Star-fish

     People quip, "Don't worry about it," "No worries," "Go with the Flow," and other trite remarks that when I'm worried do absolutely nothing to stave off frazzled nerves. I know the Lord tells us not to worry. I know I gain not another extra moment in the day by worrying, so how do I let it go? Yes, pray, read the Word, trust God, but what if I don't trust myself? Awww, therein lies the problem.      I comprehend with my head that God is bigger than any of my problems. He has been faithful to take care of me all these years. But sometimes I believe my less then shining track record can completely obliterate God's will and path for this life He's given me.      Lord, thank you that You are with us in this world of ever increasing violence, illness, and hopelessness. Please send a revival around the globe to speak the Holy Spirit into the lives of the unsaved. May they choose You, Jesus Christ, as their Lord and Savior so the worrie...

     Again last night we had a thunderstorm with lots of lightning and blowing dust. The lightning was so close that bits of light from on strike got through the sides of our blackout curtains and the thunder caused our dog to start whimpering.      The apostles were confronted by a freak storm on the Sea of Galilee and even the bravest of men were crying out to Jesus to save them in the storm. We need to remember their example rather than depending on ourselves or others in those terrifying moments in life, we need to call out to the Only One who can truly save us. Even in their moments of weak faith and great fear, Christ stilled their storm.       I'm thankful today Lord that even though I should not be afraid and my fears may seem silly to You or others, You will still speak "Peace" into my life. You remind me to "Be Still!" since often I'm creating troubles for myself by my lack of faith and listening to the words of the world rat...

      Today we cleaned up after a dust storm filled our pool and patio with fine sand from the desert around us. I washed windows, only to hear another storm may be on its way tonight or tomorrow night. But the reality of life is that storms are always pending.      Jesus told us we would encounter tribulations so my response needs to be one of expectancy, yet peace. Expectancy, so I'm not completely defeated when tribulations come and peace due to the fact that ultimately God is in control.      I thank God for protection from the storms and courage to get through them. Today I'm grateful as well for my hardworking and loving husband who has been with me in so many trials through the years. John 16:33 " I have said these things to you, that  in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have  tribulation. But  take heart;  I have overcome the world.”

     Yesterday my car dash thermometer registered 118 and today 121. We have extreme heat here every summer, yet no one seems to adjust to it. On the news, men and women interviewed said, "This is hot!" "This is too hot!" But I guarantee you around January these same people will be saying, "This is cold!" "This is very cold!" We, as humans, are extremely hard to please and seem to forever find something wrong with every situation.       But God wants us to be "hot" in our worship and relationship with Him. He wants us "on fire" for Him. If we are cold, we likely have never accepted Jesus Christ as our savior, thus do not represent God in any way. But God doesn't want us to be "lukewarm" either. Lukewarm Christians make no difference and at times cause others to walk away from the Lord or never get any closer. They claim to represent Jesus Christ, but are afraid to take a stand or do nothing but take stands on is...

     I'm a fan of animals, always have been. Growing up dad would take us to the woods and rivers in Oregon and show my siblings and I poisonous plants and animals, and gave us an appreciation for God's creatures great and small. Sunday nights, we would watch Wild Kingdom, a television show all about animals in their natural habitats.      Today, I'm thankful for animals, birds, and pets, especially my dog. I gave her a toy this morning and the next thing I knew there were pieces of green plastic in piles all around the living room. She was happily holding the very last piece that was left in her mouth. If you are familiar with the Disney movie, Cars , there's a character called Mater who has big buck teeth. She reminded me of Mater and I had to laugh at her even though I wasn't crazy about cleaning up the mess she had made.     I'm thankful God is able to pick up the pieces from the messes I've made in my life. He's also full of grace and still...

     As I watch the news lately regarding wars and rumors of wars, I can only cling to the Word of God as my one true source of peace and truth. The politicians and reporters do not necessarily tell the truth, often they leave out important details, twist the truth in their favor, or apparently have reality and fiction mixed up in their minds.      Jesus Christ told us we would be hated because He was hated first. He told His disciples to not give up in preaching the truth of the Word of God even though they would suffer great afflictions as a result. Am I prepared to face embarrassment, loss of employment, lack of prestige, punishment, or possibly death for the cause of Christ?       I believe the Bible is clear that in the last days, Christians that have been converted after the rapture of the church will face awful consequences and ultimately tortured deaths. Wouldn't it be better to trust Jesus Christ with your soul and eternal lif...

     As I've read and listened to sermons and authors lately, I'm reminded of one important fact: the farther we get away from God, the weaker we become as a people and a nation. In God We Trust is written on our money, yet we as a people statistically deny God more and more each year. I know in my own life, I'm more resilient and less fearful when I'm fully engaged in daily prayer, Bible reading, and time away with the Lord.       I'm behind on my daily listing of what I'm grateful for this month. So here we go, I'm thankful for: Living in a country where there is freedom of religion, God being trust worthy, even when I'm not, Godly friends that remind me of God's grace and my need to give myself grace as well, And a husband that is patient, loving, hard working, kind, and caring. James 4:8   Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God an...

     Tonight we had a dramatic rosy pink and gray sunset. Recently I've been around several people lamenting the whoas of aging. I've heard the senior years referred to as the "sunset years," but if any of these discussions are an indication of reality, those years seem to be a lot of gray and not very rosy. Then I thought, Are we living too long? With the advancements in medicine and healthcare, could it be that we are wearing out our welcome here on Earth?      Or have we lost our purpose? As Christians, we are to work unto the Lord. No reference is made to retirement in the Bible. So if our work in the world is done, do we hang up our work uniform and recline in an easy chair until our time is up? No, I think until "the Son Sets" His feet upon the Earth or calls us to the heavens, we are to be employed in the business of supporting other Christians and shepherding the lost to the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ. I'm thankful to have a career that r...

