Category: Confidence

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What Should I Wear?

I used to stand in my closet picking an outfit for the day. My work attire was business suits and heels, and for a little variety there would be a flowing skirt and tailored blouse. Those days are long past.

I still want to look nice and some days deciding what to wear is more difficult than others.

“That’s too tight, or too short, or oops is has a spot.”

I have fun wearing my “Scripture” t-shirts but I can’t fill my closet with them. Yes, deciding what to wear can be a challenge.

Did you know that the Bible has something to say about our wardrobe? I know what you’re thinking, “Kristi, the Bible doesn’t give fashion advice”. Oh, but it does.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. 26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.” Proverbs 31:25-26 NLT

“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy” Psalm 30:11 NLT

God wants us to look nice, He wants us to have a fitting attire so He clothes us in strength and dignity, with a splash of joy.

“ But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” Ephesians 4:20-24 NLT

If I read this correctly, we should be cleaning out our closets, getting rid of some stuff. Things like deception, anger, bitterness, and jealousy. We should replace them with new thoughts and attitudes, clothed in the Father’s nature which is righteous and holy.

“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.” Galatians 3:26-27 NLT

Not everyone will look the same. This wardrobe is versatile. It can be dressy and classic or casual and relaxed. However, it will always glorify the Father and point those around us to Him.

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:17 NLT

Now, go get dressed and have an amazing day!

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Heading Home

Yesterday was that day. We left the mountain at 9 a.m. and we’re back in the Valley shortly after 1 p.m. It felt strange to say we were heading home. To us, we’re always home.

This last year, since we have been fulltime RV living, home has always been with us. Our earthly home that is. When we left the mountain it was 37* and when we arrived in the valley it was 91*. For the last several weeks, we had been wearing long sleeves and jackets, running the heater at night and sleeping under blankets.

Yesterday, we were using fans (the a/c for a little bit), wearing short sleeves, and sweating as we set up. But we were always home.

I remember when my Mom was in her final year of life she talked about heaven alot. At one point we had a long discussion. She recalled everything she had read in the Bible; no more tears, no sickness, no pain. Streets of gold, pearl gates. Seeing Jesus, being in the presence of God the Father.

She would be home.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” John 14:1-3 NLT

“There is more than enough room in my Father’s home”. Amazing!

For all the millions of people who have accepted Christ as their Savior through the ages, there is enough room.

The Father has a purpose and a plan for each one of us in this life on earth but this really isn’t home.

“By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God’s call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going. By an act of faith he lived in the country promised him, lived as a stranger camping in tents. Isaac and Jacob did the same, living under the same promise. Abraham did it by keeping his eye on an unseen city with real, eternal foundations—the City designed and built by God.” Hebrews 11:9-10 MSG

Abraham’s purpose was to believe God’s promise and be the father of a nation of people who would honor God. But in all of that he was still looking for the eternal city, his heavenly home.

The Apostle Paul says we are ambassadors for God. An ambassador is someone who leaves their home country and travels, with a mission, to another land. Once their work is through, they come home.

“ For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’” II Corinthians 5:19-20 NLT

May we always live with our sense of purpose and look forward to heading home!

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Clean Up

Yesterday Dave and I spent a good portion of the morning helping our managers wash golf carts and vehicles. Some of the campgrounds are closing this week and it’s important that everything is clean and ready to be put away for winter.

Oh, my goodness. With all the rain we’ve had this summer there was a lot of caked on mud. The guys used the power washer and we ladies handle the soap and scrub brushes. Good team work and we were done.

But you can’t wash away that much dirt without some of it spraying back on you. Dave and I headed home and we had to laugh when we looked at each other. We were dirty and needed showers. Good thing I had already planned to one last load of laundry today, because our clothes were filthy.

Made me think of how we must have looked to the Father. Grubby, muddy, dirty, covered by sin. Even the least sinner among us still needs to be cleansed. And that’s exactly what Jesus did for us.

“The Son shines with the shining-greatness of the Father. The Son is as God is in every way. It is the Son Who holds up the whole world by the power of His Word. The Son gave His own life so we could be clean from all sin. After He had done that, He sat down on the right side of God in heaven.” Hebrews 1:3 NLV

Clean from all sin. Not just the ones we committed last week or last year, not just the ones we will commit today or tomorrow but all sin. That is the difference between the sacrifice of the sinless, spotless Lamb of God, Jesus, and all those lambs who were offered as sacrifice at the Tabernacle and the Temple.

