Category: Book

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A Beautiful Center

Our backyard has transformed beautifully in the last 3 ½ years. When Dave and I first bought this house our backyard was bare desert. There was one tiny mesquite twig, 2 golden barrel cacti and an ocotillo. We had a tiny little patio and that was about it. Now it is an extension of our indoor living with a large patio, eating spaces, television, bar, conversation areas, fire pit, hot tub, vegetable and flower garden on one side and a cactus garden on the other. I think the flowers that I enjoy the most are the two hibiscus bushes on either side of the hot tub. I love when they bloom!

If you’ve ever take the time to watch a hibiscus go from bud to full bloom you will notice that they twirl their way open. The bud seems to rotate from left to right unfolding its petals finally exxposing its beautiful center.

Now where am I going with this. I knew you would be asking.

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. 5 Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. 6 Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits.

8 Love will never end.” I Corinthians 13:4-8

When we first begin our life with Christ we are like that barren plot of garden that was my backyard. But God’s love begins to change us. We begin to unfold and with that unfolding our real beauty can be seen. We are transformed – our petals unfurl and when our bloom is fully opened our center, who is Jesus, can be seen.

Each petal is unique and brings its own character and beauty; patience, kindness, humility, selflessness, clear headed, forgiveness, joy, endurance, perseverance, trust, hope, faithfulness.

But like the petals of the hibiscus, we are only an outward expression of what the center has created. When God places his love in our hearts we are transformed.

“…All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.

6 Christ died for us at a time when we were helpless and sinful. 7 No one is really willing to die for an honest person, though someone might be willing to die for a truly good person. 8 But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful.” Romans 5:4-8 CEV

Since God is willing to fill our hearts with his love then we should be willing to share that love with others so that they can see who is truly at the center of our lives.

Yes, I’m thankful today for the beauty I see in the blooms of my hibiscus!

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Thankful for the Dawning of a New Day

I love it when the Lord puts verses together for you and reminds you of His word.

“Each morning let me learn more about your love because I trust you.
I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance.” Psalm 143:8 CEV

Years ago I was working on our household budget and no matter how hard I tried, it didn’t look like there would be enough money for the need. Now, I know none of you have ever been in this place but that’s where I was.
As I tried to figure it out, I kept hearing this verse.

“So I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live—what you will eat, drink, or wear. Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it. ” Matthew 6:25 ERV

One version of this verse says “take no thought” instead of the words “don’t worry about things”. Take no thought…but there it was again, that thought and my mind trying to figure things out. You see we all have areas that we struggle with in believing God’s word. Some struggle with the verses on forgiveness because they have the idea that no one could forgive them of all the bad things they’ve done. Others struggle with the verses on health and healing because it seems they have been sick all their life and nothing makes it better. While still others deal with thoughts of low self-esteem and inadequacy and find it hard to accept the verses that tell them how valuable and precious God thinks they are. But me, well my struggle was in the area of finances and having enough to take care of our daily and weekly needs.

So I said “Lord I’m trying not to take this thought but how do I take no thought?” And then this verse came to mind.

“Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy.

5 Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. 7 And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.[” Philippians 4:4-7 ERV

So I replaced the thoughts of the budget with thanking the Lord. Thanking Him for his faithfulness in the past, remembering when things were very bad and He provided. Thanking Him for His faithfulness, His love, His Word and His peace. I was no longer taking thought for the things of this life but rejoicing in Him and I knew that however He provides – He’ll come by it honestly. And now years later I can honestly say I hardly ever have worried thoughts over the budget.

When things press in on you – don’t worry but praise! God doesn’t lie and He will provide all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

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Give Folks A Reason to be Thankful

“Lord, what can I do to please you today? I know I don’t have to work to earn Your love. But I like to do things that make you happy – things that bring a smile to Your face, something that will let You know that I love you.”

“My brothers and sisters, God chose you to be free. But don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful selves. Instead, serve each other with love. 14 The whole law is made complete in this one command: “Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14 ERV

The verse above was Paul’s instructions to the Christians at Galatia. It could have just as well been written to the Christians in Arizona, Texas, California, (you get the picture). He was reminding them of what Jesus taught and Jesus words were a repeat of a lesson God gave to Moses when the Israelites first came out of Egypt. God’s command from the very beginning was that we walk in a loving way towards those around us.

