Category: Book

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Light Afflictions

A couple of days ago I had my annual physical. My doctor gave me a good report and didn’t even say anything about the few pounds I had gained since last year. (Thanks, Doc) One thing that was part of my exam was an injection, a pneumonia vaccine.

Ouch!

He told me it would hurt for the next 24 hours and if it was too bad I could take an over-the-counter pain reliever. I thought how bad could it be. After all just a few weeks ago I had been stung by a bee while out refilling my humming bird feeders, in the same arm no less. Monday evening my arm was sore but yesterday when I woke up, it hurt! I was trying not to be a baby about the whole thing but every time I raised my arm or reached for something with my left hand I audibly complained.

That brings me to this morning. Here I am, Sitting in my chair, reaching over for my Bible, raising my arm above my head and the pain is gone. A light momentary affliction.

So much in life can fall into that category. Missing out on a promotion or a raise, loosing a job, ending a relationship, physical adversity, social distancing – there are so many disappointments in life, set backs and even life-threatening circumstances. However, one thing will never change. In all of these, our light afflictions, our heavenly Father will not abandon us or leave us to struggle through them on our own.

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self[a] is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” II Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV

The struggles I listed above really aren’t life and death situations. The Apostle Paul faced those kinds of persecution. He knew what it was like to put his life on the line every where he went. He was stoned and left for dead on several occasions, imprisoned continually, beaten with rods, ship wrecked and floating in the sea, snake bit. This is what he said:

“Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” II Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV

I don’t know what situations are facing you. I don’t know what you’ve been going through and still have ahead but our Father does. He knows each step and He promises us His strength for the journey.

“But the Lord is faithful. He will give you strength and protect you from the Evil One.” II Thessalonians 3:3 ESV

Each of us have a promise, an unbreakable promise, that when we trust Him He will give us strength for our weakness.

No affliction, light or heavy, is too great for the ability of our God.

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Love One Another

I had a couple of real tough questions come to mind last night. Do I harbor bitterness? Am I judgmental?

Dave and I discussed the first question and I could honestly say there isn’t a person who came to mind that I am bitter towards. We have been openly criticized and even defamed but if any of those people called or came to my door I would welcome them in with open arms, offer them comfort (a meal, a bed, a shoulder) and love on them.

However, I’m still working on the judgmental part. In fact, I found myself in several different situations in my dreams last night and had to deal with that very thing.

If I had been with Jesus when he was preaching and teaching would I have been accepting of the woman in adultery, would I have been willing to eat dinner with Zacchaeus, would I have even talked to the woman at the well long enough to find out that she needed a friend or a Savior? Would I have chosen Peter with his impetuous character to be one of my closest companions?

Jesus never condemned the sinner, only their sin. Would I or could I do the same?

I’m just being honest with you. Too many times I judge people by their outward appearance or their actions without seeing who Jesus sees. I heard a person sharing on television a few days ago and he made a comment similar to this. “When I looked into the face of Jesus on the cross, saw His suffering and realized it was my sin that put Him there my heart broke. He loved me in spite of all I have done; He loved me enough to forgive me and die in my place. How could I possibly judge others for who they are and what they do when I was guilty? His death paid the price for all our sins”.

This is what the Apostle Paul said: “And the Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope. 5 God is the one who makes us patient and cheerful. I pray that he will help you live at peace with each other, as you follow Christ. 6 Then all of you together will praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Honor God by accepting each other, as Christ has accepted you. 8 I tell you that Christ came as a servant of the Jews to show that God has kept the promises he made to their famous ancestors. Christ also came, 9 so that the Gentiles would praise God for being kind to them…13 I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.” Romans 15:4-13 CEV

We are always going to have different opinions over politics, money, education, appearance, lifestyle, doctrines but those differences should never stop us from loving those whom God created.

Now don’t think that I am condoning sin, I’m not. We need to have the same mind as Christ in this. He hated sin so much that He died to pay the price for our atonement. He loved us so much that He willingly went to the cross.

