Another day in my Journey...

2011-06-15T23:22:00.000-07:00

GOD is not as concerned about me being HAPPY,
as He is about me becoming HOLY...

God's Chisel

2011-06-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

Sooo worth the listen....what more can I say. Have a refreshing day!

I Then Shall Live As One Who's Been Forgiven ...

2011-06-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

What a statement this is for those of us that know Jesus as our Lord, our God, our Saviour and our friend. I've spent this evening wondering if I could ever grasp this any more than I grasp God's true grace in my life, His undying and unconditional love for someone like me who fails in every aspect of my humanness as well as any goodness I might attempt to express on His behalf.

One word picture I've often used is the white sheet, dingy sheet analogy. Often I find myself fitting God to my circumstances. If I hang myself on the line alone, or with those that agree with me, I look pretty clean, however, my comparison to others or things is not the "bar" I should be rising to. It's only when He is on the line hanging next to me that I see His brightness and purity...His holiness causes me to hang my head in His presence. Being reminded of all He is and all He has done is meant to bring us to our knees ... to realize that the lives we live, any pain we endure, and the happiness and joy we enjoy are all hand fashioned for each of us individually. Stop and think here ... God created each hair on our heads, each one of us is different in every way, why would He just send us to earth as humans and then let us wander trying to find our own way? He wouldn't and He hasn't. Our lives are divinely ordered step by step. Sometimes we try taking a detour, but God is faithful "to perform His work in us" till the day He returns for us. Some of you work out or run Marathons...you push yourselves to get to your day of competition ready to meet your competitors, or your race. So then, this is life, or a great example of it. It hurts to train, even the final race is sometimes treacherous...but finishing is the reward.

I am going to play a song that absolutely stirred my heart today ... have I accomplished this myself ... absolutely NOT! But is there hope in knowing that this is His intent ... YES! I know one thing for sure, that God has not only a plan, but a plan custom made for each of us. I want to know Him more. I want my life to honor Him each moment, in every action and word. There is not one single thing that crosses our paths that is out of His sight. He gives us a "long leash" at times, but always brings us back again. "No one will snatch you from the Father's hand" are His own words ... my heart's desire then is "to live as one who's been forgiven". Will I ever be good enough, no never. Our job is to press on ... and He will forever be all we need and all He is.

2011-06-09T11:21:00.000-07:00

What is on your mind today? What's happening in your life, your heart? Tell me what part God has in your life today? How is it different than yesterday? Has He made His presence clear to you in your life differently than ever before?

I hate Catfish!

2011-05-27T02:27:00.000-07:00

You know that Catfish are not only ugly, they actually bite, are slimmy, and that's not enough against them in my book...they are also what's known as "bottom feeders". They eat pretty much all the garbage that is on the bottom of the lakes and swamps they live and proliferate in. Go ahead, look at them in the eye and I dare anyone to tell me they are cute.

I have wondered why it is that they don't know they're "distasteful" in every way...I've come to the conclusion that it's because they pretty much hang out with others who are just like them. So the only thing they have to guage their looks, habits, or features with are other catfish. Now if they were to try to become friends with the rainbow trout they certainly wouldn't start to change color or shape, but it would broaden their world for sure.

Is this what we do? I can't help but think of the old adage..."misery loves company". It seems that I at times allow myself to sink into my own pity party when things (and people) are more challenging than is comfortable. Talking to a very wise person the other evening I tried my best to justify my actions....again. Isaiah says it best when he sighs out loud "Woe is me, for I am undone", and to that I reply...Yes, totally! No matter how complicated life gets, or how it is sometimes easier to just keep digging our heels in, God reminds me that it's really simple, because He already has provided a way for us to walk through anything and everything. "Give me Jesus, give me Jesus ... You can have all this world, give me Jesus.

Maybe this finds you out of sorts, confused, or trying to make sense of "things". I do know that there isn't one thing this world can offer that will give the security or peace we all crave ... only God's strong arms are strong enough to still whatever storm that's within us. Hanging on the the Rock that is higher than I...grab on when you need to.

2011-01-26T01:45:00.000-08:00

Iron sharpens Iron...!!!

Well here we are again, racing already thru January 2011. I forgot how long it has been since my last posting, so I am kind of cheating by repeating something that I've posted before. I think its appropriate again/still, so will copy and paste and as you read it hopefully it will make sense for today, or your tomorrow....

I've been looking at alot of old family/friend pictures...turning somewhat melancholy in the process and was reminded of the incredible lives we have led, and the legacy that we constantly are forming for our children. I can only speak for myself, but there are some things that I would like to see "ended" with me, and not carried on with my kids. Then again it always gives me warm fuzzies when I look at pictures of the people who have left their fingerprint on my heart and life. Life is a journey, as Wayne always reminds me. Even the tough times are so valuable to everything that makes us who we are. For those of you in my physical family or amongst my family of friends that read this, I want to say thank you for your touch on my life. I have come to realize that it takes all of us to give balance, patience, and any bit of wisdom to the other. Scripture says that we are like iron sharpening iron...lots of intense heat, some banging, and much shaping and stretching ... all at the mighty hand of our loving heavenly Father, and many times through those that we hold close. Happy New Year... may it bring us just a little closer to seeing life as He does.

2010-12-24T09:52:00.001-08:00

Just wondering how Mary must have felt this day..knowing her time was close to give birth. A young teenage girl of probably 14-15 years of age who had already met an Angel telling her that she was going to not only have a baby, but that this child would be the Son of God. Now she finds herself traveling on the back of a donkey, far from her parents, her home, all that represented safety and security for her...with a young man who knew only that their lives would be different from anyone else's. What fear she must have felt not knowing what it meant to give birth..without her family, her mother, no friends...only Joseph. The things she would feel and see these next few days are all unknown to her now. BUT...God had His perfect plan. One that would take the next thirty-three years for them to see what would be accomplished thru their willingness to be used by Him. Would I have been so willing, so in tuned to God's voice that I would live such a life of faith? "Love so amazing, so divine...demands my life, my soul, my all..." God's Blessings on each of you...every one.

Weak Knees or the Everlasting Arms

2010-10-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

All I can think of today is the song that says, "Oh, how He loves you and me...He gave His life, what more could He give...Oh how He loves you, Oh how He loves me, Oh how He loves you and me."

I have to admit to you all that this dry and barren place I've been for way too long now has nearly gotten the best of me. This morning as I looked to ck my email and facebook, all seemed the same in my world. NOT GOOD! Then as I looked a little more I saw Susie Larson's "encouraging words for the day"...about being thankful...where ever I am, for disappointments & fears, for what ever I have or don't have...simple concept, hard task at times. Satan is so sly, sooo smooth...but not always his fault. When we slip (or even walk) away from what we know is the right thing to do there is always self-justification and pride to fall back on after all. This is where I've been..."Pity Party Extraordinaire" Someone have a rope to throw?

The first thing I have to be thankful for is that I don't have to backtrack...only go forward. This life is not a ferris wheel or even a roller coaster. We DON'T end up where we started ever. The result of my decisions carry with them either the potential to become rotten or sprout and grow. God's desire is that I learn from my mistakes (and even my intentional but poor choices) and see that they get me absolutely no where. Sista's ... I am talking to me, albeit out loud. I am where I have chosen to be, just not where God wants me to be, and for that I am repentant.

It's time for me to get back into the game, off the sidelines, and learn to recognize those hits of life that crush my spirit are also capable of being used by my mighty and loving Father as tools to remind me to lean into His everlasting arms. My choice.

2010-08-14T19:38:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to share this song "Broken into Beautiful" with my blogging friends. I have had little to no time to write here, but ran across this beautiful song that has been one of my favorites for the past several years. The lyrics are relatable...we all come across times in our lives that we feel shattered and broken either because of something we've done or the pain comes from seeing another we love struggling to get back on their feet (so to speak). Either way none of us are immune. I am so thankful that our God is a restoring God...a Father who can "put us back together again if we let HIm". Over the past 6 years I have seen almost insurmountable circumstances come about in the lives of people we love. We have asked God to "remove the mountain" in their lives, yet He didn't...instead he healed spiritually and miraculously in the ways He saw as best. I learned that I have to trust more than the essence of God....I have had to believe that He does know what is best in each and every turn of the road....if I didn't then everything I have based my life upon is a lie, and that for me would be the end all. Why do I believe Him....simply because I have seen Him work miracles in the lives of others and in my own heart and life. Like I said ... He is God the Restorer! "He is able more than able To accomplish what concerns me today He is able more than able To handle anything that comes my way. He is able, more than able to do much more than I could ever dream, He is able more than able, to make me what He wants me to be.' Oh...and don't forget to turn my music box off so you can hear Gwen sing.

Broken Into Beautiful

2010-08-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

Storm those gates ...

2010-07-12T09:48:00.000-07:00

I have a dear friend that is undergoing her first regimen of chemo this morning. She is a young woman in her late 40's, with four daughters....youngest is in high school. Bonnie (go figure), has a sweet spirit and is one of those women who always has a smile on her face, is full of life, a wonderful husband and loving family. I first met her when she was in college and heard her testimony about how God so lovingly showed himself to her and won her heart. She came from a Mormon background and saw her need to really know the Saviour. Well, here it is 25 or so years later and she continues to be up for the challenge. This diagnosis came out of nowhere, and has been a shock to all who know this family. I don't know how far this blog reaches, but I do know that many of you know Jesus personally and believe in the power of prayer...so I would ask you to keep Bonnie and her family in your prayers. She has ovarian cancer and also is dealing with something questionable in her neck...possibly thyroid cancer. She underwent surgery in San Francisco on June 17th to remove both ovaries, etc. All went well and now to go forward with making sure that nothing remains that might be cancerous. 1st chemo, then radiation. Pray for wisdom for her physician's and thank you for taking this on. We will be diligent in "storming the gates of heaven" on this family's behalf.

Life is..... Infinitesimal Change

2010-07-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

How many times, say I, has someone tried to tell me ... albeit warn me, or even try to threaten me that if I keep going the direction I'm going it may very well produce the very opposite result that I'm looking for. I have come to the conclusion late in life, that maintaining the thought in many of my searches for "what to do now" that I have chosen to do it "my way", without asking the one who knows what is best for me. The reality here is that my God is never pushy. He gives us a very long leash at times and waits patiently for us to ask Him to lead...and because He does not speak in an audible voice we just go about our way making the choices on our own. We often (choose to) forget that God has provided His Word, which is pretty exhaustive, black and white, structured...whatever you'd like to call it, that makes it clear as to what pleases Him and in the end is in our best interest. Why would we think any different of Him. Today I am including one of the most poignant of videos that I've ever watched(below). The author uses great pictures, true to the Word scripting, but most of all the "loudest voice". It reminds me that even tho I am given a heart that can respond to His still, small voice...sometimes I need to be wakened from my worldly stupor and again take note of who I am in comparison to who He is... He is either my King or He is not! I am "eternally" thankful that my oft times justifiable thinking does not, will not, can not change WHO HE IS!!!

That's My King (Rock Mix)

2010-07-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

...and Winnie the Pooh replied, "Oh bother!"

2010-06-27T17:17:00.000-07:00

This getting "back into the saddle stuff" is harder that I thought. My days, weeks and months are whizzing by and I find I get a very small percentage of what needs doing done. Our family is in the thick of preparing for our oldest daughter's wedding in September, and "old Mom" is starting to feel just a bit anxious about all the details yet left to be attended to. Kind of like worrying about having a baby when in reality, it will come irregardless. I watched a wedding show on TLC this morning and it only complicated my emotions....enough of that! I am resolved to make sure that this be a "fun" event for Lindsay (& Ryan) and that we do all we can do ... and all we can do is enough.

I do love this stage of life with my children. Alas, the parenting part is secondary to the friendships we have developed. Getting beyond the birthing, nursing, newborn, toddler-hood, elementary up's and down's, teen angst, independence and now starting their own families gives in many ways a tremendous feeling of accomplishment and thankfulness that all we did wrong didn't "scar" their tender souls irreparably. I remember going to their beds at night as they slept, thinking back over the day and feeling that either my words or actions may have been too harsh to them .... what if they remembered those things the rest of their lives and grew up to not like me???!!! God is gracious in ALL his ways though, isn't He? He spares us as much as our children sometimes.

Well, my friends, not much for you to take home from here today, but thanks for letting me vent. I love you each and every one & pray that as you parent, or be it a friend, you will sense God's presence in your life as well as his forgiveness and graciousness. That we all could grow up to be just like Him.

2010-06-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

The old hymn that plays as I write this morning..."I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus, the Nazarene. And wonder how HE could love ME, a sinner condemned, unclean. How marvelous, how wonderful, and my song shall ever be, how marvelous, how wonderful is my Savior's love for me".
It doesn't matter how far we go...but how much nearer we come because His love compels us. When someone loves us, and we believe and sense it in our minds and hearts, it is impossible to shut them out. A couple of weeks ago the thought came to me that God didn't have to go to such great lengths to show us His love....He didn't have to keep on trying to prove His love to us, but He did it anyway. He didn't have to create a world for us to enjoy, or the love of a family to be a picture of His love for us. He didn't have to give us children to love and nurture so we would understand the love He has for His only son, and how He in His mercy and grace for us, gave His son in our place. Picturing that, as a parent, is unfathomable for me. It makes me realize that I don't even come close to understanding how much He loves me. Scripture is clear when it says that God's love is "far beyond all we could ever ask or think". . . and how much more we so easily become immersed in all that this world offers and mistake it for God's best instead of being consumed by all He is and wants to be in our lives. Consider how much He loves you today...It's amazing!

Helloooooo again!

2010-06-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

I have had lots of reader's ask where I've been. That would be the "question of the century"! Suffice to say "I'm back...well, somewhat." Some lessons take longer to learn than others, right? Be patient with me and I will try to get back into this saddle and sit up straight. Ever read Gulliver's Travels?

