I love the Oregon coast! When our children were young and the pressures of everyday life got too much to handle, we’d pack our car and head for the beach. A few miles out from our destination, a rental house situated 200 yards from the pounding surf, we could smell the salty freshness. Head-pounding problems diminished as we anticipated a time of quiet contemplation sitting on a rock, walking along the wave-strewn path picking up seashells and watching the children chase waves.
Sometimes the waves were quiet and peaceful rolling in, rolling out. It was easy to walk on the packed wet sand barefoot and feel firmness beneath each step. But sometimes storms came up abruptly and waves churned and turned the ocean upside down, spilling dirty debris along the pristine beaches. I’ve watched surfers fight choppy water trying to stay atop their boards and ride the white-capped waves to shore and I’d ask, "who in their right minds would try to walk on that?"
Yet, I read in Matthew 14:28-31 that the Apostle Peter did! He saw Jesus in the water and waves and wanted to be with him. He stepped out of the boat into the churning waves and found he could walk, step by step, to Jesus – until – HE LOOKED DOWN! Uh-oh! He took his eyes off Jesus.
He immediately cried out to Jesus to save him and scripture tells us, "Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand." (The Message)
I’m encouraged to know in the storms of life Jesus knows my heart, my fears, and even my fumbling, yet he graciously reaches down to grab my hand and once again give me a firm footing.
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for not hesitating to help me when I cry out. Amen!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Cotton Balls for Caleb
I love summer – even though the temps lately have made me rethink it a bit. Yet it was just six months ago we were complaining about the snow – endless snow – waiting and dreaming for warm weather. So, it’s here and I’m determined to enjoy it because guess what? In six months, I’ll be too cold again.
Another reason I enjoy this season is because the children have the opportunity to experience VBS (Vacation Bible School). Many of us waited weeks on end for our children to attend and give us a respite to shop, clean house, or berry pick. But, this year was even more special because it was our eight year old grandson, Caleb’s first over-night camp. His Mother and Dad were confident that he was ready, but I wasn’t so sure. That night as I turned out the light, I wondered how Caleb was faring; if he was scared or excited to be there. A few hours later when I awoke to loud claps of thunder, streaks of lightening, and rain splashing against our bedroom window, I prayed, “Oh Lord, please don’t let this scare Caleb. We all wanted this to be a good experience for him.”
The next day I voiced my concerns to his mother via email and she quickly wrote back that his older brothers’ tents collapsed and they had to hurry their charges into the church to sleep, but Caleb’s tent was secure and he slept soundly, never hearing anything. Whew! I was so relieved to hear that.
Last night when Caleb came by to visit I was anxious to hear how he enjoyed camp. I asked if the thunder and lightening scared him. “I didn’t hear a thing,” he replied. “It was like I had cotton balls in my ears when I fell asleep.” He laughed at his description, but, I was thinking something else. How ingenious of God. What a great way to answer our prayers for Caleb. Cotton balls in his ears!
Another reason I enjoy this season is because the children have the opportunity to experience VBS (Vacation Bible School). Many of us waited weeks on end for our children to attend and give us a respite to shop, clean house, or berry pick. But, this year was even more special because it was our eight year old grandson, Caleb’s first over-night camp. His Mother and Dad were confident that he was ready, but I wasn’t so sure. That night as I turned out the light, I wondered how Caleb was faring; if he was scared or excited to be there. A few hours later when I awoke to loud claps of thunder, streaks of lightening, and rain splashing against our bedroom window, I prayed, “Oh Lord, please don’t let this scare Caleb. We all wanted this to be a good experience for him.”
The next day I voiced my concerns to his mother via email and she quickly wrote back that his older brothers’ tents collapsed and they had to hurry their charges into the church to sleep, but Caleb’s tent was secure and he slept soundly, never hearing anything. Whew! I was so relieved to hear that.
