For Such A Time As This...

To Speak or Not to Speak?

2012-02-03T15:22:00.000-08:00

Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD;

keep watch over the door of my lips

Psalms 141:3

      Do you ever have difficulty knowing when to speak and when to keep quiet? I do. I haven't always had that difficulty. There was a time when I chose not to speak no matter what. It was just too risky, and I was afraid to take risks.

      When I open my mouth now, people don't know all the work God did in my life to pry my lips open. They don't know the fears He freed me from, and how He taught me to trust Him when He asks me to take risks. My words may sound to them like just words, but to me they have become a testimony of God's goodness and a demonstration of His power over the strongholds in my life - like fear.

      The older I get, the more I want to jump in with my "words of wisdom," especially when I see someone heading down a dangerous path that I've traveled down before. Isn't it my duty to save them from pain and suffering if I can? Well, perhaps sometimes it is, but more times it's not. Often the only words God wants to hear out of my mouth are prayers, as I lift the situation or person up to Him. That's the hard part of freedom - knowing the difference.

      It was easier when I was afraid to talk, because the choice was already made. But there was no growing or stretching involved in that, no discernment learned. Now I am responsible for my words...all of them. As a mater-of-fact God is keeping a journal and He will hold me accountable for every silly one I speak. Since God is keeping an account, I need to make sure my words count for something more than filling the air or a notebook. I need to keep a guard on my lips, not out of fear but out of obedience.

      The kind of words I'm sure God never tires of hearing are those of love that exhort and encourage others, and bring praise and glory to Him - spoken from the heart.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things.

Philippians 4:8

When we meditate on these things it's amazing how they travel from our mind to our mouth and help us speak those words which are pleasing to God.

Buttoning my lip...for now.

Charlotte

Getting caught up in the headlines...

2012-01-27T09:32:00.000-08:00

Come on over to Laced with Grace where I'm posting a devotion,

"Getting Caught Up In The Headlines"

Joy in Trials?

2012-01-14T23:37:00.000-08:00

     I was looking forward to Beth Moore's new Bible study on the book of James...but then I got my study guide and read this ~

"Count it all joy when you fall into various trials." James 1:2

      What? Is that what it really says, I'm to be joyful in the midst of trials? But trials are hard and I don't really like them...how can I be joyful when I fall into them? I wasn't sure I wanted to go on. After all, if James starts his letter with these words what could possibly be next.

      I've been through a few trials lately and am actually in the middle of a couple at the moment. I can't say I have counted them all joy. But perhaps that is the very reason I may need this particular Bible study at this time in my life. God is good about giving us what we need when we need it, and I can plainly see that the joy has been missing from my trials. So I read further...

"knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." v.3

      OK...now it makes more sense. I can count it all joy when I fall into various trials BECAUSE when my faith is tested, it will produce patience. But it didn't stop there, it went on...

"But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." v.4

      Perfect and complete...lacking nothing? Wow, that's a tall order. No wonder it takes something hard like trials to fill it! I can see how faith and patience have worked together in the trials to strengthen my trust in God. When things get hard I pray, I cry, I ask God why, I question, I fight...then I remember...who He is, what He's done for me, what He can do...that He can do all things. Then my faith grows stronger, the trial that was once huge becomes very small and insignificant in comparison to who He is.

      I think it will take an entire life time to let patience have its perfect work. And for being perfect and complete, lacking nothing ~ that sounds like Jesus doesn't it? If the trials in my life make me more like Him, then they are all worth it and I truly can "count it all joy."

I think God is going to teach me a lot in the book of James!

Are you finding joy in your trials?

"Untested faith is unreliable." ~ Charles Stanley

Twas the Month After Christmas...

2012-01-06T11:13:00.000-08:00

Twas the month after Christmas

And all through the town,

People looked tired

They seemed really down.

Christmas was over

It was all packed away,

No lights, no more sparkle

Just regular days.

The holiday feeling

Had faded and went,

Their pockets were empty

The money all spent.

They looked rather hopeless

With heads hanging low,

The parties were over

They’d nowhere to go.

Forgetting the good news-

The Holy One’s birth,

Can’t change with our actions

Or seasons on earth.

Remind them that Christmas

Can never depart,

If Jesus – the Christ Child

Is born in their heart.

After the Hebrew people celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles Jesus went to the temple early in the morning to teach. The lamps that were hung up through the city for the celebration were probably being removed that morning. I can imagine how people must have felt as they cleaned up the streets and put things away...kind of like we feel when putting away our Christmas decorations? The party was over. But as they were taking down the lights that morning, there, in the temple was shining the Light of the World...right in their midst. He was the fulfillment of all the celebrations, but they could not see Him because they were focused on the party, not the person.

What if it was always Christmas? Not the Christmas with Santa and shopping, but the kind that reminds us everyday that Christ was born...He came...He lived...He died for us...He rose again...He sits at His Father's right hand...and He is coming again!

I don't know what Jesus was thinking as He watched them take down the lights, but I know what He said..."I am the light of the world, He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." ~ John 8:12

If the Christ child is born in our hearts, then we have His light, "the light of life" within us every single day. Let's shine brightly for Him, as we celebrate Christmas even after the tree is taken down, the twinkling lights are removed, and all the decorations are stored away in the attic. Everyday is a party for His followers, as we dance and sing praises for Him...celebrating the Light of life.

Dare to love LOUD!

2011-12-30T22:31:00.000-08:00

The love of God has been poured out in our hearts
by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:5

      What if this next year...2012, the entire Christian community decided they were no longer going to love quietly and in the privacy of their own homes and churches. What if instead, their love got loud...very LOUD? So loud in fact, that the entire world could hear it. What if it made the world turn its head to look...to see what all the comotion was about? What if in every small town, every big city, office, school, orphanage, prison, and home, God stretched out His hand of love through us and loudly touched the people there? What would a love like that sound like? What would it look like? And what would it accomplish in this world? Would you like to find out?

      Join me this new year to share God's love - LOUDLY. "How do we do it?" you ask. Well, in as many different ways as God's unique children can come up with. Our Father is very creative, and He will give us ideas and opportunities. We can start where we are - in our homes, our work places, our schools; and take it everywhere we go. Yes, that means you and I will have to take chances, venture out of our comfort zones and be brave. I know God will use our efforts if we step out and trust Him with the outcome.

      It would be a blessing to me and very encouraging to hear your ideas and what kinds of things you come up with to share God's love. I think others would like to hear also. Let's make 2012 a year to remember, a year filled with the love of God poured out on a lost world.

Link your blog here to give ideas or tell how you shared God's love this week.

The Manger Heist

2011-12-22T01:13:00.000-08:00

by Charlotte Foster

It’s Christmas time. What does that mean?

Time to party, dance and sing?

When hollow gifts are wrapped up tight,

And manger scenes kept out of sight.

As atheist now run the day,

And try to change the words we say.

“Merry Christmas” blotted out,

While “Happy Holidays” they shout.

All signs of Christ are tucked away,

As Santa Claus comes out to play.

And malls begin to overflow,

Church attendance starts to slow.

People look for other things,

Replacing joy that Jesus brings.

Complaining every time they see,

Reminders of His infancy.

They want the party not the child,

His special day they have defiled.

Exchanged the gift – perfect and holy,

For worldly gifts of pagan folly.

Any other god can reign,

But from the Christ we must refrain.

And here’s the reason, simple yet true,

From the very first Christmas, it’s nothing new.

There’s one who is called the father of lies,

And though defeated, he still tries.

To turn our eyes away from Christ,

And so began the manger heist.

To keep our lips from saying His name,

He tries to steal the Savior’s fame.

Close our ears from hearing His voice,

Telling us He’s not the only choice.

Jesus said - I Am the only way,

But people don’t like to hear that today.

They want to choose the path they take,

Even when it ends in a fiery lake.

The world still wants to party and sing,

But never bow to a holy King.

So shop they will and hang their lights,

And toast to the season ‘most every night.

Removing Christ from mangers and art,

But cannot remove Him from a follower’s heart.

“Happy Holidays” will never bring,

The joy in which the angels still sing.

I’ll join their chorus without fear,

And wish you “Merry Christmas!”

loud and clear.

The Christmas Letter

2011-12-02T12:11:00.000-08:00

Reposted from Christmas past...

Just a letter once a year, folded in a card.

What's the big deal? That shouldn't be too hard.

Just put my pen to paper, and write a word or two,

Telling of the happenings, the old and the new.

Why does it feel like therapy, as I sit and reminisce?

Over opportunities, those taken and those missed.

The trials and the blessings, enough to fill a year.

Ones that made us laugh, and those that brought us fear.

Of lives that changed forever, and those that wouldn't budge.

Teaching us this lesson - it's not for us to judge.

God is working everywhere, in every single day.

We don't know the how or why, and we don't pick His way.

I'd choose the path with flowers, the one that's smooth and clean,

But God allows some potholes, to let His grace be seen.

Life is like a story, a stack of letters sent.

Revealing where we're headed, and where we just went.

Another year folded up, and placed within a card.

With creases made by choices, some easy and some hard.

All together they add up, to life that's full and blessed.

Every year through pen and ink, I put this to the test.

But every time I start to write, I'm overwhelmed with praise.

For all God's done within a year - three hundred and sixty five days.

Those things I saw as problems, He used within His plans.

Teaching me this simple truth - It's all within His hands.

I hope this letter finds you, believing even more.

And knowing Him more fully, than all the years before.

And know that in my story, you hold a special part,

Not just in Christmas letters, but deep within my heart

2011-11-25T09:28:00.000-08:00

WAIT

There’s beauty in this season

While shedding of the old,

Leaves drift down upon the earth

In yellow, red, and gold.

They knit a leafy blanket

To warm the ground below,

Dressed in autumn’s sweater

Before the falling snow.

The animals now scurry

To find a place to rest,

Snuggled in the hollows

Against the earth’s warm breast.

We who watch in silence

Can learn a thing or two,

As God tucks in creation

To rest till winters through.

There are times He says to wait

And He’ll renew our strength.

Sometimes it’s for a season

He knows the perfect length.

But when the time is over,

Just like the budding trees.

We’ll mount with wings like eagles

And dance upon the breeze.

We’ll run and not grow weary,

Our strength renewed by God.

And once again we’ll briskly walk

Upon the fresh new sod.

“But those who wait on the LORD

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 NKJ

Thank You!

2011-11-08T21:59:00.000-08:00

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,

and comes down from the Father of lights,

with whom there is no variation

or shadow of turning.

James 1:17 NKJ

The month of November always reminds me to count my blessings. With Thanksgiving just around the corner my thoughts are drawn to the many reasons to be thankful for a life filled with goodness. From the moment my eyes open in the morning, until they close again at night, everywhere I look I see an abundance of grace poured out from the hand of a loving and gracious Heavenly Father.

Every single day He has touched with His abundant mercy. Yes, even the worst day, He was there with His compassion and comfort. In the darkness He became the light, in the rain He sent a rainbow. When I felt dry, He poured for me a spring of living water, and when my soul was hungry - fed me with the Bread of Life. He gave me seeds to plant and flowers of every color to pick, a home with children to love and people to serve, filled the open spaces with birds and butterflies, green pastures, and oak trees. He put a song in my heart and a poem in my pen.

When I lift up my eyes I see blue sky and cotton white clouds floating past the bright sun by day, and in the night I see the twinkling stars. All these things and more are gifts to me as sure as if they were wrapped and tied with a bow. I am overwhelmed with His generosity. All I possess came from Him. Words seem too small an offering to lay before One so loving and kind, yet words of thanksgiving should never cease to flow from the storehouse of a thankful heart. It is the only gift we can give back to Him.

THANK YOU FATHER!

Your Story

2011-10-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today I am posting "Your Story" over at Laced With Grace.

Please come and visit me there.

Charlotte

Waiting on the Lord

2011-10-26T23:26:00.000-07:00

But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Look at the Birds!

2011-09-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

Today when I got home from Bible study, I noticed a frenzy of activity in my front yard. There was chattering and movement everywhere. The railing along my front porch was lined with feathered guest who seemed to be guarding something. Occasionally, others would swoop in from nearby trees and cause a ruckus. After watching for a few minutes, I realized why all the commotion. My lovely sunflowers growing in a barrel next to the porch where no longer lifting their faces to the sun. They were drooped and hanging down; dry and shriveled...looking sad. The activity was centered around them!

The Bluebird guards posted on the railing were waiting their turn to eat the dry seeds inside the flowers. Then out of nowhere a Titmouse would swoop in and timidly sneak a few seeds while hanging upside down.

Then the Goldfinches would fly over and nibble on the leaves.

I was reminded of this verse in the Bible...

"Look at the birds of the air,

for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns;

yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Are you not of more value than they?"

Matthew 6:26

Jesus was reminding us not to worry about tomorrow because our Father will provide for us just as he provides for all His creatures.

He is a good and loving Father, there is no need to worry.

Joining Laced with Grace

2011-09-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

I am writing over at Laced with Grace today.

Please come on over!

The Trip

2011-08-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

One day I’m going on a trip. Not now, but one day. I’ve been packing for it for several years, and I’ve sent things ahead. When I first began thinking about the trip I wasn’t very excited because I wasn’t familiar with my destination. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and if I would like it once I got there. The more I thought about it, and read about it, the more I looked forward to taking it, so much so that I began sending more stuff ahead to be waiting for me when I arrived.

Before I knew it, I began thinking about the trip all the time. Everything I did was based on how it would affect my time there. An excitement grew within me, and a longing to go there. It was though I was no longer living in my homeland…my heart belonged somewhere else…to someone else. You see, I will be meeting the one I love there, face to face. He is waiting for me to arrive. He wrote me love letters long ago that I read over and over. I talk to Him as often as I can, and when I do, it is like there is no distance between us. He knows me better than I know myself…better than anyone knows me. He has prepared a lovely place for me, fit for a princess. He has been working on it longer than I have been preparing for my trip. He has a reputation for creating the most beautiful things; I won’t be disappointed.

All that I have sent ahead are things for Him. They are things I knew he would like and would have packed himself if He were here. Because I have read his letters and know him, I am familiar with what will please him and what will not. He has been so kind and loving to me, I want to please him and show him I love him too.

The wait won’t be too long now, but there is still so much left to do. I don’t want to waste a minute. If my ride comes, I want to be ready to go, having everything sent ahead and no looking back with regret. I only have a one way ticket…no return. He purchased it for me, and it cost him all he had.

