2016: God Can

photo courtesy of:  www.mysticinvestigations.com

We only need to trust ... in Him, our Lord.

"Stop dwelling on past events and brooding over times gone by.  I am doing something new.  It’s springing up — can’t you see it? I am making a road in the desert, rivers in the wasteland" (Isaiah 43:16-19).

God doesn't lie.  It's a new year.  So why not take a chance and believe in Him?  Just this once.  You can do it.  You can trust.  You can change ... through Him.  Just bow your head and pray to Him.  Look into the beautiful night sky, and ask Him for what you want and need.  That's all we need to do.  Ask!  He makes desert wasteland into rivers.  Awesome, huh?  He changes lives.  Try to have Him change your life, if you need to change.  Pray!  Yes, you can.  Believe.  Trust.  Then wait ... see what happens.  You will be amazed.  Just try ... once.

I hope you find God inspiration today and throughout 2016.

J.P. Osterman

Artificial or Real?

This artificial tree has been keeping us Christmas happy for three years.  The question is: real tree, or artificial tree?  There are positive and negative aspects about both types of trees, right?

Thank goodness God is the real thing!  He never changes on us.  He's always available for us.  And when we believe we've strayed too far from Him for Him to love us anymore ... He's been beside us all along.   Our personal beliefs don't always reflect reality, wouldn't you agree?

"Come to me, all of you who are struggling and burdened, and I will give you rest," God tells us (Matthew 11:28).

How do we "come to" Him when can't even see our God?

"Adonai has heard my pleading, Adonai will accept my prayer" (Psalm  6:10).

When we pray to Him, He hears us.  That's His word.  He doesn't lie.  He doesn't change.

Therefore, be God inspired, and be certain of God's boundless love for you.

J.P. Osterman

Checking the List Twice

Crowded malls,

Theaters crammed with Star Wars fans,

Worn out clerks working double time,

Where's the "Merry Christmas" after you buy something?

I decided to ask the sales lady.

"We're not allowed to say Merry Christmas only happy holidays now."

Oh well, back to the house.

Have you noticed, driving anywhere during the holidays takes twice the time.

And I forgot to mail the Christmas cards!

Oh my, the line at the post office stretches out the door.

At home ... I unwrap the roaster ...

I need to cook two hams.

Oh-no!

The roaster I just bought is cracked at the bottom!

Darn, darn and darn it.

I gotta take it back to Macy's.

Here I go ... back to the [bleeping] store!

Standing in loooong return lines is rain pummeling.

Then the race begins to other shops ...

Gift card, or present?

What should I buy for her?  For him?

I think I want to quit ... Christmas;

Until I suddenly stop,

At the center of the bustling Food Court.

Have you ever just watched people?

We get so busy, so occupied, with fleeting time that's never enough.

Hearing an accordion band playing Silent Night,

I'm teary eyed.

Until I spot the Christmas tree,

Brightly lit, with sparkling ornaments of every shimmering dazzling color, 

And Santa handing candy canes to eager happy children.

I plop down in an empty seat,

And recall what Christmas is all about....

The holidays can be pressure filled, but God can be our comfort.  He gives us the white snow-set ground and icicle frosted trees to relieve the stress of the day.  We only need to sit, watch, and listen to His still voice of peace and love in this holiday season.

"You will go before the Lord to prepare his way by spreading the knowledge among his people that deliverance comes by having sins forgiven through our God’s most tender mercy, which causes the Sunrise to visit us from Heaven" (Luke 1:76-78).

Bye for today, and have a God inspired day.

J.P.

Have a Bad Day?

Image courtesy of: www.theodysseyonline.com

There's nothing like being in the principal's office, as I had to experience with my son today.  I couldn't crawl under the table.  Couldn't excuse his bad behavior.  Couldn't run out the door.  I could only cry ... and inside keep saying, God help me; help my son; help us overcome this bad situation.  Have you ever broke down in front of everyone?  Important people?  People with degrees, people in power, people who can decide your fate?  After a point in the principal's office, I just cried.  Me!  I cried.  I've got a B.A. degree, a teaching credential, and two master's degrees.  They weren't any help because my son is the one in the hot seat.  So many times, as the teachers displayed the evidence against my son and his inappropriate internet searches, I felt numb ... and melting.  I thought of a Bible vers, and clung onto the verse that kept repeating in my mind:

"The one who believes in me will live, even though they die," Jesus said (John 11:25).  

