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Our Identity is found in God

10/5/2021

When we want to debate a contentious topic in regard to what the Bible says about a topic, we have to start with God, not with our opinions or preconceived notions or anything but God and His word. You also really need to take history into account. Words change meaning over time.

We also should not fall into line with the world and how the world system is portraying things.

God never never identifies us by sexual preference. Even we who, when we talk in the world's terms, would say we are heterosexual -- we are wrong. That is not a term ever used in the Bible. Sexual identity terms were unheard of when Jesus walked the earth. When we identify ourselves as a heterosexual we are falling in line with the world's philosophy.

Sexuality, according to the Bible, is an act. It is an action. It is not an identity.

When 1 Corinthians 6:9 says "homosexuals" won't inherit the kingdom of God, it doesn't mean people who presently and misguidedly identify themselves by sexual preference. This term was not used like it is used today until the middle of the 20th century. Again, according to the Bible sex is an action, an action that has set perimeters and limits.

According to the Bible the only place for sex is within marriage. So no, Jesus never felt He was deprived of sex as a single man because that was reserved for married couples. And no, he and Mary Magdalene never had an intimate relationship. Mary Magdalene could have been an old woman. She very likely wasn't a young beautiful woman. That is the workings of artists and Hollywood. She had been tormented by demons. That takes a lot out of a person. And probably aged her.

Our identity is in God alone. You are either a Child of God or you are not a Child of God. God wants you to be a child of God. Come as you are. I don't care what you call yourself. Come as you are. The relationship with Christ is first. He will sort everything else out later.

God doesn't care what people call themselves. He wants them to be His Children. He is calling them. He calls all people to Himself. Souls are at stake. God will sort out the souls when they are His. We are not supposed to be fighting humans. Our fight is in the unseen realm.

Nothing is by chance

9/28/2021

Honesty, I thought I was done blogging, but I have something I think we all should think about -- where you are economically isn't by chance. Sure, we can change our circumstances, but God needs people in all brackets of the economy. God needs people in all areas of life.

Shannon and I drove to Sturgis yesterday. For some reason we started talking about rodeos and the rodeo way of life. It isn't a cheap life. It costs a lot to be a barrel racer or a roper -- not that we have experience with it. But we know what gas costs and horse trailers, and horses and big trucks to haul the horses around with and then you have your tack and your entry fees and usually expensive clothing. It is a whole lot of money. God leads many people into that area of life -- lots from around here where we live. And every single person God leads into rodeo is there for His purposes.

You can say the same thing about any business and community and socio-economic levels. We as children of God are called to be content wherever He puts us. We aren't to envy other Believers. Maybe you know someone who is wealthy and is a Believer. Maybe you sometimes wish you were wealthy. When you or I or anyone wishes for a different life than they have we are missing the point. We are missing the work God has given us to do for Him right where we are at. There are people everywhere lost and going to hell. There are lonely people everywhere. Do you know how powerful it is to see a Believer who is content in his or her life? Especially a life with struggles? It is powerful!

Don't waste time comparing your life to someone else's. You do not know what they struggle with.

In The Message Translation, James 1:5-8 says, "If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get His help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who 'worry their prayers' are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open."

Later James reminds us, "Prosperity is as short-lived as a wildflower, so don't count on it."

James 1:21b says, "In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life."

In Philippians Paul says he "learned to be content in all circumstances."

This we all need to learn. Do it now. Ask God to help you. And then ask Him to open your eyes to see the ones who are hurting and the ones who are lonely near you. Go visit them. Or, invite them over for cake. Cake is always good! Or pie. Who doesn't like pie? People crave a bit of kindness. They want to know God sees them. You can help them remember He does by just sharing a bit of what He has given you.

Ask this

7/15/2021

Is it worth the mess?

That is the same question in a different format that Jesus asks when He tells us to count the cost.

Everything worth anything has a lot of mess in it. Two things in my life that are worth the mess: my art and my fountain pen.

The messiest things of all are humans. We are filled with unpredictable emotions and thoughts and we often make things a lot worse. But God says we are worth the trouble. We are worth the mess.

Whatever you are considering you gotta ask yourself if it is worth the mess.

crazy, crazy and now following an impulse

3/8/2021

--It's been over 4 months since I've written in this blog -- a lifetime! I've never gone so long not posting in a blog since 1999 when I didn't know what I was doing was blogging (it was a brand new term back then). My last entry was called "All Will Be Well." And that is true. All will be well no matter what because God is still in charge and nothing and no one can phase Him or make Him fret.

Since November 2, 2020 our life has been a whirlwind of issues: about a week after that my stepmother-in-law died from Covid; then my father-in-law was hospitalized for the same thing (on the day of her funeral); my son lost the skin off his toe (by the end of this month, March 2021 I think his toe will be finally healed); , my husband and son got Covid. Husband ended up in ICU for 10 days almost dying. Praise God he didn't (though he is still on oxygen even four months later -- yet he is healing every day.. and praise God. He just got home and told me he didn't use the oxygen all day at school!!). Two of my adult children have had loads of turnover in their lives which has been very much a part of our lives.

One situation really broke me. But the really cool thing was that God used something new to heal me. He somehow got me writing poetry. Maybe He had been preparing me to become a poet (I am not saying I am good. Just saying I love writing it). For the last year and a half prior I had begun to read lots of it. I still am. I even have favorite poets now. And I even (and so does Hawk) now love Shakespeare's plays. We read all the comedies and several of the tragedies. Maybe all that got my soul ready to write? I have no idea.

