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First Words

This little one is our youngest great granddaughter. She’s about 16 months old.

Our daughter was on a facetime call and was trying to get her to say “Grama”. After much coaxing, she said those precious words. It was clear as a bell. They melted our daughter’s heart.

Do you remember hearing “first” words? Mama , dada – how about those precious three words “I love you”?

Stop and reflect for just a moment – go back and relive that joy and excitement. The thrill that came with those special moments.

Now, let me ask a simple question. What are the first words that come to mind when you open your eyes in the morning? First words are important, they can set the tone for our whole day.

For the past twenty plus years I have trained myself to commit those first moments of the day to saying, “Father, I love you. Jesus, I love you. Holy Spirit, I love you. Thank you for loving me”. Sadly, I allowed my first words for many years to express worry, frustration, regret and complaining.

I like focusing on God’s love much better than any of those other things.

“ Every tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces. You won’t find figs on thorny weeds. And you can’t pick grapes from thornbushes! 45 Good people have good things saved in their hearts. That’s why they say good things. But those who are evil have hearts full of evil, and that’s why they say things that are evil. What people say with their mouths comes from what fills their hearts.” Luke 6:44-45 ERV

Our spoken words have power. Power to encourage or to destroy. Power to heal or to wound. Solomon wrote in Proverbs that life and death are in the power of the tongue.

“Your words can be as satisfying as fruit, as pleasing as the food that fills your stomach. 21 The tongue can speak words that bring life or death. Those who love to talk must be ready to accept what it brings.” Proverbs 18:20-21 ERV

Words of love are precious. They are like good food, satisfying to the soul. They come from the heart.

“Wise people always think before they speak, so what they say is worth listening to. 24 Kind words are like honey; they are easy to accept and good for your health.” Proverbs 16:23-24 ERV

Kind words are therapeutic. They bring healing.

The Apostle Paul’s letters are filled with instruction for daily living. He told us we should imitate God the way a small child imitates their parents. He gave us this instruction about our words.

“ Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:17 ERV

Honestly, I’m still working on that verse. Not everything I say or do brings honor to the Lord but I’m working on it. I want my heart and my words to give honor and glory to God. I know you do too.

May the first words we utter be words of love, words of healing, words of life.

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Where’s the Baby Jesus?

We used to live near the artisan community of Tubac, AZ. Dave and I loved shopping there – so many beautiful handcrafted items – silver, copper, terracotta and talevera pieces.

One shop we frequented had lovely nativity sets. My favorite.

Most of my decorating at Christmas is done with nativity sets and angels. I would study each figure in the set; their smiling faces, their clothing, the shape of the stall and then I realized there was no baby Jesus! Where did He go? What happened to Him? 

In this shop all the Christ child figures were missing. And then I saw the handwritten sign…If you buy a nativity, ask for Jesus. 

Ask for Jesus!

Wasn’t that the Father’s intent from the beginning? He wanted us to recognize that our lives were not complete without Jesus. 

Ask for Jesus?

When I asked the shop owner why there were no baby Jesus figures he told me this. We never have any problem with theft in this shop except for the baby Jesus. We keep Him in the back until a nativity is sold and then bring Him out and add Him with the rest of the pieces. 

Who would steal the baby Jesus? That is completely counter to the reason He came. When Jesus was born, the angels filled the heavens with the announcement. The shepherds were told to go find Him. The wise men saw and followed His star. Everyone was welcome to come see Jesus!

Jesus came to forgive the sins of all men, even the ones who would steal the baby Jesus.  Jesus wasn’t born in a palace where only a few of the elite would be allowed to enter. He wasn’t born in a monastery where only the religious and the holy would be. No, He was born in a barn; anyone – man, woman, child, elite or poor, educated or unlearned was welcomed at the manger. 

“Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.” 13 Then a huge army of angels from heaven joined the first angel, and they were all praising God, saying, 14 “Praise God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace to the people who please him.”

15 The angels left the shepherds and went back to heaven. The shepherds said to each other, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this great event the Lord has told us about.’ 16 So they went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the feeding box.” Luke 2:11-16 ERV 

I want to encourage you to put Jesus on display. Don’t hid him, let the world see that He lives in you. Love the way He did; reach out to everyone the Father brings your way. The sign on our lives should be “if you want Jesus, just ask”. 

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Can’t Stop the Waves!

Two years ago, Dave and I were in Greece, our vacation was just about over. It was an amazing time; one of the things I enjoyed most was going to sleep each night and waking again each morning to the sound of the waves rushing to the shore.

