Like a Child

"'Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. ~~Mark 10:15-16 NIV

Years have passed since my husband and I purchased new bedroom furniture. When I described the furniture which I discarded due to water damage to a friend, she told me "it was so '80's." With the old set, I could sit on the bed to put on my shoes.

We had grown accustomed to our bedroom furniture and felt that other priorities took our financial commitments. Bedroom furniture didn’t seem significant in the larger scheme of things--after all we're raising two boys.

But our priorities shifted back to our needs after our pipes busted and the water poured over our furniture. While furniture shopping, I noticed a difference in the mattresses--they're much thicker than the old standard nine inches. We ended up with a 15-inch mattress.

With the deep mattress on the pedestal, the bed is about counter height. My oldest son commented that I'll need a step-stool to climb into it. Not yet buddy! I'm not that old. It is nice to dump a load of clothes from the dryer on it and fold them without having to bend over.

Having this new bed brings back childhood memories. I know the beds were not this big way back in the. . .eehm. . . well, long time ago. But I recall having to climb up into bed back then, like I do now. I can't just sit and turn in on this bed; I must climb in like a little child.

The past few nights as I felt like I child, I imagined the Lord tucking me in and praying over me. It brought comfort to me as I released the fears of the pipes in the ceiling above my head busting while sleeping. I trust the Lord to watch over me like my earthly Daddy protected me.

Children trust their parents to take care of all their basic needs. Children wake up knowing they will be fed and have clean clothes to wear. They do not fret about how their day is going to go. They simply trust.

I think that's how God wants us to feel with Him--simply trust that He will meet all our needs like a child trusts his parents. The Lord showed me how I can trust Him even though I fretted after the damage occurred. I felt anxious about the finances and the insurance company. But in spite of my worries, God provided for it all.

Now each night as I climb into my new bed like a child, I say, "Thank You, Abba, Father!"

True Love

What is true love? I found the answer and I'll share it with you.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. ~~1 John 4:7-12

True love comes from God because God is love. Only by knowing Jesus, the Son of God, can we experience this love. God's Son sacrificed for our sins out of love for us. Therefore, we can love one another allowing His love to be made complete in us.

I received this image in an email and I want to share it with you as it sums up true love.

Do You Have a Big Dream?

On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and rendered one of the most successful speeches in American history. He inspired and ignited dreams in Americans for equality. To truly have one nation under God, for all men who are created equal by God to exercise the rights promised by the founding father to guarantee the unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

God gives us BIG dreams. Our God is a big God and cannot be contained in our finite minds.

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. ~~ Isaiah 55:9 NIV

We don’t always understand God for He so big. But here is an example I can grasp. With all the planes that fly around in the airspace, air traffic controllers have radars that can see and identify all the planes in that airspace. They can see the big picture of where the planes are and where they are going.

When I was in the Air Force, I received what is called an “incentive flight.” As a reward for some achievement, I flew in a jet aircraft. While flying up in the airspace, the air traffic controller (ATC) instructed the pilots. My pilot played around and goofed off as he showed me different things they do while up in the sky (please pray for military pilots).

Then the air traffic controller adamantly told the pilot to maintain a certain altitude and heading. At the urgent sound of the ATC’s voice, the pilot obeyed. Though we could not see what was above us or flying near us, the air traffic controller saw it. I don’t even want to imagine what could have happened if the pilot had not obeyed. We finished our flight and landed safely.

God has the big picture of our lives. We don’t see the big picture and the things that are going on around us, but God gives each of us dreams to navigate us in the direction He wants us to go.

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. ~~Psalm 34:7 NIV

God places the desires and dreams in our hearts. What we need to do is trust Him to bring it to pass.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 NIV

Martin Luther King dreamed dreams bigger than he was, and he made a difference. Laws have been passed that guarantee that equality to all people in our country. God gives each of us a dream, and navigates our lives to achieve His dream for a purpose bigger than ourselves. Do you have a big dream?

