Category: Psalms

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Fare Well

Two phrases have been running through my mind – fare well (welfare) and well being. These two phrases are very much akin to each other.

Fare well: in the Old English meant to enjoy a life that was well provided for and later was shorten to become welfare. Fare well was used as you departed from someone, much like our word good-bye. I like that saying, it conveys a sentiment of concern for the other person’s good health and success.

Well being: is very similar to fare well. Again, it has to do with the condition of life. Well-being or being well implies more than just good health. It has to do with the whole man, spirit, soul and body.

When I pray for people I pray for the well-being and their welfare.

“I pray that God, who gives peace, will make you completely holy. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept healthy and faultless until our Lord Jesus Christ returns.” I Thessalonians 5:23 CEV

“With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget how kind he has been. 3 The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, 4 and protects us from death.
His kindness and love  are a crown on our heads. 5 Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagle. 6 For all who are mistreated, the Lord brings justice.” Psalm 103:2-6 CEV

So many in the world think that God is wanting our lives to be filled with woe and agony, that is so far from the truth. From the time He chose Abraham to be the father of the nation and the people He called His own He has desired to bless us. He is our loving and gracious heavenly father.

If you have kids you understand that we give our children instruction and tell them to follow our words. They need to know not to touch a hot stove, to brush their teeth and wash their hands. We teach them to share and be kind and forgiving. We command them to rest, they may not want to take a nap but we know they must have good rest in order to be well and have a good temperament.

God has done the same for His children. He has given us instructions, commandments as it were, to follow. Each time He gave commandments He told his children to follow them and they would be blessed. They would fare well. He wanted them, and us, to walk in His blessings.

Part of my Bible reading took me to Leviticus 26 this morning. I won’t include all the verses here but may I encourage you to read it for yourself. Here’s an excerpt:

“ Faithfully obey my laws, 4 and I will send rain to make your crops grow… Your harvest…will be so abundant, that you won’t know what to do with it all. ..6 I will bless your country with peace, and you will rest without fear…9 I will treat you with such kindness that your nation will grow strong, and I will also keep my promises to you…11 I will live among you and never again look on you with disgust. 12 I will walk with you—I will be your God, and you will be my people. 13 I am the Lord your God,…I have set you free; now walk with your heads held high.” Leviticus 26:3-13 CEV

These are the words of our God and loving Father. It is His desire that we fare well and have a life of well-being.

Fare well dear friends!

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The Right Path

Last weekend our oldest daughter and son-in-law came to the campground to spend a few days with us.  On Saturday, we went a place called “The Catwalk” in Glenwood Springs, New Mexico.

The Catwalk is a mining site developed in the late 1800’s after gold and silver were discovered. There is a hiking path that flanks both sides of a creek. When Dave and I were there in July, before we had many days of rain, the creek was shallow and not very swift. However, on last weekend’s outing the water level was higher and more rapid.

The path, in most places, is well marked but the water crossings were somewhat obscured because of the amount of water flow.

After we had made the crossing, safely, and got home  I remembered this verse.

“You are my God. Show me what you want me to do, and let your gentle Spirit lead me in the right path.” Psalm 143:10 CEV

Sometimes we walk a path that seems familiar and we feel we can handle it on our own but other times we are in uncharted waters and we feel vulnerable. No matter the circumstances we can trust the Lord to guide us through safely.

“Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk.” Psalm 119:105 CEV

When we need help we can depend on God’s Word to give us the proper guidance. If we seek Him we will find that He is always there. God isn’t hiding from us or leaving us to flounder on our own.

No, even in the roughest places and the hardest times, He is there to guide us.

“You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. 2 You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3 and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. 4 I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe.” Psalm 23:1-4 CEV

By peaceful streams or through rough waters the Lord is always there. When we follow His voice, His word, He will lead us on the right path.

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Oops!

This morning is a time of confession. I hope you don’t mind that I share.

Yesterday, I didn’t stop myself from doing something I know is wrong. I allowed myself to gossip! And yes, I have repented. It was wrong and ungodly.

There are so many more things we can fill our mouths with, without filling them with words that are derogatory. My actions made my heart hurt and I also know that the Holy Spirit was grieved.

Why am I sharing this with you?

I felt it was important to let you know what the Lord is ministering to me this morning. Our words have creative power – they can give life but they can also bring about death. Maybe not physical death but they can bring death to a relationship, to someone’s character, to a good testimony.