Nothing could stop the waves! Our God reigns…the waves keep rushing to the shore and our God reigns. He was, He is and He will always be!

“The Lord is King.
    The Lord wears majesty and strength like clothes.
He is ready, so the whole world is safe.
    It will not be shaken.
2 Your kingdom has continued forever.
    You have lived forever!
3 Lord, the ocean roars.
    The mighty ocean sounds like thunder
    as the waves crash on the shore.
4 The crashing waves of the sea are loud and powerful,
    but the Lord above is even more powerful.
5 Lord, your laws will continue forever.
    Your holy Temple will stand for a long time.” Psalm 93 ERV

“Praise the Lord because he is good!
    His faithful love will last forever!” Psalm 118:1 ERV

The waves can’t be stopped and for me, they are a constant reminder that the Love of God washes over me each day.

“ We give honor and thanks to the King Who lives forever. He is the One Who never dies and Who is never seen. He is the One Who knows all things. He is the only God. Let it be so.” I Timothy 1:17 NLV

He is the eternal God who was, who is and who is to come – the waves of His love are unstoppable!

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Peaceful Moments

This morning finds me aboard our son’s boat gently resting in Santa Cruz Harbor. Such a peaceful sleep.

I’ve only been up a short time, the coffee’s still brewing but already a couple of boats have left the harbor and are headed to open water. They must be fishermen. The gulls are just now starting their morning chorus.

“All creation, come praise the name of the Lord.Praise his name alone.The glory of God is greater than heaven and earth.” Psalm 148:13 CEV

On the flight over I was reading the memories of a dear friend of mine. He passed away just a year ago. He was a collector of things that reminded him of his childhood and early life. I helped him acquired items for his collection for twenty years.

In reading I learned the reason behind much of his collecting – it was a love for life and the places it had taken him and the people he had met.

As I turned the pages there were photographs of many of the items I had purchased for him. I paused thoughtfully and remembered acquiring them and how pleased he was.

I was drifting off to sleep last night when the Lord interrupted my nostalgic thoughts with His point of view.

“Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people. God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God’s own adopted children. God treated us with undeserved grace because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God. Christ sacrificed his life’s blood to set us free, which means our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because of God’s gift of undeserved grace to us. God has great wisdom and understanding,” Ephesians 1:4-8 CEV

God, the Father, is a collector. A collector of people. From before the foundation of the world He had a plan to collect the lost just because He loves us. And then He sent Christ Jesus to purchase us for Him, with His blood.

WOW! What a memoir.

Dawn is breaking and I think I will have my coffee and spent time in prayer for all those who are in Christ and for those who still need to be added to the family!

Have a day filled with the Father’s love!

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Good Afternoon Small Fry

This morning Dave and I were up early and out the door to get the storage shed cleaned up and reorganized before the temperatures rose too high.

Sorting through things and then back home to make a big pot of pozole. I just love the taste of a good pozole.

I dished up a couple of big bowls to share with neighbors. Dave delivered one and I delivered the other. Talking with my friend, she said she had wondered if I was feeling ok because there was no morning blog. I laughed and told her it was a busy morning. We sat and talked, sharing the good things the Lord has been doing in both our lives. In the course of our conversation, she mentioned something about fry – you know, the kind of fry that are baby fish.

It brought back the memories of writing this blog four years ago while we were in the mountains.

I hope it ministers to you.

Do you understand the meaning of “small fry”?  It was reiterated to me yesterday morning.

Dave and I went out fishing first thing.  It was just after daybreak. The hatch of water bugs was in full harvest.  At first, we thought we stepped into a swarm of mosquitos. No, not that. We were in a hatch of what appeared to be small dragon flies.

As they landed on the water’s surface the trout began to boil. It had been a long time since I had seen such a sight.  Everywhere there were ripples, the trout were coming to the surface to feed on the new hatch.

As we cast our bait we hoped there would be one or two trout that chose it over the freshly hatched bugs sitting on the surface of the water.

At shore’s edge, we observed the hunger of the small fry. Did you know that young fish are called fry? 

These little guys, less than 3 to 4 inches long, would come to the surface of the water to feed. Up they’d come, gulp, flip their tails and be gone. 

Does it shock you that I would think of a story in the Bible to relate to this adventure? 

Jesus met Peter, James, John and Andrew on the shore of the Sea of Galilee after they had had an unsuccessful night of fishing. 

“Master,” Simon answered, ‘we have worked hard all night long and have not caught a thing. But if you tell me to, I will let the nets down.’ 6 They did it and caught so many fish that their nets began ripping apart. 7 Then they signaled for their partners in the other boat to come and help them. The men came, and together they filled the two boats so full that they both began to sink.