I started writing poetry at the end of January and have written 51 so far. I try to write a poem or finish one daily. It has been healing to my soul. Maybe try it! Or if there is something you really yearn to do, do it. Something creative. You have no idea how God will use it.

God can use anything to bring healing into your life. Be adventurous! Try. Be willing to be a fool. Being a fool for Jesus is a wonderful thing.

I don't know what God intends to do with my poetry. Maybe it is just for my inner healing and mental health. If so that is fine. But I am going to share four poems with you. I hope they bless you. God is good. Seek Him. This world is changing more rapidly all the time. The time is near. Don't waste it on seeking after fame or riches or power. Those things may satisfy for a moment, but you will yearn for more and more until your soul is just a dried-out husk. Instead seek God and His love and His truth. You will be satisfied.

All Will Be Well

11/2/2020

“All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.”
― Julian of Norwich

This quote is very much needed these days in our world and our country. Tomorrow is Election Day for our country's president. The last four years have been marked with strife and fighting and political divisiveness between parties and often made worse by media outlets. We hear nothing good most days. We just hear bad news. But in fact, lots of good stuff has happened in our country the last four years. If you care to look it up, you will be able to find it.

But I write to remind us that God is the one who puts people in places of authority and power. Daniel 2:21 says, "World events are under his control. He removes kings and sets others on their thrones. He gives wise men their wisdom and scholars their intelligence."

It is important for us to vote if we are able because we then take part in the larger national conversation of where we as citizens want our country to go.

But there is no need to worry about the future. God is already there waiting for us. We Believers have the same job no matter who happens to be our president: to love God and love people. To share His good news of forgiveness and salvation to the hurting. To reach out to the marginalized. To not take advantage of others. To speak up for those who can't speak for themselves. To show all humans respect and give them their dignity.

What if, no matter who wins, we all decide to not label others in negative ways? That we decide not to lump a group of people together. To not see people as them or us, as belonging to one of two camps? What if we decide to meet people where they are at and love them for Jesus?

What if we leave the labels for medical diagnoses (where sometimes they are necessary) and instead take one person at a time and give each person the benefit of the doubt believing they too probably want the same things you do?

God is in control. God takes care of His people. And Romans 10:13 says, "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”

God doesn't want anyone to perish but all to come to Him. Let's make this our aim. Let's forget about political labels. Let's not even malign those we see in the media -- for if the media doesn't tell the whole truth about one person, they probably don't tell the whole truth about all people. Let's remember that Jesus loves every single person. And we are to do the same.

We are not to gossip about others. This includes those we know only from news programs. This includes our national leaders of both parties. This includes people in our communities we don't see eye-to-eye with. Everyone wants to be loved. That is what we are called to do.

How He Works

10/21/2020

Part of becoming more and more of who we were created to be is to unlearn what we've learned from living in this world. It isn't so much someone set out to teach us bad things. It is that we absorb a lot from the culture we live in without meaning to. We absorb ideas and ways of living life that are contrary to the ways God works. And often we don't even know this has happened until God reveals something in us to ourselves.

In Matthew 5:48 in NASB Jesus calls us to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. I love how The Message says it: "In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subject. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."

How God often works (according to Eugene H. Peterson) is through quietness and prayer.

So I guess, if we are going to be like our Father, that is how we should work too.

What is that compliment saying to the recipient?

10/12/2020

Okay, folk, I want to talk to you about compliments -- those things we say to make someone happy. I want to talk about certain compliments that can be used by the enemy and our own flesh to plant seeds of insecurity and can even lead to eating disorders.

When people say to a person, "You are so cute because you are tiny" or "You have lost so much weight. You look really good" those thoughts will go in the recipients' heads and tell them I need to be a certain weight or I need to stay really skinny to be cute, to look good.

Let's quit giving compliments about weight. Weight change. Sometimes it can be for medical reasons that weight has changed. Or maybe it is to a teenager you say is so cute because she is so little -- we all know (unless you are one of those people who can't gain weight no matter what) that that teenager will gain weight as she gets older. Will she feel like she has to constantly be on a diet to get back to her high school weight? What kind of life is that? Especially when that weight will be elusive and be so hard to maintain?

Instead, let's compliment someone's smile or just say, "You look gorgeous" or compliment someone's outfit or compliment their eyes. Or tell them they look healthy and full of life and beautiful.

Why is our society so focused on weight? We are not our weights. Weight could be limited to medical appointments. Your doctor can monitor your weight to make sure there is nothing wrong with your health. And at home if your clothes have gotten a bit tight and you know you might have gained some weight that isn't healthy, you do something about it (without condemnation). But it shouldn't be the focus of your life.

Okay, I got on this rant because I've seen this happen to my youngest. She is a short, small person. And she is very cute. And I know she hears all the time how cute she is because of her size. And I see seeds of temporary confidence being planted in her about her cuteness being about her weight. She enjoys the attention, but I see the long-term so of course she has to endure a talk from me about the dangers of focusing on weight.

Briefly, my story from a super long time ago (and yes, we had electricity and color television and cars and telephones): I started dieting in fourth grade. I heard those comments about how tiny I was in grade school. I liked the comments so I wanted to keep it up. I became obsessed with food and not eating to where it got bad in high school and college. I never got to a dangerously low weight but I messed up my health pretty bad. After nine years God delivered me from those obsessive thoughts surrounding the prison of what to eat or not eat and excessive exercise.

I don't want that for my daughters. I don't want that for my sons. I don't want that kind of mental prison for anyone at all. And this is what focusing on weight can do to people.

