My Divine Notes

  Psalm 16:8,11   I know the Lord is always with me.     I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. You will show me the way of life,     granting me the joy of your presence     and the pleasures of living with you forever. Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image and likeness.  Mark 6:31b-32a   He said to them, “Come away by yourselves, and we will go to a lonely place to get some rest.” So they went in a boat by themselves to a lonely place. Don’t let the busyness of your life get in the way of spending time knowing the heart of God who made you in His own likeness. So many of us have the best of intentions, I know I do. I want to do it all: I want to write, tweet, FaceBook, care for my family/friends/others, take care of my cats, handle my job and the ministries I’m called to do, plus I must keep up with daily responsibilities as you do. Where does this leave God in all my busynes...

During March I posted Scriptures each day honoring my daughter’s birthday. My sole purpose in doing this is to remind her and now you that our every need is answered by God and we see evidence of it in His word, the Bible.   Proverbs 22:6. Thanks to the ministry of  Bible Gateway  for providing online Scripture.   Jude 1:2 The Voice (VOICE) 2  Kindness, peace, love—may they never stop blooming in you and from you. Numbers 6:24-26 Living Bible (TLB) 24-26  ‘May the Lord bless and protect you; may the Lord’s face radiate with joy because of you; may he be gracious to you, show you his favor, and give you his peace.’ Psalm 139:17-18 Living Bible (TLB) 17-18  How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can’t even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. [ a ]   And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me! Exodus 14:14 Living Bible (TLB) ...

Lent series at First Presbyterian | My sermon notes Luke 23:32-34   Jesus wasn't the only one being crucified that day. There were two others, criminals, who were also being led to their execution.  When they came to the place known as “The Skull,” they crucified Jesus there, in the company of criminals, one to the right of Jesus and the other to His left.  Jesus: Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing. Meanwhile they were drawing lots to see who would win Jesus’ clothing.   God's grace is boundless and there's nothing you have to do to deserve it. There's nothing we can do because we all fall short.  "God is a perfect God. We are an imperfect people." ~ Pastor preaching Jesus prayed an intercessory prayer before those who crucified Him even understood that they were killing God.  You don't have to know or understand. And there's nothing you can  do that doesn't fall under God's ...

Hebrews 5:7   While Jesus lived on earth, he prayed to God and asked God for help. He prayed with loud cries and tears to the One who could save him from death, and his prayer was heard because he trusted God.  There is only one way to move through the valley of unimaginable loss and angst:   Trust God in your deepest sorrow. Our Lord grieved and trusted his Father. We can do the same.

2 Corinthians 1:4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. I’m in a season of sorrow as I watch my mother slowly start to leave her earthly body. She’s in hospice care. Other key people in my life are also facing serious health issues, and I’ve also had to deal with the “thorns” that I battle. I am taking care of myself by sharing my burdens with the Lord and with the people who are closest to me. In short, I’m doing all I can humanly do to remain in God’s peace. And most days, I’m amazed at the joy in my heart regardless of my circumstances. But some days it’s hard… I feel helpless when Mom’s in pain and I watch her suffer but not complain. All I can do is reassure her that the staff is doing all they can to keep her comfortable and that I love her. And then I cry and my heart breaks and that’s when I feel deep sorrow. I remind myself that Jesus wept (John 11:35...

Matthew 6:9-13 9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. It’s never too late to make everlasting memories. I’ve been reflecting on the last six months, and how precious each day is for my Mom, who is at the end of her earthly life. The goal is now to care and not to cure her. Time spent with her is very special. We’ve celebrated her birthday, and I try to spend quality time just letting her know how much I love her and making her comfortable. My college-age daughter has been in town this summer. We started praying the Lord’s Prayer with Mom when she could speak. Now she simply makes a muffled noise or is silent. Several times we...

June 4, 2011   Job 12:10 For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being. I didn’t want this day to pass without writing down the things that the Lord showed me. I’m no stranger when it comes to watching those I love get sick, suffer and die. I was 12 when my dad died. My grandparents died while I was in my teens and twenties. There’s something wrenching about watching a parent suffer. It’s especially sad to see my mother so ill. Mom is suffering, there’s no question about it. Last night within a few minutes, I watched the hospital’s monitor as several of her vital sign numbers took a plunge.   I watched the lead nurse and assistant start scrambling. This scene is familiar to me since it has been happening frequently since February. Within seconds, the room was filled with the white and blue coats of the Rapid Response Team. They were on a mission to revive my mom. They graciously asked if I wanted to leave the room, but I declined ...

Divine Note #27 - July 6, 2009 Let God meet all your needs  Psalm 103:1-3 (NLT) 1 Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. 2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. 3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. I recently learned that another one of my girlfriends is going through health issues. As usual, I hadn’t seen her in a while and I almost cancelled our lunch plans because I had overbooked my schedule. As I sat listening to her story, I realized that God had put me at the place where I needed to be, at the time I needed to be there and my job was to be His ears and heart. Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers (3 John 1:2). So I sat across from her listening to the concern in her voice. My job was only to listen and offer practical assistance. We had a wonderful lunch and I told her about the amazing things God was doing...