Last night when Caleb came by to visit I was anxious to hear how he enjoyed camp. I asked if the thunder and lightening scared him. “I didn’t hear a thing,” he replied. “It was like I had cotton balls in my ears when I fell asleep.” He laughed at his description, but, I was thinking something else. How ingenious of God. What a great way to answer our prayers for Caleb. Cotton balls in his ears!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Happy Father's Day
Like Father, Like Son
“The Son can do nothing by himself.
He does only what He sees the Father doing,
and in the same way.”
John 5:19(TLB)
You’re a new father, holding your newborn son—a bundle of possibilities, when realization penetrates the fog of exhilaration. He is helpless; totally dependent upon you for food, protection, guidance, and a role model.
As he grows, it gets scarier. You see possibilities for failure. There’s more required than you first thought: time, patience, and commitment to develop him into the kind of person you and God will be proud of. You recognize a lack of knowledge, skill and wisdom for the task. What do you do?
Most people in unfamiliar situations look to an expert or self-help books for guidance. You notice children emulate what they see or hear their fathers do and say. “Who is the ultimate Father?” you ask. “That’s the kind of father I want to be like.”
The best expert on anything is its creator. Therefore our expert is God. His son, Jesus said he only did what his Father told him to do. “Maybe,” you reason, “the secret to this fathering thing is to see how our Heavenly Father does it.”
There are three things that makes God a good father.
First, God is not unfair. He doesn’t ask His Son to do something against His own laws or commandments, His code of conduct. Don’t ask your child to do something you would not or could not do. For example, is he too young to understand what you’re asking—is it unreasonable? Does it require more than he is able to give? Again, how does God treat you as His child? Does He ask anything you’re not capable of doing? Therefore, are you fair-minded?
Second, God is always there to listen to His children. Are you available to listen to your child—even when he or she goes over the same things numerous times? Can your child come to you and say, “I need to talk.” What response will he get? “Sure, what’s on your mind?” Or, “No, not now! I’m too busy;” How long before that will be interpreted as “I am not as important as what you’re doing.”
Jesus said, “Let the children come unto me! Never send them away! For the Kingdom of God belongs to men who have hearts as trusting as these little children’s. And anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get within the Kingdom’s gates” (Luke 18: 16-17, TLB). When others would push them away as a nuisance or bothersome, Jesus pulls them upon his lap! Do you emulate Him?
Third, do you communicate love and affirmation to your child? God did for His Son. When Jesus wanted to be baptized, John said, “This isn’t proper, I am the one who needs to be baptized by you. But Jesus said, ‘Please do it, for I must do all that is right’” (Matthew 3:14-15, TLB.) By doing this, He was showing the world His complete obedience, and His Father responded. “After His baptism, as soon as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened to Him and He saw the Spirit of God coming down in the form of a dove. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, and I am wonderfully pleased with Him’” (Matthew 3:16-17, TLB).
I watched with amusement one day a little boy walking alongside his Dad. Trying to match strides he imitated his father’s walk, swinging his arms back and forth. His father pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his face; the little boy did the same. In essence he was proclaiming, “I want to be just like you, Dad.” Are you the kind of role model your child wants to follow and obey? Do you affirm your child’s value and worth with, “Well done!” or,“I’m proud of the way you handled that difficult situation.” Does your child hear praise or constant criticism? “And now a word to you parents. Don’t keep on scolding and nagging your children, making them angry and resentful. Rather, bring them up with the loving discipline the Lord himself approves, with suggestions and godly advice” (Ephesians 6:4, TLB).
Does it sound like an impossible task to be a good father? Loving and kind? Compassionate and fair? It may be—except for God’s example and help. “He is like a Father to us, tender and sympathetic to those who reverence Him” (Psalms 103:13, TLB).
You too are God’s dear child, and can access His help even as Jesus, His Son, did. Call upon Him, ask for help and direction. Ask Him to stamp His image on your heart. Then you will be the kind of father He intended you to be—like Him!
“The Son can do nothing by himself.
He does only what He sees the Father doing,
and in the same way.”