Food and drink are gifts to be enjoyed by our Creator. We should be able to enjoy all food and drink as blessings from Father God without them becoming our taskmasters. If something you ingest is controlling you then you need to do something about that. Or if it is doing bad things to your health then you probably should limit it. But otherwise as the writer of Ecclesiastes says 5:18, "Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one's labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of life which God has given him; for this is his reward."

And Paul says in 1 Corithians 10:31, "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

I get it this morning

9/29/2020

Psalm 119:18 says "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law."

Psalm 19:7-8 say "The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes."

I've read these verses many times before (the one from Psalm 119 is a great verse to pray -- it is a prayer ready made for us) and I have believed them and known they are true, but I had a bit of problem with the word "law."

"Law" has some stern qualities in my mind. When I hear law I think of judges in long black robes who never smile and who look like they forgot what laughter is (the good kind anyway). I also think of getting stopped by a police officer because I am driving too fast. I don't want to think like this about God's law, but these did influence just a bit how I read the word in the Bible.

This morning when I read 119:18 I prayed it and then realized something. When we see the words law, precepts, commandments, statutes and any other word that can be replaced for law in scripture, you can also replace the word law with "God's way of life."

When we embrace the law of God we are embracing God's love, God's revelation and God Himself.

Read Psalm 119:7-8 in The Message:
"The revelation of GOD is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of GOD are clear and point out the right road. The life-maps of GOD are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of GOD are plain and easy on the eyes."

So when we pray "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law" we are asking God to show us wonderful things in Him, in His ways; in His way of life; in His plan for us...Absolutely everything!

Almost an entire month

9/15/2020

Wow. It has been almost a month since I last wrote. I began blogging (before it was called blogging) in 1999 and never have I gone so long without writing. I guess I, like many of you, are in a new season of life. 2020 has been a crazy year for the entire world. Most everything is changing.

Sometimes I feel so old (age is relative -- to some 52 years is ancient; to others I am a mere pup).

I want to share with you something that really has been speaking to my heart since Sunday. Shannon talked about looking at ourselves and others through the Father's eyes. If you want to read the notes or watch the sermon click right here. What hit me was that everything that happens in our lives, whether good or bad, is for our best.

I know you know Romans 8:28. It says, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

But this thought about everything happening for our best goes even farther (at least it feels that way to me). God will not allow anything in my life to separate me from Him (in fact, Paul says this later in Romans 8:35-39). So, whatever comes my way, if I rely on God; if I lean on Him; if I totally surrender to His ways; everything that comes into my life can bring me closer to God if I allow it. The best thing for me and for you is to be as close to God as we can. That is where the abundant life is.

If we can grasp that everything that happens is for our best we can also grasp a total trust in Father God and His ways and what He has for us. And if we have this complete trust no longer do we need to stress or worry or fret. He will carry us through.

This is a simple truth and yet so profound.

It is exactly what Jesus said we needed -- the faith of a child.

"And (Jesus) called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, 'Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.'" Matthew 18:2-3

"'Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all.'" Mark 10:14b-15

A story about a lovable dufus

8/18/2020

(Now be patient with me if you don't have or want a beloved pet -- this story is for non-animal-loving people too)

We have a dog named Cowboy. He has been part of our family for almost two years. He came from a shelter in the state and we do love him. Yet, his name should be Tank or Dufus or even Tigger (as in Winnie-the-Pooh). Cowboy is a pitbull mix and doesn't understand what he is. Sometimes he thinks he is a lapdog. At night he will jump in my lap even though he weighs over 40 pounds and not soft at all. He is muscle and bone and sharp toenails. And sometimes he thinks he is 20 feet tall and more powerful than a moving train. In early spring he tried to attack a porcupine and got a faceful of quills (that was a bad day).

Yesterday he tried to overpower a rattlesnake. What that got him was a swollen painful jaw that was absolutely awful to look at.

We got him to the vet in Faith and he'll get shots for the next six days (seriously non-animal-lovers, there is a human point to this story).

This morning Cowboy was obviously in a lot of pain. And because he was so vulnerable he was able to just be with me.

And here is where the application for we two-legged beasts comes in. When Cowboy is all about himself and being crazy and has his own agenda and wanting things and trying to take things it is really hard for him to be with me and just get comfort from my presence.

But when he is vulnerable and just him in his most humble way, he gets great comfort from me, his person, and I know it is healing for him.

So, think about us and God. When we let go of everything that we put on ourselves and go after and our own agendas and our own masks and just be ourselves, we can find ourselves right where we need to be to sit in God's presence.

Matthew 6:6 in The Message says, "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace."

Isn't that good? God is so good to us. We just need to come to Him as we are and we will leave forever changed.

Parenting and other roles that require humans

7/31/2020

Last Sunday my pastor (and husband) talked about God's role for the family. Something he said really spoke to me. He said that we learn forgiveness in the family. Now, of course I knew that and you probably knew that too. No big revelation there, but hold that thought and let me tell you something else.

If you don't know I am a mom of six children: one lives in Rapid City; One lives in Montana with her husband and son; my 20 year old son is taken care of by me full-time here at home; my middle daughter Maggie lives in heaven; and my 19 year old son and 17 year old daughter currently live at home with me and Shannon. Now, my two youngest are the two that often are used by God to stretch and grow me as a parent. There have been many times that I have failed. And during those times, my inclination (not a godly one) was to condemn myself for not being a better parent. If I did something wrong I'd make it right with my kids and move on to the next day. I have never been thrilled with my parental failures but I am who I am and I will fail.

