Category: Theme

Posted on

Which Child Are You?

About a week ago now, we had an interesting FaceTime call with our youngest daughter and three youngest grandchildren. It was so good to see all their faces.

However, each one of them had a different reaction to seeing Besta and Pappy on screen. Our youngest wanted to be the one holding the screen, kissing our faces and touching us.

Our grandson, who had just been picked up at school, wanted us to see all his papers with his good grades. He wanted us to see how much he was learning.

Our middle granddaughter was shy and didn’t want to be on camera. She peeked at us occasionally but was happy to be tucked out of view behind her Momma.

Those three reactions got me to thinking about how we relate in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Some of us are so grateful for all He has done for us. We are constantly praising Him and expressing our love.

“44 He turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Have you noticed this woman? When I came into your home, you didn’t give me any water so I could wash my feet. But she has washed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. 45 You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You didn’t even pour olive oil on my head, but she has poured expensive perfume on my feet. 47 So I tell you that all her sins are forgiven, and that is why she has shown great love. But anyone who has been forgiven for only a little will show only a little love.” Luke 7:44-47 CEV

Then, there are those of us who do all we can to encourage others and see that we are walking in all that the Father has planned for us. We aren’t serving the Father to gain His love, we already have that. We want Him to know that we are doing our best with all we have.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15 NIV

And finally, there are some of us who are timid and shy when it comes to our relationship with the Father. We are uncertain about coming into His presence. We need to be coaxed and encouraged. We need to be reassured that the Father’s presence is a safe place and we can be ourselves.

“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 4:16 CEV

What a great example these three little ones were to me!

I have been like all three of them in my relationship with the Lord. So, let me ask you…which child are you?

Posted on

Hallelujah!!!

This morning I have tears streaming down my cheeks!

It was 8 days ago my computer died and I had no way to share with you each morning. I’ve been praying for you every day and trusting the Father to encourage you in your daily walk.

Yesterday I expected to receive my new computer but instead I received an email which read “shipping has been delayed, do you wish to cancel your order”.

NO!!

For a week, I have been trying and praying to connect to my site via my phone only to be met with “incorrect password” and never receiving the necessary email to reset it. Frankly, I was beginning to lose hope.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick”

I was heart sick for sure. Several dear friends have been holding me up in prayer. Thank you, thank you!!! One sweet friend encouraged me by reminding me that I didn’t need a strong internet signal to pray – very true.

Before I got up this morning, I heard very distinctly in my heart. Don’t give up, try again.

I was reminded of Noah, who spent years building an ark, telling his neighbors of the coming flood and had not one convert. Then there was David, who knew he had been anointed to be king of Israel and yet he hid from Saul for 13 years in the wilderness because Saul was trying to kill him. And then there was Jesus, who preached for 3 years and was crucified by the religious Jews.

My computer struggles are small potatoes compared to these monumental challenges but I know that the Father is just as concerned with me and you as He was for them.

So, this morning, I got up and tried one more time, a little differently, but try I did…and here I am to encourage you -don’t give up, don’t quit trying!

“Thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus.” II Corinthians 2:14

No matter what you’re facing don’t quit. Keep your trust in the Father, he is worthy of all our trust. Roll all your cares on Him!

“Casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you”. I Peter 5:7

Can you say Hallelujah?!

Posted on

Where There’s A Will

Some of you received yesterday’s message that my daughter posted for me. I am having technical difficulties; my laptop is failing to hold a charge. She told you it may be several days before I could post.

After being plugged in for almost 18 hours, I was found that this morning the battery had gained from 5% power to 20%. Hallelujah!

I hate the idea of not being able to share with you each morning. It’s what I do; it’s my calling.

“God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That’s why he sent Christ to make us what we are.” Ephesians 2:10 CEV

This morning, Dave and I are headed into our small northern Arizona town to see the “computer guy”. I believe the problem is with the power cord or how the cord isn’t making proper connection with the computer. I’m praying he has another cord or can ascertain the problem and fix it.

Through the night, I kept praying “Lord let me have enough battery life to share the blog in the morning”.

Isn’t that the way it is in life? We face obstacles and problems and our power seems to drain. We try everything but nothing seems to work for more than a few hours or a few days.

“Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won’t let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us.” Hebrews 12:1 CEV

We must be determined to keep going; where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Throw off the things that slow us down and tackle every obstacle head on with the help the Father provides. It’s not silly to pray about a faulty computer, a car that won’t start, a checkbook that is almost empty, groceries for the table, a good teacher for your child…none of that is silly to pray about. What’s silly is not to pray!

Our Father is concerned about all our issues of life – big and small, live threatening or minute.

“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

Where there is a will, trust God to make a way!

Posted on

Dave’s Tree

When we first moved to this campsite in mid-June, it took us a couple days to get completely set up and then we could focus on the beauty around us. One of the first things that caught Dave’s eye was this tree. It isn’t the most stately tree of the woods but it stands out from the rest.

When we look across the way, we see this tree with no fullness at its top. Only a couple of branches but those branches form the shape of a cross. Dave says this cross is like the steeple of God’s wooded cathedral. To us, it is a reminder that no matter where we are, God is present and His love is outpoured everywhere on earth.

There’s a song we used to sing at Cowboy Cathedral years ago when we ministered at youth rodeos and ranches across Arizona. It was written in the 1940’s. It goes something like this:

Oh, the place where I worship is the wide open spaces
Built by the hand of the Lord
Where the trees of the forrest are like pipes of an organ
And the breeze plays an amen choir.

All the stars are the candles and they light up the mountains
Mountains are altars of God
Oh, the place where I worship is the wide open spaces
Built by the hand of the Lord.

This tree has become a church to us. As we sit and watch the sunrise break over the tree line or see the clouds rolling in, we feel that we are in the place that God has called us too. We are here for a purpose. We enjoy the beauty that God has created but we are also here to share God’s love with those around us.

“ We have only one God, and he is the Father. He created everything, and we live for him. Jesus Christ is our only Lord. Everything was made by him, and by him life was given to us.” I Corinthians 8:6 CEV

God has given life, a new and abundant life. His desire is that people everywhere experience His love and forgiveness. You may be country folk who have lived rurally like we have for years or you may be city dwellers who feel more comfortable with bustling traffic and high rise buildings but no matter your surroundings the Father is there reaching out to touch you with His love.

“Each of you is now a new person. You are becoming more and more like your Creator, and you will understand him better. 11 It doesn’t matter if you are a Greek or a Jew, or if you are circumcised or not. You may even be a barbarian or a Scythian, and you may be a slave or a free person. Yet Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. 12 God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient.” Colossians 3:10-12 CEV

Social standing, nationality, religious or not doesn’t make a difference. The life changing fact is that God loves us and has chosen us, we are special to him.

You may not have a tree like Dave’s but if you look around I know you will find something special that God has placed within your view to remind you of His love and watchful care.

We all have a place where we can worship the Father who loves us and gives us life!

Posted on

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!

Posted on

This Old House

This Old House

Several weeks ago, Dave and I went to tour an old Cavalry fort in the area, Fort Apache. We were amazed by how many old buildings were still standing. The Fort was built in the 1800’s and has been operating in one form or another since then.

In the early 1900’s, President Roosevelt commissioned an Indian School to be built on the property. When we were there, even though it was summer, class was in session and some remodeling work was being done to the girls’ dormitory.

It was a nice snapshot of history.

This morning, we will be driving into Show Low to do some shopping. Along the way we will past some old log cabins. Most of them were probably built well over one hundred years ago. Some have fallen into a serious state of disrepair, but others still stand strong and are useful, viable homes.

As I was thinking about these old houses this morning, the words of a song, This Old House, came to mind.

This Old House has seen some good times

This old house has seen some bad times

But this old house will stand the test of time

Cuz it’s built upon God’s Word.

And those lyrics reminded me of a Scripture.

“Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock. 25 Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and winds beat against that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on solid rock.” Matthew 7:24 CEV

Our lives are like those old houses.  My old house, my life, has been standing quite some time. Most of my years are behind me. There is a legacy of longevity in my family, so I am looking forward to many more good years, but the truth of the matter is I have more years behind me than I do before me. I need to make sure that my old house stands strong, that it stands the test of time.

