Category: Faithfulness

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A Harmonious Outcome

For years I lived by my daily planner. The person who invited the “Day-Timer” was my hero.  Everything needed to be written down, each appointment recorded. That’s how I kept life organized and on track.

It wasn’t just the business, school and medical appointments. No, I put in trips to the grocery store, which day I would do laundry, time in my yard and for a while I even had the week’s menu in my planner.

I knew how each day should play out and it made me feel accomplished.

Gradually I found myself releasing control. Less and less do I reach for my planner with pencil in hand and it isn’t because we are retired and have less to do. I am learning to enjoy the moments, every day unexpected encounters with life.

“Trust the Lord and live right! The land will be yours, and you will be safe. 4 Do what the Lord wants, and he will give you your heart’s desire. 5 Let the Lord lead you and trust him to help. 6 Then it will be as clear as the noonday sun that you were right.7 Be patient and trust the Lord. Don’t let it bother you when all goes well for those who do sinful things.
8 Don’t be angry or furious. Anger can lead to sin.” Psalm 37: 3-8 CEV

Waiting patiently was not something either Dave or I were good at. We were the ones to do the planning and if something needed to be done you could count on us to jump in with both feet and take care of the details.

How you heard the expression “burning daylight”? That was us – we didn’t tolerate what we considered wasted time.  But our way has changed.

We are learning to relax, rest and enjoy all that God has for us. We are seeing the Lord remove stress and frustration from our lives and we are loving it. There’s a line from one of our favorite westerns that says, “Slow down, you’ll get a more harmonious outcome”.

When we slow down, we are more likely to experience the Lord’s little blessings. If we’re in a hurry, we often miss them completely. Yesterday morning after posting the blog Dave and I drove past three doe standing at the edge of the road. He slowed way down so I could get a picture. We almost stopped completely. They were in no hurry; they were content to stand there and eat the meadow grass.

It occurred to me that the animals in nature are really in no hurry at all. They just wait on what the Lord has provided. They eat quietly and lie down to rest in the shady spots. The only time you really see them “rushing” is when they feel they are in danger.

Kind of reminds me of Psalm 23. The Lord is my shepherd, He leads me by still waters and in green pastures, He restores my soul.

If the sheep can learn to relax and the doe can be still, shouldn’t we follow their example as we wait and trust in the Lord?

“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,” Psalm 23:1-2 CEV

Enjoy this day.  Let the Lord minister to your heart!

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Behind Closed Gates

The last few days have been filled with much activity. Moving from one campground to the next. Breaking camp and setting up again, all the while wondering how long this temporary relocation will be.

We are here with the hosts of nine different campgrounds. We are safe and that is what is important. There have been many words of encouragement, hugs and conversations regarding our current circumstances.

Do you remember the old western movies when people traveled by wagon train from St. Louis to “the West”? We are neighbors depending on neighbors, assisting where we can – providing extra muscle in lifting heavy bar-b-ques or ice chests, providing an extra stick of butter for a cake or just offering a chair under the awning for a chance to visit.

We are not certain of what each day will bring but we are here together. 

“…But God is your teacher, and he will not continue to hide from you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. 21 If you wander from the right path, either to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice behind you saying, “You should go this way. Here is the right way.” Isaiah 30:20-21 ERV

Dave has helped me and we believe we have found a place, not far from our campground, where we can drive and get a signal that allows me to post this blog each morning. It has definitely been a trial and error process.  But if this morning is successful then we should be able to continue with this plan for as long as needed.

I want to encourage each one of us to always be ready to share the love of Jesus in each day’s circumstance. It is important that we are prepared to give an account for the peace and assurance that we have in Jesus.

“Tell everyone God’s message. Be ready at all times to do whatever is needed. Tell peple what they need to do, tell them when they are doing wrong, and encourage them. Do this with great patience and careful teaching.” II Timothy 4:2 ERV

It is a joy to share with you all each morning. I’ve missed it the last couple of days!

I am praying for all of you and trust that your faith and trust in the Lord is growing each day.

“ You accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, so continue to live following him. 7 You must depend on Christ only, drawing life and strength from him. Just as you were taught the truth, continue to grow stronger in your understanding of it. And never stop giving thanks to God.” Colossians 2:6-7 ERV

This is a day filled with many opportunities. Follow the Lord’s leading and be a blessing.

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Building Up!

Each morning before the day has dawned I hear the birds singing in the trees. It’s dark out – we can’t tell if the sky is cloudy or clear, but the tone of the day is set. It’s a day to be joyful and it’s a day to share joy with others!

Someone needs your song today. Someone needs a word of encouragement. Someone needs to be built up.