I’m still learning to love without being judgmental. Sin is sin, there’s no getting around that but God is the one who is the righteous judge. We are called to be disciples of Christ and that means we are called to love.

“But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. 35 If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 CEV

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How’s Your Heart?

Yesterday morning on my walk my mind seemed to be going several different directions at once. Does that ever happen to you? I was determined to collect my thoughts and focus on something positive and good.

I asked myself this question, “If you had to write your perspective of how life has changed for the first six months of 2020 what would you say?”. Hmmm. So let me ask, what would you say?

My life really hasn’t changed much. I still get up every morning, have my prayer time and Bible reading, write my blog and visit with my husband. I still go for a morning walk and take care of things around the house. I work in my flowers, develop the content for a new book, visit with friends and family through Facetime and phone calls.

I have learned to order groceries on-line and when I go out I wear a mask. I haven’t gotten to see the kids and grandkids as much as I’d like and we’ve cancelled a couple of camping trips but that’s about it. My heart is fixed; I am confident that God is in control. All of this mess has not caused me to fear. I know, beyond any shadow of doubt, that God will not or has not abandon me. He is faithful to a thousand generations.

The headlines and news casts scream doom and gloom. It seems to be the goal of the media to create fear, angst and hatred.

“There will be special things to look for in the sun and moon and stars. The nations of the earth will be troubled and will not know what to do. They will be troubled at the angry sea and waves. 26 The hearts of men will give up because of being afraid of what is coming on the earth. The powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with power and much greatness.” Luke 21:25-27 NLV

We can stand, unshaken, in the face of all that is going on around us. My heavenly Father is not surprised by the events and actions that are occurring around us so my hope is firmly planted in Him.

“He will never be shaken. The man who is right and good will be remembered forever. 7 He will not be afraid of bad news. His heart is strong because he trusts in the Lord. 8 His heart will not be shaken. He will not be afraid and will watch those lose who fight against him.” Psalm 112:6-8 NLV

If your heart begins to fear and you feel shaken remember these words: “God has said, “I will never leave you or let you be alone.” 6 So we can say for sure, “The Lord is my Helper. I am not afraid of anything man can do to me.” 7 Remember your leaders who first spoke God’s Word to you. Think of how they lived, and trust God as they did. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:5-8 NLV

Trust God and guard your heart – He is faithful!

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Better Than Wendy’s

This may seem a strange title for a blog on Father’s Day but read on. When we first moved to Rio Rico six years ago we were visiting different restaurants in the area. We found one little place that we loved. There’s nothing like the taste of homemade Mexican food.

Just as we arrived a family came in and sat at the next table. As they sat there waiting for the waitress to bring their drinks I noticed the little girl had brought in a sack from Wendy’s. As her parents ordered and enjoyed their chips and salsa, the little girl reached into the sack and took out her Frosty, fries and burger. I thought, how cute!

Here’s the life lesson the Lord taught me that day:

“16 Jesus said to him, “A man gave a big dinner. He invited many people. 17 When it was time to eat, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come. The food is ready.’ 18 But all the guests said they could not come. Each one made an excuse…’21 “So the servant returned and told his master what happened. The master was angry. He said, ‘Hurry! Go into the streets and alleys of the town. Bring me the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’
22 “Later, the servant said to him, ‘Master, I did what you told me to do, but we still have places for more people.’ 23 The master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and country roads. Tell the people there to come. I want my house to be full!” Luke 14:16-23 ERV

Our Father has prepared a wonderful dinner for us. All of our favorite things are on the menu. He wants to lavish on us the things He has prepared for us. There’s no need to bring our own sack lunch to His banquet.

He wants us to realize that He has promised to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. He wants us to know that He has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places; He wants us to accept that He has made us priests and kings, we are a royal priesthood. We are beloved sons and daughters and He knows our desires better than we do.