After the sermon Sunday I realized that imperfect people are the best people to be parents. If we were perfect how could God teach our children to forgive those in authority over them? How could God teach them that even those who have lived a long time make mistakes? How could God teach our children that once a situation is over and been dealt with life goes on?

God indeed calls imperfect people to be parents (and any other role we can play) because it is through our imperfections He shines through. It is through us living together and the messes that can be made (in all ways) that God is lifted up.

We don't have to hate our failures. We can embrace them knowing God shines through those more than when we appear we have it all together (if we let Him).

A verse you need to know if you ever deal with mental health issues!

7/10/2020

First, for the handful of readers who come by this site -- I know it has been over a month since I've posted. I have decided not to post unless I have something of real value to help people. There is so much information thrown at us on the internet and all other forms of media. I don't want to add just anything to the mix. I am a writer -- not the best writer and I will never pretend I am, but I am a writer (how do I know this? I just know is the short answer -- that could be a lengthy discussion about gifts God has given each of us and if you want or need to have that discussion with someone I will have it with you. You can email me here or you can message me via Facebook and we can set up a time to talk about that) and I need to write. And when you have a gift from God it was given to you for other people. So, if you are a singer you aren't singing for your benefit (though you will be blessed when you use your gift), but for other people's benefit. Wow, this has gotten to be a huge explanation and has nothing to do with what I want to share! Maybe someone out there needs to read all that (if that is you let me know. I would love to know).

Second, sometimes God will use a Bible verse out of context in a new way to speak to your heart. Hey, that's okay. He can do that! It is His Word. He will never use it out of context (and we shouldn't either) that contradicts who He is, but He will use it creatively in your life if you let Him.

Finally, to the verse you need to know if you ever deal with mental health issues (and that can be any of us -- some of us have chronic mental health issues, but all of us can get acute mental health issues): Acts 16:28 says, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"

I encourage you to read that chapter to see what the story is behind that verse, but it is a verse we need to remember when depression hits or we feel alone or we feel like we are worthless or we feel we don't matter or we are tempted to self-harm. You are never alone! Never! Even when there are no people around you (or if they are around you and you can't connect), Jesus is right beside you loving you. The Father is calling to you -- Come Home. The Spirit is praying for you when you can't pray for yourself. "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"

The enemy loves to isolate each of us to make us feel no one understands; to make us feel no one cares; to make us feel that this world doesn't need us; that people don't need us; that we are a detriment to people. All of these statements are LIES!

You have great purpose because God created you to be in relationship with Him. He wants to hang out with you. And He also will give you tasks to do that will bless you and others and share His love with the world. You are the only one who can be you. Memorize Acts 16:28 (Don't harm yourself! We are all here!). Keep it in your mind for those times when lies fill your mind. It is a weapon of self preservation. Not only are there people who love you and God loves you, there are past Believers cheering you on to run this race called life with all your heart and mind and soul and strength. I love how The Message Translation says Hebrews 12:1: "Do you see what this means -- all these pioneers who blazed teh way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down start running -- and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sin."

The NASB says it like this: "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,"

Run, run, run! Live this life fully and wildly and exuberantly and joyously for Jesus!

How you live today matters a lot

6/1/2020

You have the ability to affect your children's lives, your grandchildren's lives and future generations with your choices today. They might be choices no one else sees but you and God, but they matter. You matter. You are a spiritual being. You are a soul clothed in flesh. You were created in God's image. Your words and actions have far reaching consequences (for good or bad).

Please choose wisely.

Exodus 34:6-7 says, "GOD passed in front of him (Moses) and called out, 'GOD, GOD, a God of mercy and grace, endlessly patient -- so much love, so deeply true -- loyal in love for a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion and sin. Still, he doesn't ignore sin. He holds sons and grandsons responsible for a father's sins to the third and fourth generation.'"

Do you see that phrase I underlined?

If we choose to love God and love people in all we say and do and think we will be blessings the generations that come after us, from our children on down. What a promise!

The last part though is scary: for four generations the consequences of our sin will be felt. Our children, our grandchildren, our great and our great-great grandchildren will have to deal with our sin's consequences. No one would purposely choose to do this to those we love, but we do when we live for Self. Think of sin that has passed down in your family -- wrong perspectives on life; habits that control; learned behaviors and thoughts that must be unlearned to be free in Christ.

Choose Jesus today. Choose His ways. Choose to love even when you are misunderstood or overlooked.

Isn't it so fun when...

5/28/2020

Isn't it so fun when you give to someone something that causes her face to light up? You can tell you really made him happy?

One Christmas years ago when our son Pete was in his Willy Wonka phase (the one with Johnny Depp -- if you haven't seen the "new" Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Johnny Depp you really should -- the oompa loompa is amazing) I was able to get off of Ebay a large figurine of the Willy Wonka Character for $20. There was something slightly wrong with it because brand new the figurine would have sold for at least $200. It was some kind of collector thingy. I wrapped it up and waited excitedly for Christmas morning.

When Pete tore into the paper and lifted the figurine out of the box his mouth opened but no words came out. His face glowed. His eyes were bright. He stared at the Willy Wonka figurine for several minutes while he held it almost reverently. The rest of the room was gone for him during that time.

I love to see someone smile and say, "Praise Jesus!" when they are given something that could only have come from God. When we give out of His love and His creativity the whole transaction is a miracle.

I know you must know how this feels.

But the other side of giving isn't much fun. You give when someone demands it of you. Or you give and the gift is no big deal. Or you give and it is totally the wrong gift -- you can see it when the person looks at it.

Or you are given a gift out of obligation or because someone is trying to buy your love. Those kinds of gifts bring no joy to anyone.

