First Snow

I love when the holiday season brings in the first snow. (Even though I am not a huge fan of cold weather!) Everything looks so fresh and clean, and there is a certain excitement in the air. It always reminds me of Isaiah 1:18 "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." When the snow begins to melt and we track through it, the ground no longer looks clean and pure, but rather spotted and messy. In retrospect, it's a reflection of my life when things get blotchy and blemished. Until I allow God to remove the stains from my heart and clean up the mess, my soul resembles that dirty snow covered ground. I don't have to remain permanently soiled though, because God has promised to remove disgrace and shame from my life if I am willing and obedient. Christ forgives me and removes even my most in-erasable stains.

"I have swept your offenses like a cloud, your sins like a morning mist. Return to me for I have redeemed you." (Isaiah 44:22)

Forgiveness for me has been one of the most difficult concepts to grasp in my life. This is probably why it's one of the most difficult and greatest gifts to give. Un-confessed sin in my life comes between God and me and damages my relationship with Him. I must admit my sins to God if my relationship with Him is to be restored completely. I have learned over the years (through my continuous growth in Christ) that my survival depends on the application of forgiveness for me and others. Looking back over the years and the many things that I have done or that have happened to me, I have experienced such freedom when I surrender and let go of the past and focus on the present and the possibilities of the future. When I forgive, I may not change the past-but I sure do change the future! I have witnessed Christ's forgiveness more times than I can possibly remember because I have accepted His invitation to receive His mercy freely.

The results of forgiveness are happiness! Forgiveness has always been part of God's loving nature. In Psalms 32:1-2 (The Message) it tells us to "Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be-you get a fresh start, your slate's wiped clean. Count yourself lucky-God holds nothing against you and you're holding nothing back from Him." :) I want to feel fresh and clean like the first snow, and make the choice to forgive unconditionally and bring myself one step closer to living a life of fulfillment, joy, and deep inner peace.

Where My Treasure Is

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)

I consider my self pretty materialistic; I love things! :) New stuff to wear just makes me feel better, new stuff to cook with just makes the food taste better, new linens on the bed just make me sleep better. And sometimes I just want more than I have! Although I am pretty sure that Jesus does not deny that we have these desires, I need to remember that these things I value and invest in can be gone in a minute; earthly possessions are only temporary. My desire should be to seek to please God and others, not just to please myself. I need to change my perspective and make sure that I am always investing and storing treasures in Heaven because only these treasures can last for eternity. And God has blessed me with more than enough gifts, blessings, and plenty of duties to keep me pretty busy until Jesus returns. My faith, service, and total submission to God is the only sure way to store treasures in Heaven. In addition, I need to get my priorities straight in regards to saving money; I like the comfort of knowing I have plenty "stashed" for emergencies and for the future. But I need to think beyond accumulating wealth for earthly security, and focus more on using what He has given to me to help benefit others so that I don't enter eternity empty handed! 

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant or to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasures for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." (l Timothy 6:17-19)

I once heard that the definition of "Treasure in Heaven" is simply "living life with open hearts and open hands." We have to open our hearts to the poor and the weak in spirit. If we lay our hands on the intangible things in life, like being kind to others, doing good deeds, assisting the poor, and leading others to Christ, then we are creating treasures that will be sent on ahead of us to Heaven. It's often difficult to put these actions in front of our own desires and agenda, but we have to listen to God's voice (and obey Him!) when He is instructing us to give and affect the lives of those around us. This involves me to leave my comfort zone, and to quit being selfish with my time and material things. It means I have to avoid putting my schedule and "stuff" in front of what will really produce life-changing results in not only others but me!