“Words can bring death or life! Talk too much, and you will eat everything you say.” Proverbs 18:21 CEV

James, the apostle, tells us that a mature persons learns to bridle their tongue. Jesus’ example is always the one we should follow. I’m sure He had numerous occasions to gossip but He didn’t. He didn’t because He knew it wouldn’t please the Father. Proverbs tells us that gossip is one of the seven things God hates. Now that’s strong!

The question then comes, how do I keep from it. This was King David’s prayer:

“Help me to guard my words whenever I say something.” Psalm 141:3 CEV

“Let my words and my thoughts  be pleasing to you, Lord, because you are my mighty rock and my protector.” Psalm 19:14 CEV

And these words come from King Solomon:

“Watching what you say can save you a lot of trouble.” Proverbs 21:23 CEV

If you find yourself in a situation where you are gossiping or saying something unkind, stop and repent. The best way I have found to control my tongue is to keep quiet – learn the vocabulary of silence.

“But the words that come out of your mouth come from your heart. And they are what make you unfit to worship God.” Matthew 15:18 CEV

Lord, help us all to honor You with our heart’s attitude and our words! Amen!!

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Smile & Wave

Yesterday I was able to speak with our youngest daughter via FaceTime. I know, I’ve told you before but this brings such joy to my heart. Seeing and talking to my kids is heartwarming.

Our daughter was sitting in the parking area of her daughter’s school waiting for the after school pickup. Our youngest granddaughter was in her car seat and occasionally her mom would put her on camera. Each time she would smile and wave and throw kisses. That’s how it is almost every time we see her. Dave used to remark that she never cried and she rarely did.

Her joy is contagious.

“If you are cheerful, you feel good; if you are sad, you hurt all over.” Proverbs 17:22 CEV

Another translation says “a merry heart is good like a medicine but a broken spirit dries up the bones”.

Take that verse to heart, literally. When we have a joyful heart we are healthier emotionally and physically. There’s another verse that says “the joy of the Lord is our strength”. When we are filled with joy we are more energetic, more motivated.

We’ve all been around people who have a negative, gloomy outlook. Their shoulders slump, their head is down, they walk slower, like they are just plodding along and before long, if we’re not careful, their attitude will effect us and we begin to notice all the negatives and our attitude begins to sink as well.

But, when we are filled with joy we not only strengthen our own hearts we impact those around us. I don’t know how many people I’ve met this summer that have remarked about my smile and my cheerful greeting. They stop at the check-in just to hear me say hello and give them a smile.

Oral Roberts, an evangelist in the 1940’s and 50’s, was known for saying “something good is going to happen to you today”. Some people criticized him for this, I guess they wanted him to proclaim gloom and doom, hell fire and brimestone but he wanted people to know that God is good and He wants to bring His goodness to our lives.

That’s what grace is; it’s God’s goodness in action. Grace is God freely giving us what we don’t deserve. We all deserve to be punished for our sins but God gives us forgiveness through Christ and fills our lives with blessings.

“Praise the Lord! He is good. God’s love never fails. 2 Praise the God of all gods. God’s love never fails. 3 Praise the Lord of lords. God’s love never fails.” Psalm 136:1-3 CEV

Experiencing God’s love and forgiveness should fill our hearts with a never-ending supply of joy and praise!

When God’s love fills our hearts, gratitude will too. Our joy will become contagious – just smile and wave!

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A Solitary Place

I think the thing I enjoy most about the mountains is the quiet – the solitude!

Each morning and evening I watch the campers come to enjoy the beauty of the morning sun on the lake and the evening glow but it’s the quiet and sense of peace that overwhelm me. I don’t think there is any other place on earth where I have experienced the Scripture, “Be still and know that I am God”, anymore than here.

Throughout the day, the side-by-side’s and pickups are headed to the lake and out to the trails. Campers are laughing, waving as they head out. There is such a sense of joy, even when it’s raining.

But it’s in the peace that the Lord speaks to my heart!

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ERV

We all need a place to come away and enjoy the quiet presence of the Lord.

“You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side,  I will always be joyful.” Psalm 16:11 CEV

Life gets so hectic that we all need a place to unplug. Jesus knew this.

We tend over spiritualize Jesus life and forget that He faced difficult issues on a daily basis. The religious leaders hated him and were openly plotting his demise. The country he lived in was under the rule of a foreign dictator. The masses came seeking Him but most only wanted to see the next miracle and didn’t really embrace His message. His own disciples questioned his actions on numerous occasions. From early morning until late at night demands were made on His time and His strength.