“Forget about the wrong things people do to you. Don’t try to get even. Love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:18 ERV

How do we treat the unthankful? You know those folks who are just cantankerous and ornry. There are those who just don’t seem to like anyone and nothing you do is good enough to please them. Jesus gave this instruction to his disciples:

“I’m telling you to love your enemies and do good to them. Lend to people without expecting to get anything back. If you do this, you will have a great reward. You will be children of the Most High God. Yes, because God is good even to the people who are full of sin and not thankful. 36 Give love and mercy the same as your Father gives love and mercy.
37 “Don’t judge others, and God will not judge you. Don’t condemn others, and you will not be condemned. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give to others, and you will receive. You will be given much. It will be poured into your hands—more than you can hold. You will be given so much that it will spill into your lap. The way you give to others is the way God will give to you.” Luke 6:35-38

Jesus instruction was clear – we are to be an example of God to those we deal with each day. We were all sinners by nature but Jesus freely gave His life so that we could have eternal life and be brought into right relationship with God the Father. He gave freely and so should we.

Do you see the second phrase in today’s verses – lend without expecting to get anything back? What have you lent…your time, your friendship, your assistance, your tools, your car, your money, your love, your compassion, your attention and genuine interest. When you lend without expecting to get things back then you’ve really made them a gift and in giving you’re an example of your heavenly Father.

Look for an opportunity to give to someone who is by nature unthankful. Maybe they were raised to be skeptical and feel that anytime someone gave something is was with a hidden agenda – so give today, genuinely give. Who knows you may be the one God is using to breakthrough and bring out an attitude of gratitude.

Don’t look for something you can be thankful for – be the reason that someone else is thankful! It will make your Father smile.

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Thankful That God Plans Ahead

As I was reading in Isaiah this morning I was reminded of a time many, many years ago when Dave and I and Kim and Koy attended a Cowboy Campmeeting in Prescott, AZ. It was a wonderful gathering of ranch type folks at a campgrounds in the Prescott area. We had arena games for the kids, great food like only ranch wives know how to cook, music and poetry and good old fashioned Bible teaching. Well, Sunday morning we all gathered up under some sycamore trees and different ones began to give praise to the Lord for what He had done in their lives – some pretty dramatic, some more common but I’ll never forget one old preacher who put everything in perspective for me that morning.

He was a preacher, maybe 80 years old, Bill Owen Sr. His son, Bill Owen Jr, was a well-known cowboy artist. Pastor Bill started out, “I would just like to thank the Lord for good planning. You see about 75-80 years ago He saw fit to have this stand of sycamore trees planted from a little seed. He watched over them and watered them down through the years because He knew that we would all be out here on this Sunday morning in August and that we would be giving Him praise. He also knew it was going to be a warm day so He made sure we had these trees for shade. Yep, God is a good God.”

That type of simplicity impacted my life. I decided right then and there that I was going to look at things from an eternal perspective – one where God had always been involved in what was going on around and where He would always be working things out to provide for my smallest need, even my need for shade.

This is what Isaiah wrote about in chapter 25 of his book:

“You, Lord, are my God! I will praise you for doing the wonderful things you had planned and promised since ancient times.
2 You have destroyed the fortress of our enemies, leaving their city in ruins. Nothing in that foreign city will ever be rebuilt.
3 Now strong and cruel nations will fear and honor you.

4 You have been a place of safety for the poor and needy in times of trouble. Brutal enemies pounded us like a heavy rain or the heat of the sun at noon,
but you were our shelter.” Isaiah 25:1-4 CEV

Take a look around today. What do you see that makes you realize God’s been planning this for your benefit? The Lord’s been thinking about you since eternity past and He has made plans just for you.

“I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-12 ERV

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Family Resemblance

As you know, Saturday we celebrated a day of thanks with my Mom and some of her wonderful friends. These folks have been there to help her when we couldn’t and some of them have known her most of my life.

My brother, sister and I were so glad we were able to thank them personally for all the do for Mom.

One thing I kept hearing as we would talk is how much of a family resemblance they could see in us and our kids. (Of course I was showing off pictures)

But the resemblance I wanted them to see most was the one between us and our heavenly Father.

As I focus on my relationship with the Lord, I desire to see His characteristics more evident in my life each day. I want people to be able to look at me and say, “You look like your Father.” God’s word validates that

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

and “God knew them before he made the world. And he decided that they would be like his Son. Then Jesus would be the firstborn of many brothers and sisters.” Romans 8:29

So many today are buying these DNA kits so they can trace their heritage. If you had a DNA test what would it show?

