Category: Love Notes

Leaning

Leaning

Posted on by Lois Williams

Greetings, dear friends!

I’ve had some computer issues this week! My computer is very old and I plan on getting a new one soon. But in the meantime, it’s so frustrating to be robbed of its use. I’m sure you all agree it brings us up short when we can’t depend on a machine that is supposed to be reliable.

 I have been thinking about dependability lately.  We have certain things that in life we have come to depend upon.  For instance, the weather.  It’s winter, so it’s supposed to be (here in Washington) cold, gray and rainy. We also depend on the fact that spring will come, bringing beauty!  We depend on a lot of other things as well, usually until they let us down or disappoint us.  I’m sure we can think of a lot of instances that require a dependence on something we consider tried and true. 

So I’m sure you can guess where I’m going with this!  It strikes me this morning, just how completely dependable God is.  How we depend on Him for everything, really, even if we don’t acknowledge that we are doing so.  And He never fails.  Behind the scenes, in the front and center of our lives, He is working. Whether or not we see or sense it, He is on the job.  Don’t we all know this at some level in our thinking?  Yet, let’s pause for a minute and ponder the blessed reality of the truth.  We can rely on Him.  Besides trust and dwell and abide and wait, there is “rely”.   

Leaning. 

Apparently this is not the first time I have pondered this subject!  Looking back through my first book, Psalms From The Pathway, I found a meditation I had written a long time ago.  I’m sending it as a reminder, to myself as well as to you.  It is called “Leaning”. 

One never leans
with expectation of falling;
the very act of leaning
is one of faith and trust. 

I want to lean on God.
My head tells me He will not fail
but I don’t seem to let go and lean.
From where comes my fear of falling? 

From where comes the tightness of the grip
that says holding on to this world
supports me more completely than God? 

I think there is no way to learn to lean
than simply to lean. 

“The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”  Deuteronomy 33:27. This precious verse is inscribed under my signature in each copy of my new book! It is one of my “life verses”.

Oh, how blessed we are to know the One whose everlasting arms are underneath us.  Rely. Rest. Lean.

I am intrigued with this photo of a broken, decrepit barrel, about to fall over! Of no use, really, but as a reminder of how important it is to have something dependable on which to lean.

I’ll be back next week, or plan to be if I can depend on the repaired computer!!

Love,

Lois

The List

The List

Posted on by Lois Williams

Greetings Faithful Ones!

      Occasionally I find a real nugget of truth in The Message version of the scripture, so I am using it with this post.  I have been lately trying to find rest in my life; discovering what is important and what can be set aside. I’m challenged once again by this meditation written some years ago. I think it’s an issue I need to address…still! I don’t think I am alone…

THE LIST 

“I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. Matthew 11:28-29 

This morning I made a list. It seemed like a necessary thing to do. Tasks awaited and I needed to make myself focus…or so I thought. But I heard a Voice say, “Learn the unforced 

rhythms of grace…let go of your list.” I pondered what this would mean…letting go of my list…and couldn’t understand why it is something I must do. 

Then I realized that I depend on a crossed-off list as a sign of my usefulness and purpose. 

I cried out, “Abba, how can I dispose of my list and still accomplish what I must do?  You know me, the scatterbrained woman You have created; must I really make a paper airplane out of my list and sail it heavenward? 

And I hear Your answer… “There is nothing wrong with a list; but do not let it define you.  Let it be a tool, not a thermometer that determines your worth in your own eyes.” And I see how the rigidity of my incessant list-making accuses me and discourages me.  I use it as a whip when it should simply be a reminder. Your Matthew scripture says to come to you, learn from you, and you will give my heart rest. 

So Father, though I am overwhelmed this morning, and though my list seems daunting, I am reminded that You are the Overwhelmer Overcomer! Okay, I’m laying down my list! I am willing to learn. Amen.

His Angels

His Angels

Posted on by Lois Williams

Greetings, my friends!

I am really trying to be regular in posting on this blog…but I find the days slipping by at an alarming rate, and here it has been 2 weeks, instead of 1 since I last posted. Things are calming down after the mad dash that characterized November and December! Book sales are still happening, and affirmations and encouragement abounds. So, I thank you, all of you who take time to let me know your thoughts and experiences.

I wrote the devotional some years ago, but was reminded quite recently of God’s powerful protection. Twice I have fallen in the past month; one a face plant on the garage floor, and the other a tangle with the counter stools where I lost my balance and landed on the floor with the stools on top of me. It boggles my mind, but in neither fall did I really hurt myself! Nothing broken, and at my age it is a rarity to fall so hard and not break anything. Honestly, I attribute it to God’s protective angels who catch me, in a way, and let me down easy.

