this older lady in the movie…asks the husband of a couple that is staying with her, as to what was the first gift of Christmas. At first, he tells her that it’s a tie…as he jokes around with her…but through time, he comes to realize that the first gift of Christmas was a child… “For unto us a child is born…unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace.”
One thing my husband and I have agreed on this year; is to not decorate the house with a Christmas tree…for we truly want to give this whole Christmas to the One, for which it stands for…and that’s the birth of Jesus Christ.
Tonight, as I’ve been sitting here; God led me to a Bible verse in Matthew 6:33…and we read… “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” How many of us can say that we are willing to give one hundred percent of our lives to Christ? It’s so easy to put stipulations on things…or even use excuses, as to why we do things a certain way; but the thing I have come to see is this…if I want Jesus to do for me…and be my everything…every single day; then first, I need to do the same for Him.
You know…one day, as I sat in the living room…talking with my husband; I was saying that it’s so easy to get caught up into traditions and the things of this world, without even realizing what we are doing…and where these moments may be leading us.
I’m not here to talk about others…or even judge their ways; but when I hear of Easter bunnies hopping down a church isle…or trick or treating at churches…or even a room in a church, where a person can decide, as to whether they will listen to the pastor speak…or listen to the super bowl…I just wonder where we truly are with God, in this day and age. Here, we expect God to do everything for us; but we are not willing…out of true love, devotion and sacrifice…to give back to Him, in a humble and loving way…with hearts of obedience to Him.
One thing I have truly come to see within my own life…is that the more I give of myself to Christ…the more He blesses me. In fact…it was just the other day; that He blessed me…even before I asked for His help.
If we are going to share in a complete and loving relationship with Christ; then we must also be willing to sacrifice for Him…as He has done so much for us. One of my favorite hymns; that has truly touched my life is… “I’d Rather Have Jesus”…and a little of it goes like this… “I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold; I'd rather be His than have riches untold. I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land; I'd rather be led by His nail scarred hands. Than to be a king of a vast domain or be held in sins dread way; I'd rather have Jesus than anything; this world affords today."
Can we truly say tonight; that we would rather have Jesus…and all He can truly offer us, than the things of this world? One thing I can say to you tonight; is that when we give up our own desires…to desire and love Christ even more; then this is when we will truly begin to experience a love; that not only gave His all for us at the cross; but a love that will continue to give His all for us, even into eternity…AMEN!!  Jesus has given up so much for you…what are you willing to give up for Him?
Well…I have a few things to prep in my kitchen…a phone call to make; so I guess I better go for now. I truly pray that your night will be filled with the peaceful and loving presence of God! See ya soon!
Goodnight & God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane

Hello everyone…and a “Happy Saturday” to you all! I hope that you have had a good start to your day…and I pray that as you continue to walk through this day; that you will truly see how God longs to be everything, for everything you need.
This morning, I’ve been sitting here…starring out to another new day. For most of the night we had rain; but it appears as though we just might experience a little sunshine, which would truly be a blessing for me today!
Anyways…as I’ve been sitting here on my daybed in the office; God has been taking me back to a few moments that I spent with Him last night…before going to bed. Even though my evenings can seem pretty rough at times with my health; I always try to spend some time with my best friend…Jesus Christ.
As we were conversing heart to heart last night…He led me to a couple of Bible verses in Romans 8:31-32…and we read… “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32) He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”
When I’m having a rough time with my health…and life seems to be more of a struggle today than yesterday, I find comfort in knowing that the One who gave His all for me, has the same love, care and concern for me today, as He did thousands of years ago. Since Jesus, God’s Son was willing to die a death like no other, as a means of showing us love and forgiveness; then why wouldn’t He continue to be there for us now…and since God never spared His Son from this kind of death but gave Him up freely, won’t He also give us everything else…and be there to meet every need?
I think the thing we need to look at today is this…are we expecting God to do everything our own way? If so; then these can truly become the moments, when we become disappointed and lose faith, due to God meeting our need another way.
One thing I have come to see about God; is that He ALWAYS stands on His promises… to meet our every need…but I’ve also come to see that it may be a different path; then the one we thought we’d walk down. Through many years of pain and deep heartache, I now look for God to meet my needs…but I look for it to be done His way…that way, I continue to remain in sync with Him, while holding tightly to my faith.