God's Recipe

2009-10-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

The thought just came to me ... why don't we just follow God's recipe for everything ... wouldn't things always turn out right then? The other day my Whitney (daughter #2) was laughing about how her boyfriend doesn't do things in an "orderly fashion." Surprise, surprise! He had decided he wanted to bake a cake and instead of following the directions he just threw everything in the bowl all at once, then wondered how come it didn't turn out like he had imagined. Isn't that just like life. Either we get the "cart before the horse," or just "take over the reins." Then we wonder what in the world went wrong when we find ourselves disappointed in the results. Ahhh, just a thought. Thank-you, God, for giving me this crazy, "technicolor" mind of mine that only you "get"... these analogies go a long way with me ... for the friends that I treasure and most of all for the way you love us all.
Beauty of Our Friendship

Friendship is a Priceless Gift that cannot be bought or sold,
But its value is far greater than a mountain made of Gold.
For gold is cold and lifeless, it can neither see nor hear
And in the time of trouble it is powerless to cheer--
It has no ears to listen nor heart to understand,
It cannot bring you comfort or reach out a helping hand
So when you ask God for a gift
Be thankful if HE sends not diamonds, pearls or riches
But The Love of Real True Friends.

The Rod is not the Staff...

2009-09-19T20:51:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I've been in front of this computer. So my purpose was to go back over the past week and see what I've missed...alot. Emails that I should have responded to days ago. Facebook "stuff" and now this blog. Don't have much time, so will just share what made an impression. I am always amazed at the people that read this, and I wish more would make comments just so's I know who's been here, but I understand you don't have any more time than I do most days.
One thing that I will take home though, is that it's incredibly encouraging and upbuilding to see the growth that God gives in lives of my friends. Believe it or not, I have my down days too, and more times than not God uses YOU, yes you, to remind me that it's about all of us. We all touch and affect each other. The truth of it is that He will finish what He started no matter how I feel, hopeless or happy. He is not "detoured" by me at all...and is only after finishing His perfect work IN me and you. He is the master physician, orchestrator, fixer-upper, and He has the perfect plan where we are concerned. You know those "rods" spoken about in the 23rd Psalm....those are to keep us in line. When we fight and try to go the other direction, he has to use them and it hurts sometimes, but protects us from ourselves in doing so. So, I'm very grateful that He doesn't give up on us, and we shouldn't give up on each other either. Love you all. Have a wonderful time in church tomorrow.

2009-08-30T15:11:00.000-07:00

The following is a quote from the pastor of my home church in San Luis Obispo... and I am the second blogger to use it. "Parenting can be painful. We can only survive the pain if our kids are not the center of our lives - Jesus needs to be the center of our lives, so we have Someone to hold onto when life hurts."Our kiddos are now 26, 23, & 19 years of age. Side note here: How come I can remember their birth weights, likes, dislikes, whereabouts, etc. and can't remember these days where I parked the car, or set my purse or phone down...SAD, Sad, sad! Seems that parenting in many ways never gets easier than it does to live our lives as unto the Lord each day. We deal with growing pains, sleepless nights, and ATTITUDE non-stop, don't we. Big pay-back, I think. As I usually do these days, I find myself contrasting my own experience as a Mom to how God deals with us on a moment by moment basis. However, He responds differently than I....I, much of the time fail to "respond" and "react" instead. Everything is a picture of His relationship with us. The old hymnn goes like this, "I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazerene...and wonder how He could love me, a sinner condemned unclean. He took my sins and my sorrow, He made them His very own. He bore the burden to Calvary, and suffered and died alone. How marvelous, how wonderful, and my song shall ever be, How marvelous how wonderful, is my Savior's love for me."

Just a little something to get your long week-end a humming. Wish I could share a cup of coffee or tea with each of you! &;-)

CRAZY LOVE

2009-08-22T18:59:00.000-07:00

I know it's been awhile since I've written but ... hopefully you will be able to see where I've been and continue to be. It's a good place, for many reasons. I haven't been hiding, but I have been searching, because this "journey" never ends. Life happens and the quest to figure things out don't satisfy except to eventually bring us to the end of ourselves and magnify the fact that all roads lead back to the heart of God...if we are ready to recognize that we are "finite" and He is "infinite." This excerpt from a book aptly entitled, CRAZY LOVE, is my next read. Having completed more books in the past two years (most especially the past 12 months), than the past twenty, I have come to the conclusion once again that it's not what I add to what I already know, but rather how little I know ... when it comes to God and how I fit into all of this. He only is my Creator, my Friend, the one whose greatest desire is to have a personal, intimate relationship with me on a daily basis...Good, bad, or indifferent. Read and see what you think. Does it whet your appetite to know more? Does mine.

"There is an epidemic of spiritual amnesia going around, and none of us
is immune. No matter how many fascinating details we learn about
God’s creation, no matter how many pictures we see of His galaxies,
and no matter how many sunsets we watch, we still forget.
Most of us know that we are supposed to love and fear God; that we
are supposed to read our Bibles and pray so that we can get to know
Him better; that we are supposed to worship Him with our lives. But
actually living it out is challenging.
It confuses us when loving God is hard. Shouldn’t it be easy to love
a God so wonderful?When we love God because we feel we should love
Him, instead of genuinely loving out of our true selves, we have forgotten
who God really is. Our amnesia is flaring up again.
It may sound “un-Christian” to say that on some mornings I don’t
feel like loving God, or I just forget to. But I do. In our world, where
hundreds of things distract us from God, we have to intentionally and
consistently remind ourselves of Him."
See for yourself ~ http://www.crazylovebook.com

2009-08-11T11:36:00.000-07:00

Acts 5:38, 39

He leads,

He shows,

He reveals,

He gives,

He opens,

He closes,

He knows,

He arranges,

He challenges,

He asks,

He answers,

He speaks.

I'll Praise You in this Storm!

2009-08-09T15:01:00.001-07:00

Now that's a huge task to fill...praising a God who we can't see, in the storms of life. One of the next lines in that song I'm listening to says, "every tear I cry, You hold in your hand." God has a way of whispering thru the rain, or the heat, or the wind at times, doesn't He? This morning our Pastor was speaking about the Israelites. When it was time for them to go into the Promised Land after wandering (in circles...sound familiar) for 40 years, many who had left Egypt were no longer living. Generations had died and now the younger generation for the most part, would enjoy that land God had promised them. Talk about being sheltered! All those years in the desert, with God Himself, and now they were going into the real world again. As a parent, God was trying to tell them to stay safe within His commands. It's an amazing story, and in fact, still rings true today.... that we are safest and free-est in every sense of the word when we stay within the boundaries of His love. I so often make things more difficult than they should be when I try to steer my own life. We ALL do it... over and over and over again. So, in reality we are just like those Israelites in the desert. All that has changed is our surroundings, right? Thankfully God is the same yesterday, today and forever as well. He never gives up on us, and is forever our faithful Father and friend. Hope this day finds you thankful that each moment is our opportunity to start over. "Only one life so soon will be past, only what's done for Christ will last!" *Listen to the words of the song as you read.

2009-07-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

"If you are all wrapped up in yourself, you are way overdressed."
Admittedly "borrowed" this from a friend's post today, but I thought it very appropriate. I find that my biggest fooupa(sp) most times is that my world becomes so small that I am the only one that fits...How boring, unkind, and exclusive can this be? Eph. 4:32 cautions me "to be kind one to another, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake, has fogiven me." My kindnesses are usually non-existant when it's 'all about me.' As the song on my cell-phone goes...'open the eyes of my heart,Lord. Open the eyes of my heart. I want to see you, I want to see you' and I want others to see You in me. Have a joy-filled day!

Learning everyday...

2009-07-17T14:17:00.000-07:00

"God's love is meteoric, His loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic, His verdicts oceanic."

"Yet in His largeness, nothing gets lost; Not a man, not a mouse, (not anyone) slips through cracks. How exquisite Your love, O God! How eager we are to run under Your wings."
Psalms 36:5-8 (The Message)
*thank you, Sue

Sometimes, when we are feeling a little lost I have found (once at the bottom of my barrel) that it is where I need to be in order to finally listen to what I need to hear. It's not a terrible place to be once I remember this...but getting there, as I look back on the journey, is when I see the challenges. I'm in the midst of reading "the 4:8 Principle." The author digs deep in the simplicity of God's truth, and how we ALL muddle up our lives because we want everything to make sense. God's love is so amazing...and believe me, I, like a baby bird who struggles for his independence realize again, that my greatest security and protection lie only and forever under the shelter His wings.

Raise up a child.....

2009-07-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

Just came from the races. Blayke here, to your left, is now five and has grown up enough to FINALLY be able to drive his own go-cart. He has been very patiently awaiting his turn, while his big brother Brayden has been the "guinea pig" and started the driving craze. Blayke has the Heart of a Lion...no fear...should be this boy's motto. He is at times quiet, but has a 'carries a big stick' type mentality. It's very hot here in Fresno these days. Not unusual for this time of the year. So try putting on a full driving suit and all the padding needed for safety, a very heavy helmet, and drive in 100*+ weather for about 25 minutes or so on a asphfalt track and see how you do. Today, Blaykie came in second place in his class. Not an easy task for our little "dare me to do anything" boy. So proud of him...and Blayke...Great job on keeping your head down!

Skyler Sadie Perry, on the other hand, just turned four years old on the 30th. What a little "surprise she's always been...from conception to the present. So independantly delightful! She will tell you what's on her mind, whether you want to hear it or not, and only checks in when she's ready to. Her friends are anyone who will enjoy her, no matter the age. She is truly the youngest of four, but don't mistake her smile and laughter for being the weakest in any way, shape or form. Not detoured easily, it's always best to use "creativity" with our little dancer to get her to do what you want. Most likely she's already figured out what her elders wish she would do, so it's best to stay two steps ahead at all times.

How much fun has it been for me to see these kids grow to where they are today. I can't even ever imagine my life without them. Mathematically speaking that would be "half-a-life." They are all a huge part of me. I know that will never change, because God doesn't give gifts to add to who we are to only remove the sparkle that they bring. I love them so much it hurts, and pray for them daily that the many lives that each of them touch in their lifetimes will be fuller, like mine, because of the impact they have had and continue to have on me.

2009-07-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

This past Thursday night was scary for me. Sometimes we don't realize how heavily we count on others to give us security. The phone rang and I missed it, but saw that one of my aunt's had tried to call me. A call that time of day was unusual, and the busy signal that I heard while trying to get her made it worse. During that time I had run every senario thru my mind, most of them negative. Finally, after what seemed like almost an hour of busy's I heard her voice answer. She sounded tired and asked me how I was, like it mattered then. My only question was to know what was wrong. The news was that my 86 year old aunt, my mom's closest sister, had been driving home from her weekly trip to the grocery store and had been in a terrible accident. She was turning onto her country road, and had been hit by two girls. The impact had broken her hip and her arm in four places. Her car was totaled, had been spun around twice and she was going into surgery the next morning after she was stabilized. This is not a frail woman, believe me. She is one of 12 children who has 8 children of her own. She lived with an alcoholic husband for twenty years, abused and beaten many times. Has lost two of her children to an early death, and became the primary care-giver to my grandparents before they died. My Aunt Muriel is a woman of God. She has taught me that hardships and circumstances are not permanent, but meant to make us better. Her walk with her Lord is THE most important part of her life, and to pray with her is truly to walk into His presence. Next to my own mom, I love her immensely. God spared her...it was only a couple of months ago that I called her, as I do on a regular basis, and she told me she couldn't answer the phone one day that I tried to get her, because she was doing something on top of her house. NO JOKE! That's my Aunt Muriel. Well, now I want to bring her home...Will she come...absolutely not, but she knows she can. Her kids wouldn't let her go and I know that. But, it reminded me that God alone holds the key to what is allowed and disallowed. When it is time for her to go home with Him, it will be the best time for all of us. Thankfully, God is perfect in his timing, and that He is not bound by it. This reminds me that when I pray for those that I love, I have to trust Him, give my burdens to Him, and allow Him to do things His way. "Thou will keep him/her in perfect peace....when?...when our minds are focused on Him." Our reality is that God will have His way with us no matter what...He wants us to believe and understand that His love for us is unconditional and eternal. I love my aunt, she knows it, and her life is in His hands. What better place could she be? Have a great week-end. Love you.

Why do we make it so hard?

2009-06-16T11:10:00.000-07:00

I have heard lately many renditions of what scripture really says. Now, I don't consider myself to have a handle on most things, but my simple mind has come to the conclusion that God isn't nearly as concerned that I understand or even agree with everything that crosses my path, as He is that I not loose my grip on just holding on to Him for all I need. The majority of christian writers, teachers, and pastors are much more well-read and intelligent than I, but I do know that like becoming more the master of my healthcare, I have my Bible and I can read and understand it for myself as well ... This is God's love letter to us, and it is written for us and to us. The book of James cautions me to watch for those that would put their own slant on God's truth, twist it to say what they want to hear, and use it to make themselves look better than they are. We all start in the same place...as sinners that God has given the gift of His own Son, who has bridged the gap our sin presents by giving His life on the cross for us in order that we be able to experience a personal relationship with Him. My position on the health & wealth, and power of positive thinking ideas, has evolved over the past few years in my walk with Jesus by journeying thru life's circumstances, reading and "digesting" the Word, and now lately reading a little book called "the 4:8 Principle." In it the writer expounds on the rather simplistic truth that as believer's we are to first concentrate on making sure that our thoughts are held captive by our heavenly Father's intentions for us. "finally brothers(sisters), whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, & good report..think on these things." It is when we just follow this recipe for success that no matter what crosses our paths, good, bad or indifferent, we find we are already equipped through Him that loves us so, and to walk through it hand in hand. Being "covered", "transformed by the renewing of our minds", "thoroughly furnished", is our legacy as sons and daughters of the King. Being JOY-FILLED is meant to be our natural state as we just take what is ours because of Him who went before us in every way. All these other thoughts that pull us aside from practicing His presence through faith only render us faithless as we listen to the wrong people. Our ineffectiveness is Satan's greatest satisfaction where we are concerned. Veering away from the simplicity of God's Truth is the challenge. Trying to make sense of everything that comes our way is human, but trusting our Creator is the key to being able to watch God orchestrate our lives for our and His ultimate good. "We are over-comer's...Being conquerors through Him who loves us so." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt7gKnzXYXc

Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.

