Thoughts from my Kitchen

I spend a lot of time in my kitchen; not because I have to, because I want to.  It has always been my pleasure to make a meal for my family.  It still is, even though it is just Richie and me. 

I am standing by the sink looking out my kitchen window.  It is 79 degrees without a cloud in the striking blue sky.  A warm Keys Tropical breeze flows through my open windows.  Richie is sitting outside on our balcony which extends over the canal at the rear of our home.  We have just finished our lunch sitting under the umbrella at our outdoor table.  The view is beautiful and the site so peaceful. The fish are jumping in the canal.

God has been good to us and we are so very grateful for these years of retirement in the Florida Keys.  As we look around, we are reminded of the previous years and all of the loving work Richie has physically done to accomplish the repair and renovation of each room in this home.  We bought this house twenty three years ago.  I always say, “We make the plans but God has the final say”.  God has been so faithful and has heard our many prayers and has honored our many plans.

Most of all, God is growing each of us spiritually. We have always felt closer to Him in the Florida Keys.  Here; the sky is bluer, the clouds are closer and more three dimensional,  the water is clearer and more vibrant in its blue green color, the night sky is blacker, the moon and stars shine brighter and seem more plentiful,  the fish are jumping, and there are so many species of birds flying overhead or landing in our yards.  His creation is all around!

The world seems to be spinning out of control but I know that God- IS- in control.  By faith, I know that He is still on the throne.  He loves each one of us individually.  In the name of Jesus, God is Glorified.  In the name of Jesus, the Holy Spirit is given to each believer.  Jesus is the incarnation of our God.  Jesus is the One who gives us new life.  God has always demanded a pure unblemished sacrificial lamb to be sacrificed for the atonement of each person’s sins.  Jesus is the final sinless, pure, sacrificial lamb.  He is the long awaited Messiah.  He is the way to the Father, our creator.  Jesus is the Resurrection.  Jesus is life.  Jesus is the way. Jesus is the truth.  Jesus is The Word.  Jesus is love.  Jesus IS God.  He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.  Believe in and call on the name of Jesus and you will be saved!  You are saved from eternal death into life forever with God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) throughout eternity.  This New Life starts Now.  It begins at the moment one says yes to receiving Jesus Christ into his or her heart.  The Kingdom of God starts Now and lasts throughout eternity in a believer’s life.

I couldn’t sleep last night.  During a sleepless night I usually choose to get up for a while to read.  Last night I was led to a little book, “The Wonders of the Holy Name” by a Catholic Priest, Father Paul O’Sullivan.  The simple truth of this book taught that there is power and victory in a simple prayer that should be repeated often by believers who want to pray without ceasing as commanded to us by God.  As you say, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus” you call upon the Savior and enter into His presence.   

As I stood there in my newly renovated kitchen with the aroma of a pot roast in the oven and the soon to bubble pudding for a flan on my stove, I prayed for Richie, myself, and each member of my family saying, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus”.  I asked for God’s mercy in our lives.  I prayed for our family and the specific people for whom I have been interceding.  I lifted up Aileen and Naomi and their daughters Linda and Robin.  God has promised that He hears the fervent prayers of a righteous person.  It is in Christ’s righteousness that I pray.  I pray in the name of Jesus.  God’s promise says that whatever we ask the
Father, in the name of Jesus, we shall receive.  God will not fail to keep His Word.

As I looked out my kitchen window I saw a bright red Cardinal pecking at the ground.  The sight of a Cardinal always reminds me of God’s presence and gifts.  He hears my prayers, sees my tears, and knows my joys.  Two weeks ago He gave me another sign of His beauty and presence.  While in my morning quiet prayer time He placed a rainbow over the canal as I looked out my living room glass doors.  I captured the rainbow and the memory with my camera.  “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, I love you and thank you for your love, the gift of faith, and for my family and friends.”  Amen