So many times we come to the Father’s table with our own provision – Abraham and Sarah had God’s promise for a son but they made their own provision and Ishmael was born. Not a good thing…

We have allowed the tradition of religion to tell us that we can’t or shouldn’t expect God to bless us or to provide for us. We have so many excuses on why we can’t come to the banquet. We aren’t worthy, God could never love me or “God helps those who help themselves” and the focus gets placed on us and not on Him. We begin thinking like the prodigal son who said “the servants in my father’s house are eating well, I’ll just go be a servant”.

Our Father doesn’t want servants, He wants sons!

He wants us to experience the joy of our salvation – the great and precious promises that He has provided for us in Jesus!

Was this life lesson was just for me? Maybe you’ve never come to the Father’s table with provisions of your own making but if you have, let me encourage you to drop your sack lunch in the receptacle at the door and come eat freely at the table the Father has prepared for you.

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Hurry! Bring the best clothes and put them on him. Also, put a ring on his finger and good sandals on his feet. 23 And bring our best calf and kill it so that we can celebrate with plenty to eat. 24 My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost, but now he is found!’ So they began to have a party.” Luke 15:22-24 ERV

Spend time at the Father’s table. He loves it when His kids come home!

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Safely Sheltered

Every generation has had to face tumultuous times. That is a fact. When Jesus lived on the earth the Romans had invaded Israel. Roman soldiers patrolled the streets, the local Jewish officials were subject to Roman law and the citizens owed taxes to Caesar.

Some who were living then thought that the Messiah would come, set up His kingdom and overthrow the Romans. They were looking for an earthly king. They longed for deliverance.

Jesus’ heart ached for them. He said they were like lost sheep, vulnerable and alone. They had wandered far from the safety of the shepherd. All through the Old Testament God, the Father, had the leaders and prophets of Israel instruct the people to follow His word and He would be their God and their refuge in times of trouble. Those in Israel had either forgotten those promises or had ignored them.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophets. You stone to death those that God has sent to you. Many, many times I wanted to help your people. I wanted to gather them together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you did not let me.” Matthew 23:37 ERV

Do you see those words “I wanted to gather…But you did not let me”? The Lord desires to protect us and keep us safe. That’s His Father’s heart!

“You can go to God Most High to hide. You can go to God All-Powerful for protection. 2 I say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety, my fortress. My God, I trust in you.” 3  God will save you from hidden dangers  and from deadly diseases. 4 You can go to him for protection. He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies. You can trust him to surround and protect you like a shield. 5 You will have nothing to fear at night  and no need to be afraid of enemy arrows during the day.” Psalm 91:1-5 ERV

The words of the Bible aren’t mindless platitudes, a good philosophy or some myth or fairy tale. They are God’s words; they are words of life to all who believe them. They are the words of a loving Father to His children. Jesus was expressing the words of the Father when he spoke over Jerusalem. From the beginning of time God has wanted to protect, guard and deliver His children.

Those same words of protection and safety are God’s words to us for this very day! Take courage and trust the Father.

Thank you Father that under the shadow of Your wings is my place of safety!

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Summertime Fun

Yesterday, after I had been transferring files to the new computer I took a little time to glance at new posts on Facebook. I saw this delightful image drawn by one of my Facebook friends, Barbara Ann Kenney. It brought back so many dear memories.

For a number of years we spent our summers in Iowa working for friends who have an aerial application business. With all the corn and soy beans grown in Iowa’s rich soil it made for very busy summers. We worked from before sun rise until long after sun set. My friend, Melody, and I had pictures saved to our computers of two chairs on a beach with two drinks with umbrellas in them, big white puffy clouds in the sky and the waves gently rolling in. We said “this is our summer vacation”.

One of the things I enjoyed the most about those summers were the prayer times I had with her and one other friend. We would take time to pray over all the pilots, ground crew, airplanes, weather, office staff and the growers and their crops. As best we could, we made our office area a place where the love of Jesus and the peace that He gives could be felt.

It was a time of refining for me. There was so much to learn on the computer. So many different personalities. Safety precautions were paramount. It was a time when the Lord taught me a lot about how to treat people, to keep my calm when things around me were chaotic and to trust Him implicitly in every circumstance. He taught me how to be joyful even when I was weary.