2009-06-06T15:53:00.001-07:00

See, this little girl? Her name is Shaye. I have known her since the time she was born, in fact, I was blessed to attend her birth. She was a tiny baby girl, not much over five pounds, but I remember the first thing that I noticed about her was her perfect little head and her huge captivating eyes. I love Shaye's family. She has one older brother, one younger brother, and a younger sister, and love each of them tremendously. This kind of places her in the middle. Her parents love and enjoy her completely, and have learned to appreciate and encourage the differences in all four of their children.
I believe that God puts individuals in our lives for a purpose, and I have to say that where this young lady of seven is concerned, Shaye has blessed me in more ways than I can count. I see wonderful qualities in her that have come across in the past to be mistaken at times negitively or hard to handle. However, my feeling is that after doing something questionable, if a hug and a "sorry" follows, there is always hope. I mean, really, do we even ever get it right in adulthood?!!! I'm sure that God shakes His head at us more times than not. Pictures are as plentious of this little girl as are her moods, smiles, creativity, and constant willingness to do or learn something new. She loves to laugh, to teach, to be read to, to write and color, to control, and to do things her own way. How can I (or YOU) not smile inside when you look at this picture of her toothless grin. I tell her as often as I see her how much I love her. It's true! When I sit at her house, or she at mine, she always will come and cuddle up next to me, sometimes with a pile of books. Soon she will be reading them all without any help from me, sadly. Her legs are almost as long as mine, and she has her own things to do, but for now I know that I still have a place in her heart and am important to her. She will always be important to me. I'll always remember those big eyes on that tiny baby girl that I thought was beautiful from the very beginning. She is growing into many of those "tough to handle" personality characteristics that caused her parents grief. Her strengths of spontaneity, a strong will, attention to detail, and most importantly a tender heart are going to take her far. I pray for all of them, just like I do my own three children, now grown. God has been so faithful ... He has a definite and defined purpose for each of us, and I thank Him today especially for my Shaye-Shaye. All I ask in return is that when she thinks of me, she smiles too.

Heavenly Father, You are so good to give us a picture of your love for us, in the love we are gifted to experience in our own lives. I thank you for my family, and for others like Shaye, who you've placed in my life to love so easily...Just as you love us with ease. When something of true beauty is given to us, we know it's of You. Remind me to watch for those "small touches" that you have placed in my heart and life, instead of allowing the mountains that I want moved to blind me of the many "custom made by you" details that are already there.

Bless Shaye, protect her and her brothers & sister, and prepare those that will know and learn from her as she grows and matures into a lovely young woman that belongs to You. Life will always be exciting when Shaye is in it! Amen.

Morning thoughts...

2009-05-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

I am listening to an old hymn right now. Let me write the words for you..."Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word. Just to rest upon His promise. Just to know thus saith the Lord. Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him. How I've proved Him over and over. Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus. Oh, for (the) grace to trust Him more."
*(Another blog I watch daily was on the same "mindtrack" as me so I will borrow a few things of the writer to add...)
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Proverbs 3:5-7 (The Message)

Now can I pray a minute with you?
Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Forgive me for not believing that you can clearly communicate to me through your spirit. Please teach me how to discern your voice. Help me to be quiet and still enough to allow you room to speak. Please give me wisdom to rightly hear you, and the patience to wait for you. Keep me diligently in your Word, and give me willingness to seek and learn from godly counsel. Thank you that you don’t leave me to flounder on my own, but you care intimately about every decision I make and desire to lead me into your perfect will. In Jesus name, Amen.

Are you there?

2009-05-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but, sometimes do you read the Bible or pray and feel that God is not speaking to you through what you have read, or that your prayers have bounced off the ceiling? That’s okay. During times like these think of it as though you are storing up grain for the winter or ammunition for the battle. Reading God’s Word and/or praying is never a waste of time—His Word will never return void, and He always hears His children. Here's the Truth of it, no matter our feelings...
Isaiah 55:8-11

"I don't think the way you think.
The way you work isn't the way I work."
God's Decree.
"For as the sky soars high above earth,
so the way I work surpasses the way you work,
and the way I think is beyond the way you think.
Just as rain and snow descend from the skies
and don't go back until they've watered the earth,
Doing their work of making things grow and blossom,
producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry,
So will the words that come out of my mouth
not come back empty-handed.
They'll do the work I sent them to do,
they'll complete the assignment I gave them.

Ephesians 3:16-19

"I pray that he will use his glorious riches to make you strong. May his Holy Spirit give you his power deep down inside you. Then Christ will live in your hearts because you believe in him.And I pray that your love will have deep roots. I pray that it will have a strong foundation. May you have power with all God's people to understand Christ's love. May you know how wide and long and high and deep it is. And may you know his love, even though it can't be known completely. Then you will be filled with everything God has for you."

The more time we spend in God’s Word, the more in tune we will be to His voice. Whether burning bush or gentle whisper, Lord, I want to hear you. Thank you that my faith is based not on feeling, but fact.

The Ant & the Contact Lens: A TRUE STORY!

2009-05-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

Brenda was almost halfway to the top of the tremendous granite cliff. She was standing on a ledge where she was taking a breather during this, her first rock climb. As she rested there, the safety rope snapped against her eye and knocked out her contact lens.
'Great', she thought. 'Here I am on a rock ledge, hundreds of feet from the bottom and hundreds of feet to the top of this cliff, and now my sight is blurry.' She looked and looked, hoping that somehow it had landed on the ledge. But it just wasn't there..
She felt the panic rising in her, so she began praying. She prayed for calm, and she prayed that she may find her contact lens. When she got to the top, a friend examined her eye and her clothing for the lens, but it was not to be found. Although she was calm now that she was at the top, she was saddened because she could not clearly see across the range of mountains. She thought of the bible verse 'The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth.'
She thought, 'Lord, You can see all these mountains. You know every stone and leaf, and You know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me.'
Later, when they had hiked down the trail to the bottom of the cliff they met another party of climbers just starting up the face of the cliff. One of them shouted out, 'Hey, you guys! Anybody lose a contact lens?'
Well, that would be startling enough, but you know why the climber saw it? An ant was moving slowly across a twig on the face of the rock, carrying it!

The story doesn't end there. Brenda's father is a cartoonist. When she told him the incredible story of the ant, the prayer, and the contact lens, he drew a cartoon of an ant lugging that contact lens with the caption, 'Lord, I don't know why You want me to carry this thing. I can't eat it, and it's awfully heavy. But if this is what You want me to do, I'll carry it for You.'
I think it would do all of us some good to say, 'God, I don't know why You want me to carry this load. I can see no good in it and it's awfully heavy. But, if You want me to carry it, I will.'
God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. Yes, I do love GOD. He is my source of existence and my Savior. He keeps me functioning each and every day. Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him...I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13)

Truth or Consequences & Mother's Day

2009-05-09T14:04:00.001-07:00

I have come to the conclusion that what has motivated me during my children's growing up years, has been try to keep them from doing something stupid that I've once done myself. Please understand my lack of being able to put this in any gentler terms, but I can't look back over my poor decisions and then look at the consequences (whether they be known or unknown :-), and want my kids to make those same mistakes. Do you ever wonder why you feel you know what your daughter's are thinking when they want to do something questionable. I always felt I knew what their motivations were, even though they wanted me to think all was "innocent." This is when we have to realize that our control is short-lived, at most. The thought that "what Mom & Dad don't see won't hurt them," isn't anything new, no matter what year we were born. The upside of this is that God's promises are true when He says that if we "Direct our children onto the right path, when they are older, they will not leave it."Prov. 22:6

This certainly doesn't mean that we raise them to be like us...but, we have to remember that more is caught then taught. We have to be examples in every area of our lives and always, always, put the ones that we've been given to live in front of, first. As Moms & wives, we give and give of every possible resource we have. Emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. Sometimes without a thank you or even just a little time off. This is where God wants to fill us back up with Himself. He has completely equipped us. "By using Scripture, a (wo)man of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing." II Tim.3:17
Tomorrow is Mother's Day. Ideally, we would be pampered, loved, and appreciated. However, things still have to be picked up and straightened, dishes put in the dishwasher, we are not the only ones that have to be dressed, etc. A Servant's Heart is one of our labels, right ladies? Let's have the best Mom's Day ever and be happy with all we are blessed with. Let's keep giving and remember we are the recipients of the Greatest Gift Giver of all, who withholds no good thing from us. I think you are all SUPER-MOM'S!

Game On!

2009-05-05T14:50:00.000-07:00

I have become very intolerant of the word tolerance. It presents a facade that we can easily fall into for what some would label quiet, loving, non-judgmental, and even politically correct. Living in a world of "tolerance" can often distract from that which we are called to do, as followers of Jesus. Whether we are being tempted to neglect our duty to forgive, gossip with a girlfriend, break our wedding vows, or take it upon ourselves to cast judgment on those around us, we are constantly being pulled to disconnect from the Holy Spirit. Temptation is an inevitable part of life. Giving in to our temptations doesn’t have to be. After all, this life is "warfare" girlfriends!

A well built support system is key to spiritual survival. Living your life with purpose and intent isn’t something that just comes naturally, and it’s not a DIY sort of thing. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a team of effort to rise above the sin that tempts us all, after all we have to label it is for what it is, right? Not one of us is above it.

Designing your spiritual accountability team is much like building a team for any number of sports. First off, you need a coach. Someone with complete knowledge of the game and a clear cut view of the direction in which each player needs to go. Who better to design your play book than the Creator of the game?

Next you’ll want to have a rulebook that gives concise guidelines on how to play by the Creator’s rules. Good thing He wrote that autobiography, the Bible, huh?

Now, with your Coach guiding you, and the rules of engagement laid out for you, a team captain would be a great addition. You want a captain with Spirit. The Holy Spirit knows how to get the job done and how to help you do that which the Coach has called you to do.

So, what’s left? Oh, the players, of course. Assemble the best of friends, also centered in Christ, and you’re on your way!

The only thing left is the pep-talk! Here’s a perfect fit for the game of life…check out what Galations 6 says...

^1-3 Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.

^7-8Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life.

Game On!

P.S. "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."

If we are wounded we see life as wounded.
If we are angry we see life angrily.
If we are ashamed we see life ashamed.
If we are cheerful we see life optimistically.
If we are hard and unmoving we will see life and hard and unmoving.

Since we are all unique in Gods eyes, don't allow yourself to be your only point of reference
when it comes to how you see life.

Whose eyes are you using when you see yourself, your relationships, your worth, your talents, your occupations?
Have you by choice tainted your journey ahead?

Talking to my Friend...

2009-04-30T23:56:00.000-07:00

I love to share, and I love to give. Sharing is the easiest, because it is giving something that you already have. One of the most meaningful gifts we can give to each other is to pray for them. A picture I have always kept in my mind comes from my childhood. It's one of my Dad & Mom, kneeling by their bed, praying together every night. My parents were always at home with us. I honestly can't remember many times that one of them wasn't home every day. Never had a babysitter, in fact, don't ever think we were even apart on Sundays at church except for separate sunday school classes as my brother and I grew up. We sat in church quietly with our parents, and grew up singing every verse of every hymn. Potluck dinners were just a part of our Sunday most times. Life was simple, secure, and we never felt unloved or in the way. My Mom was a stay at home mom, and my Dad was a hard working man who loved his family and made sure we knew we were special. We didn't have alot of material things, but we never felt we went without. The important things that were practiced in our home were lots of hugging and kissing, respect for one another, and living out a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Praying was looked at as both a gift and a priveledge. Each meal was started with one of us praying and thanking God. Never a written or recited prayer at our table, but a personal conversation with our personal God. I think it is because of this that I've never felt that God was impersonal, but only our loving and always present heavenly Father.
So, this is why I feel comfortable coming to Him everyday. It's why He is the first person I go to for anything and everything. Why I just naturally fall into prayer, into that conversation with my God. I feel at home and relaxed sharing my thoughts, desires, my needs, my burdens, my cares... because I believe that He cares about what I care about. He knows me better than anyone else. During my day many times, someone will come to mind. I've come to believe that when this happens I need to pray for them. I don't need to know specifically what is happening in their life at the time, but I know that God knows, and that's enough. The more time I spend with others, the more I see that praying is hard for some to do. It's just talking with God, that's all. The Bible tells me that when we speak His name, He turns His face towards us. Amazing! When we talk with Him there is nothing between us...just one friend to another. There are no wrong words, in fact, we're told that when we don't have the words to say, He knows our hearts and says them for us. It's like being with a best friend and sitting comfortably in silence. No judgement, only unconditional love. Does this make you feel as good as it does me? I love the gift of prayer and feel I haven't even begun to scratch the surface of what it can do in my life. It was a gift given to us to use during our lifetimes. After all, we won't need it in heaven since we will be in His presence. This reminds me to not waste it, rather to use it, and spend it on those I love and know. We all need to experience God's touch, His power in our lives, and be blessed by the miracle of practicing His presence. Have you talked with Him yet today? He's waiting...

Why?

2009-04-28T16:12:00.000-07:00

Why is it that we ask God questions, when we already know His answer? My husband sometimes gets frustrated with my "question asking" at times, but I wouldn't ask if I already knew the answer!
However, with God most things are already answered for us...even in black and white. But we still push the envelope, don't we. I have to believe that God knew when He created us, that we would question Him. That our inability to just trust that He knows what is best would most times be our downfall. He doesn't mind that we ask why, but He will never deviate from His Word or His character. Neither logic or justification on our part will change Him...and we can be thankful for that. If He weren't dependable, we would have no security, no hope. See what Jeremiah 4:22 tells us:

“My people are foolish and do not know me,” says the Lord. “They are stupid children who have no understanding. They are clever enough at doing wrong, but they have no idea how to do right!”

So, now that we know this how can we be overcomer's, what is the secret? Read Romans 12: 2

"Don't live any longer the way this world lives. Let your way of thinking be completely changed. Then you will be able to test what God wants for you. And you will agree that what he wants is right. His plan is good and pleasing and perfect."

I am thanking Him for his consistency, His sacrifice, and especially His patience... even with all my questions.

How great is God's love for us...