John 5:19(TLB)
You’re a new father, holding your newborn son—a bundle of possibilities, when realization penetrates the fog of exhilaration. He is helpless; totally dependent upon you for food, protection, guidance, and a role model.
As he grows, it gets scarier. You see possibilities for failure. There’s more required than you first thought: time, patience, and commitment to develop him into the kind of person you and God will be proud of. You recognize a lack of knowledge, skill and wisdom for the task. What do you do?
Most people in unfamiliar situations look to an expert or self-help books for guidance. You notice children emulate what they see or hear their fathers do and say. “Who is the ultimate Father?” you ask. “That’s the kind of father I want to be like.”
The best expert on anything is its creator. Therefore our expert is God. His son, Jesus said he only did what his Father told him to do. “Maybe,” you reason, “the secret to this fathering thing is to see how our Heavenly Father does it.”
There are three things that makes God a good father.
First, God is not unfair. He doesn’t ask His Son to do something against His own laws or commandments, His code of conduct. Don’t ask your child to do something you would not or could not do. For example, is he too young to understand what you’re asking—is it unreasonable? Does it require more than he is able to give? Again, how does God treat you as His child? Does He ask anything you’re not capable of doing? Therefore, are you fair-minded?
Second, God is always there to listen to His children. Are you available to listen to your child—even when he or she goes over the same things numerous times? Can your child come to you and say, “I need to talk.” What response will he get? “Sure, what’s on your mind?” Or, “No, not now! I’m too busy;” How long before that will be interpreted as “I am not as important as what you’re doing.”
Jesus said, “Let the children come unto me! Never send them away! For the Kingdom of God belongs to men who have hearts as trusting as these little children’s. And anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get within the Kingdom’s gates” (Luke 18: 16-17, TLB). When others would push them away as a nuisance or bothersome, Jesus pulls them upon his lap! Do you emulate Him?
Third, do you communicate love and affirmation to your child? God did for His Son. When Jesus wanted to be baptized, John said, “This isn’t proper, I am the one who needs to be baptized by you. But Jesus said, ‘Please do it, for I must do all that is right’” (Matthew 3:14-15, TLB.) By doing this, He was showing the world His complete obedience, and His Father responded. “After His baptism, as soon as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened to Him and He saw the Spirit of God coming down in the form of a dove. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, and I am wonderfully pleased with Him’” (Matthew 3:16-17, TLB).
I watched with amusement one day a little boy walking alongside his Dad. Trying to match strides he imitated his father’s walk, swinging his arms back and forth. His father pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his face; the little boy did the same. In essence he was proclaiming, “I want to be just like you, Dad.” Are you the kind of role model your child wants to follow and obey? Do you affirm your child’s value and worth with, “Well done!” or,“I’m proud of the way you handled that difficult situation.” Does your child hear praise or constant criticism? “And now a word to you parents. Don’t keep on scolding and nagging your children, making them angry and resentful. Rather, bring them up with the loving discipline the Lord himself approves, with suggestions and godly advice” (Ephesians 6:4, TLB).
Does it sound like an impossible task to be a good father? Loving and kind? Compassionate and fair? It may be—except for God’s example and help. “He is like a Father to us, tender and sympathetic to those who reverence Him” (Psalms 103:13, TLB).
You too are God’s dear child, and can access His help even as Jesus, His Son, did. Call upon Him, ask for help and direction. Ask Him to stamp His image on your heart. Then you will be the kind of father He intended you to be—like Him!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Every Day Miracles - The Dog
Walking on the Centennial Trail near our home, which winds along the Spokane River, I was enjoying the crisp morning air with blue skies and talking with the Lord. Financial worries weighed heavily on my mind, and I felt the need to lay them before Him. I knew He heard my prayers, because in 1 Peter 5:7, I read, “Cast all your anxiety on Him for he cares for you” (The NIV Study Bible.) Intent on praying, and watching birds fly over the water, I was startled to see a big German shepherd up ahead on the path. For a fleeting moment I felt an overwhelming fear. Lately, I had heard stories about dog attacks. “Lord,” I prayed softly, “you know my fear of big dogs, could you take him out of my way, somehow?”
