spiritualsnippets.com

Seeing life's events in the light of God's Word.

Sundowning

 

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Revelation 21: 23-25 “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.

 

About five years ago, my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Not long after that, we started noticing that she often became confused and suffered from anxiety in the late afternoon and evening.

We were told that this state of confusion, which also may include aggression or ignoring directions, pacing, or wandering is called “Sundowning.”

It is not a disease, but instead a group of symptoms common among people with dementia.

I thought about Mom, yesterday, as I was reading in Revelation about the Holy City, to be established one day here on earth.

Since there will be no night there, Sundowner’s Syndrome will be a thing of the past. In fact, so will anxiety, sadness or any of the emotional or physical ailments we experience in this life.

In the New Jerusalem,  “…all things will be new.”

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A Red Door in a Field of Corn

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Luke 11:9- “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

John 4:35b- “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”

 

My husband and I were enjoying a road trip throughout the midwest.

We rolled the car windows down and breathed in the fresh air as we drove down a narrow road flanked on both sides with ripening corn.

You can imagine our surprise when up ahead we noticed a door standing in the middle of a field.

Painted red, it stood out like a neon sign.

My husband pulled the car over, letting it idle as we took in the odd sight. “I wonder why someone put a door in the middle of a corn field.”

“It would make a great painting. The kind of art you see in galleries.”

As we drove on, I contemplated the door. Its purpose… Its intended message.

Several scriptures came to mind. And then a smile…

It may have not been the message the farmer intended, but God’s message was there for all to see. He has subtle messages all around us, if we only take time to make the connection.

That’s why I started writing weekly blogs over five years ago. It has brought me closer to God and I hope those of you that have been “following” me have been blessed, too.

Spiritual Snippets: seeing everyday events in the light of God’s Word.

 

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Count the Cost

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Luke 14:28- “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” Luke 14:31- “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?”

 

I spent several days this week comparing prices on items for a large scale D.I.Y. project my husband and I are doing.

By the time I finally decided which companies had the best deals and began to order, a few of the prices had gone up.

I was spitting nails—literally. 

I took a few calming breaths and started in again. 

When beginning anything, one must always count the cost.

When we decide to say something negative about a friend, we must realize that we might lose a friendship.

Count the cost.

When we offer someone our help with their yard work, but don’t show up, there can be a break in trust.

Count the cost.

Every day we make decisions that affect relationships in negative or positive ways.

The Bible reminds us of this actual Biblical principle in the book of Luke. We need to think of the consequences of our actions… decide if what we are considering doing is worth it or not.

Count the cost.

 

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Are There Weeds in Your Garden?

 

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Isaiah 41:10- “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

 

 

 

I always admire my beautiful Lantana plant at the corner of my yard when I pull out of the driveway.

However, this morning I noticed a huge weed growing out of the middle of it. When had that happened?

I had to dig it out before it took over the entire plant.

What about you?

Are there any weeds growing in your garden?

Weeds like discontent, deception, depression? Bad habits? Unforgiveness?

I am sure you have heard stories of people who have let disappointments or crises of various kinds ruin their lives. 

But, it doesn’t have to be that way.

God’s desire is that we would rely on Him for healing… for comfort… for restoration. 

He is a loving Heavenly Father who doesn’t want to see the weeds in our lives grow huge and choke out our happiness and productivity. 

Our world is going through some challenging times right now. But, instead of letting the circumstances we face overcome us, He wants us to go to Him in prayer.

To lay our troubles at His feet and trust Him to see us through.

 

 

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The Ultimate Acknowledgment

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Romans 14:11– “As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’”

 

“How did you and your lab partner do on your project?” I asked my son as he came through the door.

“I don’t get it, Mom. He and I did the project together. I worked just as hard as he did. But, the teacher gave him a “97” and me an “84.”

Acknowledgement. We want someone to validate the efforts we make, don’t we?

I thought back to my son’s comments of over three decades ago as I watched the evening news, yesterday.

Wanting to hear many different perspectives on the coronavirus, I have been watching newscasts on several different networks.

With the exception of Christian channels, I have yet to hear one person give any credit to God for holding our world together, for any healings, for advances in testing, for anything.

But, be of good cheer, The Bible tells us, one day He will be acknowledged—by every single soul.

Until then, He hears the words of His Father echo throughout all eternity: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

 

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