Category: Faithfulness

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Extraction

Six years ago we were in Indiana for the Indianapolis 500 race. This was a bucket list item of Dave’s. Our son and his girlfriend made it possible. It was an amazing time!

I don’t remember who won but what I do remember is the patriotism. The unapologetic display of our flag and the way they honored our fallen soldiers and those who are currently serving.

The image I used this morning was one I captured as the Army Airborne performed a ground to air extraction. We watched as each man went hand-over-hand up the rope and the helicopter rose higher and higher, simulating the removal of soldiers to safety. The last soldier was charged with unfurling the American flag. I cried…

Isn’t it great to have a day when we think about the sacrifice that others have been willing to make on our behalf? Time to reflect and remember those who have given so much. Folks that we don’t even know have fought for us, many gave their lives.

And yet, there is one greater than all these who gave His life for our freedom.

“And we can see that it was while we were powerless to help ourselves that Christ died for sinful men. In human experience it is a rare thing for one man to give his life for another, even if the latter be a good man, though there have been a few who have had the courage to do it. Yet the proof of God’s amazing love is this: that it was while we were sinners that Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8

When we were at our worst, He died to set us free from sin and all the destruction that it would bring. The freedom He gives isn’t just for this life but it has eternal value. He gives us an abundant life here on earth and the promise of eternity in heaven with Him.

“The thief comes with the sole intention of stealing and killing and destroying, but I came to bring them life, and far more life than before. ” John 10:10

The thing that Christ asks of us is that we don’t take His sacrifice for granted, ignoring it or taking it lightly. He asks us to love and live a life of love as He did. We have a responsibility to share the love that He has freely given us with others.

“This is my commandment: that you love each other as I have loved you. There is no greater love than this—that a man should lay down his life for his friends. ” John 15:12-13 CEV

Every day should be “Memorial Day” as we remember the One who gave His all for us.

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Again?

Yesterday was moving day, again. The concrete had sufficient time to cure and we were anxious to get back to the site we call home.

What I didn’t realize was move was part of an unplanned pattern. Looking back, I found that nine years ago was also a moving day, much bigger, as we placed all our belongings in a big U-Haul truck, loaded our Ford Excursion and left Montana for our new home in Arizona.

Yesterday was much easier. Button everything up, move stuff off the counter tops, roll up the hoses, unplug the electric and hitch the RV to the truck and drive about 1/4 mile, back into the site and get set up. What had taken days nine years ago took only hours yesterday. Somehow, I see the wisdom in that.

Sleep was sweet!

The word “Again” was often used in our vocabulary yesterday. Back-in again, hook-up again, level the RV again, put things up again.

Waking up this morning I realized that I was still thinking – again.

“The Lord’s kindness never fails! If he had not been merciful, we would have been destroyed. 23 The Lord can always be trusted to show mercy each morning. 24 Deep in my heart I say, “The Lord is all I need; I can depend on him!” Lamentations 3:22-24 CEV

Every morning – again, my heavenly Father shows me mercy. Again, He covers me with kindness. I can depend on Him, again.

“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…Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23 CEV

Again, I read “I will never be in need, the Lord is all I need”. Each day of my life, again, I have the Father’s love and kindness, He will always be with me.

Some things are worth doing again.

A good Shepherd must lead His sheep to new pastures so they have ample feed. So Lord, if You lead us to move again – we will follow!

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Camping Out

This morning I have spent quite a bit of time thinking about and praying for my friends who are camp hosts in the mountains. This is a busy week for them. The campgrounds have been open for a couple weeks but this is the BIG weekend. Memorial Day.

As a kid I grew up camping with my folks. Different places we lived always had a lake or river close by and we would go for the day, the weekend or even a couple weeks at a time. It was great! Fishing, campfires, hot chocolate, card games, marshmallows and the stars. So peaceful and life was simple and unhurried. Awe yes, I love camping.