This is the promise He left with me ~

“I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” ~John 14:3

And he signed it Jesus.

"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." ~Matthew 6:20 - 21

A Wake-Up Call

2011-08-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

Someone else is concerned about knowing what time it is...Anne Graham Lotz. I received her ministry newsletter shortly after posting for Spiritual Sunday last week. I wish I could copy the whole letter here because it is something I think every Christian should read. Here is just a little piece of it...

"The signs that Jesus gave and the headlines in the news are coming together in a dramatically sobering way. I'm alarmed because it's five minutes to midnight on the time clock of history, and so many Christians seem to be sleeping!"

Remember Jesus' words in Revelation 1 to the churchs? She goes on to say...

"While I believe we are living in the most strategic and critical generation in all of history, other than perhaps the original one and also the one which witnessed the first coming of Jesus Christ to earth, God's people in general seem to be oblivious to what time it is!"

So again I ask, "What time is it?" I will answer my own question and say I agree with Anne; it is five minutes to midnight on the time clock of history. So what are we to do? I think the first thing is to wake up!

Anne will be talking on this topic with Joel Rosenberg, in a simulcast being broadcasted on September 11, 2011. You can watch it at a host church or on your own computer at home. You can watch the video below and go to her website for more information.

Click on the picture to go to her website

It's nothing love can't fix

2011-08-12T11:53:00.000-07:00

As I read the comments people wrote for my last post, it got me thinking even more about the changes taking place in many churches, especially here on the West Coast. There were valid points brought up about our changing times and getting too stuck on trivial things like the cosmetics of the church...I agree and I thank you for your comments. If the gospel is being preached and truth is being taught, the other things are of much less importance. In my opinion, as long as the walls of truth still stand, it doesn't matter what color they are painted. And as long as we are not tearing them down to replace them with something more like the world - to fit in, I don't think we should have a problem with it.

I believe the distinction between the church and the world should be visible by the character of the body of Christ. A deep distinct line should be drawn in the sands of time, that defines us as followers of Jesus Christ in this age. If in fact we had the characteristics of the early church, there would be little infuses on the material aspects of worshiping together, and more on being united together to worship. And we would have little concern about what the world thought about how or where we did it.

Jesus said, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." (John 15:18-19)

The world does not dislike the church because of its buildings, or the decorations within them. It hates the church because it belongs to Jesus. And just as you and I were called out of the world by Him, so too He will call many more out, and place them into the body of Christ. We are His witnesses to the world that by His grace we are saved through faith in Him - He did not intend for us to fit in.

I believe we are not as effective in the world as we should be because they do not see us as being much different. We struggle with many of the same problems they do. We get divorced, have problems with our children rebelling, and live weighed down by our circumstances. They do not see the victory in Jesus that should be recognizable in our every day lives because we trust in Him. They do not see the unity and love that caused the first church to turn the world upside down for Christ. Nor do they see the sacrificial giving to meet the needs of others. Jesus said, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." (John 15:12) Wow, what would that kind of love look like? His love was one that gave all...even His very life.

He said:

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one."

I think it is the infuses on "form" that has caused many divisions in the church. Christ prayed to the Father for us to be one...united with Him and each other; unity in the body...the whole body- young, old, and in between. How can we do that with a different Sunday service for each generation? I think this separation hurts God's heart. I don't believe it is the fault of any one group, or lack of the right cosmetics or form that causes this separation in the church. When our eyes are kept on Jesus, we seldom care enough about the trivial things to make them an issue. And when we love one another, we are not easily offended by such things. I'm sad to say that I think it is the lack of love and unity within the body of believers that prevents the power of God from transforming congregations into powerful witnessing forces in this world. (ouch...that hit me too!)

The enemy in any war does what he can to divide the oppositions army. In doing so, he knows that it will be weaker and easier to defeat. The church is in a spiritual battle with a very ruthless enemy and he is hard at work.

I think what concerns me the most about this whole subject in some American churches is that the focus is on the cosmetics; the form, instead of the Savior; instead of obeying His commands. The world is deep in sin, and it will get deeper as we approach the time of Christ's return, but God has given us the tools we need to witness in this age...and the greatest of these is love. His word says love will cover a multitude of sins.

It is still Jesus alone who calls sinners out of the world and places them in His body of believers, no one else and nothing else. We are to be witnesses for Him of the saving grace we have experienced in our own lives, and the demonstration of our unity and love for one another in the church will point people to God, because God is love.

Jesus said, "You shall be my witnesses." (Acts 1:8) Let's witness to His love, His joy, His peace, His unity, His saving grace...to a world in desperate need of it.

In His love,
Charlotte

We serve a God who can do ALL things. Nothing is too difficult for Him...nothing. He is in the business of Miracles - in individual lives, churches, relationships, and all kinds of situations.

On this weekend as we celebrate a Miracle Makeover for a sick child, please know that God wants to bring His miracle makeover into the lives of all who will put their trust in Him. Whatever you may be facing, our God is willing and able to meet you there and bring you through it.

Please visit Spiritual Sundays to see the Miracle Makeover for a little boy named Charlie by Design Gives Back. Your comment on their site will be worth $1 and help with the next makeover.

What time is this?

2011-08-05T23:37:00.000-07:00

"Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions

which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle."

2 Thessalonians 2:15

      Every so often I ask this question, "What time is it?" I ask it because this blog is titled "For Such A Time As This." So, what time is this? I look around for clues and see some disturbing things...signs if you will, that tell me this is a time of change. Now change can be good...if it is good change, but much of the change I see isn't so good. On the Christian radio recently I heard that Campus Crusade for Christ (a well known college campus ministry) is changing its name; they will be removing the words "crusade" and "Christ." Hmm...taking Christ from their name? What does that mean?

      I see the "change" happening in my own church. First the name was changed to take out the word Baptist. I guess that word isn't cool anymore. Now we are a community church...Hmm, what does that mean? Even the youth building was changed from "Faith Hall" to "Worship Cafe." It now looks like a coffee shop. Other changes are taking place, like moving the chairs around in the sanctuary, eliminating the rows; setting up tables instead. Trying to make it feel more like an informal get-together instead of a church service, even making it interactive. Much effort is put into marketing ourselves and finding new ways to look more appealing to the unchurched; to look less like a church. I watch this happening, and my heart hurts.

      So much has changed over the years since the days I attended church as a youth; no more alter calls (we wouldn't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable). Not much, if any, talk of hell (too condemning), yet that could end up being a shocker later on.

      I walked down the isle of a little church and gave my heart to Jesus when I was nine years old. My father and mother followed behind me. We were baptized the next week. There is something precious and life changing about coming to the alter and publicly professing your faith in Jesus Christ - even at nine. It takes a step of faith to put your foot out in the isle and say yes to the nudging of the Holy Spirit. I don't believe those things can be reproduced by checking a box on a comment card and putting it in the offering plate as it passes.

      I see other churches changing. Whole denominations dropping names, changing their values and re-wording their mission and belief statements. Changing to fit into our society...the society Christ asked us to be separate from. Some are even trading their Bible truth in exchange for tolerance...a tolerance of sin. It is a fact that we all sin, you do, I do, but we are to turn from it...confess it, and not embrace it.

      It seems to me like we are taking our light and putting it under a basket, which Jesus warned against. He said we are the salt of the earth. Are we allowing the church to be diluted to the point that we are no longer preserving the gospel of Jesus Christ for the next generation. I know there are still churches and Christians who are standing firm...unmovable for their faith, but the winds of change are blowing hard on this country in a direction that seeks to bend and destroy the Christian church.

      So I ask the question again, "What time is it?" If we (Christians) are put here "For Such A Time As This," then what time is this, and what are we here to do? If this is our time, our watch, what are we to be doing?

I think the answers to these questions are clearly found in the Bible (for those who still believe it is truth). Reading through the first few chapters of the book of Revelations where Christ is speaking to the seven churches, I see over and over again these words, "repent, be faithful, overcome, hold fast, be watchful, persevere, and strengthen the things which remain."

      None of these words are passive, they are all action words. They refer to things we have been given and are to keep (hold fast, be faithful), things we are to turn from (repent), and things we have to stand strong through (overcome, persevere). How can we do this? By being watchful and strengthening those things which remain. The things we were taught by Christ and His letters to the churches.

These are the seven churches He was speaking to: Revelations 1:1-3

The Loveless Church
The Persecuted Church
The Compromising Church
The Corrupt Church
The Dead Church
The Faithful Church
The Lukewarm Church

Which of these churches do we want to be? Without doing much at all, we can comfortably find ourselves in five of the seven, but I think if we want to be found as a member of the Faithful Church, it will not be so comfortable, and require us to be actively pursuing those things mentioned above. I'm pretty sure the persecuted church is not persecuted because it tries to fit into the world, but because it does not.

Making Christianity acceptable to sinners is the work of the Holy Spirit when the gospel is faithfully preached and is not reliant on a name change or a cleaver marketing plan.
I'll end with the same verse I quoted above -

"Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions

which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle."

2 Thessalonians 2:15

Charlotte

He Uses Everything!

2011-07-29T23:52:00.000-07:00

...being confident of this very thing,

that He who has begun a good work in you

will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

Philippians 1:6

When I go through difficult times or through things I don't understand, I try to remember that God allowed it, and there is a purpose for it. I may not understand, but I can know that He is in control; He reigns over everything. He is never surprised or taken off guard by anything that happens...He is God. Everything that comes into my life or yours, is sifted through His hands, and they are loving hands. If He allows it in our lives, He will use it...He doesn't waste a thing.

He Uses Everything!
by Charlotte Foster

There’s not a single thing, that passes through a life,
That God does not intend to use, no triumph, pain, or strife.

It’s all a part of His great plan, set perfectly in place.
To teach us hard learned lessons, and demonstrate His grace.

Though some things seem so hard, we don’t think we’ll survive.
But when we reach the end of them, we find we’re more alive.

He stretches us in areas, we thought we couldn't grow.
Maturing us in such a way, His handywork to show.

Often things we thought we knew, are visited once more.
Making sure our trust in Him, resides down at its core.

He wants us to remember, as we walk through life’s hot fires,
The image of His Son in us, is all that He desires.

Distractions?

2011-07-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 NASB

Distractions…so many distractions! The world is full of them. Things to do, places to go; more than a lifetime will allow. So many good things- what should I do today?

Whatever it is I choose to do, it should be something pleasing to God…to glorify Him instead of myself. If this one standard is used as a sifter, it will stop the meaningless time wasters from making their way into my day.

Sometimes the things that please Him are simple, like the laundry getting washed or dinner cooked on time. They bring Him glory by me loving and serving the people in my home…as unto the Lord.

The distractions will always come, that is sure, but knowing I have a choice, to choose the things that glorify God, will help me separate the good things from the best.

Today I chose to write this post for you and share this simple truth in hope that in some small way my Lord will be glorified within the words written here. I chose to press the “publish” button as I said a prayer for you.

~ “That the Lord will bless and keep you, that He will cause His face to shine upon you and give you peace…and that His glory will be revealed within the framework of your life.”

To God be the glory, great things He has done…and continues to do!

Charlotte

And now, I will finish the laundryJ

Tea with a friend...

2011-07-19T10:56:00.000-07:00

It is hard for me to separate the garden from tea time. They seem to go together so well. If I could drag my table and chairs out next to the zucchini and tomato plants, I probably would. The butterflies and bumblebees wouldn't mind my company one bit, and I wouldn't mind theirs. Today, the back deck is as far as I can go with my tea. But don't be surprised if a future post finds me knee deep in Lemon Balm, Rosemary, sage...and yes, tomatoes!

I set out a table cloth with a Lady Bug pattern I made a while back and cut some Hydrangeas from the yard. If I can't go to the garden, I can bring it to me!

"For flowers that bloom about our feet,

Father, we thank Thee;

For tender grass so fresh and sweet,

Father, we thank Thee.

For the song of bird and hum of bee,

For all things fair we hear and see,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee."

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

The tea cup I'm using has roses on it but my roses aren't feeling well today, so I didn't cut them for the table.

This carrot cake was made for a potluck at my church; there were a few pieces left over for tea today, and I added some zucchini bread, to stay with my garden theme:)

I've found some wonderful recipes in our church cookbook. Both these treats were taken from there.

I love to bake, but the best part of all is sharing it with a friend.

Having tea alone is nice and relaxing, but sharing it with someone special creates a memory to cherish forever.

"A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17

I hope you are able to spend tea time today with someone you love

...a dear friend?

If you can't be out in the garden, perhaps you can bring a small piece of the garden to you.

"If I could treat my friends as flowers,

I'd like to spend away the hours,

arranging them around the table

as long as life has made me able."

Blessings and have a happy Tea Time!

Charlotte

Can You See It?

2011-07-16T00:49:00.000-07:00

"So it shall be, while My glory passes by,

that I will put you in the cleft of the rock,

and cover you with My hand while I pass by."

Exodus 33:22

I have a favorite place I like to sit and read my Bible. It's a bench made out of an old log cut in half. It was difficult getting it right where I wanted it because it's very heavy, but I managed to drag it to the barn and close to my favorite oak tree where I feed the horses in good weather. You can see the bench in the header above. There is something special about sitting under the blue sky, listening to the birds sing in the trees, watching the horses graze and reading the words, "The earth declares the glory of God."

Those words take on new meaning as everything around me says Amen. His creativity is seen in His handiwork and it glorifies Him. Do I notice it enough? Do I even take the time to look each day? Is it possible that I could walk by such beauty and not even see it, that my eyes could become accustomed to it and I might no longer behold His glory in it?

I want to see it, to always notice, to never take it for granted...never take Him for granted. His breath of life fills the air around us all. His majesty is displayed in all He has made...even you and me, His children. Can you see it?

The earth declares His glory!

Your Glory

By Charlotte Foster

“Show me your glory,” I dared to say,

As I walked along the road today.

Then as I spoke a cloud passed by,

A soft white pillow in deep blue sky.

And gentle breeze of such degree,

Not hot or cold as it touched me.

More like a touch from someone’s hand,

Softly passing where I stand.

A bird high in the old oak tree,

Sang his tune so happily.

And then I realized all around,

Your voice was heard in every sound.

In every wind and passing cloud,

Revealing of yourself out-loud.

For all to see - Yes you were there,

In every song or breath of air.

In Your creation loud and clear,

Are signs of you so very near.

And when I stopped to ponder You,

I saw Your glory fresh and new.

The earth declares the glory of God!