Blessed Hope -- Revisited

Thank God we always have hope in Him. His hope sustains us in whatever situations we face. I find that as I look back, I can see how far God has brought me. Today I share with you a post from two years ago. I can remember where I was and thank God for where I am now!

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When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" Luke 1:41-45 NIV

After the angel announced to Mary she would conceive the Messiah, she traveled to see her cousin, Elizabeth. As soon as she heard Mary’s voice, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit as the presence of the Lord came near her. The Holy Spirit revealed to her that Mary carried the promised Messiah.

This must have been such an exciting moment for both these women who were chosen to be used by God to fulfill His prophecies. Being good Jewish women, they had heard the writing of the prophets read aloud every Sabbath. Though at this time in history, Jewish people had not heard from God through the prophets for approximately 400 years, the fulfillment of the long awaited promise was great news to their ears.

For years the people put their hope in the promises of God. They may have wondered if it would come to pass. Now the One God promised was conceived. God keeps all His promises. Not one has failed to come to pass.

Sometimes it seems as though we wait and wait for a promise, wondering if it will ever come to pass. But God is faithful to keep all His promises. Jesus Christ was born as promised in the writings of the Prophets. He will return again as written in the Prophets. We have that glorious hope. We have Jesus Christ. We have the Scriptures. We have the Holy Spirit.

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. ~~Romans 15:4 NIV

All the trials we go through create endurance in us. We have the Scriptures to read for encouragement so we have hope. When I faced a problem, one of my first instincts was (and often still is) to complain about it with whoever would listen, whether it was my husband or an available friend. I’ve had to learn over time and retrain myself to have a new first instinct—to run to the Lord in prayer and read His Word. He provides the answer.

When we receive the answer, then we can run to our loved ones and friends as Mary went to Elizabeth. They celebrated the great news. Let’s spread the good news instead of our frustrations. We have the blessed hope in the Messiah.

Open My Eyes - Repost

I spent the last week at the CLASS Christian Writers Conference. I plan on sharing some highlights with you next week. In the meantime, please enjoy this repost.

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And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. ~~Luke 24:31 ESV

Have you ever cried out, “I just don’t understand?” Sometimes events unfold right in front of us and we do not understand the meaning of it.

Two men were walking on the road to Emmaus, which was about seven miles northwest from Jerusalem. They were talking about the crucifixion of Christ. They, like so many of the other people of the times hoped Jesus was the one to redeem Israel from the Roman rule. They were so caught up in the situation, they could not see past it.

Then the resurrected Jesus showed up and walked along side of these two men. ”And he said to them, ‘What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?’ Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?’”

Apparently the news of the crucifixion traveled very quickly among the people of the land, without the use of cell phones and email. They did not recognize Jesus and they thought he must be the only one who did not know what just took place. So they proceeded to explain it to Jesus. When they got to the part about the women who reported angels and an empty tomb, Jesus interrupted them.

"O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:25-27 ESV)

I can see myself explaining an event and Jesus interrupting me to tell me how foolish I am. We need to understand the Scriptures. It is so easy for me to talk about what is going on in our world today, and feel disgruntled like these men on their way to Emmaus. But what if I let Jesus explain the Scriptures to me?

Jesus stayed with the men for just a little bit longer. When Jesus broke bread with them and gave it to them, then their eyes were opened. They realized it was Jesus and He was alive! They had an “ah-ha” moment.

Jesus explained the Scriptures to them. Most of us have several copies of the Bible in our homes. There are several places on the internet to read the Bible. God’s word is readily available to us. Let’s read and study God’s word and ask Him to explain what it means to us and ask Him to open our eyes to see Him.

Numbers

The LORD spoke to Moses in the Tent of Meeting in the Desert of Sinai on the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites came out of Egypt. He said: "Take a census of the whole Israelite community by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. You and Aaron are to number by their divisions all the men in Israel twenty years old or more who are able to serve in the army. ~~Numbers 1:1-3 NIV

Do you like working with numbers? I just do not think in numbers. I like to play BUNCO, but when it's time to add up the points, I pull out a calculator.