Okay, this post is totally not about me even though it sure sounds like it. It is about bringing delight to God's heart. We have that capability -- to make our Father so so so happy.

2 Corinthians 9:7b says, "God loves a cheerful giver."

God wants us to give back to Him not because He needs our stuff or our money (everything belongs to Him anyway), but because He wants us to experience that love of giving. That generosity. That feeling of joy when two hearts meet. He wants that joy for us -- He gets delight because we are so happy to love Him like this. When we joyfully give to God we are showing Him and ourselves that He is way more important to us than the stuff and money in our lives. We are saying that we trust Him a whole lot more than money. We are saying that the provision that is brought into our lives is from Him and we don't have to hold tight to it. We can hold it loosely. We are also telling Him and ourselves that whatever He chooses to do with it is the best thing.

Are we losing our country?

5/25/2020

On this Memorial Day it seems appropriate for me to write this. Both my husband and I served in the U.S. Army -- I for four years, Shannon for six. We are thankful we are still here to live the lives God has for us. We met in Somalia where daily and nightly guns and weapons of all kinds could be heard going off. The U.S. lost several soldiers in that country. They, like other servicemen and women, died bravely for this country God has given us -- a place where we have freedom to live lives of promise. That doesn't mean we all agree. It doesn't mean we all like each other. It doesn't mean there aren't "bad" people in our country or prejudice or corruption.

It does mean we have hope and promise and freedom. If someone wants something bad enough and fights for it they can achieve it here. People from all backgrounds and with varying skin tones and hair types and sizes have seen their dreams come true in this land of America. It truly is a blessed land.

We wonder about America and its future. It isn't mentioned in the end times in the Bible. Other countries are.

Could it be that America is overtaken by fear? Could it be that the enemy is using the media to overtake this great country of ours? Crippling it with fear?

God has told us in His word not to fear 365 times. He said "Do not Fear" over and over. The Bible is still relevent. We are not to cripple ourselves with fear. Please people, do not fear. No, this doesn't mean to be stupid. It means to be confident in faith. To let faith lead you rather than fear. Fear is a harsh and horrible tyrant. Faith gives you freedom.

Will we lose our country to fear?

This veteran sure hopes not.

Are you putting others in danger?

5/21/2020

Even in this time of social distancing our choices in life make a difference to those who know us (maybe even to those who don't know us). We are connected. We can tell ourselves no one is affected by a secret sin or rebellion. We can tell ourselves that bad attitudes within only affect our inner selves. We can tell ourselves that we are adults -- we can do whatever we want. But these thoughts are just not true.

Those who love you (and hate you) and the world at large needs you to choose God. To choose to live for Jesus Christ and let the freedom He offers you guide you even if it is hard to do.

Think of Jonah. He ran from God and put the whole ship and the sailors in danger.

And then in Jeremiah 42 God tells the people not to go to Egypt, to stay and live by faith where He calls them to live. They didn't listen and they brought destruction onto Egypt.

"'God has plainly told you . . . 'Don't go to Egypt.'" Jeremiah 42:19

(Just FYI, Egypt in scripture often refers to the world system)

"Nothing is more difficult than living by faith -- living spontaneously, living hopefully, living virtuously...it's always easier to live by sight than by faith where verything is certain and clear and all the loose ends have been tied up." Eugene H. Peterson

This morning God was talking about having a fluid lifestyle -- how I am learning how to live like this. A couple definitions of fluid are: "characterized by or employing a smooth easy style" and "Available for various uses."

Yes, this relates. We Christians can fall so easily into a dos and don'ts kind of lifestyle thinking we are living a life of faith if we do certain things and don't do certain other things. But this isn't a life of faith. It might just look like we are "good" people according to our own expectations. But that isn't freedom. That isn't living a spiritual life. And it is this superficial faith that comes up short.

I guess I am all over the place right now but I hope you are hearing from God. Life isn't about rules. Life is about a deep, growing relationship with Jesus Christ and others.

There is not one insignificant person alive (or dead)

5/19/2020

,An amazing thing about the Bible is that no matter how much you read it you will discover new things in it most every time. This morning I read 2 Samuel 17 and found three people, three people who probably seemed unimportant to the world, who ended up indirectly saving King David and his entire army from David's son Absalom (and I have read this passage numerous times and never paid attention to them before)_.

2 Samuel 17:17-21 says, "Jonathan and Ahimaaz were waiting around at En Rogel. A servant girl would come and give them messages and then they would go and tell King David, for it wasn't safe to be seen coming into the city. But a soldier spotted them and told Absalom, so the two of them got out of there fast and went to a man's house in Bahurim. He had a well in his yard and they climbed into it. The wife took a rug and covered the well, then spread grain on it so no one would notice anything out of the ordinary. Shortly, Absalom's servants came to the woman's house and asked her, 'Have you seen Ahimaaz and Jonathan?' The woman said, 'They were headed toward the river.' They looked but didn't find them, and then went back to Jerusalem.
"When the coast was clear, Ahimaaz and Jonathan climbed out of the well and went on to make their report to King David, 'Get up and cross the river quickly; Ahithophel has given counsel against you!'"

Why didn't they give the spys up? They were loyal to King David even though the whole country seemed to be following Absalom. Why were they loyal to David? I can only assume he earned their loyalty.

There is not one person alive or dead who isn't significant, significant to God's plan. Even after we are dead our lives still speak to those who are alive (for good or bad).

You are where you need to be right now in this time. God is working in and through and around you. Wait on Him in times of trouble. Wait on Him in times of peace. Wait on Him in expectation of what He will do next.

