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Thankful for a Good Foundation

This morning I had a strange memory. I remember when we lived in Las Cruces NM and were coming back to Phoenix to visit friends. It was early January/February 1979. We had been through a particularly rough time and we just wanted to be in the comfort of friends.

Well when we got to the Casa Grande area we were met with a detour. The Salt and Gila Rivers were flooding and we couldn’t get to Phoenix on I-10. We were traveling at night with 2 small children. We didn’t have smart phones or satellite radio in those days so communication was sketchy at best. But we ventured on…come too far to turn back now.

We drove down 1-8 to Gila Bend and then headed back toward Phoenix. Every once in a while we would catch ponds of water with the headlights. As we got closer to Buckeye, there was another detour. It took us through the farm country and finally to an old trestle bridge at Gillespie Damn. The river was raging. I had never seen anything like this in the desert before or since.

The old bridge was built into the rock and it was solid. It hadn’t seen much use in years because of the “improved” highway that was faster and better. However, in a storm, it was the solid rock foundation that provided the security that was needed.

Some of you, some of us, were raised with a solid foundation. A foundation of God’s word. A foundation of trust, faith and hope. A foundation of the simple; yes, Jesus loves me. But then the new, faster, better paved highway was built and it seemed to be taking life in a new direction. The old discarded for the new.

Now your life may be on a detour. Storms have raged and the new super highway isn’t getting you to where you want to go. Maybe it’s time to return to solid rock foundation. Let that old trestle bridge take you safely across the flooding circumstances and leave you on dry ground on the other side.

“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. I, the Holy One of Israel, am your Savior. I gave Egypt to pay for you. I gave Ethiopia and Seba to make you mine. 4 You are precious to me, and I have given you a special place of honor. I love you. That’s why I am willing to trade others, to give up whole nations, to save your life. 5 “So don’t be afraid, because I am with you.” Isaiah 43:2-5 ERV

Thankful today that God’s foundation is solid. Thankful that He is always there to give a second chance and to guide us to safety.

“‘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 ERV

When I was a little girl this picture hung in my Grama’s home. It made an impact on me then but now that I’m older the impact is even greater. My Father, my heavenly Father, has provided for my safety and my protection!

Yes I am thankful. Thankful for all the years of protection and thankful that He never gave up on me!

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Carrying the Load

This morning a wonderful memory popped up in my quiet time.

Years ago, 25 or more, we went to visit Kim and Austin in Hawaii. One of our day excursions was a trip to Diamond Head. If you’ve never been, it’s quite the hike and beautiful once you reach the top. Very historic too.

We were four adults, one teenager and two kiddos under the age of five. AJ was being carried in a backpack and Ali started the trek under her own power. As the hike continued, we were all feeling the burn but none as much as Ali. When she could go no further Dave picked her up and carried her the rest of the way.

When we got to the top we heard her say, “I’m so tired”. We laughed because Dave and Austin were too.

That’s the memory that came to mind as I read these verses this morning.

“Praise the Lord; praise God our savior!
    For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude
20 Our God is a God who saves!
    The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death.” Psalm 68:19-20 NLT

Each day HE carries us in His arms!

Think of yesterday, did you have a sense of being carried? Had you said to yourself “I just can’t go on”? Maybe it was an emotional exhaustion, or it could have been physical burnout. Spiritual weariness with exhaust the body and emotions.

Did you sense an ungirding of inner strength – did you feel carried along? The Father is there to assist us in every situation.

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'” Matthew 11:27-29 NLT

King David described it as being overwhelmed.

“O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! 2 From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, 3 for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.” Psalm 61:1-3 NLT

The writer of Hebrews tells us we can find help whenever we need it.

“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT

I am so thankful that the Father cares about me and carries me through all of life’s struggles. I just have so much to be thankful for, how about you?

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A Family Favorite

Are you like me? The Thanksgiving menu is posted to the refrigerator door. You’ve looked at the list and double checked the pantry for all the ingredients. It’s down to crunch time. The turkey is thawing, the potatoes are waiting to be peeled, the dressing/stuffing will be mixed tomorrow night and the pies are ready.

Yep! It’s all but done. On that list of things that need to be made are the family favorites.

This morning I was reading Psalm 145, as I always do. I read through it quickly, as if to check it off the list and move on, when I was impressed with stop and read it again. That’s when I felt the Lord minister to my heart that this is one of His family favorites, so I read it again – savored it and tried to enjoy it to the fullest.