Yet numbers seem to be an important part of life, so I have had to adapt to using them and thank God for the tools we have as crutches for those math challenged people like me.

I've been learning a lot more about how to use numbers for discipline this past month. Remember my post about "Why Do I Do That?" I discussed my food nemesis, sugar. Well in order to help me get past the cravings and put restraint in my life, I've learned that numbers are involved.

For food, those numbers are called calories. The foods we eat contain calories and if we eat too many calories, it adds numbers to the scales when we step on them. I have avoided the numbers on the scales for way too long. I must face the truth to be free to change my reality. Avoidance does not work (another post for another time).

So to take control, I've enlisted the support of tools because tracking numbers on papers seems too difficult to me. I use a smart phone app called "Lose It." I enter the foods I eat and the calorie count for the serving size. It reveals on the screen the number calories I've eaten and even gives me a red bar if I've had too much.

But it's also just not about the number of calories consumed, but the number of calories burned through exercise. I used to exercise without seeing results, but I think I've figured out that I wasn’t burning enough calories. Thirty minutes of moderate walking only burns approximately 100 calories. Thirty minutes of very brisk walking, only 150.

Therefore, I've had to develop a plan to burn much more calories during my day. I started exercising two hours a day, combining strength and cardio to increase the calorie burn. I strive to burn 700 calories, five days a week. My reason--3500 calories equals one pound. I hope to lose at a minimum of one pound per week. I use an app call Runkeeper to help me track the number of calories burned for various types of exercises.

Did you know how these numbers work? As I stated, I'm just figuring these things out.

Using numbers requires a concerted discipline for me. It's an effort, but worth it. God incorporated the use of numbers in His divine plan. There is a book of the Bible called Numbers. This books starts off with God calling for a census. According to Matthew Henry's Commentary, the purpose for keeping count was to prove God was keeping His promise to multiply the seed of Abraham. God is obviously into numbers and counting for the sake of keeping records, therefore, I better learn to keep records.

The area of keeping track of calories is the first step I'm taking to learn how to manage numbers. The next area I'm working on is finances as I'm currently taking the Financial Peace University course by Dave Ramsey. And yes, it is the week where the husband and wife sit down to work on the budget.

Yes, this free spirited, Sanguine gal is learning to adapt to the tedious task of using numbers for discipline, change and results.

Need a Defrag

Then the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. ~~Habakkuk 2:2 NIV

Sometimes life starts coming at us from all angles. The kids, the spouse, the work, the errands, the chores and more can seemingly interfere with our plans.

I’ve had plans to work on various projects for months now. But when I think I’m going to work on one of those, something more urgent pops up. I’m feeling fragmented.

Like our personal computers (PC’s), we sometimes need to be defragmented. When using our PC’s, over time with regular use, the files on the hard drive get spread out rather than being neatly organized. That causes the computer to work longer and harder to access the requested information.

Occasionally the PC needs to be defragmented, or defragging for short. This tool on the PC puts all the scattered pieces of the files back together in an organized fashion. This allows the computer to run more efficiently and reduces the amount of time it takes to work. It becomes more proficient. Not only that, it helps the hard drive to last longer.

I realized that I need a defrag. I’m scattered all over the place and because of that it takes me longer to get things done. I’m taking the first few days of this week to work on sorting out files in my life and getting my focus.

I need to write that focus down, make it plain and find a place to keep it in front of me. I need to be reminded of what I’m working toward in my family plans, my personal goals and business goals.

Sometimes, we all need to take a few days to defrag like the computer needs a defrag. When we do, like the PC, we’ll become more proficient and last longer.

Why Do I Do That?

So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! ~~ Romans 7:21-25 NIV

I confess--I want to do what is right and what is good all the time. Okay, okay, most of the time. Well, some of most of the time.

But I do not always make the right choices. Why do I do that?

I am thankful for God's word that shows me that I'm not the only one who struggled with this issue. The Apostle Paul described in Romans 7 his struggle with sin. He stated in Romans 7:15-20:

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.^c]"> For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. (NIV)

That's what I've been doing this July. Struggling. Why?