Yesterday was an ordinary day. Dave and I spent most of our time sitting under the awning and taking in the beauty of our campground. But before day’s end it was a day to encourage; it was the day for a hug.

The lady in the next campsite had a bad day, a really bad day. I barely know her but I really sensed that the Lord wanted me to talk with her, to listen to her heart and to give her a hug and a prayer.

I used to be really timid about doing things like this but when you know it’s God you have to be obedient.

As we sat at her picnic table I listened to her heart. It was aching. I told her I believed in the power of prayer and I would be praying for her. She said she did too. She was facing losing her job but even more than that she had been slandered. I told her the Lord always has a bigger plan and we can trust Him to work things out for our good.

In a few short hours the situation had changed. God had intervened!

“We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.” Romans 15:2 NLT

Who can you encourage? Be like those birds I hear singing outside my window. Share your song.

Build someone up!

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Right or Left?

Have you ever been at a crossroads and wonder which path to take? 

It could be a physical spot on a roadway – right, left, or straight head but more than likely that crossroad involves a decision about career path, relationships, monetary commitments and even health choices.

How do we know which choice is right?

It’s important to get good advice but ultimately, at least for me, it comes down to following that inner voice, sense of right/wrong, the peace that I feel in my heart.

Jesus used an analogy with his disciples that they all understood. He talked to them of the way sheep follow a shepherd. They were familiar with seeing bands of sheep out on the hillsides with their shepherd. Jesus said I am the good Shepherd, and my sheep hear my voice and follow me.

“I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep…I am the shepherd who cares for the sheep. I know my sheep just as the Father knows me. And my sheep know me just as I know the Father. I give my life for these sheep…My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:11,14,15,27 ERV

If we are listening, we will hear our Shepherd’s voice and follow the path He takes us on.  Sometimes we start out following the Shepherd and then we get off the path and head out on our own. The attitude of “I can take it from here, thanks for getting me started” can be disastrous. 

When that happens, it is encouraging to know that the Shepherd will come looking for lost sheep. He knows the dangers that can present themselves. He is faithful to rescue us.

“Suppose one of you has 100 sheep, but one of them gets lost. What will you do? You will leave the other 99 sheep there in the field and go out and look for the lost sheep. You will continue to search for it until you find it. 5 And when you find it, you will be very happy. You will carry it 6 home, go to your friends and neighbors and say to them, ‘Be happy with me because I found my lost sheep!’” Luke 15:4-6 ERV

In Jesus’ own words He said he is the “good” shepherd. Some shepherds had been known to leave the sheep in times of peril. Some didn’t properly care for those who had been attacked or injured.

But not the Good Shepherd. He is willing to lay down His life for his sheep. He takes His sheep to green pastures beside still water where they can be fed, watered, and well rested.

When He sees danger coming, He protects the sheep and keeps their enemies for attacking. He leads them through the valley of the shadow of death with no fear. He is their comfort.

Which path to take? Follow the Shepherd, He will never lead us astray.

Have a decision to make? At the crossroads?

Pray about it. Don’t be in a hurry. Listen for the Shepherd’s voice and then follow Him!

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Good For All Time

Every day I ask the Lord to show me something new. I never want to quit learning. I want increase in knowledge of natural things and in spiritual things.

Yesterday, I was reading the list of items the Lord told Moses would be needed in building the Tent of Meeting. This would be the portable place of worship where the priests would offer sacrifices for the people and would also offer prayers of repentance and thanksgiving.

There were all the things you would expect to find when for erecting such a structure – gold, silver, wood for the tables, bronze, oil, spices, precious stones, linen for the priests’ garments but there was one item I did not expect to find, seal skins.

Seal skins? That was odd.

Dave and I talked about it, and I went to the maps in the back of my Bible to see where they might have gotten seal skins. The Israelites were still traveling in the wilderness and weren’t close to any seaports that I could tell so I’m not sure how this was a thing. I learned something new.

I also learn something new about my husband’s camping experiences when he was a kid. He asked me what I remember about being in the mountains with my family and then told me things he did with his cousins and the fun they had. When we love someone, we should want to know all we can about them.

Our walk with the Lord should never be something we take for granted, consider passe` or old fashioned. It should be more contemporary than the newest software, technology advancement or medical breakthrough.

Our love for Him should have us asking questions and learning new things in our relationship with the Father. God is practical but complex. He is the God of all generations.

“I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. 2 I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. 3 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. 4 Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. 5 I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles…For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does.”
Psalm 145:1-4, 13 NLT

God’s kingdom will last forever. He will rule in every generation. He is good for all time.

I encourage you to ask the Father to show you something new today or to remind you of something you have forgotten. You may be surprised by what He teaches you when your heart is opened to learn.  