So, I remember this day, the day I met one of His angels. It really happened just this way…

HIS ANGELS

“For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. They shall bear you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91:11

I am so grateful for His angels. Actually I think I met one today! Leaving home this morning, my feet a bit unsteady in my dress-up shoes, I caught my heel against the concrete step, and knew in an instant that I was falling. But I was immediately righted, my balance restored. It happened so fast that my conscious mind did not register it.

But as I lay in bed tonight I was awakened several times with that sensation of panic earlier felt, followed by the absolute knowledge of giant hands holding me, setting me back on my feet, followed by this verse ringing in my ears.

I was breathless, filled with praise, as the perception washed over me again and again. Headed out to what God had called me to do, speak to a group of women, He beautifully affirmed that calling by sending His angels to catch me so I would not fall. I wonder, how many times He does that for us. Thousands of situations of which we are not aware surely call His promises of protection into play.

Gratitude should pour from our hearts…I know it does from mine, because for me that morning, Scripture HAPPENED!

Thank You, Father, for Your angels. May I learn to be more careful, more intentional, in my steps, but trust You to send Your ministering angels when necessary. Hebrews 1:14. Amen.

WHILE THE EARTH REMAINS 

Posted on by Lois Williams

“Then the LORD said in His heart, ‘I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth, nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done. While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer and day and night shall not cease.’” Genesis 8:21-22 

Reading in Genesis, as it’s the beginning of a new year, I found myself fascinated with the phrase while the earth remains. Wondering why it struck a chord, I thought, it is a reminder that what we experience now is not all there is! That this earthly life has an end. Troubles and pain, and all that distresses us will be over someday. But, until that day, we rely on God’s promise of His control; His sovereignty. Nature obeys His commands; He sustains the status quo.  

Often after a long dreary winter, spring feels far away, especially in climates that can be harsh, we wait impatiently for the change of seasons, but never do we truly doubt that it will come. We inherently believe that the sun will rise in the morning, because deep inside there is a part of us that does not doubt, but believes. While the earth remains, we have God’s promise that He is in control. 

There is hope, to me, in that phrase. When we are in a dark and harsh circumstance, we can trust that relief will come…that pain and struggle will someday be made right. The earth will not always be this way; there is a big change coming, but while it remains, we can trust in the word of God, His promises. There is a new day coming to those who faithfully trust while the earth remains. 

Greetings and Happy New Year!

Greetings and Happy New Year!

Posted on by Lois Williams

Yes. 2023 is here! Everything feels new, and fresh possibilities abound. Or at least that’s how I feel. Although I wonder about that sometimes. I’ve had a frustrating morning, struggling with a stubborn computer all day trying to put this blog out!

This morning I began once again my reading the Bible through. That would be Genesis, of course! I did notice something new in these first few awesome chapters. One thing that struck me was the word “let”, and the other is the phrase, “it was so.” It fascinates me to consider how some word or phrase that I’ve read 100 times can strike me anew with truth. Thus, my New Year thoughts:

IT WAS SO

“Then God said, ‘Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.’ Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament, and it was so.” Genesis 1:6-7

In Genesis 1, the little word “let” appears 13 times. I was considering what an ocean of meaning there is here in this context of creation. “Let”, “allow”, “permit” all carry the idea of Someone, with authoritative power, granting something desired. After granting an act of creation, wherein God speaks, “Let there be light,” or “Let there be a firmament,” etc., the scripture says, “and it was so.” Our sovereign God opens His mouth, speaks “Let it be…” and it was so. His power, His Word are unfathomable to us as humans, yet we believe it, and we cling to the truth of that sovereignty, so that when we hear Him say that we are His and He will never allow anyone to snatch us out of His hand (John 10:27), His power is absolute and He can say “I will never let anyone take you away from Me,” He means it. Just as He put His stamp of approval on His creation. He spoke…and it was so! I know when I may feel lost and deserted and alone, I can rest on His promise…You are Mine. Because, It is so.

A great promise with which to begin a new year. He is sovereign. Trust in it.

Hope to see you back here at Love Notes next week!