I’m not sure what I expected the Lord to do; reach down and send him scurrying home, perhaps. I looked around the trees and found a broken branch. It seemed sturdy enough to scare him. But, when I looked up, he darted into the field. I waited to see if he was going up the hill to one of the homes, but I lost track of him.
Tentatively, I walked forward. I had to go this way to get home. I couldn’t stand here all day, waiting to see where the dog went. I picked up the pace a little, singing softly and swinging the stick back and forth with vigor. I think my actions were more to give me confidence than to intimidate the dog.
As I reached the place where I thought the dog had gone under the fence, I looked and gasped. There he sat quietly behind a bush, watching me. How about that? I thought. God answered my prayer – and very quickly too. It was as if an angel had the dog on a leash, waiting for me to pass. Later, I looked back and watched the dog slip from behind the bush and saunter on down the trail.
Walking home, I smiled. Those things that weighed on me when I started out this morning, melted away.
Thank you, Father. You proved again your word is trustworthy!
I’m not sure what I expected the Lord to do; reach down and send him scurrying home, perhaps. I looked around the trees and found a broken branch. It seemed sturdy enough to scare him. But, when I looked up, he darted into the field. I waited to see if he was going up the hill to one of the homes, but I lost track of him.
Tentatively, I walked forward. I had to go this way to get home. I couldn’t stand here all day, waiting to see where the dog went. I picked up the pace a little, singing softly and swinging the stick back and forth with vigor. I think my actions were more to give me confidence than to intimidate the dog.
As I reached the place where I thought the dog had gone under the fence, I looked and gasped. There he sat quietly behind a bush, watching me. How about that? I thought. God answered my prayer – and very quickly too. It was as if an angel had the dog on a leash, waiting for me to pass. Later, I looked back and watched the dog slip from behind the bush and saunter on down the trail.
Walking home, I smiled. Those things that weighed on me when I started out this morning, melted away.
Thank you, Father. You proved again your word is trustworthy!
Monday, April 6, 2009
EVERYDAY MIRACLES - The Sick Child
The day began early for the young mother of two and she could tell by the cough from her youngest son it would be a challenging one. She quickly rose and made breakfast for the family, but the little one had no appetite. He only wanted to be held. The day wore on and the intensity of the cough increased. As darkness fell the fever began. “Water, mama,” he cried. The chills came on. She became frightened as his temperature continued to climb, and called the doctor’s offices; they were closed. Quickly she tried an emergency number, but it was a holiday and there was no answer. Finally in desperation, she annointed her little son with oil and sent a whispered prayer upward - a mother’s desperate plea for her child. The whisper was heard, the fever fell and the child could finally sleep. Wearied, but relieved, she again sent a whisper heavenward, giving thanks!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
TRUST AND OBEY
2 Kings 5:1-15
Naaman was a valiant soldier and commander in the army of the king of Aram. He was highly regarded by the king, and respected by the people because the Lord had given him victory in Aram. Yet, he had a problem – he had leprosy.
The soldiers had taken captive a young girl in their raids, and she served Naaman’s wife. She noticed Naaman’s leprosy and said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” Naaman’s wife evidently repeated this to her husband and he told the king. The king gave Naaman permission to go; he even sent a letter to the king of Israel introducing Naaman, along with “...ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold and ten sets of clothing.”
But, when Naaman came to the king of Israel with the request to cure him of his leprosy, “…the king tore his robes and said, ‘Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy?”
“When Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his robes, he sent him this message: ‘Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.’ So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house. Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, ‘Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.’
Naaman was miffed, actually, the scripture says, he turned away angry. He expected Elisha to come out to him and give him honor because of his reputation. Instead, he sent a messenger out to deliver the message. Why was Naaman so angry at the directions that would have cured him? Didn’t he want to be cleansed from that terrible disease? Didn’t he want a miracle? Oh yes, He did! But, he wanted it done his way. “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than any of the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?”