It’s a way to see God’s beauty, unspoiled. My favorite camp spot is Big Lake Arizona. That’s where I camped with my parents, my children camped with them and now my grandchildren have camped there with us.

It was the place, two years ago, where we sprinkled some of my Mom’s ashes. I’m thinking of her today and how much she loved seeing her family have a good time. I know she is enjoying heaven so much more than she did Big Lake, but it was a little slice of heaven on earth. She didn’t like to fish but never stopped us from going. Even after we were grown, she went with my Dad, it was the joy of being together.

Truly a favorite spot for my heart.

I also have a favorite place to camp for my spirit. It’s in the Psalms and my favorite campsite is Psalm 119. This is the place I set up my tent, take out my chair and rest.

“I deeply love your Law! I think about it all day. 98 Your laws never leave my mind, and they make me much wiser than my enemies. 99 Thinking about your teachings gives me better understanding than my teachers, 100 and obeying your laws makes me wiser than those who have lived a long time. 101 I obey your word instead of following a way that leads to trouble. 102 You have been my teacher, and I won’t reject your instructions. 103 Your teachings are sweeter than honey. 104 They give me understanding and make me hate all lies.” Psalm 119:97-104

With Memorial Day coming up many of you will be getting away for a camping trip or wishing you could. Why not take time today to camp by a stream of living water, rest in the grass of green pastures and enjoy the warmth of the Son?

God’s word is a great place to camp and enjoy the Creator!

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On The Rock

Yesterday I wrote about “Standing on the Promises”, a sure foundation, the Word of God, that won’t fail in the storms of life.

“So when God wanted to prove for certain his promise to his people could not be broken, he made a vow. 18 God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed. We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. 19  This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls…” Hebrews 6:17-19 CEV

This morning I woke up thinking of motherhood and how each of us ladies must hold firmly to the hope that God has given us for our children. How appropriate it is that Mary, the mother of Jesus, stood on God’s promises, in the midst of her storm .

“Then the angel told Mary, ‘Don’t be afraid! God is pleased with you, 31 and you will have a son. His name will be Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of God Most High. The Lord God will make him king, as his ancestor David was. 33 He will rule the people of Israel forever, and his kingdom will never end.’ 34 Mary asked the angel, ‘How can this happen? I am not married!’ 35 The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come down to you, and God’s power will come over you. So your child will be called the holy Son of God. 36 Your relative Elizabeth is also going to have a son, even though she is old. No one thought she could ever have a baby, but in three months she will have a son. 37 Nothing is impossible for God!’ 38 Mary said, ‘I am the Lord’s servant! Let it happen as you have said.’ And the angel left her.” Luke 1:30-38 CEV

In Mary’s day, the law demanded if a woman was not a virgin when she was married that she could be stoned. Mary was very aware of this. She knew that by consenting to what the angel said, it could cost her life. It would certainly cost her the relationship she had with Joseph, the man she was engaged too and could cause her to be shunned by her family and friends.

Mary knew the prophecies of the coming Messiah and that he would be born to a virgin so she consented. She would stand on God’s word and become the mother of the Messiah.

A young girl who was willing to obey God’s leading; who gave up her reputation and the possibly of family and friends to stand on the Word of God, changed history as we know it. A young mother chose to be believe God’s promises for her child. She held fast to God’s Word and stood strong in a storm.

If God’s word was the sustaining force for Mary, it will be for us as well. Mom’s don’t give up on the promises of God for your children.

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Midnight…

Continuing with yesterday’s thoughts. We’ll be able to sing at midnight when we are grounded on a firm foundation. I shared these thoughts several years back but since Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever the truth of His word is too.

Even during our midnight hours, our times of crises, there’s light for our path. Just as the stars always shine, God’s love never fails.

“He lets the moon and the stars rule each night. God’s love never fails.” Psalm 136:9 CEV

What keeps us grounded when life’s storms have our boat rocking? The storms will come – health, finances, accidents, death, divorce, family issues or physical storms (tornadoes, blizzards, hurricanes, earthquakes). Where do we find peace and safety?

