Category: Relationship

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No S’Mores

Last night a grandfather brought his grandson and granddaughter to the check-in hut to buy wood. They are leaving today and they all wanted to have one more campfire before they headed home.

I got them their big bag of wood and as they were leaving I asked Grandpa “do you have the making for s’mores?”. He smiled and said he didn’t think he had any marshmallows. I told him that I had some at my campsite and they were right next door so I’d be glad to give him some.

His grandson whispered something to him and Grandpa said out loud, “Oh, I almost forgot”. Grandpa then explained to me that his granddaughter has multiple food allergies and she couldn’t have them. The little girl’s countenance fell; disappointment was written across her face.

What Grandpa did next was so sweet. He bent down and hugged his granddaughter tightly and said “I love you too much to let you have something that will make you sick”and then he kissed the top of her head. He looked at his grandson and thanked him for looking out for his sister.

The three of them left, talking all about the great fire they were going to have on their last night without any s’mores.

That is so much like the Father…

The world offers us something that sounds so good, something that everyone else likes. But our Father reminds us that those things wouldn’t be good for us, in fact, what’s being offered will make us sick.

“ But that way of life is nothing like what you learned when you came to know Christ. 21 I know that you heard about him, and in him you were taught the truth. Yes, the truth is in Jesus. 22 You were taught to leave your old self. This means that you must stop living the evil way you lived before. That old self gets worse and worse, because people are fooled by the evil they want to do. 23 You must be made new in your hearts and in your thinking. 24 Be that new person who was made to be like God, truly good and pleasing to him.” Ephesians 4:20-24 ERV

Young Daniel and Esther were slaves in a foreign country. They had each been selected for the king’s service. Part of their preparation before they were presented at court was a special diet of the king’s dainties. Some of these foods were forbidden in the Jewish diet. Two different people, two different kings, two different countries but the two of them refused the foods being offered, they honored their God and then God honored them with a high place in the palaces.

Some things will make us physically ill, others will cause disease to grow in our mind and our spirit. Our loving Father wants to protect us in all three areas; He is concerned about our well-being spirit, body and mind.

Be thankful that He loves us enough to divert us from the things that would harm us. Follow His instruction and enjoy His presence.

Spending time with the Father, feeling His embrace and sitting by the “fire of life” with Him is so much better than giving in to the allure of life’s s’mores!

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A Pattern for Living

When I was a girl my mother sewed most of my clothes. I remember countless times that we headed to the department store or to the fabric store to pour over pages and pages of pattern books. Once we found the perfect pattern, we would go through bolts and bolts of fabric until we found just the material for the project.

What I didn’t realize is that many times the “perfect fabric” was the one that was on sale and would fit into the budget.

Success!

Did you know we have been given a pattern for life? It’s just right and will fit perfectly! There will be no bargain shopping for the right fabric, only the best will do. It has been custom design, no one-size-fits-all type of apparell.

“Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands.
2 Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
3 They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever.
4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
5 Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly.
6 Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
7 They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
8 They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.
9 They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.
10 The wicked will see this and be infuriated. They will grind their teeth in anger;
    they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.” Psalm 112 NLT

This is the pattern that the Lord has designed for those who are righteous. Don’t let that word scare you into thinking that this is for someone else and not you. To be righteous is to be in right standing with God. Jesus has made that possible for all of us by His sacrifice on our behalf.

Our pattern has been cut to include a heart that loves God’s word. We are designed to be generous, compassionate and fair in our dealings with others. We trust God and don’t fear bad news. We are confident in God’s provision and protection in every area of life.

We help those in need and are victorious when we face those who would like to do evil to us. We will not be overcome by those seeking to do us harm. God’s word promises that we will be overcomers in this life.

This is God’s pattern for our life. It’s tailor made, only the best will do for a child of Almighty God! Our garment has been sewn and pressed.

“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 …Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:10-14 NLT

It’s laid out before us all we have to do is pick it up and put it on.

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Happy Friday

Most days of the week seem to have little or no variation. I guess that’s all part of being retired.