2009-04-23T19:47:00.000-07:00

A dear friend of mine told me today that she was going to go away and spend some time with God. I can only surmise that it was to the mountains not far from us. I wished her a time that would allow for God to meet her, then I was immediately taken in my minds' eye back to several different people whom God called to a place like this...usually a mountain, or at times a desert place. Something incredible always happened there when God met them. That meeting changed many things for them. It gave them focus; How could that not happen when you meet God Himself. It gave them direction. It gave them even an unmistakable aura that others could physically see. I have known other people in my life who have left me knowing that I had been in the presence of someone who knew Jesus. But most of all it seems that it gave them an assurance and a passion for the God they served. They saw life differently once they understood His directives in their lives. Adam & Eve met God each day in the cool of the garden, Noah built the ark according to God's plans, Moses met God three times - once at the burning bush, and another time on Mt. Sinai(x2). Many more are recorded and now we too, like my friend, are given the awesome privilege to meet God any where, any day, any time, He is willing to turn His face towards us, be our friend, embrace us as a Father, heal us, and restore us. See....even since the beginning of time this part of Him has never changed. He is the same yesterday, today, & forever. We mean everything to Him and He wants to mean everything to us. We were made to be vessels with cracks, not to weaken us, but so that the light of Jesus would shine through us. We are so blessed!

Absolutely Passionate

2009-04-19T13:08:00.000-07:00

Well, the inhibitions have all but passed. My fears of the unknown have dimmed as these past three days have gone by. Not that I still don't have alot to learn, but on the other hand some things, as always, do come natural...so I concentrate on what I'm good at...people of all ages.
This morning while listening to our Pastor encourage us to Passionately follow Jesus, the thought came to me that "even this, Bonnie, is MY doing,(says He.) I can use YOU Here! Of course you can, Father! Life is never what we make of it, is it? But it is all about what He wants to do with it, and to and through us. It occurs to me that the word PASSIONATE does not necessarily have anything to do with the human definition that we all know. Rather, it has everything to do with how God feels about us, and wants us to feel about Him...This is why He gave us emotions and feelings for others, because of His great passion for us, and so we could just begin to understand how He feels about His children. Everything is a "type-cast" of Him. Oh, I get it, (I say.) Every relationship, each personal challenge, all things are set up for us to see God and His character more clearly, and to become better because of our passion to be obedient to Him above everything else. Hope you have a blessed day, and if you need something to do, try watching "The Passion of Christ." In it you will see that God has gone completely out of His way to prove that His motivation has always and only been, to prove His love for each of us. As this picture shows...We can forget about any boundaries that stand between God and ourselves!

Oh Bother !!

2009-04-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

"Today is the first day of the rest of your life" No doubt you've heard this quote, but as for me, well, you can have it...at least today, that is. I went to my newfound job and discovered very quickly that I've been out from under a boss for quite some time now. Needless to say, I now know why I haven't missed this little surplus in life. On a more serious note, I know this is a gift (of sorts) and much of what I don't like comes from not knowing what I'm doing at this point. I will look at it as a positive for now, something that I won't be doing for the rest of my life...the short or long of it. Can't say that I've ever been a fan of being told what to do, how to do it, or when to do it. Maybe these are areas that I need work on, huh? Enough of this randomness. If you think of me, you might pray for my brain and whatever else is hooked to it the rest of this week. That I will be able to retain all I need to know to do the job. I'm thinking tho...that I'm way too old for this !

Our God is an Awesome God.

2009-04-03T19:04:00.001-07:00

What a Ride this week has been! You know all those things that can turn your world inside out and then some. As I sit here I really have yet to be able to put all my thoughts, dreams, and even fears into words...odd for Bonnie, you might say...but as I listen to the first three songs on my blogs "music box" I am reminded that 1.) Friends are friends forever when the Lords' the Lord of them 2.) That we unequivocally can Trust in Jesus & Just take Him at His Word, and 3.) we can Come to Him without any fear or reservation, anytime, anyplace, and about anything. I am so grateful that God can read my heart and my thoughts even when I can't find the words. As the Psalmist tells us in chapter 139
Lord, you have seen what is in my heart.
You know all about me.
You know when I sit down and when I get up.
You know what I'm thinking even though I think my thoughts are hidden from even you.
You know when I go out and when I come back home.
You know exactly how I'm choosing to live.
Lord, even before I speak a word,
you know all about it.
You are all around me. You are behind me and in front of me.
You hold me in your power, and still give me a "long leash."
I'm amazed at how well you know me.
It's more than I can understand.
How can I get away from your Spirit?
Where can I go to escape from you? God, see what is in my heart.
Know what is there. Put me to the test. Know what I'm thinking.
See if there's anything in my life you don't like.
Help me live in the way that is always right.

Doesn't get much better than this!!!

2009-03-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

I have returned from a much needed week-end of fun and laughter! Do you remember the last time you "belly laughed?" Being with my girlfriends is always such fun, and gives me new perspective, as well as reminds me of how much I value the people He has blessed me with.....Such is grace. Things said that will "come to life" with just a look or a smile from another that knows what you're talking about. Now that is fun! I hope you all have a friend like this. God wants us to see him as the best of friends. He tells us that He sticks closer than a brother (or sister.) The more we KNOW Him, the more we want to KNOW of HIM. Have a day of contentment...on me.

2009-03-24T13:04:00.000-07:00

"Bring the Rain" by Mercy Me

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am yours regardless of the clouds that may
loom above because you are much greater than
my pain you who made a way for me suffering
your destiny so tell me whats a little rain
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
is the lord God almighty
is the lord God almighty
I'm forever singing

If there is one thing I do know, it's that I am His, REGARDLESS!
Maybe you will take the time to listen to the song as you read
the words. This can lead you into worship...it does me.

Rose-colored glasses

2009-03-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

Not much new to report today. Been looking at the inside of boxes for the past few days. The best thing is that we aren't sick, the sun has been shining and the warmth of another spring is making the blossoms pop out all over. I'm finally adjusting a little to daylight savings time, too. Maybe it's my age, but it seems this year that I just couldn't get with the program. I watched a little news this morning, big mistake, and listened to President Obama's statements regarding the economy. All I can say is, "hmmmmmmm." Let's just wait and see.
This journey of faith that I am on is full of twists and turns, to say the least....must be a verse somewhere that says, "and God said, "GO FIGURE!." I don't know how anyone can even take an unanxious breath without knowing Jesus personally and intimately. This includes every emotional dip and bump we can experience...and God literally knows there will be many of them. I've discovered that my part in this is to ask God for "His Take" on what I am to do, how I am to think and act, and be READY to live out either the blessings or the consequences of my decisions. I have finally figured out that I have nothing to lose by living a life of faith. I know more joy every minute of every day than seems neither earned or appropriate, but I love the wastefulness & the indulgence of my Heavenly Father's grace and presence for me(and you.) For me, everything in my life that matters, is perfect because of who I am to Him. I'll just keep on wearing these rose-colored glasses He gives, so I can see things through His perspective.

2009-03-11T15:21:00.000-07:00

OK...I'm thinking I need to get out from behind my "pulpit" here and say something light for a change. Today I've been putting boxes together and packing my collectibles. Oh, just in case you are wondering, yes, we are moving again. Back into Fresno or Clovis, don't know which yet. This house, although great and quiet, takes too much outside upkeep, and is too far from everything we have to do. It would be perfect if we were retired, but not so, not yet anyway. I guess that is the reason that I've never completely unpacked from our last move.
I had a job interview yesterday at a place called "exceptional parents unlimited." They are a 30 yr. old non-profit organization that assists children and families facing extraordinary medical, developmental, and parenting challenges. The job description I applied for was Admin. Asst./Billing Asst. It was interesting, and I think it would be challenging so will wait and see if they call back. I haven't worked outside of our business now for five years, so the thought of having to learn new things and new ways of doing them is a bit daunting. If this is where God wants me, then I know He will not only allow it, but will give me the brain to absorb what I need to in order to do a job well done. I hope you are still in the learning phase of this chapter of your life. Each day offers us the opportunity to stretch and grow, doesn't it? Let's go forward in His grace...

What are we thinking?

2009-03-07T21:05:00.000-08:00

Living a lie. None of us really can do it for long, because we were created with one purpose in mind, to prove that God is the only Truth and the only Way. Oh yes, He gives us a long leash, but most times we run the risk of "hanging ourselves" with it. Scripture cautions us over and over again that God will keep His Word and be true to it, that His character is unchanging, that He is going to be known by His work in our lives whether it be now or later. Why do we think that a little pleasure here will satisfy us or that we can ever do anything out of His sight, or His allowance of it? My Dad used to say, "Don't ever mistake your Christian walk for fire-insurance." Hell is literal, but consequential "hell on earth" is horrendous as well. Do we only look at our sin with the thought that God will always forgive, so I can do whatever I want and then just ask forgiveness, only just to go on living our lives as we please? John the Apostle refers to our life in Christ as the abundant life. We are pre-labeled by our Creator as "perfect, thoroughly furnished for all good works." We lack nothing and only need to ask. Sad to say though, that no matter what, we are never satisfied. I always think back to the people of Israel as they journeyed through the desert. It didn't matter what God did for them, and it was amazing, that they spent much of their forty years in His presence whining, crying, fighting, it was disobedience on parade...constantly pulling on that proverbial leash, as they insisted more than once on doing their own thing. Maybe those desert travels are more of an accurate picture of our lives even now, than we think? The biggest difference I see is that we don't live under the scrutiny of the Law anymore, but instead under Grace. How benevolent of a loving God. He knows what we will do to continue to push the envelope. How it must sadden Him to think that after all He has done to prove Himself worthy of our worship and our trust, we, as they, are still so stubborn in our ways. Short sighted, easily distracted, and selfish. When we read what the punishment was for their poor decisions then ... murder, adultery, disobedience, idolatry to name a few, we can only be amazed at the stark difference in what we often "get away" with now...but, only for now. I am bothered and perplexed at how we justify our actions, act on our thoughts and emotions, and then don't give our willful disobedience a second thought. Satan doesn't seemingly have to bother with us anymore. We have become so tolerant, and accepting with each other he must barely give us a second thought much of the time. Our ears have stopped listening to God's still, small voice because we have not "set a guard on our hearts and minds," and have become insistant in believing our own lies and making our own paths...crooked as they are. Loving God with all our heart, mind, soul while stepping outside of His hedge of protection is a misnomer at the very least. We can't have both, anymore than we can have it all. Choices have to be made within the boundaries of His grace. Does He forgive...Absolutely, and removes our sin to be seen no more. However, just as the Israelites discovered, we too have to deal with the resulting consequences. Is it ever worth it? Don't think so...Not now or ever.

My Friends...

2009-02-28T18:20:00.000-08:00

These gals are my best friends! Some closer than others, but nevertheless, more important than I could ever verbalize. Do you have a best friend? At least one who will stand by you no matter what? I've asked myself many times why God has blessed me so much in this area of my life. My blessings are great, my heart is full, and I am humbled by His goodness to me. Having friends, especially close ones, can give fulfillment, security, happiness and sometimes a little pain. Thankfully, not all at once. I have found that becoming vulnerable to another person can be a risk, but on the other hand it also can be our greatest asset, as well as God's greatest tool to:

a. Shave a little (or alot) off those rough edges in us,
b. Work on that character quality we are not so good at emulating in a "pinch,"
c. Show the stark contrast of God's characteristics vs. ours, and...
d. Encourage us to become more like Him...thus, making us be a better friend.

How good of God to never leave us or forsake us when we aren't the best of friends to Him.
We can become pretty fickle sometimes, can't we? I want to be a woman He can count on, just like I want to be the best of friends to those who have touched, and continue to bless my life. So, for those of you who aren't in this picture I've posted. Thank you for being so stedfast, so wonderfully perfect for me in every way. You know who you are...and I love you.

~J U S T I F I C A T I O N ~

2009-02-22T01:47:00.000-08:00

Are we "followers" or "leaders?" Most of us encourage our children to obey authority, but not to follow the crowd. Remember your parents asking, "if your friend jumped off a cliff, would you jump after them?" Life is full of dichotomies, isn't it? We end up following fashion trends, using the same language as those we are around most, keep busy trying to belong to a group or click, or being like someone we idolize. If we are fortunate enough to have a healthy self-image we don't care, well, not quite as much what others think.

I decided to use this day at home spending some time in the warm sun, we haven't had much of it these past two weeks. Our front yard looks like no one lives here right now. So as I donned my tennis shoes and jeans, I tied up the dog on the front lawn (loose description,) and proceeded to pull weeds and wild grass. Living out here in the country, we seem to have more of them, however. It makes for easier pulling when the ground is wet from the rains we've had. Maybe I'm a little strange, but God always seems to show me "object lessons" when I get off to myself doing something.

There is a lot of stress going on now with the extra pressures that this new economy is producing. No one is immune to it in any way, shape, or form. Whether we complain about the state of our nation, or find fault with our leaders, it seems we end up choosing sides. Neither is right, would be my guess. Aren't we, after all, bearing the consequences of the decisions WE have made, because that was what every one else was doing? We often justify our actions because everyone else is doing it. Now we find ourselves trying to dig ourselves out, one way or another. Many are left with very little compared to what they had just a year or two ago. Millions of dollars have been lost, financial institutions have closed along with many once strong, long standing businesses. Marriages are falling by the wayside due to financial stress, debt, and lack of commitment. Jobs are hard to find because of a flooded unemployment base. All pretty depressing, right? In reading the Psalms this past week, I see that King David had it all, with exception of denying himself on several poignant occasions. He lost all that was important to him because he began putting his needs above others...his integrity, loss of more than one son, and the pleasure of building the Temple in Jerusalem. Hard lessons to learn, and yet he was referred to "a man after God's own heart." Experiencing just these things, you would think he would have become embittered, hopeless, and even turned from God...but, he didn't. He didn't justify his actions, he repented and allowed God to restore "the joy of his salvation." Life only gives us one opportunity to get it right. Is it worth it to not learn from our mistakes and failures and become lost in the crowd? Or do we stop to recognize that God is able to make lemonade out of lemons...Nothing is ever lost in His economy when it comes to His children. We can trust Him because He is trustworthy! Romans 8:28 For all things work together for our good. To those who love God and are called according to His purposes.

I need thee, Oh, I need thee; Ev'ry hour I need thee....