Peter was in a physical storm, and he learned that he would sink or walk based on one thing – the Word of God. Jesus said “Come” and on that one-word direction from the mouth of the Son of God, he walked.

If we are going to be grounded, we have to be standing on the word of God. It is the only sure and firm foundation.

“Grass dies and flowers fall, but the word of our God lasts forever.” Isaiah 40:8

” Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35

“Whoever hears these teachings of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house. But it did not fall because it was built on rock.” Matthew 7:24-25

Life’s midnight isn’t a time we see on a clock. Instead, it’s our darkest hours and quite often we find ourselves feeling alone but we never are.

“He decided how many stars there would be in the sky and gave each one a name. 5 Our Lord is great and powerful!  He understands everything.” Psalm 147:4-5 CEV

Before the astronomers named the stars, God already had. Before we were born, He already knew us and had a plan for our lives.

“Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything about me.” Psalm 139:16 CEV

There’s an old hymn that I love to sing, it was written in 1876 by Russell Carter. It’s a good one to remember during those midnight hours.

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,

through eternal ages let his praises ring;

glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,

standing on the promises of God.

Refrain:

Standing, standing,

standing on the promises of Christ my Savior;

standing, standing,

I’m standing on the promises of God.

2. Standing on the promises that cannot fail,

when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,

by the living Word of God I shall prevail,

standing on the promises of God.

(Refrain)

3. Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,

bound to him eternally by love’s strong cord,

overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,

standing on the promises of God.

(Refrain)

4. Standing on the promises I cannot fall,

listening every moment to the Spirit’s call,

resting in my Savior as my all in all,

standing on the promises of God.

(Refrain)

Stand on His Word – it will never fail! That’s our reason to sing.

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I Wonder…

if I could sing at midnight?

“We make our own plans, but the Lord decides where we will go.” Proverbs 16:9 CEV

I’d like to tell you the story of a couple of fellows who let the Lord direct their plans.

They had been arrested for casting a devil out of a woman. Made a lot of folks mad and so they were beaten and thrown into the inner prison. They were chained in a dirty prison cell and they were in the dark. They knew they were being treated unfairly. They had plenty of reason to complain and bemoan their situation.

But instead of complaining they sang. Not quietly, they sang loud enough for the other prisoners to hear them. Singing at midnight in a dirty jail cell – what was there to sing about?

“Can anything separate us from Christ’s love? Can trouble or problems or persecution separate us from his love? If we have no food or clothes or face danger or even death, will that separate us from his love?…37 But in all these troubles we have complete victory through God, who has shown his love for us. 38-39 Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love…” Romans 8:35-38 ERV

Paul wrote these words. It was Paul and Silas who were in that prison cell. He knew that he had complete victory through Christ and that nothing could separate him from God’s love!

And as they were singing, God brought victory in the form of an earthquake.

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing songs to God. The other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was an earthquake so strong that it shook the foundation of the jail. All the doors of the jail opened, and the chains on all the prisoners fell off. 27 The jailer woke up and saw that the jail doors were open. He thought that the prisoners had already escaped, so he got his sword and was ready to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted, ‘Don’t hurt yourself! We are all here!’

29 The jailer told someone to bring a light. Then he ran inside and, shaking with fear, fell down in front of Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them outside and said, ‘Men, what must I do to be saved?’ 31 They said to him, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and all who live in your house.’” Acts 16:25-31 ERV

Paul and Silas were free but they didn’t escape. They stayed to share the Good News of God’s love with their jailer. When we trust God’s love and His direction, even a jail cell is an opportunity to tell about His goodness.

It’s possible you are in prison? Have you been badly mistreated and abused? Locked away and forgotten? Has sickness or poor health chained you to a wall? Has fear or financial ruin put you behind bars?

You’re not alone! God is right there with you – nothing will separate you from His love. Let that sink into your heart – it will cause you to sing at midnight and in singing praises to the Lord, your heart will come to a place of peace and the prison doors will open.