I remember a time in my life…many years back, when I would beg and beg God to answer my prayer a certain way…in the way I thought it should be. As I look back on these moments…I only see moments of deep disappointment…and why? Because my own thoughts and ideas had taken me away from the true path that God had longed for me to walk down. Once I came to realize this and open myself up, to where He wanted me to be in life; that is when everything in my life became balanced, as I began to see God put every piece of the broken puzzle back into place.
No matter what you’re facing…and no matter how discouraging life may be; don’t allow these moments to continue needlessly, by focusing on how you feel God should answer your prayer. Instead, be open to whatever He is longing to do…and no matter what path He takes you down…He will be there, to help you along the way…and why? Because He has already demonstrated a great love for you, which is only the beginning…of what He longs to do within your life.
Well…I’m off to my kitchen, to prep a few things for dinner tonight…and then an afternoon of rest and time with my husband. Take care…have a great Saturday…and I will hope to see you later this evening.
Many…many blessings on your day!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
​

Good evening everyone…and how was your Friday? It’s been a busy one around here…but God has been in it all!
This evening, as I was getting ready to write you; God brought an old song back to my thoughts…one that He truly used, to help me through some tough times; that I thought that I’d never get through…and the song is titled… “Look How Far You’ve Come”…and some of the lyrics go like this… “So you've lost your will to live. Seems you're down to your last friend and the weight of the world keeps trying to pull you in. Don't give up…don't give in…give it all to Him…cause He cares so much more than you know. When it seems who you really want to be; is someone you'll never become…just look how far you've come. Though you failed at plans you've made, don't forget all the steps you've made. He has brought you this far He can take you the rest of the way.” Boy does this song bring back some memories…painful ones…but memories that God has truly helped me to overcome from the past…praise Him!
You know…I wonder how many times we look back on the path that has already been traveled…to see how far we have truly come in life? It seems like we find it easier to focus on the steps that haven’t been traveled…or even the steps that haven’t been overcome in life; that we completely lose out on hope. When we can see how far we have traveled, rather than how much further we have to go; then we will have a hope that can fuel us, for the steps that still lie ahead of us.
In my office, I have two small decorative brooms up on my wall and they are around 28 years old. They aren’t meant to decorate the office; but rather, they hold a lot of memories and deep meaning in my life…for I made these brooms at a time, when I had emotionally collapsed, due to a broken past of abuse.
At that time…when I was in a medical hospital…getting help; they suggested that I might want to get into an exercise class; but due to my legs, I couldn’t; so they asked me if I would like to do crafting, which I once loved…so I did. As the nurse took me into a large room; there were boxes of craft supplies all over. When we walked over to the table together, I spotted these brooms and said that I would like to try and decorate them; so we picked out some dried flowers and ribbon and from there, I began to go to work. At first, I just starred at them…not really feeling anything, for what I was about to do…because you see, at that time in my life…nothing looked good to me at all. Anyways…as I continued to look over these small brooms, along with everything that I had chosen to decorate them with, I began to slowly put the flowers and ribbon in place…and for the first time…in a long time, a spark of life began to shine through, as I looked at what I had just accomplished; so now, I keep these brooms on the wall before me, as a reminder…as to how far I have truly come in life. I’ll tell you…as I look at them right now, I see hope…and not in the brooms; but in how God used these brooms to show me how life could be beautiful again…praise Him.
No matter what you are going through…I know how easy it can be to look at the untraveled moments still ahead of you; but may I encourage you to look at all you have already overcome. For each day that passes…you are making it…and that is what we need to focus on. The way I see it; is that every day we make it through… becomes one more step away from the problem; so when you make it through a day…give praise to God for that…and one thing I know…you will begin to see a glimpse of hope again, as you continue to press on in life.
Tonight, I praise God for the distance He has truly brought me…which is only a great reminder to me tonight; that He WILL help me the rest of the way…praise Him!
Well…time for some homemade chicken soup; that’s been brewing on the stove…so I’ll say good-bye for now. Take care…have a great night…and may you truly feel the loving and peaceful presence of God throughout your night!
Goodnight…and God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
​

Hello everyone…and a very “Happy Friday” to you all! Just think…we made it to the end of another week…and I don’t know about you; but I’m truly thanking and praising God for this today!
Lately, my husband’s health hasn’t been any better than mine. Sad to say…it seems as though our bodies are competing to see who is worse off. Due to this…it sometimes can make life around the house a little more difficult for us, when it comes to things that need to get done.