2009-02-13T14:49:00.000-08:00

All I can say is that "God is Absolutely Amazing!" There have been times this past week, that I have made comments, and then once said, have almost felt that I was making promises for Him that I myself had no way of keeping. I know that His promises are true, but when we need something done moue (sp) pronto, it's shakey ground at times. However, knowing that God accomplishes more when we just get out of His way is one thing that I continue to learn. Life is a journey, and there is often a huge learning curve, probably because God is soooo patient with our tiny mustard seed size amount of faith in His never ending faithfulness to us. Father, help me to continue as I trust & believe in your stedfastness
wholeheartedly, unreservedly, and be willing to learn the lessons, especially the hard and heart wrenching ones, that only you can turn around for my good. Amen & Amen.

We all need a loving touch...

2009-02-10T12:09:00.000-08:00

I (sometimes hopelessly) fall in love with people. My family and friends are the most important asset I have. They encourage me to be better, challenge me, love me to a different level, cause me to think logically (Wayne says thank you), and give me more than I could ever give. Why do you think God created friendship? Well for those of you that might not believe God is a real person, has a personality, and feels our acceptance of Him as well as our rejection of Him, I would challenge you to look a little closer. When scripture speaks of God creating us in His own image, it is referring to the fact that He himself exhibits the components that He integrated into us that day in creation when He created Adam & Eve. Hello...i.e. Psalms 139. We are full of details. God wanted others around Him, that he could walk and talk with while in the garden. He is social in nature. He has been the "initiator" in a relationship with us from the very beginning. Have you ever put yourself out there to a friend and been hurt by their response or lack of one? This wasn't a fluke my friends...there was always a plan.

The very fact that God desires an "intimate" relationship with us is sometimes mind boggling to me. When I think of some of the individuals I know or know of, who I figuratively walk a "wider circle" around, I realize that I choose and pick those that I make my friends. God doesn't do that, in fact, He sent Jesus to walk this earth for the very purpose of coming even closer to us in human flesh. How's that for giving everything you've got? This has been a challenging week, to say the least, in fact, a challenging 2009 so far...and here comes Valentine's Day. I have been reading the Psalm's lately and discovering again how God, from the very beginning, planned to love on each of us. In the sermon in church on Sunday the pastor was playing a video short on "who is Jesus." The #1 answer of many is that He is God. He is purposeful in His dealings with us, and shows the human and loving character of his heart to us as He walked, talked, touched, lived and sacrificed for his friends while here on this earth.

Discovering God's character qualities are like treasures to me. With people there can be too many surprizes and disappointments sometimes when we put ourselves in vulnerable places with them. One thing I know is that God wants us to love as He loves us, and to allow Him to love others as only He can love, through us. Sometimes we are like a soft blanket, sometimes a hammer, sometimes sandpaper, but I want to always be used of Him. When we realize that our lives are most purposeful, when we live "on purpose," it's a good thing. Practice His Presence this week...and love on somebody who needs a touch from God.

“Life is short, you have to act where and when you can. When I was young, I used to want to change the world. Now, I realize, I can just change one life at a time.”

Do we Wreak or are we a Wreck?

2009-01-29T12:20:00.000-08:00

I have a sweet friend who according to her writing, feels like a wreck. I'm thinking she's feeling this way because she is harder on herself than anyone else could ever be. She set a goal and didn't get far until she saw that she had failed more than she'd had victories. Her discipline had bit the dust more days than not. I'm thinking that this is what happens to all of us more times than not, especially when we "put ourselves out there" to be critiqued. Or, how about reading what David wrote in the Psalms forgetting what everyone else might think and maybe consider what God thinks about our broken dreams and goals. God's Word tells us that He is our strength and shield, our rock, our fortress, and our deliverer. I would be tempted to doubt David's words had I not known some of his life's experiences. In other words, he was "relate able." David was as vulnerable in his writings as they come, wasn't he? One resounding theme I see in the scriptures is that God is telling us over and over again that HE IS ENOUGH! He keeps his promises and is faithful to the faithless. Lamentations tells us that His faithfulness is great, and His mercies are new every morning. That gives us reason to not just feel, but be victorious, doesn't it? Every morning when we open our eyes, before we put our feet on the floor, Satan is there for one specific purpose; to dash our hopes, and make us feel incompetent. When we realize that God has already set our feet in place and has done the work, it is then that we walk by faith in victory. I pray that we all will ask God to allow us to see everything through His eyes, with His perspective. Do I hear an amen?

Truer words never spoken...

2009-01-13T17:50:00.000-08:00

This is a shortie but a goodie...

We heard a gentleman tell a story....He was preaching at an outdoor service and they had predicted rain all week, the morning of the service dawned with pouring rain, the man continued to beg the Lord for the rain to stop, just as he had all week, and while standing on the platform in pouring rain, arms lifted high, angry at the Lord, not understanding why the Lord had withheld this blessing -the Lord spoke..."you have been more concerned with the absence of rain, than with the presence of Me."

How are we doing within the boundaries of His presence so far in 2009? When I read this( on another blog,) it stopped me "in my tracks." I hope that I have alot of these days. Days where I am pulled back, reigned in, and loudly reminded that this is the place I need to be. A place where I am passionately and earnestly seeking His presence in my heart and life. Let's travel on, my friends, one step - one moment at a time.

Whatever we call it...Call it Real

2009-01-09T14:16:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite and sometimes "off the wall" authors is Max Lucado. He has written another book called In the Eye of the Storm. Without giving it all to you I think it to be a great book to see into the life of Jesus, maybe just for a day? Our worlds do get windy every so often, don't they...but there is calm in the midst of the storm when we know Jesus and just trust Him and take Him at his Word. This journey certainly has its' moments but one thing I know is the One who holds my future. Have a blessed day practicing His presence with me.

-- Love God more than you fear hell.
-- Once a week, let a child take you on a walk.
-- Make major decisions in a cemetery.
-- When no one is watching, live as if someone is.
-- Succeed at home first.
-- Don't spend tomorrow's money today.
-- Pray twice as much as you fret.
-- Listen twice as much as you speak.
-- Only harbor a grudge when God does.
-- Never outgrow your love of sunsets.
-- Treat people like angels; you will meet some and help make some.
-- 'Tis wiser to err on the side of generosity than on the side of scrutiny.
-- God has forgiven you; you'd be wise to do the same.
-- When you can't trace God's hand, trust his heart.
-- Toot your own horn and the notes will be flat.
-- Don't feel guilty for God's goodness.
-- The book of life is lived in chapters, so know your page number.
-- Never let the important be the victim of the trivial.
To sum it all up:
Approach life like a voyage on a schooner. Enjoy the view. Explore the vessel. Make friends with the captain. Fish a little. And then get off when you get home.

Decision time!

2009-01-05T20:54:00.000-08:00

Enough of my friend, Neil...now on to the realities of life. No, I'm not going to get all serious and gloomy with you, instead I would like to know what you personally have set as a goal for this new year. I heard a statement today that will stay in my "frontal lobes" for quite some time, I think. It was(and I quote loosely) "God doesn't care as much about what we do, whether it be to work hard at our business, make money, or even how much we make, as He is concerned that we give Him the praise and glory for whatever we accomplish." That means to me that my heart has to be right. My perspective needs to be in alignment with what He has for me in every area of my life. Can we just remember to MAKE ROOM FOR OUR SAVIOR? Satan just wants to "derail" us at every turn. So let me be the first to say that my goal is most importantly to strive to consciously live within God's plan and purpose for me each day. That's an impossible feat, I know, but Ephesians 3:20 says what I want and need to hear and can unequivocally depend upon. Here is what it says... "God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us." This is what I want. To be a woman that seeks His heart, who is gentle and loving in all ways, and one that encourages others to not fear following their Lord. Here comes a verse from another old hymn. They just kind of float thru sometimes ... It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ. One glimpse of his dear face, all sorrows will erase. So greatly run the race. Till we see Christ. Let me know what your thoughts are.

What a Grand "Boot Out" to 2008

2008-12-31T23:48:00.000-08:00

OK...just came in and wanted to post this while it's fresh and I'm fresh, and probably won't be able to get to sleep anytime soon anyway. Sorry this clip is so short, but they had these "guards" walking back and forth confiscating camera's...what the...? Anyway, I had to have my moms' third eye at work while trying to keep the other two scanning for the resident aisle monster. He was "the Man," for sure and is better than ever. You'd best go if he comes near where you live. What a night!!! Oh and, my own personal Elf Whitney is the bomb! By the way...that's me you hear cheering him on. P. S. Another reminder to turn off my page music so you can hear him.

Huge diversions !!!

2008-12-31T12:32:00.000-08:00

I get to "open" my Christmas present tonight from my daughter, Whitney... It's me and Neil Diamond all the way. Oh, and Wayne gets to come too. He he I'll let you know how it goes.

...and a Happy New Year!

2008-12-29T12:21:00.000-08:00

The incredulous Masten clan descended upon our little ranchstyle home in full regalia. What was once thought to be a bit quiet, changed in the blink of an eye! By the time all was said and done, we counted nineteen nephews, neices, cousins, sisters, brothers, and one Nana. Still there were others that were missing, as well as missed. Food, laughter, and discussions covering every possible subject were plentious in every corner of the house. You would have thought that anything important to talk about was held off until we could all get together. Each flat surface was covered with either a plate of food, opened gifts, cups of tea or coffee, or a board game.

The major reminder was that even though this year was not as "present-full," it was full of His presence. Holding hands in a circle as we all showed our thanks before dinner was a small, habitual, but significant gesture from us as a family, and the unison statement following the amen "everybody here loves everybody here" was heartfelt. Keeping God, as the center of our celebration is important to us all. Seeing the last of them go home Sunday morning was sad, but remembering that the gift of love that we each share for the other is the best gift of all.

Now, ready or not, we move on to a New Year...2009, Wow! Knowing how much has happened in 2008, it would be easy to be a little "gun-shy" for what's coming if we weren't assurred that He is wanting to lead our way. We raise our children to not be followers, rather leaders. However, in our christian walk we need to learn to be as a sheep following The Shepherd. Maybe it might be a good thing to re-read and personalize the 23rd Psalm. To remember our Place, our Purpose, and His Plan. How much safer can we be, no matter what we experience, than to be carried on the shoulders of our great Saviour.

Have you ever experienced ....

2008-12-21T11:43:00.000-08:00

SADNESS: a state or spell of low spirits, sadness >Synonyms: blues, dejection, depression, desolation, despondency, disconsolateness, dispiritedness, doldrums, downheartedness, dreariness, dumps, forlornness, gloom, gloominess, heartsickness, joylessness, melancholy, mopes, oppression, unhappiness

So what do we do when we can't seem to pull ourselves up "by our bootstraps?" Are you sad or "off" today? I know the bottom line answer to our dilemma. It's that we feel so out of control about many of the things surrounding us. The only thing I can control, or at least try to control is me, and that is probably the hardest thing to do. So what do I do with everything else? Let all the circumstances begin to dictate my attitude and actions? What does the Apostle Paul say in paraphrased form? "That which I would not, that do I do... My spirit's weak and wavering, whoops there it flew. My sin is creeping over me, I covered up with flesh, the carnal man's controllin' me, I'm just a bunch of mesh. Am I the only one that finds myself repeating the phrase "I am soooo over all of this?" May I share with you what put me back on track?

Yesterday I had the privilege to deliver gifts, food, and a Christmas tree to a multi-family home along with some other friends. A recently widowed grandmother has taken in her two daughters and their children into her 1000 s.f. house. She is struggling with the loss of her husband, as well as trying to take care of eight extra people, which also includes her nine year old grand daughter who suffers from kidney failure and high blood pressure. Little, frail Brooke has to be in the hospital every few months for treatment at Valley Children's. The extra stress from having to support a sick child, drive daily to be with her while admitted, and bear the burden of keeping everyone warm and fed, while disabled herself, is overwhelming. The monthly SS check of between $500 & $600 is hardly adequate. When we arrived she was embarrassed. Even though her home was very small and crowded, it was clean and warm. I couldn't help but love on her as she worked so hard to try and express her gratitude through unending tears. She showed us the many pictures of the husband she'd recently lost, and her nine grandchildren. We asked permission to take some pictures to share with others that have adopted other families through the children's hospital, and they were happy to do it. I have been blessed to be able to bless others this way for the past three years, but this time was different. Not being able to erase that scene from my mind's eye last night caused lack of sleep, and encouraged me to pray for them, as I had done with them before leaving their home. Feeling a little like the Widow's mite here...want to give so much more, even though giving all I had....and not regretting one ounce of it!

At this Christmas time my perspective was sharpened just a little more as to how much God has shown His love to us since the beginning of time. Think about giving His one and only Son. I can relate, although rather roughly, remembering how I felt moving from SLO to the Fresno area. Taking my children from the protective bubble of their small schools and "throwing them to the lions" so to speak in huge educational complexes where they knew NO One. Isn't that what God did, but on a much greater scale? Imagine how God must have felt, all the while knowing what was going to be the outcome. The nativity pictures are sweet and nice to look at, but behind all that we could see, was so much more. All that to say that my "Mite" doesn't even begin to touch God's great gift. I only can even begin to relate in the fact that, like me at that moment, I was able to share all I had to give. My resourses will replenish, but God gave His own flesh and blood because His focus was on you and I...even then. What a gift! I hope you will take a few minutes to turn down the blog music, and watch and listen to this little video. One of the best I've seen. Look into the eyes of Mary, Joseph, and the visitors who were a part of that eventful night. I think that they may have understood a little who this baby was, don't you?

2008-12-18T12:42:00.000-08:00

No matter where we find ourselves this year, we are truly blessed. Bake, give spiced oranges, a card, a smile, a hug. If you've never taken the time to watch this old classic, here is a clipit, then join with the Masten family and take the movie in this year. It's our gift to you! Have a wonderful day doing whatever you need to do.

P.S. Don't forget to turn off/down the blog backround music!