Dave and I laughed during the COVID shut-down because our lifestyle really had no signficant changes. Yes, we visited family fewer times and learned to ordered our groceries on-line with a pick up order but other than that life continued on all the same.

But today is a special day! It’s one of our granddaughters’ fourth birthday and we came from the mountains back to the valley to celebrate with her. It’s going to be such a fun Friday.

The bonus is we will also be visiting with her parents, brother and younger sister. We will also be spending time with our oldest daughter and husband. It’s a short visit and we will cram as much family love into the time we are here as we can. I’ve been looking forward to this for a couple of months.

Grandma’s hearts need cuddles and love.

Yes, our relationship with our kids and grandkids is patterned after the relationship that our heavenly Father wants to have with us. From the very beginning, when God created Adam and Eve He wanted to spend time with them.

“So God created humans in his own image. He created them to be like himself. He created them male and female. 28 God blessed them and said to them, ‘Have many children. Fill the earth and take control of it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the air. Rule over every living thing that moves on the earth.'” Genesis 1:27-28 ERV

God created us to be like Him. He ruled heaven and He gave earth to mankind to rule. Genesis, chapter 3, tells us that God came and walked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the evening. I can only imagine that those talks were filled with Adam telling God about all the wonderful things they had experienced during the day and like any loving father, God listened and enjoyed spending time with His family.

Jesus told those who came to hear him speak that we all need to be like little children to truly enjoy the kingdom of heaven.

“Then the people brought their little children to Jesus so that he could lay his hands on them to bless them and pray for them. When the followers saw this, they told the people to stop bringing their children to him. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people who are like these children.” 15 After Jesus blessed the children, he left there.” Matthew 19:13-15 ERV

Children are innocent and accepting, filled with faith and trust. We should all be like that – trusting completely in our Father’s love and protection, His provision and His grace.

Today will be filled with awe and wonder as we explore the undersea world of the aquarium. I can’t wait to see her expression as we view all the different sea life. What a joy it will be to be together.

Lord, remind me to experience the wonder of living everyday with you!

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What Does It Take?

At the campground, we get asked lots of questions. What kind of clouds are those, what’s kind of fern is that? What’s that bird or mushroom? What…what…what.

For the last few days I have been asking myself a “what” question. What does it take to be a good Christian?

There are so many Christians who seem to have it all together. There are better teachers, more educated Bible scholars, those who have been blessed with the finances to go and do great things for the Lord. Some are younger, stronger, more articulate.

So, what does it take to be used by the Lord?

  • Adam was disobedient
  • Noah drank too much wine
  • Abraham was old
  • Moses killed a man and he stuttered
  • Miriam was a woman
  • David was young
  • Daniel was a slave
  • Peter was impetuous and crude
  • Zacchaeus was a cheating tax collector
  • Mary was a bossy, work-a-holic
  • Nicodemus was a closet Christian
  • Rahab was a harlot
  • The woman at the well was a social outcast
  • Paul was a religious zealot who persecuted Christians

So, what does it take to be a good Christian and to be used by God?

There two things that all these people have in common. They accepted God’s forgiveness for their failings and they made themselves available. The Lord isn’t looking for people who will “wow” the world, He wants people who are willing to be used.

“Brothers and sisters, God chose you to be his. Think about that! Not many of you were wise in the way the world judges wisdom. Not many of you had great influence, and not many of you came from important families. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. He chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 And God chose what the world thinks is not important—what the world hates and thinks is nothing. He chose these to destroy what the world thinks is important. 29 God did this so that no one can stand before him and boast about anything.” I Corinthians 1:26-29 ERV

He provides us with the strength, the talent, the wherewithal that’s necessary to reach the world but He won’t force anyone to serve Him. The ability that He is looking for in all of us is availability.

“They saw him and worshiped him, but some of them doubted.

18 Jesus came to them and said: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! 19 Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 20 and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.” Matthew 28:17-20 CEV

Jesus spoke to those who doubted and those who worshiped and gave them the same instruction. Go. You all go and tell the world everything you have learned from me. You won’t be going alone, I will be with you always. Be available and go.

So, here’s the question we all have to answer. Am I willing to be available?