“After Jesus said goodbye to the people, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. It was late, and he was there alone.” Matthew 14:23 ERV

“The next morning Jesus woke up very early. He left the house while it was still dark and went to a place where he could be alone and pray.” Mark 1:35 ERV

On the night that He was arrested He took His disciples with Him to the garden where He prayed.

“Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. When they got there, he told them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” Matthew 26:36 CEV

Jesus needed a place to pray, we all need to follow His example.

I remember when our oldest children were two and four my quiet place was our walk-in closet. Honestly, that was where I had no distractions. I would put them down for their afternoon nap and I would go into the closet to pray. It wasn’t nearly as serene or beautiful as the view I now have of the lake but it was quiet and I was alone.

I encourage you to find a place – even a closet – that becomes your quiet place where you can go and sense God’s peace, be filled with His joy and come away refreshed.

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The Flowers Are Fading

We’ve had a beautiful summer!

Never has the grass been so lush and green or the wild flowers as plentiful and vivid. Camper after camper, who had been coming here for years, tell us this is the most vegetation they have ever seen.

Just last weekend, we had a group of visitors from the Arizona Mushroom Association. They were wandering the forest in search of edible fungus and even had classes on proper drying and preparation.

It is a bumper year for vegetation. However, the chill of fall is in the air. Morning temperatures have been in the mid 40’s and we’re wearing sweatshirts or fleece part of the day. With the chill, the flowers are beginning to fade.

Things are changing, as they must. The earth needs time to catch its breath and replenish its soil through the Fall and winter.

We, too, go through times of change. I was watching a series on the West last night and one old Cheyenne warrior was telling his daughter that he had entered the winter of his life but she was not to be sad because this was the way “the One God had planned it”. I’m definitely in the fall of my life.

“7 At the Lord’s command,
flowers and grass disappear,
    and so do we.
8 Flowers and grass fade away,
but what our God has said
    will never change.” Isaiah 40:7-8 CEV

Throughout my lifetime I have found God’s word to be my only constant, it’s the only thing that has never changed and is completely trustworthy. I’m so thankful I have learned and am still learning to trust His word.

“13 Just as parents are kind to their children, the Lord is kind to all who worship him, 14     because he knows we are made of dust. 15 We humans are like grass  or wild flowers that quickly bloom. 16 But a scorching wind blows, and they quickly wither   to be forever forgotten. 17 The Lord is always kind  to those who worship him, and he keeps his promises to their descendants. 18 who faithfully obey him.” Psalm 103:13-18 CEV

What season are you in? The Father will be faithful.

It doesn’t make me sad to see the flowers fade because it reminds me that God always keeps His promises, no matter the season.

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More Peace

As I was praying this morning only one word kept coming to mind – peace.

I said “Lord, I’ve just finished several blogs on peace. Do you want me to continue?” The answer was clear. “Yes, continue teaching on peace as long as I tell you”.

“When I felt my feet slipping, you came with your love and kept me steady. And when I was burdened with worries, you comforted me and made me feel secure.” Psalm 94:18-19 CEV

We get very little news coverage in the mountains but we aren’t completely uninformed either. I’ve heard of the hurricanes, earthquakes, increase in COVID cases and the unrest in Afghanistan. It’s enough to make hearts sick and knees weakened.

That’s why we need God’s peace!

“5 Only God gives inward peace,
and I depend on him.
6 God alone is the mighty rock
that keeps me safe,
and he is the fortress
where I feel secure.” Psalm 62:5-6 CEV

Our Father wants us to be as confident in His power to protect and provide through the storm as we are when there is no storm.

“Jesus said to his disciples, “Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me.” John 14:1 CEV

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Philippians 4:6-7 CEV

I know some reading this have recently been through some near-death experiences, lost loved ones, have loved ones in dangerous circumstances and been through terrible storms. I have prayed that God’s peace would wrap around you like a warm blanket, controlling your thoughts so that you can be at rest in His care.

Keep your focus on the Father’s unbreakable promises and live in His peace!

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Healing A Broken Heart

Right now, I have three people I love dearly who are dealing with broken hearts! In the natural, we can bring comfort and love but we can’t heal the hurt. Only God can do that!

