It's that time of the year...again!

Need to shorten my "essays!" It's raining, well, not really raining but it's sprinkling off and on. We need it but not TOMORROW. Saturday will be just fine. Tomorrow is our annual Trunk or Treat Party. People and their families come from all over. We had close to 1500 last year. This year we've made some wonderful changes, as in, not selling food, having more for the little kids to do, Big slides, bounce houses, etc., and we have all of the local offices involved. It's great fun and a great kick-off to the holidays.
No scary costumes, very family oriented, and lots and lots of that horrible candy to rev your kids up with. Thankfully for you, it's on a Friday this year. If you are in the area be sure to stop by. Your kids will love it! Have a great week-end.

What a gift!

It's still morning and as I look over to see who of my friends has "blogged" today, the thought came to mind that this undoubtedly is another way for God to remind me to pray for someone. I firmly believe that our prayers for one another, altho we may not know what in particular they are dealing with, are necessary not only for their well-being but ours as "intercessors." Since my family and I relocated to the central valley almost ten years ago, we came following that unmistakeable 'hand-holding' of God. We didn't really know too many people or the city or schools. We left our home church in San Luis Obispo with the task to find a new church body to plug into. It was certainly an adventure and has continued to be the same. All that said, the main focus that we had was to be able to invest our lives into others as God led. I could write a book, but have seen that it isn't necessarily important to remember all the details of how God has led, instead it is to see the differences He's made because we followed His lead. What I value most is the fact that I have seen Him not only take myself and others face to face with challenges and barriers in life, but continually gives the grace to walk through it. That sounds almost trite doesn't it? So here is the word picture...It is when we are at our end that He literally wants to pick us up in his strong capable arms, and carry us. If I were asked today what I am most thankful for in my life, and were told that everything else would be taken away, I would opt out for the people that are "God-placed" in my heart. I have laughed, and cried with them. I have sat and listened and prayed with them. I have hurt and mended with them, and will continue to recognize that the most effective tool I have to use in their behalf is to pray for them. I like it that the word PRAYER can sometimes be defined as having a conversation with God. Sometimes we are embarrassed that we will say something wrong, but that can't be when we are talking with God, can it? I've changed the title of my blog to 'Practicing His Presence.' I see that there really isn't any learning curve in talking with God. He just wants to be a part of our lives, enjoys our company and having a conversation with us. So may I encourage you to just go for it...Start your morning with Him...tell Him about your day...Spend a little time in His love letter to you...You'll be glad you did, as well as learn what a real friend is along the way!

New Leaf!

Have you ever done this? Turn over a "new leaf," that is. God gave me a gift over the past twenty-four hours or so, that I didn't see at first sight. These past two months have been a time in my life when I know that God is doing some intensive surgery on my heart and life. It's been painful some days, confusing, and I've questioned absolutely everything including my ability to see clearly the fruition of "here is the way, walk ye in it." Studying Genesis and now entering Exodus has given me just enough light through the curtains to see, but just a shadow that it is I Am, that I Am, who walks ahead of me. Amazingly, He never gets completely out of my sight, but wants me to keep coming towards the sound of his steps. Much like that of someone in the woods at night as they walk over the pine needles and the rocks on their way. You can't see them but you can hear and sense that they are there. This life of faith is nearly impossible, and I see that more than ever before. Scripture states that "we see through a glass darkly" until we finally see Jesus face to face. Abraham waited for over a century to have his son of promise by the woman he loved, and then his long-standing faith in his God was stretched again when he was told to take his only son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. Moses' mother, Jochobed, only was able to keep her baby for three months before she was driven to put him in a hand-made basket and send him sailing down the river. She didn't know what would happen to him, she only knew she needed to do something in order to save his life from the reigning Pharaoh. Joseph grew as a boy within the boundaries of the faith of his father, Jacob, and depended solely on what he had been taught to be true. The complexities of Gods' requirements of us are often in such sharp contrast to the simplicity of the faith of a child. The thought & song that has continued to run through my mind this evening is Holy, Holy, Holy. Above all else God is Holy. You will hear it while you read this post. I am awestruck by God's holiness tonight as it compares to my frequent faithlessness. How can He even bear to look at my lack of trust so often? Undeserving doesn't even scratch the surface, does it?