“I lift you high in praise, my God, O my King! and I’ll bless your name into eternity. 2 I’ll bless you every day, and keep it up from now to eternity.

3 God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness.

4 Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts. 5 Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking; I compose songs on your wonders.

6 Your marvelous doings are headline news; I could write a book full of the details of your greatness.

7 The fame of your goodness spreads across the country; your righteousness is on everyone’s lips.

8 God is all mercy and grace— not quick to anger, is rich in love.

9 God is good to one and all; everything he does is soaked through with grace.

10-11 Creation and creatures applaud you, God; your holy people bless you. They talk about the glories of your rule, they exclaim over your splendor,

12 Letting the world know of your power for good, the lavish splendor of your kingdom.

13 Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office. God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does.

14 God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit.

15 All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time. 16 Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures.

17 Everything God does is right—  the trademark on all his works is love.

18 God’s there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it.

19 He does what’s best for those who fear him— hears them call out, and saves them.

20 God sticks by all who love him, but it’s all over for those who don’t.

21 My mouth is filled with God’s praise.  Let everything living bless him, bless his holy name from now to eternity!” Psalm 145 MSG

Now you may want to read that again because I’m sure you will find something in these verses that will become a favorite. Maybe it’s the fact that God is all mercy and grace or that He is good to everyone. How about the part that says He picks us up when we fall or that He is never voted out of office? Perhaps it’s the part that says He is generous to a fault and He listens when we pray.

God’s word is like a good meal; it contains all our favorites including dessert. The goodness of the Lord never ceases.

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Consider the Lilies

One of my favorite extravagances is fresh cut flowers. If money were no object I would have a fresh bouquet every other week.

The colors, the fragrance, the individual beauty, the significance of each flower is a testimony of God’s goodness.

God’s goodness. As I wrote those words I had to stop for a moment, take pause and meditate.

God – Almighty God, maker of heaven and earth, Creator of all, Lord of hosts, the Alpha and Omega (the beginning and the end). He is love, His mercy endures forever, His grace is sufficient, He is the provider and protector. There is no one like Him, He is above all else.

I call him Father. I depend upon Him for my very life. I draw each breath because of Him. I find shelter under His wings, in Him I find rest when I am weary, in His presence I find fullness of joy and at His throne I find help in my time of need.

My Father is Lord God Almighty!

Now, you ask me “what’s that got to do with a bouquet of flowers?”. I’m glad you asked.

“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.” Luke 12:27-30 NLT

Flowers are a simple, daily reminder of God’s goodness, the Father’s love!

I mean so much more to Him than the beautiful flowers He created, each flower, each bouquet reminds me to trust.

Yes, consider the lilies of the field and thank your heavenly Father for his faithfulness and love.

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Thinking About Christmas

I don’t want to rush us through our enjoyment and gratitude of Thanksgiving but I do want you to look ahead to the first of December.

Several years ago I wrote a book, “The Best Gifts of Christmas”. Basically, it’s an advent book. Each day has a short devotional thought and story, We can only give away what we have received. Each day’s gift is a gift from the Father to us as His children.

Also available is my second book, “Like A Diamond”. This book gives insight into the Father’s heart and how He values us.

“ ‘They will be Mine’ says the Lord of All, ‘on that day that I gather My special people. I will have loving-pity on them as a man has loving-pity on his own son who serves him.’” Malachi 3:17 NLV

If you would like a copy of the books I still have a few copies in stock. You can order those directly through my email address, kristi@arizonakristi.com, and I will autograph a copy and send it off. Price per copy is $10 + $3 for shipping. I will combine shipping.

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Breathtaking Awe

A few nights ago, the neighbors gathered in the streets to see this beautiful Arizona sunset!

You all know how I love my sunrises and sunsets. As I was standing there, taking it all in Gail said, “God did that”! He sure did – He painted the sky with the deepest golden hues – beautiful.

This morning I waiting to see the sunrise. The skyline is cloudy gray but that’s ok too. The last couple of days we have enjoyed much-needed rain. The desert is feeling refreshed.

I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the breath I have in my lungs – clean, fresh air. Breath to praise such an awesome and almighty God but more than that – breath to talk with my loving heavenly Father and to thank Him for all He does.

Loving family, good health, a secure home, the beauty of his creation, the stillness and the peace I feel in His presence each day and the dear friends He has added to my life.