Time has a way of settling things down, my inner voice said.  I could then wipe away my tears.  Time has a way of restoring good and building trust again.

I hope this will be part of your inspiration as well today.

Bye for now!

J.P.

It's the Season, To Be Under the Weather

Image courtesy of:  www.universityprimetime.com

It's no fun being sick, right?

This past week, I've felt as if I've been stuck under a pile of tires.  Yes, Kleenex was my best friend.  I couldn't hardly do a thing, except sit, take meds, sleep and watch TV.  Believe me, all that gets boring ... fast.  So, when I finally opened my Bible, I found the perfect spot.  The verse has helped me get back on my feet, get stronger, and feel better.  And guess what?  My dog, Sparkle, who I believed was going to die after her stroke, is so much better.  Thank ya, God!

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep" (John 10:14-15).

He's our Shepherd.  One day, we'll be with Him forever.  Isn't that comforting to know, even in our illnesses, disappointments, struggles, and tough relationships?  He's with us and knows us.  Wow!  A divine God who cares about you, loves you, and knows you personally.  It's just that simple.

Bye for now, and have a blessed, inspirational day!

J.P.

Hangin With ... JP Osterman, Sci-Fi Author

Fast Forward to 13:18 to see Garrett's interview with me.

My Dog is Dying!

Have you ever been devastated by the death of your pet?

My dog Sparkle suffered a stroke this past weekend.  She's staggering, and wobbling, and stumbling, and not eating.  It's hard, almost unbearable, to see her not herself.

"Hi, Baby," I call to her.
After a lethargic glance, she just drops her chin onto her tiny stuffed brown dog.

She's not the same bouncy, energetic, tag-a-long personality.  Sparkle is dying.  She might look a bit "here."  She's not.  She stares blankly at me with big brown eyes, and her luster is gradually fading, and minute-by-minute draining.  And she's sleeping so much, and won't even take nibbles out of my fingers.

I asked God, "If I have to take Sparkle to the vet and 'put her to sleep,' will I ever see Sparkle again?

I don't know about you at times like these when confronted with death and life-after-death, but I can't stop breaking down and crying now-and-then.

God answered, "To every wild animal, bird in the air and creature crawling on the earth, in which there is a living soul, I am giving as food every kind of green plant" (Genesis 1:30).

God says animals have souls.  Wow!  Thank you, God!  He cares about you and me ... and animals.  Isn't that awesome and special?

The inspiration for today, and Thanksgiving Day?  Souls matter to God, and they are eternal.  We'll see our pets one day in Heaven.

Bye for now, and have a great Thanksgiving.  God bless you ....

J.P. Osterman

Gratitude Week is Here

Thanksgiving is two days away, so....

what are you thankful for today?

Thanks: www.csmonitor.com (Need a hug?)

Or maybe you might be having a hard day and need a little inspiration for gratitude.

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving, enter his courtyards with praise; give thanks to him, and bless his name. For God is good, his grace continues forever, and his faithfulness lasts through all generations" (Psalm 100:4-5).

Life can get hard sometimes, and events might not always turn out the way we want them to.  However, we have God who stands with us, beside us, and around us.  In our disappointments, struggles, and wins, He never fails.  God is good, full of grace forever, and faithful to you.  Cling to Him with thanksgiving, and watch your gratitude grow.

Bye for today, and greetings to my fellow authors from the Author to Author book fair. Also, thanks to the new friends I met at the fair, and those who perused and bought my books.

J.P.

We Mourn With the French People

Our prayers are with you....

photo courtesy of clivejames.com

We know what you're going through.  We've been where you're at on 9/11.  Moreover, God knows and sees what you're experiencing in your country right now.

"You have seen; for you look at mischief and grief, so that you can take the matter in hand. The helpless commits himself to you; you help the fatherless" (Psalm 10:14).

God knows.  He cares.  And He will work out justice in His ways.

"Adonai looks out from heaven; he sees every human being" (Psalm 33:13).

God will bring you comfort and justice.

"He does not preserve the lives of the wicked, but He gives justice to the poor" (Job 36:6).

Bye for now, and I pray for God to comfort you and bless you in your times of need and distress.

Paris will endure!

J.P. Osterman

Having a Bad Hair Day?

photo courtesy of www.netlawinc.com

God is with you even when you feel you're without Him.

"God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways.  He does great things beyond our understanding.  He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour'." 
(Job 37:5-6)

After the rain, always comes sunshine.

I hope you have a great, God inspired day....