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Maybe recognizing His Holiness is what we need to begin understanding it all. I think it's a start...;-)

HE'S GOD ... I'M NOT ... and IT WORKS!

Pretty short, plain and simple. Don't you agree? Started the book of Exodus this last Tuesday. You know the part where God meets Moses at the bush, and as he is doing his best to get out of the position that God is placing him, Moses asks God "Who shall I say that sent me?" God answers "tell them it is I am, that I am, that sends you." Whoa! How's that for clear cut instructions? I have to chuckle (nervously) as I go on reading that Moses' balks again and asks "Why me?" How he has even the clarity of thought to tell God that he can't speak well and it should be his brother that should take the job of leading his people out of the slavery of Egypt is mind boggling. Wayne always says that I have to have the last word most times (I'm getting better,) but even I can't imagine being able to do much more than stutter at a time like that. Why do you think it is that when we think we want a clear, even audible word from God, that we shrink back from really listening to what he has to say. Do you see this like I do? We do the very same thing that Moses did. We make excuses, justify ourselves, play the blame game, discount the fact that God really wants to use us when we are most needy ourselves, perhaps at our lowest physically and/or emotionally (I call it "running on fumes,) or just plain don't want to do it.
I guess I'm not really trying to make a point, nor do I have an agenda, but I am struck with the fact that it doesn't really matter who or where we are. People have always been the same as far as I can see. I'm learning to read a little between the lines as I study these Old Testament men and women. Was their faith great? Not all the time, but God knew it and kneaded and stretched and pushed and pulled, all patiently, to get them where He knew they wanted and needed to be. Can you imagine approx. 2 million people walking in a circle for 40 years in the desert after being in slavery for 430 yrs. in Egypt. They must have thought that things would instantly be better for them, but what a shocker. The whining and fighting must have been outrageous. The lack of loyalty to their leader, the killing, and the complaining never ended until they saw the Promised Land. All that God had provided them on a daily basis still didn't convince them that He was in control and would only protect and care for them. I'm beginning to think that heaven might be mostly for Him...Perfect people, perfect place prepared for his faulty children. Go figure! I can only come to the conclusion again that God was, is, and always will be Good...All the Time. HE NEVER FAILS!

P.S. I was tagged today by a friend (from SLO) blogger who is now living in Austin, TX. The task, if you should decide to take it, is to to to your picture program, then count down to your sixth file and open it. See what you find. You will see mine at the top of this post. One of my most favorite places on earth, taken this past summer while visiting my niece at Hume Lake.

What do you think of when you see a Rainbow?

I'm sorry if any of you tried to check my blog lastnight or earlier today. I tried to make some layout changes and completely flubbed up what I had. Thankfully, I was able to recover what I thought I'd lost. Oyvea'...think that's how you spell it.
The weather is changing here and everyone is getting sick. One week it's cold, the next (as in the past two days) it has been hot and then today partly cloudy and muggy. Spent the better part of today at yet another baby shower. I am completely "gamed" and "giving" out, what with two baby showers last Sunday and this one today. I love them all, but come on now, don't these couples have anything better to do with their time? I'm kidding...relax!
Waxing eloquent is not my forte tonight. I did visit with one of my favorite uncles today. He is in rehab now and recovering well from a stroke and heart attack. First physical problem he's had, I think. God obviously has something still for him to do since the stroke was bad enough. When he was sent to rehab from the hospital he had his heart attack there. If it hadn't been that his daughter happened to drop in to visit, he most likely would have died. They don't check patients regularly there, nor do they have patients on any kind of monitor. Anyway, it was purely delightful to see him looking well, and talking and laughing with him. He says he's ready to go be with Jesus, but is grateful for the extra days here as well. I think I feel that way too, about him staying here a while, that is. I can't imagine life without my Uncle Howard. He has been married to my Mom's youngest sister, Aunt Boots, for almost 50 years. He's a little man with the hugest smile that lit up when I walked into the room. Hearing him say, "Hello there, my Bonnie," was heart warming, and transported me back to when I was a little girl at our big Ransom family reunions. The legacy my family has left me is irreplaceable, and I am so grateful that I will be reunited with them all once in God's own presence. I heard a statement today that struck home, and it was this. " For some this earth is the only heaven they will ever know, for others, this earth is a taste of hell & heaven is yet to come." Made me stop and think of the old chorus, " This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through. My treasures are laid out somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me from heaven's open door, and I can't feel at home in this world anymore. Oh, Lord, you know I have no friend like you, if heaven's not my home, then Lord what will I do? The angels beckon me from heaven's open door, and I can't feel at home in this world anymore."
Those of you that remember that song will probably smile, the others will accuse me of just making it up. It has a true message though. Where would we be without God's promises (like HIS Rainbow), the hope He gives, and the assurance that we will be with Him someday. I'm not in a hurry, but I am ready! How about you?