“My Christian brothers, you should be happy when you have all kinds of tests. 3 You know these prove your faith. It helps you not to give up. 4 Learn well how to wait so you will be strong and complete and in need of nothing. 5 If you do not have wisdom, ask God for it. He is always ready to give it to you and will never say you are wrong for asking.” James 1:2-5 NLV

It was a time of sweet fellowship. I miss those days and the friends that the Lord blessed me with.

Our circumstances may be rough and rocky at times. We may be stretched more than we ever hoped to be but if we keep an attitude of joy and not give up, the Lord will bring us through it with strength. We will grow during these times and the Lord will use us to bring His light to those around us.

Every time I see a picture of chairs on a beach I remember those days surrounded by Iowa cornfields. A place of deep friendships and enduring love.

We can enjoy summertime fun, even if it’s just a picture on a computer, when we keep our focus on Him.

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Good, Better, Best

My computer recently started showing signs that it was tired and slowly down. I talked to two of my computer “gurus” and their advice was the same – it’s time to get a newer, faster, better computer. The one I was currently using was over three years old and had served me well but it just couldn’t keep up.

I listened carefully when they told me what were “must have’s” and what they felt I needed most for my work. Then came the search. Some were good, others were better but which one was best? I compared ten to twenty different laptops before asking their advice on the one I purchased. Thumbs up!

One of my least favorite things to do is set up a computer and another one is setting up a new phone. I have done both of these in the last two months. I would rather go to a dentist or dig ditches; I feel so inadequate as I stumble my way through. I have told the Lord this several times, believe me. It was after much prayer for wisdom that I sat down yesterday morning and started the process. Thank you Lord for guiding me through the steps.

I had wished that someone could have been here talking to me, directing me. That would have been good. Better yet, it would have been nice to hand my old computer and my new one to someone and let them do all the setup and transferring of data. However, I wouldn’t have learned much in doing that. God did give me wisdom and I was able to overcome my apprehension and my fear. I used the “help” search a lot and was able to complete most of the tasks.

Today there are still several steps I need to finish up on so you can pray for me. But this morning I am writing the blog on my new computer and feeling very accomplished.

You might not be intimidated by computers and phones but there’s certainly an area of life where you feel that others excel and you are lacking. In those areas, you may also find yourself comparing yourself to others. The Apostle Paul says we are unwise when we do that.

“We don’t dare put ourselves in the same class with those who think they are so important. We don’t compare ourselves to them. They use themselves to measure themselves, and they judge themselves by what they themselves are. This shows that they know nothing.” II Corinthians 10:12 ERV

When we compare we do one of two things, we either judge ourselves as inferior to others or superior to them. Neither one of these is good. Our goal should be to see others the way the Lord sees them and to have others see Christ living in us. That is true success.

“Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.

3 God has given me a special gift, and that is why I have something to say to each one of you. Don’t think that you are better than you really are. You must see yourself just as you are. Decide what you are by the faith God has given each of us.” Romans 12:2-3 ERV

The Lord will change us, and others, in a way that only He can. He will give us the understanding to recognize the good, the pleasing and the perfect. We will discover what is good, better and best!

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A Good Example to Follow

Yesterday I reminded you of the example our Father has set for us. He is loving and gracious, ready to help and never too busy to be there for us. These verses of instruction from the Apostle Paul on following a good example seem to fit right in with yesterday’s thoughts.

“Follow my way of thinking as I follow Christ. 2 I think you have done well because you always remember me and have followed the things I taught you.” I Corinthians 11:1-2 NLV

Paul tells the church at Corinth to follow him in the same way he is following Christ. This is the man who went many years being religious but not following Christ. He persecuted the Christians, stood at the stoning of Stephen, and was a member of the Pharisees (religious zealots). But then Paul met the Lord on the road to Damascus and was converted. He learned from the Holy Spirit the truth of the Scriptures. He was given a mandate from God to share the truth of the Gospel and the good news of grace with the world.