“Our sins are washed away and we are made clean because Christ gave His own body as a gift to God. He did this once for all time. All Jewish religious leaders stand every day killing animals and giving gifts on the altar. They give the same gifts over and over again. These gifts cannot take away sins. 12 But Christ gave Himself once for sins and that is good forever. After that He sat down at the right side of God.” Hebrews 10:10-12 NLV

The blood of lambs couldn’t remove sin, they could only symbolically cover it. But the blood of Jesus removed the stain of sin from our lives and has left us completely cleansed.

Praise God. Christ did all of this as an act of love.

“Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word   27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.” Ephesians 5:25-27 NLT

Those vehicles that we scrubbed yesterday still had stains and spots.

The cleansing that we receive from Jesus leaves us completely clean! Thank you Lord for the clean-up.

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I Have It All

I love this image. I don’t remember the first time I saw it but I do know it made an indelible impression. It could have been on the wall of Sunday School classroom, or maybe it was in my children’s Bible. It could have been hanging in one of the rooms in my grandma’s home but it has always stayed with me.

Time and again the Bible refers to the Lord as our Shepherd. Jesus even said that he was the good shepherd who gives his life for his sheep.

As a child it was so reassuring to know that Jesus was always there! In my teens and early 20’s I would sometimes wonder about His presence and even wander off to do things on my own, without His leading or assistance. But I don’t wonder anymore, I know, I am absolutely convinced there has never been a time when Jesus hasn’t been with me.

In Christ, I have it all!

“We are your people, the sheep of your flock. We will praise you forever. We will praise you forever and ever!” Psalm 79:13 ERV

A good shepherd provides food, rest, protection. He is constantly with his sheep and protects them from intruders and cares for them if they do get hurt. Our shepherd does the same – His death provides for our salvation; it makes us sound.

“And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).” I Thessalonians 5:23 AMPC

The word sound means strong, able, with no defect. The walls of a house are sound. The conformation of an animal is sound. The supports of a bridge are sound.

I think it’s interesting that this isthe same word used for our relationship with Christ.

King David said it best: “The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need.” Psalm 23:1 ERV

In Him I have it all – protection, provision, contentment, comfort, abundance.

“Then we, your people, will always thank you. We are like sheep with you as our shepherd,
and all generations will hear us praise you.” Psalm 79:13 CEV

We should never be silent. We should talk of the Lord’s goodness to those of your own generation and to those older and younger. Our younger generation needs to know the reality of God’s goodness.

The image of the Good Shepherd created a life-long impression for me. I want my children, grandchildren and great grands to know the goodness of the Shepherd. In Him, we have it all and I will sing His praises.

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On the Right Path

I woke earlier than normal this morning. I was organizing my thoughts and my activities. We leave the mountain in one week.

So much still needs to be done. There are responsibilities to complete here and preparations to be made for the trip home. Yet, in all of this, I heard the Father saying, “Trust Me, I know everything that needs to be accomplished and I will direct your path”.

Deep breath in and then a slow exhale. His presence always bring joy and peace.

I’ve been reading through II Samuel. This morning’s reading was the accounting of Absalom’s mutiny against his father, King David. David wouldn’t allow anyone to speak evil against or do harm to his son. He let the Lord, his God, be his defender.

From there I went to Psalms. I just happened to be reading Psalm 55, these are the words King David wrote after being betrayed by his “trusted friend”, his son. He ends that Psalm with these words; “But I – I will trust in You”.

King David had a deep grasp of God’s faithfulness. He knew the Almighty God was trustworthy in every situation.

“All day long those who hate me have walked on me. For there are many who fight against me with pride. 3 When I am afraid, I will trust in You. 4 I praise the Word of God. I have put my trust in God. I will not be afraid. What can only a man do to me? ” Psalm 56:2-4 NLV

“My heart will not be moved, O God. My heart cannot be moved. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises! 8 Awake, my shining-greatness. Awake, harps. I will awake early in the morning. 9 O Lord, I will give thanks to You among the people. I will sing praises to You among the nations. 10 For Your loving-kindness is great to the heavens, and Your truth to the clouds.” Psalm 57:7-10 NLV

When we put our trust in the Lord we can walk free from fear. Our Father promises to maintain us – He is our strength, our shield and our defense.

“Followers of the Lord, trust in the Lord!  He is your strength and shield.” Psalm 115:11 ERV

He will always keep us on the right path, if we ask Him.

“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

“Praise the Lord!  He is my Rock. He prepares me for war. He trains me for battle. 2 He loves me and protects me. He is my safe place high on the mountain. He rescues me. He is my shield. I trust in him.” Psalm 144:1-2 ERV

“ I will tell of your greatness, my God and King. I will praise your name forever and ever. 2 I will praise you every day. I will praise your name forever and ever. 3 The Lord is great and deserves all our praise! No one can fully understand his greatness! 4 Each generation will praise you and tell the next generation about the great things you do.” Psalm 145:1-4 ERV

(Take time to read Psalms 143, 144 and 145 today)

Whether I am on the mountain or back down in the valley, the Lord is faithful and always will be. When I trust Him, I will be on the right path.

