Quiet Contemplation - Day 2

Psalm 139:12 (NIV)

…even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

Revelation 22:5 (NIV)

There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.

            When I was very little, I used to wonder how God could see before he created light on the first day of creation. What I have come to understand is that God had no need of external light sources, but he knew we did. God knew that humans, as well as almost all life forms he was about to create, would need a source of light for growth among other reasons.

            Many people suffer from severe headaches or migraines and prefer a completely darkened room when that occurs. Light tends to increase the sensation of pain that often accompanies headaches. On the other hand, there are many people who cannot rest peacefully in a completely darkened room, and they prefer to have some type of nightlight in order to sleep peacefully. God understands both needs.

            Although I am one of the people who occasionally suffers with headaches and in those times prefer a darkened room, I look forward with eager anticipation to the time when there will be no more darkness or night. I do not claim to understand how all that will work. I only know that I trust God’s promises. I believe the light of God’s glory will be more than sufficient to sustain us throughout the future God has planned for his faithful ones. No more darkened rooms; no more nightlights. God’s glory and grace will be all the light we will ever need.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for your love and mercy. Thank you that in your wisdom you provide our daily light. We look forward to your soon return when you will provide all the light we will ever need. We ask that you ease the pain of those suffering from headaches and provide confidence for those who fear the dark. May we both find peace and comfort in you.

            In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Respectfully written and submitted by

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return!

Quiet Contemplation - Day 1

Psalm 104:24 (NIV)

How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.

            I love to sit on the back porch with my coffee each morning and listen to the birds. There are many types of birds, and I really am not sure I could identify each species. I do recognize the little house finches, the bluejays, and some of my favorite birds—the red-winged blackbirds. The grackles, mourning doves, and other assorted pigeon types are also plentiful, but I do not care for them. They monopolize the feeders and steal from the little birds.

On one particular morning, a grackle was attacking the nest of a resident red-winged blackbird. Yes, I play favorites—so I swooped in with my broom to chase off the offending grackle. From high atop the bushes, the red-wing sat and watched my antics as I swatted with the broom fairly nearby. It never moved. I thought later that it must have somehow sensed I was after the grackle and was somehow trying to help save the red-wing’s nest. The grackle left, I returned to my coffee, and the backyard peace was once again restored.

When we take time to look, we see God’s creation all around us. So many different kinds of creatures! Each unique in their own way. Even within the same species of bird, and even with similar calls, one can still hear the uniqueness of each bird’s voice. I know the sound of my red-winged blackbird and I am beginning to recognize his mate’s unique call, too.

God knows each and every one of us. He hears and can identify our unique voice as we call to him in prayer. More than this, God is a loving and caring God. He watches over us each day and knows the grackles we face in our lives. He alone can restore the peace in our hearts and he waits for us to call on him for help. The earth is full of God’s creatures, and you and I are among his most precious!

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive us for becoming so wrapped up in the stresses of our day that we forget to call upon you. In wisdom, you created us. In love, you call to us. In mercy, you watch over us. Thank you for the peace you bring to our lives.

            In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Respectfully written and submitted by

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return!

Quiet Contemplation - An Introduction

           Thank you to all who have taken time to read one or more of my blog entries. My prayer is that in some way you were blessed or inspired by something you read. Perhaps the information was new to you, or perhaps simply a new perspective. In any case, my prayer has always been to write whatever it is that the Lord needs someone else to read. My focus has always been to  encourage others.

That being said, I make no apologies for being honest and holding fast to the truths presented in scripture. It is never my intention, nor will it ever be, to water down the gospel just to make it more pleasing and acceptable to others. If you ever read something in my blog that causes you to question what you have always thought or heard, I encourage you to open your own Bible and study for yourself. Be confident not only in what you believe, but also in why you believe it. I will do likewise.

Write From My Heart is embarking on a new mission, or perhaps more accurately, a new format. Rather than longer, more in-depth, blog entries, the format will be similar to a brief devotional guide. Entries will open with a brief scripture text, followed by lighthearted casual commentary, and concluding with a prayer. It is my prayer that these daily snippets will help you develop a consistent time of quiet contemplation bringing you closer to your heavenly Father and encouraging your own time of spiritual growth.

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee;

The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee;

The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Numbers 6:24-26 (KJV)

Respectfully written and submitted by

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return!