Rest well! God is bigger than your prison and He breaks every chain.

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Stand Strong

This morning I’ve been thinking about the course of events that brought Dave and I back to Arizona in 2014. We moved away in 1989. It was a long journey to faraway places like California, Washington, Idaho and Montana but eventually, we ended up back in my home state, Arizona.

Each place we called home, we made friends, and the Lord was faithful to always provide and care for us. However, there was a longing to move on and as the Lord opened the doors, we did just that. In 2014 we moved back to Arizona; we were home!

I have identified with Abraham on more than one occasion. God called him to leave his family and travel to an unknown land. He lived in a tent, not a permanent dwelling. He moved quite a bit. A famine took him to Egypt and a prosperous, growing herd of cattle caused him to relocate and allot part of his land to his nephew.

“It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. 9 And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise.” Hebrews 11:8-9 NLT

All the while, Abraham and his wife, Sarah, had no children. At age 75 God made Abraham a promise that he would be father to many nations. Abraham clung to that promise. You know the story; it wasn’t until Abraham was 100 years old that he was blessed with the birth of his son Isaac.

“It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise. 12 And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as good as dead—a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them.” Hebrews 11:11-12 NLT

“He never doubted that God would do what he promised. He never stopped believing. In fact, he grew stronger in his faith and just praised God. 21 Abraham felt sure that God was able to do what he promised.” Romans 4:20-21 ERV

Abraham never doubted God, he never stopped believing and he felt sure that God was able to do what He promised. Sarah had her moments of doubt, but God reassured her that He was faithful.

I too had doubts and wondered what God’s purpose and plan was for me and my family. That’s when I learned to get up every morning and thank the Father for His faithfulness and abiding presence. I haven’t had to wait 25 years, like Abraham, to see a promise of God come to pass but I have waited 8 years.

What promise has God made you? Are you having to wait on it? Don’t give up, don’t give in. Never stop believing.

Stand Strong!

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Good Morning

The sun hasn’t come up yet but when it does this is probably what I’ll see. The desert is beautiful, the cacti are in bloom and the morning air is crisp.

It was a short night. I’ve been sitting here for the last several hours thanking the Lord for filling my life with so many wonderful blessings.

Last night we celebrated Dave’s birthday with new friends. These are folks we have known less than a year and already they seem like family. It amazes me how the Lord can knit our hearts to so many wonderful people.

Wonderful people like all of you.

“May you have loving-favor and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank God for you whenever I think of you. 4 I always have joy as I pray for all of you.” Philippians 1:2-4 NLV

I am so grateful that you join me each day and I never take your readership for granted. You are a blessing.

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and sing praises to Your name, O Most High. 2 It is good to tell of Your loving-kindness in the morning, and of how faithful You are at night, 3 with harps, and with music of praise. 4 For You have made me glad by what You have done, O Lord. I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.” Psalm 92:1-4 NLV

To be honest, I haven’t always greeted the day with gratitude. No, there was a time when I grumbled at the start of the day. I didn’t want to get out of bed; I didn’t want to go to work; I focused on the things I didn’t want to do.

However, the quiet time – just me and the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is now the richest time of the day. No grumbling or complaining here. I welcome the opportunity to spend time in His presence.

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT

“But as for me, I will sing of Your strength. Yes, I will sing with joy of Your loving-kindness in the morning. For You have been a strong and safe place for me in times of trouble.” Psalm 59:16 NLV

“ Fill us in the morning with Your loving-kindness. Let us sing for joy and be glad all our days” Psalm 90:14 NLV

There was a song we used to sing at church and it often invades my morning quiet times. I goes something like this:

“In the morning when I rise,
in the morning when I rise,
in the morning when I rise,
give me Jesus.

Refrain:
Give me Jesus, give me Jesus.
You may have all this world, give me Jesus.”

My prayer is that as you start your day, your heart is filled with gratitude and praise!