Times...they are a changin'

2008-12-15T12:31:00.000-08:00

So, are you enjoying everything that the Christmas season brings? It seems to me that as a result of the change in our economy, people are approaching what was "the norm" over the past twenty years plus, very differently. I spent two days this past week in San Francisco. It was not per the usual hustle and bustle in that city. Decorations were very toned down, sidewalks were not crowded, the stores were packed full of SALE signs, discounts, coupons, etc., instead of the frantic holiday purchasers. All was definitely CALM & BRIGHT, but fiscally slow. Kind of sad. The thought came to mind that perhaps this is God's way of utilizing something that is challenging to us, that will get our attention turned to Him. Maybe it might be one way that people will be forced to consider what Christmas is really about. After all, if we can't hurry around buying, selling, partying, or ignoring the real reason for this season, what is left but to spend time contemplating life, and even the reason for our existance. The Bible states, "that even the rocks cry out there is a God." What does it really take to get our attention, and jar us back to reality? God is not a shouter, rather a Father that speaks to us in a still, small voice. "Be still, and know that I am God." I'm wondering if all the noise of our worlds has crowded out his gentle whispers to us. Would we even recognize His voice if we heard it?
Father, remove the blinders from my eyes, the numbness of my heart, and replace them with a keen ability to hear your voice and sensitivity to your gentle touch. Remind me that I was created for your plan and your purposes. That I waste much of my time running in circles instead of following your lead. You only want the best for me, to grant me the desires of my heart, and much of the time I sabotage myself by thinking I know what's best for me. So God, get my attention. Work with me as only you can so that my life is not only pleasing to you, but firmly planted in what is true, good and acceptable to you. Help me to see what you want me to see and not become dulled mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. Thank you, Father, that nothing is ever wasted in your economy. You are a restoring God, and I will continue to believe that you will do what you say you will do.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

Christmas thoughts

2008-12-06T14:14:00.000-08:00

At a time when most seem to be thinking of the "how's" of this holiday season, I am going to try and remind myself of all the "whys." I'm hoping that this will encourage YOU to write some of your thoughts and memories of Christmas and what it means to you.

I'll start...When I was a kid we always shared Christmas Day with extended family, namely my cousins. Butch, Marilyn, Vivian, & Kenny. Their parents, Carl & Alberta, and my Dad's oldest sister that we always called Grandma Stoltz (who was really my Aunt) Oh well, that in itself is a long story. Every year my Dad would give my brother and I a few dollars and we would go to the Woolworth's store and buy our gifts for everyone. I don't remember exactly how much we had but it wasn't much more than it would take to buy a Big Gulp drink today. We would walk up those oiled wooden floor aisles, where all the $.05 & $.10 items were displayed. I always went towards the fingernail polish and lipsticks for my teenage girl cousins to start. We would fill our little baskets full of the tiny treasures and buy those ten gifts or so to take them home to wrap and put under the Christmas tree. Can you imagine wrapping a bottle of polish or a tube of lipstick? Thinking back, now I realize why everyone always had such big smiles on their faces while opening them. They would always guess out loud what was inside. Maybe it a purrrr, or maybe it's a pair of slippers, or maybe it's a coat. All the while knowing what it was. The money spent, if any, was not the issue, it was most definitely the effort and thought that the youngest two in the family had invested that counted. I grew up in a close knit, loving, nurturing family where God was known and worshiped. Now, in hindsight I appreciate fully some of the incredible sacrifices my parents made in order that my brother and I have an education that would be an extension of what they believed, taught us through their example, and lived on a daily basis. Some of my most precious memories are remembering my Dad standing in the warm kitchen under the oven hood-light reading his Bible early in the mornings. My Mom would read the Bible through almost every year and sat in her rocking chair in her room always getting excited about something new she had learned while reading through the Old Testament for the umpteenth time. Getting back to Christmas, I've learned that it's not the effects that the holiday season has on us that matters, instead it's the simplicity of the reason for this celebration. Christmas is not all about everything it has become, it is only about one thing, one person. But as our lives become so muddled and blurry, so do times like this. The words of this song say it well, "God sent His son, they called him Jesus, He came to love, heal and forgive, He bled and died, to buy my pardon, an empty grave is there to prove my Saviour lives." It isn't a Christmas carol, but the words engulf the reason he was purposely sent to live among us. So, while I am updating my Christmas lists, sending my Christmas cards, and shopping for Christmas presents I am making the "conscious" effort to not loose sight what God must have had in mind long before that day long ago. I pray we don't get LOST in the preparations, except the preparation of our hearts.

"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing" HK

2008-12-02T12:09:00.000-08:00

Probably should wait longer between posts, but didn't want to forget any of this...Turn up your speakers and listen to the song that should start playing while you read...I think it fits.

Pastor Mitch gave a thought provoking sermon last Sunday on Jonah. I'm sure most of you have heard the story sometime during your growing up years. Let me refresh your memories. Jonah was a prophet from Israel. One day God spoke to Jonah and told him to go to the capital city of Nineveh. Now the rub here is that Nineveh, being the capital of Assyria, hated Israel. This city was built to represent everything contrary to God. In fact, they were "God haters," or anti-God. These Assyrians were prominent, powerful, and pagan. In other words they were self-made, successful, and blind to their sin. So, God decides to send our friend Jonah on a mission. As is God's way still, He often chooses to use broken, fearful, runaways like Jonah to do His work...because He is relentless in His plan.
Well, what happens is that Jonah listens but instead of making the 500 miles east trip to Nineveh, he instead jumps on a ship and plans to go 2000 miles west to a "safe" city, Tarshish. His thoughts may have been, how could one man, an Israelite, go to a well-known pagan city like Nineveh, and tell them they were doing everything wrong and going to die because of their lifestyles and beliefs? God must be sending him on a suicide mission! The story goes on that while on the ship Jonah ends up having to sacrifice himself anyway. He took responsibility for his disobedience in order to save the ships crew, and jumped into the sea, only to be swallowed by a "great fish." I don't know; Which sounds worse to you? Being in the belly of a whale for 3 days & 3 nights, or going where God has already paved the way. See how our perspective is corrected so many times in retrospect? We, like our friend Jonah, just don't really believe that what God asks us to do, He has already made provisions for. I find myself going metaphorically 2000 miles in the opposite direction sometimes because I don't stay focused on God's provisions, His grace, His love or His faithfulness. Will we always understand why? That would be NO; but, as Pastor Mitch says, "Understanding can wait, but obedience can't." So, maybe the same question we might ask Jonah, now that we see the total picture, we can ask ourselves. What part of GO do I (we) not understand? What part of OBEY do I (we) not understand? Here is what I see that happens. We become so comfortable and "watered down" while we gather others around us, to think like us, to justify things that we do and the way we live allows us to become just a little like that city of Nineveh. The masses there all thought alike. That one person would even have the audacity to try to come into their environment and point a finger at them. The Assyrian's were daunting for sure. I can see myself in this scene and find myself "understanding" why Jonah did what he did. Not because he was right, but because I am weak too. When things are good and I am safe within my comfort zone it's all good. But when the "winds and the waves" are beating on me, there are times that I am "driven by the wind and tossed."(James 1) We all have a mission to accomplish, just like Jonah, and our problem is not so much that we don't know what we should do. We know perfectly well, but we just don't want to do it." Now the story ends well. Jonah learned the importance of listening and obeying, and once back on dry land went to Nineveh and saw God do a miracle in the lives of that whole city. Moral of the story: Let's all continue to encourage each other as we grow in the strength and knowledge of who our God is. I want to be the reason why someone comes to know God more, not the the reason that they continue to struggle, or trip and fall. You go, Jonah!

Learning that I need to be Unconditionally Thankful.

2008-11-29T23:43:00.000-08:00

Around our Thanksgiving table this past Thursday, my brother-in-law took it upon himself to make us "think" in the midst of all the eating. As we approached the full-mark, he had us pull a piece of paper from a basket, asked each of us to read what we had taken, and then think of a person that had made a mark on our lives who wasn't sitting at our table. This was the quote that I chose and read. I thought it quite provoking, altho a bit wordy...maybe the gal was english! But it's true! Don't our days and nights roll all into one most times? Especially at this time of year when we get so frazzled and worn out from trying to keep up with all the get-together's, parties, office functions, and then there is Christmas shopping and families descending on Christmas eve and the day itself. Kind of like a meal that has taken most of the day to prepare, that is eaten in less that 30 minutes. See what you think...

"Each day we awake is a new start, another chance. Why waste it on self-pity, slothfulness, and selfishness? Roll that day around on your tongue, relish the taste of its freedom. Breathe deeply of the morning air, savor the fragrance of opportunity. Run your hands along the spine of those precious 24 hours and feel the strength in that sinew and bone. Life is raw material. We are artisans. We can sculpt our existence into something beautiful, or debase it into ugliness. It's in our hands." - Cathy Better

Well, can't say that I agree with everything she writes, but I do go along with facing each day as a gift. No matter what it holds. I think that Jesus did a great job of making His days count while walking this earth. After all, he had his Father's example to follow. Just think of the mess that might have been if God hadn't had a schedule, and been organized throughout the process of Creation. He gave everything so much thought and paid such attention to detail. Just take a minute and walk outside. God's decorating prowess put's our holiday glitter and glamor to shame. It won't matter where you are, you can't help but see His hand in the leaves on the trees, or the grass, or the clouds in the blue sky. How about the stars and the moon. Each one was put on this earth for two reasons. First for our enjoyment, and secondly, so that we would see His hand in everything, and seek after Him in praise and thankfulness. No doubt, this world and even life itself can become tainted and ugly, but those of us that know God have the confidence that life can only be worthwhile when He is in it. Not as "just someone somewhere out there," but when He takes occupancy through our personal invitation into the very "heart" of us. Life does have a beginning, but it is endless only as we know it here. We live on e* t* e* r* n* a* l* l* y, as in "forever after." The place we spend this forever time is of our own choosing. Here is just a glimpse of how God thinks of us, and has from the beginning of time... "The Lord delights in you." Isa. 62:4. "Thus says the Lord, who created you..."Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine." Isa. 43:1. "See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands..." Isa. 49:16 So now, as we approach this wonderful time of year, I believe it's important to #1 Use the word Christmas every chance we get, #2 Give extravagantly of ourselves to others, #3 Maybe for the first time realize what a sacrifice it was for God the Father to send His only Son to earth, all the while knowing what His reception and walk of life would hold. He did it anyway, because He had a better plan for us. Take some time to listen to the words of some of the Christmas carols you'll hear during these next few weeks. Ask God to show you something you never knew about Him before. In these questionable and trying times for many, reach out as only you can, and share His love through your own experiences. Let me be the first to say to each of you....MERRY CHRISTMAS,... and don't get lost in the crowds~

Where do I fit?

2008-11-24T18:08:00.001-08:00

Here is a question for you. Have your ever wondered how "you fit" in all that surrounds you in your life? What is the purpose of any event, either positive and negative that happens, especially those things outside of our control? I think I may have an answer...which is pivotal for me (don't laugh.) Even though much of what we do continuously or habitually, is what makes us feel good, or accomplished, or garners praise from others, I think we do what we do, because we want to feel like we fit somewhere so badly. It is only when we read what scripture says in Romans 12:1&2, or John 3, or Psalms 23, or Jeremiah 29:11, that we understand that, life as we know it, was never meant to necessarily make us happy. In fact, christian or not, most is uncomfortable. Life loves to beat us up, figuratively speaking. We, as followers of Jesus, are repeatedly referred to as sheep, sojourners, unstable in all our ways, driven by the wind and tossed, sinners saved only by His grace, and in dire need of a Savior and saving. The list goes on and on. You're not painting a soothing picture, Bonnie. Pretty depressing, huh? So, the original question is not "do we fit," but maybe, "HOW can we possibly fit?" The christian out-of-the-box author, C.S. Lewis, speaks clearly here, "If you think of this world as a place intended simply for our happiness, you'll find it quite intolerable; Think of it instead as a place of training and correction, and it's not so bad."

P. S. I have to laugh at myself here...I guess that God wanted me to be done while writing this last night. I hit the post button by mistake. Isn't that life though? So much of what we do is "by mistake," and then God in His infinite wisdom picks up our messes and turns them into something useful. So, this is how we fit. It's His puzzle, His plan, His purpose, but most of all we have to be His person! Happy Thanksgiving to each one of you. You fit into my life quite well and I'm very grateful.

A Shelter in the time of Storm...

2008-11-20T11:01:00.000-08:00

It seems that on a daily basis I receive an email having to do with the state of the economy. Today one came that showed a list of about thirty well-known corporations that are shutting down stores or closing all together. If ever there was a time that we are feeling "out of control," this would be it...at least in my lifetime. I remember hearing my parents and grandparents speaking of the Depression, and because of my inability to relate to anything like that, I didn't really pay much attention to it. Now, I can understand, even though it hasn't become that bad YET, why people literally ended their lives during that time. Everyone has been, or will be touched by this current event. It will no doubt be put in our children's history books, and remembered by those of us that trudged through it as a challenging time in our own lifetimes.

I am discovering one thing, and that is to recognize that no matter how faithful we perceive ourselves to be, that it is not real or refined unless we have had to put actual "feet" to our faith. Does that make sense? One of the many things that I love about the Bible is that it gives us the opportunity to watch many men and women whose lives were changed, challenged, tried and tested. One of my favorites is Paul. How many times do we read his words that were written from a cold, dark prison cell, or a sinking boat. Paul was consistently putting the needs of others first and sharing His faith in God's sovereignty. I don't know anyone that has had to go through what Paul endured, not even now, but how easy it is for us to question our circumstances or the reason for them. How my own "mustard seed" faith has been brought into focus for me. My own weakness has been magnified and when I take the time to look, God's strength has become multiplied, or has the potential to if I will just get out of the way...IICor. 12:9 "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness ... so that others may see it is only the power of Christ working through me." In other words, there is a time that we all need to be stripped to our very core so that others don't see us, but Jesus living and working in and through us. That's painful at times, isn't it? Refining, pruning, shelving, and even removing is at times what is necessary to show that it is really God who is in control. I believe that these days are a time when we will have the opportunity to either take God at His Word and trust, or continue to refuse to let go and eventually fail. There are only two forces at work here, one is the god of this world, and the other is our heavenly Father. Putting blinders on or pretending that these things will just go away and return to "normal," is a dangerous thing to do. Denying that God is trying to get our attention puts us in a very precarious position, to say the least. No matter what we feel, or say, God never changes. He has an itinerary, and His track record shows that He will do what He says He will do. I will encourage each of my readers to look inward. Know that He loves you and that without His presence in your life there is no solid ground to stand on. We have to go about our lives and business giving our very best, remembering that it all is a gift from Him. I can't leave you without reminding you that the big picture is all good. We who know Jesus are safe and sheltered. There is nothing that can tear us from His arms of love. We are forever secure even though things look rocky. Our future is bright and eternal. Let's continue to encourage each other and fight the good fight. Security is knowing that we can depend on the One who knows us and loves us unconditionally.