Dear Father, Please allow Your nature to flow through all of us. We are in need of your love and mercy. I ask that you allow us to be more God-seeking than self-seeking so that others want to join your Kingdom. Please help us use our gifts and abilities to introduce your loving kindness to those who are living in silent desperation. Please help us to tune in to all those souls around us who need you! We need you every hour and every minute of our existence on Earth. We love you Holy Father! Everything we ask is in the name of Jesus who gave His life for us. Amen! Love, Blanca

Divine Note #18 - May 4, 2009 Luke 8:22-25 (New Living Translation) Jesus Calms the Storm 22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. 23 As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. 24 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. 25 Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!” Isn’t it amazing how many of us spend our lives in relationship with Jesus, doing good things for the church and our families, but when life’s storms arrive, we bail out of the boat? Come on now, do you believe in your heart t...

Divine Note #8– Feb. 23, 2009 I shared my love of Christ and how my entire life has changed at Celebration and paid tribute to three women who have helped me get closer to God. When I heard Joan Murray say that prayers go into eternity and that they are heard, my soul was touched and I remembered my grandmother. She would testify about how God changed her life and you can imagine my teenage embarrassment when she would talk about me! After my dad passed away, she often told the church family that she put us in the loving arms of Jesus. God answered my grandmother’s prayers for me through righteous women who love God. Can you imagine if Fern had not encouraged me to do God’s work through Celebration (James 5:14)? What if Lorraine had not prayed a powerful prayer asking the Holy Spirit to help me share what I have been through, so that I might help others because it’s not about me (James 5:16)? My child, Jackie, loves God and is determined to do His will for her life. I give Him all cre...

Divine Note #7 – Feb. 16, 2009 It’s not about me. As I grow in my relationship with the Lord, I realize that there are so many people who desperately need the love and comfort of Jesus Christ that we are all called to share. In verse 4, Paul tells us that our God comforts us in our affliction so that we may comfort others in their time of need. It’s so easy to go about our daily, busy lives and not think of those close to us who may need a comforting word. Maybe it says something about our society that even while we’re so connected by technology such as cell phones, computers and e-mails; we are still very much in need of a friendly voice or hug to comfort us during a valley period. Do you ever find yourself e-mailing or texting with family and closest friends and then realizing that you don’t really know what’s going on in their lives? Welcome to my world. Technology has made our lives so much less personal. If our friends and family feel like they can’t get enough of our time, what...

Divine Note #6 – Feb. 9, 2009 All it takes is a word of kindness, a hug or a smile to tell people around us how valuable they are. The apostle Paul was encouraged when Timothy returned from visiting the Thessalonians with good news of the faith and love of believers who had limited access to the apostle’s teachings. Paul knew how important it was to encourage and to be encouraged by believers. Over lunch a few months ago, a long time friend told me that because I took the time to listen, to ask questions and to tell her to get a grip and get help, that I prevented her from committing suicide many years ago. That’s mind boggling. What if I hadn’t taken the time to be there for her? Many of you have recently been praying for another friend’s family as they removed their loved one from life support, agonized over hospice care and are now facing funeral arrangements. As a result, I know that God is wrapping them in His loving arms during this painful time and they appreciate your prayers. ...

Divine Note #4 - Monday, Dec. 29, 2008 Next year decide to move on to the next stage of your life. Just as Paul encouraged the church during his time on earth, today the Holy Spirit guides believers to fulfill their God-given purpose. If you believe in God’s inspired Word, then you must move beyond the walls of home and church to share the news with everyone! Your ministry is everyone who is around you! Please don’t wait to be healed, to feel anointed, to get over grief, to have time, to have enough money or until the kids grow up. Whatever gifts you have been given, I promise you that God needs your service now (1 Corinthians 12:7). Challenge yourself to move out of your ‘comfort zone’ and share your gifts with those whom God puts in your path! First, have a plan. Pray and ask God for guidance on how you need to grow and serve during the next year. It’s critical to seek God’s direction and then take His hand! Second, find out what your ministry gifts are. Talk to your pastors or trus...

Divine Note #2: Monday, Dec. 15, 2008 Every day we’re bombarded with competing messages about how we should behave, what God’s expectations are and how we should live our lives. We get messages at church, from family and from society. But really, I have found that it’s in the quiet times and when I am genuine, that I am open to listening to God. He speaks to my heart, I just have to be still and listen. In the Old Testament, God spoke through prophets, but now we have His Son – that wonderful Jesus! Don’t get ahead of yourself or try too hard to “get a message.” Instead, listen with your heart and obey the promptings of His Holy Spirit. Consider writing down your thoughts and perhaps starting a journal to help you connect with Him. This also helps you remember the good things He has done for you when you are in a valley season. Maintain a continuous conversation with Jesus during the day; don’t just just pray at night. And remember to listen, quiet your spirit and hear His messages for...

Divine Note #1 - Monday, Dec. 8. 2008 I've been thinking about how He came to earth and lived a pretty typical human life, so He understands how we, his human creations, feel. I am very touched by the fact that when he was told that Lazarus had died, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. The two words in verse 35 have been in my heart for a couple of days, Jesus wept. Can you imagine the Savior of the universe weeping? He very much cared about Mary and Martha during their time of anguish over the death of Lazarus. He cried, He wept! He loved Lazarus! Think about how He loves you! Never doubt that He loves you because He created you and he understands how you feel. Talk to Him like you would your best friend, He’s ready to listen and He loves you for you!