Early this morning, as my mind was wondering into thoughts, as to what could go wrong with either one of us, I began to envision an even more difficult life; then what we are dealing with at this time; but then God took me to a few Bible verses in Psalm 146:3-6…and we read… “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.
4) When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. 5) Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. 6) He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—he remains faithful forever.”
As I began to focus on these words this morning, I began to see that it’s not focusing on how we feel life should work; that will make life work the way it should; but rather, it’s continually placing our trust in a God, who already foresees these difficulties…and is more than able to help.
You know…sometimes, I think we become so drawn into what is happening in our lives…or what could go wrong; that before we know it, we are attempting to figure out a darkened pathway that only God understands. We must remember that God is the only One that can foresee these moments that lie ahead of us; so we don’t put our trust in what we see; but rather the unseen…knowing that God will be there to bless and help, in a time of need.
Just think…if God can create all of heaven and earth…and continue to control every living thing; then why wouldn’t He be there, to fill in the empty voids of loss and deep heartache. Isn’t it amazing, as to how we as humans attempt to figure out a life; that only God has designed. Even as I write you today…God is reminding me that when He made us…He also was prepared, for every little thing that may come and distort the picture of our life.
No matter what we are walking through today, don’t you think it’s time for us all to let go of our own thoughts and how we perceive life; to let a loving and powerful God have control, as to what will happen next?
Today, I praise God for allowing His wisdom to become a comforter to my heart and soul. I am learning more and more; that there is nothing to fear or dread, when we truly know that God is there to take care of us.
I don’t know about you; but I think it’s time to quit trusting in the things that will only pass away with time. We need to remember that we serve an eternal God…one who will always be there…and be everything, for everything we need…praise Him!
Well…time to get to work. I truly hope and pray that your day will continue to be a good one…and that you will remember that God is ALWAYS there for you, especially during a time of need!
Have a great Friday & God bless! See ya soon!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
​

Good evening everyone…and how was your Thursday? I’ve had the most amazing day…where I have truly felt the hand of God upon my life…and I just love that! One thing I’m learning more and more, with everything else I’ve been learning; is that when we choose to draw closer to God; then we do become distant from our problems…to the place, where they no longer have the overwhelming control…that they attempt to have on our lives.
You know…lately, I haven’t been feeling that well; so I’ve been doing some work in the morning and evening, while resting a little in the afternoon, which has helped me. Anyways…last night, as I was talking with God before bed, I mentioned that I was concerned, as to whether He may have something else I should be doing…but no reply; so I took it that I was right where I was supposed to be with Him for now.
As the days have passed…I have truly come to see a God, who is not only using me…and the difficult times I’m facing; but I have also come to see a God, who is truly caring for one of His children. In fact…this morning…around 6:00 am; I was awakened by His presence…as He began to fill my thoughts with ideas; that could help me through the rough and rugged moments that I have been walking through.
Tonight, as I’ve been giving God praise…and thinking on all He has been doing for me; I was taken back to a Bible verse in James 4:8a, which reads… “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” This is what I have truly been experiencing the past couple of days. As I have left the pain along the wayside…to connect more deeply with God; He in turn has been deeply connecting with me…and these moments have truly been of comfort to me, as I continue to walk through some difficult times.
You know…there is one thing that I’ve never been able to figure out over my lifetime and that is this…why do we choose to draw closer to a problem that is already a thorn in our side? Don’t we realize that this problem is only out to hurt us…and distract us, from what God truly longs for us?
I don’t know about you…but I would rather be in the arms of my Savior, during times like these; then to be in bondage with the problem. We need to realize today; that when we make our problems a place of refuge; then we are only going to become more in touch, with the elements that are coming at us through this storm.
No matter what you are facing tonight, may I encourage you to keep your distance, from the storm that is raging around you…and instead, draw closer to a God, who will definitely draw closer to you. Let’s face it…we don’t need to experience more of the problem; but rather, we need to experience a love that can take us above the problem.
Even though I continue to face the symptoms of two bad legs…I am also experiencing the benefits that come from walking away from the problem, to draw closer to God…and I hope that you will do the same…no matter what stands before you.
Well…it’s been a busier day and I’m ready for a hot meal and a little rest. I pray that your night will truly be filled with the loving…comforting and sustaining presence of almighty God!
Have a good sleep and God bless! See ya tomorrow!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
​