Because I have been doing what I hate to do and not doing what I want to do. That's the flesh warring with the spirit. How has this happened to me?

Others may not struggle with this, but this is my open and honest confession. I have struggled with mild depression and anxiety off and on for years. I realized in the last few years that these emotional struggles are related to dietary choices. (I realize not all people struggle in this area, such as my husband who cannot even begin to understand.)

I have a food nemesis. It's called SUGAR.

Sugar works in me like alcohol or drugs. It affects my blood sugar levels and turns me into a different person. I've read various books and reports on it. The consumption sugar increases my insulin levels, which in turn affect my hormone levels and causes all sorts of emotional distress.

I spent the last two days out of commission with a migraine (caused by out of balance hormones because of increased sugar consumption). While down and out, I spent some glorious time with the Lord. I realized it was my poor choices that put me down and out and that my choices have consequences.

I'm back up today and I realize it is part of my personal spiritual warfare to walk in obedience in my dietary choices.

Why do I have to do that? I have sin nature that is at work in my body. But thanks be to God who through Jesus Christ overcame for me. I confess and He is faithful to forgive. (1 John 1:9) With Jesus, I can live a life by the Spirit, not gratifying the desires of the sinful nature. (Galatians 5:16)

We all can. Thanks be to our Lord and Savior! I start again today, even though I did that.

How to Avoid Transplant Shock

I recently moved & I wrote about how I learned to overcome the shock at Take Root and Write. Here's a portion of it.

Last year I wrote about Overcoming Transplant Shock which addressed the shock that new believers in Christ face when making the decision to leave the ways of the world behind to follow Christ. Yet believers face times in their lives when the Lord physically moves them.

When God leads a person to move from one location to another, a believer needs to be Totally Transplanted in Christ for the transition. A tree that has been transplanted can experience stress-related problems that can kill it called "transplant shock." When tree roots are cut for moving, it makes the tree vulnerable as it loses a bulk of its root system. Even after being placed in new soil, it is susceptible to diseases, insects, drought, and other issues.

What are some steps we can take to avoid transplant shock?

To read the rest of this article, click here.

Inquire of the Lord

The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD. Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath. ~~ Joshua 9:14-15 NIV

How many times have each of us made a decision to regret it later? Oh my! I have so many times that I wish there was an "undo" button on life like there is in Microsoft Word. My husband and I have made decisions without seeking the Lord and it has cost us--both financially and emotionally.

Well scripture is full of these types of examples as well. Joshua followed Moses in leadership of the nation of Israel. He led them into the promised land--the land flowing with milk and honey. The Lord told him through Moses that He gave them the land. Joshua followed the Lord's commands and saw success in Jericho. (Joshua 6)

Then after cleaning the sin out of the camp, Joshua led the army of Israel to defeat the city of Ai. After this victory, Joshua set up an altar to the Lord and worshiped the Lord by reading to the whole congregation the Book of the Law. (Joshua 7 and 8)

After conquering two cities, word spread all throughout the land about Joshua and the Israelites. Many of the inhabitants planned to go to war with the Israelites, but the people of Gibeon planned a ruse against them. These people intentionally planned to deceive Joshua by wearing old and worn out clothes, taking dry and molded break, and old wine skins on their three day journey to meet Joshua.

When the people of Gibeon met with Joshua, they lied and said when they left the bread was fresh, the wineskins were new and their clothes were new, but now worn out from the long journey. They told Joshua they heard about their fame because of the Lord their God. They sought to have a peace treaty with Israel.

Based on what the men of Israel saw, they believed the men of Gibeon. Therefore, they entered into a peace treaty with them. Then only three days later the Israelites learned that the Gibeonites were neighbors with them. (Joshua 9)

After experiencing success, we can be deceived into believing something is good for us. We've experienced some really convincing sales calls that sounded really enticing. Yes, we've spent too much money on products or memberships that we did not need that led to remorse.