8 When Simon Peter saw this happen, he knelt down in front of Jesus and said, ‘Lord, don’t come near me! I am a sinner.’ 9 Peter and everyone with him were completely surprised at all the fish they had caught. 10 His partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were surprised too. Jesus told Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid! From now on you will bring in people instead of fish.’” Luke 5:5-10 CEV

This was a net breaking, almost boat sinking load. But what I find interesting is that nowhere is there any mention to the size of the fish. Surely, some of the fish were small fry.

This is so much like Jesus. 

He never makes a distinction between large or small, rich or poor, educated or plain. In fact, Paul says that the Lord uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.

This should be so encouraging. 

If you feel like a small fish in a big pond guess what?  God knows you’re there. Are you a small fry?  Not to worry, God has jobs that only small fry can fill.  You won’t find a whale in a mountain lake.

Father, let us realize that you have a specific job for each one of your children. We don’t need to be envious of the bigger fish in the lake. You are willing to use those of us that are small fry!

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When We Stumble

Recently our oldest daughter and son-in-law climbed Picacho Peak. It’s not an easy climb. It’s rocky and steep and there are areas where cables are necessary to aide you across the mountainside.

She told me at times her ankles and legs felt like jelly. She stumbled, she had scrapes and bruises and a gash in her shin but they made the climb. They reached the top!

There are times when we all stumble, it’s not a condition reserved only for those who climb. It’s easy to become discouraged and want to quit, our emotional legs get weary and shaky. We push forward, sometimes in weakness and pain.

“ There is One Who can keep you from falling and can bring you before Himself free from all sin. He can give you great joy as you stand before Him in His shining-greatness. 25 He is the only God. He is the One Who saves from the punishment of sin through Jesus Christ our Lord. May He have shining-greatness and honor and power and the right to do all things. He had this before the world began, He has it now, and He will have this forever. Let it be so.” Jude 24,25 NLV

Christ is the one who promises to be our strength and our support. He is “an ever-present help in time of trouble”.

Christians fail. We get weary, angry, depressed but by His strength we go on.

“The steps of a good man are led by the Lord. And He is happy in his way. 24 When he falls, he will not be thrown down, because the Lord holds his hand. 25 I have been young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the man who is right with God left alone, or his children begging for bread.” Psalm 37:23-25 NLV

King David had many victories in his life but he also had failures, times of stumbling. The Apostle Paul was known for his persecution and imprisonment of Christians, he stumbled and then the Lord used him to write over half of the New Testament.

“We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. 23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” Romans 3:22-24 NLT

Maybe you feel like you failed, you’ve stumbled and fallen, you have bruises and scrapes. It’s hard to get up.

“And he became their Savior. 9 In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years.” Isaiah 63:8-10 NLT

When we stumble let the Lord rescue us, lift us up and carry us forward!

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Everlasting Father

I remember a time when I was about 6 or 7, I had gone to the grocery store with my Dad. Some how we lost sight of each other. I remember starting in the first aisle, and searching each row for my Dad. When I completed that search I went to the meat department and looked for him there. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, I went to the check out at the front of the store and with tears streaming down my face I told her I was lost and couldn’t find my Dad. She got on the intercom and said, “We are looking for Kristi’s dad. You are lost but if you come to the front register, she will find you”.

I was so glad to see him come around the corner of an aisle and head to the register. I was flooded with relief.

“ For to us a Child will be born. To us a Son will be given. And the rule of the nations will be on His shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Teacher, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NLV

Or as stated in another version, Everlasting Father.

That experience was one of the first times I had a living example of my heavenly Father’s love. My Dad scooped me up, wiped my tears and gave me a big hug. I was lost but he found me!

That’s exactly how our heavenly Father treats each of us. He searches for each one of us; we are precious to Him, He scoops us up in loving arms, wipes our tears and calms our fears.

Maybe you’re like me. For a long time, I didn’t feel as if I was valuable enough to have anyone search for me. One day, I sat and read the story of the prodigal son. It was a story I had heard in Sunday School for years but it really hadn’t made an impact on me. However, this day I was sitting at my office desk, looking out the window, waiting for Dave to come home and when I read it I was overwhelmed by the Father’s love.

I could see in the mind’s eye of my imagination, the Father staring out the window and waiting for His child to come home. The Father came down the road to welcome the prodigal. As the face came in focus, it was mine! I could feel the Father’s embrace and hear Him say welcome home my dear child.