Naaman’s pride and preconceived notions of what the prophet should do or how God should perform this miracle almost cost him the most glorious experience of his life. A servant put things in perspective for Naaman, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” Naaman finally humbled himself and went down to the muddy Jordan River and did as the prophet said. “His flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.”
Why does God choose a certain way to manifest His power? Does God ever surprise you at the way He chooses to answer a prayer? In Naaman’s case, perhaps He knew a deeper need than merely the cleansing of leprosy. I have found that God often looks deeper into my heart and checks my motives – and answers accordingly. He knows each heart and its deepest need. He knew that Naaman needed to recognize and submit to a greater power than his own self-reliance and self-sufficiency – which is really a spirit of pride. He knew Naaman needed to learn obedience.
“Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, ‘Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.’”
I look at how close Naaman came to missing God's deliverance, and take it to heart. I don't want to make that mistake either, for lack of trust and obedience. I recall an old song my grandmother used to sing: "Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."
Naaman was a valiant soldier and commander in the army of the king of Aram. He was highly regarded by the king, and respected by the people because the Lord had given him victory in Aram. Yet, he had a problem – he had leprosy.
The soldiers had taken captive a young girl in their raids, and she served Naaman’s wife. She noticed Naaman’s leprosy and said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” Naaman’s wife evidently repeated this to her husband and he told the king. The king gave Naaman permission to go; he even sent a letter to the king of Israel introducing Naaman, along with “...ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold and ten sets of clothing.”
But, when Naaman came to the king of Israel with the request to cure him of his leprosy, “…the king tore his robes and said, ‘Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy?”
“When Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his robes, he sent him this message: ‘Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.’ So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house. Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, ‘Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.’
Naaman was miffed, actually, the scripture says, he turned away angry. He expected Elisha to come out to him and give him honor because of his reputation. Instead, he sent a messenger out to deliver the message. Why was Naaman so angry at the directions that would have cured him? Didn’t he want to be cleansed from that terrible disease? Didn’t he want a miracle? Oh yes, He did! But, he wanted it done his way. “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than any of the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?”
Naaman’s pride and preconceived notions of what the prophet should do or how God should perform this miracle almost cost him the most glorious experience of his life. A servant put things in perspective for Naaman, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” Naaman finally humbled himself and went down to the muddy Jordan River and did as the prophet said. “His flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.”
Why does God choose a certain way to manifest His power? Does God ever surprise you at the way He chooses to answer a prayer? In Naaman’s case, perhaps He knew a deeper need than merely the cleansing of leprosy. I have found that God often looks deeper into my heart and checks my motives – and answers accordingly. He knows each heart and its deepest need. He knew that Naaman needed to recognize and submit to a greater power than his own self-reliance and self-sufficiency – which is really a spirit of pride. He knew Naaman needed to learn obedience.
“Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, ‘Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.’”
I look at how close Naaman came to missing God's deliverance, and take it to heart. I don't want to make that mistake either, for lack of trust and obedience. I recall an old song my grandmother used to sing: "Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."
Monday, March 9, 2009
IMPOSSIBILITIES vs. OPPORTUNITIES
“Go in and possess the land that I’m giving you,” God said to his people whom He had brought up out of Egypt to a land he had promised Abraham hundreds of years earlier. They were now at the border. Moses sent twelve spies to check the land and its inhabitants. “When they reached the valley of Eschol, they cut off a branch bearing a single cluster of grapes. Two of them carried it on a pole between them, along with some pomegranates and figs. They came back and reported to Moses that the land flowed with milk and honey.” (Numbers 13:25) An apt description of a place God had prepared for them; to go in and possess, to occupy, to live and grow in. There they were to build up their families and serve Him – the one true God.
But a great enemy arose to defeat them. Ten of the twelve spies reported, “But the people who live there are powerful and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw the descendants of Anak there.” Their vision was clouded by fear. Fear of conditions and circumstances caused them to doubt God’s promises. However, the other two spies, Caleb and Joshua, saw things differently. “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” Faith fueled their belief in God’s promise and they wanted to act on it.