What's in a name?

Do you have a special name? Lately, I have received several different "forwards" via email that have to do with names. Names that are created using other names, or names that might be mine if I were some type of fictional character. I have to admit that some are quite comical and actually pretty creative. The names though that peak my interest are the ones that God calls me by. Have you ever thought of it, or read different scriptures that refer to you as belonging to Him? I hadn't until I read the book Captivating. In it the writer speaks of God's name for me. Reading that statement in the book literally "captivated" me. I know that I am important to God, but had never realized it in that way as I did that moment. If you have never done a word study, this might be something that would clarify your importance to God in a way that you've never sensed before. Try looking up words like beloved, mine, child, or lamb. I think you will be surprised at how many different times we are referred to lovingly in His Word. God's Father figure is something we never grow out of, no matter how old we get. I remember sitting in my own Dad's lap until I couldn't fit anymore. I love that we never outgrow our heavenly Father's lap or His embrace. Hmmm. Sounds delightful, doesn't it? Use a few minutes to get to know Him better. He desires our company. Blessings!

Ok, I'm going to cheat...I do think I like the word "duplicate" better. I visit a website slowomenofgrace.blogspot.com, from my home church in San Luis Obispo regularly. Many of the writer's who blog their thoughts & prayers are friends of mine and they always encourage me in my journey with Jesus. Anyways, this is the daily devotional from there, and I hope that I don't rustle any SLO feathers thereby. What was written today speaks loudly to me, especially these days. Maybe it will "hit home" with some of you that visit me here. Satan would always rather that we not be focused on anything worthwhile. Too much of a threat, I guess. I'll leave you with the thought that God has only good things in store for those that wait on Him. "Be still, and know that I am God."

That's the secret!

“By perseverance the snail reached the ark.” quote by Charles Spurgeon

To persevere, you must be in pursuit of something. Pursuing something is what I would call ‘journey’ language. Do you give much thought to the journey you are on? I know. It is difficult and overwhelming to ponder the road when there are so many hills and valley’s to travel through. Most of us do well most of the time just to keep on the road! I want you to ask yourself today what is it that you are pursuing that is causing great perseverance in you? Take a deep breath….let the Lord encourage or convict your heart.

• First, survey the road you are on. Why? Because not everything is obvious.

• Second, let go of the loads God wants to loosen. Or as Beth says it, “Let it go while He is still in it.”

• Third, take the next step with the next strength. Who is your strength coach?

• Fourth, know with certainty that the destination is worth the trip. (tidbits from a study in the Psalms called "Stepping Up" by Beth Moore)

Here is some scripture to encourage as you contemplate who and what you are pursuing.

“There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!” Hebrew 5:3-4 (The Message.)
I think this song by Hillsong sums it up. Enjoy!

Who is our focus on?

Good day!