Being built on the word of God, I know I have a firm foundation and that I will be secure when life’s storms come. I want to be a place of shelter for my family and friends. As the years pass, if the Lord delays His coming, I want my life to be a legacy for God’s goodness and His provision. If my life were a house I would want my family – my children, my grandchildren and my great grandchildren to view its structure and say, “her old house has stood strong through the years and the storms were not able to destroy it, it was built on a firm foundation”.

Posted on

Rest for the Weary

This morning is one of those rare mornings when I would like to go back to bed. I didn’t sleep well, tossed and turned, and this morning as I sit here in my chair I am weary.

Not a good way to start the day.

I’m on my second cup of coffee and with each sip I close my eyes and inhale deeply. Each breath is a prayer for strength and direction. And then I wait, completely at peace, knowing I am in the Father’s presence and He will give me what I need for the day.

“Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The Lord is the eternal God, Creator of the earth. He never gets weary or tired; his wisdom cannot be measured. 29 The Lord gives strength to those who are weary. 30 Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall. 31 But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.” Isaiah 40:28-31 CEV

I don’t know what this day will have in store but He does and I can be confident in His strength. He will give me exactly what I need for the day ahead. The key point in these verses for me is this, “those who trust the Lord will find new strength”.

The thing I have learned in my sixty-eight years is the Lord is trust worthy. If He promises to give me strength, He will.

I just finished reading the story of Paul’s ship wreck on his way to Rome, again. They were in a terrible storm on the open sea for fourteen days. The Bible says they couldn’t see the sun – now, that’s a horrific storm. The crew and passengers were scared, they feared all was lost but the Lord gave Paul a message concerning their survival.

It could be that you feel you have been going through a fourteen day or a fourteen year storm. God has not and will not abandon you. He has a good plan for your life. Follow the advice that Paul gave.

“23 I belong to God, and I worship him. Last night he sent an angel 24 to tell me, “Paul, don’t be afraid! You will stand trial before the Emperor. And because of you, God will save the lives of everyone on the ship.” 25 Cheer up! I am sure that God will do exactly what he promised…33 Just before daylight Paul begged the people to eat something. He told them, “For fourteen days you have been so worried that you haven’t eaten a thing. 34 I beg you to eat something. Your lives depend on it. Do this and not one of you will be hurt.”

35 After Paul had said this, he took a piece of bread and gave thanks to God. Then in front of everyone, he broke the bread and ate some. 36 They all felt encouraged, and each of them ate something. 37 There were 276 people on the ship” Acts 27:23-27 CEV

Cheer up – have something to eat! God’s in control!

Renewed strength comes from trusting – trust Him to provide strength for our daily walk, then He gives us the energy to run with the day’s details and He also provides us with the strength, Isaiah says, to soar high above earth’s obstacles like an eagle.

“Lord, I came to you weary and I thank you that through Your word I have been strengthened and am at a place of rest. Today I will walk, run, and soar with You.”

Posted on

He Did It Again!

It amazes me how my Father, my God, delights in ending my day! Last night He gave me this great display as I was getting off work!

Spectacular!!

I went to sleep last night with an old song running through my mind. I’ve shared it with you before but it was so appropriate.

“Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above, With wisdom, power and love, Our God is an awesome God.”

Oh, and He is certainly that! Amazing and awesome!!

Then this morning as I gazed at this picture from last night’s sunset another song came to mind. I really can’t think of a better way to start any morning than in song of praise to the Father.

“Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the Darkness, My God that is who You are“

Isn’t it mind boggling that God wants us to know Him in such a dramatic way. Each one of those characteristics of God are spelled out for us in Scripture.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 NIV

“Once again Jesus spoke to the people. This time he said, “I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.” John 8:12 CEV

“Our Lord, no other gods compare with you— Majestic and holy!  Fearsome and glorious!
Miracle worker!” Exodus 15:11 CEV

Do you need to know the right way to go or to depend on Someone who will never lie? Do you feel you are groping around in the darkness? Maybe you just need a miracle. If any of those apply, come to Almighty God, our gracious heavenly Father, in Him you will find all you need.

He did all this for those in the Bible as an example for us and He will do it again!