We've learned through experience that we need to inquire of the Lord before making decisions. I've been learning that that offer will still be available. If not, then perhaps it was not a deal that I needed anyway.

I am starting to realize that it is more beneficial to inquire of and wait on the Lord than to rush into a decision that will lead to regrets later. We can take time to inquire of the Lord.

God's Unconditional Love

God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should
change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not
fulfill? ~~ Numbers 23:19 NIV

God is the sovereign ruler over the heavens and the earth. Yesterday, I attended a church service and heard a powerful message. To emphasize one of the points of the message, the pastor stated, "We're loved by God no matter what we do."

The words, we're loved by God no matter what just resonated in my being. I confess feeling fear of rejection because I say the wrong thing, act the wrong way or do not purchase and wear designer clothing has been a way of life for me.

But God is not a man that he will reject me or anyone else who comes to Him through Jesus Christ. His word is His promise to us. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16, NIV).

He loves us so much that He gave His one and only Son so we who believe will not perish but have everlasting life. He promised to love us no matter what.

When we stumble and fall by trying our own way, He still loves us. I saw that as I read through the book of Numbers. God delivered the Israelites from the Egyptian slavery. But when they were in the wilderness, they forgot about what God had done. They grumbled and complained against Moses and God.

Yet, when Balak asked Balaam to curse the Israelites, God stopped it. "But God said to Balaam, 'Do not go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed'" (Numbers 22:12, NIV).

God's people are blessed, even when they sin because God loves us. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8, NIV).

Yes, we sin, but that does not stop God's love for us. His love is unconditional. And we're loved by God no matter what we do. We do not have to fear. I do not have to fear for God will not reject me. Yesterday, I felt he acceptance of me in spite of what I've done.

First John 1:9 states, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (NIV).

God does not lie or change His mind. His promises are true and He forgives. I know for I experience His mercies every day. His love is unconditional. Please share how you have experienced His unconditional love.

Do You Remember?

The LORD said to Moses, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God. ~~ Numbers 15:37-40, NIV

This past weekend, my son played in baseball tournaments. We paid for him to play in the tournament. We paid the umpires, and we paid park entrance fees to see the tournament.

The park personnel were kind enough to allow re-entry the same day if you left for a while as long as you allowed them to stamp your forearm. The stamp was necessary as so many people came and went, the gate attendant could not remember every face.

Sometimes we can’t remember everything either. And it seems to be less I remember the older I turn. Like the stamp reminded the attendant that I already paid the entry fee, we need reminders.

To help me remember, I write my to-do lists on a calendar. Or I’ll set alarms in my cell phone. But I have to remember to write it down or set the alarm, otherwise I probably forget.

The Lord realized that we have a short memory span. He told Moses a long time ago to have all the Israelites throughout all generations to place a blue cord on each corner tassel of their garment.

The garment referred to is called the prayer shawl, or tallit. The cloth has four corners with the tassels hanging off each corner. The Hebrew people were instructed to tie a blue cord on each tassel to remember the commands of the Lord.

Since stone carved copies of the commandments were not available for every household, the people memorized the commands of the Lord using the memory triggers such as the cords on the prayer shawl.

Today the Bible is readily available in most American homes. And it is definitely available online and through the iPhones. Therefore it is easily accessible. Though we have God’s word available to us, we’re still commanded to hide His word in our hearts so we won’t sin against Him. (Psalm 119:11)

I confess, I do not memorize enough scripture. I used to carry around 3X5 cards with scriptures on them to help me. But I gave those cards away.

I know this, that if I do not consistently read the Word of God and memorize scripture, I sin much more easily. I don’t always remember God’s word and commands to me. I need the stamp or the blue tassel or something else to help me remember.

What do you to help you remember?

Too Much

When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. ~~ Proverbs 10:19 ESV

The other night at dinner, my husband poured too much sauce on his plate for his meat. “Oh, that’s too much!”