Linking up with Charlotte and Ginger at....

And also...

Pink Roses

2011-07-12T14:21:00.000-07:00

As I visited my Father-in-law one day I walked along the little garden path leading to his front door and saw these roses bent over with their stems broken...barely hanging on. The rain had fallen with such force that they bowed from the weight of it. They were so beautiful, I thought it would be a shame to leave them there so as I left I broke them off and put them in the back seat of my car.

They didn't mind the two hour ride home one bit. I think they were grateful for all the attention I was giving them. My Father-in-law takes care of them, but he doesn't really admire them and baby them as my Mother-in-law did before she passed away five years ago. He maintains them, but doesn't love them as she did.

When I put them in the vase at home they reminded me of her and what a gracious lady she was. She was also beautiful, like the roses. She chose them long ago, planted them, and nurtured them. Now they live on as a memory of her caring touch.

("Fragrance" Royal Grafton, Fine Bone China, England)

When I pulled out this teacup, I saw the pink roses looked a lot like the ones in the vase. I'm sure they are happy to share a cup of tea with each other and me. The gold trim on the handle of the cup is worn off a bit, so I know someone in the past enjoyed using it. Perhaps it was someone special like my Mother-in-law. I'm thankful she took good care of it and I can enjoy it now...and the roses.

I hope I will be the kind of person to pass on beauty to others, whether it is something I have planted and nurtured, or gently cared for and preserved - like the tea cup. In that small way I can share a little of the blessings God has given me.

What blessings are you enjoying today?

Charlotte

I'm linking to these lovely tea parties...

Joy in the Storms

2011-07-08T22:50:00.000-07:00

But I will hope continually,

And will praise You yet more and more.

Psalm 71:14

      There have been a lot of trials in my life lately, some big, some small, but they are piling up at an alarming rate. I don't step out of bed wondering what will befall me today, but I am putting my feet on the floor a little slower. Last night I was cleaning up from dinner and spilled some liquid on my ceramic range top...which seeped under the knobs. No big deal, I just removed the knobs and got a wet dish cloth and proceeded to wipe it out of the hole when...bang, poof, spark, smoke! It gave me a good jolt, and I haven't been able to use it since. Minor annoyance. So on to the next chore, laundry. First load...a little water on the floor, hmm that's weird. Second load...more water, but I wasn't giving up without a fight. Third load...lots of water on the floor. OK, the washer is broken. No stove top and no washer, but it isn't all that bad, right?

      Then the neighbor comes over, not happy, to tell us our rooster has been waking him up early every morning for several days (we live on a farm). So these little trials seemed to be leaking, like the washer, from the house - to the barn, and apparently were making their way down the street. It didn't stop there but I don't want to drag you through it all, so I'll stop.

      What was interesting (and suspicious) is before the trials really got thick, I prayed for joy. I had prayed for joy and peace for a couple of weeks because my family was going through something very hard. Now I'm not saying God answered my prayers with trials and tribulation, I'm just saying that I prayed for joy before they started piling up.

      I'm positive God doesn't do things to keep us from having joy - actually He gives us fullness of joy - but I do think we have an enemy who wants to steal, kill, and destroy it. Real joy doesn't depend on what is going on around me. It doesn't go away when the appliances break down, when people are upset with me over a rooster...or when the light bulb above my head burns out - just now! It can't be killed, stolen, or destroyed.

      Joy is something that fills us even when we're going through the storms in life. It doesn't get poured into us from outside, it pours out...overflows from within. It is placed in the heart by God Himself and no one, or thing, or trial, can remove it. It's times like this God proves to me what His word says about Him is absolutely true - He is my rock, my fortress, my strong tower, shield, deliverer, strength, and my joy.

My Firm Foundation

Standing on the solid rock, though all may crumble 'round,

I will not fall from where I stand, I am on solid ground.

Storms will blow around me, and tides will rise and fall,

My eyes stay on my Master, and my heart tuned to His call.

No power can remove me, from this solid place I stand,

The One I've placed my trust in, holds all power in His hand.

At times I may grow weary, but those times He has foreseen,

He's promised not to leave me, and hold me as I lean.

He is my firm foundation, where no higher place is found,

Than the Solid Rock - Jesus, as I stand on holy ground.

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;

my God, my strength, in whom I will trust;

my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Psalm 18:2

Linking up with Ginger and Charlotte at...

and

An Empty Tea Cup

2011-07-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

Today my cup is empty...and yet at the same time it seemed as though it is overflowing! Not with tea or coffee, but with thanksgiving. Everything feels upside down in my life right now, but strangely it is all OK. God keeps reminding me that He is in control and His words, "let not your heart be troubled" have brought a peace beyond my understanding. This past weekend was very busy. I didn't think I would be able to join you for tea today, but here I am joining late.

It is in the busy, hectic times of life that I appreciate the few minutes I can sit down and have a cup of tea or coffee and read a bit from one of my devotionals. I find that when I'm feeling heavy and weighed down with cares, taking a moment to think about all the blessings in my life helps me refocus and my heavy heart is changed into a thankful one. A thankful heart is very light and wants to do things like sing, dance, and praise. It wants to rejoice, whether there is tea in the cup or not.

Today is a beautiful day, the flowers are all abloom, my family is well, and there is much to be thankful for. One of the reasons I didn't want to miss out on joining you for tea today is because I was anxious to share this little book with you. It is filled with tea time devotions...short encouraging tidbits from the Bible and tea related things sprinkled in between. It is quite lovely.

This is the page I turned to....

It says, "David was dancing before the Lord with all his might."

2 Samuel 6:14

It got me thinking about what that would look like...to dance with all ones might. I don't think it's something a person could do if their heart was heavy. It's something that is done when a heart is filled with praise and thanksgiving.

This quote was at the end of my reading today...

I hope you have time to sit down today and enjoy a cup of tea, but even more, I hope your pretty tea cup will give you cause to remember all your blessings, and your cup will overflow with joy and thanksgiving.

"With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly to the Lord;

and in the midst of many I will praise Him."

Psalm 109:30

Have a blessed day,

Charlotte

Linking up with...

Losing my mind!

2011-07-01T22:39:00.000-07:00

      This week has been a week of losing things. 5:30 one morning I am awakened with the sounds of my husband opening and closing drawers...shuffling through papers on his dresser, and coming in and out of the bedroom. I made the mistake of moving (signs of life) then he started questioning me about the set of keys for our new front door lock. I am not a morning person by nature, nor can I think cognitively before say...7AM? And even then I need coffee. So I just kept repeating what he said..."keys", "keys?" "new lock", "lock?" Then he asked a question that woke me up. "Did you throw the box away with the keys still inside?" Oh no, maybe I did! I thought and thought, but couldn't remember if I'd even touched the keys...but yes, I did throw the box away! Now that I was completely awake I thought of something I learned when I was a child...God knows where everything is! Nothing is ever lost to Him. So I prayed.

      It wasn't five minutes until my husband found the keys, and yes, it was HE who misplaced them in HIS nightstand drawer! I'm always happy when it ends that way:) But I am curiously suspicious of the fact that whenever we lose something, we rarely find it before we pray and ask God to reveal to us where it is. I think it is just a little reminder to rely on Him, and remember that He is all-knowing.

      Apparently though, I moved on from that lesson a bit too fast. That afternoon I couldn't find the computer cord to my camera. I looked everywhere...no cord. I searched the entire house twice! I went over and over in my mind the last time I used it...where I was...what I did with it.

      I had my fourteen month old grandson here for the weekend - the tabletop dancer...chair climber...no place too high...no drawer too low...get into everything...always moving baby boy! So now I was going over and over in my mind what I would do with a computer cord if I was two and a half feet tall! Then I remembered once again that simple truth I learned when I was a child. God knows where everything is...even the missing cord, so again I prayed!

      Five minutes passed...no cord, ten minutes...no cord. I was beginning to panic. I had a deadline and I needed to get pictures from my camera to my computer...pronto! "Lord, do you not want me to do this thing I committed to do? Why are you not showing me where my cord is? My laptop doesn't have a port for the memory card." I was seriously starting to doubt whether I was supposed to be doing this, when a thought entered my mind - the old PC in the den! It has a port for my memory card, but it didn't work the last time I tried it, however, if the Lord was leading me in that direction, I would follow.

      I put it in...it worked! I was able to meet my deadline and stop having a nervous break down. Today as I cleaned off the back deck, guess what I found? You guessed it...my cord! Did God know it was there? You bet He did. So why didn't He show me? If there is one thing I have learned about Him, it is that He doesn't think like me. He does things differently than I do. When I can't figure out a situation I am left with putting my complete trust in Him...and not myself. He answered my prayer and eventually led me to the cord, but He worked out the things in between the losing and the finding in a way that would cause me to rely on Him more fully than if He had just revealed the whereabouts of the cord.

      I am so thankful He is Omnipotent. Nothing is lost to Him. When we can't find something, all we have to do is ask Him, and like a loving father He will help us find it...and perhaps teach us a thing or two while we look. Some days I may feel as though I am losing my mind, but I don't have to worry...He knows right where it is.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do,

and your plans will succeed.

Proverbs 16:3

Linking up with...

A Country Tea

2011-06-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

I love having tea outside on a beautiful sunny day

And what could be better than ice cream and berries?

I occassionally make complicated delicate desserts, but most of the time I prefer something easier with my coffee or tea...

otherwise I might not have time to do it at all.

My main requirement is that it tastes good - pretty is nice too.

I have shared this china with you before. It was my grandmothers, passed down to me.
She would be so happy to know I am sharing it with you!

Royal Albert Autumn Rose

I like the sound of running water, it's so soothing,
especially on a warm summer day.

It reminds me of a Bible verse I memorized years ago,

"He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." Psalm 1:3

Talking about the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord.

The roses in my vase are from a bush in the front yard.
They are simple carpet roses but I think they are lovely cut and brought in the house. They last a long time.

I planted Red Flame grapes to grow along the rails of my back deck to add a bit of shade in the summer.

I'm blessed with the delicious fruit when it ripens.
They remind me of another verse...

"I am the vine, you are the branches.
He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit;

for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5

There is so much beauty all around us if we look for it.

"...whatever things are true...noble...just...pure...lovely...of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8

Thank you for joining me on the back deck for tea today!

It was delicious!

Charlotte

Also linking up with...

No Rhyme or Reason

2011-06-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

“But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

(Matthew 12:36 – 37)

Someone asked me at church on Sunday if I had written any new poems lately. In the course of our short conversation, I made the comment that there was no rhyme or reason to how often I wrote a poem. Later that afternoon, I'm sure it was the Holy Spirit who reminded me of those words as I cleaned up the house.

“No rhyme or reason?” How could I say that? Of course there was a rhyme or there wouldn’t be a poem, and for the reason, shouldn’t it be to glorify God with the instrument He's placed in my hand – a pen?

Why do we so often say things we don’t really mean? Well, maybe not everyone does, but I do. When I do, I be-little the very words that are meant to bring life and light to others by sharing the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ. I make them cheap and meaningless when I spew them out thoughtlessly. Words have the power to tear down or build up. They should not be spent foolishly.

There is a rhyme or reason for everything we do. Every moment, every word given to us by God is intended to be used to its fullest, to be a blessing to others, and to bring Him glory. For the poet especially – There is always a rhyme or a reason to set their pen to paper, for in doing so they acknowledge that He is their rhyme, and He is their reason.

Words

by Charlotte Foster

My pen is filled with liquid words just waiting to flow out.

To write a poem that points to God for those who harbor doubt.

It’s just a Bic with dark blue ink, there’s nothing fancy here.

It holds no power of its own, it moves when God draws near.

If all the words were gathered and stored within this pen.

Their weight could not be measured with instruments of men.

For God created words more important than we know.

With them we utter curses or blessings we bestow.

He calls His son, “The Living Word,” His written plan fulfilled.

God’s spirit pouring out of men on Bible pages spilled.

It’s not our words that matter, nor the silly thoughts of man.

But words placed in the heart by God and His pen placed in our hand.

For all the words belong to Him, He’s the author of them all.

Let’s use them for His purpose and answer to His call.

Every pen or pencil can write a praise or prayer.

Some can write a song or poem if only they would dare.

God can use the words you write to give encouragement.

To save a life that once was lost because a note you sent.

The person who was lonely can know the Saviors love.

Because you listened and obeyed the voice that’s from above.

Words can be a tiny spark to light hopes dying flame.

Speak life and love into a life that will never be the same.

They’re a candle in the darkness, a light upon the hill.

Words spoken with compassion, empty broken hearts can fill.

We’ll never know till God reveals all that words can do.

So if your hand can hold a pen these words are meant for you!

Now we have received not the spirit of the world,
but the Spirit who is from God,

so that we may know the things freely given to us by God,
which things we also speak,
not in words taught by human wisdom,
but in those taught by the Spirit,
combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.

(1 Corinthians 2:13)

Just Too Busy!

2011-06-22T00:30:00.000-07:00

Blog Tour Book Review:

Just Too Busy - Taking Your Family on a Radical Sabbatical

Meet the Author~

JOANNE KRAFT loves to encourage women. A sought-after speaker, Kraft has been published in Today’s Christian Woman, In Touch, ParentLife, Kyria, and P31 Woman magazine. She serves as Marriage Study group leader, leader of Inspire Christian Writers, and is a 911 Dispatcher in Sacramento County, California. She is married and has four children.

http://www.joannekraft.com/

If I could get into a time machine and travel back several years to when my five boys were young, I would take this book with me, and there would certainly be some changes made in our daily routine.

That familiar statement, "time stops for no one," is true, but time can, in a sense, slow down for those who choose to eliminate some of the busyness that takes their days hostage.

In her book, Joanne speaks to those moms and dads who feel they are being held captive to activity and are in bondage to the busyness in their lives. Basically all moms and dads! She covers some tough areas of parenting and offers real solutions to busyness problems that not only affect our children, but have pierced through the heart of society. As the daughter of a "hard-charging Marine" she doesn't beat around the bush, but brings the truth right out in the open; using her gift of humor and a good helping of God's Word.

The pages of this book are filled with the true story of how one family put their foot on the brake of busyness and stopped their out of control schedule from running away with their lives. Kraft encourages other families to slow down, take time out, and enjoy the simple things - enjoy their time together. You will find yourself easily identifying with this author as she takes you with her on a radical journey through her family's twelve month sabbatical from their over-active lifestyle. A Radical Sabbatical.