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A Special Gift

Every morning I thank the Lord for the opportunity He has given me to share words of encouragement with you. It’s what I love to do!

This is the 4th anniversary of Kristi’s Morning Devotional and it has been such a joy to lay my fingers on the keyboard and write what the Father has put on my heart. Who knew there was a lesson to be learned from mushrooms?

I appreciate the comments you share through email and on Facebook. Knowing that the Holy Spirit is encouraging you touches my heart. If these brief morning thoughts strengthen you throughout your day, if they remind you that you are never alone and if they help direct you in the decisions you are facing then I am thrilled.

Each day the Lord gives us is a special gift. Each morning is a page waiting to be filled with His goodness and grace. Each evening is an opportunity to reflect on the His love and mercy. Each hour is an opportunity to draw on His strength and direction.

“This day belongs to the Lord! Let’s celebrate and be glad today.” Psalm 118:24 CEV

I am committed to continue writing as long as the Lord gives me the words to pen. I want the Father to be glorified through each posting. He, alone, is worthy of all praise and adoration.

Last night I had a dream that I was teaching at a church gathering. The theme of the message was “A Deeper Relationship”. Never do I want to present religious ideas or manmade doctrines. My goal and desire is for all who read my writings or hear my words to know that our heavenly Father is a father who desires relationship.

One of our children once told Dave and I “I see now how much you guys gave up, how much you sacrificed for us as we were growing up. I want you to know how much I appreciate it all. I love you”.

As I grow in relationship with the Father each day I appreciate His love so much more. I want that for each and everyone of you. And I hope that you desire that as well; for yourselves, your friends and family.

When Jesus sent His disciples out to preach the message of the life changing power of God, He told them this:

“Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: …7 Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!” Matthew 10:5-8 NLT

We have been given the same instruction. Freely give. The life giving message of God’s love is a gift to be freely given. It is my hope that as you receive from this daily blog that you will share it with others.

In the past four years, the blog has been read nearly 50,000 times. That humbles me. But my hope is that many more will read it and come to know the unconditional, amazing love and joy that come from being in relationship with the Father.

Will you help me spread this good news? Please share my blog with your friends and let’s see God’s word reach thousands more. There is no greater gift than the gift of God’s love.

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What A Wonderful World

If you’ve been reading my blogs for any length of time you know that I am fascinated by clouds. Yesterday did not disappoint.  This is the image I captured about 7 a.m.

What a wonderful world our Father has created!

Each time I see a sky like this my heart says, “Oh Father, you do great work”. When I was younger I sang a song by John W. Peterson, “It Took A Miracle”.

“My Father is omnipotent, and that you can´t deny;

A God of might and miracles, ´tis written in the sky. 

CHORUS: It took a miracle to put the stars in place;

It took a miracle to hang the world in space.

But when He saved my soul,

Cleansed and made me whole,

It took a miracle of love and grace.”

That’s how I feel. Each day the Lord shows me something special – another expression of His goodness and love. He never disappoints! But the greatest miracle is the one He has done in my life.

“Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.” Psalm 107:31 NLT

I realize that some may think I am a bit unrealistic but for years I have prayed that the Lord would show me the good around me and keep me from becoming cynical and unkind. He has answered that prayer!

We live in a world where God’s wonder abounds.

Our job is to be an ambassador of His love. There is so much that is ugly and cruel. There is pain and disappointment, I won’t deny it but God’s goodness and love is so much greater than any of that.

“We are Christ’s ambassadors. God is using us to speak to you: we beg you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, receive the love he offers you—be reconciled to God.  21 For God took the sinless Christ and poured into him our sins. Then, in exchange, he poured God’s goodness into us!” II Corinthians 5:20-21 TLB

When I see a sky as beautiful as it was yesterday I am reminded that my Father, who made that sky, has told me to come to Him boldly whenever I find myself in need and He will be there to help. That is His message to all of us.

“So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive his mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need.” Hebrews 4:16 TLB

There’s an old Louis Armstrong song that’s lyrics bring a smile to my face and I hope it will make you smile too.

“I see trees of green
Red roses too
I see them bloom
For me and for you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world

I see skies of blue
And clouds of white
The bright blessed day
The dark sacred night
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world”

Declare the goodness of the Lord. We live in a wonderful world!