But what do you do when you pour too much on your plate? Pouring it back in the bottle is not a good solution as there is already other food on the plate. Besides, the openings to most sauce bottles are too small to funnel back the original contents.

We looked at each other and we both had the same thought. Pouring too much sauce on the plate is like saying too many words. You can’t put it back.

Sometimes we may say things without thinking. Those words may cause hurt, discouragement or anger. There have been times I tried to comfort a friend in need. When I kept talking I eventually said something that wounded the soul instead of bringing encouragement.

Jesus made it very clear what will happen with our words in Matthew 12:36-37, “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (ESV).

Every word – we will be held accountable for every word that comes out of our mouths. Like the sauce, we can not pour those words back into our mouths and minds.

We must practice restraint. When pouring ketchup on the plate, we taught our children to use just a little bit. They can get more if needed, but too much will go to waste. To emphasize our point, we told them we would not buy any more until the next scheduled grocery shopping trip. They had to learn to manage what was in the bottle.

We too must learn to manage the words that come out of our mouths. Start with just a little and add more as led by the Holy Spirit.

If we speak too much, then it will surely lead to transgressions. We’ll be prudent not to say too much.

Recently a particular situation has bothered me. I wanted to talk about it over and over with my husband. When I became more frustrated that he didn’t want to have this conversation, he finally told me that talking about it too much could lead to gossip. He’s right.

Therefore, this week I’m going to work on saying less and praying more. What suggestions do you have about not saying too much?

Where's Your Treasure?

"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 treasures 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 (NIV)

Last month we moved across the state of Texas. In preparation for the move, we cleaned out the attic and storage shed.

What did we discover? Trash! What we put away to keep for later became obsolete, worn out, and utterly useless garbage.

It reminded me of the scripture reference above. Why did I buy so much junk? It may be fun for a little while, but I must realize it is not to keep forever. The things we buy on this earth will wear out and decay. Or especially in the area of technology, become obsolete.

Cameras that were state of the art digital cameras in the 1990’s, we can no longer use as 3 ¼ in floppy disks are not available today. But yet I kept it. For what?

The scripture said not to store up treasures on earth. I caught a glimpse of why we’re not to store up treasures on earth. They do wear out, collect dust and clutter our homes. We took several trailer loads of “stored up treasures” to the garbage dump before we moved.

If I take an honest assessment of the unpacked boxes in the garage, more garbage is probably stored up.

But what am I to do? As I pondered the answer “but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. . .” what does that mean? Several thoughts come to my mind, but the first being that I shouldn’t become too attached to my stuff.

Then I thought of some practical solutions to avoid storing up too much stuff:

• Once worn out or broken, throw it away. Things we’ve kept saying we’ll fix it later never get fixed.
• Give away an item once I’m no longer using it so someone else can enjoy it before it wears out or becomes obsolete
• Not put so much emphasis on buying stuff, but giving more to advance the work of the kingdom of God. There are many charitable organizations that count on free will contributions to function. Perhaps when I want to make an impulse purchase, I can deny myself that item and send the money to charity.

What about you? What ideas do you have to share about how to store up treasure in heaven and not on earth?

Esperanza -- Hope

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. ~~ Hebrews 11:1

Two years ago, my friends Richard and Debra, planted from seed an esperanza plant. One time upon my visit to their home, they gifted to me the little seedling plant. I kept it and watered it.

Shortly upon receiving the plant, Debra gave me the news that Richard had colon cancer. His tumor was so large the medical team started him with radiation for they could not perform surgery until the tumor had been shrunk.

After receiving that news, I prayed for Richard every day I watered the little plant. Sometimes I’d see the plant wilting and I felt led to pray for Richard even more. I felt like God gave me the plant as a prayer prompt for Richard.

Since we lived in different cities, Debra would call and give me updates when she could. But the calls grew farther apart, but I kept on praying for Richard. The plant kept growing until it needed a new pot as the roots were becoming cramped. I kept asking the Lord if this was a sign that Richard was doing well. I hoped it was.

