Category: Relationship

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More Love

The last two days I have had these words in my mind and on my heart – More Love.

Think about those two words in connection with our relationship with God, the Father. Can we earn more of His love? Is it possible that He loves someone more than He loves us?

The answer to those two questions is an emphatic no!

Something we need to realize, and it goes beyond human understanding, is that God is love, period. There is no greater or lesser degree of His love displayed because of our efforts or goodness.

“God is love, and anyone who doesn’t love others has never known him.” I John 4:8CEV

Water is wet. That is a definitive statement. I know this is an inadequate example, but water doesn’t get any wetter because someone is rich or poor, tall or short, good or bad. Water is wet.

God is love!  He can’t get more love from anywhere – He is love. We, however, can understand the depth of His love more as we develop in our relationship with Him but that doesn’t mean He loves us more.  The Apostle Paul prayed this prayer for the Christians in Ephesus, and it is for us too.

“So I bow in prayer before the Father. 15 Every family in heaven and on earth gets its true name from him. 16 I ask the Father with his great glory to give you the power to be strong in your spirits. He will give you that strength through his Spirit. 17 I pray that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. I pray that your life will be strong in love and be built on love. 18 And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. 19 Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you.” Ephesians 3:14-19 ERV

One of the most quoted verses in the Bible is John 3:16.

“ God loved the people of this WORLD so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” CEV (emphasis mine)

We are all included in the “world”, so we could accurately read that verse like this: “For God so loved Kristi (add your name) that He gave His only begotten Son…” God, in His love, is unwilling that any of us should perish, His love has been poured out to all.

More Love!

It’s not possible for Him to love anymore than He does right now. It’s not possible for anything to separate us from His love.

“I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, 39 and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!” Romans 8:38-39 CEV

Don’t ever entertain the thought that God doesn’t love you. That’s not possible for if God ever stopped loving us, He would stop being God. He cannot deny who He is.

My prayer for you is the same as Paul for the Christians in Ephesus – I pray that you will understand and come to know the height, the depth and the breadth of God’s love for you.

God is love and He loves you!

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A Solitary Place

I think the thing I enjoy most about the mountains is the quiet – the solitude!

Each morning and evening I watch the campers come to enjoy the beauty of the morning sun on the lake and the evening glow but it’s the quiet and sense of peace that overwhelm me. I don’t think there is any other place on earth where I have experienced the Scripture, “Be still and know that I am God”, anymore than here.

Throughout the day, the side-by-side’s and pickups are headed to the lake and out to the trails. Campers are laughing, waving as they head out. There is such a sense of joy, even when it’s raining.

But it’s in the peace that the Lord speaks to my heart!

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ERV

We all need a place to come away and enjoy the quiet presence of the Lord.

“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

Life gets so hectic that we all need a place to unplug. Jesus knew this.

We tend over spiritualize Jesus life and forget that He faced difficult issues on a daily basis. The religious leaders hated him and were openly plotting his demise. The country he lived in was under the rule of a foreign dictator. The masses came seeking Him but most only wanted to see the next miracle and didn’t really embrace His message. His own disciples questioned his actions on numerous occasions. From early morning until late at night demands were made on His time and His strength.

“After Jesus said goodbye to the people, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. It was late, and he was there alone.” Matthew 14:23 ERV

“The next morning Jesus woke up very early. He left the house while it was still dark and went to a place where he could be alone and pray.” Mark 1:35 ERV

On the night that He was arrested He took His disciples with Him to the garden where He prayed.

“Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. When they got there, he told them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” Matthew 26:36 CEV

Jesus needed a place to pray, we all need to follow His example.

I remember when our oldest children were two and four my quiet place was our walk-in closet. Honestly, that was where I had no distractions. I would put them down for their afternoon nap and I would go into the closet to pray. It wasn’t nearly as serene or beautiful as the view I now have of the lake but it was quiet and I was alone.

I encourage you to find a place – even a closet – that becomes your quiet place where you can go and sense God’s peace, be filled with His joy and come away refreshed.

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The Unexpected

Yesterday Dave and I took a drive, not far from our campground to a place called Lee’s Valley Reservoir.  It’s a small lake – such a serene setting.

We weren’t there for the fishing or picnicking. We went specifically to find a strong internet connection so that we could stream our church service and get some computer work done. I couldn’t think of a nicer place to hold up.

It was so good to be a part of a live service and hear good teaching from God’s word.

After we left there, we stopped by to see a friend of ours, another camp host. We had a short visit but when the dark clouds started rolling in, we knew it was time to head for home.  Within minutes the rain was pouring down, the windshield wipers on the truck couldn’t keep up.

About that time my phone rang. The rain was beating so strongly on the roof of the truck I didn’t know if we would be able to hear but I answered. Dave pulled the truck off the road on to an overlook.  It was our oldest daughter. We chatted for a few minutes but explained about the driving rain we were experiencing so we cut the conversation short.

On to home.

As we pulled onto the road to the campground the sun broke through and everything appeared to be crisp and well washed by the rain. I went to check with the hosts on duty to make sure all was well.

What they told me was a bit unnerving. Just moments before we had arrived there had been a lightning strike in the campground. It was close to us. Dave and I went to investigate and make sure all the campers were ok. It struck right behind our 5th wheel in the site up the bank from us. The campers in that site had been sitting outside when it hit! They were obviously shaken but ok. Chunks of timber were thrown everywhere.

Dave and our manager were busy inspecting the tree and discussing its stability and the safety concerns while I spoke with the one camper. I told him I was sure that God had provided he and the others with protection. He agreed and then he said this, “That’s why we live each day as if it could be our last and we are ready anytime that this may be our last breath. I’m ready.”

I assured him we were too, and we were very grateful that they were all safe!

“So always be cheerful! As long as we are in these bodies, we are away from the Lord. 7 But we live by faith, not by what we see. 8 We should be cheerful, because we would rather leave these bodies and be at home with the Lord. 9 But whether we are at home with the Lord or away from him, we still try our best to please him.” II Corinthians 5:6-9 CEV

My question for you this morning is are you ready? Do you know that when you leave this body that you will be present with the Father?  I would hate to think that those reading this might not be sure where they would be if they died today. If you’re uncertain please pray this simple prayer.

“Father, I’m not sure I’m ready if this is to be my final day on earth. I’m not sure I would be in heaven with You. I want to be sure. I know I have sinned, but I also know that Jesus died to see that my sins are forgiven and I can be adopted as one of Your children. I believe that You did this for me, and I ask you to receive me now as Your child. Thank you for giving me new life. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Today is a new day for all of us. Things may come that we aren’t expecting but nothing catches our heavenly Father unaware. We can have peace as we trust in Him.

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The Flowers Are Fading

We’ve had a beautiful summer!

Never has the grass been so lush and green or the wild flowers as plentiful and vivid. Camper after camper, who had been coming here for years, tell us this is the most vegetation they have ever seen.

Just last weekend, we had a group of visitors from the Arizona Mushroom Association. They were wandering the forest in search of edible fungus and even had classes on proper drying and preparation.

It is a bumper year for vegetation. However, the chill of fall is in the air. Morning temperatures have been in the mid 40’s and we’re wearing sweatshirts or fleece part of the day. With the chill, the flowers are beginning to fade.

Things are changing, as they must. The earth needs time to catch its breath and replenish its soil through the Fall and winter.

We, too, go through times of change. I was watching a series on the West last night and one old Cheyenne warrior was telling his daughter that he had entered the winter of his life but she was not to be sad because this was the way “the One God had planned it”. I’m definitely in the fall of my life.

“7 At the Lord’s command,
flowers and grass disappear,
    and so do we.
8 Flowers and grass fade away,
but what our God has said
    will never change.” Isaiah 40:7-8 CEV

Throughout my lifetime I have found God’s word to be my only constant, it’s the only thing that has never changed and is completely trustworthy. I’m so thankful I have learned and am still learning to trust His word.

“13 Just as parents are kind to their children, the Lord is kind to all who worship him, 14     because he knows we are made of dust. 15 We humans are like grass  or wild flowers that quickly bloom. 16 But a scorching wind blows, and they quickly wither   to be forever forgotten. 17 The Lord is always kind  to those who worship him, and he keeps his promises to their descendants. 18 who faithfully obey him.” Psalm 103:13-18 CEV

What season are you in? The Father will be faithful.

It doesn’t make me sad to see the flowers fade because it reminds me that God always keeps His promises, no matter the season.

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Complete the Masterpiece

The other night as Dave and I sat looking at the sunset I was awed by its beauty. The trees, the clouds, the brilliance of the sun, all combined give an amazing view but if one of those pieces had been removed it wouldn’t have had the same splendor.

For a long time I was timid in my witness for the Lord. I have never been one of those people who walks up on the street to tell people “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life”. That’s just not me and for a while I was condemning myself for not being more bold.

However, the Lord showed me that He was willing to use me in other ways.

He has given me such a compassion for people that I meet in my daily life. People whose lives are filled with disappointment, hurt or struggle. Those people I can speak with and listen to their story and then pray with them or for them.

I had someone recently tell me. I wish I could do what you do – write and teach. I was able to explain that we all have gifts and talents given to us by the Father, not the same talents but each of us has a unique God-given purpose.

“14 Our bodies don’t have just one part. They have many parts. 15 Suppose a foot says, “I’m not a hand, and so I’m not part of the body.” Wouldn’t the foot still belong to the body? 16 Or suppose an ear says, “I’m not an eye, and so I’m not part of the body.” Wouldn’t the ear still belong to the body? 17 If our bodies were only an eye, we couldn’t hear a thing. And if they were only an ear, we couldn’t smell a thing. 18 But God has put all parts of our body together in the way that he decided is best.” I Corinthians 12:14-18 CEV

We all have a part to play. We are all members of Christ’s body, His ministry here on earth. We are to bring glory to Him by touching this world with His love.

Don’t remove yourself from the Lord’s masterpiece. Do what God has called you to do without hesitation.

We need you to make the masterpiece complete!

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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?

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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!

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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”.

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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!

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A Hurting Heart

As parents, we all know what it’s like to have our hearts ache for our children.

When they are little and run a fever, break a bone or even go to bed hungry we hurt. As they grow and encounter their first bully or insensitive comment that causes them to cry and question their self-worth, we immediately speak words of love and healing but our hearts ache.

Then there are the times they work so hard and fail to make the team, the choir, the squad; they fail to advance in some academic, artistic or agricultural competition and we hurt. All the time reassuring them that they did their best and we are proud of them. There maybe times when they face overwhelming sickness and we volunteer to take their place.

Oh my, God understands!

When His son was here on earth He lived among a hostile people. Many people were drawn to Jesus, they followed Him and learned from Him but those who seemed most vocal were the ones who hated Him and plotted His death. They were relentless.

I can only imagine how the Father must have felt when He heard Jesus praying in the garden. His Son was in such anguish, the pain was almost unbearable. Jesus had never been separated from the presence of His Father’s love, it was something He considered inconceivable but it was about to happen and He was in great turmoil. Jesus had to make the decision to be obedient to the Father’s plan, for our salvation, which also meant He would be separated from the Father because He was carrying our sin.

His heart ached and so did the Father’s.

“When Jesus had said these things, He looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the time has come! Honor Your Son so Your Son may honor You. 2 You have given Him power over all men. He is to give life that lasts forever to all You have given to Him. 3 This is life that lasts forever. It is to know You, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ Whom You have sent.” John 17:1-3 NLV

How the Father’s heart must have ached! He saw His Son die so that we could have a restored relationship with Him. We are welcome in His presence; we are invited to come with our broken hearts and with our tears for our children. He promises to give us the help and comfort we need.

“ We have a great high priest, who has gone into heaven, and he is Jesus the Son of God. That is why we must hold on to what we have said about him. 15 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 4:14-16 CEV

Mothers, Fathers, never hesitate to bring your heart for your children to God’s throne. He knows the anguish and He promises to give us undeserved kindness and help in our time of need.

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