Personal Parable of the Fresno Met

2008-11-15T22:40:00.000-08:00

It has been a BIG & busy day! We just arrived home from a second trip today to the Fresno Metropolitan Museum. Whitney is working there now and because the Met has been completely refurbished after three years of rebuilding, they are having an open house for three consecutive days (& nights.) Quite an undertaking, but very impressive. If you live in the area, you should go...and take your family. This may seem a little far-fetched, but for some reason I have been reminded of the changes that I've been faced with this past year or so. Seeing the before's and after's of the home of the Met reminds me a little of me over these past months. Seems that when the redo was started they thought it would only take a year. Isn't that the way it always is. We look at something from the outside and determine what needs doing without any thought of what might be under the surface. More times than not it turns out to be "a real can of worms." I think it's a pretty accurate picture of us. God is primarily concerned about changing our hearts, ... and that's pretty deep, my friends. It wouldn't be nearly as painful if all He needed to do to make us His best, were to only include changing something on the surface, would it? Maybe we would like a different eye or hair color, weight, height, posture, or even deleting a personality glitch. It's not like He looks at us after the fact and says, "Oops! Better redo that part!" He's only concerned about the contents of our hearts, isn't He; and the result of a vital relationship with Him puts everything else not only in place, but in proper perspective of who we are in relationship to who He is. Crazy how God can use every single thing (even an old building with a facelift), and thought, and bring us to a place where we come full circle facing Him ... like it or not. I love that. He never lets go, never gives up on us, continues to teach and nurture us, even to the extent of "washing OUR feet." He consistently reminds us over and over again, that we belong to Him. Just can't get any better or any safer than this...at least until we see Him face to face.

How big is your Mountain...?

2008-11-10T18:35:00.000-08:00

"Give God a chance to be God. Have faith in Him, God is good. He keeps His promises and He will not let you down." Yep, that's what my pastor said. Easy for him to say, too. Oswald Chambers, writer of My Utmost for His Highest, defines the Discernment Of Faith - "Faith as a grain of mustard seed..." Matthew 17:20. That would be small, small, small...but attainable. "Faith by its very nature must be tried, and the real trial of faith is not that we find it difficult to trust in God, but that God's character has to be cleared in our own minds. Faith in its actual working out has to go through spells of unsyllabled isolation. Never confound the trial of faith with the ordinary discipline of life, much that we call the trial of faith in the inevitable result of being alive. Faith in the Bible is faith in God against everything that contradicts Him-I will remain true to God's character whatever He may do. "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him"-this is the most sublime utterance (bottom line) of faith in the whole of the Bible."
Do you ever have times where you know that God is obviously trying to tell you something? After hearing the pastor's quote, the question that came to my mind was, so "Which characteristic of God is the most difficult for me to grasp?" My immediate thought was, God's timing is difficult for me to grasp. What would your reaction to that question be? It is so hard to just trust and wait on God to make His move(s). Not feeling in control is so frustrating. I can be not only impatient with my circumstances, but at times find myself justifying my thoughts, and more sadly my actions, when I come to the edge of myself. I lack the ability to keep trusting that He knows what is best for me...in every situation.
Being uncomfortable, out of control, or just plain inconvenienced grates on my "good" nature most times. But knowing this confirms that my faith needs to spend more time in motion than parked where it's safe. I can only agree and aspire to be like the apostle Paul when he says, "I have fought the good fight, I have kept the faith, I have finished my course." Giving up or giving out isn't an option, except when we begin living as unto ourselves. A man by the name of Habakkuk whined to God, "Lord, how long do I have to call out for help? Why don't you listen to me? How long must I keep telling you that things are terrible? Why don't you save us?" Guess we haven't changed much. Still reacting like the freed children of Israel, who saw miracle after miracle with their own eyes. Maybe you, as I, see something you are challenged with right now a little differently. Hopefully and prayerfully, may we all continue to exercise that tiny mustard seed of faith and see the "mountains" moved, whatever they may be. Blessings...

Whoa, 2008! ! !

2008-11-07T17:14:00.001-08:00

I am doing my best to keep this month from going by too fast. If I could stop the clock every few hours it would make me feel better. Already it seems the calendar is filling up with extra curricular activities. Go to bed, get up, get going, miss lunch, hurry home for dinner, go to bed again...and that is how it goes. Every year I try to make a tryst with myself to enjoy each day and make memories at as much as I can, and with those that are so important to me. So now that I'm a week almost past the starting line of this holiday season, I'm sensing that it's going to have to be a conscious effort on my part to make this happen. I don't want to find that I've "squeezed" in so much that I don't remember it all. It's true you know, the older we get the faster time goes by. Here I am the mother of 25 yr & 22 yr old daughters, and a soon to be 19 yr old son. How did that happen? I watch all the "babies" whose births were eagerly anticipated these past few years and they have grown so fast. Maybe if we just wouldn't get older as they grow, all of this would be more palatable.
So have you been through a Costco or Sam's Club yet? Or maybe a Home Goods Store? __???__ is closer than we want to think. Would you remind me to not get bogged down in all the goings and comings, but rather enjoying the moments? I love the change in the weather, the rainy days, the clear, crisp blue sky days that bring out the sweaters and make your nose run. The snow on the mountains, and pomogranets on my tree...They are so pretty. Well, till next time remember that I'm thankful for each one of you.

On with life.

2008-11-05T22:21:00.000-08:00

I'm going to spare you and instead share with you something my sis-in-law wrote yesterday. I can't possibly improve on what she said, but will leave a verse with you that fits me well.

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deut. 31:8
____________________________________________________________________
It has been said that "fear is nurtured by ignorance."
When we do not know the true God, we assume He is like ourselves and that alone is a terrifying thought. When we do not know the true God, we reduce Him to a mere mortal. And so our minds make our fears bigger than they really are and, sadly, bigger than He is.

The election is now over and the results are in. I am certainly disappointed in the outcome, but life will go on. This is not the first time that God has given to His people what they "wanted" in spite of the harm He knew it would bring them. Call it heavenly "tough love". It may not be easy (is anything these days?) , but God has a plan and His will regarding the world and the lives of those who inhabit it will prevail. If Elijah could serve God during the reign of Ahab, and Paul could serve Christ during the time of Nero, then we can still serve God no matter who is in the White House. Life in the U.S.A. may be more challenging for christians during the days ahead. But challenge puts things in perspective. It provides an environment that reveals what we really believe. And that is not a bad thing.

Don't let this opportunity pass you by...

2008-11-03T23:13:00.000-08:00

Here we are just a few short hours away from playing a part in our country's continued journey for freedom. To exercise that freedom with responsibility according to the truth of God's Word is something that many people have given both life and limb for. I have been taken back by quite a few individuals who, even though they have this right, are refusing the responsibility they have to vote their conscience. They use the excuse that they don't like either candidate, and that they are confused about the propositions presented. My answer to each one is that #1. Not voting is giving away your vote #2. There has been enough time and information to research for ourselves to find which leaders to follow #3. In my opinion I have come to the conclusion that there are only two leading issues that have been "socially" clouded, but must be protected according to my faith and God's Word. They are Protecting the Unborn and Protecting the Sacrament of Marriage between a man and a woman. I am a simple woman with a simple mind, and have heard every possible argument for both of these issues from those that don't feel the need to protect what God has authored from creation. I will state my case with this comment. To protect a woman's right to her own body that she has already surrendered by making the choice to have sex, takes away her option to make another choice for another life. I know many will say that rape or incest should be a factor, however, the old adage that "two wrongs don't make a right," still holds. There are other options, i.e. adoption. Secondly, if two same-gendered individuals want to live together, that is completely up to them. I don't have to agree with it, but I don't believe that they should have more rights than a man and a woman in a traditional marriage. To teach our children anything without parental permission takes away and waters down the family unit as it was intended. Do I use the scripture as my basis for these beliefs. Absolutely! There are few things left in life that are deemed "Sacred." One is LIFE and the other is MARRIAGE. Forgetting these two basic and foundational truths underminds all our country and it's founding fathers were inspired by at its' inception. The inerrant Word of God clearly shows that veering from this foundational system only brings us closer to the destruction of our country as we know it, our families and the health therein, and our strength as individuals. We have wasted away to be all about ourselves and have become so watered down in every aspect of our lives that we don't even stand out as a people anymore. We have all turned inward due to our lack of character, integrity, work ethic, and tolerance. Probably the one thing that made up my mind about Mr. Obama was when he refused to wear a lapel pin of the American flag and said that, "he didn't want others to think that by wearing the flag, he was taking sides." We've lost our edge, our strength, our values my friends. We have become weak and think that in the name of tolerance, others will respect us. I encourage each of you to pray for this country and it's leaders. Then also, we must pray for ourselves to have the wisdom to see what is the Truth. "If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and turn from their wicked ways. Then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins and heal their land."

A few "Idiot"-syncrosies and other things!

2008-11-01T15:01:00.000-07:00

I am a huge proponent to having my "things" work! That would be cars, appliances, lights, my playlist...and I can't stand things that squeak or rattle, oh, and the endless dribble of talk radio. It bugs me that there are people that literally make a good living at nothing more than debating every issue known to man. There you go, now you know something you didn't about me, and were probably better off without.
OK, so let's be normal now, Bonnie.
We had a fantastically successful Trunk or Treat extavaganza lastnight in our office parking lot. Families came from all over, many returning from prior years. We made sure there was plenty to do for ages 2-4, and I don't even know how many little girls fingernails I painted in our Girlie Booth. Five on each hand times ???. I loved it! Super slides, bounce houses, mini-car races, mazes, etc. Can't even begin to guess how many were there, but it was a boatload. The previous years we were able to guesstimate the numbers by counting the food bought and sold. This year we asked the little drive thru mexican resturant next door, to make a special menu, which they did, and the only food we had was cupcakes (for the walk,) and popcorn. So much easier, less messy, and gave more hands to man all the game booths and rides, as well as added revenue for the resturant. It sprinkled the day of and the night before, but lastnight it was perfect. Not too cold, people were very relaxed and fun was had by all. Being able to do things for our community is very gratifying and good for our businesses as well.
Hope you had some fun with your family(s). Now we have to hold on to our hats as we race towards Thanksgiving and Christmas. I look forward to hearing about all of your holiday plans. If you have any special ideas, or recipes, please share the wealth....and remember how much God loves YOU.

p.s. Music is back up...yeah!

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

2008-10-30T16:29:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-10-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-10-25T22:38:00.000-07:00

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...;-)

2008-10-21T23:27:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-10-18T21:39:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-10-13T19:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-10-10T18:11:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-10-03T13:49:00.000-07:00

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 !

2008-10-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

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!

So...What do we do now?

2008-09-28T09:52:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Listen...Listen

2008-09-25T08:36:00.001-07:00

Heard someone say the other day that they didn't trust "anyone." It made me so sad for a couple of reasons. First, that they put others on such a pedestal that they can never make a mistake, and secondly, that maybe they are just waiting for that "other shoe to drop." Like they knew all along that someday it would happen. I, myself don't like being put in a place where I start feeling almost nonhuman; you know that walking on eggshells thing, and Hoof & Mouth disease ridden? I realize that others look to me for many different things, for my input, my perception, my thoughts on spiritual things, but even all this can only be taken as truth once you've researched it for yourself. Knowing where real Truth is found is the answer, and I do try to point them that way. There have been so many times that I have asked God, "why me?" Why do I have to run the risk of letting another down, or disappointing and hurting them? Why can't I just be a regular gal too? I forgive, why can't others? Why does the acid in my gut bother me so much longer than anyone else? Getting angry is such a dead ended reaction. Rationalizing and justifying don't make the cut either. I just know that when I propose all these questions to God, He consistently says the same thing..."Why not you?" I think of all the men and women in the Bible that lived lives full of poor decisions, of rash decisions, and didn't learn their lessons any easier than most of us. Life can certainly become complicated sometimes, especially when we have absolutely zero room for anything else to be happening. I believe that simplicity is what God intended...in our day to day lives, and especially in our relationships, and I long for it. When I read scriptures like, "greater is He that is in me, than He that is in the world," "Love one another as I have loved you," "be not conformed to this world, but be transformed...," "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another..." and the list goes on and on and on, I am sure that we all make it way too hard. Satan likes that. He likes it when we loose heart, or hope, and don't believe that there is any way out. What's it say? "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen." We are definitely in God's "darkroom," and He is developing us, even though there are times that I get to feeling like a double exposure! Great word picture, don't you think? Thank God, that these bumps in the road are not the end, but just a part of our journey. My good friend Sue had a very timely blog today on her website (www.welcomeheart.com) and wrote, "sometimes God uses all sorts of things to remind us that He wants our attention --I need to go move up my chair to get a better look." "Listen, listen to Me . . .give ear and come to Me; that your soul may live."
(Isaiah 55:2,3) Sometimes it takes two "listen's," doesn't it?

Solitute...well, kind of.

2008-09-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

I am preparing to leave for a few days for some solitute, or at the very least, a change of scenery. Lindsay has been here for a long overdue visit before she takes her leave for San Francisco. She will be entering an internship at an architectural firm there for eleven wks. I miss her still, even though she has been out from under our roof for almost five years now. I was sharing with her this a.m. that all the changes that surround this time of life for me seem to have more "teeth" to them. I've become pretty flexible, I think, but every once in a while, as in this once in a while, I find myself tensing up a little. My baby (25) is moving to a big city and will be going it completely alone. Is she apprehensive? That would be a resounding NO!, which makes me feel a little better, I guess. Ah, what danger lurks to snatch up my young. I reminded her this morning that she had been given back to God when she was just a baby, and I do not, nor can I, take her back. What safer arms could she be in than that of her heavenly Father's? But, humanly speaking, I am just not that good at completely letting go. Thankfully, He knows that, and patiently goes about His business of refining us both in this sometimes painful process. I think now, after writing this, that this dilemma has been what has been in part, bothering me for the past several days. I have been trying to put my finger on what the problem was...teary, unsettled, feeling somewhat a failure in most things, sometimes hopeless, allowing my emptiness to bleed over into other important relationships that could make me feel better about myself, but weren't up to the task. This blogging stuff can be somewhat cathartic, I guess. Thank you, God!
Well, back to my plans...I'm going to the mountains, and look forward to lots of talking, sharing, walking, laughing, & spending time with some friends. I can smell the pine already. Guess my biggest problem now is to find my sweats. So, now to the task. Thanks for visiting.
Maybe you have a "burr under your saddle" that you can't understand. Put yourself in a place where God can talk to you, uninterrupted....He will!