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Make Your Word Count

We recently had a situation in our neighborhood that created a danger for anyone driving our street. It was really dangerous and had the potential to cause a serious accident or even death. The company responsible for correcting it was aloof and non responsive. Their word was hollow and void of caring. After many tries at communicating the seriousness of the problem we call the sheriff’s office.

They said they would come, they did and were here in fifteen minutes. They kept their word!

Do you remember the old saying, “My word is my bond”?

People used to give value to what they say, to the words they used. Words had importance, value and meaning and now it seems it has just become so much noise or lip service.

To God, words are important.

With them He framed the world and all that is in it. “And God said, light be and there was light”. When God promised Abraham a son Abraham believed God. The Bible says that Abraham wasn’t moved by his and Sarah’s old age, they believed God’s promise.

The longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, is written about the importance and power of God’s word. Jesus is referred to as the Word. What He says has value and power!

People were healed when he spoke a word; his words cursed a fig tree and caused it to die from the roots up; His Word turned the water into wine and raised the dead. Jesus told the religious elite that from the abundance or fullness of their hearts came the words they spoke. Their words would be used to justify or condemn them. He went on to say that they would be judged for every idle word that came from their mouths.

“A good man will speak good things because of the good in him. A bad man will speak bad things because of the sin in him. 36 I say to you, on the day men stand before God, they will have to give an answer for every word they have spoken that was not important. 37 For it is by your words that you will not be guilty and it is by your words that you will be guilty.” Matthew 12:35-37 NLV

The Pharisees had been plotting against Jesus and even went so far as to say that the works Jesus was doing were of the devil. They were trying to stir up the people against Jesus using their words and Jesus wanted them to know that their words would come back to judge them.

King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, wrote these words: “Your words can be as satisfying as fruit, as pleasing as the food that fills your stomach. 21 The tongue can speak words that bring life or death. Those who love to talk must be ready to accept what it brings.” Proverbs 18:20-21 ERV

We should be determined to have our words bring life. Life to us and our situations, life to our mate & children, life to our collegues, words of life, peace, health, prosperity and salvation.

“May my words and thoughts please you. LORD, you are my Rock—the one who rescues me.” Psalm 19:12-14 ERV

I desire to speak words that are helpful and good!

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Trust is Progressive

As with most things, trust is not a one time experience, it’s progressive.

Any adult who has tried to coax a child or grandchild into jumping into their arms in the swimming pool knows what I’m talking about. The child stands timidly on the side, while you are tell them repeatedly, “It’s ok, I’ll catch you”, knows it takes time for them to trust.

Each time it gets easier for them…trust has been built. There’s a track record that they can count on.

Do you have a track record with the Lord? Have you trusted Him in the small things of life and found Him always faithful? If so, your trust has grown and matured and you have a confidence that He will never let you down.

Perhaps you are standing on the edge for the first time and hearing the Lord say, “Trust me, I’ll catch you”.

This morning I would like to share a few of my favorite trust verses. Write them down, screen shot them, keep them handy. You’ll rely on them again and again. I know I have.

“God’s way is perfect. The Lord’s promise always proves to be true. He protects those who trust in him.” II Samuel 22:31 ERV

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to trust in people.” Psalm 118:8 ERV

“Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge.” Proverbs 3:5 ERV

Early in our marriage we were really struggling financially. Two small children to care for, Dave was working long hours but there was barely enough to cover household expenses and even less for groceries. I remember the first time I prayed over my grocery list.

My prayer went something like this. “Lord, you know I need to feed my family. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I only have $25 . I need a miracle. I trust You.” And off I went.

I was learning to trust.

I did not deviate from my list. The first item, bread, had a 2 for 1 special. Next was eggs, this week’s price 79 cents a dozen, milk, cheese, potatoes, flour, sugar…90% of the items were on special and if I remember correctly, I spent $23.74.

“Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. Don’t worry, because your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. 33 What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.” Matthew 6:31-33 ERV

I wish I could tell you that from that day forward I always trusted the Lord but that wouldn’t be true. There have been times, more than I’d like to admit, that I have done my own thing, trusted in my own knowledge and resources and have neglected to trust the Lord. The outcome was far from stellar.

But when I returned to trusting in my Father’s provision, He was always there waiting to help.

“So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:16 CEV

Trust the Lord with the small things and soon you will be trusting Him with everything! It’s progressive.

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Do All Things

Dave and I subscribed to several full time rving YouTube channels. We travel vicariously through their adventures and we also have created a list of the sites we would most like to see in our 5th wheel. It’s so refreshing to see the beauty that God has created.

One of the channels is relatively new, Switch It Up. This couple has a real place in our hearts. Not only do they travel to some interesting places but they are open in sharing about their faith and trust in the Lord.