Yesterday I asked you to make a thankfulness list. I hope you did. This morning I’m asking you to follow King David’s example and enter into praise.

“Praise the Lord! Praise God in His holy place! Praise Him in the heavens of His power! 2 Praise Him for His great works! Praise Him for all His greatness!

3 Praise Him with the sound of a horn. Praise Him with harps. 4 Praise Him with timbrels and dancing. Praise Him with strings and horns. 5 Praise Him with loud sounds. Praise Him with loud and clear sounds. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” Psalm 150 NLV

Do you have breath? If you do, praise the Lord!

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My Gratitude List

Here we are just a few days before Thanksgiving. Maybe you’ve just put the finishing touches on your “on last trip to the store” list or maybe you’ve been checking the listings for the times of the parades and the football games. We all have a habit of making lists. Let me add one more list to your list of things to do.

A Gratitude List.

Maybe even make a few to share with the people you are having Thanksgiving with. Since today is the 18th try to come up with 18 items and then add one more each day until the end of the month.

At month’s end take that list and put it in your purse, wallet, Bible, locker, glove compartment – keep it handy and then on those days when you feel overrun by life take it out and read it – remind yourself of the good things God has done for you.

An old hymn came to mind today as I sat here thinking of my thanksgiving list. See if you remember it:

“When morning gilds the skies,

My heart awaking cries:

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Alike at work and prayer,

To Jesus I repair;

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Does sadness fill my mind?

A solace here I find,

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Or fades my earthly bliss?

My comfort still is this,

May Jesus Christ be praised!” anonymous author 1744

Amazing – this author lived over 200 years ago but the things he writes about could be what we face today and the one thing remains the same – in times of trouble and unrest we still need to Praise the name of Jesus!

We serve a wonderful Savior. Look at Jesus’ final prayer to the Father in John 17.

“After Jesus said these things, he looked toward heaven and prayed, ‘Father, the time has come. Give glory to your Son so that the Son can give glory to you. 2 You gave the Son power over all people so that he could give eternal life to all those you have given to him. 3 And this is eternal life: that people can know you, the only true God, and that they can know Jesus Christ, the one you sent. 4 I finished the work you gave me to do. I brought you glory on earth. 5 And now, Father, give me glory with you. Give me the glory I had with you before the world was made…I am not praying for the people in the world. But I am praying for these people you gave me, because they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And my glory is seen in them.'” John 17:1-10 ERV

Jesus prayed for us. He was about to go to the cross and His prayer was for us. He came to give us eternal life and that meant that we can know (become intimately acquainted with) the Father and we can know Jesus. He prayed for us who know Him because He loves us. He loves us enough to die for us.

Now say with the writer of the hymn May Jesus Christ be praised!!

I know what the first thing on my gratitude list is – it’s eternal life. How about you?

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Thirsty & Thankful

There’s something to be said for life experience.

I am grateful for the years I have been blessed with; as a child we moved regularly because of my dad’s job. My middle and high school years were spent in my hometown of Yuma and my married life started in the desert and brought me back here. The in between years took us to California, Washington, Idaho and Montana.

So many memories and experiences to draw from. This morning’s Bible reading was just such a moment.

“As the deer desires rivers of water, so my soul desires You, O God. 2 My soul is thirsty for God, for the living God. When will I come and meet with God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’…8 The Lord will send His loving-kindness in the day. And His song will be with me in the night, a prayer to the God of my life…11 Why are you sad, O my soul? Why have you become troubled within me? Hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my help and my God.” Psalm 42 NLV

Many times, I have seen the deer come to the water during the hot summer months. Most often they come at night or early morning. The darkness is a protection from predators, or so it seems. But when the sun is hot, and the desert is dry they will come in the daylight.

Thirsty and desperate they come! Thirsty and desperate we come!

In our moments of crises, we come. A near fatal accident, the end of a marriage, indebtedness, illness, physical weakness, danger – they all draw us to a place of seeking God. I know you’ve probably heard the expression “there are no atheist in foxholes”.

Why do we wait to come to God? Why do we do “all we can, so we better pray”? That’s what the disciples did when they were in the storm on the sea. Why do we wait for the heat of our situation to draw us to the Father?

How much better is it to be a sheep instead of a deer?