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Clap Their Hands

Have you ever seen the trees swaying in the breeze?

Here on the mountain, we often get breezes that cause the tops of the trees to sway to and fro. The leaves rustle, especially now, as they are starting to fall after displaying their beautiful colors of yellow, gold and red.

I was mindful of these verses from the book of Isaiah yesterday. I had the opportunity to be out driving, once again, down the same dirt lane I’ve driven at least a hundred times this summer but yesterday was different.

The tree tops were dancing. The prophet Isaiah wrote “the trees of the field will clap their hands”. Clothed in such beauty and splendor, no wonder they were clapping.

“Look for the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near. 7 Let the sinful turn from his way, and the one who does not know God turn from his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and He will have loving-pity on him. Let him turn to our God, for He will for sure forgive all his sins. 8 ‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and My ways are not your ways,’ says the Lord. 9 ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. 10 The rain and snow come down from heaven and do not return there without giving water to the earth. This makes plants grow on the earth, and gives seeds to the planter and bread to the eater. 11 So My Word which goes from My mouth will not return to Me empty. It will do what I want it to do, and will carry out My plan well. 12 You will go out with joy, and be led out in peace. The mountains and the hills will break out into sounds of joy before you. And all the trees of the field will clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn bush, the cypress tree will come up. Instead of the thistle, the myrtle tree will come up. It will cause you to remember the Lord, something special to see that will last forever.’” Isaiah 55:6-13 NLV

Take time to re-read those verses, please.

Are you looking for God this morning? He’s looking after you. His thoughts toward you are full of love, kindness and forgiveness.

In the natural the rain and snow come to water the earth and cause the vegetation to grow. In the spiritual, God sends his word to provide for us. His word will carry out His plan – it will bring us joy and peace.

The mountains break out in joyous celebration and the trees clap their hands in honor of the Lord and all He has done. Seeing the trees will cause us to remember the Lord. They continually tell of His greatness.

Let the wonder of the beauty you see in the trees cause you to praise and celebrate the One who created them!

It’s time for us to join the celebration and clap our hands in honor of His love.

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Hold My Hand

Several years back, before we became camp hosts, Dave and I would come to Rainbow Campground for our own camping getaway.

Four years ago, our oldest daughter, son-in-law and grandson joined us for a weekend. Our grandson came with his Auntitee and Unc on his first big camping trip. There were all sorts of exciting times; smores, fishing, making nature crafts and walking a downed tree.

When we stood him up on the log for the first time he was scared. We showed him how to keep his balance, but his first steps were timid and apprehensive. “Hold my hand, I don’t want to fall”. We held his hand for that first stroll.

Then, with a little more confidence, he took the second walk. This time Pappy and Unc only needed to be close -” close enough to catch me if I fall”.

Have you ever been like my little grandson? Afraid that you might fall?

“You trust in the Lord for protection. You have made God Most High your place of safety.
10 So nothing bad will happen to you. No diseases will come near your home. 11 He will command his angels to protect you wherever you go. 12 Their hands will catch you so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.” Psalm 91:9-12 ERV

The Father doesn’t scold us when we’re afraid. He speaks to us with reassuring words, building our confidence in Him.

“…’Don’t be afraid. I saved you. I named you. You are mine. 2 When you have troubles, I am with you. When you cross rivers, you will not be hurt. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not hurt you. 3 That’s because I, the Lord, am your God… 4 You are precious to me, and I have given you a special place of honor. I love you.'” Isaiah 43:1-14 ERV

Don’t be afraid. You are precious to me, I love you!

Although these words were written thousands of years ago, they are filled with truth for us. Over and over again throughout Scripture God speaks the words “Don’t be afraid”. He is our loving Father who walks with us constantly, is willing to hold our hand, and to carry us through the worst circumstances. And then He rejoices with us in our victories.

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
4 Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4 NLT

The longer I walk in relationship with the Lord, the more I trust Him. He is always faithful.

It’s often I hear the Father say:  Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will give you strength, and for sure I will help you. Yes, I will hold you up with My right hand that is right and good.” Isaiah 41:10 NLV

Sam had such a huge smile on his face when he realized he had nothing to fear because his Pappy and his uncle were there to protect him. I have the same kind of smile when I hear my Father say, “Don’t fear, I’m with you”.

Thank you, Father, for holding my hand.

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My Heart’s Cry!

As dawn is breaking this morning, I’ve been listening to the elk bugle in the meadow below the campground.