But the ten other spies spread a bad report among the people to inspire fear rather than faith. “We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes.” The result: they were consigned to the desert to wander aimlessly until death. Fear produces death – faith produces life and fulfillment of God’s promise. (Numbers 14:20)
What has God called you and me to do for Him? What giants prevent us from following wholeheartedly? Do we see them as giants of impossiblities rather than God’s opportunities to fulfill His promises? What do we miss because we don’t see with eyes of faith?
Prayer: Lord, help me to do my part, so you can do your part and fulfill the promises you have made in my life. Amen
But a great enemy arose to defeat them. Ten of the twelve spies reported, “But the people who live there are powerful and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw the descendants of Anak there.” Their vision was clouded by fear. Fear of conditions and circumstances caused them to doubt God’s promises. However, the other two spies, Caleb and Joshua, saw things differently. “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” Faith fueled their belief in God’s promise and they wanted to act on it.
But the ten other spies spread a bad report among the people to inspire fear rather than faith. “We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes.” The result: they were consigned to the desert to wander aimlessly until death. Fear produces death – faith produces life and fulfillment of God’s promise. (Numbers 14:20)
What has God called you and me to do for Him? What giants prevent us from following wholeheartedly? Do we see them as giants of impossiblities rather than God’s opportunities to fulfill His promises? What do we miss because we don’t see with eyes of faith?
Prayer: Lord, help me to do my part, so you can do your part and fulfill the promises you have made in my life. Amen
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Altars and Signposts
“There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.” Gen 12:8
Crossroads can be scary. By definition – of going in different directions – they make us choose. Do you feel you’re at a crossroads in your life? In need of a signpost or something to give clear direction - which way to take? Perhaps there is a signpost and you just can’t see it. How can you know?
I’ve read that many times in Abram’s journey with God he built altars and worshipped. As he remembered special times when God spoke and revealed His will, Abram set an altar there. But they weren’t just altars of remembrance in Abram’s life, they served as signposts to his sons and grandsons and those who followed him.
I ask myself, where have I set an altar, or a place of remembrance, in my life to return to and recall the goodness and faithfulness of my Heavenly Father? Sometimes I need to be reminded; to go back and remember – so I can go forward again.
Actually I do remember such a special time. It was on my wedding day. I stood in the little chapel an hour before the ceremony, admiring the candelabra, green ferns and lovely flowers on the piano. Light cascaded through the stained glass behind the pulpit and caressed the altar. Confident of my love for the man who would be my husband, secure in the knowledge that God had brought him into my life and approved our union. I stood quietly and prayed, Heavenly Father, please bless our marriage and keep us strongly committed to You and each other as we start our lives together. Give us the faith and strength we’ll need to overcome the tests and trials that will surely come our way.
Gently, words came into my mind. “Remember this time, never let it go. Hold onto it tightly. Whenever there is doubt or fear, come back to this - and remember.”
I set an altar of remembrance that day. A signpost I could return to in my heart whenever the need came, and I have, in fact, returned to it many times over the years. In times of frustration, fear and doubt. When silly questions would insinuate themselves in my mind. Did I choose rightly, or was it just my passion of the moment? Was that really you speaking, Lord, or my imagination? When those thoughts assailed me, I returned to my altar of remembrance and received assurance from my Heavenly Father. Then I could continue to walk in His strength knowing He would go with me.
These days we don’t go around making altars of stone. But we can create signposts, or altars, in different ways. Perhaps a written journal recording our spiritual progress, times of refreshing, or a healing touch. Record times when God has answered specific prayers, brought friends alongside to encourage or lend a helping hand. We can establish altar’s of praise and remembrance in our hearts to God. A place to return and recount God’s goodness and power to deliver, and leave a signpost for others to follow as well.