Upon researching a little bit of information about this particular plant, I learned the Spanish word, esperanza means hope in English. So I kept my hope alive for Richard’s health by standing on God’s word and watching the “hope” plant.

Then the large pot became too small for the growing roots. We transplanted it in the ground. Afterwards, the plant bloomed with such pretty yellow blossoms. I kept hoping that was a sign from God that Richard was doing well as I kept praying for him and Debra.

When we received word that we were moving from our home to another city, I became so focused on packing and moving that I forgot about the plant. Our home is now under contract with a new owner and chances are I’ll never see that plant again.

But God is soooo good. I received an email from Debra that Richard’s doctors declared him cancer-free! Praise the Lord! So at the same time that I am no longer able to see the plant and remember to pray, Richard received his healing from the Lord confirmed by his medical team.

There is always hope through faith in Jesus Christ.

All Their Possessions

And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. ~~ Genesis 12:5 ESV

Abram lived in Haran with his father, Terah, and all this extended family for years. The Bible does not say how long they lived in Haran, but Terah lived to be 205 years old. After Terah’s death, the Lord instructed Abram to leave the land he knew for a long time and to go to a place that God showed him. By faith, Abram packed all the possessions he gathered over the years and departed from the land as the Lord instructed.

This morning as I read from Genesis, the phrase “and all their possessions they had gathered” stood out to me. I suppose I took notice of it as I realize how many possessions I’ve gathered over the past 21 years in the last few weeks.

The Lord, who determines the times and places we shall live (Acts 17:26), has opened the opportunity for us to move to a city after living for 21 years in a small community. We are sorting through what to keep and what to throw away. And yes, we’re realizing what trash collectors we had become. All the “we can fix this later” projects have been tossed away.

I wonder how many U-Haul camels Abram rented. We’re striving to ensure that all the possessions we’ve gathered fit in one U-Haul truck. And I’m so thankful we do not have to move with camels as we will be moving two cats and one dog.

With the arrival of a new year, my family is embarking on a new adventure. I will miss all that is familiar to me, especially the friendships that have been made. I am also thankful that technology makes it much easier to stay in touch today. I hope that all of my dear friends will stay in contact with me. I also look forward to meeting new people.

My posts will be sporadic or perhaps not at all during this transition. Lord willing, I’ll return to regular blog posts after the move of all the possessions I have gathered is completed.

Happy New Year to all of you!!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

⁸And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ^a]">[a] the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

¹³Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
¹⁴"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

¹⁵When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

¹⁶So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. ~~ Luke 2:8-20

Like the shepherds, we can glorify & praise God for all the things we have seen and heard regarding Jesus who lives today in our hearts.

I'll return to the blog in January. I pray each of you have a very blessed Christmas and New Year.

What We Don't See

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. ~~ Hebrews 11:1 NIV

For the past week or so, the skies in south Texas have been gray. The gray clouds create a barrier between us and the sun. Without the direct sunshine, it can bring on the winter blues. The medical field has studied seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In the studies they conclude that SAD may be associated by the amount of sunlight.

During the winter months, the days are shorter. Often the changes in weather also cause the day to be darker with clouds lingering around all day long. This combination can cause a change in the chemicals in the brain bringing on the winter blues.

The most common form of treatment according to eMedicineHealth.com is to get outside for a minimum of 30 minutes each day and to increase the indoor artificial lighting.

Sometimes, situations in our life hinder us from seeing the Son. The circumstances may cloud our vision where we do not see clearly. Often times, we know in our minds that the Son is on the other side, but we become blue not being able to feel the Son.

Like with the SAD, we need to get outside more. We can get outside our point of view. We choose our thoughts and we can redirect our attention to meeting the needs of someone else during the times we feel stuck under a blanket of clouds.

Though the clouds hinder our view of the sunshine, we know the sun is above the clouds. Most of us have flown on a cloudy day. When the plan rises above the clouds, we can see the sun, so we know it is there.