The chapters are written in an easy format for readers to digest, and end with straight forward questions that gives the reader an opportunity to apply what they have learned to their own busy life. This book will challenge you, encourage you, and equip you to do something the rest of the world may see as radical - to say "yes" to the best, and "no" to the rest.

I don't have a time machine, so there won't be any going back for me. That is one of the points of this book - you only get one chance to raise your children, no trial runs, no do overs. I would recommend this book to all parents and grandparents who want to leave a legacy of peace and joy on the branches of their family tree and not just blurred memories of activity.

This book is available now at http://www.amazon.com/ , http://www.cbd.com/ , and Barnes & Noble

Leave a comment and enter to win a $25 gift card! Winner to be announced on June 30th.

Having Tea with a bumble bee...

2011-06-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

Why do women like flowers so much?

I've thought about this question and I think I have a clue to the answer.

I think it is because we were created in a garden. Our heritage began there among the flowers and plants with God. I think our hearts ache for it...to be back where life began.

They always catch my eye...flowers.

Whether growing along the roadside or on a teacup.

They are a visual delight. So many textures and colors, even fragrances!

I'm amazed at the things God created for us to tend...and the thought that His first choice for us was a garden. He looked at it and said, "It is good."

What could be more perfect than flowers and teacups...having tea in a garden?

With the bumble bees and butterflies.

I agree with God...it is good.

Planting seeds?

2011-06-18T17:39:00.000-07:00

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows that he will also reap."
Galations 6:7

What are you planting today? Every day we plant something, what is it today? When the sun goes down on the horizon and you look back over this day, what seeds will you have sown in the ground of your life?

Every action - word, attitude, kind deed, or sin finds its way into the soil of our futures. They sprout and grow into something tangible - good or bad. It's as simple as planting a garden, you plant a pumpkin seed and by golly, you get a pumpkin plant that produces pumpkins. There is nothing difficult to understand about that. Yet, we often don't see the similarity to the seeds we plant every day as we go about our lives. I don't mean "you" I mean "we." We as a people just don't seem to get this simple truth. If we did I think there would be a lot less divorces, broken homes, wayward children, mental illness, and suicides. Because I think if we really got it, we would intentionally plant the kind of seeds each day that would bring the fruit into our lives we desire, like love, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, peace, encouragement and all those things we like to receive from others. And if we could see the ugly plants our harmful actions produce, we would be more careful to not sow bad seeds.

It's a good thing God's mercy is new every morning and He gives us a brand new day in which to cultivate new seeds. It is never too late to plant goodness. The sooner we start, the faster it will grow up and overshadow the bad plants. One thing is for sure, God means what He says... we will reap what we sow.

What are you planting today?

Teacups and Monterey

2011-06-13T23:16:00.000-07:00

My husband and I celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary last week in Monterey. We found a lovely boutique hotel right on the water in the heart of Cannery Row. The room was decorated with romantic colors and fabrics, and of course I took lots of pictures.

There were Cd's in the room of soft music, John Trent's "Monterey Nights" which I kept playing the entire time. Breakfast was served to our room every morning; this I thought was particularly nice (I'm a mom of five boys...that never happens at home!)

There were no teacups involved with breakfast, but the coffee was good!

We spent some time in the rooftop garden while the sun was shining.

One day we decided to rent bikes and ride along the bike trail that travels through the entire town. As we were riding along, I spotted a huge barn-like structure with the word ANTIQUES across the front. Before I knew what happened, my bike bolted off the trail and stopped abruptly in front of that antique store. My husband was very understanding about the detour and even offered to stay with the bikes while I had a look inside. I stepped through the door and all around me were shelves covered with beautiful old things...vintage beauties. Dishes, doilies, tea pots and teacups to name a few. It was almost like heaven (but not, because heaven has Jesus and He is even better than teacups and pretty things:). There was so much to see, I had to leave and come back later with the car. When we went back, I found this teacup and my husband purchased it for me.

I love having something like this to add to my memories of the trip.

A few days after coming home I visited my mom and brought a bouquet of flowers home from her garden. Her roses are in full bloom.

I enjoyed the flowers and the teacup on my deck.

Teacups and roses seem (to me) like the perfect pair!

Awakened in the Night...

2011-05-27T16:39:00.000-07:00

By day the Lord directs His love,

at night His song is with me -

a prayer to the God of my life.

Psalm 42:8

I was awakened in the night. It was a little past 3:00AM and I couldn't go back to sleep. There was a lot on my mind, making my head feel heavy on the pillow. Thoughts of my boys, the church, women's ministries, the upcoming conference...and back to my boys; around and around it went until I decided to pray. "What is it Lord, why am I thinking about all these things. Why does my mind and heart feel so heavy with cares?" I attempted to give them to Him, but the weight of them kept falling back on me. "Lord, I am casting my cares on you, for you care for me. That is what Your word says, and I believe it. So why are these cares not going away?"

I got out of bed and walked around a little - into the kitchen, the living room, then sat down in a chair. I know if God is not taking these things from me there must be a reason, so I asked Him. "Lord, what is it, what am I supposed to do? I'm tired and I want to go to bed! I have meetings in the morning and don't want to be a zombie." It doesn't take much to make me a zombie. Then I felt the need to pray. Not pray to go to sleep, not to take away my cares, but pray for my boys and the people on my heart. To also pray for my church and the women who attend Bible study there...the up coming conference, and God's will to be done.

As I prayed the heaviness lifted, and the tears began to flow. I got it! He woke me up. He wanted me to pray. In the quiet of the night, with no one else around, He lit a candle in the darkness with His presence, and I joined Him in the night watch. When I went back to bed, there was a sense of peace; He was in control...I left my cares with Him and He held them safely through the night.

Hearts unfold like flowers before Him...

2011-05-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

Joyful, Joyful, we adore Thee

God of glory, Lord of love

Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee,

Opening to the son above.

Believe!

We are more than conquerors,

In Him who set us free.

Guiding us to promised lands,

And all that we can be.

He has much more than we expect,

Waiting to pour out.

On that day when we believe,

And overcome our doubt.

Blessings unimagined,

Like an ocean pour.

Once we act upon our faith,

And open our hearts door.

When hope floods out in action,

And faith is given life.

Problems – opportunities,

And joy instead of strife.

That’s when we’ll know Him deeper,

The flame in us He’ll fan.

With miracles He’ll answer prayer,

When we believe He can.

“Call Unto Me and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3

Coffee in my teacup...shhh

2011-05-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make...I have coffee in my teacup. It's been going on for quite some time now, but I was afraid to admit it for fear the tea drinkers out there would refuse to speak to me. Tea seems so much more sofisticated and fun. How often do you hear about someone having a coffee party? Not often...actually never. Tea cups go to tea parties not coffee parties. There are coffee houses, but they serve coffee in tall paper cups with lids, that's not very fun or sofisticated.

Once in a while I will have some tea, I like it too, just not as much as coffee. When my church has their annual women's tea, I enjoy the delicious tea they serve. They use two regular Lipton bags with one herbal peach in each teapot...it is really quite nice. But of course when you are served scones and lemon curd, it is only natural to want a cup of tea. I don't even think of asking for coffee.

(This china was passed down to me from my Grandmother)

Since I have coffee on my mind, I'd like to share my very favorite book with you. The author is Margaret Jensen, the book title is "First We Have Coffee, Then We Talk."

Whether your drinking coffee or tea in your pretty cup, have a blessed day!

Cackle or Crow?

2011-05-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry for two chicken posts in a row...I've been working outside a lot!

I was walking around my driveway today when I heard a not-so-strange sound coming from the chicken coop. I say it was not-so-strange because it is a sound I would expect to hear from a coop of chickens, yet it was strange that it was coming from this particular coop. What was the noise? It was a chicken crowing. It wouldn’t be a strange noise to hear except for the fact that I only have hens in my coop…no roosters. Somebody in there was a little confused.

Maybe it was just a hen with a type-A personality taking control of the coop, wanting to rule the roost; tired of everyone sleeping late for lack of a wakeup call. Or maybe it was just a stupid chicken who thought she could crow. In any case, it sounded pretty bad. She got the,”ur a urrrrrr” out but that was all. It stopped short. She did it several times with a pause in between to take a breath. It sounded like she was practicing.

I got to thinking about how we people sometimes take on roles because there is a vacancy. Not necessarily because we are designed for it, or even good at it; we just try to fill a space or a position for the simple fact that no one else is doing it (especially type-A hens). We can do this in our homes and churches as well, even when a “rooster” is in the coop. In our own way we can attempt to rule the roost, to crow. It sounds just as bad when we try to do it because it's not God’s design for us…not the song He gave us to sing.

When we are each doing what God designed for us, and being the person He made us, it all works together so beautifully. His plans are perfect, and no matter how much we try to mess with them, change them, or choose a different way, the facts remain the same for us as much as they do for chickens – no matter how much they try, roosters will never lay eggs, and hens can’t crow!

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

A Spark

2011-04-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

I remember as a teenager, sitting around the campfire at summer church camp, singing this song -

"It only takes a spark to get a fire going...

And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing.

That's how it is with God's love, once you've experienced it.

You want to sing, it's fresh like spring...

You want to pass it on...

Pass it on...Pass it on!"

What would happen if we passed on God's love to those around us in such a way that its sparks grew into uncontrollable flames that set men's hearts on fire for God? What would happen to those around who could feel the warmth of its glow?

Tea Time Tuesday

2011-04-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

This is my very first time joining "Tea Time Tuesday!" I've been visiting the different sites that participate each week but never joined in. Since today is my birthday...and I like trying new things as I get older, I thought it would be nice to celebrate by having a cup of tea with you all.

Pictured is a lovely little tea cup given to me by a dear friend.

I baked some peanut butter cookies to send with my son who left yesterday to go back on active duty in the National Guard. He also shares the same birthday with me! I always tell him he was the best birthday present God ever gave me. Normally we do something special with eachother (like go out to lunch) but not this year since he is away. So I will eat a peanut butter cookie and think of him. "Happy Birthday Jonathan!"

I've enjoyed having tea with you! Have a blessed day!

This post is linked to Tea Time Tuesday at

http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/

and

Tea Cup Tuesday at
http://www.marthasfavorites.com/

Three days

2011-04-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

      These days in which we live, remind me of the time the disciples waited between Friday and Sunday. Christ died on the cross and was buried. He left behind only promises that they would see Him again. I’m sure it was the longest weekend of their lives. They felt alone, abandoned. They left their hope at the grave, sealed behind a stone. When He died, their futures died with Him. Life was over, so they thought.

Have you ever felt hopeless, abandoned, like life was over?

      What they didn’t know is that this wasn’t the end. In fact, it was just the beginning. On the third day He rose from the dead and gave them the gift of life everlasting. Not a continuation of the same life, but the beginning of a new one. A life now lived in victory – through Him. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead gave them power over sin – they were no longer slaves to it. He set them free!

Are you free?

      It wasn’t long before He left them again, and once more gave promises. They had to wait again – put their trust in Him – believe. Then He sent the Holy Spirit; to be their guide, comforter, and counselor, revealer of truth, keeper and strength. He set them apart for God, and kindled a fire of love and hope within their hearts, a flame that could not be quenched.

Do you need love and hope?

      Our time here, in a way, is like their long weekend of waiting. Christ has left us here with promises – but we are not alone, not abandoned. We have His Holy Spirit waiting with us, keeping us set apart for Him. We have that same fire burning within our hearts, keeping love and hope alive until all the promises of God are fulfilled. And then we will see Him. He is coming again.

Are you looking for Him?

Behold, he is coming with clouds,

and every eye will see Him,

even they who pierced Him.

Rev. 1:7

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,"

says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come,

the Almighty." Rev. 1:8

Trip to Home Depot: To Fix an Attitude

2011-04-15T23:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, all of you be submissive to one another,

and be clothed with humility, for

"God resists the proud,

But gives grace to the humble."

1 Peter 5:5

      I was wearing my pink gloves...they matched my shirt, white shoes and white undershirt that peeked out above the sparkle-studded pink top. For some reason it mattered to me what I was wearing to a hardware store, but not my husband. He was the one leaving a trail of down feathers behind as he walked through the store wearing his favorite coat - not because it was pretty, but because it was warm (he's practical like that). Behind him, floating in the air like dandelion seeds in the breeze, were tiny feathers catching a ride on the air current caused by the stores overhead heater. The feathers were escaping from small burn holes in his coat, caused by flying embers that landed on it while burning brush piles on our property. It was his favorite coat, he didn't care about the feathers. A kinesthetic person seldom chooses looks over comfort. But I, on the other hand, a visual, have been known to wear itchy, uncomfortable, stiff clothing because I thought it was pretty...go figure.

      Today as I walked with this man through the store, I felt like God was giving me a glimpse of myself the way He sees me (and my husband). A view from the outside looking in. Next to me I saw a man unencumbered by the trivial details of what he looked like as he rummaged through boxes of pipe fittings, to find the right piece for a broken water pipe. And with him was a picky visual wearing pink gloves, who was too annoyed with things of little value, like (his) muddy pants and floating feathers...and what people thought about them. Before I had time to bat another feather away from my face, God let me see what I was really wearing - a covering of something much uglier than my husbands coat - an attitude of vanity and pride.

      In my spirit I knew what mattered most in life wasn't what we wear on the outside, but what we wear in our hearts. Pink gloves on a prideful heart is no better than lipstick on a pig, they both end up wallowing in something ugly and smelly. As a visual person, my prayer is that God will open my eyes to those things in life that really matter and keep my focus on Him...not wholly coats on other people (or my husband).

      He got the pipe fixed, so hopefully we won't get a water bill for a million dollars. I took off the pink gloves and helped him. His coat is hanging on the coat rack as I write this, with feathers peeking out the holes. I have a feeling it's going to be around for a long time. I don't think my husband (or God) is finished with it yet.

It's kinda weird but beautiful!

2011-04-14T21:16:00.000-07:00

God's creativity never ceases to amaze me.
He has put color and texture everywhere!

Take a walk with me through the trees...

just down the hill from our house.

While my husband cut fallen trees and burned brush,

I took pictures of these trees. (I wasn't much help!)

They were adorned with their own kind of bling.

Other living things were making homes on their bark.

Hitching a ride through life.

Like hair and warts...only not.

I thought they were beautiful!

Is it True?