"Heavenly Father, help us not to spend too much of our lives worrying about fancy treasures here on earth. Help us to live life Jesus' way and have true treasure in Heaven. In Jesus name-Amen! (A Children's Prayer)

Too Much Busyness

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken." (Psalm 62:1-2)

Whoever said that things start to slow down and get easier when you reach your 50's? I heard it time and again growing up, and by my mid 40's I was actually looking forward to this time in my life. However I find that I have just as much to do, and less time to do it all! I am literally so afraid of boredom that I deliberately fill any free time with activities and planned events to take advantage of every single minute of the day. I find that waking up each morning to an endless list of responsibilities and things to do can sap my energy and prevent me from focusing on what is really important. And worst of all, it probably robs me of some peace of mind and simplicity that additional praying, resting, and meditating would bring. Although I cherish, nurture, and hunger for time spent in relationships, fellowship, and multiple tasks, I constantly fall into a trap of over-scheduling, over-doing and over-committing my time.

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:29-31)

Too many times I am ambushed by my own "busyness." I often forget that I need to be a good steward of my time, and that always rushing is preventing me from appreciating the day and resting in God's strength. My time belongs not only to me, but to God. And I always want more of it! After all these years, I still need to learn to manage my time to please God more, not just others or myself. God is delighted when we rest in Him, and when we do He gives us freedom from busyness, and restores our strength so that we can get through another day. Even though multitasking is very efficient, trying not to schedule too many things in one day is going to take some additional maturing and disciplining on my part, and I have to trust and rely on God to figure out how much time it really takes to accomplish all the many things I set out to do. 

Show me the stairway

I have to climb

Lord for my sake teach me to take

one day at a time.

One day at a time sweet Jesus

that's all I'm asking from you

Just give me the strength

To do everyday

What I have to do

Be Authentic

"If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else; for each one should carry his own load." (Galations 6:3)

I'm pretty sure one of the largest obstacles in my life has been working with and having relationships with people who are more concerned with appearances and how they are perceived by others. Although I know that there are certain situations and circumstances in which we must maintain a certain behavior or "dress" accordingly, I believe our hearts, thoughts, and attitudes should remain genuine and real. It's unfortunate to me that people are perceived more positively the more attractive or upstanding they are, however I find that their faces do not exist in reality; they often realize that "something" is missing but are never quite sure what that "something" may be. As Christians, we all need to spend our time working for Christ rather than being preoccupied with our own schedule, needs, and the perception of others.

"Be beautiful inside, in your hearts, with the lasting charm of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." (1 Peter 3:4)

We've been discussing what our definition of "authentic discipleship" really means in our small group, and I believe it to mean having a sincere heart and genuine attitude, regardless of whether other people are around to acknowledge it or not. For so many years growing up, that was such an obstacle for me! I wanted to be recognized for every accomplishment and "good deed" I did, whether at home, church, work, or in the community. But I was missing the real reason for serving others or performing a task to the greatest of my ability. Growth, maturity, and worship have brought me a long way on living my life to please God and let my love for Him shine so that family, friends, and acquaintances can see Christ in me. I want to glow with love for Him, and to be known for a gentle and quiet beauty that comes from within which is so meaningful to God. (I still have a lot of work to do on that gentle and quiet thing!) :)

Every day I want to continue exploring who God created me to be, define and excel in my unique and authentic self, and use it to glorify Him. I want to fill my day with things that have meaning and happiness so that I can serve God and those He has chosen for me to serve.

"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.

Be the living expression of God's kindness:

kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile."

~Mother Teresa~

Journey Of Faith

"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

There are no guarantees in this life. One minute your home is filled with happiness, the next it is filled with sorrow. One minute you are active and full of life, the next you are passive and weak. At times we feel cherished and surrounded by love, other times abandoned and isolated. It seems that life is a roller coaster of emotional ups and downs, and regardless of what inner strength you may possess there are times when these attacks wear you completely down. This is where our journey of faith starts; we must understand and be assured that God loves us and will stand by us in the good times and the bad. He is delighted in our moments of achievements and praise, and stays very near and protects us when we are vulnerable and faint.