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Thirsty

I know I have shared this a couple times with some of you. We found ourselves sharing the story again just days ago.

A number of years ago, we lived in the panhandle of Idaho. We had one particular summer that was very dry. The catch ponds were drying up and the springs were only a trickle.

One afternoon our dogs put us on alert that something was in the yard; this is what we saw.

A cow moose had wandered into our yard with her twins in search of water. Our sprinklers were running, and provided the much-needed water that she was seeking. After they drank their fill, the moose rested in the shade of the tall pines. At first, she was very cautious, looking about after every sip and then as her calves rested quietly, she found rest herself.

Have you been thirsty? Have you been really thirsty for God? Thirsty enough to search outside your comfort zone? Willing to leave the familiar way of doing things and find the answers you need in God’s word?

God asked Abraham to leave his family and his homeland. Ruth left all to follow Naomi to a new land where God blessed her with a husband and a child, making her a descendant of Christ. Peter left his fishing nets to follow Christ. Paul gave up his prestige as a Pharisee to seek Jesus and His word.

“As a deer gets thirsty for streams of water, I truly am thirsty for you, my God. 2 In my heart, I am thirsty for you, the living God. When will I see your face?” Psalm 42:1-2 CEV

When we seek God, we will find Him and we will find that He gives us so much more than we ever dreamed possible.

“‘Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me. 14 I will let you find me.’ This message is from the LORD.” Jeremiah 29:12-13 ERV

God is loving, kind and gracious and when we seek Him, we find that to be true. He put all of our punishment and judgement on Jesus so that we could have a wonderful relationship with Him.

“When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new! 18 All this is from God. Through Christ, God made peace between himself and us. And God gave us the work of bringing people into peace with him. 19 I mean that God was in Christ, making peace between the world and himself. In Christ, God did not hold people guilty for their sins. And he gave us this message of peace to tell people.” II Corinthians 5:17-19 ERV

Someone needs to know that God isn’t mad at you! He loves you and if you seek Him, you will find Him waiting with arms of love open wide.

“Thank the Lord for his faithful love and for the amazing things he does for people. 9 He satisfies those who are thirsty. He fills those who are hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:8-9 ERV

Be thirsty for God, like that momma moose who sought out the life-giving water, you will find all you need in Him.

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Oh My, Look at the Time!

That’s what I said to myself when I woke up this morning! I really slept in.

We are all so conscious of time. Appointments, work, school, dinner with friends all require us to look at the clock. But there are other times too – times you can’t find on a clock. Those are the ones I want to talk about this morning.

Look at the time.

Since we are connected through the internet it may be early morning, midday or perhaps you are reading this in the evening but whatever time it is where you are it is time to praise the Lord!

You could be in a time of trouble, a time of fear, good time, dinner time, party time, time of loneliness, time of sickness or time of concern. No matter, it is time to praise the Lord.

Why?

Because He is Lord of all and Lord over all and all who trust in Him will never be ashamed!

Just so you know, all those times listed above – I’ve been there and the thing that ALWAYS brings me through is praise time. Remembering that my heavenly Father is bigger than anything here and that He has a plan for me to prosper and have good success gives me reason to praise.

“I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace. 2 I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. 3 Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name.

4 For I cried to him and he answered me! He freed me from all my fears. 5 Others too were radiant at what he did for them. Theirs was no downcast look of rejection! 6 This poor man cried to the Lord—and the Lord heard him and saved him out of his troubles. 7 For the Angel of the Lord guards and rescues all who reverence him.

8 Oh, put God to the test and see how kind he is! See for yourself the way his mercies shower down on all who trust in him. 9 If you belong to the Lord, reverence him; for everyone who does this has everything he needs. 10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those of us who reverence the Lord will never lack any good thing.

11 Sons and daughters, come and listen and let me teach you the importance of trusting and fearing the Lord.” Psalm 34:1-11 TLB

Oh my, look at the time! Look at the timeline of your life and praise the Lord for bringing you to this place.

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