Psalm 121:1-4

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not let your feet go out from under you. He Who watches over you will not sleep. Listen, He Who watches over Israel will not close his eyes or sleep.

Important Days to Remember...

2008-09-11T17:48:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I am reminded vividly of what the Apostle Paul said & here's a song from an old musical, written in his paraphrased words..."That which I would not, that do I do, my spirit's weak and waverin', whoops! There it flew. My sin is creeping over me, I'm covered up with flesh, the carnal man's controllin' me, I just a bunch of mesh..."
Some of you out there in cyberspace may have fallen prey to my email this a.m. After waking to check my AOL box, and the first thing I see is Ms. Rosie O'Donnell's ever changing face as she is spewing her opinion of Gov. Palin, I just lost all reason and wrote down how this has affected me. Sometimes we do and say such strange things when we feel our way of life is threatened. Take Matt Damon for instance. I was just a bit taken back when he shared his outlook as well. Since when, did we regress back to our early childhood? Remember the days when there was always a mean kid on your block or the playground? A child who's only mission in life was to intimidate and control others that were weak in any way. Do any of you see the parallel? Well, as soon as I hit the "send" key for that email, I started getting responses. Don't get me wrong, since that was precisely my point. However, so far I have seen that this whole political upheaval that we are witnessing is directly due to fear. That's all. It has not as much to do with issues, or character, or integrity, but in my opinion has to do with the fear of being found out, and/or seen for who we really are. You know how quickly days, weeks, months and years pass by the older we get? Well, the reality that this life will come to an end and we will be held accountable according to what we do is staring many in the face. This is for some a hard pill to swallow. Especially when that isn't the way most people live. "Eat, drink, & be merry, for tomorrow we die(or not)!" When Barack Obama first came on the scene he was pretty persuasive, wasn't he? No one was judging his lack of experience then, but many were upset with President Bush. Then the longer we watched him as he approached different stages of his political venue, we saw him make judgments that we had to make choices about. To salute or not salute the flag, to wear or not to wear a flag lapel pin, to remove the flag from his official airplane and replace it with his personal insignia, to vacillate about his opinions so to keep the "masses" happy, to lack decisive ideas that he has stayed with to this day, to answer questions with questions, etc., etc., etc. Does he seem like a "nice guy?" Sure...but when it comes down to true and decisive leadership, is that what we want?
My blogs are usually more about my own personal journey with my God, but I really believe that this election is very important to Him, because of it's importance to us in so many ways. I really believe that this is an opportune time for us to "have an answer for every man (woman, child,) for the hope that is within us". I Peter 3:15 & "Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack." I Peter 5:8
"Greater is He that is in me, than He that is in the World." I John 4:4
Happy Hunting...as in Good Will!

He giveth...and giveth...and giveth again.

2008-09-09T11:56:00.000-07:00

Tuesday mornings are good for me...or should I say they turn out to be good for me. Accountability is everything, right? I meet with some very special friends on these mornings. We just finished both "Captivating" & "Wild at Heart." I know these books are controversial, but after reading them and discussing them at great depth, I've decided that God could, if He wanted to, show me areas that were still in need of surrender to Him. I went, not expecting, but ready to ask the hard questions and willing to take His answers. Being transparent is sometimes, no, most times a hard thing to be. I've discovered that all it entails is being really truthful & willing to make the necessary changes. We like to "sugar coat" a lot about ourselves, don't we? This is why Jesus came and literally lived his life in front of us. Not one time have I ever read that He said what we wanted to hear, or acted in a way that was politically correct. However, He did always please his Father. The overwhelming message that has been given to us is that everything that has been put in place since creation, has been done because of His great, expansive, inexhaustible, unchanging love for each of us. This love is what He wants us to experience. These next several weeks (or months), we will be reading through the first five books of the Bible. This morning we hardly scratched the surface, just getting through Creation and have left poor Noah & family just leaving the Ark for the first time following the flood. Everything must have looked so strange to them after their time inside that Ark. This is where I want to start again...Like everything is new, exciting, and different. A new day in my Journey with Jesus and my friends (whom I wouldn't trade for the world.) We are starting over ....in the Beginning. God's grace to Noah, his family, and to us, is never ending. Remember, there were only eight people in that huge ship, with God only knows how many animals. No one else would listen. If only, all that were left behind had taken advantage of His Grace in time. When we focus on that grace and love, our perspective is bright...like the rainbow. His Covenant to us. Take a look or if you know the song, hum these words of one of my favorite hymns. I think they fit!

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power has no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

Loving some quiet time...

2008-09-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

Yeah!!! It's Sat. morning and I am totally enjoying some quiet for just a little while. Yesterday was actually very productive in several ways. Trying to get somewhat settled in our new digs has been challenging to say the least. I had a yard sale and managed to get rid of some of the larger things. Mostly neighbors came by, which was fun since I was able to meet them on my turf and promote business at the same time. Think I will put some things out again in the afternoon for a few hours since it's the week-end and see if I get any more takers. I have found out that I am not a saver. Wayne keeps every little paper and receipt, I, on the other hand, am a thrower awayer. Now don't start judging me yet, I do have some old cards, special gifts, pictures that are special to me, but come-on now, if I kept everything that comes my way, and added that to his "memories," I wouldn't be able to walk to the front door! The old adage, "What you can't see, you don't miss (just made that up)" is reasonable to me. After all, if you've kept something in a box in the attic for the last nine years, and have forgotten it's even there, then how can you miss it? Get my drift?
I think I like the idea of purging on a regular basis. Not the body kind, since I'm not good at starving myself, but the "stuff" kind. Just the thought that my kids would have to rummage through all sorts of my things, after doing it for both sets of parents, is almost enough to promote the gagging reflex. How about if I just ask them now about what they do or don't want, and I don't have room for I get rid of? Now what about that is irrational?
Any picture of Jesus I've ever seen, I don't ever recall seeing one of him toting a box, or a suitcase, a backpack, or even a fanny pack. Life is too short and there's too much to do to be incumbered by anything that takes our time away from the really important things in life that God has given us to do. Can you tell that I've been thinking about this alot these past weeks? Remember, in the Gospels when Jesus enlisted Peter, James & John to be his disciples? What did he say? "Drop your nets (& all that entails) and come and follow me..." He asks all of us to leave what we perceive is security for us, i.e. the THINGS that WE surround ourselves with, and trust Him to add what we NEED, in order to be the best US that we can be according to His riches in glory. Now after pondering on that thought, this sounds like an incredible trade-off for us, right? Remember Jer. 29:11? "I know the plans I have for you, plans for a hope and a future..." Psa. 34:10 "Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing." So, maybe you would join me in "throwing off the things that sideline us." It really is freeing. Nuff said. Thanks for spending time with me, hope your week-end is full of personal blessings and valuable trade-offs.

I need to go to bed...

2008-09-04T22:50:00.000-07:00

What is it about me that I can't keep my eyes open in the mid afternoon and then I'm ready to go once the clock strikes ten. Give me a job to do and I'll tackle it while the moon is shining. I'm having a yard sale tomorrow morning starting at 7 a.m. I can guarantee you that when my alarm rings at six I won't be willing and my flesh will be weak. But my garage is overfull and all the cars are in the driveway. Backwards wouldn't you say? Guess if I can rid myself of some of the big stuff it will at least give us room to organize and go forward. This business of "downsizing" has it's perks though. Smaller house, one story, more room outside, a pool that we all love, closets that are empty still...sounds good, doesn't it? I've always wanted to live in the country where the lights come from the sky at night. No streetlamps, no sidewalks, lots of trees, and neighbors that appreciate the lack of the city hustle-bustle. We have an acre here that nurtures 32 fruit trees, some grape vines, and I have been resurrecting the rose bushes successfully. Cut some flowers and brought them into the house two nights ago.
Andrew bought his first car a few days ago. Found it on Craig's list (gotta love that site) for $500...the seller took $400. Has a good 6 cyl. engine & a 5 spd. transmission. He's been working on it and enjoying the freedom he has with it. Just an old jeep, but after painting it flat black with a jillion spray cans, installing a stereo system, replacing a side window that he broke from one he found at a junk yard, and putting some good old fashioned elbow grease into it, he now has a vehicle that even the previous owner wouldn't recognize on the street. I'm very proud of him! He's had alot of help from his buddies ,and of course his Dad, but he's been in charge. Nothing like a first car for a guy.
Don't ask me why but the verse in James 1:17 comes to my mind, "Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow." Reminds me of my house here in the country, where I can look up and see the brightness of the sky at night and of God's goodness to give my only son a car that, altho it is anything but perfect, fits the bill and he is having fun with it. It's so good to know that our God is in the details!

A little Meloncholy today...

2008-09-01T13:02:00.001-07:00

This morning has not gone very smoothly. Woke up to the dogs barking and people shouting. One of those "where am I" moments. Put me in a pensive mood to say the least. Didn't get home until after midnight from the sprint car races lastnight. Great races, wonderful company, but kind of felt unusually melancholy when I found myself looking at my "kids" all growing up. My own three have already stepped over that thresh hold and these babies, now 9, 6, 4, & 3, are all going to start school in one more day. I don't hate to see them grow up, but I do hate that they aren't babies anymore. They all hold intelligent conversations, deal with their own relationships, are learning what it is to be decisive, as well as experience the consequenses thereof, talk back, vasilate between independance and babyhood, etc. Most of all it is a little sad to me that I have to nurture my relationship with them as they struggle and grow to become themselves. Does that make sense? Change isn't usually that hard for me, but for some reason I'm thinking it would be so much easier to just have those that matter most always see you in the same light. Maybe it's acceptance of who we are that I'm talking about. If we love someone why can't they always just love back? Love is a risk, isn't it? People change. Guess this is Life Lesson #2,259...God is teaching me again today, starting with lastnight, that the only thing secure is his love, his faithfulness, his acceptance, because He alone knows me. All that I am is of the utmost importance to Him. My friend Paul the apostle puts it well, "I know I have no regrets. I couldn't be more sure of my ground—the One I've trusted in can take care of what he's trusted me to do right to the end," II Tim. 1:12...even at times if I look like that cat hanging from the branch by his claws!

Here is something a friend sent me today... A timely reminder.
The most beautiful rainbow As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin.

I love my Sistaa's

2008-08-15T22:51:00.000-07:00

This was sent to me today and it reminded my of one of my greatest blessings. I don't have any blood sisters, but I don't feel deprived. God has placed several in my life that are now irreplaceable. I hope you all enjoy the pleasure of close friendship. It's such a beautiful picture of what God desires in our relationship with Him. His character is full of all that we need and crave.

I love my SISTAA'S

May we all be real enough to enjoy deep and thriving relationships with our sisters.
May we all be deep enough to challenge one another to stay out of the shallows.
May we all be rich enough in character to set a new standard in our conversations.
May we all be humble enough to admit when we are wrong.
May we all be true enough to be faithful to our friends.
May we all be holy enough to love, lean on, and walk with Jesus first and foremost.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood

2008-08-15T22:27:00.000-07:00

What if everyday was perfect? I remember when my kids were small and we sometimes would watch Mr. Rogers in the morning. Never a raised voice, or an unhappy gesture...always an "S" of a person, with plenty of "R" to go around (for those of you who have studied different personality traits, i.e. STAR.) Life is never like that though is it? I have been able to count at least five times in this past seven days when Ephesians 3:10-18 has been shared with me. While talking with my husband, Wayne, this morning, I told him that I knew that we, and others, are under specific attack. Satan is very busy these days and wants us to cave in and believe his lies. Sometimes he is very subtle, but other times he is just outright blatant in his tactics. We become so laid back in our faith sometimes, believing that our paths will never get thorny. Then his attacks hit us right where we live. Reading the Psalms, I've been reminded that King David was just like us. His life was definately an open book for us to learn from. From the very start he was chosen by and used of God dramatically. Did he "mess up?" Royally (get it?) David had every opportunity to have that perfect life. After all, he was chosen and pursued by God, made King of Israel, was a real war hero, good looking, strong, and even was referred to in scripture as "a man after God's own heart." But, even he dealt with mental and emotional upsets, displayed lack of character at times, experienced the loss of two sons, and time and time again grieved his God. I wonder if David ever looked at his armor as the passage in Ephesians 3 suggests. I challenge you all to read it and, if you can, read the story of David in the Old Testament. Understand that allowing there to be a "chink" in our armor is dangerous, as it was for David, and renders us completely vulnerable. Let me know what you think.

What is around the next corner?

2008-08-13T23:10:00.000-07:00

I have always loved roller coasters. You know the big ones that really take your breath away? I remember that I once talked my sweet Mom into riding with me while our family of four were visiting the Santa Cruz boardwalk. She was always so quiet, gentle and gracious...I'm not much like her, but have always wanted to be. Her walk with Jesus was so evident in her life. She was the one who always encouraged me to not react, but respond instead. Anyway, that roller coaster was not only high and fast, but it was very loud because it was wooden, which made it seem all the more exciting to me, but not to her. Needless to say, that was the last one we ever rode together, but I'll never forget that time. It was great fun and she completely put her fears and inhibitions aside just to be with me for those short few minutes, doing something that I loved and she didn't. Isn't that unconditional love?

Over the past several days I have been on life's roller coaster and also have experienced being an undeserving recipient of God's unconditional love and grace. Oh, I know that it's always the case, but I've experienced His "obvious" blessing when He could have just let me sit and stew. I can remember a few other times in my life where He made his love and provision for me so obvious and timely. It has literally pulled me out of hopelessness to expectancy... I can't wait to see what He is going to do next. Blessings are God's way of "winking" at us sometimes. Not earth changing, but when we catch the eye of the winker, that bit of special attention makes us feel valued. God has done that for me lately and I sense His presence in new ways knowing that He loves me extravagantly.

Do you know that our Father is very fond of you too? He is.