J.P. Osterman

Resilience

Do you bounce back?

After adversity strikes ... are you resilient?

photo courtesy of www.ptgrr.com

God can help you today!  He is our resilience in times of struggles, failures, disappointments, an unexpected crisis, or when we feel we've just had enough and can't take it anymore.

He is strong resilience.  And He's in your life, for your life today, and for you.  Recall Noah?  Now he's an example of resilience....

"When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth" (Genesis 8:11).

Troubles never last forever.  The flooding waters will recede.  We only need to let God recede them and be our resilience.  Besides, whatever you're going through today could be worse, right?

Bye for today, and have a God inspired day.

J.P. Osterman

Stressed Out Today?

God Can Help!

"God will do battle for you. Just calm yourselves down!" (Exodus 14:14)

Yes, remember in everything you do: Exodus 14:14.  Notice the exclamation.  God says it, and He means it.  So take comfort and de-stress today.  He has a hold of all your circumstances.  He is battling for YOU.  Let Him.

I pray you have a great, God-inspired day today.

J.P. Osterman

If you're interested in more of my daily inspirations, you can check out my devotional book at, God Designed: 366 Days of Inspiration

You'll receive 366 daily readings, a bonus Easter week, and a Day 367.  Hey, I'm a sci-fi writer at heart; and who knows what the future will look like for humanity in 30,000 if God doesn't rapture us, right?

Bye for today!

Are You In A Race?

What are you racing for?

In your race ... in everything you do ... God is with you.  

"The family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings" (1 Peter 5:8-9).

You're never alone.  God is with you, and the people you chose to have in your life.

Be God inspired today!  Bye for now....

J.P. Osterman

Perfect Recipe!

photo courtesy of www.ispot.tv

I have a most delicious meatball recipe.  I'm making it right now for tonight:

In a crockpot, mix 1 frozen bag of meatballs (1 lb. 4 oz.) with 1 (8-10 oz.) jar of grape jelly and 1 (12 oz.) jar of chilli sauce.  Use sugar free grape jelly if you so desire.  Turn crockpot on low for 6-8 hours.  Enjoy!  [Recipe courtesy of www.food.com.]  

Wouldn't it be great if we had the perfect recipe for life?  God does.

"Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship" (Romans 12:1).

If everyone could respect one another, the world would be a better place.  Yes we can!

Bye for today, and may your day be God inspired.

J.P. Osterman

Friendship is Vital

Have you told someone today: "You are special to me"?

We're special to God.  Every day, He never lets us forget His love for us. Today, we can pass His love around to the people closest to us.

"Keeping one another strong in faith" (Hebrews 10:25).

We can inspire change in the world by how we treat others today.

Bye for now, and have a God-inspired day.

J.P. Osterman

A New Beginning

Are You Embarking on a Beginning?

You know the definition, but I'll give it to you again:  "A beginning is a point in time or space at which something starts."

After experiencing a few weeks of personal drought because I finished a year-long project, I'm now beginning a new goal.

"God, equip me for every good work for your glory"

(2 Timothy 3:17).

God gives us the strength, courage, and knowledge to embark on a new beginning after we accomplish our goals.  We only need to ask Him and then reply back to Him: "I am willing" (Mark 1:41).

Bye for today, and let us feel secure in all the inspirations that come from Him. Amen.

J.P. Osterman

Bickering to Friending

Sometimes, people just don't understand us, right?

And a relationship can sour, and we need a little forgiveness because we said something we didn't mean....

photo courtesy of www.chadnstuart.com

God has the answer.

"Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:19).

Today's inspiration:  "I'm sorry" always works, and a little dose of time for healing and recovery.  "I am sorry" are words that emanate from deep down inside of us.  

"My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me" (Psalm 119:28).

How do we say, "I'm sorry," when we're in the middle of heated bickering, and we're hurting?

God gives us the strength.

Bye for today, and be God inspired.

J.P.

Delays Happen....

But God never delays.

"I the Lord will speak what I will, and it shall be fulfilled without delay" (Ezekiel 12:25)

thedailysheeple.com

I've been delayed by the weather, at the doctor's office, and in traffic jams.  I've slept in airports, cried when an important package didn't arrive on time, and stomped a bit when the pharmacist didn't have my medication as promised.

Are you feeling "delayed" today?