2011-04-08T22:07:00.000-07:00

      I was told recently that young Christian's aren’t interested in old church hymns. Is this true? I did turn 50 this year and that makes me a half century old, but can I really be so old that I have lived to see the end of such a rich heritage in print? Perhaps I have stepped out of modern times and am living in the past; a past that started singing from a hymnal and reluctantly moved onto an overhead screen. A past that held in its hand a book filled with the passion and praise of men and women who knew what it meant to lose every earthly thing and yet find that their hearts still held a song of love and hope for their God. Songs that were born out of sanctified lives. Lives that knew suffering and yet still wrote the words, “It is well, it is well, with my soul.”

     Like the song that was birthed from the ashes of a slave trader’s life after God saved him and set him free from sin, “Amazing Grace How Sweet the Sound!” Songs that poured out of the heart of a blind girl and spilled onto pages for generations to see, “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine!”

      I enjoy listening to and singing contemporary Christian music, but have you noticed how it comes and goes? The praise and worship songs we sing in church today will be obsolete in a year or two. Why is that? Our God does not change. He is the same today as He has always been and will always be. I think it is great that we have new expressions of praise and worship in our churches. I just pray that we do not give up substance and depth for fads. I pray that our focus is not on the song making us feel good but that it pleases God. The angels around the throne sing, “Holy, Holy, Holy.” What shall we sing?

      We live in a society that is not happy for long with anything. We move from one thing to another almost as quickly as changing the channel on TV. We are used to things not lasting. Yet some things do last forever. Things like God’s promises, His character, His Truth, and His love. These are the things songs are made of. Not because it is popular, but because it is true.

      This is why I love the old hymns. Because they have been tried and tested over time. Their words sing out a melody that shouts “Amen” to the word of God. I will sing the new songs with the congregation on Sunday and praise God in the sanctuary as the band lifts up its new tunes, but in my heart I will continue to hold tightly to those songs that stood the test of time and sing out from the past, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” and “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” In my own way I will be standing with that wretch that was saved and that blind girl who had the eyes of her heart opened by the love of God, and the echo of their songs will continue through the corridors of time as I join them in singing, “This is my story, this is my song, praising my savior all the day long!”

Martin Luther (1483-1546) A Mighty Fortress is our God
John Newton (1725-1807) Amazing Grace
Fanny Jane Crosby (1820-1915) Blessed Assurance, To God Be the Glory
Horatio Gates Spafford (1828-1888) It is Well with My Soul

Hope in a Jar?

2011-03-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

      Faith, Hope, Love, Grace, Purity…we see these words a lot in our society; for sale on plaques, written in calligraphy on walls, on garden rock art, and even on cosmetic jars. They’re good words as words go, but by themselves they’re meaningless. In a sense they have become mystical words, with illusive meanings that any person, company, or religion can attach their own definition to. They have become cheap and without substance.

      Isn’t that just like the enemy’s tactics, to take words with rich meaning from God’s word and water them down to conform to this world? He desires to remove the true substance - Christ - from anything and everything that brings Him glory and take glory for himself. He doesn’t have to change anything else…just remove Christ. All these words: Hope, grace, purity, are rich in meaning when kept in the context of our walk with Him, but taken out of that context they become as useless to transform us as face cream in a jar.

      How many “Christian” songs have been sung without the mention of His name, sermons preached, or books written, somehow thinking the world could be lured in by not offending the listener with the name of the Son of God. In doing so, they have conformed to the worlds standards instead of transforming the listener by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:1-2). 1 John 5:4 says, whatever is born of God overcomes the world – not becomes like it.

      Christ is the very center of all we do if we are Christians. He is the starting point at which all things begin…he is the heart of everything. Without the heart in a body, the blood cannot beat through the veins. Without Christ there is no life, no power in the words. It is only in Him that life flows through words, and people are transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit.

      Let’s be bold and put His name back in the places it has been removed. Let it forever be present on the tips of our tongues and the end of our pens…ready to flow forth with power and life to the listener (1 Peter 4:11).

What did Paul mean in 1 Corinthians 13:13 when he said, “…these three remain - faith, hope, love…?”

If our faith is in Christ, then He becomes the very definition of it. He is the substance of all we hope for, and the evidence in our lives not only of things we see, but also of the things we can’t see. (Hebrews 11:1)

He is also our hope…For it is the God of hope who fills us with all joy and peace in believing that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

And He is our love…”Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:5)

We know Paul did not mean these three remain apart from Christ, because to Paul, to live was Christ. It may be a little disappointing to the world to know they can’t purchase hope in a jar, but the good news is - God sent us hope in His Son. He even paid the price for us to receive it, so that we could have an endless supply through Jesus…free of charge.

The Dust of His Feet

2011-03-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

What Do You See In Your Clouds?

“Behold He cometh with clouds.”

R ev.1:7

In the bible clouds are always connected with God. Clouds are

those sorrows or sufferings or providences, within or without

our personal lives, which seem to dispute the rule of God. It is by those

very clouds that the Spirit of God is teaching us how to walk by faith.

If there were no clouds, we should have no faith.
“The clouds are but the dust of our Father’s feet.”

The clouds are a sign that He is there.

~ Oswald Chambers

My Utmost For His Highest, July29

Winter of the Soul

2011-02-25T15:22:00.000-08:00

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

      My husband thought the new picture I put on my blog header was too dead looking. I pondered for a moment to consider his opinion. Then I answered him back, "It's not dead, it's winter." Sometimes winter causes things to look dead, but really, they're only sleeping. They are taking a rest from their labor, in preparation for the work ahead. The grape vine I chose for my blog header is not dead. Right now it has buds just ready to burst forth with life. It's waiting for the "go ahead," for that appointed time when the work begins again. When each branch in the vine will send forth its little branches and leaves, and fruit.

      Sometimes in life we go through periods similar to winter, perhaps a winter of the soul. When we're dormant in our activities, and it feels like we aren't growing. Perhaps something happened to us that caused us to be put out of commission temporarily, or slowed down. We may feel a little bit dead, or useless, but in reality God has brought us to a state of waiting...resting...and being still. Just like the grapevine, there is work ahead of us and we are being prepared for it.

      It can be a time of growing on the inside, in the hidden places of the heart. A time of trusting God and His plans for our lives, knowing that He is doing a work in us that will burst forth with life, like new leaves on the vine. As we draw closer to Him, and seek His face (being still and knowing He is God), His work in us will grow and mature, and bring forth fruit.

      The picture of the bare vine may look sad to you, but to me it is a reminder of the promises and goodness of God. Because year after year I've seen what He has done through the vine. He has always been faithful to bring the leaves of spring after the cold barren winter, followed by summer's abundance of fruit as His many blessings overflow into the baskets of autumn.

      Just as we can count on the seasons changing every year, we can also count on the faithfulness of God to bring us through those quiet times of waiting on Him. New buds will soon appear on the branches of our lives and God’s goodness will burst forth with spring blossoms; replacing our winter of the soul.

When a friend walks away...

2011-02-18T14:42:00.000-08:00

(I took this picture because I noticed how much my vacuum cleaner cord looked like a heart. I kind of thought it was relevant to this post because one end of it was plugged in to the outlet and the other end was in the vacuum cleaner...and in the middle was this heart -well, you decide if it is relevant.)

"Love is patient, love is kind...bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

1 Cor. 13:4,7

      What do you do when a sister in the Lord falls away, or more like, turns away from God? When they turn their back on everyone and everything they once held dear, and choose a life of sin instead. When all common ground - the ground you once walked with them - is gone, and the path is no longer visible to the eye. When they no longer allow you to call them sister or friend, and close the door on your heart. Do you cry...question God...pray? What do you do?

      This happened to me just recently. Someone I care for very much, turned and walked away. She didn't just walk away from me, she walked away from others too, and even worse, she walked away from God. I know if my heart hurts this much, His heart must be breaking. I also know He will never give up on her, He will always love her, and so must I.

      I'm going to pray for her, especially now when she will not pray for herself. I want to remain a faithful sister and friend by interceding before the throne of Grace on her behalf, remembering that the Bible says love is patient and kind, and it never gives up (1 Corinthians 13). I heard a speaker just recently say that interceding for someone in prayer is like putting one hand on their shoulder, and the other on God. So at this time when my friend cannot, or will not draw near to Him, I'll stand in the gap and pray with one hand stretched out to her and the other to God. In that way, I'll hold her ever so close to both of us, even though she is far away.

Sharing my trip

2011-02-14T22:37:00.000-08:00

I'm back!

Not only did I go on my get-away with friends, but I didn't get big lips or the flu (previous post) until I got back. I'm not complaining:) We arrived at the house just in time to unload the car and watch the beautiful sunset.

We were reminded that the heavens declare the glory of God, as we watched the sky change colors and the sun disappear from sight.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. Psalm 19:1-4

It was nice not having a schedule. Our only plans were to have no plans. We were there for peace and quiet, and to fellowship as sisters in the Lord.

After breakfast we decided to go on a hike to Feather Falls. When we made the decision to go, we didn't realize it was a 10 mile hike, but we opted to go anyway after we found out. We were glad we did.

We crossed a few bridges.

Reminders that God is our bridge over troubled waters.

These waters weren't troubled, but without a bridge it would have been a lot of trouble to cross them.

It was five miles to the falls, but it was worth the hike, and singing praise songs along the way made the time seem to go faster.

" Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; all Your waves and billows have gone over me." Psalm 42: 7

I loved the way the water looked as it fell on the rocks...

The Feather River snaked through the canyon below us.

We passed some other brave souls who told us they saw a bunch of lady bugs on the lower trail, so we decided to go back the way they came. What we didn't realize is that it was uphill almost all the way!

We found the ladybugs. They were in bunches on the moss covered rocks.
My camera didn't capture these little ladies very well, but you get the idea...lots of lady bugs!

We passed this log on our way back and decided to cross it instead of staying on the trail.
Hey, we're over 50, and sometimes we need to veer off the trail and remember what it's like to take chances...even small ones.

(no one fell)

The last mile was hard...really hard. Uphill all the way. So we did what no survival books would tell you to do (except the Bible), we started praising God.

Before we knew it, we were back at the parking lot where we started five hours earlier.

We drove out about an hour before dark...thankful that we went.

Do I trust Him with my future? With or without big lips? (bare with me here)

2011-02-02T13:16:00.000-08:00

      I planned a get-away with some friends of mine, sisters really, about two weeks ago. We decided to go up to my parents place in the mountains for a few days (like a retreat). Walk and talk...you know, girl stuff. But then I started thinking about what I had to do at home to get ready to go: buy horse feed, plan meals, reorder a prescription for one of the horses....the list went on, and on....
Before I knew it, I was so weighed down with all the things I had to do just to leave home for two days, I was already tired and feeling like it wasn't as much fun as I thought it would be, and I hadn't even left yet.

      Then, I came across an article in a publication I received, it was about daring to hope and dream...to look forward to things joyfully, and I felt it was talking to me. I had lost all my joy about going away. Life seemed to be all work and no play, and the weird thing was, I seemed to not really mind it. Was it easier for me to stick to my work and not plan other things? Was I afraid of being disappointed? The article talked about that. I was feeling a little convicted. Did I not trust God with my future, even something as small as a trip away for a couple of days?

      I prayed about it, and acknowledge that God was in control of my future and this trip. I told Him I trusted Him with it all and I wanted it to be glorifying to Him. Not long after, I was really looking forward to going...excited even. I started making plans; what I would wear, what we would eat, and thinking about how fun it was going to be. Then it happened - fear of disappointment tried to stick its ugly head in and steal it away. It started with my husband getting sick - really sick! He was coughing, sneezing, blowing his nose...germs flying everywhere! I could feel them landing on me in bed. I tried not to sleep facing him but I know they were landing on me anyway; the air was full of them....it felt thick. There were used tissues everywhere!

      Before he recovered completely, my youngest son announced to me, "I feel awful, my throat hurts really badly." He looked terrible! He lay in bed for two days, and then started coughing. He was still sick when his older brother came home and informed me that he had a stomach ache. All night he threw up...diarrhea all the next day. I walked around with a bottle of rubbing alcohol and a wash cloth, wiping everything down. I'm sorry to say, I was treating them like they had the plague.

      As I watched this drama unfold, it hit me - I know exactly what is happening here. Each time a new sickness comes through the door I wrestle with fear - am I going to get sick and not get to go on my trip? I had to reaffirm my trust in God's control of my future and that He is faithful to be the keeper of my hopes and dreams...and plans. It was quite a test though. Every time I felt a sneeze coming on, or a cough, I wrestled with it again. Each time I had to give my worrying to God. I almost made myself sick over it!

      I was doing pretty well and then I got a call from my Mom. She began her conversation with, "Did you get sick after you got home the other day?" "No...Why?" (I had to ask) She replied, "My lips are big and swollen!" That's when I couldn't take it any more...it was getting ridiculous...even funny. I burst out laughing! I don't think my Mom understood, but I think I was beginning to.

      I'm leaving with my friends tomorrow for our get-away. I'm really excited! I know it will be a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to fellowshipping with them. I picture us leaving with the Rav4 packed to the roof...all seats filled...coffee mugs in holders...GPS programed and ready...us talking and laughing as we drive away for our two days of adventure. And once I'm in that car, it will be too late for disappointment to win. I will honk my horn as I pull away from the house, and watch it grow smaller in the rear view mirror. If by chance I happen to get a glimpse of myself in that mirror and notice any big swollen lips looking back at me, too bad, I'm going anyway. That's what lipstick is for!

Knowing I am created for a purpose

2011-01-31T20:12:00.000-08:00

It makes all the difference in my life to know I am created by God for a purpose. He chose me to be His child...to live my life at this time in history. I know what ever His plans are for my future, they are perfect...because He is loving, and He is good.

Tarnished

2011-01-17T21:54:00.000-08:00

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9

I borrowed my mother’s silver tea set when I was considering being a hostess at my church’s Tea last spring. I decided to use something else instead, so I put the tea set up in the top of a closet and forgot about it. When I took it out a few days ago, it was not the shiny tea set I put away. It was dark and ugly. During the seven months it sat in the top of the closet, it tarnished to a dark blackish-grey color.

(the cream and sugar bowls)

It was my job to clean this silver when I was a kid but it had been several years since I’d cleaned any silver. I found an old container of silver cleaner in the back of my china cabinet drawer, but when I opened the jar, it looked like an old dried out bar of soap, all cracked and hard.

