Patti Wolf

They who dwell at the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the sunrise and the sunset shout for joy.

Psalm 65:8

There are few things to appreciate during the month of chilly January in Wisconsin. When wind chills are below zero and with snow piling up it’s hard to remain positive. Yet, I have found pleasure in January’s gorgeous sunsets. A snow white canvas compliments the early evening splash of color. Despite dreary January’s frosty days, the warm sky brings pleasure if only for a few minutes.

Trials in life resemble fidget January; bleak and harsh as time trickles by. It’s easy for feelings of hopelessness to over-take joy. Loneliness can creep in one’s life leaving a feeling of great defeat. Is there nothing promising during the trials of life?

Psalm 65 was written by David. It may have been a song of praise written during a drought. Also, there is information that claims it was sung later by the people coming out of captivity. I’m sure it has a rich history of praise to God through time

Near the beginning of the Psalm it says, “You who listen to prayer, all people will come to You.” Nothing has changed through the years. If heartache has found a corner of your life, remember God is available. He listens to the cry of those who love Him and have a desire to obey His laws. 

It is said after the storm comes a rainbow. Consider before the darkness a sunset strikes the sky and night breaks way to morning’s sunrise.

P. Wolf

A mouth open in unceasing prayer will result in open eyes that see faith clearly, so pray in the darkness, even if there seems to be no hope of light. When God, who is light, moves a poor sinner to plead and cry out with the commitment to continue until the blessing comes, he doesn’t even consider disregarding that poor crying heart. Perseverance in prayer is a sure sign that the day of opening the eyes of the blind is near.

Spurgeon quote from “Life in Christ”

He is not here: for He is risen…

Matthew 28:6a

LOOK there in the sky;
soaring so very high…
hawk is slowly circling
watch him soar open sky.

SEE below… the cross!
People gathered like moss;
hawk is slowly circling
around the wooden cross.

WHY did He need to die?
It make so many cry…
hawk is slowly circling;
a part of us too will die.

DID I put Him there?
My sins He did bare;
hawk is slowly circling.
Children gaze up there!

NOW, they take Him down;
tears falling to the ground.
Hawk is slowly circling,
as the rain tumbles down.

TODAY He is risen;
broke sin’s eternal prison.
Hawk is no longer circling;
to heaven Jesus has risen!

It’s hard not to be reminded of Jesus victory on Easter at this time of the year when we celebrate His birth. P. Wolf

Your word is a lamp to my feet, And a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105

First snow chimes out the new year,
BIG, bouncy, brawny flakes swirl, swish 
past stoic landscape leaving their mark.

January draws forth all which was dear,
hopes, dreams and the heart’s wishes;
some laden, broken before they embarked.

Farewell December, fade without fear
take our sorrows and burdened anguish;
one can choose not to walk in the dark.

Follow the great I Am.

Happy New Year; P. Wolf

Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

Matthew 6:31-33

As another year comes to a close, some people may be thankful for God’s provisions. While others, with disappointment, may still be waiting for their prayers to be answered. “Is God really there? Has He forgotten me?”

There is assurance that God is there and loves those who love Him dearly.

Waiting is a hard thing. It’s those exaggerated moments where the battle is being played out. Can you place your trust in God or will the devil have the final victory?

I saw a dozen or more robins a few weeks ago. It was an early cold morning. Frost hugged frozen branches. The air was crisp and my fingers numb. Suddenly my dog stopped. He studied a small knoll just a few feet away. It was then I heard the rustling of dried leaves. There was a flutter and pecking everywhere in the woodsy spot.

“Squirrels,” I thought.

It took awhile for my eyes to adjust to the earthy camouflage. Then I saw them. There were dozens of robins tossing debris everywhere. These humble birds had gathered in a sheltered area collecting their morning grub. The ground was too frozen for worms, so they searched for other eatable delights.

God promised to provide for the needs of those who love Him. Do you love God? Really love Him? If so, prayerfully continue to wait on God. He has a special purpose for your life. You might not get the worms you desire, but He will make sure your needs are taken care of.

P. Wolf

I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

John 8:12

As the darkest day of the year approaches, I think of the Light. Jesus’s words, in the book of John, are reassuring to those who have traveled a difficult year. Even to those who have battled with sin and have lost.

There is no doubt sin brings elements of darkness to life. It is so easy to point out the sins of other people. Let’s read the verse a little earlier in this chapter, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” That line alone puts things in perspective.

We aren’t much different than the religious leaders and godly men who walked the dusty, crowded street with Jesus. In ways, we challenge Jesus by ignoring His words and turning to our own righteous ways. Unfortunately, everyone cannot be correct.

As darker days of December veil each new day, remember God brought “Light” into the world on Christmas Day, Jesus. He was sent to consume the darkness of sin so we could live in His light.

Merry Christmas, P. Wolf

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begottenSon, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Matthew 3:16-17

What holy Child lays to rest
upon upon the cold, brittle hay;
I’m told he is the One that’s blest
and will cleanse the world of sin.

What of the light in darken sky?
What will the anxious magi say;
when long years of travel pass by?
What does one hold carefully in tin?

‘Tis Baby Jesus who lays to rest,
as shepherds first made their way;
those willing to believe are blest.
Magi will wait for another day;

with their treasured gift to give
for soon this Little One will pay.
For all eternity, in heaven, I will live
May you accept His gift, I pray.

P. Wolf