She might be an ostrich

5/13/2020

I read this this morning:

"The ostrich flaps her wings futilely -- all those beautiful feathers, but useless! She lays her eggs on the hard ground, leaves them there in the dirt, exposed to the weather, Not caring that they might get stepped on and cracke or trampled by some wild animal. She's negligent with her young, as if they weren't even hers. She cares nothing about anything. She wasn't created very smart, that's for sure, wasn't give her share of good sense. But when she runs, oh, how she runs, laughing, leaving horse and rider in the dust." Job 39:13-18

And God spoke to me. He spoke to me about people through this ostrich passage. We read about the problems ostriches have, the short-comings, but then the last part says, "Butt when she runs, oh, how she runs, laughing, leaving horse and rider in the dust."

This last part is where I really heard God. When we love people sometimes we get frustrated with their short-comings. Sometimes we get frustrated with bad behavior. If it is bad behavior that can be corrected, if we are in the position to help that person change their behavior then so be it. Help them. But back to the short-comings.

An ostrich will never be a dove. An ostrich will never be a chicken that covers her chicks with her wings. An ostrich is never going to be super smart. An ostrich is never going to fly like other birds (the wings are for balance when they run). An ostrich is never going to be maternal. It just isn't in an ostrich hen to care. The closest the ostriches get to caring for their young is when they fight other ostrich couples. The winning couple gets all the offspring. One source said a pair of ostriches had 300 offspring. I guess they are like trophies to them (again, sorry -- ostriches are very fascinating so tangents are easy in this post).

But when the ostrich runs it is enjoying life and all eyes are on its speed. It is amazing when it runs. If the family member or friend you get frustrated with is an ostrich you are never going to make her into a dove or an eagle or a cute fluffy bunny. We should not focus on each other's short-comings. Laugh about them (mainly your own) and then revel in each other's strengths and laughter and joy.

An ostrich can run faster than a leopard. An ostrich's kick can kill a full-grown lion. I wouldn't want an ostrich to watch my children or comfort me when I am ill, but if I were up against a lion I wouldn't want that tender dove. I'd want the ostrich with her powerful kick.

Remember who we are fighting

5/8/2020

Hey, Loved ones (that includes you) take care of what you are putting in your brain during this crazy pandemic time. Remember this truth in Ephesians 6:12, "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."

People aren't the enemy. We aren't supposed to be fighting humans. We are to fight the unseen powers that are against God. If something is in our world God has allowed it. It is good to pursue truth and to know the truth, but we must keep a right perspective. Hebrews 12:2 says, "We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

We are only to fear God, to reverence Him, to remember that He is far above all things and people and governments and world leaders. No one surprises Him or worries Him or freaks God out. They shouldn't do this to us either.

Yes, I've watched a few of the videos going around about what some of the rich elite of our world are set out to do. Is it all true? I don't know. It might be. Yet, God is way bigger than all that. Pray for these people. Jesus loves them. When you are confronted with negative truth that you can do something about, then do it. When we see a wrong we can right we need to do that. But if we just are feeding our mind a bunch of negative talk that turns us against a group of people rather than seeing them for who they really are -- people who are so desperately lost -- we might be getting off course.

And yes, be ready. Make sure you know what you will and won't do. I for one am not going to get any sort of implant or tattoo that I am told I am supposed to have for health or legal reasons. But I am also not going to let this possible stuff become my reality right now. We are to use our imaginations for good, for creating beauty and serving God and loving Him and others. Using my imagination to worry about things that might happen is a waste of the resources God has given me.

Let's use our imaginations right now during this time for God. Think of how we can love Him and others. Imagine new ways, creative ways to reach out to people in this time of social distancing. The enemy wants to divide us. Let's figure out how we can become unified in love. We have a big beautiful task to do for Jesus at this time. What an amazing time and what an amazing thing God wants to accomplish through each of us.

Maybe first we need to think, "I wonder why...."

5/4/2020

Yep, I'm still here. And you are too if you reading this (very thankful for that). I've been involved in an inner conversation with myself about writing and art and such. Sometimes I think I should just quit. I should just get rid of this blog (as you see it has been almost a month since I last wrote) but then I think No. I can't do that. We all must use the talents God has given us to bless others; encourage other believers; share His word and His love and His hope. One thing that might limit us is that if we begin to compare our talents/skills with other people's talents/skills. Don't do that! I know for a fact that there are lots and lots of writers and artists who are far beyond me in talent and skill. But that doesn't matter. Only I can speak and write and draw and paint the way Jane can. God will use each of us differently. He needs each of us to share His love because through each vessel His love and message comes through differently. It may be (no -- actually I know this is true) that only through you can His love come through in the perfect way for certain other people. Boy, I got off on a tangent.....Here is what I really wanted to talk about (which will relate to the title):

Exodus 17:1-2 says, "Directed by GOD, the whole company of Israel moved on by stages fro the Wilderness of Sin. They set camp at Rephidim. And there wasn't a drop of water for the people to drink. The people took Moses to task: 'Give us water to drink.' But Moses said, 'Why pester me? Why are you testing GOD?'"

I saw something new in this passage today. Glory! Love that when God does that. So, I read that and I understand why the people are thirsty. There's no water. We can all understand their thirst. This isn't the problem. Of course they are going to be thirsty when they are led to a place with no water. Later on in this passage Moses is afraid the people are going to kill him they are so angry. I can even understand their angery. They have lots of animals to water and feed and tons of children to water and feed. Nursing moms. Nursing babies. So, what did I think about when I read this passage?