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Don’t Wake Up Grumpy!

Have you heard that old line? “Did you wake up grumpy?”  Response: “No, I let him sleep.”

Well, yesterday I had a phone conversation with a man named Alvin who asked me where I was. When I explained to him that I was in the mountains and the view I see each morning he laughed and said, “No wonder you sound happy”.

It was a business call so we didn’t spend too much time talking about personal things, but he commented that each morning when he looks into the mirror he reminds himself that it will be a good day because he knows God loves him and that makes everything good.

At the end of the day, I had the opportunity to talk with Mr. Mendoza.  He came to camp with his grandsons the end of last week.  He wanted to extend their camping trip at least another three nights.  He had a huge smile on his face – he’s always smiling – as he told us what a good time they were having.

But I know a little of their backstory. Shortly after they arrived and had gotten their tent set up, Mr. Mendoza’s truck broke down. It wasn’t drivable. It was the weekend. How would he get someone to tow him to town to get it repaired? He didn’t seem concerned.

He and his grandsons spent the weekend walking back and forth to the lake to go fishing. The grandsons were always smiling, grandpa was always smiling. This was not spoiling their time together. Monday, a tow truck came out to the campground and picked up he and his rig. Two of the boys stayed at the camp to fish. The truck repair cost him several hundred dollars. He was still smiling.

And now he was extending his trip because as he said “I wanted to get my grandsons out of our town. There is nothing for them to do there. I wanted them to have some fun and experience new things like I did with my father.”  The boys were excited because they were catching fish and having fun.

Remember we talked about focus yesterday. Well, he was focused on the experience with his grandsons and not on the problems with his truck.

So, this morning as I sat down in my chair and took my first sip of coffee my thoughts were a little prayer. “Thank you, Father that I didn’t wake up grumpy. Thank you, for your love and filling me with Your joy”.

“You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful.” Psalm 16:11 CEV

Did you wake up grumpy?

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Get the Right Focus

Several months ago I was able to purchase a new camera. It isn’t anywhere near top-of-the-line but it’s the best camera I have ever owned. I so appreciate a friend, Scott, who knows more about these things than I and he gave me some excellent recommendations.

I was determined to learn to use this camera to the best of my ability. I even sat down several afternoons and watched YouTube tutorials, with camera in hand. And then life happened.

Things got busy and we headed to the mountains for the summer. What I didn’t realize when we left is that our internet service would be as limited as it is and I wouldn’t be able to rely on that on-line instruction and training that I wanted to learn more about aperture, shutter speed, manual focus, etc.

I know having an understanding of these things will aid me immensely in creating better shots. However, I am lacking in knowledge and experience. I have found that the best camera setting for me at this time is “IA” mode, which means intelligent auto mode. Basically, with that setting the camera takes over for me and gets me the best shots available because of my limited knowledge. I am content with that.

It keeps me focused. Obviously the image I used this morning is one I took trying to use my own settings. It’s blurry!

Isn’t that the way it is with life?

There is so much that can distract us, lead us off course and blur our vision. More education, a newer house, a different job, retirement, more fulfilling relationships. Our mind’s eye dashes here and there trying to focus on what is most important and how to achieve it.  There is really no matter greater to trust with the  “intelligent auto” setting for our lives than the Lord.

“Your eyes are like a window for your body. When they are good, you have all the light you need. 23 But when your eyes are bad, everything is dark. If the light inside you is dark, you surely are in the dark.” Matthew 6:22 CEV

The Apostle Paul was very aware of this. He had so many things happening in his life he had to be reminded to stay focused.  He was responsible for the teaching and care of thousands of new Christians, he was being persecuted in nearly every town he preached in and finally he was imprisoned in Rome for the teachings of Christ. He was focused on the finish line.

“I keep running hard toward the finish line to get the prize that is mine because God has called me through Christ Jesus to life up there in heaven.” Philippians 3:14 ERV

When we walk with the Lord and learn to depend upon His word our skills will improve and we will be able to utiltize more of what the Lord has available for us. However, we never want to lose focus of what should be at the center of our lives.