He had learned that following Christ would lead him before the most prominent men of his day and that it would also lead him into the depths of the dungeons, leave him in chains, subject him to beatings and stoning but in all things he would be victorious as he followed Christ.

In all the persecution, he never harbored a grudge. He loved those who persecuted him and ministered to those who held him captive. His imprisonment wasn’t a detriment but instead it became the solitude that allowed him to write over half of the New Testament.

His letters were the instruction and encouragement that the Christians needed. Life in prison allowed him to focus on his writings and to the leading of the Holy Spirit. In Paul’s life as a Christian he didn’t complain but he offered praise. In his physical weakness he depended on God’s ever enduring strength. He wasn’t afraid of death but saw it as an opportunity to “be absent from the body and present with the Lord”. However, he chose to stay so that he could continue to teach and encourage those who were his children in the faith. And we are in that group.

Paul gives us insight on God’s plan of authority. The head of every man is Christ. Jesus brought peace between God and man – he brought reconciliation. He brought authority to replace defeat. Through Christ’s sinless life He was a living example of godliness. A true example of the Father, an example to follow.

There is one leader, God the Father. Christ followed His example of love and self-sacrifice. We’ll never go wrong when we follow the Father by following Christ.

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A Living Example

I think it’s every loving father’s desire to see his children grow up to act and look like him. He teaches them things when they are young and spends time with them as they grow and develop. It’s great when his kids like the things he likes and mirror him in their life decisions. No, he doesn’t want puppets – he wants kids that make good quality decisions and that mature into respectable young people and adults.

You know, our heavenly Father wants the same. So many times we read in the Bible that we are to follow our Father’s example and be like him. This is what Jesus was saying at the Sermon on the Mount.

“You have heard people say, “Love your neighbors and hate your enemies.” 44 But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you. 45 Then you will be acting like your Father in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both good and bad people. And he sends rain for the ones who do right and for the ones who do wrong. 46 If you love only those people who love you, will God reward you for that? Even tax collectors love their friends. 47 If you greet only your friends, what’s so great about that? Don’t even unbelievers do that? 48 But you must always act like your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:43-48 CEV

God, the Father, brings good to all – rain and sunshine. He has freely offered new life to everyone. He desires a deep relationship with all of us.

“Therefore, imitate God like dearly loved children. 2 Live your life with love, following the example of Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us. He was a sacrificial offering that smelled sweet to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 CEB

Let’s model His character today and reach out to all, even those who aren’t as nice to us as we would like. In doing so we are letting the love of the Father shine through us.

There’s no better example to follow than His!

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A Day for Father’s

I really appreciate that we set a day aside to honor our fathers , and our mothers. Scripture tells us that we will live long lives when we do this. Father’s Day is just a week away and so I would like to share some thoughts with you on honoring our fathers.

A father’s love is tender hearted, kind, forgiving, filled with compassion! I was blessed with a father who loved me. He was strict and insisted I work hard, be respectful, and do my best in everything. He worked hard and was gone from home for weeks at a time. But when he came home we enjoyed things like fishing and hunting. But there never seemed to be enough time to spend with him.

My heavenly Father is the one who gave my earthly father those characteristics. His heart is always filled with compassion for me. His Word teaches me right from wrong and He wants me to be obedient for my own protection. He knows the dangers that I will face and He is always there to provide.

We don’t always see what our Father is doing while we are in the midst of a situation but when we know our Father, we know His motives and intentions are based on His love for us and we can trust Him.

Even when we manage to get “a far off” He’s there waiting for us to come home . He watches and waits, He doesn’t come to drag us back but when we return He throws a party. I guess one of the best gifts we could give our heavenly Father is to come home and let Him shower us with His love.

“I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” Luke 15:18-24 NIV

There have been times that I have been away from the Father. I’m so glad that He greeted me with love and forgiveness when I returned. I can guarantee that He is always waiting with open arms and a heart full of love.

There’s nothing like the embrace of the Father!

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