First it started with just one bull calling for a mate and now more voices have joined the chorus. As I sit here, hearing them call I am aware that my heart is also crying out. These are a few words from my morning journaling:

“As the elk cry for their mate, I think of my own heart’s cry – to know You more, spending more time aware of Your presence & Your love!”

“Hear my cry, O God. Listen to my prayer. 2 I call to You from the end of the earth when my heart is weak. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3 For You have been a safe place for me, a tower of strength where I am safe from those who fight against me. 4 Let me live in Your tent forever. Let me be safe under the covering of Your wings.” Psalm 61:1-4 NLV

King David wrote so many times of his heart’s cry. He desired to always be aware of the Father’s presence – of His protection and love.

“ For sure, You will give me goodness and loving-kindness all the days of my life. Then I will live with You in Your house forever.” Psalm 23:6 NLV

“For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Psalm 84:10 NLV

The writer of Hebrews expressed the same desire and he wanted us to know that access to the Father was always available to us.

“ Let us go with complete trust to the throne of God. We will receive His loving-kindness and have His loving-favor to help us whenever we need it.” Hebrews 4:16 NLV

I used to forget that I had an open door to the Father’s presence. I would struggle, get frustrated and sometimes be overwhelmed with worry but now, with years of the Father’s faithfulness and loving-kindness, I am quick to come into His presence. It is here I find help and peace.

The Apostle Paul wrote: “I pray that Christ may live in your hearts by faith. I pray that you will be filled with love. 18 I pray that you will be able to understand how wide and how long and how high and how deep His love is. 19 I pray that you will know the love of Christ. His love goes beyond anything we can understand. I pray that you will be filled with God Himself.” Ephesians 3:17-19 NLV

I pray that for us also. I pray that we will be filled with the knowledge (experiential knowledge) of Christ’s love. That we grow deeper in our understanding of the depth of His love and that we are filled with the fullness of God.

When my heart cries out, I will run to the Father’s presence. He is all I need!

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A Good Name

It’s amazing how names evoke an emotional response. Take for instance Queen Elizabeth. Her name is known worldwide and in the coming years, when spoken, it will be a reminder of a woman who served with integrity.

Now, on the other hand, the names of Billy the Kid or Jesse James bring to mind a different image. They were famous but for a completely opposite reason. Their character was associated with destruction.

This morning I was reading in the book of Matthew and Jesus was asking his disciples about His reputation, His character. Jesus had just been confronted by the religious leaders of the day. They were questioning everything he did, looking for opportunities to discredit Him, to ruin His reputation and His good name.

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

14 “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”

15 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.” Matthew 16:13-17 NLT

Those closest to Him knew Him to be honorable, godly, perfect. His name was above reproach.

“Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. 23 I have sworn by my own name;  I have spoken the truth, and I will never go back on my word: Every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to me.” Isaiah 45:22-23 NLT

These words were spoken about Jesus. His is the name above every name. His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Immanuel (God with us). There is no name higher or of any greater authority!

“For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ 12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11-12 NLT

If Jesus were visiting us today and asked us the same question He asked his disciples, “who do you say that I am”, what answer would we give?

Some would say a good man, an influencer of society. Maybe some would say a con man, a phony.

What answer would you give?

To me, He is my Saviour and friend. He is my brother who died for my redemption! His name is Jesus, Son of the Living God!

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Begging for Attention

The last few days the chipmunks have been clamoring for attention. The nights and early mornings are getting colder, and their internal clocks must be telling them winter is coming soon.

They are busy collecting seeds and other sources of food. Up the tree them go, depositing their cache and back down again. Running here and there, collecting as much as they can, filling their cheek pouches, depositing it and returning again.

They are busy about life!

How many times have we gotten busy with life? We get so caught up in all the activities, things and people demanding part of our time. Too much pressure and not enough time.

Do you think God doesn’t know this? He does!

Do you think He is caught by surprise when events are clamoring for your attention? He isn’t! Problems have surfaced like the waves of a tsunami and you feel like you are about to be washed away. He is the one who speaks to the winds and waves and says peace be still!

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?…So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:25-33 NLT

Look at the birds, or in my case, look at the chipmunks.

“Many people say, ‘Who will show us better times?’ Let your face smile on us, Lord.
7 You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. 8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalm 4:6-8 NLT

The Lord not only provides for our essential needs of food and clothing but for our emotional needs of joy, peace and rest. We have His assurance that He is in control.

“Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. 8 Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm.” Psalm 37:7-8 NLT

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. 2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. 3 Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!…Be still, and know that I am God!  I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:1-3,10 NLT

Be still! Have strength and refuge. Be Still! So much around us is fighting for our attention. Let’s give it to the One who has the answers and can bring us peace!

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