Crossroads can be scary. By definition – of going in different directions – they make us choose. Do you feel you’re at a crossroads in your life? In need of a signpost or something to give clear direction - which way to take? Perhaps there is a signpost and you just can’t see it. How can you know?
I’ve read that many times in Abram’s journey with God he built altars and worshipped. As he remembered special times when God spoke and revealed His will, Abram set an altar there. But they weren’t just altars of remembrance in Abram’s life, they served as signposts to his sons and grandsons and those who followed him.
I ask myself, where have I set an altar, or a place of remembrance, in my life to return to and recall the goodness and faithfulness of my Heavenly Father? Sometimes I need to be reminded; to go back and remember – so I can go forward again.
Actually I do remember such a special time. It was on my wedding day. I stood in the little chapel an hour before the ceremony, admiring the candelabra, green ferns and lovely flowers on the piano. Light cascaded through the stained glass behind the pulpit and caressed the altar. Confident of my love for the man who would be my husband, secure in the knowledge that God had brought him into my life and approved our union. I stood quietly and prayed, Heavenly Father, please bless our marriage and keep us strongly committed to You and each other as we start our lives together. Give us the faith and strength we’ll need to overcome the tests and trials that will surely come our way.
Gently, words came into my mind. “Remember this time, never let it go. Hold onto it tightly. Whenever there is doubt or fear, come back to this - and remember.”
I set an altar of remembrance that day. A signpost I could return to in my heart whenever the need came, and I have, in fact, returned to it many times over the years. In times of frustration, fear and doubt. When silly questions would insinuate themselves in my mind. Did I choose rightly, or was it just my passion of the moment? Was that really you speaking, Lord, or my imagination? When those thoughts assailed me, I returned to my altar of remembrance and received assurance from my Heavenly Father. Then I could continue to walk in His strength knowing He would go with me.
These days we don’t go around making altars of stone. But we can create signposts, or altars, in different ways. Perhaps a written journal recording our spiritual progress, times of refreshing, or a healing touch. Record times when God has answered specific prayers, brought friends alongside to encourage or lend a helping hand. We can establish altar’s of praise and remembrance in our hearts to God. A place to return and recount God’s goodness and power to deliver, and leave a signpost for others to follow as well.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Psalm 23 (For the Work Place) Remember - Who's the Boss!
The Lord is my real boss, and I shall not want. (The gold and the silver is mine, sayeth the Lord. The cattle on a thousand hills.) He gives me peace, (my peace I give - not as the world gives peace - my peace passes all understanding) when chaos is all around me. He gently reminds me to pray and do all things without murmuring and complaining. (For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.)He reminds me that He is my source and not my job. He restores my sanity everyday and guides my decisions that I might honor Him in all that I do. Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mails, unplanned interruptions in my carefully designed schedule, computer viruses that threaten to steal or cripple my work, unrealistic clients, budget challenges, and an aging body that doesn't cooperate every morning, I still will not stop--- for He is with me! (I will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon Me.) His presence, His peace, and His power will see me through. He raises me up, even when others try to undermine me. (For lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.) He claims me as His own, even when there is a threat of job loss or stock market plunges. His Faithfulness and love is better than any bonus check. (Great is thy faithfulness O God my Father.) His retirement plan beats any 401k there is! (Do not let your heart be troubled....I go to prepare a place for you, and I will come again to receive you unto myself that where I am, there you may be also.) When it's all said and done, I'll be working for Him a whole lot longer and for that, I BLESS HIS NAME!!!!!!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Memorable Christmas - 2008
2008 will be one of the most memorable Christmases for our family! After two years planning, record snow fall in Spokane, Washington, Portland, Oregon, and Indiana, with cancelled flights, flight changes and coordinating four family's schedules, my husband, Dave, and I, together with our son, Jeff and his family, daughter, Kristy with her family, along with our daughter-in-law's mother and brother, got out of town and celebrated together in Disneyland. We had an amazing time bonding and making wonderful memories! Our daughter later commented, "Mom, it's going to take some doing to top this one!" That's all right, I'm up for it! 
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