“‘… While he was yet a long way off, his father saw him. The father was full of loving-pity for him. He ran and threw his arms around him and kissed him…22 But the father said to the workmen he owned, ‘Hurry! Get the best coat and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet…24 For my son was dead and now he is alive again. He was lost and now he is found. Let us eat and have a good time.’” Luke 15:20-24 NLV

The story of Christmas is the story of the everlasting Father, searching for us, welcoming us home and wrapping us in His forgiveness. We were lost and now we’ve been found!

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What About Tomorrow?

Dave and I are planners – yes, it’s a blessing and a curse. We make “lists”; first in our heads, then in our conversation and finally we put them down on paper.

We only have a couple more weeks on the mountain. We’ve loved our time here and would really hate to leave except that the cooler temperatures are reminding us it’s going to get cold. After living in Montana where it could get to 25-35 below zero, we have decided we don’t like being cold.

So, thinking ahead to what’s next once we leave our mountain home, we have begun to organize our thoughts and our priorities. It’s a common question amongst camp hosts – where will you go and what will you do when you leave here.

The last few nights we have been sitting by the fire talking, organizing, making our list and to be honest, there is an anxiousness that has started to creep in. Almost a worry about some things. That’s where we were a few nights ago. That angst needed to be banished – it’s not from God, we know that. God’s plans bring peace!

“But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well. 34 Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.” Matthew 6:33-34 CEV

When we are trusting God with our tomorrows we can leave worry behind. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that our Father isn’t capable of handling. Not one thing that will arise in our lives with catch Him by surprise!

“Look how the wild flowers grow! They don’t work hard to make their clothes. But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth wasn’t as well clothed as one of these flowers. 28 God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. Won’t he do even more for you? You have such little faith! 29 Don’t keep worrying about having something to eat or drink. 30 Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father knows what you need.” Luke 12:27-30 CEV

There’s an old song I used to sing, “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow”, that’s been running through my head lately. It brings me back to that place of peace that I know the Lord has designed for me.

“I don’t know about tomorrow
I just live for day to day
I don’t borrow from the sunshine
For it’s skies may turn to gray

I don’t worry o’er the future
For I know what Jesus said
And today I’ll walk beside Him
For He knows what lies ahead

Many things about tomorrow
I don’t seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand”

I’m writing this to myself today and if it ministers to you I’m glad!

“The Lord gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm. 4 So always trust the Lord
because he is forever our mighty rock” Isaiah 26:3-4 CEV

Lord, I give you my today and my tomorrow. I’ll hold Your hand and walk in Your peace!

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Out In the Open

For the last several weeks it has been hunting season on the mountain. Deer, turkey, bear, antelope, mountain lion, elk and now duck. This is an area with an abundance of game.

For several days we traveled the road to town. It is so enjoyable because we would always see game in the open meadows or amongst the trees along the roadside. But about a week ago we noticed that the meadows were empty. It was hunting season and wildlife was scarce.

But two days ago they were back! The danger was gone and they felt safe to come out in the open.

I’m going to miss not being on the mountain! I’ve been reminded of so many of God’s truths in the last four months. These antelope brought another truth to mind. They retreated, they hid in the underbrush of the pine thickets during hunting season – they made it hard for their adversaries to find them.

In the Old Testament we find Scripture telling us that God is our hiding place. He protects us from our enemies.

” Show your wonderful love. Your mighty arm protects those who run to you for safety from their enemies. 8 Protect me as you would your very own eyes; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 17:7-8 CEV

They hid instead of coming face-to-face with the enemy. But in the New Testament, we believers are instructed to “be bold”, unafraid, courageous as we face the enemy. Jesus told his disciples to go to Jerusalem and wait for the presence of the Holy Spirit who would fill them with power to be witnesses.

And that they did!

They went from hiding in the days after Christ’s crucifixion to standing boldly in front of the crowds and proclaiming the resurrection and new life in Christ. Their adversaries had them beaten and imprisoned. They were maligned and persecuted. Their response, they prayed for more boldness.

“Lord, listen to their threats! We are your servants. So make us brave enough to speak your message. 30 Show your mighty power, as we heal people and work miracles and wonders in the name of your holy Servant Jesus. 31 After they had prayed, the meeting place shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and bravely spoke God’s message.” Acts 4:29-31 CEV

Our reaction should be the same. When we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we have the power of God defending us. There is no reason to hide. Ours is not a defensive battle against our enemy, we are on the offensive – taking ground – enacting the victory!

“Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. 11 Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. 12 We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. 13 So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.” Ephesians 6:10-14 CEV

We stand at the start of the battle and we will still be standing, victorious, when the battle is over!

Come out in the open and let the power of God bring us to victory!

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