Category Archives: God

God in Human Form

Christmas, God, Jesus, nature of God, Uncategorized, , , , , , , ,

Christmas is more than just about a baby. It is about God who came as that baby but was God incarnate. He was God in human form.

GOD IN HUMAN FORM

Watch the angels winging earthward,
singing praises to a king,
giving message to some shepherds--
lowly shepherds watching sheep.
"He is born! The Christ is come!
Peace on earth! Good will to men!"
Now the shepherds go to worship
God who's come in human form.

Watch the star that beams from heaven
guiding wisemen to a king.
Long they travel searching, searching
for the one the prophets tell.
Gifts of gold and frankincense
and myrrh to give the one they seek.
Now he's found, they bow in worship
God who's come in human form.

Watch the people as they gather,
singing carols, giving gifts.
Do they hear the Christmas message
"Peace on earth! Good will to men"?
Are they searching for the one
shepherds worshipped, wisemen sought,
One who died but still is living,
God who came in human form?

FEARS AND TEARS

Easter, God, trials, Uncategorized, , ,

We have just celebrated Easter! Praise God for the Resurrection. Now through Jesus we have peace with God and can live in peace. He is near in our trials. When we hurt, He hurts with us. He is worthy of praise.”

I TALKED TO GOD
The other day I talked to God
while driving down the road.
He sat beside me on the seat
and listened as I drove.

With heavy heart, I told my tale
of trials in my way.
When all was said, I felt His hand
reach out to mine that day

He dried my tears and I saw His;
He walked my path with me.
He took the load that I had borne,
and traded it for peace.
(2018)

This Child of Grace

Christmas, God, peace, Uncategorized, , ,

THIS CHILD OF GRACE

This Child of Grace of Christmas fame

was sent to us who fail at life,

who struggle to find peace and hope,

but spend our lives in sin and strife.

This Child of Grace, one sent from God

for love of men who do not know

that through His grace this Child gives hope,

that life with peace from Him could grow.

This Child of Grace, the perfect One,

this Child of Grace, the worthy One,

who left His throne in heaven above—

this Child of Grace, God’s only Son.

(2018)

9/11

God, September 11, Uncategorized, , ,

And so we end a day with the special memory of the Terrorists’ attack on our country on September 11, 2001, It was an event that never fades from the memory of those who lived through that day. As I remember, I pray for God’s grace to protect our country and draw us back to Him.

“God Bless America by Irving Berlin”
“God Bless America, land that I love.
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam.
God Bless America, my home sweet home.
God Bless America, my home sweet home.”

THANK YOU JOURNAL

God, peace, thankful, , ,

Gifts. So many of them. Sometimes I miss them because I am not looking. I took the challenge from the Christian writer, Ann Voskamp to find 1000 gifts from our Creator God. This is my “Thank You Journal”.  I  list my gifts and find I have lots to be thankful for. They aren’t major gifts. One day it was a sunny day after a lot of winter days. Another day it was simply peanut butter or half a grapefruit. Some days it is that I feel really good or I don’t hurt. I have given thanks for water that comes to my house so easily when I have read that clean water is available in some countries. My grandchildren, my car running despite many miles on it, a hot cup of coffee, a day at home after a busy week are all marvelous gifts. The other day I wrote tacos. I had been wanting to have tacos but since I live alone, I wouldn’t be able to buy just enough make only one meal. When I was at my daughter’s the other day, they had tacos for dinner and I got to stay.

I have made a commitment to put down five things I am thankful for every day. It may seem silly to some that I write down these simple things as gifts. But doing that reminds me that God is interested in even the little events of my life. When things aren’t going well, they remind me that God is there and He is taking care of me. In the really bad times which we all go through, I can have peace.

This isn’t the first Thank You Journal I have kept. But it is the prettiest and probably the least expensive. But inside are words of gold. So I add, thank you, Father in Heaven, that you give me gifts that show me you care. Not big ones most of the time, but small ones I can tuck into my heart. I love you.

Trust in the Lord . . .

God, trials, trust, , , ,

Japanese Tea Garden
Japanese Tea Garden

Many years ago, my husband and I walked through a Japanese Tea Garden. It was a lovely, peaceful place. The land had been landscaped and the trees trimmed. It had been transformed.

So with my life. As I go through rough times, I am prone to dwell in fear or anger. It doesn’t help the situation, but it is hard not to react that way when I don’t the pain and grief.

But like the gardener who does beautiful things with the land, God is a gardener who does beautiful things with my life. He can give me peace in the midst of His trimmings and diggings. He has given me a promise that has become dear to my heart: Proverbs 3:5-8. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your way straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”

Recently a friend told me her mother had died of brain cancer about four years ago. She had quoted those verses to her daughter many times. It was her life verse. Now, during this difficult time, she clung to it. It gave her peace and strength.

As I have experienced trials, God has used them to minister and strengthen others. I am grateful. I often think how God gave His Son so we may have life. Can I do less than suffer graciously so I can give comfort to others–maybe even life?

God alone knows where the trials lead and how they will end. I’m glad He does. Someday I can ask Him about those things. Meanwhile, I ask for grace to trust Him and experience His peace through all the stormy skies and rough roads.

CELEBRATE!

Christmas, God, , ,

merry-christmas-in-hoop

 

 

 

Christmas is almost upon us! I love all the decorations, music, and joyful celebrations! But I don’t want to forget the true reason for celebration–the birth of the King!

CELEBRATE!

The angels’ song is filling
the air with hope and joy.
But no one stops to listen.

A star beams out the message
that life is offered to men.
But no one stops to see

Shepherds tell their story—
a king lies in a manger.
But no one comes to worship.

Too many tasks to do.
Too many gifts to buy.
Too many wishes to make.
Too much to celebrate.

No time for the gift of life.

Darlene Estlow©2016

May you have a blessed Christmas!

COME

Christmas, God, Uncategorized, ,

 

merry-christmas-in-hoop

May your Christmas be blessed!

COME

Come into the night
where shadows cover all.
Hear the angels’ song:
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men
on whom his favor rests.”

Come look to the sky
where darkness hides the day.
See the star’s light
that leads to the promise
of peace on earth to men
on whom his favor rests.

Come see the baby
lying in the manger,
fulfillment of the angels’ song,
fulfillment of the star’s promise
of peace on earth to men
on whom his favor rests.
©2010