During each segment there will be a time when they said this: Do all the things. They mean Like, Subscribe, Share. In fact, they have a t-shirt with that slogan on it and I purchased one.

That phrase has a double meaning to me. There are a number of verses in the Bible that tell us to do all. I want to be a doer of all the things that the Lord has asked us to do. I’ll share some of those verses with you.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” I Corinthians 10:31 NLT

“Be glad you can do the things you should be doing. Do all things without arguing and talking about how you wish you did not have to do them.” Philippians 2:14 NLV

“I can do all things because Christ gives me the strength.” Philippians 4:13 NLV

“Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 CEB

There you have it. Be a doer of all things!

God has called us to be a light to the world. In our case that involves RVing. Wherever God calls you, wherever He leads you He will equip you to do all things for His glory!

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In Capable Hands

When I was very young, I remember my Dad letting me sit on his lap as he was driving.

Now, before anyone starts to tell me how dangerous that was I will remind them this was 65 plus years ago. It was on dirt roads, with no other cars in sight and for two or three minutes at the most.

What stays in my mind and my heart is the love and laughter that we shared in those moments. I trusted my Dad and I knew he would never do anything that would knowingly harm me.

I was in capable hands. I learned to listen and to trust.

Some days, I still feel like that little girl sitting on my Daddy’s lap. There are new situations, new joys, new adventures, new dangers that present themselves. I find myself reaching for my Father’s hand and wanting to crawl up on His lap, listening to His voice and learning from His words.

Of course, now, I’m not speaking of my natural father but of my Heavenly Father.

“Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:15-16 CEV

We are in capable hands.

We are told to come to the Father WHENEVER we have a need and we will find help! He won’t refuse us. He doesn’t just want us to come when we need something He wants us to come and learn from Him. In this way, He will teach us how to avoid the dangers and pitfalls that are waiting to ambush us.

“With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. 6 Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow.” Proverbs 3:5-6 CEV

Trust the Father’s capable hands.

“Turn to the Lord for help in everything you do, and you will be successful.” Proverbs 16:3 ERV

“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. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 ERV

We have the Father’s word that when we turn to Him with a trusting heart He will be there to direct, guide, instruct and provide. He won’t break His word.

There are a few things that I have been talking to the Father about. Things that I need His wisdom and leading in. My knowledge is limited and sometimes I feel like a little kid again, a kid who needs my Father’s help. Maybe you’re experiencing the same kind of thing. I can assure you that when we take these to our Father He will listen and lead us to a good future.

We’re in His capable hands.

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One More Time

This morning I want to spend a little more time looking at the Israelites when they first left Egypt. We see the cycle of joy and desperation repeated. I’d like to think that I wouldn’t have gotten drawn in to their murmuring and complaining but I just don’t know.

We all have areas of individual weakness, ways we act and react when we’re under pressure; anger, self-pity, denial, frustration, lying, criticism, worry, doubt.

The difference between us and the Israelites is their short comings have been written in down in the world’s best seller, the Bible, for everyone to read and hopefully learn from. Mine, on the other hand, are hidden in the recesses of my heart and only seen by a very few.

So let’s look at one more time when the Israelites murmured against God. One more time when they let doubt overcome trust.

“It was the fifteenth day of the second month after they left the land of Egypt. 2 And all the people of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the desert, 3 saying, “We should have died by the Lord’s hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and ate all the bread we wanted. For you have brought us out into this desert to kill all of us with hunger.” Exodus 16:1-3 NLV

Quick recap of the last forty-five days: leave Egypt, see the Egyptians coming after them, COMPLAIN, cross the Red Sea on dry ground, Egyptian army destroyed, PRAISE GOD, go another few days, find bitter water, COMPLAIN, God makes the bitter sweet, PRAISE, go further and camp at an oasis, now 45 days in, COMPLAIN.

Oh my!

“The Lord said to Moses, 12 “I have heard the complaining of the people of Israel. Say to them, ‘In the evening you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.’” Exodus 16: 11-12 NLV

The Lord had never intended for them to starve or go without water. He always had a plan for their benefit but they failed to trust. How much better would it have been if they had come to Moses and said “We’re hungry, what’s God’s plan”? No complaining, just a simple question.

“The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. 7 He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. 8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. 9 He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. 10 He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. 12 He has removed our sins as far from us  as the east is from the west. 13 The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:6-13 NLT

Our Father’s plan is to shower us with love and mercy. He chooses to forget our sins and to remove them from us, even the ones we repeat again and again.

What I want you to take away from the last few days is not how many times the Israelites failed but how many times God forgave and delivered them.

One more time – remember this:

“But the Lord has always loved his followers, and he will continue to love them forever and ever!” Psalm 103:17 ERV

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