“The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need. 2 He lets me rest in fields of green grass. He leads me beside the quiet waters. 3 He makes me strong again.” Psalm 23:1-3 NLV

When we have a sheep’s mindset we follow; we don’t try to handle life on our own. We trust the Shepherd. We start our day following Him and end it resting in His protection.

Yesterday I had a neighbor, and a friend, tell me “I start each day by saying ‘Lord be with me today and help me be with You'”. We know He has promised to never leave us but sometimes we leave Him.

We have the promise of His loving-kindness throughout the day and His soothing song in the night. How good it is to know that when we are thirsty He is there. I’m so thankful for His presence!

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Thankful for Answers

I recently accepted a new position. I really am enjoying it and the people I work with. I have questions regarding some of the work and when I ask, they are always ready to give me the answers.

However, there have been times when I haven’t even known what questions to ask. Have you ever been there? You know you don’t have the knowledge you need but are unsure what that knowledge is.

I am thankful for those people who stand by my side and provide the help I need.

Some people have the intelligence to answer difficult questions, some have the skill to tackle and solve the mechanical, some have the wisdom to bring enlightenment to the emotional while still others have the insight into the financial and then there are those who have the uncanny knack of good old common sense.

I’m thankful for the input of all these people in my life but more than that I am thankful for the Father’s loving gift of the Holy Spirit.

” But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will lead you into all truth. He will not speak his own words. He will speak only what he hears and will tell you what will happen in the future. 14 The Spirit of truth will bring glory to me by telling you what he receives from me. 15 All that the Father has is mine. That is why I said that the Spirit will tell you what he receives from me.” John 16:13-15 ERV

Since God can’t lie the above statement that Jesus made about the Holy Spirit is true. The Holy Spirit is here to tell us what he hears from the Father, He is here to guide us into all true. The truth He has is not what’s found in the Wall Street Journal nor is it found in great institutions of higher learning. He tells us what he hears from the Father.

“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

“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord…3 Trust your work to the Lord, and your plans will work out well…9 The mind of a man plans his way, but the Lord shows him what to do.” Proverbs 16:1,3,9 NLV

Thank you, Father, for sending a comforter, a counsellor, a helper and a guide. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to live in us and work through us for your glory.

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Stuck in the Mud

When we lived in Montana our home was out in the country on a dirt road. To be more specific, the composition of the road was more of a clay base than a dirt base. When it rained, things got sticky.

I used to walk that road most every day, even the rainy ones. On those days I needed to watch where I stepped, keeping my feet on drier ground. It was not uncommon to break through the upper layer, sinking into the mud. On more than one occasion I had my shoe pulled right off my foot. Now, I find it humorous but then, I was not amused.

Have you ever had an experience where you were stuck in the mud? Maybe you weren’t literally stuck but possibly, figuratively stuck.

Stuck in a job that’s not meant for you; stuck in an association that isn’t healthy? I have good news.

“ I did not give up waiting for the Lord. And He turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up out of the hole of danger, out of the mud and clay. He set my feet on a rock, making my feet sure. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and will put their trust in the Lord.

4 How happy is the man who has made the Lord his trust, and has not turned to the proud or to the followers of lies. 5 O Lord my God, many are the great works You have done, and Your thoughts toward us. No one can compare with You! If I were to speak and tell of them, there would be too many to number.

6 You have not wanted gifts given on the altar in worship. You have opened my ears. You have not wanted burnt gifts or gifts to cover sins. 7 Then I said, “Look, I have come. It is written about me in the book. 8 I am happy to do Your will, O my God. Your Law is within my heart.”

9 I have told the good news about what is right and good in the big meeting with many people. You know I will not close my lips, O Lord. 10 I have not hidden what is right and good with You in my heart. I have spoken about how faithful You are and about Your saving power. I have not hidden Your loving-kindness and Your truth from the big meeting.

11 O Lord, You will not keep Your loving-pity from me. Your loving-kindness and Your truth will always keep me safe.” Psalm 40:1-11 NLVs

As I read these verses this morning, my mind went to those times of being physically, literally, emotionally and spiritually stuck. Stuck in worry and anger, stuck in a job where dishonesty and deception were the norm, stuck in a defeated life spiritually.

Did you notice the last line in verse eleven? “Your loving-kindness…will always keep me safe”. The hesed of God, his loving-kindness is our safety.

I am so grateful that God in His love pulled me out of the mud and set my feet on the Rock of His Word.

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