Here it is -- instead of getting angry and yelling at Moses about this awful situation they could have said, I know God provides all we need. Why did He lead us to a place with no water (which is obviously a necessity)? If they would have given God opportunity to show Himself their faith would have increased. Instead of waiting on God, instead of talking to God they blame Moses.

How often do we humans do this? Instead of wondering what God might be up to we immediately seek someone to blame? Maybe we blame ourselves. Maybe we condemn the other people who are part of the situation. Instead, we could give God time to act; give God time to work it all out. We could remember His promises and know He hasn't left us.

Isaiah 40:31 says, "But those who wait upon GOD get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind.

Philippians 4:19 says, "And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Believing and waiting on God rather than reacting in panic or blame is the way of the Believer. We each can choose this (it really cuts out the drama, which is a always a good thing).

Lay it all out there.

4/9/2020

Jeremiah 17:9-10

This strange time of social distancing and staying home a lot and not seeing many people except for your family is the perfect time to let God clear away the crud in your heart.

Don't be offended. You have crud in your heart. I have crud in my heart. We all do. Don't be surprised at that. God isn't. Read the verse on the left. That is truth. And the sooner we accept it as truth the sooner God can do His work in us to clear the junk out.

Sure. You can live with all that bad stuff. People do this all the time. People live their whole lives with poison in their hearts. Jesus says in Matthew 15:18-20, "But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the (person). For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the (person);"

Proverbs 27:17 says, "Iron sharpens iron, so one (person) sharpens another."

I tell my kids often that their true character comes out in how they treat the ones they live with; how we treat those we feel safest with; how we treat those people who we see day in and day out; those people who see us in the early morning and the late at night; our brothers and sisters, spouses and children. How we treat these people is a spotlight to who we are. That's why this time of just hanging out with family at home can give God the opportunity to clear away the garbage that lives in our hearts. When it is exposed to the light it can be cleared out.

It's no use denying what is there. One of my children loves to kick against the boundaries this child so desperately needs to be safe and grow in wisdom and joy and love. How I respond to this shows who I really am. And I tell you -- I am not at all like Jesus sometimes. Instead of condemning myself for negative thoughts or irritation I can just hand it over to God and ask Him ot change me, to make me like Him.

There is great power in getting alone with God and laying it all out in honesty and vulnerability. That lets Him in. Self-justification, excuses, blaming others -- all these kinds of reactions harm ourselves and our relationships with others and God. If you catch yourself doing any of that, stop and ask God to help you respond in love.

Let God Use These Unusual Circumstances In Your Life

3/30/2020

God only can use these unusual circumstances in your life if you allow Him to. He will do what He can, but if we keep our hearts closed to Him, He can't flow into our lives as He desires.

Last night my husband took a shovel and turned over all the ground in our garden. Our garden isn't huge, but it is a very big job for one person to work the ground. Working the ground before planting is necessary. Farmers do this all the time. Hard ground can't accept seeds. Sure, once in a while a seed might take root in hard ground, but not normally (unless it is a weed and we don't want weeds in our lives).

God tells us in Jeremiah 3:3 to "Break up your fallow ground, And do not sow among thorns." Hosea 10:12 says it even better. It states, "Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD."

This is exactly what we all can be doing during this time of quarantine and social distancing. This time (again, if we allow it) will remove the dross, the unwanted junk out of our lives. It will remind us what's important. We can once again focus on our families.

The Bible talks about dross. Dross is the waste, the unwanted stuff that comes out of metals like silver or gold when they are fired. Each time the gold is put into the fire the impurities rise to the surface. The artist then scrapes those off and does it again until eventually there are no more impurities.

What if God has chosen to use this COVID-19 pandemic to take away the dross in our family life so our families will grow closer and stronger? God will use anything in our lives to strengthen the good. To strengthen our relationship with Him and with people in our lives. I am not saying He brought this into the world, but even when bad things come into the world God can bring great good from them. Joseph says to his brothers in Genesis 50:20, "And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good"

When our world is functioning without restriction, it encourages tons of activity. You gotta do this. You gotta do that. You gotta play in all these sports. You gotta do ______________. Fill in the blank. It is as if the world system is trying to tear apart our families and stop us from spending time in quiet and thoughtful contemplation.

One last thing. You might ask how you can break up that fallow ground in your heart. Just ask God to help. Pray something like this: "God, please break up the hard shell around my heart so I can hear from you."

That's all you gotta do. He just wants you to look to Him. Give Him permission to plant His seeds of Love in you. You will not regret it.

He is Amazing

3/25/2020

I've got to share something with you today. And I wholly recommend getting a copy of The Message Devotional Bible by Eugene H. Peterson. That is where what I am going to share with you comes from. Peterson's comments, notes and questions really get deep into a person's heart -- well, at least this person's heart. Here is his comments on The Parable of the Sower found in Luke 8:4-15:

This sower went out to sow his seed, and he threw it everywhere. He didn't care where the seed went. He didn't seem to care whether it fell on the road or in the rocky places or in the briar patches -- he just threw it to the winds and let it fall where it may. A farmer has to have a lot of seed to be that extravagant.
We flash back to Genesis where God created an entire universe and put one man in it. Sun, stars, moon, seas, vegetation, fish, birds, mammals -- a cosmic system created so that one man may live. And that is extravagant, too.
The Genesis story reminds us that the parable, too, is about God. God is the Sower. He sows his seed, which is his Word. And the characteristic of his sowing is his extravagant, if not wasteful, generosity. Seed everywhere. God's Word spoken incessantly. The words, acts, intentions, creative happenings of God falling all over the place.
Is that the way the world looks to you? Well, whether it does or not, says Luke's parable, that's the way it is. We live in a world that's dominated by a Farmer-God striding through nations, civilizations, societies, communities, continents, countries, families, and private minds; through war, through peace, through taverns, through restaurants, through theaters, through offices, while people are typing, sewing, eating, sleeping, driving, singing, weeping, talking, watching, playing, cursing, blessing, arguing, making love, studying, striving, escaping, running; in Bangladesh and Baltimore, in Calcutta and Chicago.
God is present in the world sowing his seed, the seed thrown into every person's life, into every situation, into every heart, into every nook and cranny of the universe.