In our situations, we know the Son is there. He is working on our behalf on the other side of our clouded vision. He knows our prayers and petitions. Let’s get outside ourselves and read the Word to fill our lives with His light. We can trust in Him even though it is what we don’t see.

By God's Grace and for His Glory

By God’s grace, He allowed me to travel and visit a precious friend in the hospital who had surgery last week. What I saw is amazing witness for God’s glory.

Things did not go as hoped and prayed for, but God is in control of all circumstances. Mary’s spirit is strong and she trusts completely in God and what He is doing in and through her life.

A portion of the surgery was not as successful as hoped. They planned to remove all the cancer, but they found some more cancer. She’s been advised she has an aggressive type of cancer. She will be taking six rounds of chemo after being released from the hospital over the next four months. Her recovery time will be much longer than hoped.

The plastic surgeon, who claimed he never had a case fail, is disappointed in the results for he is used to success. Charles, Mary’s husband, informed me the plastic surgeon came to them and apologized. The surgeon doesn’t understand why this happened to them because they are good people. The surgeon said he had patients so mean and the surgery worked, but Charles and Mary are good people. This surgeon lamented with Charles and Mary over what appears to be a failure. Yet, Charles had the opportunity to sit down with this surgeon and explain to him about the Lord, Jesus and that things work out quoting Romans 8:28.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Charles and Mary are praying for the salvation of this doctor and thanking God for the opportunity to witness to him. He visits Mary more often than the standard protocol.

Also, the Lord has sent ministering servants to Charles for he is with Mary alone without family or friends. Christian people he does not know have come to visit him. Yet the bond of fellowship is strong from the people the Lord sent. It was encouraging to hear how the Lord looks after His people as He sent men to Charles to encourage and refresh his spirit and pray with them while at the hospital.

Today Charles and Mary will learn when she will be released to come home. It is a testimony of faith to see the couple who loves the Lord, praising Him for opportunities in the midst of pain. Never once did I hear my friend cry, “Why God?” By God’s grace, Mary is facing her trial with strength and dignity with the glory of the Lord all over her.

I’m thankful I got to hear and witness the testimony from Charles and Mary in the midst of this trial. By God’s grace and for His glory, I trust the Lord has some mighty plans for their lives when they pass this test.

Prayers for Mary, Charles and the salvation of the doctor are appreciated.

Sobered Up

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. ~~ Romans 12:3 NIV

I usually keep a clean house. I have a cleaning routine that I go through each week for each room of the house in order to maintain a state of cleanliness.

I thought that if cleanliness is next to godliness then I’m doing alright. I felt as I had conquered an area of my life—housekeeping. I have plenty of other areas to work on by now.

So those were my thoughts until this past week when the Lord sobered me up. My husband and I started “fall” cleaning so we can prepare our house to put on the market as he’s hoping for a transfer soon. Part of this process meant we packed up clutter and moved excess belongings to storage. We also painted a few walls to brighten things up.

In the process of cleaning, I had the vacuum cleaner out with an extension hose to clean the collected dust off of the ceiling fan. As I stepped back and looked, I saw dirt stuck in the “popcorn” texture of the ceiling paint, so I used the soft brush on the end of the vacuum extension and cleaned the dirt off the ceiling around the ceiling fan. I thought what a great job I’ve done.

But then, as I prepared to paint the walls, my husband stood at another place in the room and looked at the ceiling and said, “Now you can see the ceiling around the ceiling fan is white, but the rest of the ceiling is brown.”

I realized that even though I regularly picked up items, dusted the furniture, and vacuumed the floors, I never cleaned the ceiling. I confess, I do not normally look up to clean. With my husband’s help, it took about an hour to clean off the ceiling, little by little with the small brush attachment.

I felt the Lord sobered my judgment of myself through this experience. I’m not as good as a housekeeper as I thought I was. It took a lot of work to clean out our house this week. Through the house cleaning process, I realized I deceived myself.

If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. ~~Galatians 6:3 NIV

Deceit can creep in easily. I thank the Lord, He sobered me up. All that I have and all I do comes from Him. To Him be the glory!