God has given us His DNA (Divine Nature Attributes) and place them within us; love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, meekness and faith.

“God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, 23 gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.” Galatians 5:22-23 CEV

I hope when you look at me you can see a family resemblance!

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Get Rid of the Clutter

Yesterday we spent the day celebrating; an early Thanksgiving. We spent the day with Mom, family and friends. I’m so thankful for my mother.

I so appreciate the qualities of tidiness and organization that were a natural part of her life and that she passed those qualities on to me. I have one friend who comes to visit and she always tells me, “I love coming to your house, it’s free of clutter. Always picked up and neat. It makes me feel comfortable and welcome like you were expecting me.”

The Apostle Paul said this in I Corinthians 14:40 “ Let all things be done decently and in order.” Now he was referring to the way church services should be conducted, however, he used the word “All” and every place I have researched the word all means all.

Now I’m not trying to convict or condemn any who have clutter or disorganization in your homes. It’s a personal choice. But I do know that when it comes to cluttered minds, thoughts or actions that can be a detriment to us hearing God.

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

It’s hard to “be still” with a 1000 things on your mind. It’s important that we have our thoughts line up with God’s so that we can make wise and godly decisions.

God’s purpose in creating the earth was to make order out of chaos. In the beginning the earth was without form and void but God spoke the worlds into existence with His words and brought order and beauty.

We need to let His Word bring order and beauty to our lives as well. Take time today to walk away from the clutter and the busyness and “be still”. The Father is waiting for you!

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What’s Better Than Mashed Potatoes

Tomorrow we will be sitting down to an early Thanksgiving dinner. My brother and sister-in-law, my sister and niece, Dave and I along with our oldest daughter and son-in-law will be gathered at our Mother’s home for a day of celebration. I think the last time we were all together for Thanksgiving was when we were teenagers. Life has taken us to different corners of the country but this year, this year, we are celebrating together!

We have asked Mom’s neighbors and friends to join us. These are folks who have been there for her when we couldn’t be. It is such a joy to let them know how thankful we are for their love and friendship that they express so freely to Mom. True Neighbors. True Friends!

Yes, very grateful for friends and family. Isn’t that where our thoughts go when we come to the holiday season? Who and what are we most thankful for? What do we value most/what is the best gift we have ever received? What makes the holidays the most memorable?

The answer is always the same – friends and family and sharing love and laughter!

But the time around the table is never long enough. Some arrive late and others have to leave early…time is too short when you are in the presence of loved ones.

Makes me very grateful for eternity! We’ll be able to sit down to visit and there will be no need to rush! And there will be time to see everyone and share our lives and our love.

Now that’s heaven. And in the center of it all will be the Father and the Son!!

“Our Lord Jesus told us that when he comes, we won’t go up to meet him ahead of his followers who have already died.

16 With a loud command and with the shout of the chief angel and a blast of God’s trumpet, the Lord will return from heaven. Then those who had faith in Christ before they died will be raised to life. 17 Next, all of us who are still alive will be taken up into the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the sky. From that time on we will all be with the Lord forever.” I Thessalonians 4:15-17 CEV

Oh what a day that will be!

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Sleep is a Blessing to be Thankful For

My morning started later than usual – I slept in. That hasn’t happened in a long time so I am thanking for the Father for the extra rest.

“In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8 NIV

There are several examples of sleep in the Bible; it’s interesting to note that in the most difficult times, God gave His people rest.

Adam was the first and when he slept God crafted woman from his rib. Another example is Jacob; he slept and in his dream he saw a ladder leading to heaven with angels ascending and descending – he wasn’t in a comfortable bed but out on the hard ground with a rock for a pillow.

Then Daniel slept in a den of lions. He was at peace because he knew God was with him. How about Joseph, he was sleeping when the angel came to him and told him Mary was going to have a baby.

Jesus slept in the back of a boat while a storm was raging and the boat was filling with water. Peter was asleep in prison after being beaten, the angel had to nudge him to wake him up. There are other examples but these are the ones that came to mind first.

In the midst of stress filled days and trying times if we are trusting the Lord He will give us pleasant sleep. Enjoy this day the Lord has blessed you with but better yet – enjoy the rest He has prepared for you tonight.