Isn't that great? That "in private minds" reminds me that God speaks to everyone. Even those who have convinced themselves that He doesn't exist. He is speaking and revealing His love to everyone. He is working. No one can keep Him out. I am so very glad of that!

He Wants To Be Your Father (in the most perfect sense)

3/24/2020

I've done it myself. I've read books and articles that encourage it, but they are all wrong. There is no formula, no right way to pray, no right way to talk to God because with that kind of attitude it is essentially us trying to manipulate God to do what we want Him to do. When people try to manipulate us and we resist or succumb to the manipulation, it is a bad thing. It doesn't encourage love or closeness or honesty. I want to share a couple of good quotes I read today from The Message Devotional Bible by Eugene H. Peterson:

"The living God cannot be used, manipulated or managed. Spiritual power isn't a matter of getting our hands on the right method or technology. The personal God cannot be reduced to an impersonal power."

"pagan worship was grounded in the belief that human actions provide the critical element for what happens in life, that the gods can be bribed to prosper humans. Viewed this way, Canaanite culture is hardly distinguishable from contemporary culture. A great deal of contemporary religion is little more than trying to manipulate God in order to get something from him."

This is a worldly way of thinking about God and relationships with others. If I do this, He owes me. If I do this, they will do _____. You see this in certain children. Children who are not normally "sweet" might start getting all sweet and cute in order to get something from their parents. When we indulge this behavior we reward manipulation and not honesty and real connections.

God will not be manipulated. He wants to have real relationships with us. If He would bow down to our manipulation, it just indulges us and encourages and fosters dishonesty and more manipulation. He doesn't want spoiled children. He wants children who are close to Him. Children who want to spend time with Him. Children who lean on Him and find their strength in Him and who enjoy is presence. Why? No, it isn't for selfish reasons. God is not selfish. It is because He loves us and knows in this is where we will find true joy and contentment -- being in a loving relationship with Him.

Doing things God's way is the best way to do things. Jesus says in Matthew 22:37 "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind."

In John 13:34 Jesus says, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another."

Doing life God's way means loving Him and loving others -- doing what is best for others. Imagine if everyone in the world lived this way. That would be heaven. And actually, that will be heaven. We want you there! So, talk to the Father. He is very very good. And He loves you. Talk to Him.

You gotta change your life rhythm

3/23/2020

Being at home for extended periods of time is hard for some of you. It isn't your normal. You have a different rhythm to life. We're creatures of habit, and we're comfortable doing things the way we do them. Routines are blessings (their true worth shows through at certain times of life); but God, who is in charge of all, might be telling you to try a new life rhythm for a time. Trying to keep the life rhythm of your other life will just frustrate you while you are at home.

As one who has been a caregiver and stay-at-home mom for almost 25 years, I can tell you you gotta slow down and be flexible. Notice things. Find the joy in your situation. Don't hold fast to any kind of routine or task. If you are a parent of young children who need your help with homework, find joy in that. Laugh with them. Laughing is a really good thing. Kids (and adults) long to laugh with you.

God is blessing us with some really good weather this week. Make a point to get outside. You don't have to do anything out there unless you want to. When I go out I usually just sit in a chair and enjoy the warmth of the sun on my face and drink a cup of coffee. While I do that I might notice birds; I might do a bit of yard cleaning or throw a stick for the dogs; maybe I will do a bit of garden clean-up. Whatever. God isn't in a hurry. When we are in a hurry and adament things have to stick to the schedule we have in our minds, we miss some really good stuff.

The moments in life the New Testament Writers chose to share with us about Jesus' time here on earth are not all the moments they shared with Jesus. In between all those times He and they did a lot of walking and a lot of sitting and a lot of talking. They prayed. They sang. They laughed (I believe they laughed a whole bunch). They ate together. God is calling us to enjoy some of these kinds of moments.

Last week I was helping Pete with his essay questions that dealt with two stories he had read. We laughed. We laughed a lot (I admit when I do the thinking and discussing thing with him I get kind of irreverent...well, maybe a whole lot of irreverent....if you read his bigfoot books -- he has two now -- you'll read this irreverent attitude a lot).

Something we all need to get better at is to quit taking ourselves so seriously. The One we need to take seriously is God. And then become a student of the people you are with. Learn about them by listening and noticing. There is always something new to learn about people, even yourself. Let me share with you what I just learned about myself. I have been having a lot of negative dreams lately. I didn't know why. I don't read or watch anything that would cause this. And I am not angry or worried. So I did some research. Turns out that nightmares and negative-feeling dreams are common in people with bipolar disorder. Wondering how to get them to stop I read one place that suggested to tell yourself to dream gentler dreams. That sounded silly to me, but I tried it. It worked! I'm going to try it again tonight.

What can you learn about yourself this week? About the ones with you? How can you enjoy the life you are living right now? Taking it as it is and not imposing your own agenda on it?