Love, Lois

The Lamb

The Lamb

Posted on by Lois Williams

Greetings! Welcome back to my “Love Notes”! Just a word of explanation to my Christmas poem below. I have always loved the connection between sheep and God’s people. As well as the idea that I am Jesus’s little lamb! A friend who knows my love for sheep, sent me the picture above and I treasure it. It seems fitting therefore, to pair it with my story-poem of The Lamb. What a sweet picture! And further, what a beautiful picture in the words. I hope you will enjoy it! Merry Christmas, all you little lambs! Know you are loved in a special way by the Shepherd of your souls!
Love, Lois

THE LAMB

The night is dark and chill.
Grateful for my rough robe, I pull it tightly around me.
A baby lamb nestles in the crook of my arm
and I rest my cheek against its woolly side.
Lulled by the fluttering beat of its tiny heart, I sleep.

From slumber to terror in the blink of an eye.
A penetrating light, a presence,
a being speaking in our midst.
We bolt upright, fists pressed against eyelids
burning from the glowing radiance.
“Do not fear,” we hear. “Today is born your Savior.”
The lamb bleats in fright and I know I’m holding him
too tightly, but the sky is suddenly filled with—can it be—angels?
Singing! Praising God!
As quickly as it began the spectacle is over
and we gaze after it in awe.
Quietly, purposefully, the older shepherds
turn toward Bethlehem, darkly silhouetted
against the starry sky.
I struggle to follow; I am just a child,
frightened to be left behind.
Small legs running, sandals flapping
on the narrow rutted road,
and my lamb, my little pet lamb,
snuggling against my chest.
I cannot think of leaving him,
he is all I have.

The city is inky and still;
No lights here, no celebration—
But we creep to a quiet stable
from which brightness spills into the street.
A straw-filled trough holds a babe;
a young man and a pretty girl huddle close by
with animals shuffling about,
disturbed by the unrest.
I can only see between the legs
of the bigger shepherds,
but my heart suddenly fills with joy.
Is it true?
Is this the moment we’ve all waited for?
The Messiah? The promised Lamb?
The One Who will be our savior?
I must get closer; I must look for myself.
Pushing through the group, I peer at the babe
and inside me, like a breath from Heaven;
I somehow know He is the One.
Again, my little lamb bleats;
again I’m holding him too tight.
I love him so.

Yet an impulse greater
than I can understand
bids me let go, and
I lay my lamb at the feet
of the Lamb of God.

Birth of a Dream

Birth of a Dream

Posted on by Lois Williams

Greetings!
Welcome to a sort of re-birth of my website! I am committed to making this work, to be consistent in posting and sharing what is on my heart. I have just released my fifth book, CRADLED, and as I was looking through some of the things I have written over the years, I found the piece below. I wrote it when I sent the manuscript to the publisher for my first book. But what I realized is that these feelings were much the same as I experienced when I hit the “Send” button for my fifth.


So, I am sharing them with you, to describe some of the emotional impact of writing this book. And I hope you will subscribe to the website and come back and visit again!


Love, Lois

Birth of a Dream

Painfully, slowly, the process begins.
A fulfilled dream is being born;
I am releasing it; I have finished my part—
from conception…the words breathed into my heart;
through gestation…the dream taking shape,
becoming an idea,
growing into a goal, then a plan
as it burgeoned inside me.

Now it is time.
Words, thoughts, prayers have formed
into pages, a cover, a name, all held tightly within me.
It has been mine.
But it is not mine to clutch anymore.
God has asked me to give it to Him
and so I am editing the final proof,
beginning the birth pangs.

Tears wash my eyes—tears of joy,
of grateful praise.
Sensing that as a mother’s body
nurtures a child, so I have
nurtured this book within my heart.
I am swept away with remembrance
of the times God has met my need,
breathing His words to me,
and Hallelujahs break forth in my soul.

Yes, it is time, and I am ready.
I dot the final “i”, seal the envelope flap
and with a final push into the mailbox,
I birth my dream.

WISDOM

Posted on by Lois Williams

WISDOM

          Greetings! I have to admit that the new discipline of posting on my blog hasn’t really taken hold! I guess it takes time to create a new habit, so I will attempt to begin anew. All of you who read what I write, I thank you, and appreciate your patience and faithfulness…and perhaps a prayer once in a while that I will gain some diligence!

          I was reading a favorite psalm the other day, one which holds sweet praise and promise. Psalm 90; in my Bible titled “The prayer of Moses the man of God.” Enthralling words: “Lord You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or even You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” Psalm 90:1-2. Somehow the solidity of that statement fills me with joy and comfort.

          Reading further I find Verse 12: “So teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” From everlasting in creation to the numbering of our days, God remains, and maintains His presence as our dwelling place, and if we remain, the reward will be a heart of wisdom.