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Old Faithful – A Glorious Reminder

Faithfulness! The sign of a true friend is faithfulness. Through the years, Dave and I have been blessed with many acquaintances and even dear situational friendships. You know, those friends that are in your life for a particular seasonal or location. But then there are the friends that rise above time and space. They are the ones who you may not talk to for months or even years but when you see them, your heart is stirred with love and memories and the relationship picks up and grows even deeper.

Yes, we have been truly blessed with friends that fall into that category! Our lives are richer, warmer and fuller because of their love!

I was mediating on that word “faithfulness” this morning. Faith+full+ness.

Faith= the established belief in someone or something not seen. The knowing that they will always be the same. Never failing, always there.

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

Full= not empty, not lacking, abundance, more than enough.

“A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 CEV

Ness= a suffix added to a word to indicate quality

Faith= believing in the unseen; Full= abundance; Ness= quality

Faithfulness: believing in the abundance of someone always being the same in overflowing abundance, to the greatest extent or quality.

You know folks have been going to Yellowstone National Park for years to see the geyser Old Faithful. In fact, Old Faithful is so faithful that the Park Rangers can predict with great accuracy when it will blow. Summer, winter, spring or fall the geyser erupts, crowd or no crowd, rain or shine Old Faithful is the same. Can a geyser be more faithful than the Lord – not hardly!

God’s faithfulness endures forever! He will always be the same – He keeps His promises and His love never fails! Rest in Him today.

“Our Lord, I will sing of your love forever. Everyone yet to be born will hear me praise your faithfulness.

2 I will tell them, “God’s love can always be trusted, and his faithfulness lasts as long as the heavens.”

3 You said, “David, my servant, is my chosen one, and this is the agreement I made with him: 4 David, one of your descendants will always be king.”

5 Our Lord, let the heavens now praise your miracles, and let all of your angels praise your faithfulness.

6 None who live in the heavens can compare with you.” Psalm 89:1-6 CEV

Trust in the faithfulness of your loving heavenly Father!

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A Penny Can Change Your Life

I heard a story of a wealthy man who was observed stopping to pick up a coin in a hotel parking lot. When this man and his companions arrived at their destination the man was asked why he, a man of wealth and influence, would stop to pick up a coin that little or no bearing on his financial situation.

The man explained, “There was a time in my life when every penny mattered. Sometimes it meant the difference in being able to afford a meal or not. But now my focus isn’t on the coin but on the message. You see, each coin is a reminder to me that I am not alone. Each coin preaches a sermon, in God we trust!

As my wealth and influence have increased I never want to become confident in my own wisdom, my own ability to conduct transactions or to find my security in my holdings. It was my faith and trust in God that brought me to this place and it will be that and that alone that will keep me here.

So whenever I see a coin I stop and pick it up. As I slide it into my pocket I remind myself to put my trust in God for that day because as I’ve learned, He is the only one who is truly worthy of my trust”.

Situations and circumstances in our homes, our communities and around the world give us pause. Some can even cause us to fear if we don’t keep our hearts focused.

Now more than ever is time to let God’s word have final say. “In everything give thanks”, not “for” everything give thanks but in everything. Not thankful for the circumstance or the situation but thankful because God is STILL in control. Read these words that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica.

“We ask you, brothers and sisters, to warn those who will not work. Encourage those who are afraid. Help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. 15 Be sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong. But always try to do what is good for each other and for all people.

16 Always be full of joy. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus.

19 Don’t stop the work of the Holy Spirit. 20 Don’t treat prophecy like something that is not important. 21 But test everything. Keep what is good, 22 and stay away from everything that is evil.

23 We pray that God himself, the God of peace, will make you pure—belonging only to him. We pray that your whole self—spirit, soul, and body—will be kept safe and be blameless when our Lord Jesus Christ comes. 24 The one who chose you will do that for you. You can trust him.” I Thessalonians 5:14-24

I love that last line “You can trust Him”.

That story of the coin has stuck with me for the last 7 years. I remember when I heard it for the first time, May 2008. Since that time, nearly every time, when I see a coin in a parking lot or on a street, I stop to pick it up and as I slide it into my pocket I let my fingers run across the face of the coin and I repeat these words “Father, I put my trust in your today. You are faithful. I can trust You.”

So if you’re with me and you see me stop and reach down for a penny or a nickel or possibly a quarter you will know why. I need my attention off my circumstances and on the One who controls my heart – I can trust Him!

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