The sad looking tea set sat on the kitchen counter for several days waiting for me to buy some new cleaner and brighten it up. When I finally got around to it, and began to rub the pieces with the sponge and cleaner, I remembered why I liked that job as a kid. The transformation was so obvious - from dark and ugly to bright and sparkling. The tarnish just wiped away with a little cleaner and water.

It reminded me of myself. How there were times in my life when I was covered with something worse than tarnish - sin. It happened when I neglected keeping myself free from bad choices, or neglected my walk with God for any length of time. Those times I let my heart feel dark and ugly, but as I turned back to Him, He brought His forgiveness (like the cleaner) and washed it all away. When He did, the transformation was obvious.

After I cleaned the silver set, I wrapped it in plastic wrap to keep it from the air. It’s a simple thing to do, and it will prevent the ugly tarnish from coming back.

It’s also pretty simple to keep myself free from being covered with the ugliness of sin. I can’t wrap myself in plastic, but I can keep myself covered with God’s Word and daily prayer. When I make a mistake He will quickly wipe it away with His forgiveness when I turn to Him and ask. He'll restore me to the bright and sparkling person He created me to be - free from sin and tarnish.

2011-01-15T18:27:00.000-08:00

The U-Tube video can be viewed here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnGmueSuFYE&feature=player_embedded#!

It's time for our Women of the Word Bible study to start again at my church! It's always so exciting to get back into the swing of things after the holidays...especially group Bible study. We're doing the "Pursuing More of Jesus" study by Anne Graham Lotz, and it's wonderful. Who doesn't want more of Jesus? When I was researching her studies I came across this U-tube video which I thought was really good. So here it is for you to watch. Enjoy!

I'm always asking the question, "What time is it?" This video has an interesting answer to that question.

It all goes back in the box.

2011-01-05T22:13:00.000-08:00

Christmas is over...

So much time and energy went into plans and preparations for a day that went by so quickly I can hardly believe it's over. Now it all goes back in the box. Well, there's a lot more than one box, but you know what I mean...Christmas is packed away and taken to a shelf in the garage or closed away in the attic to rest quietly for eleven months, until it can come out again.

Twinkling stars and tinsel, glitter bulbs and silver bells, are tucked away with their tinkle and shine hidden by tissue paper and cardboard. Gingerbread boys, snowmen, and angels, keep each other company in the dark, as dry dead trees are taken down and drug to burn piles where they receive their honorable burial ceremonies, leaving trails of needles to follow back to the houses. In my case, the artificial tree was taken apart and shoved into a huge box, taped up and hoisted into the attic.

      As I put my last box away and the house is set back to "ordinary," it seems quieter than usual, and a little sad. I'm not sure which is heavier, the boxes or this feeling inside me. It's that let-down feeling you get when you've been excited and anxiously planning a special event or celebration...and then it's over...just like that! It came, it went, and took the cookies and chocolates with it.

      Life has temporarily lost its sparkle and sweetness, the house mourns the loss of its luster, and I weigh five pounds more than I did in November (thanks to the cookies and chocolates). I'm tempted to pull down the shades and go to bed in the middle of the day, to tuck myself away in the dark room the same way I tucked away the wrappings of Christmas. But if I did, I know it wouldn't be long before I would be awakened by the knowledge that the true meaning of Christmas can never be packed away in a box.

      The light of the knowledge of the glory of God which was revealed in the face of His Son, Jesus Christ, can never be hidden in the dark. Those words He spoke - "I am the light of the world" would illuminate the room and wake me up. I'm sure He would remind me that the sparkle and glitter I boxed up with the decorations can't hold a candle to the light shining brightly from His Spirit within me, and that the best celebration is the one that takes place every day of my life, as I take hold of the gift He sent on that very first Christmas morning...His Son - the Prince of Peace. Christ's birth is a celebration without end, and accepting His gift is just the beginning of life forever with Him.

The memory of that promise seems to brighten the house, causes the sun to shine warmer on the frosted roof, and makes my heavy heart lighter. I can imagine the heavenly anthems ringing around the throne of the King of Kings; His voice calling to me - "Let the dancing begin!" as I'm reminded that life with Him is the celebration. It's never packed up or stored away; it is a life lived outside the box.

A different celebration, a long time ago...

On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, when the celebration was coming to an end, and the lights were being taken down, Jesus said these words -
"I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (John 8:12)

"Get on your mark...get set...go!"

2010-12-31T00:18:00.000-08:00

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it....v26, Therefore, I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air."

1 Corinthians 9:24,26

      I've been thinking a lot about what it means to run the race Paul talks about in 1Corinthians 9:24-27. He tells us to run the race to obtain the prize. What prize is he talking about? It's not a trophy or a plaque to hang on the wall, and it's not a gold medal to wear around your neck; nothing like that. It's not so much something you get as it is something you accomplish. Obviously, you reach the finish line on the last day of your life. When you step over the line and the race is finished -you will either have won or not. There won't be another chance to win, and you get no trial runs...only one try...that's it. When your foot touches that line the stopwatch button is pressed down and the running shoes come off, the race is over.  On the other side of that line stands the Judge who determines the winners and there are only two things that will matter at the end - What you did with the life He gave you and what you did with His Son.

      I've decided to crawl over the line...yes crawl. I'm determined to be incapable of running when I get to the finish line - not one ounce of strength left, completely pooped out, used up, worn out...done! I want to run in such a way I use every bit of energy I have; every gift, opportunity, deed, kind word - holding nothing back. I want my foot to touch the line with no regrets, no words unsaid, no love withheld or turned away, and with my shoes in need of repair. I want to be emptied out and leave no left overs behind - to use it all for Him.

      It's a new year with new opportunities...good works God planned for each of us to do. People to love and God's Son to share. Let's lace up our shoes and run the race of 2011 in such a way that will wear the soles right off, and use ourselves up for Him.

      Erma Bombeck said it beautifully -

          "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, 'I used everything You gave me.'"

"...forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:13-14

Immanuel - God with us...

2010-12-24T09:40:00.000-08:00

The Name above All Names

He has a name above all names, His Father gave to Him,
A name that intercedes for us, brings hope when times are dim.

A name that heals the broken hearts, makes blinded eyes to see,

Restores the lame to walk again, and sets the captives free.

A name that shakes the prison bars, that we erect from sin,

Removes the chains of bondage there, and makes us free again.

The holy name of Jesus Christ, the Perfect Prince of Peace,

Mighty God, King of Kings, the name that brings release.

He came as Light to shine the way, and bring us back to God,

He did not come with judgment’s wrath, but with a Shepherd’s rod.

He is the one True Way to God, the Door we enter through,

The only name that saves a soul, Jesus-Faithful and True.

He came to pierce the darkest night, find those who lost their way,

And set their feet on Solid Rock, bring hope with each new day.

His name means more than we can know, it holds all power and might,

By it our ransom has been paid, exchanging wrong with right.

One day all flesh will bow their knee, proclaim Him Lord of Lords,

The precious name that paid the price, which no one could afford.

The Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and End,

Came down to earth to touch our hearts, relationships to mend.

The Great I AM has come to us, a babe so long ago,

To be the Way, the Truth, and Life, for those He came to know.

Immanuel – God’s with us now, the gift we can’t ignore,

Exalt His name, accept His love, it’s YOU He came here for.

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11

A Christ-mas Poem

2010-12-11T21:13:00.000-08:00

I posted this poem last year, but it's in my heart around this time every year so I decided to post it again. You see, this is the very first poem God gave me when I began writing poetry. It seems so fitting to remember it each year at Christmas time. It makes so much sense to me that the very first poem He would give me would be about His Son. He is the beginning of everything -

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth...all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist." Colossians 1:15-16 NKJ.

I hope you don't mind me sharing it again.

His Name Is Jesus

At Christmas time remember Him

The One who came to heal our sin.

The little child within the manger

The One whom angels hid from danger.

Though in a tiny manger bed

He wore God's crown upon His head.

The babe who came to be our King

To Him the heavenly anthems ring.

The Prince of Peace quietly laying

While people unaware were praying.

To send His light, and God had heard

In the manger lay the Living Word.

God's own Son, the Lord of Host

The very One He loved the most.

He came a ransom for our sin

To heal the broken hearts of men.

This Holy One, the Great I Am

To be the Sacrificial Lamb.

As He slept that Christmas Day

In the shadow of the cross He lay.

So as we give our gifts of love

Remember the One who came from above.

And give Him praise for all He's done

The King of Kings, God's only Son.

Did He Smile?

2010-12-03T20:16:00.000-08:00

One question went through my mind as I watched this video clip..."What was God's reaction?" I know the unsuspecting people in the food court had to be pleasantly surprised with such a performance, and I'm sure they were blessed. But I couldn't help imagine the living creatures in heaven (Rev. 4:8) peering down to see who was joining them with a song of praise, as they sang day and night around the throne of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Heaven and earth praising the One whose kingdom will never end, the One who will reign forever and ever - Hallelujah!

It's not hard to imagine how it pleased God, and that He smiled.

       And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea,
       and all that are in them, I heard saying:
          "Blessing and honor and glory and power
           Be to Him who sits on the throne,
           And to the Lamb, forever and ever!"
                                     Revelations 5:13

So much to thank Him for...

2010-11-12T22:34:00.000-08:00

Oh, Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever.

Psalm 118:1

Thank You!

I look around at all the things

Within my life, my space,

Everywhere I turn my eyes

God's love has left its trace.

In my home - family

Each child picked with care,

Knowing through His goodness

God chose to place them there.

And looking further out

Are friends He made so dear,

Giving me the blessing

Of knowing them each year.

I take a walk outside

And hear a singing bird,

Watch the clouds drifting past

Too softly to be heard.

Autumn's changing colors

Before the winters birth,

Leaves are gently falling
They dance their way to earth.

I feel the warmth of sunshine

between the cool soft breeze,

It seems to whisper praises

And all of life agrees.

Does someone need watering?

2010-10-29T23:07:00.000-07:00

      It's dead! With the flag sticking out of it, you'd think it died an honorable death...but it didn't. It died from lack of water. You would expect that kind of death for a plant growing in the desert, a barren and dry place, but this one died right here on my front porch just steps away from the end of a hose. It's hanging in a place I walk by every day. How could I not see it turn brown and wither from neglect? If I had only noticed it in time, maybe I could have saved it. I can't help but wonder how long it's been hanging there in need of a burial. The flag poking up out of the dry ground is a clue...could it have been that way since the fourth of July? That's a little embarrassing!

      It reminded me of something that happened at church. I realized I hadn't seen someone for quite a while, and then found out they weren't attending there anymore. How long had it been since I saw them? I couldn't remember. In a way, the same thing that happened to my plant can happen to people in the church. We pass by each other every Sunday as we come and go, we sit by people regularly in church service or at Bible study, without even noticing they look a little dry or withered emotionally. Instead of water, maybe they're in need of a hug or thirsty for encouragement. Maybe they're hurting or lonely and need someone to notice and pour a few refreshing drops of love into their lives. It could mean the difference between them growing healthy in the body of Christ or withering away - alone.

      All I had to do to keep my plant from dying was notice it and give it a little water now and then. It's really not that much different with people is it? All we need to do is notice each other and pour a little love into one another's lives now and then. We don't even have to get the hose, because God has given us a spring of living water through His Son Jesus Christ, and the only thing we have to do is reach out and share it. Is there anyone in your life who could use a little water? When we go to church, or anywhere for that matter, let's look around and notice if the people we pass by or sit next to are looking a little dry. If they are, let's pour some love out on them. If you can't tell whether they need it...sprinkle them anyway. I think in this case, it's better to over water!

And above all things have fervent love for one another,

for "love will cover a multitude of sins."

1Peter 4:8

What Time Is It?

2010-10-01T16:58:00.000-07:00

For we are His workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus for good works,

which God prepared beforehand

that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

      Once in awhile I ask myself this question, "What time is it?" I don't mean what time does the clock say it is, I mean according to God's great timeline, what time is it? Today history is being made and people will read about it sometime in the future. What will history books say about this time? What is God doing now...today?

      I think He is calling His people to Himself...to seek Him; to pray. To turn from the things that distract us in the world, and from sin. For some, those distractions come from a life of abundance, for others it's the lack of it, and for many it's the cares of this world. Is something distracting you today?

      The things that distract me are usually very small, but in large amounts; those little things that pile up and become in my perspective like the sand on the seashore, under every step I take. They slow me down and cause much of my labor to be in vain. Have you ever tried moving fast (or for very long) on sand?

      But God's timeline isn't drawn across the sand, it's drawn across time. The only sand that really matters are those grains falling from the hourglass of time. He sees the beginning and the end, because He drew the line and planned everything inbetween. We've been placed here for a special purpose...His purpose. Strategically placed in today. Why? Well, the bible says to do the good works He prepared beforehand - that we should walk in them.

      He chose the past and the future for someone else, His gift to us is today. This is our spot on the timeline, what history will we write with our lives? Will we do the good works He prepared for us to do? As I ask these questions, the ears of my own heart are opened and attentive to hear my lip's reply. To answer the call of God to draw closer to Him, and to do what He has planned for me while it is still today.

"What time is it?" - The time is Now!

Running the Race to Win!

2010-09-10T13:52:00.000-07:00

I Corinthians 9:24 & 26

v. 24 Do you not know that those who run a race all run,

but one receives the prize?

Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

v. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty.

Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.

(It was a Tuesday...)

This day took off and I frantically ran after it. I never caught up! It reached the finish line with me trailing far behind, nowhere in sight. I ran fast and gave my all, and it left me in the dust. So what happened? The day started out as usual; chores at the barn, making coffee... a shower, but then I had those extra things - the Dr. appointments, the errands, a visit with my grand babies, a stop at the store, date with my husband.....

Did I pray? Did I do my bible study? No! I must confess, I didn't think of it. I got up earlier than usual so I could feed the living things before I left for the Doctor's. I fed everything but myself. My daily bread sat on the table with my bible study book. It was available but I was not. I could have grabbed it on my way out the door but I didn't. My focus was on the many things I "needed" to do.

Through the day I shot an occasional shallow prayer up to my Father, but nothing deep, and I received no life-changing replies back. I didn't invest the time necessary to hear Him, so I ran with uncertainty. I fought the struggles of the day like one beating the air.

When I take time to pray and read His word at the beginning of the day, it's like taking hold of His hand and walking (or running) with Him through it. I turn the race over to Him and let Him set the pace, as He leads me to the finish line. Each of those days add up to a lifetime. He wants all of us to run the race of our lives to win the prize!