God doesn't delay.  He's fast acting in our prayers.  And when He speaks, He acts.  In other words, God's actions match His words.  He walks the way He talks.  We can count on Him.  We can depend on his love (John 3:16).  We can talk to Him at any point in our busy days, and He listens.  God never delays. Isn't He awesome in this world where delays and changes occur so frequently?

Bye for now, and be God inspired today.

J.P. Osterman

Imperfection to Strength

Is your day going a bit "imperfectly" today?  Need some help?  A little God boost?

                               Photo courtesy of reddit.com

We have a tendency to shy away from the people and things that aren't just right or perfect.  However, there are some people who like to help others and save all creatures great and small.  They have a heart, from God, and His strength to reach out to others in special ways.  They see something grand and beautiful in the "imperfect."  Authenticity?  Honesty?  Yes, and they see reality.  We aren't all perfect.  You and I are God created.  God has a fantastic way of changing our imperfections to beauty.

"God ... you created all things — yes, because of your will they were created and came into being" (Revelation 4:11)!

I hope you've received some inspiration for your day.

Bye for now,

J.P. Osterman

Sometimes, We Can Become Scattered....

"God, renew in me a resolute spirit" (Psalm 51:12)

The word "resolute" means "purposeful," "determined," and "unwavering."  I don't know about you, but this morning I haven't been resolute.  David, who wrote Psalm 51 must have experienced the state of being "non-resolute" as well.  It's when we become distracted or take on too many projects in our lives.  We become like a spinning top, whirlwind, or frozen in perhaps procrastination.  What's the answer?  David says God can renew in us a spirit of resolve.  Then we can become focused, purposeful and directed.

Today, let Him be our inspiration.  We can start our day over at any moment.

Bye for today!

J.P. Osterman

You can check out more of my daily inspirations in my new book by following the link below:

God Designed: 366 Days of Inspiration

Orionid meteor shower peaks October 20-22 | Tonight | EarthSky

This meteor shower should be spectacular tonight!  Enjoy this article from EarthSky!



Orionid meteor shower peaks October 20-22 | Tonight | EarthSky

He Draws us to Him

"I love you with an everlasting love.  This is why in my grace I draw you to me" (Jeremiah 31:3).

 courtesy of photobucket.com

You've heard the expression: He's got the whole world in His hands.  It's really a song!  Do you ever find yourself so stressed out, that you lose direction?  We can gain peace in throughout our hectic day when we look to God to direct our paths.  He "draws" us to Him.  And He is present in your life.  Isn't that a wonderful and awesome reality?  He loves you and me so much, He wants the best for us today and every day.

He is our inspiration and hope.  We can become strengthened through Him.

Bye for today, and have a great inspirational day.

J.P. Osterman

You can check out more daily inspirations in my book by clicking the link below:

God Designed: 366 Days of Inspiration

Triumphant

How do we triumph over habits?

photo courtesy of twowordplay.com

Courage!

Put your hope in God, be strong, and let your heart take courage! Yes, put your hope in God (Psalm 27:14, Complete Jewish Bible)!

Notice the exclamation points.  That means we can count on results when we put our hope in Him.

Bye for today, and I hope you gleaned some inspiration for your day....

J.P. Osterman

You can find more daily inspirations in my most recently released book by following the link below:

God Designed: 366 Days of Inspiration

What just happened?!

Do you ever feel like you've been struck between the eyes but have no idea what happened?

And you're trying hard to find inspiration ... and answers?

"My eyes are always directed toward Adonai [God], for he will free my feet from the net" (Psalm 25:15).

Today, I looked up to Him in prayer, and for help.  Sometimes, we're forced to face the consequences of our actions--from large to incremental.  Life just happens, right?  Yet, God has a wonderful way of calming the effects of stress in our lives.  I only need to direct my choices toward His ways.  I suffer less that way.

'Bye for today.  I pray you also find the inspiration you need from Him.

[I credit nearpictures.com for the photo.]

Find God's Stillness in Hectic Times

Yesterday, I just kept running ... everywhere.  Have you noticed that life has running and busy-ness built into the very fabric of space-time?  It seems we just can't find enough time to stop, and seek peace and stillness to settle our fast-paced lifestyles.

Have you taken the time to care for yourself in this busy day?

"God caused a wind to pass over the earth" (Genesis 8:1)

It's inspirational to notice the wind.  Try it today, as I have....

Bye for today.  And God bless you as you seek Him for inspiration.  I suggest first, the wind and breezes.

