The situation in Afghanistan has really grabbed my heart as I have read and heard about the women and children .... things happening to them. It breaks my heart and I cry out to God for His protection over them. I pray for Him to protect the Christians and those who are in danger. It grieves my heart and can quickly bring tears to my eyes.
I have prayed that God would break my heart for the things that break His.... and when I do that, like now, the tears can easily come and my heart will break. I feel the situation in Afghanistan is breaking His heart, and He is allowing me to feel some of His grief. All I can do is pray for the people. And I believe He hears my prayers.
Glenn Beck posted something on facebook yesterday and I could barely read it to hubby as I couldn't control my tears. He said the last of their planes they had chartered to get people out of the Kabul airport had left. There were thousands left in the airport, hoping to get on a plane. The airport was closed. And they were going 'dark' until they were back home, to keep from being located. My heart broke at those words... these people have no hope left. And with 13 of our military killed by a suicide bomber there, my heart is breaking for our people who are ordered to go there to help, who may not get to come back home alive. And all I can do is pray for these. And believe He hears my prayers.
On a positive note, I have a dear friend in Louisana and Hurricane Ida is heading there; to hit today as a category 4. My friend's area was hit bad with Hurricane Laura... so I sent him a note last night and asked how they were doing; that I was praying for him. I received a response this morning that the hurricane is going to miss them this time (he is in St. Charles), but they are still in recovery from Laura. After he gave me an update, he added, "I had some of your salsa yesterday". When he and another friend stayed with us several years ago, I made Taco Soup and also my salsa. They both asked for recipes. Dean had taco soup every week for awhile, not sure if he still does. Terry was always the maker of the salsa and makes it frequently. Such dear, dear friends. I thank God that Terry and his church are not in direct harms way, and continue to pray for recovery in their area.
I actually got something productive done yesterday. I cleaned out my pantry and started a list of what I am out of. I always like to keep an extra bottle of mustard or ketchup on hand... and other items, but I discovered I didn't have any in the cabinet. Not that it is a rush to go out and buy some - it isn't, but have it now on the list to pick up next time I plan a store trip. My freezer is full and I need to start cooking more.... but we really don't eat that much when I do cook.... but I do need to clean out the freezer.
I have 'joined' an 'air fryer' group on facebook as they are posting all kinds of air fryer recipes. I have a couple air fryer cookbooks, but sometimes they are for fancy things that I don't want to mess with. I'm a simple girl. Throw frozen chicken legs or wings in the air fryer and cook... oh yum; twenty minutes later got some yummy chicken with minimum effort. I have a pork loin in my refrigerator now to put in the air fryer perhaps for lunch. I saw this recipe for one and it sounded so good so gotta try it. Did you know that you can also put eggs in the air fryer and hard boil them? Who would have thought?! The problem for us is - neither of us eat an overwhelmingly volume (ok, I don't), and I don't want to waste food, so how much is too much? This pork loin is only a couple pounds but it will last us two-three meals.
I enjoyed some solitude this morning early before I started my reading. I woke several times during the night and finally got up I think a bit after 4AM. On a Sunday, no less. I generally try to sleep until 5:30AM or so, but sleep was eluding me.... until I came in here. It was nice to leave the light off and just talk with God. And yes, I am sure that I dozed off some as well. He brings me such peace that when I break away from my thoughts, from the busyness of things, He gives me rest. I love this time alone in the mornings - which is why I choose to get up so early every day. I simply must have this time with Jesus every day. It's the only way I can make it through the day without crashing. I lean into Him and He supports me, keeping me strong. And some days I need it more than others. Life isn't always as easy as it appears to others. I believe you know that in your own life.
How do you manage to get through your days? I am trying not to dump a lot of stuff in here.. and in fact did a lot of erasing today as well. That's how some of my days start out... some perhaps my fault, some not. Life is hard.
The only way I can get through each day is holding on to what Jesus said before He ascended into heaven -
Matthew 28:20 (TPT) "and teach them to faithfully follow all that I have commanded you. And never forget that I am with you every day, even to the completion of this age."
You probably recognize that verse more from this translation:
Matthew 28:20 (KJV) "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even to the ends of the world. Amen."
Or perhaps this one....
Matthew 28:20 (NIV) "and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
It doesn't matter what version one reads, they all say the same thing - Jesus is with us to the very end. I believe that; I am living that. And so are you. Stretch your hand up and grab hold of Jesus' hand. He will get you through every day.
Blessings!