Not alot to say this Friday, but I wanted to share this story that I ran across with all of you. So much is happening now with so many... much of it hard to understand and carry alone. The depth that knowing God gives to our lives, especially in times as this when people are literally scrambling for any kind of security, is what gives the person that knows Jesus the hope and the strength to go on each day. The "Picture" is so much bigger than we can see & the future is so much brighter than we can, as scripture puts it, "even comprehend." I will continue to pray for each of you as God leads...would you do this with me? "It is no secret what God can do. What He's done for others, He'll do for you. With arms wide open he'll pardon you...It is no secret what God can do..."

Just Push

A man was sleeping at night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and the Savior appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might. This the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore, and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain. Seeing that the man was showing signs of discouragement, the Adversary decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the man's weary mind: "You have been pushing against that rock for a long time, and it hasn't budged. Why kill yourself over this? You are never going to move it." Thus giving the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure, these thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man. "Why kill myself over this?" he thought. "I'll just put in my time, giving just the minimum effort and that will be good enough." And that is what he planned to do until one day he decided to make it a matter of prayer and take his troubled thoughts to the Lord. "Lord" he said, "I have labored long and hard in your service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?" The Lord responded compassionately, "My child, when I asked you to serve me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to me, with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back sinew and brown, your hands are callused from constant pressure, and your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. Yet you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. This you have done. I, my friend, will now move the rock." At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and faith in Him. By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves the mountains. "It's news I'm most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God's powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him... The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives." Romans 1:16,17 (the Message) When everything seems to go wrong, just P.U.S.H.! When the job gets you down, just P.U.S.H.! When people don't react the way you think they should, just P.U.S.H.! When your money is low and the bills are due, just P.U.S.H.!
When people just don't understand you, just P.U.S.H.! P.U.S.H = Pray Until Something Happens

He likes me, He really likes me !

This blogging business is both fun and habit forming. Although as many say, it takes away the "personal touch" that writing a letter gives. I would have to agree. I still mail cards, but not enough. I find that writing my thoughts allows me to express myself to the receiver more effectively. Writing via the screen also allows deletions of some things unnecessary or better left unsaid. It allows the opportunity to express a plethora (thank you, Shane) of sentiments to be forever etched in the heart of another. I know that I keep many of the notes that I have received over the years because they were touching and continue to be in my "go back to" file when I need to be reminded that I am valued and loved. Isn't that what we all want? To believe that we are not expendable? To know that others acceptance of us is not based on conditions? I have been reading my Bible more than usual this past year, and I've been reminded again that those sixty-six books all constitute one thing...God's letter of love & desire for our acceptance of Him and what He has done, expressly for us, as individuals. I don't know if many of you have read the Bible from it's first book and chapter starting with Genesis, but I can vouch for the fact that God has wanted to make Himself known to us, from the very beginning of time. The relationship we have had with Him has always been tumultuous, but He has always faithfully shown us that his love is not conditional (good thing for us,) rather, He continually waits for our eventual return at the front gate with open arms, ready to restore us to the position that we traded, for the things we thought more important. Side note: Read the story of the Prodigal Son and put God in the Father's role and yourself in the role of the son who left.(Luke 15:11-32) Another note: You might take a few minutes and read the account of Adam and Eve in Genesis 1-4. You would have to admit that they had the best environment ever, along with the fact that God desired their companionship so much He walked with them "in the cool of the evening." Now that's one on one if I've ever heard it! As we work our way through scripture and see God's character more clearly with each person He has dealt with, we begin to understand his ways more and more. These words that have been written are inspired, as in "God-breathed," so that we can expressly KNOW Him. This is where I have come to realize that it is up to me to accept all that He is and claims to be. He encourages us to put Him to the test.."Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good. His mercies endureth forever." Our task is to truly trust Him and take Him at his Word. I am overwhelmed at His goodness and his grace for me. The fact is that His Word is alive, and practical to my daily living. But, most of all, it is His Word that is His personal love letter to me(& you). Not only does He like me, He really loves me too!