     I returned last night from a week away with my family in another state. We celebrated my mom's birthday and I helped my parents put together a yard sale to clean out their basement. Suffice it to say, it was a busy week and I'm behind on my monthly goal to note what I'm thankful for each day. So below I will list the blessings God granted me during my week away for which I am thankful: Safety in my travels Good health for all of us while together Fun times and shared memories Hard work and cleaning projects Cooking for my family Celebrating my mom's life Enjoying the cooler weather Relaxing in my parent's lush garden Watching birds, squirrels and cats frolic in the yard Walking the neighborhood seeing beautiful flowers and trees Talking to different people at the yard sale Sharing the Lord's mercies with a fellow plane passenger Returning home to my wonderful husband and dog Appreciating the differences between my home state and my new home s...

     Today is overcast in our town, so we have a break from the 100+ degree weather. I decided to open the floor to ceiling blinds near my desk. I rarely do this as I feel exposed to people passing by and it is often simply too hot! But God had special blessings waiting as I opened my windows to the world. Out of the corner of my eye, something was moving just 15 feet away, a coyote! He looked my way, then sauntered off. Next, a quail walked by, followed not far behind by a hummingbird that perched on a cactus just four feet from my window. I commented to my husband that I needed to open my blinds more often so I could see all that I am missing!      I believe some people feel this way about going to church. Some may feel that going to church exposes them to people or the message makes them hot under the collar. Others have had encounters with "coyotes" in sheep's clothing and don't trust church goers. Some people have had others simply walk by without off...

     Years ago I heard a pastor use an analogy that recently came to mind. He was discussing the idea of asking God for what we need. He had a young son at the time and noted that if his son came to him begging, "Dad, can I please have something to eat?" He'd remark, "Well, of course son." If his son continued with tears and anguished crying, "Dad, please give me something to eat, even though I'm not worthy." He'd have thought his son's behavior was just plain strange.      God, being our Father, wants to give us good gifts. He's not holding out so that we'll beg and cry before He'll provide for us. He's waiting for us to ask, pray, and give thanks expecting His blessings. But God's timing is not always our own, so waiting patiently for delivery of our requests may be part of His plan for us.      Lord forgive me for acting as though I'm the one who is providing for "my daily bread" and thank you for you...

     My husband would tell you that I have some of the coldest feet around. He bought a dual heating blanket so that I could toast my feet on my own side of the bed and not startle him with my ice cold appendages. The term "cold feet" often means "sudden fear of an upcoming commitment" such as getting married or taking a job offer. I'm not certain what causes my cold feet, but I think it has more to do with circulation then commitment.      I'm  gratefu l, though, for my feet as I use them daily. I thank God that He has instructed me on where to go in my walk with Him and how to stay on the path of His direction and will.  Proverbs 4:14-27 14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. 15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way… 18 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. 19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkn...

      I was talking with a friend recently about the fact that I now have to wear reading glasses. We both remembered wondering how our mothers or grandmothers couldn't see to thread needles and now neither of us can do it without our glasses either. I took my 20-20 vision for granted when young. Now just attempting to read a food label or newspaper article sets off a whole house search for a pair of reading glasses.      I'm grateful for the eyesight I do have and all the beauty of nature God has given me to view. More importantly, I need to set my eyes on things above and watch for the Lord's coming with expectation and diligence in my daily walk. Colossians 4: 2  Devote yourselves to prayer,  being watchful and thankful.

     A friend, who was having a bad day noted on Facebook that she was going to challenge herself to 30 Days of Being Thankful. She asked others if they wanted to join her. I agreed, so I'm going to spend the next thirty days reminding myself of what I have to be thankful. I hope you'll join me.    Let's begin with what scripture tells us about being thankful in I Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." God knew we'd have bad times on this big earth and He wanted us to release our problems to Him. He knew these circumstances would stretch and grow us, but He also knew they could overwhelm us. So He reminded us to rejoice anyway, always pray to Him about everything, and then be thankful knowing ultimately He's in control. I'm thankful for flowers that God grows and gives to me to enjoy! (I found this beautiful Hibiscus blooming amongst the hustl...

     We recently spent five days with family we rarely see at a popular entertainment venue for children and adults alike. I loved the time we spent with our family and seeing the children's eyes light up with excitement and the adults laughing and having a good time. I enjoyed the time with my husband, eating yummy treats, and seeing the beautiful and unusual plants that were part of the park's landscape.      But I began to wonder as I watched people rush around the park to get tickets to be first in line and other members of their families splitting off to get in line somewhere else to save spots, "Is this the best way to enjoy our precious family time together?" It reminded me of the story in the Bible where Martha complained that her sister, Mary, was just sitting at Jesus' feet and not helping with all the preparations. Do we miss the best because we are focused on all the rest?      Luke 10:38-42 As Jesus and his disciples were on th...

      There have been hundreds of books written on how to be successful in this world. But as I read scriptures this morning it occurred to me that God's formula is much different than the world's formula for success. Psalm 37 was all about not fretting, refraining from anger, being still, and waiting patiently on the LORD. Isaiah 7:9 noted, "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." Deuteronomy 33:12 exclaimed, "Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders." Lastly, Psalm 105 referred to shouts of joy, rejoicing, observing his law, and praising His name.      In these readings and others in the Word of God the formula for the success of a believer in Jesus Christ is to "pray, praise, and obey which equals joy and peace." Not joy and peace without trials and tribulations, but as we pray, praise, and obey God brings us peace and joy ...