"Oh Lord, I am so sorry. My desire is to put you first and I put you last today. No wonder I felt like I was beating the air. I was running in my own strength and I might as well have been going backwards. Thank you for showing me that without you I won't win the race, no matter what I get accomplished - I won't even place. Thank you, that at the end of every day is the dawning of a brand new one; a fresh beginning with you. Help me run this race to win."

Be Still and Know...

2010-09-02T16:46:00.000-07:00

"Be still, and know that I am God."
"I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted among the earth."
Psalm 46:10

Sit down and listen quietly,
While clouds pass over head.
For all around the works of God,
Are seen without much said.

Wordless songs as buds unfold,

They lift their faces high.

Morning Glories open up,

Their praises fill the sky.

The wind that sways the mighty trees,

His gentle breath we feel.

Are easier by far to know,

Those times we sit here still.

The beauties all around this world,

Are singing every day.

But sadly we walk by so fast,

We can't hear what they say.

The earth declares His glory,
It's here for all to see.
But when we are too busy,
And run by hastily-

We can miss the song its singing,
Heard only by each heart.
Its silent words exalt the One,
Who made this work of art.

Slow down and lay your blanket out,
Lean back upon the sod.
Take time to just be still and know-
To recognize He's God!

Planted-for His Glory

2010-08-17T14:03:00.000-07:00

Right after I posted "Yanked Out!" I came across this in my devotional- My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers:

"Notice God's unutterable waste of saints, according to the judgment of the world. God plants His saints in the most useless places. We say-God intends me to be here because I am so useful. Jesus never estimated His life along the line of the greatest use. God puts His saints where they will glorify Him, and we are no judges at all of where that is."

I cracked-up when I read this because it reminded me that I know nothing (which shouldn't be funny)...but really, it is very sobering!

Yanked Out! (And living to tell about it)

2010-08-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

"And we pray this in order that

you may live a life worthy of the Lord

and may please him in every way;

bearing fruit in every good work,

growing in the knowledge of God,..."

1 Colossians 1:10

      They were volunteers, growing in the wrong place, so I had to pull them out. They were capable of producing fruit, but would have prevented the other plants from having room to grow. It was hard for me to remove them because I love plants, but these tomato seedlings decided on their own to grow in a spot in the garden that was designed for other plants.

      This reminded me of a time when I planted myself in a place God hadn't planned for me to grow. I volunteered for something I had no business doing. I took up space intended for someone else; someone God had gifted for that area of service. I even produced fruit occasionally, but it never really ripened, and my own growth was somewhat stunted. I was attempting to do a job God had not planned for me (if I had bothered to ask Him, He would have told me so) - it was not my job, and He was not going to bless it. As a matter-of-fact, He yanked me out!

      When God pulled me from that place it was like He stuck me in a pot and sat me aside. As soon as it dawned on me what had happened and I started praying for His will in my life, He took me to the spot He planned for me to grow and transplanted me there. It wasn't a place where I pushed others out as I grew, there was plenty of room, and those growing in the same plot of ground grew happily along side me. We shaded one another in the heat of the day, and grew close enough to lean on each other when the wind blew, but not crowd each other out.

      God had given me a second chance. And with that in mind, I stuck my little volunteers in a pot of soil and gave them a drink of water. If they survive the shock of being uprooted, I'll transplant them somewhere else. A place where they can grow and produce fruit.

      I think it's good to ask occasionally, "Am I growing where He planted me, or have I volunteered in someone else's place?" He's gifted each one of us and planned a special job for us to do, and He knows exactly where He wants us to do it. It's always better to get direction from Him, than to find ourselves minding someone else's business and feeling the tug of His hand as He yankes us out!

Would You Like Salt With That?

2010-08-06T16:05:00.000-07:00

"You are the salt of the earth."

Matthew 5:13

      I got to thinking about salt last week because it was mentioned in the scripture I focused on during my prayer time. Jesus used it as an example of how Christians should be in the world - salty. I asked myself why salt? Why something so common place? He could have said chili peppers or something with a little more pizazz...but no, he chose salt. It is one of the most basic ingredients in cooking, and for the most part, when it's forgotten the recipe can still turn out, but boy does my husband miss it when I forget to put it in! As a matter of fact, he salts his food before he even tastes it...just in case.

    If I forget pepper, garlic, or some other seasoning, it may be missed but not as much as salt. Salt is what brings out the flavor of food - enhances it. In the same way, I think Jesus wants us to be the salt of the world. To bring out the truth of His Word and enhance the lives of those around us with His love; adding flavor to their lives through sharing the knowledge of Jesus Christ. When salt is sprinkled on food, it's almost impossible to take it out, and when our lives sprinkle God's goodness on others, they can't easily remove the effects of it. Like it or not, they have been salted!

      The scripture goes on to say that we can lose our saltiness. While I thought about this, it occurred to me that the only way I know to make salt less salty is to water it down. Could Jesus be referring to us losing our saltiness when we become watered down with other things? When we have too many other ingredients filling up our lives and not enough salt to flavor it, or when we water down the Truth we speak so it doesn't offend the hearer? Are we allowing our shakers to become empty vessels? I'll leave you these questions to contemplate, and this one Jesus asked, "But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?" (v. 13)  He goes on to say, "It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."

      Perhaps my husband's habit of automatically adding salt isn't a bad idea (spiritually). When we go about our days, lets remember to leave a pinch of salt on every life we come in contact with, and season this world for our Lord - we are the salt of the earth!

Up, Up, and Away!

2010-07-16T15:21:00.000-07:00

Unto You I lift up my eyes,

O You who dwell in the heavens. Psalm 123:1

Up I went...into the clouds of His faithfulness. A scared child reaching out to grasp tightly her Father's hand. As I clung to him, I opened the book  (God A Good Father by Michael Phillips) I had previously tucked in my purse, and read these words -

      Chapter 1: The Instinct To Look Up

          "Deep within every mortal heart lies a created hunger for the heavenly mountains of God's presence. All of us, from our infancy, have silently wondered what lies on the slopes above the mist, hidden from view...up where God dwells."

      How timely those words were that day. God knew I would be on the airplane, even if I hadn't reminded Him a hundred times. He knew I would be afraid, because I don't like to fly, so He gave me a book to comfort me...to remind me that He was with me, and that He was a good Father.

      It was a last minute thought...to take a book (but He knew I would think of it), I pulled a few off the shelf the day before my flight and thumbed through them. One had been there for several years. I confess, it was borrowed, and I should have given it back long ago. I would never promote the habit of borrowing books and not returning them, nor do I think it's right to shift the blame to someone else for me keeping the book, but in this particular case I have to say - it was God!

      The reason I know it was Him is because I found His fingerprints all over it. He had been leaving a trail for me to follow that led me straight to it. The touch of His Spirit on my heart during prayer time, and pointing out words of confirmation in scripture, were His ways of sprinkling little snippets of Truth across my path over and over again, leading my thoughts in a certain direction. He was weaving a theme throughout my days - to trust Him and seek a place with Him that goes higher than my fears...to look up!

      When I first opened the book I read this introduction, " I would like to invite you on a journey, an inner quest out of the valleys and low places of our spiritual abodes to the high mountains..." As I continued through the introduction, phrases kept jumping out at me like, "gaze upward toward the mountain tops of your faith,...I invite you to join an adventure that will lead to wider vistas and broader outlooks than are possible from the lowlands." Hm, it was sounding a lot like the things God had been teaching me over the weeks leading up to my trip. To leave the lowlands, where I felt comfortable, and seek a higher place with Him, out of my comfort zone.

      That is when it hit me - My spiritual life is similar to the way I plan a trip. There are certain things I'm afraid of doing and they prevent me from experiencing the full reality of who God is. Will I take His hand and move forward if it requires an airplane or will I limit my journey with Him to transportation closer to the ground?  Is He God, or is He not? If I believe He is, then I must also believe that He holds everything - EVERYTHING, in His mighty hands.

      I was finding myself within the metaphors of this book in a very literal way. God was inviting me on an adventure that required me to leave the lowlands of my faith and trust Him. I closed the cover and noticed the clouds on the paper jacket - perfect! I knew without a doubt this was the book I was to take, so I pushed it down in my purse, along with a pack of gum and a granola bar.

     After boarding the plane I sat there like a hostage of fear. I wasn't able to sit with my husband due to
booking our flights at the last minute. Instead I was sandwiched in between two ladies who pretended I wasn't there. I'm sure it was part of God's plan (He wanted me all to Himself). As I sat there alone and apparently invisible, His presence became very real to me. We left the ground, and I gripped His hand tighter as we took turns reminding each other of His faithfulness, then I began reading the book.

      He taught me that sometimes this journey is going to involve trusting Him with areas of fear and moving (or flying) past them, to get beyond the lowlands to a higher place with Him. The airplane, the book...all tools to remind me who He is - God. There are things He wants to teach me about Himself; that He is Faithful, Loving, and All Powerful. If I had a choice, I would have chosen to learn those lessons without flying through a thunderstorm, but my Father always does things with such flair!

"I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness,

and I will hold your hand;..." Isaiah 42:6

Picking the Lock

2010-07-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding,

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJ)

      You have probably heard the saying- When God closes a door, He opens a window. But have you ever gone through times when you felt like the doors and windows in your life were shut tight, and you were locked in a room getting nowhere? I have experienced this feeling before, and I must admit, I didn't take it very well. At first, I banged on the door with my prayers, thinking if I got louder God would hear me and open the door. Then, when that didn't work, I ran to the window (the one that was supposed to be opening) and tried to look out. I wanted to see what I was missing out there, and then I tried to open the window myself. After all, doesn't God help those who help themselves? - Another popular saying NOT in the bible.

      It didn't take long for panic to set in - "Oh no, I'm locked in this room with no way out!" That's when I took out the feeble tools of my limited understanding and tried to use them to pick the lock on the door, determined to get myself out. - "How could God want me in this room?" I reasoned. "Everything important is going on out there, not in here." I told myself. "Why wouldn't God want me to move forward? My dreams are out there!"

      Finally, realizing I could do nothing to open the door, I gave up and sat down. From that lowly place on the floor I looked up. That's when I saw what I had missed before. The direction God wanted to lead me wasn't out but up, toward Him. As I sought Him and His will for my life, the light of His Word filled the room and revealed what had been there all along; a staircase, and at the top an open door. I hadn't noticed it before - until I looked up.

      I didn't have to pick the lock or beat frantically on the door. I didn't need to desperately search for an open window, because He had already prepared a way out of the room and all it required was for me to sit down and look to Him (to be still and know that He was God). My hopes and dreams were not on the other side of a locked door, they were resting in His hands.

      The time spent in the room taught me things about God I pray I will never forget. That His plans for our lives never lead out until they lead up. If I reach for the handle of a door and find it locked, I need to step back (let go of the knob) and look to Him for direction.

      If you happen to find yourself behind a locked door, don't look for a window, look for God. You might want to have a seat on the floor, lean your head back and look up - God has already planned your way out, and it won't require picking the lock!

Independence or Dependence

2010-07-02T23:23:00.000-07:00

"You, my brothers, were called to be free.

But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature;

rather serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13

      This weekend we celebrate our nations Independence Day. For all who live in this beautiful land and enjoy it's many blessings, it's a special time of remembrance. A time to remember those brave men who put their lives on the line by signing the Declaration of Independence; declaring our nation free from British rule.

      Most of the men who signed that document had already made another declaration. Not signed on paper with pen and ink, but signed in their hearts. They demonstrated by the way they lived their lives and the way they gave glory to God for their victories, that they were men dependant on God.

      Our country has been through a lot of trials since the Declaration of Independence was signed. Looking back over time with eyes opened by spiritual understanding, we can see God's hand throughout our history - moving on behalf of a country dependant on Him. He holds our future just like He held our past. Will we declare our dependence on Him?

      This July 4th and every other day, let's remember why He set us free - to be a light for Him in a dark world, to live lives free from sin, and serve one another in love. On Independence Day let's recommit ourselves to being wholly dependant on Him.

      Whom the Son has set free, is free indeed!

Vine Ripe?

2010-06-13T12:55:00.000-07:00

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener....remain in me, and I will remain in you."

John 15:1-4

I cut up a tomato today for BLT's and noticed as I popped a piece in my mouth, that it tasted very bland. The store where I bought them advertised "Vine ripe tomatoes." They were bright red and beautiful, and just as the ad promised, they were still attached to a vine.

I guess the taste wouldn't have disappointed me so much if I had never tasted a truly ripe tomato off the vine - but I have. Because I have tasted the real thing, I was not easily fooled by these red impostors. I believed what I was told and what I saw, until I tasted it. The tomatoes were indeed on the vine, but the vine was cut off from the source of nourishment long before they were ripe; leaving them to turn red while in transport to their destination.

As I finished putting the BLT's together to feed my family lunch, a thought came to mind. How many people are spiritually like these tomatoes? They look great on the outside but on the inside they haven't ripened (matured) because, though they appear to be growing on the vine, they are not attached to the true source of nourishment - Jesus Christ. In His word he tells us that He is the Vine. If we're trying to be Christians without Him, we are only impostors.

Looking back at those tomatoes, I couldn't help but wonder -How many times have I settled for less than the real thing? If I look like a Christian on the outside, I pray that if the very core of my heart were exposed, it would reveal a Christian on the inside. When we're attached to the true Vine and nourished with God's love and truth, we ripen from the inside out. We can then live our lives with no false advertising, and we can honestly say, "Vine Ripe!"

Spring Cleaning

2010-05-12T17:57:00.000-07:00

Create in me a clean heart, O God;
and renew a right spirit within me.

Psalms 51:10

      A popular method of cleaning house is to start with the areas people see first when entering your home. So I begin at the porch and then the entry way; moving from one room to the next. I usually leave the unseen areas like the closets and cupboards for the very last; many times not getting to them regularly at all. They are the places I cram and squeeze every item that doesn’t have a place of its own. It’s where I put the things I don’t necessarily want visitors to see; the unsightly things.

      It occurred to me today, as I was thinking about this (while cleaning of course) that God cleans house (spiritually) the opposite of this method. He isn’t as concerned about the areas people can see, He goes straight for the things hidden in the closet! He throws the door wide open and exposes them all, discards many into the trash, and puts the rest in order.

      I remember in one of Kay Arthur’s bible studies, she referred to a time when she had a group of ladies over and said to them, “Open the drawers- look around, this is who I am. What you see is what you get!” What I believe she was saying was, “I have nothing hidden in my life that I have not asked God to put in order.” Now that’s the way to live!

