'Divine Delays'

Good Afternoon, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

Where has the bittid time gone, since I wrote my post Skal to Blessings!' of February 27th. In a tid blink of an eye!

Well, to recap a bit. We have been busy with several showings on our home; and at the same time, the time has allowed us to go through a lot of 'stuff', which has accumulated over the years.

For example, I collect (or used to) cookbooks, and have classic Gourmet magazines, dating back from 1986, as well as some Bon Appetit and so forth. Have decided to hold onto my Gourmet and some favourites from Bon Appetit; and the rest we will give away to a thrift shop and / or hospital. Also, have put a number of cookbooks aside for my son and daughter. These cookbooks, apart from offering wonderful recipes, are geared towards an active lifestyle. Be it being single, busy, being a young 'Mum on the go' etc.

Of course this tid tidying up has led to a 'spring cleaning' of sorts; because even if we remain here, less clutter works best.

Alan and I read daily, passages from 'Our Journey', a monthly booklet that is provided by Charles Price of Living Truth. Last Friday we delighted in reading one of the booklet's excerpts; 'Divine Delays'; written by Greg Laurie. To quote Greg: "God's delays are not necessarily His denials." "You see, it is His will to give you the things that you need in your life. Maybe you have been praying about something and there has not been an answer. Maybe there has been an interruption. Remember this: sometimes, an interruption is actually the intervention of God. Disappointment can be His appointment. So don't give up."

That encouragement is a major tidbit to our spirits! An appreciative thank you to Charles, Greg, and all the others who contribute to this insightful monthly booklet. For quite some time, Alan and I have been 'in the middle.' You can refer to my posts of November 23rd and 25th, 2010 for a bittidz of clarity; it may help (LOL!). That particular passage gives us hope and that is a positive way of looking at things.

Alan and I have come to the conlusion that more so than ever, we must continue in our steadfast Trust in Him to direct our path and provide Solution. As extra reassurance, we know that God HATES inequities and that He LOVES justice. We are thankful that He watches and knows everything, as He is omnipotent and omnipresent! Again, we are 'casting all our cares upon Christ.' We are thankful that we can Lean on Him; and that He, as our Father, has a Purpose. He knows what is best for each and every one of us! A number of uplifting Scriptures from the Bible daily sustain me; and the TRUTH is, He is our strength and refuge!

Tidbit - Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."

We all have the tendency to rely on 'people'. However, there are times, when there is more reliance put upon human beings than Christ. Hence disappointments, frustrations, confusion, doubts, fears etc. If you 'turn everything over to Him' and 'wait patiently upon the Lord,' it is amazing what transpires. I love this comforting verse from Psalm 10:46. "Be still and know that I am God."

Bittid - John 15:5 - I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me. and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing." Also, John 15:7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you."

I guess what Alan and I are experiencing, is to TRUST completely in Him! So, best to be joyfully confident, knowing that He will Provide your needs; even when there are 'Divine Delays.' However, we must also always 'Praise Him In ALL Things'; regardless of circumstances / 'trials and tribulations.' We must have the faith and the courage to endure / perservere and to Rely totally upon His guidance. Whatever unfolds, is in accordance with His Will, His Purpose, His Plan. Know that He has everything in Hand. Romans 8: 28 - 'And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

Earlier today when we were out and about, we also went to our favourite little bakery / deli. I enjoyed a good tidbitz visit with our kind friend, the owner. She was on her coffee break, so it was perfect timing! She offered me a taste of her lemon coconut bar (I asked her what type of square it was; and she generously gave me a tidbit taste) and it was spectacular! Fortunately, Alan had some leftover change; so I treated us to this delight!

There was a 'little old woman' who was short of some change; but since she knows the owner as well, she was going to make up the difference for the sandwich at another time. As it happened, I shared a genuine 'witness' with her (told her she was special and that her husband was very lucky to have her; ie. she bought him a nice sandwich. I discerned that she did not buy one for herself); and smiling broadly, replied her day had been made! I told her, that she had made mine as well! Also, that the two cents she needed to take care of the sandwich in full (I paid it), was the exact change I had left from the lemon square! She beamed; and her whole face lit up! To me, that is a Blessing! A random act of kindness, a gentle word, and a smile goes a long way. You never know how much it means to someone; and in turn, you feel uplifted as well. 'It is better to give, than to receive.'

Also, our bakery friend was happy that she had customers; so the Holy Spirit was graciously at work everywhere!

Love the above photo image, with its cheery bit message! Eventhough, we may receive a bittid more of winter, Spring will be here before too long! At dawn this morning, the birds were up and chirping away; another great Blessing! Methinks this is a heralding sign of warmer days to come.

Peace and God Bless.