"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." (Romans 5:5)

When things seem to be crumbling in and around my life, I find myself needing to remember to get back to the basics and focus on the true meaning of life; simplicity in God's love and the hope for a better future. True happiness is when we draw close to the source of happiness by obeying and trusting in His assurance of protection and guidance; we will never outgrow our need for His power and leadership. When resolutions to a problem seem nowhere to be found, and I just can't seem to pull myself up from a deep hole of desolation, I know I possess a reserve of power and faith to call upon my Lord to help me meet every challenge and trial. He will hold me in His loving arms and encourage me to draw from my inner strength so that I can clearly see the light at the end of any dark tunnel.

"The Lord will keep you from all harm-He will watch over your life. The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." (Psalm 121:17)

Work And Play

"So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 8:15)

God always knows how to plan, balance, and evaluate a perfect agenda for me, and I give Him thanks and praise for an amazing two weeks (well needed!) of vacation. My husband, youngest daughter, and I spent the last two weeks in the company of my oldest daughter and two precious grandsons who we haven't seen for quite a long time. What joy and unexpected surprises children can bring into a home; they lighten up the daily grind and and normal routine we can often get caught up in. After spending the first week planning and exercising activities in and around Boise, we had the opportunity during the second week of vacation to experience firsthand some of God's glorious creation while camping in the Sawtooth mountains. What a relaxing and yet energizing time we shared; a perfect way to wrap up the last of our visit. After many sad good-byes, I now felt a renewed state of mind to pick up where I left off at home and work. I am so thankful for the many great memories made in the last couple of weeks that we all shared and will hold on to until our next visit/vacation.

"That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil-this is the gift of God. I know that everything that God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it." (Ecclesiastes 3:13-14)

God wants us to be happy and to pursue good and worthy goals in life. We must find joy and pleasure in everything we do, and accept each day as it comes whether it's smooth or rocky. Sometimes we get to play, but many times we have to work. He planned and is involved in all of our moments; His desire is for us to trust Him and yield to His design and purpose every day. God has refreshed and strengthened me during this time of play so that I can move on and find the same joy and contentment in my work. The essence of man's life is to be successful in this world and find joy, peace, and contentment each day with it's measure of work and play.

Spring Of Living Water

"I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and He who believes in me will never go thirsty. " (John 6:36) "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." (John 7:38)

I have been reading the book of John lately, and OH! how blessed and thankful I am to have invited Christ into my life and become a Christian, knowing that I have been given a spiritual life which will live on in a relationship with God forever. How magnificent it is to me that He is the bread of my life! How my heart breaks for the unsaved! There are so many people who reject God's word, and who think they are alive, but in the spiritual world they are dead. This death is from a lack of spiritual nourishment and separation from God. I love to re-read the verses in this book declaring that salvation is free for anyone who will receive it. Whenever I am down in spirit from issues at work, home or even my health, there is no one who can supply the sweet comfort and assurance that I receive from God. Through grace, He has given me hope and the promise of eternity. I look forward and eagerly await the opportunity to share God's eternal promise to everyone searching for this spiritual nourishment.

"I am the resurrection of life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this? (John 11:25-26)

Faith in Jesus Christ alone is the only way to receive the gift of eternal life. By becoming a Christian, we are invited to become a part of God's family. And being born into God's family means we have inherited the greatest gift of all...eternity! I can look forward to eternal life because Jesus promised it to all who believe and have faith in Him. He is preparing a place for us to spend eternity with Him. It gives me hope when I battle daily situations in my life on earth, because no matter what happens on earth...God is in control! In a world of problems, evil, and disappointments, Christ calls us to endure in our faith and wait for His return to bring us everlasting peace.

"In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you; I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." (John 14:2-4)

When we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are strengthened and nourished by His words, and empowered by His Holy Spirit. Eternal life is a spring of living water within us flowing out and giving us confident assurance for our future. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live in all believers, and I do believe and trust that I have no need to fear the present or the future because of His promise for eternity. The most satisfying venture on my human journey, is knowing that at the end of this road there will be cause for thanksgiving and celebration! :) :)