“But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.” Matthew 6:33 CEV

Stay focused on what’s most important, everything else will fall into place.

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It’s A New Day

For the past two weeks, you know, Dave and I have been under the U.S. Forest Service evacuation order for the Apache Sitgreaves region. At noon yesterday we were granted permission to return to our campground at Big Lake, as were all the other camp hosts in our region.

I had no idea that my reaction would be so strong. The campground that has been our temporary location was very nice and we loved the wildlife and the camaraderie we experienced with the other hosts but as Dave pulled our 5th wheel up the road to our campground, Rainbow, my heart filled with joy. We were home!

I could only imagine how some of you have felt living in areas that are effected by tornados and hurricanes. Living in the western United States all of my life I have never experienced that kind of devastation or threat of destruction.

“Your way is perfect, Lord, and your word is correct. You are a shield for those who run to you for help.” Psalm 18:30 CEV

Our afternoon was filled with all the little chores of settling in; connecting to power, water, sewer, making sure we were level, cleaning inside, putting things back in place, setting up the awning, putting out chairs and grill.

Happy to be home.

This beautiful sunrise greeted us yesterday morning, it was as if the Lord was saying, “today is a good day”. When we took one of our granddaughter’s camping with us this last winter she and I would walk out side at sunrise and say “Good Morning Sun”. As a four-year-old, it’s something she remembers as a special time.

Today we prepare for the return of campers. A few will come in today with many more coming over the weekend. We will be so glad to hear the sounds of laughter in the campground. Families enjoying each other away from the distractions of the city. Families making special memories like Kristine and I have shared, maybe they’ll even see the sunrise together.

The Lord gave blessings to the Israelites right before they entered the Promised Land. Since we have a relationship with God, the Father, those promises are also our inheritance.

“If you will obey the Lord your God, all these blessings will come to you and be yours: 3 “He will bless you in the city and in the field. 4 He will bless you and give you many children. He will bless your land and give you good crops. He will bless your animals and let them have many babies. He will bless you with calves and lambs. 5 He will bless your baskets and pans and fill them with food. 6 He will bless you at all times in everything you do.” Deuteronomy 28:2-6 ERV

When this summer started we really had no idea of what the Lord was going to do in our lives. We just wanted to be obedient to His leading. This is beyond anything we expected.

Look for the Lord’s leading and follow it! Today is a new day, a day filled with blessing. Good Morning “Son”!

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The Sound of the Bugle

As I sat here this morning the quiet was broken by the sound of an elk’s bugle. It is an amazing sound.

It’s piercing. It’s regal. But it also sounds lonely.

Yesterday driving to town, we encountered many cow elk along the way but we have yet to see a bull. I’m hoping that is something I am able to capture before the summer ends.

The bugle let’s me know they are close. They are majestic creatures.

I’m intrigued by the mind and creativity of the Lord.  This summer has been interesting, to say the least, with the number of wildlife we have seen. The elk and the moose are large, strong animals. Close in size but so different in confirmation.

Each day we watch the chipmunks and the squirrels. Again, similar but different. The chipmunks scurry through our camp looking for bits of food that may have dropped from the griddle. The squirrels dash through but rarely stop.

A grouse is a common visitor to our host campground and each day we see the woodpeckers, the crows and the robins. The wild horses graze just yards from our RV and the black tail deer come nearly every morning to the area adjacent to our picnic table.

These are only a few of the world’s many creatures that were designed and created by our Father. Each has a purpose. Each has individual distinctions. God knows them all.

More than that He knows us!

Our DNA and our fingerprints are unique only to us. All designed and established by our Father, the Creator of heaven and earth.

“You are the one who put me together   inside my mother’s body, 14 and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous!  Of this I have no doubt.” Psalm 139:13-14 CEV

He knows each elk that bugles, and He knows each voice of His children that call out to Him.

“’Call to Me, and I will answer you. And I will show you great and wonderful things which you do not know.’” Jeremiah 33:3 NLV

We are not an afterthought. We are not alone. We are each created with a specific purpose. Our Father has designed us. We are uniquely His!

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