J.P. Osterman

You can find more extensive daily inspiration in my new book, God Designed.  Just follow the link below:

God Designed: 366 Days of Inspiration 

You can also read more of my books and stories at the following link:

J.P.'s novels and sci-fi short stories

Chasing "things" never works

Yesterday, I was so busy taking care of my son that I couldn't find the time to post a new blog.  Some mornings, my 17-year-old son acts like a toddler.  He also believes "things" will make him feel better and bring him happiness.  Partly, his dad and I are at fault.  We bribe him with ... you got it: things.  

"Do your classwork, bring your grade back up to a C, and then we'll buy you a ____."
"Since your grade is a D, no downloading another game."

He likes computer gaming.

For the past two weeks, his new "thing" is a vaping tool.  No nicotine, nothing harmful.  He says, "Vaping relaxes me."  Let's see how long vaping will do that, right?

I told him, "You're putting things above God.  As long as you believe that things will bring you satisfaction, you'll always be hungering for the next thing."

When we get stuck on things, our best solution is lifting God above all things.

"You are great, Adonai, God. There is no one like you, and there is no God besides you — everything we have heard confirms that" 

(2 Samuel 7:22).

God is always the answer as well as the inspiration.  We can find Him in His word.  We simply have to open it up, read, and let Him in.  If only for a minute or two as we pursue all our things.  Then, we'll find rest and relief.  He'll give us rest, true comfort, and relief.

Bye for now, and have an inspirational day ...

J.P. Osterman

You can check out more daily inspirations in my new book:

God Designed: 366 Days of Inspiration

And more of my novels and short stories at the following link:

Books and stories

Inspiration in the Form of Hope

Today I received a little dose of hope.  My son actually woke up for school, fixed his own breakfast and got dressed without my having to prod, coerce, and bribe him.  Usually, his dad and I have to peel him outta bed.  No fun.  However, today, I'm able to breathe and thank God for today because my son might not do as well tomorrow.  He has Asperger syndrome and ADHD.  He's a challenge.  Every day, I ask God to help us ... and help him.  Sometimes, the future appears not just uncertain, but bleak.

What do we do to cope, find encouragement, and glean hope in hard times?

"Your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit who lives inside you, whom you received from God" (1 Corinthians 6:19).

We pray ... and we can know God has control over the future.  He handles our concerns so we can move forward with our day.

He is our inspiration.

Bye for today, and blessings from our Lord.

J.P.

You can find more in-depth daily devotionals in my book:

God Designed: 366 Days of Inspiration

Unobstructed from God

The other day, it poured down rain.  Sitting alone on my little front porch, I couldn't make out clearly the outside world.  I wondered, God, do you see me?  Ever wonder if God's around?  I think, one of the most debilitating of experiences is aloneness.  I've never free-floated in space as the character in Gravity, but I can just imagine how alone and isolated she felt ... drifting ... alone. Does God care? Is He watching?  "Where are ya, God?"

"I have chosen you, not rejected you," begins God.  "Don't be afraid, for I am with you.  Don't be distressed, for I am your God" (Isaiah 41:10).

We're never alone with Him in our minutes.  He inspires us.

Bye for now, and have a great inspiring day,

J.P.

God Designed: 366 Days of Inspiration

Inspiration from Nature

The past week looked bleak for one of my ginger plants.  It had yellowed and was wilting fast ... dying by the day just a little more.  Have you ever noticed, when something you've been trying to save doesn't appear to want to be saved?  Be it a relationship, plant, or idea, when something wants to end--or is heading in a dead end direction--nothing we do appears to save it.  Well, yesterday, I just wasn't ready to give up on my ginger plant.  I did, however, need a bit of inspiration to keep trying.  

"I will restore their ruins" (Isaiah 44:26)

God restores.  No matter what I do or how hard I try to manage people, places, and things for which I have no control, I can't.  Yet, He--God--can.  He is always working in our lives to restore us, in spite of the people, places, and things we cannot change and restore.

Last night, I didn't water the ginger plant.  When I walked outside to get the newspaper, I saw the ginger had perked up.  Thanks, God!

God Designed: 366 Days of Inspiration

Bye for today, and be blessed with inspiration for your day.

J.P.

Inspired to Trust -- God's Perspective

Trusting is hard.  We can trust our senses, but trusting other people isn't easy. Where can we find trust?

It is through the love and kindness of the Lord Jesus that we trust and are delivered" (Acts 15:11, Complete Jewish Bible).

When we look to our source of spiritual energy, we can trust today.

God Designed: 366 Days of Inspiration