Posted on

Something New

Each morning when I open the WordPress site and I click on the post tab I am offered several options; All Posts, Add New, Categories and Tags. And each morning I click on the “Add New” selection.

What appears on my screen is a blank page and at the top of the page it says “Add Title”. This morning when I read “add new”, my memory bank opened to the day I read Philippians 4:19 and really took it to heart.

“And my God will give you everything you need because of His great riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NLV

I had memorized this verse as a second grader, in Sunday School class. But this was different. I was an adult, sitting with Dave at our kitchen table, in a house we were renting in Glendale, AZ. Our oldest daughter was 5 1/2 years old, our son was 4. We had been challenged the week before by a preacher at Cowboy Church to start our Bible reading with a prayer.

“Lord, make Your word come alive to me to day. Since these are Your words show me what you meant for me to learn when You had men write them down so long ago”. Amen.

Dave had been having a hard time finding work. Our electric bill was past due. Each week I made my grocery list, praying over the things I needed to purchase but only having $20 in our grocery budget. That day, at that table, those words jumped off the page and into my heart. There was no immediate change in our situation but our hearts filled with faith, knowing that God would give us everything we needed because Jesus had paid the debt for our sin and by His death we became joint heirs with Christ. We were as much God’s children as Jesus was.

Oh my goodness! We could hardly contain ourselves!! We couldn’t have been more excited if someone had come to the door and given us a check for a million dollars.

Add New!

Absolutely! What we added was a new knowledge of God’s word, a new depth of faith, a new confidence that when God makes a promise He keeps it. This was 45 years ago. I would love to say that we never faltered in trusting God’s promises but that wouldn’t be true. However, each time we have gone discouraged and fail to trust the Father with all the areas of our life He has remained faithful. He has never broken one of His promises and He never will! He’s never left us, although, at times we have walked away from Him.

I will leave you with my favorite verse in the Bible.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

Every promise in the Bible is from God. He gave them to us, His children, and He won’t change His mind or break His word.

I encourage you to do what that cowboy preacher instructed us to do. Pray before you read and ask the Father to make His words real to you. I know you will open the pages and find “something new”.

Posted on

What To Do…

when you don’t know what to do. Have you ever been there? Needing to make a decision and you’re just not sure which decision is the correct one.

You talk to family, to friends, to a career counsellor and still the correct answer is as clear as mud. What to do?

God’s word promises us answers. Take a look at King Solomon. His father, David, had led the nation of Israel for years. During his reign, Israel became a mighty nation but now his rule and his life were coming to an end; Solomon was to be anointed king. David told his son that these were God’s people and he should lead them with integrity. Take a look at the first thing Solomon did:

“And now I must rule your chosen people, even though there are too many of them to count. 9 Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong. Then I will know how to rule your people. If you don’t, there is no way I could rule this great nation of yours.

10-11 God said: Solomon, I’m pleased that you asked for this. You could have asked to live a long time or to be rich. Or you could have asked for your enemies to be destroyed. Instead, you asked for wisdom to make right decisions. 12 So I’ll make you wiser than anyone who has ever lived or ever will live.” I Kings 3:8-12 CEV

Solomon asked for wisdom. The first thing we need to do when making a decision, large or small, is to ask for wisdom. The book of James says is we ask for wisdom God will give it to us liberally. God won’t be stingy or hesitant in the giving of wisdom. We won’t be put on a quota so that after the 12,000th time of asking, God says our allotment is all used up.

In fact, we are told to pursue wisdom more than we do silver and gold.

“God blesses everyone who has wisdom and common sense. 14 Wisdom is worth more than silver; it makes you much richer than gold. 15 Wisdom is more valuable than precious jewels; nothing you want compares with her. 16 In her right hand Wisdom holds a long life, and in her left hand are wealth and honor. 17 Wisdom makes life pleasant and leads us safely along. 18 Wisdom is a life-giving tree, the source of happiness for all who hold on to her.” Proverbs 3:13-18 CEV

Wisdom is valuable, it brings long life and honor. Wisdom leads us safely through life.

What to do?

Ask for wisdom and let Her lead us in all our decisions. She will give us God’s direction.

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress