Category: Relationship

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Great Is Our God!

This morning starts with a warm cup of coffee and heart filled with praise.

Last night we sat outside for quite a while thanking God for the events of the past few days. Today, we will spend some time with our daughters, sons-in-law and three of the grandkids. We are blessed to live close and have these opportunities. Blessed indeed.

Life is pretty close to perfect today. However, not every day has been filled with the joy I feel in my heart this morning. There have been days of struggles, days of tears. Whatever the day presents you with I want you to understand this one thing, our heavenly Father is faithful.

He is faithful when we are struggling (emotionally, physically, financially or spiritually). When we are in a good place, the Father is faithful!

His love endures forever and it’s unconditional. He never changes. He’s always the same. He’s not bothered by circumstances – He is God! He is praiseworthy and trustworthy!

I know, if we seek Him, we will find Him to be faithful.

“You rule forever, Lord, and you are on your throne, ready for judgment. 8 You judge the world fairly and treat all nations with justice. 9 The poor can run to you because you are a fortress in times of trouble. 10 Everyone who honors your name can trust you, because you are faithful to all who depend on you.” Psalm 9:7-10 CEV

We can trust Him with everything, the large and the small. I see it like this. Since we are His children, He desires to be involved in every area of our lives. Remember being little and having a splinter in your finger or a scraped knee? It was so special to have it kissed and made better. That’s what a loving parent does. The injury may have been trivial, but the love was great.

Our Father is faithful to all who depend on Him. He doesn’t leave us to flounder on our own. He can be depended upon always – in the needs and our greatest challenges.

“I worship at your holy temple and praise you for your love and your faithfulness. You were true to your word and made yourself more famous than ever before. 3 When I asked for your help, you answered my prayer and gave me courage…I am surrounded by trouble, but you protect me against my angry enemies. With your own powerful arm you keep me safe. 8 You, Lord, will always treat me with kindness. Your love never fails. You have made us what we are. Don’t give up on us now!” Psalm 138:2-3, 7-8 CEV

Our Father is faithful, His love never fails! Our God is great!

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Grateful for Friends

The last couple of days Dave and I have been visiting friends. It has been wonderful!

We left home on Thursday morning stopping in Tucson and spending time with old friends. Then on down the road and another short visit with friends and neighbors. We spent time with family and then the last two nights and a day in the home of more friends, enjoying their company.

Last night we gathered for a time of feasting where we made some new friends. It was a great time for us. We felt part of the family, We shared delicious food, the joy and the laughter, the hopes and the dreams. It was wonderful!

It’s amazing how God’s love knits hearts together.

Do me a favor. Stop for a moment and think about the friends you hold dear. As their names and faces are fore front in your mind pray for them and thank God for them. Now, think about the qualities in your relationship with them. What makes them the special friends they are?

Those qualities and those people are a blessing from the Lord! They are a gift.

Did you know that God has friends? The Bible tells us that Abraham was a friend of God. Jesus said to his disciples that they were friends.

“ You are My friends if you do what I tell you. 15 I do not call you servants that I own anymore. A servant does not know what his owner is doing. I call you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from My Father. 16 You have not chosen Me, I have chosen you. I have set you apart for the work of bringing in fruit. Your fruit should last. And whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give it to you.” John 15:14-16 NLV

How great it is to be called God’s friend!

Friends share heart to heart, they share one another’s sorrows, they encourage and build one another up. It’s a relationship of giving, of openness, of loving.

“A friend loves at all times…” Proverbs 17:17 NLV

“A man who has friends must be a friend, but there is a friend who stays nearer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 NLV

We have a friend in Christ – a friend who loves at all times, a friend who stays close by in every situation.

The warmth of last evening will be with me for a very long time. It is imprinted on my heart. It is just another confirmation of how dearly the Father loves me. It is also a reminder of the type of daily relationship He wants to share with me. Jesus said he wasn’t keeping secrets from his friends. God said the same about Abraham, his friend.

“And the Lord said, “Should I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, 18 since Abraham will become a great and powerful nation, because good will come to all the nations of the earth through him? ” Genesis 18:17-18 NLV

I truly believe that God wants to say about each one of us what He said about and experienced with Abraham. He desires to share His heart with us, to not only be our Father but our friend.

Yes, I am grateful for friendship!

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The Peace Giver

Last night sleep eluded me. That happens sometimes and I don’t really know why. Maybe it was that way for you too.

I wasn’t worried about anything, nothing seemed wrong but still sleep didn’t come. My heart was at rest even though my body wasn’t.

I realized, again, how fortunate I am to have a peaceful heart. I don’t need to count sheep; I am able to count blessings. The peace of God rules and it brings amazing strength to my soul.

“ I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. 28 Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. 29 I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.” John 14:27-29 NLT

What a wonderful gift! Peace of mind and heart. Jesus was speaking to His apostles just hours before His crucifixion and His concern was for their peace, He wanted them free from fear.

That Apostle Paul put it this way.

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 NLT

There it is again – peace of mind and heart!

Our lives are bombarded with turmoil – we have an enemy who is out to steal, kill and destroy but we have One who is greater, and He is the giver of peace! We can either give in to fear or we can take heart and overcome.

“ I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT

Take heart.

Yesterday I had my annual physical and yes, I’m fit. However, I have an issue when my blood pressure is taken. At home it’s normal, at the doctor’s office it’s high. The doctor kindly said, “Let’s do that again. Let your heart rest”. I did and it came down.

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 NLT

Today, let your heart rest. Embrace God’s peace of mind and heart. Then let Him use you to spread peace to others.

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The Day Is New

Did any of you get up in the middle of the night to see the eclipse? Me neither but in my life I have seen some pretty spectacular sunrises. The camera never does them justice but the one this morning comes from our time in Montana.

How many thousands of sunrises has God painted across the sky? Each one is an expression of His faithfulness. He one is a reminder that we are not going to face the day alone.

My reason for being thankful today is GOD! His great love and compassion amaze me each morning and I just want to give Him thanks.

“I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart;
    I will sing your praises before the gods.
2 I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
    I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness;
for your promises are backed
    by all the honor of your name.
3 As soon as I pray, you answer me;
    you encourage me by giving me strength.

4 Every king in all the earth will thank you, Lord,
    for all of them will hear your words.
5 Yes, they will sing about the Lord’s ways,
    for the glory of the Lord is very great.
6 Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble,
    but he keeps his distance from the proud.

7 Though I am surrounded by troubles,
    you will protect me from the anger of my enemies.
You reach out your hand,
    and the power of your right hand saves me.
8 The Lord will work out his plans for my life—
    for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
    Don’t abandon me, for you made me.” Psalm 138 NLT

I give thanks to the Father for who He is and all that He has done. I thank Him for another day filled with his faithfulness.

God is Good!

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Come & Sing

Dave and I had a wonderful day yesterday. We hope you did too. We enjoy being together, after 50 years we are still each other’s best friends. It’s a gift and we are grateful!

Last night, instead of driving all the way home, we stopped at a hotel for a good night’s sleep. This morning I’m sitting here on the couch, drinking my coffee and writing to you all and I have to chuckle. This hotel suite is close to the same square footage as our RV. It’s a space I am comfortable in.

Dave’s still sleeping and I’m enjoying the quiet. Just the Lord, the little coffee brewer, my keyboard noise and you.

On our drive here we were discussing some decisions we will need to make in the next few months. Nothing that has to be decided today but something we need to begin discussing. You know how that is.

The one thing we kept saying last night as we put different scenarios into the discussion was, “We don’t need to decide this today, we can discuss it and let the Lord lead. He’ll work out all the details. We can trust Him.”

At different times through the night, I woke with these words filling my heart.

“It is the same with my word.  I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. 12 You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands! 13 Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow. Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up. These events will bring great honor to the Lord’s name; they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love.” Isaiah 55:11-13 NLT

God’s word will prosper. It will lead us with joy and peace. When we follow Him the events of our life will bring Him honor and be a sign of His power and love. Even the mountains will burst into song. (Sounds like a line from the Sound of Music)

Jesus taught on worry. He asked the question, why do you worry and fret. He went on to say that worrying won’t add an inch to our height.

“Look at the birds. They do not plant seeds. They do not gather grain. They have no grain buildings for keeping grain. Yet God feeds them. Are you not worth more than the birds?25 “Which of you can make yourself a little taller by worrying? 26 If you cannot do that which is so little, why do you worry about other things?” Luke 12:24-25 NLV

Dave and I have learned not to follow any decision we don’t have a peace about. The Lord’s faithful to lead and we can trust Him.

“Trust your work to the Lord, and your plans will work out well.” Proverbs 16:3

Join me this morning, join the trees, the mountains and the birds. Join the chorus and sing praise to the Lord for He is good.

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A Beautiful Reflection

Yesterday we spent the day at the NASCAR track in Arizona. For as many years as Dave and I have been married, NASCAR racing has been a passion for both of us. The last several years we have had the privilege of going to the races here in Phoenix and our oldest daughter and son-in-law have attended them with us.

Last night on our way back to their camper the sun was beginning to set and the sky was filled with hues of gold and pink. As we turned in to their campsite I captured this image. It was so striking!

The first thing I noticed was the reflection the sun had created in the windows. WOW!

Each time I woke up during the night that reflective image kept coming to mind. I had to share it with you. These are the verses I found that I felt the Lord wanted me to share with you as well.

“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 in His own image, a reflection of Him, so to speak.

Then I found these words that Solomon wrote.

“ Just as you can see your own face reflected in water, so your heart reflects the kind of person you are.” Proverbs 27:19 ERV

Our hearts should reflect our character and our character should reflect the nature of God.

“The Son shows the glory of God. He is a perfect copy of God’s nature, and he holds everything together by his powerful command. The Son made people clean from their sins. Then he sat down at the right side of God, the Great One in heaven.” Hebrews 1:3 ERV

Just as Jesus reflected God’s glory and nature, we should reflect that as well. God has filled our life with His nature through the promises of in His Word.

“Jesus has the power of God. And his power has given us everything we need to live a life devoted to God. We have these things because we know him. Jesus chose us by his glory and goodness, 4 through which he also gave us the very great and rich gifts that he promised us. With these gifts you can share in being like God. And so you will escape the ruin that comes to people in the world because of the evil things they want.” II Peter 1:3-4 ERV

Let’s reflect the goodness of God’s character in all we do!

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Child’s Play

Years ago, we moved from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest. Our youngest daughter was only six. She had never seen a true autumn.

We had big trees in our yard and the leaves began to fall. It seemed that all her little friends came to play. Dave would rake the leaves and the kids would jump in the piles and throw them in the air, just like you see in the movies. To the kids, it wasn’t work when we had them “help” fill the big black trash bags with the brightly colored bounty. It just added to the fun.

And then, in true Fall fashion, there would be hot cocoa and cookies before the kids would head home. What filled our home on those days were the giggles and the laughter, the joy and delight of being children, allowed to play. Children having fun.

“God, mark us with grace
    and blessing! Smile!
The whole country will see how you work,
    all the godless nations see how you save.
God! Let people thank and enjoy you.
    Let all people thank and enjoy you.
Let all far-flung people become happy
    and shout their happiness because
You judge them fair and square,
    you tend the far-flung peoples.
God! Let people thank and enjoy you.
    Let all people thank and enjoy you.
Earth, display your exuberance!
    You mark us with blessing, O God, our God.
You mark us with blessing, O God.
    Earth’s four corners—honor him!” Psalm 67 MSG

That’s what this Psalm says to me – Children having fun! “Let all people thank and enjoy you”.

Enjoying God, and all He has done, like a child enjoying all the splendor of the changing seasons.

I pray that today we will all be childlike and experience the wonders of the day and be filled with joy and thanksgiving.

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Freely Forgiven

The Bible’s stories are not about perfect people, far from it. It is written about God’s forgiveness, His complete forgiveness.

Yesterday morning I was reading the words from Nehemiah expressing God’s mercy and forgiveness. For years they had lived their lives in captivity. They were strangers in a foreign land, Jerusalem had been destroyed but now they had been freed to go back and rebuild.

The Israelites were a stubborn, rebellious people. They had God’s promise constant protection and provision but that wasn’t good enough. They wanted to do things their own way, and when they did, they ignored God’s laws and stepped outside of His protection. They did this numerous times; each time was the same.

They would go their own way, get in to trouble and be overrun by other nations, they would call out to God in repentance, and He would deliver them and restore them.

“ But they, our fathers, acted with pride. They became strong-willed and would not listen to Your Words. 17 They would not listen, and did not remember Your powerful works which You had done among them. So they became strong-willed and chose a leader to return to their hard work in Egypt. But You are a forgiving God. You are kind and loving, slow to anger, and full of loving-kindness. You did not leave them…19 But You, in Your great loving-kindness, did not leave them in the desert…21 For forty years You kept them alive in the desert and gave them everything they needed. Their clothes did not wear out, and their feet did not become sore.” Nehemiah 9:16-21 NLV

Before we get too critical of their actions, we need to recognize that we often follow the same pattern. Even Peter, who had followed Jesus for three years, denied he knew Christ on the night of trial and sentencing. Peter’s final words to Jesus were that he would never leave His side. But his last words about Jesus denied his association with the Savior.

But God, who is rich in mercy, is always ready to forgive. God is good!

“ But God had so much loving-kindness. He loved us with such a great love. 5 Even when we were dead because of our sins, He made us alive by what Christ did for us. You have been saved from the punishment of sin by His loving-favor.” Ephesians 2:4-5 NLV

Someone needs to hear this today. Is that someone you? You have been struggling in your walk with Christ, you feel God has given up on you. You’ve even asked, “can God forgive me, I’ve failed so many times?”.

The answer is a resounding YES!

“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. 13 The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:12-13 NLT

“‘Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. 39 Everyone who believes in him is made right in God’s sight—something the law of Moses could never do.'” Acts 13:38 NLT

You and I are included in “everyone”. We are made right in God’s sight; we are freely forgiven, and I am very grateful for that.

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Grateful for The Name

Have you ever wondered why we pray “In Jesus Name”? It’s not a religious chant by any means. There is power in the name of Jesus and He has given us permission to use His name and invoke that power.

“You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” John 14:13-14 NLT

Jesus’ motives were pure. He only wanted one thing to be the center focus of His life, He always wanted to bring honor to the Father. He has given us the right to use the power in His name to do the same.

“After He became a man, He gave up His important place and obeyed by dying on a cross. 9 Because of this, God lifted Jesus high above everything else. He gave Him a name that is greater than any other name. 10 So when the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow down before Him. 11 And every tongue will say Jesus Christ is Lord. Everyone will give honor to God the Father.” Philippians 2:8-11 NLV

A few days ago, a friend of mine put the lyrics to a song on her page. The song is a powerful one and I will put the lyrics here but I will also include the link to a YouTube video where the song is being sung. Read the lyrics and listen to the song, let it speak to your heart and bring power to your life. In Jesus Name, (God of Possible).

“I speak the name of Jesus over you
In your hurting, in your sorrow
I will ask my God to move
I speak the name ’cause it’s all that I can do
In desperation, I’ll seek Heaven
And pray this for you

I pray for your healing
That circumstances would change
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus name
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name, in Jesus name

I speak the name of all authority
Declaring blessings, every promise
He is faithful to keep
I speak the name no grave could ever hold
He is greater, He is stronger
He’s the God of possible

I pray for your healing
That circumstances would change
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus name
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name
In Jesus name

Come believe it
Come receive it
Oh, the power of His Spirit is now forever yours
Come believe it
Come receive it
In the mighty name of Jesus, all things are possible

I pray for your healing
That circumstances will change
I pray that the fear inside will flee in Jesus name
I pray that a breakthrough
Would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name
I pray for revival
For restoration of faith
I pray that the dead will come alive in Jesus name
In Jesus name”

Songwriters: Jeff Pardo, Ethan Hulse, David Andrew Spencer, Katy Nichole. For non-commercial use only.

I will be grateful forever for the Name of Jesus!

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Grateful for Home

We sure enjoyed our time in California at our granddaughter’s wedding. Last night I was telling someone how good it was to see all seven of our grandkids and our great granddaughter. We treasure those times but it’s always good to be home.

Visiting friends and family is nice. The love, the laughter, the sweet memories shared. Away is good but home is better!

Jesus knew that feeling. When He said these words, He had been on earth thirty-three years and soon He would be going home!

“Jesus said, ‘Don’t be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. 2 There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back. Then I will take you with me, so that you can be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.’

5 Thomas said, ‘Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’

6 Jesus answered, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.'” John 14:1-6 ERV

Imagine Jesus’ disappointment. He has lived and worked with these men side-by-side for 3 years and as He talks to them about His leaving, His home going, they act as if they have no understanding of who He really is and what He came to do.

Sometimes we act the same way. When we see what’s going on around us are we at peace or do our hearts have fear and anxiety? Jesus told his disciples – Do not worry and the Apostle Paul says the same thing.

 “Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. 7 And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.” Philippians 4:6-7 ERV

Life on earth may seem like days of wandering, like camping. There will come a day that the campout is over, and we will all arrive at our forever home. Since we belong to Christ, we have God’s promise of peace here and a home custom-built for us in heaven.

“Abraham lived in the country that God promised to give him. He lived there like a visitor who did not belong. He did this because he had faith. He lived in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who also received the same promise from God. 10 Abraham was waiting for the city that has real foundations. He was waiting for the city that is planned and built by God.” Hebrews 11:9-10 ERV

God is good! I am so grateful to know that someday I’ll be going home!

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