          For 2020 I chose the word “wisdom” as my “one perfect word” for the year! Who knew what this year would hold for all of us, and how much I would need that promised heart of wisdom. I once wrote a definition for wisdom…  “Wisdom is the bucket which we can lower into the well of knowledge God places in our souls, and use to water the earth around us.” Timothy Keller in his devotional, “God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life,’ says “Wisdom is not only for ‘deep thinkers.’ It is how you get through daily life.  Our wisdom will guide us as we grow in the knowledge and image of God’s Son Jesus, who is Wisdom itself.” But it is up to us to seek Him and daily explore His wisdom and truth.

          Oh, how we need this! More and more this year it becomes apparent that the knowledge of God that we gain through the scriptures fuels good decisions and wise counsel. Thus, I propose that we make Verse 17 our prayer. “And let the beauty of the LORD our God upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands.” Amen and Amen.

Smiling Behind the Mask

Posted on by Lois Williams

October 2nd, 2020

          Greetings! I believe we can all agree that these times are strange. Fear rules; along with quarantines and social distancing…words that previously had no direct meaning in our lives. How quickly everything has changed!
          I have to admit that I really dislike wearing a mask. I do it, whenever I am around other people, but what I miss is not being able to see the expressions on people’s faces! So much of who I am (or was) depends on looking into eyes and sharing a smile. Oh, I still smile; but who sees, who knows? It feels like a crowd of robots, in a sense, faces covered, intent on completing the errands, and heading home, back to quarantine. I find it a bit disconcerting.
          But it also makes me wonder if this is not a reflection of how we often reacted before all this no-contact, 6 feet apartness, began to surface? Did we really ever see each other? Now that we can’t, I regret the non-ability to communicate. I hope that when masks aren’t an order, that we will remember how important it is for our expressions to be read by others; that we show our hearts in our smiles.
          You know, I still smile…behind my mask…and watch to see if others are smiling behind theirs? It will show, if it’s real, in the crinkling of our eyes. That’s what I watch for now. Because real joy can’t be hidden, even behind a mask, and I want my eyes to show the joy in my heart…even as I move my shopping cart 6 feet away!
           I trust that even with all the inconvenience, the anxiety, the uncertainty, that each one of you will know in the depth of your heart that our God is still on the throne. His smile penetrates the dissonance of our concern for the future, and assures us of His loving faithfulness.

The Secretary

Posted on by Lois Williams

This week I was looking through my collection of quotes (I do love them!), and was moved by a poem I had copied down, written by George Herbert, a 17th century Welsh-born poet and Anglican priest.  Just so you know, he is recognized as “one of the foremost British devotional lyricists”.  A very wise man!  Anyway, here is what I copied in my little book:

“Of all the creatures both in sea and land,
only to man Thou hast made known Thy ways,
and put the pen alone into his hand
and made him secretary of Thy praise.”

Think about that for a moment.  Of everything God has made, we humans alone have received His word, His story, so that we can know Him in a totally different way than the rest of creation.  I was a secretary all of my professional life, and so this struck a chord in my heart.  I am still a secretary!
          Now, though, I take dictation from my Heavenly Father, and do my best to be accurate in transcribing it!  A secretary of His praise.  What an honor!  A record keeper, one who is allowed into the inner sanctum of the holy place, to hear, in order to share, in a way, the desire of His heart.  I used to be so proud of my position, sitting in the place of secretary to the president. I made my position my identity.
           So, as I pondered these words of an ancient poet I was brought to a place of joyful thanksgiving, delighted to realize that now my identity is still my position…the only difference is that now my position is kneeling before Him in gratitude because I am His beloved child.  Yes, I will work for Him.  Yes, I will transcribe His words to my heart…guess what?  He can’t fire me!  This position is forever and ever, and I pray that from the pen He placed in my hand I will bring glory to Him. 

When I first began writing, from a heart that was slowly healing, I found this instruction in the book of Jeremiah 30:2, “Thus speaks the LORD God of Israel, saying, ‘Write in a book for yourself all the words I have spoken to you.'”   I took it literally!   So, here’s the best news!  You all, too, are made secretaries of His praise!  Doesn’t that inspire you?  Think about it.  There is a pen in your hand, as well; how will you use it?  I’m not saying that we all must write a literal book, but we are all writing our story, one way or another, and we are all part of God’s story, with a place in that story just for us.  We are so privileged to be able to know Him, hear from Him, read His words to us, and we shouldn’t take our job lightly.  I hope this challenges your heart, as it has mine.