As I was praying for each of them this morning, I felt a bit helpless. “Lord, I want to do more but don’t know what more I can do”. The answer came clear – keep praying, keep loving and let Me love them through you.

Bringing God into the situation is never futile; it’s never a waste of time. God’s love is the great healer.

This morning, my words are few because the best thing I can do for you if you are broken hearted is bring you God’s word.

“I will always praise the Lord.
2 With all my heart,
    I will praise the Lord.
    Let all who are helpless,
    listen and be glad.
3 Honor the Lord with me!
    Celebrate his great name.

4 I asked the Lord for help,
    and he saved me
    from all my fears.
5 Keep your eyes on the Lord!
You will shine like the sun
    and never blush with shame.
6 I was a nobody, but I prayed,
    and the Lord saved me
    from all my troubles.

7 If you honor the Lord,
    his angel will protect you.
8 Discover for yourself
    that the Lord is kind.
    Come to him for protection,
    and you will be glad.

9 Honor the Lord!
    You are his special people.
    No one who honors the Lord
    will ever be in need.
10 Young lions[a] may go hungry
    or even starve,
but if you trust the Lord,
    you will never miss out
    on anything good.

11 Come, my children, listen
    as I teach you
    to respect the Lord.
12 Do you want to live
    and enjoy a long life?
13 Then don’t say cruel things
    and don’t tell lies.
14     Do good instead of evil
    and try to live at peace.

15 If you obey the Lord,
he will watch over you
    and answer your prayers.
16 But God despises evil people,
    and he will wipe them all
from the earth,
    till they are forgotten.
17 When his people pray for help,
    he listens and rescues them
    from their troubles.
18 The Lord is there to rescue
all who are discouraged
    and have given up hope.” Psalm 34:1-18 CEV

If you are discouraged, hopeless and broken hearted the Lord is here to help! Give Him your heart, He’ll heal it!

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When Things Don’t Go As Planned

Some things in life catch us off guard! Now what?!

This week some friends of ours definitely had an unexpected circumstance to deal with. Lightning struck a very large ponderosa pine tree near their 5th wheel trailer. The tree exploded! Pieces of wood were thrown through the air, some landing over 200 feet away from the damaged tree.

One piece, weighing several hundred pounds went through the front of their trailer. What do you do?

Thank God they weren’t home at the time and especially thankful that no one was injured. There were other trailers in the same area, along with a number of vehicles but none of those were damaged either.

What a mess!

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 NLT

As friends you give them a shoulder to cry on, offer your help in cleaning things up and then listen while they talk through what they need to do next. And you pray…

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

When we don’t have the answers, God always does. He can be trusted to make a way provision. In all of life’s unexpected circumstances place your trust in the Lord.

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Please & Thank You

We just returned home from spending one full day and two half days with our kids in the Valley. Those of you who read the blog a couple days ago know we went specifically to celebrate a granddaughter’s fourth birthday but it was also time to see all the rest of the family and visit with them.

It feels so good to have our necks hugged, give and receive kisses and hear all the “I love yous” being said. Better than cool water on a hot day! Gratitude feeds the soul.

For part of the drive down on Thursday and the return drive home yesterday we were in pouring rain. The windshield wipers were having a hard time keeping up; visibility was really limited. Dave does the driving and I so appreciate him for doing that.

At one point, I thanked him for being such a good driver. He thanked me for praying for the rain to stop. These aren’t empty words that we exchange; we truly appreciate what each other does.

I have no trouble asking the Father to clear the roads ahead of us and to keep us safe as we travel. He’s my Father and I know He wants to keep us safe as we go so I always ask Him to protect us on each trip. When we get there, we always thank Him for our safety.

“Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8 Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks. 9 Would any of you give your hungry child a stone, if the child asked for some bread? 10 Would you give your child a snake if the child asked for a fish? 11 As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.” Matthew 7:7-11 CEV

As parents and grandparents, we do little things for our kids that we knew they would enjoy. We are God’s family and He wants to give us those things that are best for us. Who, better than He, knows what that is?

He has no desire to harm us or bring destruction into our lives. In fact, Jesus said that it is the thief, the devil, that comes to steal, kill and destroy; He came to bring us an abundant life, life filled to the full.

“But you saved us from our hateful enemies, and you put them to shame. 8 We boast about you, our God, and we are always grateful.” Psalm 44:7-8 CEV

There is no reason not to be grateful! The Father has blessed us with so much. It’s important that we remember to appreciate His love and be thankful for His provision.

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