      I hope I will be brave enough to open the drawers of my life fully to Him and accept His order. As I finish cleaning my house, I pray that God will be at work with His spring cleaning in my heart; getting rid of the things I’ve hidden in the closets.

God Uses Mothers

2010-05-09T14:09:00.000-07:00

God uses mothers as His own hands, to hold the baby tight,

And rock him gently in her arms, throughout a fussy night.

He uses her as His own eyes, to see his tender needs,

For love that’s unconditional, as patiently she feeds.

He uses her as His own voice, to speak of truths unknown,

To build his life on solid rock, until the time he’s grown.

He uses her as His own feet, to walk with Him each day,

And guide him on the narrow path, along God’s chosen way.

He uses her as His own ears, to hear him laugh and sing,

Listening to his gently prayers, as he calls upon the King.

A mother is God’s chosen one, for the child in her care,

And she’s been blessed because the Lord has placed the baby there.

As she serves the one on high, through motherhood’s demands,

May she realize that all her needs, are provided by His hands.

And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

Isaiah 54: 13

A Heavy Heart

2010-05-02T12:34:00.000-07:00

Last week our town was touched by an overwhelming number of suicides and attempted suicides. Families were left in despair as they sought to answer the question, "why?" But there were no answers, only more questions. There were two that touched my life more than the others because they touched the lives of people I know. As I watched the rippling effect of loss and suffering move through the families left with so many unanswered questions, I heard God's word's of truth spoken within my spirit-

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)

I was reminded of the struggle we all face at low points in our lives. When we are overwhelmed and the enemy begins whispering his lies. I have been there myself at times, and I recognize his voice. They are his attempts to steal, kill, and destroy us. Jesus gives us this promise - "I came that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

When we're feeling down and questioning the importance of our lives, may we be reminded of who we are to God and that He sent His Son to give us a life filled with abundance. An abundance of his love, joy, and peace.

A Garment of Praise for the Spirit of Heaviness

Depression fell on me like a heavy blanket. Not the warm and comforting kind, but one that pressed in and held me down. A crushing heaviness formed in my chest, pushing my heart up into my throat, making it hard to swallow. Dread of everything, yet nothing in particular. Anxiety flooded in bringing feelings of danger; but the enemy remained elusive, unidentified.

Fear entered next, walking in the shadow of dread; arriving so closely together, giving the appearance that they were intimate friends. As I began to entertain them, even slightly, I fell deeper into despair. Forgetting that they had no real reason for being here, I imagined one.

Before long there was a line of guest at my mind’s door waiting to get in; past failures, mistakes, shame, embarrassment, regret; they were all there. I recognized their gloomy faces, they had visited before. Feeling overwhelmed and outnumbered I turned to grasp at something that would break my fall as I went down into the pit of despair.

It was then I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror on the wall, reminding me of who I am. There on top of my head sat a crown of purest gold my Father had given me when I was born into His family. My Father is a King. I did not wear a heavy blanket, but a beautiful white robe He had made for me out of someone else’s righteousness – His son’s. His name was written on my forehead, identifying me as His own, a reminder that I would always belong to Him.

Thankfulness began to fill me, praise leaped from my lips at the thought of Him. I could hear his angels singing and I joined them. Soon the heaviness was gone, and in its place I wore a garment of praise. The reality of Him was stronger than imagination, and my unseen enemy fled. He could not stand in the presence of my Father’s glory; he could not tolerate His praise. Joy, peace, love, hope and gentleness became my new guests; forgiveness my closest friend. Mercy came and grace. They comforted me and restored me to my rightful place as a daughter of the King.

“…the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;..” Isaiah 61:3

A Rock in My Shoe

2010-04-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

Galatians 5: 16
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

      While on my morning walk, I noticed something uncomfortable in my right shoe. It wasn’t enough to alter my pace so I just ignored it and kept walking. When I got home I noticed it again, but didn’t stop to do anything about it because there were dishes to wash and a letter to write before the mailman came.

      Whatever it was, it began rolling around by my toes, until I wasn't able to ignore it any longer. I stopped what I was doing and took off my shoe…out rolled a tiny pebble. Tossing it into the trash can, I couldn’t help feeling silly for walking all morning with a rock in my shoe – knowing it was there!

      I was reminded of other things tolerated in my life, things that don’t belong there and sometimes cause pain or discomfort. Little sins like irritability or impatience that so quietly creep into my heart. They aren’t hidden, I can feel them there. They keep rolling around in my attitude until enough discomfort is created that I dump them out to God.

      How much wiser it would have been if I had stopped and removed the pebble this morning the moment it was first noticed. And how much less heart ache would be caused for each of us and the people along our paths if we stopped and emptied out our hearts of those wrong attitudes the moment the Holy Spirit brought them to our attention?

      Father, forgive me for tolerating things I should be removing from my life. Those little pebbles can be worse than big boulders because I tend to ignore them. To you they are all the same – sin! Thank you that at any time I can pour them out before you in prayer, and you lovingly forgive me. Thank you for the lesson you spoke into my life today through a rock in my shoe. Amen

The Wind and Fire of Pentecost

2010-04-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

Wind and Fire

      Not long after the resurrection, Christ ascended to the Father and sent the Spirit in His place. Why? To be our Helper and to lead us into all Truth! (John 14:16, John 16:13)

This is what Charles Spurgeon said about the Holy Spirit:
      "Now that we have the Holy Spirit from Christ as our inner life, the Holy Spirit comes upon us with the intent to use us in blessing others, and this is the manner of His visitation - He comes as the wind that carries the words we speak, as fire that burns a way for the truth we utter. Our words are now full of life and flame; they are borne by the breath of the Spirit, and they fall like fire-flakes and set the souls of men blazing with desire after God."

      He goes on to say, "If the Holy Spirit shall rest upon us to qualify us for service, it shall be in this manner - not merely of life for ourselves but of fiery energy in dealing with others."

Are you dealing with "others?"

      I was feeling overwhelmed with "others" today, which was a reminder that I was dealing with them in my own strength. Christ has sent the Holy Spirit "wind and fire" into our lives...His words, His power and strength.

      Let's pray as Charles did so long ago, "Come on us even now, O rushing mighty wind and tongue of fire, for the world has great need. It lies stagnant in dreadful night and needs the flaming torch of truth. There is neither health nor light for this world but from You, O blessed Spirit; come, then, upon it through Your people."

Can you feel the wind blowing? Do you feel the flame?

      And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. - Acts 2:3-4 NKJV

He Lives!

2010-04-03T23:26:00.000-07:00

The Shepherd and the Lamb

by Charlotte

Be our guiding Shepherd,

As we seek to follow you.

Throughout this life of trials,

Where old paths lead to new.

The places you once traveled,

When you walked upon this earth.

To show us of God’s saving grace,

And bring to us rebirth.

The mount where you were tempted,

And the lone spot where you prayed.
Are places you now lead us through,

Where others fell or strayed.

The tomb we pass is opened,

The light is shining in.

Reminders of your life in us,

And the ransom for our sin.

We’ll follow through the pearly gate,
Then on to streets of gold.

To a city you have made for us,

That your covenant foretold.

You’ll lead us by the crystal pool,

As its water sparkles clear.

Living springs prepared by God,

For those you beckon near.

We’ll walk along the river,

That leads us to the place.

Where God himself will be our light,

And we will see His face.

Then no more tears, no suffering,

When our eyes behold the throne,

As you take your holy place-The Lamb

Surrounded by your own.

“For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;

He will lead them to springs of living water.

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Revelations 7:17

Lamb of God

2010-03-31T10:26:00.000-07:00

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, He gave His only son.

Lamb of God

By Charlotte

"For God so loved the world" - that’s where it all begins,

He sent the perfect sacrifice, to heal the world of sins.

This Holy One named Jesus, the blameless Lamb of God,

The one who knew no sin, and lived where angels trod.

He yielded up his life, to die upon a tree,

Ransomed for the foolishness and sins of you and me.

The one who was the king of all, laid down His crown and died,

And only through His precious blood, can we be justified.

With just a whisper of His name, miracles abound,

The sick are healed, the blind can see, the lost proclaim they’re found.

For death could not contain Him, and hold Him in the grave,

He rose again in victory, humanity to save.

Reach out in faith and touch Him, and call upon His name,

Then you will know abundant life, and never be the same.

Turning Cares into Prayers

2010-03-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

Do all women tend to worry? I do. It’s not because I want to, I just do. Even when I tell myself I’m not going to, before long, I am. It just sneaks up on me, unexpectedly. Sometimes it comes after a tense conversation with one of my boys, or a glance at my over booked calendar. Other times it wakes me up in the middle of the night. It’s not that I’m looking for it, but apparently it is looking for me. When allowed to, it will consume my every thought. I must stop at the first hint of it and turn it over to God.

Worrying is the opposite of peace, and to dwell on it is not just harmful to our well-being, it’s sin. The reason it’s sin is because it’s the opposite of trusting God and His promise to give us peace.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Eph. 4:5-7 NIV

As with most promises, receiving peace requires something from us – obedience. It requires us to pray and give thanks as the scripture says. We have to stop worrying long enough to look up; take our eyes off the situation and place them on God.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1Peter 5:7 NIV

Like most things in life, we tend to overcomplicate this very simple principle. The simplicity of these truths are condensed into this one statement – take all your cares and turn them into prayers. God’s promise of peace will take care of the rest.

Turning my cares into prayers is like literally lifting the weight of them from my shoulders and handing them to God. In return He gives me a peace that passes all understanding, and it guards my heart and mind from allowing the cares to sneak back in.

Words

2010-03-08T14:11:00.000-08:00

Psalms 19:14

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Words

By Charlotte

My pen is filled with liquid words,

Just waiting to flow out.

To write a poem that points to God,

For those who harbor doubt.

It’s just a Bic with dark blue ink,

There’s nothing fancy here.

It holds no power of its own,

It moves when God draws near.

If all the words were gathered,

And stored within this pen.

Their weight could not be measured,

With instruments of men.

For God created words,

More important than we know.

With them we utter curses,

Or blessings we bestow.

He calls His son, “The Living Word.”

His written plan fulfilled.

God’s spirit pouring out of men,

On Bible pages spilled.

It’s not our words that matter,

Nor the silly thoughts of man.

But words placed in the heart by God,

And His pen placed in our hand.

For all the words belong to Him,

He’s the author of them all.

Let’s use them for His purpose,

And answer to His call.

Every pen or pencil,

Can write a praise or prayer.

Some can write a song or poem,

If only they would dare.

God can use the words you write,

To give encouragement.

To save a life that once was lost,

Because that note you sent.

The person who was lonely,

Can know the Saviors love.

Because you listened and obeyed,

The voice that’s from above.

Words can be a tiny spark,

To light hopes dying flame.

Speak life and love into a life,

That will never be the same.

They’re a candle in the darkness,

A light upon the hill.

Words spoken with compassion,

Empty, broken hearts can fill.

We’ll never know till God reveals,

All that words can do.

So if your hand can hold a pen,

These words were meant for you!

Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.

(1 Corinthians 2:13)

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)

It's About Me...but It's not About Me!

2010-03-03T12:49:00.000-08:00

      "Is this blog more about me than it is about God?" I asked myself this question as I gave it a make-over for the new season. Looking over the computer screen, I saw my picture there on the left side and thought to myself, "Well yes, there I am." No denying it was me...there in plain view! "So is this blog more about me than Him?" The question dug down deeper.

      Yes, it is my heart I share when I write a post; but I hope it is Him seen residing there inside it...and it is my life and family, my experiences that I write about; but is God's presence in those relationships clearly seen? When I write about lessons I've learned, does His loving, guiding hands appear between the lines of the posts; revealing that He is the Master Teacher of us all? I hope they do, because the world doesn't need one more person's opinion, least of all mine. What it does need is God, and to share Him was my original goal for this blog.

      I could never find the right colors, the right pictures, or words to truly give Him justice. He is so much more than I know or could ever think. That is why you see me on this page. It is my interpretation of His goodness, His greatness, and faithfulness, lived out in my fragile existence and documented through the limitations of words.

      My goal in life is to continually have more of Him and less of me, and that is what I want here too. It is a hard thing to do for a hard headed person like me. It is easy to get sidetracked - I have many times. I've tripped over my "self" and had to push me out of the way more times than I would like to admit.

       The plain simple truth of life is - we are all here to glorify God; that is our purpose, and self only gets in the way. For reasons that are beyond my comprehension, He chooses each one of us with all our limitations, to live in and through us. He wants to be a part of what we do and bring all of who He is into those limitations.

      My hope and desire for this blog is that God would be seen and glorified here, not in spite of the limitations but through them.

God uses Sticks and Stones...and Us!

2010-02-28T12:51:00.000-08:00

      This morning as I got ready for church, I listened to Charles Stanley on the TV. Something he said really resonated with my spirit. It was that God wants us to know the truth about what's going on in our lives. Seems simple enough, yet it is so profound that the enemy is constantly at work to keep us from realizing it in our daily lives. If we knew the truth of God's plans for us today, we would take hold of them in confidence and not let go. Our very steps would be only a confirmation of the "Amen" we have already spoken in our hearts.

      Dr. Stanley used David's courage against Goliath as an example. David saw the situation, he heard the enemy taunting, he heard the Israelites; but more important to David was the truth God had spoken into his life during the many times David had called on Him in solitude. The times God's strength was made perfect in weakness, as a young shepherd boy fought a lion and a bear with nothing more than the weapons of a boy.

      David's tools were a sling and a stick, but his weapon was God! The truth built into David's life over the years was what David stood on the day he faced Goliath. It was the knowledge that God had anointed him "and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power," I Sam. 16:13. It didn't matter how strong the foe, what the odds looked like, or even what size David was; what mattered to David was the plan God had for his life and he believed that God could and would do what he said. He knew he was on the winning team and he saw himself winning, before he ever picked up a stone!

1 Samuel 17:45 David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head.....v. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands."
v. 50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

      If we took hold of the truth God is building in each of our lives, and those "good works" he planned for us to do long before He created the world, what kinds of things would we accomplish? If the only limit was the limit of His promises breathed into our lives through His written word, what kinds of things would we be capable of doing? Would the world remain the same...would we?

2 Corinthians 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.

      Let us take hold of His promises, and by doing so we will say, "Amen" with our lives and bring glory to God!